tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86837764747750596142024-02-06T18:01:38.412-08:00Bandaid ParadeA collection of thoughts and family newsTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-21482095040449151182013-08-21T19:46:00.000-07:002013-08-21T19:59:23.872-07:003, 2, 1 Blast Zone!It's been <i>months </i>since my last post! So much has been happening in our household. Where does the time go?! I know, we <u>all </u>ask ourselves that right? It's not just me... right? Sadly my blog once again got tossed to the bottom of the "to do" pile.<br />
<br />
I
have something worthy of sharing though. It's a tad overdue but some
THANK YOU's are in order! In July/August I participated in a blog
giveaway over at <a href="http://www.newlycrunchymamaof3.com/">www.newlycrunchymamaof3.com</a>. The contest was for a <a href="http://www.blastzone.com/">Blast Zone</a>
Air Walker Bounce House. Um... I WON!!! Seriously, how cool is that?!
It arrived like the day of or the day before we left for Disney (that's
all a blurr now...) but either way I was so happy to have it arrive and
so bummed that I couldn't open it for the kiddos. My 17 year old seemed
the most disappointed to not get to open it!!<br />
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So in the days following our arrival back home, we finally opened the bounce house!Check this out.<br />
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It was so easy to set up all by myself:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GJ_jyBzI4uFh4DEjtuUTrBsKvAcwuzFooG-fyfB4AYCmPRh1-cm_88ka_m0nNg3QoIIaQMq_9rqTncKOcqseIZi85BesrEKzryOcCU0yZ0kaJwIaZnseJiLyuqrV2tgtfhBfA7tuoAHm/s1600/BounceHouseSetup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GJ_jyBzI4uFh4DEjtuUTrBsKvAcwuzFooG-fyfB4AYCmPRh1-cm_88ka_m0nNg3QoIIaQMq_9rqTncKOcqseIZi85BesrEKzryOcCU0yZ0kaJwIaZnseJiLyuqrV2tgtfhBfA7tuoAHm/s320/BounceHouseSetup.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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The kids could barely contain their excitement to climb inside!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjZbpLavrXQvSVl3TawvXCKXGhNIlshoea50BptNU1Bxuxt-6jFI2tAzxR_8KYFudbgThSbQZs8KB6flb9vqgdG04vaHbZBnb1aTPV2720yci5aUHkUSY3mCeeR3t3JWhhTna8qXr3Jj/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjZbpLavrXQvSVl3TawvXCKXGhNIlshoea50BptNU1Bxuxt-6jFI2tAzxR_8KYFudbgThSbQZs8KB6flb9vqgdG04vaHbZBnb1aTPV2720yci5aUHkUSY3mCeeR3t3JWhhTna8qXr3Jj/s320/IMG_2753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then of course, they bounced... and bounced, and BOUNCED for like two hours!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CXqYSSPI-vqHjVG32g3BKtG9uXCLBK5oYftyAS5eHeJdJ6RyKS8ecZL_W3RnM30brglLuWzDhYoKllKGJj-tjMU-z5tkrhxk378bUqRJF6fyAQxqqQqdBkE2_et0p3KoUGLMAI_1Y8Kz/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CXqYSSPI-vqHjVG32g3BKtG9uXCLBK5oYftyAS5eHeJdJ6RyKS8ecZL_W3RnM30brglLuWzDhYoKllKGJj-tjMU-z5tkrhxk378bUqRJF6fyAQxqqQqdBkE2_et0p3KoUGLMAI_1Y8Kz/s320/IMG_2755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGmJju2MFC6zAok_f5JQS7taJTXMSeongguVKJBjshIyTbx-Lw_x_u0RwfGUcDHnbAT3kjP9bG6G6I0t1HSS9cHMlinoyWkDKxsli8uUoeaG0LM-rz731B_j9ewNQYyDCcinXz9SZdML3/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGmJju2MFC6zAok_f5JQS7taJTXMSeongguVKJBjshIyTbx-Lw_x_u0RwfGUcDHnbAT3kjP9bG6G6I0t1HSS9cHMlinoyWkDKxsli8uUoeaG0LM-rz731B_j9ewNQYyDCcinXz9SZdML3/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, my kids personally wanted to thank Blast Zone for this amazing prize:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFD7_KG4cqyVtYGb1gss757dwqF2OD3EAEEh86hse50e1tIYsm2kcB5uCbw8-FCZ1g0doan0_drYBCJfp_P8cQl6hLdP1SE_17Z-VCAAEhgcT00ftB3bG9nv_TKg6onttjR4DTiCG87tQ/s1600/MVI_4964.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFD7_KG4cqyVtYGb1gss757dwqF2OD3EAEEh86hse50e1tIYsm2kcB5uCbw8-FCZ1g0doan0_drYBCJfp_P8cQl6hLdP1SE_17Z-VCAAEhgcT00ftB3bG9nv_TKg6onttjR4DTiCG87tQ/s1600/MVI_4964.MOV" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Listen to Ryan... he says "thank you blast off" - it took many takes and he still didn't get it right! lol)</span></div>
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And from me to Blast Zone, Thank you. To Brandy at <a href="http://www.newlycrunchymamaof3.com/">Newly Crunchy Mama of 3</a> blog, Thank you too!<br />
<br />
<br />
For
those of you reading this, If you haven't already done so, go check out
this cool mommy blog - visit www.newlycrunchymamaof3.com right away.
She
does a lot of great reviews on all the latest and greatest
children-friendly things, her insights are personal and she's open and
honest about her life. It's a great few minutes of your time to check
her out daily!!<br />
<br />
Ta-Ta for now! Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-32377930130450110402012-12-26T19:23:00.002-08:002012-12-26T19:25:06.501-08:00EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS 50% OFFI've been busy making new stuff for the new year! Please go visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tarasstamppad">ETSY</a> store and enjoy some shopping knowing everything is HALF OFF!!<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-25145626441169817822012-11-14T20:40:00.001-08:002012-11-15T06:54:26.077-08:00We've implemented a Consequence JarYesterday I posted on FB that in this house, we implemented a Consequence Jar. I got several private messages asking me what that was. I found several ideas by browsing Pinterest. I took tidbits from a few different blogs and put ours into place. Like many of you, the hubs and I differ on our parenting techniques but for the most part we agree that our kids can be outta control! We both loved this idea. Here's my completed jar:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm880yjYPs-On883-LTw-SEKOUMMNibwsE-zpj3ZNbp04VW5JsCe7FsHqqPO7KSYDjoHkEYtMxyuVYA9x7VMcw_wex85-JaLWexJyAlqJLhUgCYqVAphAkJ_nLMKeCsS8s7WLz99pHzWm/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm880yjYPs-On883-LTw-SEKOUMMNibwsE-zpj3ZNbp04VW5JsCe7FsHqqPO7KSYDjoHkEYtMxyuVYA9x7VMcw_wex85-JaLWexJyAlqJLhUgCYqVAphAkJ_nLMKeCsS8s7WLz99pHzWm/s400/IMG_2585.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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The hubs and I sat down to discuss some of the consequences and came up with this list (an explanation will follow...):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPimv2_dJ0XE-6_AWtKIX0wVEgRSZFxJvmrMXMtpocE0pQd0w4g7CkW1N7P8Vtthu3F3ZGAgyiC7Bi9JkkdWlH4ZpqETdq3Hu0tL4XWpl-ljZ9KqbGMjZbmK7tKyX03VNaBGbPCILqe6m/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPimv2_dJ0XE-6_AWtKIX0wVEgRSZFxJvmrMXMtpocE0pQd0w4g7CkW1N7P8Vtthu3F3ZGAgyiC7Bi9JkkdWlH4ZpqETdq3Hu0tL4XWpl-ljZ9KqbGMjZbmK7tKyX03VNaBGbPCILqe6m/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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We decided we'd give them one warning, then off to the jar they'd have to go! Picking the consequences was hard. We joked (honest) about some free child labor 'round the house, the many useful things small children could do... it was hilarious or maybe that was the wine? Anyhoo... here's our brief explanation:</div>
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<strong>Dust the Living room</strong> - Ry actually loves helping me dust - On HIS terms... so being MADE to do it will be awesome (for me). Ash doesn't like to help do anything "dirty" so this one will be great for <strike>me</strike>, her!</div>
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<strong>No Sleepover</strong> - This was the hardest for me because I know how much they adore this. Sleepovers in Ry's bedroom on the weekends are the best. Ash gets the top bunk, Ry gets the bottom, they have their flashlights and they talk and tell stories and sing and oh man... losing this would be awful for all of us. But, there had to be ONE <em>harsh</em> one, right?</div>
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<strong>Organize Books</strong> - Simple enough, we keep a two shelf bookshelf in the living room solely for kids books. It always looks like we recently had an earthquake over there. SO, they get to straighten that up!</div>
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<strong>Practice Writing Phone#</strong> - Why not? Improving their writing skills is a PLUS. Besides they should know their phone and best part is they'll hate it! I found this awesome site (yes, on Pinterest!) that allows you to type up any word or sentences up to like 16 characters (or so) and print it out! See it <a href="http://tools.atozteacherstuff.com/printable-handwriting-practice-worksheet-maker/">here</a>.</div>
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<strong>Time Out</strong> - We over use timeout around here it feels like. So now if the stick calls for it, then so be it. We have a spot in the hallway & we use the age/min rule... 1 minute for every year old they are. Trust me, three minutes is looooong for my lil guy!</div>
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<strong>Sit Ups</strong> - This one made us laugh - a lot... my husband being an Ex Marine had MANY other choices for them but 5 sit ups was the negotiated consequence ( you're welcome kids!). Why not make 'em do more exercising?!</div>
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<strong>Sweep Kitchen Floor</strong> - Ahhh child labor - that's why we had kids right? Oh hush, I'm kidding. This just seemed better than sticking them outside in the cold weather for now.</div>
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<strong>Go To Bed Early</strong> - Going to bed is always a tough part of our daily routine. Anyone who has to go to bed early misses out on bedtime story and gets to stew in their bed knowing their sibling is up, enjoying their story! </div>
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<strong>Practice Writing / Mom's Choice</strong> - Same explanation for the writing of their phone #. Here's a pic of what I have ready for the first one who pulls this stick!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCmHnhsKcWhqZLFKDJWty9c2_RP11EFB39KbjAQl8XAxtjIxvACUNl7flt0whEOBZz_Gw6apOG7swmXG8a7OE7e_7qjSVZNMLA1xrY6imYN0sv9KFfCzGzYVT79OjXR0iXh9xdPLARlyN/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCmHnhsKcWhqZLFKDJWty9c2_RP11EFB39KbjAQl8XAxtjIxvACUNl7flt0whEOBZz_Gw6apOG7swmXG8a7OE7e_7qjSVZNMLA1xrY6imYN0sv9KFfCzGzYVT79OjXR0iXh9xdPLARlyN/s320/IMG_2587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>**FREE PASS**</strong> - Who doesn't like a freebie? This gives them a shred of hope when reaching in for their consequence. ;)<br />
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And that's all there is to it folks!<br />
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Last night, one hour into implementing it they both had to pull a stick just before bed time. Right out the gate my daughter pulled the single hardest one in there... giving up sleep over night this weekend. She was in instant tears. I could post a pic but that would be mean... bwahhahaaa. No, really I didn't even take one because I knew this was a stinger. However, Ry pulled the Sweeping job and here he is - priceless!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvbvJccHYC0eIf1idLiBQKVYwVaVdyPYywmJDdoHm4pjDi6JNHm5T72mvfRhqse6nqKXhR9fURh-sZIjrtEhGbmZnd334KXdsjkEcKtPD5ve1pVBUc6NdyySfRi8PpjWeZ92gnAYAuKWX/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvbvJccHYC0eIf1idLiBQKVYwVaVdyPYywmJDdoHm4pjDi6JNHm5T72mvfRhqse6nqKXhR9fURh-sZIjrtEhGbmZnd334KXdsjkEcKtPD5ve1pVBUc6NdyySfRi8PpjWeZ92gnAYAuKWX/s400/IMG_2581.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
Please, if you decided to do one for your family let me know.... I'd love to <strike>swap photos</strike> share ideas!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-51268103057154521382012-10-31T07:54:00.002-07:002012-11-15T07:06:19.328-08:00What are YOU making?Today is Halloween (Yay!) which is an awesome "holiday"... I love the tricks and the treats, I love the bustling about the streets, the creepy music etc. I love all things Halloween. Since my two youngest ones were born however, we've been very laid back making our decorations family friendly for the most part and we certainly didn't go over the top in decorating this year. On one hand it's been great not stressing over it, but on the other hand I've sorta missed it. This year I put my extra efforts into making costumes for the two youngins. Pictures coming soon... promise!<br />
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However, the one thing that happens on Halloween morning is that I begin to think about how far behind I already am for the HOLIDAYS!! Hahaha Confused? Yeah, me too... <br />
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I love all things fall and I love all things Merry so from this day through Jan 1st is my favorite time of year. Last year I swore that I was going to make ALL handmade gifts for the next holiday. Well, here it is Halloween, just 54 days until Christmas and I have made a whopping 4 homemade holiday presents. This is crazy to me because my list of gifts to make is at about 18. 4 down, just 14 more to go... <br />
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I have been taking pictures of the homemade items that I've made so far but as you can imagine, I cannot post some of those until AFTER the holidays as I don't want to give anything away... but, here are a few sneak peeks of things still left on my list for various family/friends that I know that I wish I could find the time to make!! Click on the caption to take you directly to the blog/site for instructions and/or the pattern.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1yn0AQPvDw4h7vM3fzfjwd7CgAIarlOUtHfrBaOSf7beZGxZ95GszxcmUE6O5WX5q_HvsKJ2T90soVwRnRD_hKGmnScnoPjLMmlcK5hlyF4MtGifJkPmJ6YC9xOVMubM6NlGw2NpGs9o/s1600/KnitScarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1yn0AQPvDw4h7vM3fzfjwd7CgAIarlOUtHfrBaOSf7beZGxZ95GszxcmUE6O5WX5q_HvsKJ2T90soVwRnRD_hKGmnScnoPjLMmlcK5hlyF4MtGifJkPmJ6YC9xOVMubM6NlGw2NpGs9o/s200/KnitScarf.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/01/knit-scarf.html">Knit Scarf</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBmUMQgyeMsbzZVXVhXg02rRF1QjpzNSbg_y59-5Vh2XHaOGCfSEEKYY41Q4Gc5S9pmZqs3UjpB9aYg5mgvFWFtdPiBTA5kPzGjl2gXDAODJxOD-MovMvBy21nuRaLKb-TvzMHvQ0mxC_/s1600/PeasantDress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBmUMQgyeMsbzZVXVhXg02rRF1QjpzNSbg_y59-5Vh2XHaOGCfSEEKYY41Q4Gc5S9pmZqs3UjpB9aYg5mgvFWFtdPiBTA5kPzGjl2gXDAODJxOD-MovMvBy21nuRaLKb-TvzMHvQ0mxC_/s200/PeasantDress.png" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewlikemymom.com/peasant-dress/">Peasant Dress</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpN0Yt2pQkBM2fa-oE9P5QgdaHdc9Gll-He8xNZb0eGQZ5kZN-jRU010_ESTUYoii9LbE7Cg6LrwfqBB_xlo4ke56L5q7OgS5Kc1HryAgyUYKrT-8GsosrKAADKiUvr9LD0d4X2Z_qQsg/s1600/OwlBag.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpN0Yt2pQkBM2fa-oE9P5QgdaHdc9Gll-He8xNZb0eGQZ5kZN-jRU010_ESTUYoii9LbE7Cg6LrwfqBB_xlo4ke56L5q7OgS5Kc1HryAgyUYKrT-8GsosrKAADKiUvr9LD0d4X2Z_qQsg/s200/OwlBag.bmp" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gingercake.typepad.com/gingercake/2011/05/stylin.html">Owl Purse</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34gTDd5Lh6s6P1IDKgzPnoSuRBBAvNp5BCVT2FqXap5XHTmy61qLkVZytMDtfgSMExZQvl3XMoA7VKOgmh1Q5q226H4ua9V7wkXZY3_WRSPURIwptm-9FMJM05N4-SmAsQxP_bftfTiy3/s1600/ToiletryBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34gTDd5Lh6s6P1IDKgzPnoSuRBBAvNp5BCVT2FqXap5XHTmy61qLkVZytMDtfgSMExZQvl3XMoA7VKOgmh1Q5q226H4ua9V7wkXZY3_WRSPURIwptm-9FMJM05N4-SmAsQxP_bftfTiy3/s200/ToiletryBag.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewtimeless.net/?p=1512">Toiletry Bag</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0qE_vCoqjw59tdwb3wS_ywNteOJyf3JUAkGfxYvIWwCrWJ5neQ1_m8YPo-bI8INHr-Uy9R1MzSqHiBh674rRe-WUZgqLWpftsTn2688zjU23Z9cMpdp3cvkz7CyeaeQhd2qt7WtvedG1/s200/Gingerbread+Dough.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="141" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/12/gingerbread-playdough/">Gingerbread Playdough</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBBPQEu8PqVZSZ8IRXR7UBx6Db9vbl0vM-zlDkhq4HwWsW07ZfFDk7AFfg95aC1ipwwhhDzvdUqHUsIR9ztCNCacHUZh0S1YFtms5vzBIjXBIzuklXINCY8ACxm_8hi55gscekSqs883x/s1600/FairyDust.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBBPQEu8PqVZSZ8IRXR7UBx6Db9vbl0vM-zlDkhq4HwWsW07ZfFDk7AFfg95aC1ipwwhhDzvdUqHUsIR9ztCNCacHUZh0S1YFtms5vzBIjXBIzuklXINCY8ACxm_8hi55gscekSqs883x/s200/FairyDust.bmp" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2009/12/bath-tub-fairy-dust-.html">Bathtub "Fairy Dust"</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX9bPnTZ_YKRovW-Lr-BsAplABPD-Kss-3UyhfbKUQ7nZ3RJC9Y3MQRZwFsCttMV6AawhqnmHzNmaqUsnLprlG5sCObUxV4vcf5DzAy0OCTSAyW-W0Yv6QCXFF7d_rcpzkA8_mLrCaaaa/s1600/I+Spy+Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX9bPnTZ_YKRovW-Lr-BsAplABPD-Kss-3UyhfbKUQ7nZ3RJC9Y3MQRZwFsCttMV6AawhqnmHzNmaqUsnLprlG5sCObUxV4vcf5DzAy0OCTSAyW-W0Yv6QCXFF7d_rcpzkA8_mLrCaaaa/s200/I+Spy+Bottle.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ozowiezo.nl/blog/2010/08/24/i-spy-bottles-diy-craft-for-travelling-with-kids/langswitch_lang/en/">I Spy Bottles</a><br />
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So tell me, what are YOU planning on making?Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-45413723452913216692012-10-18T05:54:00.002-07:002012-10-18T05:54:53.977-07:00What to do with all these apples?!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COOK OF COURSE!! (Warning, long post ahead with some mouthwatering recipes...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure my family will be DONE with having anything "apple" by the end of the month but I just can't help it! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. Normally I make apple pies... it's my "thing". This year I wanted to experiment with other recipes I've tried, new recipes and altered recipes... So here's what I've made since Monday's pickin':</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple, Orange & Fennel Roasted Chicken</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple Walnut Chicken Salad (Using leftover roasted chicken from the night before)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homemade Crockpot Applesauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple Skin "chips"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's next? Who knows... I'll be trolling Pinterest tonight to see! I still have one whole peck of apples to use up! Canning? I wish! I don't know how. Someday.... maybe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so I don't have a formal write up for recipe #1 and #2 but here's a quick pic of one of them and rundown for each:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Wck2p5jqOxsLDLoX-H0F0ZGAWUnMa2aG6G4z5jBIL7-RU02w4Q_BsXvEGUr1xyuKRzLZkt6Sgp3nMI030fAUUJ9iXgHuLTsprkwdcvSzyofQAKoATajoK1lg9w8IrgEtEfibvgkh4eS/s1600/DutchOvenAppleChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Wck2p5jqOxsLDLoX-H0F0ZGAWUnMa2aG6G4z5jBIL7-RU02w4Q_BsXvEGUr1xyuKRzLZkt6Sgp3nMI030fAUUJ9iXgHuLTsprkwdcvSzyofQAKoATajoK1lg9w8IrgEtEfibvgkh4eS/s320/DutchOvenAppleChick.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my Apple, Orange & Fennel Roasted Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After setting some veggies aside to roast I still had one orange and one fennel left in my veggie box in the fridge that needed to be used. So, I chunky chopped them, along with one onion, one apple from the orchard and some of the fennel fronds. I rubbed the chicken generously with Salt & Pepper, then rubbed it down with olive oil (lucky bird!), stuffed it with the chopped veggies n' fruit, tied 'er up then lightly browned her in my dutch oven with a bit more of olive oil, added about 1/4 cup of vegetable broth to the bottom of the pan, covered and put in the oven for maybe 90 min on 325 degrees. Served with roasted veggies (Purple potatoes, multi-colored carrots and brussel sprouts tossed with a bit of Olive Oil, S&P and two sprigs of rosemary).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUsfES9MMh5tHWikf5KgwVvlRdp1ByGwXI23oIM5KMqa90RTv7KW9LRrAB8lBVCZCMEHf26Pex0NEnOSc2AzWT4USr_JtChVHatZisJ1q161VFrwKDlBMMLbIiN1v5zUYfIM2T3Cvs0fk/s1600/Veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="242" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUsfES9MMh5tHWikf5KgwVvlRdp1ByGwXI23oIM5KMqa90RTv7KW9LRrAB8lBVCZCMEHf26Pex0NEnOSc2AzWT4USr_JtChVHatZisJ1q161VFrwKDlBMMLbIiN1v5zUYfIM2T3Cvs0fk/s320/Veggies.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The four of us didn't finish the bird so when it completely cooled down I pulled off all the extra chicken, slapped a bit of mayo n' mustard on it, added some fresh ground pepper, then added one chopped apple, a handful of chopped walnuts, mixed it up and then refrigerated overnight for sandwiches the next day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so on to #3 - the Crockpot Applesauce. I've been making this in different variations for quite some years now. This one below is my current favorite. I adapted mine from the version I found on pinterest after having tried it a few weeks back. See the original </span><a href="http://mommymakesitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crock-pot-applesauce.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The biggest difference between hers and mine? I don't add the 1tsp of lemon juice but I kept the lemon peel, I added two cinnamon sticks instead of one and I add nutmeg to mine. Everyone in this house agreed it was too lemony when we made the other version... it was good, just not a fan favorite in this house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here goes:</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CROCKPOT APPLESAUCE</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 18 medium size apples, peeled and chopped somewhat evenly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3in strip of lemon peel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cinnamon sticks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 Tsp fresh grated nutmeg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tbs light brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start out by getting your ingredients ready:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDDADq2FHymp0wiUcgdQEOUexSq-YK15JqJlIcS3O0z01eCYpdDfSmTMK812A_2KLlKXO-CGyYW-7r90J0QLkf3QgOjG-TzYUjeUiVWvb6iKQrPntXCtTDRue1vSBwCtW3WZ1qeWRp_4V/s1600/CPA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="229" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDDADq2FHymp0wiUcgdQEOUexSq-YK15JqJlIcS3O0z01eCYpdDfSmTMK812A_2KLlKXO-CGyYW-7r90J0QLkf3QgOjG-TzYUjeUiVWvb6iKQrPntXCtTDRue1vSBwCtW3WZ1qeWRp_4V/s320/CPA2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Optional side note: Wash your apple skins thoroughly and set aside (we'll be making something with them)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M8HM1CHvswIAbA2l9nU0VhQi9fUqfnlpNFKJeo7FMNWzn9izo6dzbQQ0maNOCh5mEkA2xkCOUVGjVh0znf_t4_N3q7F9aZnOyqk7LG9H5-y6H0npRcfXXjlmIoQor_YtCm4KOpbG9HS6/s1600/CPA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M8HM1CHvswIAbA2l9nU0VhQi9fUqfnlpNFKJeo7FMNWzn9izo6dzbQQ0maNOCh5mEkA2xkCOUVGjVh0znf_t4_N3q7F9aZnOyqk7LG9H5-y6H0npRcfXXjlmIoQor_YtCm4KOpbG9HS6/s320/CPA3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once all the apples are peeled, chopped and in the crockpot add the remaining ingredients on the top (I try to evenly sprinkle the nutmeg across the entire top of the apples)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD1gzOwzc1yzXo1cgOEbG8AsvOR8aADD2TD0Q6vmMElzizDOeGtpk6KhnEci1hTQgwgYyTxXzyhFfFk3bDyi-FIW2otzb17Z0iJzG9Y3a_XBYtZJ5Bgwpk-ppECGkXPxZfv83EKd6A9Nd/s1600/CPA4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD1gzOwzc1yzXo1cgOEbG8AsvOR8aADD2TD0Q6vmMElzizDOeGtpk6KhnEci1hTQgwgYyTxXzyhFfFk3bDyi-FIW2otzb17Z0iJzG9Y3a_XBYtZJ5Bgwpk-ppECGkXPxZfv83EKd6A9Nd/s320/CPA4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set your crockpot to low, put the lid on it and set your timer for 3 hours. At the 3hour alarm, open the crockpot, stir thoroughly (this is when the neighbors can likely smell something wonderful is brewin' at your house!). Put the lid back on and wait another 3 hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, you're almost done! Here's what mine looked like at the end of the 6 hours:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v0Gn6F7YbgUQVKZOt4tXIPUAptmp8rcm-1nKZQh6EtpQMFuydEf2AuuJssHHFCRyFd9eT5Fh_5TZCMJkdwnRPRGXiybbbMbfeoEdVGuqcjxrOxUhWYzgtkkJ6Z-cMGgCTFI2tfyarggp/s1600/CPA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v0Gn6F7YbgUQVKZOt4tXIPUAptmp8rcm-1nKZQh6EtpQMFuydEf2AuuJssHHFCRyFd9eT5Fh_5TZCMJkdwnRPRGXiybbbMbfeoEdVGuqcjxrOxUhWYzgtkkJ6Z-cMGgCTFI2tfyarggp/s320/CPA5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contents are HOT. Carefully remove the cinnamon sticks and the lemon peel. IF you are lucky enough to have an emulsion blender then this is where you'd put that baby directly into the crockpot and blend until smooth! Me, well I'm not so lucky... instead I use my food processor (okay, I guess I'm lucky there!). I spoon the apples from the crockpot into the food processor and blend that way. It took about three batches to get it finished doing it this way.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKits3VS8lre9-0lndYFskzgE3C2b7NieSVzpGBjlO3qKv30YnrBC3o730-qjL64EGfw0gnNWcl1asjIhSZ57bxF_mwR7_780kbD3qgZ4sDmoYrXuUMAlSMnPoXQBPm3ZFBIDHWOVOUD9/s1600/CPA6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKits3VS8lre9-0lndYFskzgE3C2b7NieSVzpGBjlO3qKv30YnrBC3o730-qjL64EGfw0gnNWcl1asjIhSZ57bxF_mwR7_780kbD3qgZ4sDmoYrXuUMAlSMnPoXQBPm3ZFBIDHWOVOUD9/s320/CPA6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time we went with smooth applesauce instead of chunky but that is up to you. Just blend until the consistency is to your liking. This batch gave us approximately 6 cups.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggS6zPlsb3EQwJ3OkBIwt8jyrl6fH1g0JJACmfSq-XOK3xhe937G3q1qo8elJchyphenhyphensvK7soUO5YvamAcR-8oYc3p31N85zYk0o2uRlb_UQYHP8x3UZQc4bJLjCPGvmZgmjYI2Q0JqC9KU1/s1600/CPA7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggS6zPlsb3EQwJ3OkBIwt8jyrl6fH1g0JJACmfSq-XOK3xhe937G3q1qo8elJchyphenhyphensvK7soUO5YvamAcR-8oYc3p31N85zYk0o2uRlb_UQYHP8x3UZQc4bJLjCPGvmZgmjYI2Q0JqC9KU1/s320/CPA7.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You could can this, give it away or whatever you choose, but 6 cups of applesauce in this house will barely last the week so I just put a lid on the bowl and into the fridge it went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So try both, the one from </span><a href="http://mommymakesitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crock-pot-applesauce.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mommy Makes it Better</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is truly delicious, we just wanted less lemon really. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Up, #4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">APPLE SKIN "CHIPS"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple Skins (washed well!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Lemon Juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Granulated Sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1Tsp Cinnamon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">(There are TONS of variations of these online)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I peeled the washed apple skins, I placed them in a bowl, sprinkled with about 1 Tsp of lemon juice and set aside while I worked out my Crockpot Applesauce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was ready to finally give the skins some attention, I sprinkled them with the cinnamon and sugar, stirred it around a bit with my fingers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spread them out on parchment paper and place them in the oven for about 1hr 45min on 225 degrees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're not as pretty comin' out... but dang they taste good!! Let them cool a few minutes before tasting!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EhxuqSzqiGeciOFLR7vOuyEh1CXryFOhrmPv6KT29jrEpX5tgnyuJJwOZ8eVWSWdmOe4eTxCHJ0dPf6UMtds02K326HYSayUNrEUA1eg3yZgoa-Hu4Svq0X_O0UhbAPS4xW04cfB_faL/s1600/AC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EhxuqSzqiGeciOFLR7vOuyEh1CXryFOhrmPv6KT29jrEpX5tgnyuJJwOZ8eVWSWdmOe4eTxCHJ0dPf6UMtds02K326HYSayUNrEUA1eg3yZgoa-Hu4Svq0X_O0UhbAPS4xW04cfB_faL/s320/AC4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last recipe of the day... #5</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FRESH APPLE CAKE WITH BROWN SUGAR GLAZE</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh Apple Cake</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/4 C. all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 C. whole wheat flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 C. sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 eggs, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C. Canola Blend oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C. apple sauce - I used the Crockpot Apple Sauce but if you use store bought, use UNSWEETENED. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 C. finely chopped apples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C. coarsely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (toasting is optional. I do this because it enhances the flavor)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brown Sugar Glaze</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C. tightly packed light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 C. butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tbsp evaporated milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is also an adapted recipe I found on Pinterest. You can see the original </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1mYw5ZMZ5P69SITAiouM1utIJqKxXucvWewHgT7OcKVI&pli=1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. As you will see from my list above, I pretty much copied the recipe, but I used all her "options" for like the whole wheat flour etc... I also, toasted the walnuts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get your ingredients ready (and washed!):</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIKzUywsDJoHpBqufaDNApYYr8y2kJTA9TEVx7QM3xbEBDxRk3TLGAjLcpEANeIkIfVJRkmc1DATiFWKnQCau3263GPmhwceiPFMlOBocT_CQaqpg4U2Qjk7oRVIaAh3iuy-eiwxWKc5m/s1600/FAC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIKzUywsDJoHpBqufaDNApYYr8y2kJTA9TEVx7QM3xbEBDxRk3TLGAjLcpEANeIkIfVJRkmc1DATiFWKnQCau3263GPmhwceiPFMlOBocT_CQaqpg4U2Qjk7oRVIaAh3iuy-eiwxWKc5m/s320/FAC1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease two 8in cake pans or one 13x9in pan (I did the two 8in so I could save the second one for another time). In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together well. In a large bowl, beat the eggs a mixer at low speed until pale yellow and foamy (as per the original instructions). Add the oil and vanilla and beat well. Stir in the flour mixture and continue stirring the batter just until the flour disappears. Add the apples and nuts, stir to mix them into the batter until fairly uniform.It should look something like this: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhId4ke0tinJtVHpQI3Xt1FNSeSyePbNA5GfhDVC2KL3unz0Or8t8pYfSAWu2coeKuY_NpAwsoiKvefz1Y7ihXqozsUBoz2KYD0uWyZ-95AVPeqqxU6JDZXQ27MfxwchHOC-cjaVbRB22k/s1600/FAC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhId4ke0tinJtVHpQI3Xt1FNSeSyePbNA5GfhDVC2KL3unz0Or8t8pYfSAWu2coeKuY_NpAwsoiKvefz1Y7ihXqozsUBoz2KYD0uWyZ-95AVPeqqxU6JDZXQ27MfxwchHOC-cjaVbRB22k/s320/FAC2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then divide the batter among the two pans:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqN3hdbgAmH_FlogyxUF3OwKKesx6FHv6uz_9Z20uUzKx7DKa3f3IivTgbxxoGVnKg2fm1FZNBMk4fphj0bB6mEfthQUlFcfQRy9VaCunHO97ZQ5rtbs_O7QC4syB7Z654eOY_-GVoQcI/s1600/FAC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="242" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqN3hdbgAmH_FlogyxUF3OwKKesx6FHv6uz_9Z20uUzKx7DKa3f3IivTgbxxoGVnKg2fm1FZNBMk4fphj0bB6mEfthQUlFcfQRy9VaCunHO97ZQ5rtbs_O7QC4syB7Z654eOY_-GVoQcI/s320/FAC3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put the pans into the oven and bake 40-50 min depending on your oven. The cake should be pulling away from the sides of your pan and nicely golden brown like this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvbc9IsPBEDqvHVZRKprgMxCR8tQ2k7juhl97HolIHSolMHylkXaUs2R5a7hT_VUAB5DKjLHFl5vnJHg7OJFf5ERd81kMzsOgwwI76ARmrf0TrGvog-MnWp6ta3QaVyYbG02L1PemRjyQ/s1600/FAC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvbc9IsPBEDqvHVZRKprgMxCR8tQ2k7juhl97HolIHSolMHylkXaUs2R5a7hT_VUAB5DKjLHFl5vnJHg7OJFf5ERd81kMzsOgwwI76ARmrf0TrGvog-MnWp6ta3QaVyYbG02L1PemRjyQ/s320/FAC6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While your cake is baking, make the sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Then cook on low for 3-5 minutes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi2rchAmjhHLl_sk4wwLcNeF2cKJaGyp6kx6OGuEh4TML1WLywGINLpIlcADfHwextmcql_P9n09C4hjeVWc3dHBAr92rN5IA_J__NbH8PAXYITkUfyQGM0c61m8XdGWOa5QFj5xbB-oB/s1600/FAC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi2rchAmjhHLl_sk4wwLcNeF2cKJaGyp6kx6OGuEh4TML1WLywGINLpIlcADfHwextmcql_P9n09C4hjeVWc3dHBAr92rN5IA_J__NbH8PAXYITkUfyQGM0c61m8XdGWOa5QFj5xbB-oB/s320/FAC4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spoon the sauce over the warm cake, let cool and serve!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafsd80SgHIshROhHN1c5sV9kyeZUfr6ADiGa0RdJsucqa12-XqCnW2MP-cluP7fpnqPNdYGzs_ipBRONYeYoO5QYBtmL1icYFrWIUCvA3gWsMdZEKVTDa2Mjv8UsQ2pv1MGbBBkFTLVPR/s1600/FAC5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="235" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafsd80SgHIshROhHN1c5sV9kyeZUfr6ADiGa0RdJsucqa12-XqCnW2MP-cluP7fpnqPNdYGzs_ipBRONYeYoO5QYBtmL1icYFrWIUCvA3gWsMdZEKVTDa2Mjv8UsQ2pv1MGbBBkFTLVPR/s320/FAC5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now my final note is that although this cake is YUMMY, you may be tempted to just grab a fork and eat it all right then and there :) BUT try to save the other one for some lazy Saturday morning... defrosts quickly and tastes just as delicious! I am saving our second one for some company we're having in a few weeks... I'll call it coffee cake and we will eat it for breakfast.... Bwahahaha </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's all folks! For now.</span></div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-68802450225889190892012-10-17T06:17:00.001-07:002012-10-17T06:22:11.665-07:00Fall, Farms & Friends -<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I joined a great mother's group in the Akron OH area called </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/groups/motherstogether/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mother's Together</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I was able to attend my first outing this week to the Bauman Apple Orchard in Wittman OH!! Just right up my ally right?! So, naturally I decided that here in this house, the theme of the week this week will be APPLES!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghST-z8Dt2ek364sX_y4QVeS_tqGGX08eqjXuu5aQOB0LVjDT488V180pGqi6Z91UJMvLefnRnTlxUY_Njd3T7-TQq1C8fk6FRs2NkyBR-wTNTMxJEuaA6PttXz0bJhzwpiHHY7YW5a3Hp/s1600/MTGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghST-z8Dt2ek364sX_y4QVeS_tqGGX08eqjXuu5aQOB0LVjDT488V180pGqi6Z91UJMvLefnRnTlxUY_Njd3T7-TQq1C8fk6FRs2NkyBR-wTNTMxJEuaA6PttXz0bJhzwpiHHY7YW5a3Hp/s320/MTGroup.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started out on a hayride out to what felt like the middle of the orchard, each person got to pick an apple of their choice from a nearby tree. This provided great photo opportunities. Here are a few pics I got of my little Ry:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHERwCPDKhwSZSoRck1jYgO1GvyUckjl-2fcREnDDmf5TzrOUFWWjd6oTlBcTW-IuGjPnuvrpwEJqI3qZBh-smj3NU1edJ6Mqa_HvZtEp8BAoCXjo01CPL24tHjiE6enE-rYdoE84L_cn4/s1600/MT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHERwCPDKhwSZSoRck1jYgO1GvyUckjl-2fcREnDDmf5TzrOUFWWjd6oTlBcTW-IuGjPnuvrpwEJqI3qZBh-smj3NU1edJ6Mqa_HvZtEp8BAoCXjo01CPL24tHjiE6enE-rYdoE84L_cn4/s320/MT1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFMbcmeNHIaRINJ809esqpVqMUGrus-dmQnSI2rOR-Y_Ds2uaVIqSpLfUlf2vnNVSkq01InYTZ90LF_eLMTGa7XLGNHuVkcJ_VuITy2jMhV_5b9TJsJ8972HGX8SbFsfmDY5a0R9naN8Y/s1600/RyanCollageEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="247" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFMbcmeNHIaRINJ809esqpVqMUGrus-dmQnSI2rOR-Y_Ds2uaVIqSpLfUlf2vnNVSkq01InYTZ90LF_eLMTGa7XLGNHuVkcJ_VuITy2jMhV_5b9TJsJ8972HGX8SbFsfmDY5a0R9naN8Y/s320/RyanCollageEdited.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBUJ1tJoXHJlMQ8qMDTNbhFADE2eMk9VYAKWHGGtS-bNJd_m9xOuKYINtphJFzmkzR6xglOlnoo5TynvME-DGhncx6kG5Ic-uQ52Xe2CMuLBf8xl9Tt3qUV4U7bIKUhsemdk6pwSNILN8/s1600/MT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBUJ1tJoXHJlMQ8qMDTNbhFADE2eMk9VYAKWHGGtS-bNJd_m9xOuKYINtphJFzmkzR6xglOlnoo5TynvME-DGhncx6kG5Ic-uQ52Xe2CMuLBf8xl9Tt3qUV4U7bIKUhsemdk6pwSNILN8/s320/MT2.jpg" width="241" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterward we took our hayride back to the barns where they were hard at work pressing apples, making cider! We got to see that process, as well as how they bag the apples, where they store them (brrrrr!) and then off we went to the hay maze and petting zoo area:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xp8GGrJ6L5RXsarxkm39Q-x7PEsgE9D6gsM6fZ9wxTGuj1lT4T2fQh6WyOcwY6GWe9Dy_p8DiREoiEJWYrASnj03c2bXa9gPBVUB52NJChsMLW7qrCXB_z9rBbvmRN9C2Iek-5UYxOul/s1600/MT3HayMaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="247" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xp8GGrJ6L5RXsarxkm39Q-x7PEsgE9D6gsM6fZ9wxTGuj1lT4T2fQh6WyOcwY6GWe9Dy_p8DiREoiEJWYrASnj03c2bXa9gPBVUB52NJChsMLW7qrCXB_z9rBbvmRN9C2Iek-5UYxOul/s320/MT3HayMaze.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before getting there, I was under the impression we'd be picking bushels of apples (hahaha!!) which in the end I'm glad wasn't the case as I don't know how much picking would have gotten done chasing after two little ones. One apple was plenty for the memory and on the way out we visited their shop to "pick" out some apples :) Knowing full well I wanted some apples for making applesauce and baking bread, I went straight for the "Seconds" to get them at a wee bit more than 50% off. One bag (a peck) cost approximately $8.25 depending on the variety you chose. By buying seconds, I got two pecks for just $8 even. Score!! Yes, yes I do look for a bargain even if at an orchard! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are my Pecks! Aren't they beautiful?! (Snort!)</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="229" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdPnC2JbYVc5zp4CRjUEBZf__jq4QfnN1aSgxh9RYhY-ZKb2xhL7r7FRE8Rdm5e7545KM_8XgsR0fWvHKh3y0QUff9FhyRzr5hKmjRatvIOeT1onHp0NOdJNN6TWUUPZKFWiNq9KF-4Py/s320/CPA1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check back tomorrow for recipes and feedback on what we made with these!</span></div>
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<em>Side Note: If any of you are new to Akron, or looking to expand your friends list, please please visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/motherstogether/">Mother's Together</a> facebook page. Maybe you too can join us for a meeting or an outing! </em></div>
</span>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-35130545576090709352012-10-16T08:13:00.001-07:002012-10-16T08:13:49.480-07:00Christopher ColumbusThis weeks Theme of the Week was Christopher Columbus-<br />
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I didn't really go over the top this week as it didn't seem to hold the attention of the little ones. However, we did read a couple books, we pretended to be on a boat and look for gold and we of course made a few crafts:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7DFbZCm4k02U6g7c59EA5nzVDetttBWqtP6_3dE6Nbh4M_YoIYtqBzyyZDVbSePuSnLjyAUQX_7PiJ3Pcg8kYWiBk3qS-VPQlXNrSWyHZZg9yrV9wyHRW58NMf3CBXkjtRWu7iQc5HDu/s1600/CC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7DFbZCm4k02U6g7c59EA5nzVDetttBWqtP6_3dE6Nbh4M_YoIYtqBzyyZDVbSePuSnLjyAUQX_7PiJ3Pcg8kYWiBk3qS-VPQlXNrSWyHZZg9yrV9wyHRW58NMf3CBXkjtRWu7iQc5HDu/s320/CC1.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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Handprint Nina</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrMmqVdmbJO_JwQPyVa_OTCNIPLJkZblNGq21Yf5CU_Qca2zXXqTcm8aGICQgsqtKzBUkm1TFn6IHi0gG1F7nneoj2e1v948eU4EkTjYPZOfW5YXeHPzRRXOOhA0XRPtzrMK-JlzNGAs2/s1600/CC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrMmqVdmbJO_JwQPyVa_OTCNIPLJkZblNGq21Yf5CU_Qca2zXXqTcm8aGICQgsqtKzBUkm1TFn6IHi0gG1F7nneoj2e1v948eU4EkTjYPZOfW5YXeHPzRRXOOhA0XRPtzrMK-JlzNGAs2/s320/CC2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"painting glue" onto paper towel tube for a "Christopher Columbus" telescope</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvWdoZ527SDiYpXDGSPB4b1O0OwCwJht1iloS0QCYAnUpna4NGuHZIQlYNQ2aH5Gg-P-Pwcwu4G4q_Ad-eM_OOH6aGri7eJ0KDI4hL7gCjmGblexFYTNtBrsxxj7GuYVVg22A8Ls31acE/s1600/CC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvWdoZ527SDiYpXDGSPB4b1O0OwCwJht1iloS0QCYAnUpna4NGuHZIQlYNQ2aH5Gg-P-Pwcwu4G4q_Ad-eM_OOH6aGri7eJ0KDI4hL7gCjmGblexFYTNtBrsxxj7GuYVVg22A8Ls31acE/s320/CC3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They work! ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvV3rDkXgT6Zw64Zg615vp_N8DAcWhed6QLjW5ibpShAo-Zvac3NekAw-P1WRZvTiNYB3tJkHZQhUoRNpp8ZP5MsL28e2uR-ZvW330zneA7sdABhYn8YkWYIBwY1W4wEAR3-YMwdELhUw/s1600/CC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvV3rDkXgT6Zw64Zg615vp_N8DAcWhed6QLjW5ibpShAo-Zvac3NekAw-P1WRZvTiNYB3tJkHZQhUoRNpp8ZP5MsL28e2uR-ZvW330zneA7sdABhYn8YkWYIBwY1W4wEAR3-YMwdELhUw/s320/CC4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Complete with a coloring page. This is my 3 year olds coloring - Awesome huh?! I found these coloring pages <a href="http://www.abcteach.com/MonthtoMonth/October/columbusshape.htm">here</a>.</div>
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<strong>Preveiw: Next week's theme is Apples!!</strong></div>
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<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-35534485198909821362012-10-12T08:07:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:15:02.390-07:00Transportation WeekIt's been several weeks, but I finally jumped back into "themes" to keep me on track at home with my lil guy. If you're just catching up or new to my site, basically I like to come up with a new Theme of the Week to keep me and the kiddos inspired for book reading, discussions and craft times. Now that my daughter is attending Kindergarten, I took on a couple kiddos to watch during the day on a part time basis. This not only helps to fund my crafting addictions, it gives my youngest son some friends to play with while at home. Themes help me to stay on task!!<br />
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So, when I can, I will post some of the stuff we do around here. First up, Transportation Week! (This was actually done the week of Oct 1st - I'm trying to catch up!)<br />
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Our library is a GREAT resource and I use them weekly to help me out. They have these "Kits for Kids" that you can checkout for up to two weeks at a time and they usually include 4-5 books, a coordinating movie, a toy of some sort to match and an Activity Sheet that includes various songs or finger games to play that also coordinate with the theme. I picked Transportation for this one. See:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkKV7o_GWJQNZXRfVh763CoXkk9PgUZ8rcMFbZKST6Fby3eYlDj6NmTuz1Af8UWNWgaFwP2VoH0LXjdJ-OXaB9VQDxO6CupVO_48sfLMltiSes4DJLknw3UxtYVC7aCVIjkIrVMHzCk7l/s1600/BookKitTransp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkKV7o_GWJQNZXRfVh763CoXkk9PgUZ8rcMFbZKST6Fby3eYlDj6NmTuz1Af8UWNWgaFwP2VoH0LXjdJ-OXaB9VQDxO6CupVO_48sfLMltiSes4DJLknw3UxtYVC7aCVIjkIrVMHzCk7l/s400/BookKitTransp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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An example of something on the Activity Sheet is "Hurry, Hurry Drive the Fire Truck" to the tune of 10 Little Indians-</div>
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Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck, (hands on steering wheel)</div>
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Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck</div>
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Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck</div>
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Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (Shake hand like ringing a bell)<br />
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Hurry, hurry, turn the corner (lean to the right)<br />
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner (lean to the left)<br />
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner (lean to both the left & the right)<br />
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (Shake hand like ringing a bell)<br />
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Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder (pretend to climb a ladder)<br />
Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder<br />
Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder<br />
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (Shake hand like ringing a bell)<br />
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Wasn't that so cute? That was my sons favorite of the week.<br />
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CRAFT TIME!! We made stop lights first! I saw this idea on Pinterest but unfortunately didn't repin the idea so I cannot give proper credit. Using cheap construction paper, a circle cutter and crayons:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQbsOfXGtdh7oUoPCi0GMkAjiJ_rs87sQAkGhgERuKCVDvxEAnN0cENaItVDWlyMRY9Q0LK-MDQ2-GfETXl9w-UKT__R9eAlTixvYfgpoeYSpSxewzQKrqw39FrOQF6XreJn02cesYyg-/s1600/SL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQbsOfXGtdh7oUoPCi0GMkAjiJ_rs87sQAkGhgERuKCVDvxEAnN0cENaItVDWlyMRY9Q0LK-MDQ2-GfETXl9w-UKT__R9eAlTixvYfgpoeYSpSxewzQKrqw39FrOQF6XreJn02cesYyg-/s320/SL1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_a6PIFJEoDfd3XXPetqZm4hnAHFocqVht04xhWdyjb2uq-mAqvoo7J_2-LilssEEuQUrl-n8cekboT_oW5jyJKgejFPNJ43dbzC1Q-lUqsxYJmkYQ2yLOhyvPUyHMGhi-z3JblDRlUpb/s1600/SL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_a6PIFJEoDfd3XXPetqZm4hnAHFocqVht04xhWdyjb2uq-mAqvoo7J_2-LilssEEuQUrl-n8cekboT_oW5jyJKgejFPNJ43dbzC1Q-lUqsxYJmkYQ2yLOhyvPUyHMGhi-z3JblDRlUpb/s320/SL2.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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I used the circle cutter as a template only and traced the inside with the color coordinating crayon</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5eQnookwLQ0eOirnWozJdbmWs6pB2T0aQNz7s-BKXfaBSztMPgU6jLKJO1Dhvz5alJz7YSZ74v3zyZepM5_ddT7CcKBehO3MMbSmeYnY5m8S31XWBGn82VhGHuhet5T_BJqSm384BQSY/s1600/SL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5eQnookwLQ0eOirnWozJdbmWs6pB2T0aQNz7s-BKXfaBSztMPgU6jLKJO1Dhvz5alJz7YSZ74v3zyZepM5_ddT7CcKBehO3MMbSmeYnY5m8S31XWBGn82VhGHuhet5T_BJqSm384BQSY/s320/SL3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tore small pieces of the construction paper and put it in the middle of the table. The kids were to try and match the paper to the correct colored circle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijI3AtIOwigBoRpHAANpZviF2meM4VeX7_Bf_iADtniH0kuinmJ1VsPznmqBVkQNcGrC3HEaPBrgTP6jyz-Wai12ZIQJrgDYNbF_jTfa8K4o9O3vtBsi8O8szsxdAgLUakVZUQrPyqgMB/s1600/SL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijI3AtIOwigBoRpHAANpZviF2meM4VeX7_Bf_iADtniH0kuinmJ1VsPznmqBVkQNcGrC3HEaPBrgTP6jyz-Wai12ZIQJrgDYNbF_jTfa8K4o9O3vtBsi8O8szsxdAgLUakVZUQrPyqgMB/s320/SL4.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsmJtKbKuKYBIn1Kkq007v82So2RBmc4JrSFcDxon_ydtGrLNP5M94eZUzLu8kNwnhmMg9FvuSE3_gUJfytTtzFfaM5piQfTpcqoJi83dKgYxsqHlqSw8ChaSWB_au5AyM4c2acAw6YIf/s1600/SL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsmJtKbKuKYBIn1Kkq007v82So2RBmc4JrSFcDxon_ydtGrLNP5M94eZUzLu8kNwnhmMg9FvuSE3_gUJfytTtzFfaM5piQfTpcqoJi83dKgYxsqHlqSw8ChaSWB_au5AyM4c2acAw6YIf/s320/SL5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta-dah!! This is now taped on the front of my sons door :)</div>
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Second craft of the week was painting wooden cars or trains using Crayola's Washable Paint Markers (I LOVE these!):</div>
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Next up we made construction paper trucks using basic shapes. I got the idea from <a href="http://www.brilliantbeginningspreschoolutah.com/2010/03/shape-transportation.html">Brilliant Beginnings Preschool Blog</a>. I pre-cut the shapes and then handed over the glue sticks and a sample picture. I let the kids glue them how they wanted them! So adorable they are!!<br />
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This was the precut layout and how I put them down in front of the kids</div>
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Hard at work!</div>
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All done!</div>
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This was lil baby A's final work</div>
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And this one was lil baby R's final work - complete with slobber LOL</div>
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We finished out the week with a stroll through our neighborhood looking for street signs. The kids pointed out the ones they saw and even included a fire hydrant :)<br />
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Of course we did other things like play with our train sets, I made sure that the toys I had out for circle time were cars or trucks or something related. It was a busy week of kids that week but we had a great time and hopefully they learned a thing or two! </div>
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Have you done something similar? Please, leave a comment! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-63266876549307864862012-09-14T08:02:00.000-07:002012-10-16T07:15:42.304-07:00Fall Hiking Spree - Summit County Metro Parks I LOVE LOVE the Metro Park system here! Yes, I've mentioned this several times so I'm sure I sound like a broken record but it was a welcomed surprise upon moving here. I don't get out there as often as I like but we do go often. Every year the Summit County Metro Parks host an event called Fall Hiking Spree. It's basically promotes getting outdoors, quality time with nature, friends and family. They've been doing this since 1965! You can read more about it <a href="http://www.summitmetroparks.org/Activities/Fall-Hiking-Spree.aspx">here</a>.<br />
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First year county resident hikers earn a free ($10 for non-resident) walking stick and a badge upon completion of 8 trails from the list of 14 trails. The trails range between easy, moderate and strenuous. Each year, veteran hikers earn a new badge to add to their walking stick as a way to show off your accomplishments.<br />
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The family and I have have signed up and Ryan and I completed our first of 8 trails two days ago. My plan is to document via photos our trek on the trails when completed (I intended to do this during out Spring Spree too... took all the pictures, but never posted any!). You can follow along here as I will just continue to add pictures chronologically to the end of this post. So, check back often! <br />
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<strong>Trial #1</strong><br />
Cherry Lane/Fernwood located at the F.A. Sieberling Nature Realm, Rated a 1 (easy) = 1.1mi<br />
You can see the trail map <a href="http://www.summitmetroparks.org/App_Themes/MetroParks/images/media/NatureRealm2010-2.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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This was our second time on this trail so I didn't re-take any photos that I already had but here's from the most current walk. <br />
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Ryan found several Rollie Pollies and had to try and catch 1!</div>
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Got one!</div>
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The side view of Echo Pond. We sat at a bench that had</div>
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one of those "In memory of" plaques on it. This is the view</div>
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from that bench. The girl named on the plaque was only 14</div>
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when she passed. Made me take a moment to reflect and be</div>
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grateful that all three of my beautiful children are healthy</div>
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and happy. I also thought that while sad, the benches placement</div>
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was perfect, at a beautiful serene spot. </div>
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Ryan checking out the fish in Echo Pond</div>
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FISHIES!!</div>
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Okay, for the record I'm deathly afraid of grasshoppers... probably more</div>
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so than I am of spiders (or snakes). I HATE that they can jump and you </div>
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really can't get away from them! haha Anyhow, Ryan spotted this one sitting</div>
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along our path and I took a picture (from a distance!)... this is the zoomed up cropped</div>
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version but I must point out... is he SMILING at me?! See... he was ready to pounce!!</div>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-2559353233116677692012-09-08T05:43:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:16:11.480-07:00Fan Page!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently, a successful blogger (Thanks Brandy!) I met suggested that I create a separate fan page on Facebook for Tara's Stamp Pad, my Etsy Shop. I guess I had thought of it before, but never did anything about it?! After speaking to her for a few minutes and picking her brain about her success, I decided <strike>I wanted to be her</strike> to create that Fan Page. It took me a few days of a million interruptions in the evenings to creat it, but I did it. Please, go see at: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TarasStampPad"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TarasStampPad</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This is where I'll update when new items are in my shop, specials etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Thanks so much!!</span>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-47186755167343039602012-08-06T09:58:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:16:30.388-07:00Creating!Yesterday I threw in the kitchen towel and did nothing but play in my craft room!! It's been a LONG time since I've done that. There are a whole 7 new listings in my Etsy shop. Check 'em out!! Here's a few preview pics:<br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-77418864892206935582012-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:002012-10-16T07:13:08.893-07:00Angry Bird Mania<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We're a bit late on the craze, but over here we all have Angry Bird <span style="color: red;">F<span style="color: yellow;">E</span><span style="color: blue;">V</span><span style="color: lime;">E</span>R<span style="color: orange;">!</span> </span><span style="color: black;">I saw <a href="http://www.homebasedbusinessprogram.com/photo/angry-birds-pizza?context=user">this post</a> on Pinterest the other day and new we had to recreate it somehow. I</span><span style="color: black;"> bought the ingredients and the kids and I went to work. What do you think?! Not bad huh? </span></div>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-40594220163468437272012-07-25T12:30:00.000-07:002012-07-25T16:34:59.824-07:00Visitors!With August approaching, we are reminded that our summer is coming to an end soon and our entire list of summer "to-do's" (painting the bedrooms, putting in a fence, landscaping the back yard with a cool kid play area...) just isn't going to happen... and we're okay with that!<br />
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Since living in Akron, we've had my brother and his wife and son here, my mother-in-law, one of my BFF's and her husband, and the most important, my oldest son has been here. What a great way to welcome a new household and enjoy a first summer in a new city. We've been enjoying the beautiful summer weather here, the free concerts, the zoo, the local AAA baseball games, the awesome farmers markets, the library here is amazing and the Metro-Parks... wow. These are all things that when moving here, I wanted to take full advantage of and we have been.<br />
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I hope that you are finding your summer to be just as eventful? Please comment and let me know. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-22916147653981657752012-07-24T15:30:00.002-07:002012-10-16T07:17:51.012-07:00New Growth<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
BUSY. That's what we've been here... visitors of all kinds! This post originally went into draft mode back in June! As I mentioned in my last post, the kids and I sent off for one of those Butterfly Grow Kits from <a href="http://www.insectlore.com/">Insect Lore</a>.</div>
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The day our first butterfly emerged, I called the kids in excitement to hurry into the livingroom to see-</div>
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Me: KIDS HURRY COME HERE, COME HERE!!!</div>
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Ash: What mom?!</div>
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Me: Look, our first butterfly!!</div>
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Ash: Oh {long pause} But I thought you were gonna tell us that we're going to Disneyworld.</div>
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*sigh*</div>
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However, after two emerged, they were much more engaged and even named them - Rapunzel, Lightning McQueen, Lila and Rocky. Below is a picture timeline for your enjoyment. </div>
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The cycle of life was very cool for us to watch. I look forward the next set and we're thinking of getting the ladybug home that Insect Lore also has to offer on their website. </div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-66411516861823627302012-05-24T12:50:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:19:22.694-07:00Enjoying Beautiful Akron<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
It's been beautiful here in Akron !! I decided to make the most use of it... the past few weeks the kids and I have been focusing on "nature". We have been enjoying the outdoors and doing some great crafts. </div>
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Just 1 mile from our house is the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm - This is a 104 acre park that has a bit more than two miles of hiking trails, several gardens and a visitors center that hosts several indoor/outdoor activities for adults and children. Oh, did I mention that it's all FREE!? </div>
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Before heading out, we printed out a nature themed scavenger hunt. I thought this would help keep the kids interested. It was a fun addition to our day trip but not "needed" as they had a great time. I got the scavenger hunt <a href="http://www.playdateyakima.com/2007/05/30/scavenger-hunts-give-kids-a-mission/#more-137">here</a>, but there are some other cute ones <a href="http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2010/08/park-scavenger-hunt.html">here</a> that we'll use another time I'm sure.</div>
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Here are the items we "spied" - note, we had to accept the picture of the acorn as it was the wrong time of year to find a real one laying about on the trail.</div>
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Some of the crafts included painting our own birdhouses, making tissue butterflies to hang in front of the windows using clear contact paper, we hung birdseed bells out back and made leaf rubbings from leaves the kids picked off the sidewalk from one of our after-dinner strolls.<br />
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The most exciting thing going on around here... we're "growing" real butterflies!! I bought one of those <a href="http://www.insectlore.com/Living+Kits/Butterflies/">Live Butterfly Gardens</a> while in a check-out line at Walmart one afternoon. It was $14 and comes with a coupon inside to order your live caterpillars. I placed the order over the phone and the caterpillars arrived about 4 days later. I waited a couple days to tell the children about them so they weren't waiting too long for their arrival. Here are the pictures of their introduction to our home. Stay tuned for updates!</div>
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We've sinced moved onto "farm" related activities and then we'll be taking a bit of a hiatus as my MIL is coming to visit, as well as one of my BFF's!!<br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-9258879777747272012012-05-10T07:17:00.000-07:002012-10-16T07:20:59.015-07:00Jumpin' Jambalaya - I did it!!A few nights ago I attempted to make Jambalaya. Ok, so what?? Let me tell you this dish is one that has haunted me... Several (almost 10) years ago I participated in some sort of potluck for work. I was still learning my way around a kitchen at the time and was <em>stressing</em> out about what to make because I didn't want to just bring anything... I wanted a dish that would have people talking. Well, they were talking oh boy! One evening, I was walking through the grocery store and saw this seasoning mix to make my own Jambalaya and thought "That's it! I'll make this!" I spent a fortune on ingredients using money I didn't really have.<br />
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The next evening I got to work and prepared my dish to take to the potluck. I didn't know any better to taste it along the way to be sure it was edible before serving. I proudly stuck in my serving spoon and placed it on the table among all the other wonderful looking dishes. There was buzz about someone having made Jambalaya and I was <u>proud</u>. That is, until I tasted it myself. I almost gagged on MY OWN FOOD!! It was dry, tasteless and the rice was still crunchy in the middle. Mortified, I looked around the room and saw no one eating what they had served themselves. I watched plate after plate hit the trash with my dish still on their plates. I couldn't blame them, it <em>was</em> T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E!!! <br />
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To top that off, there may or may not have been a boy in that crowd that I wanted to impress. Talk about a crash and burn. <br />
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Since then, I've learned a lot. I know now that my choosing to double the recipe and stick it all in a Crockpot was a very bad idea. Not browning my meats, not having enough water, not layering the flavors during the cooking process, etc all contributed to this disaster. <br />
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This past holiday, I got a 7qt Dutch Oven from my husband. I've been wanting one for a long time. I use it at least 3 times a week and wonder how I did anything before I had it (I say that about my KitchenAid too!). One of the gifts I gave my husband for the same holiday was Emeril Lagasse's newest book "<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sizzling-skillets-and-other-one-pot-wonders-emeril-lagasse/1100718422?ean=9780061742965">Sizzling Skillets & Other One-Pot Wonders</a>" and it's been wonderful. On page 114 you'll find his Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya recipe. I decided it was time to attack this feared dish once and for all! I have to admit, I'm sure I was more willing to cook this since it was just for the two of us. I may have not attempted it for a crowd. <br />
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It came out GREAT! We enjoyed every bite!!<br />
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His recipe makes enough for 8 servings. Since it was just the hubby and I eating it, I cut the recipe in half and it was the perfect amount. Here's my version of Emeril's recipe and some tips:<br />
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1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat<br />
1 1/4 tsp salt<br />
3/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper<br />
1 1/2 tbs canola oil<br />
3/4 lb smoked andouille sausage, diced<br />
1 Lg yellow onion<br />
2 celery stalks, chopped<br />
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped<br />
1/2 bunch green onions, finely chopped, green and white parts reserved separately<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 tbs tomato paste<br />
1/2 of a 4oz can of diced green chiles, with juice<br />
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed between your fingers<br />
1 Sm. Bay Leaf (a Larger one if you're doubling this recipe)<br />
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper<br />
1/4 tsp Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce (or more to taste)<br />
3/4 tsp Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning (see this recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-essence-recipe/index.html">here</a>)<br />
2 C. chicken stock<br />
1/2 of a 14.5oz can diced tomatoes, with juice<br />
1 1/2 C. long-grain white rice<br />
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves<br />
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1) Season the chicken on both sides with half the salt and pepper above. Heat the oil in the dutch oven over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook (in batches) until well browned on either side - approx 4 min on each side. Transfer the browned chicken to a platter and set aside.<br />
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2) Add the andouille sausage to the dutch over and reduce the heat to medium-high. Stir until the sausage is browned, 4-5 min. Transfer the sausage to the same platter as the chicken. Add the onions, celery, bell pepper, white part of the green onions, garlic, & tomato paste to the dutch oven and reduce the heat to medium. Saute until the beggies are tender. Stir in green chiles, thyme, bay leaf, crushed red pepper, hot sauce and Essence. (<span style="color: #990000;">My tip here: While the veggies are cooking, chop up the browned chicken into bite size pieces and leave on platter for next step</span>)<br />
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3) Return the chicken and sausage to the pan. Stir in the chicken stock and tomatoes and bring to a brisk simmer. Cover the dutch oven and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 20 minutes.<br />
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4) Increase the heat to high and add the rice, chopped green parts of the green onion and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir well and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer again until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. This will take about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the parsley and let stand for 15 minutes before serving. (<span style="color: #990000;">Emeril's tip: Be sure to use the correct rice: long-grain white. This will ensure that your rice-to-liquid ration right</span>)<br />
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ENJOY - the flavor is amazing. I served it with this imitation recipe of Red Lobster's <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/03/cheddar-bay-biscuits.html">biscuits</a>, and white wine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemiUWtUey79BoxuXr2Rq9LZxFkHO8cjFJxUC-LPhOjClUJKArPlEbkrRhw99ypPRD_YlFB4DLPGlWIurZ4vJblNnJZ-24CLWjZjvW6jUk6zXxOcijtX9d2GSR6CBWw7CQo4Eh9bX9KG7G/s1600/Jambalaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemiUWtUey79BoxuXr2Rq9LZxFkHO8cjFJxUC-LPhOjClUJKArPlEbkrRhw99ypPRD_YlFB4DLPGlWIurZ4vJblNnJZ-24CLWjZjvW6jUk6zXxOcijtX9d2GSR6CBWw7CQo4Eh9bX9KG7G/s320/Jambalaya.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My last tip for this recipe is to buy the best Andouille Sausage you can. You do get what you pay for when it comes to your food. I went to a specialty market here in the area. It cost about $1.25 more per lb but since I only needed 3/4 lb it wasn't too bad. <br />
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Next time, I think I'll substitute some of the chicken and add in shrimp. While this dish was brag-worthy we did still miss the shrimp.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-13959088421437417082012-04-30T08:42:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:27:38.271-07:00The Dinosaur Roars!!<span style="color: #274e13;">We’re buried elbow deep in boxes and the kids are bored with the unpacking! I decided to go back to my old idea of picking a “theme” to focus on with them to help keep them busy and me organized. I sat with the kids and we discussed certain topics that they are interested in and they agreed that Dinosaurs is what they wanted to learn about. They’re completely OBSESSED with PBS’s Dinosaur Train cartoon (which we stream through Netflix).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">OFF TO THE LIBRARY!! We got each of them their own library card and we set out to pick dinosaur themed books! I got an activity pack from the library that includes 6 books, 3 toy dinosaurs, and an instruction sheet full of ideas to help keep kids interested. For the past two weeks we’ve been having circle time after breakfast, doing an activity and a craft and setting our days around dinosaur “things”. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Seriously, at this age anything goes. We made green Jell-O one day and instantly it was “dinosaur Jell-O”. We had yogurt covered raisins for snack another day and they were “dinosaur eggs” etc. See? Easy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I found some cute educational activity sheets that had cartoon dinosaurs on them, so that counts! Find them on a cute blog called </span><a href="http://www.2teachingmommies.com/search/label/Dinosaurs"><span style="color: #274e13;">2TeachingMommies.</span></a><span style="color: #274e13;"> Here’s a few pics of them doing the activities we printed:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I also found this really cute idea to make dinosaur feet at </span><a href="http://lyndsxo-glamourmoms.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-dinosaur-stomp.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">ItMom</span></a><span style="color: #274e13;">: With all this cardboard laying around, I knew this project was meant for us! I grabbed some green tempra paint from Hobby Lobby for $1.77, got the ribbon from my current (overly abundant) ribbon stash, threw the kids in their old preschool shirts and went for it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu71q10cfUiiCIRJ62qRaTvEcPvSjBcM90dwAYk4C8ZoUbQikPHnU53Tx-CKK87TxENnqz7I8rB9Xia9mQucJNUHYhAB9hrVkCc8US8aFeHtxPiMhrdO7xXbrwLYdA6TEmvthjGCrQHVf/s1600/DinoFeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu71q10cfUiiCIRJ62qRaTvEcPvSjBcM90dwAYk4C8ZoUbQikPHnU53Tx-CKK87TxENnqz7I8rB9Xia9mQucJNUHYhAB9hrVkCc8US8aFeHtxPiMhrdO7xXbrwLYdA6TEmvthjGCrQHVf/s320/DinoFeet.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">What made it more awesome, is we already had a book called “Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp” written by Carol Diggory Shields. You can check it out at your local library or buy it on </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Night-at-Dinosaur-Stomp/dp/0763638870/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335798795&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #274e13;">here</span></a><span style="color: #274e13;">:</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">We strapped on our new dinosaur feet, read the story and had our own dinosaur stomp in the livingroom!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">One afternoon while running through Michael’s craft store, I saw these really cool dinosaur eggs for $1.50 each (I forgot to take a picture of them in their packaging). They’re like compressed dirt and inside are miniature plastic dinosaur bones that you can put together and display when finished. We set up our dig site out back and the kids pretended to be Paleontologists for the morning. It took about an hour total with both kids and me helping them back and forth but we successfully dug out the “bones” and got them put together. They’re now proudly being displayed on their dressers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Last event to close out the theme was a trip to </span><a href="http://www.akronfossils.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;">Jurrasic Park</span></a><span style="color: #274e13;"> here in Copley. I have to tell you, I was ecstatic to learn that we had a Fossil/Science center so close to our house! We chose to just do the park only so the fee was just $3.00 each. The park is a cute little area full of different activities for the kiddos. They rode cars in the Dino 500, they shot balls in the ball toss at dinosaur cut-outs, they climbed across a shaky bridge, they played in the sand dig area, they played on the swings and the slides and the most fun of all, they rode on zip lines! They had a little 12ft (I’m guessing…) long “baby” zip line that Ryan loved and then they had a 200ft (not guessing, ‘cause I asked) long zip line that Ash LOVED!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">While a lot of the learning was pretend and we were being silly, I was surprised to find out how much of this information stuck in their brains. One day while out, Ashlynn was holding onto one of the toy dinosaurs from the library. A lady said to her, “I like your toy, what is that?” To which Ash replied “a Brachiosaurus.” The lady looked at her shocked and said “well, I was expecting you to say dinosaur but Brachiosaurus will work!” :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Also for those of you who know about Ryan’s speech issues… he says Stegasaurus clear as a bell!! Crazy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Whew, learning about dinosaurs and pretending was great fun. We’re off to a new activity for the next few weeks.</span>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-87724149961948589702012-04-30T07:45:00.001-07:002012-10-16T07:28:37.057-07:00A PINKALICIOUS PARTY!!!<div>
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<em><span style="color: magenta;">Wow... here's an old post from LAST YEAR that was in draft mode... never finished. Sound familiar? Anyhoo, here it is, unfinished and all!</span></em><br />
I'm SO far behind on posts (what's new) but several of you have asked about seeing pics from Ashlynn's birthday party. If you didn't already know, my daughter is a pink, glittery hot mess. The brigher, shinier more ridiculous it is.... the more she LOVES it. Since April, she had been asking me to throw her a Pinkalicious Party for her 4th birthday.<br />
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We had the party at the Chesapeak Children's Museum in Annapolis. The "party room" is also the employee breakroom area and is less than appealing to look at upon first glance. However, we quickly transformed this place into a Pinktastic Mess which all the other little-girl guests loved. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664084637654454866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnIE6-vTWsAsN-kdGU7hrxbSqjkrOZK7lSMNF04cARwdt5ioXgeqENh2s8HDqwi-quOLWRCKxSaRCg3Qf283K2ZPBjPVS6raUVR7puo2S0VOT4wJdOy7qfhEgt_x0rG_-aoMgXcru4-Dl/s400/2011-9.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <br />
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A: Watermelon cut into heart shapes<br />
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B: Pinkalicious Cupcakes - made by Lisa Z. They were very good. Her site <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sugarspicedandiced/">here</a>!</div>
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C: Pink Strawberry Lemonade w/ sliced lemons</div>
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D: The cupcakes on the decorated table<br />
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E: Custom "Ashlynnlicious" embroidered dress for the event. Buy one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewcutecreations?ref=seller_info">here</a>!</div>
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F: Pink goodie bags, w/ pink ribbons and Pinkalicious stickers.</div>
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G: Dipped strawberries in white candy bark and pink sprinkles</div>
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H: The lil' man enjoying his cupcakes <br />
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I: The birthday girl wearing her Pinkalicious Tiara (of course).<br />
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J: The decorated birthday area - PomPom's hanging by ceiling were homemade.<br />
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K: Homemade Stick the Cherry on the Cupcake Game - Everyone who played won Pink coins!<br />
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L: The Pinkalicious Invites!</div>
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M: Green food to cure Pinkatitus!<br />
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For me, it's all in the details... I started preparing for the party late May. Sadly, many of the decorations I had made didn't get used. My intentions were to have the party at home initially, but having family from out of town come her birthday weekend was more exciting so we changed the venue to the museum. I hadn't seen the birthday space until the day we arrived and there just wasn't room for all the decorations that had been made. </div>
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My first mission: THE INVITATIONS!</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664093155527800002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq9k2gF4OVyK4oz7UbFr86TStpJrcaLN7LFdYjwnQftDkN7EUE_n_vUDHR0QstL0lvnE_ht4wA1hpiOOOsTnJow6x3BHniD9ASN3o8izRd2XEFBohTV1LKlzSuyo50sHNFMeCo8yl_JU_/s320/IMG_6480.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664091947847171074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc5ZF9u73eRvFTFEcsjoXAsC9OVUrTDgZNa3In8ktvVClYySdFjz69y8F7lAf1mIkEmZ3wha6OfKVZA0bcg9fpiq16bPArok7bFt0SdXJ8llE8MLM4V1dnaQ4P5GtXGGFlffgM7Wue2vD/s320/IMG_6932.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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Papercrafting is my thing so I new exactly what I wanted to achieve. I ordered most of the supplies from my Stampin' Up! demonstrator <a href="http://amberscraftcorner.com/">here</a>. I went to michaels to buy red glitter paper and adhesive (Tombow Refills). I only needed 15 so this was an easy one. </div>
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<em><span style="color: magenta;">... see, undone. I had all these intentions of showing step by step the card, the goody bags... ugh! Oh well. </span></em></div>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-88249144682780791172012-04-30T07:39:00.001-07:002012-04-30T07:39:25.259-07:00We're baaaack!!It's been almost 1 year since my last post. Wow. I'm going to try and sum up the last year in 100 words or less:<br />
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This parade has packed up and moved again! <br />
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<br />Last summer we moved to Kent Island. LOVED it there! DISLIKED commuting & disliked my dysfunctional employer. Seeing my kids only a few hours each day was awful. Those hours spent rushing, arguing and exhausted - only to do it over again the next day left us wondering "Is this really worth it?" The hubbs was still longing to have a cleaner house and home cooked dinners again (heehee). Happy wife, happy life right? <br />
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Fast forward: An opportunity to be transferred to Ohio came up. Yes, OHIO. So, we took it. The worst part for me? Leaving D.C.… the area I’ve dreamt of living for MANY MANY YEARS. The area that I feel at HOME. *Sigh*. Also, leaving good friends we had made during our time there and also taking the kids from the preschool they LOVED attending.<br />
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The best part for me now? I’m home with my kids again, I LOVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD and I can start creating again in my very own craft room. I think that is all a fair trade. Don’t you? Oh and the hubs, has gotten his dinners back (we’re working on the cleaner house part!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwFX6tOY9yHsIS7ASB-uyHCjnFcU1qRCzMltoHvwYF2jZfZGauFKgBcKf0H7-T2Fed_PmFOiRf0tpyJPQF9nNaXPohhWbNMMTT_1wIeDWj1wn68tATPBtlMfDipKrx2ZX-Hd04mZ-4VS5/s1600/FamilyOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwFX6tOY9yHsIS7ASB-uyHCjnFcU1qRCzMltoHvwYF2jZfZGauFKgBcKf0H7-T2Fed_PmFOiRf0tpyJPQF9nNaXPohhWbNMMTT_1wIeDWj1wn68tATPBtlMfDipKrx2ZX-Hd04mZ-4VS5/s320/FamilyOnly.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-32975554717253642992011-07-17T18:43:00.000-07:002012-10-16T07:29:22.271-07:00Farm Fresh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzDOvFmit4jH3QrnBXR70QGtU95Wb2E5LoJAACc51eCtUdiSnvUd6mNDam1C8zsXfuK1C1bcd-89TG5kkVPemqjXSnxHqFj8LsaPZiUPRAzPcKwBFHCzB-ArEcfLgU4r0hcutfyUG3Kl6/s1600/IMG_6841.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630518374262995682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzDOvFmit4jH3QrnBXR70QGtU95Wb2E5LoJAACc51eCtUdiSnvUd6mNDam1C8zsXfuK1C1bcd-89TG5kkVPemqjXSnxHqFj8LsaPZiUPRAzPcKwBFHCzB-ArEcfLgU4r0hcutfyUG3Kl6/s320/IMG_6841.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I'm really bad at this whole blogging thing... MARCH was my last post?! Wow... I have SO many things stored to share. Ugh!</div>
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Well this is the latest - Last week I stopped by our local vegetable stand to see if I could pick up a few of the produce items on my list as I was headed to Safeway. Imagine my surprise when I found out they had EVERYTHING I wanted (except for cilantro!). I bought:</div>
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2 Dozen brown eggs</div>
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5 Lemons</div>
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3 Green Bell Peppers</div>
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2 Zucchini</div>
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1 Yellow Squash</div>
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2 Heirloom Tomatoes</div>
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2 Red Onions</div>
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2lbs of Red Potatoes</div>
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2 Garlic Heads</div>
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1 Celery Stock</div>
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1 Jalapeno Pepper</div>
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My total was $20.89!!!</div>
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Once at Safeway, I did a little price comparison and all the exact same produce would have cost me $32.93!! That is a whopping $12.04 people! </div>
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What's the point, you're wondering...? Well I'm saying go to your local farmers market's or stands! It helps the community and is good for you!</div>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-78605981466153205852011-03-19T11:30:00.000-07:002011-03-19T11:38:39.419-07:00Another card D-O-N-E ! Woohoo!Ashlynn is attending a birthday party at Build-A-Bear tomorrow - Naturally that meant I had to dig out my Build-A-Bear diecut/stamping stuff. Here's what I made in about 15 minutes late last night...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_vR38gGAjwl8fVocu4s5DuUN8zXPgUBdZYQYrvdJLtnNDkRdl8BsWuMJrn-iRzmZRSGSpP4jCiqCqm07wYgPZ7kR_wxSCeVR_aKfm9RtstgVGo6XLwONMuZ7xLXjfyuR_8kmvDc_XJpB/s1600/BABMarleyCard.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuw0Kb6p_ubfTQzbx1sm1z2JHJyivuqx2HcTgSE81z2gHJp5024pxqhD8GuvSC66JJYlBZwacIGHL7j49pj_98WTfHFnCAKvlCcQobGTLP5FRZ_9clappXcm5L-yenYbQNah6zIojY7rh/s1600/BABMarleyCard.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585862097676170930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuw0Kb6p_ubfTQzbx1sm1z2JHJyivuqx2HcTgSE81z2gHJp5024pxqhD8GuvSC66JJYlBZwacIGHL7j49pj_98WTfHFnCAKvlCcQobGTLP5FRZ_9clappXcm5L-yenYbQNah6zIojY7rh/s320/BABMarleyCard.JPG" /></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-41604647283915695432011-03-18T13:48:00.001-07:002011-03-18T13:55:32.751-07:00Check out the Easter Baskets!!Today while shopping at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lowes.com">Lowe's </a>(for material to make a nesting bag... blog to follow) I found these lovely child size gardening bags! How cute are these?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585525839893550418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiXa-KzdCrv-CNUyXCor5_azebzBeVPJgNL6Z825pC4db5HUE0w_Epy5GGPKQ7XnkOftSbvjryh_UFtlJ4CkiQRLOG-o_TpqxUrjJjZxzDRHO3QTcR6SV08q7rAwocEkAaiT_RHMywoFd/s320/Garden+Totes.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iyvsNseG3135ThgFqGU0jPKUw_1GlNuvcU4KDKu9bLBdZfEHzI1WbVLv4kqxyUUxnqlABYbFZAyOG5v6s2JY25TLrA2hBw38odTAziPXcrTSDGcNsICOOseGtXv2oV5fZ4pfWmZDYGfp/s1600/Garden+Totes2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585525937422841346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iyvsNseG3135ThgFqGU0jPKUw_1GlNuvcU4KDKu9bLBdZfEHzI1WbVLv4kqxyUUxnqlABYbFZAyOG5v6s2JY25TLrA2hBw38odTAziPXcrTSDGcNsICOOseGtXv2oV5fZ4pfWmZDYGfp/s320/Garden+Totes2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Contents Include:</div><div></div><div>1, Tote</div><div>3, Garde Tools: Shovel, Trowel, Rake</div><div>6, Jiffy Pots</div><div>1, Sesame Street Seet Packet</div><div>6, Jiffy Quick Soil Mix</div><div>1, Green & Growing Tips & Activites Booklet</div><div>6, Labeling Stakes</div><div>1, Sticker Sheet</div><div>and growing instructions</div><br /><div></div><div>all for just $10.99 per Kit!</div><div></div><br /><div>So, now all I need is a stuffed bunny and voila - my kids' easter baskets are done!</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-45387545513701110592011-03-16T09:25:00.001-07:002011-03-16T09:36:55.747-07:00Stamping from boxes!Recently, an old customer came out of the wordwork to place an order for 7 different cards and a baby gift. I didn't take any photos during the process but below are the pictures of all the card and the baby brag book (which technically was already made - waiting for a customer) that were made. This whole thing was exciting and very frustrating at the same time. As you know, we moved almost a year ago now and 90% of my craft items are in boxes. I couldn't turn down this order, but let me tell you... I've gotten stuff EVERYWHERE from pulling it all out frantically looking for items I already have etc. Happy to have the sale, glad I made it through it.... :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeoBRURbTDBnus0uQWO9g9ptsdIRXUqXShzeV1c6dAy_2PoHy56q4rUwAcu_Y3cBotPD8E3_RQLyQMyLTNLsFj1_hzV9NYqzaegcCU16EPsGSfpd6_pQ7aRHwtYl3XLuw3qYNtykZblf0/s1600/bbFront.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584716097295080962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeoBRURbTDBnus0uQWO9g9ptsdIRXUqXShzeV1c6dAy_2PoHy56q4rUwAcu_Y3cBotPD8E3_RQLyQMyLTNLsFj1_hzV9NYqzaegcCU16EPsGSfpd6_pQ7aRHwtYl3XLuw3qYNtykZblf0/s320/bbFront.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyV1hfWsvsAv_QJyr-JVIMuY18ospa_GsZXAMbFJblsPY37HRJ0Q4gMh8Y-k3TQ1QTo7ZpK9nvHqnNTG9INdmEhIIbQWTNHMsFGkUj8zIaCNRRZ6Uy8wcEi3zK0MdAMWVQvF2nfLQN4s/s1600/sympathy+card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584716091301942850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyV1hfWsvsAv_QJyr-JVIMuY18ospa_GsZXAMbFJblsPY37HRJ0Q4gMh8Y-k3TQ1QTo7ZpK9nvHqnNTG9INdmEhIIbQWTNHMsFGkUj8zIaCNRRZ6Uy8wcEi3zK0MdAMWVQvF2nfLQN4s/s320/sympathy+card.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ_1D6Pvzw-VtHq-MQyHZpqza8xxUhNiplaDdMh7UP4nYzGnipP3aJr9Ker9jsS-aAw8C2dM6cHNoAZZaeO-UkoLBmHjQcIK5Jaf_xG0fure68HmRe-fg4EnTxd4DaY1CXWjNBpZKmVex/s1600/Thinking+of+you+card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584716087130027746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ_1D6Pvzw-VtHq-MQyHZpqza8xxUhNiplaDdMh7UP4nYzGnipP3aJr9Ker9jsS-aAw8C2dM6cHNoAZZaeO-UkoLBmHjQcIK5Jaf_xG0fure68HmRe-fg4EnTxd4DaY1CXWjNBpZKmVex/s320/Thinking+of+you+card.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHUxpLbFDZFJV_vOFD3XsBTCUm32otPbch0KhKUMhM6-utY6U1CEwqjbiUTAbixru1Rr0CnQr8vpCOghZEiXlSWJ5H2ccw441fmo71d00rb8cwGvb_87ELS2aKKU6ykE9Yq4qqGjEJ5kV/s1600/EngagementCard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584715801727914594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHUxpLbFDZFJV_vOFD3XsBTCUm32otPbch0KhKUMhM6-utY6U1CEwqjbiUTAbixru1Rr0CnQr8vpCOghZEiXlSWJ5H2ccw441fmo71d00rb8cwGvb_87ELS2aKKU6ykE9Yq4qqGjEJ5kV/s320/EngagementCard.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6HVRp7Mg6T5t_IwN3iPeI9aMXyktJo_fPjqS8A17nf99qBJ9mG-gitxcdtOW_PFRySDEfArICG38cYk7OBVHy5-jt9Ssod8g_est7uqAZLkAmHea5CmylFh87qwEUGZlv9dxh7ZjsOXc/s1600/baby+card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584715798128527538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6HVRp7Mg6T5t_IwN3iPeI9aMXyktJo_fPjqS8A17nf99qBJ9mG-gitxcdtOW_PFRySDEfArICG38cYk7OBVHy5-jt9Ssod8g_est7uqAZLkAmHea5CmylFh87qwEUGZlv9dxh7ZjsOXc/s320/baby+card.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgami_2tuS5uucPvLJL9EmHuOPVxcygIPK6vDN4UZP1UnGOlRqwb1WQ_EJxWLFE4hMFkGZTDqIIugv78IyrJTXlamu95a2mz2mit1YyZGB__ckBW-bLBjoJsnxKNdOU583m1n6MsbZef992/s1600/Friend3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584715795820405954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgami_2tuS5uucPvLJL9EmHuOPVxcygIPK6vDN4UZP1UnGOlRqwb1WQ_EJxWLFE4hMFkGZTDqIIugv78IyrJTXlamu95a2mz2mit1YyZGB__ckBW-bLBjoJsnxKNdOU583m1n6MsbZef992/s320/Friend3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtKLzFV_A-ZC4brcNFbG8-oJ9PNdvW3GJiLmgva5TbJXiYaf5C0APyNbhGTa8jP25dGEhSLfbPLAqL2nDVIF0sZ_C6_8B0MsSTLzgzK9diui-fI9F0-_bBUcH5ZSAw8TJ8kny4nerD61I/s1600/Friend2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584715793520672242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtKLzFV_A-ZC4brcNFbG8-oJ9PNdvW3GJiLmgva5TbJXiYaf5C0APyNbhGTa8jP25dGEhSLfbPLAqL2nDVIF0sZ_C6_8B0MsSTLzgzK9diui-fI9F0-_bBUcH5ZSAw8TJ8kny4nerD61I/s320/Friend2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQei9yZdI2hsuCDIcazSMWtvKhH7_wngIN1yCJHQyYVQpI5yucILrF1mg-UbF5fjyo62TvSSx63SvCGViaP1SiOA0dzPMPROkC_gzd_kJFiu4fLK0Zjb7Hqi9-F-_f7wgZ0TtYBs_s2-b4/s1600/Friend1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584715793462944690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQei9yZdI2hsuCDIcazSMWtvKhH7_wngIN1yCJHQyYVQpI5yucILrF1mg-UbF5fjyo62TvSSx63SvCGViaP1SiOA0dzPMPROkC_gzd_kJFiu4fLK0Zjb7Hqi9-F-_f7wgZ0TtYBs_s2-b4/s320/Friend1.jpg" /></a><br />Be sure to check my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tarasstamppad">Etsy </a>store frequently as I'll sell anything I make on that site from now on. Thanks!!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-2406393464738100762011-03-10T17:33:00.000-08:002011-03-10T17:41:09.351-08:00Jaybird Quilts has an awesome new giveaway!My fellow followers (yes, ALL 7 of you!) there's a blog that I've been following recently called <a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/">Jaybird Quilts </a>- it's fabulous. I'm really in love with all her patterns. Today she posted a new giveaway for some kits from <a href="http://www.wondrouswovenfabrics.com/">Wonderous Woven Fabrics</a>! Go check it out!!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8683776474775059614.post-667906831104907182011-02-16T10:39:00.001-08:002011-02-16T10:48:02.767-08:001st Valentine ExchangeAshlynn just had her very first Valentine Exchange. I'm always on a hunt for something different/cute with a FREE or nearly free price tag. I found these lovely things at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.stampinup.com">Stampin' Up!</a> on their clearance rack for just $3.99 - for 30 of them! Then we filled them with candy watches from the dollar tree - oh and freebie coupons from McDonalds. <div><div> </div><div>First we punched them all out, got Ashlynn's name on them and got them folded up - they came pre cut and scored!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU8sbLllu1I4Z63kijdOlw60aOLlI8Sv4-HUKguDX-9j6S2SjrhR8zzTkArtCn-i-CKtp2-cJE4CNrkhiblQGGz55y6aGfMewCVLetCtgs164XmZYObQKGFKThAvVKd8H2BVacWnd7gt5/s1600/Vblog1-1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574359993478704994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU8sbLllu1I4Z63kijdOlw60aOLlI8Sv4-HUKguDX-9j6S2SjrhR8zzTkArtCn-i-CKtp2-cJE4CNrkhiblQGGz55y6aGfMewCVLetCtgs164XmZYObQKGFKThAvVKd8H2BVacWnd7gt5/s320/Vblog1-1.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjRIGlk47zLq8VbocSOTWuZLxVlyr0NBiwRJBYwBMZH_8R1cJQgd5bYp2MfrcUHc7CSMZSXDeaozIl9HBbyH2jKckrtBR5BBzvMtevBJmTaGMaBK6RxwvbyLaDhFaToZogyeWxolop1nK/s1600/Vblog4-1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574360000455503154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjRIGlk47zLq8VbocSOTWuZLxVlyr0NBiwRJBYwBMZH_8R1cJQgd5bYp2MfrcUHc7CSMZSXDeaozIl9HBbyH2jKckrtBR5BBzvMtevBJmTaGMaBK6RxwvbyLaDhFaToZogyeWxolop1nK/s320/Vblog4-1.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>Ashlynn stuffed them all - see, so easy a 3 year old can do 'em!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoO1zGeIK4CY20UWu_GIPRv12coXEqkHFz0q_CX4KzFaK0XFF0STRsP_UxOOo52z-0YXDBEJSOAXqCV-7uV1Z_ix2lIHAfJNNXPuB2CNDl9hZgqcZufD8VrTegbwmpdCVjp8zsfrHlk1Z/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574360432826435906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoO1zGeIK4CY20UWu_GIPRv12coXEqkHFz0q_CX4KzFaK0XFF0STRsP_UxOOo52z-0YXDBEJSOAXqCV-7uV1Z_ix2lIHAfJNNXPuB2CNDl9hZgqcZufD8VrTegbwmpdCVjp8zsfrHlk1Z/s320/IMG_5381.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Added the sticker closures and D-O-N-E</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBtK5hUugnqZSutV-i67NEc8InPnvlbWHuVnu1DSydCWCQQdKXGSkkYJWP7681vGFY1ubEzkGEiD03t-zj90gpilI58SHWIg8xA8iCcTc76q5jMpw6aiC4XLBiMYZdnGV43qtvFzpSoh/s1600/Vblogz11-1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574360766832739458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBtK5hUugnqZSutV-i67NEc8InPnvlbWHuVnu1DSydCWCQQdKXGSkkYJWP7681vGFY1ubEzkGEiD03t-zj90gpilI58SHWIg8xA8iCcTc76q5jMpw6aiC4XLBiMYZdnGV43qtvFzpSoh/s320/Vblogz11-1.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08241315146578135122noreply@blogger.com1