tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85482051472078668742024-03-13T23:25:46.724-06:00Love2Dream, Do You?love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-37964633525956907882014-01-31T22:40:00.001-07:002014-01-31T22:40:40.762-07:00Dinner with KidsLet's be honest. It isn't always a picnic. Dinnertime at our house is far from perfect but here's a few things that I do to survive it.<br />
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After I've cooked dinner, my least favorite thing to hear is "I'm not eating <em>that</em>!" spoken with a bunched up nose. I refuse to subside on hot dogs, spaghetti, and chicken nuggets. As the mom I have 3 options:<br />
1. I make one dinner, if you don't want to eat it you can go hungry. This option doesn't really work because we all know that hungry children equals emotional meltdowns from all parties involved. Bedtime doesn't come soon enough in this situation.<br />
2. Make your own dinner, then. PBandJ sandwiches do not provide adequate nutrition and won't expand their narrow palates.<br />
Here's my third option.<br />
3. Make layered meals-- meals that are assembled in steps and that can be consumed at any point along the assembly process. (Was that clear as mud?)<br />
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For instance: I've been dying to try that Baked Fajita recipe that I've seen floating around Pinterest. The one where you toss everything in a pan and bake it instead of frying it-- like this one. <a href="http://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2013/07/baked-chicken-fajitas.html">http://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2013/07/baked-chicken-fajitas.html</a><br />
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So easy. So yummy! I will never fry fajitas again. Seriously, this recipe is a keeper. Try it. But would my picky eaters eat it...nope.</div>
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Two kids ate just a tortilla with sour cream, cheese, and lettuce. (I had them try a piece of the chicken on the side.) Number 3 ate hers with all those plus some of the chicken shredded inside. I ate the works. And then, for good measure, had a second fajita in a lettuce wrap to save a few calories. ;) The plus for me: I only had to make one dinner. </div>
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More layered dinner ideas: </div>
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Sweet and Sour Chicken over rice-- serve the sauce separate and buy good quality chicken nugget</div>
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Meatball Stroganoff-- pasta, meatballs, with the sauce separate</div>
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Baked Potato Bar-- add your own toppings</div>
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Hawaiian Haystacks-- add your own toppings</div>
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Chicken Alfredo-- pasta, grilled chicken, with sauce separate </div>
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Individual Pizzas-- every makes their own</div>
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Tacos-- fill it with your favorite toppings</div>
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I also try to have at least one side that each kid will eat, whether it's fruit, veggie, or bread.</div>
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To really combat the complaining we had a sit-down conversation with the oldest two when they were 5 and 7. We came up with these rules and posted them by the table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0wI-D9xkltmKR0TrcNuIn11XA-IKW7yJBXhzP2fmXaUy3Uaach1ggDIJJm2DgWsLYObqVGHnZIibjX7KvGi83wBuiru32-y6MLk1BrYaVT7FV4ok1QJ_vN8cE4d2hongRjrIibNtk8Oc/s1600/Family_rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0wI-D9xkltmKR0TrcNuIn11XA-IKW7yJBXhzP2fmXaUy3Uaach1ggDIJJm2DgWsLYObqVGHnZIibjX7KvGi83wBuiru32-y6MLk1BrYaVT7FV4ok1QJ_vN8cE4d2hongRjrIibNtk8Oc/s1600/Family_rules.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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Number 6 is <em>strictly</em> enforced. I'm thinking of adding -- #9 Please clear your dishes from the table.</div>
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Got any more good family-friendly recipes or ways to teach mealtime manners?</div>
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love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-30568340733681460442014-01-18T09:42:00.002-07:002014-01-18T09:42:54.503-07:00Wooden HeartIt's almost Valentine's Day. Time for a romantic dinner (of pizza and popcorn) and movie (probably Pokémon or Pocoyo). Man, I can't wait 'til Son #1 is old enough to babysit. Hubby and I actually did get to catch a movie last night... in the basement... I rented Smurf's for the kiddos upstairs and we watched The Host downstairs. (A quick movie review: The Host stays real close to the book except you don't get a feel for time passing--everything seems to happen fast when in the book it was actually longer. If I hadn't read the book, I don't think I would have liked the movie much.) Anyways...<br />
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I wanted to show you this great wooden heart that my mom made me. <br />
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I'm in to simple rustic décor and my family room is patriotic in theme. It fits in great so I leave it up all year next to my wooden flag and just move it to the front door for Valentine's Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4X-w4IkcwparflA4nOp2XN4Mq8ACj7PxLOsU-eqwel-EaX8uR3yICctsIfO2R_rOawZIkPvPDiArhU6-yQ8Fd_8CPzMCfiJTZanF15sJus81uS0ijGY9MeZZxOCyM_tmBTyFLLYawhvT/s1600/P1180043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4X-w4IkcwparflA4nOp2XN4Mq8ACj7PxLOsU-eqwel-EaX8uR3yICctsIfO2R_rOawZIkPvPDiArhU6-yQ8Fd_8CPzMCfiJTZanF15sJus81uS0ijGY9MeZZxOCyM_tmBTyFLLYawhvT/s1600/P1180043.JPG" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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Here's the measurements for the trim pieces if you want to make your own.<br />
2 @ 21 1/2"<br />
2 @ 6"<br />
2 @ 7"<br />
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Paint. Wood glue or nail the pieces together and add a little décor. A little twine to the top for easy hanging and you've got yourself some love.<br />
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<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-64624981543946753912014-01-17T18:33:00.000-07:002014-01-17T18:33:02.945-07:00Pumpkin Muffins and CookiesWhile going through the pantry looking for dinner ideas, I found a large can of pumpkin. It called for me to make it into pumpkin goodies. Son #1 wanted cookies. I wanted muffins. A quick google search provided recipes. Luckily I had two spice cake mixes in the cold storage room downstairs. <br />
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Here's the recipe.<br />
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PUMPKIN MUFFIN COOKIES<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 29oz can pumpkin<br />
2 15oz spice cake mixes<br />
lots and lots of chocolate chips<br />
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Directions:<br />
Mix. Scoop some cookies. Fill some muffin liners. Scoop the remaining into more cookies. Bake at 350. Don't burn 'em. Lick the spoon, 'cuz there ain't no eggs in it.<br />
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Glad I made cookies AND muffins, because you can't send cookies to school for lunches but muffins are A-OK, right? Right.</div>
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Also glad I found that can of pumpkin before spring. I think it's against cooking laws to bake with pumpkin and spice when it's above 60 degrees. Strictly a winter food. What's your winter comfort food? </div>
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love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-4814914094099529622014-01-16T13:45:00.002-07:002014-01-17T19:19:50.687-07:00Hello, again. I'd like you to meet my table.One whole year. Life just took over. I have huge respect for bloggers that can keep it all together. I am not one of them. So I'm going to take things slower this year and see what happens.<br />
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A year in review. <br />
Hubby still has a job-- God bless his employer! Two oldest boys are in school all day now, which just leaves Busy Bee and me at home. Why don't I have more time? Can't figure this one out. <br />
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Wanna see my huge project last year? Heard of Ana White? I'm in love with her site and ideas. We have been in our house for 5 years and my dining room was begging for a large table to replace the hand-me down we got our second year of marriage. While it had 3 leaves, it was old, chipped and water stained. I toyed with refinishing it but I really didn't like the shape of the table legs anyway. Then I found <a href="http://ana-white.com/2012/11/plans/triple-pedestal-farmhouse-table" target="_blank">Ana White's Triple Pedestal Farm House Table</a>. Instant love. Sold my table for $20 (yep, that's all I could get for it) and told my hubby that I was going to build a table. He bought me the wood needed for my b-day. Then he left the project to me.<br />
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After receiving major help from my father and father-in-law, here's what we created. Ain't she a beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYSPh_m_Vpz52aeA0Ee0xQMgeevqGlDRMqXh3E9jChRnBIsds8dDTirpvK4SeoMlX5gy0BGq9X1q0XBKkwDunJv4un57pGy_xxeruusTeScobQCPZdFS7dRGWgZd55ousci8P6pbf1vPR/s1600/P1160001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYSPh_m_Vpz52aeA0Ee0xQMgeevqGlDRMqXh3E9jChRnBIsds8dDTirpvK4SeoMlX5gy0BGq9X1q0XBKkwDunJv4un57pGy_xxeruusTeScobQCPZdFS7dRGWgZd55ousci8P6pbf1vPR/s1600/P1160001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
There was no way I was going to try to cut out 28 matching arches for the leg braces... not happening. Father-in-law suggested 2x4's at an angle-- and they look great! So much easier. The edge was supposed to have a recessed 1x2 around it, but that created a ledge that I was just not willing to clean-- I got young kids, 'member? I also wanted to be able attach my pasta press and wheat grinder to the table top (since my kitchen counters are too thick) so my father suggested cutting the edges at each end like shown above.<br />
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The original plans called for a 9 ft bench on each side. I chose to do chairs and 2 benches just over 4 feet instead. I can put them both on one side or one on each side now. I also made my benches with cheaper 2x4 instead of 2x6 feet. To make them easier I just used a solid plank of wood instead of piecing the tops together to match the table. <br />
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See that beautiful knot. I couldn't fill that with wood filler, but I didn't want it to pack with food either. I took a tiny paint brush to get some stain down inside and then used <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/assets/1/14/DimZoom/830398.jpg" target="_blank">Glossy Accents</a> to fill it in the crack. It sanded down beautiful and clear. Now I can still see those beautiful knots!</div>
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Now Ana's plans say $125 was the cost to build her table. The wood cost about that much for me. That didn't include the screws, wood glue, stain, and polyurethane coating. But including the benches I was about $200 for everything (minus the new tools needed) which is much cheaper than what I could have bought a new 9 foot table for. It also didn't take me 10 hours like it took Ashley over at <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/11/diy-dining-table-triple-pedestal-farmhouse.html" target="_blank">Shanty-2-Chic</a>. More like 2 months! I probably spent 10 hours just sanding. The top was the most time consuming because I didn't want any cracks or seams for food to get stuck in. It was all worth it. I love my beauty. Thanks Ana!<br />
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ETA: How we attached the angle braces on the pedestals-<br />
From longest tip to tip they measure about 9". My father-in-law drilled three 1/2" holes about a 1/2" or so deep. After pre-drilling for the screws, we fastened them on using 3 inch screws for the top and bottom holes and the middle hole got two 6 inch screws (they were LONG!). Then we cut a 1/2" dowel to create some wood plugs. The middle plug was cut straight on both sides, but the top and bottom ones were cut with one side at an angle-- less sanding. I applied a little glue and tapped them into place. Then I sanded them flush. Not liking the space some of them had I used some stainable wood filler around the plugs (except for the braces on the underside of the table-- 'cuz who is going to look there?) and re-sanded. Here's a picture and a super-nifty drawing ;)<br />
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Yikes! Look at the dust already! Oh, on the benches we just used one hole and screw in the middle.love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-89996347569536378322012-12-13T17:15:00.000-07:002012-12-13T17:15:17.112-07:00Christmas Tree Card Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYtrYzboFQwaO73X24n8IsYrsBacT1rlrjaW2qT6gL2iKYOvInkfdc5ogLNBvK1bzOFkQkOZ4_yESfU4wUTHkdkECJl66S0wcKdnFa0o77BGJoImfCm9eDmc9SwqM3FvKO6oKSjuH_RRH/s1600/card_tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYtrYzboFQwaO73X24n8IsYrsBacT1rlrjaW2qT6gL2iKYOvInkfdc5ogLNBvK1bzOFkQkOZ4_yESfU4wUTHkdkECJl66S0wcKdnFa0o77BGJoImfCm9eDmc9SwqM3FvKO6oKSjuH_RRH/s320/card_tree1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I use to tape my Christmas cards to the blinds on the back door. I never found a card holder that I particularly liked-- one that look good with or without cards.<br />
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Enter some sticks, hot glue, and twine-- all things I have on hand in my craft room and outside on the ground.<br />
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I measured the blank wall I have in the hallway and broke my first stick to that length. Then I worked my way up, laying the sticks out on the driveway, making sure my sticks laid pretty flush to the ground (and thus the wall so I wouldn't inadvertently skewer someone). I little hot glue and then some twine for extra security. <br />
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I love it. Now my mom wants one. I love almost free crafts!<br />
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<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-53521963483679066182012-11-17T21:01:00.000-07:002012-11-17T21:11:20.674-07:00Christmas Candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s3dYU1CnVbpWkF3AdjRltGBjb5DHZHtO5nsSBFhBt1DY0rzki2CU3DHAQ9E5dvGPthJjsN2UEVAZlUiwcQfyMgY8WH-tdH8IcWk0DMNhtzlkX8WpYzFOMFii9LflsBN-Zq_BsDRvi5pR/s1600/candles5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s3dYU1CnVbpWkF3AdjRltGBjb5DHZHtO5nsSBFhBt1DY0rzki2CU3DHAQ9E5dvGPthJjsN2UEVAZlUiwcQfyMgY8WH-tdH8IcWk0DMNhtzlkX8WpYzFOMFii9LflsBN-Zq_BsDRvi5pR/s400/candles5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... and it's not even Thanksgiving! I don't think I'm going to be able to wait to decorate until after Thanksgiving. I had to sneak in a little Christmas project and the <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/">dollarstorecrafts.com</a> 's Christmas Decor Challenge sponsored by <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/" target="_blank">DollarTree</a> was the perfect excuse!<br />
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I was wandering the isle of my DollarTree when I came upon a new item. I snatched up 3 right away. Faux wax LED Candles! They are plastic dipped in wax so they really feel/look like candles, except lighter. Do you recognize them from my <a href="http://love2dreamdoyou.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-hate-my-mantelremake.html" target="_blank">previous post on my new mantel</a>?<br />
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I made them new collars in anticipation of my Christmas mantel. Here's what I did.<br />
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Materials:<br />
3 Faux wax LED candles ($1 each)<br />
1 bag mints ($1)<br />
2 sheets cardstock (red, white; on hand)<br />
tissue paper ($1, on hand)<br />
hot glue<br />
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I cut a strip of cardstock and glued it so it fit loosely around the candle--I wanted to be able to remove it. For the first candle, I hot glued mints around that cardstock collar in 3 rows. <br />
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For the second candle I cut strips of tissue paper sheets (about 2.5 inches wide), twisted them, and glued them around another cardstock collar. <br />
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For the third one, I used a glue stick to glue printed tissue paper around yet another cardstock collar. You could also use Christmas wrapping paper. (Missed the picture, but you can see it below) <br />
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That's it... super easy, huh?<br />
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Then, do you know what I discovered? By setting the candles on a small objects of varying heights (I used a small playdough container and a cooking spray lid) and sliding the cardstock collars down, you create the illusion that your candles are different heights!<br />
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There are so many ways you could decorate the cardstock collars to change out your candles for the different seasons and occasions. Like these ones on my Thanskgiving mantel.<br />
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Happy Crafting!<br />
*Linking up to <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/11/link-up-for-the-diy-holiday-decoration-challenge" target="_blank">DollarStoreCrafts.com Holiday Decoration Challenge</a>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-75632294203375466352012-11-17T20:31:00.000-07:002012-11-17T20:31:39.040-07:00I Hate My Mantel...Remake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG5pwRcpXQg_2MPS24C6ZyfjyDWLMVzYNCng9XmGHTJj1gZj7UVku6WLuSN2a-avqCOa8ri2YehhhKlHqCULl2d3YHbqFlREzToTmmjVxRN5aCsAxyOVdjOO8z9sw06jLv-aCZ9PGLpWW/s1600/mantel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG5pwRcpXQg_2MPS24C6ZyfjyDWLMVzYNCng9XmGHTJj1gZj7UVku6WLuSN2a-avqCOa8ri2YehhhKlHqCULl2d3YHbqFlREzToTmmjVxRN5aCsAxyOVdjOO8z9sw06jLv-aCZ9PGLpWW/s320/mantel1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah. It's looked about like this since we moved in. I keep finding things that I might want to put there, so there they sit. Maybe this...how about that...this is cute...what about this here... ugh! I couldn't commit to anything. And nothing was coming together.<br />
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So it all came down!<br />
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I decided that I might have a commitment issue. I'm going to try switching out my decor for the seasons... then I only have to commit to 3 months (or less!). I don't want to break the bank, nor do I want to create a storage issue. My goal is to have easy to store and/or versatile decor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oDKMSuO1uioLUrJIdJ3SUAx9h7tH_II07J1NcM_56-uO7pJ_66vMNCKgqgkTksPv-uq2cMBYGL_tuapdtJxiLxS0RHm3k8X3WlhE3g5suJc2BoA4njGYpbewzTSfbT9TQiBxuWnVNS9m/s1600/mantel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oDKMSuO1uioLUrJIdJ3SUAx9h7tH_II07J1NcM_56-uO7pJ_66vMNCKgqgkTksPv-uq2cMBYGL_tuapdtJxiLxS0RHm3k8X3WlhE3g5suJc2BoA4njGYpbewzTSfbT9TQiBxuWnVNS9m/s400/mantel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's what I came up with, and I only spent $4.50, with most of it coming from things I had around the house. <br />
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My friend gave me these cute indian corn cobs-- they are actually popcorn, and yes, I saved some to try and pop! I took some cardstock to make a collar around these Dollar Tree candles. A little hot glued and these faux wax LED candles look perfect. Best of all I can slip them out and make new collars for all the seasons. <br />
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I saved the husks and glued them aroung a cardboard circle. My small pine tree was kind enough to lend me some pinecones for the middle of the flower. I cut some colorful branches for the vase and tossed in some pumpkins to finish off the look. <br />
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No time to create the fabulous large wood plaque I envisioned, so I covered my large picture frame with kraft paper and painted a thankful message.<br />
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I'm excited about how it turned out. Even more excited that I'm only committed to it for a few more weeks. You'll have to stay tuned for my Christmas mantel! Christmas goes up the day after Thanksgiving at my house... how about at yours?love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-11263225576283288692012-10-19T09:01:00.001-06:002012-10-19T09:01:31.442-06:00Fall WreathHave you seen those creepy grapevine wreaths with the snakes. It's all painted black and super spooky. Yeah, I made one of those, except I haven't made it to the store to get black spray paint so it sits in my <strike>crap</strike> craft room in all it's naked snake glory. Can't put THAT on my front door!<br />
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I needed a quick wreath so I skipped holidays and went for a fall themed wreath. I was inspired by thriftycraftygirl.com 's <a href="http://www.thriftycraftygirl.com/2012/10/31-days-of-halloween-spooky-ribbon.html" target="_blank">Spooky Ribbon Wreath</a> only I didn't have ribbon--but I do have lots of fabric scraps! <br />
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A while ago I picked up an embroidery hoop at the thrift store--one hoop can make two wreaths using the inner and the outer circles! I rolled up newspaper and used twisty ties to secure it to the outside edge of hoop. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zoCMGLtH8j5gZyW0Uc6Wx737PMXSsQ77y2JI58VD_JJgmWmZHo7EO5cdv0pzIbjPazlVC7baAyxuhqJvrh9x68Ts0j6T4-_7JZ06rXZfR4ey2U2SjTcA9FAsE1jFueVZXZOowEzqH0BN/s1600/Fall_wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zoCMGLtH8j5gZyW0Uc6Wx737PMXSsQ77y2JI58VD_JJgmWmZHo7EO5cdv0pzIbjPazlVC7baAyxuhqJvrh9x68Ts0j6T4-_7JZ06rXZfR4ey2U2SjTcA9FAsE1jFueVZXZOowEzqH0BN/s320/Fall_wreath1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut strips of scrap material and tied them around randonly. After they were tied I trimmed them and attached some indian popcorn (they are small cobs than regular indian corn) at the top. Quick and easy and it gave my hands something to do while my ears listened to the media's opinions on last tuesday's debate. Good times!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHz9ElryKx98ESofu7TVqM7r_G36-tT0OAEKpm87KmHPIY9HyxKQiY5SeEXDozBKtGBcApTOIit0JNf1uScatnf8rEanJafPhmigvX9iPUAyJNg4-ahsEL3BfK7j3hQOktoAWvwxNsqrO/s1600/Fall_wreath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHz9ElryKx98ESofu7TVqM7r_G36-tT0OAEKpm87KmHPIY9HyxKQiY5SeEXDozBKtGBcApTOIit0JNf1uScatnf8rEanJafPhmigvX9iPUAyJNg4-ahsEL3BfK7j3hQOktoAWvwxNsqrO/s400/Fall_wreath3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As soon as I get some paint I'll swap the wreaths out and then post a picture of the snake one!love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-87349024611157714782012-10-12T16:33:00.002-06:002012-10-12T16:33:50.903-06:00Crispy Crockpot Chicken<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crispy? Yes, you read that right! Here's how you do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took my whole chicken (innards removed!) and gave it a rinse. I plopped it in my crockpot. Next comes my favorite part-- my little secret that I'm going to share with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you seen these? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIa3T8MqVrNTH502LpA3huS99GF3QxImQUwlpxgb7MoWDcX-bG-EMapuTWcIXqswKi5nDgItZ07sHWXsFgTGCtEVTNSXySO1-lffp9TBHQejziqndyKB1N4Q_PgncfmYyXCETFFSxP6Mt/s1600/Crispy_Chicken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIa3T8MqVrNTH502LpA3huS99GF3QxImQUwlpxgb7MoWDcX-bG-EMapuTWcIXqswKi5nDgItZ07sHWXsFgTGCtEVTNSXySO1-lffp9TBHQejziqndyKB1N4Q_PgncfmYyXCETFFSxP6Mt/s320/Crispy_Chicken2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See all the fantastic flavor options? And this is ain't all of them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in love with them. Oh, so tasty. And I use them for more than just marinating and grilling!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight I picked Mojito Lime. Mmmm... I just sprinkled 1/2 the package on top of the chicken. No rubbing or anything fancy. I rolled up the seasoning to save for another time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turn on your crockpot on low and cover. Cook for 3 hours. Now here comes the crispy part. Ready?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzONSep-gQqldCjjPzMUkdzvlyu_AU7cE1MLBeBJdbDOoNt_wrqkhDxZjMKMTTCKDkrGNgPFebAEWyCtV7nv7MPZEsfR8zp6_RGMH6LZBhkjuPm8vGL9cOLLnWbif6S0kChpV4_1MVu7vp/s1600/Crispy_Chicken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzONSep-gQqldCjjPzMUkdzvlyu_AU7cE1MLBeBJdbDOoNt_wrqkhDxZjMKMTTCKDkrGNgPFebAEWyCtV7nv7MPZEsfR8zp6_RGMH6LZBhkjuPm8vGL9cOLLnWbif6S0kChpV4_1MVu7vp/s320/Crispy_Chicken1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stick a wooden spoon under the lid for the last hour. Getting that steam out will allow the skin to crisp up. Now we aren't talking Kentucky Fried crispy. It's more like rotisserie crispy. But that's a ton better than slippery, slimy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP2BDxSTxAk0wWPrwwdoppRzw6OC0jcgFaOnMZPpJr4SmG6pEFGk4CnJnDOf2ezxS1RYgrnvNtG2gP2wW8IsHrucJ1uVBHWO9WDoSIOfrHoHM7SmClngblhRcs0ZIVsnsxAVhbP3CtIt8/s1600/Crispy_Chicken3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP2BDxSTxAk0wWPrwwdoppRzw6OC0jcgFaOnMZPpJr4SmG6pEFGk4CnJnDOf2ezxS1RYgrnvNtG2gP2wW8IsHrucJ1uVBHWO9WDoSIOfrHoHM7SmClngblhRcs0ZIVsnsxAVhbP3CtIt8/s320/Crispy_Chicken3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now my chicken was just under 5 lbs. It cooked a LOT faster than I thought it would (I was planning on it taking 6 hours!). It's been done since 4:00 and dinner can't be for at least another hour. But that's the lovely thing about crock pots. I've left it plugged in and vented with the spoon. It'll be fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See. Mmmm... Please pass the rice!</span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-79177554038525947782012-10-06T14:24:00.003-06:002012-10-06T14:36:59.577-06:00Costume for a dollar, or less!Need a costume quick? Don't have much time or money? Here ya go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtTp3rpI7mN7tQ5KIsHIuktT7Bed59kptkzVPmF1cYYMH1HiNA6dPHKZ6ZOJYtf6Aubq7g5VTNiN9A1zetCp1qDwEtGpn3Frt2n-AnllaM32HHq3W6asSO4Wnhuv6rJ0A5JE_t_E5XUfH/s1600/costume_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtTp3rpI7mN7tQ5KIsHIuktT7Bed59kptkzVPmF1cYYMH1HiNA6dPHKZ6ZOJYtf6Aubq7g5VTNiN9A1zetCp1qDwEtGpn3Frt2n-AnllaM32HHq3W6asSO4Wnhuv6rJ0A5JE_t_E5XUfH/s320/costume_1.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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What you need:<br />
Laundry basket ($1 at DollarTree, on hand)<br />
Scissors (on hand)<br />
Assorted clothes (on hand)<br />
Empty laundry detergent bottle ($1 at DollarTree, on hand)<br />
<br />
How To: I'm sure you can figure it out from the picture above! With heavy duty scissors, I cut out the bottom of the laundry basket. Mine snuggled perfectly when pulled up to my hips but if yours is loose, make two shoulder straps from two long-sleeved shirts with the sleeve cuffs safety pinned to the front and back of basket. Stuff with random clothes--personal preference is clean clothes so I would not have to smell dirty socks all night, but if you're brave enough to go authentic, go for it!<br />
Grab a bottle of laundry detergent, a stain stick and or dryer sheets (hey, these might make your dirty clothes smell tolerable!). Feel free to really heap the clothes as much as you want. You'll be toasty warm if you safety pin more clothes to your shirt and/or hat. <br />
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Need a couples costume. Decorate a box to look like the washing machine for your other half!<br />
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Mr. L2D says he'd like to use this idea for Halloween, so I guess I need to make a washing machine for me. <br />
<br />
**Enter in <a href="http://dollartree.com/">dollartree.com</a> 's <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/10/link-up-for-the-diy-costume-challenge/" target="_blank">October Craft Challenge</a>, sponsored by DollarTree.**<br />
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<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-6333903947816133182012-09-25T13:39:00.002-06:002012-09-25T13:40:20.333-06:00School Time: Color Activities<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've decided my kids need online names. LegoLad (#1) and GameBoy (#2) are named for their interests, and #3's nickname is BusyBee 'cuz she is always on the go! You already know Mr L2D. Besides 5 fish that live in upstairs, that's our family. Pleased to meet you, too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, school's started. LegoLad and GameBoy are gone all day and all morning, respectively. It's just BusyBee (she's 20 months) and me. Time for some fun with a little learning snuck in!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFftwAxwUwcwAXT2zrRmP2NNBhMk8RURBWphWpVjvLOQQ3j4wfGbNc8nOd3E_pWj3jHKcLHvcEeIzIYbrFzXTGlXqvrT88IhWcC3VYEMA8fHvIOjnRHd4beiXPBZZdvniUNb83HCeXj-2/s1600/colors1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFftwAxwUwcwAXT2zrRmP2NNBhMk8RURBWphWpVjvLOQQ3j4wfGbNc8nOd3E_pWj3jHKcLHvcEeIzIYbrFzXTGlXqvrT88IhWcC3VYEMA8fHvIOjnRHd4beiXPBZZdvniUNb83HCeXj-2/s400/colors1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we sorted colors. She aced this, so I need to step up my game. Here's what we did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put a bunch of colored pompoms in a box. I spread out corresponding colored papers for the 8 colors I had. I picked a color, named it and put it on the correct paper. By the third one she had taken over. She had to think a bit about some, but got every one correct! Every time she picked up a color I named it for her--"Ooo... red. Where does the red go?" or something similar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Here's some other color activities that we did or are planning to do soon:</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dyed Pasta Stringing: </span><a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/coloring-pasta-making-necklaces"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.makeandtakes.com/coloring-pasta-making-necklaces</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> --I love how bright the colors turn out when you use rubbing alcohol. I had BusyBee thread them on a bamboo skewer stuck into a blob of homemade playdough. I keeps her occupied for over 30 minutes while I make dinner. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQZVkp4V9NW49Np745MPVGduTCtu9-e3XgnZz1TZ_xPKAt4CBxns-nS8flI6nGCivyIqQLT-dDsN2PDc0jV7AfIfnuXivY6EDY6w2WNtw01IO4bVVRKY9c3MCmksPAsjiPHYaAUHlARTL/s1600/colors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQZVkp4V9NW49Np745MPVGduTCtu9-e3XgnZz1TZ_xPKAt4CBxns-nS8flI6nGCivyIqQLT-dDsN2PDc0jV7AfIfnuXivY6EDY6w2WNtw01IO4bVVRKY9c3MCmksPAsjiPHYaAUHlARTL/s320/colors2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">**After dying the noodles and carefully scooping them out, I put about a half cup rice in the bag and there was enough "juice" to dye it, too. BusyBee loves scooping/pouring the rice into different containers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fruit Loop Rainbow: </span><a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/od/rainbows/a/cerealrainbow.htm"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://familycrafts.about.com/od/rainbows/a/cerealrainbow.htm</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> --Sort and glue fruit loops into a rainbow. (Also can sort and string.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Torn paper art: Tear construction paper into small
pieces. Glue pieces on a paper shape. (Blue on a rain drop, yellow star,
red heart, green leaf, white cloud, black wheel, etc…)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lacing Cards: Glue construction paper onto a cereal
box for strength. Cut out shape. Punch holes along edge and use as a lacing
card with string. Cover with contact paper for more durability.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>For Older Kids (Preschool)--</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chameleon Hunt: </span><a href="http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-lesson-plans/61856-a-color-of-his-own-chameleon-lesson-plan/"><a href="http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-lesson-plans/61856-a-color-of-his-own-chameleon-lesson-plan/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-lesson-plans/61856-a-color-of-his-own-chameleon-lesson-plan/</span><a href="http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-lesson-plans/61856-a-color-of-his-own-chameleon-lesson-plan/After"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After reading Leo Lionni's book A Color Of His Own, cut out chameleons from different colored papers. Take turns hiding each chameleon on an object that is the same color.</span></a></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's Missing? Game: Fill a cookie sheet with 5-10 objects, all the same color. Have the children identify each object (i.e. toothbrush, sock, toy car, crayon, hairbow, cup, etc.). Cover the sheet with a towel and secretly remove an object. Uncover and have the children guess what's missing. Adjust number of objects if the game is too easy or hard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I Spy Book: Have kids gather as many objects (even
magazine pictures) that will fit on one 8.5x11 sheet of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without touching, play “I spy with my little
something that…(give a clue)”. Take picture of these color pages to make quiet
books—I would put photos in inexpensive albums and give as Christmas gifts.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Iron-on Shapes. Have kids color a shape cut out of sand
paper. Use lots of crayon! Turn upside down a white sheet of paper and cover
with another piece of paper and iron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can buy iron-on fabric crayons to transfer to t-shirts or kitchen
towels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Cookie Cutter Painting: Place a small amount of paint
on a plate. Show kids how to dip in paint and press on paper.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Color Wash Painting: Color a picture with crayons.
Thin tempra paint and have children paint over the entire picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paint won’t cover crayons making the drawing
show through. Large paint brushes are best for this.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Dot Painting: Use bingo markers or ends of crayola
markers (or glue sticks, pencil erasers, q-tips, etc) dipped in paint to create
a picture with dots or to fill in a cut-out paper shape.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-33996052809070828682012-09-11T21:10:00.000-06:002012-09-18T13:29:18.115-06:00Garden Veggie QuicheMmmm... was dinner yummy! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KD1QbALzO9r15wtYHb3HBkpXBU8yunLxaadWbvDfBz_kuiegwQYKj4i8EcFlAM6q5YPn8I2HjFhwEhuPKRwuTh4KB1ANdf4IUVdknW4x4fZALumHbUNdYJUXKbYivytyuVAyIVQFOsRx/s1600/Quiche4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KD1QbALzO9r15wtYHb3HBkpXBU8yunLxaadWbvDfBz_kuiegwQYKj4i8EcFlAM6q5YPn8I2HjFhwEhuPKRwuTh4KB1ANdf4IUVdknW4x4fZALumHbUNdYJUXKbYivytyuVAyIVQFOsRx/s400/Quiche4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the recipe.<br />
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Shredded hasbrowns, enough to cover bottom of pan<br />
4 large eggs, (I used 5 medium)<br />
3/4 cup milk (I used skim)<br />
pinch of rosemary<br />
pinch of thyme<br />
chives to taste (I used 3 fresh "leaves?")<br />
1/2 cup ham<br />
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided.<br />
1/2 to 1 cup of shredded zuchini<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlrfBtJhY5hmkQi_KDLzNFeknkMfbOdLYNoKTNZzePImkBUaV32C93YgdnZvdKhL1ql60woAVeT18LhDa1NOTupI-srHPiwzAO2QgUy0GB8q0Yg705rIebmi0-Qjv9rdPm-Zik2WzGLgF/s1600/Quiche1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlrfBtJhY5hmkQi_KDLzNFeknkMfbOdLYNoKTNZzePImkBUaV32C93YgdnZvdKhL1ql60woAVeT18LhDa1NOTupI-srHPiwzAO2QgUy0GB8q0Yg705rIebmi0-Qjv9rdPm-Zik2WzGLgF/s320/Quiche1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Press thawed hashbrowns into bottom of a well greased pie pan. Set oven to 400 and place hashbrowns in oven while it pre-heats. <br />
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Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, rosemary, thyme, and chives. Chop ham and shred zucchini (I also peeled mine to make it more kid friendly.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwSS16lCnwKr-1QpHwKP7cKIloOBDjj7DAIPZ13C7FXuEyY-Qt6QSf1sX2-zHg8MoEauGRJG1WrvMMs3kq7OmVxYxV5j8r2tlJvPoTmkVYrix3yotqIr9ad2NPUZXKNrUkFchSGHywPBo/s1600/Quiche2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwSS16lCnwKr-1QpHwKP7cKIloOBDjj7DAIPZ13C7FXuEyY-Qt6QSf1sX2-zHg8MoEauGRJG1WrvMMs3kq7OmVxYxV5j8r2tlJvPoTmkVYrix3yotqIr9ad2NPUZXKNrUkFchSGHywPBo/s320/Quiche2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When hashbrown crust starts to brown around edges (about 30 minutes), remove. On top of crust layer 1/2 cup cheese, zucchini, ham, and remaining cheese. Pour egg mixture over top.<br />
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Bake 400 for 30 minutes or until top is brown and eggs are cooked. <em>I can't use the "knife comes out clean" method for quiche, because I'm not smart enough to know if it is juice from the zucchini or ham or if it's melted cheese stuck to the knife. I bought a thermometer and religiously use that for testing meat and eggs-- 165 is considered safe for most foods.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkZtuePC6ImIsR3qoFfrS56TrGUWKb0i3lNJ2FYlzs9__lGXBPRViQRU3A11BrxM_D5BjtToPtCsOcpsiXlxCtsanSL8WqMWy31_Hk9AmodE1Z5IosVF6nlHyYZ4s71_LXxaS4hAsqMOm/s1600/Quiche3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkZtuePC6ImIsR3qoFfrS56TrGUWKb0i3lNJ2FYlzs9__lGXBPRViQRU3A11BrxM_D5BjtToPtCsOcpsiXlxCtsanSL8WqMWy31_Hk9AmodE1Z5IosVF6nlHyYZ4s71_LXxaS4hAsqMOm/s320/Quiche3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next time I'm going to remember to put some of my dried tomato slices on top. They'll help absorb the extra moisture, too. If you don't have dried, just use fresh.<br />
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VERDICT: I loved it. Gameboy ate it--which completely surprised me-- and so did BusyBee. Eldest LegoLad tried it but did like it. Mr. L2D said "yeah" when asked if he liked it. 4 out of 5 is better than most meals I make! Woohoo! I made one for my gluten-free neighbor, her family loved it too!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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**linked at <a href="http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2012/09/mostly-homemade-mondays-week-13.html" target="_blank">Frugal By Choice's Mostly Homemade Monday</a><br />
<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-80075648425527444192012-09-07T05:01:00.004-06:002012-09-13T15:39:24.220-06:00Jazzed-up Jeans<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Got a pair of jeans that are just plain 'ol blah? Head on over to your local Dollar Tree and jazz them up with a pair of woven trivets. WHAT?! you say. Read on and find out how.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLWHaqWZxFbFJNpvfTFNmcQcdwxjfqqmnr-fVepQttPt8jb_pNQvkZn_OdLCo1z8fN5sL1XqkyV4SvoE1Q2u1oyF3VLRiMm34NE7U-katezjtSalcgJPOd8Ykwuh1JJiUOQ_4RvciPy2/s1600/jeans7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLWHaqWZxFbFJNpvfTFNmcQcdwxjfqqmnr-fVepQttPt8jb_pNQvkZn_OdLCo1z8fN5sL1XqkyV4SvoE1Q2u1oyF3VLRiMm34NE7U-katezjtSalcgJPOd8Ykwuh1JJiUOQ_4RvciPy2/s400/jeans7.JPG" width="317" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supplies:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pair of jeans- on hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">chalk- on hand, $1 a box</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">woven trivets- $1 a pair</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">scissors- on hand, $1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pins- on hand, $1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">needle and thread- on hand, $1 (in sewing kits) [or sewing maching]</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCNuxWpBRgjOzv4lVkwV_SODox2FRWVeMQ3YedErWGU5OV4nE2MZs0jHxCF-JYxEPhJzbGqIHBJcxwT2aesjh1RB0E6Q0Gm1IIPYAiGkCwv2gR36V0PSz_Hpv1uGZ4kMuwVXeedElLoP9/s1600/jeans1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCNuxWpBRgjOzv4lVkwV_SODox2FRWVeMQ3YedErWGU5OV4nE2MZs0jHxCF-JYxEPhJzbGqIHBJcxwT2aesjh1RB0E6Q0Gm1IIPYAiGkCwv2gR36V0PSz_Hpv1uGZ4kMuwVXeedElLoP9/s320/jeans1.JPG" width="280" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First you have to unravel the trivet. Do so by carefuly cutting the zizag stitches you can see in the photo. Remove bits of strings from resulting "rope."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU4ZP5pvXPjA_XxoONcbsweQJZ8RytCqPv2kewhr302BuFBSiZhkdRhxpjEv7eDTR08NxPnNsurxwE236He4aXoWSRyN_SwpISV9lK-VgX2tJhdK9kwRlINMWWAs9CUaAF5cGt7KZQVPK/s1600/jeans2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU4ZP5pvXPjA_XxoONcbsweQJZ8RytCqPv2kewhr302BuFBSiZhkdRhxpjEv7eDTR08NxPnNsurxwE236He4aXoWSRyN_SwpISV9lK-VgX2tJhdK9kwRlINMWWAs9CUaAF5cGt7KZQVPK/s320/jeans2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trace your pattern onto your jeans with chalk. While wearing my jeans, I drew my pattern standing in front of a mirror.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WalvKB0dCSV_mb1R3gdBsMRYObA2_4PJccma9ZftiTbFrt98ZPGLz5-U2MTf_5neThzD2QFj35qgW9-jVHhB6XTjRiBimV5sRvl9qlcts-AYQtuuX2hdE1eDGN5501M276PGmzp6Is0j/s1600/jeans4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WalvKB0dCSV_mb1R3gdBsMRYObA2_4PJccma9ZftiTbFrt98ZPGLz5-U2MTf_5neThzD2QFj35qgW9-jVHhB6XTjRiBimV5sRvl9qlcts-AYQtuuX2hdE1eDGN5501M276PGmzp6Is0j/s320/jeans4.JPG" width="269" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-2DsuMm9fnxGlnaaj4nCL6NtXDhJ82Elu7EF9OuZKv9biNUoXCUuO9elW7f8erFzRDIhIkfe5CZe9V4Y_Hp9BDhDyvOcYg98_7K01oX0qx6IfmhahJAm0Q_p-UJ4Cj8-nvr-hIryDn6S/s1600/jeans3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-2DsuMm9fnxGlnaaj4nCL6NtXDhJ82Elu7EF9OuZKv9biNUoXCUuO9elW7f8erFzRDIhIkfe5CZe9V4Y_Hp9BDhDyvOcYg98_7K01oX0qx6IfmhahJAm0Q_p-UJ4Cj8-nvr-hIryDn6S/s320/jeans3.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lay your rope along the design and giving yourself a bit extra for good measure, cut the rope to desired length. At this point, you'll want to pull out the foam middle, unless you want a puffier design. (The top scroll on my jeans still has the foam. I preferred the look without on the following scrolls so I will be picking that one off and pulling out the foam and then restitching it.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3pQJjiXDoje-a5h0hI46LuHWkUE5U0tnWIEJU5JZnW2ARLpKEfxNDpX4EoTAKCKllpAUJ6HWkmpmdWcc_AeToYJFbRNrx0zOvdulKOanqpS-hc8cxU585Ts-hMDB4YAXh87QmbByUQb8/s1600/jeans5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3pQJjiXDoje-a5h0hI46LuHWkUE5U0tnWIEJU5JZnW2ARLpKEfxNDpX4EoTAKCKllpAUJ6HWkmpmdWcc_AeToYJFbRNrx0zOvdulKOanqpS-hc8cxU585Ts-hMDB4YAXh87QmbByUQb8/s320/jeans5.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trim one end of the woven rope straight and tuck end inside itself. Start with the tucked end and pin the rope onto the design. When you get to the end, tuck the end into itself again, trimming if needed, and secure with a pin. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2XHuiUI4hHc5cNkVwTN1kh1XGVkTv3ZdQix9mvZO2tElC7BkFjXhvHpVPo8bqo0nN6HM8S7PNg7tp4ZMYfqgowzIJ5j_PJj3KTdR3R4EOPR_6j72vWQbWPQcVNM7JEGe44vJQnFs9_PZ/s1600/jeans6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2XHuiUI4hHc5cNkVwTN1kh1XGVkTv3ZdQix9mvZO2tElC7BkFjXhvHpVPo8bqo0nN6HM8S7PNg7tp4ZMYfqgowzIJ5j_PJj3KTdR3R4EOPR_6j72vWQbWPQcVNM7JEGe44vJQnFs9_PZ/s320/jeans6.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just stitch it on, with matching thread. Or if you're an even stitcher, you could go bold with a contrasting color! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLWHaqWZxFbFJNpvfTFNmcQcdwxjfqqmnr-fVepQttPt8jb_pNQvkZn_OdLCo1z8fN5sL1XqkyV4SvoE1Q2u1oyF3VLRiMm34NE7U-katezjtSalcgJPOd8Ykwuh1JJiUOQ_4RvciPy2/s1600/jeans7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLWHaqWZxFbFJNpvfTFNmcQcdwxjfqqmnr-fVepQttPt8jb_pNQvkZn_OdLCo1z8fN5sL1XqkyV4SvoE1Q2u1oyF3VLRiMm34NE7U-katezjtSalcgJPOd8Ykwuh1JJiUOQ_4RvciPy2/s400/jeans7.JPG" width="317" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNyWCsVM9OT4oE5CGvacaS79wd1FjJ3tsQtvrzk5kFujGFRsISby43BR-JiGZRDWm35R0VsHxR8gAB_iGvDrT85_RpsX-Jl1kNRWIEvDEXCqy1f8vUiIzRFyihqh-evNzk4if6AlPoLab/s1600/jeans8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNyWCsVM9OT4oE5CGvacaS79wd1FjJ3tsQtvrzk5kFujGFRsISby43BR-JiGZRDWm35R0VsHxR8gAB_iGvDrT85_RpsX-Jl1kNRWIEvDEXCqy1f8vUiIzRFyihqh-evNzk4if6AlPoLab/s320/jeans8.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The design possiblities are endless. My store had multiple colors of trivets which you could stitch on a variety of clothing articles in an endless array of designs. How about even on a table runner. I'm thinking my solid colored comforter might even need some sprucing up! What will you do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">**linked up to <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/">dollarstorecrafts.com</a> for their September Craft Challenge sponsored by <a href="http://dollartree.com/">DollarTree.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">EDITTED TO ADD: I picked off the top scroll and liked my jeans better without it. What do you think?</span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-59466796016241240072012-09-05T10:39:00.001-06:002012-09-05T10:44:05.184-06:00Backpack Hooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5Jivwn7R36Fsx9Do78uJQhT8jT1WRz9kuDUGpyG3iTUudE53LdxpoXzLr-KbmMtfVtGf7JoKxhUanVSiuoCqMurHwzhKh5U0pcSSve-uIlQ-AXCyNYACeZD8TGPLXIUFM-OspCzTxqTe/s1600/Backpack_hooks4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5Jivwn7R36Fsx9Do78uJQhT8jT1WRz9kuDUGpyG3iTUudE53LdxpoXzLr-KbmMtfVtGf7JoKxhUanVSiuoCqMurHwzhKh5U0pcSSve-uIlQ-AXCyNYACeZD8TGPLXIUFM-OspCzTxqTe/s400/Backpack_hooks4.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My kid walks in the door and immediately drops his backpack in the middle of the kitchen floor on his way to the pantry for a sanck. #2 had his first day of Kindergarten and came home and did the same thing. This bugs me, but aside from hanging them on a chair or stuffing them in the hall closet I recognized there wasn't a better solution-- believe me I tried several things last year. We don't have a mud room. The garage door opens directly into the kitchen. The front entry is tiny. I had a choice to make-- backpack hooks in the kitchen or in the front entry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a guest arrives at your house, do you really want them to be greated by a row of backpacks? I don't think so. Decorative front entry means backpacks in the kitchen--it really wasn't a choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to make them nice. Mr. L2D made sure I attached them to wall studs. It is by far better to have them hung than strewn about the floor. And I learned it is impossible to match stains.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8acQRsXvmlVxiXsQH5BvOou2sFC2D4GLIyDrwQot0BsG71tC91kxccE5wut8W7ZMaAVXT7jBCrxkRjY18xIcvCpmdaCv3qO4inebqPp77S-voj7nvlZ7NN4tuK3auVlHGRTWUBtZUNKr/s1600/Backpack_hooks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8acQRsXvmlVxiXsQH5BvOou2sFC2D4GLIyDrwQot0BsG71tC91kxccE5wut8W7ZMaAVXT7jBCrxkRjY18xIcvCpmdaCv3qO4inebqPp77S-voj7nvlZ7NN4tuK3auVlHGRTWUBtZUNKr/s320/Backpack_hooks1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found these hook racks at Honks All A Dollar. They were a buck. I bought 8! I bought them for the hooks alone--I have purchased hooks before and the cheap, plain ones are about $3 a piece. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spray painted the hooks black (I'm in love with wrought iron) while they were still on the board. Once dry I removed the hooks and tossed the cheap board. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time for a confession: I love Home Depot. I haunt their Paint Opps! section and also back by the cutting table in their scrap wood bins. I've made some scores there, including this board for 51 cents! I picked up some stain in what I thought would be the right color for under $5. One corner of the board was ruffed up along the edge. Easiest way to ruff up the other side to match was to rub in against the concrete driveway-- just a bit! It's much faster than sandpaper and gives a much more random rough look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gave it two coats of stain. When that was dried, I added the hooks. With Mr. L2D's stud finder I located the studs. I double checked them because they were not the standard 16" apart. Rather than using a nail and leaving a big hole, I pushed a pin through the drywall and it stopped against the stud. Sure enough, 19" apart-- who built this house! Anywho... I marked and pre-drilled the holes in the boards. I even drilled a larger hole at the surface to allow the screw head to sink flush with the board. Aren't you proud of me, Mr. L2D?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw5peRKIjMh30oRzwwdN9q2qLLrBReH2gqjAmJ6PPEnLmmKm29nCUwjpMwvvtqzAJEL7EHZCjwePgBJPvQEepl3JkcaMNOkvslhWYNyaSZF7DOjmEIh5siscxoUgAJDsZDCPLN_1lh2jj/s1600/Backpack_hooks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw5peRKIjMh30oRzwwdN9q2qLLrBReH2gqjAmJ6PPEnLmmKm29nCUwjpMwvvtqzAJEL7EHZCjwePgBJPvQEepl3JkcaMNOkvslhWYNyaSZF7DOjmEIh5siscxoUgAJDsZDCPLN_1lh2jj/s320/Backpack_hooks2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here it is! Mr. L2D came home and said it looked nice, which is high praise indeed from a "plain-blank-wall" kinda man.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik83joLLba57az1Td-riI8XOXrUclQaOoz_uDJAaYT5SwASPhyCHSeN7fplyivVW8efWhaWIIUPn5omfutLEHQrTWd6AYwgnbFeWYkgvHfA8OxZ1Y-mQM9pe5KzxvF7-LjcX2GyaOILK_J/s1600/Backpack_hooks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik83joLLba57az1Td-riI8XOXrUclQaOoz_uDJAaYT5SwASPhyCHSeN7fplyivVW8efWhaWIIUPn5omfutLEHQrTWd6AYwgnbFeWYkgvHfA8OxZ1Y-mQM9pe5KzxvF7-LjcX2GyaOILK_J/s320/Backpack_hooks3.jpg" width="275" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5Jivwn7R36Fsx9Do78uJQhT8jT1WRz9kuDUGpyG3iTUudE53LdxpoXzLr-KbmMtfVtGf7JoKxhUanVSiuoCqMurHwzhKh5U0pcSSve-uIlQ-AXCyNYACeZD8TGPLXIUFM-OspCzTxqTe/s1600/Backpack_hooks4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5Jivwn7R36Fsx9Do78uJQhT8jT1WRz9kuDUGpyG3iTUudE53LdxpoXzLr-KbmMtfVtGf7JoKxhUanVSiuoCqMurHwzhKh5U0pcSSve-uIlQ-AXCyNYACeZD8TGPLXIUFM-OspCzTxqTe/s320/Backpack_hooks4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The double hooks will allow jackets and coats to be hung up, too! And until #3 is in school, there is even a place for my purse. The whole thing cost me about $6 bucks, but there is a ton of stain leftover. That means I don't have to try to match stain for my next projects!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-87620634488672359142012-08-30T10:11:00.000-06:002012-08-30T10:11:42.259-06:00Nifty Thrifty Thursday: Key KaddieI found this spice cabinet a while ago at one fo my favorite thrift stores, Value Village. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tA4PMsJK4YR2Zc-4Gg7u5syeRlxr2CA7xDVlV0qWhtIgfd8seUd7CYvhVrQP3jNdOm7ulQIiH0xSJ3sLun7h0g0b-DAGG6T5VlZiDrrXp_4J_ssGH4s0gBnsXHJeef2v1KpazrrzS-rq/s1600/Keys_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tA4PMsJK4YR2Zc-4Gg7u5syeRlxr2CA7xDVlV0qWhtIgfd8seUd7CYvhVrQP3jNdOm7ulQIiH0xSJ3sLun7h0g0b-DAGG6T5VlZiDrrXp_4J_ssGH4s0gBnsXHJeef2v1KpazrrzS-rq/s400/Keys_1.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
I had hubby remove the bottom shelf. We added cup hooks to the now bottom shelf. Hung right by the garage door, it's perfect for hanging keys and stashing sunglasses or those old clip-on garage door openers. Keys aren't pretty decor for me, so I close the doors and they are hidden away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X8CsL6ueU94hI-Db8q0MhbZuCD5w1XniBAp5gP56hs1E35Kr3XCNUk2ZbbiO_-JPZbl2_BxLkzWXmo5l0lV3CWXCdCyQyY6kmqmUTkaddI9u06HOGObwm76iVLFtYuj6SeHWPYCqqfbd/s1600/Keys_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X8CsL6ueU94hI-Db8q0MhbZuCD5w1XniBAp5gP56hs1E35Kr3XCNUk2ZbbiO_-JPZbl2_BxLkzWXmo5l0lV3CWXCdCyQyY6kmqmUTkaddI9u06HOGObwm76iVLFtYuj6SeHWPYCqqfbd/s320/Keys_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quick. Easy. Functional. The perfect thrifty re-purpose.</div>
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love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-34772936746229954682012-08-23T13:25:00.001-06:002012-08-23T13:33:02.706-06:00Nifty Thrifty Thursday... Display CasesI needed to go to the bank, the grocery store, and Wal-mart all before lunch... with 3 kids... so a thrift store visit wasn't going to happen. My kids survived the trip (amazingly behaved and I didn't have to threaten their lives once-- knock on wood and granite, metal, plastic, and cotton just to be covered!) Can I tell you how excited I am that in one week I'll be able to run errands with only my toddler in tow-- and she loves to shop! My bank account is in trouble. But I digress...<br />
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As I was checking out at Walmart, two employees made my day. When I said I'd like to price match the grapes at 88 cents, she said I'll give them to you for a better price and showed me some store's add for 69 cents a pound! woohoo! Thanks. Then the gentleman that was changing over the display case said I could have these empty display case boxes. Double...make that, quadruple... thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfHgp-ihKDup624jhN8k9c2Ln1alY5Fh1BcLLm21yew39mHzZ5Ztzf_8sCFdmEZ_mU-lGvdwpShayDk167vkK7hY01pwZojiJJ3O2QDqk-FHxMv0eKZRfCarOoup4328MhNNt_DfHhw3W/s1600/P8230062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfHgp-ihKDup624jhN8k9c2Ln1alY5Fh1BcLLm21yew39mHzZ5Ztzf_8sCFdmEZ_mU-lGvdwpShayDk167vkK7hY01pwZojiJJ3O2QDqk-FHxMv0eKZRfCarOoup4328MhNNt_DfHhw3W/s320/P8230062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, do I have plans for these. They involve contact paper ('cuz really, who has time to modge podge scrapbook paper on 'em) and closet shelves. The Dollar Store has contact paper. But then again, school starts in a week and I just might have time-- Oh, the possibilities...<br />
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Stay tuned for more pictures when they get pretty! (Can you spray paint shiny cardboard? hmmm...)<br />
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love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-19982773510414976932012-08-20T13:04:00.004-06:002012-08-20T13:04:36.840-06:00DIY Slushy Drinks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl1PPmzYr5oFAMvn5mN1ESLbUrBueNHKRjzeLLaYJY9n-Uixn0mU8MtCEPK2mvqMPFZHYRtAAxPOIX23ASbr6X08e1CrDFKr4gFGqIxmeSM70jsuBUL_ZBYqJxvhB8Sz2To6XWejWCGHB/s1600/slushy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl1PPmzYr5oFAMvn5mN1ESLbUrBueNHKRjzeLLaYJY9n-Uixn0mU8MtCEPK2mvqMPFZHYRtAAxPOIX23ASbr6X08e1CrDFKr4gFGqIxmeSM70jsuBUL_ZBYqJxvhB8Sz2To6XWejWCGHB/s320/slushy3.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As seen on TV, only cheaper! In fact, this costs practically nothing. I bet you have all the supplies and ingredients in your kitchen right now. (This eliminates the leaky zip-sealed bags of other DIY methods!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqBvp3rxLeA2dMy-QvXjOIGzO-u1Qx6whBhoHipXXVPvGSsKe7oz60afCs0-LZdCc79KaGOWSHQ9RNiJwwFa0efs9vJGbn7MBzXxaqCnCimbyhs2C4lbkgZV3TuWmdAnLPfTVqcFhqFxx/s1600/slushy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqBvp3rxLeA2dMy-QvXjOIGzO-u1Qx6whBhoHipXXVPvGSsKe7oz60afCs0-LZdCc79KaGOWSHQ9RNiJwwFa0efs9vJGbn7MBzXxaqCnCimbyhs2C4lbkgZV3TuWmdAnLPfTVqcFhqFxx/s320/slushy2.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>You need:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-1 Mayonaise plastic bottle (yes, I did scrap out the 1/3 cup or so left and put it in another container)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-1 small water bottle (you, know the 1/2 size kind-- make sure yours will fit in your mayo bottle)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-ice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-salt (about 1/2 cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-drink to slushify (that's the new word for the day!), we used kool-aid</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The How To:</strong> It's basically the same concept as the old fashioned ice cream makers. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezowtmggBv-SrnoswcsH8LnRc3Bgo63paLuwt5AxY0PVfwnf48drM3U-poXvSniyYhQvFiPi7u6O_DW8eRqyCy6nm0UHb1zQkZ-vu3BKVUZzHr3fU5mqIImiZkoN3jmFe_u29MYnLGaOn/s1600/slushy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezowtmggBv-SrnoswcsH8LnRc3Bgo63paLuwt5AxY0PVfwnf48drM3U-poXvSniyYhQvFiPi7u6O_DW8eRqyCy6nm0UHb1zQkZ-vu3BKVUZzHr3fU5mqIImiZkoN3jmFe_u29MYnLGaOn/s1600/slushy1.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Wash bottles clean (I removed my labels for better viewing).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Fill your tiny bottle 3/4 full with your drink of choice. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secure lid tightly and place it in the Mayo bottle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Fill Mayo bottle with ice and dump in salt, err on the side of too much, it's not going to hurt anything. I also added about a half cup water to help mix things around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Secure lid tightly and shake-- probably a bit longer than the tv commercial suggests of 1 minute. I wrap mine in a kitchen towel, 'cuz, man, that thing is cold!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Remove inside bottle (mine's a tight squeeze, but it does come out.) and shake well to break up the ice inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Pour into a glass-- the bottle will taste VERY salty so you won't want to drink straight from it-- and enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are quick, you'll be able to make two in succession before the mayo bottle needs to be frozen again. Don't dump it out, just freeze as is. You'll be able to add your small bottle and shake for the next time. (Technically fully saturated salt water will not freeze in your freezer but it'll get very cold and slushy-- which works just fine.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We haven't tried any other drinks besides Kool-aid. Let me know what you try!</span><br />
love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-89805890964509487392012-08-16T16:20:00.000-06:002012-08-16T16:21:37.913-06:00Nifty Thrifty Thursday: Jewelry, in bulkI love my local thrift stores. I also love garage sales, case lot sales, and clearance bins. Thursdays I'm going to share some of my great finds at these places in hopes of inspiring your own craftiness. <br />
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Bring on the bling! I found two vases at Savers filled with jewelry and taped shut. The larger one was priced $4.99 and the smaller $1.99 (plus my 20% coupon for my donation). I got home, with the "help" of my baby girl emptied out my haul, and I got a bit excited.<br />
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You see, the ladies at my church are collecting jewelry to donate to our local elderly care center. The ladies love to look pretty, but they need necklaces that can slip over their head without clasps. Looking at all the beads in the jar, I just knew I could remake some of them into perfect pieces for them. A few I'll just donate as is, like the shell leis, and some of the little girly bling my boy wants to sell at our garage sale at a whopping quarter a piece. (He wants to sell everything recently!) Is it wrong of me to want to keep two of them for myself? I've been looking for silver and pearls (actually made two necklaces out of the chain on the far left) and I just loved the green one next to it, too.<br />
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The rest are destined for greatness then gifting to the care center!<br />
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Here's what I've done so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBvyljzl4JZTKkWIoRaSQ9ir0UhVYmb8nIJTd5B_-Eu5BOvPpUS3EhwH0x4diPcf4CSR7QolSZEC-68JfugU-VxP6IE72te5s2ybWkBySnJ3f_bIVZoiuW-Owf8IhzPAIx_s93T19X75G/s1600/jewelry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBvyljzl4JZTKkWIoRaSQ9ir0UhVYmb8nIJTd5B_-Eu5BOvPpUS3EhwH0x4diPcf4CSR7QolSZEC-68JfugU-VxP6IE72te5s2ybWkBySnJ3f_bIVZoiuW-Owf8IhzPAIx_s93T19X75G/s640/jewelry2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I removed the clasps and added chains to 3 short ones . <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCkraHVHVUGOGoI04vA5lCuCDP5J3z2sSgSTXKBMX2JOD1ZxF0C2sATc36NogNf4urAmnyZNdo7yKxTVV_6MFVKAbKr00TD6r4PbnLkA4Zvt7jKAYLGpWoPd7aRVse64wlLMp-u4ZOwlX/s1600/jewelry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCkraHVHVUGOGoI04vA5lCuCDP5J3z2sSgSTXKBMX2JOD1ZxF0C2sATc36NogNf4urAmnyZNdo7yKxTVV_6MFVKAbKr00TD6r4PbnLkA4Zvt7jKAYLGpWoPd7aRVse64wlLMp-u4ZOwlX/s320/jewelry3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were some really long ones that I was able to make into 2 necklaces each. And twice I was able to take two smaller necklaces and combine and/or re-thread the beads to make them into one longer one. <br />
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I also cleaned out my jewelry supplies and created a couple from scratch-- hey I was on a roll. I hope they enjoy them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyHFg02_GUqlFLbTA_6cL29heXJdkxCLbVPc35r2HIlXU0mjOL0JxBuq4JP2tNSAsY-vrqQ4fHGyz4r_BXX5LWmL5iLY4sJwKf3tgcfVHBDvUayMHSPIpwkYsBxWvPFnFqMF-C6Ss5Grs/s1600/jewelry4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyHFg02_GUqlFLbTA_6cL29heXJdkxCLbVPc35r2HIlXU0mjOL0JxBuq4JP2tNSAsY-vrqQ4fHGyz4r_BXX5LWmL5iLY4sJwKf3tgcfVHBDvUayMHSPIpwkYsBxWvPFnFqMF-C6Ss5Grs/s320/jewelry4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So whether you are gifting or crafting, check and see if your local thrift store has jewelry in bulk!<br />
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<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-5141687584990161792012-08-14T21:11:00.002-06:002012-08-14T21:11:53.546-06:00Dinosaur Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76H47E4fE3Xgp-OGK0mL3d9pIbI2u_PHJUqBnXJx2wVfV3m_LiW7zxIUmOj9fEljTnxjLPeU-jqIRfDgrgmkfTAvXFsgc1usM8TiCpAQ9XW4Nyv2XlF05OWCMVzvd98Eo_LRZV2167_Ez/s1600/dino5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76H47E4fE3Xgp-OGK0mL3d9pIbI2u_PHJUqBnXJx2wVfV3m_LiW7zxIUmOj9fEljTnxjLPeU-jqIRfDgrgmkfTAvXFsgc1usM8TiCpAQ9XW4Nyv2XlF05OWCMVzvd98Eo_LRZV2167_Ez/s400/dino5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was Two Dollar Tuesday at the Dino Museum. I packed up the kiddos, and threw in the two neighbor girls for good measure and we headed off to the past. They loved it. It was crazy crowded but we waited in line and Ooo-ed and Ahh-ed over tiny trilobites and the towering T-Rex.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a bummer to come home, but our tummies were rumbling. After a quick lunch and google search, I whipped up some salt dough from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dough-ornament-recipe" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. I thought it would be cool to make some dino bones that they could dig up in the sand box. Ummm... dino bones take FOREVER to bake. I had to pick the hottest day of the week to bake salt dough in the oven. After <em>an hour</em> at 275, I called it good enough. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighq-6tbHOUepO6hd-WkNoDFRW6XTZWk0bWfe4QVFCClWXfhvPGBqN5Q4NWJQr5l6kQqiLP54L2jaUNCcDqwLMy6k2aW2pa1wkqs5EeCwi222bIUQTydPiXbChIu7fejsd2lyuJx_ptyLe/s1600/dino1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighq-6tbHOUepO6hd-WkNoDFRW6XTZWk0bWfe4QVFCClWXfhvPGBqN5Q4NWJQr5l6kQqiLP54L2jaUNCcDqwLMy6k2aW2pa1wkqs5EeCwi222bIUQTydPiXbChIu7fejsd2lyuJx_ptyLe/s320/dino1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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All mixed up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNYhP6vuvVKvPyeFx5rRsAOEp-2wFP-jKdBjFdwkRh1JUQh2O1HJWFfvJ1FfR28s7KiEjkHBnWlzmZDtmphd6B5B19tdiCMUN6ypBcG2oCO1_9p0Aj_Y2d1r9wpbCs4dZoQW6AUpViu-E/s1600/dino2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNYhP6vuvVKvPyeFx5rRsAOEp-2wFP-jKdBjFdwkRh1JUQh2O1HJWFfvJ1FfR28s7KiEjkHBnWlzmZDtmphd6B5B19tdiCMUN6ypBcG2oCO1_9p0Aj_Y2d1r9wpbCs4dZoQW6AUpViu-E/s320/dino2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Shaped</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_X-FyZmLaR2E1DC-zPkdvBeKJw0SGpwJkaIXPHzWA6lMiLzV0SeEYPRM7Mm1XyfcT-JIotsmau9OJKWYgGki7UvmMo33k8eAPRoQRvNTMiG_zDMwgs4tXRWnOSaU9LomBdaxY3-5QPCI/s1600/dino3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_X-FyZmLaR2E1DC-zPkdvBeKJw0SGpwJkaIXPHzWA6lMiLzV0SeEYPRM7Mm1XyfcT-JIotsmau9OJKWYgGki7UvmMo33k8eAPRoQRvNTMiG_zDMwgs4tXRWnOSaU9LomBdaxY3-5QPCI/s320/dino3.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Baked. Why didn't the undersides turn white?</div>
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Ready to be buried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76H47E4fE3Xgp-OGK0mL3d9pIbI2u_PHJUqBnXJx2wVfV3m_LiW7zxIUmOj9fEljTnxjLPeU-jqIRfDgrgmkfTAvXFsgc1usM8TiCpAQ9XW4Nyv2XlF05OWCMVzvd98Eo_LRZV2167_Ez/s1600/dino5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76H47E4fE3Xgp-OGK0mL3d9pIbI2u_PHJUqBnXJx2wVfV3m_LiW7zxIUmOj9fEljTnxjLPeU-jqIRfDgrgmkfTAvXFsgc1usM8TiCpAQ9XW4Nyv2XlF05OWCMVzvd98Eo_LRZV2167_Ez/s320/dino5.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Discovery!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I even joined them in the digging fun. Go ahead and make some... you know you want an excuse to dig in the dirt. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could even get more educational and create a grid in the sand box with sticks and string. Recreate that grid on paper and have them mark the correct location where they found the bone. Think we might try that tomorrow. If we do, I'll post some pics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Diggin'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Editted to add: It is VERY frustrating when you can't find two of the bones even when kid #1 was instructed to only hide them inside a certain marked square. Can't imagine how real paleontologists feel!</span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-73477378450387523792012-08-06T16:52:00.004-06:002012-08-13T21:31:52.080-06:00Game Time with Siblings!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's almost 100 out. It's been hot all week. School doesn't start for 3 whole very long (for mom) weeks. My kids refuse to play outside in the heat of the afternoons. I refuse to let them watch tv or play video games all day. They love board games but sadly we don't have any new ones to tempt them into playing over and over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what I did to make board games fun all over for them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONrdtYQOcb6FfCCZuPhyfS2nD11dgU2eswIfNjUpCihudS0DaFm-5eAOAoUrkm84GACzT0r__78Bj21Bt3OEasirNoKElxpRpfo_xoAckoglk92_ibgcJoIorC4ixodOJFpT09dPWOokA/s1600/P8060124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONrdtYQOcb6FfCCZuPhyfS2nD11dgU2eswIfNjUpCihudS0DaFm-5eAOAoUrkm84GACzT0r__78Bj21Bt3OEasirNoKElxpRpfo_xoAckoglk92_ibgcJoIorC4ixodOJFpT09dPWOokA/s400/P8060124.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(I very much dislike posting pictures of my kids on-line. I was going to blurr out their faces </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">but they are just so dang cute!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just print off their cuteness on cardstock and attach a binder clip to the bottom. 'Tis the season for school supplies so they are all over... I got my assorted pack from the Dollar Tree. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F1-SyMupoP2QPMYKlFj8BYGV9wJazYeicG3rOvZvUmVWCRI22DW31C2liOT1yFPy_3zgXT0wJTcOfHA4xsxQhguebICQYfWTMPCtP_kl-9vibh178dxa-DXQflyw72CGn18ywJPXuxjX/s1600/P8060123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F1-SyMupoP2QPMYKlFj8BYGV9wJazYeicG3rOvZvUmVWCRI22DW31C2liOT1yFPy_3zgXT0wJTcOfHA4xsxQhguebICQYfWTMPCtP_kl-9vibh178dxa-DXQflyw72CGn18ywJPXuxjX/s200/P8060123.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want extra durability-- kids will be playing with these!-- cover with clear packaging tape or laminate. Use them to make any old board game new and a bit exciting. Chutes and Ladders and Sorry are my boys favorites right now! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi927IEn-piO5KfMYNx4Iv5y6XVGwx147CSeTfH3rzha758CC0778Nxx27HyXES3FEL5HwcyzAw-oPNOd3rfA_9SvRmHWdKdgAlkUtZWtLhm5WKo9Obi3OALqFH6w3Fx_gVqrCc3MbzMFqz/s1600/P8060125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi927IEn-piO5KfMYNx4Iv5y6XVGwx147CSeTfH3rzha758CC0778Nxx27HyXES3FEL5HwcyzAw-oPNOd3rfA_9SvRmHWdKdgAlkUtZWtLhm5WKo9Obi3OALqFH6w3Fx_gVqrCc3MbzMFqz/s400/P8060125.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beat that summer heat and stay cool inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I'm also thinking this would be a great gift for the Grandparents-- a board game with all the grandkids as game pieces!) Quick and easy, but personal and they'll love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Linking up to...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/08/link-up-for-the-school-supply-craft-challenge/" target="_blank">DollarStoreCrafts.com August Craft Challenge</a> sponsored by <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/" target="_blank">The Dollar Tree</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/08/tuesday-confessional-link-party_13.html" target="_blank">Crafty Confessions</a></span><br />
love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-71125734182376652082012-07-30T09:24:00.002-06:002012-08-13T21:30:40.954-06:00Sun Bonnet Sue Dish TowelsI'm feeling nostalgic today. Growing up my mom always had flour sack dish towels with these cute girls sewn in the corner. I loved them. They were a wedding gift from her mother-in-law, my grandma and were showing their age. Fast forward to me getting married. Grandma called and asked my mom what she could get me for my bridal shower. I said that I would REALLY love some of her cute Sun Bonnet Sue dish towels. My grandma was thrilled that I would ask for something she could make. I recieved 6 beautiful handmade towels for my bridal shower.<br />
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Fast forward to a hubby who loves to make cinnamon rolls. Did you know cinnamon stains? He uses my towels to cover the rolls as they raise. How could I not sacrafice one towel for that yummy goodness that he bakes? However, he doesn't use the same stained towel every time he makes cinnamon rolls, no matter how many times I ask, he always "forgets". So now all but one of my towels are stained and not so pretty looking. *sigh*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03zOZXJPutKcKKRE2dVd4uhPbXnCmws8fwmZA0FTifomELa9Kl-1hSf-OshhKiVlFpvEl-T7hS531FqzcGNErWARIPEYB9xsoa5wbHnpDNaLTY4JcMpIwUVsXsxFFamx5-w7pcpm3wNur/s1600/P7300072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03zOZXJPutKcKKRE2dVd4uhPbXnCmws8fwmZA0FTifomELa9Kl-1hSf-OshhKiVlFpvEl-T7hS531FqzcGNErWARIPEYB9xsoa5wbHnpDNaLTY4JcMpIwUVsXsxFFamx5-w7pcpm3wNur/s320/P7300072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before they are too far gone and have to be tossed, I figure I'd use a pin to the trace a pattern onto a sheet of paper underneath one towel. Then I connected the dots and used the pattern to create new towels since my grandmother no longer can lovingly sew me more. They were easy to put together and I'm offering the pattern to you. So go ahead and whip some up for gifts or to enjoy their cuteness in your kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcKpKaqox8AFBLbZBrowSQ9n5KHYFqjbe3CDsYYsk50uBA9fvVczBsJ7wsHbD1FDNk3Eq9ysFc1T5DE8vnBEFK9W2Q2qdGzsmZi3C6ZLU8R6cvAVu6tMi4WZ4LekCuOaLpwu278DmHbwR/s1600/P7270061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcKpKaqox8AFBLbZBrowSQ9n5KHYFqjbe3CDsYYsk50uBA9fvVczBsJ7wsHbD1FDNk3Eq9ysFc1T5DE8vnBEFK9W2Q2qdGzsmZi3C6ZLU8R6cvAVu6tMi4WZ4LekCuOaLpwu278DmHbwR/s320/P7270061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The basic how-to:<br />
Print your pattern and cut out. (Right click on image below and print on 8.5x11 paper)<br />
Pin to your fabric and cut out pattern pieces. (I stack several to cut at once.)<br />
Sew eyelet trim to bottom of skirt. <br />
Pin skirt to corner of towel and using a small zig zag setting stitch around skirt. Trim corner of towel off behind the eyelet trim and lower.<br />
Pin and stitch around bodice and then finally around hat.<br />
Paint (or draw with fabric markers) arms and flower boquet if desired.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyw7MeEFac2swlKqGmWNd6HAkSk7NPqjlnSckxdLNIUMNAejBitqT5TU5G5w3zyyECTKHn06kPeJ4BavaoBZovL0i7ORDI9u6n9ZAz03QrD5sdThfovztt3frwPWxxiMsu7wt1yrH2Lub/s1600/flour_sack_towel_pattern1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyw7MeEFac2swlKqGmWNd6HAkSk7NPqjlnSckxdLNIUMNAejBitqT5TU5G5w3zyyECTKHn06kPeJ4BavaoBZovL0i7ORDI9u6n9ZAz03QrD5sdThfovztt3frwPWxxiMsu7wt1yrH2Lub/s320/flour_sack_towel_pattern1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduZszrbOc1t_QSk-Jyr7B0vopVXZPwmfR-6_B0mEZFGZFE03dJ4xe5HNgnuTxIpWGnUl_Llw1aOxEiJq1nLn1Yu53bK0PAtpibWJ3qMlm1ysn5gyN02GLluKbrqISprbA83LAmD7VGLpn/s1600/P7280063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduZszrbOc1t_QSk-Jyr7B0vopVXZPwmfR-6_B0mEZFGZFE03dJ4xe5HNgnuTxIpWGnUl_Llw1aOxEiJq1nLn1Yu53bK0PAtpibWJ3qMlm1ysn5gyN02GLluKbrqISprbA83LAmD7VGLpn/s320/P7280063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Linking up at...<br />
<a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/08/tuesday-confessional-link-party_13.html" target="_blank">Crafty Confessions</a>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-86194921879821760032012-07-27T17:19:00.000-06:002012-07-27T17:21:02.969-06:00Beach Bag Hide-a-Way<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok. Technically we were at a waterpark, not a beach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You have all seen on Pinterest the neat idea to clean out a sunscreen lotion bottle to hide your phone, cards, keys and money in. (I would post the pin here, but it has been hacked by some hungarian site that wants you to buy their stuff. I could NOT find the orignial pin and I refuse to support hackers!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I prefer the spray cans of sunscreen, so I went off to the store to find the perfect lotion bottle. I hit a bit of a snag. I could not find a bottle with a wide enough neck (or that I could cut wider and not have it interfere with the snap on lid). What to do? I looked down below the lotion shelves and BINGO... found the deodorant sticks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now after standing in the water slide lines behind that one guy, don't you wish more people brought their deodorant with them to the water park!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After picking out a large one, without a see through cap, I headed home... well, after paying for it-- $1, yep, the dollar store! ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After asking how long it would take Mr.L2D to use up this stick, I realized I really didn't want to wait. So he just twisted up the stick and pulled out the insides. He pushed the inside stick out through the bottom and cut it off. Then he glued the twist dial back to the bottom. (He actually is correcting me saying that he melted the plastics together-- but you can just glue it, wink, wink.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our park passes, money, and keys fit in it great. Sadly my cell phone wouldn't, so I'll still be on the look out for the right size lotion bottle. This works great for now!</span><br />
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<br />love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-48110084586301463832012-07-18T08:04:00.000-06:002012-08-12T21:05:04.975-06:00$4 Front Door Mat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Front door mats... by golly they are expensive. Here's a little "cheapy" ($6) I had on the front porch and ain't it tiny. Until I find one I absolutely love and am willing to dish out the dough for, I have to have something.<br />
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I went to the Dollar Tree to buy a box of ice cream cones-- did you know cones can go rancid? We pulled ours out of the pantry last night and blech! I stumbled upon these carpet tiles. I took up the whole isle laying out the squares in different ways. I didn't like the square look, but a 2x3 rectangle was too big. I ended up picking up 3 matching ones and a roll of duct tape.<br />
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After measuring and marking the tiles, I used a box knife and cut each one in fourths. <br />
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Then I arranged them as a 3x4 rug. After flipping them over, I duct taped them together. I wasn't too impressed with the Dollar Tree duct tape. I'll see how long it lasts and then I might replace it with some "real" stuff. <br />
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A much better size at almost 1/2 the price! Wondering if a painted black monogram might look good on it too. I just might try it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">EDITED TO ADD: It's been a month, and the dollar store duct tape has held up beautifully. Wondering if the sun melted it to the rug better. ;)</span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-16284767445764831062012-07-17T10:36:00.001-06:002012-07-17T10:36:37.892-06:00Circle Skirt...the easy way.I love the look and... umm... twirliness of a circle skirt, so when I saw this on pinterest, I knew I had to make one-- <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html" target="_blank">DanaMadeIt: the Circle Skirt</a>. Except I love easy and will cut corners whenever possible. I also very much dislike hemming on a curve! I headed over to the thrift store and picked me out a round tablecloth (Check for stains and wear!!). Now I admit this limits the length of your skirt--unless you want to re-hem it shorter or add a border to the bottom-- but then that negates the easiness of it!. I chose a 70" round white tablecloth with a subtle stripe and ended up with a mid-calf length skirt on my very <em>tall </em>*wink, wink* 5' 1/2" frame. ;) Wish it was a bit shorter, but not enough to re-hem it! Oh, and it twirls beautifully for that inner little girl in me.<br />
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I followed Dana's <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html" target="_blank">directions in this tutorial</a>, except I just skipped to the part where I cut the center circle for the waist and attach the elastic. Then I was done. Super QUICK and EASY!! <br />
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It is impossible (for me) to take a picture of myself in it-- I'm not a photographer and my point-and-shoot has been tossed around by kiddos and is currently being held together with a rubberband. (Christmas is coming, Mr. L2D!) I tried. I really did.<br />
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HaHa...you can laugh! I am.</div>
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The 7 year old did better!</div>
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Let's just hang it up outside!</div>
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<br />I'm going to be on the look out for cute round end table cloths for when my daughter gets a bit older/taller. For now, I'll have to hem for hers... yeah, I love her that much!<br />
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If you are a sew-er, or an aspiring one, go check out <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_blank">Dana's blog</a>. There are fantastic patterns and tutorial for all sorts of cuteness!love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548205147207866874.post-2041897347241039612012-07-07T19:16:00.001-06:002012-07-07T19:16:41.073-06:00Continous Green Onions<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we've all seen on Pinterest how to chop off the tops of your green onions, put them in water and watch them regrow. Never buy onions again, right!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ummm... not so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried it. I chopped my green onions off, stuck the bulbs in a jelly jar and kept them watered on my kitchen window sill. Sure enough within in a few days they were HUGE. I was regretting the two rows of onions I planted in the garden and religiously watered for weeks by hand until the irrigation water was available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I trimmed my forever green onions back again and waited. It took about a week and half this time, but they did grow back. Pretty neat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The third time was NOT the charm. I needed some more green onions for my yummy taquitos so I trimmed them a third time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been 3 weeks since they had their last hair cut. They've gotten thinner and aren't coming back so well, the poor things. I think I might find some room in my garden for the little guys to get their strength back. Guess my 5th grade science teacher was right. Plants need water, air, AND soil to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They aren't forever onions, but one bunch stretched to 3, so it did save money.</span>love2dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16135455360232896681noreply@blogger.com1