tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76178907889207955702024-02-07T20:48:45.684-05:00organasmsAn organasm is that euphoric sensation that can only be achieved by finally having everything in it's place. Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-53311020366609320922013-09-08T09:14:00.001-04:002013-09-08T09:24:14.174-04:00Pretty Peach Muffins<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
If you've read the post about the salsa, you know the background on my insider advantage on the peaches, and why I can't bake a pie in August. If not, you can read the full story here: <a href="http://organasms.blogspot.com/2013/08/simple-peach-salsa.html">http://organasms.blogspot.com/2013/08/simple-peach-salsa.html</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next to step up to the plate was a muffin recipe that I Googled and tweaked. It was easy enough for my 5 year old to do most of the measuring and mixing on her own, while I snacked on the salsa and sipped some summer wine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's what you need to make about 16 muffins:</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<ul id="docs-internal-guid-55cbd4ac-c7f1-ae88-c696-5b53b326786b" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon salt</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/4 cups vegetable oil</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 eggs, lightly beaten</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups white sugar</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ tsp almond extract</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease or spray a muffin pan. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In one bowl combine the dry ingredients, in a separate bowl mix the oil, eggs, sugar and extract. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and then gently fold in the peaches. Spoon evenly into muffin tins, and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.</span></span></span><br />
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-30865997432261536362013-08-28T22:18:00.000-04:002013-09-03T23:05:02.862-04:00Simple Peach Salsa<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am incredibly fortunate to have awesome neighbors! It is such a gift in life to be surrounded by interesting, caring, friendly, generous people. But what's even better is when they have peach trees! My next door neighbor told me last year to help myself to her peaches, and at the time, I had no idea what to do with the bounty. So, like any warm blooded American, I baked a pie! It was the most delicious summer time treat I had in a long time, but I finished the whole thing and then suddenly realized why pie is not popular during swim suit season!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year, I filled my basket of peaches and decided on two recipes: salsa and muffins. Sweet, savory, and in safe portion sizes, I could better enjoy the goods without paying the price!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The salsa was a big hit, and my only complaint was that it was such a small batch, I didn't have enough to gift back! I will definitely be making this again!</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is my simple version of a recipe I found online. As always, I made substitutions with what I had on hand, and lucky again- it came out great!</span><br />
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<b>Ingredients: (makes about 1 1/2 cups)</b></div>
<ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li class="ingredient">4-6 small peaches, peeled and diced</li>
<li class="ingredient">Juice of 1/2 large lemon, about 1/4 cup juice</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 teaspoons honey</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 to 3 tablespoons diced red bell pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 heaping tablespoon chopped parsley</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 small clove garlic, finely minced</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="rP" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Preparation:</h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Combine
all ingredients and refrigerate until serving time. The flavors marry best if left chilled for 4+ hours, but it also will get juicier. If you like it still a little chuncky, serve it sooner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I served this with chips, but reserved the rest to spoon over Salmon the next night. It also would taste great with
any other grilled or broiled fish, pork, or chicken.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This salsa is great, and can be made with some heat added in for those braver than I. Enjoy it while you still can. The peaches will be gone before we know it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check back again for the muffin recipe! Those were awesome too! </span></div>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-2245607623642812212013-08-26T00:04:00.000-04:002013-09-03T23:20:02.098-04:00Check Off Morning Chart Success<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have to admit, I really do have it easy most days. There are 3 mornings a week when I am mostly off the hook on the home front. While my husband struggles to get the girls out the door on time and off to school before the bell rings, I am long gone and likely one hour into surgery, unable to be reached by phone, and totally in the zone. While being a mother to two wonderful girls is the best part of my life, school day mornings can be very difficult, and I would much rather stop a bleeder at 8:30AM than beg two children to please just get out the door already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week, I took to the computer to draw up a morning routine plan for each girl that will help keep them on track.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq90GWqKJR65rhwSZkZM1felP1OsV3R2le6Q00HIBTcNUCh1ngfIQ3nxwDZ7Ncq7xJ3JUmkxmmlb9LTnIELzyQE2sOj2DRQqwSozSCOKL0bwZUOFZRiwvmHmPbLHYgvuQGrAZssL1v6a0/s1600/chartforblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq90GWqKJR65rhwSZkZM1felP1OsV3R2le6Q00HIBTcNUCh1ngfIQ3nxwDZ7Ncq7xJ3JUmkxmmlb9LTnIELzyQE2sOj2DRQqwSozSCOKL0bwZUOFZRiwvmHmPbLHYgvuQGrAZssL1v6a0/s400/chartforblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was really easy to create using Microsoft Word. I just went into the templates and typed "checklist" into the search box. I found the one I wanted under "checklist for child's chores", but there were lots more to choose from (including a "To Do List" that I will likely re-visit in the future). Once I clicked to download the template, I was able to click in each of the fields to customize the chart. By inserting clip art, I was able to make things a bit easier for my pre-reading 5 year old to understand. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I tested this out one morning on a clipboard with a pencil to see if she would play along. To my surprise, she loved it! Getting ready became a game for her instead of a struggle. We also were able to talk about the words on the sheet, the times listed and finding them on the clock, and cheer on her success!</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Once I was settled on the task list, I stopped by the dollar store and found an 8x11 frame to place this into. The next morning, it was waiting for her with a dry erase marker, and a note on the bottom that reads, "If I have all my boxes checked off, I had a really great week! When I've done a great job, I get to have:". This allows her to set a goal each week. She felt really proud to check off all those boxes, and shows me when they are complete.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I've seen chore charts on loads of sites, but this one was easy, quick, convenient, and so far a success with us. School starts Wednesday, so we will see if that success continues. I hope it does!</div>
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Oh, and by the way, once Maddy got to try hers out, I had to make one up for my 8 year old too! Maybe weekday mornings are about to become double the fun!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHzM39oE9lkfbBmmOGdpbqRrW3dzFa0lsioyg6wTprnDlYrtDpYlf9GMuPu6ua25li5gXDRX9gyCulfv3KU18bMr8Qq1qgGr81stLX1lRLESLZH1xtkbhGjaVn6i2H3IbBSryyViPOlM/s1600/Morning_Cartoon_by_wijayalath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHzM39oE9lkfbBmmOGdpbqRrW3dzFa0lsioyg6wTprnDlYrtDpYlf9GMuPu6ua25li5gXDRX9gyCulfv3KU18bMr8Qq1qgGr81stLX1lRLESLZH1xtkbhGjaVn6i2H3IbBSryyViPOlM/s320/Morning_Cartoon_by_wijayalath.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_hd irc_iis"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="irc_ho">wijayalath.deviantart.com</span></span><span class="irc_dim"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Linking to <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/">http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-15661015302284524882013-08-21T11:24:00.000-04:002013-09-03T23:05:39.529-04:00Blueberry Lemonade Bread<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Blueberries and lemonade! Some of the best that nature has to offer us comes from these tasty treats in the summer. At our last home, we planted blueberry bushes in the backyard and had our fill when ripe, ready and rinsed under the hose. This year we had an awesome time picking our own bounty at <a href="http://www.redapplefarm.com/" target="_blank">The Red Apple Farm</a> in Phillipston, Massachusetts. This place is one of the best pick your own farms in New England, definitely worth the trip. When we got home, I was ready to bake up some batches of blueberry breads but found that I was out of lemons! I did have some lemonade on hand and was really pleased with the substitution results!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's how to put this one together:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOLIA3x76wZMJtR3Ttomg9wb8lURe8l8Q-93WQNMESI5W3e-tuiZSnjPSZTXWo-U6Mf1mPTK7hh1yuV4TcqQeDmytJav0IWCunQ7sNQuXWAf5lWtbItZBjWxVUroaBxA1dJKRLMlshM/s1600/BLB+ingredient+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOLIA3x76wZMJtR3Ttomg9wb8lURe8l8Q-93WQNMESI5W3e-tuiZSnjPSZTXWo-U6Mf1mPTK7hh1yuV4TcqQeDmytJav0IWCunQ7sNQuXWAf5lWtbItZBjWxVUroaBxA1dJKRLMlshM/s400/BLB+ingredient+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 cup butter, melted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup white sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 Tablespoons Lemonade</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1-1/2 cups all purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, lemon juice and eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the flour</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, baking powder and salt</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with small additions of milk to moisten and combine, beating well after each addition. Gently fold in the blueberries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Transfer this into a greased 8"x4" loaf pan and Bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted near the center to be sure it's done. When it comes out clean, pull it out of the oven and leave it out to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let this cool, and enjoy!</span><br />
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Linking up this week with: </div>
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<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">creatingreallyawesomefreethings</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.linesacross.com/" target="_blank">linesacross</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">uncommondesignsonline</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/" target="_blank">thatswhatchesaid</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">creativelylivingblog</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">All Things Heart and Home</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunday-linky-22.html" target="_blank">suburbsmama</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-72-roll-washi-tape-collection-giveaway.html" target="_blank">tatertotsandjello </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><img alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vs451BonpMA/UXm9MxUN7LI/AAAAAAAAHAU/ACdCh5_XI-I/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></div>
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Kara @ <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/">Happy Go Lucky</a></div>
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Amy @ <a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/">One Artsy Mama</a> </div>
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Kirsten @ <a href="http://www.onetoughmotherblog.com/">One Tough Mother</a> </div>
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Hannah @ <a href="http://www.youngandcrafty.com/">Young and Crafty</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/">http://www.nap-timecreations.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.madetobeamomma.com/"> http://www.madetobeamomma.com/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-74330291915876109792013-08-11T23:03:00.001-04:002013-08-11T23:07:07.630-04:00Growing With A Group<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Towards the end of spring, I was starting to ask myself just what the heck I was doing with this blog...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_hd irc_iis"><a class="irc_hol irc_itl" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=yGWIYipQuInT3M&tbnid=AHYH2RqII8c_4M:&ved=0CAQQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vehrcommunications.com%2Fthink-before-you-blog%2F&ei=ZysIUsm8AZj54AO90ICACg&bvm=bv.50500085,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNGC3uurpyUPPF9GUGsneWACzA1uHQ&ust=1376353402607119"><span class="irc_ho">www.vehrcommunications.com</span></a><span class="irc_dim"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Thankfully, I found a great way to explore what had been missing all along, and find the answers to all my start-up questions. The time was right to join a group and gain some knowledge to replace my inexperience.</div>
<center><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/"><img
border="0" src=" http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/mentorbutton_zpsb80e0a6c.jpg "></a></center>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7617890788920795570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>For a mere $35 investment, I enrolled in a course that has helped me create and meet goals, improve blog design, make and share buttons, improve photography, edit photos with online apps, and begin to embark on the world wide social media web that has tangled my mind for so very long. We're only half way done, and the fun has just begun.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Over the past six weeks, I've had an amazing opportunity to join in with
a group of bloggers to learn as much as possible about getting things
up and running around here. From the moment that I received the course
outline, I've been over the moon excited! I've been printing and saving the weekly readings and all my notes, like the true front row nerd that I am, and I've found a really great way to organize all my cool ideas...</div>
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As a newbie to the blogosphere, I had my reservations about getting in over my head. But from the very first reading assignment, Amy explains how to focus on your own definition of success, and throughout the course we learn to identify, keep and share our unique voice. I kept things simple and created short term goals that I thought would be realistic and attainable.<br />
It didn't take long to achieve the first 3 goals, especially with Amy's guidance and the support of so many other bloggers who have lots to share. In a matter of weeks, I was able to learn enough to improve my layout, create buttons, establish social media accounts, and join sites like Bloglovin' and Feedly to improve my chances of finding followers. It was so much easier than I thought, and really saved my sanity...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwE5bOLO6_2Myg2JzPqyJEI7b8e597ThqTPAlwP-lIQ4XJILrASoBuE4DAU3jyHpdg7LZUpZUMIW5kfFbt-AK3Xl1YTWHBhF-0EoROgfUkjXkOIF-sM1oXAjhs6Y7vfvxjMexV7WsGc/s1600/crazylady.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwE5bOLO6_2Myg2JzPqyJEI7b8e597ThqTPAlwP-lIQ4XJILrASoBuE4DAU3jyHpdg7LZUpZUMIW5kfFbt-AK3Xl1YTWHBhF-0EoROgfUkjXkOIF-sM1oXAjhs6Y7vfvxjMexV7WsGc/s1600/crazylady.JPG" /></a></div>
Being new to blogging can be so intimidating, but this group makes it really comfortable to jump right in and ask any questions. It's great to have feedback and be able to share ideas with other bloggers. That's probably been my favorite part of the course. Each time I check in, there is always someone doing something new and exciting, adding to the inspiration of the course itself!<br />
I'm looking forward to the second half of the course where we will cover more on social media, submitting work, and exploring sponsorship. To say I have no clue on these issues is an understatement...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7R8o3za5Hny5fdEGD7xVTNMSerl-k9yNB6VMa0kx0z1yzDEUCNw5iZ-Bo2UrAptXAnDhR4xeZ-Ilj4D2RvMhZ39EtDJR_QPdLQvM1dVQ8tT5_Uvuw2gV3M5OjINQYztTen6mMrRx3qw/s1600/comic1.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7R8o3za5Hny5fdEGD7xVTNMSerl-k9yNB6VMa0kx0z1yzDEUCNw5iZ-Bo2UrAptXAnDhR4xeZ-Ilj4D2RvMhZ39EtDJR_QPdLQvM1dVQ8tT5_Uvuw2gV3M5OjINQYztTen6mMrRx3qw/s320/comic1.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
When all is said and done, I may just want to start this course over again! Summer keeps me super busy, and the computer is not always where I want to be. But without this course, I would have never found the time or the inspiration to make so many changes in such a short period of time. I'm so glad that I did this for me!</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-33590185331401074902013-08-02T22:59:00.000-04:002013-08-04T10:42:24.289-04:00DIY Photo ID<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A little while back, we took the kids to the <a href="http://www.mysticaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Mystic Aquarium.</a></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we were getting organized to go, I started to have that maternal worry creep up on me. You know, the one that creates that voice in your head reminding you to check with your kids to be sure that they know their name and phone number</span>,<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> just in case they wander off. Is that just in my head? Hope not! Anyway, I thought of sticking some form of ID on my little one, just to be crazy and sane at the same time. Are you following me? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I thought quick, it came to me that a duck tape photo ID would be just right to create a wearable form of ID, fun for the kids, and easy for me!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdgM7Nhc3wqG6YC42eiyKLKTRUndiaQ2X7w_QmpLebQSbm9giqBhmoTEEQJqmpXYeIKSS2cWIbbZT9jGUbWUXaq59ILi1wuXhmTj2VE6vUYj6Kx1PuNbGk4nQm4XwUhxtQx8J8fpjg7g/s1600/photo+id+sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdgM7Nhc3wqG6YC42eiyKLKTRUndiaQ2X7w_QmpLebQSbm9giqBhmoTEEQJqmpXYeIKSS2cWIbbZT9jGUbWUXaq59ILi1wuXhmTj2VE6vUYj6Kx1PuNbGk4nQm4XwUhxtQx8J8fpjg7g/s640/photo+id+sized.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was really quick and simple to do, just by cutting and folding long strips to make the "necklace" and framing a photo with the tape to make a "pendant". After writing my daughters name and my cell phone number on the back, I taped the two pieces together and slipped it on her neck. To be sure she'd love to wear it, I had her pick the colors and help me peel and stick the tape together. In a matter of minutes, she was pretty, proud, and photo ID'd, "just in case". If doing this again, I'd simply use a length of ribbon around the neck, as the tape inevitably had some sticky spots that started to bug her neck and hair later in the day, and it would probably have been a little quicker than cutting and folding the tape...But it worked and I learned something!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEly1oms5GXCwqVKkGjY42W3JIjI7B2wMeJOFImrn42u0lqG1BcV13fjCaOqrYXYh2CUxQ0M_KmXkXT9Id6MKyWY3vZgP38IvJfNx-urcnkivxKzGhHCvLYsZVJeXuWUPoAUvIbia8WXI/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEly1oms5GXCwqVKkGjY42W3JIjI7B2wMeJOFImrn42u0lqG1BcV13fjCaOqrYXYh2CUxQ0M_KmXkXT9Id6MKyWY3vZgP38IvJfNx-urcnkivxKzGhHCvLYsZVJeXuWUPoAUvIbia8WXI/s640/IMG_1869.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With the printed name and phone number on the back, we could also practice spelling her name, talk about the letters and numbers, and sing songs that practice reciting her phone number on the way there (not the whole way, but just enough!). I could put that worry into the "done" file. She still has this and likes wearing it. We've also experimented with similar bracelets just for fun. Flower and animal prints would also make great wearable art. What can you make with duct tape and prints?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Want
to see what others have done this week? Click the links below for lots
of projects, room reveals, tips and tricks for your enjoyment:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">creatingreallyawesomefreethings</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.linesacross.com/" target="_blank">linesacross</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">uncommondesignsonline</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/" target="_blank">thatswhatchesaid</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">creativelylivingblog</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.mom4real.com/" target="_blank">mom4real</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2013/07/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up-and-botb_19.html" target="_blank">serenitynowblog</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-linky-17.html" target="_blank">suburbsmama</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-72-roll-washi-tape-collection-giveaway.html" target="_blank">tatertotsandjello </a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><img alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vs451BonpMA/UXm9MxUN7LI/AAAAAAAAHAU/ACdCh5_XI-I/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></div>
<div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 5px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 88.1333px; visibility: visible; z-index: 9999;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.youngandcrafty.com/2013/07/shine-on-fridays_18.html&media=http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vs451BonpMA/UXm9MxUN7LI/AAAAAAAAHAU/ACdCh5_XI-I/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800&description=Shine%20on%20Friday%E2%80%99s" style="display: block; outline: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XxPkazoJQY8MuL9q1OBUlff8h3ZDWE4sD2bocDUS_O2HTreKXzQHkuRxV4_BbIARjI3UlEHOZoS-ihDhFpXO2CfXPzFkGhweRnDo93kF1UTiLTEsM7sSsxtabIeKjHOlpUBS8093Fdv4/s1600/pinterestx1_72.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -o-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: transparent; border: 0; box-shadow: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kara @ <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/">Happy Go Lucky</a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Amy @ <a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/">One Artsy Mama</a> </div>
<div align="center">
Kirsten @ <a href="http://www.onetoughmotherblog.com/">One Tough Mother</a> </div>
<div align="center">
Hannah @ <a href="http://www.youngandcrafty.com/">Young and Crafty</a></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-80598804501830634082013-07-20T23:33:00.002-04:002013-07-21T22:17:56.742-04:00Cabinet BBQ sauce<span style="font-size: large;">When I was shopping last week, chicken thighs were on sale. I was craving BBQ chicken,but I knew that my husband would balk on the thighs. I would have to kick things up a notch to make this good. Enter Google Search for BBQ sauce recipe...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb12eTatGMUxPWChVwY95t-IXEjmSFRUq2hkHoxBAoOKTroTKzDTINDIQRDkSy4H4-6u5CeTXGyrWkP_qiiRvQlnhKl3lZ2OkmxwLwip87_4kPHhR_R5ZvdJjrgmGMY74K-3HGVTEOqC0/s1600/BBQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb12eTatGMUxPWChVwY95t-IXEjmSFRUq2hkHoxBAoOKTroTKzDTINDIQRDkSy4H4-6u5CeTXGyrWkP_qiiRvQlnhKl3lZ2OkmxwLwip87_4kPHhR_R5ZvdJjrgmGMY74K-3HGVTEOqC0/s320/BBQ.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbheNqKJGqhu5bFUKBncQ2vwt3ylkT761JAzeRZMS7Jgc7lUm5eTc2pxKPMf4RnER94p6IA5pEKuCbUvGk_TyFil_yn4xv4yKJ9OpZ8wtt8LEDesvCOS-TflY_h4PQmRLCWdiJKZ9kCtM/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here is the list of ingredients from the cupboard:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Kosher Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Catsup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Brown Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Dijon Mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Dried Onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Black Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Barbecue Seasonings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Garlic Powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Apple Cider Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Balsamic Vinegar</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In case we haven't met, I should tell you that I have a background in science with a love of experimentation. Therefore,
no recipe can be read as strict and I interpret the text according to
what I have on hand... </span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I was able to experiment with my palm-ful of salt, squirts of
mustard, bottom of the bottle of catchup, 3/4 Cup packed brown sugar,
2-3 dashes of dried onion, Tb. or so of A1, 3-5 cranks of the pepper
mill, 1/4 cap full of BBQ seasoning, shakes of garlic sauce, and shots
of Apple Cider Vinegar and Balsamic Vinegar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I had seen lots of advice about quantities and components, but the overlying message that I received from the list of most reviewed was this:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Heat IT! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-3a1NJIzMwwxk0p3I-wlgWJwfXN02OYjFzqqI2Y9A6frAIhUx7pv-rYNxkO3vYmvQZef6xHRgsDsCXPUiyjC09jxyzKS30M8N2NiA7wjoryrdkJUyPFLRYnvtS_RxSC8XzWnAt5FaCc/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-3a1NJIzMwwxk0p3I-wlgWJwfXN02OYjFzqqI2Y9A6frAIhUx7pv-rYNxkO3vYmvQZef6xHRgsDsCXPUiyjC09jxyzKS30M8N2NiA7wjoryrdkJUyPFLRYnvtS_RxSC8XzWnAt5FaCc/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soak IT!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ds6tTB9kDogqi88oWq8vjbBoxYEpDJTNovRHPIjWPgeZu-tXyVwImZ-OnvmrfkdAV4z128qQxTZeOMMtm8fruOqKP0A-rhXb_i6Ly8RJ5B2NTW3a1Pg1CIMYGtZwn07YLRCjclCBkns/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ds6tTB9kDogqi88oWq8vjbBoxYEpDJTNovRHPIjWPgeZu-tXyVwImZ-OnvmrfkdAV4z128qQxTZeOMMtm8fruOqKP0A-rhXb_i6Ly8RJ5B2NTW3a1Pg1CIMYGtZwn07YLRCjclCBkns/s400/IMG_1675.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wait while IT grills...</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpnAtutcwxlYg1SZ-3oB9uuI2Vs_VrG8e-W5ASxyK9BlP8tXqg6fmtuj7dNSC5sRASTGAc0B29CQ6MpFENWDSsQuc6oNKzK7AV70gdUkVH-3yNoO6g0arOdAP6H4JXygpLLd0hkrRY3k/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpnAtutcwxlYg1SZ-3oB9uuI2Vs_VrG8e-W5ASxyK9BlP8tXqg6fmtuj7dNSC5sRASTGAc0B29CQ6MpFENWDSsQuc6oNKzK7AV70gdUkVH-3yNoO6g0arOdAP6H4JXygpLLd0hkrRY3k/s640/IMG_1677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Plate IT up...</span> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">EAT!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Honest, I compose and measure by what I have, and a well stocked pantry is a HUGE help! Every cabinet should have 3-4 vinegars, 2-3 oils, and a collection of spices that would make a world traveler comfortable in your kitchen. Click the link below to view what you should try to keep on hand:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/quick_healthy_cooking/the_well_stocked_pantry" target="_blank">Well Stocked Pantry</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The corn was grilled without help, and the bean salad was a compilation of what we harvested and collected from the CSA. I searched online again for a bean salad recipe and came up with this one</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/three-bean-salad-5/" target="_blank">Salad Recipe</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I took their advice on the basics of the marinade including the following ingredients:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Green onion, chopped</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Celery</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cider Vinegar</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Veg. Oil</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Honey</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mustard (dried, ground)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Garlic Powder</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Pepper</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dried Onion</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">But I mix-ologied this to my taste, and soaked some fresh picked, quick blanched pole beans in this dressing, along with some chopped carrots and a sprinkle of feta. After a few minutes to marry the flavors, I was ready to plate it over a bed of fresh lettuce greens. This was a great supper!!! It looked and smelled terrific, tasted great, and was very satisfying. Even my husband thought so! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Want to see what others have done this week? Click the links below for lots of projects, room reveals, tips and tricks for your enjoyment:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">creatingreallyawesomefreethings</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.linesacross.com/" target="_blank">linesacross</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">uncommondesignsonline</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/" target="_blank">thatswhatchesaid</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">creativelylivingblog</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.mom4real.com/" target="_blank">mom4real</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2013/07/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up-and-botb_19.html" target="_blank">serenitynowblog</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-linky-17.html" target="_blank">suburbsmama</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-72-roll-washi-tape-collection-giveaway.html" target="_blank">tatertotsandjello </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><img alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vs451BonpMA/UXm9MxUN7LI/AAAAAAAAHAU/ACdCh5_XI-I/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></div>
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<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-40765721771423621822013-07-15T23:57:00.002-04:002013-07-23T23:12:41.651-04:00Forever Strawberries<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Earlier this year I set a goal to try and take advantage of all the local fruit and produce that I could, and get my girls to enjoy it as well. So far, the garden has been a group effort that I've decided to enjoy rather than worry about, and we are several weeks into the CSA- eating fresh picked beans & greens as much as possible. The local seasonal berries are high on my list of sweets for the summer, and so I had my heart set on getting my hands on some fresh strawberries this season. <a href="http://www.tougasfarm.com/" target="_blank">Tougas Family Farm </a>in Northboro, MA was a great place to visit on one of the cooler late June days this year. Fresh fruit finished with wagon rides, playground, farm store, and farm animals makes a recipe for sweet memories. </span></span><br />
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<!--more--><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are tons of berries to be picked, and we just barely took home enough to fill a gallon bag in the freezer, but the kids had fun... </span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and loved the taste of fresh strawberries...</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even right out of the field! Now I know you're asking, "What kind of a mother lets her kids eat unwashed strawberries right off the ground, without even paying for them first?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">All I can say is that they were good, insanely delicious, irresistibly so. What we consumed we made up for in the farm store, and I even called and offered to let them take the kids to work on the farm for the rest of the summer. They haven't called me back yet on that one, so I'm guessing that we are squared away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There were lots of recipes online for freezer jam, which I was ready to try. Alas, our bounty was too meek to meet the required berry volume, so I just decided to keep some in the fridge to eat, and freeze the rest. Washing, hulling, and placing each berry on a cookie sheet to freeze took just a few minutes, and when they were frozen, I just popped them in a bag together and put them back in the freezer to keep for another day. When they defrost, they form their own beautiful red syrup, which is pure strawberry juice. Yum! You can add sugar, but there is no need if you ask me!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And I didn't even forget to compost the stems!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't berries make you happy!?!?</span></span></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-29122559230970310622013-07-02T22:42:00.001-04:002013-07-07T21:39:42.970-04:00Crafty Case for Scratchless Shades<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had been meaning to do this for soooooooo long! So many pairs of sunglasses were left ruined to senseless scratches at the bottom of my purse over the past few summers, that I finally decided that something must be done. Alas, it was the night before our vacation departure, and what better time to avoid packing than that 10-o'clock hour, when eureka- a moment of creativity came to life!</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If it's summer, you'll find me behind a pair of Nine West Sunglasses. There is no shame is this, it's just what it is. But I've had the hardest time keeping these free from scratches while they fight for survival in the bottom of my purse. So while moving some straps on my daughter's sundress, it came to me that now is the time to take action. I could easily whip up a case for my specs and solve this dilemma once and for all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Fabric Central Garden Play Collection Fabric Quarter that I had tucked into the craft cabinet was a perfect canvas to work with. I ended up placing it on a cutting board, glasses placed on top, and used a rotary cutting tool to cut around the glasses with about an inch on each side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, I ironed out the seams, sewed the edges hem-down, and secured a closure ribbon to the top edge before sewing the sides (inside out). One thing I stopped to do- pinch those long loose ribbon ends in before sewing up the sides completely, or they won't end up on the "outside- out", like you want!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The total project time on this one was definitely under 30 minutes, and that included the ho-humming about hem width and all! I hope that this will help me keep my glasses organized in my purse, and free of scratches this summer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Linking up with:</span><br />
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-43713343630999249922013-06-25T00:15:00.000-04:002013-06-27T22:05:39.914-04:00A Semi-organized Date Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What makes a date night great? It's a little bit of everything...The struggle, the sitter, and the success, for starters. Our sitter is so fantastic that she sacrificed her first Friday of freedom to allow us one last night out with ease. Further, it was a Super Moon over Boston, co-workers who care enough to get me out on time, and the delights of Dawes to seal the deal...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Did I mention the beauty of the first night of summer?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each of the captions is a link to a song by Dawes. I'm just giddy over this band this year. Click on the captioned links and enjoy the music! </span></span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqhRK_g7WJc" target="_blank">Dawes- "A little bit of everything"</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0FrcTX6hWI" target="_blank">Dawes- "When My Time Comes"</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pYt8YDqi5A" target="_blank">Dawes-"Something in Common"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BB331lDS_o" target="_blank">Dawes- "Moon in the Water"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jFylbo23T4" target="_blank">Dawes- "Most People"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8Jjz6PRYk" target="_blank">Dawes- "From A Window Seat"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfUPsjWt9hk" target="_blank">Dawes- "Someone Will"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmQ3nkweoUc" target="_blank">Someday Never Comes</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/" target="_blank">The One Fund</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xRAjYYWgds" target="_blank">Dawes- "How Far We Have Come"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Z9b2BEiGg" target="_blank">Dawes- "My Way Back Home"</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/06/shine-on-fridays.html" target="_blank">One Artsy Mama</a></td></tr>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-636899256188350052013-06-18T09:46:00.000-04:002013-07-02T21:56:14.325-04:00Carnival Party Make and Take Prizes<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Carnival parties are perfect for a backyard birthday. Try a Google or Pinterest search and you'll be surfing some eye candy forever! I think at this point I have spent more time getting ideas ready than I actually have spent doing any real work to get the party started...Alas, the party is this Sunday, and it's time to get the ball rolling.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I struck gold a few weeks back at AC Moore when I found these Carnival Stickers for 50 cents each! At first, I had no idea of what to do with them, but at least I found some fun stickers to give away. With some craft closet scavenging and lots of Bruins overtime plays, I came up with some book marks to use as prizes. So much better than the piles of plastic that we are used to handing out at parties, and not too time consuming as well. In one night, I had a stack of 22 ready for the event, and it cost me next to nothing! And of course, the Bruins won!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Linking to: </span><br />
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<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-107/#more-21992"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-107/#more-21992</span></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/06/one-project-at-a-time-61813.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/06/take-look-tuesday_17.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/07/show-me-what-ya-got-127.html" target="_blank"> http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/07/show-me-what-ya-got-127.html</a><br />
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-28828297008938859912013-06-10T22:31:00.000-04:002013-06-10T22:31:07.053-04:00An Affection for CollectionsA collection should be meaningful. To have items gathered into a mass of accumulated artifacts takes away from certain appeal, and brings to mind the term "hoarders". But not all collections should be viewed as obsessive. Last week, I found a way to display a nice collection at home:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The glass antique tray is part of a tea cart table top that was given to us by family friends whom my husband has known since childhood. They came to the cookout that we threw when we bought our first home, and presented us with a set of antique furniture that had been a part of their home, so that we could enjoy the pieces in our home as well. The blue ceramic bowl was given to us as a wedding gift and has been used countless times at family gatherings and special dinners as part of table settings. It shows well as part of a collection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The painted glass balls were given to me by my mother in law. I remember her cleaning out one day and saying "What can I give you?". I chose these, and have really enjoyed how they look within our home, lending a feature of beauty and memories. Yellow roses are a classic symbol of beauty, friendship, gladness, delight, and a promise of a new beginning. They stand tall next to the stout covered clear glass vase that came with the home. Our home's previous owner had used this vessel to hold fancy bars of soap, and then left it behind when they transferred the keys to us. I have used this throughout the seasons: filled with glass balls at Christmas, plastic eggs at Easter, and loose leaves in the fall. For this part of spring, I find that it's translucence adds appeal as it showcases the view outdoors and the reflection of light through the window. </span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Together, a collection should have some meaning. When I see gather my trinkets, I want to be able to hear a story. "Be happy with what you have." It's what I always tell my girls, and it is something that I try to find happiness in each day.</span><br />
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<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-49410764025841431762013-06-05T22:45:00.003-04:002013-06-10T21:33:44.690-04:00The Compost PostThe day has finally come! We have put together the compost tumbler that we purchased 2 years ago, and it is ready for use. We wouldn't want to rush into a project like that! Finally, just like the picture on the box, this is what it looks like,<br />
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<a name='more'></a>You may ask yourself, "Why should it take you two years to assemble this pleasant vessel?"<br />
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So, here's the major obstacle to this as well as any other major project at home (quoted from the owners manual):<br />
"Before beginning assembly, two adults required to complete assembly"...<br />
further, "only adults should set up the product. Do not allow children in the set up area until assembly is complete."<br />
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Two whole years to actually find the one hour that it took us to finally put this together? Need I say more? Yes, actually...I need to say "THANK YOU!" to the neighbors for harboring my children long enough for me (us) to get this done! <br />
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Yay! Okay, party's over. So now what? We found a spot in the corner of the yard, and we are now in search of compostable items in our daily lives.<br />
So some easy research has found several sites that will lend a hand in guiding us through the home composting do's and don'ts. <br />
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<a href="http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html" target="_blank">http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.epa.gov/compost/types.htm#back" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/compost/types.htm#back</a><br />
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Traditional composting includes soil as one of the layers. The news from the Colorado State University Extension <a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07212.html" target="_blank">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07212.html</a> tells us that you really shouldn't need to add soil to your compost bin or tumbler. If you think about it, when you pull weeds, weeds are attached to soil as you pull them. When you throw the weeds into the tumbler, the soil goes with. The soil contains the microbes you need to inoculate the debris in your collection, thereby eliminating the need to add soil or inoculum to the compost collection.
When you add large amounts of soil, you increase the weight, which makes
composting difficult and less efficient. Large amounts of soil also can
suffocate microorganisms. Soilless composting is often a preferred and successful practice, and is easy to achieve at home with yard and kitchen waste.<br />
Add water to the compost after every few layers of material, or find a tumbler that lets a little water in. For more healthy additions, click the links above to find your way.<br />
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It wasn't romantic, exactly, but it was a good way to spend an hour together anyway! Now we just have to fill it, turn it, and use it!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">C.R.A.F.T.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" target="_blank">Thrifty Decor Chick</a><br />
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-31505373134110543582013-05-30T22:27:00.000-04:002013-05-31T23:02:51.183-04:00A Window in the Weeds<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last month I took a long overdue trip to see an old friend in New York. The plan was to eat, drink, and be merry together again, and it was a success. Besides the company and conversation, my favorite part of the trip was the salvaged window pane that I scoffed up for just $20. I knew just where it belonged:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This photo was taken about 3 weeks ago, and the surrounding unruly greenery has taken over the space and framed the pane nicely. I hung some planters and started some seeds. I had considered buying planters in bloom, but I'm trying to be as patient and thrifty as possible with the garden this year. As soon as the painters are done with the house, I'll be able to string the clothes line and sit back to watch the laundry dry in a quiet place tucked behind the house, where maybe no one will find me!</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> More was in bloom around the yard that day. Here are a few shots of the springtime splendor that we've enjoyed this year so far:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Linking up:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2013/05/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up_31.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SerenityNow-aMommysSolutionToStayingSane+%28Serenity+Now-A+Mommy%27s+Solution+to+Staying+Sane%29" target="_blank">Serenity Now</a></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 alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png" style="background-image: none ! important; border: medium none ! important; box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px transparent ! important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/05/shine-on-fridays-82.html" target="_blank">One Artsy Mama</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-41991141037562742892013-05-21T23:32:00.000-04:002013-06-12T23:52:34.062-04:00The Breakfast Jar<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Remember when you were too busy to eat right? It was 2007, and although you knew that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, you blazed through it with a pre-wrapped, pre-formed tasteless rectangle in hand for rapid consumption at the next red light. So what's happened since then to break the breakfast bar trend? It's called a recession, causing more people to reduce, reuse and recycle! We used to have "3 R's", but we really have had "4" for some time! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If nothing good has come from the recession, at least we have all found ways to be more resourceful in life. So many people are putting convenience aside and saying yes to better eating, better health, and less waste in the products we choose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.specialtyfood.com/news-trends/featured-articles/article/cereal-and-snack-bar-market/" target="_blank">www.specialtyfood.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We can always do more while doing less when it comes to breakfast. If you check the facts on marketing trends and see what the breakfast bar has fallen to, the list includes yogurt and trail mix. I am currently so hooked on why that is, and therefore I have found it a worthy topic to photograph and discuss in detail...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Breakfast Jar</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taking ingredients to work is easy, almost as easy as finding the natural and organic ingredients to start off your day. Kashi aims to be good, Cascadian Farms brings in organic grains under $4, and Stonyfield has built a local (New Hampshire) <span style="font-size: small;">world wide enterprise by keeping true to their</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> over 200,000 agricultural acres free of persistent pesticides and
other chemicals commonly used on nonorganic farms and known to
contaminate soil, drinking water, air and food</span>.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kashi.com/natural_learning" target="_blank">http://www.kashi.com/natural_learning</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/HomeFarm.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/HomeFarm.aspx</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/why-organic" target="_blank">http://www.stonyfield.com/why-organic</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNznCQyNhKg9AGh9fw9zWev2bK882-Y1vUVJN5bwgnksAx6s29vtZBjocLMx4aPAk2IiRBUhZZ2frE1bAnYBP2tE_L8-MtLe7so1JkI3dbGjgE6UDTOVBdwxynjV9G5beLxMJkOjyg8I/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNznCQyNhKg9AGh9fw9zWev2bK882-Y1vUVJN5bwgnksAx6s29vtZBjocLMx4aPAk2IiRBUhZZ2frE1bAnYBP2tE_L8-MtLe7so1JkI3dbGjgE6UDTOVBdwxynjV9G5beLxMJkOjyg8I/s400/IMG_0842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The jar is recycled and re-purposed, sturdy and easy to wash. I can't really remember it's original purpose, but it's dishwasher safe and cost me nothing more than the contents it once carried. The first display of th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> breakfast bri<span style="font-size: small;">lliance<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">put on<span style="font-size: small;"> by a coworker set me straight on what it means to make brea<span style="font-size: small;">kfast, even when you can<span style="font-size: small;">'t. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKhGQMxMEXYRX-DSLGxDGQzQ2WdMvn-yeCzuvDjt-IhmnLX7aMquhfzeQkOYEFIKpMR3FzsTX_6ivcBs6PwQcRWcb3K7bsYk1npWyj81gpM6pwjQqRzPCIIJ17WugEFPi2RWU-CL04nU/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKhGQMxMEXYRX-DSLGxDGQzQ2WdMvn-yeCzuvDjt-IhmnLX7aMquhfzeQkOYEFIKpMR3FzsTX_6ivcBs6PwQcRWcb3K7bsYk1npWyj81gpM6pwjQqRzPCIIJ17WugEFPi2RWU-CL04nU/s400/IMG_4018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fruit is good food, and I can't wait to get to do some picking this year. Local strawberries will have an open season starting around early June, and the fun never stops there. As the weeks fly by, grab a basket full of what is local before the pumpkins are picked and the last apple falls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.massfruitgrowers.org/page1.html" target="_blank">http://www.massfruitgrowers.org/page1.html</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpjFtDVsr3JWsaHT_4L-HqXxIg0hDStMNQqPmgnN77uFVEwz4-d8O17XGNnuVR33KzHAo5_0EC1IvhORZ8LPmcQlQkMYJgw4n9jTyes9HCH8K_RUW6C7OzPAtloc3bIoEWTBZQoRmCMg/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpjFtDVsr3JWsaHT_4L-HqXxIg0hDStMNQqPmgnN77uFVEwz4-d8O17XGNnuVR33KzHAo5_0EC1IvhORZ8LPmcQlQkMYJgw4n9jTyes9HCH8K_RUW6C7OzPAtloc3bIoEWTBZQoRmCMg/s320/IMG_4019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are some helpful tips:</span></div>
<ol style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Save time by putting the yogurt in the jar, chilled overnight, and make "sides" of cereal/granola, and fruit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Assemble on scene. If you're really not sure if you will eat before you leave, in the car (never!), on the train, or in a meeting, put it together when the time arrives. It will still taste fresh and won't get soggy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Pack what you need. If you don't want to waste it, don't pack too much. Otherwise, you'll end up eating it just because it's there and you know you can't waste food!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don't forget a spoon! This yogurt is not squeezable!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There 'ya have it! Now you know what I'm eating in the morning. What are you having?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the link-up opportunities that I have found, and hope that you will too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check out more<span style="font-size: small;"> fresh idea<span style="font-size: small;">s at<span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/</a> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" target="_blank">http://www.serenitynowblog.com/</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">http://wearethatfamily.com/</a> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monday Funday Link Party: </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">C.R.A.F.T.</a> // <a href="http://www.linesacross.com/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">Lines Across</a> // <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">Uncommon Designs</a> // <a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">That’s What Che Said</a> // <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">Creatively Living</a> //</b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://anextraordinaryday.net/" style="color: #b281bb; text-decoration: none;">An Extraordinary Day</a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-49074380932582220912013-05-14T23:39:00.002-04:002013-05-14T23:39:33.290-04:00Bar Keepers Friend, my BFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img align="right" alt="Bar Keepers Friend " height="400" src="http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/images/bar-keepers-friend.png" width="210" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At the risk of getting sentimental and poetic, I will now gush about the perfect product that polishes everything from plastic to porcelain. Bar Keepers Friend (BKF, if you're really cool enough to abbreviate your </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">cleaning products) is the supreme ruler in my cleaning cabinet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/" target="_blank">www.barkeepersfriend.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This product is All American, founded in 1882 in Indianapolis where it is still made today. Using an active ingredient formulated from rhubarb by an old time chemist, BKF has been shining up rails since tavern's taps flowed without a passing thought of prohibition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Any product that manages to stay on grocers shelves for that long deserves merit. With the competition claiming to outshine, BKF sits quietly on the lowest shelves for over 130 years, quietly awaiting new arrivals on the market to out-advertise and take place at eye level. All the while, millions of people have come to know that nothing else can compare to the supreme power of the non-chlorine powder that is reliable enough to be called "friend". I know, I get emotional sometimes;)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">The list of uses is gosh darn endless. At first glance even, the possibilities pop with promise: cleans and polishes stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic cooktops, copper, tile, brass. How good can it be? Turn it over and find that you might be hard pressed to sweep a non-porous surface in your house, garage or shed that shouldn't be cleaned with this magic dust. It's about as close as you can come to fairy dust in a can! Apply, rub gently, rinse well, done.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/using-bar-keepers-friend" target="_blank">http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/using-bar-keepers-friend</a> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">BKF takes care of even the worst tasks in mere minutes. It makes me cringe less when I think about my two lease favorite chores: toilets and window sills. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RhyajlftRDmBGsDwd_-04mqbeT5D9bVY7zyKWMiW1tknFF7V2r4jZdKZdO6msOfXF4m0bn5SBd5VLS7IOr71htG6RD3AZxt7vQm9koagokeHreGLCXvkmzpp8s94x8LNwxGbhkRr-ew/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RhyajlftRDmBGsDwd_-04mqbeT5D9bVY7zyKWMiW1tknFF7V2r4jZdKZdO6msOfXF4m0bn5SBd5VLS7IOr71htG6RD3AZxt7vQm9koagokeHreGLCXvkmzpp8s94x8LNwxGbhkRr-ew/s400/IMG_4010.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> There's nothing like throwing open the windows in the Spring and finding that there is 3-4 months worth of crap-ola collected in the vinyl sills, waiting to blow in with the breeze. I have always dreaded the task of cleaning these soiled sills, but with BKF, I'm over it before I even start to curse the crud. When the shine shows through and frames the view outside, it makes it worth the 4 simple steps: sweep, sprinkle, rub, rinse.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9jeQ-934GVUyg3NuylOSEpyd-kylP60yY-XoLANQ_MEvDDLyaG6Tb1YI6wjJbgHJAfY7vXxjHyG2NcCgnjpN4Mxg5kuKFNL-7tXewVehF4TgYJsyhBNxFxUCJlDo97yhJpbRd-iVDPk/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9jeQ-934GVUyg3NuylOSEpyd-kylP60yY-XoLANQ_MEvDDLyaG6Tb1YI6wjJbgHJAfY7vXxjHyG2NcCgnjpN4Mxg5kuKFNL-7tXewVehF4TgYJsyhBNxFxUCJlDo97yhJpbRd-iVDPk/s400/IMG_4009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H8Vkn8WHF8jEmmYfB1Zk069ZE-U0z02XJKI5LsNgCiSXN8twH9wCut2B8pMqE_aTzfSjkpk8ZK5U2vcL5Gl_Y4dBvHSTUtdTnpCmBPk-hrTrlkU4-z2GkypzGa1GS-m6HGwGCuOC3io/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H8Vkn8WHF8jEmmYfB1Zk069ZE-U0z02XJKI5LsNgCiSXN8twH9wCut2B8pMqE_aTzfSjkpk8ZK5U2vcL5Gl_Y4dBvHSTUtdTnpCmBPk-hrTrlkU4-z2GkypzGa1GS-m6HGwGCuOC3io/s400/IMG_4011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">sweep</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uJSkOBiARO_56JrcBdFDdEc40uhzc5kaUttA8jVEsNEWCwlFrIwEv4dyT7HKoBCX9GejpHpniLILlb-BFf2gCU93kELzevHs_nX7VGuyzw3zCUE2be2GlKGUm8bHjHO5ISywiqH6r8Y/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uJSkOBiARO_56JrcBdFDdEc40uhzc5kaUttA8jVEsNEWCwlFrIwEv4dyT7HKoBCX9GejpHpniLILlb-BFf2gCU93kELzevHs_nX7VGuyzw3zCUE2be2GlKGUm8bHjHO5ISywiqH6r8Y/s400/IMG_4012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">wet the surface</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk-9VFawI0AvvANy1Yt3SXTLeViX3N6Io8MYZKChoAo2u7Va-UcIQJG5mxFKibTXzB7Q1V0sSbDu9snEyGPaJbTnqRoIYHHlPC1RNnfMYdBF1nfRKcq2LKVSFUtK9bIPL0yZxv1L_zVs/s1600/IMG_4013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk-9VFawI0AvvANy1Yt3SXTLeViX3N6Io8MYZKChoAo2u7Va-UcIQJG5mxFKibTXzB7Q1V0sSbDu9snEyGPaJbTnqRoIYHHlPC1RNnfMYdBF1nfRKcq2LKVSFUtK9bIPL0yZxv1L_zVs/s400/IMG_4013.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>sprinkle</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVPKRHPRvUh_ykcjR9H5nORr5lBKfRzK3V-DrAepFY6epIhWuzkbpHQyxPWacYKhAf0r6y9yBv9gghinf1u8Ns400ZqUqWesHP-c13ECW9jux8Ju-piV6Qz86rUKbTM46O0wA4jEtGDw/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVPKRHPRvUh_ykcjR9H5nORr5lBKfRzK3V-DrAepFY6epIhWuzkbpHQyxPWacYKhAf0r6y9yBv9gghinf1u8Ns400ZqUqWesHP-c13ECW9jux8Ju-piV6Qz86rUKbTM46O0wA4jEtGDw/s400/IMG_4014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">rub</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AOBMdOaqhmREZtEqyUUF0ti-4I7Ct3_EMImLKTf22KrJRy_IKIJq06tsKRF3rInhcyjg_oEwso6WslcwDs2GOy7D1DLrnbZlVPshnosborj6h4UBsplVvw4_orHFnhQAOzf2fu18eK4/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AOBMdOaqhmREZtEqyUUF0ti-4I7Ct3_EMImLKTf22KrJRy_IKIJq06tsKRF3rInhcyjg_oEwso6WslcwDs2GOy7D1DLrnbZlVPshnosborj6h4UBsplVvw4_orHFnhQAOzf2fu18eK4/s400/IMG_4015.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">rinse</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO0KnkNYpIN_uliGBkSYmgVcGu-R69K6wpVXTKy5r-VQDQl1loBQGcIuCJRytWDohmAjKPYxS_eoDAClyr-MfpkBampm2987W5g7U8J7fTWb1RnZwovbFJ7KAOO76YCbph4KgOThvREg/s1600/IMG_4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO0KnkNYpIN_uliGBkSYmgVcGu-R69K6wpVXTKy5r-VQDQl1loBQGcIuCJRytWDohmAjKPYxS_eoDAClyr-MfpkBampm2987W5g7U8J7fTWb1RnZwovbFJ7KAOO76YCbph4KgOThvREg/s400/IMG_4016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">enjoy!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">But don't just take it from me. Bar Keepers Friend is recommended by All-Clad and Celphalon, Viking, Kohler, Real Simple, Readers Digest, Emeril, and so many other household names that we love and trust. Who needs advertising when you've got a list of references? Bam! <a href="http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/recommended-by" target="_blank">http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/recommended-by</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Linking up this month to the "May Mini Challenge: Clean House!" on IHeart Organizing. Check it out for tons of other tips and tricks by people who clean because they have to, just like you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-57224994896818922982013-05-06T22:34:00.000-04:002013-05-06T22:34:16.698-04:00Trellis Tra la la la la Triangle<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've gotten myself into a bit of a love triangle with the CSA membership and the early start to the garden. Like any affair, it's still in it's earliest exciting stage. I can see benefits of keeping them both going for awhile. The CSA is more of a vested commitment, a little unpredictable, but less work, no mess, and guaranteed to be gone with the boys of summer (cue Don Henley, or for something completely different)...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15wYryIIGSX2kWYn2RR8-p36XSOdBsLlVJ4vKybJ5czI9WnhOXPCkMnTZvI3oBd9JxNS2ijFqiYOuox7beKjU4ERkpsHTXuMGtZ-lAJf2xztcl92ocO73Os_PZ4zk4u0wgXpSwErKJp2m/s200/Lovetriangle.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="150" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=vBvXV79LzHM&feature=fvwp" target="_blank">Patsy Cline- Tra la la la la Triangle (click and sing along for added entertainment)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The vegetable garden has me weary still, as some early shoots have really taken off (cucumbers are versatile, right?), and others are duds for sure. But there is always fun in trying, and we did so enjoy the starting of the seeds...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE2J-sU6Q-z5BhDNZF6WXIKm5KAL7wdfq8Ta_XMELGeMlpezKTK0kLreCR2TCDU3B-9Yil-wuK6cmZPRH8VzvWO320cDta3_3ITdbodGKBrnn7e2QCZmCdN0iOQWKk7TYyS3yP5kaR2E/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE2J-sU6Q-z5BhDNZF6WXIKm5KAL7wdfq8Ta_XMELGeMlpezKTK0kLreCR2TCDU3B-9Yil-wuK6cmZPRH8VzvWO320cDta3_3ITdbodGKBrnn7e2QCZmCdN0iOQWKk7TYyS3yP5kaR2E/s400/IMG_0808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIL8mvaLuVUzVbWL9LmXwwfGMppOOrAx6teOsgIebe2L4bhEatOsdojwrafpKS45glD8FzLTlLR1I21owHJh8Wy_C0weVW6upj6DpjjQ59wJm8KtdgaTTxvqmmDcZRQAIDAl8SANPwiM/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIL8mvaLuVUzVbWL9LmXwwfGMppOOrAx6teOsgIebe2L4bhEatOsdojwrafpKS45glD8FzLTlLR1I21owHJh8Wy_C0weVW6upj6DpjjQ59wJm8KtdgaTTxvqmmDcZRQAIDAl8SANPwiM/s640/IMG_0809.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With the kitchen table protected, project central was open for business. This was about 3 weeks ago now, and we needed to feel productive as we waited for Mother Nature to commit to warmer weather.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wNt36xn2t-3qCP_Smy2vyp3j8lQuUSR4rP3glVMVe-Q4EhkJqpslVsBlASDK1f2OJTw4rKvom0FK-_QpU0lN1XXAyB4TIkVhJW6RnOND07mFAUoSwX3oYCqIuyHLx30TGdKtKn9UkSI/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wNt36xn2t-3qCP_Smy2vyp3j8lQuUSR4rP3glVMVe-Q4EhkJqpslVsBlASDK1f2OJTw4rKvom0FK-_QpU0lN1XXAyB4TIkVhJW6RnOND07mFAUoSwX3oYCqIuyHLx30TGdKtKn9UkSI/s640/IMG_0812.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have saved seeds for years, probably too long for some, and have never been good about keeping a log. This year, I gathered, sorted, and started the ones that I thought would work best indoors, giving them a good head start. Since then, I've started to re-think the cukes, pumpkins and watermelon. Next year, those will go into the ground. Part of my challenge (as if I needed another handicap in the garden), was to grow what I could with what I had, and leave the rest of to the CSA. That way, I wouldn't feel so invested in the ground, but I can see what I can do with the resources that I have on hand. Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-think, remark, re-try...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Note: Easter Basket Remains piled in the corner;)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQicysXmGFrYtykRQY0YApG4DWSMk9RK7SAxpFxlL9jRyd-ieFqvtMXuSu3ztr5x87y1VMAzuB6ZIaF2j6WxXATv5sPCZPtOSNvFpI9cZBp2t5OLdrL7AU48z9qA_eyGNuIXeoQQPT0k/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQicysXmGFrYtykRQY0YApG4DWSMk9RK7SAxpFxlL9jRyd-ieFqvtMXuSu3ztr5x87y1VMAzuB6ZIaF2j6WxXATv5sPCZPtOSNvFpI9cZBp2t5OLdrL7AU48z9qA_eyGNuIXeoQQPT0k/s640/IMG_0917.JPG" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 week seedlings</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The cukes in the photos above are now about twice as big, and starting to get a little leggy. I've been searching for some trellis ideas on Pinterest and found a few that are really cute, and some that look easy and sustainable.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Hopefully, I'll come up with something soon enough...</span></div>
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<img height="400" id="irc_mi" src="http://honeybuttergranola.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cucumber-trellis1.jpg" style="margin-top: 60px;" width="319" /></div>
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<a href="http://honeybuttergranola.com/" target="_blank">cucumber trellis idea via pintrest</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chesapeakecrafts.com/" target="_blank">trellis teepee</a></td></tr>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-83091521968759812662013-04-23T22:43:00.001-04:002013-04-23T22:43:06.177-04:00The Mess of Progress<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Each time that I try and strip wallpaper, it's the same old aggravations
all over again. I exhaust myself on day one, make a little progress, and desert the mess until I can get back into the project at a better time. This is why I
didn't want to mess with the hall. But the thing is, I need this
space to do something, and it's not gonna do it on its own! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> </span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't mess with me!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As much as I hate the procedure of these projects, I've learned a lot from this type of home improvement. Because, lets face it, there's lots of time to think when you do it yourself:
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
1. You really can learn to I live with it, even if you don't love it.
Sometimes that means learning to live with the wallpaper that you hate,
and other times it means learning to live with the mess of taking it
all down. In any case, that's just life, sometimes it's messy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWowzdUUD9n7Lnoe-b0oeS21AW8dr_fin-cPAk5Fj67ojDPA70xgiXQH97L3LfOZ_yvbLer40lqqxP2JgZg6WE1pH-gEIcrW4dE4h5z6CWfyPfGKzzz3dcKN8Kz8uqSd9cfX_XhcOu1eA/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWowzdUUD9n7Lnoe-b0oeS21AW8dr_fin-cPAk5Fj67ojDPA70xgiXQH97L3LfOZ_yvbLer40lqqxP2JgZg6WE1pH-gEIcrW4dE4h5z6CWfyPfGKzzz3dcKN8Kz8uqSd9cfX_XhcOu1eA/s400/IMG_1408.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
2. Safety first. I guess that should really go to the #1 spot, but you
can't get to the safety issues until you've decided to make your first
move, so this sits at #2. I worked in the Emergency Room for 11 years,
and believe me when I tell you that I've seen my share of accidental
injuries when it came to people not looking out for their safety on
the scene. For example: the working mother of 2 who sneaks herself on-top a
kiddie chair in the back yard to fill the bird feeder is definitely going
to break her wrist and be out of work for a few weeks laid up. You may be quite familiar as well with the character of the dad who
can't wait for help, so he tries to independently cut down those burdening
branches, leading to an unsightly bludgeoning in mid-day for all to witness when the tree whacks him
upside the head. And don't even tell me about drinking while roofing.
That's simply ugly (you don't ever want to hear and orthopedist say
"I've never seen anything like this"). Bottom line, take care of
yourself. If there's a little voice saying "maybe you shouldn't...(fill in the blank)",
then listen up. It's really not part of the fun if you're going to get
hurt.</span></div>
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<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Safety first, Dear! <a href="http://www.exponent.com%20/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.exponent.com</span> </a></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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3. There is a reason why "tall" is listed before "dark and handsome".
Someone needs to be able to reach the light fixtures and crown molding.
Am I right?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lq3YgCn5Z2stl_s1mNjbhnQJ0B2woFhX3Is5LmurXYFlavRFR94RtTbJ1QxWUrAdZAuYhiaL63pyhZSr4wsUmaGEPgmrPHpnVK_C40rpziDcANMVEemp51vnX13_mZDb1bFGqj5dEm4/s1600/tall-men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lq3YgCn5Z2stl_s1mNjbhnQJ0B2woFhX3Is5LmurXYFlavRFR94RtTbJ1QxWUrAdZAuYhiaL63pyhZSr4wsUmaGEPgmrPHpnVK_C40rpziDcANMVEemp51vnX13_mZDb1bFGqj5dEm4/s400/tall-men.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyguyed.com/" target="_blank"><i>everyguyed.com</i></a></td></tr>
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4. It's just paint (unless its wallpaper, see above). If you paint it
and you hate it, you can change it no problem. There was a day when I
tried two shades of red and three shades of orange before I found the gray
primer that proved to me that gray walls was really all I needed to soothe my soul.</span></div>
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<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Take your time, find the right color for the space</i><span class="irc_hd irc_iis"><span class="irc_ho"><i> </i></span><i style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.askandreceive.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.askandreceive.co.uk</a></i><span class="irc_dim"></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">5. There are more important things in life than getting the right look out of your hallway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />6. There will always be other things to do, so do it when you can. </span><span style="font-size: small;">If you can't get to it right now, you probably have a good reason, and it really isn't that important anyway. In the end, it will get done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">7. Project your thoughts beyond what is immediately in front of you. Projecting through the mess will lead to success.</span></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-53495809126250056792013-04-10T23:33:00.003-04:002013-04-11T22:36:58.888-04:00The Succulent Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These succulents were acquired as party favors from a kids birthday bash at the end of last summer. They have been putting up with their limited space and occasional attention that we have afforded them so far, but I felt bad over the winter and wanted to finally give them more chance at survival. Besides, we started some seeds last week, and I needed an instant fix of green to hold me over until something sprouts;) </span> </div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tucked away in a deserted box in the garage were these cute wooden candle holders. At one time, I had about 20 of these left over from a party long forgotten, but I always new I would find a way to get something more out of the collection.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had read about required drainage for succulents, so I was planning to poke some holes. I was prepared to go about it in a violent way, but it turns out that the cheap wood was very forgiving, allowing for quick perforations with the twist of a screwdriver.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">ACE</a> was the place to find the "Cactus, Palm and Citrus Soil". The pebbles were found under the porch. Step by simple step, the experiment came together:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is one of the two resulting displays. I hope that they both make it, especially because we couldn't resist naming the little green life-forms. May "Spike", "Spikey" and all their friends live happy, long lives! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">See more inspiring projects with these links where I linked (wink!):</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/04/sunday-linky-party-2.html" target="_blank">http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/04/sunday-linky-party-2.html </a></span></span></div>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-4079346456580201432013-04-10T22:32:00.000-04:002013-04-11T22:38:07.617-04:00Head Band Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few weeks ago, we were getting together some outfits for school picture day. In doing so, my daughter Madelyn started searching for the perfect headband for each outfit we sampled. This led to a lot of "where is..." and "remember my..." type questions, as the collection had scattered itself throughout the house is a random fashion over time. We did our best to hunt, gather, and organize. This is what we came up with, and our step by step of the fun quick project that we did ourselves:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DIY Headband Stand</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I had stashed away an empty oatmeal cylinder, waiting for the day it would find it's calling. Today was the day that it would become our Headband Stand:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">We sorted through our scrapbook paper collection to find the perfect page to cover the container. Using a glue stick and a little tape to move things along at a quick, fun, kid friendly pace, we attached the paper to the exterior for a decorative cover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, I found this pretty ribbon in our craft closet. We could've left it alone or found another embellishment, but this ribbon was one I purchased while still pregnant with Maddy, thinking that I would use it as tie backs in her nursery. Turned out the curtains I bought didn't need them, so I held onto this until the right project came along. This made the project even more special for me;) The glue stick worked great, allowing the fabric to attach to the paper with little effort.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Truly, this project took less than 15 minutes, but it was good time spent together, and she was so proud in the end. While I cleaned up, she added some stickers to the top edge (not pictured), and made it even better. The inside of the canister is a great catch-all for her loose hair ties, barrettes, silly bands, and miscellaneous treasures. This is a fun and functional project, incorporating recycled materials, resulting in a useful organizational piece! Shiver and shriek!!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">See more inspiring projects with these links where I linked (wink!):</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/04/sunday-linky-party-2.html" target="_blank">http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/04/sunday-linky-party-2.html </a></span></span></div>
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<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-43514883917297772382013-04-01T15:59:00.000-04:002013-04-02T22:03:32.631-04:00Beach and Bubble Bath<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few years back, my husband and I found ourselves caught up in a short sale mess. Our house had sold while we were waiting for movement on a short sale that was simply not going anywhere too soon. We waited and thought patiently of what we would do once the house was ours. There was so much about that house that I loved, so much that I thought I had to have. For example and with reasons that I can't fully explain, I fell in love with the upstairs family bath. There was a beach theme that was just so much fun. There were framed photos of the family at the beach, bright warm seashore colors, and a few too many cute themed items that I was sure to change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, that house still hasn't sold and it's been 3 years since we moved into what is now our true home. When we got here, the upstairs bath had a bright yellow floral print that I thought was classic, elegant and oh so vintage. But the question remained in my mind: "Where's the beach?". Turns out, it was hiding and just waiting to be found!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The room had bright white tile with sand colored grout lines, white wood work and glass door knobs to start. We added Behr paint in "Manhattan Mist", and freshened up the white trim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found a sea-foam green shower curtain with green "sea-glass" hooks left over from our first home stash!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These frames were simple, perfect, and so affordable at the Christmas Tree Shops!</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the colors and "sea-glass" look to the frames, and the photos that we used remind me of fun trips and warm summer days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The towel rack was from TJX and had the look of sea grass with the glass accents to compliment the other glass in the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the built in closets of this space. The "short sale" house never had that! The cabinet has gone through some updating and organizing as well. I recently found some rolls of wall paper inside the linen closet and used it to take the cabinet look from this:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">OK, now for the really dark before photo:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And, after:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your home is what you make it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To see more awesome before and after projects and posts, see where I've linked on the following sites:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decor Chick</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Suburbs Mama</a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IHeart Organizing</a></span></div>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-76009345551681696792013-03-23T08:49:00.001-04:002013-04-02T22:02:33.883-04:00Little Loo Like New<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
When a well used space feels dark, cramped, and outdated, there are only so many times that you can say "I like it, it's cute!" before you get fed up and rip into it. At the end of last summer, despite the unrelenting heat and humidity, we finally said good-bye to the floral wrapped first floor bath and transformed the space into this:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="goog_1955673370"></span><span id="goog_1955673371"></span> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>The before pictures were taken in haste, as the urge to get going on this project was strong, and there was only so much time before the kids would be back. However, it's helpful to see from where we've come:</div>
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Initially, I found the floral patterned walls to be soothing and
classic, but I'm pretty sure that I was just trying to convince myself to not have do the dirty work of taking it down. The old window pane mirror had a certain charm. Come to find out, it was severely limiting the visual space and stealing an opportunity to expand the light within the room. What would
one do to compliment a pink tile floor? I certainly wasn't up to tearing it out. And how could we make that tiny
shower seem spacious (without blowing out a wall)?</div>
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First of all, the paper removal was not easy. We had tried the vinegar and water trick, scraping, and swearing methods without much success. Finally, we busted out the old wallpaper steamer and that eventually did the trick. Next, we (meaning "not me") bleached the walls and ceiling to removal any traces of mold that had built up under the old paper so that we could start fresh, and a mildew resistant primer was put up to prevent any trouble in the future. This was not a one day project for sure, but we divided and conquered as best as we could. Trust me, there was plenty of mauve colored woodwork to freshen up with bright white paint while all that messiness was getting done. The prep work is definitely the hardest part, and it's tough to keep the energy flowing. Once we found the paint color that we wanted and got to see it up on the walls, it gave us some renewed strength to press on.</div>
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I have always loved the look of pink and green together, so the floor problem was solved once we found Benjamin Moore's "Tea Light". It added a soothing brightness without becoming too much of a chilly sherbert color. I had considered going with shades of brown, cream or tangerine, but I think we made the right decision. </div>
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The mirror was a steal! I found this a T.J.Maxx sitting vertically in the rack. Turned on it's side, it fit perfectly in the space to join the vanity and the loo, while reflecting the sunshine from the sky light above.</div>
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The shower size wasn't going to be changed any time soon. We had no intentions of busting down walls, although it crossed our minds and was quickly slipped into the "crazy thoughts to be discussed later" parts of our brains. Instead, we switched out the shower head to give the shower a larger, rainfall effect, thereby making the shower "feel" bigger, when you close your eyes;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkjcfJlX_bbzh9uICf5r8sMe-xapOFq3TzXxVATl7wIXLcubcKublhwIbPuJ8LAKuhG2AQcfnARyhSS3GCCwwk0Nik-l8RQUfYAG7WbiCYPaZyG-RPdGtGFc90hLJUyi07-Q_1HE7lNw/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkjcfJlX_bbzh9uICf5r8sMe-xapOFq3TzXxVATl7wIXLcubcKublhwIbPuJ8LAKuhG2AQcfnARyhSS3GCCwwk0Nik-l8RQUfYAG7WbiCYPaZyG-RPdGtGFc90hLJUyi07-Q_1HE7lNw/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
The bathroom vent is not a pretty picture. I looked into getting a fancier panel to replace it, but they were pricey, so I kept thinking and looking around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14FPHlaVCDTNn43CrZFxCpL19P1y0tkdX6s-_lzr94bJGiKNpJjzMRl6i7QLVZ_0hyRHOTjcIfNJJTic5JcEq6udJsk3YKpAd19gRLzDv2Gm932aLkR-KWCy_P1YxI87tUd1q4vCukUM/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14FPHlaVCDTNn43CrZFxCpL19P1y0tkdX6s-_lzr94bJGiKNpJjzMRl6i7QLVZ_0hyRHOTjcIfNJJTic5JcEq6udJsk3YKpAd19gRLzDv2Gm932aLkR-KWCy_P1YxI87tUd1q4vCukUM/s400/IMG_0590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The clearance rack at T.J.X was where I struck gold. For under $10, I found this wooden panel in a scuffed up condition. Once home, I gave it some elbow grease and voila!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeeTxz9j-pk_EY3qgISnFEjOWIDJqv9xLwLpuEb-NBJEHOzHjFAGZ_iNRdENdoH_NfT3D44uHID4vLlEdxyQ04khWHqS5AC7JKzATk4jJ2bmOb-xu5OVVgv0utEwBnT4P65DmkWs3u-c/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeeTxz9j-pk_EY3qgISnFEjOWIDJqv9xLwLpuEb-NBJEHOzHjFAGZ_iNRdENdoH_NfT3D44uHID4vLlEdxyQ04khWHqS5AC7JKzATk4jJ2bmOb-xu5OVVgv0utEwBnT4P65DmkWs3u-c/s640/IMG_0591.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
Under the sink is the only storage spot in this room, and it was seriously lacking organization. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVa8G0p20rPp37kwI586QL9jBwWhuvV16G_Gvk5UfavTFc9PqLmiYWXgdKQMg0f9-421bFEcuwEfFNWpfp56fe2PUXBUsv54x2i3MMWjJohdkvG7hdiTVvFNu7NkivdCcHVdmIM-JmdE/s1600/IMG_3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVa8G0p20rPp37kwI586QL9jBwWhuvV16G_Gvk5UfavTFc9PqLmiYWXgdKQMg0f9-421bFEcuwEfFNWpfp56fe2PUXBUsv54x2i3MMWjJohdkvG7hdiTVvFNu7NkivdCcHVdmIM-JmdE/s640/IMG_3860.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first step was to sort and find some storage. The dollar store was a great place to find a few baskets and bins. I came up with this handled plastic basket to store and hang my blow dryer, curling iron, and a brush. When I get kicked out, I can bring this wherever I need to go to get ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2TZ-0kO8WaZYPJoaRtT0rhKlLcxrba9PyApPMM7Whp8U3PfQS7F7xolskbHOSSLPTEPSdJLYV9O9ja4Kho3Q5-66hoh0EhKSg3ymA8457uO9uHLEmmno673sPTIwYCLl7ORT13xoL-M/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2TZ-0kO8WaZYPJoaRtT0rhKlLcxrba9PyApPMM7Whp8U3PfQS7F7xolskbHOSSLPTEPSdJLYV9O9ja4Kho3Q5-66hoh0EhKSg3ymA8457uO9uHLEmmno673sPTIwYCLl7ORT13xoL-M/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Things were getting better, and I could say that everything was starting to have it's place. But visually there was still something missing. When no one was looking, I climbed into that cabinet and created a backsplash with some simple pattered contact paper ($1!), and it made all the difference!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVAbtn4P9W4unJar8OgdKGUhpBQlhlFukX94Qfkuz2eJC50Hr9GJPBFD3gYY88iJ4739cCVb5owRZbhiMMPu2UqXXjvjiGDQRYeDMVbJcivlgstneMeE2hl7xpswO1jo_ATwAI0JV0Ss/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVAbtn4P9W4unJar8OgdKGUhpBQlhlFukX94Qfkuz2eJC50Hr9GJPBFD3gYY88iJ4739cCVb5owRZbhiMMPu2UqXXjvjiGDQRYeDMVbJcivlgstneMeE2hl7xpswO1jo_ATwAI0JV0Ss/s640/IMG_0695.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
I'm so glad to have this room crossed off the to-do list, and I think the new look leaves the old bathroom green with envy:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhccjfC5UQ70eLZWCzZ8f5q8Zr6AthPEj0J-fEJgpp58CFKYMQ7R1O1fZoC5HcgCfAPVrb-iRRkF81jHp7urMSik7dfDaYg9yAwaf9yl2rf86tWqrhHsIJUtd2MBfMw2Xmfnz3Km83vk/s1600/IMG_3636+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhccjfC5UQ70eLZWCzZ8f5q8Zr6AthPEj0J-fEJgpp58CFKYMQ7R1O1fZoC5HcgCfAPVrb-iRRkF81jHp7urMSik7dfDaYg9yAwaf9yl2rf86tWqrhHsIJUtd2MBfMw2Xmfnz3Km83vk/s640/IMG_3636+-+Copy.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDGESVT_hxigNoT6D0SziwWnu4G67kqZOWnEQP-GOpid3mD7WLFvNkUp6N3AaT82pHCYw-DBzo_mY_wRyQU5STbMs6LSETzBVG8pir9ePic5_aG3ICvBNHnVE1vQ7lWNkJVIrDRvMMQ/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDGESVT_hxigNoT6D0SziwWnu4G67kqZOWnEQP-GOpid3mD7WLFvNkUp6N3AaT82pHCYw-DBzo_mY_wRyQU5STbMs6LSETzBVG8pir9ePic5_aG3ICvBNHnVE1vQ7lWNkJVIrDRvMMQ/s640/IMG_0595.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><i>After </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To see more awesome before and after projects and posts, see where I've linked on the following sites:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decor Chick</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Suburbs Mama</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IHeart Organizing</a> </span></div>
<br /></div>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-62910327338605109452013-03-18T22:40:00.000-04:002013-03-18T22:40:11.479-04:00Easter Brunch Ideas<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Time to put a spring in your step if you're planning brunch for your family bunch this upcoming Easter</span>.<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The morning should be simple, sweet, and oh so savory to welcome the longer days and warmer sunshine!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I think of what to make for Easter Brunch, my go-to is <b>Lemon Blueberry Bundt</b> cake. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I first found this gem on the cover of the <a href="http://www.familycircle.com/" target="_blank">Family Circle</a> many moons ago</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This recipe is definitely in the book (<a href="http://organasms.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-secret-ingredient-is-love.html" target="_blank">Secret Ingredient Is Love</a>) and has been much loved in our house by many friends and lots of family. This is so not your grandmother's hot cross buns! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrLyNVVxgV5Ks4O77ooiVrSFIjIIQ_9h0Q_diWweVtnjoilMHHF_uoPC3_npy8g2n1nPtYN3wiGYheyOtN7Bl7bfaHWZG-S_fsi5rWhcW2tCjsaxjsfdQssrRzDQh5t0QBYe_Y8BVMUw/s1600/lemon-bundt-cake-ay-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrLyNVVxgV5Ks4O77ooiVrSFIjIIQ_9h0Q_diWweVtnjoilMHHF_uoPC3_npy8g2n1nPtYN3wiGYheyOtN7Bl7bfaHWZG-S_fsi5rWhcW2tCjsaxjsfdQssrRzDQh5t0QBYe_Y8BVMUw/s400/lemon-bundt-cake-ay-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemon-blueberry-bundt-cake-10000001976647/</span></i></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(<i>can be made 2 days ahead, covered, and chilled if there's room in the 'fridge)</i> </span></b></div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<ul>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2 3/4</b>
cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 1/2</b>
teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1/4</b>
teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1/4</b>
teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>
cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 3/4</b>
cups sugar</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4 </b>
eggs</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2 </b>
tablespoons lemon juice</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>
tablespoon lemon zest</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 1/2</b>
teaspoons vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>
cup buttermilk</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 1/4</b>
tablespoons flour</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 1/4</b>
cups blueberries, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Glaze: <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>(Note: I skip this step and just sprinkle a dusting of confectioners sugar, adding a little zest for color)</i></span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 1/2</b>
cups confectioners sugar</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>6
- 7 </b>
teaspoons lemon juice</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>
tablespoon corn syrup</span></li>
<li class="individualIngredient bg1">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Lemon zest for garnish, optional</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
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</div>
<div class="ingredientGroup" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1.</b>
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2.</b>
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3.</b>
In another large bowl, beat butter until smooth.
Add sugar and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one
at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon juice, lemon zest
and vanilla and beat until combined. Beat in flour in three additions,
alternating with buttermilk. Beat for 2 minutes on medium-high. Fold in
blueberries. Spoon into prepared pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4.</b>
Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes or until a
toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire
rack for 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edges of the pan. Turn
out and cool completely.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b class="instructionGroupHeader">Glaze:</b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5.</b>
In a small bowl, mix together confectioners
sugar, lemon juice and corn syrup until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake
and let it roll down the sides.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Next up, <b>quiche</b>! If you've never conquered a quiche, you'll be amazed at the ease and find a taste that's sure to please. This can be made 1-2 nights ahead, and kept covered, chilled, and reheated until warmed through. A quiche also allows you to get creative with contents. Basically, anything goes as long as it tastes good with eggs. Some of my favorite add-ins are onion, cheese, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cheese, bacon, peppers, sausage, any combination of these, and of course, more cheese.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ouro5152VjH03CU1huTWy1H1V22HLAzuBIJURFfPr_cUVtP_K_h8BcOsdx_iCzBEwGubEL02cYD7I_R94XJM1fVa7oXM3v-LtQIOjcz2cvmvTJtLQkfnu1iSAN8IOquCyOQCD5bqhh4/s1600/quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ouro5152VjH03CU1huTWy1H1V22HLAzuBIJURFfPr_cUVtP_K_h8BcOsdx_iCzBEwGubEL02cYD7I_R94XJM1fVa7oXM3v-LtQIOjcz2cvmvTJtLQkfnu1iSAN8IOquCyOQCD5bqhh4/s400/quiche.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span>Flickr by cardamom at<a class="external free" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://flickr.com/photos/52461758@N00/300453813" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <span style="color: black;">http://flickr.com/photos/52461758@N00/300453813</span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Basic Quiche</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>frozen pie crust<b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4 </b>eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 </b>pint (16 0z.) half and half</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2 </b>cups shredded cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">add-ins of your choice</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">salt and pepper</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1.</b> Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2.</b> Place pie crust into glass pie plate.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3.</b> Whisk together eggs, half and half, and spices.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. </b>Place 1 cup of cheese in the prepared crust.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5.</b> Layer add-ins of choice.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>6. </b>Cover layers with sprinkling of 1 cup of cheese.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>7.</b> Pour liquid mixture over the top, slowly, allowing it to fill the crust.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>8.</b> Create tasteful presentation of final top contents (see photo above).</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>9.</b> Bake for 1 hour, remove, and allow it to cool and set up a bit before serving. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Fresh baked <b>Apple French Toast</b> creates a wonderfully warm blend of sweet caramelized apples and moist, spongy French toast that's a snap to put together the night before your guests arrive. This is a comfort food worth savoring each bite!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufuDWCqRcdllV9bVKbj2wFk3o9xhWfi6RvIQoZV7lTTpfUKXJhF5POzouST0RPOg2gYgsSlaeqG8veuIU0No4NMDKxwOTKf_7NrzTBSYmcKkc36KQrHFGZNZ9VmhnQEFTZpC0_XIiNco/s1600/Baked+Apple+&+Cinnamon+French+Toast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufuDWCqRcdllV9bVKbj2wFk3o9xhWfi6RvIQoZV7lTTpfUKXJhF5POzouST0RPOg2gYgsSlaeqG8veuIU0No4NMDKxwOTKf_7NrzTBSYmcKkc36KQrHFGZNZ9VmhnQEFTZpC0_XIiNco/s400/Baked+Apple+&+Cinnamon+French+Toast.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via <a href="http://mahiarunskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/05/baked-apple-cinnamon-french-toast.html" target="_blank">http://mahiarunskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/05/baked-apple-cinnamon-french-toast.html</a></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Apple French Toast</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">recipe courtesy of LuAnn Trombly, chef</span></i> </b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup packed brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tb light corn syrup</span></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> In a small sauce pan over low to medium heat, cook the above ingredients until thick (5-7 minutes), stirring as needed. Pour the mixture into an ungreased 13x9 in. glass baking pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Next, mix the following:</span></li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"> 3. Slice (peel first if desired) 2 large tart apples (granny smith, gala, or macs).</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> 4. Cut 10 slices of thick bread (Texas toast, or similar) in half, corner to corner. Dip the bread into the egg mixture for 1 minute.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> 5. Assemble: Layer bread into the baking dish, point side up. Place an apple slice in between each layer. Chop any remaining apples and sprinkle over the top.</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> 6. Place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take out the dish and allow it to rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350 degrees F. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest on a cooling rack (see photo) until ready to serve. </span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> 7. Consider toppings! This is beautiful served alone, with a simple sprinkle of confectioners sugar, along side maple syrup, or with a special glaze as follows:</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 jar (10 oz.) apple jelly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">*Heat in a sauce pan until a warm liquid forms, and drizzle over the French Toast right when it comes out of the oven. Yum!</span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Got more eggs? Of course you do, it's Easter! Another dish that's best prepared the night before and baked at 350 degrees F, right along side your Apple French Toast while you hunt for eggs is a <b>Strata</b>. This is another easy breezy beautiful brunch item that stretches the budget and pleases the crowd. </span>Strata is a bread pudding-like layered comfort food casserole made with
eggs, cheese and stale cubed bread. To the basic recipe, you can add
infinite combinations of vegetables, fish or meat. Eat this warm, and stay full all day!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWiOkckhxA0kECKnnB1XhiVcxNwoHSwxj_s4iVHgMfJAUFozdcUrPYzxedj7gGcu5b-SI7tlK9YcUe5mC-I6CAc6UX9jg9vA68asNAVN4XgIHanX0fbuJXGMVmcYfU8KxiYrQlLRNU5I/s1600/pour-breakfast-casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWiOkckhxA0kECKnnB1XhiVcxNwoHSwxj_s4iVHgMfJAUFozdcUrPYzxedj7gGcu5b-SI7tlK9YcUe5mC-I6CAc6UX9jg9vA68asNAVN4XgIHanX0fbuJXGMVmcYfU8KxiYrQlLRNU5I/s400/pour-breakfast-casserole.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via</span></i><span class="irc_iis" id="irc_hd"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a class="irc_itl" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Iyhj-iqtyAijdM&tbnid=pR2VqSAHsGih2M:&ved=0CAQQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caramelpotatoes.com%2F2011%2F10%2F20%2Fcheese-and-sausage-egg-strata%2F&ei=73hGUaHtIKa50gGs8oAY&bvm=bv.43828540,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNG30Bk7LzmQFRjWsPy_iW_xiLOjKA&ust=1363659269553384" id="irc_hol"><span id="irc_ho"> www.caramelpotatoes.com</span></a></span></i><span id="irc_dim"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b>Bacon, Egg, Cheese (+/- veggie) Strata</b></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">recipe derived and modified from allrecipes.com</span></i></div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<ul>
<li>about 12 slices of thick bread, cubed (enough to cover the bottom to middle of a 13x9 inch glass baking dish)</li>
<li>1/4 to 1/2 cup crispy cooked bacon</li>
<li>2 cups shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>vegetable of choice </li>
<li>9 eggs, wisked</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups half and half</li>
<li>1 cup of milk </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Toss cubed
bread with bacon, cheese, and vegetable of choice (I used tomatoes, but you can invent your own), and pour into a 9x13 inch
baking dish. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and salt/pepper until
smooth, then pour evenly over cubed bread. Cover dish with plastic wrap,
and refrigerate overnight.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Remove
plastic wrap from the baking dish, and bake strata in preheated oven
until the top is golden brown, and the eggs are set, about 1 hour. Let
stand for 10 minutes before serving. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To balance out all the eggs and cheese, I like to serve some salads to lighten the load. A chopped salad of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, dried cranberries, and feta is bright and bold with balsamic dressing. A fruit salad is a treat, and brings to mind the berries that are soon to be springing from the garden beds. Some roasted potatoes can be prepared a day or two ahead and reheated in the oven while another dish cooks to perfection. The following carrot salad is terrific, especially when you need to do something with all those carrots you bought to lure the bunny to your door!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVVGlUZgeBgFT1moHFBfMPFSmkGFbj_jtz3qvzVy_fOYuemgfp6d1Ui3CkA6Eqa1wVjY1KjoXz7YBHzWcmH62EzJ-G6vhp7ZuLGB-kgPenJaAdwOxUd0iIbc_eMXtsSScXzQWLT0usJ4/s1600/carrot-slaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVVGlUZgeBgFT1moHFBfMPFSmkGFbj_jtz3qvzVy_fOYuemgfp6d1Ui3CkA6Eqa1wVjY1KjoXz7YBHzWcmH62EzJ-G6vhp7ZuLGB-kgPenJaAdwOxUd0iIbc_eMXtsSScXzQWLT0usJ4/s400/carrot-slaw.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via <a href="http://overtimecook.com/">overtimecook.com</a></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Maple Carrot Slaw</b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>recipe derived and modified from Family Circle</i></span><b> </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1/4 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>3 Tb cider vinegar</li>
<li>3 Tb maple syrup</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp black pepper</li>
<li>1/2 cup dried cranberries</li>
<li>2 packages (10 oz. ea.) shredded carrots</li>
<li>optional: 1 Tb. finely chopped crystallized ginger +/- 1/3 cup slivered almonds</li>
</ul>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>In a medium sized bowl, stir together mayo, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, pepper (+/- ginger). Stir in cranberries and carrots. </li>
<li>Refrigerate 2 hours to overnight.</li>
<li>If using almonds, toast before sprinkling over the top.</li>
<li>Serve cold and enjoy! It's every-bunny's favorite!</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Brunch can also involve a featured meat, if you're the carnivorous type like us. We usually do a spiral ham, which serves a crowd and usually leaves plenty of left overs. I follow the directions on the package, pretty it up with some orange slices and a special glaze (warm apricot preserves or orange marmalade mixed with orange juice), and serve this warm. It's super easy and hardly any work, but you just have to keep yourself organized with oven temps and times when considering cooking the meat just right, and getting your other dishes finished at the same time. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA4UI846QXHdl4aTDkLgSLRjsLPCagheO3R_REBcD-hsMZHX3NjmbS9vFwlZKpa4WJkdg3M01y0hnOfTKJUSXzZyEVgyzlFBIVAuhfM2a2akvUOEVDZaSuVaSx5bvPbQTeXCO6Q9t4o4/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA4UI846QXHdl4aTDkLgSLRjsLPCagheO3R_REBcD-hsMZHX3NjmbS9vFwlZKpa4WJkdg3M01y0hnOfTKJUSXzZyEVgyzlFBIVAuhfM2a2akvUOEVDZaSuVaSx5bvPbQTeXCO6Q9t4o4/s400/IMG_1893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My spiral ham ready for the oven, 2011</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will admit to one big mistake I've made in the past. I saw my ham spiral out of control the one time that I tried to be extra fancy and put fresh pineapple slices in the layers while cooking. The enzymes in the pineapple broke down the meat as it cooked, and made for a mushy mess! Not recommended- it wasn't pretty!</div>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, other than the wine and dessert (which your guests can be invited to provide), your table is set and you're ready to eat. Enjoy the hunt this year while you search for the perfect recipes to make your morning relaxed and your menu renewed. Good luck! </div>
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</div>
</div>
<div id="instructions" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-58291635606148294662013-03-13T10:15:00.000-04:002013-03-13T10:18:17.085-04:00CSA or seed a tray?<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My mother and grandmother both loved to garden. I grew up composting, digging (with spoons even), looking for worms, and eating rhubarb with sugar out of paper bags on a fresh cut lawn. But for some reason, try as I might, my green thumb is rather yellow and my crops are crap! There, I said it! That felt good;)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm done with blame. I've reasoned that the restrains on my time, the lack of sun, the dog and kids are the cause of my harvesting downfall. But the truth is that I don't know what I'm doing-right or wrong, and what results is mediocrity at best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sometimes we're good at what we know, and what we don't know remains an enigma. Despite my best intentions and thorough research, my success in gardening is limited to a few crops of lettuce (success!), and some leggy tomato vines that can't quite produce.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That being said, March always finds a way to re-ignite the fielding fire within my soul. It's always this time of year that I struggle to decide if I will take on another real time relationship with mother nature, and conquer my recurrent fears of failure. Soon it will be time to commit, but am I ready to bust out the greenhouse? Yes, I have a greenhouse:</span><br />
<br />
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<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seedlings In March</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Local horticultural guru Paul Rogers will say that my planting is too premature. In his recently published Telegram and Gazette piece, he cautions that March is too early, and April is best for starting seeds that will stay strong enough as seedlings to withstand a hardening at just the right time. He also warns that early sanitation of the landscape will allow for cleansing of the soil, allowing nature to rid itself of overwintering pests. I must admit, this might be a major weak link for me. Looking back, I've chronically recycled leaves in the garden as early compost, likely introducing the kind of killers that lurk in the dirt. I always say (at least once, anyway), finding the things that we do wrong just makes for opportunities to do better;) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=WT&Date=20121229&Category=TOWNNEWS&ArtNo=112289933&Ref=AR&maxW=335" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=WT&Date=20121229&Category=TOWNNEWS&ArtNo=112289933&Ref=AR&maxW=335" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paul Rogers</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can 't stand the thought of not having a healthy harvest to feed upon throughout the warm summer months. I've been weighing out my options to garden or give way to the CSA that is local to us. We have joined a CSA in the past, and found the produce to be a bit overwhelming at times. But we are older, smarter, and healthier now, and arguably more adept to introducing new foods to our family. Our research has found the most helpful link:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">http://www.localharvest.org/csa</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The site explains that Community Supported Agriculture has become the most streamlined way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Our most local CSA is Many Hands Organic Farm (<a href="http://mhof.net/">http://mhof.net/</a>)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mhof.net/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_large/public/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="http://mhof.net/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_large/public/flowers.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" height="150" src="http://mhof.net/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_large/public/lettuce.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mhof.net</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My friend Steve Foskett, who also writes for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette <a href="http://www.telegram.com/">http://www.telegram.com/</a>, tried out "mhof" and loved it. He attributes the start of a new lifestyle in part to the shares he received and the new foods that were introduced into his life. What's weird though, is that Steve is actually starting to look a little like Paul Rogers!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/150674_10151234112051262_432364919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="photo_img img" height="212" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/150674_10151234112051262_432364919_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Steve's impersonation of Paul Rogers</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, after much thought and further ho-humming, I am now starting to collect ideas for a "small"-ish garden and a half share in the CSA. I hope there are still shares available!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">See what I have found: </span></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/jessicacosenza/garden-ideas/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> http://pinterest.com/jessicacosenza/garden-ideas/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What's your plan to go local or go home?</span></span></span></div>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617890788920795570.post-14980467862461338242013-03-12T22:35:00.000-04:002013-03-13T22:49:57.887-04:00Spring Ahead on the Mantelpiece<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last week, while the meteorologists babbled and agonized over their non-predictions of the storm that ended up dumping more than 2 feet of fresh white snow on our doorsteps, I ignored the hype by changing out my mantelpiece for spring. The sun before the storm was pretty and warm, and I almost believed them when they said that we might just get 4-6 inches!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRqWCpmzmmU4zRB6j4Lmp50YJGDPjgSD50soEQy-P5pWpoZ99L48r0JnLM83lrLye7Lm6d5M4_y_QVMKTpRRfpcLpIlcIls4LMtvRPS399uOW1n9VBDDRAIRqmC0fCZ2GnyoIC8WTQA/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRqWCpmzmmU4zRB6j4Lmp50YJGDPjgSD50soEQy-P5pWpoZ99L48r0JnLM83lrLye7Lm6d5M4_y_QVMKTpRRfpcLpIlcIls4LMtvRPS399uOW1n9VBDDRAIRqmC0fCZ2GnyoIC8WTQA/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Winter</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmb9oVqqnVesI6-uxcVXVkWmqvygckeXjUJ7g2cPkdgMz6oG34d7-WjxmchgRXioKhjJJ9C-ONE-WD7jc8BoJ4qwjVWTYsO6yoLKBfyRlVuIjvudBZpGG5YFm2glbHo9aSpFjYIR5IGo/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmb9oVqqnVesI6-uxcVXVkWmqvygckeXjUJ7g2cPkdgMz6oG34d7-WjxmchgRXioKhjJJ9C-ONE-WD7jc8BoJ4qwjVWTYsO6yoLKBfyRlVuIjvudBZpGG5YFm2glbHo9aSpFjYIR5IGo/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Listening for signs of Spring</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAD3xBoZvRvJfdEZSKzlfy4jnwePowiMCK_lE_kRrftsyxnHf1NzuUNvIOqHsA5jijhHS4rHZKN21rQfB5Zmvstc1fhQWOBx3wqCi07RQ1u_p_hWezOyJ8G2dAA8yn2LO83e-c1oeZY/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAD3xBoZvRvJfdEZSKzlfy4jnwePowiMCK_lE_kRrftsyxnHf1NzuUNvIOqHsA5jijhHS4rHZKN21rQfB5Zmvstc1fhQWOBx3wqCi07RQ1u_p_hWezOyJ8G2dAA8yn2LO83e-c1oeZY/s320/IMG_0577.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2UE5q33qYRVUizVJCN7rU3xglHWk_Zk239HyNYDcwFJRajm_o-FLI2MNcw163OzKFBM3fyXZ5ZlssIA1i3S3l5mm_GdF9IVvd4oLovoJu9uKrb_kYlv0bCBeHS9Yba6WqNOULixYD0M/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2UE5q33qYRVUizVJCN7rU3xglHWk_Zk239HyNYDcwFJRajm_o-FLI2MNcw163OzKFBM3fyXZ5ZlssIA1i3S3l5mm_GdF9IVvd4oLovoJu9uKrb_kYlv0bCBeHS9Yba6WqNOULixYD0M/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiyyF00geoWYuQuOWTfPkOs3om_26FY9UcjESM5Jr8YEvSHs1gcHlMxRCmenowI1tj_zgqbiUznvKtHjcXWxvPBjefq5-oHb99BVU8vzSFJoWQZTI_IfdBxWBGvJdfQuhpuHTA0nzffw/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiyyF00geoWYuQuOWTfPkOs3om_26FY9UcjESM5Jr8YEvSHs1gcHlMxRCmenowI1tj_zgqbiUznvKtHjcXWxvPBjefq5-oHb99BVU8vzSFJoWQZTI_IfdBxWBGvJdfQuhpuHTA0nzffw/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rejoice!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu4KZFmL6Ahtz1ruDOOV39ciqD37F0kSI8uEGD2Z7aWDhpkCEL3R5sbJpD4fQ62VjDGA6zgJvr08jX5qDuOFQmXFks_5EeZj4Ig7EdAxvFip90ssV86Uhalggrttf_R0P1ZUYUL1X1yY/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu4KZFmL6Ahtz1ruDOOV39ciqD37F0kSI8uEGD2Z7aWDhpkCEL3R5sbJpD4fQ62VjDGA6zgJvr08jX5qDuOFQmXFks_5EeZj4Ig7EdAxvFip90ssV86Uhalggrttf_R0P1ZUYUL1X1yY/s320/IMG_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's Spring!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00722777144460928731noreply@blogger.com0