tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70709723814140215622024-03-13T05:28:58.371-07:00Kitchen Funk: Fun and Funky in the Heart of My HomeThe kitchen is the heart of the home... that saying is certainly true in our house, where you can find us acting wild and crazy or simply reading or, of course, cooking and eating! Come over and share some recipes or crafts, and we can enjoy some tea or coffee.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-81583180058917969062012-03-18T15:12:00.000-07:002012-03-18T15:12:00.391-07:00Painting Project<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Can you guess what I'm working on?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOFjt-mI2yg/T2ZXVu3ER_I/AAAAAAAAB1w/6UhEuNgyy2Q/s1600/Paint+for+vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOFjt-mI2yg/T2ZXVu3ER_I/AAAAAAAAB1w/6UhEuNgyy2Q/s320/Paint+for+vanity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, that's not much of a clue, so I'll have to tell you...</div>
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I'm painting the bathroom vanity and cupboard shelf in our main bathroom!</div>
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Now, here's the thing...</div>
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Despite my love of abstract or modern painting styles, I tend to keep things safe. And I've stated here on this blog before that I am NOT good at decorating, so everything I've done over the past year has been inspired by the wonderful craft and decorating blogs here in blogland.</div>
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But this project is going to be wild. </div>
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First my 17 year old chose coral, but I didn't like that idea so I suggested orange:</div>
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<a href="http://www.avaliving.com/profileblogposts.php?id=8454" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6pn8nMUBWQ/TwiGN2iaQfI/AAAAAAAAAtI/17ut1eGco2c/s1600/orange+decodingdecor+com.png" /></a> </div>
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Of course, it is just the vanity we're painting.</div>
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Then pink was suggested - both the 15 yr and 17 yr liked that (me too):</div>
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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.housebeautiful.com/decorating/san-francisco-showhouse#slide-3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="vanity with bright pink drawers and doors" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/0a/sendus-2-0809-de.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/san-francisco-showhouse#slide-3" target="_blank">Photo from HouseBeautiful.com</a></td></tr>
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The pink we liked was a lot darker. But again was voted down unanimously.</div>
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So I started musing about being "safe" and I came up with something... and I bought the paint today and will start the project when I get home from work. But in the meantime, here is a taste of a crazy artsy vanity. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1919703228"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3640/3626105162_7ee8a2a5bd_z.jpg?zz=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/madteapartyfurniture?order=price_asc&page=1" target="_blank">You can purchase this furniture by going to Mad Tea Party Furniture's Etsy shop HERE</a></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-68924452213722560602012-03-17T19:22:00.001-07:002012-03-17T19:22:12.628-07:00Forty Cloves of Garlic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post was prompted by Sara over at <b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.yourthrivingfamily.com/" target="_blank">Your Thriving Family</a></span></b> and her <a href="http://www.yourthrivingfamily.com/2012/03/easy-garlic-usage.html" target="_blank">GARLIC </a>link up!! <br />
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I haven't been crafting a lot lately - I've got a LOT of home projects going on and I also have my wonderful blog <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://myevidentfaith.com/" target="_blank">My Evident Faith</a></b></span> (I haven't figured out how to combine the two blogs, yet) - but of course I have been cooking.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, one of my favorite recipes is Forty Cloves of Garlic.</span></div>
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Forty Cloves? Yes, 40. People hear this and they freeze, thinking it will be so strong - but honestly, over the cooking time the cloves turn soft and sweet, and not overpowering at all.<br />
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I highly recommend giving this a try if you like chicken AND garlic :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in the center. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Step 1:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1/3 c. flour </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">2 T paprika </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1 T kosher salt </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large plastic bag. Coat chicken in seasoned flour. Shake off excess flour. </span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Step 2: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1 T black pepper </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">3 T olive oil </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">3 pounds of chicken, cut into 6 or 8 pieces (or your preference) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">40 cloves garlic, peeled (about 3 heads)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">3 stalks celery, diced </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1 med. yellow onion, sliced </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Heat oil in a large ovenproof saute pan over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides; remove from pan. Add garlic, celery and onion; saute until lightly browned. </span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Step 3:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1 cup white wine</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1 c. chicken broth </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">2 sprigs fresh rosemary </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">2 sprigs fresh thyme </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">2 bay leaves </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Add wine, broth, and herbs, then arrange browned chicken on top, skin side up; bring to a simmer. Cover the pan; transfer to the oven and braise 45 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Pour the sauce with the cloves over the chicken in a serving dish and serve.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Arrq5ZIJWk/T2VFZ-w9rmI/AAAAAAAAB1g/lNFZZL-KajI/s1600/garlic+purple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Arrq5ZIJWk/T2VFZ-w9rmI/AAAAAAAAB1g/lNFZZL-KajI/s400/garlic+purple.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The top and bottom photos in this post were free from Microsoft.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Sharing here (won't you come over, too?)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://yourthrivingfamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="yourthrivingfamily.blogspot.com" height="125" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tlyV0T2ffQA/Tw7Hx6dSmhI/AAAAAAAABXM/L3PQjuW1nq8/s144/5colorButton.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-91209946632387781132012-02-27T19:06:00.005-08:002012-02-27T19:06:49.962-08:00Believe...<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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1272161281"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjQ3cz0xzlg/T0xD1Ki8xGI/AAAAAAAAB1A/mKcxwGp-ZNk/s640/believe+big.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lel4nd/5712437672/sizes/l/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Lel4nd</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 5:7</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">New Living Translation (NLT)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For we live by believing and not by seeing.</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-57720247106038309882012-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:002012-01-14T10:24:05.460-08:00Layered Fruit and Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omvrjOZP0cU/TxHGZMmFxNI/AAAAAAAAB0o/YLVpXUP0nco/s1600/Diana%2527s+dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omvrjOZP0cU/TxHGZMmFxNI/AAAAAAAAB0o/YLVpXUP0nco/s320/Diana%2527s+dessert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I call this Diana's Dessert. </div>
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Last night I brought home a bunch of groceries. We had company coming for dinner in less than an hour, and I had worked late. I told my daughter what we had and I asked her to make dessert. </div>
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This is what she created.</div>
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It is AMAZING!</div>
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One - Bakery-Made Orange-Cranberry Cake ($4.99 from the grocery bakery)</div>
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One container of whipped topping</div>
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Two Kiwi Fruit, peeled and sliced</div>
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One cup of Blueberries</div>
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One and a half cups of Grapes</div>
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One Whole Banana, sliced</div>
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She sliced the cake into thin pieces, and layed them in a 9 X 13 inch glass baking pan, then she covered that with a layer of whipped cream, added another layer of cake and whipped cream, then topped it all with the fruit. Couldn't have been much more simple, and could NOT have been more delicious! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAXvBX9UOQA/TxHGZapEgrI/AAAAAAAAB0w/7Cx2x0mTVBU/s1600/Diana%2527s+dessert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAXvBX9UOQA/TxHGZapEgrI/AAAAAAAAB0w/7Cx2x0mTVBU/s320/Diana%2527s+dessert2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is everyone else making when you are not in holiday mode? </div>
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BTW, yes, I'm also eating this for breakfast this morning! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-32321579527459478362011-12-18T21:45:00.001-08:002011-12-18T21:45:16.339-08:00Winner of the Digital Scrapbooking SoftwareThe winner of the Digital Scrapbooking Software is Sarah. Pretty much a bust as far as turn out went for this game, but I know Sarah will enjoy the software. <br />
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The best thing about the My Memories software is that it is so easy to use. I'll ask Sarah to post some of her projects here too, or on her blog, Everyday Keepsakes.<br />
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Have a good week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-42683608617678759752011-12-15T18:01:00.000-08:002011-12-15T18:01:51.937-08:00<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">Check my post about <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/12/another-give-away.html" target="_blank">my new digital scrap-booking software adventure HERE</a>. Then read below about my give-away this week...</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">To enter, you'll need to visit the <a href="https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" style="color: #077994; text-decoration: none;">My Memories website</a> and take a look through their products. Then come back here and leave a comment below telling me what interests you the most along with your email address so that I can contact you if you win. </b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">You can earn additional entries by doing the following and leaving a separate comment for each:</span><br /><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Follow the <a href="http://blog.mymemories.com/" style="color: #077994; text-decoration: none;">My Memories blog</a></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">That's a LOT of ways to win! Be sure your post either includes your email or attaches to your email, so I can let you know when you win. </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">Winner will be chosen on Friday, December 16th at 5pm!! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"> If I email YOU as the winner, and you don't get back to me within 48 hours, then I will choose another winner. So check your email...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-54957063538864369272011-12-12T18:22:00.000-08:002011-12-12T19:16:32.336-08:00Party Food for Holiday Visits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With family visiting for the holidays, we have lots of food planned for the next few weeks. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnAK7EU5IWo/Tua0WeaSWbI/AAAAAAAABys/quGjJeh4I94/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnAK7EU5IWo/Tua0WeaSWbI/AAAAAAAABys/quGjJeh4I94/s640/077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This weekend is no exception, we are finally decorating our tree. Finally! </div>
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So I am planning a menu. I'm thinking maybe hot roast beef sandwiches and some brie and crackers, and something with fruit... I know, this sounds like a lot of trouble for just decorating the tree, but I have found that making an EVENT (key the music) out of something that really doesn't take a lot of time, keeps my teen and young adult children IN THE MOMENT for just a little longer.<br />
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One of the dips I am thinking of making is Hot Spinach and Artichoke: </div>
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<img height="320" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/site/allrecipes/area/community/userphoto/small/39965.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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It is delicious, but it is a little overload on the Spinach is you aren't already a big fan.</div>
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For this you need:</div>
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1/2 pound of cooked bacon, crumbled</div>
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8 oz cream cheese</div>
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1 package frozen chopped Spinach (thawed/drained)</div>
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1 can marinated Artichoke hearts (drained)</div>
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1 cup Parmesan cheese</div>
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8 oz sour cream</div>
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1/2 cup mayo</div>
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Mix the cream cheese, beating until creamy. Add all other ingredients and mix until smooth.</div>
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Bake at 400 degrees (preheated) for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. </div>
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I am definitely going to have veggies, too. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h11NViNroGo/TuazNmOBURI/AAAAAAAAByc/xY_HnsNRElQ/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h11NViNroGo/TuazNmOBURI/AAAAAAAAByc/xY_HnsNRElQ/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love to play with veggies. ALL of my kids love them like this (NOT the hubby)... I made this last week and they ate almost all of it before the family came over. I am going to put it out again this week long before I put out the roast beef. That way they will be sure to eat their vegetables!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1CKbwEehRw/TuazPQLb4NI/AAAAAAAAByk/ntUKEMr_ijI/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1CKbwEehRw/TuazPQLb4NI/AAAAAAAAByk/ntUKEMr_ijI/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I think the best thing I'm going to enjoy when we're decorating the tree will be </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Double Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Cookies!</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ3LAIUkdwg/Tua1Mfzlf7I/AAAAAAAABy0/amIyvqyDR8A/s1600/pom-choc-chip-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ3LAIUkdwg/Tua1Mfzlf7I/AAAAAAAABy0/amIyvqyDR8A/s640/pom-choc-chip-cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These photos were taken by my daughter, Sarah, who will be making these cookies for me again this weekend, when she is home from college. YUM, can't wait! </div>
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To see Sarah, I mean. </div>
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:)</div>
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She makes <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2011/11/recipe-double-dark-chocolate.html" target="_blank">THIS recipe</a> using Dana's recipe from <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2011/11/recipe-double-dark-chocolate.html" target="_blank">MADE (Dana-Made-It.com</a>). </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What are YOU making (or eating) for the holidays?? </span></b><br />
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Sharing here...<br />
at <a href="http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2011/12/07/please-link-up-your-holiday-crafts-recipes-and-free-printables/" target="_blank">Catch My Party</a> and<br />
<a href="http://cookbakenibble.com/2011/12/12/monday-mentions-12-days-of-christmas/#more-13502" target="_blank">Cook Bake Nibble</a>, and also:<br />
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<a border="0" href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/The_Hammonds/Jamies%20blog/Linkybutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/" target="new"><img height="150" src="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/pictures/handmadepact.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-36471438712546048692011-12-10T11:10:00.001-08:002011-12-11T20:13:41.014-08:00Another Give-Away<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">I am excited because I just got a NEW TOY that is so awesome!! And I am happy to say that I can give one away for free as well. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mymemories.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=13155a08f5&view=att&th=133fff2052bcd691&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">I was given a full, downloadable version of My Memories Suite Version 2.0 digital scrapbooking software (a $39.97 value) to give away to one of my readers!</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">I LOVE it! </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">It is SOOOOOO Simple !!!!</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">I had to give mine a spin for a few days before I put it up as a give-away. I wanted to see how it worked. It's fantastic!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12lA2cAp74Q/TuV5wByF4II/AAAAAAAAByE/K04b978UPxo/s1600/Christmas+Colors_2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12lA2cAp74Q/TuV5wByF4II/AAAAAAAAByE/K04b978UPxo/s320/Christmas+Colors_2-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">Here are some of the things I've done with mine... I created everything on this "day of the wedding" page using some elements from the program. I was really trying to keep it simple, because you could just fill up the page with all the great embellishments! Oh! and I LOVE being able to add shadow to everything, if you can't tell. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">The photo of groomsmen was taken this summer at the wedding of our son's best friend from high school. The wedding was in Washington state so we didn't get to go, but I love the pictures. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">Our son is the one with his arm raised. I didn't even ask...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">These next photos were done using a simple template. M</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">y oldest daughter took the photo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"> of the fence. I put a bible verse on it. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vdErzUbx7c/TuV5xBHyS4I/AAAAAAAAByM/xOqzYN-YwRk/s1600/Christmas+Colors_2-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vdErzUbx7c/TuV5xBHyS4I/AAAAAAAAByM/xOqzYN-YwRk/s320/Christmas+Colors_2-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">You can manipulate the templates and change their size and the location of the photos on the page, but you an also just leave them in the templates that My Memories has created, so you don't even have to figure out how to do anything, its done for you! Voila!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">Another page I worked on was from the recent wedding of my nephew. I wanted to play around with the type, and boy this was FUN! Look...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYslfO8pXH4/TuV5yED6KqI/AAAAAAAAByU/ByPLA9NjQfo/s1600/Christmas+Colors_2-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYslfO8pXH4/TuV5yED6KqI/AAAAAAAAByU/ByPLA9NjQfo/s320/Christmas+Colors_2-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">The letters are "painted" with one of the photos from the wedding, in which all the members of the wedding party are raising their glasses for the toast. I just love it! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">To enter, you'll need to visit the <a href="https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" style="color: #077994; text-decoration: none;">My Memories website</a> and take a look through their products. Then come back here and leave a comment below telling me what interests you the most along with your email address so that I can contact you if you win. </b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">You can earn additional entries by doing the following and leaving a separate comment for each:</span><br />
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<li>Follow the <a href="http://blog.mymemories.com/" style="color: #077994; text-decoration: none;">My Memories blog</a></li>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">That's a LOT of ways to win! Be sure your post either includes your email or attaches to your email, so I can let you know when you win. </span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;">Winner will be chosen on Friday, December 16th at 5pm!! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"> If I email YOU as the winner, and you don't get back to me within 48 hours, then I will choose another winner. So check your email...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-82501214117097558592011-12-04T16:28:00.001-08:002011-12-04T20:47:32.907-08:003 Ways to Be a Super-HeroMy daughter is in LOVE with the <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/11/hobo-bag-or-hippie-tote.html" target="_blank">Hippie Tote</a> I made last week, and even though I have lots of requests for more from my other daughters and their friends, I have been trying to make some headway in my house - it's a wreck and I can't even set up for Christmas! <br />
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<i>Oh! Did I tell you that I am going to have another Give-Away this week?</i></div>
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However, it takes me forever to get anything done, because I get so EASILY DISTRACTED <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(see above, lol).</span><br />
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In fact, recently I have been enlisted to be the newest super hero...<b>Easily-Distracted Woman!</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGpqw4EVMnI/TtwZc4eEhBI/AAAAAAAABwU/CZuLwVL4SdE/s1600/supergirl+in+pink+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGpqw4EVMnI/TtwZc4eEhBI/AAAAAAAABwU/CZuLwVL4SdE/s1600/supergirl+in+pink+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>How did I do that? Nice of you to ask! By doing a few things...</b></div>
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#1. Making MORE cookies... (recipe adapted from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/02/thick-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCZgHEc2F7g/TtwbVxeTIiI/AAAAAAAABws/LPwSeiptm5M/s1600/choc+chip+oatmeal+craisin+cookies+in+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCZgHEc2F7g/TtwbVxeTIiI/AAAAAAAABws/LPwSeiptm5M/s1600/choc+chip+oatmeal+craisin+cookies+in+pink.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Craisin Cookies adapted from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/02/thick-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a></td></tr>
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#2. Making some pretty scarves...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKLxd1KK5Co/TtxA3mQIRZI/AAAAAAAABw0/VEGIogt1Hls/s1600/alicia+scarf+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKLxd1KK5Co/TtxA3mQIRZI/AAAAAAAABw0/VEGIogt1Hls/s1600/alicia+scarf+close+up.JPG" /></a></div>
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#3. And I have ALSO been ignoring my cleaning and decorating because I've been using <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" target="_blank">digital scrapbooking software</a>, which I will be posting about here in the next few days. I started playing around with digital scrap-booking after I went to that "crop" in the spring, because I just loved that I could create beautiful images and vignettes using my photos that I have in my computer. I can't wait to show off what I'm working on!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So stayed tuned for THAT, and my next GIVE-AWAY!!</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yiExG-p6k0/TtxJIisMxTI/AAAAAAAABx0/NsxIDGe64Mg/s1600/iheartnaptimebutontransparent-2-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yiExG-p6k0/TtxJIisMxTI/AAAAAAAABx0/NsxIDGe64Mg/s1600/iheartnaptimebutontransparent-2-1.png" /></a></div>
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<a border="0" href="http://www.sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k32/vacationamy/SisterSunday2.png" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="150" src="http://www.flamingotoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ThinkPink_Button150.gif" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/12/anything-goes-linky-26.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOaxj-r8cs/TtxMvlW3dsI/AAAAAAAABx8/wu0TmqJKXjU/s1600/mandilinkup.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://creationcorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="monogram" height="150" src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss230/raegirl25/CreationCornerButton7FLP.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-20391950043343492582011-11-28T14:02:00.001-08:002011-11-28T18:55:05.709-08:00Hobo Bag (or Hippie Tote)Using the reversible tote instructions that I used on my <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-first-reversible-bag.html" target="_blank">first tote-bag</a>, I created this reversible Hobo Bag:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4RRNYa2HlM/TtQ7YMsMVbI/AAAAAAAABwM/M2ukN9HqY9E/s1600/hobo+bag+hanging1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4RRNYa2HlM/TtQ7YMsMVbI/AAAAAAAABwM/M2ukN9HqY9E/s400/hobo+bag+hanging1+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kHueU8whGw/TtQ5GCsEO_I/AAAAAAAABwE/SZRQ4CaUy4k/s1600/mom+with+bag2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kHueU8whGw/TtQ5GCsEO_I/AAAAAAAABwE/SZRQ4CaUy4k/s1600/mom+with+bag2.JPG" /></a></div>
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I have wanted a bag like this forever! I plan to take it to the farmer's market, to fit into my fantasy scenario that has me wandering the stalls every weekend. Unfortunately I don't go to the farmer's market too often, since it means driving out of my way (thus I have my own lovely garden). But I can and will take this bag there on my occasional trips, AND to the grocery store.<br />
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You can see I was playing around on picnik.com with these two photos, because I took them with my daughter's i-phone and the lighting was awful (insert i-phone lust <here>, she is paying for it herself but do you think her PARENTS could get one? nope, lol).<br />
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Okay, not this bag, because Beesha (said i-phone holder) just claimed it for her school books.</div>
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Here is all the pinning I had to do:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBpMzZUUu-Y/TtQ0sSnGFgI/AAAAAAAABvs/k1PivCmGCBY/s1600/hobo+pinning1+with+name+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBpMzZUUu-Y/TtQ0sSnGFgI/AAAAAAAABvs/k1PivCmGCBY/s400/hobo+pinning1+with+name+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then the sewing. What you see here is me adding a length to the bags because I didn't measure the width of the bag handles to the width of the bag itself. No, you won't see many, if any, pictures of that debacle!<br />
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But actually I'm not thrilled with it because I didn't take into account that with the fix the handle would be SUPER long!! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX_ROlBtp10/TtQ0suOQ8oI/AAAAAAAABv0/ZQNW07pBT-w/s1600/hopo+bag+sewing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX_ROlBtp10/TtQ0suOQ8oI/AAAAAAAABv0/ZQNW07pBT-w/s400/hopo+bag+sewing1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm such a newbie at sewing but I have so much fun doing it. I will be making a few more of these bags and I'll post a tutorial, since they are a little different than the original tote. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you get the chance to be creative today! </span></b></div>
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Sharing my craftiness today with:<br />
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<center><br />
<a href="http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/"><img height="125" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R2GDEaQyr-I/TqslYp5WtAI/AAAAAAAADq4/zr-4Ho_yjtI/s144/MSMButton.jpg" width="125" /></a>
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<a border="0" href="http://jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k563/sbfoley2011/sysbold200X200.jpg" /></a>
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</center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-81673740337686649482011-11-21T19:00:00.001-08:002011-11-21T19:24:29.150-08:00Wedding Fun and Give-Away Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>First some party photos from this weekend, then on to the AMAZON GIFT-CARD GIVEAWAY!</b></div>
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This past weekend I had the privilege to be in attendance at my nephew's wedding.</div>
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Isn't this the cutest photo ever?? This is my nephew & his bride right after the wedding vows.</div>
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They look so very joyful!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEG7x9rCbFw/TssQR6dImMI/AAAAAAAABt0/mloOnd4EosA/s1600/jess+and+geoff+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEG7x9rCbFw/TssQR6dImMI/AAAAAAAABt0/mloOnd4EosA/s640/jess+and+geoff+1.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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My nephew, a widower, has a young son, and this wonderful family lit the candles together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAkl4_cgipw/TssQSIvyXTI/AAAAAAAABt8/n-pYae-vdQM/s1600/jess+geoff+and+luis+light+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAkl4_cgipw/TssQSIvyXTI/AAAAAAAABt8/n-pYae-vdQM/s400/jess+geoff+and+luis+light+candles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was also lucky enough to spend some time with my amazing family who live far from me!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_exiCsrE0/TssQS_35LWI/AAAAAAAABuE/KyszcCXUTvw/s1600/wedding+girls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_exiCsrE0/TssQS_35LWI/AAAAAAAABuE/KyszcCXUTvw/s400/wedding+girls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And look at these cake pops! <br />
They were each shaped like tiny little fancy two-layer wedding cakes!</div>
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Aren't they adorable!? The bride chose this instead of traditional wedding cake for the guests. They tasted absolutely delicious, you could tell they were NOT made from a mix (says the Mix-Queen, I)...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU2DfaTssj4/TssRbCn7tKI/AAAAAAAABuM/83yzcvBNpws/s1600/cake+pops+from+jess+and+geoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU2DfaTssj4/TssRbCn7tKI/AAAAAAAABuM/83yzcvBNpws/s400/cake+pops+from+jess+and+geoff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A wonderful time was had by all!! </div>
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Now, onto the GIVE-AWAY WINNER!! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tg7yJvD5ns/TssScDuG3EI/AAAAAAAABuU/EOtuqAmrozI/s1600/AMAZON+gc+11-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tg7yJvD5ns/TssScDuG3EI/AAAAAAAABuU/EOtuqAmrozI/s320/AMAZON+gc+11-2011.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was Noreen at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">www.make-homemade-gifts.com who said:</span></span></div>
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<dt class="comment-author " id="c368017113908834502" style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 1.5em; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #232323; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin-left: -45px; padding-left: 45px; padding-top: 1.5em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046285607717319111" rel="nofollow" style="color: #156475; text-decoration: none;">Swedie</a> said...</dt>
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-368017113908834502" style="background-color: white; color: #232323; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 25px; margin-top: 0.5em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
A Christmas tradition I loved as a child was for all the family to gather at my Grandparents' house on Christmas Eve. That tradition continued at my parents' house with all their children and grandchildren.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations, Noreen! You've won the Amazon Gift Card! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will contact you by email to make sure I have your email correct, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and then you will see your gift card in your email box! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you all SO MUCH for stopping over and playing!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love a good excuse for a party!! Now if only I could get my camera hooked up to my son's laptop (yup, still haven't fixed my pc since the flood), </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could actually put up some photos of my crafts! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope to have something up soon, and in the meantime, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you get the chance to do something creative today!!</span></div>
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</dd>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-7816570919550256132011-11-12T14:35:00.001-08:002011-11-13T09:48:46.691-08:00I'm stillll heeeere! $20 Amazon GiveawayYes, I'm still around. RECENTLY I've gotten some crafting done - imagine that! I will post those projects this week. In the meantime, one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-away-linking-party-2.html">Sew Many Ways</a>, is hosting a blog giveaway link party, and I'm hosting a $20 Amazon gift card blog giveaway.<br />
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<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-away-linking-party-2.html"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E345hJXcsU/Tr5wTR-hBxI/AAAAAAAALFw/5bdZ-oBqGJI/s1600/give+away+button+125.jpg" /></a></div>
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Isn't that an awesome idea for a link party?? </div>
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So go check out some blogs and win something!! </div>
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<b>BUT not before you play MY giveaway.</b> I have no reason to do a giveaway except that I LOVE parties!!! So grab a drink and some hors' d'eouvres, and comment below. Here is the party game: </div>
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<ol>
<li>Share your favorite holiday tradition (any holiday) in a comment box on this post! It can be something you have done, or just something you would like to do. </li>
<li>Be a follower or become a follower of Kitchenfunk. If you are already a friend(follower), then just make sure one of your posts tell me you are. </li>
<li>You get 3 comments to yourself, the follower comment counts in those 3 chances. The other two should be traditions you love!</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCnmqsIFzvI/Tr76LuNcZbI/AAAAAAAABtk/VFsWqhe071Y/s1600/Amazon+Gift+Card+%252420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCnmqsIFzvI/Tr76LuNcZbI/AAAAAAAABtk/VFsWqhe071Y/s1600/Amazon+Gift+Card+%252420.jpg" /></a></div>
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I will be emailing the WINNER the link to the Amazon card, </div>
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so DON'T forget that email address or to make sure you have a profile!</div>
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<b>This party will run until Thursday, November 21st, at 7pm. NOW Let's start this party!</b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-55418091726042812102011-10-20T14:14:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:14:37.101-07:00My New Bento Boxes... Yay!I haven't checked in here for a number of reasons, mostly because I haven't been able to craft lately and this is, after all, my crafting blog.<br />
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But I miss being over here where things are light and fun, so I HAVE been reading blog posts, even though I haven't been posting here.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqcWRgDRmqc/TqCPCLnpLHI/AAAAAAAABqo/Tt1ulQlQDcA/s1600/Yogurt_Jam_Lunchbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqcWRgDRmqc/TqCPCLnpLHI/AAAAAAAABqo/Tt1ulQlQDcA/s1600/Yogurt_Jam_Lunchbox.jpg" /></a></div>
I just wanted to say that if any reads this and wants to know how my <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/10/bento-boxes.html">Laptop Lunchboxes</a> are working out, I can give you lots of great testimony! The kids are finding it fun to pack, and I've been inspired to buy or make some foods to make changing up the boring lunch a FUN lunch. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg_tQeao7Jc/TqCPDtN4ucI/AAAAAAAABqw/pRI_jyQKeEM/s1600/Heather_005_Lunchbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg_tQeao7Jc/TqCPDtN4ucI/AAAAAAAABqw/pRI_jyQKeEM/s1600/Heather_005_Lunchbox.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-49439242589422852122011-10-08T09:27:00.000-07:002011-10-08T09:31:58.911-07:00Bento Boxes<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="turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich, carrots, olives, celery sticks and tomatoes with ranch dressing, summerwhite peaches, and yogurt with strawberries" src="http://www.laptoplunches.com/images/lunches/Yogurt_Jam_Lunchbox.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey & Swiss, veggie stix, peaches, & yogurt with strawberries</td></tr>
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I remember when Lunchables came out. I thought the packaging was so cool, but but I refused to buy them too often. Not just because of the salt content, but because what I was impressed with was actually the little tray they packaged the lunch in! So at home I just put the same food items in baggies and throw them in a lunch sack and send the kids out the door. <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;"><img alt="apples,back to school,baloney,bread,brown paper bags,cheese,healthy eating,iStockphoto,milk,packed lunches,sandwiches" height="200" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900439368.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looks sort of boring compared to the top photo...</td></tr>
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But I love the idea of a package designed like that, so I looked into the history of bento boxes - which are really just old fashioned Japanese lunch boxes. Instead of American style lunch boxes which consist of one large empty container, the bento box is a group of smaller containers - currently very similar to small Gladware containers. <br />
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I just think the different designs they have are so cute. And I don't mean the panda style! I like that it's a way to make lunch fun. Even for a few months. AND I like the fact that the portions are set, so the dietary intake is limited by the size of the containers.<br />
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So I did another search online and found:<br />
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<a href="http://www.laptoplunches.com/"><img alt="Laptop Lunches Logo" src="http://www.laptoplunches.com/img/laptop-logo.gif" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited! I ordered two bento boxes like this:<br />
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<img alt="Spinach Salad with Grilled Asparagus, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Fresh Cherries, Peach Bread" src="http://www.laptoplunches.com/images/lunches/salad-bento-2-bento-lunchbox.jpg" /></div>
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Okay, but WITHOUT the food! And like this:<br />
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<img alt="Sundried Tomato Hummus, Trail Mix, Pita Chips, Carrot Sticks, Pluot Halves" src="http://www.laptoplunches.com/images/lunches/sundried-tomato-hummus-bento-lunchbox.jpg" /></div>
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...and the little containers come with lids, and they also come in a rectangular lunchbox that closes.<br />
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I can't wait to use them this week! Plus the company sent along a free recipe e-book... well, I thought it was a recipe book until I opened it. It is actually an e-book organized by season, full of photos like those two above, listing the ingredients in each photo. So while it is not exactly RECIPES it is INSPIRATION! And I love it, too!<br />
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I'll let you know if they are as practical as they are CUTE!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-6984101109437375162011-10-07T18:58:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:05:57.157-07:00Shrimpy blogger<div style="text-align: center;">
In my last post I referenced other things that have been keeping me busy. </div>
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I didn't tell all of them, though. </div>
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It wasn't my kids (this photo is 2 of my 4 babies)...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Who start out small...</td></tr>
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I DO have a wicked addiction. </div>
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It is blogging! Not to mention tweeting, but that's another story.</div>
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I love KitchenFunk, but the blog I have started that is nearest and dearest to my heart, though, is called... ~Creating Expectations~ </div>
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<a href="http://creatingexpectations.wordpress.com/">Creating Expections</a> will hopefully be a place parents can go to get tips on helping their children through school. <br />
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If even one parent reads it and gets inspired to work with their child and their child's school, then I will be thrilled. So far it is a fledgling site, but I try to post on it or "Press" on it a few times a week. Pressing is the term wordpress uses when you find an article you like on another site, and link it to your own. This way you still give the original writer/blog their credit, but people can find it on your blog, giving you a post. <br />
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I hope to someday have other parents contribute to the site, adding their tips and views on working with their children and their schools. Raising a child is hard enough without the added concern that they are falling short intellectually. And for those parents who aren't aware that their child is not able to learn or is not learning what he needs to succeed, their are immense problems. With the media's influence strengthening and parental focus straying, students today are at risk more than ever to lose their way. <br />
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Through <a href="http://creatingexpectations.wordpress.com/">Creating Expectations</a> I hope to help parents understand that they MUST have a vision for their children's success, and that by keeping that vision in the forefront of their minds, they can guide their children to the future they desire...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVT3zXg-g8g/To-sbYJn9pI/AAAAAAAABpc/kjsYDOZ9Guk/s1600/g-s+in+boston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVT3zXg-g8g/To-sbYJn9pI/AAAAAAAABpc/kjsYDOZ9Guk/s320/g-s+in+boston.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And eventually grow up!</td></tr>
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Oh, and if you are wondering why I called this post "Shrimpy blogger"? No, I don't have a great new recipe. It was Stouffer's Saute's for Two Cajun-Style shrimp Alfredo. It was just the two of us eating tonight and it was GOOD (and it meant we didn't have to work - into the microwave it went...).<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-89955139192555773692011-10-05T17:31:00.000-07:002011-10-05T17:31:43.829-07:00Leftover Pot RoastOkay, I have decided I cannot keep up with my crafting because I have some obsessions that I did not expect to have. Take quilting. I know many people understand this. <br />
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And I have a few other projects going on that I've committed myself to. And since quilting is so enjoyable, most of my crafting has gone by the wayside. <br />
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But tonight I come to you (is there REALLY anybody out there?) looking for recipes for leftover pot roast! I got a great deal on 2 large cuts, plus it was buy 1 get 1, so I have cooked them both, and I have lots of leftovers. I'm trying to premake more meals since working full-time has sent my grocery bills skyrocketing. Help me if you can!<br />
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Here is my own list, and the recipes are included:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/steak_fajitas/">1. Beef Fajitas</a></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/steak_fajitas/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Steak Fajitas" height="213" src="http://simplyrecipes.com/photos/steak-fajitas-a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe & Photo from SimplyRecipes.com</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.msflourgirl.com/?p=694">2. Barbeque Beef Sandwiches</a></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msflourgirl.com/?p=694" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="297" src="http://www.msflourgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/recipe-pix-2243-1024x952.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe & Photo from msflourgirl.com</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.bestdietmenu.net/1010/beef-pot-pie/">3. Beef Pot Pie</a></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bestdietmenu.net/1010/beef-pot-pie/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beef Pot Pie Beef Pot Pie" height="231" src="http://www.bestdietmenu.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Beef-Pot-Pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe & Photo from bestdietmenu.net</td></tr>
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And I can't think of a single thing more!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Help!</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-79994253517874567102011-09-26T21:19:00.000-07:002011-09-26T21:19:10.728-07:00Peas Make the VaseDuring the summer I went a little overkill on my Sally and Goodwill shopping trips. Here are just a few of the things I brought home:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNglU8waW-A/ToFN8By_QRI/AAAAAAAABog/UrxrOhPAIYs/s1600/web+kitchenfunk+sept+18-2011+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNglU8waW-A/ToFN8By_QRI/AAAAAAAABog/UrxrOhPAIYs/s320/web+kitchenfunk+sept+18-2011+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I purchased this lamp sans shade with the intent to find a shade and put it on my desk at work. I do NOT need light, but I thought it would add a certain homey atmosphere to my cubicle (ha ha). Guess where it ended up? Hubby's side of the bed - he loved it! Oh, and I paid $5 for the lampshade, which was $1 more than for the lamp! Sorry for the mess, he's a big reader and even though I dusted, the table still looks beat. Its ready for a remodel but I don't have time!! Maybe I'm shopping too much? <br />
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Another trip was done with the intent to find some vases. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eKA4wxyocI/ToFLNW-_iLI/AAAAAAAABoM/gyws-XWTZ44/s1600/pea+vase+funk2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eKA4wxyocI/ToFLNW-_iLI/AAAAAAAABoM/gyws-XWTZ44/s320/pea+vase+funk2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also found the dragon fly to the left of the lamps. I'm not sure what it is but I liked it. I suspect that it might have once held a glass vase, but I'm not sure. This haul was also $4.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_U1GfORiab8/ToFLOa3oGKI/AAAAAAAABoQ/J22h2N5jVnI/s1600/pea+vase+funk3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_U1GfORiab8/ToFLOa3oGKI/AAAAAAAABoQ/J22h2N5jVnI/s320/pea+vase+funk3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to mimic <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/01/candy-filled-vase.html">THIS project</a>, but use something like Candy Corn. Happily, I found the vases. Sadly, I realized that the amount of Candy Corn needed for this project was going to be highly fragrant - so whether on my desk at work or at home it would cause problems. First because the animals would eat them, and second because I can only take so much of that sickly sweet Candy Corn scent!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wftRRXPRwo4/ToFLMVWBmnI/AAAAAAAABoI/7e6TEfE3QFQ/s1600/pea+vase+funk1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wftRRXPRwo4/ToFLMVWBmnI/AAAAAAAABoI/7e6TEfE3QFQ/s320/pea+vase+funk1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But I used PEAS instead!<br />
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And here is how I started the vase project:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r6SuqhpDBI/ToFLQ1Rz1RI/AAAAAAAABoU/Zm_BU7CVbjU/s1600/pea+vase+funk4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r6SuqhpDBI/ToFLQ1Rz1RI/AAAAAAAABoU/Zm_BU7CVbjU/s320/pea+vase+funk4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeHBntlAFqw/ToFLRjQ53II/AAAAAAAABoY/415Zec96YiA/s1600/pea+vase+funk5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeHBntlAFqw/ToFLRjQ53II/AAAAAAAABoY/415Zec96YiA/s320/pea+vase+funk5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__erjGFzDNA/ToFLS38o5OI/AAAAAAAABoc/xpe7yT8JOXo/s1600/pea+vase+funk6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__erjGFzDNA/ToFLS38o5OI/AAAAAAAABoc/xpe7yT8JOXo/s320/pea+vase+funk6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now I just need to decide what I'm going to put in it... sorry for the bad picture! </div>
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Maybe its just that green is my favorite color, but I think the peas go with EVERYTHING! </div>
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I hope you get the chance to be creative today!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-53233624004220835922011-09-25T20:48:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:48:32.581-07:00Wall DecorationWhat do you think about this? <br />
<a href="http://tradingphrases.com/grande-format.html"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/190641140_2dilOdSB_c.jpg" /></a><br />
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This looks pretty funky, and I might give it a try in the hallway or family room. Its from the online shop called <a href="http://tradingphrases.com/">Trading Phrases</a>. <br />
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Something else I am thinking about is this simple modge-podge wall art from <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/08/pretty-bird-wall-art.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>:<br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/08/pretty-bird-wall-art.html"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ElgC8_vQlz0/TFpBUrHcSDI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/qQGNsQo9T14/s400/DSC06035.JPG" /></a><br />
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Honestly, though I love the idea of using vinyl for wall lettering, I would just hand-paint the tree on myself. The same goes for the birds in the bottom idea, but Blue Cricket Design gives a GREAT suggestion on how to create the bird shapes if you are artistically challenged by paint! <br />
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One more thing - I rescued an old pair of closet doors (yes, doors - but shutter style) and I'm not sure what to do with them. Any ideas?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG82BrEDGiU/Tn_08hyn-1I/AAAAAAAABnU/ciV5AdURY40/s1600/Cooking+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG82BrEDGiU/Tn_08hyn-1I/AAAAAAAABnU/ciV5AdURY40/s320/Cooking+122.JPG" width="320" /></a>I have been sewing my quilt squares this week (finally!) and I was getting SO excited as I was ironing them this weekend. I can't believe I'm making a quilt. <br />
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I think I'm more excited than I should be - but I can't help it! <br />
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And I've also been sewing some other things. I made some napkins out of some gorgeous fabric as part of a house warming gift for a young woman from our church who just bought her first house. I will try to post some pictures this week. The few pictures I have aren't great, but I have some leftover fabric and I am thinking about making some more out of the fabric for other gifts. Okay, maybe also for myself. The fabric is so pretty! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I do hope you get the chance to be creative today! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-81917333542018663812011-09-20T22:19:00.000-07:002011-09-23T03:56:09.085-07:00Mid-Week Chaos Clean-Up ~ Link Party #1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mid-Week Chaos Clean-Up!</span></b></div>
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If you are like so many of the crafters I know, your PASSION for your craft(s) is immense. And this might mean that you are super organized, and you have a place for everything. Or this might mean that you have so many activities going on at once, that you have little piles of craft supplies throughout your house! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZiA8EA0lRw/Tnl4fdRdBqI/AAAAAAAABnQ/Pg4kMGBFJfU/s1600/craft+supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZiA8EA0lRw/Tnl4fdRdBqI/AAAAAAAABnQ/Pg4kMGBFJfU/s320/craft+supplies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At our house, the latter is the case. Thus, I have a HUGE interest in all things organizational. Though it LOOKS like a losing battle, the process is half the FUN! And I love to see how people put things together, clean things up, and (dis)organize their lives. So I'm going to try hosting a link party for the next few weeks. </div>
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I hope you'll join in. The rules are simple:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;">1. <u>You can link up a room, a drawer, a building, or a shoe box. </u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;"><u>It just has to show how you organize, or disorganize, your craft supplies!</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;">2. Link to the specific post and not to the main page of your blog.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;">3. <strong>Add the Kitchenfunk button</strong> to your post, side bar, or linky party list.</span><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://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff418/mygirlJanuary/?action=view&current=kitchenfunkbasicbutton.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff418/mygirlJanuary/kitchenfunkbasicbutton.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> <a href="http://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff418/mygirlJanuary/?action=view&current=kitchenfunkbasicbutton.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff418/mygirlJanuary/kitchenfunkbasicbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 30px;">4. Visit at least one other project and leave a comment. <b>We all love comments!</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I'll feature some favorites on next Wednesday's Mid-Week Chaos Clean-Up Party!</div>
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<em>*By linking up, you give me the permission to use your photo(s) from your post.</em></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Check out <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/09/craft-room-chaosorganizing.html">last Wednesday's post</a> for some popular inspiration. </div>
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And here are two ideas to get you started (they are NOT mine!)</div>
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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;"><img alt="Knife Strip" src="http://makingmemories.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451fa2269e2010536bace9c970c-500wi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blog <a href="http://blog.makingmemories.com/scrap_space/">Making Memories</a> uses this magnetic <br />
Ikea knife strip to hold craft tools. Useful & 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;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RumWu_haouU/TUWOLRr2ASI/AAAAAAAAAOU/luJPuwFylik/s400/craft+room+mess+desk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allie of <a href="http://missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/clean-ish-craft-room-new-wall-decor-and.html">Miss Lovie Creation</a> shows off her messy desk on her blog. <br />
But she does note that it is more fun to create than CLEAN!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay, let's get started!</span></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-29089806297381585302011-09-19T18:03:00.000-07:002011-09-19T18:20:38.151-07:00Stretch Ring How-To<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Y</span>esterday I showed you the stretch ring that I made. I thought that today I would show you how I made it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FobS7khGTRo/TnfkbbOkQ1I/AAAAAAAABm0/4aR9lyJ_hWc/s1600/stretch+ring+pulled+sept+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FobS7khGTRo/TnfkbbOkQ1I/AAAAAAAABm0/4aR9lyJ_hWc/s320/stretch+ring+pulled+sept+2011.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
To be perfectly honest, depending on the amount of time you have, and the supplies you have access to, you might want to skip the crafting part and just go right to Amazon.com to buy some! :)<br />
<br />
But I AM glad I made this one, since it was on my to-do list. And I enjoyed wearing it today!! Woo-Hoo!<br />
<br />
Okay, here is the piece from Joann.com that I used for my ring's gem:<br />
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat1520&PRODID=xprd489092" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.joann.com/images/35/58/1/xprd355813_z.jpg" /></a></div>
I chose this gem for 2 reasons - first, it was small, and for my first ring I wanted it to be understated; second, the holes on next to each other on each side. There are 2 places for cord. <br />
<br />
Next, I used Jewelry Fundamentals White Stretch Cord - it was really strong. I tried to pull it and stretch it to try to break it, and I couldn't. It looked somewhat like fishing line, but was much softer. <br />
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First I put the bead on the cord and then pulled the cord into the other hole and fed it back the way it came (different hole). I used this "u" shaped end of the cord for tying when I was done.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxnk_kJaZTc/Tnfj90eYrXI/AAAAAAAABmg/Uat3NpupWSk/s1600/stretch+ring+sept+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxnk_kJaZTc/Tnfj90eYrXI/AAAAAAAABmg/Uat3NpupWSk/s320/stretch+ring+sept+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the cord was on the main gem, I threaded small beads onto the cord's ends, which were now hanging out of the gem's 2 holes on the same side.<br />
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These are the beads I used:<br />
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd3028"><img src="http://www.joann.com/images/00/60/4/xprd6041_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once you have the beads on the cords, checking to make sure it fits your finger (I know it is stretch but you don't want to take the chance its too small or too big!). Then feed one of the cord ends through the loop on the other side of the gem, and tie it together with the other beaded cord. I had to use a tool to pull the loop away from the gem. Be careful when you cut off any extra lengths! <br />
<br />
And you're done! and whew, if you're lucky, you'll get a lot of compliments on it. and it might make you glad that you made it yourself after all, instead of spending the $10 for it already done! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnjIXCpxvtU/TnfmABurswI/AAAAAAAABm4/ZNd_FuWsDc0/s1600/web+kitchenfunk+sept+18-2011+ring+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnjIXCpxvtU/TnfmABurswI/AAAAAAAABm4/ZNd_FuWsDc0/s320/web+kitchenfunk+sept+18-2011+ring+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I hope you get the chance to be creative today!</b></span><br />
<br /><center><a href="http://athomewithk.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/MommasPrimitives/linkypartybutton-1-1.jpg"/></a></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-75283917964234211822011-09-18T20:18:00.000-07:002011-09-19T21:28:13.217-07:00Stretch Ring! I made it!<div style="text-align: center;">
To see HOW I made it, click <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/09/stretch-ring-how-to.html">HERE</a>! </div>
<br />
Last Christmas my college aged daughter, Sarah, asked for a "Stretch Ring". I had no idea what it was. I looked on Amazon.com and found them. They are rings for your fingers (and toes) that S-T-R-E-T-C-H over your finger instead of fitting a hard ring around them. <br />
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When I bought her the rings for Christmas, I put "making my own stretch ring" on my to-do list. Guess what? I finally took the time to do it!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq04XLOPbs0/TnazIPU8CxI/AAAAAAAABmY/yvCXhdaIYD4/s1600/stretch+ring+pulled+sept+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq04XLOPbs0/TnazIPU8CxI/AAAAAAAABmY/yvCXhdaIYD4/s320/stretch+ring+pulled+sept+2011.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />
These are images of 2 of the rings I found on Amazon.com and bought for my daughter:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00436T71A/ref=wms_ohs_product_img_T2"><img alt="Two Tone Heart Stretch Fashion Ring" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iQuAdE6xL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><br />
A two-tone silvertone/gold heart (above), and this silvertone-turquoise ring:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043BV8BC/ref=wms_ohs_product_img_T2"><img alt="Silvertone Turquoise Stretch Fashion Ring" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aAZwMgMTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><br />
They come in all styles... here is another one that I did NOT buy, but you can see how it is made when you look a these cultured-pearl double strand rings:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Cultured-Two-Row-Stretch-Sterling/dp/B0025VJV4S/ref=sr_1_6?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1316401832&sr=1-6"><img alt="White, Black and Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl Two-Row Stretch Ring with Sterling Silver Beads, Set of 3" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31gaf5FXahL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><br />
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And here is MINE! Yes, I made this <b>TONIGHT! </b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_wnM7Ry1Ag/TnazGhm_N8I/AAAAAAAABmQ/Nm254KY8mSo/s1600/stretch+ring+close+sept+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_wnM7Ry1Ag/TnazGhm_N8I/AAAAAAAABmQ/Nm254KY8mSo/s320/stretch+ring+close+sept+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know my photos are awful, but I just couldn't wait to post them and I have a very long day tomorrow! </div>
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On Tuesday I'll fill you in about <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/09/stretch-ring-how-to.html">my adventure</a> in making this little beauty. In the meantime,</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you get the chance to be creative today! </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a border="0" href="http://jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k563/sbfoley2011/eyecandymaster200.jpg" /></a>
<a border="0" href="http://www.sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k32/vacationamy/SisterSunday2.png" /></a><a href="http://www.dittledattle.blogspot.com/"><img border="o" src="http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af320/oproot/Blog-Party-000-Page-1.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-14581808293046579362011-09-16T20:51:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:51:47.834-07:00OREO cookie recipe #2Back in January I posted the recipe I use for my <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/01/oreo-cookie-bites.html">Oreo Cookie Bites</a>.<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I'm going to share another Oreo Cookie recipe that my kids LOVE. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61owOA-J3jo/TnQWewXJ2cI/AAAAAAAABl8/Z-__Lm5DfQM/s1600/Cooking+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61owOA-J3jo/TnQWewXJ2cI/AAAAAAAABl8/Z-__Lm5DfQM/s400/Cooking+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sadly, we don't have a name for it. Okay, they do, but they call it Bird Poop. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
They were being silly and, because the recipe is similar to Dirt, they were wracking their brains to come up with a similar name. Maybe you can think of a nicer one! If you do, please share it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbeSiSONjPs/TnQXggwDoEI/AAAAAAAABmI/yh3Z3eFufpM/s1600/coolwhip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbeSiSONjPs/TnQXggwDoEI/AAAAAAAABmI/yh3Z3eFufpM/s400/coolwhip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, put the Oreos in a bowl, mix in the Cool Whip. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Toss in some chocolate chips and gently mix.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i62oFQmfn64/TnQWgHH4aeI/AAAAAAAABmA/fjhtnDxytEk/s1600/Cooking+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i62oFQmfn64/TnQWgHH4aeI/AAAAAAAABmA/fjhtnDxytEk/s400/Cooking+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doesn't look like much, but just KNOWING those Oreos are buried in that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whipped cream makes your mouth water, doesn't it? </div>
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Throw in some gummie worms for good measure.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMiesR2w3MU/TnQWhJegB5I/AAAAAAAABmE/L2oTMjF0wlY/s1600/Cooking+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMiesR2w3MU/TnQWhJegB5I/AAAAAAAABmE/L2oTMjF0wlY/s400/Cooking+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
...And let the entire concoction sit in the fridge overnight or up to 3 days. This allows the cookies to soak up the whipped topping and become soft. Or you can just eat it right away. We've done that plenty of times. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i60bqC4fwyg/TnQZQILoCPI/AAAAAAAABmM/j4h1ULNDt94/s1600/Cooking+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i60bqC4fwyg/TnQZQILoCPI/AAAAAAAABmM/j4h1ULNDt94/s320/Cooking+042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a backyard barbeque favorite! </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you get the chance to be creative today! </span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-11298486050496634462011-09-14T23:30:00.000-07:002011-09-15T22:03:10.079-07:00Craft Room Chaos/OrganizingWouldn't you love to have a craft supply area like this? <br />
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<img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whE5gPCrgUE/TnDl8ZERb0I/AAAAAAAABlw/6eTwzMkULIg/s640/Craft+Room+CREATE.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
This beautiful wall is from <a href="http://www.kerryspapercrafts.com/?cat=9">Kerry's Craft Blog</a> which is at <a href="http://www.kerryspapercrafts.com/">www.kerryspapercrafts.com</a><br />
<br />
I currently don't have a room solely dedicated to arts & crafts. My sewing machine is in my family room. And I like that I can sew with everyone in the room. However, I can DEFINITELY use some organizing, because I have craft supplies everywhere.<br />
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I have a chest of drawers I pulled out of someone's trash, and I store things there. I have an old china closet that I've set up to hold supplies.<br />
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So I am blessed to have a place to keep things. But wouldn't you like to be THIS organized:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mukibug.com/my-craft-room.html"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKgL84BLFSk/TnDl8vOGemI/AAAAAAAABl0/fdYskFFSr-I/s640/Craft+Room+MUKI+metal+wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is from Anne Beale at <a href="http://www.mukibug.com/my-craft-room.html">MUKIBUG</a>, and she details that she made this wall above this desk by using ventilation sheet metal, so that all of the items have magnets on them and can be off of the desktop and ready for use! Go to her site to see the details!<br />
<br />
Now I know that both of these ladies work mostly in paper crafts, but this doesn't mean that sewers can't adapt their stashes in a similar way... Or is it just me who has to have her finger into ten different creative endeavors at once??<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you get the chance to be creative today!</span></b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0Harrisburg, PA 17112, USA40.3764373 -76.756736840.2796673 -76.9146653 40.4732073 -76.5988083tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-16458729134342610362011-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:15:55.254-07:00Gardening and Reaping the Benefits...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-thats-what-cleaning-looks-like.html">Our garden</a> took a beating this year! <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/03/garden-planning-for-2011.html">Last year's garden</a> was glorious. </div>
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But I am already looking forward to next summer's garden, because this was just a crazy year for gardening, </div>
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between the weeks of dry weather and the months of RAIN (see this <a href="http://kitchenfunk.blogspot.com/2011/09/water-water-everywhere.html">post</a>). </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmOQExHHV2o/TnAbV8ZyJGI/AAAAAAAABlI/GeGjypvDxkE/s1600/vegies+in+basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmOQExHHV2o/TnAbV8ZyJGI/AAAAAAAABlI/GeGjypvDxkE/s200/vegies+in+basket.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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But if you plan to have a garden, may I recommend planting zucchini & peppers? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ligm7Z0CJUE/TnAhJbWJd2I/AAAAAAAABlg/VS3-K6PLeoY/s1600/zucchini-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ligm7Z0CJUE/TnAhJbWJd2I/AAAAAAAABlg/VS3-K6PLeoY/s200/zucchini-small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I did NOT think zucchini would be popular at our house, but my kids loved it! And since we had never grown zucchini before, I didn't know that it wouldn't grow FOREVER and EVER, like cucumbers do (that's a story for another time...). We ate so much zucchini that we quickly depleted our stash. </div>
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Note to self: More zucchini, Less tomatoes!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNZMbe1nwoI/TnAiko5qhFI/AAAAAAAABlo/5W26bKnD4TI/s1600/tomato+small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNZMbe1nwoI/TnAiko5qhFI/AAAAAAAABlo/5W26bKnD4TI/s200/tomato+small.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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But while we did have it, one of the dinners we enjoyed was something we named, "Summer Chicken". </div>
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SO easy!</div>
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I just realized that this photo of the finished meal looks almost just like the picture of the zucchini and peppers above! Oops. You'll need chicken breast (cut into bit sized pieces), a half an onion, a zucchini, a fresh pepper, and a tomato, as well as 2T olive oil and 1/2 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Italian Seasoning mix. As usual, you will notice I don't have any measurements. Sorry!</div>
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And I'd like to say that I have discovered that while fresh veggies always look good in photos, the finished product doesn't always. Well, maybe for some people, but not for me!</div>
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Back to it: Chop all of the vegetables. </div>
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Pour the oil in the pan and heat, then toss in the chicken breast pieces and the chopped onion. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, throw in the zucchini and the pepper. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c91x3aczQd4/TnEgsKBAGsI/AAAAAAAABl4/tJJFN5_SuyM/s1600/summer+chicken+not+done+yet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c91x3aczQd4/TnEgsKBAGsI/AAAAAAAABl4/tJJFN5_SuyM/s1600/summer+chicken+not+done+yet.jpg" /></a></div>
Sprinkle the seasoning packet over everything in the pan, and toss to coat. You will want to cook the veggies until the zucchini is no longer firm - you will see a change in color but I don't know what to call it. Just before you take the pan off of the burner, put the tomato pieces on top. Leave them on just a bit, you don't want the tomato to be overcooked. Remove from heat and eat!</div>
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It is just the right touch for a summer meal, light and delicious, and quick! </div>
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And here are 2 of my gang of 6 who love it!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGKegnV_Leg/TnAk5zK3IZI/AAAAAAAABls/irC1oBXMUxE/s1600/sas+and+di.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGKegnV_Leg/TnAk5zK3IZI/AAAAAAAABls/irC1oBXMUxE/s200/sas+and+di.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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And i'm sharing this over at <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/">www.peasandcrayons.com</a>!</div>
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<center></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070972381414021562.post-19682524812513754342011-09-12T20:59:00.000-07:002011-09-12T20:59:22.825-07:00KindnessWith the flood waters subsided, the work to clean up has been constant. Some families have lost everything. I am trying to go through my kid's clothes to pull things that are halfway decent in order to donate them to some families I know who are in that position. At this point the families don't care about the condition of things, they just need clothes on their backs.<br />
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<img alt="children,flower buds,fotolia,gardening,grow,holding hands,mothers,planting seeds,smiling,soils" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900448490.jpg" /></div>
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Today my husband returned from the home of an elderly couple. The flood filled their basement, ruining everything from sentimental items to the washer and dryer. The woman told the story of how a neighbor, whom they have never been friendly with, came over during the storm uninvited, and brought a powerful water vacuum. This neighbor spent hours in the basement of this elderly couple, walking in the filthy water and pumping it out of the house. The lady was brought to tears of embarrassment remembering how she would get frustrated by the fact that this same neighbor could never seem to get his shrubs cut, and the long arms of the branches would hang into their driveway and make it hard to park the car and made their house look unkempt. She was so touched by the kindness of this neighbor, that he would come over unasked and would not take any money was such a shock to her, and a joy.<br />
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And another neighbor came by during the worst of the flood and admonished them to take photos for insurance, and she replied, "Some people have lost so much... I'm an old woman, and the items in our basement weren't going to be used anyway. Leave the insurance money to all those people who have lost so much, because really, we didn't lose anything we needed."<br />
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Its a crazy thing that trauma and bring out the best and the worst in people. But its breathtaking to see people at their best, isn't it? Blessing to everyone! Psalm 46:1<br />
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<a href="http://www.pennlive.com/"><img src="http://media.pennlive.com/patriot-news/photo/9986718-large.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05842825827404939447noreply@blogger.com0