tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78099812509462228112024-03-12T20:04:23.367-07:00Sis BlissSis Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111166274599117812noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-79316175840925552292014-05-14T08:02:00.000-07:002014-05-14T08:02:38.577-07:00In the moment<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning with a major urge to write a blog post, I just HAD to do it! It never happens anymore because "I don't have the time". Truth is I have the time, but I can usually find a million other things I SHOULD be doing. Well I'm going to start making journaling (blog posts are almost always something I have journaled about) one of the things I "should" be doing, because it always puts me in a better mood! And what's more important then that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been working on trying to be in the present moment more. And becoming more grounded. Like literally grounded. I have been trying to make a point at least once a day to step on the grass with my bare feet and really take in the sensation of the cool grass between my toes. And to work in the yard once in awhile with out gardening gloves to feel the plants and dirt with my own finger tips. To put on that little bikini in the privacy of my own backyard and let the sun shine on as much of my skin as possible. Sitting outside in the cool morning, turning my head to the fresh morning sun and letting it warm my face. To not only be outside but to really use all your senses. To listen to the birds chirping, smell the grass, feel the wind blow through your hair. I realize now so much of being in the moment is just making yourself aware of the world around you. It is so important to step outside at night, look up at the sky, and allow yourself to feel small. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a couple weeks ago I was closing up the house and ready to head upstairs to bed. The last light to turn off was our back porch. Usually I turn off the last light and it's just blackness until I can feel my way up the stairs. But that night I turned the back porch light off and instead of blackness I noticed the whole back yard was lit up by a beautiful silver light. I could not resist stepping outside and being a part of it. I turned the corner to the side of the house to come face to face with the source of the light. I couldn't help but smile at the full moon. My God! How do we ever take the night sky for granted! It is breathtakingly gorgeous! I try to remember to step out in the night and look up at the stars every once in awhile, even if it's only for a few seconds. Makes all the difference in the world. </span><br />
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<br />Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-57286422886295209872014-02-04T18:48:00.000-08:002014-02-04T18:52:07.072-08:00B's Dairy-Free Creamy Creole<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was craving a spicy creamy creole dish last night, but I could not find one single recipe online that didn't use heavy cream! So I came up with my own and it was soooo yummy! Here's what I did…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- 1 med. onion</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- 2-3 bells peppers, one red, one yellow and/or orange</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- 3 garlic cloves</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Almond milk</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Chicken broth</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Tomato paste (I like to use the one with italian seasoning for more flavor)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Creole seasoning (like Tonys)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Shrimp</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Hot italian sausage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- Fusilini brown rice pasta</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- *red pepper flakes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- *sour cream</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>- *parmesan cheese</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chop onion and saute in a pan with olive oil (can use butter for a richer flavor). When soft, add julienned peppers (remember they will cook down so add a lot). Add 2 t. creole seasoning and some pepper and continue to cook veggies a few minutes until the onions are caramelized and peppers begin to wilt. Add garlic and cook until garlic is slightly browned and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 2-3 T tomato paste with veggies and cook until combined. Add about 1/2 C. chicken broth, then about 1 C. Almond milk. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at this point if you desire an even hotter dish. Bring to a boil and let it simmer a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. At the end you can add a dollop of sour cream for an even creamier dish but it's really not necessary, it becomes pretty creamy with just the almond milk. If the sauce gets too thick add more broth and almond milk until desired consistency. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime while working on your sauce, cook pasta, sausage and shrimp. (I didn't have shrimp so I cooked up a salmon fillet I had in the freezer, it was really good in the dish! Something different). When the sauce is done add everything together in one big pot. Sprinkle with grated parm cheese when your ready to serve if desired. </span></div>
Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-24788024231079978002012-12-02T11:05:00.001-08:002012-12-02T11:05:32.211-08:00Healthy Christmas Cookie Recipe RoundupI woke up this morning and realized it's already Christmas Cookie Season again! <br />
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I better get a move on! Especially since I'm less than a month from my due date with Baby Girl #2!! I have my usual favorites from childhood, but I just can't bring myself to make those refined-sugar/flour cookies for myself, friends, and family this year. <br />
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So I set out to find some "healthified" Christmas cookies that are festive, taste great, and that I would feel good about eating and sharing.<br />
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This is a long list, and I don't plan on making them all, but I thought I'd share my roundup of the recipes I'm considering trying out. I will let you know what I make and how they turned out!<br />
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<a href="http://deliciouslyorganic.net/gluten-free-chocolate-butter-cookies/" target="_blank">Gluten Free Chocolate Butter Cookies</a><br />
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<img height="266" src="http://deliciouslyorganic.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_1885.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://deliciouslyorganic.net/slice-and-bake-cut-out-grain-free-gluten-free-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank">Cut Out Grain-Free Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies</a><br />
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<img height="640" src="http://deliciouslyorganic.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Grain-Free-Cookies-Roll-Out2.jpg" width="425" /><br />
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<a href="http://urbanposer.blogspot.com/2012/10/almond-flour-cut-out-cookies.html" target="_blank">Almond Flour Cut Out Cookies</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe2TSiKEWD4UtAWNKB0Rbz0ErprY9YeDJ72J-cT8VVTPc-K4PVd1BhGThe_TpoTBKfwcBLFbGtkzjwnsOHVCpNjwAMgcD3FRAP7kwjCpAlNmzx56x7najdHNdxlaclofVJlrJKZd4InA/s1600/cutout+finals+2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_3e310h="3" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe2TSiKEWD4UtAWNKB0Rbz0ErprY9YeDJ72J-cT8VVTPc-K4PVd1BhGThe_TpoTBKfwcBLFbGtkzjwnsOHVCpNjwAMgcD3FRAP7kwjCpAlNmzx56x7najdHNdxlaclofVJlrJKZd4InA/s640/cutout+finals+2-001.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://urbanposer.blogspot.com/2012/06/snickerdoodle-cookies.html" target="_blank">Grain Free Snickerdoodles</a><br />
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<img border="0" closure_uid_tqafs0="4" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jkx3chC3h_v17lC3Sbr1x0P1gl_D_bYGxsAqnD5JE6nHABvYEHgSE322VvkH1swuuqUKR0tebi8JQ6RyCfHxOyBklzHPT6mfsjYe1ZjDm0pRvpoKX7a7EqgaeQNsC1Ov8ELR0_kmBlo/s400/snickerdoodle+final+1-004.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://urbanposer.blogspot.com/2011/12/chocolate-peppermint-sandwich-cookies.html" target="_blank">chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies</a><br />
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<img border="0" closure_uid_n53wbh="3" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQUdXIn-OXJTYt5Jbk6cGRgpWEvZ8g4peao8EDctGH-PYZuuZbLDpjwcQSJIpLL3G4JmFsdJoIlaM6f-VuU-j1K5LM3lJvlj1fqTPbRrM0yo_x0YFkm6QnzE-fAaubnPqXwi49Lf2wAec/s400/100_6838-7.JPG" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/10/recipe-pecan-maple-breakfast-cookies/" target="_blank">Pecan Maple Breakfast Cookies</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/10/recipe-pecan-maple-breakfast-cookies/breakfast-cookies/" rel="attachment wp-att-1449"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1449" height="282" src="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/breakfast-cookies-500x332.jpg" title="breakfast cookies" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6004229" target="_blank">Chocolate Almond Macaroon Cookies</a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6001718" target="_blank">Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies</a><br />
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<a class="fancybox" href="http://images.ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/20100929IMG_3606.jpg" rel="fancybox" title="20100929IMG 3606 thumb Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies"><img alt="20100929IMG 3606 thumb Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies" border="0" height="266" src="http://images.ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/20100929IMG_3606_thumb.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="20100929IMG 3606 thumb Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/11/26/auntie-angies-soft-peanut-butter-cookies/" target="_blank">Auntie Angie's Soft Peanut Butter Cookies</a><br />
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<a class="fancybox" href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/20101126IMG_3500.jpg" rel="fancybox" title="20101126IMG 3500 thumb Auntie Angie’s Soft Peanut Butter Cookies"><img alt="20101126IMG 3500 thumb Auntie Angie’s Soft Peanut Butter Cookies" border="0" height="599" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/20101126IMG_3500_thumb.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="20101126IMG 3500 thumb Auntie Angie’s Soft Peanut Butter Cookies" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6001776" target="_blank">Detox Blonde Macaroons</a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6001715" target="_blank">Strawberry Walnut Thumbprint Cookies</a><br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6030230" target="_blank">No Bake Peppermint Patty Bars</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-29118333452329102932012-11-15T11:08:00.004-08:002012-11-15T11:08:56.965-08:00Big Girl Room Inspriation: Pink and BlueNow that I'm more than halfway through my second pregnancy, I'm starting to get antsy to move my First Born over to her big girl room so we can put Baby Girl #2 in the nursery. I've been a little sad for months thinking of her moving out of her crib, but I'm so excited about this new phase too. <br />
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Especially the decorating part! (It's better to focus on than how big my first baby is getting!)<br />
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I've been scouring the internet for the past few months already to figure out what I wanted to do in the new room for a "Big Girl", and think I'm finally at the point of finalizing some decisions.<br />
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I was originally thinking I would do light pink, dark pink, gray and white. I really want to do something that will be cute now, but that she won't outgrow in a few years either. I was looking for some pink bedding when I came across this duvet cover at pottery barn kids:<br />
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<img alt="" class="cp-image" height="352" id="hero" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201220/0002/img56b.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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I typically don't like blue in my decorating (Or any color for that matter. Love my neutrals), so was a little surprised I was so drawn to this. If there's one thing I've finally learned in decorating though, its to go with my gut reaction of what I really love instead of what I "should do". So I changed directions a bit and found some other pink and blue room inspiration.<br />
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First of all, I saw THIS at <a href="http://justagirlblog.com/girls-room-resource/">justagirlblog</a> and was totally sold and really excited about the pink and blue.<br />
<img alt="blue pink room" border="0" height="400" src="http://justagirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_73691_thumb2.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blue pink room" width="277" /><br />
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This picture also helped me solve the problem of wall color (blue) and curtain color (pink). I wasn't sure if the blue walls would be too much, but love it.<br />
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<img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/pkimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201050/0013/img21l.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="327" /></div>
I also love this room from pottery barn kids. I debated between this duvet cover and the other for awhile, but just didn't like this quite as much. Still love the blue walls with the blue bedding and pink curtains. But I especially love the painted pink furniture and bringing in a few green accents too.<br />
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I think I'm going to go with these tiered ruffle curtains from pottery barn kids. I've had my eye on them for awhile now and am a little in love.<br />
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<img alt="Tiered Ruffle Sheer 44 x 84", Pink" class="cp-image" height="352" id="hero" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201213/0004/img8b.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I really want to have a few personlized touches in the room. I remember always loving personalized stuff myself growing up.<br />
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<img alt="Savannah Floral Standard Sham, Blue" class="cp-image" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201224/0003/img53t.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Savannah Decorative Sham, Blue" class="cp-image" height="164" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201224/0003/img7t.jpg" width="186" /><br />
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And I think I'm going to go with this eyelet bed skirt, also from pottery barn kids:<br />
<img alt="" class="cp-image" height="281" id="hero" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201212/0082/img16b.jpg" width="320" /><br />
I like that it kind of has that same romantic country feel of the duvet cover.<br />
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I really wanted sheets with a cute print, but love the light pink gingham.<br />
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<img alt="Gingham Sheet Set, Twin, Pink" class="cp-image" height="281" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201229/0006/img94t.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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I am normally pretty frugal about a lot of things, clothes for example, but I have all the pottery barn Penelope crib bedding and curtains in the nursery now, and there's just no comparison with the quality of the cheaper options in bedding and curtains. I've learned from experience that if I just settled on something because it's a cheap version of what I really want, I end up replacing it quickly..therefore spending more than if I had just gotten what I love in the first place.<br />
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Some other inspiration from around the Internet:<br />
<a href="http://projectnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lilas-room-1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-109450];player=img;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-109534" height="266" src="http://projectnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lilas-room-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://projectnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Dresser-Wall.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-109450];player=img;" shadowboxcachekey="3"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-109546" height="266" src="http://projectnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Dresser-Wall.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I definitely want to do some dark pink accents like in <a href="http://projectnursery.com/2012/06/design-reveal-lilas-chevron-nursery/">this </a>nursery.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10216 colorbox-10212" height="301" src="http://veryrosenberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Kinleys-Room-6.jpg" title="Kinley's Room 6" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10213 colorbox-10212" height="317" src="http://veryrosenberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Kinleys-Room-1.jpg" title="Kinley's Room 1" width="400" /><br />
Love the color of the walls in <a href="http://veryrosenberry.com/2012/01/real-rosenberry-rooms-round-3-winner/">this room </a>and the pink floral accents with the blue.<br />
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And kind of love the white tree wall decals on the blue walls. I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103955770/bird-tree-wall-decal-for-baby-nursery?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=tree+wall+decal&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_page=0&ga_search_type=all">this one</a> on etsy that I like.<br />
<img alt="Bird Tree Wall Decal for Baby Nursery - 0068" height="400" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/002/0/6940743/il_570xN.354895972_qbz8.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Gonna miss this room though:<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_38up27="2" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486275001274441250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EgXteZDZSD1c1u_L8GRlymejlIklmgweH8H6vX-IJkopCpU3RaohXmC1XVmqExOOyYhSajB2YjFVuWs3X8eeI8ffqQlJa758dyCn1nAcY3LgGiHRXyty7e8X-UEPZsgLZz16Kj3lkIYA/s400/TTscamera09+299.jpg" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
So many wonderful, amazing memories in there.<br />
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We'll keep most of the things the same, but I want to change it up a little for #2 to have her own space and for it to feel a little different for me.<br />
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This is a little embarrassing, but here's where we're act with the room right now. Yeah. Yikes! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YqeKEX2UT6O1cuN-ooqRvmNZ3noLbAiQDz_Mz4n2XbUKQj5lb1hybanUj_EKf-7Hma4Li0SFNCQZwEL4NfBKbUtpmD-HJeN0YKMgaGZrW-p6k8_1E24T2yV2TCKEmtihLBO7AELWTAA/s1600/IMG_2415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YqeKEX2UT6O1cuN-ooqRvmNZ3noLbAiQDz_Mz4n2XbUKQj5lb1hybanUj_EKf-7Hma4Li0SFNCQZwEL4NfBKbUtpmD-HJeN0YKMgaGZrW-p6k8_1E24T2yV2TCKEmtihLBO7AELWTAA/s400/IMG_2415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hopefully things will be looking much different after this weekend! I will keep you posted. Can't wait to see how it all comes together!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-83893415965467980312012-10-30T07:16:00.002-07:002012-10-31T10:22:27.483-07:00Free Halloween Cupcake Toppers and Party Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm really excited we were able to round up some friends to come over for Halloween this year! Every year after Trick-or-Treating is done, I'm always ready to hang out with friends and party, but most people usually have other things going on. Not this year! My two year old has a couple of her friends coming over and I cannot wait to see them dressed up and Trick-or-Treating. </div>
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I'm keeping the food simple and making the family tradition of a crock pot full of Chili with all the fixin's, some <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/corn-chowder-with-chilies/" target="_blank">Corn Chowder with Chilies</a>, pumpkin bread (from the Trader Joe's mix..soo good) with homemade <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/09/26/slow-cooker-naked-apple-butter/" target="_blank">Sugar Free Slow cooker Apple Butter</a> (so easy and SO good), maybe some homemade jalapeno bacon popcorn (my current pregnancy obsession!).</div>
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And, of course, cupcakes...mostly because I want to put out a display of cupcake with these adorable toppers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg8zj1-mpuSoqRKbcRRBJlQczTD4ZfuOfyIJn7rdYEdjxArUTbdG6aAszP2qc2y5mmp8LxMlECoI8_OfsB15PH_9_2j7slgmnllkEZOJeQiK3JUdeWrmLxeTJ83_8fngXvHpPI_dKn6s/s1600/halloween-cupcake-topper-alilily-466x600.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg8zj1-mpuSoqRKbcRRBJlQczTD4ZfuOfyIJn7rdYEdjxArUTbdG6aAszP2qc2y5mmp8LxMlECoI8_OfsB15PH_9_2j7slgmnllkEZOJeQiK3JUdeWrmLxeTJ83_8fngXvHpPI_dKn6s/s320/halloween-cupcake-topper-alilily-466x600.png" width="248" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.alililyblog.com/2012/08/free-halloween-cupcake-toppers.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhMO-DMbfvwmwoWR2O76ZW13irg2ysm6NzdSHJ-2k7h72s7fTKHPchEosYUFeHgffE5-6hSOQCXZM_XvJiZalKtM6zYmlsX5m6cGyiibIz-NoO5X7QWIGlUISxURb1G8SfNf2IXYU6tU/s1600/Grain-Free+Chocolate+Cupcakes1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhMO-DMbfvwmwoWR2O76ZW13irg2ysm6NzdSHJ-2k7h72s7fTKHPchEosYUFeHgffE5-6hSOQCXZM_XvJiZalKtM6zYmlsX5m6cGyiibIz-NoO5X7QWIGlUISxURb1G8SfNf2IXYU6tU/s400/Grain-Free+Chocolate+Cupcakes1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been looking for a recipe for healthy cupcakes, so this is a perfect chance to try these <a href="http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2012/10/chocolate-cupcakes-with-creamy-yam.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Cupcakes</a> (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free) with Yam Frosting (Update: . If I get super ambitious I'd like to try these <a href="http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2011/10/grain-free-pumpkin-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Grain-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes</a> from <a href="http://www.nourishingmeals.com/" target="_blank">Nourishing Meals</a>. I will let you know how they turn out!</div>
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(Update: The Chocolate Cupcakes turned out really good chilled in the fridge (weren't that great straight out of the oven still warm). I don't know if they are my perfect healthy cupcake yet..but I'm so happy to be able to give them to my 2 year old as a super snack. I used raw <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/navitas-naturals-organic-cacao-powder" target="_blank">cacao powder</a> (sooo good!) instead of the cocoa powder, which is full of antioxidants, fiber, iron, and protein (Healthy chocolate! Too good to be true!). The<a href="http://www.vitacost.com/coconut-secret-raw-coconut-flour" target="_blank"> coconut flour</a> is a great source of protein, and the <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-extra-virgin-certified-organic-coconut-oil-16-fl-oz-1" target="_blank">coconut oil</a> is a healthy fat source. I get all my weird ingredients like that (and a ton of other things) at <a href="https://www.vitacostrewards.com/6YaTsa" target="_blank">Vitacost</a>.)
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And, even more exciting, you can find the links to 65 other free Halloween printables <a href="http://www.alililyblog.com/2012/08/65-free-halloween-party-printables.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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Here are some of my favorites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lFXzgQruJ0WU7jVXhibLMAU5Z5Ey2x-HsyK9QHf1yRaKzYqzbiPotFO0A4nkg7gWqnqEjQ8rSIJG_KOAqhflGEnoCqUT6y_dy8UqCyf0WjmHVQ08fuxXIQ_J9w3HEClMZSHp1Lt6Yq8/s1600/Orange+and+Black+Halloween_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lFXzgQruJ0WU7jVXhibLMAU5Z5Ey2x-HsyK9QHf1yRaKzYqzbiPotFO0A4nkg7gWqnqEjQ8rSIJG_KOAqhflGEnoCqUT6y_dy8UqCyf0WjmHVQ08fuxXIQ_J9w3HEClMZSHp1Lt6Yq8/s400/Orange+and+Black+Halloween_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.peoniesandpoppyseeds.com/2011/10/free-halloween-party-printables.html" target="_blank">Peonies and Poppyseeds</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiekesp7Bhsc0I31ocoKmzoGmlHzDDHK0NzUSP5oz8fbDBKI2f9QvUKMtIFtR3gT9aKvSi1zAMTSgFS5cqkmpl6-Van-TFgadIOyBSwSiWi4jdVi8-3EhL1pzmEj8aBbOYK2U_GqV5BPw/s1600/DSC_0033-398x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiekesp7Bhsc0I31ocoKmzoGmlHzDDHK0NzUSP5oz8fbDBKI2f9QvUKMtIFtR3gT9aKvSi1zAMTSgFS5cqkmpl6-Van-TFgadIOyBSwSiWi4jdVi8-3EhL1pzmEj8aBbOYK2U_GqV5BPw/s400/DSC_0033-398x600.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/10/free-download-halloween-version-of-keep.html" target="_blank">Craftily Ever After</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCwEGzMDJpZ64b0G-4sqYoiYKDXK_NJ-qR8PSnzSfWrg5lHEx-f3bbzfl6YWWV-NapvwYJp3RT8mAJ1PZctViO_C2VhFJnvD0k67h2J9TDyT5kLK9jXjlkzMlWWpi8J8DkYlmdCLTcXE/s1600/6a01156fb212b6970c0120a5be70f2970b-800wi-348x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCwEGzMDJpZ64b0G-4sqYoiYKDXK_NJ-qR8PSnzSfWrg5lHEx-f3bbzfl6YWWV-NapvwYJp3RT8mAJ1PZctViO_C2VhFJnvD0k67h2J9TDyT5kLK9jXjlkzMlWWpi8J8DkYlmdCLTcXE/s400/6a01156fb212b6970c0120a5be70f2970b-800wi-348x600.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://loveobsessinspire.typepad.com/my-blog/2009/10/well-our-halloween-inspiration-on-loveobsessinspire-just-got-better-thanks-to-elizabeth-from-pretty-smitten-i-just-adore.html" target="_blank">Love. Obsess. Inspire.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUYLviDWtpvZXdtYEpVp-JCtwVATgaCTyPlNbZUzC0viQXxfDvYpfy28s2izrUFEqOgEXLhrlurqO3vv0DIKIa7ppBgy87lISHQkl-YMnLnp7IHyf5efJNtgHG5NTcRKrOu06FdTxs4Q/s1600/halloween-subway-art-8X10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUYLviDWtpvZXdtYEpVp-JCtwVATgaCTyPlNbZUzC0viQXxfDvYpfy28s2izrUFEqOgEXLhrlurqO3vv0DIKIa7ppBgy87lISHQkl-YMnLnp7IHyf5efJNtgHG5NTcRKrOu06FdTxs4Q/s400/halloween-subway-art-8X10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.itworksforbobbi.com/2011/09/boo-free-halloween-subway-art.html" target="_blank">It Works for Bobbi</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOx97MaCMuFBr9PboSpLvmREdUj5END1icxnY7tHwkla4BgARA3nKmcxs1FPUtJoG2Cim0sVQIA16WfOLPQTQhUxAQ7ho8ZuaDWgdt4ow2uqFy9M9nwfNLCJ1KbJyLkFn1ka0j75C7hE/s1600/IMG_2073edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOx97MaCMuFBr9PboSpLvmREdUj5END1icxnY7tHwkla4BgARA3nKmcxs1FPUtJoG2Cim0sVQIA16WfOLPQTQhUxAQ7ho8ZuaDWgdt4ow2uqFy9M9nwfNLCJ1KbJyLkFn1ka0j75C7hE/s400/IMG_2073edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/09/subway-art-halloween.html" target="_blank">eighteen25</a></div>
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Happy Halloween everybody!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-73033031611628449092012-10-29T06:32:00.004-07:002012-10-29T06:32:53.568-07:00Hurricane Preparation TipsGreetings from Hurricane Sandy Central. And I mean that literally. Every projected path but one has it headed directly at us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcspN6m-bM70YABdzmg9Hw9FQlJ2w-x3JDtxMfngsujT_efG1C3IxC7uTrsea4rKCg4Wza8vIBC_25YY3TYe8tbeNADiEt5Bih0c80mtxd6lyDie4znOrqBpHHcqBMtaWUo1bCAdLWY28/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcspN6m-bM70YABdzmg9Hw9FQlJ2w-x3JDtxMfngsujT_efG1C3IxC7uTrsea4rKCg4Wza8vIBC_25YY3TYe8tbeNADiEt5Bih0c80mtxd6lyDie4znOrqBpHHcqBMtaWUo1bCAdLWY28/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Hanging out on the pile of outdoor cushions brought in from outside during storm prep!</div>
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I thought last night was supposed to be bad, but now it looks like today and tonight will be the worst. Last night and this morning it's just been raining from pretty heavy to light or not at all. Right now it doesn't even seem like a bad thunderstorm, except for the occassional wind gust that makes you go "Oohh..that's got a little power behind it. Clearly this storm means business." There is a tiny bit of flooding in the streets right now, but that pretty much happens with any heavy rain storm around here.<br />
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We learned some great lessons about how to prepare for a big storm hit and power outages from the massive storm this Summer. It seems like a lot of the prep tips out there are for major emergency, worst case scenarios. I thought I'd share some basic tips for being comfortable at home in case of a power outage and being prepared for a major storm like this:<br />
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-Get cash! This wouldn't have occurred to me if we hadn't dealt with it after the storm this past Summer. If stores don't have power or internet for taking credit cards, most were still open and taking cash.<br />
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-Get Gas! After the major outages this Summer, all of the gas stations in the area ran out of gas very quickly. I realized that if we had to evacuate, we may not have had enough gas to get us out of the area! Really scary thought. <br />
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-This might just be a sketchy Jersey thing (sorry Jersey!), but during the last storm people were freaking out and actually stealing gas out of neighbors cars sitting in their driveway! Can you believe that!?! So we cleared out my spot in the garage that was accumulating strollers and junk to lock my car up inside. <br />
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-I also realized with the last storm that I wouldn't have known how to open the garage door to get my car out if the power was out. I probably could have figured it out, but I feel better after my husband showed me exactly how to open the garage door and then lock it manually.<br />
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-Get all the basics you would need together in one spot. I have all the flashlights, batteries, candles, and other misc. emergency items together on the dining room table. No fun hunting around for all those things in the dark when you really need them.<br />
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-We already had flashlights, but I went out and got some additional lantern type lights to set up stationary in the rooms. This was something I wish I had with the last outage, when I realized that flashlights are really just most useful for walking around. Obviously candles would work well too, but the thought of have a bunch of them going with my two year old running around made me nervous. Still have some set aside though and at least one in each room to light if needed.<br />
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-I didn't do any major stocking up, seeing that we could probably last off all the food in the pantry for months! But do take stock of things you wouldn't want to be without for long term. I noticed we were almost out of dog food, so made a special trip for that. I also made sure we had enough disposable diapers and wipes, since we usually use cloth diapers. <br />
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-Speaking of cloth diapers...this probably doesn't apply to anyone but me...but the last major power outage struck unexpectedly with no time to prepare, so one of my biggest concerns was not being able to wash the load of dirty cloth diapers in the washing machine! Luckily we were only without power for a day. But this time around I made sure to wash all her diapers a few days ago and switch to disposables until the storm passes. <br />
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-My husband just called with a good tip. Turn down your freezer and refridgerator as low as they go before outages. For the last outage, the first thing we did was go out for bags of ice to stick in the fridge and freezer. <br />
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-Think about anything you'd really like to do that you couldn't do without electricity. I vacuumed the whole house the other day and have been keeping on top of any laundry and running the dishwasher.<br />
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-Have disposable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils ready to go.<br />
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-We have the basement all set up to go with a bed for us, Elizabeth's pack-n-play, and bedding. We didn't sleep there last night, but it was nice to know it was all ready to go in case we needed to move down there. I also stocked it up with some water, food, diapers, and flashlights, just in case we were to get stuck down there, God forbid.<br />
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-This is something that I wasn't expecting with the last outage...completely losing internet and cell phone service! The iphones were especially bad. Our basic Verizon phones worked a little. I just assumed the internet and phones would still work, even if the electricity went out. Just be prepared for that. Have an atlas in your car or print out some maps (remember those?? :) of the area and possible evacuation routes. I also wrote down important numbers and put them in my wallet, since I don't really have any memorized anymore. Make sure cell phones are still fully charged though.<br />
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-Have an emergency plan. I already have my car packed up with things we would need in case of an evacuation or wouldn't want to lose in the house. Clothes for a few days, expensive electronics, the hard drive with all of our family pictures on it, dog food, diapers and wipes, important documents in a plastic bag, etc. I feel so much more relaxed knowing I could just grab Elizabeth and go at any moment. <br />
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-I have a list of things I need to do in case we have to leave, just so I don't even have to think about it. Turn off water line and hot water heater (have someone show you how ahead of time if you don't know how). Lock house. The few extra things to grab. Just nice to know I don't even have to stop and think about what to do.<br />
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So there you have it. Hopefully you feel better knowing we are so well prepared. Surprisingly, I'm really not scared or worried about anything at all, since we are so well prepared. It's actually been kind of fun an exciting so far. Famous last words, I know! :) <br />
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When Hurrican Irene hit last Summer (what's up with all these hurricanes slamming Jersey?? I thought we were supposed to be safe this far North!) I took stock of what's important and realized I was okay with losing everything in the house, as long as my family was safe. I don't think I would have been before that. It's really freeing to not feel tied down to any of your material goods. <br />
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And with the power outages this past Summer, it was really fun to focus on what you DO have and can use, and what's nice to have but not really necessary. I'm grateful we have a gas stove, grill, and hot water heater, so we will be able to use all of those still if we lose electricity. I'm grateful for a pantry full of food. For a nice basement for shelter. For great neighbors we can count on for help.<br />
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If something happens to the house (our biggest concern is a fairly large tree in the backyard), our first plan is to go to the neighbors. If they are in bad shape too, Brian gave me his pass to get on his military base where we can go stay in the bunker he's at right now. <br />
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We have a good plan and are well prepared, so just waiting it out and praying for everyone's safety. It's actually not even raining or very windy right now. The calm before the storm, I suppose. Elizabeth is watching TV in the basement, where we'll probably spend most of the day, and I'm finishing folding some laundry and wrapping up breakfast. I will keep everyone updated on how things are going the best I can. Stay safe everyone!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-71360518911063894372012-10-10T07:39:00.001-07:002012-10-10T07:39:15.315-07:00Simple Blueberry Cream Biscuits RecipeSo long Blueberry Muffins!<br />
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Brittany found this recipe in a magazine for Blueberry Cream Biscuits and made them for Easter morning this past year. They were SO good.<br />
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It's such a simple recipe, it's something I easily would have passed by. <br />
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But I'm SO glad she didn't. They are one of my new favorite treats. I'll take these over blueberry muffins any day now. Plus they are so simple and take just a few minutes to throw together. I stick any extras in the freezer and pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if I need a little snack with my tea or to have something nice to serve if a friend stops by. <br />
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I'll definitely be making these for years to come!<br />
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<strong><u>Blueberry Cream Biscuits</u></strong><br />
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2 cups All-Purpose Flour<br />
2 t Baking Powder<br />
2 T Sugar<br />
1/2 t Salt<br />
1/4 t nutmeg<br />
1 cup Blueberries<br />
1 1/2 cups Whipping Cream<br />
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Stir dry ingredients together. Toss in blueberries with the flour mixture. Stir in cream just until moist. Move dough to a floured surface and fold over a few times. Place on parchment lined or greased cookie sheet. Form dough to a 7-8 in. square about 1 inch think. Optional: Sprinkle with a little sugar before baking. Back 17-20 min.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-55079075829196291732012-09-18T12:55:00.000-07:002012-09-18T12:55:37.056-07:00A Tribute to Our Mom<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Our Mom shaped us into who we are today, so I didn't think it was fitting to have a blog written by my sisters and I without including this tribute we wrote and read at her memorial service in June.</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gjPOInYHVrqrnfTGV63d0bJLeV89rYWItHtV62gm7FP_VKCecKflHJoEzPis84J_Y_3ccvhkNNLwoHBxqFLSvdvxt0v26-teOd9KeNx9Hu7RBRt3sITi8_W4UAmuYkenkxU8BCvWCKc/s1600/IMG_6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gjPOInYHVrqrnfTGV63d0bJLeV89rYWItHtV62gm7FP_VKCecKflHJoEzPis84J_Y_3ccvhkNNLwoHBxqFLSvdvxt0v26-teOd9KeNx9Hu7RBRt3sITi8_W4UAmuYkenkxU8BCvWCKc/s320/IMG_6881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>Stephanie</u></strong></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Corinthians 13:13 says: And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. I've heard this scripture many times before, and it's such a simple line, but it has never had more meaning to me than now. Faith and hope have certainly helped carry us through these last few weeks...but The greatest of these is love.. and when I think about my mom, all I see is love. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I look back at our time together I don't see those silly disagreements and all those things you think are a big deal at the time. None of those things matters now. Now all that matters is love, and she was so loved and she loved her girls so much. There was never a time she wasn't there for her girls, little like when we had a nightmare and she would hold us and sing to us until we feel asleep. And as we got older how she would always stop in the middle of what she was doing when we said we need to talk or even when we didn't say it and she just knew and would say "Lets have some tea" and we would sit and talk as long as we needed and everything always felt lighter after talking with her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brittany</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I ask you to think of our mom right now, I bet one of the first things that comes to mind is her cooking. One of her favorite ways to spread love was through food. And she was a natural. She was always coming up with new dishes and when we would rave about how good a dish was she would say “well enjoy it, because you’ll never have it again!” because mom didn’t follow recipes, she cooked from her heart. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will never forget when we were kids,and our parents would come home late from a dinner out, mom always made sure to bring home leftovers for us. I would hear the front door open and I would sit up in my bed and wait for my mom to walk into my room with a box of leftovers and a fork. And she would sit on the edge of my bed and watch me with a smile on her face as I devoured the leftovers. Mom loved bringing food home for us, or “feeding her birdies” as she would call it. As much as she loved food, she loved sharing it with everyone more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every beautiful sunny summer morning we will think of her. When we walk on the beach collecting seashells, we will think of her. The spring time will be full of her spirit. We will see the beauty in the little things in life, as she taught us, and smile, knowing she will always be there to enjoy it with us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tiffany</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will cherish these memories of Mom forever. But the greatest impact she will leave on this earth, is how she touched and changed so many lives, by simply being herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She truly lived an extraordinary, ordinary life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed us that just by being true to yourself, you can leave a huge impact on this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had such a quiet strength and faith about her. From when she was first diagnosed, until the end, so was so courageous and her faith and trust in God was beyond amazing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember being a little scared to talk to her the first time after she was diagnosed with cancer. Afraid that for the first time in my life, I’d have to be the strong one to carry her through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I called, she goes, “Hey Babe!” just as she always did, as if nothing had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, at the core of Mom’s faith, nothing had</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> She went on to tell me, so genuinely excited, about a new recipe she had just made, and how they had gone out for some great smoothies and a beautiful walk in the park that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was just raving about how wonderful Dad had been, catering to her every need and never leaving her side, to the point where she joked, laughing, “man! I can’t get a minute to myself!” But clearly she was loving every minute of it. She sounded so happy and so positive, and I knew she wasn’t just putting on an act to make me feel better. She told me she felt so blessed, because she felt so strongly that God was going to use this for the greater good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we know she was right…..as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her story has already touched so many lives and encouraged so many. It was her strength through all of this that has kept us strong, she not only had more than enough strength for herself, but enough for her whole family, and all of you as well.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stephanie<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the last things she said to me, and I think it’s a message for all of us, she said, “It’s going to be okay.” And I knew she meant it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those words will continue to carry me through and I pray they will for you all as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We could tell you stories all day long about how wonderful she was, but what we will carry with us the most is that she REALLY knew how love, selfless,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>genuine love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just who she was. We can't think of one negative quality she had. She was perfect. She was the perfect mother, and we couldn't be more proud to be her daughters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-63891634562488186612012-09-14T07:22:00.001-07:002012-09-14T07:22:42.969-07:00A Perfect Start...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to take a moment to share with you my most wonderful morning. It's the kind of morning that is so beautiful and the weather is so incredibly perfect, that you could just cry! There is a light, cool fall breeze blowing, the sun is shining crisp in the sky, and even the hummingbirds and butterflies in my yard seem a little extra happy today. I was so enjoying the butterflies joyful floating around my flowers that I couldn't help but get up and join them. I snapped a few quick shots that I thought you might enjoy as much as I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you spot the butterflies??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A morning like this leaves me feeling like all is right with the world.</span></div>
Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-40364784884479540742012-09-14T05:53:00.000-07:002012-09-14T13:20:06.560-07:00Take a Deep Breath and Relax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICPrD-S97V24C6bHTDV0Q5J48HBMRC-QkZQx5P1PSd5EthTcoy3OQtpecwkwYjatPKtiXRAUGInjXJQ9M1AVbA_zPyKsgIKryrw5dsrnNL5emJprQH2rPlHh7PYuB6DK8N7U3fHdNJ-w/s1600/autumn-leaves-japan_25290_990x742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICPrD-S97V24C6bHTDV0Q5J48HBMRC-QkZQx5P1PSd5EthTcoy3OQtpecwkwYjatPKtiXRAUGInjXJQ9M1AVbA_zPyKsgIKryrw5dsrnNL5emJprQH2rPlHh7PYuB6DK8N7U3fHdNJ-w/s400/autumn-leaves-japan_25290_990x742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/autumn-leaves-japan/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">photo credit</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Don't Ever Doubt Yourself</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You have so much to offer,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>so much to give, and so much</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>you deserve to receive in return. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Don't ever doubt that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Know yourself and all of your fine qualities.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Rejoice in all your marvelous strengths</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>of mind and body.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Be glad for the virtues that are yours,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and pat yourself on the back for all </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>your many admirable achievements.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Keep positive. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Concentrate on that which </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>makes you happy,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and build yourself up.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Stay nimble of heart, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>happy of thought, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>healthy of mind, and </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>well in being</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>- Janet A. Sullivan</i></span></div>
Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-83589250729536918052012-09-10T12:56:00.000-07:002012-09-11T07:07:49.135-07:00It's here! It's here!<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s time for fall! YESSSS!!!! I wait all year for the fall season. I feel like I really come alive this time of year! I cannot express to you enough how much I love absolutely everything about the fall, and I’m sure there will be plenty of posts on the way attempting to do just that…</span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">My first fall candle of the season! I woke up so excited
about fall this morning that I ran out special just to buy this candle because
I could not wait to have my house filled with the scent of autumn! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9W12nawJMRU8R938AJ6FJz3N9OKzjLS-6AAwBPrysTQv4Qjc5gGOqx1-0GYA74qS2F53FyQy24MYH3XzX__O2o3YST8L7VHJ8KUJvQxSPjk8moY6Fx1EdlwUyJsa8GscZtTOyhKvii4/s1600/photo+(32).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9W12nawJMRU8R938AJ6FJz3N9OKzjLS-6AAwBPrysTQv4Qjc5gGOqx1-0GYA74qS2F53FyQy24MYH3XzX__O2o3YST8L7VHJ8KUJvQxSPjk8moY6Fx1EdlwUyJsa8GscZtTOyhKvii4/s320/photo+(32).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can’t you almost smell the cinnamon apple-y goodness?? This
is a great scent I found at Pier One called Golden Apple Orchard.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But now, I thought I would take a minute to tell you about
my moment of pure contentment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are few things I love more in this world then my
afternoon tea/coffee break. When I’m having my afternoon break I like to take
time to be quiet with myself. I turn the TV off and either look through a magazine,
write in my journal, or do nothing at all besides sit outside and enjoy nature
around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lot of the time
what I write on here are things I started to write about in my journal.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things
I think would be nice to share with my sisters. For example I think it would be
nice to share with you some mindless pleasantries. Like how much I am enjoying
sitting in the silence with yummy coffee, watching the flame of the candle
beside me dance around in its little can. And through the windows I see big
white fluffy clouds in the sky and the trees blowing wildly in the wind stirred
up by all the recent storms in the area (...big deep sigh...)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've learned that the most important thing I can do in my
day is allow myself to have this little afternoon break. I make it almost mandatory. It helps to calm
my mind and re-center. Otherwise I just keep spinning and spinning because
there is always so much to do in any given day. Watching the wind blow through
the trees is quite meditative. It reminds me of the important things in life,
the little things, and getting myself all worked up and stressed out isn’t
worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No matter what I have going on in my life, after my little afternoon
breaks I always feel better. I feel lighter and calmer of mind. </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most of the time I actually just keep my mind relatively
blank. Which feel sooooo good. Kinda feels like I’m giving my brain a nice big
stretch. I keep my thoughts away from anything negative or stressful, and if my
mind does care to think about something, I make sure it’s light and happy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But right now, all I want to do is watch the wind blow...</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-13991809806560618032012-09-05T15:29:00.000-07:002012-09-05T15:29:48.886-07:00Heaven in a cup<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay, so lately my new obsession is iced coffee. like REAL iced coffee. The kind that is cold brewed. It really is the best way to make coffee. When you cold brew coffee you can really taste all the delicious rich, bold flavors of the coffee and prevents the bitterness you get when brewing coffee hot. Here is my recipe for the perfect cup of iced coffee..</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 cups ground coffee. The darkest and boldest roast you can find.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9 cups cold water.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add ground coffee to a large airtight container. Pour water over coffee grounds. Secure lid onto container and let coffee sit at room temperature 12 hours or overnight. When time is up strain coffee using a french press or through coffee filters. And Voila! You have the most delicious iced coffee! Coffee will stay good in your frig for about a week. When ready to drink serve over a large glass of ice. I like to us a flavored creamer with mine. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sooooo yummy! You gals will want to take a coffee break every day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZIjIZygKkCutN1tgsUlqHz825nf1Hx_Ndn_6kFC1WST8Mmitw4iQBt4QYtIodX-06w5byCkoeF1P242B_lFV98VKGYpOyWDC-EOyzeMYFGqra19EoHVWvpR97EpJhScnL7ZG59XD5kU/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZIjIZygKkCutN1tgsUlqHz825nf1Hx_Ndn_6kFC1WST8Mmitw4iQBt4QYtIodX-06w5byCkoeF1P242B_lFV98VKGYpOyWDC-EOyzeMYFGqra19EoHVWvpR97EpJhScnL7ZG59XD5kU/s320/photo+(31).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mmmmm... nom nom nom</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So sit back and relax with this tasty treat and make it a great day!</span></div>
Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-38831134208850169432012-08-19T11:20:00.001-07:002012-08-19T11:20:31.231-07:00A Must Make!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zMJ4XNKQwPZ-KcyLiNeyw4gkDZ-KIT6XJ4UqMs_ug4kkH72H8AmaHLereINZ40VfTilPPY059qXJpqKyz2ZanGdyGIMsbR9ARm5M5oRWeHfEPX08R5SAPj3CFhYZ6Vu54xo3qpc8dcY/s1600/enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zMJ4XNKQwPZ-KcyLiNeyw4gkDZ-KIT6XJ4UqMs_ug4kkH72H8AmaHLereINZ40VfTilPPY059qXJpqKyz2ZanGdyGIMsbR9ARm5M5oRWeHfEPX08R5SAPj3CFhYZ6Vu54xo3qpc8dcY/s320/enchiladas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing satisfies my craving like these <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/09/simple-perfect-enchiladas/">Pioneer Woman Enchiladas</a>! I have made them multiple times and I can't get enough! I feel like I could eat them every day. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the red sauce I used a simple tomato sauce (the kind you find in a can without all the extra Italian seasonings) because it's all I had. But normally you would use the red sauce you would find in the Mexican food section of your grocery store. If using the simple tomato sauce like I did, add about a tablespoon of any hot sauce to give it more of a Mexican flare. The first time I made the enchiladas I added the black olives like in the recipe. I then discovered my five year old husband was spending his time trying to pick out all the olives instead of enjoying his meal, so I don't bother with the black olives anymore. And I certainly didn't even attempt the green onions. And it is still good with out the extra ingredients. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The only other change I made was using wheat tortillas. I guess they make me feel like I'm being a tad more healthy. I would recommend trying the wheat tortillas they are quite good! I don't bother frying them before hand. Oh and I used a little less cheese.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides all that I followed the recipe exactly and they came out delicious! I really love the idea of making a homemade red sauce. So much better then anything you can buy. Enjoy!!</span>Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-43076063609532341422011-12-17T14:18:00.001-08:002011-12-18T13:17:13.526-08:00Perfect Saturday<div><span class="Apple-style-span">I would love to share with you my day of Bliss.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">It all started by sleeping-in after the most restful night of sleep...ahh...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Then we packed up our breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and dog and headed to the park. There are few things in the world that give me more joy then watching our dog run free at the dog park, playing with all his newest bestest friends, splashing in the pond, and frolicking around with a big goofy smile on his face! Pure exuberance!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisR_u2hX2tu3AQcs5TIt2a0c2wcg4CJAur_5AijvpSlvZSSLP4jkBJTFp_AcE_K37t0vxUYoPIppwXu0oIgJxa0YScK2kXto-HSuYGOAc5tFRh7X5bZll4OX_Ui8_y-pZeRzkcKax3YqM/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisR_u2hX2tu3AQcs5TIt2a0c2wcg4CJAur_5AijvpSlvZSSLP4jkBJTFp_AcE_K37t0vxUYoPIppwXu0oIgJxa0YScK2kXto-HSuYGOAc5tFRh7X5bZll4OX_Ui8_y-pZeRzkcKax3YqM/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687228056991553154" /></a><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">It is always such a fun way to start our Saturday mornings! And it is so enjoyable talking to the other dog owners. Dog people are always such nice friendly people.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Then we headed downtown to the Farmers Market. Farmers Markets might be my favorite things ever. It will always be a good day if I get to go to a farmers market! I got so much of my last minute Christmas shopping done. I was VERY happy about that. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">And what made it even more enjoyable was that my husband was being such a good sport about it all and even seemed to be enjoying himself!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">After we were done at the Farmers Market, we dropped the dog off at home and went to lunch at one of my favorite places. Always such a treat! Then I came home, ate like 10 Christmas cookies, and took a nap next to the Christmas tree. PURE bliss.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I woke up in time to see the most beautiful sunset out the window. I just had to get outside and soak in the last bit of this perfect weather. So we took a little stroll around the block in the crisp, refreshing air as the sun set and the Christmas lights started to come on. Just perfection. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I think I will end this perfect Saturday with a Christmas movie and a cup of hot tea... Life is good!</span></div>Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-44127131812153828742011-12-14T13:15:00.000-08:002011-12-14T13:32:47.567-08:00Easy Homemade Christmas Gift<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRyd1s9QoviOF67-9gYbnLAaH2Z1ws3GdDY2dqWLsvmObinceSMe-7b-2rTXc-_IgZKXe8hPMgKAC9FNd-QvTnvdGsR7cnr2BbvVON-wJZPN0SPzCg9FewVjIKjeCy7poco4Byot_KUc/s1600/photo+%252822%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRyd1s9QoviOF67-9gYbnLAaH2Z1ws3GdDY2dqWLsvmObinceSMe-7b-2rTXc-_IgZKXe8hPMgKAC9FNd-QvTnvdGsR7cnr2BbvVON-wJZPN0SPzCg9FewVjIKjeCy7poco4Byot_KUc/s320/photo+%252822%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686098723331233362" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Okay, So I'm just a little bit way too excited about this.. I made these homemade gifts in a jar for my Christmas girls night tomorrow. I got the idea <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/12/homemade-gifts-in-jar-ideas.html" style="text-align: left; ">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left; ">. (Thanks so much, Tiff!). I made the peppermint body scrub. SO easy! Makes me feel really silly for ever buying expensive body scrubs in fancy schmancy stores.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QQyoeKGu3XhLsHNyKcAKx5exMOmxxlTdyvt_t44lixT4LYFHLu07DuQsxJJ9v_Bd5_UHAtYpWI9WkK-BXTpwbsJH_Mp-mz9NX9ixmSKFnZ3N_ITVsUzcFdQUCYi4DT0uY2POqE6DeAU/s1600/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QQyoeKGu3XhLsHNyKcAKx5exMOmxxlTdyvt_t44lixT4LYFHLu07DuQsxJJ9v_Bd5_UHAtYpWI9WkK-BXTpwbsJH_Mp-mz9NX9ixmSKFnZ3N_ITVsUzcFdQUCYi4DT0uY2POqE6DeAU/s320/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686098438167332770" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I am going to call mine "candy cane body scrub". I found the jars at Wal-mart for $2 a piece. I considered the jars part of the gift because I'm sure they will be able to re-use them. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >For each jar I did...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >1 cup sugar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >1/2 cup grape seed oil</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >20 drops peppermint oil</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >4 drops eucalyptus </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >They smelled sooooo good! Can't wait to see the girls reactions!</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-66873421118506244822011-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:002011-12-12T06:06:00.656-08:00Me Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZRTaI7JpToi2P8zoQhwcAR43tOifRp0yuB-N5xOK7zOiOalBHwFPz21OYDHQl8LViOy1q0gJ2B9L5lTxewXlXeWXn6MYjxEhDeurkFX5CbrfXakHCqXdokplDXaqPYTNZGaF58ahF_E/s1600/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZRTaI7JpToi2P8zoQhwcAR43tOifRp0yuB-N5xOK7zOiOalBHwFPz21OYDHQl8LViOy1q0gJ2B9L5lTxewXlXeWXn6MYjxEhDeurkFX5CbrfXakHCqXdokplDXaqPYTNZGaF58ahF_E/s320/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685241364494183042" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">I really think a "Me Day" is in order! I'm starting to get a little bit of that Christmas panic feeling. I have so much to do, so many Christmas presents to buy, I haven't finished decorating, I haven't made one cookie yet, and every day is getting closer and closer to Christmas! I'm running out of time!! AHHHHH!!!!! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I certainly don't want to feel this way. Especially this time of year. So I think the most important thing to do right now is have a day where I get caught up on the very basics. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It is a cozy, rainy morning out right now. I am going to have a nice relaxing morning in front of my Christmas tree (please don't take any notice that the tree is a little crooked). Then I am going to finish decorating and get the house all cleaned up! Nothing makes me feel more like I have my life in order then a clean house. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >So that is my goal for the day. I am giving myself ONE goal. I am not going to overwhelm myself by trying to get everything done in one day. I am not even going to worry about all the presents I have to buy right now. I am going to sit and make a shopping plan and do all my shopping another day. (There is something about getting thoughts on a piece of paper that really helps to de-clutter my brain!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Tonight, once my house is perfectly clean, I think I'll make some cookies and watch a Christmas movie! </span></div>Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-43848870722706344362011-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:002011-12-01T18:45:50.586-08:00Homemade Gifts in a Jar IdeasFor some reason, I had been feeling really inspired to make some homemade gifts in a jar for friends this year. I didn't really know what to put in the jar...just think anything in a jar makes a cute present. I was even more inspired when the stars aligned and I found a case of 12 jars on clearance at Target for $2.50! <br />
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I'm hosting a Christmas brunch for friends next week and think it would be so cute to send everyone home with a little jar gift. <br />
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So I went a search for inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/gifts-in-a-jar-ebook-the-free-download-is-here" target="_blank">Here</a> is a free ebook from <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a> just on gifts in a jar ideas. <br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61372" height="280" src="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-shot-2011-12-01-at-2.32.34-PM.png" title="Screen shot 2011-12-01 at 2.32.34 PM" width="216" /><br />
<br />
I liked the idea of Rosemary Focaccia Bread mix in a jar, or the layered bath salts mix.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/" target="_blank">Organized Christmas</a> has more great ideas <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/gifts-crafts-gift-tags/gifts-in-a-jar" target="_blank">here</a>, <br />
<br />
<img alt="white chocolate macadamia cookies in a jar" height="400" src="http://www.chsugar.com/giftideas/images/WhiteMacCookie.png" width="382" /><br />
Like these White Chocolate Chip Macadamia cookie mix in a jar. My favorite! But perhaps not Christmas-y enough?<br />
<br />
<br />
Or like any of <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/2011/11/homemade-gifts.html" target="_blank">these </a>great ideas at <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/" target="_blank">my blessed life</a>, like Peppermint Cocoa!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/524818278/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/176062666652112995_vHv9SrQf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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So what do you guys think? Is this a silly gift idea? What gifts would you be happy to receive in a jar?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-81165053502918367452011-11-29T15:31:00.000-08:002011-11-29T15:31:59.071-08:00Re-Growing Green Onions!<div style="text-align: center;">This is one of those simple things that just blew my mind....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61077" height="367" src="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN51081.jpg" title="DSCN51081" width="245" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/11/did-you-know-you-can-re-grow-green-onions.html" target="_blank">this</a> tip on <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">MoneySavingMom</a> that you can re-grow store bought green onions, and just keep snipping the tops as you need them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did I just blow your mind too??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More details <a href="http://www.creativefamilymoments.com/diy-green-onions-re-use-green-onions-science-experiment-with-kids/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-47894710067356455022011-11-21T16:42:00.000-08:002011-11-22T07:47:38.662-08:00Free Personalized Birthday Card<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-60269 aligncenter" height="201" src="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-shot-2011-11-21-at-1.39.32-PM.png" title="Screen shot 2011-11-21 at 1.39.32 PM" width="307" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm not sure if it's because I'm in the midst of Christmas shopping or what, but I'm still feeling compelled to pass along more of my favorite deals :)<br />
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I just saw over at <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">Moneysavingmom</a> an offer for a <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/11/tinyprints-free-customized-birthday-card-with-free-shipping.html" target="_blank">free birthday card</a> from <a href="http://tinyprints.com/">TinyPrints.com</a>. Use code FREEBD at checkout. Not sure when it expires. <br />
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Shipping is free if mailed directly to you, or the price of a stamp if mailed directly to the recipient. You can select the day you want it to arrive. <br />
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It's really nice having a card sent out automatically. I always seem to remember birthdays way in advance, have the card all ready to go, and then forget about it and end up sending it out late.<br />
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I've gotten a number of free cards from them over the past year and they are sooo nice and the personalization is a BIG hit with everyone I've sent them too. It's like a little gift itself.<br />
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Off to make my free card! I know cards are only a few bucks, but getting free ones makes me absolutely giddy!! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-35842907287610514252011-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:002011-11-21T07:42:02.880-08:00Baking Day Plan: Butterhorns,"Snow Balls", and Carrot Cake Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mise en place before baking homemade cookies" height="266" src="http://www.cookies-in-motion.com/images/tools.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
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<br />
For the year before I was pregnant, I was baking pretty much everything from scratch...bread, bagels, rolls, pizza dough, English muffins, soft pretzels, pita bread, muffins, granola, granola bars, and more, I'm sure. I was a baking MACHINE!<br />
<br />
And it was really fun, frugal, easy, satisfying, and everything tasted SO much better than store bought. It's so great knowing and controlling everything that's going into your baked goods..and scary when you realize how basic everything should be and all the junk added to everything in the stores!<br />
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But with a toddler running around now, baking just seems incredibly daunting. <br />
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I know I need to just jump back into it. I do miss the satisfaction of it. And I would really love to have homemade healthy snacks for my daughter.<br />
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So I decided to start doing "Baking Days" again. By dedicating a few hours once or twice a month, I can store extras in the freezer and get the mess over with all at once. Plus, it really helps to start with a plan in place.<br />
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If you've never baked from scratch before, I'd highly recommend giving it a try, even just starting with one recipe. I started off making bread and dough with my bread maker but lately make just about everything using the dough attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer (which I LOVE..thank you Aunt Linda!!).<br />
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I thought I'd list my baking day plan here on the blog, so you all can keep me accountable! My husband is deploying with the Air Force the beginning of December. I'm trying to fit in as much Christmas before then, so I'll get started on Christmas cookies. I also have some pumpkin to use up before it's out of season.<br />
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I'm going to try out some new recipes for "healthier" cookies and snacks...made without or with limited refined sugar and flour. I will update you with how everything turns out!<br />
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Here are the recipes I'm planning on making (baby permitting!):<br />
<a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/03/recipe-chocolate-butterhorns.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Butterhorns</a> (like chocolate croissants..AMAZING!)<br />
<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/russian-tea-cakes/3af8664b-6c3e-4022-b686-cd961521e59b" target="_blank">My all time favorite "Snow Ball" Christmas cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/11/20/itty-bitty-carrot-cake-cookies/" target="_blank">Itty bitty carrot cake cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/08/06/pumpkin-pie-banana-chunk-oatmeal-cookies/" target="_blank">Pumpkin pie banana chunk oatmeal cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/09/29/wedded-bliss-soft-ginger-cookies/" target="_blank">Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/11/07/pumpkin-butter-oat-squares-with-candied-pecans/" target="_blank">Pumpkin butter oat squares</a><br />
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Non-Baking items:<br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/03/13/maple-cinnamon-almond-butter-with-hemp-flax-and-chia-seed/">maple-cinnamon-almond-butter-with-hemp-flax-and-chia-seed</a><br />
And do something with the beautiful head of cauliflower I got at the farm stand and has just been sitting in my fridge.<br />
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You'll notice most of the recipes come from a vegan blog. When looking for "healthified" recipes, I've found vegan recipes are a good place to start (like my yummy <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/10/vegan-pumpkin-bread-and-muffin-recipe.html" target="_blank">vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe</a>). Sometimes I un-veganize them though, depending what I have on hand (ie. butter and eggs).<br />
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A little over ambitious, I know. I just got a little excited about getting back into it. Rule #1 though, I don't stress about what I don't get done. I'll probably give myself several days to get as much done as possible. I'll let you know soon how it goes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-48559942479495437802011-11-20T06:48:00.000-08:002011-11-20T06:49:32.639-08:00Free $5 Check from Magazines.com (Facebook Offer)Sorry this blog is turning into a deal site, like with this <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/11/ebates-money-back-for-online-shopping.html" target="_blank">ebates post</a>, but it's something I'm super <strike>obsessed with</strike> passionate about and thought I'd share some of my favorite deals. The only thing that brings me more bliss than a good deal is passing it on to others!<br />
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This one was especially good and easy to do: Not sure how long this will last, or if it will really go through, but I just saw <a href=".http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/11/free-5-check-from-magazines-com-facebook-offer.html#comments" target="_blank">this </a>post on <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/">MoneySavingMom.com</a> for a super easy $5. Check out the details <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/11/free-5-check-from-magazines-com-facebook-offer.html#comments" target="_blank">here</a>. And check out the rest of the site while you're there. It's literally changed my life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-70410270822071395092011-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:002011-11-19T11:31:07.800-08:00DIY Dining Room Table Top and Ebonizing Stain (Steel Wool and Vinegar)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/11/refinished-furniture-dining-room-buffet.html" target="_blank">mentioned in this post</a> that we were refinishing some old furniture for our dining room. My husband has been bugging me to post an update about his progress and hard work, so here it is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdLUobnxbp45lvKdx3DC9dU_ZUbGrtXmGvrRPqb8DtnGAa_CDaih2dXEwCCb_w8nqPI6ahStM_qSvo_VjPi23FFufAP-WMrpZU3l5lPm88L66K08VUi_zKq0BAi8m1SOqpBtAY7Cy-3M/s1600/_MG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdLUobnxbp45lvKdx3DC9dU_ZUbGrtXmGvrRPqb8DtnGAa_CDaih2dXEwCCb_w8nqPI6ahStM_qSvo_VjPi23FFufAP-WMrpZU3l5lPm88L66K08VUi_zKq0BAi8m1SOqpBtAY7Cy-3M/s320/_MG_3190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
He started off with some oak wood planks from Home Depot. We liked the knotty, grainy look of the oak. They only cost around $50.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMNVHrlloMa_wuVbg515Bn9lk1oopZ4qVWFfsT1WnCk6pkLuTMbmhu27ywY1_-T4CWKQFdEDU21AOsA3QvVxiJ_3vOe-1MIUxGlmCIpDwGX7777ynXX3_S1kyiIKyPXMuAyCeFCecRzg/s1600/DSC04986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMNVHrlloMa_wuVbg515Bn9lk1oopZ4qVWFfsT1WnCk6pkLuTMbmhu27ywY1_-T4CWKQFdEDU21AOsA3QvVxiJ_3vOe-1MIUxGlmCIpDwGX7777ynXX3_S1kyiIKyPXMuAyCeFCecRzg/s320/DSC04986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the wood planks he drilled slits in the side of the planks and joined them all together with these biscuits, wood glue, and screws.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLXBbOp3KWsePhQmXJAsUF_Sx9JTdx-C6q0iy_ppV00CgXmgk7uQO3AZJmdnFIT3I-Wp6RDMD9VahxmmvK9VBI0DkwD80Ms0DYE3NcuP4a1lSLRLGwhn86VUvXSa_ixkXLZttyMcbI4M/s1600/DSC04987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLXBbOp3KWsePhQmXJAsUF_Sx9JTdx-C6q0iy_ppV00CgXmgk7uQO3AZJmdnFIT3I-Wp6RDMD9VahxmmvK9VBI0DkwD80Ms0DYE3NcuP4a1lSLRLGwhn86VUvXSa_ixkXLZttyMcbI4M/s320/DSC04987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And stuck in these wood joining biscuits with wood glue. He explained that the biscuits are made of compressed sawdust that will expand in the slots. He cut the slots with a biscuit joiner tool.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-c1-jAc0_osoZdc1FNcx-8NQm4X6KSAhr2Zp8mdYTY7PUNdwL1GYganld8Tfiwltxf5FDounS9FDfxZ71ZALnCTvj5ecEnGEmVBd7J8G-1kTrOU7nrs8CKqKUcTkWZZiDHma2wZA06c/s1600/DSC05002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-c1-jAc0_osoZdc1FNcx-8NQm4X6KSAhr2Zp8mdYTY7PUNdwL1GYganld8Tfiwltxf5FDounS9FDfxZ71ZALnCTvj5ecEnGEmVBd7J8G-1kTrOU7nrs8CKqKUcTkWZZiDHma2wZA06c/s320/DSC05002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then he clamped it all together with these big wood clamps and let the glue dry. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWMyjjyZKuIILMBPqzl8JfI_Vt9IyVBnawkvTNGT0PbFkSqIoWbtRoj0ONJryNR8ohOaj3KzOKYuYDWe1pplS0eKQHhNTbc1tA5ewOINvPeCZI5fBF5lEwpWszHgSPDAVyusoUQW15Uo/s1600/DSC05003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWMyjjyZKuIILMBPqzl8JfI_Vt9IyVBnawkvTNGT0PbFkSqIoWbtRoj0ONJryNR8ohOaj3KzOKYuYDWe1pplS0eKQHhNTbc1tA5ewOINvPeCZI5fBF5lEwpWszHgSPDAVyusoUQW15Uo/s320/DSC05003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">To make it extra secure, he put in some screws between the pieces on the bottom. Like the abnormally fast and focused worker he is, this all took him a half day. (checked with my husband, they are called pocket screws).</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqz30d2ZNGE_l0f2Sq5G-VYN7d9TQ1uze47ntsC0uBSJK7VhBanE-z3CHmCRRsT6CNp0bQ3Ssx-Q9Z6UalH8bWZy7qq6eugjBq88mW-hb7YWIfrM4idek-eDRWjKBcuPr1Tl1J69S-HI/s1600/DSC05007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqz30d2ZNGE_l0f2Sq5G-VYN7d9TQ1uze47ntsC0uBSJK7VhBanE-z3CHmCRRsT6CNp0bQ3Ssx-Q9Z6UalH8bWZy7qq6eugjBq88mW-hb7YWIfrM4idek-eDRWjKBcuPr1Tl1J69S-HI/s320/DSC05007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then he took this sharp razor-y tool and smoothed the entire thing down by hand, taking off these tiny shavings. I'm sure there's a more technical name for all this. I'll have to ask him and get back to you on that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Ok, I asked, it's called a hand plane. It's a Stanley #6, if that means anything to anyone. He said they are really expensive new and don't work very well.. instead find an antique one on ebay like he did and sharpen the blade. They just don't make hand planes like they used to I guess :)</div><br />
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THEN....the best part!<br />
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He had asked me the day before how I wanted to finish the wood. He said he could just seal it as is, but I hate the look of raw wood. He said he could stain it, but I don't love that look either. <br />
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What I really love, from the bottom of my heart, is the look of this wood from <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=GrandBalusterDining&categoryId=cat80032" target="_blank">Restoration Hardware</a>:<br />
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<img src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/cat80032?wid=519&fmt=jpeg&qlt=85,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=1.0,1.0,6,0&iccEmbed=0" /><br />
I love the aged look of tables like this. <br />
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However, I do not love the thousand dollar price tag!<br />
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Fortunately, while blog surfing a few months ago, I came across <a href="http://relovedrubbish.blogspot.com/2011/09/handmade-wood-finish-vinegar-and-steel.html" target="_blank">this</a> post on staining wood with steel wool and vinegar. Sounded kind of crazy, but I loved the look, which reminded me of the Restoration Hardware table. <br />
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So I told my husband I wanted to stain the table with vinegar...and he looked at me like I had finally completely lost my mind.<br />
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But being the wonderful husband that he is, he did some research about it on his own. He liked what he saw and decided to give it a try. Of course he took it to the next level and learned more about it than me. The stain process is called Ebonizing. The iron in the steel wool reacts with the tannins in the wood, to create that aged look. It stains the fibers of the wood instead of just sitting on top like regular stains, so it's really durable. You need to use a wood with a high tannic acid content, which oak has, so we got lucky since that's what we already had picked out.<br />
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To make the stain, you soak pads of steel wool in vinegar, for at least overnight up to a week or so. More rust equals darker stain. Since we had a Thanksgiving dinner to serve to my family the next day and no table, we just went with an overnight soak. I read from some sources that apple cidar vinegar is best, but distilled white vinegar is fine and what we used (I use white vinegar as a fabric softener for my laundry and to destink my cloth diapers so always have a lot on hand...in case you ever wondered who it is that buys those giant jugs of white vinegar, it's me). You can also add a rusty nail to the mix, but we didn't.<br />
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My husband also read about using brewed tea as a stain, so he decided to give that a try too. The tea has a high tannic acid content it adds to the wood. He did some test pieces ahead of time with various combinations of the tea and vinegar stain. We liked the look of a coat of tea followed by the vinegar. He did one coat of tea followed by 2 coats of vinegar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgKNzYQ_i4CgOGz93y35rkUxQIqdIC98B5j1iiuvlcCskEaIH2ivfRUicwbzk9cK9LSPEWpf60G3Z61_B_PXTO-RlE0LP3hlLbn8YRlbCNbJAnrUJXtsU4JxzQY_3i-SjHA6eODufUmg/s1600/DSC05016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgKNzYQ_i4CgOGz93y35rkUxQIqdIC98B5j1iiuvlcCskEaIH2ivfRUicwbzk9cK9LSPEWpf60G3Z61_B_PXTO-RlE0LP3hlLbn8YRlbCNbJAnrUJXtsU4JxzQY_3i-SjHA6eODufUmg/s320/DSC05016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So here are the stains. From everything I read, it's best to do the steel wool/vinegar reaction in a glass jar. We used an empty applesauce jar from the recycling bin here. You can see the test stains on the wood at the bottom of the picture. The tea gave it a redder look, which we like. He used English breakfast tea, not sure if that matters. Probably a black tea is best.</div><br />
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Now, here's the thing. The stain takes awhile to develop. My husband said he put on the coats of stain...and then stood there like an idiot holding vinegar in one hand and tea in the other...with a wood table top that look exactly the same! Luckily, before he went inside to scold me for a stupid idea, he went and cut the grass. <br />
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By the time he came back the table had started to darken. He ran in the house, shouting like a kid on Christmas morning..."Honey!! Drop everything and come look at the table!!!!" So I ran out..and it really was like Christmas morning. I had my dream table finally!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwIrivX08lKyA0l26CAUYbEB1Y6pzUkMdg60OKpUI7HBarwW9EBys3bLMG38lRLdPKCIv8US81_tQJRm9frpDpAojwIBuLNo08GVjJ148BWwfuRn_CsFbYbKxaDSqQELHGkVfSUo56c/s1600/DSC05019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwIrivX08lKyA0l26CAUYbEB1Y6pzUkMdg60OKpUI7HBarwW9EBys3bLMG38lRLdPKCIv8US81_tQJRm9frpDpAojwIBuLNo08GVjJ148BWwfuRn_CsFbYbKxaDSqQELHGkVfSUo56c/s320/DSC05019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So this is the stain reaction a few hours after application, while it was still drying and processing. But already looked great! We brought it in the house and it continued to darken for the next few days. Heat seemed to speed up the process. Pretty cool!! We LOVE it.! The tea gave it a red tint, almost a purple in some spots. To get a darker stain, you'd need to let the steel wool sit longer in the vinegar, but we didn't want it too dark.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5oaVKoj61fLTiU4YHCNN5L4vxYI-03k-XNaCiowh-12BaxAo9sU4ESkyfk6AH_cSf5_8tJQiNGX0j6tN4D2CmqeENIvc05ZsoBOsDoT08gPO4Zq96B6Hw3R74gcu-_YFo8NjVYGPjAg/s1600/DSC05018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5oaVKoj61fLTiU4YHCNN5L4vxYI-03k-XNaCiowh-12BaxAo9sU4ESkyfk6AH_cSf5_8tJQiNGX0j6tN4D2CmqeENIvc05ZsoBOsDoT08gPO4Zq96B6Hw3R74gcu-_YFo8NjVYGPjAg/s320/DSC05018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brian painted the frame from the old table and screwed it in the old. The new table is a lot bigger, so there is some space. He said he may eventually make a drawer to put in there or something, but I can live with it like this for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8vW4zeIFbiM9f9pLjtUxePmliMhSSRG1Qlg2pv8RB4IXsSFaiW82ESihWTTua2Ck2u3zSApK5BvazOGfpGA6vq1dj3LzDJ0SYC20C7c6ZTsoc5W_z86LsdM7eCv7BBjd6y9mmz2uT7Q/s1600/DSC05000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8vW4zeIFbiM9f9pLjtUxePmliMhSSRG1Qlg2pv8RB4IXsSFaiW82ESihWTTua2Ck2u3zSApK5BvazOGfpGA6vq1dj3LzDJ0SYC20C7c6ZTsoc5W_z86LsdM7eCv7BBjd6y9mmz2uT7Q/s320/DSC05000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And for the legs, he painted them using the same technique as the dining room antique dresser, with a coat of white paint followed by finishing glaze rubbed on and wiped off. <br />
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The table is currently in the garage with the finishing seal drying. I can't wait to show you the finished product soon!!! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-25180351680331166202011-11-18T06:42:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:55:23.326-08:00Ebates: Money back for online shopping!<div style="text-align: center; z-index: 530;"><img src="http://www.ebatesjoinfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ebates-money-man1.gif" /></div><div style="text-align: left; z-index: 530;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left; z-index: 530;">You know I love a good deal! I'm starting my holiday shopping, which I mostly do online, and wanted to make sure I mention about <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=lDVpFlaFD3RQQtjHkoB4fA%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> in case you didn't already know.</div><br />
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<div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">I love it. You just sign up for free and they have thousands of stores with a percentage listed. That's the percent you get back on whatever online purchase you make from that store. All you have to do is click on the store's <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=lDVpFlaFD3RQQtjHkoB4fA%3D%3D" target="_blank">link through Ebates</a>, place your order like normal, and you'll get that percentage back as a check from Ebates 4 times a year.<br />
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And even better...just for signing up now, you get a <strong>$10 gift card bonus</strong> to either Barnes and Noble, Home Depot, or Target! I love nothing more than holiday shopping with free money! :)<br />
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</div><div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">I usually get a check around $5-$10, which isn't a fortune, but great for free money on things you would have purchased anyways! Always check the site before you place an online order. They usually also have listed any current promotions too, like codes for free shipping or percentages off your order when they are available, saving you even more.<br />
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</div><div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">Speaking of...always check for promo codes at sites like <a href="http://retailmenot.com/">retailmenot.com</a> before you make any online orders. I'm amazed at deals I'll find. I just saved $25 at Shutterfly yesterday that I would have missed otherwise with promo codes there!)<br />
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</div><div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">Here are the cash back deals at <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=lDVpFlaFD3RQQtjHkoB4fA%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> for some popular stores right now:</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Walmart 2%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Target 3%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Macy's 5%<br />
Barnes and Noble 8%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Groupon 3%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">JCPenney 3%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Nordstrom 5%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Shutterfly 8%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Crate and Barrel 3%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Overstock.com 3%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Kohls 4%</div><div style="z-index: 530;">Babies/Toys R Us 1%<br />
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</div><div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">I've been doing it for years with no problems. Your check will be sent automatically 4 times a year. Happy Shopping!<br />
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</div><div style="z-index: 530;"></div><div style="z-index: 530;">Also, don't forget to sign up for <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/08/dailyfeatscom-earn-free-gifts-cards.html">DailyFeats.com</a>. I've already gotten a $10 ebay gift certificate and $10 Toys R Us gift card for free! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-32865947940728340362011-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:002011-11-16T15:50:49.453-08:00I Heart Thanksgiving!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving are the fun tablescapes! As a kid, I was always the one to decorate the family Thanksgiving table. I loved digging through Mom's box of Thanksgiving decorations and coming up with a fun, clever way to set the dinner table each year.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my weird things I like to do around Thanksgiving is to spend some time looking at different Thanksgiving table settings I find online. More so then any other holiday, Thanksgiving just seems to have the most important table decorations in my eyes. Probably because the food is the main event at Thanksgiving and you want the table to look like the star of the show!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always like the tables that are a bit over the top, flooded with candles, pumpkins, fabrics, and fall decor. Sure, it doesn't leave any room for the food, but that can be figured out later.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of my favorites from the <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/15-stylish-thanksgiving-table-settings/pictures/index.html">HGTV website</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4SoyVTbIFAvYNcycxEZu7xq6C9kNKVMSTmHSd0taa88V84V8Q0eoW0T1F6Pc5IrBfeDFoX-7Pk-Fq432v4iwOO6LtIi3ufZvUbWbP7erev7YpPMtDn8le5pT8iOTJtyewfePRwJ1fAs/s1600/T6.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675657151920587778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4SoyVTbIFAvYNcycxEZu7xq6C9kNKVMSTmHSd0taa88V84V8Q0eoW0T1F6Pc5IrBfeDFoX-7Pk-Fq432v4iwOO6LtIi3ufZvUbWbP7erev7YpPMtDn8le5pT8iOTJtyewfePRwJ1fAs/s320/T6.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved this one! I really like all the dark fall colors, the ribbons, the mis-matching of candle sticks, and the small vase of roses in the center. Roses for Thanksgiving, who woulda thought?</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one I just LOVED the dishes. And that's all I have to say about that...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlhov69Y30WN9YMIafywmeA59mBc95qpY0VFnngAoRv5mnSsZ5ybYzwtKb6PAW1HuyYghNyQbSxwxP2MmG9tB5Zd0aBTSWjRcOUjXR9vH11V1OpUF4lLrjP-uBEnwQhkhDBno_xuR4TI/s1600/T4.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675656929163779666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlhov69Y30WN9YMIafywmeA59mBc95qpY0VFnngAoRv5mnSsZ5ybYzwtKb6PAW1HuyYghNyQbSxwxP2MmG9tB5Zd0aBTSWjRcOUjXR9vH11V1OpUF4lLrjP-uBEnwQhkhDBno_xuR4TI/s320/T4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now this one seems like something I could manage! I love the center filled with gourds, pinecones, and tea-lights. Simple and easy yet very Thanksgiving-ish.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhfCuv_Vu-uzhKV2V1xz6_NS5bXYYZdcRsLFyWdz9vxDw4Jzny5GyrvytOeTrgh12BjKmrROJgo-IUEf76OwCmnWP9LaWIVCux7IzBwp2OXTKqn6Bg_YLdNq8hlJkSmKQ0qzCiveIc5E/s1600/T3.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675656923724806770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhfCuv_Vu-uzhKV2V1xz6_NS5bXYYZdcRsLFyWdz9vxDw4Jzny5GyrvytOeTrgh12BjKmrROJgo-IUEf76OwCmnWP9LaWIVCux7IzBwp2OXTKqn6Bg_YLdNq8hlJkSmKQ0qzCiveIc5E/s320/T3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This table setting caught my eye because of the rustic feel. Outdoorsy/rustic/natural seems to work so well with Thanksgiving. And I love those pumpkins sitting on the candle holders! What a great idea.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutP6AB61YuyFLlTCMl7o5tit5fcrFPNZrGbAAcyWvvKpK4kMmkEL-5XJvbaLIkM93uIQ9nM0dOKROi7hc-eHx8kD2rGyUduo9OGr01jyuJa_qaBi2XLJtFqKYqX0r-9vGLQAUiZdat_I/s1600/T2.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675656921240810610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutP6AB61YuyFLlTCMl7o5tit5fcrFPNZrGbAAcyWvvKpK4kMmkEL-5XJvbaLIkM93uIQ9nM0dOKROi7hc-eHx8kD2rGyUduo9OGr01jyuJa_qaBi2XLJtFqKYqX0r-9vGLQAUiZdat_I/s320/T2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I put this one on here because of the candle holder placed up on a couple of old books. Love it! It is a really great unique way to get different heights in the tablescape. I don't know if it's something I would do for Thanksgiving, but something I think I will keep in my back pocket.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZGi7q33GKrdPYgwkt_VnIExPPBOb4J0ZcbPN3LoP-2VvlSl7BonouVp3dg4dUgpLUgICAYDMDLuYiFj9DM-ZcWupMhuhThuP1ZHdX4hp5qNGnUN9fXU60DCAlFTNTIrkI90qCXoo13E/s1600/T1.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675656618605916162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZGi7q33GKrdPYgwkt_VnIExPPBOb4J0ZcbPN3LoP-2VvlSl7BonouVp3dg4dUgpLUgICAYDMDLuYiFj9DM-ZcWupMhuhThuP1ZHdX4hp5qNGnUN9fXU60DCAlFTNTIrkI90qCXoo13E/s320/T1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></span></a><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay last one. I just liked this one. It caught me eye. I really like the ribbon tied around the wine glass. I'm going to use that one at Christmas! A great way to add some color to the table.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee; font-size: large;"><u><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I thought I would end this post with a few things I love most about Thanksgiving...</span></div><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*The smells!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Waking up to the Thanksgiving Day Parade.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Getting to listen to Christmas music for the first time (yes I always try my hardest to hold off on Christmas until Thanksgiving).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Getting to eat amazing decadent food all day and not feeling the least bit guilty about it, because it's Thanksgiving and that is what you are suppose to do!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Candles lit and a fire roaring in the fireplace.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Getting all dressed up in my Thanksgiving day outfit.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Nursing a great glass of wine as I cook.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Having family in the kitchen all helping to prepare the feast.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Setting the dinning room table with a beautiful Thanksgiving theme.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*The kitchen table set up with yummy appetizers that you definitely don't need to eat but so enjoy anyway.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*After dinner coffee and pie!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Getting my jammies on after dinner and sitting around doing a puzzle and watching a Christmas movie.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*All the nostalgia and childhood memories the holiday brings.</span></div></div></div></div>Brittany Tallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480226653401990265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809981250946222811.post-61399202479081405142011-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:002011-11-16T07:26:09.590-08:00Refinished Furniture: Dining Room Buffet and Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've been so busy with home projects around here lately! So excited about all the progress and wanted to share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had this old dresser that was left behind in one of my father-in-law's apartments that I've been holding on to for years. The paint was chipped and covered in dirt and God knows what else. It stunk so bad that we couldn't bring it in the house, so it's been sitting on the front porch at our old house (I miss that front porch so much!) and in the garage since we moved here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MZ3n-GMN1sc9SZNUhoAJnl2TEMkMeI1XFJQh9dVKeHUNFffNJdY8qsJ5bAXNvJtSNS4BwdgtFcKMk26rdxYE-rlG6sosapcua1Zs_95SbdwvIfyEBybJ1kBnwjEg9aJm0w2EKVJk6pw/s1600/DSC04843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MZ3n-GMN1sc9SZNUhoAJnl2TEMkMeI1XFJQh9dVKeHUNFffNJdY8qsJ5bAXNvJtSNS4BwdgtFcKMk26rdxYE-rlG6sosapcua1Zs_95SbdwvIfyEBybJ1kBnwjEg9aJm0w2EKVJk6pw/s320/DSC04843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The thing is, I really like the color and aged look of it and didn't want to change that by just repainting it. So I was thrilled when I came across a technique for keeping that look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, it's refinished and now the centerpiece of our dining room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrImvA9wzzkv7WEfneQ7Ztf-eINxpd1LOGp7HUC6mMmoiKv9Gm8AExp0pcLfPHnXiqSzqK-WFZUQJL8XFeyVbsPu2Yiv2gXdBIrtEuU_oLoA045fMSiOv_xg4J7vf_OUMOvSgtXABB78/s1600/_MG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrImvA9wzzkv7WEfneQ7Ztf-eINxpd1LOGp7HUC6mMmoiKv9Gm8AExp0pcLfPHnXiqSzqK-WFZUQJL8XFeyVbsPu2Yiv2gXdBIrtEuU_oLoA045fMSiOv_xg4J7vf_OUMOvSgtXABB78/s320/_MG_3158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still looks like an antique dresser though, right?? I KNOW!! That's the best part!! I'm SOOO excited about how it turned out. It was a true combined effort on the part of my husband and me. My vision (that he thought was crazy at first!), his work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He sanded the whole thing down (and came across a date..1904!!), and put on a couple of coats of white primer. (I'm not allowed to detail paint like that...I have zero follow through to finish big projects and don't have the patience for all the prep work. I would have just thrown on a coat of paint over the old stuff and called it good, ruining the piece in the process. Used to drive my husband crazy, but we've found away to work around it :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the primer, he put on 2 coats of some white paint we already had. It's the same paint that I used for the baseboards in the dining room, so the dresser actually started off the same color as the white wall behind it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THEN..the best part...he just took some Finisher's Glaze in Van Dyke Brown (NOT regular stain, like I orginally thought) and rubbed it on, then rubbed it off, leaving behind a film that gives it that aged look and darkens all the edges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img align="left" alt="Stains & Color Products" height="200" src="http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/mhk_cds/product_images/M504-0007.jpg" style="border-bottom: black 1px solid; border-left: black 1px solid; border-right: black 1px solid; border-top: black 1px solid;" width="172" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the finished product:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8exUvoRsu0MFr_iuRRvGWuZJC2M2kWDBngibNo2eJXk-0kkXtQJKUnwWchfzVgda-Ng71f2JyLtMw8ZWWnJovS7jkj2Ei83DLoc3Egb3ltpkXb3i0JVOVzEw5EywQM9VOGCUH3VDup4/s1600/_MG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8exUvoRsu0MFr_iuRRvGWuZJC2M2kWDBngibNo2eJXk-0kkXtQJKUnwWchfzVgda-Ng71f2JyLtMw8ZWWnJovS7jkj2Ei83DLoc3Egb3ltpkXb3i0JVOVzEw5EywQM9VOGCUH3VDup4/s320/_MG_3155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I. LOVE. IT. I was going to get new hardware, but my husband soaked and scrubbed the original brass ones and I love how they turned out. So we just have to install those and will be all set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been really anxious to finish decorating the dining room. It's been the bane of my existence since we moved in. I almost just went out and bought a whole set from Pottery Barn. But I'm SO glad I waited. I've come to realize that you just can't get that personalized, home-y feel from mass produced furniture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we have a dresser/buffet for the dining room...but no table and chairs. We've had an old set in there that my husband bought at a garage sale for our 1st apartment 5 years or so ago for $50. I've hated it from the moment I saw it and have ever since..but have had to live with it since then because we didn't have the money for something new..and when we did, I couldn't find anything I liked. I spent a ton of time online trying to figure out what I wanted. I did this <a href="http://sisbliss.blogspot.com/2011/04/dining-room-inspiration.html" target="_blank">Dining Room Inspiration post</a>, way back in April..with no progress since then.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until I wandered into a Pottery Barn one day and spotted this right up front:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Alternate View" height="288" id="viewLargerHero" src="http://ab.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201139/0171/img70o.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(source: </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pottery Barn</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely fell in love with this distressed, white table. Who would have ever thought to use that for a dining room?? Not me! Definitely not my husband..it was a hard sell. But the idea of not spending thousands on a new set was a huge deciding factor. I really fell in love with the idea of not doing the traditional formal dining room, and giving it more of a cozy, cottage-y feel like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmEbkNzEm4IISEb9j39ydm87DlEqBqALlbLKYRaxuSTrdQXWhbUByVoaefxC0_qkUtaKCY-aId-FddIQTiMCNQ_0UioJW-PL6PsauRgm4lF7vr9N2vXju-7FL53uZu_hueELZnmLaGE/s1600/256c6b0038809cabf15535db7d216eed59cd6014_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_nj27o0="3" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmEbkNzEm4IISEb9j39ydm87DlEqBqALlbLKYRaxuSTrdQXWhbUByVoaefxC0_qkUtaKCY-aId-FddIQTiMCNQ_0UioJW-PL6PsauRgm4lF7vr9N2vXju-7FL53uZu_hueELZnmLaGE/s400/256c6b0038809cabf15535db7d216eed59cd6014_m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay..a little extreme, but you get the idea. I really wanted to dining room that felt like you would just want to hang out in there all the time, not just a few times a year for formal dinners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After finding my inspiration pieces I realized...hmm, I really like the legs of the old table. They kind of had that same feel. But the top of the table was SO gross...a fake wood-grain veneer. My husband said he could make a new top so I thought we'd give it a shot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the legs before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_WPBjoV56dOYXIBFu0xuwuR9hDxNRV4cv7wd1G11_BwNp9YCWSksNsJbDcbdqdbqNo5Sbq9Gs3IIE5Nh2o53kbEOY8mrbzq4TXLd97LsRR2rjcWsDbwBFJ-QglCky0neCiiOZG03Pk/s1600/_MG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_WPBjoV56dOYXIBFu0xuwuR9hDxNRV4cv7wd1G11_BwNp9YCWSksNsJbDcbdqdbqNo5Sbq9Gs3IIE5Nh2o53kbEOY8mrbzq4TXLd97LsRR2rjcWsDbwBFJ-QglCky0neCiiOZG03Pk/s320/_MG_3152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kind of a neat shape, yes? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0BgZo387I8jTcS3XSXVDwKtiJhMC18af3wc38F-rTTBAVTDpJZlbbV6AWylr1uXvGLppGtrCaHS2imb2ZvUDK-nMQC-gMTI-xW3zL2JrN2Mri2I39bGB28tR0iJ3ULI00ub8wLf-l5o/s1600/_MG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0BgZo387I8jTcS3XSXVDwKtiJhMC18af3wc38F-rTTBAVTDpJZlbbV6AWylr1uXvGLppGtrCaHS2imb2ZvUDK-nMQC-gMTI-xW3zL2JrN2Mri2I39bGB28tR0iJ3ULI00ub8wLf-l5o/s320/_MG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the first coat of white paint before the finishing glaze.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp4UvDZCczpVLW3wpz2c9I9ZmOcGwizuIWZjLqRZykBlwWofCikM0z6FEAL7c2kVnYd3pVmRl96ozc_Yx7ReGmk0frwB5izLLEN73iIhrOovbH8XOJ-qEieD8yQqEJF_JFCoenRoN4Ss/s1600/_MG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp4UvDZCczpVLW3wpz2c9I9ZmOcGwizuIWZjLqRZykBlwWofCikM0z6FEAL7c2kVnYd3pVmRl96ozc_Yx7ReGmk0frwB5izLLEN73iIhrOovbH8XOJ-qEieD8yQqEJF_JFCoenRoN4Ss/s320/_MG_3189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the old top. Plastic "wood"...gross.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBqUudMhWFJKfRCasxfFwAt9KVtNLVAzqJQQXXc1J2tIu_saNkyRXL1ctK1WVECxD16YktBUaQ9RR5nZ6lpowjbssTxvuO8haw5wTpELNG2cnq_ToosVLZA_WtJ28rKgs0lDrA_zm8nc/s1600/_MG_3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBqUudMhWFJKfRCasxfFwAt9KVtNLVAzqJQQXXc1J2tIu_saNkyRXL1ctK1WVECxD16YktBUaQ9RR5nZ6lpowjbssTxvuO8haw5wTpELNG2cnq_ToosVLZA_WtJ28rKgs0lDrA_zm8nc/s320/_MG_3191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the future new top. Wood planks picked up at Home Depot. I think it was around $50. We're doing a special finish on it, I'll share once it's done. I'll also show you a little of how he put it together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband and I are both so excited about how everything is coming together. I learned so much from reading decorating blogs through the years on refinishing furniture. I would NEVER have thought to do that on my own. The biggest thing is to find a good quality piece (ie. real wood) that you like the shape of, then figure out how you want to refinish it. Check out craigslist for great deals or thrift stores...or just look around your house! There are a ton of How To refinish/paint furniture video's on YouTube.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We can't wait to see how it all comes together. I'll share the finished project, hopefully soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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