tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92210293428291285752024-03-13T11:29:36.117-07:00Everything That I NeedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-89237365430580329402014-04-06T18:34:00.001-07:002014-04-06T18:34:24.007-07:00Avocado in your smoothieHave you tried using avocado as a substitute for oil or eggs or bananas in recipes? I thought it was kind of weird in thought. I mean, avocado?? It's green and used in guacamole. Who puts it in a drink?<br />
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Well I do now! I love it in smoothies. It adds a whole level of creaminess that not even bananas can create. This is my new favorite smoothie combination. </div>
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Chocolate Protein Raspberry - Strawberry - Blueberry Green Smoothie</div>
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt</div>
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1/2 ripe avocado</div>
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2 spinach ice cubes or 1 cup fresh spinach and 1 cup ice</div>
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1 cup almond milk or 1 chopped up apple</div>
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1 cup frozen berries (raspberry - strawberry - blueberry any combination)</div>
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1 scoop chocolate protein</div>
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I put the frozen ingredients at the bottom and pour the milk over the top and blend until smooth. </div>
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If it is too thick, add a little more liquid. If it's not cold enough or thick enough, add more ice. </div>
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It is amazing! It has the consistency of frozen yogurt and makes for a delicious breakfast - snack - dessert. And it is ridiculously filling. It makes about 16 oz of smoothie and works perfectly for two servings. </div>
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To share or freeze for later :)</div>
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Oh and if you haven't made spinach ice cubes yet, you should definitely do it! I buy a big bag of fresh spinach when it's on sale and dump the whole thing in my Vitamix and add just about a cup of water so I can blend the spinach until it's completely liquid. Then I pour the liquid into my ice cube trays and freeze them. Once frozen, I pop them out of the trays and put them in a ziploc bag and save them to throw a couple in a smoothie every day. Easiest way to make a tasty green smoothie and add some vitamins! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-31397851663044258712014-04-05T17:38:00.000-07:002014-04-05T17:39:30.247-07:00GF peanut butter chocolate chip pecan cookies<div>
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Flour free, sugar free peanut butter chocolate chip pecan cookies </div>
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2 cups peanut butter</div>
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2/3 cup honey</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 tablespoons vanilla</div>
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2 tsp baking soda</div>
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2/3 cup chocolate chips</div>
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2/3 cup pecans </div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </div>
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Mix together PB, honey, vanilla until completely combined. Whip in your eggs in a separate bowl and then fold into the PB mixture. Lightly mix in the baking soda and then add in the chocolate chips and pecans. </div>
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Scoop out tablespoon size balls and roll between your hands firmly to pack it together. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely before eating or else they might crumble. </div>
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Makes about 16.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-15905769871746765062014-04-02T10:34:00.004-07:002014-04-02T10:37:00.382-07:00Easter baskets, eggs and everything in between (literally)I am always trying to stay away from extra candy during holidays. Of course then you are left with buying toys or trinkets that generally are cheap and break easily. Or you end up spending $20-30 on each basket (not feasible for us). <span style="font-family: inherit;"> And frankly, my kids have plenty (too much, in my opinion) and really don't need any extra clutter for the sake of having a basket-filler. </span><br />
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So where does that leave you when the Easter Bunny comes around? And then you also have to fill eggs. What, other than candy, can go in there?</div>
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My Grandma used to fill Easter eggs with change. It was always exciting to see if you got a quarter or a dime or a penny. When we were done, we pooled the money together and divided it evenly so everyone got $5. It seemed like so much! $5! Now, I feel like $5 doesn't get you very much at all. </div>
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We have done candy in past years, but it's always a struggle for me to left them eat it afterwards. Like with Halloween, they are only allowed a little at a time and I end up throwing the majority of it away. So what's the point of that? I don't want that candy sitting in a bag for endless days, but I also don't want kids gorged out on sugar. </div>
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Yesterday, I got basket-fillings while local stores had some good sales.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each kid is getting a spiral notebook and a new pack of metallic crayons. We found LED mini flashlights at the Dollar Tree that will be fun for playing outside in the summer. The peanut butter chocolate chip organic granola bars and organic fruit strips were on sale, so I am going to divide those up. And Larabars (peanut butter chocolate chip) were on sale too, the kids will be super excited for those. As their one piece of actual candy, I bought the Reese's pieces filled carrots because we all love chocolate and peanut butter (in case you couldn't tell). As their knick-knacky toy, I got the boys carrot shaped darts to throw at each other and Calla a new sparkly nail polish (She will die). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Otherwise, I am kind of stuck. We have a million other art supplies and chalk and bubbles galore. I feel like this is the same conundrum I get into with Christmas stockings. I want them to appreciate what they have rather than get "stuff" just for the sake of "stuff". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My kids REALLY want for nothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Which is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you filling your Easter eggs with this year? What holiday traditions do you have? Has any one tried stuffing stickers in those dang plastic eggs? Also, what's your opinion on the Easter basket grass (personally, it's not allowed at our house. Same goes for tinsel). </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-4990872764544318172014-03-31T19:16:00.003-07:002014-03-31T19:16:11.404-07:00Nerf Wars Birthday party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have been planning this birthday party for awhile. </div>
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I am crazy like that, where I get an idea in my head and have to figure it all out before it drives me crazy. I don't really remember how I got the idea for a Nerf Wars themed birthday party, but as soon as the idea came I began researching (Pinterest) how others had done their party and slowly a plan began to take shape.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/185614805?ref=fb2_tnx_title" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Bonkers4Bottlecaps</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I ordered the birthday invitations from an Etsy.com store called </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/185614805?ref=fb2_tnx_title" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Bonkers4Bottlecaps</a><span style="text-align: left;">. It is awesome. Basically it's a printable layout that you can customize with Photoshop to put in your child's name and birthday info. There are also ones that you can order and have the shop edit for you if you don't have Photoshop. You get an email when the file is created and can customize it immediately. Ours cost $3 for the file and then I had them printed on 4x6 photo paper (so two fit per page) at a local Rite Aid photo center. Very cheap to do, but they look awesome!</span></div>
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Then the birthday party came.</div>
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Everyone got a bandana, sunglasses and a pack of 10 darts. At first, we thought about doing colored bandanas for "teams" but we ended up deciding to go with random colors in case any one was upset about not being on a team with another friend. <i>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X8RTFU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003X8RTFU&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Ordered a 12 pack of bandanas from Amazon</a>)</i></div>
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Originally we thought the sunglasses would just look cool, like super cool Army guys or something, but the boys ended up really needing eye protection (what with all the random darts flying every where) so I am glad they all wore them! <i>(Sunglasses are from Party City - $1 a pair)</i></div>
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When all the parents called to RSVP, I suggested that they leave their darts from home at home because they would probably get lost. I bulk bought darts on ebay.com and got them incredibly cheap - 200 darts for $16. If you are looking at hosting a Nerf party, I would definitely look into sellers on ebay. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get them, since most sellers are overseas.</div>
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After making sure that none of the boys coming had skin allergies, we ordered camouflage face paint. At the party, the boys grabbed their gear bags and we quickly put on camo paint so they could load their guns and listen to the "safety briefing". I opted to buy a more expensive face paint stick <i>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YM6VX6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003YM6VX6&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Camo Face Paint stick from Amazon</a>) </i>rather than the traditional costume paint because it was so easy to apply. All we did was draw a line under each of the boys' eyes and smug it a little with a cotton ball. </div>
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During the "safety briefing", we went over the rules of Nerf Wars.<br />
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No shooting above the shoulders or pointing a gun at someone's face.<br />
No shooting an unarmed or unloaded person (if you ran out of darts you had to put your hands up).<br />
Make sure to listen and respect every one.<br />
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We had different target practice games planned as team events. Since we had twelve boys and five adults, we split them in four groups of three for the team shooting relay, the balloon and Army guy shooting match.<br />
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The house was decked out for Nerf War battle. I knew my boys would be pumped shooting darts in the house and I didn't want anything to get broken or damaged. I took down all the picture frames and family mementos and replaced them with targets, plastic toys and balloons. I didn't want to spend a ton on decorations or things that would get shot and possibly broken, so these are the decorations I came up with.<br />
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1) We set up Army guys on every ledge we could think of. These were super hard targets and only one boy was able to hit them. I liked how they took up decoration space and made for a fun challenge to hit. We already had a collection of plastic Army guys, so this didn't cost us any money. I have seen them on sale at Dollar Tree and other grocery stores for $1-3. <br />
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2) I got yellow and orange paper plates on clearance at a local grocery store and they worked perfectly for targets to tape on the walls. We ended up having enough left over to use as plates for the party too. Although it took a little time to draw the circles on the plates, it was worth the $2 for paper plates rather than buying pre-made paper targets.<br />
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3) This picture isn't great, but I saved up plastic milk and juice jugs and spray painted them desert camo colored and painted targets on them. We had between 8-10 on ledges around the house and they were also a fun challenge, but a little easier to hit. They make a nice "thunk" sound when you hit them. Since I already had the spray paint left over from Gabe's pine wood derby car, this cost us $0! If you don't have paint, don't worry! You can always draw or print out targets and tape them on to empty containers. <br />
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4) Balloons. In typical fashion, I put balloons everywhere. What is a birthday without big colorful balloons every where anyway? We didn't splurge on helium balloons that much this year and instead opted to get the regular latex balloons and taped them to the walls and doorways. The boys thought it was AWESOME to shoot the balloons off the walls and see if they could knock them down. When they were all knocked down, we did a "skeet" challenge where an adult threw the balloon in the air and the boys took turns trying to shoot it in the air. I stuck with the yellow, orange, blue color scheme and got three packs of 15 balloons. Each pack cost me about $1.50 at Target.<br />
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There are so many different target shooting challenges you can do and the boys really loved having the teams and having to shoot as fast as they could! Even though not all the boys knew each other, some were school friends and some from Cub Scouts, all the boys on each team banded together.<br />
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After the games, it was time to eat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4qwPBdz1-qr-oeoY3NKqopkheLGV7QjySqOGk6AG2F530O28gOdbX12QP_ksOMfq__fCzB_OZTugQC9rjO0e_uxWd7n9h31GNhjnJyjWkl3xkg_JDPMDCXDTL4KeGJaCRhOp_qWlQcQ/s1600/Gabe's-Nerf-Gun-party-042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4qwPBdz1-qr-oeoY3NKqopkheLGV7QjySqOGk6AG2F530O28gOdbX12QP_ksOMfq__fCzB_OZTugQC9rjO0e_uxWd7n9h31GNhjnJyjWkl3xkg_JDPMDCXDTL4KeGJaCRhOp_qWlQcQ/s1600/Gabe's-Nerf-Gun-party-042.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I really wanted to stick with healthy options but also wanted them to have fun (allergy-free) choices. We had pepperoni pizzas, oranges, carrots, bananas, crackers, cheese balls, string cheese sticks and squeezable applesauce. I got Gatorade (gasp!) in blue, yellow and orange. All the boys got to fill their own plates and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw bananas, oranges and apple sauces going on plates. After eating their fill, we moved on to sing Happy Birthday and gorge ourselves on the Nerf dart cupcakes and ice cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBYploYPDgyt_cPAfvuz1krDP1fW34aVQMjc888WAv01wkax5mCWRJJt_M6ZxyYnMSjrFyi9YpZ6MEVSFLGhj9V_U7dpXIFyK-vB7ncULPBXlCi2HiFKRzD5fnQxdlHdRTjJt8YGPSUo/s1600/Nerf-Dart-Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBYploYPDgyt_cPAfvuz1krDP1fW34aVQMjc888WAv01wkax5mCWRJJt_M6ZxyYnMSjrFyi9YpZ6MEVSFLGhj9V_U7dpXIFyK-vB7ncULPBXlCi2HiFKRzD5fnQxdlHdRTjJt8YGPSUo/s1600/Nerf-Dart-Cupcakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
First can I just say - I MADE THESE! I USED FONDANT AND MADE THESE FROM SCRATCH!<br />
<br />
Sorry about that.<br />
<br />
This was the first time I made and used fondant and can I also say, What the heck? It is so easy to make fondant and so easy to use (link below), I am completely disappointed I haven't tried to do it before. The night before I rolled out the fondant darts and dipped them in chocolate and put them in the freezer to stay hard. Right before eating, I got them out of the freezer and put them on top of the cupcakes. All the boys were surprised that they weren't real darts and that they could eat them! Although they aren't as super cool as some of the other cakes and cupcakes I have seen at other Nerf parties, I am pretty happy that I went out of my decorating comfort zone and made these.<br />
<br />
In the end, we put together teams and had an all out Nerf War, taking no prisoners and shooting and ambushing every one in sight. When the doorbell rang and parents came to pick up the boys, every one seemed disappointed to leave (a sign of a good party) and the parents looked at me like I was a little crazy (running around shooting darts at the other adults).<br />
<br />
It was a great birthday party. A great turn out. And honestly, a great relief! Last year,<a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2013/04/gabes-lego-party_14.html" target="_blank"> Gabe's Lego birthday party</a> didn't go so well (out of 7 RSVP's, one boy came) and we were all holding our breath that this year would be different. And it was.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
14 boys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5 adults.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
200 darts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too much fun.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try it out!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>
<br />
Here are some more links to other parties I found while researching (Pinterest):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/9d/ae/f69daea853bf5a620c8b7636b73e90a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/9d/ae/f69daea853bf5a620c8b7636b73e90a9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/25403185372684679/" target="_blank">Inspiration for my cupcakes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ac/47/71/ac47715c4cff490fbf1c0e0d1fd8d856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ac/47/71/ac47715c4cff490fbf1c0e0d1fd8d856.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/25403185372769846/" target="_blank">Thought about doing this if the weather was nice.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yoDnIUn5L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yoDnIUn5L.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PNZX34/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007PNZX34&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Used these in the living room as targets</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s7.orientaltrading.com/is/image/OrientalTrading/15_22b?$VIEWER_IMAGE_400$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://s7.orientaltrading.com/is/image/OrientalTrading/15_22b?$VIEWER_IMAGE_400$" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/camouflage-bandanas-a2-15_22.fltr?cm_mmc=social-_-product-_-pinterest-_-pinterest" target="_blank">From Oriental Trading Company</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d8/7c/28/d87c288ccb6156cc9823bf0321716159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d8/7c/28/d87c288ccb6156cc9823bf0321716159.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/25403185371836249/" target="_blank">An awesome idea for an inside nerf war</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.michellepaige.blogspot.com/2012/03/nerf-gun-party.html?m=1" target="_blank">Michelle Paige - Nerf Gun Party</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/01/nerf-party.html?m=1" target="_blank">Blackberry Vine - Nerf Party</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theadventuresofteamdanger.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-nerf-day.html?m=1" target="_blank">The Adventure's of Team Danger - Happy Nerf Day</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/army-party-camo-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple - Army Party Camo Cupcakes</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littledelightscakes.com/how-to-make-fondant/" target="_blank">Little Delights Cakes - How to Make Fondant</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-69400897246747571752014-03-02T13:16:00.004-08:002014-03-02T13:16:45.504-08:0012 week HIIT Cardio and Lifting program (weeks 5-8)I have been noticeably absent from the blog world. I apologize. Our daily schedule has gotten pretty crazy with me doing this daily work out and all the other activities the kids have started in on, but I have been striving to make the best of every work out, making sure I get enough protein with each meal and resting on off days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tiptoecloser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/no-bad-workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tiptoecloser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/no-bad-workout.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I have just finished the first four weeks of the bodybuilding.com <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm" target="_blank">Women's Training Bible</a> and have decided to add on a little to the next set of four weeks to help me target areas (like my legs and abs) that I found I need to work on more. That's the best part of working out, customizing it to the way you need.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dzasv7x7a867v.cloudfront.net/product_photos/4343242/il_fullxfull.485881691_q7qr_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dzasv7x7a867v.cloudfront.net/product_photos/4343242/il_fullxfull.485881691_q7qr_original.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
So here are my next four weeks worth of daily workouts.<br />
<br />
<b><u>12 WEEK HIIT CARDIO AND LIFTING WORKOUT</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>WEEK FIVE AND SIX</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
MONDAY<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_9_IEOpzc8EEnsVCLXwVn2fG3URzcMizEX21dVf4UXMuFKuOyRDNoqAio_DOW1HSLmZIHdFIuASWY5xqrhXwj4wxg0cBfSy3RcWvg0ZC-pzPwCAxQPo-dGH_PKZBlN9zhnrr3ViGTUM/s1600/bc6e07c0c26441fa7e04a54a6a35c6b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_9_IEOpzc8EEnsVCLXwVn2fG3URzcMizEX21dVf4UXMuFKuOyRDNoqAio_DOW1HSLmZIHdFIuASWY5xqrhXwj4wxg0cBfSy3RcWvg0ZC-pzPwCAxQPo-dGH_PKZBlN9zhnrr3ViGTUM/s1600/bc6e07c0c26441fa7e04a54a6a35c6b7.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell curls 12-15 reps<br />
Bent over barbell rows 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell shoulder press 12-15 reps<br />
Barbell bench press 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell Tricep extensions 12-15 reps<br />
Repeat 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
TUESDAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.mydreamshape.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/badass-warrior-babe-printable-workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.mydreamshape.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/badass-warrior-babe-printable-workout.jpg" height="640" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell squats 15-20 reps<br />
Dead lifts 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell lunges 15-20 reps (each leg)<br />
Standing calf raises with barbell 15-20 reps<br />
In and out crunches 15-20 reps<br />
Lying leg raises 15-20 reps<br />
Bicycle crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Raised leg crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Repeat 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WEDNESDAY - OFF</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
THURSDAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0wATJTORWTw50MEF3sySv8irbCbYt1mEhjS2PPapWVebeRGyBKgE-1yT-JD2D_U8c7FQk7Ux9alshqj8LO7bX8l8N715xUJc8vANLrvyMosFxuZtPHNNx1M3R2IkYG9cdopWqYGSbXk/s1600/bc6e07c0c26441fa7e04a54a6a35c6b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0wATJTORWTw50MEF3sySv8irbCbYt1mEhjS2PPapWVebeRGyBKgE-1yT-JD2D_U8c7FQk7Ux9alshqj8LO7bX8l8N715xUJc8vANLrvyMosFxuZtPHNNx1M3R2IkYG9cdopWqYGSbXk/s1600/bc6e07c0c26441fa7e04a54a6a35c6b7.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tricep dips 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell curls 12-15 reps<br />
Lateral raises with barbell 12-15 reps<br />
Barbell pull downs 12-15 reps<br />
Barbell Tricep extensions 12-15 reps<br />
Repeat 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
FRIDAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.mydreamshape.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/badass-warrior-babe-printable-workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.mydreamshape.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/badass-warrior-babe-printable-workout.jpg" height="640" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell squats 15-20 reps<br />
Dead lifts 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell lunges 15-20 reps (each leg)<br />
Standing calf raises with barbell 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell shrugs 15-20 reps<br />
In and out crunches 15-20 reps<br />
Lying leg raises 15-20 reps<br />
Supermans 15-20 reps<br />
Bicycle crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Raised leg crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Repeat 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SATURDAY - OFF</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SUNDAY - OFF</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>WEEKS SEVEN AND EIGHT</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
MONDAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTcYDKe0fxJ1Cs3615SEZO-zXL6Uo9DdY0yDGQzr7eP6ScuntdBY90nOP_BqK5UYHWxFhVWYl86bc-XBy-NiIwfDdn197mFmtS0oDEck6p2vaXNoOI0pcPGMnqMe_Fg9qARvXu9jipgM/s1600/7e73ac70592376c714d2a2d1d73fa637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTcYDKe0fxJ1Cs3615SEZO-zXL6Uo9DdY0yDGQzr7eP6ScuntdBY90nOP_BqK5UYHWxFhVWYl86bc-XBy-NiIwfDdn197mFmtS0oDEck6p2vaXNoOI0pcPGMnqMe_Fg9qARvXu9jipgM/s1600/7e73ac70592376c714d2a2d1d73fa637.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell curls 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bent over barbell rows 15-20 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell shoulder press 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell bench press 15-20 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell Tricep extensions 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat 2x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TUESDAY</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0c3d65b6da021e8f778b85b8b6a86887/tumblr_mlkx1swxCb1s2cmkto1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0c3d65b6da021e8f778b85b8b6a86887/tumblr_mlkx1swxCb1s2cmkto1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">only doing one rep instead of the four</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell squats 15-20 reps<br />
Dead lifts 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell lunges 15-20 reps (each leg)<br />
Standing calf raises with barbell 15-20 reps<br />
In and out crunches 15-20 reps<br />
Lying leg raises 15-20 reps<br />
Bicycle crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Raised leg crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Repeat 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WEDNESDAY - OFF</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
THURSDAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qf814u9ylG6JNPKGT3Ia1vb7VjXF5bH1x0dSJZBXhVZu6aLnxwTn6YDvxEfDKXiSVWq3SLUinr1EQTbtW2PUjZzXJJsVP4kRSCZwVPyEcvVatByxK9dP92JhHyrrIqWNyJuOIviZhuE/s1600/7e73ac70592376c714d2a2d1d73fa637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qf814u9ylG6JNPKGT3Ia1vb7VjXF5bH1x0dSJZBXhVZu6aLnxwTn6YDvxEfDKXiSVWq3SLUinr1EQTbtW2PUjZzXJJsVP4kRSCZwVPyEcvVatByxK9dP92JhHyrrIqWNyJuOIviZhuE/s1600/7e73ac70592376c714d2a2d1d73fa637.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tricep dips 15-20 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell curls 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lateral raises with barbell 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell pull downs 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell Tricep extensions 12-15 reps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat 2x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
FRIDAY</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0c3d65b6da021e8f778b85b8b6a86887/tumblr_mlkx1swxCb1s2cmkto1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0c3d65b6da021e8f778b85b8b6a86887/tumblr_mlkx1swxCb1s2cmkto1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">only doing one rep instead of four</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIFTING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barbell squats 15-20 reps<br />
Dead lifts 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell lunges 15-20 reps (each leg)<br />
Standing calf raises with barbell 15-20 reps<br />
Barbell shrugs 15-20 reps<br />
In and out crunches 15-20 reps<br />
Lying leg raises 15-20 reps<br />
Supermans 15-20 reps<br />
Bicycle crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Raised leg crunches 35-40 reps<br />
Repeat 2x<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I (mistakenly) forgot to measure myself until the second week so I am not sure how many inches I have changed since starting, but I can definitely feel a difference in my muscles and the make up of my body. And (even though I am super insecure about this) I am starting to get ABS! CAN YOU SEE THE SHADOWS WHERE THEY ARE STARTING TO COME IN??</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjaYp4tyBCAjYiQ57Jc1LudVYKlyuZj-lWvz6SR3dxHr-k__jGoHkCb0MckrDE2klAQYYZG_3jjK2lghahsxvvN7Jks3iBth2xymoaIjQbvT6amWkSXJUo8FWuYiQyk_P_8bBVPKaS64/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjaYp4tyBCAjYiQ57Jc1LudVYKlyuZj-lWvz6SR3dxHr-k__jGoHkCb0MckrDE2klAQYYZG_3jjK2lghahsxvvN7Jks3iBth2xymoaIjQbvT6amWkSXJUo8FWuYiQyk_P_8bBVPKaS64/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ignore the mess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though my progress isn't huge yet, I am getting there and every workout is a step in the right direction! I am looking forward to checking my measurements in a month and taking another picture to see how much more muscles I have gained and fat I have lost! </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-36497418567325709482014-02-05T20:57:00.002-08:002014-03-02T13:17:04.134-08:0012 week HIIT cardio and weight training work-out program (Weeks 1-4)As I mentioned in my latest work out post - <a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2014/01/strong-is-new-skinny.html" target="_blank">Strong is the new skinny</a> - I am starting a new "challenge" of sorts. <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm">Women's Training Bible</a> on bodybuilding.com has great tips on work outs and training tips and I found the majority of this program from here. The difference between this and any of the ones I have done before is this one is 12 weeks long (as opposed to 30 days) and combines a lifting regime with a 15-20 minute HIIT (High intensity interval training) cardio workout.<br />
<br />
I am not a great fan of cardio. It's all the breathing. It gets hard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thehopscotchmafia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Keep-going..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thehopscotchmafia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Keep-going..jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first looked at the daily guide and estimated it would only take about 35-40 minutes a day, I thought "Eh, it can't be that bad." <br />
<br />
I forgot how much I dislike cardio.<br />
<br />
In the couple days since I started, I am having a more difficult time than I originally thought and attribute it to doing the HIIT cardio before I do the lifting. In getting my heart rate up and my muscles moving quickly, I notice that I am straining more when lifting the same amount of weight as I did in the Operation Zombie Challenge when I wasn't doing cardio. <br />
<br />
This is good. It means I am kicking butt. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thefittchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo369-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thefittchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo369-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, I compiled the two different workouts into a daily list so I would know exactly what I was doing every day and I wanted to share it with you, for now or for the future. I have only included the first two weeks this time because of the length of the post. And also I need to research more HIIT cardio work outs (I get bored easily). I will post the next two weeks work outs next week.<br />
<br />
It looks a little unorganized because of the picture files for the HIIT part, so if you have any questions about the lifting movements, please refer to the <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm" target="_blank">Women's Training Bible</a> page where there are detailed break downs of each step.<br />
<br />
<b><u>12 WEEK HIIT CARDIO AND LIFTING WORKOUT</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>WEEK ONE AND TWO</b><br />
<br />
MONDAY<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cardio</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/bc/8f/2fbc8fbf9d15db91c58b02906ead4e4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/bc/8f/2fbc8fbf9d15db91c58b02906ead4e4d.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do this one time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lifting (all 4-6 reps)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bench press</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bent over barbell rows</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dumbbell shoulder press</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Skull crushers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Barbell curls</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Repeat 3 times</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TUESDAY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cardio</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/fd963c55e4261ef25f7ff9d8707d5288/tumblr_mn8cm1sXMG1qh2zdco1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/fd963c55e4261ef25f7ff9d8707d5288/tumblr_mn8cm1sXMG1qh2zdco1_1280.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do this three times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lifting (all 8-12 reps)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Barbell squats</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stiff leg dead lifts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leg extensions</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dumbbell lunges</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Standing calf raises</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lying leg raises</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Exercise ball crunches</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Repeat 3 times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WEDNESDAY - REST DAY</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
THURSDAY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cardio</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/bc/8f/2fbc8fbf9d15db91c58b02906ead4e4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/bc/8f/2fbc8fbf9d15db91c58b02906ead4e4d.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do this one time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lifting (all 8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tricep dips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pull ups</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lateral raises</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tricep pull downs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bicep curls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat 3 times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
FRIDAY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cardio</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjLtMXVXj3fmRPabfN0hHip5meIqgrnYj8EiaQQmyIBslfv0wQbkXcwEACTl1aJm3HOyiIDRDYRQSowerABKu-ql5Et9JwW5rKhXuipmr4EwhauqUCVPjdijUS3xUZ7p2J-NWbKjPjBXl6gPbAPomQukf43pPVEYpda3y3DyRPuyzi2wFpeDX8tlzqguh2Ln8XQW3XCBnKYs_tXYrSu96Q=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjLtMXVXj3fmRPabfN0hHip5meIqgrnYj8EiaQQmyIBslfv0wQbkXcwEACTl1aJm3HOyiIDRDYRQSowerABKu-ql5Et9JwW5rKhXuipmr4EwhauqUCVPjdijUS3xUZ7p2J-NWbKjPjBXl6gPbAPomQukf43pPVEYpda3y3DyRPuyzi2wFpeDX8tlzqguh2Ln8XQW3XCBnKYs_tXYrSu96Q=" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do this three times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lifting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dead lift (8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leg extensions (8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dumbbell lunges (8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Standing calf raises (8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dumbbell shrugs (8-12 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Decline crunches (10-15 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back Hyper extensions (10-15 reps)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat 3 times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEl9wRBdAmgvmI09pbPYmdyAqSMieQm0YGTZ2xXNkpw6dQCIW7Xt-5GVMqYoe-sg3RPyXkrXUTt5nHBili5RdNKVznAs_5AIF8r9zYB9tFO6LobV_1vSQDD_hztIMRvncatd0JADQeDw/s1600/46528_10150258382560440_2344619_n.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Let me preface this by saying, I haven't always liked you. <br />
<br />
When gas was up around $4 a gallon, it almost bankrupt us to fill your 25 gallon tank. <br />
<br />
Your back seat BARELY fits all three car seats and makes for an interesting time trying to find the buckles.<br />
<br />
We took you to South Korea with us (what is that about hindsight being 20/20?). Trying to go anywhere was like a driving a bull in a China shop, walking on eggshells and all those other anxiety-filled cliches.<br />
<br />
Because you are the size you are (huge), and don't fit in the garage, our driveway has become parking Tetris. I have to move you every which way every night so every one gets all their vehicles off the road and in our driveway. Then in the morning, we "dance" again so that everyone can get leave.<br />
<br />
Once you were paid off, I wanted to get rid of you. Sell you. Buy a new vehicle when Matt gets home.<br />
<br />
But I was wrong (are you listening, dear Matthew?). <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had forgotten about winters in Michigan. Forgotten about driving (or skating) on icy and snow covered Michigan roads. So dark blue Chevy Silverado sitting in my driveway, I am writing to tell you how much I have come to love you these past couple weeks during our snowpocalypse.<br />
<br />
While your back seat is small, I appreciate its size when it is 8 am and I am warming you up to drive Gabe to school. It only takes about 7 minutes for the inside of your cab to reach nice and toasty and your windshield to be defrosted. Despite being in such close quarters, the kids like taking long trips sitting in your back seat as they can all snuggle up to each other.<br />
<br />
Your four wheel drive has been heaven in this crazy weather. While off-roading (aka trying to make it up the driveway), I drop your gear into 4 high and can make it over the extra 8 inches Mr. Snow Plow decided to dump where the road and driveway meet.<br />
<br />
Sitting in your seat, so high above the road and other cars, I like the wide berth I am given. Other (smaller) vehicles give you a little more space in parking lots, a little more room on the road, a little less tailgating. <br />
<br />
Most of all, I love the way driving you makes me feel. And in that way, you remind me of your real owner, my husband. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You make me feel safe and protected.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
I feel like if I got into an accident, that I would be okay. That the kids would be okay. That you could take the brunt of the hit without being badly damaged.<br />
<br />
When I am driving you, I think of all the times Matt drove you across the country by himself. Either leaving us for work or coming home after a long time gone. And when I am alone I feel like a little bit of him is in the seat with me. And I am comforted.<br />
<br />
You are a standard model, with no bells and whistles. You don't need any. You serve your purpose and provide transportation safely and efficiently with no distractions. Like my husband, you do the job you are born for (to serve and protect others) to the best of your ability. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though you just turned seven years old, you are still in perfect working order. Besides a few scratches and nicks, you have no cosmetic flaws and have had no parts replaced. I am reassured knowing I can depend on you. That you will not fail me.<br />
<br />
I realize that this all sounds a little bizarre, attaching human emotions to an inanimate object, drawing comparisons between my husband and a vehicle, but I am also one of those people that feel like if you speak nicely to something, it helps you get your desired results.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Like when I say, "Come on truck, you can do it! We are almost to the gas station! I promise I will never run you so low again. You will have plenty to drink from now on if you just get us to the Speedway!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(I have yet to run out.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I digress.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I am eluding to is that I am sorry Mr. Silverado (and Matt) for wanting to get rid of you. The more I dwell on this, I realize what a mistake it would be, how much you mean to us, how you have helped shape our family. I see now how much I depend on you for more than just transportation but also for the daily reminder of my husband. Not only in the memories of him driving you but...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How you are his way of protecting us when he is not able. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I am thankful for you and your small cab but giant frame. I am thankful for your four wheel drive to tackle the icy tundra that our neighborhood has become. I am thankful you keep our family safe.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am looking forward to spending much more time driving you in the years to follow (Gabe has already claimed you when he gets his license - sorry about that). Mostly, I am waiting patiently for your real owner to come back so that he can drive and I can sit back and relax and let you boys handle the road. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But until then</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will take care of you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And make sure you never run out of gas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your new (and slightly temporary) owner</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS - Minivan, if you want to be driven at all this winter, you need to figure out how to stop fishtailing, getting stuck on snow and sliding every which way. You are garaged until... at least until the driveway melts. Which could be April. </div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://afitgirlsmartini.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/41517627784693565_vviq2kec_b1_thumb.jpg%3fw=197&h=293" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="http://afitgirlsmartini.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/41517627784693565_vviq2kec_b1_thumb.jpg%3fw=197&h=293" height="400" width="267" /></div>
<br />
In the summer, when it was warm and easy to get outside and run and exercise, I wrote this post <a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-struggle-with-self-doubt-unrealistic.html" target="_blank">about my struggle with self doubt, unrealistic expectations and balancing mental happiness</a>. I was doing so well about working out during the summer, despite the heat, and then school started for Gabe. As the cold weather set in, it got harder for me to be motivated to get outside and run. That was the only thing I really saw results from, so I thought that's what I really needed to do. I had been eating really well until the holidays hit and then I hit a brick wall. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is it about that time of year that makes healthy eating and reasonable portion sizes so difficult? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh yeah, the food. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of food. Lots of sweets. Lots of carby-breadlike food. Not so good for you food.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the end of November, I decided I was going to not let myself fall backwards (at least, any more than I already had). All of the muscle definition I had at the end of the summer was slowly fading away and I could not let my body revert any further. After searching the internet (Pinterest), I had found a lot of daily workouts but none that really seemed like it would be demanding, that it would promote the change I was looking for. I wanted something that would give me some results and inspire me to keep going. So I decided to start a challenge. There are all kinds of different challenges floating around Pinterest and other social media. </div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets4.tribesports.com/system/challenges/images/000/048/458/original/20130731145741-30-day-arm-challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://assets4.tribesports.com/system/challenges/images/000/048/458/original/20130731145741-30-day-arm-challenge.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arm Challenge</td></tr>
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I decided on starting with squats because I have always had strong legs. This is a part of my body where I really needed to see results, needed to be inspired, needed to feel like I wasn't just fat. So I enlisted the help of some of my friends (I highly recommend a support system) so we could push each other and hold each other accountable. And I started.</div>
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I started and ended up loving it. I loved that it was 30 days and I didn't get bored. I loved that it was three days in a row and then a rest day. I loved that it didn't take a lot of time out of my day. I loved that by the end of the 30 days, I was doing squats with 15 and 10 pound additional weight. I loved that I was getting muscles in my legs that I hadn't seen before, even through running. I loved that I was using my own body weight to get stronger.</div>
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<a href="http://spi2uk.itvnet.lv/upload2/articles/64/644818/images/motivation-5-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://spi2uk.itvnet.lv/upload2/articles/64/644818/images/motivation-5-33.jpg" height="640" width="604" /></a></div>
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I decided this 30 day workout was the way for me. So I searched and searched for my next challenge to start at the beginning of the year.</div>
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My criteria - </div>
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I needed a workout that was hard for me, to make me work for the results. </div>
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I needed something that didn't take that long during the day.</div>
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I needed something that would give me results so I would continue wanting to work out.</div>
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I needed something that was full body - not just one part of my body for 30 days</div>
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I needed something that I could do at home.</div>
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I needed something that didn't require a lot of equipment or equipment that was too expensive.</div>
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What I found was this: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2gurly4u.com/wp-content/uploads/operation-zombie-fit-workout-calendar.png" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2gurly4u.com/operation-zombie-fit-workout-schedule/" target="_blank">Operation Zombie Fit Challenge</a></td></tr>
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And it rocks!</div>
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I modified it based on my criteria and found that if I skipped all the cardio days (I am horrible at cardio), then I could implement the other challenge "3 workouts and 1 rest day" schedule. So that's what I did. </div>
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I have "liked" pages on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SpotMeGirl" target="_blank">Spot Me, Girl </a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EatCleanTrainMeanLiveGreen" target="_blank">Eat Clean Train Mean Live Green</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusyMomGetsFit" target="_blank">Busy Mom Gets Fit</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AwkwardGymMomentsPage" target="_blank">Awkward Gym Moments</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LikeMyCoachNatalie" target="_blank">My Coach Natalie</a>) and there I see pictures of women that are fit, muscular and beautiful. There are pictures of amazing transformations. And it is from weight training - something I hadn't really thought of before I started the Operation Zombie Fit Challenge. <br />
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I just finished yesterday and I am definitely impressed with myself. </div>
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I can curl 15 pound free weights for 15 reps and 5 sets (75 times total).</div>
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I can squat and shoulder press 30 pounds for 15 reps and 5 sets.</div>
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I can ball pass a weighted stability ball from my hands to my feet and back 15 reps and 2 sets.</div>
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I can do abs for about an hour, want to die and move on to the next workout the next day.</div>
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I can do all these things I never thought possible, add weights and keep going.</div>
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I am completely hooked.<br />
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And I am learning a lot as I am going. I am learning exactly what kind of work out my body needs to get the results I want. I am learning how far I can push myself and then turn around and push harder the next day. I am learning I am indestructible. That I am capable of anything.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/ee/94/9a/ee949a0f3c5d40d585c2660d44bd9221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/ee/94/9a/ee949a0f3c5d40d585c2660d44bd9221.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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And I have never really had that feeling, definitely not about working out, about myself before.<br />
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I am learning that my body will never be the skinny super model body with the thigh gap because my body isn't built that way. I have wide hips, I have big thighs, I have wide shoulders, I have extra skin from being pregnant. As hard as I work at cardio and running and dieting, I probably will never get as small as I thought I wanted to be. <br />
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So I am learning to redefine beauty.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/assets/quote_images/strongisthenew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sparkpeople.com/assets/quote_images/strongisthenew.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I am inspired to embrace the body shape I have and make the best out of me.<br />
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<a href="http://galinabella.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/eb0c84714e1c4e31f529832bc332c665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://galinabella.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/eb0c84714e1c4e31f529832bc332c665.jpg" height="640" width="441" /></a></div>
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My next challenge isn't really a challenge so much as a 12 week program. I am excited because I think it will really test me. It will challenge me and open my eyes to a new way of living. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2012/female-training-bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2012/female-training-bible.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm" target="_blank">Female Fitness Bible - Bodybuilding.com</a></td></tr>
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I love everything about this article. It has a work out plan for just lifting and one for adding in cardio for maximum weight loss. It has a supplement guide to make sure you are getting enough protein and where to get it from. It has a detailed step by step instruction guide for each move in the work out. It has tips and advice for trouble areas on the body. I am anxious to start this on Monday and to start seeing the results of my hard work.</div>
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PS - I am addicted to motivational memes, in case you didn't notice.</div>
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Check out my Back in Shape pinterest board for more meme's and work out ideas:</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-24296328814005128632014-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:002014-02-05T20:59:56.746-08:00Homemade Granola in bulkI hate boxed cereal. Hate it. And I don't use that word lightly. I hate all the additives. I hate the price. I hate that my kids are totally addicted to it. I hate the convenience of buying it off the shelf. I hate that we go through a box in a couple days.<br />
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Sunday, I decided I would try something new. I like making big batches muffins for breakfast options on school days. I like making big batches of pancakes that Gabe can microwave one or two in the mornings. And now, I have made a big batch of granola for a cereal replacement.</div>
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I like that I already had all the ingredients at my house and that the quantities are all so big that the kids could help me pour and mix. We actually made it in a brown paper bag so the kids could shake it together. What I really love about granola is how customizable it is. The original recipe (from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EEJCX6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007EEJCX6&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">The Homemade Pantry by: Alana Chernila</a> - best family style cookbook ever) called for sesame sticks (replaced with peanuts), flaked coconut (used raisins) and almond extract (omitted) but ours is still delicious!</div>
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Even if you only make a half batch, you will still have a good amount. So try it and see what you think!</div>
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Homemade Granola (makes 16 cups)</div>
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10 cups (2 pounds) old-fashioned oats<br />
3/4 cup peanuts (or other tree nut)<br />
1/2 cup sunflower seeds<br />
2 cups sliced or chopped raw almonds<br />
1 cup raisins<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon<br />
3/4 cup canola oil (or whatever oil you want to use)<br />
1/2 cup maple syrup<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract<br />
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Preheat oven to 200 degrees.<br />
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Combine the oats, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, raisins, salt and cinnamon in your largest bowl or we threw everything in a brown paper bag and shook everything until it was mixed. In a separate bowl, mix together the liquid ingredients until they are a uniform consistency. Pour the liquid over the dry mixture and stir together until evenly coated. <br />
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Line four cookie sheets with parchment paper. Spread the granola evenly on each pan. Put them in the oven and set your timer for 20 minutes. After each 20 minutes, stir the granola around on each pan to ensure it doesn't burn, and reset the timer for another 20 minutes. Do this once more before the granola is done. You end up baking the granola for a total of 60 minutes. <br />
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Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely before you put it in a bag or plastic container. It is good in a ziploc or sealed container for 3 weeks and can be frozen for up to 6 months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm good!</td></tr>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-18555914360129377352014-01-16T11:09:00.001-08:002014-02-05T21:00:13.860-08:00My New Years quasi-resolutionMy new year didn't exactly begin as I hoped. It started with a yelling match between Gabe and I. A power struggle over the Freetime setting on his Kindle.<br />
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Why couldn't I just let him play the apps for an unlimited amount of time? Why did I make reading for 15 minutes mandatory before the apps were unlocked? Why did I put limits on his electronics use? It wasn't fair. It wasn't nice. <br />
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And then the age old statement said by every youngster - I wish I was big so I could do whatever I want. </div>
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I hurt hearing all his frustration with me. Knowing that I was causing all this heartache by standing in his way, in the way of his happiness, made me feel like the worst kind of monster. But I stood my ground. </div>
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I tried to explain to him that I am being the best parent I can by putting limits on his electronic use, by making him "unplug" and rejoin society. That as his parent, my job is to make him the best he can be and playing an unlimited amount of time on an electronic device is not helping him to learn in all aspects of life. </div>
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It didn't matter what I said. Everything came back to, "I just want to be grown up already." </div>
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And that hurt me the worst. </div>
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I am probably the only person who on New Year's Eve was hoping for a miracle and it would just stay 2013. </div>
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2014 is bringing a lot of change, and while 2013 also brought some adjustments, I am not quite ready for another emotional and physical shake up. </div>
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This year I turn 30 years old. I have been dreading it since before I turned 29. 30 means you have your life figured out. 30 means you are getting old. I am not ready to be 30. I am not looking forward to this milestone. </div>
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This year my first baby turns 8 years old. And while that is not a milestone in itself, the fact that there are only 10 years left until he graduates high school leaves me speechless. 10 years? That's all I have left before he is officially an adult? 10 years is like a blink of an eye.<br />
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This year my second baby, my child that wakes up every morning, seeks me out and hugs me, turns 4 and will start preschool in the Fall. Preschool? No more hugs after nap. No more bargaining for food at lunch? No more stampeding around the house with his guns a blazing? Wait, what?<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuIBkzqFa9dKYxg-8KaSPGd_jIRfVPnofdl6jvZWlosqfxjQeYnoW_hzgXboTR6Xou6o0Lb6QMZ1cd-qqEgGpgI42OWskqdcYhx5HDexsZNBIMDtsrjG7sejyIejMp8ARYnN2DZ7lQd0/s1600/New+Year's+012.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclclwiabbWrjAso0mgOSMA8yX0dWNERagt3JJX1xXI2nn7gAHnbtF3QROTs0hXZMn08KJXlebEwdvQMvD6p31XR_rkrnSZlaa7eUy0pRVnztYWW6KhxujnqhyiBaj4Aty6wRjOXpQvT8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclclwiabbWrjAso0mgOSMA8yX0dWNERagt3JJX1xXI2nn7gAHnbtF3QROTs0hXZMn08KJXlebEwdvQMvD6p31XR_rkrnSZlaa7eUy0pRVnztYWW6KhxujnqhyiBaj4Aty6wRjOXpQvT8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't even want to talk about my baby baby turning 3 and how she already talks in full sentences. How she is almost as tall as Zander and just as fiercely independent. How she puts on her own boots and hat, grabs her purse and her Chapstick and tells me she's leaving and good bye while I am left standing there knowing that the real life leaving part is soon a reality.<br />
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Please Time, couldn't you just slow down? For me? Just a little?</div>
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Since I am, if nothing else, a realist and know in my head that all this growing is necessary (Boo! Hiss!), my resolution to enjoy what time I do have with them. I realize how morbid this sounds, and I don't mean it to (honestly), but with each year passing faster and faster, I am fully understanding now how important it is to spend that quality time together.</div>
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So. With that being said, you might not see me on here very often. The problem with this blog is the actual sitting down and typing out the posts. If I could just have a direct line from my brain to this, then it would be fine. </div>
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But as for now, I will be building more puzzles, making volcanos with baking soda and vinegar, helping my helpers make muffins and granola, putting together a pinewood derby car, and mostly, I will be living with my soon-to-be-grown-up children. </div>
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And enjoying every single second, including the fights.<br />
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<i>Sidenote:</i> We are discovering how many awesome classic movies Amazon Prime has and I am so excited that they are starting to enjoy musicals! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is our go-to family movie and it completely rocks their world.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-14000673646640229762014-01-13T08:10:00.005-08:002014-02-05T21:00:28.883-08:00Christmas recap and our favorite gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. I hadn't realized it has been about a month since I blogged last. <br />
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Time flies and all that.<br />
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Here in the Brong household, we had a great Christmas. <br />
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The kids got more than they could ever want. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BRYZ6WKbi2SmJumE4PJ5a0Hfay6tmmHNCgs7eB5p4GZ-6LRL0k79DkXUmDzOdV8te9pw29-MkOFDcFYpZ5dNEq-LuccgM8Y1f-8zzOneuhN2Rmz08gUMbBDAXqI9_w4xieF_5tURDkw/s640/Christmas+Day+064.JPG" height="426" width="640" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1IEj0J8zjpl7q1LGCRX1de74cKm4s7Swhleyfx56oCVZfIshd11eEdkZvogyOmIx5zU2ax98KBI3pPBMsfe_04OAAbVT_HH_gPzOZyXbvDrdLlSlrzRBS5T6YuHnTEW_ZNQ-7s_SExc/s640/Christmas+Day+070.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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Gabe cried he was so happy he got a Kindle.</div>
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Zander and Calla hosted a pirate concert.</div>
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They played with cousins.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxIwwLiMhimg74mf37b6i4y0ZUaWRWz3UzwgGDycqoXDMFDCboCm6sh2P8Rt-nfNFb6Q8jysm9nTS8U6B90wLvihIPhuZL1ZZDNydJXz1N3cfDL5_TcXHrBFADOc6oEciBzvnQfw_gQc/s640/Christmas+Day+154.JPG" height="426" width="640" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5t74Q2G0Lu6mdLouTdLjojLNS7VJGO_4wtGJBxbe0MrKik8fFoVVtjNMOPe9W03y7iqqkDYfyMj5fHr3SbT5rEdfV5fqL7dCqgQQbEI876yk5Jq2Pm8mzHMgwOiTfGCmuyQ_yse8CgE/s640/Christmas+Day+184.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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Calla dressed up.</div>
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They hung out with Grandparents.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC-Foe_9bLQ1OHLVSOK3iL4K8PJ2EU6Ru_4-GPBeJxGN8NC2eaLsUEX6aEYsBFNNaM0ELQgmQQXqsXuL1HUDaISJ371JC_wtNBOZqiNUKwqzxkfEisJXaojLNCkBj-7la9UkjzeuV7MU/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+126.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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They played outside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuNoOUoZ04x6H3LF86vGqUb3wRSwz4PPab-L9hCgD9KjKpBr_4lY4ZHuoQjlU9kKJtiloVQ0Pph7JqCvBJH4151jPZyI3z0AJNTPX6eDZkrHJLeHFxJQ0aE88nR7b5FJdt-jGz19CG5A/s1600/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuNoOUoZ04x6H3LF86vGqUb3wRSwz4PPab-L9hCgD9KjKpBr_4lY4ZHuoQjlU9kKJtiloVQ0Pph7JqCvBJH4151jPZyI3z0AJNTPX6eDZkrHJLeHFxJQ0aE88nR7b5FJdt-jGz19CG5A/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+128.JPG" height="640" style="text-align: center;" width="426" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCM2qi8O9Kal-aqG_4IgVyAb7uHjKPELKsolL3d0uEvQYxmr28wdjLrOxSHx6-4T17YwYQSHXOLXTJp4YTxripjK9CuHhQ_AdNs8j_fo4pVomdfDAwk6PdHWnuh9K6uG8WLNIKN5_DxA/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+043.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLidQWmU06KEId6z-Iq1z0gFpk64rx5y0SeEEtutK7psEcnr8RHiy88XqV-gNki6Up1EkPz8F2CPmtAzXeHC2DIxO47xrvNRW-Sgcadx5Hjcu_7CHv2_-LedNQ0-sCAT2Y6p0YFZpdagE/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+044.JPG" height="426" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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They made Christmas treats.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH2YW6aLRP6dXCkrQrbtNCXrcdjDmEA39wRUiEBpArcEIBlIXOKQPUQLGWeq2qdeFMCVkb1XGEAK3NdM5Wba131jew12c5JJ9sarZNCZH33DpJ3ow1XMS8NamsDBYvQzhBXT74kZZR5s/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+048.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9UdiAqB2TxCf-DxPOm2t7ahR9bSEYUeJHxwkIIpt5PxGSu2cht8tbh2iGtI8sJUr49kLp33Zf7zoOmgzMWtI1FrE4i4Uc1uCAvFwdZntR7vrZC9Q7u6-KgVw-dXvIyGCm67myIKyUJk/s640/Christmas+Day+and+Visit+from+the+Brongs+050.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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We went to an Ugly Sweater party and Gabe won!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKmMoTBDKuBRxMiiFiawB3zzBWKSNukyLmv3IoSJ4nHG1sPEEVqyC5DZyOFkx4k1TdDr_TQo9QBp36uKnO2TfVzYWTkxxTaKs9T39QpJBpgKcbdAB_uRLXYeX6p-gW1IMLvSyW-D8p-c/s640/Carr+Christmas+011.JPG" height="426" width="640" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9wo77orzCX4BRkC3V7KTu2JFTNeMufAGMAtd986Wk4Z9tpoeWPon9dcIrFuFK9ZmUlUbOk0iOOKdyVPbQZdqG-c7Uetj0zxSKkpevleaEeKuVE7PUl0Fkp0RuhFuq2nIouf-Cnli25w/s1600/Carr+Christmas+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9wo77orzCX4BRkC3V7KTu2JFTNeMufAGMAtd986Wk4Z9tpoeWPon9dcIrFuFK9ZmUlUbOk0iOOKdyVPbQZdqG-c7Uetj0zxSKkpevleaEeKuVE7PUl0Fkp0RuhFuq2nIouf-Cnli25w/s640/Carr+Christmas+012.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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It was a great end to a great year and we were very happy we were able to see all of our family this holiday season! <br />
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There are still a lot of gifts that the kids haven't even played with yet, but here is the list of gifts that they have enjoyed the most and I highly recommend if you are looking for a gift in the future:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/dp/2013/KS/ks-slate-01-lg-v3-hover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/dp/2013/KS/ks-slate-01-lg-v3-hover.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CU0NSCU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CU0NSCU&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Gabe's Kindle</a></td></tr>
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I love this thing. I should specifically say how much I LOVE Freetime - the system built into the Kindle that allows me to set daily limits on how much app time, video time and reading time Gabe is allowed. It allows me to set times he can use his Kindle and if I want him to read before playing. It offers a database of Kindle books, apps and videos just for kids. At the monthly cost of $2.99 for one child's profile or $6.99 for a family, I think this is a great investment and has really reinforced my love of Amazon. I HIGHLY recommend this as a tablet option for kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91xXdHsO2LL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91xXdHsO2LL._SL1500_.jpg" height="630" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007J3FBKU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007J3FBKU&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Calla's Disney Princess Castle</a></td></tr>
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Calla got this Fisher Price Disney Princess castle and it is so adorable! It comes with Cinderella and Snow White and there are multiple different Princess packs you can buy to collect all of them. There is a dance floor in the back where you put each Princess and she states her name ("My name is Ariel.") and sings a little part of her signature song. It is so adorable and Calla absolutely loves it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71BEnY1R7DL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71BEnY1R7DL._SL1500_.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N5RT4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000N5RT4M&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Zander's Take A Part Truck</a></td></tr>
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This thing is so cool! It is a fully functional crane truck and comes with a working electric screwdriver to take apart the truck and put it back together. It comes with different tips and Zander loves being able to take it apart and try to put it back together. I love that the parts are big enough that they can't get lost and that he can do it by himself (for the most part). Calla loves it too and tries to help brother.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H40DmFhTL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H40DmFhTL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426313683/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1426313683&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Click here to see the description!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wav05uJCL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="396" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426310145/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1426310145&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Click here for the description!</a></td></tr>
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These books are AWESOME! The pictures are huge! The words are good sized and not too difficult for Gabe to read to himself. They offer a wealth of information and fun facts. There is a whole series, but the boys received these as gifts and they have been a big hit and the go-to books to look at before bedtime.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71ZrNmOVb9L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71ZrNmOVb9L._SL1500_.jpg" height="577" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GKD09C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000GKD09C&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Click here to see the description!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QbZLTi9vL.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to see the description!</a></td></tr>
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I love love LOVE all things Melissa and Doug. I love the sturdiness of the toys, I love the concepts, there isn't much I don't love except the price. Amazon and Toys R Us almost always have decent sales on Melissa and Doug things around Christmas time. I also like using Barnes and Noble coupons to order Melissa and Doug things online, as they always have a good amount in stock and sometimes on sale to before the coupon. Calla got these to sets, but all the kids have enjoyed playing with them and adding them to the kitchen set they got last year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81hBJJ8RIcL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81hBJJ8RIcL._SL1500_.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K5B43Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K5B43Y&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Click here for the description!</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Jake and the Neverland Pirates is really big for us right now. After seeing him at Disney, it only reinforced the love of all things Jake. Zander and Calla got a lot of Jake, but the biggest hit was this dress up toy box that includes a spy glass, sword and gold doubloons. </span><br />
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I am in the process of working on some more "meaningful" blog posts, but I wanted to include the successful Christmas gifts into a post. I always have a hard to find things for birthdays and holidays. These are things that work in our family and I hope it helps give you suggestions! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-71424567600138414002013-12-19T11:04:00.000-08:002014-02-05T21:00:42.401-08:00Christmas Cookie and Candy gifts (the best kind)I love making food for gifts. There is something so awesome in working really hard to make something delicious for another person to enjoy. Tie in the Christmas season with my love of baking and giving food and you get this amazing cookbook that I bought last year for super cheap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kZuMC6N-L._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kZuMC6N-L._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1dQ2AxL" target="_blank">Click to buy it here!</a></td></tr>
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I can't remember how much I bought it for (around $10) and it has been worth every penny. I LOVE that it provides recipes for classic cookies (like sugar and peanut butter), and that it also has fancier cookies. But mostly I love that each recipe is designed to feed a crowd. I like to make big batches of cookies and with this cookbook I don't have to multiple the recipes, it is already done for me!<br />
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I knew that I wanted to send Matt a box of cookies and wanted to have enough left over to share with the neighbors (while leaving us some to each at home) and so I settled on two cookie recipes - the drop sugar cookie recipe and peanut butter kiss cookies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPltk1ZOA5ssZJoDmFBamq-woZyAAex_EE2Y5gCKYRwDHycac26oqPqx5xyeLaefqQWAqb6nuiXXeL5hGpp-XZYQ7K96mKJYiyESpPlSaxnnt1BCPYTkuQxjV0GUCskpS-Bzk87kJbCQ/s640/photo+4.JPG" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GF drop sugar cookies</td></tr>
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I loved the easiness of the drop sugar cookies compared to the roll out frosting kind. Those are all well and good, but I usually make gingerbread cookies to roll out and decorate. This time I was making cookies in a rush, so the drop part worked out much better. All I changed to make this recipe GF was my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SAXNE6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creatihttps://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/network/main.html#ve=9325&creativeASIN=B001SAXNE6&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Namaste Foods all purpose flour</a> and 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum per cup of flour. They turned out super delicious, lighter than a regular sugar cookie but still retain the buttery sugary goodness.</div>
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GF Drop Sugar Cookies (recipe originally from <a href="http://amzn.to/1dQ2AxL" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">The Great Christmas Cookie Swap book</a>)<br />
makes approx. 126 cookies<br />
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6 cups GF all purpose flour<br />
3 tsp xanthan gum<br />
3 tsp baking powder<br />
3/4 tsp salt<br />
2 1/2 cups butter (4 1/2 sticks) softened (not melted)<br />
3 cups sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
9 tbsp milk<br />
6 tbsp vanilla<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and salt until blended and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add in flour mixture until just blended.<br />
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Measure out dough in tablespoons and drop them on the greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. I actually ended up rolling them into balls in my hands and pressed them flat on the sheet. They don't spread as much as I though, so you don't have to worry about them getting too close together and making one giant misshapen cookie. I sprinkled colored sugar on them and put them in the oven to bake for 14 minutes. Remove them when they turn golden brown and set them aside to cool.<br />
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I was surprised that the dough didn't soften up too much with all the butter, so you shouldn't have to refrigerate them before baking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcW_vhqvNHBdAEmb8GDrf2Ir6QdfcvQt30mIYVi2M-DsAt9OdItzdvIMgRCbYBN016QqHBuXSZcl9nFnETRmySrowkBSo55Z5TEPele-b6mXUK-IPbxPPN0lUKIAcsIDV60ZgVYmhJaCQ/s640/photo+1.JPG" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GF Peanut Butter Kiss cookies</td></tr>
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I LOVE peanut butter. A little too much. Not everyone loves it just plain and simple like me, so I decided to make the peanut butter kiss (get it, a chocolate Hershey's kiss) cookies. Again, to alter this recipe and make it GF I changed out the flours and added 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum to it.</div>
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GF Peanut Butter Kiss cookies (original recipe from my step-mom)</div>
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I doubled this recipe and made about 40 cookies</div>
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1 1/4 cup GF</div>
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1 tsp xanthan gum</div>
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1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
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3/4 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 cup shortening (I used butter)</div>
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1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best, even though I prefer crunchy)</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 bag Hershey kisses</div>
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together the flour, xanthan gum, baking soda and powder and salt to make the dry mixture and set aside. Cream together your butter/shortening with sugars. Add in the egg and peanut butter until blended. Slowly blend the dry mixture into the wet until fully incorporated. </div>
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Refrigerate for 20 minutes to regain firmness of dough.</div>
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(I forgot this step originally and they turned out fine - the cookies just spread a little more because of the temperature of the butter. If you forget or are on a time crunch, no worries. Go ahead and make the cookies.)</div>
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Get out a plate or bowl and pour some white sugar or decorative sugar to roll the cookies in. Also start unwrapping the kisses so you are ready to press them in the middle of the cookie when you pull them out of the oven.</div>
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Measure out one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. Roll the dough in the sugar until it is completely covered. Fill up your pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once the cookies are browned, remove them from the pan and press the Hershey's kiss in the middle of the cookie and let it cool.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Rl2BUvu5VaP1xaHlsGP8-_OvzyiKAGJL-1JieD43MQz4nBxIL08JMzOxdOIxt2LA1eB-BLQ39Dhn77SM1zU9Ycd31kvOqRTTJlpzQ5_Ibh60G3BUBQ04WLla0uP0lbrIRtZcG6yrM3k/s640/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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I found these cute decorative ziploc bags in the Dollar Spot at Target and they came with cardboard to staple over the zipper part (dresses it up a little). I included a couple of each kind on a small plate my Grandma had given me (to start a cookie exchange) and put them all in a larger ziploc bag. We made four of these and enjoyed passing them out to our neighbors!</div>
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I didn't forget about Matt and set aside about two dozen of the sugar cookies and a dozen and a half of the peanut butter kisses for him. I wanted to add more to fill his box up as much as possible. Also, I am always nervous about sending something as perishable as cookies, especially now with the chaotic process that is the US postal system during Christmas. I had a couple 'pins' set aside that I wanted to try out, so I decided Matt would be my guinea pig (love you babe). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Sugar Nuts</td></tr>
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I originally saw this post from <a href="http://www.eatgood4life.com/cinnamon-sugared-walnuts/" target="_blank">Eat Good 4 Life (Cinnamon Sugared Walnuts)</a> and decided to go for it. I have never really candied anything but I have burned sugar trying to make caramel a couple times, so I was a little hesitant. I had almonds, walnuts and cashews on hand and measured out two pounds to make a double batch.<br />
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Over all the recipe was very easy. I was extremely nervous about burning the sugar while trying to bring it up to the soft ball temperature (235 degrees) so I had it on lower heat than I probably should have. Also, my candy thermometer's battery died (awesome timing) so I used my meat thermometer and it worked just fine. It did eventually reach that temperature and I added the vanilla and nuts as soon as it did. I couldn't get the mixture to spread out enough for me to break into individual nuts (like she has pictured), so mine is in chunks kind of like brittle. <br />
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Let me just tell you that it is amazing. It reminds me a lot of the booths at malls and amusement parks that sell the candied almonds in the pastry bags. I will definitely make it again and I am excited about giving it as gifts or bringing it as a dessert to pass. <br />
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I also got these little boxes at Target's Dollar Spot. I can't handle the cuteness!<br />
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Lastly, I made chocolate covered pretzels to add in there. I have a surplus of pretzels and chocolate chips, so I figured why not.<br />
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<a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/recipe/l_RU195769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/recipe/l_RU195769.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/black-and-white-pretzels/" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens - Black and White Pretzels</a></div>
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I will not even try to say that these works of art are mine - I forgot to take a picture. If you are looking at making something fast and easy, these are the way to go! I hand dipped half of each pretzel into milk chocolate and then dipped the chocolate part into sprinkles to set the chocolate. I love how versatile they can be. You can use any shape of pretzel, any kind of chocolate and any extra topping you want. </div>
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Dark chocolate covered pretzels in candy cane chunks.</div>
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Milk chocolate covered pretzels with sea salt.</div>
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Semi sweet chocolate covered pretzels with nuts.</div>
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I love the possibilities. I love that it seems fancy and in all reality - it's just a pretzel.</div>
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Kind of like these gifts. </div>
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They are just cookies and candies, but they are dressed up as gifts of goodwill and community. </div>
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If you are looking for more Holiday candy ideas, as well as ideas for how to dress up packaging them, check out my Pinterest page! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-81195308128434573672013-12-18T18:55:00.005-08:002014-02-05T21:01:00.388-08:00DIY Christmas gifts (reposted from a couple years ago)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you need some ideas for DIY gifts this Christmas, here is a list of things I made in previous years. I wanted to repost this because I still really love all these ideas and think they will make excellent gifts. They also pass the cheap and super easy requirement I have for all DIY's.</div>
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I have been making a bunch of gifts this year and hope the post pictures and guides within the next couple days!</div>
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This year, we decided to make it a DIY Christmas. With all the ideas on websites like <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> to get the creative juices flowing, I think we've done really well. I'm really excited to be creating. This is one of my "things". </div>
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Baby food jar candle holders -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdHUqiFxEErBnaDpDeaCj8odPubk1q1PXtvts9jQuHBzs84OkoNDTweq1izRMswc-zjl0LaH3gFRvNBgOxP6RDW4P5jBUNnTrXnylh04RqAO-paImPCYGPGxfrWnB8OUy2TjtKv6anXI/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdHUqiFxEErBnaDpDeaCj8odPubk1q1PXtvts9jQuHBzs84OkoNDTweq1izRMswc-zjl0LaH3gFRvNBgOxP6RDW4P5jBUNnTrXnylh04RqAO-paImPCYGPGxfrWnB8OUy2TjtKv6anXI/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+041.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put stickers on the baby food jar and acrylic painted over them. Before the paint completely dries, pull off the letters. Once it's dry, trace the outline of the letters with a paint marker (my new favorite craft item). After that, I mod podged the whole jar for the glossy look.<br />
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Hand and foot print canvas -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI27g2zF1RloN0TTc_GI7rKzteaWgUIZgT9SNoCo6L-0yoxP0uSR71WTSNW5kYjN8EreKAZJqVEmWbGRpZHZ3u-wX6FdqHxgJiTZbZ953GiNQbQEKJwT1RiCRIb17qvhNThe1U90izHEQ/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI27g2zF1RloN0TTc_GI7rKzteaWgUIZgT9SNoCo6L-0yoxP0uSR71WTSNW5kYjN8EreKAZJqVEmWbGRpZHZ3u-wX6FdqHxgJiTZbZ953GiNQbQEKJwT1RiCRIb17qvhNThe1U90izHEQ/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+047.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought an 8x10 canvas at Hobby Lobby, spray painted it matte black and had the kids pick out what acrylic paint for their prints. Then I wrote the title and names with a silver paint marker and mod podged it.</div>
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Homemade ornaments - </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_cMl6FTk7o6yVfK9tf4TuBsU2WqyFsBwcOB2nqlkQ3WAQ3_MliYuwRg6Y954r5B9rmHdDayHyiLu-QA2CEct7RVyKPVSeH5r5n5LbevVdr2SGwsZTf4zsL42mn6ZuLT9YQiUNFOJYqo/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_cMl6FTk7o6yVfK9tf4TuBsU2WqyFsBwcOB2nqlkQ3WAQ3_MliYuwRg6Y954r5B9rmHdDayHyiLu-QA2CEct7RVyKPVSeH5r5n5LbevVdr2SGwsZTf4zsL42mn6ZuLT9YQiUNFOJYqo/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+049.JPG" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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The reindeer is two clothespins hot glued together with goggly eyes and a pom pom nose. I also hot glued a magnet to the back for a refrigerator decoration. The Star Wars ornaments are made out of salt dough (equal parts salt and flour, half part water), the kids colored them with Crayola markers and I sealed them with mod podge.</div>
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Picture Magnets -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5i36RZybD4i_Bqqv1mT5llgfa6USw_NrvClZRNiew9dz-z2A0CIuN8FByNJU-8K4OoIi8wY8hYp9w2Qj_kS8F5prciVHp8Mlud1ZKNnv1FtA3xFshjLQZh66g89R1kxIHvfYNynGmNc/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5i36RZybD4i_Bqqv1mT5llgfa6USw_NrvClZRNiew9dz-z2A0CIuN8FByNJU-8K4OoIi8wY8hYp9w2Qj_kS8F5prciVHp8Mlud1ZKNnv1FtA3xFshjLQZh66g89R1kxIHvfYNynGmNc/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+050.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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By far the most time consuming project I took on, but I think that's because I made so many and because I made them so big. I had 5 different sets of wallets printed, then cut out cardboard in wallet size. After double-side taping the picture to the cardboard, I wrapped the picture with clear packing tape and hot glued two magnets to the back of the cardboard. If I had to do it again, I would have used smaller pictures, only because I had to use two pieces of packing tape (due to the size) and it left a seam on the pictures.<br />
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Teacher card -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOiS3Rjnlah6FGdagPU6-6DJy2OV_1fvz_Dnp0Cmk2CDhqvmx9muMeA1RhTxPISVZUGF0usHoBEcmIEYlAu1kx002tbJwL2lgtW1Ez9OuRNJxkcpIW0QHaJNnwCLXiCZByOYKC7d2yyo/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOiS3Rjnlah6FGdagPU6-6DJy2OV_1fvz_Dnp0Cmk2CDhqvmx9muMeA1RhTxPISVZUGF0usHoBEcmIEYlAu1kx002tbJwL2lgtW1Ez9OuRNJxkcpIW0QHaJNnwCLXiCZByOYKC7d2yyo/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+051.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Completely and utterly stolen from Pinterest, but redesigned on Photoshop. A Starbucks gift card will be tucked inside the coffee liner.</div>
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Scrapbook paper picture frames -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww02lWSDH9M3MPJ0e1xvx39SElOZD2igLD-b7tFL5a3U7rajei2jOAJV9iU-9oYud4ZpYWi8fbKgGLbEPt3NDrZY_PdZ2j97PE2iN6vdhW053Sn2rWsGhYporjhRo89gFefYTf_eXhoE/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww02lWSDH9M3MPJ0e1xvx39SElOZD2igLD-b7tFL5a3U7rajei2jOAJV9iU-9oYud4ZpYWi8fbKgGLbEPt3NDrZY_PdZ2j97PE2iN6vdhW053Sn2rWsGhYporjhRo89gFefYTf_eXhoE/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+052.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought wooden frames from Hobby Lobby and spray painted them matte black. Then I had the kids rip up pieces of scrapbook paper. After piecing them together and adding a few extra rips and tears, I double-side taped them to the frame and applied mod podge to seal it and add gloss.</div>
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Holiday picture frame -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrVEMuMZSLCbf1OqBAjwXQENEO5rDdlVN9xwT9spNUcTlhmrD9jsLzKJlMR4bpOUzeGG80krfKAmjBqfOhIDYfY-oPPp3q2p9RrUZqZqJTpxO2ohjEksazzNrL2NgWrxZxUnpXHRJCKI/s1600/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrVEMuMZSLCbf1OqBAjwXQENEO5rDdlVN9xwT9spNUcTlhmrD9jsLzKJlMR4bpOUzeGG80krfKAmjBqfOhIDYfY-oPPp3q2p9RrUZqZqJTpxO2ohjEksazzNrL2NgWrxZxUnpXHRJCKI/s640/Zander+in+boots%252C+Pictures+with+Santa%252C+Crafts+055.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was actually the first project I did this year. Again, I started with a blank wooden frame from Hobby Lobby and spray painted it with glossy green (I will never use glossy spray paint again, too much of a pain). Then I painted the snow flakes with white acrylic paint and a stencil. After everything dried, I added the mod podge.<br />
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I really do love being creative. It's so fulfilling to see your finished products. If you haven't check out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> yet, you really should.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-41189235192065621072013-12-15T12:22:00.002-08:002014-02-05T21:01:14.026-08:00Fleece Poncho DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am completely done with my Christmas shopping! I was actually done with the majority about a week ago (finishing up right after Thanksgiving), but have now completely finished with the exceptions of homemade gifts. </div>
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I will repost my DIY present list from a couple years ago soon - but I have gotten a little creative this year too and found this super cute tutorial for making a fleece poncho for little girls for super cheap.</div>
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<a href="http://gluesticksblog.com/2012/01/ruffled-toddler-poncho.html" target="_blank">Ruffled Toddler Poncho by Gluesticks</a></div>
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What I liked about this idea is you don't have to do a whole lot to make it and it's cheap. If you have ever made a no sew fleece blanket, this is even easier.</div>
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I went to Hobby Lobby and bought one yard of fleece fabric - got it on sale (30% off) and paid $8 for it. </div>
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I started as soon as I got home so I wouldn't get distracted and measured out a 27 inch square and cut. Then I folded it in half and if there was extra hang off on either side, I cut it off. Just like in the tutorial, I used a bowl to cut a half circle for the head and then cut about an inch up along all the edges.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs7-TqFWNiRtRXS-xUkRvjlUcjvnArplZR7PmvetrygTULAov0HJrgNd_qYZpakrcVP-ggyD6Oy9UVB1Sp4wEBdw2B-GWv31R5I62zX6-PieWuAW4kUVoHmHPa8gly9AIHtTj_m4AE-A/s640/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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I just estimated about the same size cuts and the same width of each fringe and cut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pijcWDMXCH5xqKMB7-pA1Lo97oNLBy8YFWrXjrw6IhyphenhyphenZUy7NK6acon64dEvEvXFFX0yRcxNG4P_R7tqFzsJjYqfYoCbNfot07p30lVB7pLelRMDqgedYOzpEdKZWUy0sJlz8QZL-nWw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pijcWDMXCH5xqKMB7-pA1Lo97oNLBy8YFWrXjrw6IhyphenhyphenZUy7NK6acon64dEvEvXFFX0yRcxNG4P_R7tqFzsJjYqfYoCbNfot07p30lVB7pLelRMDqgedYOzpEdKZWUy0sJlz8QZL-nWw/s640/photo+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that was it. Picked it up and put it on Calla to see if it would fit.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSvL7BjcQ3pJ2_saOTiFtW_QKHQsyVxkxWKPgKl2BilRoq0StVWdEnHYXfZOIWBVDWRff_z3RToqBmlUV4-0XhpFXRa12cQo-EEFq02efg7AIC3X1YbUw8_CCj6Dnk4FXXRVVikouwAo/s640/Advent+Calendar+activities+015.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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I found that the 27 inch square of fleece fit Calla perfectly - so that would work perfectly for a little girl in a size 2T.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkjA6Kt0E8GReD6nN48Ab6G3H55ryn351L80HwNAl-P-YZ8iTt3hYmlwPsGKtE5z9bz_CbBugN6J6JlGG5FSOnVzAyGff87i0LeqxMLmiWahnnjmWtrncGfuTZNtrRTNrVoW8OVmcrqs/s640/Advent+Calendar+activities+013.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></div>
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Since the one yard of fleece makes two ponchos (and leftover scraps), I decided to make another one for my niece. Without having her here to measure or estimate, I tried one on Zander (roughly her size). He was a very enthusiastic model and was sad when he found out he wasn't getting one.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW02-GNEb3wQwzcUmOGFAWlIZidrTqlbVf-Dsvlj8wBPk-uB73m0NlytAOszdQVqeJ3IY8pXCw7bSIRI72-ngFiczbGxssdUHorfUwsY_o1ihILoVu9xjvXj9bgn-ACok69dz4NCPWWA/s640/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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I found that for each size up, you add about three inches to your square.<br />
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So for a 3T size, cut out a square about 30 inches. For 4T, cut out a square about 33 inches. And it worked out! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aqKur5wMXAAmweTp-rI38oD2gOs-zA7RO0up4xrwiMEJLEEEdOaw0G1983csgrCEWj8hE50q-HGsdVAVUPEnRIoJsuSJ9UAJ6gpNoVGrDj6oDXwksGNRCLd38hwmRb5PQJfQfqcti1A/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aqKur5wMXAAmweTp-rI38oD2gOs-zA7RO0up4xrwiMEJLEEEdOaw0G1983csgrCEWj8hE50q-HGsdVAVUPEnRIoJsuSJ9UAJ6gpNoVGrDj6oDXwksGNRCLd38hwmRb5PQJfQfqcti1A/s640/IMG_0443.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My lovely Lella wearing her "cape".</div>
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All in all - I made two fleece ponchos for two very special girls at $4 a piece. If you are struggling at an idea for a gift or don't have a ton of money to splurge on a present - this is an awesome idea and can't get much easier to make. It took me about 20 minutes to make both and that was only because I unfolded the ponchos to try them on my models.<br />
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If you have a child that wants a cape (like mine), there are also some awesome cape ideas that are just as cost efficient and easy to make:</div>
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<a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/2011/03/diy-superhero-cape-tutorial.html/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">DIY Superhero Cape Tutorial - by the Southern Institute</a><br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/270181/superhero-cape-towels?&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/sewing-projects-for-kids#slide_19" target="_blank">Superhero Cape Towels - by Martha Stewart</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vanillajoy.com/free-super-hero-cape-logo-patterns.html" target="_blank">Superhero Cape Logo pattern - by Vanilla Joy</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-59798653532999093402013-12-12T19:22:00.002-08:002014-02-05T21:01:25.531-08:00Downsides of growing upOne of best parts of growing up (into adulthood) as a military wife and moving all the time means you make friends everywhere you go. <br />
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It is easy to make conversation when you open with a common topic like "Is this your first duty station?" or "How much longer are you here?" When you have common obstacles, like "When will he be home?" and "What are you doing for R&R?" And if all else fails, you talk about where you've already been or are headed next. You probably know someone there already or have heard about what that base is like. You can have a pleasant conversation with a stranger that quickly becomes a friend because of these commonalities. It makes communication easy, it makes it easy to get to know other wives and to develop these conversations into friendships. <br />
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Everyone is coming to or leaving the base.<br />
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Everyone is facing deployments (sooner or later).<br />
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Everyone has the same or similar issues that you have.<br />
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And in some cases, these other wives are the only source of outside world you have.<br />
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It is a revelation. It is a comfort. It is peace of mind.<br />
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Knowing that the woman at the commissary shopping with her three kids is worried about the same things you are worrying about right now. Knowing that even though your kids are screaming their heads off about this or that, no one in the PX cares and everyone understands that you are struggling on your own. <br />
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Because everyone else is in the same boat.<br />
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I am not saying that military wives and this community are without flaws. That they can't be cliquey or shallow or hard to get along with. Because they can. But really, everyone can.<br />
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What I am saying is there is no other community where everyone has the same issues. Not that I know of yet. Where you fit in simply because of a job. Where that job becomes a way of life.<br />
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And the only people that understand that way of life - the constant moving, leaving friends and meeting strangers, being alone more than with your spouse - are the ones that live in that community.<br />
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I started by saying how great it is to be a military wife and grow into adulthood learning how to make friends everywhere you go. It is also the hardest part of being a military wife - leaving all those friends as you move to your next duty station or when you decide to try and make it in the civilian world.<br />
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We have now been in the civilian world for a little over a year. I make the distinction of saying "civilian" because it is like a new way of life for me. I don't really know how to fit in here. I haven't figured out my place in a world where things (like having a spouse that comes home every night) can be taken for granted. <br />
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Even though it has been a year now, I am still used to women that take you as you are because there is no one else that understands.<br />
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I miss my friends.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V_i9wxZjojHWUPXxVvhGuTf902_PG-8A_XGbYgPIF17fWuRec4VzkQBN97Adgof-Ca6ZSo96ce4bRorGsxL2DivUyvEMF8tmk4TC6lKxWa33ks9FbZS6lsZKkCtZzEWLvYkZpJfbXDs/s640/267593_10150714380560440_4484387_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5OUfv8I71RTL9vuh-02XbnN4-1aCgbQYz9c7Cql3vW2iaKsn_6aem16_C2gNlhHx7yTkFVbmJmZrG34QV9WhDbQzxQmvc-uECgDciJEIiq5Bz8Tu5j7QaIYY4j8yNRzodmO6NgS_MnE/s640/405006_10151593648780440_65579402_n+(1).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcb-O588zQ6eTLHCUeKLi3UejIRp8qXWfzxTDOlbtcDKArtbsK9OiSHLcQwn6dvsnFg9QRV5nBoRr_gpnSebqYdEpVN2UHcIJYkK3yyp44ZZagMbpKcdHPqAmM7wnt3Zdc8LfQl_Dy2w/s640/270189_591431624414_4352807_n.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioASCOk1X_kgN8Ctq6BOjaoAblwGS5W4Xoc9gQFX34fTS6S46ki6m3XqGfqOXe1U1lbqM5JL2VcFvONIM8thqHoNrpVIKLtjh1KCnfCCcpUGJxEu5FmzT3H8oxG5wTkYH-vD7CY5O_Rs/s640/267745_10150698831055440_585039_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gbnab6e7Xp_n3d9Li3ohHRmuY6fkeNFF5wB1Na6WEuhZLx6gjYZtIUlXPXaJJljE5AKmS4jCqGlIXUN0KOdDoBtTmhQqhxtTp0RxtoGcl8JChFFUqHyuIwFchYYEEb9VMJAlpbHzeSs/s640/542472_10151786763060440_1520199292_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1-miyC0Lq0yTqOiGtZq1gmdbh8KrVJKL4ZdLNMsVdIqzqbkjKUmqgtVcvN6J2myxvTM_Z6HxsJJfg2piOTC6buyrCEakdtdkH_79bCMnNJKjfqfv3JZIYad2uCSKxYzC1HSy_7Sr8b4/s640/279878_10150724806935440_1027634_o.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></div>
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Thinking of our all friends literally around the world tonight and wishing I could see them all.</div>
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Kansas</div>
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North Carolina</div>
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Massachusetts</div>
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Wisconsin</div>
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Tennessee</div>
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Texas</div>
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Washington</div>
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Colorado</div>
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Hawaii</div>
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and Germany</div>
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Maybe one day.</div>
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Until then, I thank God for the internet.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-6234880949299528492013-12-10T08:21:00.004-08:002014-02-05T21:01:43.613-08:00Christmas Advent CalendarWith Thanksgiving being at the very end of November this year, it really threw me for a loop when we had to start decorating for Christmas while still eating Thanksgiving left overs. I usually like to have Thanksgiving stand as a holiday by itself so I was in a scramble to get our decorations changed. If it wasn't for our Advent calendar and celebrating every day until the 25th, then I wouldn't have been in such a rush. This is a tradition we do every year and I know every one really enjoys it.<br />
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In years prior, we filled each day with one piece of candy to count down the days until Christmas. It always brought excitement because candy is pretty limited in this house, so to get a piece (a Hershey's kiss or Tootsie roll ) everyday was cause for celebration.</div>
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This year, I decided to do something different. I have seen numerous ideas and suggestions online for doing activities instead of getting candy. On every day before Christmas, you do something special to celebrate the season.</div>
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I love this idea.</div>
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Even though Matt and I grew up in religious households, we haven't quite found our "calling" (bear with me) to start attending church, to tell our children the stories we learned growing up or to teach them about the real reason Christians celebrate Christmas. This year is a little different.</div>
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Gabe has started getting more curious, wanting to know more and more about religion. At his school, there is the option to go to Bible Club and miss a recess. A lot of his friends go to Bible Club and bring their bibles to school. Gabe doesn't really know what to make of this. They tell him about the birth of Jesus and other stories from the Bible. He has asked for a Bible for Christmas so he can read it and learn more about what his friends are telling him.</div>
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I am glad he is taking interest in this. I want him to believe in something bigger than this world, that there is a larger plan in place and that we need to put others before ourselves. Matt and I decided when we first talked about raising our kids that we would let them decide for themselves, if they chose to get baptized and accept Jesus as their Savior then that would be their choice and it wouldn't be forced on them.</div>
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With that in mind this holiday season, I decided to research different advent calendar activities to do every day before the 25th. There are A LOT out there. I have included my Pinterest board at the bottom full of great ideas! After making my list, I realized I couldn't make all of them donations or with giving in mind, I just don't have time to be running donations all over town or bringing kids to and from different events every day. The best part of this is idea is that you can make it whatever you want. For our family, I combined some donation ideas, outside activities, art projects and "field trips."</div>
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Here is our list!</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Catch
snow in a bucket<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Water
color the snow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paint
snowflakes on the wind</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ows</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cut
out snow</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">flakes</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
paper stockings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Family
board game Night<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
a Santa Beard in a bubble bath<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Snowman
Soup<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Polar
Express Story time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Write
letters to Santa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
Cookies for the Neighb</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ors</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Watch
a Christmas movie with </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sprinkly Popcorn<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take
a Picture with Santa Claus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
the Story of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
the Night before Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
Popsicle Stick snowflakes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
cookie cutter pizzas for dinner<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sort
through toys to donate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
Christmas cards for rela</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">tives</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Drive
around to see Christmas lights<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Decorate
paper bags for the </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Children’s Food Bank</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Go
to a Hockey game!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Glue
cotton balls on Santa’s Beard<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Freeze\!"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blow
bubbles in the snow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I printed these out and put arranged them inside our Advent calendar in the order of events I already had planned or based on traditions (like reading The Night Before Christmas on the 24th). Some of these we have done before but I included a lot of new ideas and the kids have really enjoyed every day.</div>
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Cutting snowflakes out of coffee filters:</div>
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Catching snow in a bucket (or on your tongue):</div>
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Sort through toys to donate:</div>
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Take a picture with Santa Claus:<br />
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Make a Santa beard in a bubble bath:<br />
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Every day brings something different and it has been a lot of fun doing this activities and well as planning them! What do you and your family do to celebrate the season?</div>
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<a data-pin-board-width="750" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="500" data-pin-scale-width="125" href="http://www.pinterest.com/gennabrong/holiday-inspirations/">Follow Genna Brong's board Holiday inspirations on Pinterest.</a>
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Don't forget to pin this and save my ideas for your Christmas Advent activities!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-73706580149398901202013-11-19T16:23:00.000-08:002014-02-05T21:01:56.942-08:00Gluten Free Stuffing (my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal)Whenever I am making a new recipe for a big event (birthday or holiday), I always give it a test run.<br />
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My biggest fear is that I make the recipe and it turns out awfully and everyone looks at me with mixed emotions of terror, disgust and anger. "How dare she serve us this!" "Oh my, she thought this was edible?" "What was she thinking?"<br />
<br />
Sorry. I get a little carried away. But really, I do test out a new recipe.<br />
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I was inspired by this <a href="http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2011/11/gluten-free-sage-dressing-2/" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Sage Dressing recipe by Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom</a>. I picked this one because I LOVE sage. And because it looked easy. And I am all about easy.<br />
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I followed all the same steps that GF Mom listed, but I changed up my ingredients a little. <br />
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Here is my recipe:<br />
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Genna's GF Stuffing<br />
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2 loaves of GF bread (either store bought GF bread like Udi's or <a href="http://my-extraordinary-life.blogspot.com/2011/04/udis-white-bread-copycat-recipe.html?m=1" target="_blank">homemade GF bread)</a><br />
2 1/2 cups diced celery (ended up being a full pack of celery hearts for me)<br />
1 1/2 cups diced onions (about 2 medium)<br />
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)<br />
4-6 cups broth (I will get to this at the end).<br />
2 tbsp poultry seasonings<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
salt and pepper (to taste)<br />
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Because I chose to make the bread from scratch, I had to start there. After it was done, I cubed up the bread in as fine of pieces as I could and then ripped it a little smaller. Each piece ended up being around 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. I spread these pieces between two large jelly roll pans and dried these at 250 degrees for about 45 minutes. After I took these out I turned the heat up to 350 degrees to warm up. Then I diced up the veggies. I like them in small pieces, so I cut each piece of celery in half before dicing it up. After cutting them up I put the full stick of butter in the pan and turned the heat on to medium. When the butter was completely melted, I added the 2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning and salt and pepper and turned off the heat. I dumped the bread chunks into the baking dish and then put the butter and veggie mixture in and spread everything through. When I felt it was thoroughly mixed, I added the chicken broth. This part was the trickiest. After I added three cups, I let the stuffing sit for about five minutes and gave it a chance to soak in. I stirred it up and noticed that all the broth had been absorbed so I added another cup of broth and put it in the oven to bake. I could have easily added another cup of broth or two as the stuffing was good, but sections of it was a little dry. It really is just up to you, depending on if you want more crispy stuffing or not. Then I baked the stuffing for 30 minutes covered, stirred it (checked the moistness - you could add more broth here if you felt it was getting dry) and cooked it for another 10 minutes uncovered.<br />
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When I took it out, I was in heaven. Stuffing is my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving and I couldn't even wait for it to cool before I tried it.<br />
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It was amazing. It was heaven. It tastes just as great as it looks. <br />
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Trust me, try this recipe. I can't wait to make this again on Thanksgiving day.<br />
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-1178939036820241002013-11-14T07:39:00.001-08:002014-02-05T21:02:10.234-08:00A Gluten Free ThanksgivingI wrote a very detailed post last Thanksgiving about my traditional meal, what recipes I used and how I ALWAYS brine my turkey (I included the post below for a reference). This year is a little different with us being GF (gluten-free) and all. Can't just pick up a box of Stovetop, rolls and premade pie crusts like I have done in the past.<br />
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In honor of our new GF diet, I have included our GF recipes that we are using this year. There are a TON of GF recipes out there, so don't be afraid! The only thing I caution you against is buying a boxed version of a food. I tried a boxed version of GF stuffing (can't remember the brand, sorry!) and it was NOT GOOD. The "bread" portion of it was too mushy and did not have the consistency of regular stuffing at all. Since that is my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal, I was sadly disappointed. <br />
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I will be using this <a href="http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2011/11/gluten-free-sage-dressing-2/" target="_blank">Gluten Free Sage Dressing</a> recipe instead of a boxed version. I am actually excited about this because (shh!) I have never made stuffing from scratch before. I KNOW! Crazy talk. I will use two loaves of GF bread, probably <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045VO4L6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0045VO4L6&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Udi's</a> only because I don't think I will have time to make two loaves of bread just for this recipe, on top of all the other holiday baking.<br />
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For my pie crusts, I will use <a href="http://m.landolakes.com/recipe/3071/pie-crust-gluten-free-recipe" target="_blank">this GF pie crust recipe</a>. I have made this recipe several times and have had really good luck with it. I usually use a full stick of butter instead of a half stick and a 1/4 cup of shortening. The only downside to it is the sweetness, it isn't as sweet as other pie crusts I have made - in fact, I have used this for our GF pot pies and it works well as a savory crust. I might be adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to the apple and pumpkin pie crusts just to make sure that it tastes right. <br />
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Our rolls will be in the loaf form this Thanksgiving (aka homemade bread). I have used this recipe before for a <a href="http://my-extraordinary-life.blogspot.com/2011/04/udis-white-bread-copycat-recipe.html?m=1" target="_blank">Gluten Free White Bread</a> and I like it. It is a little more dense than a regular fluffy store bought bread, but it makes for a good alternative.<br />
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Now, if I were cooking for a big crowd (like last year) I would probably offer both versions of rolls and stuffing, but since the majority of people that will be joining me don't care or are GF I will only be cooking one version of these and will only be making GF pie crusts.<br />
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Otherwise, I have started my planning process with the meal plan and the grocery list and am excited about trying some new things other than my GF recipes.<br />
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New to the menu this year -<br />
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce<br />
recipe courtesy of my best friend, Krystal<br />
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One bag of Ocean Spray cranberries<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
2 cups water<br />
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Put everything in a pot and let it boil slowly until the cranberries burst. Let it cool and condense and serve.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2294755-The-Best-Pecan-Pie-from-the-Cotton-Country-Cookbook?full_recipe=true" target="_blank">Pecan Pie</a><br />
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I actually made this pie at Christmas and it was amazing! This is the best pecan pie I have ever eaten and am looking forward to eating it in a couple weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://savour-fare.com/2010/11/22/perfect-pumpkin-pie-and-pie-crust-101/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie</a><br />
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This is a new recipe from the one I did last year and I am a little nervous. I think this one will be easier than the other and looks like it creates the perfect consistency.<br />
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<a href="http://diethood.com/2013/05/23/peanut-butter-marshmallow-popcorn-bars-netflix/" target="_blank">Marshmallow Peanut Butter Popcorn</a>* (I wrote it incorrectly on the list)<br />
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I haven't made this before, but it sounds amazing. I love having for a dessert that isn't a pie. Last year I did amazing <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/maple-pecan-cookies-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">maple pecan cookies from Nigella Lawson</a>, but I wanted to try something different this year. I am planning on making a double batch to mail some to Matt. I am sure he will be ecstatic. <br />
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Otherwise, all the other recipes I am using are the same as last year. I am planning on brining my turkey with the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/my-favorite-turkey-brine/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman's Favorite Brine</a> (minus the oranges), making my take on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/paulas-apple-pie-filling-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Paula Deen's apple pie</a> and using the <a href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipes/classic-green-bean-casserole-24099" target="_blank">Campbell's green bean casserole</a> recipe. <br />
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Here is the link to my blog post from last year. This details all of the prep I put into brining the turkey. If you haven't done it before, this is a good step by step instruction post! If you are thinking of brining, I suggest you go for it. Ever since I did it the first Thanksgiving (years and years ago), I have never looked back.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AJbbVjnKphA0tonlwJEz7GSh6B2d37arjzfzIVxJy-BBFN-AuumTX2WRoYWNUqkrSJ2NvK-_PdCiO6hrEasQ3hl4qBWNNEVJnyDMEbNsZEYeeRNskKdd2VbwTIhQXsZo4gbG1f2z_yV0/s640/Thanksgiving+and+Christmas+Tree+set+up+010editted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AJbbVjnKphA0tonlwJEz7GSh6B2d37arjzfzIVxJy-BBFN-AuumTX2WRoYWNUqkrSJ2NvK-_PdCiO6hrEasQ3hl4qBWNNEVJnyDMEbNsZEYeeRNskKdd2VbwTIhQXsZo4gbG1f2z_yV0/s640/Thanksgiving+and+Christmas+Tree+set+up+010editted.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2012/11/guide-to-perfect-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Guide to a perfect Thanksgiving meal</a></td></tr>
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-47655854008669647002013-11-12T06:21:00.001-08:002014-02-05T21:02:21.756-08:00My stab at ice cream cakeFor every birthday I make the birthday person what ever they want for a dessert. Gabe has had a cookie cake. Matt has asked for a pumpkin pie (surprised? You shouldn't be). But my sister was the first to ever ask for an ice cream cake. I had thought over the logistics of it, but had never tried to execute it before. Recently, I had pinned this Hot Fudge Sundae post by Smitten Kitchen and I turned to this recipe for guidance. <br />
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You can really make this cake two ways:<br />
Ice cream, fudgy cookie layer, ice cream (like Smitten
kitchen)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9307196151_1d43585165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9307196151_1d43585165.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/07/hot-fudge-sundae-cake/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen - Hot Fudge Sundae Cake</a></td></tr>
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Or cake, fudgy cookie layer, ice cream (which is what I did).<br />
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Either way would be divine as long as you pick compatible flavors.<br />
My sister chose chocolate cake and peanut butter cup ice cream. <br />
So I started making the cake the day before I needed it to ensure I had enjoy cooling time for the cake and refreezing time for the ice cream layer. I would advise starting around 18-24 hrs prior to the end time for your cake. <br />
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Step One - Cake Layer<br />
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Even though I didn't really want to, I ended up shelling out the big bucks ($4) for a gluten-free devil's food cake mix for the cake part. I wanted to make it from scratch but I was on a limited time frame and my kitchen had been torn apart from the window replacement surgery happening on our house.<br />
The one thing that i would change about the cake over all is the ratio, you really want an even or slightly higher ice cream to cake ratio. That might just be me, but we ended up with a higher cake to ice cream ratio and found it lacking a little. When you go to bake your cake portion, make sure to only fill your cake pan (or pans or cupcake pans) 1/4 of the way full. Trust me. I know it doesn't sound like a lot and it will cause you to have remaining batter, but you really want to make sure that after the cake rises there is enough room to add the ice cream. Bake the cake layer for a little less time because it is less thick. When the knife, fork, toothpick, whatever goes out clean - let the cake cool completely and start smashing Oreos with a rolling pin.<br />
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Step Two - Fudgy Cookie Layer<br />
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SmittenKitchen has an amazing hot fudge syrup recipe on this link to add her homemade chocolate smashed up cookies. I used homemade hot fudge sauce I already had in the fridge and you can definitely use the ice cream hot fudge sauce you get in a jar from the store. Just watch out for the High Fructose Corn Syrup, it's a killer. But seriously. Then I took about half of the bag of Oreo's (not GF - you caught me) and they got ziploc'd and smashed to smitherin's. Smittenkitchen recommends using a food processor to get them properly crushed and pulverized but i found a rolling pin was much more theraputic. Mix about a half cup of hot fudge and about 3/4 cup of Oreo crumbs together. You want the consistency to still be kind of like frosting so that it will spread nicely on top of your cake and not rip off the top layer. Then once the cake is cool, spread the fudgy cookie mixture on top making sure to spread it thin enough that it makes a thin line between the two layers and doesn't become a layer itself. Unless you want it that way. It could be good like that. I ended up with some fudgy cookie mixture left over (which will go great on vanilla ice cream later) so don't feel like you have to use it all. Then put in the freezer for about an hour so the hot fudge will set. <br />
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Step Three - Ice Cream Layer<br />
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This is really the only tricky part of the whole cake because you want the ice cream to sit out on your counter for long enough to make it spreadable, but not too liquidy that it will spill all over the cake. Freezing the hot fudge layer makes it a protectant against the ice cream so the cake doesn't get soggy, but the ice cream can spill down around the sides of the cake so be careful not to let it get too melty before applying it. <br />
I found that using the back of a large soup spoon worked the best to spread the ice cream. I also kept a bowl of warm water next to the cake and would dip my spoon in it to keep it from sticking and it spread a lot better that way. <br />
I tried to stack my ice cream layer as high as the pan and as flat as possible. If you can't get it even or as high as you want, don't fret. Getting it done quickly so it can refreeze is much more important otherwise it will all melt and get harder to work with. Once this layer if frozen, you can try to go back and add more if you want. <br />
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Step Four - Decorations<br />
<br />
To decorate my sister's cake, I just whipped up some heavy cream and piped it in circles around the edge, topped off the circles with Reese's pieces. We put a candle in it right before it was time to sing. You can decorate it however you want. Use whipped cream as a frosting or pipe frosting letters on there.<br />
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Step Five - Eating<br />
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It was delicious. I do recommend letting it thaw a little before trying to cut it or eat it as the cake hardens a little more than the ice cream. But I was amazed at how good it was! It will definitely be on the rotation for birthday cake ideas!<br />
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This past week has been insanity, but much more than usual. We are getting our windows replaced. All the windows in the house. What was supposed to take two days to complete is taking seven. So the house is pretty ripped apart. And we have been spending more than the average time away from the home in order to keep warm. Since they have had to take out all the windows. In the whole house. In 30 degree weather. Great timing!<br />
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In trying to keep the kids busy and out of trouble, I quickly thought of a fun art project to do that combined a couple ideas I had seen on Pinterest. It was really entertaining for the kids and we had all the supplies on hand.<br />
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Behold the our sun catcher turkey!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DPgIRMPa-urg71nUFKrt9-2G5yZrmlxolv7Vbhfe8sv2e6ZC9pCeQ1Ny2lAcPLupDdDwtb69qzCMJG6d4XaeOCDtQU9SQ_F8mC0rqECeFxpHFZlfn9y8wEbb_iVLcO4c6SYHSWPz0Jw/s640/photo+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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I took coffee filters and cut them in a feather shape (what do you call that shape? Oval with two points?) and got three from each filter. I decided that five feathers per turkey would make his fan pretty full, feel free to do four if the odd feather in the middle bothers you.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUrRjaCUVhneCwBydaWaOqKi09sMIR520WuIJnSElWBiaTswnQ1xSk9aOkY5T4YNa0MUX1Fo3e7Gy7kvnVS-ith3RQFgrRGtKaBYNKb_DdJOBgbQ-UXlpmZ6fWMkIA_DHvRilHyJpqGU/s640/photo+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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From there, I let the kids water color paint the coffee filter feathers. Dropping water onto the water color paint made it much easier for them to get enough color on their brush for it to stand out against the white filter (I used a medicine syringe and put three or four drops of water per color). I really liked the feathers where the kids had used almost too much water. The coffee filter absorbed it and the colors spread and mixed together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxHP84Quh5FXe_8AvY3gZWZeuDq6V1LHFrQCuyCrjvNXx_ZWkrd15kfOcAlv1Q7PF1LZvI8fpBroM5JlRf0Mz-oLFpGuL1kzkfsgnRaSfFMo7iZH75ibFqjfBRZ1gY4y52SoNGpW1qOY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxHP84Quh5FXe_8AvY3gZWZeuDq6V1LHFrQCuyCrjvNXx_ZWkrd15kfOcAlv1Q7PF1LZvI8fpBroM5JlRf0Mz-oLFpGuL1kzkfsgnRaSfFMo7iZH75ibFqjfBRZ1gY4y52SoNGpW1qOY/s640/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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To make the turkey, I sketched out a bowling pin and cut him out. If you guys decide you want it, I can trace my turkey shape and post him on here or you to use as a template. It really wasn't too hard to get a basic shape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cYUHzNnZaebLWCbY7Ur6MXLBPzJrjIPrCCEZ3e4uRVi6qjbIg5aL4mSOXfDCj0XegQLdvk4BWU-vp6EClRYh2hz-JD2ADr7DTBuEuLOpMwejFfNvACIlmDBkEbZoLB-8jmqhlQ5Mc6s/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cYUHzNnZaebLWCbY7Ur6MXLBPzJrjIPrCCEZ3e4uRVi6qjbIg5aL4mSOXfDCj0XegQLdvk4BWU-vp6EClRYh2hz-JD2ADr7DTBuEuLOpMwejFfNvACIlmDBkEbZoLB-8jmqhlQ5Mc6s/s640/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I let the feathers dry on top of paper towels and glued on the googly eyes and triangle beak while we waited. Once they were dry, we assembled the turkeys and I glued the body's to the feathers and taped up the back for extra support.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6aPVg-mU_v_edyOYVqA88Qa4uYrPA6g107jpesaHqkxYu3AnQC_mZhvBTMyCKPgLKuUQ3hys7gBNioIRdT6_bs8uYFTxxRS828DnKxIq7E5aTgg3lLC4JOUeXlYKG6PNBWSzIB4cD7g/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6aPVg-mU_v_edyOYVqA88Qa4uYrPA6g107jpesaHqkxYu3AnQC_mZhvBTMyCKPgLKuUQ3hys7gBNioIRdT6_bs8uYFTxxRS828DnKxIq7E5aTgg3lLC4JOUeXlYKG6PNBWSzIB4cD7g/s640/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now they have a home on our sliding door. I love how they look in the sun light and how every feather turned out differently. The kids had a great time painting! All in all, it really didn't take a lot of time to throw together and now we have fantastic November art work to show off!<br />
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-44927593738370850802013-11-05T10:01:00.001-08:002014-02-05T21:02:48.175-08:00Thankful trees (revisited)<i>Written on the 1st of November- </i><br />
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Last year, I bought these cool cardboard cut out trees from Target for cheap and decided we would hang "Thankfuls" from the trees. It worked a little for last year but then our trees got too full and we didn't have enough room to finish.<br />
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This year, I saw that <a href="http://teacherexpress.scholastic.com/" target="_blank">Scholastic Teacher Express</a> was having a 50% off sale on some of their November bulletin board decorations and splurged ($2.50 each) on two giant card stock paper sets. One is a plain tree with different leaves. The idea is for teachers to write each child's name on a leaf. And the other is specifically themed for Thanksgiving. It has a pilgrim girl, a turkey and leaves and acorns that all say "I am thankful". </div>
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On our big wall I decided to hang up our tree and use the set of "I am thankful" leaves first. We might end up needing the other set too. I love that you can write on them with dry erase markers and they wipe right off. </div>
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Tonight, I explained a little of the origins of Thanksgiving and how we celebrate it now. How we need to remember to be thankful for all that we have and everyone around us, because we have been blessed to live in abundance. I explained that children all over Michigan don't have things that they take for granted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P5v7QH3Ytl8aTn4894jsJY6qDb9UVhYYkyRxzWQYM8VH1VPFehF8B8vK96jrU3eazFzAABbmPwrIPVOaXj-7WKizalhX6NwEt7MEEz8DmJl1LsS_T0OtXQd4Dnt8gYEoyoyIqhKHsiU/s640/blogger-image--1369851465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P5v7QH3Ytl8aTn4894jsJY6qDb9UVhYYkyRxzWQYM8VH1VPFehF8B8vK96jrU3eazFzAABbmPwrIPVOaXj-7WKizalhX6NwEt7MEEz8DmJl1LsS_T0OtXQd4Dnt8gYEoyoyIqhKHsiU/s640/blogger-image--1369851465.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm885_JRe-eu4W9NrFbq8vg4qLgHVOM0ZmGEpYQi_5r1f_DuvdysvL_Ue2On-yTlHA2lKUUkCHnrCDp_F9t2pn6SxNcCz44q1eWCNGcl0B1-SXohbPhq-mKL94AH4nVX9INC0nw1Z3h7M/s640/blogger-image--677642509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm885_JRe-eu4W9NrFbq8vg4qLgHVOM0ZmGEpYQi_5r1f_DuvdysvL_Ue2On-yTlHA2lKUUkCHnrCDp_F9t2pn6SxNcCz44q1eWCNGcl0B1-SXohbPhq-mKL94AH4nVX9INC0nw1Z3h7M/s640/blogger-image--677642509.jpg" /></a></div>
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Gabe decided that he is thankful for our furniture and beds, because some families have to sleep on the floor. Zander said he was thankful for all of our books and Calla was thankful for our crayons. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This is going to be a great investment (of $5) and am looking forward to what the kids think of to be thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are our Thankful Trees from last year and the freebie download so you can cut out and make your own!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2012/11/thankful-trees-tutorial-and-freebies.html" target="_blank">Thankful Trees tutorial and Freebies!</a></td></tr>
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-27541615004269124882013-10-29T09:16:00.003-07:002014-02-05T21:03:04.440-08:00"Ninnie (Minnie) Mousie" birthday party and links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first ask Calla what kind of birthday party she wanted, "Ninnie Mousie" was what came out. </div>
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"Ninnie Mousie birthday party! Ninnie Mousie!!" </div>
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And for the last month. </div>
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"Ninnie Mousie!! Ninnie Mousie party, Mom!" </div>
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"I know Calla, you are having a Minnie Mouse birthday party." </div>
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"Ninnie Mousie!"</div>
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Ever since we went to Disney World this summer, Calla has been obsessed with Minnie Mouse and Cinderella. I decided on a Minnie Mouse party because I thought it fit her age group the best. And it works perfectly that she can wear her costume to her birthday party (the upside of a Halloween birthday, I guess). So once the theme was decided, I began scouring the internet for party and decoration ideas. <span style="text-align: center;">My birthday parties are always planned in advance and thoroughly thought through. </span></div>
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This is what ended up coming together.</div>
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Many might say that I am cliche or overdoing it, but I don't care. I always have a banner or pennant saying "Happy Birthday" somewhere in the house and hang streamers from the ceiling. I ALWAYS do this. For EVERY birthday party. Because... birthdays are special. And even though the streamers fall down numerous times during the day, it is worth it to see my kids so excited. I want them to know how much of a celebration it is that they were born. How much fun and happiness they bring to my life. So I go over the top decorating and planning. And I will... for as long as I am able.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLri4etkfE8sPzt8WtmlsasXfu7YrR4pywxgxBgV2SRnO1WqyUqHwoxW0XJ3Zyww_xOg9_VgFf0P0CDfXCJnxwTEYX9VZB0ADWBorURuaHz2TaKoz9SItzs9yQJnl0du9fsHLvL_sn3s/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLri4etkfE8sPzt8WtmlsasXfu7YrR4pywxgxBgV2SRnO1WqyUqHwoxW0XJ3Zyww_xOg9_VgFf0P0CDfXCJnxwTEYX9VZB0ADWBorURuaHz2TaKoz9SItzs9yQJnl0du9fsHLvL_sn3s/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+043.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are a sucker for balloons at birthday parties. Everyone gets a ton of balloons. And even though they are kind of a waste (the helium is dead by that night), they totally set the mood for the birthday party and provide fantastic entertainment. I have seen old kids (7 and up) and young ones (1 and up) all enjoy the bouncy fun of a balloon. I was so excited to see these polka dot ones (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CCNOWM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005CCNOWM&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">here</a>). They fit perfectly into the Minnie Mouse theme.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuZzQqEvH9kgU3-EfQwqP35Jzb8vmatdPQ0RQU6bNZLG7IQzxxPwVUH6JlRdBAdSRns7AfN8Tlg5njuq-_SjzzJXa5_uA0VILV4G-tfFHXP0HLi_troTH2JouXSEEurbdh2_SDN3AKSg/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuZzQqEvH9kgU3-EfQwqP35Jzb8vmatdPQ0RQU6bNZLG7IQzxxPwVUH6JlRdBAdSRns7AfN8Tlg5njuq-_SjzzJXa5_uA0VILV4G-tfFHXP0HLi_troTH2JouXSEEurbdh2_SDN3AKSg/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+049.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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In keeping with the Minnie Mouse theme, I immediately set out how to decorate a cake for Minnie Mouse. Every year, the birthday kid gets their own personal cake. It is a 6 inch pan I bought while we were living in South Korea (you can buy one <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFMLH/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFMLH&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">here</a>) and works perfectly with cake mixes from boxes (you end up with 18 cupcakes instead of 24). This is another thing that I do specially every year. Something my kids count on every year, knowing that they get a whole cake to themselves. They can eat as much or as little of it as they want (it is their party after all) and it can be decorated how ever they want. It might sound strange or like extra work, but when it is party time - they love it so I love it.<br />
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I found another blog that used Double Stuff Oreos and mini Oreos to get the Mickey Mouse effect, so I used that example along with edible pearls to decorate the tops of the cupcakes and Calla's personal cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcbi6jXyO8FtJWTrIWgLFLHMOmDtMVBOSEB_bgqoie5Y8qZwmREYGrCNVU5hrSUyVTCSaZ36tSX_MEIOPTN7yBGQDHUtTEAwxeOkAOmJyNquXrIBKk049CYvlBXjVfVOrBkOmVGvrTAo/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcbi6jXyO8FtJWTrIWgLFLHMOmDtMVBOSEB_bgqoie5Y8qZwmREYGrCNVU5hrSUyVTCSaZ36tSX_MEIOPTN7yBGQDHUtTEAwxeOkAOmJyNquXrIBKk049CYvlBXjVfVOrBkOmVGvrTAo/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+029.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGAx-QUdba31IgfwVmhuxVF5dTehJIeu9PM7wQ3mIsDYMGsm7o0O6ncqONQHhCyI614qILv12XndUxssK30t3Y6Sgl50adantCaxbdFsev9m-wOZlcjID7d1rOxka84HIZD5POjSzev4/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGAx-QUdba31IgfwVmhuxVF5dTehJIeu9PM7wQ3mIsDYMGsm7o0O6ncqONQHhCyI614qILv12XndUxssK30t3Y6Sgl50adantCaxbdFsev9m-wOZlcjID7d1rOxka84HIZD5POjSzev4/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+038.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I wanted to have another treat option - in case there weren't enough cupcakes or as a back up plan in case the cupcakes didn't turn out exactly how I wanted - so I bought a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter (can buy this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IVPH5C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007IVPH5C&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">here</a>) and dyed the marshmallows different shades of pink for effect.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYNf1XeH39fKMG8rW-NiFiE4bstNhZ-gpO0JwJIuPyNmWM9BsslgYTAythWKZ_xNnQOPDdeYgq0vWloAVcxVDSGnaX0671vYtHIamP3R_FAybyl5ZqaihWsYpLTl2pLFDfcmu4dFF-Z0/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+037.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></div>
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Another food choice was trail mix. My kids LOVE trail mix. Any thing with nuts and raisins and they go crazy. I found half of this mix from Target (Peanut Butter and Jelly Trail mix) and added shredded coconut, almonds, peanuts and raisins to bulk it up a little bit. I liked that it had the pink and purple yogurt covered raisins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZns2RaLJdC-eOEbbaub4npNDpZft5nqr1fGJWwgbbxG91NN0rpnlq5IInpfqcDb6yaio4wXi4Dvmkzcv9-aZaYd14FAoTQN7RmAxTr4-4-NMYlTtYCO7ddTtEJtVKBxnpYIo1B41T3_M/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZns2RaLJdC-eOEbbaub4npNDpZft5nqr1fGJWwgbbxG91NN0rpnlq5IInpfqcDb6yaio4wXi4Dvmkzcv9-aZaYd14FAoTQN7RmAxTr4-4-NMYlTtYCO7ddTtEJtVKBxnpYIo1B41T3_M/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+041.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Over all the party was a huge success. Calla had a great time seeing all her family on all sides and loved being the center of attention (as long as Mom was in sight). She loved dressing up in her Minnie Mouse costume and had a riot playing with her new Princesses and castle. However, Calla's favorite present was the chap stick my Grandma got her. Never fails. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xMPsYCOU5i7Mgeqk4jtslb5QKgkm_aKa28AX7dElakbmJ19WGQpIw-XvASHxaWfCJj01Wh54jS34IDHzAUibg1n-yCmtZB6JxKumwm8KW2i3ZAgGJ8q4l1BE2M6HoFFpkBEAGdX2Is8/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xMPsYCOU5i7Mgeqk4jtslb5QKgkm_aKa28AX7dElakbmJ19WGQpIw-XvASHxaWfCJj01Wh54jS34IDHzAUibg1n-yCmtZB6JxKumwm8KW2i3ZAgGJ8q4l1BE2M6HoFFpkBEAGdX2Is8/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+130.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Zander is also a big fan of Calla's new toys. Pink is just a color, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR56CCh0B91DDUTPQWpOmA14oP2vL-HE-TihHoAntxLEA_-1I5hj21m3eOqk8tifWcs9I_nCmipWhFYyaZyk0XEg-N5TRwjI4EyGaMWDVy96AHQYHcYb2pstd2L36pgYLkdBT2BUmfZFE/s1600/Calla's+birthday+party+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR56CCh0B91DDUTPQWpOmA14oP2vL-HE-TihHoAntxLEA_-1I5hj21m3eOqk8tifWcs9I_nCmipWhFYyaZyk0XEg-N5TRwjI4EyGaMWDVy96AHQYHcYb2pstd2L36pgYLkdBT2BUmfZFE/s640/Calla's+birthday+party+159.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are a lot of amazing ideas online for Minnie Mouse birthday parties. I pulled some ideas from these blogs, but there were a lot of ideas that I didn't a chance to do. Check 'em out!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/72/8d/63/728d637d1d13e74d4989e5d636b5588b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/72/8d/63/728d637d1d13e74d4989e5d636b5588b.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Link</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL9yQoAx_7aq_7QYHCPTICbFQDWKsWW5pH_hm8fxaq_SxGqUjlCeWoIJh0exSxNheaO5-xGb4Ug0HA-WR69iQwP5XGBXh2_Nojj4Dlz-wu7dX6HDr1eGoTHj4eWLgeDTm6fa5GRd-hGs/s576/IMG_7944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL9yQoAx_7aq_7QYHCPTICbFQDWKsWW5pH_hm8fxaq_SxGqUjlCeWoIJh0exSxNheaO5-xGb4Ug0HA-WR69iQwP5XGBXh2_Nojj4Dlz-wu7dX6HDr1eGoTHj4eWLgeDTm6fa5GRd-hGs/s640/IMG_7944.jpg" height="515" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sugarfreshdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/lilys-minnie-mouse-party-free-banner.html?m=1" target="_blank">Sugar Fresh Designs - Free Minnie Mouse Banner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wEgKGsiliA/TxCuB7QhZpI/AAAAAAAALFo/BgQBvDPCeKg/minnie%252520mouse%252520pillow%252520box-crown%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wEgKGsiliA/TxCuB7QhZpI/AAAAAAAALFo/BgQBvDPCeKg/minnie%252520mouse%252520pillow%252520box-crown%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.peoniesandpoppyseeds.com/2012/01/minnie-mouse-bowtique-birthday.html?m=1" target="_blank">Peonies and Poppyseeds - Minnie Mouse Birthday Printables</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/5d/cc/3a/5dcc3adb7c0782153dcc0cb29d4cbd54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/5d/cc/3a/5dcc3adb7c0782153dcc0cb29d4cbd54.jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Link</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/28167-Minne-Mouse-Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/28167-Minne-Mouse-Party.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lovethispic.com/image/28167/minne-mouse-party" target="_blank">LoveThisPic - Minnie Mouse Party Pictures</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/83/0e/dc830e399c4455419a38aa26a02f2eab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/83/0e/dc830e399c4455419a38aa26a02f2eab.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/83/0e/dc830e399c4455419a38aa26a02f2eab.jpg" target="_blank">FunPicBoard</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the recipe I used for Calla's Red Velvet cake and cupcakes. I ended up tripling the recipe as it says it makes 10 cupcakes. Also, I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SAXNE6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001SAXNE6&linkCode=as2&tag=anamehouinkor-20" target="_blank">Namaste Gluten Free All Purpose Flour</a> instead of the King Arthur brand, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring and added 1/2 cup of oil to the batter to add moisture. It had rave reviews and turned out delicious. I will warn you that it is much more dense than a standard cake mix cake and is more the consistency of a pound cake - but still very good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Gluten+Free+Red+Velvet+Cupcakes+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Gluten+Free+Red+Velvet+Cupcakes+02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/11/gluten-free-red-velvet-cupcake-recipe.html" target="_blank">Cupcake Project - GF Red Velvet Cupcakes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-13963072655250236002013-10-28T10:33:00.002-07:002013-10-29T11:01:03.654-07:00Calla's 2nd birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My last baby turned two on Saturday. Did you hear that? It was the sound of my heart breaking a little. She has come so far in such a small amount of time that it astounds me. I can't believe how much she talks, how much she knows and repeats and how much she can do by herself. I don't know if it is being the third child or if it is just because she is so dang smart, but she is all kinds of helpful and a handful at the same time. </div>
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Calla Jane - I have loved you since before you were born. You are everything I could ever want in a little girl and more. You make me smile and laugh when I am having a rough day. You are fiercely independent and capable of more than I could ever imagine. I love your "from the toes" laugh, the way you smile with your teeth and the way care for everyone around you. I see you growing up right in front of my eyes and I can't wait to see the woman you become. </div>
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Just slow down a little first.</div>
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Happy birthday angel baby.</div>
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Other favorite "Calla" posts:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2011/11/birth-of-baby-calla.html" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">The Birth of Baby Calla</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2012/10/calla-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Calla's First Birthday party</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2011/11/smile.html" target="_blank">Calla's First Smile</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goteverythingthatineed.blogspot.com/2013/06/calla-and-her-daddy.html" target="_blank">Calla and Her Daddy</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-74992502671844782252013-10-21T07:34:00.000-07:002014-02-05T21:03:30.493-08:00Shopping in Mom's pantry One of my kids favorite things to do at any children's museum is play in the house and grocery section. There you have empty boxes and cans of "real food" and lots of things to play with. I recently started letting the kids explore our pantry and dry goods shelf. They call it "shopping" and enjoy being able to open the cupboards and look at all the items inside. I like it because they are learning what all the foods are, where they come from and "pretend" to cook them on their kitchen table. It is a great way for us to have conversations about different foods, what they look like, how we like to eat them all while they get to manipulate the cans and jars and produce. <br />
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This came about mostly because I was trying to think of something different to do during rainy days and it has become a fast favorite activity that keeps them entertained for about an hour. <br />
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Last year they got this table as a Christmas present and I highly recommend it! We got it when it was a Black Friday deal so it was a little cheaper than this listed price. The kids LOVE it and what I love is that underneath the orange grill top is an empty table base for all the food and plates and silverware to go when they are done playing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41g5Zw2EGDL.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Servin-Surprises-Kitchen-Table/dp/B00B4WDZ8C/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1382365648&sr=8-10&keywords=servin%27+surprises" target="_blank">Fisher Price - Servin' Suprises Kitchen and Table</a></td></tr>
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There is a really cool link on Pinterest of how to make a grocery storefront using PVC pipes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/wp-content/uploads/market-2-640x979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/wp-content/uploads/market-2-640x979.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/pvc-challenge-season-16-week-8/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">So You Think You're Crafty - PVC Challenge</a></td></tr>
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Isn't that awesome? If the kids really decide this "shopping" thing will last, then I could look into doing this. But right now our "pantry shopping" and pretend kitchen table seems to do the trick!<br />
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What real-life activities do you guys do? Or what works for your kids on subsequent rainy days? It really is amazing the stuff you can think of to do around the house to entertain little ones!</div>
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<a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221029342829128575.post-46720458740242944852013-10-16T11:22:00.001-07:002014-02-05T21:03:45.426-08:00Apple printingI had plans for today. It involved leaving the house. It involved running errands, getting things mailed, grabbing items we have run out of and returning a pair of pants.<br />
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And then, Zander looked at me and said, "Do we HAVE to go TODAY?? Can't we go another day?" And then it started raining and the temperature dropped to 50 degrees. And I decided, "No, we don't have to go shopping today. Want to do art instead?"<br />
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Art is HUGE at our house. It takes precedence over reading, over watching Netflix, over eating, over bath time (although some of those like Netflix and baths are usually related to art time). I have been trying to include one art project a week. We do coloring with markers, pencils and crayons often. We do stickers and stamps often. By art project, I mean something out of the ordinary, something that requires a little more out of me so that they can do something different.<br />
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We have done a lot of painting lately and while I would love to move away from that medium, we ended up painting again today. Today, we did apple printing.<br />
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<span id="goog_142583277"></span><span id="goog_142583278"></span><br />
I have seen lots of ideas about how to do apple printing and have been meaning to do this for awhile but something always seemed to take priority. I would have LOVED to do a big mural with our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000JH4Y" target="_blank">roll of paper</a> but Zander and Calla wanted to make individual pictures. It worked out better this way, as Calla was more of a smear painter than a stamper (like Zander).<br />
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I am glad we made time to do this art work today and can't wait to see it hanging on the walls.<br />
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<i>(I have started an Amazon affiliate account, so if you buy something from Amazon that I have linked, I get a commision.)</i><br />
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