tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63238381428410570762024-02-18T22:18:18.613-08:00One Good Thing Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-18204553039587327562012-12-18T11:46:00.001-08:002012-12-18T11:46:04.566-08:007 Day Diet: Day 2So far so good! I've lost 3 lbs from day one. I am guessing it is mostly water weight. When I went to the gym yesterday it was like my body turned on a water faucet! Not only did I sweat so much but I haven't peed that much since I was pregnant! Which reminds me, you are encouraged to drink as much as 10 glasses of water a day. This will help flush out all those bad impurities. <br />
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For <b>Day 2</b> you are only allowed vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all
the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the
amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two
with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one
pat of butter. Another note is that vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No
dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic,
herbs. And no more than one tea spoon of oil.<br />
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With <strong>Day 2</strong> you are starting with a fix of complex carbohydrates
coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and
balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually
calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fiber. LOTS of fiber haha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmKRXNUNppJ7LXe6zqWrPFN4qlb_srz2l-n-Ml8reKSE9pTB3RTRzd-GfaCG5pWWazFIIB8r3Vg6bzUu6hCZ8WSjUP9vu3ov_4yxf2B1VkjtoG65xLSN-NuR69nmvKvukt0vTfT5SQYMm/s1600/7+day+diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmKRXNUNppJ7LXe6zqWrPFN4qlb_srz2l-n-Ml8reKSE9pTB3RTRzd-GfaCG5pWWazFIIB8r3Vg6bzUu6hCZ8WSjUP9vu3ov_4yxf2B1VkjtoG65xLSN-NuR69nmvKvukt0vTfT5SQYMm/s640/7+day+diet.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-5290092491698662112012-12-17T10:31:00.002-08:002012-12-18T11:34:31.799-08:007 Day Diet??? I recently came across this diet that supposedly will get you to lose 10+ pounds in 7 days. Some people lose less, some people lose more. I haven't found anything unhealthy about this yet. The only thing I would <i>recommend </i>(and remember, I'm not a doctor) is to take a multivitamin while on this diet. <br />
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This 7 day diet seems to be more of a detox. Cleansing your body of all the bad stuff and putting in LOTS of good stuff. The first day (which I am on NOW) consists of eating ONLY fruits except bananas. And it recommends eating lots of melons (watermelon and cantaloupe). Mostly because they are a lower calorie fruit and it will help you lose more weight. One <span style="color: #e06666;">tiny <span style="color: black;">problem for me with that is, <b><span style="color: purple;">I am HIGHLY allergic to watermelon.<span style="color: black;"> Yes, I know, it's weird..</span></span></b></span></span> With day 1, you are preparing your system for the upcoming program. Your only
source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature’s
perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain
life except total balance and variety.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxB7aaYGtD9tuwBG_xSRuoPvnv-TNQjNx5rUvyzqYV7gUU0LOdmum-E1Bb1sP0TsTe6L4bsIC9NS4eZf5EvC6l-rZG0F6C4WgPNd_HsceQ9rubJ2pSs5n1rWIcXnTkCynUbPUnqv3Qn7j/s1600/7+day+diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxB7aaYGtD9tuwBG_xSRuoPvnv-TNQjNx5rUvyzqYV7gUU0LOdmum-E1Bb1sP0TsTe6L4bsIC9NS4eZf5EvC6l-rZG0F6C4WgPNd_HsceQ9rubJ2pSs5n1rWIcXnTkCynUbPUnqv3Qn7j/s640/7+day+diet.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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While on this diet, I will also be exercising 1 1/2 to 2 hours. For today I am sticking with cardio, keeping my heart rate up and burning those calories!! I will keep everyone updated each day on how it goes and how much weight i ultimately lose!! Wish me luck!!!<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">!!!<span style="font-size: x-large;">UPDATE!!!</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I have been looking up this "diet" and <span style="font-size: small;">came across <a href="http://health-heaven.tumblr.com/post/17089615944/what-do-you-think-of-gms-diet" target="_blank">this tumblr page </a></span></span></span></span></span></span>that has a whole lot more information and explanations. So far I have lost 3 lbs from day one (yesterday). I am guessing A L<br />OT of this weight is water weight. And a lot of the weight you are going to use IS water weight. Bring on Day 2!!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-88414103947819883622012-12-17T10:00:00.001-08:002012-12-17T10:00:43.743-08:00That was a BIG break!!Okay, so I'm a new mom...Again. And it has been a LONG while that I have blogged. Sorry for the neglect my friends! I think after 2 months, I sort of have my time management down. Having 2 little ones (plus one big kid) now is a challenge but I wouldn't change it for the world :)<br />
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The first thing I'm going to start blogging about?? Well I've lost most of the baby weight but I still have about 15 lbs I'd like to shed. Be on the look out for new posts about diet, exercise, and me cursing out my big butt/ab flab!! Let's get back to blogging!!!!! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-37084599044118676982012-10-12T18:54:00.001-07:002012-10-12T18:54:15.561-07:00Baby Break!!<div><p>Hey everyone! Sorry for being MIA lately, but Im finally down to my last week of pregnancy and have been SUPER busy getting things ready..I've literally been a nesting whore (yea that totally describes me). I've been cleaning, baking, and getting the last minute necessities for this little guy! How I'm still carrying this judge belt around, I have no idea...Due date is set for the 23rd  but everyone is saying he's coming this next week. My wonderful friends even have a pot going on this! So we will see..</p>
<p>I will be out for a little while being a new mom and adjusting. I'd say around 2 weeks and I should be back at it. Thank you everyone for your support and well wishes! Ill be sure to post pictures of the while family once he's here :)</p>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-12848648232903059732012-10-08T19:29:00.001-07:002012-10-08T19:29:15.498-07:00Manic Mondays: Fusing Plastic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4MU-ghOk1oxnyQPCnZuqxjm_H8WjGzJ5IcnRZno8E4kCpPlKvhaJbzVZJYDe2D23AT-ZktHxHowGOpgCSRPLb_HH63fApt07H-Htyt-RkeQR8dyoCvrWcHJY-J6IHM0IfhCjhVp7CUc/s1600/manic+mondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4MU-ghOk1oxnyQPCnZuqxjm_H8WjGzJ5IcnRZno8E4kCpPlKvhaJbzVZJYDe2D23AT-ZktHxHowGOpgCSRPLb_HH63fApt07H-Htyt-RkeQR8dyoCvrWcHJY-J6IHM0IfhCjhVp7CUc/s320/manic+mondays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I would really like to thank the first person who thought of ironing plastic bags together to make a thick piece of plastic that could be used for about 10 GAZILLION things....But I have to sleep sometime so I'll just list 10 things at the end of this tutorial.I didn't use any bags for THIS tutorial though. I had about 6 Dollar Tree plastic tablecloths left over from my baby shower so instead of throwing them away...I kept them! And I wasn't sure <i>what for</i> exactly till this weekend when I came across an article for fusing plastic bags. I thought I'd give it a shot with the tablecloths, and come to find out...It works! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoaRxT2MjU6gs9fHLpW87l7pMDLILP0qCG9LD8Tar8E3aedMe-RHWhfr3mAqYdzG35-IEzF6aHAXjwdqqLPq1Q0iF06zAjxd69pSxcN07UXmXINc_aspiHZ_lSB8PFiCfFZ7RVtTQ_HzQ/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoaRxT2MjU6gs9fHLpW87l7pMDLILP0qCG9LD8Tar8E3aedMe-RHWhfr3mAqYdzG35-IEzF6aHAXjwdqqLPq1Q0iF06zAjxd69pSxcN07UXmXINc_aspiHZ_lSB8PFiCfFZ7RVtTQ_HzQ/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> LET'S FUSE SOME PLASTIC!!!</span></b></div>
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What you will need: </div>
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Plastic bags (Wal-Mart, Target, HEB, etc) or plastic table cloth. </div>
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An iron</div>
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Parchment paper</div>
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Grab your table cloth and fold it till you get 4 layers of plastic. If you are using plastic bags, you would use 2 plastic bags (but you can experiment and use more if you like). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJaC0_tqX0Cqrjq-3boXswNgruDtm06A7w5tC_LiODpUPZHt2WD2lqbTsCfXSKRct1XV56yi3oZM1PPDugCclvoYqd4WussEpI3YkHLW-Os6qu-oea0UmLd7LYGGQ1sO0d89sln9oMbw5/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJaC0_tqX0Cqrjq-3boXswNgruDtm06A7w5tC_LiODpUPZHt2WD2lqbTsCfXSKRct1XV56yi3oZM1PPDugCclvoYqd4WussEpI3YkHLW-Os6qu-oea0UmLd7LYGGQ1sO0d89sln9oMbw5/s400/table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then cut out squares or rectangles (depending what your going to make in the end). My cut rectangular cut outs are 20.5 x 13.5. They shrink after heat is applied so make sure you cut big enough pieces to make up for the shrinking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireONW2MriwnZqtWEf4TRsSaDgDWmKTQAwcqW9OV7aRhz5_MYZWVBu27wYUUfBtNIa1FKoG87pLuI6mZkVUdirWsTp0X4rspap6EyO8KHlp6EgB2Qdk2vXCEZwxM7yeUhH9lqIdopaHMk6/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireONW2MriwnZqtWEf4TRsSaDgDWmKTQAwcqW9OV7aRhz5_MYZWVBu27wYUUfBtNIa1FKoG87pLuI6mZkVUdirWsTp0X4rspap6EyO8KHlp6EgB2Qdk2vXCEZwxM7yeUhH9lqIdopaHMk6/s320/IMG_2815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then you are going to sandwich one of the 4 layered cut outs in between two large pieces of parchment paper You could even use some old towels for a neat texture. <b><span style="color: red;">Do not use wax paper. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrj4yN0x3rZ1W9BhsF273VRu9L3HHmL0belRtZnhzO8F5eJOtCWHqa-rdGVQL3sj9HTfQP3qK08Aq2GKQsBFQDVpVmBUOs4gf0Dtdlj4b96VlhIThA0e3Y2qQmgRdfnfA_nq2Nebl6neC/s1600/table2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrj4yN0x3rZ1W9BhsF273VRu9L3HHmL0belRtZnhzO8F5eJOtCWHqa-rdGVQL3sj9HTfQP3qK08Aq2GKQsBFQDVpVmBUOs4gf0Dtdlj4b96VlhIThA0e3Y2qQmgRdfnfA_nq2Nebl6neC/s400/table2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take your VERY hot iron and iron on top (with some pressure) of the parchment paper being careful not to get any plastic on your iron. This will ruin the iron. Also make sure there is no water in your iron to make a mist. It causes bubble and the plastic won't properly fuse. Check every couple of minutes to see if your plastic has fused together. It should not take too long at all. And when your done, it will look something like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS1FHd84x4gQgmWq6LUW4MhKoHNPVsjr5LIBJXoB81ymvWIZWnb4deiEFieteAH0ndF1XQHqpKi0yMBdyYDpzaemHLgJq-DAiRvMXbu1jDNpjgOjgP45hqQ9fEWNhOAnvDcbEsjqEBggI/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS1FHd84x4gQgmWq6LUW4MhKoHNPVsjr5LIBJXoB81ymvWIZWnb4deiEFieteAH0ndF1XQHqpKi0yMBdyYDpzaemHLgJq-DAiRvMXbu1jDNpjgOjgP45hqQ9fEWNhOAnvDcbEsjqEBggI/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pretty neat huh??? Now you're asking, "What could I use this for??". Well I have found a few useful ideas...<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You could make:</span></b></span></div>
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-reusable grocery bags</div>
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-a purse or clutch</div>
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-snack bags for the kiddos</div>
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-jewelry</div>
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-place mats for the table</div>
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-some artsy clothing</div>
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-picnic blanket</div>
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What ideas do you think you could use fused plastic for???</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-4085330487599994222012-10-03T16:56:00.003-07:002012-10-03T16:56:46.796-07:00What's Cookin' Wednesdays: Yellow Jasmine Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWMyaOy6w8cMOan589-fhyphenhyphenxbLKzz9t6iPiRfI9YkLuUPh9cXIHeRqoK2OckkKdIZv8bF4nuxU3KaoPXtl2VfCFfS5Emj_ELHBnz9K8zP4sSXKu5xsCDpOAN2DEC1GGvTyPy8hVEL8F9OX/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWMyaOy6w8cMOan589-fhyphenhyphenxbLKzz9t6iPiRfI9YkLuUPh9cXIHeRqoK2OckkKdIZv8bF4nuxU3KaoPXtl2VfCFfS5Emj_ELHBnz9K8zP4sSXKu5xsCDpOAN2DEC1GGvTyPy8hVEL8F9OX/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm88zNwiaqzsQLsMy6EEBxLQle7zxJgYYRl9qy3uRVpZTZPXinJ7M06yuD7rwOfsPEGgGQyLzluM9_wgcktRMjXNoehpvgBps7qc-PDZ01q2n3zQ_7WgA3bmmSoA4ip_zVL4Q9jTq9MsAh/s1600/IMG_2791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm88zNwiaqzsQLsMy6EEBxLQle7zxJgYYRl9qy3uRVpZTZPXinJ7M06yuD7rwOfsPEGgGQyLzluM9_wgcktRMjXNoehpvgBps7qc-PDZ01q2n3zQ_7WgA3bmmSoA4ip_zVL4Q9jTq9MsAh/s320/IMG_2791.JPG" width="320" /></a>Last week, hubby came home raving about how one of his co-workers makes some mean Jasmine rice. Like it's that hard to make...I'm a huge fan of Mexican rice, but I'm open minded and hubby isn't a big rice eater so it surprised me he liked it so much. And it's obviously healthier, which I don't mind one bit! His co-worker chef just uses butter with the rice but I decided to take it up a notch (watch out Emeril) and add some turmeric to make it more of a Thai dish. Which complimented perfectly with our rice noodle soups (which were gluten free btw). YUM!!<br />
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<td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="-moz-border-radius-topleft: 15px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 15px; background-color: #ccccff;"><big><big>Yellow Jasmine Rice</big></big></td>
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<td style="background-color: #ccccff;">2 c Uncooked Jasmine Rice<br />
3 c Chicken Broth<br />
1 tsp turmeric<br />
1/2 tbsp minced garlic<br />
2 tbsp butter</td>
<td style="-moz-border-radius-topright: 15px; background-color: #ccccff;">1/4 tsp ground cumin<br />
1/8 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 bay leaf</td>
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<td colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="-moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 15px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 15px; background-color: #ccccff;">STEP 1: Heat the butter, turmeric, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon in a medium pot over medium heat. Heat until butter is melted.
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STEP 2: Add the rice to the pot. Stir and cook over medium heat to slightly toast the rice and spices. You may hear a slight popping or crackling noise as the rice toasts.
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STEP 3: Add chicken broth and bay leaf to the pot. Place a lid on top, increase the heat to high, and bring the pot to a rolling boil. As soon as it reaches a full boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer (with the lid in on) for 20 minutes.
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STEP 4: After letting it simmer for 20 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest (don't take off the lid!) for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve! </td>
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Heat butter, turmeric, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon in a medium pot and stir until butter has melted. Add rice, toasting for a couple of minutes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaTrMNtSvWTcGj2V1XMXSz7VAdZuj6heYkhQoC63fTFSW7AdPl0Vg7PDHerfX9wfk1gN9K5w-SIGZAhOH5cjWaGb4mgDqfCQPcqKqTJl5ayA4-ccgUb97384Qd0yGtIpMDUpxfvHA8jE4/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaTrMNtSvWTcGj2V1XMXSz7VAdZuj6heYkhQoC63fTFSW7AdPl0Vg7PDHerfX9wfk1gN9K5w-SIGZAhOH5cjWaGb4mgDqfCQPcqKqTJl5ayA4-ccgUb97384Qd0yGtIpMDUpxfvHA8jE4/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Add chicken broth and bay leaf to the pot. Cover with a lid and increase heat till you get a rolling boil. Then reduce heat to a low setting and let simmer for 20 min. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4mMsS4Gp1t1Qf8-L3I3uRaRVLksEcUJjKbxF_t6HVqKLxKuNsYg5Y3jknZ_BDZtP05p05xb7nVndQ3SWiF4596S5rnj4K9GpK2BmboXUmBI_I4y59ZXkYpykaEFaDuZYy0eZO-6GOfOE/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4mMsS4Gp1t1Qf8-L3I3uRaRVLksEcUJjKbxF_t6HVqKLxKuNsYg5Y3jknZ_BDZtP05p05xb7nVndQ3SWiF4596S5rnj4K9GpK2BmboXUmBI_I4y59ZXkYpykaEFaDuZYy0eZO-6GOfOE/s320/IMG_2794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the 20 min, turn off heat and let sit for another 10 min with <i><span style="color: red;">lid on</span></i>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vv_GSJ2U2akpl5-Ki2BolKQ2cMficOh7oRiraJ0hyl7HV56paNtinuAD5_bcoj3siOAANYIJpOpYLT8GRD_vZC32MzXqV84g6ewr7DFMJ-RDV8fNODrynutKuH6nRpmZ6lmQM15mePGM/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vv_GSJ2U2akpl5-Ki2BolKQ2cMficOh7oRiraJ0hyl7HV56paNtinuAD5_bcoj3siOAANYIJpOpYLT8GRD_vZC32MzXqV84g6ewr7DFMJ-RDV8fNODrynutKuH6nRpmZ6lmQM15mePGM/s320/IMG_2795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fluff with a fork and serve!!! <span id="goog_388944768"></span><span id="goog_388944769"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFra6B52ac3XrOHc1ggFDS0c1RCCSAzDye5UsUa6I14SYNKYaz_x0Se7WEuF2vrCMA_yHyN3DmnCwPZRoJyVwSb0HsYSHH_W1tY8BhXDoZbjtAZNRt31leDcCzDHe14UA6nW4wbD9L9XE/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFra6B52ac3XrOHc1ggFDS0c1RCCSAzDye5UsUa6I14SYNKYaz_x0Se7WEuF2vrCMA_yHyN3DmnCwPZRoJyVwSb0HsYSHH_W1tY8BhXDoZbjtAZNRt31leDcCzDHe14UA6nW4wbD9L9XE/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-10143729578811704782012-10-01T11:23:00.002-07:002012-10-01T11:23:28.857-07:00Manic Mondays: DIY Produce Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU4Rrum__z2dFq30-8VN6aDpWu8TncrX02T0-zqLA8Xzcpc90Wmb9WhyphenhypheniScs4_wQKyAubzKmQhA6dvlWE7cLJKwIc4A4fXKNfhgy_FwJzi16JphTtnWwhuHhFD8exLKp1aPqf5lCGtTeH/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU4Rrum__z2dFq30-8VN6aDpWu8TncrX02T0-zqLA8Xzcpc90Wmb9WhyphenhypheniScs4_wQKyAubzKmQhA6dvlWE7cLJKwIc4A4fXKNfhgy_FwJzi16JphTtnWwhuHhFD8exLKp1aPqf5lCGtTeH/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9weCR_DVMy2LV_CVWHz8IeCToEXzqgYkZKq81zB96-YOr7Qja2bwCJ4rL1T1ZbHtZ6AmgUE28N4gqoWhfIRsginmlhIwzurJHozoAH_IooU-yjVLlN6FqyXb24LH0akdd7SgGZRtpA3rt/s1600/IMG_2770-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9weCR_DVMy2LV_CVWHz8IeCToEXzqgYkZKq81zB96-YOr7Qja2bwCJ4rL1T1ZbHtZ6AmgUE28N4gqoWhfIRsginmlhIwzurJHozoAH_IooU-yjVLlN6FqyXb24LH0akdd7SgGZRtpA3rt/s320/IMG_2770-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We have started to become regulars at our local Farmer's Market these past few months. I love the idea of <span style="color: red;">fresh</span> produce, meats, and eggs. Plus all the handmade soaps and beauty products are wonderful treasures!! Only thing is I hate bringing home plastic bags. I have yet to accumulate enough <i>reusable</i> grocery bags for our weekly grocery store trips (we eat a alot) so we have waaaay more than enough plastic bags.<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a> though, I found a way to make <span style="color: magenta;"><b>my own</b></span> reusable produce bag that I can take with me to the Farmer's Market. And it's out of <i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">OLD T-SHIRTS.</span></b></i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;"> Yay for being <strike>cheap</strike> frugal!!!!! </span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;">This project does require a tiiiiiny bit of sewing but you don't have to be an expert because all you have to do is sew in a line (and it doesn't even have to be straight!!). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;"><b>ITEMS NEEDED:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;">Old t-shirt</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;">sewing machine</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;">scissors</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;">pen, marker, or chalk </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFzEMcRyHk1LdbWSp1lVjto2TvnAIzhzxMAhVXjSPWZdigjYsg3nBrnZcCzeXXFKNlDP1j0Be_VGypuP67lxzkGp7iHtk93IyPbMcLiaN0wGyxEeVaZAxwB9omnXz_B4VNW4QzIwI5gcW/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFzEMcRyHk1LdbWSp1lVjto2TvnAIzhzxMAhVXjSPWZdigjYsg3nBrnZcCzeXXFKNlDP1j0Be_VGypuP67lxzkGp7iHtk93IyPbMcLiaN0wGyxEeVaZAxwB9omnXz_B4VNW4QzIwI5gcW/s320/IMG_2755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>So start with your t-shirt inside out. I used one of hubby's old shirts to make one big bag. And it doesn't matter if it has a print on it. A printed shirt would probably make it look more unique :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8psa8q0OAc8UWgak0hRfsYLvjgnXk394Mc5ip_5OCQmu4d6xln-mpR3c1PL1XSLBZHOL_VC4aOzJ52-_rfEaaHmhr5pBiLAweOWIQwOqu2IWdjsbnzsJdxxciLuBNmRHCnaAxQ-aKkRkQ/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8psa8q0OAc8UWgak0hRfsYLvjgnXk394Mc5ip_5OCQmu4d6xln-mpR3c1PL1XSLBZHOL_VC4aOzJ52-_rfEaaHmhr5pBiLAweOWIQwOqu2IWdjsbnzsJdxxciLuBNmRHCnaAxQ-aKkRkQ/s320/IMG_2757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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The next part I forgot to take a picture of (oops) but all you do is fold the shirt in half lengthwise and use a marker to make the shape of your bag. <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Unless you want a smaller bag,</b></span> <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>don't cut the original side seams of the t-shirt. Plus this will save you from a lot of sewing. </b><span style="color: black;">I went head and angled my bag on the bottom but you can just cut straight across if you prefer. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincaYRGXIeqjGRirgj5GZTsgtUQprvenvxXnPJjPNbgXwp_RepII45nWGlAQ6Xshn2l9ssYxmiRlTP63zYFPsZgYXyjSwKGBnbNJAWmTMA5jOK4iaTlKtpNGLYGxp3qOW_WZUrhiPVs_Gd/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincaYRGXIeqjGRirgj5GZTsgtUQprvenvxXnPJjPNbgXwp_RepII45nWGlAQ6Xshn2l9ssYxmiRlTP63zYFPsZgYXyjSwKGBnbNJAWmTMA5jOK4iaTlKtpNGLYGxp3qOW_WZUrhiPVs_Gd/s320/IMG_2759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Then, sew along the open edge which is the bottom of your bag. I would suggest a zig zag stitch but you can just do a straight stitch and reinforce it by doing <i>another</i> straight stitch right next to it. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWH6kPU2W-7794RvF6pUpT991sJp0BztI0RDyfe3OWi23T8BTTYV8hTqb8iniknENPUdSOrJs11b_V8EzefOooNvci83wt_cThRnfA0OV53wLT0wnVlkiL0JyM_-r5LsoUzIyswLe_eug/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWH6kPU2W-7794RvF6pUpT991sJp0BztI0RDyfe3OWi23T8BTTYV8hTqb8iniknENPUdSOrJs11b_V8EzefOooNvci83wt_cThRnfA0OV53wLT0wnVlkiL0JyM_-r5LsoUzIyswLe_eug/s320/IMG_2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my zig zag stitch.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDICMl6k8cQGncxh-cGp2yk1brCfMgv5R6rKPjKIv5xSCwUuWLh0ABWn81aXQ4jWCgABMZjW2KJp0oXVasHLHaXomIWwU4OF5Y-yWIxXTTk8oJ16o4dczf8mhbbG9_ZxA1RrXPoxOf25H/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDICMl6k8cQGncxh-cGp2yk1brCfMgv5R6rKPjKIv5xSCwUuWLh0ABWn81aXQ4jWCgABMZjW2KJp0oXVasHLHaXomIWwU4OF5Y-yWIxXTTk8oJ16o4dczf8mhbbG9_ZxA1RrXPoxOf25H/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zig zag stitch reinforced with straight stitch.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE385SrlhRkXHKM9qv73V8Ww5-8_fvNWxZlsthpnyvcLrMN4NdeJGnZSb381IDA2ok0Zo69FEcEA6db36bc0w5urmE3vH36CkjEG1Lj6m8zz0OIEnUy4O9oksTV7rsgpCc4yJeGv8a15Jy/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE385SrlhRkXHKM9qv73V8Ww5-8_fvNWxZlsthpnyvcLrMN4NdeJGnZSb381IDA2ok0Zo69FEcEA6db36bc0w5urmE3vH36CkjEG1Lj6m8zz0OIEnUy4O9oksTV7rsgpCc4yJeGv8a15Jy/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When your done sewing the bottom closed, use your marker to make dashes which, when cut, will serve as your "mesh". Also make sure to make a line where you would want the cut out for your handle to be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BWEvzr1cWBDeEwf8TuzQ_qytbz1-rPN3b6g1IvS9rE7tHVJb5Bcm3dkhL97OmSEyvHWsXspysTPKZNWJe_vqlpk6EVQa_hRpxOZun15eTgGH6ra_ka9nmVvZJYC-HChM1QUq0VkH3QMu/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BWEvzr1cWBDeEwf8TuzQ_qytbz1-rPN3b6g1IvS9rE7tHVJb5Bcm3dkhL97OmSEyvHWsXspysTPKZNWJe_vqlpk6EVQa_hRpxOZun15eTgGH6ra_ka9nmVvZJYC-HChM1QUq0VkH3QMu/s320/IMG_2765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut a slit on your mark using the tips of the scissors. Make sure you go through both sides of the fabric. And you will repeat this for all of your marks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaERg3l3RL18tVl3xUKMnTvyFESUd-eW7RHACnzHcumAWCVE0Zg3T7aUSlWRcJcbhIHS_3SZ5GEOmsZue3xkxFZjj61WfZ8OvoMAYw3DntE8NOiGZGFloSuO0IrqHkFeq4hVgn7buAic6M/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaERg3l3RL18tVl3xUKMnTvyFESUd-eW7RHACnzHcumAWCVE0Zg3T7aUSlWRcJcbhIHS_3SZ5GEOmsZue3xkxFZjj61WfZ8OvoMAYw3DntE8NOiGZGFloSuO0IrqHkFeq4hVgn7buAic6M/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you are done, strrreeeeeetttch out the fabric (don't rip it) to widen and stretch out your cut holes. Then turn your bag right side out and....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N0wXFpdKRrDJU9vMmfnYlJlFZG7-QLsmG5Y2IEdkFZyeFcfl4C6XrCkJFV-og2Fg-injGXA0BbrIa6YFtsvw5BNZzu1d-G4BD2RgPe9yyxxf5DQ8bo8RLyPIc8RMLlp8JzetA0GqtuZg/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N0wXFpdKRrDJU9vMmfnYlJlFZG7-QLsmG5Y2IEdkFZyeFcfl4C6XrCkJFV-og2Fg-injGXA0BbrIa6YFtsvw5BNZzu1d-G4BD2RgPe9yyxxf5DQ8bo8RLyPIc8RMLlp8JzetA0GqtuZg/s320/IMG_2769.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
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The end result is a handy dandy produce bag to put all your fresh veggies in! Great thing about this is you can toss it in with your dirty laundry to get it clean again. LOVE IT!!! I'll be making a whole lot more of these and in different sizes. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Thinking about even making one to throw all the bath toys in and hang it to dry!</span> </div>
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What other ideas can you come up with to use these bags for???<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-38593847456325922752012-09-27T20:05:00.001-07:002012-09-27T20:05:17.954-07:00Toddler Activity: Leaf Bracelet<div>
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My daughter and I went for our daily walk this morning. But instead of our usual routine, I decided to let my "mini me" build some creative thinking skills and hunt for leaves to make a leaf bracelet.<i><span style="color: magenta;"> I can't remember which website I had seen this on and if any one finds it, please let me know so I can link back to that site.</span></i> Our leaf hunt was cut short unfortunately due to rain (It came out of nowhere!) so I'll have to remember this again for another time...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of my daughter haha</td></tr>
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Some of the things we worked on were: Which leaves were big and which were small (grouping) what colors they were, and how many (grouped and all together). After we gathered around 10 or so, we headed back home and I let her design her own leaf bracelet.<br />
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I cut a strip of coloring paper (any paper work work) and stuck on some double sided tape. You could even just use duct tape but I don't know where the hubby hides it, so improvise we did! <br />
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Then I let her stick the leaves on to make her leaf bracelet. She seemed to favor the small ones.<br />
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And that's it!! Nothing fancy or anything. Just some good 'ole fashion fun with a little bit of learning mixed in. My little monster seemed to enjoy it!! :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-59785771232395378032012-09-26T10:46:00.003-07:002012-09-26T10:46:36.233-07:00What's Cookin' Wednesdays: Pumpkin Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW8-ptnnRTJ_6YjIpIYO82dv86aGueB54bPShf8lYoSSPY4H9qmJSLShjZ0zgbyZvJesN8ECDauVN39UXtzzxDtteO1wqoU_3zyNNQUf1nMtJnqa88GUvT3w3gM6OdmdG2HZXMYnFqMiN/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW8-ptnnRTJ_6YjIpIYO82dv86aGueB54bPShf8lYoSSPY4H9qmJSLShjZ0zgbyZvJesN8ECDauVN39UXtzzxDtteO1wqoU_3zyNNQUf1nMtJnqa88GUvT3w3gM6OdmdG2HZXMYnFqMiN/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I teased everyone Monday on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Villarreal.A.J?ref=hl" target="_blank">FACEBOOK PAGE</a> about my house smelling like Fall. Well since this past weekend was the start of Fall, I HAD to get into the spirit! And what better way to start than by making <b><span style="color: orange;">Pumpkin Bread</span></b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">. I adapted my own recipe from one called <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread</a></span></span>. Reviewers raved that this bread is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">even better</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"> the day after. They weren't kidding!! I'm actually stuffing my face as we speak...No seriously, I just can't get enough.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">INGREDIENTS (yields 2 loaves):</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">1 15oz can pumpkin puree</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">4 eggs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">*8 oz applesauce (I used unsweetened)</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">2/3 c water</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">2 1/2 c sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">3 1/2 cups flour</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">2 tsp baking soda</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">1 1/2 tsp kosher salt</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">2 TBS pumpkin pie spice (recipe below)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">* The original recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil. I replaced the oil with applesauce. You can use either or. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"> </span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: purple;">Pumpkin Pie Spice:</span></b></div>
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3 tbs ground cinnamon</div>
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2 tsp ground ginger</div>
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2 tsp nutmeg</div>
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1 1/2 tsp ground allspice</div>
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1 1/2 tsp ground cloves</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">(Combine spices in small bowl, mix well to combine. Store in a small jar or spice container.)</span></div>
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Start by preheating oven to 350 F. Then grease and flour 2 loaf pans. I believe mine are 9x5. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One glass and one metal..They both work!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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In a bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, applesauce (or oil), water, vanilla, and sugar. Mix well using an electric mixer or stand mixer if you like to get all fancy.</div>
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In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice using a whisk.</div>
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Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and stir until well blended. </div>
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Pour batter into prepared pans evenly. Bake for 60 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. </div>
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I gave one loaf to the hubby to take to work and he's says it's a big hit with the co-workers. Nothing like a bunch of dirty manly men standing around eating pumpkin bread! This definitely is my go-to snack with a tall glass of milk. Delicious!!</div>
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Do you have YOUR favorite fall recipe?? </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-51290226056922445662012-09-25T20:06:00.003-07:002012-09-25T20:07:19.934-07:005 Health and Beauty Benefits Using Apple Cider Vinegar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know that old saying, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away."??? Well what about Apple Cider <i><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Vinegar</span></b></i>? It's made from
apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It's then fermented a
second time to apple cider vinegar. I've found hundreds of uses for this unbearably strong smelling vinegar
on the internet and apparently a lot of them claim to be health related.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a completely natural product. And I'm talking about the <span style="color: orange;">raw, organic, <span style="color: black;">unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (the cloudy stuff). </span></span>It has been used for over <span style="color: purple;">10 <i>thousand</i> <i>years</i><span style="color: black;"> for it's healing properties and to treat various aliments. According to several natural-health sources, ACV contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B1, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6323838142841057076">vitamin B2, vitamin B6</a>, beta-carotene, bioflavonoids, acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids, potash, and apple pectin. It's no wonder people say it's good for you! It's packed with some healthy stuff!! Since I've got this HUGE interest in alternative medicine, I'd like to share with you a few things I have discovered (and might even try after I pop this baby out) about ACV and how it can benefit you health wise....</span></span><br />
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1. ACV as a weight-loss aid- Many claim that if you take 2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 ounces of water before each meal, it will help to control your appetite (causing you not to over eat) as well as increase your metabolism and help burn fat. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">You can add honey to this mixture for a better taste. </span></div>
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2. ACV boosts the immune system- Raw apple cider vinegar contains anti-fungal, anti-viral and
anti-bacterial properties that can work as immune protectors against a
wide variety of germs. ACV also helps balance <b></b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span class="cmsAds"><b>pH levels in the body</b></span></span>
and helps to maintain the body's natural alkaline state. When the body
is alkaline, it is better equipped to ward off colds and other viruses
that thrive in an acidic body. These viruses cannot develop and grow
properly in a body that is alkaline because it is not the right type of environment for the germs to survive in. With all the natural vitamins and minerals it has, ACV has been labeled as a "favorite" in the alternative medicine world. </div>
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3. ACV improves digestion- With all the acids, vitamins, and minerals found in ACV, it is said that it works with your body's own stomach acids and digestive enzymes to <span style="color: #c27ba0;">promote good digestion</span>. Acid reflux for example, is when you have too much acid in your digestive tract and it start promoting bacteria growth. Taking ACV (2 tsp with 8 oz water before a meal) is said to bond with this acidic bacteria and neutralize it, bringing the digestive tract back to an alkaline state. </div>
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4. ACV and healthy hair- Not only have many been using it as an alternative to commercial conditioners (such as myself), but many use it to treat hair problems. Regular use (once a week) will greatly improve your scalp, eliminating dandruff and slowing hair loss. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">It is has been said that it can be used to aid in the removal of LICE. </span></div>
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5. ACV and acne- I have not tried this (yet) but if you're prone to acne, using ACV as a nightly toner will apparently help clear it up. It works as a natural antibacterial and cleans up bad oils from the face. Dilute ACV with 2 parts water (I would suggest filtered or distilled, not tap.) and apply to skin using a cotton ball. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">It is also said to help heal acne scars and lighten age spots. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">As with all supplements or dietary aides, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider before taking ACV.</span> I have to say that by the way. I'm not a doctor but I know supplementing ACV is not for everyone. So please be cautious and know what you're doing. There is SO much more that you can use ACV for (not just health and beauty) and I will probably make another list again soon. But for now, I hope I have peaked some interest and curiosity in you as a reader. </div>
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Do you think you could supplement ACV into YOUR diet??? </div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-32427121823913236862012-09-24T11:46:00.001-07:002012-09-24T11:46:26.000-07:00Homemade Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2oR9yBWMqURp3GHAbJ33-f6RL5X2Us4Ie9xtBWjug98Xj1iv08cLginobIImnP_NSq4I9HQPPiI6OTZgv_MjIlKAT_iZrvODuxgpyM3KOCJhyphenhyphenQ9qLuRYv4PIF_NlDfbPCl09MiEy0sjN/s1600/manic+mondays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2oR9yBWMqURp3GHAbJ33-f6RL5X2Us4Ie9xtBWjug98Xj1iv08cLginobIImnP_NSq4I9HQPPiI6OTZgv_MjIlKAT_iZrvODuxgpyM3KOCJhyphenhyphenQ9qLuRYv4PIF_NlDfbPCl09MiEy0sjN/s320/manic+mondays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One of my first blog posts was how to make <a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/homemade-laundry-detergent.html" target="_blank">Homemade Laundry Detergent</a>. Not only am I saving money but I am also watching out what kind of chemicals we use in our household. Store bought detergent = Not so safe. Homemade detergent = Safe. But now, with the new baby coming Oct 23rd, I have had to find homemade products that are safe(r) for the little guy. <br />
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I have made an adaptation from my homemade laundry detergent recipe that is not only safe for the new baby but also for anyone with sensitive skin.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>What you will need:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 c Baking Soda</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 c Washing Soda</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 c Borax</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 c OxyClean (optional)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 bar Fels Naptha </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZThAha1zqZ7u926KPc2QZ5agKski4ahuxDvT2B3gxS70V5PKcF5lcF_QvcxvpoY_n6-DgHpNHKVHrXbQ3BT03qNRwu6T8ErfFzTnL9wVVRxzbsGKEB0JXITGCv1EGkAkIZ2x-cQ_8TGug/s1600/sensitive+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZThAha1zqZ7u926KPc2QZ5agKski4ahuxDvT2B3gxS70V5PKcF5lcF_QvcxvpoY_n6-DgHpNHKVHrXbQ3BT03qNRwu6T8ErfFzTnL9wVVRxzbsGKEB0JXITGCv1EGkAkIZ2x-cQ_8TGug/s640/sensitive+soap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty much the same ingredients as my regular homemade detergent but without the Purex Crystals and instead of grating the Fels Naptha I <span style="color: red;"><i>put it in the</i></span> <i><span style="color: red;">microwave for 90 seconds. </span></i>Yep!! Who would of thought about doing that??? Makes is soooo much easier and faster than grating. PLUS you get a very fine, powdery soap that mixes well, rather than grated cheese soap that kinda gets stuck in clumps. </div>
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So when you put your soap in the microwave for 90 seconds, it will look something like this....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5My2bbpuT0To_CrvPliEicPQOgR3HyjCHSx7zmdke_oOt4RQpZAx-DK-S3Fq8HuZXcwBNiE6MX1c5ds1VhthfHIekbf1ZeqkTvVrUSeYu7RF-A_BHCMPAtbIKO77zWLS2XtVJP0slgAmo/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5My2bbpuT0To_CrvPliEicPQOgR3HyjCHSx7zmdke_oOt4RQpZAx-DK-S3Fq8HuZXcwBNiE6MX1c5ds1VhthfHIekbf1ZeqkTvVrUSeYu7RF-A_BHCMPAtbIKO77zWLS2XtVJP0slgAmo/s320/IMG_2635.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
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It kinda looks like a lumpy ball of yellow bread (or a camel's foot). Make sure though, that you wait for it to cool down before crumbling it into pieces. The soap can actually stay hot for a while. I suggest waiting 15-20 min before crumbling. </div>
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Once is cools, combine all the ingredients into a container with a lid. Use only 1 tablespoon per load (I use the OxyClean scoop), 2 tablespoons for big/dirty loads plus about 1/2 cup of white vinegar (put vinegar in the fabric softener compartment) to get rid of bacteria and smells. <span style="color: magenta;"><b>If you are using CLOTH diapers, omit the Fels Naptha soap.</b></span> I have read on other blogs that using <u>any bar soap</u> on cloth diapers destroys the fabrics and the absorbency of them as well. </div>
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Please feel free to share your homemade recipes or if you have used mine, I would love to hear your thoughts!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-15619008537768099382012-09-20T13:46:00.001-07:002012-09-20T13:48:11.020-07:00Homemade Hairspray (And it WORKS!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpiLgwdMVRF-ddIJecst2bZjpegA54Y79LTAgvYSpZ3_6yPRX7Tkyykpocg73cQbVPrhhmqHy4ckx33RHKui1d9YTrELiIxArregIejvhcWNlNf-5O6u7pbSQHpG9R3y3ENgb9XEFqylc/s1600/woman-with-hairspray.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpiLgwdMVRF-ddIJecst2bZjpegA54Y79LTAgvYSpZ3_6yPRX7Tkyykpocg73cQbVPrhhmqHy4ckx33RHKui1d9YTrELiIxArregIejvhcWNlNf-5O6u7pbSQHpG9R3y3ENgb9XEFqylc/s320/woman-with-hairspray.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Since going <a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/update-week-4-of-no-poo.html#.UFtuwpasDsY" target="_blank">No Poo</a>, I have slowly been replacing a lot of my commercial hair/body care products with more natural and non synthetic ingredients. The next thing I can cross off my list is, <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>HAIRSPRAY!!</b><span style="color: black;"> Living in South Texas, the humidity here is God awful. So what every woman needs to keep her curls from going flat or her hair looking like she stuck her finger in an electrical socket, is hair products. Hairspray mostly. But what's in commercial hairsprays?? Poisonous fumes that should not be enhaled!!! Sure it can be safe when used properly but with the chemical compounds it contains (</span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;">Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Propylene glycol, Polyvinyl alcohol, Hydroflurocarbon, Denatured alcohol and Carboxylmethylcellulose), you are taking a very large risk on your health over time. And let's not forget that it is HIGHLY flammable. Especially the hairsprays that are aerosol. These synthetic products are NOT necessary! Make sure you <a href="http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/hairspray/1.asp" target="_blank">Educate Yourself</a>. <span style="color: black;">I know this seems very one sided but with all the other health problems we could potentially face in our lives, do we really need to add on to it??</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;">What I have found is a very simple recipe that has had amazing results. Now this is NOT </span></span>your 1980s super hold, Aqua Net, hairspray that your grandma uses that makes her hair as hard as a helmet. I say this because <span style="color: #93c47d;">I know</span>. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>This recipe is a </b></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>flexible hold</b></span><span style="color: black;">. Which I love because I DON'T like my hair to be hard. I like it to look as natural as possible but with enough hold that my curls stay in tact. </span></span><br />
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All you need is: <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">A lemon cut into wedges, 2 cups of water, any essential oils you want (lavender smells great with lemon) and about 1/4 cup of clear grain alcohol (like vodka). You will also need a container that sprays a fine mist.</span> </b>This is not flammable. I tried aaalll different ways to light this mixture on fire. Worried about putting vodka in your hair?? Read <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style/add-lasting-shine-to-winter-hair-with-vodka.htm" target="_blank">THIS</a> little article. You'll be surprised how good it is for your hair!<br />
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Boil the lemon wedges in 2 cups of water until the water has boiled halfway down. </div>
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Pour the boiled lemon water through a mesh strainer (you don't want the pulp) into a measuring cup. You should have about 1 cup of liquid. If you don't you can add more boiled (or distilled) water. Let cool. </div>
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Once cooled, add the 1/4 cup of vodka and 6-8 drops of essential oils. Pour into your spray container and shake well to mix. I just re-purposed a bottle from a heat protectant spray. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YT0LgioSTTdAzobmZX2mRoE_fUVPDow7RzrUtDYG21v8CDRGqwziCpCR9AMTjziX5sAoR5qStH3thCBeZJVFNBeqVtD_7f4yQlN3ZPNiGEQ06qParau2swz-grAPVI70GKIh2Y0wL7Ip/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YT0LgioSTTdAzobmZX2mRoE_fUVPDow7RzrUtDYG21v8CDRGqwziCpCR9AMTjziX5sAoR5qStH3thCBeZJVFNBeqVtD_7f4yQlN3ZPNiGEQ06qParau2swz-grAPVI70GKIh2Y0wL7Ip/s320/IMG_2702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I pretty much use this hairspray religiously now. It has worked amazing for me and I hope it does for you too. <span style="color: #660000;"><b>TIP: </b>If you are a brunette (no highlights) try using an <span style="color: orange;">orange<span style="color: #660000;"> instead of a lemon. Lemons are really good for blondes or those with highlights and when you're out in the sun, it can lighten your hair a little.</span></span></span> And if you are worried about this attracting bugs, worry not! Citrus is actually known to keep away bugs, especially <span style="color: #38761d;">mosquitoes</span>. Oh, did I mention how great this smells??? YUM!!</div>
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Do you have any other natural hairspray methods?? Please share!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-704369246759976052012-09-19T18:22:00.003-07:002012-09-19T18:51:18.082-07:00What's Cookin Wednesdays: Charro Beans!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yct-3XEevAntYxP0krkOfIfgyhkw2YxbMKrHDI-Rnm95MMww-mou-7RQFtgGqDgTHy64iJbebHCvJkVqcH1sgqpGwfRmi0VcuFfEoujYguXzHYpD4qWNcuuBix5csDSz2FZJS6B1s8Bl/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yct-3XEevAntYxP0krkOfIfgyhkw2YxbMKrHDI-Rnm95MMww-mou-7RQFtgGqDgTHy64iJbebHCvJkVqcH1sgqpGwfRmi0VcuFfEoujYguXzHYpD4qWNcuuBix5csDSz2FZJS6B1s8Bl/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you were to walk into my house right now, it would literally smell like a good, authentic Mexican restaurant. Or in my case, grandma's house. All those deep earthy spices topped off with the aromas from spicy chile peppers. MMmmm! It's beaner heaven!! Yes, I said beaner because I am one! Today, I'm making Charro Beans (which literally means cowboy beans) and I'm sharing MY very own recipe to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytae8epio5MwMU5OUthQQS41r-3VO6FLGoaxKD58U3lff682AbohSh5nXljRAHi8WY1QSOGjWr-rg3Wg-yu__UWHHhQPnzgM2uy0ZJBYSVUhLpTTZYhAnc5jcrVa941Ef06FBFZCbQRuU/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytae8epio5MwMU5OUthQQS41r-3VO6FLGoaxKD58U3lff682AbohSh5nXljRAHi8WY1QSOGjWr-rg3Wg-yu__UWHHhQPnzgM2uy0ZJBYSVUhLpTTZYhAnc5jcrVa941Ef06FBFZCbQRuU/s320/IMG_2692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Every Hispanic home has their way of making charro beans but they all have one big thing in common: Time. It takes about 6-8 hours to make a real good pot of beans. Best thing about this though, if you have a crock-pot, all you have to do is let them cook over night and they will be done in the morning. Just in time for breakfast!! Mash them up and make some refried beans with those babies..Ohhhh yeah, my stomach is howling right about now haha<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Ingredients:</span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: red;">2 cups of dry pinto beans</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">8 cups of water</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">4 slices of bacon (or less if you want)</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1 small onion diced</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1 jalapeno diced (optional) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1 can of rotel</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1 clove of garlic</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">1 T of cumin</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">salt to taste</span><br />
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Start by bringing the 8 cups of water to a boil. While that is going, place the 2 cups of beans in a colander and pick out all the bad beans or beans you would consider inedible. I've found rocks, twigs, and dirt in mine..<span style="color: purple;">Not something I would want to eat</span>...Then rinse the beans thoroughly. </div>
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Put rinsed beans in crock pot. Pour boiling water over beans and turn on "low" setting. Add whole garlic clove to crock pot. Heat for two hours. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't stop to take pictures while holding boiling water. It's not easy...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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While that is cooking, cut up bacon into pieces, place into pan and brown. Remove bacon and leave drippings. Add diced onion and diced jalapenos to drippings and cook until tender. Add rotel and let simmer for about 10min. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXUrvg6uh6ltixb0mscrzdoeLKwOEO8jVhst-QDgDvKQujH_zO1aTogYjgoPP8vYsVd2axbo243akCfPVoBj8cJpYZoaXQOlj7Bjp6ac7NxqMv8JZCeejuWUUWmi0B7-v7WHzQkHNS6M7/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXUrvg6uh6ltixb0mscrzdoeLKwOEO8jVhst-QDgDvKQujH_zO1aTogYjgoPP8vYsVd2axbo243akCfPVoBj8cJpYZoaXQOlj7Bjp6ac7NxqMv8JZCeejuWUUWmi0B7-v7WHzQkHNS6M7/s320/IMG_2687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put tomato/onion mixture in crock pot and add cooked bacon, cilantro, cumin, and salt to taste. If you need to add water, add very hot or boiling water. If you add cold water it will split the beans and that's a big no-no. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rd6Q1NnKaqHNckeqTgO6jDTltlPG4XkjlyNTHSwVjc1evV_roIM2OpleXBLdmlFvdS4eZLxEyvLT-CalUrOHUsGC_Ut2hOFPlh8xO3pu7Crhvw5CBE6XOvOGxhY-KYhlw6-szjEDr1u2/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rd6Q1NnKaqHNckeqTgO6jDTltlPG4XkjlyNTHSwVjc1evV_roIM2OpleXBLdmlFvdS4eZLxEyvLT-CalUrOHUsGC_Ut2hOFPlh8xO3pu7Crhvw5CBE6XOvOGxhY-KYhlw6-szjEDr1u2/s320/IMG_2688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After about 4 hours check your beans. Add water if it needs any and do a "taste test". Add more salt if needed and cook another hour. After about 7hrs total, your beans should be ready to eat! Pour into a bowl and garnish with cilantro and/or avocado if you'd like. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswaDu8ETHqyS-J0srZrpaQsKwytf2XX-YtMfe76PhFpeAENYPYor8xhIp7o_CgKBaVJuJpT8G-HrRykWaPv31PvRa7UjKsFW7OpgScTESDnk85EglPV8PU_kICaGqy1Tk7Uiu7j3hYIB2/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswaDu8ETHqyS-J0srZrpaQsKwytf2XX-YtMfe76PhFpeAENYPYor8xhIp7o_CgKBaVJuJpT8G-HrRykWaPv31PvRa7UjKsFW7OpgScTESDnk85EglPV8PU_kICaGqy1Tk7Uiu7j3hYIB2/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are good to eat with warm tortillas (that's how we like them) or as a side dish complimenting any Mexican meal. Enjoy!</div>
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Do you do anything different with your re-fried beans???</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-37668297872659903722012-09-18T09:46:00.001-07:002012-09-18T10:19:42.217-07:00How to Make a Diaper Wreath <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu659f_693xesSvS0P6Uu3E0MHqdKvGx7McMJ7tzqHyF8ecK5COccepCrZ1ucvYnJESNA_joP1NfysAS97jYC-2qGxSOYFY9hyphenhyphenjKOWYaCDHI6KpZWf9bjJUenGoDO3J8IEyLKCUufm5rRq/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu659f_693xesSvS0P6Uu3E0MHqdKvGx7McMJ7tzqHyF8ecK5COccepCrZ1ucvYnJESNA_joP1NfysAS97jYC-2qGxSOYFY9hyphenhyphenjKOWYaCDHI6KpZWf9bjJUenGoDO3J8IEyLKCUufm5rRq/s320/IMG_2670.JPG" width="285" /></a>Yesterday's tutorial was on <a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/manic-mondays-diaper-cake-tutorial.html#.UFiXMpb-bYQ" target="_blank">How to Make a Diaper Cake</a>. Adding on to that, I have decided to make a <i>Diaper Wreath</i>. There are a couple of ways to do this. One being the <a href="http://behindtheafter.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-original-diaper-wreath.html" target="_blank">Rolled Version</a> and the other being like the one I will show you in this tutorial. I'm not sure what to call it...The Tied Version??? Anyways...Since I've made this for MY own personal baby shower, the theme will be sports. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies: </span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Wire hanger (a foam wreath will work also) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Curling ribbon </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Hot glue gun </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Diapers (size 1 or newborn) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Any embellishments or decorations you wish to use to go with your theme. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-Baby items (onesies, stuffed animal, shoes, etc.)</span></div>
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Start by taking the wire hanger and opening it up till you have a circle, leaving the "hook" part in tact. If you are using a foam wreath, don't worry about this step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nObXXaZEZcGDctehwDzBpplFeTdHBNznLAvSgpfKoXNNbSJO0WTYw5agfgUAwwx-M6Vsh2Vi7VIrI-2IpitUNk0n87jr6kmU7wkfvScn7acvBxrMp-4BNOyGdHxzKKZFI7VxVAKQAhPM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nObXXaZEZcGDctehwDzBpplFeTdHBNznLAvSgpfKoXNNbSJO0WTYw5agfgUAwwx-M6Vsh2Vi7VIrI-2IpitUNk0n87jr6kmU7wkfvScn7acvBxrMp-4BNOyGdHxzKKZFI7VxVAKQAhPM/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take an unfolded diaper and slip it under the wire. Fold the diaper closed and it should be wrapped around the wire hanger. Then take curling ribbon and tie a double knot leaving the ends loose. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_BbIMGRauq9lKLJKz_mOljraKgMSFZDxQZPj_NRritDNXq9OzIv9IHkPOHzo_NHqQYV6j3LaQMRHO4TMy4yyWfw3_Db-zlwah4m4lgj86NefPm9xXGxBS2p9XnMKRk0s-apc2JKDpFDS/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_BbIMGRauq9lKLJKz_mOljraKgMSFZDxQZPj_NRritDNXq9OzIv9IHkPOHzo_NHqQYV6j3LaQMRHO4TMy4yyWfw3_Db-zlwah4m4lgj86NefPm9xXGxBS2p9XnMKRk0s-apc2JKDpFDS/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make those pretty little curls simply take one blade on a pair of scissors (<span style="color: red;"><b>be careful</b></span>) and run it along (starting from bottom to top) the DULL side of the curling ribbon. <span style="color: #e06666;">Note: When doing this the ribbon should be between the blade of the scissors and your thumb. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrh8wyB-WOcRsrUc9ZDPo3LPC2m3x6BRxIvaB_DwH6RyM_pRx4MA0HhWWKIga28g4gaLnFJZ0JEJUKMWfnRULjfiWREpTH8AroV4vphqxw9VsvWmH_46-cWOyhNzaIhJ56ikrUluLKoi4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrh8wyB-WOcRsrUc9ZDPo3LPC2m3x6BRxIvaB_DwH6RyM_pRx4MA0HhWWKIga28g4gaLnFJZ0JEJUKMWfnRULjfiWREpTH8AroV4vphqxw9VsvWmH_46-cWOyhNzaIhJ56ikrUluLKoi4/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Keep adding diapers and tying off with ribbon all the way around your wreath. You don't want there to be any holes so make sure they are pretty snug and close together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMV79xEHMeYD6M7fkOQoXOchCbNs48g0KjPVH_RXuyyVoIVB2_JCQKqAPKM4j3K6b54Ef-s4zSr2mjk_vNOemc7LEGC7ZYeWqyHDrLszIMx8_IKfWOQTqrcGX16gUX3m_G4IyQIG0h6he/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMV79xEHMeYD6M7fkOQoXOchCbNs48g0KjPVH_RXuyyVoIVB2_JCQKqAPKM4j3K6b54Ef-s4zSr2mjk_vNOemc7LEGC7ZYeWqyHDrLszIMx8_IKfWOQTqrcGX16gUX3m_G4IyQIG0h6he/s320/IMG_2679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added a bow on top of my wreath. You don't have to add one like mine but if you do, I went to youtube and used <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scr_oPDYYjc" target="_blank">This Technique</a>. I also found that using wired ribbon works best because it is so easy to manipulate. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJf5rFnk5dAwYWTPwUVryCoGa44n5oZuN8aBuR0fHRdhkmkm8-5vpGMxpnGMd-ImhO8j-4t97wZ-MbxaeW7he9SlyjXFBpoV2r8EEiojtzSIac_KM1bEpGfyXE6kF-FbByvhXofVJ1oh6/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJf5rFnk5dAwYWTPwUVryCoGa44n5oZuN8aBuR0fHRdhkmkm8-5vpGMxpnGMd-ImhO8j-4t97wZ-MbxaeW7he9SlyjXFBpoV2r8EEiojtzSIac_KM1bEpGfyXE6kF-FbByvhXofVJ1oh6/s320/IMG_2666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Start adding your decorations and embellishments to your wreath by simply tying them in between the diapers and around the wired (or foam) wreath. You don't want to hot glue anything to the diapers because this makes them unusable. We want the mommies to be able to use the diapers!<br />
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For anything that does not have a way to tie on to (like balls or wooden letters) simply put a small dab of hot glue on the back and lay a ribbon on top. You will then be able to tie it around the wreath!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTQRCA27sVrLMJGrGZXP5KaVH5_r_xSiPd7BJP7deF7t4yqbb97tQdAHf6enXajyY4pIF3qmhy5CZnrNrBN7lSooF_x5WgCoeZToSE1Rv7lzh4oAO_mXyzRm7Ps-nEEtkYDzDJssD_ZHi/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTQRCA27sVrLMJGrGZXP5KaVH5_r_xSiPd7BJP7deF7t4yqbb97tQdAHf6enXajyY4pIF3qmhy5CZnrNrBN7lSooF_x5WgCoeZToSE1Rv7lzh4oAO_mXyzRm7Ps-nEEtkYDzDJssD_ZHi/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cool right??? I know I'm not the first person to think of this, but I felt pretty darn smart after I did. And my brain hurt because it took me about 15min to figure it out haha!</div>
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To hang something in the center, you can use ribbon, fishing line, or if your using a baby toy take the plastic hook and hook it around the neck of the hanger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J-LM73LpDekH-EYzLPiHz6OsZNFDhG7m71BPBMvm35g_mjsph16g98WwQAqkQwezrlJ_uKE2N5_F5OPyBflc_AZyEFXSCNhtzl328mR4q2LO2MjDXe3oBWjkM1tEgI545_t-7ZHtTJZm/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J-LM73LpDekH-EYzLPiHz6OsZNFDhG7m71BPBMvm35g_mjsph16g98WwQAqkQwezrlJ_uKE2N5_F5OPyBflc_AZyEFXSCNhtzl328mR4q2LO2MjDXe3oBWjkM1tEgI545_t-7ZHtTJZm/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then tied a toddler baseball glove using curling ribbon around the monkey's neck..Poor monkey...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_UTNG5W2q7gUsFB6t6_yNrgR7zRCVvV3aE0ioYGB1jM_xM2Memmpyz4gcR0ma0f9hJhDo9OnbMVl8CSEBX5Ics5itQTHMzeM0FJMzSKFfwiBZ9gVXYIuNhzEO6ZTUk-gSULmizAJ9dWj/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_UTNG5W2q7gUsFB6t6_yNrgR7zRCVvV3aE0ioYGB1jM_xM2Memmpyz4gcR0ma0f9hJhDo9OnbMVl8CSEBX5Ics5itQTHMzeM0FJMzSKFfwiBZ9gVXYIuNhzEO6ZTUk-gSULmizAJ9dWj/s320/IMG_2669.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>
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This is what the final wreath looks like. I have to give a lot of credit to a friend that helped me out. She's been helping me put together my baby shower and I think the both of us have come up with some pretty creative ideas. I think the wreath and the cake came out amazing for our FIRST TIME EVER making one. But of course, I biased.... Thanks Clarissia :) </div>
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If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I LOVE COMMENTS!</span></b> <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-61704640346196819452012-09-17T12:29:00.001-07:002012-09-17T12:30:34.582-07:00Manic Mondays: Diaper Cake Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62LMxJn0g3M8gWMEpLR8n0msj2xo25GWdfS9xwqQdqpMxEq7S61-ddBChrsupcTJMICgq3G_SMnXjnBLc1y1R4vuGJG7gp2eTGAqUgHmQSdV-ZZjtU5PmXYWcFy4lSWHpgwsx1u21WtDj/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62LMxJn0g3M8gWMEpLR8n0msj2xo25GWdfS9xwqQdqpMxEq7S61-ddBChrsupcTJMICgq3G_SMnXjnBLc1y1R4vuGJG7gp2eTGAqUgHmQSdV-ZZjtU5PmXYWcFy4lSWHpgwsx1u21WtDj/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With my baby shower coming up in a couple of weeks, I decided to save a bit of money and make my own diaper cake. I did a search on how to make them and found that there are about 3 different methods. The <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Diaper-Cake" target="_blank">Rolled Up Version</a>, the <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Boutique-Style-Diaper-Cake/" target="_blank">Pinwheel Version</a> (which I was initially going to make), and then the <a href="http://www.momaroo.com/732921992/diaper-cake-diy-instructions/" target="_blank">Folded Version</a> (which I did make). I liked the folded version because it was different, I had never seen this, and it looked really cute. <span style="color: magenta;">Just something to think about: I didn't go with the traditional rolled up version because I feel that taking rubber bands off EVERY SINGLE diaper is a pain in the butt. That"s 60-100 diapers you'd have to do that to!! Something a new mom would not like to put on her, already busy, schedule. I recommend the pinwheel or folded version</span>.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>What you will need:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP6Scj8T7BcUWpYt-VIs1iRcUTGxZrptVXIb2fzIwXPxhp6Ubexfg19f-VG530qNuaaHmo7LUy6rjHd5k0IFxV0Ant_0K9eTj3fVyZz4uEq6Ey1uPCM3kL_fGj0FHMEJyls8y9aDxJYtI/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP6Scj8T7BcUWpYt-VIs1iRcUTGxZrptVXIb2fzIwXPxhp6Ubexfg19f-VG530qNuaaHmo7LUy6rjHd5k0IFxV0Ant_0K9eTj3fVyZz4uEq6Ey1uPCM3kL_fGj0FHMEJyls8y9aDxJYtI/s400/IMG_2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My theme was sports..Can you tell??</td></tr>
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-Size one or newborn diapers<br />
-Ribbon<br />
-Tape<br />
-Hot glue gun<br />
-Baby items (bottle, bib, teether ring, etc.)<br />
-Any decorative embellishments to go with your theme.<br />
-Receiving blanket (to wrap around a layer)<br />
-Safety pins<br />
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Start by folding the diaper in half. You can use either side. </div>
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Then take a ribbon (yarn or twine works too) and pinch off a loop. Start filling in with the folded diapers. As you add more diapers, add more slack to your ribbon.</div>
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Keep adding until you get to a desired size. Tie the ribbon to keep secure.</div>
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If the hole in the middle is big enough for another "wheel" of folded diapers, go ahead and use the same concept and place inside. If it is not, you can place some folded diapers inside like I did or use rolled up diapers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90DKRtBjP-DzhaLAPOw96_rsaqK5rchCKwbGRzPjTj16WOcsDcV0-M9hE2He1Pbc70R5v7xSkVgAoyBLiHsSOQLoIybUtw711QQZzkMZdsiOmwf0vOe4a34bTSgzghqvPl_P-cGAeJw3L/s1600/roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90DKRtBjP-DzhaLAPOw96_rsaqK5rchCKwbGRzPjTj16WOcsDcV0-M9hE2He1Pbc70R5v7xSkVgAoyBLiHsSOQLoIybUtw711QQZzkMZdsiOmwf0vOe4a34bTSgzghqvPl_P-cGAeJw3L/s400/roll.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To roll a diaper, completely open the diaper and start tightly rolling until you get to the end. Secure with an elastic. </div>
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You can also use a cake pan to make the smaller layers of the cake. </div>
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If you'd like, wrap a receiving blanket around a layer and secure with a safety pin. This is optional. You can also use any decorative ribbon or layers of ribbon in any size or sizes you prefer. This is a chance for you to get creative. For ribbon, use tape to secure. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye_9XaVYlZ7z3SePKDes-kUwB95UgSgRbvwxWWquUyzMYql77BU3vGQoqyVnMFFNRW7SVUAdpUrvM_Cq5uoCoRbG50lc8PeLTctjeTqDnhO59NwLlfYTaP46IZ8LLxmk3LVfg75hLPxsY/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye_9XaVYlZ7z3SePKDes-kUwB95UgSgRbvwxWWquUyzMYql77BU3vGQoqyVnMFFNRW7SVUAdpUrvM_Cq5uoCoRbG50lc8PeLTctjeTqDnhO59NwLlfYTaP46IZ8LLxmk3LVfg75hLPxsY/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Once your layers are done and you've wrapped ribbon or blankets around. Start adding the rest of the goodies. You can tuck in items behind the ribbon or hot glue items (like the wooden balls I added) to the ribbon. Try not to hot glue anything to the diapers, that will make them unusable. You can put a little stuffed animal on top, little shoes, or anything else that might go with your theme. BE CREATIVE (tired of me saying that yet? haha)!!!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and I hope it was somewhat helpful enough for you to make your own or make one for someone else.<br />
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I promise I will update this and add a video (as requested) soon. This is my first time ever making a diaper cake and I had to figure out what the heck I was doing first before it went on video. If you have any questions, please use the comments section below or send me an email...Diaper WREATH tutorial will be up asap!! Happy Monday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-26431641515288325962012-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:002012-09-14T14:50:04.516-07:00How I Lost the Baby Weight<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This my true story on how I lost over 60lbs....
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My first pregnancy was a great one. Overall my little girl was good to me, no morning sickness, no heartburn, no crazy hormones, and no being plugged up (it's a pregnancy thing). The only thing that wasn't so great was that I gained over 40lbs and in ALL the wrong places. At 5'6 I weighed in at a whopping 172lbs at the end of my pregnancy. I have never weighed so much in my life!! And let's face it...I felt like poop. Tired, irritable, self conscious, and even a little depressed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3DF4mt9w2M-kxjOufSHjnvOeBQNECdj_w9w7uEC6z_qGM-M_lNR2SZ54RY4fvJoT6YzFlzPykoNmEKMmLGPrBIFd4K6WRX1WNNvhXnhKKTEN3phYX3ldrfy9gjH5Hx1KH0HWTC_Bnd00/s1600/preggo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3DF4mt9w2M-kxjOufSHjnvOeBQNECdj_w9w7uEC6z_qGM-M_lNR2SZ54RY4fvJoT6YzFlzPykoNmEKMmLGPrBIFd4K6WRX1WNNvhXnhKKTEN3phYX3ldrfy9gjH5Hx1KH0HWTC_Bnd00/s320/preggo1.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 weeks before I had my daughter.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now, at the beginning of my pregnancy I was weighing in at 130lbs. I was still in shape, exercised, and ate (somewhat) healthy. But I had just got married, I liked my Miller Lite, and I made excuses. So I was 15 lbs heavier than my usual 115 lb totally in shape self. OH WELL! My <span style="color: purple;"><i>pregnancy</i></span> diet consisted mostly of pancakes, chicken, pancakes, pork, and more pancakes (I could not stand the smell of beef). So you can very well see where all the weight came from. And yes...Now, my daughter is a princess of pancakes who has barrels of sugar free maple syrup at her disposal... And hates red meat or all things cow (even milk)...Crazy how that works right??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TftLHfMShxi7695AwyVROzQI5i1UQhJpjWNgdxuzYHe25uWcWSDCRH3Hq0s8Uv8yf5TpppvNl8GtEnKsUNQ_kgq9a2dl1FJIOqWpwVwOEyVcJ9EUrX63SYmJeMeJKDneY94wO53xIq3E/s1600/wedd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TftLHfMShxi7695AwyVROzQI5i1UQhJpjWNgdxuzYHe25uWcWSDCRH3Hq0s8Uv8yf5TpppvNl8GtEnKsUNQ_kgq9a2dl1FJIOqWpwVwOEyVcJ9EUrX63SYmJeMeJKDneY94wO53xIq3E/s320/wedd.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Before my daughter at 130lbs. God I miss that tan...</td></tr>
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And now the magical question...How did I lose the baby weight? Well first off I have to say that after you have a child you lose some of that weight automatically. 8lbs of baby plus another 2lbs or so of the placenta and other wonderful stuff that comes out during birth. So that's about 10lbs right off. Then if you are breast feeding (which I did for 2 months) your burning 500 calories a day. Which also helps lose all that weight!<br />
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I managed to lose around 20 pounds in the first couple of months after I had my daughter. Since I had a cesarean, I had to wait 8 weeks to get an okay from my doctor to start working out. That was probably the longest wait ever...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrnAbmTGICg8J8KjtCsd-2bv4bkD5wbdkHw0v5QI3y59dj0vr6MC6C5cFQW4yrXdndmLU2FQZ-HJpdhwdnJ2E3AAaduJqp9SZNUMzBF0fs8Y948Q1xLdaLL4rvGyBOc_pjQTOln72pq5Z/s1600/fat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrnAbmTGICg8J8KjtCsd-2bv4bkD5wbdkHw0v5QI3y59dj0vr6MC6C5cFQW4yrXdndmLU2FQZ-HJpdhwdnJ2E3AAaduJqp9SZNUMzBF0fs8Y948Q1xLdaLL4rvGyBOc_pjQTOln72pq5Z/s320/fat.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 weeks post baby. </td></tr>
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Once I was given the okay, I got a very expensive membership at a popular local gym and had at it. I felt my hubby owed it to me to spend that $70 monthly fee. After all, I had created a child in my body for almost 9 months (in reality it's 10 months) and have been carrying all that extra weight that I was not used to carrying. I didn't need that fancy gym but at the time it was the only gym that offered the <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">classes</span> I was looking for. I'm a brat...<br />
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I didn't want to lift weights, I didn't want to run around on a track, and I seriously didn't want to feel like I was working out alone. So what worked for me, was group exercise classes that contained a high/lo intensity cardio for stamina and worked out every muscle group to strengthen and tone my body. When I first started getting into my workout routine I literally sucked. And I don't mean like, "Oh man I'm out of shape!" This was like, "Seriously Amanda. You better not hurl in front of all these people." It was like someone had taken all the oxygen out of the air and my legs and arms were jello. Top that off with wanting throw my self into the pool and let myself slowly sink to the bottom in shame...I'm so hard on myself. But that's how I felt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniM-a_7MRBgktQBW2RVSCYU7FKxpK4iherHl2F0vga6bkgy_cKioQoE6InHTkn7K5aExFARgwF-9hhiAcTB3QcR3IZ9jZERkPrNC7nOXtMMVbPgB5jRhSJiUP_Od10YHGBFFYMpQmEnwn/s1600/IMG00589-20110307-1534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniM-a_7MRBgktQBW2RVSCYU7FKxpK4iherHl2F0vga6bkgy_cKioQoE6InHTkn7K5aExFARgwF-9hhiAcTB3QcR3IZ9jZERkPrNC7nOXtMMVbPgB5jRhSJiUP_Od10YHGBFFYMpQmEnwn/s320/IMG00589-20110307-1534.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 2 months of working hard.</td></tr>
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This was my workout routine which worked for <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>me:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b>-30 min of running on a treadmill (I tried to beat my distance everyday)</b><br />
<b>-45 min of high/lo cardio class</b><br />
<b> *body combat</b><br />
<b> *body pump</b><br />
<b> *butts and guts</b><br />
<b> *muscle power</b><br />
<b>-15 min break</b><br />
<b>-45 min of RPM (cycling class)</b><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">The gym I went to offered <a href="http://w3.lesmills.com/" target="_blank">Les Mills</a> classes. They were great classes with great instructors and I felt I really got the most out of them. They offered something for everyone. </span><br />
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Another thing that helped me was my diet. You didn't think you could work out and not eat right too, did you?? I did something I never had tried before. I counted calories...I made sure what I ate throughout the week was less than what I burned off at the gym. So really I was burning more calories than what I ate. Does that make sense? If not, shoot me an e-mail and I'll explain more of my diet in detail.<br />
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So, after just 2 months or so of working out 2 hrs a day, 5 days a week, AND burning more calories than what I took in, I lost all my baby weight <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u><b><i>plus</i></b></u></span> another 20 lbs. Some of you might ask, "2 months?! Well what supplements did you take???" <span style="color: #38761d;">The ONLY thing I took to help me get through those 2 hrs was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=noxipro+pre+workout&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=13448494410&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11247845711957807415&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_5jqxp8rhmv_e" target="_blank">Noxipro</a>. It is a pre-workout that gives you tons of energy to get you through your workouts. You can pour in your bottled water and makes you feel like the Hulk..Literally. I felt like I could punch through walls and run around the United States 10 times non stop. I think there are tablets too but I just took the powdered form. I didn't stack it with anything and I didn't need to either. I think I would have proclaimed world domination if I did!</span></div>
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It is NOT like riding a bicycle. There is absolutely NO easy way to get started back into working out after having a child (Unless you are a dedicated athlete and that is what you do every day of your life. I'm not.). You just have to push through it, fight it, and <i style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">want </i>it.....It. Was. Hard. I thank my husband soooo much for giving me alittle over 2 hrs each day to reach my goals. As soon as he came home from work he took care of our daughter. He knew how much it meant to me to get into shape and to feel good about myself again. And I did and I still do :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzC_HQKrcib_3Mhjx1QCbSH8YlQpvGHpG3wGoikUYUK7kUHXSGAbLyZA42o9GhSMPMtojmCCDfSoHaKg4fHRxkvIGEQ3m4wc6PIIZ9xEQEdBUwHWe5YWeIsb13-bAxw8IklZnCwZuoj9B/s1600/fitness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzC_HQKrcib_3Mhjx1QCbSH8YlQpvGHpG3wGoikUYUK7kUHXSGAbLyZA42o9GhSMPMtojmCCDfSoHaKg4fHRxkvIGEQ3m4wc6PIIZ9xEQEdBUwHWe5YWeIsb13-bAxw8IklZnCwZuoj9B/s320/fitness.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.jasondavidpage.com/foto/" target="_blank">Jason David Page</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-33825955668719059932012-09-12T17:43:00.003-07:002012-09-12T21:38:27.158-07:00The Best Salsa EVER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1idOZu2UxQ70Mf2YW7DWrxLaUuUoiPDyW5JYIWfoe1OQYKFtyAGt3vHuIFCMZFXPtNXvr-Ph0epdfAZC_WG9JOCZziyzG34VB6oOtBOlLd8WkD3o9a4gvjaTYJtyoeFzC0h9p_-LISKE/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1idOZu2UxQ70Mf2YW7DWrxLaUuUoiPDyW5JYIWfoe1OQYKFtyAGt3vHuIFCMZFXPtNXvr-Ph0epdfAZC_WG9JOCZziyzG34VB6oOtBOlLd8WkD3o9a4gvjaTYJtyoeFzC0h9p_-LISKE/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My whole pregnancy, the one thing that I can never get enough of is salsa. And I'm not talking about the one that you get from a jar at the store. I'm talking authentic, Mexican, homemade, <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">salsa</span></i></b>.<b><i> </i></b>I have tried and tried...and tried recipes up the you know what and I have finally came up with my very own recipe. And I'm sharing it all with you because it has a secret ingredient that makes it THE best. Wanna know what the secret ingredient is??? It's <span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">honey</span></i></b></span>!!! <span style="color: red;">Those of you who have honey allergies can substitute Agave for honey. <span style="color: black;">Now that the excitement is over, let's get to the salsa making...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO9HbBRZGXdCO_rLljY6kVjyQ65yg9UxKET4P-4skmIDxRS8cHgiPQxrEn8BW03_MoHpxWd-CCT-KpSUUS0GxmMO-RxSUnLhHIjNHaoyc-Cvcthg5_-WVlw3xrKz-GBxx9LxkwhFWj-Bf/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO9HbBRZGXdCO_rLljY6kVjyQ65yg9UxKET4P-4skmIDxRS8cHgiPQxrEn8BW03_MoHpxWd-CCT-KpSUUS0GxmMO-RxSUnLhHIjNHaoyc-Cvcthg5_-WVlw3xrKz-GBxx9LxkwhFWj-Bf/s320/IMG_2617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<div style="color: #a64d79;">
1 can of diced tomatoes</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
half of a small onion</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
handful of cilantro</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
1 jalapeno </div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
2 cloves of garlic</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
1 tbs of honey or agave nectar</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
1 tsp of comino</div>
<div style="color: #a64d79;">
juice of half of one lime</div>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">salt to taste</span><br />
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Preparation is pretty simple. Just dump everything into a blender or food processor and blend for about 20-30 seconds until well mixed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Pbl2v7f3gbRBWSvSWBUBXCyNu6aBSlUE2xioBpZaoYfaLM-BCh-i_JZiYu5bhCjVx2COsSdvVEoSgflPO3hvoZOeJRB-rGCgF5CTczqnLKMslcwW2kpKE5Oi-AttR8LgZYFmCLG8agYb/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Pbl2v7f3gbRBWSvSWBUBXCyNu6aBSlUE2xioBpZaoYfaLM-BCh-i_JZiYu5bhCjVx2COsSdvVEoSgflPO3hvoZOeJRB-rGCgF5CTczqnLKMslcwW2kpKE5Oi-AttR8LgZYFmCLG8agYb/s320/IMG_2619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pour into a bowl. Then make sure to take a picture of a chip decorated with the yummy goodness you created...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC90gx_RyRvQoMD0DmptokCep4ZyF2KQT_kmhmbB4fCNJ_o67CkqcbfugbbVsEBDtiAxlQpsjWwpjcC8Twpbz7KIuHX_OJLtc2MOkzmhxzxxS4I0Tg5Ma61qsp_Rf_uKPZbuUtwQP9R87i/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC90gx_RyRvQoMD0DmptokCep4ZyF2KQT_kmhmbB4fCNJ_o67CkqcbfugbbVsEBDtiAxlQpsjWwpjcC8Twpbz7KIuHX_OJLtc2MOkzmhxzxxS4I0Tg5Ma61qsp_Rf_uKPZbuUtwQP9R87i/s320/IMG_2623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And enjoy!!! Cheers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_CccaQprztanCYaJjl2HSo7ZvJZWWmjgnu-TasPxhyphenhyphenkAaEVYm28jpJMQ6KF3aYLa7VF2UZ_gh-YF1nbMqFBZQWDwqIH1l_iSDXzrQmL9pFnz91wt-axH54yUbirvz5Qeolq2z1GY2dZ2/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_CccaQprztanCYaJjl2HSo7ZvJZWWmjgnu-TasPxhyphenhyphenkAaEVYm28jpJMQ6KF3aYLa7VF2UZ_gh-YF1nbMqFBZQWDwqIH1l_iSDXzrQmL9pFnz91wt-axH54yUbirvz5Qeolq2z1GY2dZ2/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you tried the recipe, I'd love to hear about it!! Comments=Happiness!!! :)</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/290/16EDF9EB70FADFA2A9DE0631F799FED7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-5010576785594494842012-09-11T17:20:00.001-07:002012-09-11T17:20:29.506-07:00Update: Week 4 of No Poo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsuuhR3G4MYp8IKztahRKa_qlaA9CjA92KnnoB0gxy05T40TMf-AOQUkhyphenhyphenirHAfDT5LP1KWzgu4WpGC2-75oC-wKkqW1NBpldWe2X36QIC79w2rZSJ8yxcnsTu3LfuFpTVz1X5sgyEHsz/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsuuhR3G4MYp8IKztahRKa_qlaA9CjA92KnnoB0gxy05T40TMf-AOQUkhyphenhyphenirHAfDT5LP1KWzgu4WpGC2-75oC-wKkqW1NBpldWe2X36QIC79w2rZSJ8yxcnsTu3LfuFpTVz1X5sgyEHsz/s320/IMG_2612.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 4</td></tr>
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After a month of not using commercial shampoos and conditioners I think I can finally say, I am over the hump and my hair is FABULOUS!!!<br />
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I love the results from only using baking soda as a shampoo and ACV as a conditioner. I can't believe I'm actually saying that!! HAHA! I had a few bumps here and there. Sometimes I thought I might just not be able to hang through. <span style="color: #cc0000;">BTW don't EVER use olive oil as a deep conditioner, no matter how great everyone says it is...Just my personal experience. And it was a horrible, sticky, greasy one. I literally wanted to shave my head and hide in the darkest corner of my closet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span>If you would like to see how I got started visit my journey week by week from my very first week.<br />
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<a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/baking-soda-and-acv-apple-cider-vinegar.html#.UE_S_qObog8" target="_blank">Week 1</a><br />
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<a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/week-2-of-no-poo.html#.UE_TXqObog8" target="_blank">Week 2</a><br />
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<a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/update-week-3-no-poo.html#.UE_TmaObog8" target="_blank">Week 3</a><br />
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I know some of you have been following along and have even told me they were going to try this method. I hope your journey has been as great as mine. I can say that everybody has different hair. So you have to see what measurements work for your hair type. Please update me on your progress and ask me any questions you might have. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-3056115455075598042012-09-10T13:45:00.001-07:002012-09-10T13:47:09.187-07:00Manic Mondays: Soda Bottle Bird Feeder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh3JDKZThK5jsSZLQeaJJratD7-MxX_-yBzH0Vgr2Ja9OGdjosox2jWOWZeweL4cfd6rJAhQwmgFxBWNPAEDL4Q0j88ku2_0JZdJSCmLxbvcBLbk-UCluIVYjKMTMnYZ9ZSG8VF1dICiz/s1600/Untitled+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh3JDKZThK5jsSZLQeaJJratD7-MxX_-yBzH0Vgr2Ja9OGdjosox2jWOWZeweL4cfd6rJAhQwmgFxBWNPAEDL4Q0j88ku2_0JZdJSCmLxbvcBLbk-UCluIVYjKMTMnYZ9ZSG8VF1dICiz/s320/Untitled+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been wanting to make a bird feeder or bird house with my daughter for quite some time now. Since she drinks Soy Milk, I thought those rectangular cartons would be perfect. Come to find out, my wonderful husband chucked the carton that I was waiting and hoping to use in the trash (shame on him). So that kind of put a stop to that idea. Then I saw a 2 liter bottle of soda and decided to take revenge (he was almost done with it anyway!). And come to find out, the plastic bottle works great as a feeder! This isn't no fancy bird motel with a built in automatic timer or anything but we don't really need all that and I'm sure the birds really don't care what the heck it looks like.<br />
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<u><b>Here is what you'll need:</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCu1ACevAmUknKVSkxAbQy-MrXiA5ivthP8M9TMPDw-tWoWB8o6fltMnsbuzMWLdK2N7JOdx2D0HFPIBc5-9PL2F2YTdfHCUzPabyxN6DdDC0N-PfFzsT-EuFgDrpc1HnacEofhidz9u/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCu1ACevAmUknKVSkxAbQy-MrXiA5ivthP8M9TMPDw-tWoWB8o6fltMnsbuzMWLdK2N7JOdx2D0HFPIBc5-9PL2F2YTdfHCUzPabyxN6DdDC0N-PfFzsT-EuFgDrpc1HnacEofhidz9u/s320/IMG_2594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 or 2 liter plastic bottle</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 wooden spoons</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">small eye screw</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">some kind of rope or twine for hanging</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">knife or scissors </span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">bird seed</span><br />
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For another reference on this project, check out <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/" target="_blank">Disney Family Fun</a>. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>Start by drawing a half inch circle or asterisk on one side of the bottle, 4-6 inches from the bottom. <i><span style="color: orange;">Lengths will vary depending on if you have a 1 or 2 liter bottle. Find what is right for you (I did 6in).</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLmTqhGooeQoolMBRg0EOEdxzSEMBl2aal_u0WXpurdAvefCDIb7XLMYpMxLVzSZcGn2UI8PXtr_fd6Xc0g1IpOUmYSx9p0Y5DLZ8j3K9s321NLEDeYS59JbIa6mSKkAi5a7FTThBSGCB/s1600/IMG_2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLmTqhGooeQoolMBRg0EOEdxzSEMBl2aal_u0WXpurdAvefCDIb7XLMYpMxLVzSZcGn2UI8PXtr_fd6Xc0g1IpOUmYSx9p0Y5DLZ8j3K9s321NLEDeYS59JbIa6mSKkAi5a7FTThBSGCB/s320/IMG_2596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;"> </span> </i>Turn the bottle 90 degrees and draw another asterisk 2-3 inches from the bottom. Then draw a one inch wide circle opposite each asterisk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJExGejoGr0qXeF5JDJviV94rv9GXcAgk9TqxgN5YciT7aNA7JCdSIhHJnrsRcyUC98P9H-mgW673S7E1OpfnrJYQANepzY_IhiZWJgmLZxi9pFdHNaLiA0nKZjHiGC90NWcb71Q2O8MU/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJExGejoGr0qXeF5JDJviV94rv9GXcAgk9TqxgN5YciT7aNA7JCdSIhHJnrsRcyUC98P9H-mgW673S7E1OpfnrJYQANepzY_IhiZWJgmLZxi9pFdHNaLiA0nKZjHiGC90NWcb71Q2O8MU/s320/IMG_2597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Use a knife or scissors to cut out holes for each end of the spoon. Put the wooden spoon (end first) through the holes. The bigger hole is for the wide part of the spoon the smaller hole is for the handle of the spoon. Does that make sense??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2HPFbXkjdMOpgqyO5U3_ESNQmD_g_V_hUasPc-W1GEcvueMo7TfNNm9LRes1A991gLprsY3Jf5m016xq4BamEAxOOGm8jg1WP4SiTt7rgSKntlTRZHz1q3cGLG4zms5DHFFnDElRznn1/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2HPFbXkjdMOpgqyO5U3_ESNQmD_g_V_hUasPc-W1GEcvueMo7TfNNm9LRes1A991gLprsY3Jf5m016xq4BamEAxOOGm8jg1WP4SiTt7rgSKntlTRZHz1q3cGLG4zms5DHFFnDElRznn1/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take the eye screw and screw it into the middle part of the bottle cap.
Then run your rope or twine through the eye part for hanging. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3TYFWDqAFfN2YuLhwHRcMQFY4AxvJr-I29XAEPOEVcSV0BDERbaGDqBX0NzaPkcOdrIy6m5reEW03yXst8INEg9n5W6OqWDhI0nb2o1avZyzrz3wduhICRJTqzwhTGTSbjpI0S-Q3XwY/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3TYFWDqAFfN2YuLhwHRcMQFY4AxvJr-I29XAEPOEVcSV0BDERbaGDqBX0NzaPkcOdrIy6m5reEW03yXst8INEg9n5W6OqWDhI0nb2o1avZyzrz3wduhICRJTqzwhTGTSbjpI0S-Q3XwY/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decorate how ever you want. We decided to put Dora and Diego stickers on ours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBDcMiEfmNCYwsE1OQTzPNCbpIufbtsLUBaozUmb81-dm6mk4NPLx8_NUkpWsBJIKhWXGBGLFMtl6xSePwzNAWhUBfLnNGff2QNmGRq8weK38aiv8Oi-6DN-WI0P_-Rk9obfEvAVad09M/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBDcMiEfmNCYwsE1OQTzPNCbpIufbtsLUBaozUmb81-dm6mk4NPLx8_NUkpWsBJIKhWXGBGLFMtl6xSePwzNAWhUBfLnNGff2QNmGRq8weK38aiv8Oi-6DN-WI0P_-Rk9obfEvAVad09M/s320/IMG_2600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the fun part....Filling up the bottle with birdseed. We found that if you position the feeder like the picture above, it's easier to fill up without seed falling out. You can see our wonderful mess. Oh, and it might be easier if you have a funnel..We didn't have one, so I made one out of paper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9KVond9wRXzJtdjjY_Dy2T4idpbKmGlCjWVEjZy64Hp53XdrFEY2gBEP6bTjN5yeRqcOMHicWlgq_pWFyIf3e1Irf_SbxirBimmsv0GAE62m09YrKWaxjuIyEV5MzFPQRhkPxSfRaG1/s1600/IMG_2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9KVond9wRXzJtdjjY_Dy2T4idpbKmGlCjWVEjZy64Hp53XdrFEY2gBEP6bTjN5yeRqcOMHicWlgq_pWFyIf3e1Irf_SbxirBimmsv0GAE62m09YrKWaxjuIyEV5MzFPQRhkPxSfRaG1/s320/IMG_2601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this is where we clean the mess......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jmkdBUcXIjsDqKuq7rzHBRRW0kK-NBVL-RdgEr_sNJWv8rXiXnf6-r4Km9oWUfjXQ3tgVUadXOsdVPEMoFRNgau1VsgxYhD_H1RUQElqyokyMlKWbhWjMqjO2DNg81ARkjl4IomqmwsP/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jmkdBUcXIjsDqKuq7rzHBRRW0kK-NBVL-RdgEr_sNJWv8rXiXnf6-r4Km9oWUfjXQ3tgVUadXOsdVPEMoFRNgau1VsgxYhD_H1RUQElqyokyMlKWbhWjMqjO2DNg81ARkjl4IomqmwsP/s320/IMG_2603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put the cap back on the top of the bottle...Look mom! A bird feeder!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEDh468LvDZd6zbL3hVWt3tdsconDdEQk00KlFEGjKoi_5unzJ2a0yhjnJ2EvDZNrSM2OQpTmcUDyNtcYJ5Xf7i2q0eeAP6CqPEJ2d1adhmWQ0UdNaVs5gGPvYglJ-cZD5CZPnB7oBptx/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEDh468LvDZd6zbL3hVWt3tdsconDdEQk00KlFEGjKoi_5unzJ2a0yhjnJ2EvDZNrSM2OQpTmcUDyNtcYJ5Xf7i2q0eeAP6CqPEJ2d1adhmWQ0UdNaVs5gGPvYglJ-cZD5CZPnB7oBptx/s320/IMG_2606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally....Hang up your feeder for all the world to see!! And of course, to feed the birds. </div>
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I will update with pictures of it actually being used. Hope they like it, and you guys too!! Happy Monday!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-43941414201353311992012-09-06T13:25:00.000-07:002012-09-06T13:27:02.511-07:00Plastic Bag Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NK3V3IC2lMJD66DTOEBJluBk7f2YUjYX019pW-ckdIhrfZoKLpjOk36BJ2xAOckUS5uKZWYZBqNroMRny6tbnt1pqPVPIIbn-6ceonto-oRkLiYp61Vuic48eDDi-q1qvagFJplhgTo-/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NK3V3IC2lMJD66DTOEBJluBk7f2YUjYX019pW-ckdIhrfZoKLpjOk36BJ2xAOckUS5uKZWYZBqNroMRny6tbnt1pqPVPIIbn-6ceonto-oRkLiYp61Vuic48eDDi-q1qvagFJplhgTo-/s320/IMG_2568.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Does anyone else have a plethora of plastic bags shoved into a dark corner or space under their kitchen sink?? Around my home we use them for all sorts of things..Trash can liners for the bathroom, pickup doggie doo-doo outside, scooping up dirty kitty litter, pretend parachutes, and wrapping up breakables. <br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, I've found some ways to reuse and recycle a lot of stuff in our house that usually sits in a land fill for 50+ years or kills little baby ducks. This being ONE of the many things you can do with plastic grocery bags. <span style="color: #ea9999;">I'll have more posts later on with tutorials and such to make REUSABLE bags out of plastic ones..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What you will need:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LP2wgSB-q1FEC5ACBUek6xF2bJA9smUkpEMgPuiL1EfRMsGVFl8HlyprIS51jJHQ6QargHa7IEAULNMYtRvXLl3UHLTyMNmaG044tEAyViyUqn2RpwU-57fhG5rI7CXJYWjyc9XKAVyK/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LP2wgSB-q1FEC5ACBUek6xF2bJA9smUkpEMgPuiL1EfRMsGVFl8HlyprIS51jJHQ6QargHa7IEAULNMYtRvXLl3UHLTyMNmaG044tEAyViyUqn2RpwU-57fhG5rI7CXJYWjyc9XKAVyK/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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12-15 Plastic grocery bags</div>
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1 Clorox disinfecting wipes container</div>
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I used an Amour-All container. Works just as great! <br />
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First thing you will need to do is flatten out all the plastic bags. This is what is the most time consuming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIV-1rfxb1MPHfciuQH46o017O9543YnEezxhEueQ4YJEBLzkX0NiHAHYiR6mzZh5F_x5yYjDd1iJhapHwEJOOOcfmnFvusyZ99aQwW_n2AHUFhLli41MJHx5qtJAH1tlokp7shjwnXVu/s1600/IMG_2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIV-1rfxb1MPHfciuQH46o017O9543YnEezxhEueQ4YJEBLzkX0NiHAHYiR6mzZh5F_x5yYjDd1iJhapHwEJOOOcfmnFvusyZ99aQwW_n2AHUFhLli41MJHx5qtJAH1tlokp7shjwnXVu/s320/IMG_2572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then fold lengthwise and fold up the handles. You only have to fold up the handle for the very first one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4rbTdv6gvdVKVXv_7M2VMBuMCmJXttkChqKBOCo2DTQr9OIRALWBWkoAFm3EiQROLq-uDg8J4i8Hi266GzGqsjWs_h74R3B92wTPlQG7paJRB70IS-TMmb7A5msk9PIcCmx_fAInLwVw/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4rbTdv6gvdVKVXv_7M2VMBuMCmJXttkChqKBOCo2DTQr9OIRALWBWkoAFm3EiQROLq-uDg8J4i8Hi266GzGqsjWs_h74R3B92wTPlQG7paJRB70IS-TMmb7A5msk9PIcCmx_fAInLwVw/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then place another bag at the end of the first one, overlapping the handle. Like so.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsAupfmVjN-5bzuWYumyucWM76BA19fcyLj0CNnCZbyavQm5225n8lMe75lhgCoQO6BK0v9b3WB7kLCdh93kdDAMcShcBkTQaP41-0_wCjFptHuEaY7xxhDnPdyXM19AjdntH_-zhfCPK/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsAupfmVjN-5bzuWYumyucWM76BA19fcyLj0CNnCZbyavQm5225n8lMe75lhgCoQO6BK0v9b3WB7kLCdh93kdDAMcShcBkTQaP41-0_wCjFptHuEaY7xxhDnPdyXM19AjdntH_-zhfCPK/s320/IMG_2575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can also see that I am starting to roll the bags, leaving that one handle sticking out. Keep rolling and adding bags until you are done and have enough to fill your container.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HyJfEBv6bCeTA5BgrjpSGR1GP83Xsc_jYcna34OUAUzKUdy0sXPE9cVLvUTGy2928rfx80JcGfwBGhOb3tHyB8X3_ofAQj9Khi4GnW7q7NaQ_d7lOy_zGmOAgNM8MX0QFEaWpmEeuARS/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HyJfEBv6bCeTA5BgrjpSGR1GP83Xsc_jYcna34OUAUzKUdy0sXPE9cVLvUTGy2928rfx80JcGfwBGhOb3tHyB8X3_ofAQj9Khi4GnW7q7NaQ_d7lOy_zGmOAgNM8MX0QFEaWpmEeuARS/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Put inside the container with the bag handles sticking out, and you are done!! I think I'll be keeping this one in my car since we seem to collect a lot of trash.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9gyG3C9seSDyr8cjdEcY0NV39Y75tOn1e8V2I00GDp2JXxW13u6M-b5g7HaG5-eFQ4VLdUplF4NHM-6bXqkzGdf5OQnngzRDav-Y3Wck8IiJxgZxQcqB9lnawxQYVHv89uGMkhJ33wmA/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9gyG3C9seSDyr8cjdEcY0NV39Y75tOn1e8V2I00GDp2JXxW13u6M-b5g7HaG5-eFQ4VLdUplF4NHM-6bXqkzGdf5OQnngzRDav-Y3Wck8IiJxgZxQcqB9lnawxQYVHv89uGMkhJ33wmA/s320/IMG_2577.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Any one else have some ideas on what we can use our plastic grocery bags for????<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-869768047366156902012-09-05T11:25:00.002-07:002012-09-05T11:29:52.701-07:00Whats Cookin' Wednesdays: Chocolate Chip Granola Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGgseDRdtnXTcMNd2KrPMefrWZ50LcOvW0gTuFnLLQEA-uTUUJFNEiytrW-wg-mnsgisG_f6zyWxgEcc6UHCGnmDPPsfkS5U6lnghWHVVguFBTqGwZA5B1G2xML-uvFfl81p-MHyZd3k6/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGgseDRdtnXTcMNd2KrPMefrWZ50LcOvW0gTuFnLLQEA-uTUUJFNEiytrW-wg-mnsgisG_f6zyWxgEcc6UHCGnmDPPsfkS5U6lnghWHVVguFBTqGwZA5B1G2xML-uvFfl81p-MHyZd3k6/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking for a back to school snack for the kiddos?? Or if you're a teacher, maybe for yourself?<br />
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These homemade granola bars are perfect! We absolutely <i><span style="color: red;">love</span></i> these at home. And the great thing is they are so versatile. If you don't like chocolate (Then you're not human) or can't eat it (I'll eat it all for you) you can really add anything you want to them; nuts, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, marshmallows....You get the idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwAHL-PS-btuGtV96g_eQge4qD7TBK2FBuy45AgINvmeZb-_TF7SmYySz0UJCYL9USd6oG6ugv0EfMhe77n5lCGYZYfx-1wwqWwTyJSfIB1dt_lD3c8eB4-Zm7nVzinr9IKRuH__RLRpW/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwAHL-PS-btuGtV96g_eQge4qD7TBK2FBuy45AgINvmeZb-_TF7SmYySz0UJCYL9USd6oG6ugv0EfMhe77n5lCGYZYfx-1wwqWwTyJSfIB1dt_lD3c8eB4-Zm7nVzinr9IKRuH__RLRpW/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: purple;">Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<b>2 cups old fashioned oats</b></div>
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<b>1/4 cup whole wheat flour</b></div>
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<b>1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut</b></div>
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<b>1/3 cup brown sugar</b></div>
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<b>1 cup chocolate chips</b></div>
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<b>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</b></div>
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<b>1/2 cup canola oil</b></div>
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<b>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</b></div>
<b style="color: purple;">1/2 cup honey or agave nectar </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GGbTuaJ7sXsoYQB3dpfO7ji6et3ICRG9KIXdPBknKjVr_n36yqfEdyBVsoFq9qtRVon6MdRS6tG9C-uL5jLl4FWr8qxHpvN1Ud_Nea2pdT9fOiNGiEhjA3MB0VtoTcGCjoWObArCkGwl/s1600/IMG_2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GGbTuaJ7sXsoYQB3dpfO7ji6et3ICRG9KIXdPBknKjVr_n36yqfEdyBVsoFq9qtRVon6MdRS6tG9C-uL5jLl4FWr8qxHpvN1Ud_Nea2pdT9fOiNGiEhjA3MB0VtoTcGCjoWObArCkGwl/s320/IMG_2554.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For all the visual people.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
Preheat oven 325 F. Combine first 6 ingredients (dry) in a large bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxbBNPVucvnoBeJtzk0RVgBK4bwu4eS30Ehse3xTZJSJ223M8g-DFgQP2mS-6CO_4IbfrIUwLC0jZrmpmyRAQGjilFuH9ZAf6hlbjjnsAn7O8qu9CB-E1oGh8reG09bmZoWdXsuBDWmck/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxbBNPVucvnoBeJtzk0RVgBK4bwu4eS30Ehse3xTZJSJ223M8g-DFgQP2mS-6CO_4IbfrIUwLC0jZrmpmyRAQGjilFuH9ZAf6hlbjjnsAn7O8qu9CB-E1oGh8reG09bmZoWdXsuBDWmck/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a separate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients (wet). Then pour wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine.<br />
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The picture above is a wonderful investment I made to use for all my baking needs. These Silpat mats are genius!! Every baker needs to have one. For more information on them check out <a href="http://silpat.com/" target="_blank">THIS WEBSITE.</a> If you don't have one, it's okay. Just line a 13x9x1 in rectangle baking sheet with <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">parchment paper.</span></i></b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;"> DO NOT use wax paper. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhGVGY9PvXGoUe5AsY85uy3Y4Hm7mWb54mbNVJwfFDZ9MLKVOEk_Pixij30Azy_IP4BCCit_Q1U_PBKH1VWGZvRJw_3oSYA_EbZ4teKIB9bV4KAp5vXlRt3-pr8WkYdDMA6F59UgbOY7i/s1600/IMG_2557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhGVGY9PvXGoUe5AsY85uy3Y4Hm7mWb54mbNVJwfFDZ9MLKVOEk_Pixij30Azy_IP4BCCit_Q1U_PBKH1VWGZvRJw_3oSYA_EbZ4teKIB9bV4KAp5vXlRt3-pr8WkYdDMA6F59UgbOY7i/s320/IMG_2557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pour mixture into lined pan and pat down with a spoon forming a rectangle. <span style="color: purple;">I have a larger pan, so I just did what I could in shaping the one side that didn't meet the edge. Still turned out great!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Bake for 30-40 min. Oven times will vary so be sure to check on your granola around 20 min. It should have a nice golden brown color to it. Allow to cool for 15 min then cut into bars. </span> </span><br />
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Any left over bars can be either individually wrapped or put into ziplock bags and placed in the fridge. They will keep fresh that way for several weeks (they will be eaten by then). If your granola comes out <span style="color: #76a5af;">too hard</span> and just seems to crumble into pieces, don't throw it away!! I actually have made a crumbly batch into a cereal. Kinda tastes like honey bunches of oats! <br />
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If you substituted other ingredients for the chocolate chips, I'd love to hear about it!! Send me some comments to share :)<br />
<b> </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-59510187637406228362012-09-03T13:43:00.001-07:002012-09-03T13:43:42.089-07:00Homemade Play Dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6S4px9Jm5ox4J7ZTEtxyNU8LgKU1L5ie1yvtQpZLxUEr_y8qANqLQso7y1ZKq7uDhxrBI8O7xMDY8ZmZESzj3ZfR0Tjng-tQi74wQxTq8RKNXgKFM2gmDJ-7JN-y1r1-Lj-6DDCYs8Jx/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6S4px9Jm5ox4J7ZTEtxyNU8LgKU1L5ie1yvtQpZLxUEr_y8qANqLQso7y1ZKq7uDhxrBI8O7xMDY8ZmZESzj3ZfR0Tjng-tQi74wQxTq8RKNXgKFM2gmDJ-7JN-y1r1-Lj-6DDCYs8Jx/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Play-dough is a great way for toddlers to spark some creativity and work on those fine motor skills. I personally don't really care for the store bought kind because when I was a kid, it somehow always wound up in my mouth. There is something about those bright colors (and that smell!!) that just made you curious enough to see if it tasted as good as it looked. And I was wrong.....Each time.<br />
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<i style="color: #3d85c6;">This</i> recipe I found is wonderfully made with safe ingredients so if it winds up in some little tummies, it should be okay. <span style="color: orange;">I didn't take a taste test though, so not sure on the flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"></span>The consistency of this home made play dough is amazing! And it makes ALOT. Just be sure to keep it in a zip lock bag or container with a lid when not using because it will become crusty and eventually harden. <br />
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<b>INGREDIENTS:</b></div>
<ul style="color: magenta;">
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons</span> <span class="name">vegetable oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 cup</span> <span class="name">flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 cup</span> <span class="name">water</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span class="name">table salt </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 teaspoons</span> <span class="name">cream of tartar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><span class="name">food coloring (you can use as much or as little as you want depending on how intense you want the color)</span></li>
</ul>
Place all ingredients into a small saucepan or pot and stir for 2-3 min on low heat. Remove from heat.<span style="color: red;"> It will thicken up very quickly so don't leave it on the stove too long or it will burn!</span> Place on wax or parchment paper and kneed until soft and elastic.<br />
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Bring out all the cookie cutters, a rolling pin, small containers, cups, or anything else you think would be a fun addition!! This definitely kept my little monster entertained for about 45min to an hour. Plus it's a great bonding time and it's so rewarding to see how excited they get when making their little creations. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-60139268014741892222012-08-31T17:42:00.000-07:002012-08-31T17:45:19.974-07:00UPDATE: Week 3 "No Poo"Just an <b><span style="color: magenta;">update</span></b>. I'm on week 3 of not using commercial detergent or conditioner and I am really <i style="color: blue;">really</i> liking what is happening to my hair. <b style="color: red;"><a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/baking-soda-and-acv-apple-cider-vinegar.html#.UEFZhaONCSo" target="_blank">FIRST WEEK</a></b> was rough, the<b style="background-color: white;"> <a href="http://1goodthingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/week-2-of-no-poo.html#.UEFZK6ONCSo" target="_blank">SECOND WEEK</a></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>I seemed to be over producing oil, and this third week has been great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX8AS5z614LaQB_jXYvE97U7tRhSHSaGdKLoRp5ZMwrXIyS_70UHPiptMDLdkecgtvZMHN7YCDNGa-ZmWghHDYfBH0DsbOhysZuqj1fivIuusuBES8jXBkUfTnMWyDRdrDGPPYDFPHzu_/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX8AS5z614LaQB_jXYvE97U7tRhSHSaGdKLoRp5ZMwrXIyS_70UHPiptMDLdkecgtvZMHN7YCDNGa-ZmWghHDYfBH0DsbOhysZuqj1fivIuusuBES8jXBkUfTnMWyDRdrDGPPYDFPHzu_/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 3</td></tr>
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One thing I have to say that I have been doing is brushing my hair with a boar bristle brush from roots to ends to distribute the natural oils. It really makes my hair shiny and soft. I also add a few drops of essential oils straight onto the bristles and brush through my hair (smells amazing btw). I love it!!<br />
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I still straighten and curl my hair and I've noticed I don't even need hair spray! Kinda cool :) But then with our wonderful South Texas humidity, my hair lays out..No frizz though!!! So I'm looking into some safe alternatives for hairspray. Once I find something do-able, I'll let y'all know. <br />
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Have a happy Friday!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-4306683298049711082012-08-30T13:17:00.002-07:002012-08-30T13:17:57.507-07:00Homemade Laundry Detergent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWmQMyMRgKLwLvu-ayic6th39JOjlU7826I1itVviupcJwHNTGbsYLXtU-ePStw_Hv9bddoZ_8vQzxktpM2VV50TpOmoQfy6-H0c7_y6HjVO_sBxummYtU4WqaOQ_oX3MNNXOlY0UKCXy/s1600/IMG_2431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWmQMyMRgKLwLvu-ayic6th39JOjlU7826I1itVviupcJwHNTGbsYLXtU-ePStw_Hv9bddoZ_8vQzxktpM2VV50TpOmoQfy6-H0c7_y6HjVO_sBxummYtU4WqaOQ_oX3MNNXOlY0UKCXy/s320/IMG_2431.JPG" width="158" /></a></div>
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The first product I started making homemade (and what started my green journey) was laundry detergent. After I saw the results and saw how we were saving some money, I instantly got hooked. There are soooo many different recipes and it can be made in powder or liquid form.<br />
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One thing we had to be cautious of is making sure this was okay for our <b><span style="color: magenta;">front loaders</span></b>. I didn't want to damage my expensive birthday presents after all! But I have learned that MOST ingredients in homemade detergent is <b><span style="color: purple;">low suds</span></b> which means it's front loader friendly :)<br />
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The ingredients in my recipe are safe for front loaders, but feel free to change it to your liking and smelly goodness preference.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What you will need:</b></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CNZQ6ZxzpJFUqry9AKe1ZAyxxQCQLO-C9aWWEHxdW8Yx6kL4P9sli5oDkq6NNyUzyypSqpBFMwXms_b2BzepkIqpvRh0MicythbOX-c-GBd9zqNUnrTomRXhG4F97cj1IaL0s2BxHfu2/s1600/detergent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CNZQ6ZxzpJFUqry9AKe1ZAyxxQCQLO-C9aWWEHxdW8Yx6kL4P9sli5oDkq6NNyUzyypSqpBFMwXms_b2BzepkIqpvRh0MicythbOX-c-GBd9zqNUnrTomRXhG4F97cj1IaL0s2BxHfu2/s320/detergent2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> 1-4lb box of Borax</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1-3lb box of Washing Soda</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1- 3lb container of OxiClean</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3-bars of Fels Naptha</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2-2lb boxes of Baking Soda</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1or2- bottles of Purex Crystals </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Grate bars Fels Naptha soap (yes like grating cheese). Combine all ingredients into container. Mix well. Use 1 to 2 T per load. </span><br />
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As you can obviously tell, this makes ALOT of detergent!! We went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those 5 gallon buckets with a lid, lined it with a trash bag, and mixed all the ingredients in. <span style="color: #783f04;">I suggest mixing a little at a time because the container will get heavy and mixing will become a somewhat tough. </span><br />
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Make sure to keep those Purex Crystal containers!! Their lids have these lines on them that measure out 1 and 2 tablespoons perfectly!<br />
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And for those of you who have <b><span style="color: lime;">front loaders</span></b>, I already know what you're going to ask..Where do I put the soap?? Since I'm a visual learner, here are a few pictures to help...<br />
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Measure out your detergent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JPQSB5xChMZVK0vPtxI4V9MT65Q19aJnnt-MEA66FW7mnXFsCjirdHxbmyNtH6Z-qTDmuUpE_3PvGHlAjjx16uSmPm6Vy9QFNDgcB-3Dcg-tFc2oZ4EIeI-UsdNZkqgsu6REekPPKKwj/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JPQSB5xChMZVK0vPtxI4V9MT65Q19aJnnt-MEA66FW7mnXFsCjirdHxbmyNtH6Z-qTDmuUpE_3PvGHlAjjx16uSmPm6Vy9QFNDgcB-3Dcg-tFc2oZ4EIeI-UsdNZkqgsu6REekPPKKwj/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Take out the tray where you usually pour the liquid detergent into. Pour in powder detergent and start washing!!!<br /><br />
I think next time I'm going to try out the liquid version. But seriously....I have enough detergent to last me a year (maybe?)!! Once again I hear my bank account applauding :)<br />
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Feel free to post any questions about making homemade laundry detergent. If you're unsure of the ingredients or afraid to try any of them, I can offer alternatives and or redirect you to some sights I have found with comments that might ease any worries. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323838142841057076.post-31560080848021471462012-08-29T13:33:00.003-07:002012-08-29T13:38:22.649-07:00Pecan Pie Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx1zKN5lCOg8bU9odgLynVSYDUefuMEzYSMDqZaY_BEJNfCK1wNomUCCTg15-evS9OXK4TUNXRxmAM6dmTsOr94N8D4B0kBaP3F2eCyGgEUT2QCWupN4txEu8fblC6CeL6MvBmxhza0Ds/s1600/Whatscookinwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx1zKN5lCOg8bU9odgLynVSYDUefuMEzYSMDqZaY_BEJNfCK1wNomUCCTg15-evS9OXK4TUNXRxmAM6dmTsOr94N8D4B0kBaP3F2eCyGgEUT2QCWupN4txEu8fblC6CeL6MvBmxhza0Ds/s320/Whatscookinwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These little beauties are a spin off of the Southern favorite, Pecan Pie. Making them into "cupcakes" was genius!!! Plus I had been craving pecan pie for awhile now and I didn't have the syrup. Guess what...These little guys don't need the syrup!!! <span style="color: #e06666;">Plus you don't have to make a crust</span>. Double <b style="color: purple;">YAY</b>!<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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1 c of chopped pecans<br />
1/2 c of all purpose flour<br />
1 c of brown sugar (packed)<br />
2/3 c butter, melted<br />
2 eggs<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Preheat oven to 350.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;"> Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Mix well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"> Spray a cupcake tin (or mini muffin) with oil and lightly flour. I like to splatter mine everywhere. Feel free to do the same. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Fill tin cups about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for about 15-18 min. Mine came out perfect at 15 min but oven times vary, so be sure to check yours. This makes about 12 to 14 cupcakes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="color: black;"><b style="color: purple;">Just a tip</b>....Make sure you take the cupcakes out of the tins while they are still pretty warm. I found that if you let them cool too long they will stick to the pan and it's a pain taking them out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I'm telling you, they taste as good as they look. Yummy and moist, you can't eat just one!</span> Enjoy!!!<br />
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What did you think about the Pecan Pie Cupcakes??Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167009542592945803noreply@blogger.com0