tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70595345481049416262024-03-15T18:09:44.124-07:00I Sew, Do YouAmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-32081657414861662302013-01-22T08:35:00.002-08:002013-01-22T08:35:43.449-08:00Easiest skirt ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fYS9Bunlss/UP68oAM2dFI/AAAAAAAABIs/yxYxsXqdY58/s1600/ruffleskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fYS9Bunlss/UP68oAM2dFI/AAAAAAAABIs/yxYxsXqdY58/s1600/ruffleskirt.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made a skirt for Brooke. If I had ten uninterrupted minutes to sew it, I'd tell you that's how long it took. Since I have four children, I don't have ten uninterrupted minutes, so it took more like thirty. </div>
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I used this <a href="http://www.joann.com/doodles-collection-ruffle-knit-purple-fabric/zprd_11730165a/" target="_blank">ruffle fabric</a>, and <a href="http://www.joann.com/purple-knit-elastic/zprd_11384294a/" target="_blank">knit elastic</a>. In a perfect world I would have used purple thread, then my wonky lines wouldn't be so noticeable. But it's not a perfect world, it's a world where all my thread is in storage and I happened to have this yellow from a sewing project I did for church. Brooke thought it was cool though, she put it on and said, <b>"I love it!! It's like a Santa belt!" </b>She's the eternal optimist. Obviously that seam goes in the back, but whatev. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pH84DBwdrM/UP6_QP8BpOI/AAAAAAAABI8/Rw9FgUSshIg/s1600/IMG_3276copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pH84DBwdrM/UP6_QP8BpOI/AAAAAAAABI8/Rw9FgUSshIg/s1600/IMG_3276copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here she is with her best pose. Future model for sure. </div>
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PS. I have no idea why she felt the need to tuck her shirt in, she's got a style all her own. :)</div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-18493643628237481692013-01-05T15:33:00.004-08:002013-01-05T15:33:56.797-08:00Ways I Wanna Be Better in 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a new year and I've been thinking a lot about how I want to be better. These aren't resolutions, more just areas that I want to look back on in December 2013 and be able to say I've grown.<br />
<b>The time is now.</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-Ol1WvYdLA/UOiyuoiW_EI/AAAAAAAABIU/Im6tv0tKP8A/s1600/orange_timeforeverything_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-Ol1WvYdLA/UOiyuoiW_EI/AAAAAAAABIU/Im6tv0tKP8A/s640/orange_timeforeverything_cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>-Be a better reader of the Word.</b> Memorize more, study more, meditate more. True growth will only come if I'm depending more on the Lord to help me. I want to depend on him and the truths he gives me, not on my own abilities.<br />
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<b>-Be a better wife</b>, best friend, communicator, servant, lover, help-mate. We celebrate 11 years in June and I pray this year will be our best. But with four kids it takes work to make it thrive. </div>
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<b>-Be a better mom.</b> I want to be more intentional and present in my kids lives. I want to have more one on one time with them. I want them to never doubt how much I love them, even in the midst of working through discipline issues.<br />
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<b>-Be a better friend.</b> Take time to pray more for my friends. Take time to send special notes and gifts to friends to show them how much I cherish their friendship. <br />
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<b>-Be better to my body.</b> I'm still nursing so it's not like it would be too healthy for me to try and drop 20 lbs right now. But I just want to be more conscious of the choices I'm making and I want to move towards being more active.<br />
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<b>-Be a better seamstress.</b> I've got lots of projects that I'd like to complete for my kiddos and even want to try my hand at making some things for myself. Most of all I want to learn how to use my serger.<br />
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<b>-Be a better photographer.</b> I've had my camera for almost three years now and although I can get good shots of my kids and family from time to time, I want to get GREAT shots. I need to read up on rule of thirds, composition, etc. And I want to learn more about photoshop.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's to a year of growth!!</span></b></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-584105963426073112013-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:002013-01-02T14:04:14.744-08:00Favorite Valentine's Fonts {and pink chalkboard}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cesh6qWItjI/UONddoQEBNI/AAAAAAAABH8/TMVrzaZe2Wo/s1600/valentinesfonts_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cesh6qWItjI/UONddoQEBNI/AAAAAAAABH8/TMVrzaZe2Wo/s1600/valentinesfonts_final.jpg" /></a></div>
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Chalkboard art is EVERYWHERE!! I thought it'd be fun to have a pink chalkboard background to play around with and maybe use it to make some Valentine's cards. I used the free background found <a href="http://foolishfire.com/2012/09/11/free-downloadable-chalkboard-backgrounds/" target="_blank">here</a>, dumped it into photoshop added a layer, changed some opacity and ta-da!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PINK CHALKBOARD</span></b></div>
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Download yours for free <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B3RxuP6vALJiNG9xbUZMbXl2T2s" target="_blank">here</a> </div>
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And if you need some inspiration in the font department for your Valentine's cards, here are some that I am loving</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.dafont.com/mtf-i-heart-sketches.font" target="_blank">I Heart Sketches</a> 2. <a href="http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/pea-ellie-bellie/" target="_blank">Ellie Bellie</a> 3. <a href="http://www.dafont.com/i-love-what-you-do.font" target="_blank">I Love What You Do!!</a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.dafont.com/dj-candy-heart.font" target="_blank">Candy Heart</a> 5. <a href="http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/pea-kadees-love-sentiments/" target="_blank">Kadee's Love Sentiments </a></div>
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6. <a href="http://www.dafont.com/call-me-maybe.font" target="_blank">Call Me, Maybe?</a></div>
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What are some of your favorite Valentine's fonts?</div>
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Got any cute ideas for cards? </div>
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Blog PSA: I realize this is a "sewing" blog and there hasn't been much of that going on as of late. My life has been consumed with things like: birthing a baby in June, putting our house on the market, potty training the toddler, selling the house, moving from the house, looking for a house (still haven't found one yet) and other things a mom of four does on a daily basis. I do have high hopes of sewing more this year, and time permitting posting finished projects. I was <b>GIVEN </b>a serger and I'd really like to learn how to use it. Sewing is one area of my life that I'd really like to grow in this year. So stick around!</div>
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Linking to: </div>
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<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/12/31/made-by-you-monday-134/" target="_blank">Skip to My Lou</a> <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-goes-wednesday-141.html" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-37074668103582348622012-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:002012-11-21T19:34:22.585-08:00Grandma Jane's Butterhorns {a recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jR-E3xtA7E/UK2YASVXLaI/AAAAAAAABHU/3TO79qOLXuQ/s1600/1353529779309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jR-E3xtA7E/UK2YASVXLaI/AAAAAAAABHU/3TO79qOLXuQ/s640/1353529779309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Grandma Jane could cook. One of my favorite things she used to cook was these <span style="font-size: large;">delicious </span>butterhorns. We lost her last month, she's with our Savior now. I will always love making these because they remind me of her. </div>
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Hope you love them as much as I do. </div>
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Grandma Jane's Butterhorns</div>
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<ul>
<li>1/2 C. butter-flavored Crisco</li>
<li>1 C. scolded milk</li>
<li>1/2 C. sugar</li>
<li>3 eggs</li>
<li>1 pkg yeast (dissolved in 1/4-1/2 C water)</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>4 1/2 C. flour</li>
</ul>
Heat shortening, milk, sugar till melted. Do not boil. Cool till just warm to the touch, add yeast. Add beaten eggs. Add salt, then add one cup flour at a time. Knead and work in a little more flour till dough is sticky not heavy. Cover and let rise to the top of bowl, about hour and a half, sometimes longer, depends on humidity. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-GnXhUqexA/UK2Zbi8Z1nI/AAAAAAAABHc/HTrMl10at88/s1600/PhotoGrid_1353514481331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-GnXhUqexA/UK2Zbi8Z1nI/AAAAAAAABHc/HTrMl10at88/s640/PhotoGrid_1353514481331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Flour counter and divide dough into three or four equal parts, roll out in circle. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxmVPAyRRJg/UK2Zx-jtgvI/AAAAAAAABHk/C-SQAZZNwdc/s1600/1353521324560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxmVPAyRRJg/UK2Zx-jtgvI/AAAAAAAABHk/C-SQAZZNwdc/s640/1353521324560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Butter circle and cut in eight or ten pie shaped pieces. Roll these pieces from large to small end. Place on cookie sheet, cover and let rise again about an hour. </div>
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Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Spread tops with butter when warm out of the oven. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jR-E3xtA7E/UK2YASVXLaI/AAAAAAAABHU/3TO79qOLXuQ/s1600/1353529779309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jR-E3xtA7E/UK2YASVXLaI/AAAAAAAABHU/3TO79qOLXuQ/s640/1353529779309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A tip: </div>
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-my mom used to always let these rise in a warm, steamy bathroom. This year I tried putting them in a warm oven, seemed to work fine. I turned my oven on to lowest setting, let heat up, then turned oven off and place covered dough in oven to rise. I covered my dough bowl with a moist tea towel. </div>
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PS. Is the term "let rise" or "let raise" correct...I'm no English major. Either way I figure you know what I mean :)<br />
PSS. You know there is a little green "Print Friendly" button at the bottom of this post under the LinkWithin links. Click on that and it takes you to this nifty page where easily print this recipe, even remove the pics if you want for cleaner printing. Just an FYI. </div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-41983942973062306042012-11-14T08:32:00.000-08:002012-11-14T08:32:48.507-08:00Comparison: the poison of parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mlqJXYNa9I/UKPE_sxbiaI/AAAAAAAABHE/5L2cHmwv8aA/s1600/psalm139_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mlqJXYNa9I/UKPE_sxbiaI/AAAAAAAABHE/5L2cHmwv8aA/s1600/psalm139_edited-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today a friend on facebook quoted her daughter (younger than Lincoln) using real words, full sentences in fact. And I let the poison that is Comparison creep in. All I want in the world is for Lincoln to start speaking. I long to hear his sweet voice say "love you momma."<br />
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We are all guilty of letting this poison in. Me, sometimes so much so that it consumes me.</div>
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<i>Why is my kid in the 10 pt club when others his age are in the 25 pt club? I wish my baby was sleeping through the night, so and so's is. Why isn't my toddler saying words when others younger than him talk in sentences? Why are my girl's letters backwards, her friend can sound out and spell words?</i><br />
And on, and on, and on. Well I've decided I'm stopping. <br />
God blessed me with my kids, they are "fearfully and wonderfully made." And I need to cherish them as such, not compare what they are and aren't doing to someone else's kid (or worse still, comparing my kids to each other). This poison of comparison has two side affects, pride and shame. I either become prideful because my kid is doing so well compared to others or shameful because my kid isn't measuring up. I want to guard against both in my life, so I'm going to stop comparing. Yes, I'll be proud of my kids and the little victories they have, but I'll also stop feeling shamed that my kids haven't succeeded where others have.<br />
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God has us all on an individual timeline, and this poison made me forget that.</div>
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No more. </div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-22617935589403010832012-09-20T20:06:00.000-07:002012-09-20T20:07:24.753-07:00no words...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxl1qyKFZ-A/UFvZJNefRxI/AAAAAAAABGY/Mm4VeZzggTg/s1600/IMG_2261+copy2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxl1qyKFZ-A/UFvZJNefRxI/AAAAAAAABGY/Mm4VeZzggTg/s1600/IMG_2261+copy2_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just this.</div>
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AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-69138999641890861792012-08-01T08:33:00.001-07:002012-08-01T08:57:02.363-07:00Chicken Taquitas {a recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFkO8XW9RE/UBij_46gZ7I/AAAAAAAABFM/YpcWsuAhgkM/s1600/taquitas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFkO8XW9RE/UBij_46gZ7I/AAAAAAAABFM/YpcWsuAhgkM/s640/taquitas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are SO yummy. But I might make a small suggestion to not make these when you're husband is gone and you're single-mommin' it with a nursling, a toddler and two rowdy kids. You <i>might </i>almost lose your sanity. Not that I know from experience. *ahem* <br />
I mentioned it before when I shared my <a href="http://isewdoyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/everyday-spaghetti-sauce-recipe.html" target="_blank">everyday spaghetti sauce recipe</a>. We have these for dinner lots, but they'd be great as little appetizers if you used six-inch tortillas. Reheat in the oven any leftovers to keep tortilla nice and crispy. </div>
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CHICKEN TAQUITAS</div>
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1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts</div>
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1 C. water</div>
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1/2 C. minced green onions</div>
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1 tsp. minced garlic</div>
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3-4 C. Crisco oil</div>
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1 C. finely chopped tomatoes </div>
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6 T. chicken broth</div>
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2 T. flour</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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1/2 tsp. cumin</div>
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1/2 tsp. oregano</div>
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1/2 tsp. chili powder</div>
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flour tortillas</div>
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Simmer chicken in water in 10-inch skillet, covered for 20-25 minutes. Remove from water and cool. Shred with fork. Saute onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil for 1-2 minutes. Stir in chicken, tomato, broth, flour and spices; simmer 3-5 minutes. </div>
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In a heavy 10-inch skillet, heat about 1-inch of oil. Dip tortillas quickly into oil to soften; drain on paper towels. (Confession sometimes I skip this step and just roll tortillas up as normal, it works just fine that way.) Spoon about 2 tablespoons of mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas tightly. Secure with wooden toothpicks. Fry at 375 degrees until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep tortillas warm in 350 degree oven. Remove toothpicks; serve with guacamole or sour cream. Yield about eight 10" tortillas or a dozen 6" tortillas.</div>
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fisewdoyou.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F08%2Fchicken-taquitas-recipe.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BFFkO8XW9RE%2FUBij_46gZ7I%2FAAAAAAAABFM%2FYpcWsuAhgkM%2Fs1600%2Ftaquitas.jpg&description=Chicken%20Taquitas%20%7Ba%20recipe%7D%20by%20I%20Sew%2C%20Do%20You"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-34940411539809306112012-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:002012-07-12T14:10:08.224-07:00Sawyer Jon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INUZG_Cz66Y/T_88TZ6OjnI/AAAAAAAABE0/rwIoV94HVXc/s1600/SJ_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INUZG_Cz66Y/T_88TZ6OjnI/AAAAAAAABE0/rwIoV94HVXc/s1600/SJ_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
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Never would have thought I'd have a baby with blue eyes. Denim-blue eyes. But it happened. Not sure they'll stay, but at almost four and a half weeks, I think it's likely. He's pretty handsome, of course I'm a little partial to someone I grew inside me. </div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-28228587097419933592012-07-05T20:38:00.001-07:002012-07-05T20:38:31.985-07:00Enjoying Life {I Heart Faces}<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't blogged since I don't know when. I was busy this spring gestating a baby and then three and a half weeks ago birthing said baby. Thought I'd jump back into blogging with a link up to <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2012/07/monthly-photo-challenge-enjoying-life/" target="_blank">I Heart Faces July photo challenge</a>. </div>
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I love this picture of sis holding baby Sawyer for the first time. She prayed and prayed for a sister, but God had other plans for our family. And even though she cried when dad told her we had a boy, when she got to the hospital to meet brother she was so sweet on him.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxdvBXESDKM/T_ZbRj52R0I/AAAAAAAABEo/1QJqrS19efo/s1600/IMG_1816+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxdvBXESDKM/T_ZbRj52R0I/AAAAAAAABEo/1QJqrS19efo/s1600/IMG_1816+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a>
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<br /></div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-4870545513565607372012-03-05T11:06:00.000-08:002019-04-12T07:41:42.225-07:00How to clean car leather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQiLMsWCuBI/T1UDOj4uA9I/AAAAAAAABCc/kjnoXezPkKE/s1600/howtocleancarleather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQiLMsWCuBI/T1UDOj4uA9I/AAAAAAAABCc/kjnoXezPkKE/s640/howtocleancarleather.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is probably an odd post for a my blog, but that's okay. You'll thank me later. </div>
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We recently bought a new-to-us van. Seeing as I'm now 26 weeks pregnant and our current car already had three car seats sandwiched in the back seat, we were in need of a van. We found an '05 Odyssey that was great and what we could afford. The only thing I wasn't in love with was that the seats were pretty dirty. But we bought it cause it was very well maintained mechanically and the people we got it from were super nice.<br />
So what to do about the dirty leather. I started by doing some research. Aside from specifically made car-care products, the suggestion that popped up <b>over and over again</b> on car/van forums was Woolite. Plain old Woolite. Huh? Figured it was worth a try. And it worked. Pretty darn well, I'd say.<br />
Here's what I used: Woolite, I picked up a bottle at Target for $8. Mix that with some water at a 1-10 ratio, ie. 1 C. Woolite to 10 C. water. Old toothbrush, old baby brush, and some microfiber towels. <br />
Vacuum out as much of the gunk in the seams as you can. Spray some Woolite mix on the seats let it sit for a few minutes. Then get to scrubbing with the baby brush or the toothbrush depending on what area you're cleaning. Wipe off with a dry microfiber towel. If more work needs to be down, repeat the process. After I was finished I wiped the whole seat down with a wet microfiber towel. <br />
Here are the results!! All these pictures are straight out of camera (no editing done).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9tAZdVlx0I/T1UL1Du61-I/AAAAAAAABCk/Ei2NoP3QPtY/s1600/seat+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9tAZdVlx0I/T1UL1Du61-I/AAAAAAAABCk/Ei2NoP3QPtY/s640/seat+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbTctzG_TBU/T1UL9Lt_3QI/AAAAAAAABCs/-UlRlV8koHE/s1600/seat2+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbTctzG_TBU/T1UL9Lt_3QI/AAAAAAAABCs/-UlRlV8koHE/s640/seat2+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGeFOm0Be6A/T1UMEafxY5I/AAAAAAAABC0/l1No8yLrZl8/s1600/seatangle+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGeFOm0Be6A/T1UMEafxY5I/AAAAAAAABC0/l1No8yLrZl8/s640/seatangle+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBPfg3l7H8E/T1UMJaqxydI/AAAAAAAABC8/Xia7YjoekRY/s1600/seatangle2+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBPfg3l7H8E/T1UMJaqxydI/AAAAAAAABC8/Xia7YjoekRY/s640/seatangle2+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnWm8vm5Fww/T1UMSZUuImI/AAAAAAAABDE/HTFfISSm1Nk/s1600/seatdetail+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnWm8vm5Fww/T1UMSZUuImI/AAAAAAAABDE/HTFfISSm1Nk/s640/seatdetail+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDcjN44hjYE/T1UMX6Tp0HI/AAAAAAAABDM/3ooYs5RK6qg/s1600/seatdetail2+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDcjN44hjYE/T1UMX6Tp0HI/AAAAAAAABDM/3ooYs5RK6qg/s640/seatdetail2+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0HPnAfHNEs/T1UMdUldzwI/AAAAAAAABDU/Y3VbSupkN50/s1600/seattop+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0HPnAfHNEs/T1UMdUldzwI/AAAAAAAABDU/Y3VbSupkN50/s640/seattop+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTn7V1g9hoM/T1UMiraADfI/AAAAAAAABDc/2i4TxXUaEL8/s1600/seattop2+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTn7V1g9hoM/T1UMiraADfI/AAAAAAAABDc/2i4TxXUaEL8/s640/seattop2+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1PpGt6NuCk/T1UMrvI9InI/AAAAAAAABDk/zaeF2ALTOVs/s1600/armrest+(600x400)+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1PpGt6NuCk/T1UMrvI9InI/AAAAAAAABDk/zaeF2ALTOVs/s640/armrest+(600x400)+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ol3eZOi-AkY/T1UMxGR3BKI/AAAAAAAABDs/6HyZ0ZBTa5Y/s1600/armrest2+(600x400).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ol3eZOi-AkY/T1UMxGR3BKI/AAAAAAAABDs/6HyZ0ZBTa5Y/s640/armrest2+(600x400).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPIPtqyX5YM/T1UM2v7GhLI/AAAAAAAABD0/2_A6_euqrI8/s1600/armresttop+(400x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPIPtqyX5YM/T1UM2v7GhLI/AAAAAAAABD0/2_A6_euqrI8/s640/armresttop+(400x600).jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDdAUqZW3XA/T1UM7bn_HjI/AAAAAAAABD8/q96HMmg9CbQ/s1600/armresttop2+(400x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDdAUqZW3XA/T1UM7bn_HjI/AAAAAAAABD8/q96HMmg9CbQ/s640/armresttop2+(400x600).jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Pretty good, right?!! To do this bucket seat, it probably took between 30-45 minutes. But they look a million times better. Obviously not showroom floor quality, I mean the van is 7 years old, but compared to what they did look like, I am <b>VERY </b>pleased. <br />
So go get yourself some Woolite and get to cleaning.<br />
<br />
Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2012/03/make-it-monday-21.html">Make it Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-36/">Tip Me Tuesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2012/03/show-and-tell-23.html">Show and Tell</a><br />
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/03/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-canvas-corp-giveaway.html">Weekend Wrap up</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For more information about cleaning your car interior check out <a href="https://homeviable.com/how-to-clean-detail-car-interior/" target="_blank">Homeviable</a>. They've got a helpful post about detailing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh, and just because this is 2012 and people are ridiculous, I assume no responsibility if you use this method and it damages your leather for some reason. Use your brain. </span></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com132tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-69023479939605391382012-02-29T07:53:00.001-08:002012-02-29T07:53:32.868-08:00DIY Glitter Polish {st. patrick's day nails}<div style="text-align: center;">
My girl loves glitter polish, and I have kinda been loving it lately too. Did you know that you can make your own on the cheap?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NNeCpp6JfI/T05B-6EZz1I/AAAAAAAABB8/aUE7r6vy7kU/s1600/diyglitternails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NNeCpp6JfI/T05B-6EZz1I/AAAAAAAABB8/aUE7r6vy7kU/s640/diyglitternails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was googling glitter polish the other day (who knows why) and came across tons and tons of post about making your own. <b>HELLO, </b>endless possibilities!!</div>
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All you need is some <b>clear polish</b> (a sheer color polish would probably look awesome too), and some <b>glitter</b>. You want your polish to have a little bit of head space at the top, ie. not be a new unused bottle. I should have poured a bit out of mine to make more room. </div>
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My polish costs a whole .99 cents at ULTA and I had this micro glitter in my stash. </div>
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Pour some glitter into your polish using a paper funnel. Sidebar, a lot of posts that came up on google actually showed you how to make a funnel w/ paper. If you're a functioning adult capable of getting on the internet I'll assume you can figure out how to make a funnel.</div>
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Ok, back to glitter, pour some in. Give it a <b>good </b>shake. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Voila!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiuKnFnrs2E/T05FoxRh6gI/AAAAAAAABCE/N3X4vBgHo6g/s1600/greenglitter_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiuKnFnrs2E/T05FoxRh6gI/AAAAAAAABCE/N3X4vBgHo6g/s640/greenglitter_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now paint your nails with your cheap glitter polish. For mine I did white tips then two coats of green glitter. <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>SUPER FUN</b></span> for St. Patty's Day. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvGX94hWRx4/T05GbcZZhII/AAAAAAAABCM/m1KUwd62pI8/s1600/IMG_1283edit_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvGX94hWRx4/T05GbcZZhII/AAAAAAAABCM/m1KUwd62pI8/s640/IMG_1283edit_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please excuse my overly dry cuticles that need some TLC. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ4Fb6sOZ24/T05G6Fhs-3I/AAAAAAAABCU/8ArEq4od0jU/s1600/IMG_1294edit_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ4Fb6sOZ24/T05G6Fhs-3I/AAAAAAAABCU/8ArEq4od0jU/s640/IMG_1294edit_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think it looks pretty darn awesome! I'm gonna do Brooke's later today. And I can't wait to get some more springy colors and make her a whole set. Possible Easter gift? </div>
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Word to the wise: The glitter will settle after awhile, but just give it some good shakes to redistribute it. Real glitter polish has a special something that helps keep the glitter suspended. Also depending on the glitter you use, your clear polish make take on some of the glitter color. After a bit mine turned slightly green, but it didn't affect application at all. If you used cosmetic grade glitter this probably wouldn't happen. But since this is a cheap project using stuff I had on hand, I wasn't to concerned about either of these issues. </div>
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PS. Is it me or do I look like I have a freakishly short pinky finger?</div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-7156103332877302012-02-20T10:39:00.001-08:002012-02-20T11:21:19.757-08:00Gray w/ Silver Sponged Tips {nails}<br />
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Gray. Who knew? But I kinda love it! The gray is super cheap NYC Sidewalkers. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soFRuzBMfRM/T0Ka5VNaXvI/AAAAAAAABBs/SGA048IAaFE/s1600/1329762669908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soFRuzBMfRM/T0Ka5VNaXvI/AAAAAAAABBs/SGA048IAaFE/s640/1329762669908.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It is actually really great polish, surprisingly. Goes on smooth, and after three days showed no major signs of wear. Even without a topcoat. But after those three I decided to add some flair to my tips.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YEocjrwWFA/T0KbDi4g5MI/AAAAAAAABB0/btGB0lN76Eo/s1600/1329761500591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YEocjrwWFA/T0KbDi4g5MI/AAAAAAAABB0/btGB0lN76Eo/s640/1329761500591.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Gradient silver tips. Fun, right?!</div>
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(This post is mostly an effort to see how well posting from my phones goes, checking formatting and stuff.)</div>
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ETA: Blogger app=<b><span style="font-size: large;">epic fail</span></b>. At least for Android. Pictures were throw in at bottom of post and not in the order I uploaded them. Pictures were grainy and didn't look right at all and wouldn't enlarge. Ended up emailing them to myself and reposting from blogger dashboard online. If you want to post from the app just a plain text post, go for it. That worked. But if you plan on adding pictures (which is what makes reading post interesting anyways), I'd steer clear. </div>
<br />AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-69573616543563546172012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:002012-02-15T12:01:00.226-08:00New Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVbpXGUhEac/TyrL4SH0ZnI/AAAAAAAABBE/4eoJ7TBQme8/s1600/newsocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVbpXGUhEac/TyrL4SH0ZnI/AAAAAAAABBE/4eoJ7TBQme8/s1600/newsocks.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's actually Thursday. And even though she constantly gets her feet stuck while sitting like this way, it's still her preferred choice. </div>
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ETA: My friend <a href="http://seanandshey.blogspot.com/">Sheyenne </a>wondered about this pic, so here is the sooc, and final edit along with some details. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3zDxMdGcvg/Ty_yuPoTQxI/AAAAAAAABBM/fO0I7Xp4v8s/s1600/sockcomparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3zDxMdGcvg/Ty_yuPoTQxI/AAAAAAAABBM/fO0I7Xp4v8s/s1600/sockcomparison.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> <span style="color: #111111; line-height: 22px;">ISO800 * 55mm * f/5.6 * 1/15 sec shutter speed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Here's what I did with it in photoshop elements. I ran <a href="http://www.thecoffeeshopblog.com/2010/06/coffeeshop-urban-grit-action-and.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Urban Grit</a> action from Coffee Shop Blog. I painted just on the socks to apply the affect. Then I ran Purely for the Web action from <a href="http://purephotoshopactions.com/?page_id=875" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pure</a>. That's it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I <i>obviously </i>am by <b>NO </b>means a photographer or expert photoshopper, BUT I'm learning, and it's fun to learn. As a result of me learning, you'll probably be seeing lots more short photo posts like this one.</span></span></div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-61558317252966362942012-01-30T12:27:00.000-08:002012-01-30T12:27:35.376-08:00LEGO Obsession Continues {the girly edition}<div style="text-align: center;">
After Christmas I had got on the LEGO website, don't really know why actually, but I came across <a href="http://friends.lego.com/en-us/Products/Default.aspx">these</a>. A new line of LEGOS, just for my girl. <b>How cute!!</b> We were already getting her a big girl bike, but knew what we'd be telling grandparents to get her. It's no secret that in our house LEGOS are a bit of an obsession with Mason. Now Brooke would be able to join in the building fun. Unlike Mason though, I suspect her sets will stay put together. Granted, Mason keeps several of his intact, but he goes on building sprees where everything gets taken apart then put back together in some new creation. Brooke on the other hand has been playing with her sets for a over a week now just as they are.</div>
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I just <span style="font-size: large;">CANNOT</span> get over the cuteness of these!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I90KyEjCP7E/TyMJKrFyr3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/A4ysyW0Qfew/s1600/legofriendscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I90KyEjCP7E/TyMJKrFyr3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/A4ysyW0Qfew/s640/legofriendscollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Olivia's Tree House. I spy a Star Wars guy, can you find him? </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihvxuf4pyMg/TyMKRYQ7MOI/AAAAAAAAA_s/1orxE3LsyDg/s1600/legofriendsplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihvxuf4pyMg/TyMKRYQ7MOI/AAAAAAAAA_s/1orxE3LsyDg/s640/legofriendsplay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Heartland Dog Show. She thought more doggies were needed so 101 dalmatians came to play too. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi2YRuQt8X4/TyMK2SgTrZI/AAAAAAAAA_0/vzU0tkURzZo/s1600/legofriendspets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi2YRuQt8X4/TyMK2SgTrZI/AAAAAAAAA_0/vzU0tkURzZo/s640/legofriendspets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seriously?! The cuteness!! Dog washing station that goes with the dog show. Interchangeable bows, little LEGO water pieces, white picket fence. Cute. Cute. Cute. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mmhc_eqhd4/TyMLGqWE3iI/AAAAAAAAA_8/2l_VISG9RXE/s1600/legofriendscafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mmhc_eqhd4/TyMLGqWE3iI/AAAAAAAAA_8/2l_VISG9RXE/s640/legofriendscafe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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City Park Cafe. I think this is my favorite that Brooke has so far. </div>
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Don't you agree? </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76i3YbE8koY/TyMLfRaVyTI/AAAAAAAABAE/QGhUUeRWRhU/s1600/legofriendscafe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76i3YbE8koY/TyMLfRaVyTI/AAAAAAAABAE/QGhUUeRWRhU/s640/legofriendscafe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(L to R) Ice cream maker, pie display case, cash register with cupcakes ready for purchase. Those cupcakes are actually upside down, the brown cupcake is supposed to fit in the yellow wrapper but didn't fit right (my only negative for this set), so we put the on the bottom. At the booth two soda fountain drinks and a juice box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsfFD32R_2s/Tyb4ECCA1nI/AAAAAAAABAU/V37750f_xEI/s1600/legofriendscafe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsfFD32R_2s/Tyb4ECCA1nI/AAAAAAAABAU/V37750f_xEI/s640/legofriendscafe3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Want to eat your burger out on the patio? Go for it!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWWKagmwoIU/Tyb36Ui2LQI/AAAAAAAABAM/DA503yIQ9gE/s1600/legofriendscafe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWWKagmwoIU/Tyb36Ui2LQI/AAAAAAAABAM/DA503yIQ9gE/s640/legofriendscafe4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Need some ketchup or mustard? How 'bout salt and pepper? They've got you covered.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">BEYOND CUTE!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl0njwaZ3e4/Tyb4ovWm83I/AAAAAAAABAc/GN4Pzn2GTAA/s1600/legofriendsbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl0njwaZ3e4/Tyb4ovWm83I/AAAAAAAABAc/GN4Pzn2GTAA/s640/legofriendsbeauty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Butterfly Beauty Shop. A close second for favorite is the beauty shop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3UmQSfBjk0/Tyb5UuoKBuI/AAAAAAAABAk/JVD8N_odKyY/s1600/legofriendsbeauty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3UmQSfBjk0/Tyb5UuoKBuI/AAAAAAAABAk/JVD8N_odKyY/s640/legofriendsbeauty2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If the Friend's need a new look, just swap out the hair.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkdyj3EqWz8/Tyb53Mk2J9I/AAAAAAAABAs/f6cQ5htzGqI/s1600/legofriendslipstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkdyj3EqWz8/Tyb53Mk2J9I/AAAAAAAABAs/f6cQ5htzGqI/s640/legofriendslipstick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Lipstick bar, oh my!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdpVutOgtYw/Tyb6AXowj7I/AAAAAAAABA0/lBhdztIWgGc/s1600/legofriendscashregister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdpVutOgtYw/Tyb6AXowj7I/AAAAAAAABA0/lBhdztIWgGc/s640/legofriendscashregister.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Ready to pay? Check out at the cash register. Brooke informed me later we forgot to put the sticker on the screen. She fixed that problem. Way to pay attention to detail!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WpflDMixp0/Tyb6f-L9mTI/AAAAAAAABA8/E1VF3_8ypOw/s1600/legofriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WpflDMixp0/Tyb6f-L9mTI/AAAAAAAABA8/E1VF3_8ypOw/s640/legofriends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Friends. <br />
She has seven, one was playing in her room when they took this group shot.<br />
<br />
Brooke has already started asking for the <a href="http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Heartlake-Vet-3188">Heartlake Vet</a>. It comes with a hedgehog named Oscar, and really what's cuter than a hedgehog?<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Aren't these so fun for a little girl?!! <br />
The LEGO invasion continues. </div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-72574591022404226982012-01-02T09:18:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:14:48.738-08:00Very Last Minute Teacher Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G33wCGLOxqk/TwHl8gTpI_I/AAAAAAAAA-E/m4avCM3Xxsc/s1600/mugrug+%2528600x418%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G33wCGLOxqk/TwHl8gTpI_I/AAAAAAAAA-E/m4avCM3Xxsc/s640/mugrug+%2528600x418%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The morning of Mason's last day of school I realized that his teacher should probably have a gift. Whoops!! I blame my pregnancy brain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had seen cute mug rugs over on Smashed Peas and Carrots <a href="http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-sew-bias-tape-part-ii-corner.html">here </a>and <a href="http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/12/patchwork-mug-rug-tutorial.html">here</a>. Her tutorial on how to sew bias tape was VERY helpful. I have done a few bias tape projects before, but this one turned out the best by far. I even made the bias tape cause I had no time to drive to town and get it. A shower had to be taken before I went to Mason's party at school. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkhdhqEYZC8/TwILOKExK3I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/mA2m0djVgxg/s1600/mugrug2+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkhdhqEYZC8/TwILOKExK3I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/mA2m0djVgxg/s640/mugrug2+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I adjusted the dimensions down just a bit, I think mine ended up being 9x5ish. I was really pleased with how it turned out. Luckily his teacher loved it too. Should probably make a stash of these to have on hand for last minute gifts. I know I want one for myself.<br />
<br />
Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/01/02/made-by-you-monday-81/">Made by You Monday</a></div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-82837684337651545742011-12-28T20:46:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:46:16.536-08:00My New Toy {Holiday Bokeh Challenge}<div style="text-align: center;">
Santa brought me a new camera lens, it even came a bit early on Christmas Eve. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007E7JU/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=is02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00007E7JU"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00007E7JU&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=is02-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=is02-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00007E7JU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
I must have been really good. And mom & dad love me lots. :)<br />
Here's one of the first shots I took with it. I had been reading up the <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/12/holiday-bokeh/">How to Capture Holiday Bokeh</a> tutorial, which is really helpful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjvhV6ed7QA/Tvvtt85d7AI/AAAAAAAAA9s/NbbYEsge3js/s1600/IMG_0348+copy+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjvhV6ed7QA/Tvvtt85d7AI/AAAAAAAAA9s/NbbYEsge3js/s640/IMG_0348+copy+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">ISO 1600 ~ 50mm ~ f/4 ~ 1/30 sec shutter speed</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/12/photo-challenge-holiday-bokeh/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26ALxBZjauA/Tvvv3SOZ_gI/AAAAAAAAA94/k6G80dq1NLA/s1600/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-77716972498873134002011-12-25T16:08:00.001-08:002011-12-25T16:49:02.129-08:00Year in Review Photobook<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8EZsW7RqzbsOA&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div>
<div style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;">
I made this book as a Christmas gift for my parents and Ben's parents (and myself). I love it!! Can't wait for it to get my hands on it. Yes, I'm lame and didn't get it done till yesterday, so estimated arrival isn't until after the new year. But that's ok. <br />
<br />
And I'm sure you've noticed my absence lately. I have good reason.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SY3ZGqwUJl0/Tve-ipQZVVI/AAAAAAAAA9g/MD91lQvs-nI/s1600/baby%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SY3ZGqwUJl0/Tve-ipQZVVI/AAAAAAAAA9g/MD91lQvs-nI/s400/baby%25234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Not that I've been sick or anything. I'm one of those people most other pregnant people hate.....never been sick with any of my pregnancies. PTL!<br />
So there you have it, we are so blessed with three kiddios and will prayerfully be welcoming a fourth this June. Hopefully I'll get back to more regular posting. But I will say it's been nice having lots of time away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(lame disclosure in case anyone cares: I paid for these books myself, just thought I'd share the cuteness w/ you)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shutterfly <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photo books</a> are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" width="1" /></div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-44493305564737970062011-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:00:10.265-07:00Everyday Spaghetti Sauce {a recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTK23UXzw4/TossmvRe9FI/AAAAAAAAA60/udLi_9-E8RI/s1600/Collages+%2528600x429%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTK23UXzw4/TossmvRe9FI/AAAAAAAAA60/udLi_9-E8RI/s640/Collages+%2528600x429%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't bought spaghetti sauce in I don't know how long. We just make our own. Like most great recipes, this one isn't my own, I got it from my mother-in-law. It's in the woman's ministry cookbook I got for Christmas <b>MANY </b>years ago. Two thousand and four, to be exact. The page is splattered with sauce. Page sixty-three is another page that I frequent, there you'll find her Chicken Taquitas recipe. I'll share that recipe another day. Today I'm sharing the spaghetti sauce. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyday Spaghetti Sauce </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3RxuP6vALJiMTk4OGM3YmYtMGViNS00M2UxLWE2ZjgtY2Y1ZjIyMjk4ODE3&hl=en">PRINT HERE</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2
lb. Hamburger, browned & drained</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2
(16 oz) cans tomatoes, diced</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2
(16 oz) cans tomato sauce</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2
(12 oz) cans tomato paste</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1
tsp. garlic salt</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1
tsp. salt</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">½
tsp. Italian seasoning</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">½
tsp. basil</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1
C. sugar</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">¼
tsp. pepper</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2
C. water</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Simmer
on low for 2 hours or longer. Yield: 1 gallon</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcAT_wh3sz0/Tosy2QcIEFI/AAAAAAAAA68/aI4xFBlsv0E/s1600/spaghettidetail+%2528600x421%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcAT_wh3sz0/Tosy2QcIEFI/AAAAAAAAA68/aI4xFBlsv0E/s640/spaghettidetail+%2528600x421%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I make a few changes to the recipe. I leave out the meat and lower the sugar by half. I lower the sugar just cause without the meat to cut that sweetness, it is <i>way </i>to sweet. (And if you don't want it to be so chunky from diced tomatoes, swap those for crushed.) Now I've got a GREAT spaghetti sauce to use as a starting place in lots of recipes. Chicken parmesan, meatball subs, rigatoni, spaghetti and meatballs or Italian sausage and peppers (pictured above). ETA: W</span>e divide this up in quart size bags and freeze. We always have a stash in our freezer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And this sauce is kiddie approved. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kg4RMmlS8bE/Tos52ynj10I/AAAAAAAAA7A/4clbUkC6PmE/s1600/IMG_8725+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kg4RMmlS8bE/Tos52ynj10I/AAAAAAAAA7A/4clbUkC6PmE/s640/IMG_8725+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOAaUTETEQk/Tos6PHD6wrI/AAAAAAAAA7E/GIkv20u-VyI/s1600/IMG_8740+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOAaUTETEQk/Tos6PHD6wrI/AAAAAAAAA7E/GIkv20u-VyI/s640/IMG_8740+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma1NumRh4do/Tos6X6f4vtI/AAAAAAAAA7I/jPXTCSPfxKA/s1600/IMG_8748+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma1NumRh4do/Tos6X6f4vtI/AAAAAAAAA7I/jPXTCSPfxKA/s640/IMG_8748+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Is it me, or does having sauce all over his face make him all the more cute? </div>
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Linking to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/weekly-link-party/">Today's Creative Blog</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/WGW">Someday Crafts</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/category/pity-party/">Thirty Days Handmade</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-add-yours-104/">Tip Junkie</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com/topsy-turvy-tuesdays-61/">I'm Topsy Turvy</a></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-7391609374945506542011-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:002011-10-12T11:22:42.375-07:00Handmade Holiday Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjsYZcSOrwk/ToYYo2pevZI/AAAAAAAAA6w/RHH7t3Y0eKs/s1600/311304_253894267988211_253889907988647_808229_781984189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjsYZcSOrwk/ToYYo2pevZI/AAAAAAAAA6w/RHH7t3Y0eKs/s1600/311304_253894267988211_253889907988647_808229_781984189_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Awhile back my friend Mary Jo from <a href="http://517creations.blogspot.com/">517creations</a> facebooked me about having a little holiday market sale (doesn't that sound so much more fancy than craft show?). I said yes immediately, especially since it's going to be at her good friend's home (nice and intimate) AND that it would be free (YAY, free!). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I'm just getting excited to have a day to showcase (and hopefully sell) lots of handmade creations. It's always nice to have a little extra Christmas cash. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Holiday-Market/253889907988647?sk=info">Handmade Holiday Market</a> will be Friday November 11th from 6-8pm and Saturday November 12th from 9-noon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go and "like" it on facebook and stay up-to-date on other vendors and what all you'll be able to shop for that weekend. </div>
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Pssst........it'll be a great place to find Christmas ties for your little man. </div>AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-48970402247955631392011-09-28T08:40:00.000-07:002011-09-28T08:40:23.694-07:00Sewing galore<div style="text-align: center;">
The one where I play catch up and post <strike>a million</strike> nine pictures of recently completed projects.</div>
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You've been warned. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jsgVCwtWhk/ToM69VSIoII/AAAAAAAAA58/f6WBuU6LJeM/s1600/kelsydiapercase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jsgVCwtWhk/ToM69VSIoII/AAAAAAAAA58/f6WBuU6LJeM/s640/kelsydiapercase.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMXb-d0FCig/ToM7HUYH2QI/AAAAAAAAA6A/8ih-PqyDBHw/s1600/alicediapercase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMXb-d0FCig/ToM7HUYH2QI/AAAAAAAAA6A/8ih-PqyDBHw/s640/alicediapercase.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1tz54hV7x4/ToM7wIyCrvI/AAAAAAAAA6E/QXVHXarUqoo/s1600/diapercase_eily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1tz54hV7x4/ToM7wIyCrvI/AAAAAAAAA6E/QXVHXarUqoo/s640/diapercase_eily.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMeuLd-Fv_M/ToM78Wy2hBI/AAAAAAAAA6I/kZu8qHlilug/s1600/diapercase_eisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMeuLd-Fv_M/ToM78Wy2hBI/AAAAAAAAA6I/kZu8qHlilug/s640/diapercase_eisley.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDddUqttKhY/ToM8HeFOMYI/AAAAAAAAA6M/kfws4wSzcwA/s1600/diapercase_ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDddUqttKhY/ToM8HeFOMYI/AAAAAAAAA6M/kfws4wSzcwA/s640/diapercase_ethan.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cE5DA5_6qwQ/ToM8S-JSThI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/hJZ792bEWHg/s1600/diapercase_kai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cE5DA5_6qwQ/ToM8S-JSThI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/hJZ792bEWHg/s640/diapercase_kai.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdNNJbAnn2Q/ToM8hIH4i8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/GMtbrz74JRA/s1600/diapercase_lexi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdNNJbAnn2Q/ToM8hIH4i8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/GMtbrz74JRA/s640/diapercase_lexi.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1bk3XAsQVk/ToM81jEXmlI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/hjbHkMVKUW0/s1600/burpcloths_lexi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1bk3XAsQVk/ToM81jEXmlI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/hjbHkMVKUW0/s640/burpcloths_lexi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSYx_FGF9IQ/ToM-Rwp73KI/AAAAAAAAA6c/imssw06Y0nA/s1600/chazburpcloths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSYx_FGF9IQ/ToM-Rwp73KI/AAAAAAAAA6c/imssw06Y0nA/s640/chazburpcloths.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-50010828830069931562011-09-23T08:03:00.000-07:002011-10-03T07:10:55.763-07:00Fall Frame {pinspiration}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fall is here.</span> </div>
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Anybody else super excited for a break from the horrid heat??? Me too!</div>
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I found this cute printable on <a href="http://pinterest.com/isew/">pinterest </a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/216005987/" target="_blank"><img 640'="" border="0" height="320" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/216005987_27DWgZpy_c.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53311989@N07/6122474926/in/photostream/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">flickr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/isew/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Instead of just printing it out and putting in a plain frame I decided to jazz it up a bit. Added bonus, this didn't cost me a thing to do, I had all supplies on hand. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liipBLLgWYk/TnybFcosR7I/AAAAAAAAA50/ABWDzLMinhE/s1600/fallframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liipBLLgWYk/TnybFcosR7I/AAAAAAAAA50/ABWDzLMinhE/s640/fallframe.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;">I used an old canvas that I had previously painted brown. In it's former life I used it as a calendar thing. I used the rest of my orange glitter (used <a href="http://isewdoyou.blogspot.com/2011/08/glitter-french-tips-how-to.html">here </a>and <a href="http://isewdoyou.blogspot.com/2010/12/glitter-frame-tutorial.html">here</a>) and mod podged a document frame, you know the cheapy frames that are like a buck or two at wally world. Then sealed it with some acrylic sealer. Hot glue it to the canvas and <b>DONE</b>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL63-1wlbXc/TnycFvAuQcI/AAAAAAAAA54/O5qslzcu74A/s1600/fallframedetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL63-1wlbXc/TnycFvAuQcI/AAAAAAAAA54/O5qslzcu74A/s640/fallframedetail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What's not to love?</span><br />
Texture, check. Glitter, check. Walls no longer bare, check.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy FALL!!</span><br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/09/friday-flair-what-inspires-me.html">Whipperberry</a><br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-linky.html">Fall Linky @ Someday Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/09/fall-frenzy-link-party.html">Fall Frenzy @ Craftaholics Anonymous</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Also just wanted to let you know I haven't forgot this is a "sewing blog." I'll be posting some sewing soon. I promise. I had a series of unfortunate events happen with a "special order" of chenille so my sewing has been at a stand still for a while now. But alas I have some chenille now and will be busy playing catch up. </div>
</div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-25683753160151113692011-09-19T11:49:00.000-07:002011-09-19T11:49:30.160-07:00Make a Fall Perpetual Calendar {rewind}<br />
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I'm reposting this tutorial in case you missed it last year. It is still one of the most viewed post on my blog. It's almost October so I'm getting really excited to be able to have it on display again. I need to make several more of these, so I can have one up all year long. <br />
ENJOY.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Original post Sept. 2010**</span><br />
<br />
My friend and I are the Creative Activities Girls for our <a href="http://www.mops.org/">MOPS</a> group. It can be quite the task to find a craft that 70+ women will enjoy, all while staying within a <b>TIGHT </b>budget ~$1. Last week we made fall perpetual calendars. I think all the ladies liked it, and its something they can easily recreate for another season. And we stayed {I think} under budget.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJj933e7HxI/AAAAAAAAANM/AY_tvvSRI7w/s1600/perpetualcalendar_oct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJj933e7HxI/AAAAAAAAANM/AY_tvvSRI7w/s640/perpetualcalendar_oct.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Want to make your own?</b></div>
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SUPPLIES:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">2” x 2” x 8’ – I cut this board into 1 ½ “ pieces which creates the cubes you need for the top pieces.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">1” x 2” x 6’ – I cut this board into lengths of 3”. They do have this board in 4’ lengths. I lightly sanded the edges of all the wood. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">With these boards you will have plenty to make several sets, one for each season, gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, etc.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Scrapbook paper. I got a <b>HUGE </b>stack of fall themed paper on sale at <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp">Joann's</a> for $10. Cut 12 squares into 1 1/4" pieces.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Numbers/Months. We used a Cricut to cut out all ours out of black cardstock. If you don't have access to a Cricut you could buy ready made number/months stickers from the scrapbook section at any craft store. Numbers you will need: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Block A: 0,1,2,3,7,8<br />Block B: 0,1,2,4,5,6 **Note: Six is interchangeable with nine</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Paint, Mod Podge, Glue (optional)</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJkACD5LUnI/AAAAAAAAANQ/xFdHPuhwbA0/s1600/perpetualcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJkACD5LUnI/AAAAAAAAANQ/xFdHPuhwbA0/s640/perpetualcalendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><b>What to do:</b></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Glue or Mod Podge your numbers down to the squares. We used plain old glue sticks, made it quick and easy.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Paint the edges of your blocks. Your scrapbook paper will cover the bare spots on your cubes. If you feel better about painting your base block all the way, go for it. I'm just lazy and it will be covered by your cubes anyways, so I didn't see the point.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Mod Podge you scrapbook squares onto the cubes. <b>Remember</b>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Block A: 0,1,2,3,7,8<br />Block B: 0,1,2,4,5,6</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Mod Podge your months onto your base block.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Seal it all with a layer of Mod Podge (optional)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">Display your super cute fall perpetual calendar!</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJkC8DeQaGI/AAAAAAAAANU/AMhOuHdC7yo/s1600/perpetualcalendar_nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7yH2NIZeacw/TJkC8DeQaGI/AAAAAAAAANU/AMhOuHdC7yo/s640/perpetualcalendar_nov.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Linking to:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/09/whatever-goes-wednesday-32.html">Someday Crafts</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/09/link-party-no24.html">Tea Rose Home</a></span><br />
<a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2010/09/we-did-it-wednesday_22.html">Sew Much Ado</a><br />
<a href="http://thisblessednest.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-festival-week-4.html">This Blessed Nest</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/09/sys-blog-link-party-with-everyday.html">Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/09/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-kinley-lane.html">Tatertots and Jello</a><br />
<a href="http://envirocraftiness.blogspot.com/2010/09/time-to-link-up.html">Envirocraftiness</a></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-87478571792749368442011-09-16T11:48:00.000-07:002011-09-16T17:14:26.080-07:00Best Playdough Ever {a recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpW04eH19xY/TnOOoaJ0PFI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mVk519aiJd8/s1600/playdoughrecipe+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpW04eH19xY/TnOOoaJ0PFI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mVk519aiJd8/s640/playdoughrecipe+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let me start by saying that I got this AWESOME recipe from my buddy Erin. Let me also say that I wish my buddy Erin had a blog where she chronicled her daily life and the things her kids say. I'd say you should friend her on facebook just to read her status updates, but that'd be weird. She is witty and sarcastic and wonderful. That is all. </div>
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Okay, so about this recipe, it is fantastic!!!</div>
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Not gritty.</div>
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Not sticky. </div>
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Easy to make.</div>
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Stays soft.</div>
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It's perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDxdab-zuxw/TnOSozDh0sI/AAAAAAAAA5o/_2Rw_yQhMso/s1600/IMG_8258+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDxdab-zuxw/TnOSozDh0sI/AAAAAAAAA5o/_2Rw_yQhMso/s640/IMG_8258+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What you need: </div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">1 C. flour</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">1 Tbsp. vegetable oil</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">1 C. water</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">2 tsp. cream of tartar</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">1/2 C. salt</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">food coloring</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K87ggjpKfY/TnOVVlHxGAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/eQRdWt02z8c/s1600/playdough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K87ggjpKfY/TnOVVlHxGAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/eQRdWt02z8c/s640/playdough.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It doesn't hurt to have a helper too, preferably one that knows how to work her lower lip. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hn96sY1UZU4/TnOUubVjdRI/AAAAAAAAA5s/NaQPV0QaXZ4/s1600/playdough1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hn96sY1UZU4/TnOUubVjdRI/AAAAAAAAA5s/NaQPV0QaXZ4/s640/playdough1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melt all together in a saucepan over medium/low heat. Stir. Stir some more. Then stir some more. You're getting close when you scrape the bottom of the pan and it doesn't immediately fall back into a soupy glob. Pretty soon you'll see that the dough will begin to pull together. Keep stirring. Stir until a ball forms. Store in an airtight container (not in the fridge like some recipes call for).</div>
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpW04eH19xY/TnOOoaJ0PFI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mVk519aiJd8/s1600/playdoughrecipe+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpW04eH19xY/TnOOoaJ0PFI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mVk519aiJd8/s640/playdoughrecipe+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There you have it. The best playdough ever.</div>
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Ideally this post would have a great picture of my helper playing with said playdough, but 8 seconds after I got done making it she said "I don't want to play playdough."</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Story of my life.</div>
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<div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking to:</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://whipperberry.com/2011/09/who-i-am-friday-flair-summer-from-sumos-sweet-stuff.html">Whipperberry</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/09/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-love-of.html">Tatertots and Jello</a></div>
</div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-20288000510999804662011-09-06T07:26:00.000-07:002011-09-08T11:25:33.334-07:00Seven Ingredient Granola {recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqd3iY8Cy5M/TmYldpUiBLI/AAAAAAAAA5c/6aqTYZbVlxA/s1600/homemadegranola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqd3iY8Cy5M/TmYldpUiBLI/AAAAAAAAA5c/6aqTYZbVlxA/s640/homemadegranola.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you like super crunchy, highly addictive snacks? Well then <i>this </i>granola is for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">YOU</span>! Do you also like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">EASY </span>recipes that don't require an extra trip to the store just for random ingredients? I've got you covered. </div>
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This granola is seriously DELICIOUS and so, so easy!</div>
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You can eat it on yogurt, with milk as cereal (Ben's favorite), topped with chocolate bark drizzle (yep, I said it) or even on ice cream. </div>
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But really it's best just eaten by the handful.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIugdJAbjc0/TmYnWFk4jSI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_DaIxdnRjpU/s1600/IMG_8013+-+Copy+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIugdJAbjc0/TmYnWFk4jSI/AAAAAAAAA5g/_DaIxdnRjpU/s640/IMG_8013+-+Copy+%2528600x400%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seven Ingredient Granola</div>
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<ul>
<li>8 cups old fashioned oats</li>
<li>2 Tbsp cinnamon</li>
<li>2 cups coconut flakes</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups light brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup water</li>
<li>1 cup oil (I use coconut)</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla</li>
</ul>
Dump oats, cinnamon and coconut flakes in BIG bowl. Give it a little stir.<br />
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Combine brown sugar and water over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Turn up heat and bring to boil, lower heat and stir for 1 minute. Remove from stove and oil and vanilla. Stir to incorporate. </div>
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Pour your simple syrup over your oat mixture. Stir till completely coated. </div>
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Pour out onto two large jelly roll pans that have been greased. Spread out granola, but don't press down, you don't want to pack it. </div>
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Bake at 275 degrees for 60-70 minutes until lightly brown and toasted.</div>
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Let cool in pans about 10 minutes then run a spatula under granola to break up into big chunks. </div>
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After completely cool store in a handy cookie jar that is easily accessible to all who might need a snack.</div>
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Some pointers:</div>
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<ul>
<li> If using coconut oil you will have to stir the syrup just a bit more to make sure it is all melted. </li>
<li>If you don't like coconut just leave it out. You really can't taste it much and often I just use what I have, my last batch I only had about a cup so I dumped that it and it still tasted great. </li>
<li>Melt chocolate bark and drizzle it on the granola after you take it of the oven. YUMMO!</li>
<li>Seriously, this stuff goes quick!! I made our last batch on Friday, we have crumbs in the bottom of the jar this morning. </li>
<li>It's a great road trip snack!!</li>
<li>Oatmeal increases milk supply, so eat up nursing mommas!</li>
</ul>
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ENJOY!!</div>
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-2/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/WGW">Someday Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-96/">Tip Junkie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/09/show-and-tell-with-mixed-bag-designs.html">Blue Cricket Designs</a></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059534548104941626.post-85685985545012494242011-08-30T09:07:00.000-07:002011-08-31T10:54:05.775-07:00Glitter French Tips {how to}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102483925/" target="_blank"><img 375'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/102483925_55wha32q_c.jpg" width="500 height =" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7059534548104941626" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">None</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/isew/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LOVE </span></b>to do my nails!! I normally just have french tips on them. Which apparently EVERYONE knows. This is the exchange a good friend of mine had with her daughter the other day.<br />
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I was asking her different questions about different shapes. I asked her to think of something that was a small square. She said, "I can think of something small and square-ish that is the same size as your two front teeth, Momma." OK, what Lauren? "Amanda's fingernails, when they're long with white on the top." This girl doesn't miss ANYTHING!!! :)"</span><br />
HA! So basically my nails are famous. Using the above as my pinspiration (stole this term from <a href="http://teamchase4andcounting.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinspiration.html">my buddy Jen</a>) I decided to do orange glitter tips. Consider it a stay-at-home mom's idea of bling :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmzuwvrfjH8/Tl0DLK56h-I/AAAAAAAAA5I/ntxf1tC7LXk/s1600/IMG_7983+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="579" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmzuwvrfjH8/Tl0DLK56h-I/AAAAAAAAA5I/ntxf1tC7LXk/s640/IMG_7983+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I used the same glitter that I had on hand from my <a href="http://isewdoyou.blogspot.com/2010/12/glitter-frame-tutorial.html">glitter frames.</a> I filed my nails, then applied polish just to the tips and sprinkled on the glitter. Do this one at a time, paint tip, sprinkle glitter, paint tip, sprinkle glitter and so on. This way your tip is wet enough with polish to really grab the glitter. And you'll want to do it over some paper so you can gently tap off the excess. Let them dry, which actually for me didn't take that long. Then I took a small eye shadow brush (a small paint brush would probably work too) and gently brushed off my nail and finger that still had glitter lingering. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbnqEKgxgpw/Tl0GTLHcaUI/AAAAAAAAA5M/O0iX0NqFHtA/s1600/IMG_7986+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbnqEKgxgpw/Tl0GTLHcaUI/AAAAAAAAA5M/O0iX0NqFHtA/s640/IMG_7986+%2528400x600%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Now you're ready to apply a top coat. Originally I was gonna use my Mod Podge spray sealer (I know crazy idea), but when Ben saw me with it he said "do you think that's a good idea?" in such a husbandly way and it made me rethink it. But I just didn't want all my hard work to go down the drain by applying a typical top coat, my thinking was if I could "spray" a top coat on all my glitter would stay intact. Well under my husband's advice I went with a standard clear top coat, and it worked! You can see from the pics, it did pick up a little glitter and transfer it, but I actually think it looks pretty that way. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sayXlF2HSI8/Tl0JYajOlPI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/lIYPwQKILfQ/s1600/IMAG0800-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sayXlF2HSI8/Tl0JYajOlPI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/lIYPwQKILfQ/s640/IMAG0800-1.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
So there you have it, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GLITTER FRENCH TIPS</span>.<br />
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Are you gonna try this? I'd love to see pics if you do!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/creative-decorating-ideas/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/WGW">Someday Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-830/">Tip Junkie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/08/show-and-tell-linking-party-7.html">Blue Cricket Designs</a></div>
AmandaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06842781425491129699noreply@blogger.com3