tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45488290860870311132024-02-19T13:59:04.499-08:00One Mom's RealityEveryday life moments for one woman.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-9078832407311728752013-11-04T11:15:00.001-08:002013-11-04T11:20:37.190-08:00More time or another me!I decided that I either need more time or another me around. It seems like there is so much to do right now as we are trying to sell our house, FSBO style, and with the holiday season upon us. I barely got into the Halloween spirit and missed being more excited about it. I really love Thanksgiving (even thought it seems like now all people can talk about it Christmas) and hope that I can get the spirit of it before the day before.<br />
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I know I can't have more time or another me...well I could have more awake time, if I sacrificed sleep, but a grumpy mom on top of a already frazzled one, just might not be worth it!!</div>
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Anyway, I know I can't have time or a double, but if I could I think that I would pick another me over more time. With another me I could put one to work getting the things done and feeling "productive" and then I could spend MORE time sitting with my kids, reading to them, making cookies with them (aka a small mess), doing thoughtful things for their dad, or going on walks, enjoying the last few days of warm before the cold and even then, maybe I would be more willing to get all bundled up and go outside knowing that all the extra layers and laundry would be manageable with another me to help. Another me to be a cute, thoughtful mom and WIFE would be AmaZing. </div>
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Well I just had to clear my mind and type out this thought so that I can realize what it truly important and have some renewed energy to keep going, since as my mom always says, "this too, shall pass." </div>
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The things I want my kids to remember is that they are loved and that I love spending time with them...not that a clean house was more important. Now back to cleaning, or maybe I'll read a book with my kids first!!</div>
Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-49100269028428099542013-10-10T21:09:00.000-07:002013-10-10T21:09:24.613-07:00Reflecting ThoughtsI don't know what has been the cause of my reflective thoughts lately, being another year older, having another child, having a child start school. Maybe it is a combination of all. Either way it seems like I spend a bit more time thinking about who I am and more so, who I was in school. I think I was (and probably still are) a bit naive as to what is going on around me. I think of the people who have come and gone in my immediate circle of daily life. Some I know a little bit of what they are doing now, some I have no clue and some I wonder what they are up to. <br />
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I think some of my reflection is school, and the pressure to fit in, or the idea that "those are the most important things" when now they are such small importance's (i.e., friends, dances, being popular, etc) I was the witness of some teen girls "cattiness" and after about 25 minutes of it I finally opened my mouth to hopefully help one young girl see that her actions were not nice. Who know what came of it...probably that I was some withcy woman sticking her nose in another's business. But when you are right in line behind them for that long of time, it is hard to not want to do something. But in the 24.5 minutes I stood there just listening I was thinking how SCARY it will be to have a kid that age and the social pressure they will have to deal with. <br />
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Maybe if I felt my memory was better I could remember what it was like for me. But I don't, sadly to say. I don't remember the "cattiness'' that people say girls are. I don't remember the desire to be cool or fit in. Maybe I wasn't or didn't, or maybe I was taught that it didn't matter. I worry that I won't be able to help my kids the way I was helped/taught. I wonder if I will be the kind of parent they can turn to. Sometimes I worry I won't because I don't think I was the friend that was even the one someone turned to for help. Sad to day but I have been wondering if any of my "friends" from years previous were positively impacted by me, or if they wish they stayed in better touch like I do. And maybe that will have no reflection of how my parenting will be.<br />
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My mind is all over the place here, but I guess to anyone who ever reads this, maybe it will help them see that they are not alone in reflective thinking. Maybe. Maybe Not. Most of these are just thoughts, not questions. <br />
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Bottom line I guess that I take comfort in when I am reflectively thinking is that I am (we are) a child of God. He loves us, He is there for us. If we strive to do those things that keep Him in our life, we will be happy in the end, we will be BLESSED beyond contemplation. He knows us, He LOVES us. He will guide and help us, and He will send people into our lives that will also do the same.<br />
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I probably should just archive this in my computer somewhere and not post it because I a not an eloquent writer but even if I keep it to myself until I think clearer or write better, I will have forgotten and no one will see that there are other people out there with the same reflective wonderments. I guess it's my attempt to get thoughts out there (I would say on paper, but this isn't paper and I am not sure what the new term would be) and help myself and anyone else.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-64314068831389458612013-04-08T20:51:00.000-07:002013-04-08T20:51:31.778-07:00Simple Horse Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So for my sons birthday he wanted a horse cake. I pulled up some images on Google for him and after eliminating all the hard ones for him because I am no professional, he basically got to choose from 2 simpler cakes, a full body horse, or a horse head. He chose the full body horse. Since it is actually a cake pan that I don't have and didn't care to buy, I improvised.</div>
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I made two 9x13 cakes, one white and one chocolate, the night before I decorated them.</div>
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For my base/cake board, I cut some cardboard boxes up to give me two layers big and strong enough to hold the 2 cakes.</div>
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I drew a horse similar to the one from the picture seen online (and don't laugh because I am no artist!) using two plain pieces of standard size copy paper taped together. (I made sure my 'cake board' was bigger then my drawing) </div>
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I then used handy dandy tinfoil to wrap the cardboard and fancy it up :) </div>
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I just taped it to the back like this...nothing to fancy but also it didn't require going out and purchasing anything! </div>
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I used wax paper as a template to transfer my drawing onto the cake (since drawing it a second time would be near impossible since you can't erase on frosting!!)</div>
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I just laid the wax paper on top then used a black marker to trace the main lines needed. </div>
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I then laid my two cakes on the board and cut them to give some shape and then also because my drawing was just a little taller then my cake I needed to add some length by using the scraps I just cut off (like I said not professional but easy)</div>
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I then made some chocolate frosting and covered the cake.</div>
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I also used a scrap piece to create a horseshoe for a spot to put his name and age since I didn't feel like making cupcakes like the cake online had.</div>
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I overlaid my wax paper template then used a tooth pick to indent the lines (I just traced the line with the toothpick and it did the trick!)</div>
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I then created some black frosting using my extra chocolate frosting and using a size 6 circle tip outlined the horse and filled in the hooves. I used a Wilton 21 tip to create the main and tail. Then I made some red frosting (because my son wanted a red horse but settled for red accents!!) to give the horse a halter and then to border the cakes and write his name and age.</div>
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It was pretty easy (and has lots of imperfections just like me;)) and the best part was that he loved it and it fed all of our guests with a little to much to spare!</div>
<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-66745862078629700282013-03-26T13:07:00.003-07:002013-04-08T20:52:36.819-07:00Easter Games for Preschoolers<div style="text-align: center;">
So I was asked to help with the Easter party at my son's preschool. I have helped with some others and we have done "Pin the nose on the snowman" and Valentines Bingo, so I was trying to think of something else to do. So of course I went to google typed in Easter games for preschool, but wasn't really finding anything that I liked. So...I went to pinterest and typed in Easter games and there were lots of pins. I visited many of them and narrowed down the ones I like the best and thought I might as well share them.</div>
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This first one is more for getting wiggles out:</div>
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<a href="http://www.littlefamilyfun.com/2012/03/energetic-easter-game.html">http://www.littlefamilyfun.com/2012/03/energetic-easter-game.html</a></div>
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I liked this one. I reminded me of the Cooties game. I am not sure this will work as is for the preschool class because they may not be able to draw so well yet, but it gave me the idea to make the body parts and then when that number is rolled they "build" the bunny like you would the Cootie's game.</div>
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<a href="http://www.housingaforest.com/funny-bunny-faces-game/">http://www.housingaforest.com/funny-bunny-faces-game/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.housingaforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_00571-1024x6821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.housingaforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_00571-1024x6821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a site that has a list of games, like </div>
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-guess the number</div>
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-Easter Bunny says</div>
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-Easter word find</div>
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-and some craft ideas</div>
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<a href="http://www.tescomagazine.com/living/family-life/easter-games-and-activities-for-kids.html">http://www.tescomagazine.com/living/family-life/easter-games-and-activities-for-kids.html</a></div>
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This is an ESL site and there is only this PDF but I liked the swinging toss egg idea. Almost like a different version of a pinata.</div>
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<a href="http://learningenglish-esl.blogspot.ca/2011/02/easter-games.html">http://learningenglish-esl.blogspot.ca/2011/02/easter-games.html</a></div>
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This site creates an egg hunt looking for a specific color match-up of eggs. Great for teaching kids. I thought that it could easily be adjusted for my sons preschool by having them make the mixed up color egg after choosing the egg card.</div>
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<a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/on-a-hunt-for-mixed-up-eggs">http://www.makeandtakes.com/on-a-hunt-for-mixed-up-eggs</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/wp-content/uploads/Easter-Eggs-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.makeandtakes.com/wp-content/uploads/Easter-Eggs-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a site that has some great PDF's. I already used a bingo style game so I probably won't use this one, but great to have on hand for the future.</div>
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It also has a printable for "bunny, bunny who's got the bunny" (to be played like button, button who's got the button), and Easter tic-tac-toe and a few others.</div>
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<a href="http://preparednotscared.blogspot.com/2011/04/pdf-files-are-ready.html">http://preparednotscared.blogspot.com/2011/04/pdf-files-are-ready.html</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1K1gH7CydJ-G7HI5JqoL5zRH8CuMOQ7-hwvRFXgdFZ3D4XFh8ozVf8lOVOcULDoAgOvdSN7Xln9s79NeY46ujXcuVpKgt5fPmHvoXm0g7jCEGqPmD8d5UWZoz0dsurPWC7LPuZPoX3Ld/s320/Copy+of+Bunny+Bingo+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1K1gH7CydJ-G7HI5JqoL5zRH8CuMOQ7-hwvRFXgdFZ3D4XFh8ozVf8lOVOcULDoAgOvdSN7Xln9s79NeY46ujXcuVpKgt5fPmHvoXm0g7jCEGqPmD8d5UWZoz0dsurPWC7LPuZPoX3Ld/s320/Copy+of+Bunny+Bingo+Card.jpg" /></a></div>
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This of course is not an all inclusive list, but just some that I liked for the age group I deal mostly with (that would be under 5!!)</div>
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ENJOY</div>
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<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-48651878224717549622013-03-10T20:03:00.001-07:002013-03-10T20:03:45.002-07:00Cars Cupcake Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year for my son's 3rd birthday he wanted a "car" birthday cake. When I used Google Images to looks at different option with him it became quite clear he wanted a "Cars" birthday cake and anyone would do. Knowing that I was going to use cupcakes, we settled on a dirt track with cars on it. I think it could have been any cake with a 'Cars' character on it and he would have been happy.</div>
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I put my cupcakes as close together trying to achieve an oval shape, then used a white 1" ribbon wrapped around to hold them together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWciiBCLvAVFFUFw3mqgL95sOHljUxiTriv3QXb2L1G4eSdC_47YEZf9ITRaz2AHOBUSsQj56_VoPiY_oZ1fIsm9XjCZ9VOOgmYCeHsRkDJMlbIC5ktcFdXPisKSOrFggHi2v-jkFk-ro/s1600/BLog+Cars+Cake+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWciiBCLvAVFFUFw3mqgL95sOHljUxiTriv3QXb2L1G4eSdC_47YEZf9ITRaz2AHOBUSsQj56_VoPiY_oZ1fIsm9XjCZ9VOOgmYCeHsRkDJMlbIC5ktcFdXPisKSOrFggHi2v-jkFk-ro/s400/BLog+Cars+Cake+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The one that that I didn't do that I learned was a mistake, was to secure the cupcakes to the base. They just slid as a group and I didn't realize this until it was a little to late to solve the problem.</div>
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Sorry it was late when I was trying to finish the cake and get it hidden for the next day, so the pictures are a little lacking and I had to use a really shallow focus in order to get enough light.</div>
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Anyway frost the cupcakes like they are one unit, just making sure that the frosting is think enough to hold and not just fall through the gaps between the cupcakes. I used green since I knew that I would be piping on green grass to top it off. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewtgaVmjauT9dFPzB-4gsxqFCptx1Cuf1zW-i8ZA9bBZzpYKeFoBZgkha36_iQwcab35lEQAFlX2G_hXu5yP8aQClovUHY3cyPqKMAnt5lAI16sA5QA7o6VHY1uXwPv6xMlmdIXAw0iE/s1600/BLog+Cars+Cake+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewtgaVmjauT9dFPzB-4gsxqFCptx1Cuf1zW-i8ZA9bBZzpYKeFoBZgkha36_iQwcab35lEQAFlX2G_hXu5yP8aQClovUHY3cyPqKMAnt5lAI16sA5QA7o6VHY1uXwPv6xMlmdIXAw0iE/s400/BLog+Cars+Cake+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My race track was crushed up oreo's, with the 'walls' being just a part of the oreo. Once I scrapped off the cream, I just used my frosting spatula to score a line in the cookie and then it would break right where I wanted it to. I only used maybe the outside 1/4 of the cookie (so I got two 'walls' from each one chocolate wafer) and then just threw in inside in with the others to be crushed up for the dirt track. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO7zIMnEBn-QZAVU8E6S6QQfrQBPtcWI3fh7xDL00r15TGbD3bOjYe2ZmaYRYBJ6hgEcGpbmYXcMVUOYC4QTDaUZrC0qwRn7ROHvgYh9aeS5XSUjt4qr0VAgHau2FGKo8Li5lQ_qm-N0/s1600/BLog+Cars+Cake+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO7zIMnEBn-QZAVU8E6S6QQfrQBPtcWI3fh7xDL00r15TGbD3bOjYe2ZmaYRYBJ6hgEcGpbmYXcMVUOYC4QTDaUZrC0qwRn7ROHvgYh9aeS5XSUjt4qr0VAgHau2FGKo8Li5lQ_qm-N0/s400/BLog+Cars+Cake+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then used a grass tip to pipe grass where the track wasn't.</div>
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I made some Checkered flags by using a black marker on white paper and then taping it onto a tooth pick.</div>
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My son had picked out some 'Cars' toys that we put on the cake. And that was pretty much it. It was quite simple and took less time then I thought it would.</div>
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Top view </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EvWp-Wodb9O_7jP3PS6W2Vnc4gKB84n_inF2xdNUutn3F1TIW4i7GxqrzYbs7f7qviWABul23FaFVFA6YKGtKXMHvz7WfEks7rsD8NgxEowb3LdIn9vQ4rpLrRINjHkkVUhhr5mo3oE/s1600/BLog+Cars+Cake+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EvWp-Wodb9O_7jP3PS6W2Vnc4gKB84n_inF2xdNUutn3F1TIW4i7GxqrzYbs7f7qviWABul23FaFVFA6YKGtKXMHvz7WfEks7rsD8NgxEowb3LdIn9vQ4rpLrRINjHkkVUhhr5mo3oE/s400/BLog+Cars+Cake+05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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View from the side </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n2j04IOVrn-OR9nLsPl51Nrfr1fsGCdXlcwBb_nNCscm-DVi8FHJxrakdCBe6pG7IvxlGiEVMEi_P4IpdU6uh048FaS5ROCDZ_O0IylpTtZyvQ4VUhFa8-QWohD74MRaIWiQQVkflck/s1600/Blog+Cars+Cake+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n2j04IOVrn-OR9nLsPl51Nrfr1fsGCdXlcwBb_nNCscm-DVi8FHJxrakdCBe6pG7IvxlGiEVMEi_P4IpdU6uh048FaS5ROCDZ_O0IylpTtZyvQ4VUhFa8-QWohD74MRaIWiQQVkflck/s640/Blog+Cars+Cake+04.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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I then added a candle for his age and a little cut out of the cardboard box the cars came in with his name to personalize it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtho3QEu2yAmE_yqR2JLlcLRqgIot1cm9F3sq0W6CLla5A3i_s33Q8h0pstX03lTi5vJvjq5ZcfAsnFwTElaqGh8_gZQYdWfrhavdX8HJuyid4y0IqagaQfcLJYt1XN69SJ3iaM5xkb_8/s1600/BLog+Cars+Cake+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtho3QEu2yAmE_yqR2JLlcLRqgIot1cm9F3sq0W6CLla5A3i_s33Q8h0pstX03lTi5vJvjq5ZcfAsnFwTElaqGh8_gZQYdWfrhavdX8HJuyid4y0IqagaQfcLJYt1XN69SJ3iaM5xkb_8/s320/BLog+Cars+Cake+06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hope this helps you in any way :)</div>
<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-87784219144428771272013-03-03T19:10:00.000-08:002013-03-03T19:10:32.229-08:00'Mommy I made Potty'So have you seen the Bleach commercial "mommy I made poopoo?"<br />
Here is the link to it on you-tube if not (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imz6jdTME0w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imz6jdTME0w</a>).<br />
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Well... we had our own little version of this last night. My kids were in the bath when I could hear the youngest kind of whining, which she usually does after being splashed by a sibling or when she is ready to get out, but this time I went in to discover bobbing in the water by here was some poop.<br />
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I pulled out the older kids and sent them to our shower with their dad to assist, while I drained the tub, cleaned it up and then washed my daughter off.<br />
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This commercial just was running through my head and despite the fact it is kind of a gross thing, it is kind of funny. <br />
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I would have to say that I think all my kids have now done this (pooped in the bath) and around this same age. It almost comes around the time of potty training...so maybe now my little one is ready to start being potty trained if she is like her older siblings (or at least I can hope so!)Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-89306071459410798272012-11-30T14:29:00.001-08:002012-11-30T14:29:52.574-08:00Do it Yourself Canvas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Having a young and constantly changing family, I wanted to do something with some recent family pictures that wouldn't cost a fortune. Pintrest has several ideas of DIY canvas prints. After looking at several I attempted following 2 . I will compare them at the end if you are interested in how I felt they turned out. I included a couple other blog DIY tutorials in case you want to attempt them.</div>
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<a href="http://www.girlinair.com/2012/01/diy-giant-4ft-x-3ft.html" target="_blank">Girl in the Air</a> did a 4 foot by 3 foot canvas.</div>
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<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/make-your-own-canvas-portrait.html" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a> did a canvas that turns out more distressed.</div>
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<a href="http://thisthriftyhouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/cheap-diy-photo-canvases.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Thrifty House</a> did multiple pictures that are very similar to what I did.</div>
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<a href="http://www.literallyinspired.com/2012/02/picture-perfect.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Literally Inspired</a> is the other blog I attempted.</div>
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I purchased the Styrofoam from a local "home do it center" for $5 and I got more then enough. I will keep it and use it for the next few years when I update our family pictures.</div>
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I purchased the black canvas from "Hobby Lobby" and used one of their weekly 40% off coupons.</div>
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It cost under $5.</div>
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Everything else I had already on hand.</div>
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<strong>1</strong>. To start I took the prints that I wanted to turn into canvas and traced the outline on the Styrofoam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PywuEsrsyrQ6mk8T_kI2gJAf5b1QNkZEDMpT-W6vSeeJN03rLb54EXS6SKaHlA018oAPq9N91JI7bXhiWWbzDmGuYY5hn8ZbywOZzQ63C3v1bjt42C9_AFM2S5ngbYBLeuLznIAQqFA/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PywuEsrsyrQ6mk8T_kI2gJAf5b1QNkZEDMpT-W6vSeeJN03rLb54EXS6SKaHlA018oAPq9N91JI7bXhiWWbzDmGuYY5hn8ZbywOZzQ63C3v1bjt42C9_AFM2S5ngbYBLeuLznIAQqFA/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>2</strong>. I then used a craft knife to cut the Styrofoam. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNvKLnzvXJOPbx3OzcMF0Thy6JvOgVC-kI9zQ7FvX5zc6Ae_1UdE73EFJBcRnrAPB5vWpaxrP8kmfx2z6SVGpYzCZ6AnypmhY4Z4ljl8cPmvdkPCkQOt8yeMJb7PFfJoHJj1uIiaLS4Q/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNvKLnzvXJOPbx3OzcMF0Thy6JvOgVC-kI9zQ7FvX5zc6Ae_1UdE73EFJBcRnrAPB5vWpaxrP8kmfx2z6SVGpYzCZ6AnypmhY4Z4ljl8cPmvdkPCkQOt8yeMJb7PFfJoHJj1uIiaLS4Q/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found that holding it vertical, (pictured above) stabilized on the bottom, made for a cleaner cut then a horizontal cut (pictured below) which turned out more jagged. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcWSeY-Sg7LdqmtBP0muDMXsxhw96pFtukTTCznKqNeoKz-SJF87eiCTFZ0P178RFKMjDntgOTGshp-nTDABPe5KlJsZbqCB5fCWX_7nrlrp5VeKing_GzIh6PGJzALpHHh3vfRfVQws/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcWSeY-Sg7LdqmtBP0muDMXsxhw96pFtukTTCznKqNeoKz-SJF87eiCTFZ0P178RFKMjDntgOTGshp-nTDABPe5KlJsZbqCB5fCWX_7nrlrp5VeKing_GzIh6PGJzALpHHh3vfRfVQws/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Probably because I could put the entire blade through the Styrofoam and use a small sawing action but when horizontal the blade couldn't cut cleanly through the entire part with the sawing action and without the sawing action/using just a drag of the blade would tear out little chunks of the Styrofoam.</div>
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<strong>3</strong>. I then laid the cut pieces of Styrofoam on the canvas and cut leaving 2-3 inches of extra material. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0jiqev-GLYID3tlyFoq05hbh2M8DY_kfiI7kN9ogl4I223AMyAB-EApvyvYRC0R1swrcMbNMoctoWEN52vOGH4fEI7nPwtaKAcjke4fd3yzMwbp0mJ8PfjptMlZf_PQ82aPpgFb5qpo/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0jiqev-GLYID3tlyFoq05hbh2M8DY_kfiI7kN9ogl4I223AMyAB-EApvyvYRC0R1swrcMbNMoctoWEN52vOGH4fEI7nPwtaKAcjke4fd3yzMwbp0mJ8PfjptMlZf_PQ82aPpgFb5qpo/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>4.</strong> Staple the material to the Styrofoam.</div>
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Using a medium duty staple gun I stapled 2 sides (opposites) of the canvas to the Styrofoam </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YI-aiqgLZNSiblRqRLByYiqn-os5uQAaKa1PNGnEGFGfSTb0BEt11EljHb98t8N88r0HQS_JaN__Wg_ai43NUHx3korNBBgAXKWtJq4vtgo_Kh6KO-NL0YkLEDKhpZie3z_cKkINdGY/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YI-aiqgLZNSiblRqRLByYiqn-os5uQAaKa1PNGnEGFGfSTb0BEt11EljHb98t8N88r0HQS_JaN__Wg_ai43NUHx3korNBBgAXKWtJq4vtgo_Kh6KO-NL0YkLEDKhpZie3z_cKkINdGY/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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spacing the staples a few inches apart ensuring the keep the material tight and free of wrinkles when stapling the second side. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm9V4GfUgVfKA7QtvUeOvRk4Tj9G4jRrKpYOXInXS3CJLuR-hF_Av1YCXIhmi5WI2KmZ1SaHcG1GDkS1WN9CyHcd4X2u18iQ8yLFJur_mfNLKQ_cxrSnyuqyS2wYCiuRsGCP9gZB3Feg/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm9V4GfUgVfKA7QtvUeOvRk4Tj9G4jRrKpYOXInXS3CJLuR-hF_Av1YCXIhmi5WI2KmZ1SaHcG1GDkS1WN9CyHcd4X2u18iQ8yLFJur_mfNLKQ_cxrSnyuqyS2wYCiuRsGCP9gZB3Feg/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>5.</strong> To staple the last few sides I cut the material directly in line with the corner </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt52KH7wlI9AZzZVkZvK3Oulcz5g_ZugdnkJGNwwiHuKr-_LyLS6PXSpopjuLMmPjhiKHBTgWS2JrC2BhWHQmhQiCPQGN6Kp13ZFeqd8NXtU6gjyXeybVZmZLKvlEaZotMVo6CJ_arsE/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt52KH7wlI9AZzZVkZvK3Oulcz5g_ZugdnkJGNwwiHuKr-_LyLS6PXSpopjuLMmPjhiKHBTgWS2JrC2BhWHQmhQiCPQGN6Kp13ZFeqd8NXtU6gjyXeybVZmZLKvlEaZotMVo6CJ_arsE/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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then folded in the side already stapled (staple it, it will lay better when folding the last piece) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKp1pjdTBv1Hr8vXRNFAp5wRPlXvY2ee9D-bHyvtBcrwsL6mEZb-r5NIo0t6xGEIsh-aOL4Dz-AzoXv4VMY49i3nwBR3t39hhTItFF3aHpRfpNnnEmB4P33QYKBhxHUvGGFIzA9ll6ZM/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKp1pjdTBv1Hr8vXRNFAp5wRPlXvY2ee9D-bHyvtBcrwsL6mEZb-r5NIo0t6xGEIsh-aOL4Dz-AzoXv4VMY49i3nwBR3t39hhTItFF3aHpRfpNnnEmB4P33QYKBhxHUvGGFIzA9ll6ZM/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold up the unstapled side. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCXzCqqOdTDrQgZ8FCaTTtP26ja01ZiIcFEkgdKAe2zw0-WJxAUrmq82em3rNlLlmxmv0tGz5G4WHipQ9eCdSnY4JEMhq44XQajPK0vxgNPnclGdcxIBlAtJ3WDiVgeDR08LBUF9xijE/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCXzCqqOdTDrQgZ8FCaTTtP26ja01ZiIcFEkgdKAe2zw0-WJxAUrmq82em3rNlLlmxmv0tGz5G4WHipQ9eCdSnY4JEMhq44XQajPK0vxgNPnclGdcxIBlAtJ3WDiVgeDR08LBUF9xijE/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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cut or tuck the corner then proceed to staple along the entire side. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBahuQPGYBtXEwh5vB4m5KQx2nze3NTB9zcA98ha5VY-VK7Uo1_NB1lwsh16hMo2m1l8nCmOYySErjgTgS36QOUcUopBRcZWx-1yS4SbJiEHUSgczB_waUmWuhEyxgAF8QPxiVHV1htY/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBahuQPGYBtXEwh5vB4m5KQx2nze3NTB9zcA98ha5VY-VK7Uo1_NB1lwsh16hMo2m1l8nCmOYySErjgTgS36QOUcUopBRcZWx-1yS4SbJiEHUSgczB_waUmWuhEyxgAF8QPxiVHV1htY/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The doubled layers of material was a tough section for my medium duty stapler to go into so I attempted a couple of spots until I felt the staple was holding well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnP0VuplPK_LLVAvnwt7QohvM_XjzeQmkAjFtw7HjJXvgIu-2iXlTp3W4Q6bfcj_6FflOOzm6oXy8Gbg9wZ1CrOUT-MxXXVlgxG_Ei70ydKSAkeq8ha0s63HT7hlAWpsQgwfLLBxeF7w/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnP0VuplPK_LLVAvnwt7QohvM_XjzeQmkAjFtw7HjJXvgIu-2iXlTp3W4Q6bfcj_6FflOOzm6oXy8Gbg9wZ1CrOUT-MxXXVlgxG_Ei70ydKSAkeq8ha0s63HT7hlAWpsQgwfLLBxeF7w/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>6. </strong>Tape over the material.</div>
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I think this will help keep the staples in place and also adds a second adherence for the fabric on the Styrofoam. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TkeNcW1F_Di9IrN2Xaiqu_M7WQ3dlDHmfgO-QzO58bR1n1ywr18i3D3oGOjaJHaaYaWc2sa_YFghVfTiJUSRl_DnCaO416DRZy6LMZxxwkY9U4tgn0cJbX1Sw5MfphtNX1VVe3WR-20/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TkeNcW1F_Di9IrN2Xaiqu_M7WQ3dlDHmfgO-QzO58bR1n1ywr18i3D3oGOjaJHaaYaWc2sa_YFghVfTiJUSRl_DnCaO416DRZy6LMZxxwkY9U4tgn0cJbX1Sw5MfphtNX1VVe3WR-20/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can probably use any color of duct tape. I used black to match the material color. </div>
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I would recommend cutting the duct tape because it makes a cleaner edge and sticks better.</div>
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<strong>7.</strong> Iron the canvas making sure to get the edges. This really helps. I skipped it initially, but then went back and ironed them. The heat also seemed to help the canvas stick to the Styrofoam, making a cleaner look and sharper corners.</div>
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<strong>8.</strong> Adhere the picture.</div>
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I used Mod Podge and a sponge brush.</div>
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Covering the entire area where my picture would be. I also covered the outside edges on personal preference because it gave a shinier look to the black canvas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUyf-X4ROlSoAFHGc7RNfdkjkGvOetYM_mOnK_-90__bNtxiNInZRLzpqVQxxahfITKrEm4gKOwUc7OxT5NjzhiX9hBXGiIrqqs5i5bWlP7JC3fKWunCRrRM64kUY5p6mI4DcZ2m09z4/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUyf-X4ROlSoAFHGc7RNfdkjkGvOetYM_mOnK_-90__bNtxiNInZRLzpqVQxxahfITKrEm4gKOwUc7OxT5NjzhiX9hBXGiIrqqs5i5bWlP7JC3fKWunCRrRM64kUY5p6mI4DcZ2m09z4/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After laying the picture on the Mod Podge covered canvas, I rubbed the entire picture with a soft cloth making sure there were no bubbles.</div>
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<strong>9</strong>. Optional step but I wanted to make sure it didn't bubble: </div>
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I flipped the canvas over onto a cut ziplock bag on newspaper (as a protection for my table in case any glue oozed out the edges (which none did...but I didn't want to risk it).</div>
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Then stacked magazines (or books, just something heavy) on top until the glue was dry.</div>
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I think it would only take an hour or so, but I didn't actually time it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO3jnOqVJ2H85XRLqoJTXh0NBaFp97ZD0Ot88TAfrwyed9PHYF19dFXZx_P1BnWoTor8lapfxtAQJsYPkg-08uegpr0z2poJmg4SSHXzf-zjn4zigKcwij_r1yqqGymDWePfWLwnEOGk/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO3jnOqVJ2H85XRLqoJTXh0NBaFp97ZD0Ot88TAfrwyed9PHYF19dFXZx_P1BnWoTor8lapfxtAQJsYPkg-08uegpr0z2poJmg4SSHXzf-zjn4zigKcwij_r1yqqGymDWePfWLwnEOGk/s640/MR+Blog+Canvas+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then attached a "Command" picture hanging strip to the back.</div>
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I felt comfortable only putting one strip on since the Styrofoam canvas was light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRXAtkVdp3QKOTrmGAyH7tfqt18f_EeWC6NOLUUO5iNSHEuoxTYtillscZWkleC_vXpBm3A4fXGp-ctTliXdTfhfRQeJykpq6pMZezS_lk2LLW7AXw1HEawy9EEtytZiQym8lhHx_fz0/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRXAtkVdp3QKOTrmGAyH7tfqt18f_EeWC6NOLUUO5iNSHEuoxTYtillscZWkleC_vXpBm3A4fXGp-ctTliXdTfhfRQeJykpq6pMZezS_lk2LLW7AXw1HEawy9EEtytZiQym8lhHx_fz0/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+19.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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This is a store bought art canvas that I painted black on the edges before attaching a picture the same way as I did to the Styrofoam. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVsBaBFrmYGtsK3RpVhpyPoKJTqVxfVQCn5SwDZqR8b4SuB5tLBRx9l88fer3Pk4t2MdXoBmwk3XJRdCrBvF0Tck6R-14wOKm-DG_kuiMfYiMH3cppCEqSA9jVFuss6I7QSzGUue1SLE/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVsBaBFrmYGtsK3RpVhpyPoKJTqVxfVQCn5SwDZqR8b4SuB5tLBRx9l88fer3Pk4t2MdXoBmwk3XJRdCrBvF0Tck6R-14wOKm-DG_kuiMfYiMH3cppCEqSA9jVFuss6I7QSzGUue1SLE/s320/MR+Blog+Canvas+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both types of canvas's (Styrofoam and store bought) were quite easy.</div>
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<u>PRO's</u> for the Styrofoam:</div>
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-You can cut any shape you want, i.e. 8x10, 5x5. Traditional or non traditional sizes. You can even make very large size prints if you but a larger piece of Styrofoam.</div>
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-Very cost effective</div>
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-Super light and easy to hang</div>
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<u>CON's</u></div>
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-Edges may not be as clean as a store bought canvas (Ironing will really help this though)</div>
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-You need more 'equiptment' to cut and assemble.</div>
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<u>PRO's</u> for the Store bought canvas:</div>
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-Quick and Easy</div>
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-Sturdier feel</div>
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-Requires very little to assemble</div>
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<u>CON's</u></div>
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None really. It is slightly more expensive then the Styrofoam canvas, but both are much cheaper then a store canvas print.</div>
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Also I would recommend not Mod Podging the top of the picture. It is a personal preference but I didn't like the streaks it left (pictured below)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK990iPRqPe2JSr47HI_tApy0_FrMVAt6NFSYO8L4TDfbSndafd6vSQYw_d3h7sALnVsTrFVhDaAv-sRvf_-8Get1gfmHKsSA665EDzmRwtey7Yx8hyZ5rQ_BCPFwePtdyP68UCqhXIg/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK990iPRqPe2JSr47HI_tApy0_FrMVAt6NFSYO8L4TDfbSndafd6vSQYw_d3h7sALnVsTrFVhDaAv-sRvf_-8Get1gfmHKsSA665EDzmRwtey7Yx8hyZ5rQ_BCPFwePtdyP68UCqhXIg/s320/MR+Blog+Canvas+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made one store bought canvas print and 10 Styrofoam canvas (varying in size from 11x14 to 4x4)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-OniszNd00pdjFhl91RU_diGl2RxNUUcLvNEKPFq_ZGv6gNH4ravsI-Itc5SchIYD7ZdpFWr2TFvvDtebxtO-jfYqi5cJcf7XHXHMOlb7luZw43rA7ya-L_zr4GDWdBKLzGzhoT1oNw/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-OniszNd00pdjFhl91RU_diGl2RxNUUcLvNEKPFq_ZGv6gNH4ravsI-Itc5SchIYD7ZdpFWr2TFvvDtebxtO-jfYqi5cJcf7XHXHMOlb7luZw43rA7ya-L_zr4GDWdBKLzGzhoT1oNw/s320/MR+Blog+Canvas+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are 2 of my finished canvas's.</div>
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I took a little black paint and 'edged' the pictures just to help the white of the side edge of the picture not stand out so much.</div>
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Can you tell the difference from the store canvas and the Styrofoam one?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ej62wJcRk_rdycbfu32I-GuD8KSqBdNewPyiTLCi-lWQSS4d6_MQ-ki8LVqcOZNUdhDmw5-2UlYjvn439gFPyDB_pWR93hjYHZGb8Njp7tRV1GXL_iTH26cw056QFlNFR3Qiy25tYKo/s1600/MR+Blog+Canvas+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ej62wJcRk_rdycbfu32I-GuD8KSqBdNewPyiTLCi-lWQSS4d6_MQ-ki8LVqcOZNUdhDmw5-2UlYjvn439gFPyDB_pWR93hjYHZGb8Njp7tRV1GXL_iTH26cw056QFlNFR3Qiy25tYKo/s400/MR+Blog+Canvas+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Store bought art canvas on the left.</div>
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Hope this helps you decide which method to go with.</div>
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<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-18576163472682363422012-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:002012-11-14T14:00:54.504-08:00Home made Lunchable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our home made lunchable</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_hbDDynUsurIVnb7NGde7NQ-f5s-WSyinZf7iHm_BhSaKP95APfGu83X9AX1i4395HFxPi1tRkbu36hb1CuRq1vF59Eiw52TERhPpdekhmpsEbVra15hHFSdf4XoBKr6KZUIvUloI-I/s1600/Blog+Lunchable+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_hbDDynUsurIVnb7NGde7NQ-f5s-WSyinZf7iHm_BhSaKP95APfGu83X9AX1i4395HFxPi1tRkbu36hb1CuRq1vF59Eiw52TERhPpdekhmpsEbVra15hHFSdf4XoBKr6KZUIvUloI-I/s400/Blog+Lunchable+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A while back when I asked my son what he wanted for lunch he replied "a 'Lunchable'."</div>
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'Lunchables' are not something that I would typically purchase so the request caught me off guard.</div>
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Trying to think of what I could do to create a lunchable, I remember passing over something on pinterest of serving snacks in a muffin tin, with that in mind I set out to create a healthy, home made version.</div>
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I cut up some lunch meat and cheese,</div>
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pulled out some fruit and a vegi,</div>
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added some crackers </div>
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and topped it off with a go-gurt </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SykNY3xq-7qXy4UHHKLf-yYUEN08Ev3a0bVfcaWSiqWV8_-7a3j6LEG6ut51DBo0BjCmkpBhVTcjyC-jfCv65TDv-xpD0mmCnAZOrgpp0L0xQ3cqol1u0_s4PJxUZAHnCfDB9ldtsew/s1600/Blog+Lunchable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SykNY3xq-7qXy4UHHKLf-yYUEN08Ev3a0bVfcaWSiqWV8_-7a3j6LEG6ut51DBo0BjCmkpBhVTcjyC-jfCv65TDv-xpD0mmCnAZOrgpp0L0xQ3cqol1u0_s4PJxUZAHnCfDB9ldtsew/s400/Blog+Lunchable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It added a little fun into what we would typically have for lunch, but instead of half eaten sandwiches I had empty tins.</div>
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I have the large muffin tins, but the regular sized ones would work too.</div>
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This is now one of my sons favorite requests for lunch and I can feel good about giving it to him because I control what goes in and can vary it up according to what I have in my fridge/pantry.</div>
<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-42527347601433931812012-11-10T20:01:00.000-08:002012-11-10T20:01:41.896-08:00Help for Saggy Pants <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few weeks ago while I was doing a little shopping I saw this at Maurices:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcidBuWBYAxKJbLQ6GDeAp1zlL0P-M0rbEbc_oHNwxXpFPpH0HQRYKw9SxImvlERx4qkcPF48QdGTPt68VGIyfSxs6rJXTscRVKrFcC8hmwkSJeAt4O8nIGYCDu7RJfUot8v-oewZn8c/s1600/BLog+Saggy+Pants+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcidBuWBYAxKJbLQ6GDeAp1zlL0P-M0rbEbc_oHNwxXpFPpH0HQRYKw9SxImvlERx4qkcPF48QdGTPt68VGIyfSxs6rJXTscRVKrFcC8hmwkSJeAt4O8nIGYCDu7RJfUot8v-oewZn8c/s320/BLog+Saggy+Pants+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was quite excited because I have a pant issue in that they get saggy if I don't have a belt on, but then I don't always want to wear a belt. So to eliminate the constant pull up of my pants when I don't want a belt, this was perfect. And at $8 it was about the same cost of a belt.</div>
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It wasn't long after that I started realizing my daughters pants needed something to help the sag. I do love that many brands have the adjustable waist band inside, but I don't like that not very many have that option under 2T sizes.</div>
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So to eliminate this (these are actually capri pants!): </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP2_dAW9ZCh22ICY2cn2G8aiRVGb5xgQmpmY5-iB27P7b-ArDH9SPuH0FsxoIu4Om6_edgu0HsVuj0M5gt63PL39blsLJmyt5vSPSD9Vb9ZhKZd1d_EifJ9HfvAOL17jjSSN2H8Ry5Ec/s1600/Blog+Saggy+Pants+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP2_dAW9ZCh22ICY2cn2G8aiRVGb5xgQmpmY5-iB27P7b-ArDH9SPuH0FsxoIu4Om6_edgu0HsVuj0M5gt63PL39blsLJmyt5vSPSD9Vb9ZhKZd1d_EifJ9HfvAOL17jjSSN2H8Ry5Ec/s320/Blog+Saggy+Pants+04.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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and this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP7FqC4kItVkdWYPD2RQjZPNwH4rtqNDkeshzKuD16Hq1azcvKHCy44YFWCMthjCXsYDYmD5XHtGiDLKOU4pF87NgtqfREEZjpYGMzWZtjfj4KHVHkvDAz_MOM2ig7AR1xm3_TmdWDVo/s1600/BLog+Saggy+Pants+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP7FqC4kItVkdWYPD2RQjZPNwH4rtqNDkeshzKuD16Hq1azcvKHCy44YFWCMthjCXsYDYmD5XHtGiDLKOU4pF87NgtqfREEZjpYGMzWZtjfj4KHVHkvDAz_MOM2ig7AR1xm3_TmdWDVo/s320/BLog+Saggy+Pants+03.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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not to mention some pairs of pant s actually falling right down around her ankles.</div>
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I thought I would try this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_v4bBPuP66DTgV1WdoCSQlg0WX5_S4tOfKIw6zKB30TGETFxKExLvnlPsxjEXayZv4O07SOnMur1dBF9K0H1EXvSflJ-eaEK1_hkWOuLCltFkDIXNSRIPUsn5nmpkfnr0UGhGrJm45A/s1600/Blog+Saggy+Pants+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_v4bBPuP66DTgV1WdoCSQlg0WX5_S4tOfKIw6zKB30TGETFxKExLvnlPsxjEXayZv4O07SOnMur1dBF9K0H1EXvSflJ-eaEK1_hkWOuLCltFkDIXNSRIPUsn5nmpkfnr0UGhGrJm45A/s320/Blog+Saggy+Pants+05.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Which resulted in no more saggy pants (see the capri length now!!) Little celebration going on here. Yeah!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIeKbAofSYgqrvErWtMGGjGoHFgjJzI1hg_oMn6SN0Tg627akNl4XG152I90V2otlQoM_sC4slIpu1xQGprAvfUOadZILLtdcQcZdRzsHhFCXQrDaZ8KesrfgtLxURTJxthV1Jd2t9xQ/s1600/Blog+Saggy+Pants+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIeKbAofSYgqrvErWtMGGjGoHFgjJzI1hg_oMn6SN0Tg627akNl4XG152I90V2otlQoM_sC4slIpu1xQGprAvfUOadZILLtdcQcZdRzsHhFCXQrDaZ8KesrfgtLxURTJxthV1Jd2t9xQ/s320/Blog+Saggy+Pants+06.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Even sitting we had diaper coverage. Love it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj2iA_AmzQjKyrxhoHdqJHp2nFrfA_S-Yjs2K9eS2CLkSdobwvoH9J_EAyfvvODHcrZ3PT1IifoBIpQUCx6WI_i4XXsKLMehLA3xodpNYVqjV5bEDKzch5DWtBjFZN39WEknebe9ZEI4/s1600/Blog+Saggy+Pants+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj2iA_AmzQjKyrxhoHdqJHp2nFrfA_S-Yjs2K9eS2CLkSdobwvoH9J_EAyfvvODHcrZ3PT1IifoBIpQUCx6WI_i4XXsKLMehLA3xodpNYVqjV5bEDKzch5DWtBjFZN39WEknebe9ZEI4/s320/Blog+Saggy+Pants+07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now the con about using the mitten clip is that they are not adjustable like the Maurices brand "Hip Hugger" but for $.98 for two it will work for now. </div>
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Now I haven't done my research to see if mitten clips come adjustable or in varying lengths. That might be helpful for when she gets a little bigger, or at least until we can get some pants that have the adjustable waist!</div>
<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-43266159020859235342012-09-27T06:11:00.001-07:002012-09-27T06:11:11.601-07:00Homemade applesauce for canning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcxxmOnv5V8VWfPtWVSlWlPL8va0wIAMU7-E63Ep1mP6Qm2xqx5gLoy72QcZ6dc4wV5Jvek9-c366bNQcijkwH7ivfzxJG4zr7cgzPbfnnsYo-uUlwmpBE9h-qfpaPdvV1AVDAoUELbU/s1600/Blog+Apple+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcxxmOnv5V8VWfPtWVSlWlPL8va0wIAMU7-E63Ep1mP6Qm2xqx5gLoy72QcZ6dc4wV5Jvek9-c366bNQcijkwH7ivfzxJG4zr7cgzPbfnnsYo-uUlwmpBE9h-qfpaPdvV1AVDAoUELbU/s400/Blog+Apple+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year I decided to preserve some applesauce.</div>
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There is a local farm where you can pick your own apples at $.40/lb, which compared to the $1.49/lb at the grocery store, it was a bargain and worth a try.</div>
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At the recommendation of the farm owner, I went with the empire apple (vs. his other options of Jonathon, golden delicious or red delicious.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA-jVtaWFTPZ05py_q8eVj-uudn4mQCOWpR5NBkiGesCQavtLMLKvi2T4Ki0QaHAHX90yQmkiGSMftVCYrbU-4VT1WLSosUV5Q-gT2KIp6qINe7QHXBz-EOeGjMObmgLoY62AIlx6W10/s1600/Blog+Apple+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA-jVtaWFTPZ05py_q8eVj-uudn4mQCOWpR5NBkiGesCQavtLMLKvi2T4Ki0QaHAHX90yQmkiGSMftVCYrbU-4VT1WLSosUV5Q-gT2KIp6qINe7QHXBz-EOeGjMObmgLoY62AIlx6W10/s320/Blog+Apple+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was our load of apples (15 pounds worth)</div>
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I had my little helpers putting the apples in the bags after I picked them and it was quite the surprise to find out that one of my helpers was taste testing each apple to make sure it tasted good! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5tltKNTTJHbDhWJxi5z28TjwS8HuQl-nUNJHFJY8I6H6gVyEkq2oF2KmwfgRRD_h__GQMvOieMs12B_eUwZZtMtEw8FPmCf9p2iCGmThYtPzGluapUwnrq0VULWYHYQG9YBrOl4A7eQ/s1600/Blog+Apple+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5tltKNTTJHbDhWJxi5z28TjwS8HuQl-nUNJHFJY8I6H6gVyEkq2oF2KmwfgRRD_h__GQMvOieMs12B_eUwZZtMtEw8FPmCf9p2iCGmThYtPzGluapUwnrq0VULWYHYQG9YBrOl4A7eQ/s320/Blog+Apple+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found a recipe for applesauce in my pressure cooker manual, it was pretty easy and the sauce turned out smooth, nicely colored, and sweet without adding any sugar. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMwMgHEzhwoZJqt5kAgJ-P6wij_ZRpCk7C8YsSb9_ogKLYpgUH-xKYPvxbfYfHgPxKOC8dPskbd7I0HuXevjuk8dS0JW0zgD71P5V6AUEZJyYKMScR2qZwSuZYvmYN0dUf7fq8Qu7Fl8/s1600/Blog+Apple+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMwMgHEzhwoZJqt5kAgJ-P6wij_ZRpCk7C8YsSb9_ogKLYpgUH-xKYPvxbfYfHgPxKOC8dPskbd7I0HuXevjuk8dS0JW0zgD71P5V6AUEZJyYKMScR2qZwSuZYvmYN0dUf7fq8Qu7Fl8/s320/Blog+Apple+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you don't have a recipe, this is the one I used and a few tips (*) I learned along the way:</div>
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<u>Applesauce</u></div>
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Wash, peel (I used a potato peeler), core and slice apples. I cut into quarters using a corer/slicer, but if you don't have on I don't think is matters to much how you cut them. </div>
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I put the apple slices into ascorbic acid solution (*gallon of water with 1 Tbsp 'Fruit Fresh') to prevent browning until I got them all cut up.</div>
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Drain well.</div>
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Place slices in pan (*I would use a stock pot or something with high sides, mostly for the re-boil part because it 'spits' once it is all blended up) with 1/2 cup water </div>
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(*I had 42 medium sized apples and still only used the 1/2 C, so my thoughts are that it is to keep the apples from burning until they soften up and start releasing their own liquid.)</div>
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Cook until tender (*the apples change color, they seem more transparent if that makes sense, and they start to break up pretty easy).</div>
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The recipe says to press through a sieve or food mill, but I just put them in a blender.</div>
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Sweeten to taste (I didn't add any sugar)</div>
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Reheat sauce to boiling.</div>
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Pack into clean, hot Mason jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.</div>
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Adjust jar lids. (I like to wipe the rim just to ensure a proper seal)</div>
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Process:</div>
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Pressure canner: Process at 5 pounds pressure, pints 8 minutes and quarts 10 minutes</div>
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Boiling water canning: Process pints 15 minutes (now I did quarts and it was not in the recipe so I just did 20 minutes because that is what they recommended for apples)</div>
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My 42 medium apples yielded 3 quarts.</div>
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<br />Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-88371234574560357912012-09-17T20:48:00.001-07:002012-09-17T20:48:23.333-07:00Treadmill workout using InclineSince my treadmill has not been working at it's best, my workouts have slacked some.<br />
My husband tinkered with it and we thought had it fixed but come to find out, not quite.<br />
It seems to work fine at the slower speeds so today I just had to give it a try (since we are signed up for a 5K run next Saturday and I have to at least try to be "ready" for it.)<br />
Knowing that as you increase incline on a treadmill that you actually change the equivalent pace for non treadmill running, I came up with a workout that seemed to not stress the treadmill out but work me out!<br />
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<td class="xl63" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0.5pt solid windowtext; height: 14.4pt; width: 48pt;" width="64"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Minutes</span></u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext black; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px; width: 48pt;" width="64"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Incline</span></u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext black; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px; width: 48pt;" width="64"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speed</span></u></td>
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<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">0-5</span></td>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">0-2</span></div>
</td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.0</span></td>
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<td class="xl66" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 to 6</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
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<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 to 7</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.3</span></td>
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<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7 to 8</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 to 9</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.8</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9 to 10</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.0</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 to 11</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11 to 12</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12 to 13</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.8</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13 to 14</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.0</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14 to 15</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15 to 16</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16 to 17</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.8</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17 to 18</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">18 to 19</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19 to 20</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.0</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20 to 21</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.8</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21 to 22</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22 to 23</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">23 to 24</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.0</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>24 to 25</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.8</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25 to 26</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.5</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">26 to 27</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.3</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">27 to 28</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl67" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12</span></td>
<td align="right" class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">28 to 30</span></div>
</td><div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">0-2</span></div>
</td>
<td align="right" class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.5</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></colgroup></table>
<br />
You can of course adjust the speed to fit where your typical pace would be. And if your treadmill only goes to incline 10 then your workout will just be 4 minutes shorter or you can add those 4 minutes in to the middle of your run at the 1 incline.<br />
If you were unaware or would like to know more about treadmill pace equivalents click <a href="http://www.hillrunner.com/training/tmillchart.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-75333701603546255212012-09-02T15:50:00.000-07:002012-09-02T15:50:16.846-07:00What kids will sayI should write down things that my 4 year old will say because there are some funny things. Unfortunately I don't write them down and then I can't remember any but one.<br />
He was sitting on the floor playing the other day and randomly asked <br />
"Mom, when are you going to have your other 3 babies?"<br />
My first response (after a chuckle inside) was "Are you ready to have more siblings to share your toys?"<br />
His surprising answer was "yes." Surprising because he was actually in trouble for not playing nice with his little brother.<br />
The other interesting thing from his original question was the number 3. I don't think we have ever said we were going to have 3 more kids.<br />
Maybe he knows something I don't? Either way it was kind of a funny and cute conversation.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-66145805770531242552012-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:002012-08-15T19:56:45.780-07:00Canning Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I managed to can some salsa. </div>
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Our little garden has been producing a good amount of tomatoes and peppers, which is good since that is pretty much all we planted.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Last year it seemed like canning salsa took me most the day and was a tedious task with chopping everything.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well this year I decided to enlist some help.</div>
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I had around 3 options of food choppers and decided on the Ninja</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5fHgJr8JF1-Q7W1mvF5ULvLue83N9PjJx5oQP0RNwZWCIZ6sO8hh43SBzpy3Tq2FtPx_eVAa8qKj_LjbKoXxIqhPhUZJVj1hmDTjHAIKg9AYVntCT5PaBg5IKctXCJLHbVdmUZP5beU/s1600/Blog+Salsa+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5fHgJr8JF1-Q7W1mvF5ULvLue83N9PjJx5oQP0RNwZWCIZ6sO8hh43SBzpy3Tq2FtPx_eVAa8qKj_LjbKoXxIqhPhUZJVj1hmDTjHAIKg9AYVntCT5PaBg5IKctXCJLHbVdmUZP5beU/s320/Blog+Salsa+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I liked that it had a few different options and was willing to give it a try.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The verdict is...I love it! </div>
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It saved me lots of time (like half of what it took me last year) and although it wouldn't work for chunky salsa, it could handle a whole bell pepper, cut into strips, with no problem.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So my salsa recipe has been a work in progress for the last 3 or so years.</div>
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I kind of wanted a recipe that was basic, easy, slightly sweet, not spicy (but I do have a spicy one for my husband), and could mostly come from my garden.</div>
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We don't typically grow any onion or garlic, so I plan to purchase those and I will buy a yellow and orange bell pepper to add some color (and because I like the sweetness of them more than green but it seems like they don't want to grow in my garden.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway...</div>
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<br /></div>
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My recipe is:</div>
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<br /></div>
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10 Cups Chopped tomatoes</div>
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3 medium to large Chopped Green Bell peppers (BP)</div>
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1 Yellow BP, chopped</div>
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1 orange BP, chopped</div>
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1 red BP, chopped</div>
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1 & 1/2 medium to large Onion, chopped</div>
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3 cloves garlic, minced (finely chopped)</div>
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1/4 C Sugar</div>
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3/4 C Apple Cider Vinegar</div>
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3 Tbsp Canning salt</div>
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<br /></div>
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Combine all into a pot, bring to a rolling boil for 20 minutes</div>
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Jar</div>
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Hot water bath process 15 minutes</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yield: 8 Pint Jars</div>
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<br /></div>
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Done!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are a few pictures from my process:</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here is my salsa just getting warmed and ready to boil </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzLOdNuCxvjhmYhONvJwpwQan_yLPBGdpeBvfK3NN_WWSarW0oNFkWYBy66CebrXtWqgBpnKJmSq2JOq1fZFpoVZKeuqGMzWBHsAG8luNwJUy61X3TIC3LgOVRTZ_sGTD2tBVKsf0veE/s1600/Blog+Salsa+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzLOdNuCxvjhmYhONvJwpwQan_yLPBGdpeBvfK3NN_WWSarW0oNFkWYBy66CebrXtWqgBpnKJmSq2JOq1fZFpoVZKeuqGMzWBHsAG8luNwJUy61X3TIC3LgOVRTZ_sGTD2tBVKsf0veE/s320/Blog+Salsa+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also fill my hot water caner and get that water going since it takes a while to heat up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SdVZYXDNYxmcf6Pcr2cnjIz6NE6s5djOtBpYw-iMomN_S4nvkdnsxbfX94TD-89AMXVcjRVCxuNZf6BlCpSUHJ5FWHW1C9Yb2uUjSAFUxWWev_2aAvGgIBwV9vtzdTZJPjn-JZefxcY/s1600/Blog+Salsa+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SdVZYXDNYxmcf6Pcr2cnjIz6NE6s5djOtBpYw-iMomN_S4nvkdnsxbfX94TD-89AMXVcjRVCxuNZf6BlCpSUHJ5FWHW1C9Yb2uUjSAFUxWWev_2aAvGgIBwV9vtzdTZJPjn-JZefxcY/s320/Blog+Salsa+03.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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When the salsa has about 10 minutes left to boil, I put my lids in a sauce pan of hot water. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkmB_siEg0ZGUPA7PdDFhyZMuBeFAG6Um2WZ_H95t3B9H1GXhyTdLQ6kOedbeYcmbTVh6Ka0MBm3qIzp3LAFBod2ZlJD6veKE1q-Mh4flImMYGvDyMX8klkzQoXJpkN97ILBNcllMc24/s1600/Blog+Salsa+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkmB_siEg0ZGUPA7PdDFhyZMuBeFAG6Um2WZ_H95t3B9H1GXhyTdLQ6kOedbeYcmbTVh6Ka0MBm3qIzp3LAFBod2ZlJD6veKE1q-Mh4flImMYGvDyMX8klkzQoXJpkN97ILBNcllMc24/s320/Blog+Salsa+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With 1 minute left in the boiling process, I pull my jars out of the sink in which they are sitting in hot water (having been recently washed) and line them up near my salsa.</div>
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Using my handy jar funnel and ladle I fill the jars. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TXQr0z6i5EVammM7azTpJEuqkum_dh6coxiE7CtAiip9lgbN682-1MVFaRvbTchloaURwyENc65yiDh6YtCasQqvbpajnNYIFya1oSq4ks9zbRwbGOECnLEs0zS7l21cPL5Ar46F0Yw/s1600/Blog+Salsa+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TXQr0z6i5EVammM7azTpJEuqkum_dh6coxiE7CtAiip9lgbN682-1MVFaRvbTchloaURwyENc65yiDh6YtCasQqvbpajnNYIFya1oSq4ks9zbRwbGOECnLEs0zS7l21cPL5Ar46F0Yw/s320/Blog+Salsa+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wipe off the jar rims, put on the lids and rings, then...</div>
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Once my hot water caner starts to boil, I put the jars on the rack (make sure you have something between the jars and the bottom of the pot) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBFhgGrAmPDJ3EA_WZpGYWZY3yU9Xh8L5fxpi2mDYUPSKNuiyE59ZeX7P3Soqa1_vc0Gc00Lc6hJN3xHlLgYgqR_CQNXGztR7Jl4apbuFTLgXZ3Rzz2rDnPFkAZ7ZRHvkjI4qUqgDWlk/s1600/Blog+Salsa+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBFhgGrAmPDJ3EA_WZpGYWZY3yU9Xh8L5fxpi2mDYUPSKNuiyE59ZeX7P3Soqa1_vc0Gc00Lc6hJN3xHlLgYgqR_CQNXGztR7Jl4apbuFTLgXZ3Rzz2rDnPFkAZ7ZRHvkjI4qUqgDWlk/s320/Blog+Salsa+06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and drop the jars in and make sure they are fully submersed, then process.</div>
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Resulting in some yummy salsa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHZGTTr-fpPc2apf8-tGj7VaRwRBsd4QjfV7wUzWrHP1Z9jkjeP4XkctceIshwMV7RCct-YrzX8x4lwt7Rj2_QLzbm3fHyAaoEd1aGbPGj8GSCdiY7CmuuOw3AO2JObsLcWfV0v0e5U/s1600/Blog+Salsa+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHZGTTr-fpPc2apf8-tGj7VaRwRBsd4QjfV7wUzWrHP1Z9jkjeP4XkctceIshwMV7RCct-YrzX8x4lwt7Rj2_QLzbm3fHyAaoEd1aGbPGj8GSCdiY7CmuuOw3AO2JObsLcWfV0v0e5U/s320/Blog+Salsa+07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One more batch and I will have almost a years worth.</div>
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Hope my garden keeps producing and I will even make a spicy batch for my husband!</div>
Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-4428878770402777752012-07-17T20:06:00.001-07:002012-07-17T20:06:32.930-07:00Pick me!So I have been secretly following this photography blog called "Clickin Moms."<br />
They have really great information and I love being inspired by the photographers who also call themselves mom. I would love to be at their level one day...<br />
BUT for now I am just wanting to win a spot in one of their upcoming seminars.<br />
<img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12480" height="150" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/LisaHarrison.jpg" style="margin: 3px;" title="LisaHarrison" width="150" />Lisa Harrison and Natural lighting 101 please pick me!!<br />
<a href="http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/lighting-101-a-cmu-natural-light-workshop-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClickinMomsBlog+%28ClickinMoms+Blog%29">http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/lighting-101-a-cmu-natural-light-workshop-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClickinMomsBlog+%28ClickinMoms+Blog%29</a>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-29647718339396366232012-07-14T15:54:00.000-07:002012-07-14T15:54:21.539-07:00Mental Vacation<div style="text-align: center;">
I am having a really hard time getting back to everyday life after my 3 week vacation. </div>
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I spent 3 weeks out of town, hitting 13 different states (if only on the road traveling through!) putting LOTS of miles on my car and creating lots of memories. </div>
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I was with my kids, my parents, and their dog. Well...for 5 days I was with my husband but then met up with my parents and my husband returned home. Then we were with some other family for another one of those weeks.</div>
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It was nice to not have to worry about my "home" responsibilities. So nice that I am having a hard time getting back in the swing of things.</div>
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I have heard of needing a vacation after a vacation, but I need an overhaul! </div>
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Maybe tomorrow, since it is my normal lazy and relaxing day, will have to be a mental adjustment that will get me back on track.</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-25416326220108673132012-06-23T18:42:00.000-07:002012-06-23T18:42:31.830-07:00No Bake Garlic Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tonight we had spaghetti for dinner and I had purchased a loaf of wheat french bread yesterday with intent to make garlic bread.</div>
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However, the idea of turning on the oven when it was over 100 degrees today was not something I wanted.</div>
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So I decided to be creative and see if just putting it outside in the sun would do the trick. (Thanks PBS and Curious George for the idea of using solar energy)</div>
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I made my garlic butter, cut the loaf in half, smeared on the butter, put the two halves back together, then wrapped it in tinfoil, placed it on the hood of the car (which was in the sun) and...</div>
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20 minutes later we had warm, buttery garlic bread. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F0PgEc-W-A7d4zTJbzvx-D2vbdSglyFDeDvqtUKx0-qC98mN3wDEmlMmeg9w00BXpAGZfRKs8U5VMSZkoUiav7RehlPnTEN26ANVgli7_ctMi4eSOuMSqzSilU5JvF1Ps8hg0xNLyfU/s1600/MR+Blog+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F0PgEc-W-A7d4zTJbzvx-D2vbdSglyFDeDvqtUKx0-qC98mN3wDEmlMmeg9w00BXpAGZfRKs8U5VMSZkoUiav7RehlPnTEN26ANVgli7_ctMi4eSOuMSqzSilU5JvF1Ps8hg0xNLyfU/s320/MR+Blog+Bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was not quite crisp on the outside like the oven would have done, but it was warm and the butter had melted into the bread quite nicely.</div>
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So if you have a hankering for garlic bread but don't want to turn on the oven, use the SUN!</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-27309959173790379262012-06-08T14:01:00.001-07:002012-06-08T14:01:36.054-07:00A Treadmill workout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuMgORXupg_i1zZ9HZClGWKiX4pgULA3YFWR8mkmv8OHG_7a5MmjMY8v-Fwi7w4Cv2mjNuc3zCDXIvjXavysQTquZLvoEiOUN0cXtOijhSVu1o3YDhwfoZbftQqAPdCxFrCFgpXH7EZA/s1600/istockphoto_9562367-running-on-a-treadmill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuMgORXupg_i1zZ9HZClGWKiX4pgULA3YFWR8mkmv8OHG_7a5MmjMY8v-Fwi7w4Cv2mjNuc3zCDXIvjXavysQTquZLvoEiOUN0cXtOijhSVu1o3YDhwfoZbftQqAPdCxFrCFgpXH7EZA/s200/istockphoto_9562367-running-on-a-treadmill.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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My motivation to workout has been hit and miss. </div>
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Some days I am highly motivated but then when I get going I loose it and don't last very long. Other days I struggle and battle to get going, and if I manage to (which I don't always) then I get going and I get in a really good workout. </div>
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Who knows why and what the solution is. </div>
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I know what your thinking...okay maybe I don't, but a solution IS needed because I LOVE the way I feel when the workout is done and I also don't self deprecate myself for what I eat or for being lazy when I have worked out...even if it is only 10 minutes.<br />
Also is is 5K season around where I live and I like to sign me and my husband up...to keep us motivated to run/stay active.<br />
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Well thanks to pinterest and the "www" I have found a couple good treadmill workouts, which made me think that maybe I should share the workouts I create/created. Not to brag or to show off but maybe because it will help someone else with their humdrum days with working out. Also maybe this way I will write them down and can reuse them and save myself the stress of "creating" a workout.<br />
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Most of my treadmill workouts will take/last around 30 minutes...they just kind of tend to work out that way. <br />
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Here is the workout I did today.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 192px;">
<colgroup><col span="3" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0.5pt solid windowtext; height: 14.4pt; width: 48pt;" width="64"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time</span></strong></td>
<td class="xl63" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext black; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px; width: 48pt;" width="64"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speed</span></strong></td>
<td class="xl63" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext black; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px; width: 48pt;" width="64"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Incline</span></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">0-1</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.5</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1-2</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2-4</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.5</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4-5</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5-8</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.7</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8-9</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9-13</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.5</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13-14</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14-19</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.7</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19-20</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20-26</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.5</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">26-27</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">27-30</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.0</span></td>
<td class="xl64" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="19" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cool Down</span></td>
<td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></td>
<td class="xl65" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Now let me tell you that the treadmill speed can be varied according to what you would normally jog at. Also you can easily make any workout harder or easier by adjusting the incline. My personal recommendation is that you always have a 1.0 incline because -it makes up for natural resistance you would have if you ran outside.<br />
This particular workout is supposed to be right around your normal jog pace (i.e. 7.5 is mine)<br />
I like to slowly increase speed so that my jog pace will get faster...someday...at least it is at the end of one day<br />
I did not write in a warm-up, probably because I don't. Or I seldom do. I will just use the 1 minute walk period to stretch something if it feels tight. <br />
I do however (almost always) stretch at the end of my workouts.<br />
<br />
If you try it and like it/hate it, leave a comment and let me know.<br />
I will try and post more workouts when I create one or use an old one and think it is worthy of passing along.<br />
<br />
Oh and P.S. I have little ones at home and so I tend to use the treadmill to train because it is really hard to get outside that often but when I do I usually just run without much thought or script.</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-91737957687602824752012-06-06T12:52:00.000-07:002012-06-06T12:52:03.002-07:00Can't get enoughLately I can't get enough of photography related learning and practice. It is like a virus that I can't shake. Not that it is bad to learn how to be a better photographer, but when I sit down to look at something photography related (like a tutorial or a photography website), I am finding myself looking for way longer then I my allotted time..."Oh it's dinner time already!" <br />
<br />
This past weekend we had a family get together and I was able to pretty much have my camera attached to my hand...it was great! Since being home I feel like I am having withdrawals from taking pictures. My kids are getting tired of the camera and I am lacking other subjects. I guess I will just have to be patient for the clients and strict with my allotted photography browsing time! <br />
<br />
Maybe turning some of my old pictures into <a href="http://thisthriftyhouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/cheap-diy-photo-canvases.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Styrofoam canvas prints"</a> or DIY "<a href="http://www.literallyinspired.com/2012/02/picture-perfect.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">canvas prints</a>" will help take my mind off taking new pictures!?!Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-50457487795328329562012-04-19T19:30:00.000-07:002012-04-19T19:30:36.929-07:00MotivationLately my motivation for certain things has been minimal. I seem to get them done, but kind of last minute. At the end of the day I am finding myself wondering how or why I didn't get more accomplished. I know that some days it is because I spent time doing things with my kids (which can never be wrong) like taking them to the park, playing outside, etc., but other times I feel like I spent it reading/browsing things relating to my hobby. Maybe this is the hard part with 3, learning to balance things. Or maybe it is because I had 2 months where there were big projects that I had to do and getting them done made me feel accomplished, so now I'm back to the everyday things and so even when I get them done, it's just not anything special.<br />
I guess it is time to try find new motivation for the same old things! Especially because I know that as my kids get older there will be many more outside activities that they will be involved in and that means even less time spent at home.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-39967779535432432352012-04-17T19:36:00.000-07:002012-04-17T19:37:43.126-07:00The Kirby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the Kirby door to door salesman finally got to my house. I think they stopped once before but I didn't really even give them a chance because it was not a good time. Probably had toys all over and my kids running around still in their PJ's (hopefully and not just their diapers :)</div>
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The way it was approached was that I would get the carpet in one room cleaned for free and all I had to do was share my experience with a friend. </div>
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Well it was a bit more then that...it was a 2 hour demonstration about the Kirby vacuum and how amazing it is.</div>
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I had about and hour to pick up the house from the time the salesman first came and when he returned for the "scheduled appointment" in which they asked that I vacuum before they came back. I of course vacuumed and knowing that when he started the whole sales pitch, right off the bat he had me thinking how dirty my floors still were.</div>
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Now don't judge me by the dirt in my floors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8O3eDzIzDwA6M9BScXGpWLAN0PNkQsyRNpAbLVrfEJt8dxX2T-gEGDnNUk9KlNzl9n0IWevOyegbtS-6tSYUZmoVl5WLedl50g9nPXDCrPya0eAe5GbuytHI3kndgYbQaX24mjzajEA/s1600/IMG_8045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8O3eDzIzDwA6M9BScXGpWLAN0PNkQsyRNpAbLVrfEJt8dxX2T-gEGDnNUk9KlNzl9n0IWevOyegbtS-6tSYUZmoVl5WLedl50g9nPXDCrPya0eAe5GbuytHI3kndgYbQaX24mjzajEA/s320/IMG_8045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This picture is a view of how they show you the dirt in your carpet. They have this filter thing that they put on the vacuum and then after only 10 seconds or less (sometimes more) of vacuuming an area they pop it off an put on a new filter, kindly laying them back on the floor in a display sort of way.</div>
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In the mean time they are also showing and telling you all the reasons you need to have a vacuum this great. Such as reducing allergies, carpet and furniture lasting longer, etc.</div>
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They even have you get out your vacuum so they can do the '50 passes' test. </div>
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They dump baking soda on the floor then vacuum 50 times over the small area with my vacuum, then they pull out a black filter for the Kirby and vacuum up the rest of the baking soda. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQhtrRGKXeVqXydbtxS7NqjQDs125gqFEW6jQZ0x7wDFLuwLzIClndGoikANZZzyALKcB0kT133UBzMQDZV7YvshhZ19MiSq7E0BAwrNT78nPjx3AAFakoh7R1hPMUWHXO6MHMu6sVbA/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQhtrRGKXeVqXydbtxS7NqjQDs125gqFEW6jQZ0x7wDFLuwLzIClndGoikANZZzyALKcB0kT133UBzMQDZV7YvshhZ19MiSq7E0BAwrNT78nPjx3AAFakoh7R1hPMUWHXO6MHMu6sVbA/s320/IMG_8049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and of course they just set them back on the floor in the same manner so that you can continue to see all the DIRTY filters piling up.</div>
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They then pull out the accessories and show you how you can basically clean everything in your house. It can even unclog the kitchen sink!</div>
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They even vacuumed a small portion of the bed (again with black filters) claiming that what was on the filter was bed mites and their feces (majorly gross if I didn't think that there was also some of the white sheet fibers in it)</div>
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Of course by this point they have already introduced the price of the machine and then dropped it once or twice or even three times.</div>
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Finally they get to the shampooing part. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggH0TtveQjc9Ly5O7h9p4mctjMbKxzE4L6Lga7iQrRJgZRMjrBDtSQf7TycOkV0Y1ybVgI1WGq9nRhruYa8m6_a9GuHUiTmae_UHJm-njRnOfkr9Rd4o5Oe9OfcMu8Xy2jwLeIoL2fUi8/s1600/IMG_8052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggH0TtveQjc9Ly5O7h9p4mctjMbKxzE4L6Lga7iQrRJgZRMjrBDtSQf7TycOkV0Y1ybVgI1WGq9nRhruYa8m6_a9GuHUiTmae_UHJm-njRnOfkr9Rd4o5Oe9OfcMu8Xy2jwLeIoL2fUi8/s320/IMG_8052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I did get my floors cleaned after two hours of sitting and listening to the sales pitch.</div>
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Luckily I had the excuse that my husband was out of town at a work seminar and that I wouldn't be able to talk to him until that evening.</div>
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So despite the great appeal to have my floors really clean and a vacuum that can clean everything, I kept telling them I couldn't make a purchase till I talked to mu husband.</div>
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I will admit that I WAS SOLD. </div>
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And, had I been someone to make large purchases without consulting my husband or taking time to look up reviews, I would have probably bought.</div>
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They (I say they because a "manager" would come by and see how the salesman was doing and then a managers discount onto the already reduced price. Or there was the person on the other end of the phone calls, but I am not sure who that was...the person who was okaying then next step or the next price adjustment.) </div>
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So despite the fact the Kirby seems amazing, I don't like that the attachments require a whole setup change to the vacuum.</div>
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I am also not a fan of the smell that existed after the shampoo and it took more then the claimed 20 minutes to dry.</div>
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I will also say that I didn't expect much of my vacuum. I think I paid $40 dollars for it and that was 3 years ago. </div>
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But it does the surface like I expect. </div>
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Anyway the next time I went to use it I decided to change the bag. I should have taken a picture because I have never seen a bag so full. </div>
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I thought they had a "shut off" mechanism that stopped them before they got so full. </div>
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Literally the bag was firm to the touch the entire bag, top and all. The only area not filled with stuff was the part that was attached to the vacuum. </div>
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I will say that it did a much better job at vacuuming with a new bag. Probably why the see able filter thing the Kirby does allows full suction for the demo's.</div>
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The salesman left probably thinking that he wouldn't hear from me, but once I talked with my husband and he looked online at some prices and also talked to his dad (who bought a used one last year), I called him to tell him we would pass at this time.</div>
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Maybe if they come back in a year or two I will have more money in the savings account and a few items paid off and will spend the $$ for the "once in a lifetime" vacuum. Maybe.</div>
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Until then I will remember to change the bag in my vacuum a little more often!</div>
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Oh, and if you were wondering where my kids were during all this...part of the time they were downstairs playing, part of the time sitting on the couch with me, and part of the time playing outside.</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-17976977824287139482012-04-02T19:59:00.001-07:002012-04-02T20:09:43.714-07:00Dish Towel BibI originally saw this tutorial for a kitchen towel bib on pintrest and from this site:<br />
<a href="http://createeveryday.blogspot.com/2008/01/dishtowel-bib.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://createeveryday.blogspot.com/2008/01/dishtowel-bib.html</a><br />
<br />
I of course pinned it and then when I sat down to make it found that it was going to be a little difficult. That is because I live in a small town with only a little walmart fabric department and unless I ordered the knit ribbing online or waited until I traveled to a bigger city, I couldn't do it as fast as I was in need for. Plus I am not the greatest at sewing.<br />
I decided that I would just use some old t-shirt colars/necks that I had since one of my other sewing projects is a t-shirt blanket and I would be cutting them off anyway.<br />
<br />
So I grabbed a 6 pack of barmop towels from wally-world (cost around 6 dollars). <br />
I wanted the slightly smaller towel (thus why I chose a barmop and not a kitchen towel) and I wanted just plain white. I am trying to keep all my towels and linnens I purchase white so that I can just hot wash and bleach one load rather then trying to seperate darks, lights, etc.<br />
<br />
If you want to use an old t-shirt neck, you will need to cut it off from the t-shirt. I cut the t-shirt right along the seam. <br />
<br />
<h4>Now to make your bib:</h4><br />
1. Cut out a hole in the towel. <br />
I used one of my kids play kitchen plates that was about the size of a DVD. <br />
Because my towel was smaller then a kitchen towel I put the circle about 2 inches from the top, right in the center. (they towel had a crease from how they were folded when purchased and I use that as a middle point of my plate then folded the towel back over to cut.)<br />
<br />
2. (follow the picture instructions)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXFYbhJ-kq7o9ozViagtiTIqDayEowBxeF1DNJqlC8KwTlRhy_0r-X2uJ0gCBL-zLEFj1SFT12k5VBZPtku0OASUd-cdkdJNBPy6GSDY10_jcVhv-F9Me4XeZvzc2EJdCefk3mDHO6dA/s1600/IMG_4481+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXFYbhJ-kq7o9ozViagtiTIqDayEowBxeF1DNJqlC8KwTlRhy_0r-X2uJ0gCBL-zLEFj1SFT12k5VBZPtku0OASUd-cdkdJNBPy6GSDY10_jcVhv-F9Me4XeZvzc2EJdCefk3mDHO6dA/s640/IMG_4481+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Set aside the towel now the hole is cut, and cut the nick ribbing to the length needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmHVxFLRJUSKhVHp9Aefc8Kp_lSZL9HFgFe3nK2ByQRPU8j2eIAmeMdYzyGPbQttKwUsB0_PS7evFnMXZYl1zcLrQArMWJ1N9BJt-jF9q85h9fFGkfH5TA6ImGS8A0u0xNt4tWXS0YP0/s1600/IMG_4495+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmHVxFLRJUSKhVHp9Aefc8Kp_lSZL9HFgFe3nK2ByQRPU8j2eIAmeMdYzyGPbQttKwUsB0_PS7evFnMXZYl1zcLrQArMWJ1N9BJt-jF9q85h9fFGkfH5TA6ImGS8A0u0xNt4tWXS0YP0/s640/IMG_4495+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmH8vB3M3BWzJ4NSVeShGMFm1wAU5KVqYvyj25tURfI_QiovFZbysFiRyml8evXFu66dhiOQAZq-Pp6qdhhqhMi4UBDwFJla5UB6A9jQ4x4uVHenUKEMeKop-rVvTu-PQjxVTs7eeRSQ/s1600/IMG_4496+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmH8vB3M3BWzJ4NSVeShGMFm1wAU5KVqYvyj25tURfI_QiovFZbysFiRyml8evXFu66dhiOQAZq-Pp6qdhhqhMi4UBDwFJla5UB6A9jQ4x4uVHenUKEMeKop-rVvTu-PQjxVTs7eeRSQ/s640/IMG_4496+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found that some of the neck ribbing was stretchier then others. If it doesn't seem to stretch you may want a little longer, and if it is easy to stretch you might want a little shorter the the 14 inches. </div><br />
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4.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21tbKBYGWYFywlUE8Kq6ZwglIG1z98ep78vh2EcLJy6ZSYSxIYxQGosoOL5nZpY-mzrim1Hqu-uQT1IU5o1nH0FnLb_TDiqzgNLoitEBkyo0C0so75FJ2uTZVKSSVPU2bsl-1VeVZbuE/s1600/IMG_4485+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21tbKBYGWYFywlUE8Kq6ZwglIG1z98ep78vh2EcLJy6ZSYSxIYxQGosoOL5nZpY-mzrim1Hqu-uQT1IU5o1nH0FnLb_TDiqzgNLoitEBkyo0C0so75FJ2uTZVKSSVPU2bsl-1VeVZbuE/s640/IMG_4485+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> 5.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58jld-EiqGsVxIGBfhSAaMJR86rVSqq9AOyJwCLuyZJ1meQkwsCKUJhYghwA_AVX8BXDu2foX89GqbC94CRG2RvmshBDIV5FNE9GSNGDvXiMB4IwVrJ3_TLBKLbwgbQfZQ4rrl4bYHac/s1600/IMG_4486+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58jld-EiqGsVxIGBfhSAaMJR86rVSqq9AOyJwCLuyZJ1meQkwsCKUJhYghwA_AVX8BXDu2foX89GqbC94CRG2RvmshBDIV5FNE9GSNGDvXiMB4IwVrJ3_TLBKLbwgbQfZQ4rrl4bYHac/s640/IMG_4486+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
6.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3blHfNq275FUHZ_9TMIoxL5dQPmfQHd4Kopm7Lvt2tg9LKdNZ_DEBzvilmgdWiZ9a7WW0Lkv2a69H6ZFUpfCe_fmNvnWIfIioLWnAIbfdnlwfI-tDFGFkWFCw-HTtw2nYYDLbgxFQS8w/s1600/IMG_4487+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3blHfNq275FUHZ_9TMIoxL5dQPmfQHd4Kopm7Lvt2tg9LKdNZ_DEBzvilmgdWiZ9a7WW0Lkv2a69H6ZFUpfCe_fmNvnWIfIioLWnAIbfdnlwfI-tDFGFkWFCw-HTtw2nYYDLbgxFQS8w/s640/IMG_4487+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
7.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXl6U_hXcm79F8oyc4e2uI0X03jL9w1wowAZyy7Lyw0r5BTUzppAEalCiOxHdIr9pk4ychXIwASd-p0jzCRv7jBQ2ItzK2UUtcvznopO04EypMcqyZTweUj0X3XaPHvRGwEEOkW5KlwQ/s1600/IMG_4488+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXl6U_hXcm79F8oyc4e2uI0X03jL9w1wowAZyy7Lyw0r5BTUzppAEalCiOxHdIr9pk4ychXIwASd-p0jzCRv7jBQ2ItzK2UUtcvznopO04EypMcqyZTweUj0X3XaPHvRGwEEOkW5KlwQ/s640/IMG_4488+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a zig-zag stitch (setting of 2 length and 2-3 width) on some and a hem stitch on the others (I wanted to see if one stick held up more then the other). Or you could use a serger if you have one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> 8.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdcQsBX8XFqSGPEw2xmN9Ro6-XI9wErlofq6gvzHH1QuAO4P1KszLdZb_t_Gk0a9bXrb-SODuvt5nyz5ZYDo73PHSJKlt4TY2zjE0giaiAoA73X5cHrNVOq3sb47nNEh6CAxXA73ttJU/s1600/IMG_4490+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdcQsBX8XFqSGPEw2xmN9Ro6-XI9wErlofq6gvzHH1QuAO4P1KszLdZb_t_Gk0a9bXrb-SODuvt5nyz5ZYDo73PHSJKlt4TY2zjE0giaiAoA73X5cHrNVOq3sb47nNEh6CAxXA73ttJU/s640/IMG_4490+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
9.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j8gYrOeOujwKBjdE0TskuUoMe8e3j34PKjmoe2eguzTw-qSGLIvW3hrmC5ARsizO9GostnFT-YJsTDxE9j9fJ-AYXcumOmt_laY1bOMMNMa7Gv1mfqpbzShPWOMg7VKwesTMvK0-MzQ/s1600/IMG_4492+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j8gYrOeOujwKBjdE0TskuUoMe8e3j34PKjmoe2eguzTw-qSGLIvW3hrmC5ARsizO9GostnFT-YJsTDxE9j9fJ-AYXcumOmt_laY1bOMMNMa7Gv1mfqpbzShPWOMg7VKwesTMvK0-MzQ/s640/IMG_4492+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
10.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbjijmGVEnkzpvNbbvlDN9iiZJOvtGosPu_T9BBDJdL2PoshnK03Qfcdl-6FGfj-g5pbLqaAtgrLQHcZThyLu5fmyF7_urRIiUUqupF6cl0BQhKZp2PuMkE19i1JCwf2yZ3KXf8bfwpM/s1600/IMG_4493+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbjijmGVEnkzpvNbbvlDN9iiZJOvtGosPu_T9BBDJdL2PoshnK03Qfcdl-6FGfj-g5pbLqaAtgrLQHcZThyLu5fmyF7_urRIiUUqupF6cl0BQhKZp2PuMkE19i1JCwf2yZ3KXf8bfwpM/s640/IMG_4493+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
11. You are all done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVmmgUHYIYRYCmePohfFMRjvZEJZboOIuSeodu_yO8mpJCVH9N1DbJ_0W4VUkjtWTWKYbfJclFjLCLHEO2J3Iw2jMowddHRkPRVbVqmv78CfVcfFi7MzD8kzlbWuHd62-qK8bIFcZKCo/s1600/IMG_4494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVmmgUHYIYRYCmePohfFMRjvZEJZboOIuSeodu_yO8mpJCVH9N1DbJ_0W4VUkjtWTWKYbfJclFjLCLHEO2J3Iw2jMowddHRkPRVbVqmv78CfVcfFi7MzD8kzlbWuHd62-qK8bIFcZKCo/s400/IMG_4494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here are my bib models. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKllRcehbLn7PkBIhhWyTX3rVmLNKSXlYsdcBXavSQN8QZ2mBfPUkPTI2Pw1NLiX1jbafNczwV1jAcIPgjm9rjZzS1saGj0i65rfrDohn1ZdKwVI01QVPOlmmhY43bbXdPv5qtuodOIAc/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKllRcehbLn7PkBIhhWyTX3rVmLNKSXlYsdcBXavSQN8QZ2mBfPUkPTI2Pw1NLiX1jbafNczwV1jAcIPgjm9rjZzS1saGj0i65rfrDohn1ZdKwVI01QVPOlmmhY43bbXdPv5qtuodOIAc/s400/IMG_7984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were jealous that their little sibling was getting something made, so I let them wear them around the house. Even though I didn't make it for them, the bibs would be good for their size too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would say that from start (cutting the t-shirt neck out) to finish it took around an hour to do all 6 bibs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are looking to make one of these bibs, I hope this helps.</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-15429600722669827512012-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:002012-03-30T15:28:10.974-07:00A NameDo you ever look back and feel guilty that you didn't get someones name? Especially when they helped you? <br />
Today the kids and I walked to "downtown" for lunch. The place we picked had a nice outdoor patio where I parked the stroller. While I was getting my wallet out from the diaper bag in the basket I was debating in my head whether to try and leave the kids outside (strapped in the stroller with my oldest in charge to watch the younger) or to just cart them inside. I was leaning toward taking them inside when an older lady who was sitting outside said that she would stay outside with them. <br />
She kindly moved her chair over then jumped right into asking the kids questions, I'm betting she has grand kids! <br />
At this point I went right in without kids (reminder that I live in a small town and ''Downtown" is 4 square blocks and I could walk there from my house in 20 minutes.)<br />
I was able to get everything ordered and carried out without having to try and balance a stroller, a crying child, wandering little fingers, and the food. IT WAS GREAT!<br />
Once I got outside she talked to me just a little bit as she got her stuff together then excused herself, saying goodbye by name to my kids.<br />
I did tell her thank you, but as she was walking away (especially when she addressed my son by name) the thought that I didn't even establish any sort of common ground between her and I, like introducing myself and exchanging names. Was that rude?<br />
Here she did me a great favor and I didn't even get her name.<br />
Again because I live in a small town there is a chance I would see her again, and knowing her name may let her know that because of the small act of service to me, I remembered who she was.<br />
Lesson to learn for next time maybe!Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-68112963800113066582012-03-01T20:12:00.001-08:002012-03-02T12:21:01.728-08:00Still Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCi5btFAX_bZDiNjDC63fATaTI7CdQIejtCW1hrVudId3E9OWViv0ApSTugfyqforSDpKgWOqG6GMUHJmHR6oQdcyaq1R3plTr201sswm-SCCauBbCW-bDvuX_LVIztavlJpK0e1EIqBg/s1600/Graded+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCi5btFAX_bZDiNjDC63fATaTI7CdQIejtCW1hrVudId3E9OWViv0ApSTugfyqforSDpKgWOqG6GMUHJmHR6oQdcyaq1R3plTr201sswm-SCCauBbCW-bDvuX_LVIztavlJpK0e1EIqBg/s320/Graded+paper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I think that being a mother means that you are ALWAYS learning. It never ends. When you think that you have it, another child teaches you that you don't. In a positive and/or negative way sometimes. Well I learned in a positive way that children are more capable then thought. My oldest likes to peel his own 'cutie' (small orange if you are not familiar with them) and the other day my almost 2 year old wanted to peel his...well I thought why not let him and you know what? He did it, and he did a good job.<br />
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</div>I read that kids enjoy food when they get to help prepare it or be a part of the preparation...well now my kids have one more task that I will let them do and something that will keep them busy and out from under my feet while I get the rest of lunch ready.<br />
But my learning tip that is greatest from this event is that NEVER think that kids are not old enough to do something. It they want or ask...LET them TRY. <br />
If they can't, help them or show them, then next time let them TRY AGAIN...and maybe again and again as long as they want to. <br />
It is HARD to do this. It is much easier, faster, ans cleaner if I just do it. I just have to remind myself again and again that being a mother/parent is being a teacher and letting them LEARN. I'm sure as they get older some of their "learning experiences" will come with far greater consequences then a mess on the kitchen floor.Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-49060198354934738502012-02-15T13:58:00.000-08:002012-02-15T13:58:15.144-08:00Safety Can Opener-Product review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So my can opener broke. It just was spinning without cutting so I knew it was time to buy a new one. I walked down the kitchen tool isle of my local Walmart (since that is really the only store in my little town) and looked at the 4 choices I had. In a way I am glad that I didn't have more options because it was regular can opener, ranging from really cheap to a little more expensive, or I could choose the new "safety" can opener for somewhere around $9.</div>
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I was nervous about choosing the safety can opener because what if I didn't like it. Then I would be mad that I didn't just put the $9 toward the nicer regular can opener.</div>
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After contemplating my purchase (which I really did for at least 2 minutes or more...who knew that a can opener would cause me to stand in the store with my kids in the cart, probably whining because we were stopped to long!) I bought the safety can opener.</div>
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<a href="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/41/31/17/0002413117467_500X500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/41/31/17/0002413117467_500X500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I would have to say that I am glad I did. Since I like it I thought that I would put my consumer review out there for anyone else who has had the same debate.</div>
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Why I love it:</div>
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*It is quite easy to use. It was a little difficult the first time to figure it out but now it is so much easier then a regular one. The instructions were a must the first time using it.</div>
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*It basically just takes the top off the can in a reverse manner that it was originally put on. If you have ever canned before you will understand this. That means there are no sharp/cutting edges!</div>
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*Because the top as been cleanly removed when you use a rubber spatula to scrape out the insides, you do not cut your spatula with the little lip that old can openers leave.</div>
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*My almost 4 year old can use it where the old can openers he couldn't.</div>
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*The lid can't fall into the can. This is a bonus because I sometimes forget to wipe the dust off my cans and this way the juice doesn't start to come out before I take the lid off.</div>
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*There is nothing sharp on the can opener</div>
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Negatives: </div>
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It is a little harder to drain the liquid. I used to open the can all but just a little piece and just slightly press it in the can to drain. But now I just have to slide the lid off to the side a bit. So it is a very minor negative.</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548829086087031113.post-35005171773513730142012-01-30T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:45:53.575-08:00DIY Fabric BagSince I grew up trick or treating with a pillowcase, I thought it would be fitting to modify a pillowcase tutorial in helping me to make trick or treat bags for my kids this past Halloween. (yes I am way behind on posting this tutorial.) I took one of their library bags to get the size and bottom panel. This is my first time doing a do-it-yourself tutorial. So if you want to make a bag and have questions on anything, just ask :)<br />
<br />
You will need 3 different coordinating fabrics:<br />
For the Main Bag Fabric you will need:<br />
1- 11" x 28" piece, <br />
1- 3" x 11 3/4" panel (this will be the bottom piece)<br />
<br />
Hem<br />
1- 5" x 28" piece<br />
<br />
Trim<br />
1- 1 1/2" x 28" piece<br />
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Straps (using one of the 3 fabrics from the main, hem, or trim)<br />
2- 3" x 20"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-uywSUM2jhmq8Uc_bbalYscyjm-99FKEcLj4X5S40HORfbkVFtjTQA9GG22fKxx8L1FJO4cID6RuD1M3qz7qb7zWWwAQv_Cj6m1yvfOE467yoOz1GEDlGPyXy3PIhI6pNOibqyp55eQ/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-uywSUM2jhmq8Uc_bbalYscyjm-99FKEcLj4X5S40HORfbkVFtjTQA9GG22fKxx8L1FJO4cID6RuD1M3qz7qb7zWWwAQv_Cj6m1yvfOE467yoOz1GEDlGPyXy3PIhI6pNOibqyp55eQ/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trick-or-treat fabric is my main (also bottom panel and straps)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Black boo is the Hem</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the orange is the trim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now to sew:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Fold the trim in half lengthwise right side out and press</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-lay hem fabric right side up along the top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-lay main fabric wrong side up with other fabric tops-then roll up starting from bottom until the roll is shorter then the hem (pictured below with the tops on the left)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqcoyT6ViQNaGXB-i6zXJ32S6YAfaQ0-wziJZzPmEPWARSow_TMNlPBulYR00DdDtACY0cV6WvaxjZpZLAqerMx5lIjcFBfpPc9ctoWtovZ2DkSWvqEC8z-2KhOc-MWDjIarkTa5Y3ws/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqcoyT6ViQNaGXB-i6zXJ32S6YAfaQ0-wziJZzPmEPWARSow_TMNlPBulYR00DdDtACY0cV6WvaxjZpZLAqerMx5lIjcFBfpPc9ctoWtovZ2DkSWvqEC8z-2KhOc-MWDjIarkTa5Y3ws/s320/IMG_4119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fold the hem fabric over the rolled up main fabric and pin (pictured below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LAOfbDFaI0fNKgZscwt27W-_lewTBHfagrS5NoGBfCSFy3BNMnL7xg_D_vfg6iAAjCXVntjv-sj7tkgdc7JJzVzBcMcdVFSRLNzbT9sDSFdcO-dhNSvZ-MPL24x379bnZSuajw53ySY/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LAOfbDFaI0fNKgZscwt27W-_lewTBHfagrS5NoGBfCSFy3BNMnL7xg_D_vfg6iAAjCXVntjv-sj7tkgdc7JJzVzBcMcdVFSRLNzbT9sDSFdcO-dhNSvZ-MPL24x379bnZSuajw53ySY/s320/IMG_4120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Sew along the raw edges, leaving a 1/4'' to 1/2'' space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Turn tube right side out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Press (you can also sew the trim flat against the main fabric)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLrrS5vMpcvouq_zBz7kyj9p9dtZxwWyrqrUX1l9g8-JpGJuUXqUBfhOnQhaywbSEhmOUrNwqQcnlyjTqu6MOU1iL7CUfQILXyAcPYV8UQ_KHJ9cFjUkN2oSQ3rDSyMLirFW1-keNAGw/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLrrS5vMpcvouq_zBz7kyj9p9dtZxwWyrqrUX1l9g8-JpGJuUXqUBfhOnQhaywbSEhmOUrNwqQcnlyjTqu6MOU1iL7CUfQILXyAcPYV8UQ_KHJ9cFjUkN2oSQ3rDSyMLirFW1-keNAGw/s320/IMG_4121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-With wrong side out fold in half and sew the raw edges with zig-zag (this is the side of the bag)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Pin in bottom panel starting from short side and with the main bag seam in the middle of the bottom panel, and sew with zig-zag. (the panel is optional you can just sew the bottom of the bag like the side and it will be more like a pillowcase)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWKqhApZVnP8EAJGbmlXm_vPLtbrpYzpHuRioVaWYoIJWx3DlH1lwAnpW-hl5RR-YhFAFOx_1aDK3lGSJt11EMpFG_3qUwrzF5M9hRp9TTo5ETQ04uisnkS1nhNUecR9ruaUYLEUGAxc/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWKqhApZVnP8EAJGbmlXm_vPLtbrpYzpHuRioVaWYoIJWx3DlH1lwAnpW-hl5RR-YhFAFOx_1aDK3lGSJt11EMpFG_3qUwrzF5M9hRp9TTo5ETQ04uisnkS1nhNUecR9ruaUYLEUGAxc/s320/IMG_4134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your main bag should be completed at this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the straps:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-fold in lengthwise, right side in, and sew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Turn right side out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Press so seam is in the middle (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-tuck 1/2'' to 3/4'' of each end back inside tube (creating a hem) and press</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-sew one end of strap onto one side of the main bag 4" from one side and the opposite end 4" from the other side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-repeat for other strap and side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a 1" square with diagonal (pictured below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ4ij7Olrg7FK5QYkJu0IcdVH9CraSWBgz0G8NU654qZHC3qJwIBQjG_w0eFCl6aBqCZIZoMgRjnTJsIeDs_B8zw18nnSGgYLDyzjgMYXCyxFJTF6K_4d97jqG1iaeZPGIajpdndR1PQ/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ4ij7Olrg7FK5QYkJu0IcdVH9CraSWBgz0G8NU654qZHC3qJwIBQjG_w0eFCl6aBqCZIZoMgRjnTJsIeDs_B8zw18nnSGgYLDyzjgMYXCyxFJTF6K_4d97jqG1iaeZPGIajpdndR1PQ/s320/IMG_4132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YOU ARE DONE!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQGjPfTDaR6TrYC6dwmr2Se1ngK8ktGva__h7h3xz_xkstXZFai0RgYyejtQ-NjfwGkDE7GaEZDf_EFUZdrBEm8fQkaaLD-FP5wowngN4cVOTvLqCtGWuJq2usfmztoJ9lzzA_K7oL3w/s1600/IMG_4133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQGjPfTDaR6TrYC6dwmr2Se1ngK8ktGva__h7h3xz_xkstXZFai0RgYyejtQ-NjfwGkDE7GaEZDf_EFUZdrBEm8fQkaaLD-FP5wowngN4cVOTvLqCtGWuJq2usfmztoJ9lzzA_K7oL3w/s320/IMG_4133.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can add pockets and have a great little all purpose bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was easy enough that I might make some more!</div>Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370825398943160491noreply@blogger.com0