tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33383471909584587582024-03-21T18:32:53.373-07:00Everything I never knew, I always wantedKMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-16794838380218017842013-06-28T17:37:00.002-07:002013-06-28T17:37:52.421-07:00"Never eat more than you can lift. " - Miss Piggy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We FINALLY had our second dinner club! Of course I forgot to take pictures. There were only five of us able to attend last month. The theme was "Cinco de Mayo"! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dishes included chili dip, Chicken Tortilla Soup, enchiladas, and spicy salsa & guacamole. All were washed down with margaritas of course! All the food was delicious, although I didn't like my dish that much. :( The enchiladas were a little too beany for me. Is that even a word? If not, it is now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We all voted again and the winning dish by an unanimous vote was.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP!!!! (Congratulations mom!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">She said she got this recipe from a teacher she works with at school. It was delicious! Unfortunately, my daughter didn't like it, so I will have to wait until she moves out in order to make it. Only 9 more years to go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you like Mexican food, and you can't have dairy, this is a perfect recipe for you! You can make it as spicy as you want with your salsa. Enjoy it!! And hope you had a wonderful Cinco de Mayo!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Chicken Tortilla Soup</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">(This dish can bee made on the stove or in a slow cooker!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 can of refried beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 16oz. can of chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups of salsa (my mom used mild, but you choose your spiciness)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3-4 chicken breasts cut up into bite size cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 can of black beans, drained & rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 15oz. can of whole kernel corn including liquid</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you are cooking on the stove, bring all ingredients to a boil. In a slow cooker, mix all ingredients and cook on auto for 4 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Serve topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream! </span>KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-300526569736353282013-06-26T16:17:00.001-07:002013-06-26T16:17:21.632-07:00“Love is like seaweed; even if you have pushed it away, you will not prevent it from coming back.” - Nigerian proverb<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm baaaaaaaack!!!!!! I know you all have been so depressed in my hiatus, I'm sure you have had nothing amazing to read while you waited! =) Self-centered much Kate?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Honestly, the end of the school year and softball almost killed me! I had no time to breathe, almost literally. So if you are one of the many, many people I haven't responded to emails or posts, I truly apologize from the bottom of my heart. I am slowly, and I mean S-L-O-W-L-Y working my way through all of it to respond. I've only been on summer break since Thursday and Grace had a playoff softball tournament this past weekend, so really, this is day 3 of summer vacation! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Any who.... although I've been absent from the blog, my ideas and thoughts have not been. I've been jotting things down to write about and projects to take on while off for the summer. I can't wait to make blogging more of my weekly plans! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyCOKyYmtlXdeN0J39TEO7WLhhw6TRDmKgugkaMTGS4NCDlBh40lZEY7mWV_8DcO5rJ9-qerSsvctFOqOEPX9Cm4Dlky2LBYgjmS-mz3_hJbE0rlDReXEeoXUtpy_rFXJ_IY859_w0Fke/s1600/blog+notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyCOKyYmtlXdeN0J39TEO7WLhhw6TRDmKgugkaMTGS4NCDlBh40lZEY7mWV_8DcO5rJ9-qerSsvctFOqOEPX9Cm4Dlky2LBYgjmS-mz3_hJbE0rlDReXEeoXUtpy_rFXJ_IY859_w0Fke/s1600/blog+notebook.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSaO3YlDz1p6DO0MK1Y07p-xxaWNmkdXD7yNc16Sy2Yx5xsx38h4LeSWvUj4e93lDSjsx7F75XmE6RdHzdw9iI-HBQsT3Mu4gkIeVWHQABKcA67tPeu9zQ9OoubK2p4mm0ShAeAQDPLi2/s1600/blog+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSaO3YlDz1p6DO0MK1Y07p-xxaWNmkdXD7yNc16Sy2Yx5xsx38h4LeSWvUj4e93lDSjsx7F75XmE6RdHzdw9iI-HBQsT3Mu4gkIeVWHQABKcA67tPeu9zQ9OoubK2p4mm0ShAeAQDPLi2/s1600/blog+ideas.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is my blogging notebook. I have loved it, but it is not as organized as I'd like it to be. I try to write my ideas and points about the idea below it. Eventually, it gets very random in this thing! I'm working on a more organized way to plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you know me, you know I have have binders and notebooks with lists for literally EVERYTHING!! Below it my "To Do" binder. I get made fun of wherever I go with this thing. For one, it's the smallest binder many people have seen. It seriously is cute it's so small. Then I have it divided into categories: Home, School, Blog, Miscellaneous. Of course people say, "You must have a lot to do." In all honesty, if I don't write it down, I can not remember to do it! My mind is all over the place half the time, and I try to do eight things at one time, so simple things like "make dentist appointments" can COMPLETELY slip my mind if I don't write it down. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSInb9vqabmkbw_IECVlkxFtDwVhPujz8Tu73YnNckgWXKgSnqOXMqwKEySB-7YcjxjyXxApQVjw2pnrRiunX-PVE1F4kkLglqat4kalM1O5gMOlTY0aVeaE204LjNxrlZVlh2v6PCLEz/s1600/to+do+binder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSInb9vqabmkbw_IECVlkxFtDwVhPujz8Tu73YnNckgWXKgSnqOXMqwKEySB-7YcjxjyXxApQVjw2pnrRiunX-PVE1F4kkLglqat4kalM1O5gMOlTY0aVeaE204LjNxrlZVlh2v6PCLEz/s1600/to+do+binder.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtanU5fDopzufQ8aTDK9VjYozT19z_OMOz5P073DB9rLjvHlSlHxlC5cjX041dxtnlPsv6h_Ym7ip6LgEIIxN-SvUOSkgfAGjf6_XctxB2m10VEveMABQMJGwzxQ5XzTGC3zl1GxzPszP/s1600/to+do+categories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtanU5fDopzufQ8aTDK9VjYozT19z_OMOz5P073DB9rLjvHlSlHxlC5cjX041dxtnlPsv6h_Ym7ip6LgEIIxN-SvUOSkgfAGjf6_XctxB2m10VEveMABQMJGwzxQ5XzTGC3zl1GxzPszP/s1600/to+do+categories.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I like to categorize it so that when I'm at work and remember something I have to do at home, I can write it on the at home list that I will look at once I'm home. And vice versa. Blog just holds ideas I think of in the car, or in the shower, or at 3am when I'm wide awake, all times and places that I do my best thinking! I usually don't have time to write details, but I can quick jot down the idea and move on so I don't forget later. Miscellaneous holds my errands and whatnot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ok, so I'm crazy! I know, but it's how I function. I even have a notebook for different things I'm involved it. I have TONS of these notebooks. If you are a teacher you know how composition books are overflowing in your storage. Well I decided to use a few of my donated notebooks. I have a notebook for different activities I'm involved in, like the dinner club and book club I started this year. I thought I was pretty creative in making "dividers" for the notebook so I wouldn't waste a whole notebook for one activity. I really don't need a whole notebook to manage those ideas. Those are pieces of duct tape and white label stickers I had. I'm so fancy aren't I! More like cheap, I know! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RnCHLH4vW2DuneR6AKNitxILm-lBEtQIkQ3HNB8QeFNXoC4tFFXXtMSv6kmqvw_MLYheQDD1BFARF37WMPbCeST5hCOoUr9_DGpuA3SQa8M2W1PEtfBrlz_nxbWnffl-RKyqzl4Sr4nF/s1600/idea+notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RnCHLH4vW2DuneR6AKNitxILm-lBEtQIkQ3HNB8QeFNXoC4tFFXXtMSv6kmqvw_MLYheQDD1BFARF37WMPbCeST5hCOoUr9_DGpuA3SQa8M2W1PEtfBrlz_nxbWnffl-RKyqzl4Sr4nF/s1600/idea+notebook.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Categorizing my lists have seem to help me maintain calmness and not seem so overwhelming with one HUMONGOUS running to do list. Thought I'd share for anyone else out there looking to organize their random thoughts! :) </span>KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-56563481108209083002013-02-03T15:29:00.001-08:002013-02-03T15:30:35.128-08:00"After exercising I always eat a pizza. Just kidding, I don't
exercise." - unknownSo I posted a picture of my dinner tonight on facebook and got quite a few requests for the recipe through posts and emails. So I thought I'd blog it. <br />
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Truth is I was being completely lazy today and wanted something junkie for the Super Bowl (since I'm not at a party to eat junk food there) and something quick. So I had an idea to make Pizza Quesadillas.<br />
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It's super easy! Warm a frying pan on medium heat. Place one tortilla on frying pan. Place about 1/4 cup of cheese on the tortilla, 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce on top of that, pepperoni slices on the sauce (or whatever topping you like), and then another 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese on top of that. Place your second tortilla on top. Brown for about 2-3 minutes on both sides or until golden brown. And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did tonight! Go Ravens!! <br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_OF3HYk9Hk8X2z0RAiPKjBGZHSeruEa1cA8fJoOW2rGJtCMLnVHH7i7uwhARkxnPgVY0nnyRuHvmROrxyj1UFcw9xI6oaVj7JH5fkhNZGS6lE4L8CuJXYZLZtBnQSTmsUZ3o0dnbCOoU/s640/blogger-image--853889249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_OF3HYk9Hk8X2z0RAiPKjBGZHSeruEa1cA8fJoOW2rGJtCMLnVHH7i7uwhARkxnPgVY0nnyRuHvmROrxyj1UFcw9xI6oaVj7JH5fkhNZGS6lE4L8CuJXYZLZtBnQSTmsUZ3o0dnbCOoU/s640/blogger-image--853889249.jpg" /></a></div>KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-48297173226328662622013-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:002013-01-27T14:05:51.878-08:00'If at first you don't succeed, remove all evidence that you ever tried' - unknown<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That quote was proven today at my house. Evidence being the three to four extra holes in my bedroom wall. But no worries!!! It's hidden by the amazing barn door find that I picked up at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/LuckyFindsConsignmentandThriftStore?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lucky Finds</a> for $40. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it for a headboard in my bedroom!! Not vertically like I've seen all over Pinterest, but one door horizontally instead. Unfortunately, the door has been sitting in my hallway for quite a few weeks because I didn't have the right tools and then that darn emergency gallbladder surgery got in the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't been able to lift more than 10 lbs since my surgery two weeks ago. But, my amazing friends (Moya and Knotts as I lovingly call them) surprised me yesterday armed with cleaning supplies, as well as screws and hooks to help me hang up the barn door. I was so excited!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knotts came today armed with wrapping paper to create a makeshift headboard so that we could center it and know where the studs were before putting any holes in the wall. She saw this on Pinterest somewhere, but I do not have the link. It was a great idea!</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrRUXV9HLjabTmUp7mOWG3x7LUnNaOG2uabtTEr1j7Jg87YYrriYEtTakncEY7hbksJKyEulPTyvVdK7oGvYsSCaX0N2c498m7HdJyxWAYNwU4iIUCVA7TgTwFhxeBcUDtCghvmpsZWUq/s1600/wrapping+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrRUXV9HLjabTmUp7mOWG3x7LUnNaOG2uabtTEr1j7Jg87YYrriYEtTakncEY7hbksJKyEulPTyvVdK7oGvYsSCaX0N2c498m7HdJyxWAYNwU4iIUCVA7TgTwFhxeBcUDtCghvmpsZWUq/s1600/wrapping+paper.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The epic failure in this project was in the stud finding. Knotts also came with her magnetic stud finder!! It looks like this when it finds a stud (supposedly) ..... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiwZ2nCrQQQECwgoMQpxEf6V-mASZMBYzu5pHypuEyZydL_cnE5BMzkYThRmaVEDNg5hGTVczyFUzgigDJciYTll4ioAFEhgTAYnn3zJVKFLGOkzLdbRaybkjotByTgiRwRqBbp3Zv9vN/s1600/magnetic+stud+finder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiwZ2nCrQQQECwgoMQpxEf6V-mASZMBYzu5pHypuEyZydL_cnE5BMzkYThRmaVEDNg5hGTVczyFUzgigDJciYTll4ioAFEhgTAYnn3zJVKFLGOkzLdbRaybkjotByTgiRwRqBbp3Zv9vN/s1600/magnetic+stud+finder.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My advice, and I think Moya would agree since it was about an hour and a half into this project, spend the money on a BETTER stud finder!! We went with where this stud was supposed to be, but of course there was no stud there and we drilled 3 more holes trying to find it! haha.... No worries though, because the new barn door headboard covers them all. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much math being done, and AMAZING (hehe) supervision on my part, my wonderful friends got the door up. Doesn't it look great?!?! I love it! Any of you make a cool headboard in your house?</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ks6u3I-G3u3WvkqREdE54-ib4AUkteaebAKJ0N56CPuZX3sjUQf5KfG-Xafu2TvewKNphmUbHEuJCVTn90GZbYVq6uYTo4gA7wSa0lCJihf3p2-7Tg9xIEKEGJk25CGrqqgVKpik2ha1/s1600/Barn+headboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ks6u3I-G3u3WvkqREdE54-ib4AUkteaebAKJ0N56CPuZX3sjUQf5KfG-Xafu2TvewKNphmUbHEuJCVTn90GZbYVq6uYTo4gA7wSa0lCJihf3p2-7Tg9xIEKEGJk25CGrqqgVKpik2ha1/s1600/Barn+headboard.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEi01Um9iblkEFgHDOBHOv7pQo837cjjFR0mn9wkX9BdhSZHmw7YdoUaDgr9voGjqYjEEv6VmKxwnxGP63FQ67FIdaF9M5CqoFCQs1GdPKlaPqIvHLKX4evtClX8wZUoh-wg7dkSlIslb/s1600/headboard+closer+look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEi01Um9iblkEFgHDOBHOv7pQo837cjjFR0mn9wkX9BdhSZHmw7YdoUaDgr9voGjqYjEEv6VmKxwnxGP63FQ67FIdaF9M5CqoFCQs1GdPKlaPqIvHLKX4evtClX8wZUoh-wg7dkSlIslb/s1600/headboard+closer+look.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't wait to continue to create my bedroom into the vision I have in my head, one piece (and good deal) at a time!</span> </div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-71878518265013165512013-01-18T08:26:00.001-08:002013-01-18T08:30:09.646-08:00"I was going to have cosmetic surgery until I noticed that the doctor's
office was full of portraits by Picasso." - Rita RudnerJust another day in the life of a crazy single parent....<br />
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Well I've been forced to take a mini vacation (yet again) from work. I have my gallbladder to thank for that! Last Friday I was bent over in severe abdomen pain scaring children all around me. The poor things! After four very long painful days of waiting for a plethora of doctors to make a decision (don't get me started on that!) my gall bladder was removed. Problem solved! No more gallbladder pain, now just surgery pain. See needle war wounds below. <br />
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Therefore, my sweet ever giving parents, are forced to keep my daughter, dog, and I for a bit. The view, food, and comfort are much better here.<br />
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Since I have so much time on my hands, I'm going to see what this Downtown Abby business is all about..<br />
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choose your rest home." - Phyllis Diller<br />
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My favorite time of day with Grace is bedtime. Mostly because I know she will FINALLY be quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing her stories, but the fact that I listen to kids all day as a teacher, I just get excited for the silence. <br />
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Even though she's 9 years old going on 21 years old... She still likes getting a story read to her each night. We have moved on from picture books to chapter books, I read a page and she reads a page, but other then those MAJOR changes, it's still the same as it was when she was 3 years old. We snuggle, and talk about what we read afterwards. And then I tuck her in and stop at the door on the way out to say "I love you." in sign language, then goodnight. Seriously something I walk away rom EVERY night and thank God for. <br />
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What's your night time routine? Something special like mine? Leave your stories in the comments! <br />
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Every year I decide three days before Christmas that I need to create something as a gift for someone. My poor family members have been the receiving victims of this need. Most years I make some kind of ornament for everyone. This year I didn't. Instead months before Christmas I decided I was going to search for a gift to make and begin it in plenty of time. </div>
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I found something on Pinterest that I thought was cute. It was a link to just a picture though so I had to wing it on my own. The victim of this most fabulous gift for 2012.... My mother! </div>
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She's my usual target because I know she will still love me even if she hates the gift! :) </div>
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Mom has wanted a updated picture if the three grandchildren. She also always calls her own children's dogs her grand puppies. So this year I combined those to concepts into one gift!</div>
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I started with a wooden frame (no glass) that I found at Micheal's. I painted it black as well as the clothes pins you will see on the final project pic. </div>
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Then I Mod Podged scrap book paper onto the wood backing. Lining this up was a pain in the tush!!! If I have to do it again, I will DEFINITELY plan this part better. But as you all know when it comes to a project I jump in and just want to finish it to see the final project! (If only I were that enthusiastic about my laundry & grocery shopping!) I also used stencils I had to write Grandkids... of course I "eye balled" this part which left it uneven so I had to free style a little heart at the end!</div>
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Then once everything dried, I Mod Podged the clothes pins on the bottom of the frame. Printed the pictures and Mod Podged them onto the remaining scrap book paper and cut them to frame the pictures. But then I couldn't decide whether the little red jewels looked good or not, so I sent a few feelers out to friends and family. The little red jewels won!! Soooo ....here is the final project!!</div>
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I think it looks pretty good.(except that I can't get the pics to turn! Sorry about that!) The Mod Podge made the black and white pictures a little too shiny for my liking but my mom said she really liked it! I'm hoping she really did!!! I'm thinking about making another one for someone else.... will YOU be my next victim?? :) </div>
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-77496421876153183422013-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:002013-01-02T17:26:52.934-08:00"It’s so beautifully arranged on the plate – you know someone’s fingers have been all over it."- Julia Child<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's official! The first crock pot meal experiment of 2013 is complete!! And it was .....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>SUCCESSFUL!!</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One point for mom, zero for picky eating daughter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What was on the menu you ask? Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken that I found on this great blog called </span><a href="http://www.momswhothink.com/crock-pot-recipes/slow-cooker-bacon-ranch-chicken.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">MomsWhoThink</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I was reading a few recipes and this one looked so easy. As it so happened, I had every thing but the ranch dressing mix. Here's the recipe in case you can't open the link for some reason. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><strong>Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 boneless chicken breasts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 tablespoons of real bacon bits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 teaspoon minced garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 package of ranch dressing mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 can cream of chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 cup sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">egg noodles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong> </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Place chicken in greased 5-6 quart crock pot (for the record I have no idea how big my crock pot is! but it worked!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Combine ingredients #2 through 5 and mix well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour over chicken in crock pot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shred chicken using two forks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serve over cooked egg noodles</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the record, I have NO idea how big my crock pot is, but it worked. Also, I only had 3 chicken breasts AND I cooked it on low for 6-8 hours (because I was at work). When I got home from work I boiled some egg noodles....</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stirred the chicken mixture and scooped it on top so it look like this....</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And it was a SUCCESS!! Picky Grace loved it so much there was NOTHING left on her plate (see below!!) and she can't wait to have left overs for lunch tomorrow! It's the little things that excite me! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What's your favorite easy slow cooker recipe? Share in the comments!!</span> </div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-63601726204103681092013-01-01T18:46:00.000-08:002013-01-01T18:46:04.485-08:00"Happy to You!" - Julianna Wood<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't normally make new year resolutions because I usually break them before January 2nd. But this year, while perfectly procrastinating taking down my Christmas decorations, I was reading a few Home & Garden blogs and saw a theme on a few. These amazing bloggers, like Layla Palmer of </span><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/word-of-the-year-2013/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lettered Cottage</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, were talking about their "Word of the year". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The blogs I read described a word these women chose to work on or "see" in their lives that entire year. After reading those stories, I began to think that this was kind of a neat twist on the New Year's resolution thing. So, I began making a list of words of my own. There were plenty of things on my list that I could work on in 2013. Of course I want to work on ALL of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But, this is what I do all of the time to myself. I try working on many things at once, and then feel like a failure when I have only finished one or two. In fact, I've come to find that I get MORE accomplished when I work on one thing at a time. Long story short, after many days of contemplating, I chose the word health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well that's what I thought I had chosen... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sunday at service the pastor used the word "seek" (a LOT). As I left service I was thinking that I was excited about seeking my relationship with God this year. And then it hit me.... "Seek"!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Seek will be my word for 2013! I can seek so many things in life (God, happiness, acceptance, better relationships, etc) and I can't wait to get started! And I look forward to telling you how "seek" impacted my 2013 this time next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> What word will be yours for 2013? Let me know in the comments!</span>KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-46014088725012571212012-12-27T19:56:00.000-08:002012-12-27T19:56:40.137-08:00"I think it's interesting that 'cologne' rhymes with 'alone.' " - Demetri MartinTonight is one of those "self pity, I'm a single mom nights!" It started when the Kindle Fire that Grace got two days ago wouldn't charge. It's ending with I have to attend another event ALONE!! Although it's a time of holiday spirit and cheer, this is the time of year my self pity sets in. I TRULY can't stand that!! But most of the time I can't stop it. <br />
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So Grace's Kindle Fire wouldn't charge and the thoughts began.... I'm tired. I'm truly tired of being alone and having to make every decision. every time, fix everything that happens, and somehow keep everything together. I know so many people have issues that are WAY worse than mine, but I have to say this is EXHAUSTING! Then I responded to a reunion invite, where I will go, on my own, again. Just reminding me that I haven't found the right person yet (AND I'm OLD!!). <br />
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Not having anyone to help with decisions, lean on emotionally, financially (especially this time of year), or having that person just to come home to, that will tell you it will be ok. It's hard, but livable. I envy those who have found their soul mates and know what it's like to go home to your best friend every day.<br />
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And then I get mad at myself for having this pity party. In my head I'm yelling at myself, "GET OVER IT! How do you miss something you've NEVER had?! This is the life you've chosen. And you need to focus on Grace, your priority!" I haven't done too badly for myself. And God wouldn't want me to envy others, but in fact be happy with what I do have, even the opportunities and things I need to do alone.<br />
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And so, try to focus on that. Focus on the great people I will see at this reunion, and the fact that somehow the Kindle Fire is charging again!! And that it's pretty cool that I'm a girl who can fix toilets, catch mice, and take care of a good kid on my own. Yes.... THAT is where I need to focus. All else will fall into place in time...when it's supposed to.KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-18441676572901564622012-12-09T18:29:00.000-08:002012-12-09T18:29:18.649-08:00"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store."- Grinch<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in the Christmas spirit today. After the first Christmas series at church and baking cookies with Grace while listening to holiday music today, how can I not be!?!?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have read a million blogs and seen pictures in envy of how these people decorate their homes for Christmas. They are beautiful! Literally, they look like they are out of a Pottery Barn catalog! And then I look at our decorated house. You know, the house that looks like Santa threw up all over it because there is so much red! I was jealous of the blogs I read until I really sat down a looked at ours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I have truly fallen in love with the way our home is decorated for Christmas. We mostly decorate with Christmas art projects Grace made in daycare/preschool and things we have inherited from my mom. Our decorating is absolutely family oriented.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One Christmas decoration I adore is our manger. Every year I wish I had the Willow Tree manger set, but then I see this... and the little manger we inherited from mom just makes me smile and I'm so glad we have it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my absolute favorite decoration is a gift from my grandmother, who is deceased. One year she seemed so happy to give me Christmas....RABBITS!!! I remember thinking, "What in the world do these have to do with Christmas?!" At the time I thought they were the worst gift ever, but now, I adore them. They make me smile.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have any weird Christmas decorations like that? Comment about them and show us some pics!! :)</span> <br />
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-6494202889350556002012-12-06T17:41:00.001-08:002012-12-06T17:41:14.890-08:00"The secret of teaching is to appear to have known all your life what you learned this afternoon." ~Anonymous<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't know already, I'm a second grade learning support teacher. I've been wanting to share tips I've found or the ideas I get when I need to "wing it" in the classroom because my students are staring at me like deer in headlights! So I thought I'd create "Teacher Thursdays" for my blog. I'm thinking of creating a whole new "teacher blog" but for now I'll just start here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, I want to share two of my favorite teacher bogs. I set a goal to be more organized at work, and so I started with Mrs. McDavid who I found through Pinterest <a href="http://www.ourclassweb.com/sites_for_teachers_getting_organized.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. I LOVE this site and it gave me tons of ideas. Most important is became what I call my Lesson Plan Binder. It has so much more than lesson plans in it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other blogger I found through Pinterest was Mr. Smith from <a href="http://www.teachertipster.com/" target="_blank">Teacher Tipster</a>. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dude! He's quirky like me and has amazing ideas that he vlogs about to get kids engaged. Make sure you check him out!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So all that being said, here are two ideas for writing I'm using in my classroom right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of my students are in OT for writing. They just love to write....NOT!! To encourage neat handwriting and correct sentence structure I found an idea on Pinterest called Spotlight Writer. I got a desk lamp, a clipboard, and a picture stand. Anytime I see good handwriting or good sentences, it goes up in the spotlight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My students LOVE this and are working their tails off to get in the spotlight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>**Disclaimer** Beware of those that will now take twice a long to do their work because they are working so hard to make it neat!!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other idea I wanted to share was our How To Writing we did last month. I had planned for the kids to write a How To about getting ready for school. BOOOOORRRING! But, it was easy and I already had the graphic organizer to go with it. That was the plan. Until the morning of the lesson.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That day my daughter was moving slower than a slug and was giving me the "I'm so annoyed by you mother" attitude all morning. That's when I got the idea....How To Drive Your Mom Crazy!! My students LOVED writing this piece!!! They were so into it and are proud that their writing is displayed in the hall that includes a picture of them with their moms! :) (Of course I forgot to take a picture of the display, so I'll have to check back later! Sorry!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it. Some "Teacher Tips" for you. What do you think? Should I create a whole new blog for teacher tips? Leave your comments!</span> KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-58268324501379203742012-12-05T20:14:00.002-08:002012-12-05T20:14:26.363-08:00"After about three days, shouldn’t "clutter" be upgraded to 'decor'?" - Unknown<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have believed that quote to be true... until they started that darn show <em><u><a href="http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/" target="_blank">Hoarders</a>,</u></em> (which I love) and feel that I have to throw out 50% of belongings every time I watch it! Who isn't fascinated by that show and then motivated to get crap out of your house?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Two summers ago, I was looking for a new hobby to do at home. I did the normal google and Bing searches. Somehow I discovered this lady, Cas. She's from Canada and soooo much like me! She was once a hot mess and has now become an organizing genius! Plus she's hysterical! I love her sense of humor. You can find her website </span><a href="http://clutterbug.me/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anyway, I discovered one of her videos about her home binder. Do you have a bunch of schedules, calendars, and papers hanging on your fridge?? I did! And it drove me NUTS every time I opened the fridge door and a bunch of papers fell off the fridge and I'd have to keep putting them back on! UGH! Can you say ANNOYING?!?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well apparently, in the organization world of Stay At Home Moms there is this phenomenon called the Home Binder!! Cas describes her's </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpfq_i22aBI" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I adjusted and made my own! :)</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will share each section of my binder and what I keep in that section just to give you an idea. You should adjust it to accommodate your family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first section of the home binder is the "Calendar" section. I have one calendar in a clear sleeve for each month. That way I get an invite or something for 3 months from now I can put it in the calendar and I keep the invite or things I may need for that month, like birthday cards, behind the calendar in the sleeve like so....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Section 2 is labeled "Contacts". Here is where I keep a form for babysitter with emergency numbers, Important Numbers like famly, friends, and physicians, a "address book" of sorts, Neighborhood numbers and Restaurant numbers that we may use (with their take out menus behind it in the sleeve).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTpgqZeK9rmCwckpFhGIGsAoKHVpEqEud3yZ_re1bPVz-EmBH5ne82dsthDIR3cdOnXXMs7KVRMRmImVM4ofmXLCGSPnnkXYEVbqfLKeWWvh5gW3rMQUgZGayPs86LcLy3mLYkLR9Cqm9/s1600/Contacts+Tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTpgqZeK9rmCwckpFhGIGsAoKHVpEqEud3yZ_re1bPVz-EmBH5ne82dsthDIR3cdOnXXMs7KVRMRmImVM4ofmXLCGSPnnkXYEVbqfLKeWWvh5gW3rMQUgZGayPs86LcLy3mLYkLR9Cqm9/s1600/Contacts+Tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_VvCQsA9OPZJiQZkn4zJ5bU18REVjnsmtFBQqXm4l2vGP5ib7a2ZZxCV5uZwX_OBs5ohPEnGyVpMYYJjLCjIT6Wgj5v7oYL4SDlpQlYdOrnAT6KTeSExemWggSHs7Mz3uGa1B5Gp1Q1O/s1600/Babysitter+Info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_VvCQsA9OPZJiQZkn4zJ5bU18REVjnsmtFBQqXm4l2vGP5ib7a2ZZxCV5uZwX_OBs5ohPEnGyVpMYYJjLCjIT6Wgj5v7oYL4SDlpQlYdOrnAT6KTeSExemWggSHs7Mz3uGa1B5Gp1Q1O/s1600/Babysitter+Info.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UDGg2iFqH8vEokP0H06mYvOFH1wafDBgk66WoiyPjBnT78hf9Cm65tQDhv7-JTxHoD4thwN8fD_H3_jE7IpRfQIZMH74qxhaXPK5-nszBxdhaa4JdlhkZP9rhUBMuzefOUMWv2MyX1gF/s1600/Addresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UDGg2iFqH8vEokP0H06mYvOFH1wafDBgk66WoiyPjBnT78hf9Cm65tQDhv7-JTxHoD4thwN8fD_H3_jE7IpRfQIZMH74qxhaXPK5-nszBxdhaa4JdlhkZP9rhUBMuzefOUMWv2MyX1gF/s1600/Addresses.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ps77PtLTESCb6kq_OCTVlI17gGOyG5NMFzShfJ3ChT3iwCJBp_RsIMT_mpwwe-NC3_BX2kBjiVZDJYFD5F3uW2jrA2TN_55Sp9ibEcZ7Q1SB9CwTxF8Un-WijPtFwU6Xv9iuk82EYtXE/s1600/Important+Phone+Numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ps77PtLTESCb6kq_OCTVlI17gGOyG5NMFzShfJ3ChT3iwCJBp_RsIMT_mpwwe-NC3_BX2kBjiVZDJYFD5F3uW2jrA2TN_55Sp9ibEcZ7Q1SB9CwTxF8Un-WijPtFwU6Xv9iuk82EYtXE/s1600/Important+Phone+Numbers.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0jyBaDi7uLb9POYND-WXiNGOQI4vyjuGSkMwKinMQlOg_IMil66XvfvSULmgIWubUS5b8qKOnsFiKbU-7c5pHy9kpqinZ2zl5Dhdmxe-DV3UQrZxlQ0RlkCnHew9goJrp_A22Mncaqi/s1600/Restaurants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0jyBaDi7uLb9POYND-WXiNGOQI4vyjuGSkMwKinMQlOg_IMil66XvfvSULmgIWubUS5b8qKOnsFiKbU-7c5pHy9kpqinZ2zl5Dhdmxe-DV3UQrZxlQ0RlkCnHew9goJrp_A22Mncaqi/s1600/Restaurants.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjtO3xS5e6gF6a-SeXZ2fx4znOGBdGakI32fVL-9S9ik8SxoCQdz53itKIwxGKyWJBwX1FEFqhPh3g4u7uinQ2mZo-gk6781W07BL6xNaLBEsqUp3xX4Z8Ib8DFSImE3K_6sEZTGF0tC0/s1600/Menus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjtO3xS5e6gF6a-SeXZ2fx4znOGBdGakI32fVL-9S9ik8SxoCQdz53itKIwxGKyWJBwX1FEFqhPh3g4u7uinQ2mZo-gk6781W07BL6xNaLBEsqUp3xX4Z8Ib8DFSImE3K_6sEZTGF0tC0/s1600/Menus.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The next section is labeled "Finances". I don't have much in this section, because I created a bill/finance binder that is separate recently. However, I still have a quick reference of phone numbers for utilities there for now. I'm sure eventually I'll eliminate that section all together.</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdadN-7JYVvQ8waAtb0BW7MptV5i91lVycgB1o90C6lohtQ99VVrJVAdunH57A8c3D95ixdJN2ymgYL0uCj8KvNuOTb00eclgZCTbP5tDwEQOC0qMCJvKX6YiJAgo0L1omG8t1pksMnhi/s1600/Finances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdadN-7JYVvQ8waAtb0BW7MptV5i91lVycgB1o90C6lohtQ99VVrJVAdunH57A8c3D95ixdJN2ymgYL0uCj8KvNuOTb00eclgZCTbP5tDwEQOC0qMCJvKX6YiJAgo0L1omG8t1pksMnhi/s1600/Finances.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZcA0GkBLtYwriQlPs_bhF0eNg7OZ7szjU1MNPrvzyBGuZsj_zcqT6_n48KYebYbLVATn8Oqc8gnmzKqh9xeXEz3dOnfrrGhJrFMUuuZeKf3GOrCsk_G2dmd7KpqQ6EhFJd7pmaiW4Kt1/s1600/Utility+Numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZcA0GkBLtYwriQlPs_bhF0eNg7OZ7szjU1MNPrvzyBGuZsj_zcqT6_n48KYebYbLVATn8Oqc8gnmzKqh9xeXEz3dOnfrrGhJrFMUuuZeKf3GOrCsk_G2dmd7KpqQ6EhFJd7pmaiW4Kt1/s1600/Utility+Numbers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Section 4 is the "Cleaning and Maintenance" area. Here is where I keep my daily, monthly, and "spring" cleaning lists. I will admit, I've made a daily cleaning checklist on the fridge. This is because I'm one of those out of sight out of mind people. So, if I need to do something everyday, it needs to be in a place where I see it everyday. Plus I LOVE checklists and crossing things off! However, I still reference this section all the time. If I have spare time I try to do an extra spring cleaning chore per <strike>day</strike>... OK, <u>week</u>....OK, at least one a month! Jeez! (Feel free to comment if you want to know the items on any of these lists.)</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaWAO29KdKAa6eWICjZ_U7hZtNuqsKLacbtVJ6BVSCXX-4WulP0kxD7oUhX8GkrgVJlbCEa7Mo-J348feIFtQK6cV2S4G0kaO-DlsyfyazypRNQaGf6WEEuUIaBfPgah1fNOIm9t870vj/s1600/Clean+&+Maintence+Tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaWAO29KdKAa6eWICjZ_U7hZtNuqsKLacbtVJ6BVSCXX-4WulP0kxD7oUhX8GkrgVJlbCEa7Mo-J348feIFtQK6cV2S4G0kaO-DlsyfyazypRNQaGf6WEEuUIaBfPgah1fNOIm9t870vj/s1600/Clean+&+Maintence+Tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4gWaO-lIaWMUo4uBHlMWWrTOlWFYirdDOEHrkXW-ur43X-zBCClvA_aVLrX5MfdEe1z93musnyHuSa_fSzCZ1j3RqxhE84e5fr_KMCDbSW_8qoUanlt7-4pj8VA1QlI8LqjEEG0pWKKl/s1600/Cleaning+Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4gWaO-lIaWMUo4uBHlMWWrTOlWFYirdDOEHrkXW-ur43X-zBCClvA_aVLrX5MfdEe1z93musnyHuSa_fSzCZ1j3RqxhE84e5fr_KMCDbSW_8qoUanlt7-4pj8VA1QlI8LqjEEG0pWKKl/s1600/Cleaning+Schedule.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39rmoAjNSpOdeJ-olIbHJj4JvhGmn0NRIlEp2eVBq7mCCSBB5AHcnB43PmRpAmBS_zM1MLDt2pEDCeRT41ZTmEUxPtTbjBi68TRjzg0iKuSWoFcJNR7yGJGT4XXz2GYUeKwU1CZoBvlQC/s1600/Spring+cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39rmoAjNSpOdeJ-olIbHJj4JvhGmn0NRIlEp2eVBq7mCCSBB5AHcnB43PmRpAmBS_zM1MLDt2pEDCeRT41ZTmEUxPtTbjBi68TRjzg0iKuSWoFcJNR7yGJGT4XXz2GYUeKwU1CZoBvlQC/s1600/Spring+cleaning.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">OK we are half way through the binder!! Next section is "Entertainment" where I keep all of Grace's extra curricular activity information and schedules.</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2lJ7DWsDLtBDtX2sSHa9xhltGg_nZEqIOmyi5IQ2mxm-IAijrrQlJSxwC4zTInv75VwrI8HkhDGkuj-U0PT6MkwtqjWLSurifbGxnOxXD9_CttVY12nrpykcT1wS4kD57H4N4etQqEia/s1600/Entertainment+Tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2lJ7DWsDLtBDtX2sSHa9xhltGg_nZEqIOmyi5IQ2mxm-IAijrrQlJSxwC4zTInv75VwrI8HkhDGkuj-U0PT6MkwtqjWLSurifbGxnOxXD9_CttVY12nrpykcT1wS4kD57H4N4etQqEia/s1600/Entertainment+Tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU_7UM6lhNmqsVmCHdNhuktVXug1pPYEwcAib3aDcpailp602slumZ71q-hQ4XghhXIPwQ2y9XDrOOHHI5DWsj9g7pJu6W-A9bKTozeyXemAM0m-EFwpSRhQsbzO_x5QujqVK_AVbH8sw/s1600/James+soccer+schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU_7UM6lhNmqsVmCHdNhuktVXug1pPYEwcAib3aDcpailp602slumZ71q-hQ4XghhXIPwQ2y9XDrOOHHI5DWsj9g7pJu6W-A9bKTozeyXemAM0m-EFwpSRhQsbzO_x5QujqVK_AVbH8sw/s1600/James+soccer+schedule.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU00U-EjrWuzGQuEfVcNQTe-A1eDDGMFkkAOdLT_cyHRp0gUqCQZaQWZtl3o-aPuG74gkbz6WkrKkV3egaYf0s80WXvWlaCKwxJQkKggBiZRJvGnUfiS5O1k0gZAiKUBH1gabJhwqtzUw/s1600/Soccer+Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU00U-EjrWuzGQuEfVcNQTe-A1eDDGMFkkAOdLT_cyHRp0gUqCQZaQWZtl3o-aPuG74gkbz6WkrKkV3egaYf0s80WXvWlaCKwxJQkKggBiZRJvGnUfiS5O1k0gZAiKUBH1gabJhwqtzUw/s1600/Soccer+Schedule.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The next section is labeled "School". This is where I keep Grace's class schedule, lunch menu, etc.</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy_0Lmm6mMR20XGPWIGtgYxRTZjFgyhDGsiSb5f7U2DYUaDnaxSnjygswCAhC8ctFQ-tRV21I0m9dS1TJjU5UZhokuK73pXyX_-xX8Ps9GlEailx_6LjHkOKZHXK1lzTCwy16qsAGNMlx/s1600/School+tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy_0Lmm6mMR20XGPWIGtgYxRTZjFgyhDGsiSb5f7U2DYUaDnaxSnjygswCAhC8ctFQ-tRV21I0m9dS1TJjU5UZhokuK73pXyX_-xX8Ps9GlEailx_6LjHkOKZHXK1lzTCwy16qsAGNMlx/s1600/School+tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIhazUpjhDBlQNsCTa-c2LuRStxedx_-b0ta_W1Ki_QZwra13KbHsvh7JboCNUMy0N9Gkrpy5AkAk96gtFTQ6unoZSRj0tZgVv1xtSGeUQLiDkTJo7WJhl2gYMZdrRXylMj5O36zpB-xg/s1600/school+schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIhazUpjhDBlQNsCTa-c2LuRStxedx_-b0ta_W1Ki_QZwra13KbHsvh7JboCNUMy0N9Gkrpy5AkAk96gtFTQ6unoZSRj0tZgVv1xtSGeUQLiDkTJo7WJhl2gYMZdrRXylMj5O36zpB-xg/s1600/school+schedule.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UQEzVLHX5iMxHVdQAw2ggwTs3OOtWiSwH5ePZ2pfaijFam6bU4gfkpBAfO317Vv8w3TcgOSA52BlYoQi8r7yWtypzHRtz-g4go6dxkMQvRtmsBIgm8QKVHG613EnEQGfB24iXKXYoJJm/s1600/Lunch+Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UQEzVLHX5iMxHVdQAw2ggwTs3OOtWiSwH5ePZ2pfaijFam6bU4gfkpBAfO317Vv8w3TcgOSA52BlYoQi8r7yWtypzHRtz-g4go6dxkMQvRtmsBIgm8QKVHG613EnEQGfB24iXKXYoJJm/s1600/Lunch+Menu.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Only 2 more sections! This section is labeled "Daisy". She's our puppy. I was going to make her a binder of her own, but its not really necessary. So I keep her Vet records here.</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s09WNAdL-AT60ixwjJyinslrA5eJV7aehSoHubZsiQnkMBlFvm8vGbUGPfqhB-FGmDhVPkuUuytuvHMfCnKdZSFfLHi_H8deGJw4qYuDC4d3cqC4dCmVgabiXoWHzveVhduaclKX4cGf/s1600/daisy+tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s09WNAdL-AT60ixwjJyinslrA5eJV7aehSoHubZsiQnkMBlFvm8vGbUGPfqhB-FGmDhVPkuUuytuvHMfCnKdZSFfLHi_H8deGJw4qYuDC4d3cqC4dCmVgabiXoWHzveVhduaclKX4cGf/s1600/daisy+tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB1xHKph06aOjcQbEUKgD5rvqEupMRlLUd1Pr4XvaOeo61gyY397D3Pef7iRW4bmrL2LtD0wu7oka9-5Nf35i3U78vPi5Lm2OgdvjgW83Vp27KlXDqEoLmOhX_dAw1EA-Cs9IyfrDfkFn/s1600/Daisy+Vet+Records.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB1xHKph06aOjcQbEUKgD5rvqEupMRlLUd1Pr4XvaOeo61gyY397D3Pef7iRW4bmrL2LtD0wu7oka9-5Nf35i3U78vPi5Lm2OgdvjgW83Vp27KlXDqEoLmOhX_dAw1EA-Cs9IyfrDfkFn/s1600/Daisy+Vet+Records.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The last section is labeled "Holidays". Here I have worksheets by month where I list birthdays and anniversaries. Behind that I have my Christmas card list because I got tired of sending cards to those who never sent me one, is now I keep track like a moron! Behind that I have a clear sleeve where I keep Christmas gift receipts in case there are any issues!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0IGOF2AFrbcjNVVpayR2FU5biImfGssQ5-Hd-pnROavHgCZ_1sIdWbpXVvg8oQEIet8LbodScC8CUigk5ugFT7bhkWNeWrgA19LkTuvjeLtIod3s5b0rgHaTJwL-D77EtLmsqjx6vVDb/s1600/Holiday+tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0IGOF2AFrbcjNVVpayR2FU5biImfGssQ5-Hd-pnROavHgCZ_1sIdWbpXVvg8oQEIet8LbodScC8CUigk5ugFT7bhkWNeWrgA19LkTuvjeLtIod3s5b0rgHaTJwL-D77EtLmsqjx6vVDb/s1600/Holiday+tab.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qariOErTXGuLfpcoFQLeN3bzkMQI_FiGsJd6BMPXlGukMfYhfdZnxujB85-W_P2pbksSDqKDLiPfiCKT9EPWcbb50jqbShcbxXj2UvYeDlUzxRTNdSN-EL0pUhPWsdNvrCdbMVMgffPr/s1600/holiday+receipts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qariOErTXGuLfpcoFQLeN3bzkMQI_FiGsJd6BMPXlGukMfYhfdZnxujB85-W_P2pbksSDqKDLiPfiCKT9EPWcbb50jqbShcbxXj2UvYeDlUzxRTNdSN-EL0pUhPWsdNvrCdbMVMgffPr/s1600/holiday+receipts.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ll2a94l5Jx9UcTYJxrBRi3E8GThjbDPNxEjPvXyOk5yAD170d1CxzAyWznsWAePHH0RxldOlwDYBGR3rU16oNJKfDKm5ADZ2plI1L00A_5TWFbBJUzy9o4SyY66zWyak0p6bFTqZDACT/s1600/Christmas+card+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ll2a94l5Jx9UcTYJxrBRi3E8GThjbDPNxEjPvXyOk5yAD170d1CxzAyWznsWAePHH0RxldOlwDYBGR3rU16oNJKfDKm5ADZ2plI1L00A_5TWFbBJUzy9o4SyY66zWyak0p6bFTqZDACT/s1600/Christmas+card+list.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9dT7HoDqWSUdsT80gmEjT5xnBl5CnAO6kWyKCvDFVWRJdElGLY61ViiilNqZCVltueRCwPKfm7cIE6eAimExMychsWy0zGi3Z6HWpuosObM1ZqsBcbfyxLbsLj-5MdijNB1OfZBP2Kol/s1600/Monthly+birthday-events.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9dT7HoDqWSUdsT80gmEjT5xnBl5CnAO6kWyKCvDFVWRJdElGLY61ViiilNqZCVltueRCwPKfm7cIE6eAimExMychsWy0zGi3Z6HWpuosObM1ZqsBcbfyxLbsLj-5MdijNB1OfZBP2Kol/s1600/Monthly+birthday-events.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well that's if folks. Fine tune it to what your family needs!! Promise you will LOVE this system! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How do you keep our family organized?! Leave a comment! </span><br />
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-57371410957124650652012-12-04T18:44:00.001-08:002012-12-04T18:44:19.564-08:00"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" - Erma Bombeck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was wonderfully relaxing! All the adults bring something to dinner to help the host out. This year my mom had us all bring desserts. When she told me my aunt wasn't making the apple pies she traditionally makes, I was sad. They are always so good, and remind me of the apple pies my grandmother use to make. However, I can understand why she didn't. My mom and I always only eat a sliver. No one else eats it. So it's a bit of a waste. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Unfortunately, I CAN NOT have Thanksgiving without apple pie! Where could I turn? Oh yea! PINTEREST! Of course I can't find the exact recipe I used, which is bad news for me. But I have this one posted on my Favorite Recipes board <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/1970393558102993/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, since I didn't write the recipe down, and can't find the exact website, I will just show you some pics of the process....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started with Red Delicious apples. Most people use the green granny apples (including my aunt I believe) but I thought it would be fun to try something new! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLNZkwYm8dpg0ViS2lRD2q7Ab_ECfYbzUp2CGTrsyVdMqYQjvubRfT4vEn5kYajp0XjgkA_WHRF-aSxMrbwnpIlL-dysZrf6MXZGvACKeuZiDiwPd0WDiOsU9r7VrKz4q5Ohaxt74pms8/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLNZkwYm8dpg0ViS2lRD2q7Ab_ECfYbzUp2CGTrsyVdMqYQjvubRfT4vEn5kYajp0XjgkA_WHRF-aSxMrbwnpIlL-dysZrf6MXZGvACKeuZiDiwPd0WDiOsU9r7VrKz4q5Ohaxt74pms8/s1600/apples.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I peeled about 5 apples with a peeler, cut the apples with the slicer, and then cut them into smaller 1/2 inch pieces.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkLHCsOqv1AMdlFIx4pIe2a4jjCV52-mDrT9nZ6I2jwnMlLAYWiooU88VIBvwNo9gAcOntJY0I5n7xskryEcCXrmKPcDCC1BOr-1oinR1MFMbitRHnV_XIrbA0zuU0O-5qzQfFMnTsqiX/s1600/apple+peeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkLHCsOqv1AMdlFIx4pIe2a4jjCV52-mDrT9nZ6I2jwnMlLAYWiooU88VIBvwNo9gAcOntJY0I5n7xskryEcCXrmKPcDCC1BOr-1oinR1MFMbitRHnV_XIrbA0zuU0O-5qzQfFMnTsqiX/s1600/apple+peeling.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSuxIFbCYVKZAzAmv0XRaevPd8Fpz3r6hhBpEI3Z-bbteN25jpzZgG8NlyOZCoxW4KkaX0nipCHxNmbCx13mrqzWWdeAzKvNlzRdIa-FjMcfTNNLBPMuGIi4IYQfM-eglnDUXN8dU34hB/s1600/apple+slicing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSuxIFbCYVKZAzAmv0XRaevPd8Fpz3r6hhBpEI3Z-bbteN25jpzZgG8NlyOZCoxW4KkaX0nipCHxNmbCx13mrqzWWdeAzKvNlzRdIa-FjMcfTNNLBPMuGIi4IYQfM-eglnDUXN8dU34hB/s1600/apple+slicing.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-01Q2pJRYmpusV_vCIm5PatFUnXQsOtjKTxxCvLjD8AvEajtnFdQTCeBtunFCX19ncGvxjna4nSescWzN58kvVmbYkTOKVAF8V8zTEuByehj53_1akXLh0TUWkoseXAOM45CXbJUd1P-/s1600/more+apple+slicing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-01Q2pJRYmpusV_vCIm5PatFUnXQsOtjKTxxCvLjD8AvEajtnFdQTCeBtunFCX19ncGvxjna4nSescWzN58kvVmbYkTOKVAF8V8zTEuByehj53_1akXLh0TUWkoseXAOM45CXbJUd1P-/s1600/more+apple+slicing.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I mixed the slices with the rest of the ingredients that I can't find online! UGH! (Sorry this is an epic fail blog!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used crescent rolls, flattened them, and then cut the bottom crusts using a mason jar lid to make excellent circles. (I'm so <strike>cheap</strike> frugal that I used 2 different kinds of rolls, so that I didn't have to go buy more!) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx_SFGCH-ZvGuNwHWOLX5mtZgUjRJAuWJsMhf9yb-K1qVq7QexI5tDCamBVP50CszvmC4x-I65m6SqeKivmVRay4-8v0-6BMtecllcnV69cAlci1oN2bueUImjvLTUMYJZPnmRsSk9z-i/s1600/crescent+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx_SFGCH-ZvGuNwHWOLX5mtZgUjRJAuWJsMhf9yb-K1qVq7QexI5tDCamBVP50CszvmC4x-I65m6SqeKivmVRay4-8v0-6BMtecllcnV69cAlci1oN2bueUImjvLTUMYJZPnmRsSk9z-i/s1600/crescent+rolls.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKFDMUXrtiggg2iMjVssgg9SLaCaJo5iAmBIX5sr1kG6RPI-A6cdpuPl1P2e6H-wQkphrflwtd7-y2B2EmDZZFvGU7sHCT-tCvTuVx38nQNshd7YglUpp-BZ6_ZJJGJsceYR0nQzUcLyQ/s1600/making+pie+crusts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKFDMUXrtiggg2iMjVssgg9SLaCaJo5iAmBIX5sr1kG6RPI-A6cdpuPl1P2e6H-wQkphrflwtd7-y2B2EmDZZFvGU7sHCT-tCvTuVx38nQNshd7YglUpp-BZ6_ZJJGJsceYR0nQzUcLyQ/s1600/making+pie+crusts.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA6gOdoZmRhKOUtrWAC7FsH9yj1PC8rM4C_TDPIhx0nb55v-CezjkFEBZHXeXw1DOyRWJ_h-Jkzwsdq6mhvzpm4TI0FEqz7Er3NPT02e5V30DSlIwgJgHdd30S0-JrICS1cqor8HZlnsW/s1600/perfect+circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA6gOdoZmRhKOUtrWAC7FsH9yj1PC8rM4C_TDPIhx0nb55v-CezjkFEBZHXeXw1DOyRWJ_h-Jkzwsdq6mhvzpm4TI0FEqz7Er3NPT02e5V30DSlIwgJgHdd30S0-JrICS1cqor8HZlnsW/s1600/perfect+circles.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I placed them in cupcake tins, filled the cups with the apple mixture, and then topped with butter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstwVlmKWHvI1O_eY8ImZPhH5IPV7p13gv5fb-nyQjRqgSYrtNn6wojQj72zssr3PCSh95BUjgZe343PwUaMa6OHW9R13Pd0ZFapaFumbnybSpZJvoVNxxg_Hp9v5h59TsMPxjY39Ll_Bo/s1600/crust+bottoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstwVlmKWHvI1O_eY8ImZPhH5IPV7p13gv5fb-nyQjRqgSYrtNn6wojQj72zssr3PCSh95BUjgZe343PwUaMa6OHW9R13Pd0ZFapaFumbnybSpZJvoVNxxg_Hp9v5h59TsMPxjY39Ll_Bo/s1600/crust+bottoms.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKUaRlEWINoLYHQfvUqNMtlDS0xofT8OllnrzzVl2ksmx9Ex7M0b4e-KfutzsImDiuBKleSeKh1xR46DUH8M2IEDIctdgUeb64kDQ8aVQAnffhfK6xQt4nbJiagQs6eO-jZzPyOY79pEj/s1600/butter+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKUaRlEWINoLYHQfvUqNMtlDS0xofT8OllnrzzVl2ksmx9Ex7M0b4e-KfutzsImDiuBKleSeKh1xR46DUH8M2IEDIctdgUeb64kDQ8aVQAnffhfK6xQt4nbJiagQs6eO-jZzPyOY79pEj/s1600/butter+up.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfEEUonII2MeZ3vSc4tuRtwqf3dfUmO3NUATJdik_x84uUVtIwV5jWnuP6x_NXKWEfu7X_6W5KpxqOEdXk-dUquM4k8PFr0KGTGHI8IaMKlSFuP_UkLFHECqFJ__pIZ6g_kJpHETAhv1g/s1600/baking+tins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfEEUonII2MeZ3vSc4tuRtwqf3dfUmO3NUATJdik_x84uUVtIwV5jWnuP6x_NXKWEfu7X_6W5KpxqOEdXk-dUquM4k8PFr0KGTGHI8IaMKlSFuP_UkLFHECqFJ__pIZ6g_kJpHETAhv1g/s1600/baking+tins.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used the rest of the dough to use as a top crust and brushed the top with melted margarine.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baked according to the crescent roll package directions and here is the final result!!! Mini apple pies! No wasting! What we didn't eat I froze and made for dessert a different night! They were a success!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was your favorite dessert this Thanksgiving? Please post and share!</span></div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-28570607349668226482012-12-03T18:25:00.000-08:002012-12-03T18:25:22.309-08:00"It's just another Manic Monday." - Bangles<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, last week I was stuck at home sick. In between drug induced naps, I kept staring at this stain on my couch that has been there for months!! A few months ago, I was watching my nephew and he was playing with the puppy. The pup nipped him in the nose and he bled all over my couch and carpet! I tried desperately to clean it up with stain remover but it left this horrible stain!</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G4o4tlJCtZcXqRvizbuaRIKHycGP9S7UiWVWbhse2oUhTQYWNoet-_Uqfqs94SZGDaUkaISCY5rllBr_CVLAIgvWOFGCrWWmQskxqonkxi93vqwVrW1gNyJzMAuozU9pY4GOUGLnCuTE/s1600/++.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G4o4tlJCtZcXqRvizbuaRIKHycGP9S7UiWVWbhse2oUhTQYWNoet-_Uqfqs94SZGDaUkaISCY5rllBr_CVLAIgvWOFGCrWWmQskxqonkxi93vqwVrW1gNyJzMAuozU9pY4GOUGLnCuTE/s1600/++.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(sorry for the blurry pic...remember I was heavily medicated at the time!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I lay there getting more and more annoyed with the stain, because I was actually home with time on my hands to look at it, I remembered I pinned something on Pinterest about cleaning microfiber couches </span><a href="http://how-to-clean-microfiber-couch/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on my "Cleanliness is next to godliness" board. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It looked easy enough! Use rubbing alcohol to remove stains. Ok! I was in, because in my sickness I could not tolerate it any more!! I needed to make a few adjustments to what Julia used in her blog, just because I was too sick to go out to buy a white sponge and a white bristled scrub brush. Here's what I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the rubbing alcohol! (Yay me!) So, I put it in an empty clean spray bottle that I had, then saturated the stained area. I didn't have a white sponge, so I scrubbed the heck out of it with an old white wash cloth. Here is how that looked.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HOLY DIRTINESS!!!</strong></span> I almost threw up in my mouth there for a minute, it was that nasty! After I scrubbed I let it dry for about an hour. By the way, it will smell! So open a window and turn on a fan. The smell of the doctor's office will go away in no time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it dries, it's a little stiff. So I took a bottle brush since that is what I had, rather that the white scrub brush Julia used, and went over the dried area in circular motion for a few minutes.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <u>CAN NOT</u> believe the couch <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>AWESOME-NESS</strong></span> that I saw afterwards! It's like I have my brand new couch back!!! Of course I immediately decided to do the entire couch, but was so worn out half way through I stopped. I noticed a few stubborn stains, but NOTHING like before. Julia says in her blog if you go over those stubborn areas about 2 days later, most of the stain will be removed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS- I did eventually do the entire couch. But I'm still recovering, so I haven't gone back to take care of those super stubborn stains. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Cleaning! :)</span> KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-69609108236335706762012-12-02T19:20:00.000-08:002012-12-02T19:20:24.874-08:00“I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” - W.C. FieldsI am so excited to share about my first monthly dinner club! As most of you know, I've never been a cook. However, in the last 2 years, some kind of domestic virus has been attacking my mind and body so I have been experimenting with food! My poor kid! She's had to try so many new things. <br />
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Any who... what better time to start a Dinner Club! Now I'll get a whole new set of recipes to torture my child with! :) <br />
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The theme for our first Dinner Club was "Favorite Dish". Apparently, this caused a little bit of stress for some of the club members who couldn't decide what to make. Everyone got fancy with their dishes. Well not me of course, however, my dishes were much fancier than my true favorite dish...a bowl of cereal! :)<br />
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Below were the delightful dishes of the evening! The smells and the scene were so exciting I couldn't wait to eat!! (I'd like to apologize for the lack of pics of the actual evening. I could only think about eating, not blogging!) <br />
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As you can imagine, the tastes were savory!!! I asked club members to taste all the dishes and then vote on their favorite, anonymously of course!! The prize would be a fantastic blog written by MUAH about their dish and recipe! (I know, not much of a prize!) <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All votes were casted and the results were...... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>IT WAS A TIE!!!!</strong></span></div>
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Chicken Cashew Stir Fry and Panko & Parmesan Tilapia!! They were both to die for! I'm scared to death to try to make them on my own because I know they won't even touch the taste of these ladies' skills!!! But I will try because Grace loved the left over reheated tilapia! And she NEVER eats fish! <br />
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The night was a success! And even though it was "dinner" themed, it was truly about spending time with good friends, good wine, and fantastic food! We had so much fun and laughed the night away! <br />
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I can't tell you how happy I am that I started the club, just for that fact! It also helped that there were a few "write in" votes that warmed my heart! Cnn't wait for December's Dinner Club night! <br />
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(Sorry for the sideways pic! I can't figure out how to rotate it! I'm still working on this blogging thing!)</div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-14090718281011179682012-11-03T11:16:00.002-07:002012-11-03T11:16:43.977-07:00A grandparent buys you gifts your mother says you don't need. - Erma Bombeck<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I miss her. My grandmother. Actually both of them, but my Mommom, in particular today. You know those days when you can be surrounded by people, but still feel alone in some way. Today is one of those. All I've been thinking about all day is laying my head on her lap, my safe place. She would run her fingers through my hair and make me forget that there were any issues or problems in the world. It was my favorite place to be .... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She once told me, that the perfect man for me would be able to make me feel safe like that and he would always take care of me. I'll never forget that conversation as she ran her fingers through my hair watching a Phillies game. It was the most personal conversation she ever had with me. Today, even though the Phillies aren't playing (don't even get me started with that!), I wish she were here for me to lay on her lap and run her fingers through my hair so we could have another conversation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still looking for someone to make me feel the way she did ....</span><br />
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-84484871601883711052012-10-21T19:29:00.000-07:002012-10-21T19:29:07.194-07:00“True love stories never have endings” - Richard Bach<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a crazy two weeks. I had a health scare and I've been distracted with life around me. So I'm trying to refocus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started this blog because I am a single mom and just looking to connect with others who may feel the same way about life, or experiencing something similar. I wanted those people to know, they aren't alone. I know how lonely life can be sometimes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So tonight, I wanted to start what will hopefully become my weekly Sunday night single parent topic. Which reminds me....I need a catchy title. Please feel free to suggest! If I choose your title, I'll redo a piece of furniture for you as a prize!!! Ok, don't you all go typing at once! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, back to the blog of the evening ... Some of the distracting things these last two weeks have been helping friends and loved ones through some tough times they are having. Whenever I do that, it reminds me of how lucky I am for my daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I always tell her, and she loves to hear it, that she saved me. She saved me from myself, who was lost, lonely, and insecure. I've never felt love like I did when she was born. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This year while surfing through Pinterest, I found a pin that described a way to focus on the good in your life for the year. (You can see that site <a href="http://whynotdoityourself.tumblr.com/post/16534389178/memories-in-a-mason-jar" target="_blank">here</a>) Any time Grace or I have a memory we want to remember, we write it down and put it in the jar. On New Year's Day we will read the great memories we have had during the year before. It helps me focus on the good things in my life. I can't wait to read them New Year's Day! </span><br />
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-83276043103250448012012-10-15T19:28:00.002-07:002012-10-15T19:28:52.041-07:00Tonight is a pity party night. Does any one HATE them as much as I do?!?! I feel like yelling at myself, "Get over it!!! You chose this life! Look at all that is good!!" But there is that pity party planner in my head saying, "Yeah, I know, but I don't care. I'm sad, I'm lonely, I don't know how I got here! Plus, I already made the party plans of eating chips and watching Lifetime Movies!"<br />
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It's funny, beause I started this blog to help oither single parents know they aren't alone. If you know me, you know I'm not one to share my feelings. So letting people know I'm having a pity party right now, is not like me. My friends know I'm a control feak, and blogging about this makes me feel vunerable. But I want to be able to connect with others. Maybe another single parent out there is feeling the way I do. <br />
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So tonight I'll have my party. (Sorry you're all not invited.) And tomorrow when I wake up, I'll be back to my normal mom/teacherness. It's just tonight....that's normal, right? <br />
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-2557869809658897972012-10-12T20:11:00.002-07:002012-10-12T20:11:17.435-07:00"All you see, I owe to spaghetti." - Sophia Loren<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That quote describes my learned cooking skills perfectly! Seriously, spaghetti and scrambled eggs (which I once made via microwave only) were what I survived on in my adult life before Grace was born. Once she ate solid foods, we added microwaveable pancakes to the menu! My lucky kid, right?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friend Karen's amazing meals began to inspire me to want to branch out. Plus she has the patience of a saint with me! So, I desperately tried to make her fried chicken, because who doesn't LOVE fried chicken?!?! Ummmm, yea....EPIC FAIL!!! Three times in a row now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I've finally come to terms with not being able to make fried chicken (my new plan is trying to get invited to Karen's house instead when she makes it). Instead, I've been scoping Pinterest (of course!) for recipes. I discovered a site where I found what we had for dinner tonight.... Cheeseburger Pie! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When Grace asked me what was for dinner tonight, and I replied, "Cheeseburger Pie" with excitement.... well let's just say I could hear her thoughts, "Oh God Mom! Another Pinterest meal. UGH!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thought it was a perfect meal because neither of us like the bun when we eat burgers, so a thin "crust" was a perfect solution. Of course Grace hears the word "pie" and immediately cringes. (She doesn't like pie) But here's the recipe and some of our photos to go along with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cheeseburger Pie </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By <span class="author"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://family.go.com/food/pkg-family-approved-recipes/recipe-633078-cheeseburger-pie-t/)" target="_blank">Anne Coleman</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></div>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail1"><span class="amount">1 can</span> <span class="name">crescent rolls</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail2"><span class="amount">1 pound</span> ground
<span class="name">beef</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail3"><span class="amount">1/4 cup</span> finely
chopped <span class="name">onion</span>, OR 1 teaspoon onion powder</span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail4"><span class="amount">1/3 cup</span> chopped
<span class="name">dill pickle slices</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail5"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">ketchup</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail6"><span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span> <span class="name">prepared mustard</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail7"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">flour</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail8"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">dill pickle juice</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span id="itemDetail9"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">milk</span></span>
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<li class="item"><span id="itemDetail10"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="amount">2 cups</span> <span class="name">shredded American cheese</span>, divided</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Directions</span></div>
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<li class="direction s1 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375°. </span></li>
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<li class="direction s2 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unroll crescent rolls and press into the
bottom and up the sides of an 8 inch pie pan. </span></li>
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<li class="direction s3 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cook ground beef in a skillet until
browned. Drain well. </span></li>
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<li class="direction s4 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stir in onion, chopped pickle, ketchup and
mustard. </span></li>
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<li class="direction s5 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sprinkle with flour and add pickle juice
and milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. </span></li>
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<li class="direction s6 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from heat and add 1 cup of shredded
cheese. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="direction s7 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour into the prepared crust and bake for
15 minutes, or until edges of crust are golden brown. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="direction s8 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from oven and top with remaining cup
of cheese. Let stand until cheese melts. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="direction s9 instruction"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Garnish with extra ketchup, mustard and
pickle slices. </span></li>
</ol>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's what it looked like before going into the oven.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8e-UrEOs5vz_KZuz9TE8xjomtOxYJ5l9YE7k7gngvJbQv-PgVrCXKMg8N0-AEq4e_-IruPYXB_Er9TFoKXYYlc3Y3F5jxWcfV3FxEGPBV9ysYJcEe8c32hbOrTNVX47BuAWiJh3RnQS9/s1600/Before+Oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8e-UrEOs5vz_KZuz9TE8xjomtOxYJ5l9YE7k7gngvJbQv-PgVrCXKMg8N0-AEq4e_-IruPYXB_Er9TFoKXYYlc3Y3F5jxWcfV3FxEGPBV9ysYJcEe8c32hbOrTNVX47BuAWiJh3RnQS9/s1600/Before+Oven.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And here is the completed dinner.... waaaahhh laaaahhhh</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo2aultvkjoElmSZqqVgSVtcfX7k58k8iLB-ibJtoHgI_Wq_6aGKQaxp_xqHbTIMzSTll-kbGcUI2kZ4aaKM5vrr2JpV7IohWLYsYFA512xw_g_iJYcomRMm2Oc4NxY7ju6mM6e8wic4p/s1600/after+oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo2aultvkjoElmSZqqVgSVtcfX7k58k8iLB-ibJtoHgI_Wq_6aGKQaxp_xqHbTIMzSTll-kbGcUI2kZ4aaKM5vrr2JpV7IohWLYsYFA512xw_g_iJYcomRMm2Oc4NxY7ju6mM6e8wic4p/s1600/after+oven.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Grace only wanted ketchup on her piece and I had ketchup and mustard on mine ....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN9OcbCIY1URS-9Jxu2_4bBUwe587OdQST3Q85LbWdfHLBJX3F2ii286G3KaONVQ5NHwvLzNj1LL3J3RVUsw8LxnFwMIJu6HcKu0vYSUaoy-WZMM3JSfiN3fOp4I_ANpznVveM4XkhU9s/s1600/Grace%2527s+slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN9OcbCIY1URS-9Jxu2_4bBUwe587OdQST3Q85LbWdfHLBJX3F2ii286G3KaONVQ5NHwvLzNj1LL3J3RVUsw8LxnFwMIJu6HcKu0vYSUaoy-WZMM3JSfiN3fOp4I_ANpznVveM4XkhU9s/s1600/Grace%2527s+slice.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSZM3J2ukD-Kia3oNYC8DWGYnYMz5B3_S2gcdZYNoNFTdctCZGW2yT3qwqx5XHzyJmadov6yYCklJogNzR2cRjNSKUbgzjww23CCG98Q7sO1SPdjk7Rw7n9aLGYgu6OQJgicYr3KDGlSh/s1600/my+slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSZM3J2ukD-Kia3oNYC8DWGYnYMz5B3_S2gcdZYNoNFTdctCZGW2yT3qwqx5XHzyJmadov6yYCklJogNzR2cRjNSKUbgzjww23CCG98Q7sO1SPdjk7Rw7n9aLGYgu6OQJgicYr3KDGlSh/s1600/my+slice.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> And the final judgement.... all fingers were crossed!! Here's my critic mid first bite. (Posting pics like these is why I'm collecting her therapy fund!)</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzu8S7lV6Jm3xwok3XrYUN20Fcj1V619HL8pQ_t-JqU154aVRvUXDcrK6bZQjqttayjxhF0vXHKKcwKh9n__oN0Kngtfbko_P7y9K8oZVtavxllrm8PCSzzSB6XRuMe_n3Lx_t1LiJyok/s1600/Grace+mid+bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzu8S7lV6Jm3xwok3XrYUN20Fcj1V619HL8pQ_t-JqU154aVRvUXDcrK6bZQjqttayjxhF0vXHKKcwKh9n__oN0Kngtfbko_P7y9K8oZVtavxllrm8PCSzzSB6XRuMe_n3Lx_t1LiJyok/s1600/Grace+mid+bite.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">AND THE VERDICT IS................</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfdc55EVpM_xBqeiiqNNPKBwAgihFRmNimsL4_XtnOSAhp76fpDTzzfy7E8dkWeBgUy01z4ZAtyJyD0wLHiwumjOL8_7RgEXQMObmjwHxxQ4JWm96feT7t982JlwCUB4qaKw6LGzZhGno/s1600/Grace+approves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfdc55EVpM_xBqeiiqNNPKBwAgihFRmNimsL4_XtnOSAhp76fpDTzzfy7E8dkWeBgUy01z4ZAtyJyD0wLHiwumjOL8_7RgEXQMObmjwHxxQ4JWm96feT7t982JlwCUB4qaKw6LGzZhGno/s1600/Grace+approves.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(she's so cute, isn't she?!)</span></div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-17723721264163955222012-10-11T18:47:00.000-07:002012-10-11T18:47:24.282-07:00"I started out with nothing and I've got most of it left." - Groucho Marx<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I soooooo feel like that's my life most of the time! Which is why I came up with this "crafty" way of solving a problem I had .... HANGERS! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what you are thinking...Ummm Kate, you can get hangers at the Dollar Store! Get a grip. I'm not talking about normal hangers though, I'm talking about hangers for doll clothes. I made that cute little wardrobe for Grace's American Girl Doll clothes, but she has more clothes than hangers! (No, I have no idea how that happened. All I can say is "Grace" happened!)</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I posted on facebook asking for help looking for doll clothes hangers. All wonderful suggestions! I searched everywhere people suggested ... AC Moore, Toys 'R Us, Walmart, Target, and Michaels Crafts. I even searched online. I found them online for $8 for four hangers, $8 for eight hangers. WHAT?!?!?! Are you friggin' kidding me??? My big butt clothes hang on hangers for less than that!!! AC Moore, Walmart, and Target didn't have any, but Michaels did. Unfortunately, they were too small. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend Leslie even suggested baby clothes hangers. Some how, I actually had a few here, even though my daughter is 9 years old and I swore I got rid them all. Unfortunately, they were too big. But after all this searching I got an idea!!</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ24FRNzIaKGigJbta0-6quzJHspstPCze_MOABGZU2tMahAdWzNPT9X0JIbyzTOrBhsx8y5QkZ16oIQLwPOgW8xQjTO1UdEKVzpFXP_mTYr5XUJHTJ_zX1_mWpzK6tO5IV30_-zNvJ7aw/s1600/light+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ24FRNzIaKGigJbta0-6quzJHspstPCze_MOABGZU2tMahAdWzNPT9X0JIbyzTOrBhsx8y5QkZ16oIQLwPOgW8xQjTO1UdEKVzpFXP_mTYr5XUJHTJ_zX1_mWpzK6tO5IV30_-zNvJ7aw/s1600/light+bulb.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that idea was ...... PIPE CLEANERS!!! I knew going to college for teaching would come in handy some day! :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I was going to go to the Dollar Store and pick some up. (Or possibly ask fellow teachers to "donate" to my "Keep Kate Sane" fund!) But by the act of the power from the "other side" ...... SURPRISE!!!</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PjXTgGvrIfp8Nd7xqyThJV0IfgQWbG3Pv08-sF0VADUes88lEB70m5vMTLvNJ1Nicz12MIe2vjbpSnpv627ikDAkCl3MiP_FZ6oDb3NVJzwPxXZmw7pyPv9KcSLG5EAE7gwoOvf5pMgn/s1600/Surprise+find.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PjXTgGvrIfp8Nd7xqyThJV0IfgQWbG3Pv08-sF0VADUes88lEB70m5vMTLvNJ1Nicz12MIe2vjbpSnpv627ikDAkCl3MiP_FZ6oDb3NVJzwPxXZmw7pyPv9KcSLG5EAE7gwoOvf5pMgn/s1600/Surprise+find.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is that you ask?!?!?! My grandmother from the "other side" had me open a box in an old container that I have of hers that was filled with material. And look what I found!!! PIPE CLEANERS!!! Can I get an AMEN?!?!?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course she had them cut up, and twisted as petals for flowers...but who cares?! My heart was doing the FREE FREE FREE dance! (Thanks Mommom!!!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I untwisted 3 "petals" and put them together as one. I began to think that just one long pipe cleaner would not be sturdy enough, so I decided to use two and then twist them together.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO9HV6YV9Nom_jPMloyoyWkgG7pNRZPBaENi2kkO_Q7YbR8A3Dxn7r4DkSyFuOHslbyHhj91-V2St8zDCkXG4-G6ErQzO5bcpZazZ9c7rTYgyRI3h-JEjEul8ZAXaNeKICNGtMbPpBIBH/s1600/one+pipe+cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO9HV6YV9Nom_jPMloyoyWkgG7pNRZPBaENi2kkO_Q7YbR8A3Dxn7r4DkSyFuOHslbyHhj91-V2St8zDCkXG4-G6ErQzO5bcpZazZ9c7rTYgyRI3h-JEjEul8ZAXaNeKICNGtMbPpBIBH/s1600/one+pipe+cleaner.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEhrW47S8HA-M61e74UJXDvTduiIcVFQl9o1HO_7E44S2KycrUiixhax1nCnK_7Q33VnmvrUbmtdcGxhaZybCV0jRerAN0AGLQmNX4IHvzfQYDHVN-NrE2H7HPHNEHu-K97wFgQAm6pHb/s1600/two+pipe+cleaners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEhrW47S8HA-M61e74UJXDvTduiIcVFQl9o1HO_7E44S2KycrUiixhax1nCnK_7Q33VnmvrUbmtdcGxhaZybCV0jRerAN0AGLQmNX4IHvzfQYDHVN-NrE2H7HPHNEHu-K97wFgQAm6pHb/s1600/two+pipe+cleaners.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2EezTU6HvAmPKOQOXprpnDPPyOu-uzdCbPImRRn84mhqOYUMJek9jxvUzTfKQUw7UuaRCWj_e4Zc_wB1OQfdPjYJmvQn67CIRzXWOr-pO-M2QHtm-P4RjtlLnePdSRIh7ALChT-JAZ98/s1600/twisted+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2EezTU6HvAmPKOQOXprpnDPPyOu-uzdCbPImRRn84mhqOYUMJek9jxvUzTfKQUw7UuaRCWj_e4Zc_wB1OQfdPjYJmvQn67CIRzXWOr-pO-M2QHtm-P4RjtlLnePdSRIh7ALChT-JAZ98/s1600/twisted+together.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took the twisted one and twisted one end about one quarter of the way down from the other end like so.....</span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGIVSurGQ2yJ3V7Nhut51Y47KHSoAxVYwLaWBeepLV6B8oluk_77VmLwqqVYBlBOJuL7jb5QHOUqO8imJgh7MV0lenVj5cFvQUG3CaUANm-tvEqqGxF-3VGBQs3K2TJ1q4gSjbG_YIeSG/s1600/formation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGIVSurGQ2yJ3V7Nhut51Y47KHSoAxVYwLaWBeepLV6B8oluk_77VmLwqqVYBlBOJuL7jb5QHOUqO8imJgh7MV0lenVj5cFvQUG3CaUANm-tvEqqGxF-3VGBQs3K2TJ1q4gSjbG_YIeSG/s1600/formation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then I shaped it to look like a hanger, like so.....</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30ifbTK6nAVWO4b7z00pyP7Y74oMFqhFUdS1ZrWKjX6hAjirgVl36Ib6VjsRw6wtFNkvmgP1z8aWDo2fiBzImnnlSCx2DS_A4n6JAZ9aHrwEf9MP132uOBi_FFok-j7phpfiatDkwDALi/s1600/hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30ifbTK6nAVWO4b7z00pyP7Y74oMFqhFUdS1ZrWKjX6hAjirgVl36Ib6VjsRw6wtFNkvmgP1z8aWDo2fiBzImnnlSCx2DS_A4n6JAZ9aHrwEf9MP132uOBi_FFok-j7phpfiatDkwDALi/s1600/hanger.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And WAH LAH!!! Doll clothes hangers!!! If there was a high market for this, I'd so be rich by now! :)</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhB22DiDCm6-YOY60MhWAaGhx3iB-YSPTX8qxlo_jeJhbZLLOeNBdJ0Lhds63D6XbCURc5zbkpMDUNgz1Yw5XYLo8WjbKSHUi7edWMhrFXEmOG9u30ZhL1JrFeQcoVj8tdQqErXE1Ivbo/s1600/hangers+in+wardrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhB22DiDCm6-YOY60MhWAaGhx3iB-YSPTX8qxlo_jeJhbZLLOeNBdJ0Lhds63D6XbCURc5zbkpMDUNgz1Yw5XYLo8WjbKSHUi7edWMhrFXEmOG9u30ZhL1JrFeQcoVj8tdQqErXE1Ivbo/s1600/hangers+in+wardrobe.jpg" /></a></div>
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-22161763386585712902012-10-08T14:57:00.001-07:002012-10-08T14:57:25.374-07:00"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." - Phyllis Diller<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughter has this on again off again love affair with her American Girl dolls. She will go through phases where she plays with them and even sleeps with them 24/7....then there are those times she doesn't even know they exist. When she "cleans" up her room, the $40 outfits for a $100 doll get thrown in the bottom of her closet. Can you hear the heart attack I have when I see that?? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So since I have this thing about redoing furniture, I was on a mission to find a piece that I could transform into a semi wardrobe for the American Girl doll items. Goodwill is one of my favorite places to look for such pieces. I looked for months....I found nothing that would work in the limited space she has in her room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day about a month or two ago, mom and I (and Grace too) were out antiquing. We were driving by a street where I saw a piece that someone had at the end of their driveway to throw out that would be perfect!! So we stopped. Mom knocked on the door and asked if we could take it. It was generously given to us for free by the homeowner, who also tried to convince us to take the other two pieces. Turns out these pieces were kitchen cabinets that he had torn out. Here's what it looked like only I turned it upside down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yea I know....hard to see any kind of prettiness in this, but I saw it's potential! So I striped the nasty dirty brown plastic covering off of it, and sanded it down. (Side note - I got to use my new electric sander which was a lot of fun! However, if you look close at this piece, you can tell I was an electric sander virgin on this project!!!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took the doors off, then I filled in the holes with wood putty and sanded again (by hand this time). I painted it with a white paint that also had white primer in it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My daughter's room is in the beginning stages of changing over from polka dots to a zebra theme. So once everything dried after THREE coats, (dDefinitely not what I expected. Thought it would be much less than that.) I wanted to trim the doors in zebra to give it some character. Well, we had left over zebra duct tape from Grace's duct tape bracelet making party in August, so I used it to trim the doors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also bought little white door knobs to put on the doors to help Grace open them easily. They were plain white plastic. I painted little zebra lines on them with black paint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see on the outside of left door, I ran out of duct tape!! Seriously, only about 12 more inches needed!! I wanted to scream!!! So the project was put off yet another day (it had already been two weeks of working on it a little at a time). But no fear! I got more tape and finished! I also decided to trim the little baskets I got for 90 cents at Target on my couponing deal! (see earlier posts)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(The labels were made out of zebra scrap booking paper.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I was finished but then realized that the top was just too plain. So I decided I wanted to make a zebra runner for the top, which would also help protect it from the wrath of my daughter! :) My mom had extra zebra material from a project that she and Grace did this summer, so I "sewed" it with my magic tape and iron! It's a little wide, but it works for now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We used a spring rod inside to hang the clothes. And now I'm on a mission to find doll clothes hangers because we have more clothes than hangers. Of course I forgot to take a pic of the inside. I'll try to remember to take one later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, after several months of this big ugly cabinet sitting in my living room collecting dust, it is FINALLY finished and in Grace's room for use! It was a fun project and Grace loves it. So all in all, it was a success and cost me a total of $28 for paint, more duct tape, spring rod and door knobs. Not a bad deal, huh?!</span></div>
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-48089823691192054602012-10-03T19:19:00.000-07:002012-10-03T19:19:17.329-07:00"Dating is pressure and tension. What is a date, really, but a job interview that lasts all night?"- Jerry Seinfeld<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any of you ever feel that way? Dating before having my daughter was one thing, but it's so much harder now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bottom line is, I don't want men in and out of her life. I'll already be paying for enough therapy just for her being an only child of a single mom as well as the racial differences! I don't need to add more drama to her life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep thinking I'm choosing someone better than the last one, but in the end they all seem similar. When it comes to the end of your relationship with a person, does anyone else hear Dr. Phil say something like, "If you throw enough rocks up in the air, eventually one of<br />them is going to hit you on the head.”??? (I don't even know what that means!) Am I the only one hearing he good doctor? Maybe I'm a little crazy.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just recently ended the third somewhat serious relationship I've had in the past 9 years. As my daughter gets older, it's getting even harder to date and explain why things don't always work out, especially when she really likes him, like the last one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you handle this with your kids? My immediate jerk reaction is to stop dating all together and just focus on her and I until she is in high school and doesn't even want to spend time with me any more. But is this realistic? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I've been searching blogs for any answers to these questions from other single parents. I've discovered there is no real concrete answer. Every circumstance is different, as is how each child may handle it. I was disappointed there was no cut and dry answer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, after reflecting a bit, I did discover a silver lining..... I'm not alone. Single parents everywhere are doing the best they can just as I am. One. day. at. a. time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that is comforting....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if anyone would like to contribute to Grace's future therapy fund, please email me directly! :)</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglgj_yzgaWYwtnCt6PmvhPFVesVIjLJ0hcVeFGUtFnpHs-CUf3wabjLZMD_uxstVKPf_U46sOuFGyan61xHydc7fImhWBw7Z5TZXV4-2M-11EWqMr44ocS79qM8gQCWoTBnWpCAn4psq8/s1600/Mobile+pics+2011+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglgj_yzgaWYwtnCt6PmvhPFVesVIjLJ0hcVeFGUtFnpHs-CUf3wabjLZMD_uxstVKPf_U46sOuFGyan61xHydc7fImhWBw7Z5TZXV4-2M-11EWqMr44ocS79qM8gQCWoTBnWpCAn4psq8/s320/Mobile+pics+2011+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-67623091000271011182012-10-02T19:02:00.000-07:002012-10-02T19:02:14.834-07:00"Before you try to keep up with the Joneses, be sure they're not trying to keep up with you." - Erma Bombeck<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I'd discuss a blog that my assistant at school has me addicted to. My assistant has many obsessions (don't get her started on her Congressman obsession). Most I don't understand, but this one I'm so glad she introduced me to! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The blog is called <em><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/" target="_blank">The Lettered Cottage</a></em>. It's a blog on interior design, but most of their stuff they refurbish/redo to decorate a room. Layla and Kev are a friggin' adorable couple that create such beautiful rooms! You have to check them out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They even have step by step instrutions on how to make things like the pictures below.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/diy-mirror/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to DIY Mirror"><img alt="DIY_Mirror" class="attachment-thumbnail wp-post-image" height="150" src="http://theletteredcottage.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DIY_Mirror-150x150.jpg" title="DIY_Mirror" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/eagan-mirror-tutorial/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Pottery Barn Eagan Mirror (Knock-off) Tutorial"><img alt="Mirror Rosette" class="attachment-thumbnail wp-post-image" height="150" src="http://theletteredcottage.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_4764_low-150x150.jpg" title="IMG_4764_low" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/my-82-fireplace-makeover/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to My $82 Fireplace Makeover"><img alt="Fireplace thumb" class="attachment-thumbnail wp-post-image" height="150" src="http://theletteredcottage.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Fireplace-thumb.jpg" title="Fireplace thumb" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love there stuff! They have such great ideas! I can only dream of having a blog like this. I wish I were THAT creative! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to check out one of their recent posts on a fall mantle. If you find these letters somewhere in the area, CALL ME IMMEDIATELY!!! I've been looking everywhere for them!</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Mantel/Fall_Mantel_12.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are into home design, this is definitely a blog you want to bookmark. You can also friend them on facebook! Happy decorating!!</span>KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338347190958458758.post-70893904629996320212012-10-01T18:53:00.000-07:002012-10-01T18:53:55.706-07:00"I'm so poor I can't even pay attention." -Ron Kittle<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is that not the truth these days! In this economy, everyone is looking to save a buck. Especially me!! As a single mom with a kid who's passion is horseback riding (not a cheap activity), I'm looking for any deal I can get!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I LOVE the show Extreme Couponing. However, I think those people are a little crazy. Buying diapers and having a stock pile of them in your basement when you have no babies, or even kids for that matter.... that borders on insanity a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">However, thanks to my amazing couponing coach Janet, I've done my own version of extreme couponing...a more realistic one. You know getting the things you actually need, maybe one or two extras. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, my first attempt was at Rite Aid. I'll never forget the cashier's face. She didn't believe it was real. I got 4 bottles of Pantene which are normally $19.96 for a grand total of $2.12. For me this is a great deal because it's the only shampoo and the BEST conditioner for my daughter's hair. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTSIsNF9jGHb88d93VXr16m-IZQPhDxm-qW6Z1wRlfXC6DOTLykbQ8bfx5Bb4d-acyzTjxm99HiZ6z2xIG2hB1vImmKuonsEP3Vz6bnL-hFdnNcaLOFkuGsjkYAG8oo7pLQbpa2N0GkEp/s1600/Pantene+deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTSIsNF9jGHb88d93VXr16m-IZQPhDxm-qW6Z1wRlfXC6DOTLykbQ8bfx5Bb4d-acyzTjxm99HiZ6z2xIG2hB1vImmKuonsEP3Vz6bnL-hFdnNcaLOFkuGsjkYAG8oo7pLQbpa2N0GkEp/s320/Pantene+deal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next deal I got was on Bayer aspirin. Again , this was at Rite Aid. Normally four bottles of Bayer is $17.96. My total was $0.00!!!!!! That was awesome! I walked out with such a high! :) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg171JrOwgNTbfMfHWuICK00b4kYjJOJz7NBTwA9P7TNFrpmBSIld4ezvvnnfOTnGVfEQoPEhyJ29geQBct_Dacbmy5boihsdeR5HGRPN5y0fwPWFkJNPSL0RQC58IjT34hE877BF3vh5M6/s1600/Bayer+Deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg171JrOwgNTbfMfHWuICK00b4kYjJOJz7NBTwA9P7TNFrpmBSIld4ezvvnnfOTnGVfEQoPEhyJ29geQBct_Dacbmy5boihsdeR5HGRPN5y0fwPWFkJNPSL0RQC58IjT34hE877BF3vh5M6/s320/Bayer+Deal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My third deal was on vinegar. If you are an avid Pinterester (yes, I made up that word), you use vinegar for EVERYTHING! From cooking to cleaning!! This was a Target deal. Normally $3.71, my total...FREE!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBhv96nUCl_3fHx9MiawzTAR6qTtc-zYMj9SvY1LLdu5UXsPOrW8OL-72cNRcmYuJv6rEG2yUPvXxEBqBnSQLuT49i29xJTfwbM8nHdw7PC4qTAobqQRFfTxzIMXnPmFAcnEUFamN3j-d/s1600/Vinegar+deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBhv96nUCl_3fHx9MiawzTAR6qTtc-zYMj9SvY1LLdu5UXsPOrW8OL-72cNRcmYuJv6rEG2yUPvXxEBqBnSQLuT49i29xJTfwbM8nHdw7PC4qTAobqQRFfTxzIMXnPmFAcnEUFamN3j-d/s320/Vinegar+deal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This next one was my big whammy! A Target deal that I got because I happened to walk into Target on the right day! Items in the dollar isle were 70% off. So things that were normally $1 were only $0.30. Things that were normally $3.00 were $0.90. Now I will say I used $20 gift card, but hey! Free is free for me! I don't even know what the grand total should have been, but I do know how much I spent on all of this stuff out of my pocket.... $3.71!! :-) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYBVlsjb8q8GEKuNvG0tiv74jxryD_CzhbVRLQwMbtOMOUrQHNlSI8LPd6RztCRqJ6w2Dy9myfLw5q4sB6tzv8-ae4-fE-3PKZnsK5IiA64mTVYZzTFIIOHkzloP_PfYALmL8_wVWAlK5/s1600/Target+deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYBVlsjb8q8GEKuNvG0tiv74jxryD_CzhbVRLQwMbtOMOUrQHNlSI8LPd6RztCRqJ6w2Dy9myfLw5q4sB6tzv8-ae4-fE-3PKZnsK5IiA64mTVYZzTFIIOHkzloP_PfYALmL8_wVWAlK5/s320/Target+deal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The last deal I've made so far, was literally yesterday at Rite Aid! Two bottles of Pantene and Carefree pantie liners normally a total of $11.98 for only $2.00!!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuoUPF8ouCzniKOirZLQltoSCd5zcatN7Zl-Nt4mNnNQqKzwubAxlYGqOGGcpR4-QCse1kh3eNAt_0aaUK8aeGwB387N2OQD5GW4ra5HYoI7yhfIcrhRgAo9TjftYSckiBX7g66FdWsUC/s1600/Rite+Aid+deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuoUPF8ouCzniKOirZLQltoSCd5zcatN7Zl-Nt4mNnNQqKzwubAxlYGqOGGcpR4-QCse1kh3eNAt_0aaUK8aeGwB387N2OQD5GW4ra5HYoI7yhfIcrhRgAo9TjftYSckiBX7g66FdWsUC/s1600/Rite+Aid+deal.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">How do I get these deals??? I stalk two websites in particular...www.totallytarget.com and <a href="http://www.forthemommas.com/">www.forthemommas.com</a>. They explain the deals and give you the best up to date deals. These two sites are great, but there are SOOOOO many out there. I also save coupons each week from the Daily Local and Philly Inquire. I save them by date in a hanging file. (see below)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cfFIMqB2WsL72oNRGVGgL4RPxUO_BSmDG4aQ1WR6Sj5jGli04r7Qxi897iFpj6HR8cyLzO8use07dqdllEJ3hvniAkk7oY6tAxBfK_jccDJyMiHbhSmmBl1g3CQtmIx1uVSh0feSMsI1/s1600/coupon+organization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cfFIMqB2WsL72oNRGVGgL4RPxUO_BSmDG4aQ1WR6Sj5jGli04r7Qxi897iFpj6HR8cyLzO8use07dqdllEJ3hvniAkk7oY6tAxBfK_jccDJyMiHbhSmmBl1g3CQtmIx1uVSh0feSMsI1/s1600/coupon+organization.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's time consuming to look through, but always worth the deal!! Happy shopping! </span><br />
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KMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504696823611416943noreply@blogger.com0