tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198999485182237662024-03-12T16:38:57.350-07:00Stephanie's ProjectsLife's little adventures and ideas of a frugally creative Mom. DIY, Cooking, shopping, tips and projectsSteph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-80824273440954527072017-10-24T13:33:00.002-07:002017-10-24T13:33:33.136-07:00Teacher ApprciationAs the season for teacher gifts draws closer, I thought I might share what I did once.<br />
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I was given the office of collecting for the teacher's gifts, and decided to make cards to add them to. The kids all signed the inside to make it special.<br />
Some card stock, ribbon, and an exact-o-knife... BAM!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this! Let me know what YOU did for your teachers!</div>
<br />Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-34308282802392555752016-09-12T14:21:00.000-07:002016-09-12T14:22:08.606-07:00Best 4 year old Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PL2Kdxh7cAk/V9cZycKmWxI/AAAAAAAALmM/_XMbQdtZQ_IbfAOafgjPLMVyX2M2KlUyACLcB/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PL2Kdxh7cAk/V9cZycKmWxI/AAAAAAAALmM/_XMbQdtZQ_IbfAOafgjPLMVyX2M2KlUyACLcB/s200/DSC_0095.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">If you love the outdoors, ranches, or horses, you will love this!</span></div>
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I am super behind on posting. While looking through my pictures, and my blog, I realized that I never posted about this party. It would be a HUGE shame not to share. So here I am, two years after the fact posting about it, but since the people who attended are still talking about it... here goes.</div>
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My daughter is nuts about horses. Still is. She loves going to the ranch and riding with me, AND wearing boots. The girl wears pink boots almost everyday. If fact I used her first toddler boots as center pieces, since they were so cute I hated to part with them.</div>
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I asked if I could have her birthday party at the ranch my mom's horses are at. Given the go ahead we borrowed one of the ponies for horse rides, and my mom's draft horse, Duke, also got drafted for kiddy rides. Parents did sign wavers, and kids did wear helmets. I paid a couple of the teenage riders at the ranch for the help. They were awesome with the kids walking them around the arena.</div>
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All the kids got cowboy hats and bandanas.</div>
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The party was for brunch. So Bagels, fruit and eggs made a very simple food selection.</div>
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Horse Shoe Craft! Kids got Golden, or Silver, horse shoes to decorate to add their horse-ride picture to after the party.<br />I also had a table with a bunch of options for kids to make their own Trail Mix.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke is being good in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No party is complete without CupCakes!</td></tr>
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Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-56528218240694270762016-09-12T13:58:00.001-07:002016-09-12T13:59:11.387-07:00Table reimaginedI have a table, and it works. It just isn't as sturdy as I would like, especially with two kids and a husband who beats it up, hangs on it, puts all their weight on their elbows, etc. But with life going one, I just couldn't think of a valid argument in favor of purchasing another table.<br />
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Enter fate. My aunt recently took all her furniture out of storage. She wasn't interested in keeping the table because it didn't match her "new" kitchen and had a bunch of warped/damaged places on top. "You want it? Take it!" So another project was born.<br />
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What is funny is that I really had a HUGE list of projects already, but this item is too large to store in my husband's office so quickly made it to the top of my list. I got started much faster than I probably would have, but when the husband asked every day when (if) the table will ever get done, it is time to head over to Home Depot for the stain and some more sandpaper.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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I chose a Black Cherry finish and used a gel stain so that it would be a faster process. I am very happy with the finished product! I just have to find a picture of my table!!Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-18654385845562127272016-03-20T22:28:00.001-07:002016-03-20T22:28:57.202-07:00"New" Patio<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The before. <br />Dead tree and happy tree living in concrete wasteland.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have this nice large patio.</span><br />
The only problems were:<br />
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<li>It was ugly.</li>
<li>Its was concrete.</li>
<li>It had cracks with termite eaten wood sticking out of them to trip over.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Termite eaten 2x4s </td></tr>
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These reasons made this space unusable as an entertainment space, a child play space or a garden.</div>
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Bummer!</div>
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We have lived here nearly eight years and I was done. It was time for it to go! </div>
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A few factors pushed me to get this done all of the sudden: a neighbor who a bunch of wood ears that they never used offered it (YEA!) and we got a dog.</div>
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First step was to get rid of the concrete sea and the wood from the cracks. </div>
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At the back we decided to take out a large area of concrete to have a space for grass (the dog is happy!), a planter and a garden. I am so happy with the results of all this work.<br />
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The older pieces of wood were treated to strip and clean. This was a lot of work but very effective and inexpensive. I also cleaned the fencing separating us from our neighbor since he was not interested in replacing his fence. By cleaning and staining it, it matches the rest of our fencing and blends in.<br />
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At $2 a dog-eared wood piece, we saved about $200 by cleaning the old wood given to us. We still had to buy some new wood, but we reused as much as we were able to. There was one or two that were not able to be used.<br />
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Since my husband and brother were doing so well wielding the rented jack hammer, I also had them take out the concrete path that leads to the gate. While I just wanted concrete there anyway, the concrete puddled and was not set evenly to begin with. So I had to go look for pavers.<br />
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I was able to reuse the left over pavers from a project my mom did at her house. She had the front and back patio paved at her house and a bunch of leftovers! Some of the pavers were mismatched, but that is because she had many samples to look at and the salesmen never took their concrete away. Lucky me.<br />
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I did have to purchase a few pavers to finish the job, which made me very grateful for having the free pieces since the sticker price was a bit of a shock. The pavers were set down on top of the smoothed sand.<br />
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Lesson learned: even a few pavers are a pain in the butt, back, knees, etc. It is a serious job!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half the fence is done!</td></tr>
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Since I relied on the man-of-the-house to make the fence, I moved on to the patio once all the wood was stained ready and waiting to become fencing. I had decided to stain the concrete so it wouldn't be so Fugly.</div>
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First step was to power wash and scrub-clean the floor. Then I stained it was a mocha acid stain.</div>
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This process was surprisingly fast and easy! I decided to use a sponge and move it around by hand, rather than use a mop. The reason was, (1) the mop cost more than I was willing to spend, and (2) I thought I was more likely to get the look I was going for.<br />
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In the end, I could have kicked myself for not doing this sooner. It was SOOO easy and the results were amazing! When the fence came down resulting in no privacy, I was getting so many compliments from neighbors I had never met before. I was floored! Pun intended.<br />
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I had brainstormed many different ways to fill the huge cracks between the concrete slabs. In the end, I decided on the simplest method. The pavers needed the polymeric sand to seal them as a walkway, so I used the same sand. 5 buckets later it looked fabulous!<br />
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Once the sand was in place and hardened, I went over the entire floor with a concrete sealer that I bought on Amazon (better reviews and price than Home Depot brand).<br />
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The last step was painting the pergola. I was advocating for white, but since I made all the design decisions in this project thus far, I let the husband choose the paint. He chose the chocolate brown and I have no complaints.<br />
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In the end, we bought some furniture and I love sitting out there in the morning with my coffee. So peaceful! My kids advocated for a bird feeder. The dog is very content to have his own space to chill when we are not home. I have my garden.<br />
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I now have an outdoor space that I can entertain in and isn't embarrassing! We are so happy with the results.Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-46828554726209189072015-09-03T20:08:00.002-07:002016-03-20T22:29:06.059-07:00Kitchen Improved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After living in my house for nearly 9 years, we finally were ready to fix our eyesore of a dysfunctional excuse for a kitchen. I was soooo excited. We spent a month designing it and then another two weeks interviewing contractors and pricing out all the pieces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Originally we were going to get our 10% off cabinets at Home Depot, but I am very glad we did not go that route. Let me explain. We were going to purchase a cheep cabinet with a kitchen designed (hopefully right) by someone who had never seen or measured our kitchen. Then to use their contractor to install the kitchen would cost more money then we thought right and this cost did not include a plummer, electrician or permits. Ultimately the idea of having the </span>miscellaneous items completed and done right within the time frame scared me. This is why I looked at other options.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">I know I should have posted this months ago (7 months ago actually), but as they say, it is better late then never!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What we decided:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Extent the useless L shaped kitchen into a more useful U + </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Walnut expresso cabinets + </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Light quartz countertop = Kitchen Demolition</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMft4e0KOk/VejvhzaHn4I/AAAAAAAALDE/66QWErcrzSk/s1600/20150107_172814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMft4e0KOk/VejvhzaHn4I/AAAAAAAALDE/66QWErcrzSk/s320/20150107_172814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The contractor we hired was able to get us much nicer solid cabinets, permits, electrical, plumbing, etc. for the same cost as the low quality home depot cabinets. YEA!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The fun part of redoing the kitchen is moving the entire contents of the kitchen so that we are still able to use some kitchen amenities and have access to food. We managed to work it out with my toaster oven so that some food could be heated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">There were some problems that came up along the way: termites, rats, late cabinet delivery, wrong cabinets installed … Unfortunately the flooring had some water damaged pieces and had to be replaced. Too bad we couldn’t just replace what was there because I really liked having one cohesive floor. Without the budget for flooring, we decided on a tile laminate for 98 cents each square foot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The biggest lesson that I learned is that when dealing with a contractor who is never there, you really have to micromanage everything! Double check the plans, insist on sketches, don’t let him buy anything important to you (i.e. sink or fixtures), when he says he can get you something free or for less assume that is BS so you aren’t disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the end, I am SOOOOO happy with my kitchen! I love it. It is a dream to cook in and I wish that we had done it sooner!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then once all the appliances were replaced to match, it looked even better!</span></div>
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Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-37543921143407463302014-01-10T16:49:00.001-08:002014-01-13T17:51:06.744-08:00A Double Wonderland Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest went down the rabbit hole</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know</span>, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">I <i>know</i></span></span></span>… it has been an eon since I have posted on here my only excuse is that life gets in the way. I do have a dozen of subjects to write about though! <br />
A good resolution for 2014:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>write my thoughts down more often! <br />
It is a therapy of sorts for me to escape from my mom-duties and just be me (books and paper are much cheaper than a psychiatrist… look I’m saving money already and the year just began! A good start.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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So for the first post of the year I thought I would share pictures from the Wonderland Party I had for my kids. My son turned 6 and my daughter turned 3 years old and I was too lazy to have two parties so I had <span style="font-size: x-large;">one BIG one</span>. I mean <span style="font-size: x-large;">big </span>as in props, costumes, and cake. I had a lot of fun putting it together, but I have to say that it was a LOT of work!</div>
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For all of the props, I collected cardboard for several months. I really should have taken a picture of my living room at one point because I had stacks of giant boxes and all the random cardboard that I could find. You might be able to appreciate the amount of cardboard cutting and decorating by some of the pictures...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnepTMztfw8/UtBqi811X_I/AAAAAAAAHfw/iqgMewOFzkI/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnepTMztfw8/UtBqi811X_I/AAAAAAAAHfw/iqgMewOFzkI/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" width="211" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbJ9XXF8Erc/UtBqfGmfAzI/AAAAAAAAHfs/S6N2mGC7oGY/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbJ9XXF8Erc/UtBqfGmfAzI/AAAAAAAAHfs/S6N2mGC7oGY/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When guests went down the rabbit hole and through the door, they encountered the hats. These were the party favors. Boys could pick top hats or <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2013/06/pinwheel-hats.html" target="_blank">pinwheel hats</a> and ties while the girls got hats and necklaces. </div>
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Most of the girls were more into the dress-up spirit. (My daughter is wearing a different hat in every picture!) The boys seemed to like the hats and gave the ties to their father's to wear.<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some of the other Decorations...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJLmtqKaWLk/UtBs-PEfFQI/AAAAAAAAHh8/x784OJCM03o/s1600/signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJLmtqKaWLk/UtBs-PEfFQI/AAAAAAAAHh8/x784OJCM03o/s1600/signs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH04Z7e358w/UtBq2SvDWcI/AAAAAAAAHhE/-F8ZmO0jn1A/s1600/lanterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH04Z7e358w/UtBq2SvDWcI/AAAAAAAAHhE/-F8ZmO0jn1A/s1600/lanterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am very sad that I didn't get a good picture of the table before it was destroyed. We put three 6 foot tables together lengthwise for the "tea party". The tea cups had snacks like fish crackers, raisins and nuts. I used different fabrics down the length and a polka dot fabric as a table runner. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4OlUaEEWBU/UtCJEnXlcsI/AAAAAAAAHiI/C9PZXRaSOho/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4OlUaEEWBU/UtCJEnXlcsI/AAAAAAAAHiI/C9PZXRaSOho/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I also had a really cute centerpiece! (I just did not get a picture of it on my pretty table. SO Sad!)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wros4Znwm50/UtCKk4JwGPI/AAAAAAAAHiU/trPVF_69XP8/s1600/969445_10151651821524826_222752033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wros4Znwm50/UtCKk4JwGPI/AAAAAAAAHiU/trPVF_69XP8/s1600/969445_10151651821524826_222752033_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There were so many things to do!</b></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJAbsX4cr7A/UtBq2vsvBnI/AAAAAAAAHhM/Wy4w5UgSxqE/s1600/croquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJAbsX4cr7A/UtBq2vsvBnI/AAAAAAAAHhM/Wy4w5UgSxqE/s1600/croquet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croquet! <br />
(although the pic was taken later when the kids had already destroyed it)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BISxuekaufw/UtBqzxiYHxI/AAAAAAAAHg0/ikxp3go735Y/s1600/bubbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BISxuekaufw/UtBqzxiYHxI/AAAAAAAAHg0/ikxp3go735Y/s1600/bubbles.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles! big and little wands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg3FYn2b1Pg/UtBrs_FiPUI/AAAAAAAAHhw/EqNKXaacrwo/s1600/DSC_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg3FYn2b1Pg/UtBrs_FiPUI/AAAAAAAAHhw/EqNKXaacrwo/s1600/DSC_0401.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play! There is my little 'Alice' going down the slide.<br />
The playset was popular!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmGDxXAJlLU/UtBqqBIzpeI/AAAAAAAAHgE/Kq4nMRyeRvs/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmGDxXAJlLU/UtBqqBIzpeI/AAAAAAAAHgE/Kq4nMRyeRvs/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys found the checker table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jw_J7CBttc/UtBrs62TmeI/AAAAAAAAHhs/5LFZnnJfeTQ/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jw_J7CBttc/UtBrs62TmeI/AAAAAAAAHhs/5LFZnnJfeTQ/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the roses RED!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxaF4dIiMzg/UtBqYAXwdbI/AAAAAAAAHfc/de5Lfn8a7Zk/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxaF4dIiMzg/UtBqYAXwdbI/AAAAAAAAHfc/de5Lfn8a7Zk/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a>The Roses were a project! They took FOREVER! But they did turn out good, if I do say so.<br />
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To make them, I used giant cardboard boxes and newspaper. I also found a bunch of leaf shaped paint sample swatches at Home Depot that I took (don't tell, but they were free).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1mwNkc_TaI/UtBqP8oMKyI/AAAAAAAAHfA/Eil8F8XQrjE/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1mwNkc_TaI/UtBqP8oMKyI/AAAAAAAAHfA/Eil8F8XQrjE/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The process for the bushes was quite an undertaking and I had not seen anything like it on the Internet. First I cut the tops to make them uneven. Then I spray painted the green (spray paint is my new friend!) I didn't take the box stickers off since I couldn't get them off anyway so there was no use worrying about it. Then we took another green to make swirls and add depth.<br />
Once that was dry, I glued the paint samples on there to make 3D leaves and the the roses... but the roses was another process and took several days of dedicated rose cutting, twirling and gluing.<br />
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I recruited my little daughter to help paint the "bushes." My husband and sister helped me make several boxes full of roses. I can't even tell you how many times I burned my fingers with the hot glue... ouch!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu9dRX6JQ7g/UtBqVEVHR_I/AAAAAAAAHfU/JpXzI0fufuQ/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu9dRX6JQ7g/UtBqVEVHR_I/AAAAAAAAHfU/JpXzI0fufuQ/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big helper</td></tr>
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Another cardboard project was strictly for looks, <br />
but I really liked my <span style="font-size: large;">Wonderland flowers! <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I cut out a bunch of flowers from cardboard boxes of different shapes and sizes. Then I went spray paint crazy. </span></span><br />
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To assemble: I glued the flowers in layers on top of a pool noodle I bought at the dollar store. I also glued big googly-eyes in the center of the smallest petals. The pool noodle, once sliced down the back, is really easy to put on an iron fence and will stay there without any tape or pleading. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcEOFd4inBk/UtBqyZLDyxI/AAAAAAAAHgk/mlVhYx6cRo4/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcEOFd4inBk/UtBqyZLDyxI/AAAAAAAAHgk/mlVhYx6cRo4/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Costumes!</b></span><br />
I made a few costumes for this party. My daughter was 'Alice'. My son was the 'King of Hearts'. My husband was the 'Mad Hatter', but he refused to actually dress up except wearing the hat I made him (out of cardboard and fabric!) And I was the 'Queen of Hearts'.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7RPgP9hYFM/UtBq3wDOonI/AAAAAAAAHhU/weP4M0_K_r0/s1600/meandmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7RPgP9hYFM/UtBq3wDOonI/AAAAAAAAHhU/weP4M0_K_r0/s1600/meandmom.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
This picture with my mom shows part of the skirt I made. It is a big poofy thing that I have a crinoline under to make it huge. I like the picture because you can actually see the glasses I worked <i>SOOO </i>hard on. Four dozen frappaccino glasses with my own "Drink Me" stickers. I spray painted the lids different colors and had my husband drill a hole in the center to accommodate a straw. I was able to wash and save the whole set of glasses for the next party! (rejoicing over future cost savings!)<br />
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Alice's costume was a blued dyed (because I couldn't find a shirt that color!) shirt with the apron and tulle skirt sewn on. I even made a pocket in the apron--which my daughter loved! The King is very picky about textures so I made his costume out of a plain shirt too. I sewed on the cape with front holder to match the Queen's costume. There are also a few jewels glued on too. Although he wouldn't wear it, I also made him <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2013/05/easy-crown.html" target="_blank">a crown</a>... that one of his friends liked and took home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcJeA4kDvbg/UtBqv4y1RYI/AAAAAAAAHgc/wVp1ES1GEVc/s1600/SCcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcJeA4kDvbg/UtBqv4y1RYI/AAAAAAAAHgc/wVp1ES1GEVc/s1600/SCcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice & the King... and their Cake!</td></tr>
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The Mad Hatter hat was something! I cut some pieces of cardboard and wrapped it in fabric. There are also spray painted feathers sticking out (which you can't see) of the band.<br />
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My sister dressed as another Mad Hatter, but I think one of the kids took off with her hat... In the below picture you can see my skirt a little better... and the Cake!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoNmTDbWp4g/UtBq1zdt_LI/AAAAAAAAHhI/c-iN9_Czu9M/s1600/cakelight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoNmTDbWp4g/UtBq1zdt_LI/AAAAAAAAHhI/c-iN9_Czu9M/s1600/cakelight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is my first fondant cake. It was a bit of a pain but the result was awesome! The fondant was made from marshmallows (yumm!). The bottom and cheshire cat are made of 2 cake layers while the green Hatter Hat in the center is made of 3 layers. I admit that it looks homemade and not very professional, but it didn't cost as much as a professional cake either. I spent the entire day before making and putting this together. The fondant was made the day before that. I needed my husband's muscles to roll it out since it had hardened in the refrigerator.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bRe-hN5y30/UtBrjvpb4SI/AAAAAAAAHhg/I82Adh0BKgU/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bRe-hN5y30/UtBrjvpb4SI/AAAAAAAAHhg/I82Adh0BKgU/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never mind the backwards 3</td></tr>
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Here is to a Happy New Year!<br />
<a href="http://tipjunkie.com/category/handmade-projects/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tip Junkie Handmade Projects" border="0" height="100" src="http://media.tipjunkie.com/cache/c5/f4/c5f4def3612e5487055f33fa0496cd1e.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
Shared at: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2014/01/anything-blue-friday-week-41.html" target="_blank">Anything Blue</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-94/" target="_blank">Saturday Show & Tell</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-it-pretty-monday-week-84.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>,<br />
<br />
I would love the feedback of my readers... What types of posts would you like to see here? Crafts? Kitchen Experiments? Kid stuff? Organization? Let me know!
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When life (or Mom) gives you a bunch of cucumbers and dill... you make pickles!</div>
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I have an issue with canned pickles. I don't like them. But I love the fresh deli pickles... and my husband could eat them all day long.<br />
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On to my next experiment in the world of fermentation. I spent some time searching the web for the perfect pickling recipe and the issue I had was that they all had relatively the same ingredients but different ways to put them together. Odd. Why would I heat up the salt and water? I didn't have to do that for any other fermenting. When it came down to it, I figured it was <i>my </i>experiment, I was going to do it <i><b><span style="color: purple;">My </span></b></i>way (with help from several websites to figure out ingredient amounts).<br />
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<i><u>Ingredients</u></i>: Per jar<br />
couple Peppercorn<br />
1/2 tsp Ground mustard (can use more whole mustard seeds, but I used what I had)<br />
1 tablespoon Sea Salt<br />
bunch of Dill leaves and flowers<br />
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (organic with mother)<br />
3 Garlic cloves<br />
Onion slices<br />
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Stuck everything except the onion and salt in the jar before adding the cut cucumbers. Add Salt.<br />
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Top with filtered water and onion. I used the onion to keep the cucumbers submerged in the brine. Put the lid on and shake it up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
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I left these in the sink to ferment 4 days before I put them in the fridge. The water did get cloudy and bubbles appeared at the top while they fermented.<br />
Before putting them in the refrigerator, I did taste them to make sure they were done and to my liking. I actually let them sit out another day before cooling them.<br />
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They are super tasty! and crunchy and I think that the onions even taste good. I am really amazed at how easy and fast this is to make. Why didn't I try this sooner?!<br />
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Have you tried fermenting anything lately?<br />
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Shared at: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/anything-blue-friday-week-20.html" target="_blank">Blue Friday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-74/" target="_blank">Show and Tell</a>,Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-64874126487835549702013-07-27T16:43:00.002-07:002013-07-31T13:25:29.944-07:00Fermenting Experiments<div style="text-align: center;">
This summer has been fun in the experiment, idea, and travel departments. So many things to do! </div>
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I have been enjoying the benefits of some food fermentation. My first thoughts when tracking down the recipes were, "This is easy!" With easy in mind, I wanted to tackle some of my favorites: Sauerkraut and Pickles! Let's discuss the Sauerkraut.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nsr3f_gg8WY/UfRVYY3e2fI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/uJGjGMzQfa8/s1600/2013-04-20+20.12.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nsr3f_gg8WY/UfRVYY3e2fI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/uJGjGMzQfa8/s320/2013-04-20+20.12.03.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
I love Sauerkraut. Yummm. And now after having the fresh stuff... I don't think I can ever go back to the store-bought squishy stuff. <br />
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What I used: 1 Giant cabbage. Sea Salt. Garlic. Huge Bowl. Mandolin. Knife. Mason Jars.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jcWm1g563g/UfRVYfy9p6I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/ZSfj4xSu3ZY/s1600/2013-04-20+19.00.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jcWm1g563g/UfRVYfy9p6I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/ZSfj4xSu3ZY/s320/2013-04-20+19.00.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I sliced the cabbage up in order to shred it with the Mandolin.<br />
Every time I added a new layer to the huge shredded cabbage bowl, I sprinkled Salt over it. I might have used a total of 2 or 3 Tablespoons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FA_prjxHng/UfRVYcy-BkI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/D6bB0Q9kIgo/s1600/2013-04-20+19.11.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FA_prjxHng/UfRVYcy-BkI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/D6bB0Q9kIgo/s320/2013-04-20+19.11.22.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little helper massaging the Salt into the cabbage.</td></tr>
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Once I finished slicing, I squished. You need to massage (squish) the salt into the cabbage. It doesn't take long to start feeling the wet brine all over your hands (hope you don't have any open cuts!). I squished for about 20 minutes for this entire mountain of cabbage until the pieces looked translucent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGse0Xp4_Rk/UfRVYfmN1fI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/blqhOUEEWe0/s1600/2013-04-20+19.25.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGse0Xp4_Rk/UfRVYfmN1fI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/blqhOUEEWe0/s320/2013-04-20+19.25.47.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's wet!</td></tr>
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I chopped up a couple garlic cloves at this point to give it a little spice and tossed it in with the cabbage. Then I started stuffing. I jammed as much <span style="text-align: start;">Sauerkraut into each jar as I could and then pushed down so the brine covered all the cabbage. (In hindsight, I would have added a sliced onion or something on top to keep the kraut submerged.) Put the lid on and stuck the jars in a corner to ferment.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the Brine a little in this picture. No water added, I promise.</td></tr>
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Next time it would be a great idea to leave the jars in the sink to ferment since they actually bubbled over the top onto my counter leaving me with a bit of mess and smell to clean up 2 days later. I added filtered water to keep the Kraut submerged. The jars shouldn't be left in the sun, so it will have to be covered up. I tasted it after 3 days and put them in my refrigerator to slow down the fermenting process. Easy! (you might choose to leave it out longer, it is all to taste.) It would take longer if I chose to ferment all of it together too, but since they were portioned in jars, it was rather quick.</div>
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The result: Even though the cabbage started out green, after fermenting the Sauerkraut really is white. I am so glad I thought to add the garlic! It gave the Sauerkraut a bit of a bite. It has a really nice flavor and is still crunchy! So good. </div>
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Shared at: <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-73/" target="_blank">Cheerios and Lattes</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/anything-blue-friday-week-19.html" target="_blank">Anything Blue</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/07/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-83/" target="_blank">Frugal Days</a>,</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-49553793636426450582013-06-06T13:18:00.000-07:002013-06-12T21:54:22.164-07:00Pinwheel Hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLfXHfB4GrE/UbDpVLdt9VI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/Oy3q_CLFC0Q/s1600/2013-06-04+15.45.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLfXHfB4GrE/UbDpVLdt9VI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/Oy3q_CLFC0Q/s200/2013-06-04+15.45.59.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
While chasing down useful party items at the 99cent Store, I came across these very bright ball hats and thought to myself, "Self, wouldn't it be fun to have a few people wearing Tweedle-Dee hats?" So I have been brainstorming the best way to turn these headgear items into pinwheel heads.<br />
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I went through several drafts in my head. I thought of using a straw and wire, but wasn't really sure how to attach it. I thought of taking the top knob off the hat and attaching it to the top of a straw, but on closer examination I didn't think I could remove the knob. I thought of making a hole on either side, but I really wanted the spinner to spin rather than just be decorative.<br />
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In the end, it was just a matter of checking to see if I could in-fact do it. And I choose a non destructive route to try first. I am happy to report that this wheel can easily be removed to make these "normal" (as normal as a brightly obnoxious hat can be) hat.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPDAzri8sFs/UbDpVNWbEFI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/_9mIGFho4FM/s1600/2013-06-04+15.31.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPDAzri8sFs/UbDpVNWbEFI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/_9mIGFho4FM/s320/2013-06-04+15.31.38.jpg" width="320" /></a>I used:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Hot Glue</li>
<li>Felt</li>
<li>1/2 a pipe cleaner</li>
<li>cut up milk carton</li>
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Yes, the materials look a lot like what I made my <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2013/05/easy-crown.html" target="_blank">Crown </a>with.</div>
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First, I cut out my pinwheel shapes from the milk carton plastic. Then covered them in felt after I cut a hole in the center of it to make it easier to cut a hole in it later. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxTaReZsevM/UbDpVMGOq8I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/jZ7un1vj_rM/s1600/2013-06-05+15.13.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxTaReZsevM/UbDpVMGOq8I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/jZ7un1vj_rM/s320/2013-06-05+15.13.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then take your hat and twist the pipe cleaner around the circle knob tightly.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWV7whEIKzM/UbDpVHbiFrI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/EX9a47JQlmY/s1600/2013-06-05+15.14.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWV7whEIKzM/UbDpVHbiFrI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/EX9a47JQlmY/s320/2013-06-05+15.14.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Stick on the yellow pinwheel piece and wind the rest of the pipe cleaner tightly into a wannabe knob.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6NjeCpTPo8/UbDpVNUbtLI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/qs77s4MvLbw/s1600/2013-06-05+15.10.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6NjeCpTPo8/UbDpVNUbtLI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/qs77s4MvLbw/s320/2013-06-05+15.10.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbiz1MGSwGE/UbDpVBpeLEI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/CSZAFA-JgMA/s1600/2013-06-05+15.11.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbiz1MGSwGE/UbDpVBpeLEI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/CSZAFA-JgMA/s320/2013-06-05+15.11.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think they are really cute. If I was to make them again, I might just paint the pinwheel rather than felt it to save myself the felt and glue and make it a little lighter for the pipe cleaner. But it got the job done and only took me about 20 minutes to convert 3 hats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0a2YI7cGcA/UbDpVB9sUEI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/xw1gXjOKNkI/s1600/2013-06-05+15.10.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0a2YI7cGcA/UbDpVB9sUEI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/xw1gXjOKNkI/s320/2013-06-05+15.10.18.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little model. The hat is too big for her...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcU93mJBx08/UbDpVGzeb4I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/eXUpC8ZbjGQ/s1600/2013-06-05+15.21.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcU93mJBx08/UbDpVGzeb4I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/eXUpC8ZbjGQ/s400/2013-06-05+15.21.30.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Da! Not too bad, if I do say so myself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shared at: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/anything-blue-friday-week-12.html" target="_blank">Dedicated House</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/06/mop-it-up-monday-71.html" target="_blank">Mop it Up</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-53.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>,<br />
<br />Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-79319061946591197942013-05-31T21:50:00.000-07:002013-06-04T21:18:58.681-07:00Easy CrownWhile preparing for the next big birthday bash, I have been racking my mind for ways to save money and still give a great party. I have made most of the decor, sewed costumes (parties are just more fun when you get to dress up!) and hot glued until I realized (several times) why it is called "Hot" glue.<br />
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I want to devote several posts to pieces of this party that I have done. So ... this is the first! </div>
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I was thinking about how to make a crown for my little man without going to Burger King to ask for one. I don't even know if they still have kid crowns. I also want it to be something 5 year old will willingly wear, so the fit and feel needs to be comfortable. Here is what I came up with using 2 felt sheets (80 cents), a milk jug (free), and sequins (50 cents). The price is right...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxkDmioAni8/Ual4VwA3-pI/AAAAAAAAEw4/cktApCvHOWs/s1600/2013-05-31+15.34.27.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxkDmioAni8/Ual4VwA3-pI/AAAAAAAAEw4/cktApCvHOWs/s1600/2013-05-31+15.34.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut up the gallon milk jug into a shape of a crown - it is the perfect size for his head! - and glued the felt around the crown with the seam up.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y69L3cwSUws/Ual4VzNCeCI/AAAAAAAAEw4/xzRCGirvP8E/s1600/2013-05-31+15.44.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y69L3cwSUws/Ual4VzNCeCI/AAAAAAAAEw4/xzRCGirvP8E/s320/2013-05-31+15.44.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut the felt and glued the loose pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yz5R0GXSlLo/Ual4V4l5mLI/AAAAAAAAEw4/eWdk41quGik/s1600/2013-05-31+15.48.00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yz5R0GXSlLo/Ual4V4l5mLI/AAAAAAAAEw4/eWdk41quGik/s1600/2013-05-31+15.48.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looks like a crown!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r157qIRXb4o/Ual4V_CSbdI/AAAAAAAAEw4/FcgrE3TM0Dw/s1600/2013-05-31+15.53.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r157qIRXb4o/Ual4V_CSbdI/AAAAAAAAEw4/FcgrE3TM0Dw/s320/2013-05-31+15.53.59.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Time to decorate!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWQ09QJLRxo/Ual4V0zue7I/AAAAAAAAEw4/Z1Egdx9IQVQ/s1600/2013-05-31+16.04.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWQ09QJLRxo/Ual4V0zue7I/AAAAAAAAEw4/Z1Egdx9IQVQ/s320/2013-05-31+16.04.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta Da!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRu3q3bsIts/Ual4V2bVwEI/AAAAAAAAEw4/Jma1xbz29Vs/s1600/2013-05-31+16.05.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRu3q3bsIts/Ual4V2bVwEI/AAAAAAAAEw4/Jma1xbz29Vs/s400/2013-05-31+16.05.21.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Shared on: <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-65/" target="_blank">Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/06/mop-it-up-monday-70.html" target="_blank">Mop it up</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/06/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-75/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>,</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-21079634444638605092013-04-14T13:53:00.000-07:002013-04-17T15:38:15.591-07:00Water Kefir TrialsI have been working on several projects recently. Don’t worry,
I will be posting all my experiments… I have been creating decorations for a blog-worthy
birthday bash, experimenting with sourdough, considering taking on Kombucha,
and playing at flavoring some water kefir.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Water Kefir is a fermented drink full of beneficial
bacteria. I have never been a fan of yogurt and the thought of popping
probiotic pills rubs me wrong, but the process of making my own beverage with
the probiotic benefits intrigues me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So… Here I go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBXciGaiHRQ/UWpFITN3lZI/AAAAAAAAETQ/dD1JTLtCoP0/s1600/2013-04-06+11.00.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBXciGaiHRQ/UWpFITN3lZI/AAAAAAAAETQ/dD1JTLtCoP0/s320/2013-04-06+11.00.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spent $12 for 1/4 cup of water Kefir grains, also known as SCOBY
(symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts), on Amazon. They remind me of
tapioca since they are a bit slimy.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyPNl0w0gkk/UWpFSae5bHI/AAAAAAAAETY/8SAwEEV6UbA/s1600/2013-04-06+11.04.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyPNl0w0gkk/UWpFSae5bHI/AAAAAAAAETY/8SAwEEV6UbA/s320/2013-04-06+11.04.59.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I got my grains, I added them to a mixture of organic sugar,
molasses and water and let them sit for 2 days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHleK8owK-g/UWpF34K5n6I/AAAAAAAAET0/B2lEPwYrHtU/s1600/2013-04-06+11.08.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHleK8owK-g/UWpF34K5n6I/AAAAAAAAET0/B2lEPwYrHtU/s320/2013-04-06+11.08.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YATRIZJMI8/UWpF321GEdI/AAAAAAAAET0/XZ1ejHgrYQg/s1600/2013-04-06+11.08.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YATRIZJMI8/UWpF321GEdI/AAAAAAAAET0/XZ1ejHgrYQg/s320/2013-04-06+11.08.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the grains at the bottom eating up all the sugar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I decided to do a second fermentation to let it become
naturally carbonated. Sounds cool right?! I don’t like soda because of the
ingredients and how it makes me feel when I am done drinking… so I am excited
to see how it comes out! (I am jumping up and down in my seat. <i>Just so you
know</i>.)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEUrQvW4HWs/UWpF3_E-_hI/AAAAAAAAET0/VkBild57QW4/s1600/2013-04-07+13.46.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEUrQvW4HWs/UWpF3_E-_hI/AAAAAAAAET0/VkBild57QW4/s320/2013-04-07+13.46.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Batch one: I removed the grains and separated my completed Kefir into 2
containers. One contains blue berries and black berry with cranberry juice. The
other has a slice of ginger and 2 tablespoons of Lemon juice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After I let this batch ferment for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time,
I had a bit of a dilemma. I was going to be out of town for 3 days. What do you
do with your grains? I had read about exploding jars when you let it sit too
long and I didn't want to come home to a mess. I also didn't want to kill off
my new grains… I did read that if you give the grains sugar water and put it in
the fridge it will be okay while you are away. Although this is a little contrary
to the idea that the grains need to stay warm and at room temperature, I
thought I would try it. Into the refrigerator it went with a ½ cup of sugar in
a mason jar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was a little disappointed when I came home to discover
that ½ of my grains were gone. I decided to compensate for the missing grains by adding extra sugar (1/2 cup instead of 1/3 cup) to the
next batch and let it sit about 6 hours longer than I did previously. I think the
adjustments paid off since many of my missing grains came back! (<span style="color: blue;"><i>these grains multiply,
by the way</i></span>)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTugujKHGrI/UWpGuhyt4yI/AAAAAAAAEUI/nKT62rUZ2JY/s1600/2013-04-11+17.30.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTugujKHGrI/UWpGuhyt4yI/AAAAAAAAEUI/nKT62rUZ2JY/s320/2013-04-11+17.30.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just so you know the type of Molasses I used. <br />
Also used a mixture of Turbinado and dehydrated Cane Juice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Batch #2 is fermenting on my counter, I was able to
try my finished water kefir! Yum. I have to admit that I was a little worried
since the informational paper that came with the kefir grains said, “Sometimes
after shipping, the grains are reluctant to ferment. You may need to repeat
this process up to 3 times before they are fermenting heartily.” Luckily, I didn't have any problems and my water kefir turned out nice and bubbly.<br />
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised with the taste. I liked the berry
juice version better since the one with the lemon tasted a little more yeasty.
The berry version tasted like a mild wine cooler. It was sweet, but not in a lip-pucker
way, more in a cheap wine or grape juice sort of way. I liked it. My husband
was a little confused with the taste – but he was a real skeptic to begin with. By the 3rd batch, I think it started growing on him.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I flavored Batch 2 in 4 jars (or I meant to…) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Berries and Cranberry juice (like previous
batch)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Berries, ginger slice, fresh crushed mint and
cranberry juice<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Lemon juice, berries, little bit of cranberry
juice and Lime juice<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Lemon juice, Lime Juice, ginger and mint (going
for a mojito flavor…)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKOKsxRg66c/UWpIZH6UsCI/AAAAAAAAEUY/QAMi96N0VF4/s1600/2013-04-11+17.09.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKOKsxRg66c/UWpIZH6UsCI/AAAAAAAAEUY/QAMi96N0VF4/s320/2013-04-11+17.09.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgiPkGTyq28/UWpIZDozy8I/AAAAAAAAEUY/9rmzVaobjEc/s1600/2013-04-11+17.10.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgiPkGTyq28/UWpIZDozy8I/AAAAAAAAEUY/9rmzVaobjEc/s320/2013-04-11+17.10.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a plastic strainer to filter out the grains. <br />
Supposedly, medal will react with the grains. Can't have that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98lWHqJbBME/UWpIZPzKOwI/AAAAAAAAEUY/p_RWt1UjqqQ/s1600/2013-04-11+17.15.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98lWHqJbBME/UWpIZPzKOwI/AAAAAAAAEUY/p_RWt1UjqqQ/s320/2013-04-11+17.15.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See my grains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sadly, I misjudged the amount of Kefir so I ended up with
flavors #1-3 and the inch and a half of juice in number four got dumped to fill
up #2 and 3. So we will see what I end up with…<br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
</span>I drank up the
first batch, while the 2<sup>nd</sup> fermented for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time. (<b><span style="color: #38761d;">still with me?</span></b>) I really like the light
headed feeling I get when taking a big swallow. This is probably due to the carbonation
or maybe the yeast. I drank a little to aid digestion before eating. I even
gave some to my kids when they asked for some “soda” aka sparkling juice, and
they really didn't seem to mind. Score for Mom!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-et7katv8Hp8/UWpIZN4tSWI/AAAAAAAAEUY/hhlpafOPGA8/s1600/2013-04-11+17.10.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-et7katv8Hp8/UWpIZN4tSWI/AAAAAAAAEUY/hhlpafOPGA8/s320/2013-04-11+17.10.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI_jtd0wIwA/UWpIZDQ2yXI/AAAAAAAAEUY/CMdASvv7eOc/s1600/2013-04-11+17.10.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI_jtd0wIwA/UWpIZDQ2yXI/AAAAAAAAEUY/CMdASvv7eOc/s320/2013-04-11+17.10.21.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the bubbles on top? And this is after Fermentation 1!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Batch #2 went in the refrigerator after a couple more days
and Batch #3 got divided and I tried some different flavors. I made a point to write down what was in each flavoring batch so I can duplicate the ones I like.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxeV177958/UWsMvvnK9KI/AAAAAAAAEU8/KzYQKxSXGzY/s1600/2013-04-13+13.28.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxeV177958/UWsMvvnK9KI/AAAAAAAAEU8/KzYQKxSXGzY/s320/2013-04-13+13.28.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Batch #3 flavors to try: (1) Berry juice with apple slices
and raisins; and (2) Berry juice with raisins.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWqxR58nSes/UWsMvnximgI/AAAAAAAAEU4/i8OK_gsGUS8/s1600/2013-04-13+13.28.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWqxR58nSes/UWsMvnximgI/AAAAAAAAEU4/i8OK_gsGUS8/s320/2013-04-13+13.28.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added egg shells to this batch for extra mineral umph. <br />
Interesting shape they are in after fermenting. Discolored and thinner than before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HX_QOmXLTLg/UWsMvbRvB6I/AAAAAAAAEUw/8vToLDvze6g/s1600/2013-04-13+13.32.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HX_QOmXLTLg/UWsMvbRvB6I/AAAAAAAAEUw/8vToLDvze6g/s320/2013-04-13+13.32.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Batch #2, Look at all the grains I have now! <br />
They really DO multiply when they are happy.</td></tr>
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From Batch #2, I really liked the refreshing flavor of the mint and lime combination with fruit juice and berries! Wish I had added lime juice to Batch 3. Oh well, there is always the next one!<br />
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Speaking of the next one. My grains doubled! I now have enough to divide into 2 batches. Nice!<br />
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I hope this wasn't too confusing. Generally, I was drinking the previous batch while a new one was fermenting... I am looking forward to trying out more flavors to find the right fit for my family's tastes. Here is a great page on flavoring at <a href="http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2013/02/lets-get-fizzy-with-it-your-water-kefir-flavor-guide/" target="_blank">Delicious Obsessions</a> that helped me.<br />
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Have you tried any home fermenting?<br />
If you are visiting for the first time, join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StephaniesProjects" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-58/" target="_blank">Saturday Show & Tell</a> at Cheerios & Lattes, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/04/anything-blue-friday-week-4.html" target="_blank">Anything Blue</a> at Dedicated Housewife, I Should be Mopping the Floor <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/04/mop-it-up-monday-63.html" target="_blank">Mop it Up</a>, <a href="http://www.littlehouseliving.com/old-fashioned-recipe-exchange-49.html" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Recipe Exchange</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-68/" target="_blank">Frugal Days Sustainable Ways</a> , <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-it-pretty-monday-week-45.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2013/04/traditional-tuesdays-nutritious-and-delicious-41613/" target="_blank">Traditional Tuesday</a>,</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-15377212820922029642013-03-27T23:38:00.000-07:002013-04-02T20:43:02.685-07:00Reusablly Cute Snack Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypZ_vICpaaI/UVPfalCpDnI/AAAAAAAAEFU/hqZlENhOhas/s1600/2012-09-13+21.57.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sandwich bags" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypZ_vICpaaI/UVPfalCpDnI/AAAAAAAAEFU/hqZlENhOhas/s320/2012-09-13+21.57.08.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
The idea of making some cute snack bags just sounded good to
me. I have been washing some ziplock bags to reuse one more time. Not all of
them. Just the ones that had silly things in them like carrots or raisins and
crackers. Dry snacks and leftovers that are not meat. My kids know to hand me empty
bags and I like to keep one in my purse, which comes in handy!<br />
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I have been looking for the time to make these and searching
for the right tutorial. I had a way in mind that I wanted to make reusable
snack bags… but alas I did not find a tutorial that made sense to me or that
made the bags quite the way I wanted. So here is another tutorial to add to the
Internet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzjxhYtTutk/UVPgOWnzxhI/AAAAAAAAEFw/BvXcyFYLbqE/s1600/2012-09-13+21.28.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzjxhYtTutk/UVPgOWnzxhI/AAAAAAAAEFw/BvXcyFYLbqE/s320/2012-09-13+21.28.02.jpg" width="240" /></a>While making these I have hopes of saving some bags from
landfills. And also saving money on all those bags that inevitably get tossed
into the garbage. Did you know that recycling centers will not take ziplocks?
What?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAMJvIcX5YI/UVPgNNh75KI/AAAAAAAAEFk/LJWwqD4he8w/s1600/2012-09-13+21.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>The first one I made was ok, but I figured it out and made
the others look <i>Good</i>. After the first
couple, the others took about 10 minutes each. Really fast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To make the bags I used a cotton outside with a washable
nylon lining and a 2 inch Velcro strip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First thing was to measure the ziplock bags in order to sew
them to the same size. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sandwich bags are 7 x 8 inches so I cut pieces to 8 x 10
inches to accommodate a Velcro closure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Snack bags are 5 x 8 inches so I cut pieces to 8 x 8 inches
to accommodate the Velcro closure. Note: all the pictures that I took are of the sandwich bag size the snack bags are half the size.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I first sewed the inside lining. The seam will be on the outside when you sew them together.</div>
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Then I sewed the cotton outer fabric inside out so the seam is sandwiched inside (get it?). </div>
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Putting the pieces together I started with the shorter side. It looks a little confusing, but since I wanted both seams hidden, I actually had to (initially) put the pieces together and fold the edges down then hold them together to figure out the position needed to sew. But it isn't difficult and very worth it!<br />
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Then the large side, which will be the closure. I sewed the sides first.</div>
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I used a pin to keep the pieces together before finishing it off.<br />
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Last is velcro. Sew the top and bottom pieces.<br />
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Ta Da!<br />
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I made a few other fabric options as well. Like super hero and space ones for my son. I am actually thinking of making a bunch more for gifts or even to sell on etsy. I just need more hours in the day!</div>
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Overall, I am very pleased with these bags. To wash them I turn them inside out and stick them in a lingerie bag so the Velcro doesn't stick to my clothes or towels. Easy as can be!</div>
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Shared at <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/make-it-pretty-monday-week-42.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2013/03/mingle-with-us_27.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+happygoluckyblog+(Happy-Go-Lucky)" target="_blank">Mingle with us</a>, <a href="http://thecheapskatecook.com/2013/03/27/healthy-2day-wednesday-32713/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:" target="_blank">Healthy 2Day Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-merrier-monday_24.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20TheDiyHomeSweetHomeProject%20(The%20DIY%20Home%20Sweet%20Home%20Project)" target="_blank">More the Merrier Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-56/" target="_blank">Show & Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2013/03/traditional-tuesdays-nutritious-and-delicious-32613/" target="_blank">Traditional Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/03/mop-it-up-monday-61.html" target="_blank">Mop it up</a>, <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2013/04/tuesday-talent-show-78/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a>, <a href="http://www.lovegrowswild.com/2013/04/time-to-sparkle-link-party-3.html" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-67/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, </div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-73237103001328458392013-03-03T09:41:00.000-08:002013-03-08T08:20:07.942-08:00BBQ Sauce: Easy & Yummy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXVzHrIh1NU/UTOIcqFnQmI/AAAAAAAADss/TzRqHIRzFlY/s1600/2013-03-02+20.20.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXVzHrIh1NU/UTOIcqFnQmI/AAAAAAAADss/TzRqHIRzFlY/s200/2013-03-02+20.20.47.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
It has been a while since I put up a recipe and since I was thinking last night about various things I needed to do, BBQ Sauce came up. I thought it was funny when my cousin yelled, "No Way! I can make BBQ Sauce?!" when I mentioned it. So rather than making the peanut butter that we <i>really </i>need (because it's a pain in the butt and I am a procrastinator at heart), I decided to replenish my empty BBQ sauce.<br />
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I have to say that <span style="color: #990000;"><b>I <i>LOVE </i>BBQ Sauce</b></span>!<br />
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My husband teases me that I need a spout in my kitchen just for dolling out the BBQ sauce. That probably <u>isn't </u>a good thing. Especially when the labels look like this:<br />
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Notice that in both bottles of BBQ Sauce, High Fructose Corn Syrup is the first ingredient listed. They each contain similar ingredients. One thing I did not add to my sauce is Liquid Smoke flavor since I personally do not like the taste of smoked anything. It is amazing the varied ingredients that can go into this sauce. Every recipe is different - which is why experimenting is so <strike>FUN </strike>Necessary.<br />
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Luckily, the ingredients of the items I have in my kitchen to make this sauce Do Not contain the High Fructose Corn Syrup, soy or color. (Although I did discover an unopened container of mustard with some of the dreaded ingredients... darn the holidays! Hickory Farms is sneaky. I thought they were gourmet.)<br />
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I have only made BBQ sauce a couple times, and I haven't exactly made the same recipe twice because I keep tweaking it to see what the result is. I prefer a tasty spicy, sweet sauce. This time it came out a little on the spicier side. But it is good. My husband says that the homemade stuff smells and tastes like something that you get at a restaurant. That means: <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Mission Accomplished</b></span>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpnNvCgEljw/UTOIbvwZBHI/AAAAAAAADsU/biwfC00HboY/s1600/2013-03-02+19.07.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpnNvCgEljw/UTOIbvwZBHI/AAAAAAAADsU/biwfC00HboY/s320/2013-03-02+19.07.37.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now about the recipe that I put together. I have been changing it a little each time. It is the combination of a recipe from Rachel Ray, allrecipe.com, and food.com. Which means that it doesn't resemble any recipe, I just looked at the ingredients that other people have used and stuck the ingredients that I wanted to use into one recipe. I don't think that this is the absolutely best recipe it can be, but it doesn't suck.<br />
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mustard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #003959;">2 tablespoons
Maple syrup </span><i>(Can cut syrup and add more honey)</i><span style="color: #003959;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #003959;">¼ Cup
Molasses <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #003959;">½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #003959;">¼ Cup
Worcestershire Sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: #003959; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #003959;">¼ Cup Honey</span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #003959;">1
shot of Bourbon </span><i>(I didn't have bourbon on hand this go round. I used 1shot/2T of Cognac instead. Which is just another alcohol that we don't drink.)</i><span style="color: #003959;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #003959;">1 tablespoons Garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #003959;">Juice
of 1/2 large Orange or Lemon </span><i>(I used an orange)</i><span style="color: #003959;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #003959;">2
tablespoons Chili powder </span><i>(My homemade version)</i><span style="color: #003959;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #003959;">1 tablespoons Onion powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003959;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 teaspoon Pepper</span></div>
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<span style="color: #003959; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #003959;">dash of Salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #003959; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #003959; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #003959;">2 tablespoons Tamarind Paste </span><i>(I did not have this. But supposedly it is really worth adding! I have it on my next Amazon order list.)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1) Mix thoroughly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Simmer
over medium heat for 15 minutes with the lid off to thicken it a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Taste
and adjust. It may
taste a bit vinegary at first, but that is less obvious when you use it. You can store it
into clean bottles in the refrigerator for a month or two.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
This recipe made two bottles of sauce.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
I would love to hear any suggestions how you make BBQ Sauce. How did you tweak the recipe?<br />
<br />
Shared at: <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-52/" target="_blank">Cheerios & Lattes</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/03/mop-it-up-monday-57.html" target="_blank">Mop it up</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/make-it-pretty-monday-week-39.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2013/03/shine-on-friday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20happygoluckyblog%20(Happy-Go-Lucky)#.UToPfxzh0Yk" target="_blank">Shine on Friday</a>,Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-57285536345780449212013-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:002013-02-24T19:23:01.007-08:00New Years Resolution to VacationA couple years ago, my husband and I realized that the
vacations we want to go on <i>NEVER </i>happened because we didn't plan for them. <i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">This
would not do!</span></i> I know that memories are made every day, but have you ever
noticed that the memories you cherish the most are the special times you did
something unique? Especially for kids. So we made a resolution to plan our year
for each New Year. This has worked out really well since we started three years
ago.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0wjCxeJIrE/USF5HrbSdCI/AAAAAAAADp8/KpId8nOHBbQ/s1600/2012-05-13+15.43.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0wjCxeJIrE/USF5HrbSdCI/AAAAAAAADp8/KpId8nOHBbQ/s200/2012-05-13+15.43.51.jpg" width="150" /></a>It is really very simple. On New Year’s Day we investigate
costs associated for the trips we want to take that year and then we put it on
our calendar. By knowing when and how much things costs, we are able to come up
with a budget and a savings plan so we have the funds to go. It is also helpful
to know your plans so that you can keep a lookout for any deals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our first year, we were able to save for a one week Anniversary
cruise for my husband and I to <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Mexico</b></span>. This was our first time away from them so just juggling where they would be was an experience. We also made a three day trip to <b style="color: #274e13;">Disneyland </b>around my daughter's birthday<b style="color: #274e13;"> </b>and a
couple camping trips with the kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db5HJnHi4po/USF6mJKEpHI/AAAAAAAADrM/G8FAL5JuWLU/s1600/2011-10-30+14.32.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db5HJnHi4po/USF6mJKEpHI/AAAAAAAADrM/G8FAL5JuWLU/s200/2011-10-30+14.32.15.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Last year, we went camping a couple times. We went to <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tahoe
</b></span>to ski for a week and a day at Disneyland. We also planned for a trip to
Colorado and <b><span style="color: #741b47;">Arizona</span></b>, but the trip to Colorado for Thanksgiving was canceled
since Colorado family members there were all sick with the flu. We did make it to AZ to visit my husband's family and see his grandmother for her 95th birthday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdlilDl4aZg/USF52cuk0AI/AAAAAAAADrE/00Hl5wsh3i0/s1600/2012-11-11+16.03.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdlilDl4aZg/USF52cuk0AI/AAAAAAAADrE/00Hl5wsh3i0/s200/2012-11-11+16.03.31.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>This year, we are really excited to make it to <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Colorado </b></span>this
summer. My husband and I went to Tahoe without the kids for 3 days for business
and fun time together. We are also planning a train ride to <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>San Diego</b></span> to take
the kids to see the sites and visit Sea World. We were also considering a trip
to Hawaii without the kids, but have decided that we need to hit our business
goals. (Besides, we hit our goals and the company will send my whole family for
free next year.)</div>
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Next year we would like to go to <span style="color: #660000;"><b>Australia</b></span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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How about you? Do you make the resolution to vacation?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Shared at: <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/02/mop-it-up-mondays-56.html" target="_blank">Mop it Up</a>, and <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-51/" target="_blank">Cheerios & Lattes</a></div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-13498752195850486372013-01-10T22:24:00.000-08:002013-01-20T18:55:29.127-08:00Game Bag for the little gameiacHappy 2013! I have <i>so </i>many posts stored up in my head that I have been itching to write. But at the same time I am coming off of the holiday high, as it were, enjoying my quiet-kids-asleep-time doing things like sitting on my rear reading a good book or fanfiction, cleaning or playing with my new camera. My sister recently recruited me for a writing project and since I've been writing and editing... I decided that it is long past time to start writing those posts I've told you about.<br />
<br />
So for the first post of the New Year, I wanted to share the game bag with you that I made for my little man.<br />
<br />
My 5 year old has been into every game he can get his hands on! Really! I don't know any other 5 year old who can win at Solitaire. Go Fish. Crazy 8s. War. All the age-appropriate board games out there and recently started mastering checkers.<br />
<br />
Knowing that, when I saw the game bag at <a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/10/burlap-and-branches-tic-tac-toe-game-in-a-bag/" target="_blank">I Can Teach My Child</a>, I knew I had to make one too! I did modify it from the original idea though, of course. I chose to make a checker board on one side and a <span style="text-align: center;">tic-tac-toe</span> on the other side. I was also thinking that in a year or so when he is interested in tackling chess, I can add some pieces from an old game in the bag too. Here is what I did:<br />
<br />
I bought at pillow case from the Goodwill store for $1.99. And then I decided that the best way to make my game boards was from ribbon, so I had to buy that too. Then I got to gluing, which made sewing the pieces much easier.<br />
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<br />
The Checker board was a little complicated. I was hoping that I could weave the ribbon in and out of the fabric, but it proved to be not as simple. I settled for weaving every even row and gluing squares for the odd rows. Before I started slicing with my Xacto knife I put my quilting cutting board in the pillow case and used the ruler shown to measure out each row.<br />
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The tic-tac-toe side was a quickie. I cut the ribbon, placed it where I wanted and glued.</div>
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Once each of these boards were completed and the glue dry, I was able to easily sew the ribbons on. I also cut the top of the pillow case off (it was a king size) so it wouldn't be so large and I have extra material for another project! I bought a yard of cord for $1 and sewed a seam and button hole for a closure.</div>
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On to the pieces! For the tic-tac-toe X and O I decided to use some foam pages that I had in my art supply. I printed out the X and O as a template and used a cutting board to slice them up. It took me about an hour to get this done... but in all fairness I was watching tv at the same time so it would have been a lot quicker if I had ruled out multitasking.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmOm8mGHYo/UO-W3G3AB1I/AAAAAAAADh4/ueeq2m9w5Kg/s1600/2012-11-14+20.24.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmOm8mGHYo/UO-W3G3AB1I/AAAAAAAADh4/ueeq2m9w5Kg/s320/2012-11-14+20.24.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XFAG4mS_1s/UO-W3EleRDI/AAAAAAAADh4/GV8KF6443pg/s1600/2012-11-25+08.55.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XFAG4mS_1s/UO-W3EleRDI/AAAAAAAADh4/GV8KF6443pg/s200/2012-11-25+08.55.34.jpg" width="200" /></a>For the checker board pieces. I bought wood circles at the craft store and used a sample of red paint (that I already had) and black spray paint (that I also already had).<br />
<br />
As you can see, I made good use of my Black Friday ads by painting on them.<br />
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When the paint was dry. I used a metalic sharpe that I had on had to draw crowns on the pieces. Just like the real thing!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_-FdJLLD7I/UO-W3PhdfLI/AAAAAAAADh4/Kk_bt5kj-ww/s1600/2012-11-26+08.01.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_-FdJLLD7I/UO-W3PhdfLI/AAAAAAAADh4/Kk_bt5kj-ww/s320/2012-11-26+08.01.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So the end result was a game bag with pieces!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooG0KFH9IyE/UO-W3AXR2oI/AAAAAAAADh4/IOnKQsMc4zo/s1600/2012-12-21+10.16.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooG0KFH9IyE/UO-W3AXR2oI/AAAAAAAADh4/IOnKQsMc4zo/s320/2012-12-21+10.16.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hope you enjoyed reading! Have you made anything recently that sprung from a good idea?<br />
<br />
Shared at: <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2013/01/shine-on-friday_17.html" target="_blank">Shine on Friday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-46/" target="_blank">Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/01/mop-it-up-monday-51.html" target="_blank">I should be mopping the floor</a>,Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-42708267755023137532012-11-13T16:27:00.001-08:002013-01-10T22:46:25.610-08:00Holiday Preparedness 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjN652YMy9k/UKMPp6L6rnI/AAAAAAAACp8/FWD0X9aMAnA/s1600/pinecone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjN652YMy9k/UKMPp6L6rnI/AAAAAAAACp8/FWD0X9aMAnA/s200/pinecone.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
I am very close to being completely done with Chanukah/Christmas shopping. Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
I have yet to really go through what I think I have and what I bought that I don't remember buying. It is all under my my bed, stuffed into the closet and there are even a couple things in the garage. I started buying a few things here and there back in March, but I have been filling in the major gifts in the last two months bargain shopping. There are a couple things that I do need to buy last minute, like new pillows (how do you hide those?!) and I also have some items to make on my to-do list.<br />
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Luckily I do know what I need/want to make and buy thanks to my handy <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-holiday-present-list.html" target="_blank">spreadsheet</a>.<br />
<br />
To keep myself accountable, I thought I would share my homemade gift to-do list.<br />
<br />
<u>For my daughter</u>:<br />
- <b>Play apron and potholders</b>. I have already started cutting the fabric for these and I am really excited for her to play with her own potholders rather than mine. It is very inconvenient to have to search them down to take something out of the oven...<br />
- <b>Mirror</b>. I have this really cute iron mirror that I got on freecycle that I can just envision as a fuschia pink in her room. I have not been able to find the right color spray paint, so I am on a mission to find the color at the craft store this week.<br />
- <b>Bed Skirt</b>. This is the same bed skirt I set out to make in May for <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/04/bed-for-my-sarah.html" target="_blank">her bed</a> and <i>still </i>have not started. I would like to finish this to give as a gift, but I will be happy if I finish by valentines day.<br />
<br />
<u>For my son</u>:<br />
- <b><a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2013/01/game-bag-for-little-gameiac.html" target="_blank">Game Bag</a></b>. He is really into games right now. Any card game or board game is, um, game. I found a great idea at <a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/10/burlap-and-branches-tic-tac-toe-game-in-a-bag/" target="_blank">Teach my Child</a>. Where the outside of a bag is a tic-tac-toe board and the inside holds the pieces. I am taking that concept and using a pillowcase to save time and making a game board on both sides: tic-tac-toe and checkers! I got all my pieces and I have to do some spray painting and sewing, but this should be a quick project once I have the time and energy to finish it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWTvlYLJfmk/TtlKtD8RCHI/AAAAAAAAAGo/TA-QJvIsTfo/s1600/2011-12-02+13.16.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWTvlYLJfmk/TtlKtD8RCHI/AAAAAAAAAGo/TA-QJvIsTfo/s320/2011-12-02+13.16.57.jpg" width="240" /></a><u>Other gifts</u>: (not started yet... lots to do!)<br />
<i>Teachers</i>: I plan on giving a book (for the class) with a chocolate dipped candy spoon for her.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Aunties</i>: There is a really cool versatile shirt called the Bina that I found online that <i><b>I </b></i>want. So I thought I would make one for my sisters (and myself). Much less than to spend $50 each...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Family from Kids</i>: Key-chains from clay. Stamped and painted. I also want them to make me a couple charms for a personal necklace for myself. This should be a fun project to do with them!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Neighbors and Friends</i>: I will make a batch of my <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/03/cappuccino-mix.html" target="_blank">mocha cappuccino mix</a> to put in a pretty container with marshmallows tied with a bag of popcorn and chocolate dipped spoons for a cozy movie night. <i>Much</i> easier than making a fresh batch of cinnamon bread and apple butter like I did last year...<br />
<br />
As you can tell from my list, I have a bit of an ADD problem starting a million projects at once (and this is ONLY holiday related!).<br />
What homemade gifts are you making this season?Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-10941040259784621882012-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:002012-11-18T21:16:18.396-08:00Tis the season for Punpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKpNMjiUWZI/UJ1ZpeUtHaI/AAAAAAAACdQ/EW-I6O6GJWs/s1600/2012-11-04+14.27.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKpNMjiUWZI/UJ1ZpeUtHaI/AAAAAAAACdQ/EW-I6O6GJWs/s320/2012-11-04+14.27.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a first for me.
I never really thought about making my own pumpkin puree until I saw the cute, little pie
pumpkins at Trader Joe's. I ended up getting a few more pumpkins from Freecycle
(yea!) and so made a giant batch of 7 pie pumpkins. Ambitious… I realized this
about half way through the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though this is my first pumpkin cooking journey, I
figured it was worth writing about and I have no idea when I will do this again. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44f4PJt-UNk/UJ1aH5kaf_I/AAAAAAAACdg/xh0vM8Amqrg/s1600/2012-11-04+15.36.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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Before I heated the oven I did my research.
There are a few ways to get the good stuff. You can cut it up and stick it in
the oven. You can chop it up and toss it into a slow cooker. Or you can do what
I did… simply deposit the pumpkins into the oven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlgjgDbDsIE/UJ1Z9J_0PjI/AAAAAAAACdY/p39NFv0BW_M/s1600/2012-11-04+14.33.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlgjgDbDsIE/UJ1Z9J_0PjI/AAAAAAAACdY/p39NFv0BW_M/s320/2012-11-04+14.33.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5CNKXxJaWQ/UJ1aH_dAOyI/AAAAAAAACdg/7EWj0Aeolwk/s1600/2012-11-04+15.36.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5CNKXxJaWQ/UJ1aH_dAOyI/AAAAAAAACdg/7EWj0Aeolwk/s320/2012-11-04+15.36.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The simple way, or so it seemed. I coated the pumpkins with
coconut oil and put them in there at 400 degrees. It took a little over an hour
but then they cut like butter and the seeds just fell out with only a little
scraping.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abNhrzUX2QI/UJ1a5VKaD8I/AAAAAAAACds/viusPCURxPk/s1600/2012-11-04+16.09.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abNhrzUX2QI/UJ1a5VKaD8I/AAAAAAAACds/viusPCURxPk/s320/2012-11-04+16.09.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I set up with the cutting board area. A little bowl for the
seeds (planning on roasting them later) and a huge bowl for the flesh of the
pumpkins. Separating the seeds from the hot stringy goop was the part that took
a long time and made quite a mess. Every time I had to stop I had to scrub my
whole arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB45fTfDxI0/UJ1bC3bpLnI/AAAAAAAACd0/UAxyxVe_JRU/s1600/2012-11-04+16.24.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB45fTfDxI0/UJ1bC3bpLnI/AAAAAAAACd0/UAxyxVe_JRU/s320/2012-11-04+16.24.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I noticed that the smaller the pumpkin, the more seeds and
water there was.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY6Hcz-Ogic/UJ1bIHn1cwI/AAAAAAAACd8/rnAyZkFQD50/s1600/2012-11-04+20.04.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY6Hcz-Ogic/UJ1bIHn1cwI/AAAAAAAACd8/rnAyZkFQD50/s320/2012-11-04+20.04.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was done cutting up the pumpkins I looked online
again. I noticed that each website I came across used either a blender or a
food processor to puree the stuff. What a mess! I decided to use my immersion
blender. Much easier I think.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking at the puree, I decided that I needed to strain the
orange puree. I know you can use a paper towel, but I just happen to have had
some new cheesecloth. I rigged up a bowl with a large colander (I rarely use
this but it sure comes in handy to have!) containing the cheesecloth. Once I
had the pumpkin inside, I covered it with foil and stuck it in the refrigerator
overnight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBjGUbN_sRY/UJ1bURIdQTI/AAAAAAAACeE/bm8qJlzvKtQ/s1600/2012-11-04+20.15.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBjGUbN_sRY/UJ1bURIdQTI/AAAAAAAACeE/bm8qJlzvKtQ/s320/2012-11-04+20.15.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZJPyccOk64/UJ1bZcqdlyI/AAAAAAAACeM/9fCWqrS_sD8/s1600/2012-11-04+20.23.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZJPyccOk64/UJ1bZcqdlyI/AAAAAAAACeM/9fCWqrS_sD8/s320/2012-11-04+20.23.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Fridge on top of my batch of <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/11/better-than-quaker.html" target="_blank">Granola Bars</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Please note that I started this process at 3pm Sunday with a
brief pause for dinner and putting kids in the shower and bed, I finally stuck
the puree in the refrigerator at 8pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I picked this up again the next day. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAAIrX6m2sU/UJ1b2PQWlNI/AAAAAAAACec/OOLv7SBDQMU/s1600/2012-11-05+12.34.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAAIrX6m2sU/UJ1b2PQWlNI/AAAAAAAACec/OOLv7SBDQMU/s320/2012-11-05+12.34.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took the juice and saved it in a jar. I ended up using some of it in place of water in a batch of pancakes. No need to let the nutrition go to waste...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbmqjMy6onk/UJ1cRUe_rBI/AAAAAAAACek/dsBDbAYdShk/s1600/2012-11-05+12.32.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbmqjMy6onk/UJ1cRUe_rBI/AAAAAAAACek/dsBDbAYdShk/s320/2012-11-05+12.32.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out all this juice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_FyQazNu3A/UJ1ckItHu-I/AAAAAAAACes/iW0siqiaEOg/s1600/2012-11-05+12.33.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_FyQazNu3A/UJ1ckItHu-I/AAAAAAAACes/iW0siqiaEOg/s320/2012-11-05+12.33.58.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I started portioning out the pumpkin for freezing. I find it very interesting that pumpkin cannot be home canned...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZjI6H2YjLY/UJ1csuIbUZI/AAAAAAAACe0/qmqH8tmaPXQ/s1600/2012-11-05+12.54.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZjI6H2YjLY/UJ1csuIbUZI/AAAAAAAACe0/qmqH8tmaPXQ/s320/2012-11-05+12.54.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS40vx_GIAU/UJ1dNsWY0vI/AAAAAAAACe8/VNkYbPpvl2g/s1600/2012-11-05+15.24.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS40vx_GIAU/UJ1dNsWY0vI/AAAAAAAACe8/VNkYbPpvl2g/s320/2012-11-05+15.24.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus extra for pie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kALJOBL92-k/UJ1dTzwJX8I/AAAAAAAACfE/8Rx_XBYKTjk/s1600/2012-11-05+15.27.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kALJOBL92-k/UJ1dTzwJX8I/AAAAAAAACfE/8Rx_XBYKTjk/s320/2012-11-05+15.27.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double bagged for the freezer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My husband saw what I was doing and asked for pumpkin pie…
so I ended up with 6 portions to freeze and 2 pumpkin pies (that were really
good! And surprisingly easy to make).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>One pie did not last long</b>. I mixed a couple recipes that I found on allrecipes with one I found from Paula Dean. It is a really good thing I made
the other one to freeze for latter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itkKlrEWtMs/UJ1deMhhODI/AAAAAAAACfM/LOw5BGto_GM/s1600/2012-11-09+11.25.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itkKlrEWtMs/UJ1deMhhODI/AAAAAAAACfM/LOw5BGto_GM/s320/2012-11-09+11.25.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you ever experimented with pumpkins?<br />
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Shared with <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2012/11/mmm-81.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20TheDiyHomeSweetHomeProject%20(The%20DIY%20Home%20Sweet%20Home%20Project)" target="_blank">DIY Home</a>, <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/monday-mania-11122012/#comment-85698" target="_blank">Monday Mania</a>, <a href="http://www.littlehouseliving.com/old-fashioned-recipe-exchange-1113.html" target="_blank">Recipe Exchange</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-53/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/11/mop-it-up-mondays-43.html" target="_blank">Should be Mopping</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-37/" target="_blank">Cheerios and Lattes</a> and <a href="http://homegrownandhealthy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays-linky-party-week-2/" target="_blank">Mostly Homemade</a>.</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-18545529211926278752012-11-05T15:51:00.000-08:002012-11-12T18:46:12.563-08:00Better than QuakerI did a lot of cooking in my kitchen this weekend. I made
<a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2011/10/perfect-wheat-grain-bread.html" target="_blank">bread</a>, <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/04/bread-epiphany.html" target="_blank">bread mixes</a>, <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/09/chocolate-sauce-from-scratch.html" target="_blank">chocolate syrup</a>, <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2012/03/cappuccino-mix.html" target="_blank">cappuccino mix</a>, pumpkin puree (coming soon!) and granola
bars. Now I’m tired…<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I posted a picture on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StephaniesProjects" target="_blank">facebook </a>a couple weeks ago of some
beautiful granola bars. I made those without peanuts and we went right through
them. This time I made 1 batch with no nuts (so my daughter could take them to
school) and a double batch with nuts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxGYImJ0AM/UJdYSWrL6PI/AAAAAAAACQU/wuzrB5Ocu8w/s1600/2012-11-04+15.25.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxGYImJ0AM/UJdYSWrL6PI/AAAAAAAACQU/wuzrB5Ocu8w/s200/2012-11-04+15.25.12.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>Why make them from scratch when you can buy them?</i></div>
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My main reason... do you know what is in these things?! food dyes and preservatives just don't sound that appetizing to me. And it is surprisingly easy to do. Has anyone else noticed that the staples that need to be in your pantry are really simple to put together yourself... but I regress.</div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zobtox2-c6E/UJdYSWOFFLI/AAAAAAAACQU/Kz52ks2qZG0/s1600/2012-11-04+15.25.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zobtox2-c6E/UJdYSWOFFLI/AAAAAAAACQU/Kz52ks2qZG0/s200/2012-11-04+15.25.05.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I am positively in love with homemade granola bars!</span> They are
so easy and practically impossible to mess up. Just throw everything you have
together in a bowl and add the sugar to hold it together. I originally gathered
a couple recipes together to figure out what I liked to do and how. They are
all really similar, but some require cooking in an oven while some don’t. Here
is the recipe that I have adjusted to use the most:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">Thick & Chewy Granola
Bars – no bake</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">1/2 to 3/4 cup brown sugar (use less if using
Peanut Butter)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">1/3 cup <span class="apple-converted-space">almond flour or</span> oat flour<span class="apple-converted-space"> (put almonds/oats in blender until you get a
powder)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">3 cups </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">miscellaneous</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> stuff</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> </span><i style="line-height: 16.5pt;">(i.e. I like to add cranberries, raisins, coconut
flakes, sunflower seeds, nuts, flax seeds, chai seeds, rice cereal and whatever else I have on hand) </i><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1/3 cup peanut butter or other nut butter<span class="apple-converted-space"> (if you don't want any nut butter, increase the sugar. But I like to add sunflower seed butter to my no-nut version)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1/4 cup coconut oil</span></div>
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1/4 cup honey </div>
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1/4 cup mini chocolate chips</div>
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1. Stir dry ingredients in large bowl. Everything except the chocolate chips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d-wlK0LzB0/UJqZRT0IOSI/AAAAAAAACbw/0yO7rBAnUxA/s1600/2012-11-04+15.29.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d-wlK0LzB0/UJqZRT0IOSI/AAAAAAAACbw/0yO7rBAnUxA/s320/2012-11-04+15.29.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to put the seeds in the blender to <br />
disguise them from the kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gwsX3nXshY/UJdYHdelqMI/AAAAAAAACQM/hri5N2Sn4lU/s1600/2012-11-04+15.31.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gwsX3nXshY/UJdYHdelqMI/AAAAAAAACQM/hri5N2Sn4lU/s320/2012-11-04+15.31.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Melt oil, honey, nut butter, and sugar until bubbly, for no
more than two minutes. Stir constantly. Let mixture cool for 2-3 minutes,
then add vanilla and stir.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C7sM7BLq2M/UJdYoTdg28I/AAAAAAAACQg/Rbsu5Gfgu6Q/s1600/2012-11-04+15.50.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C7sM7BLq2M/UJdYoTdg28I/AAAAAAAACQg/Rbsu5Gfgu6Q/s320/2012-11-04+15.50.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture and stir
thoroughly so that the oats and cereal are all coated. <br />
<br />
After it is well mixed, I like to let it cool a moment before adding mini chocolate
chips. They will melt a little, but I find that it is better to mix the
chocolate together with the mix rather than add it to the top before pressing
to avoid a melted chocolate mess on top.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxemGPMvhPw/UJdY36CFuOI/AAAAAAAACQw/3yz6kESyd48/s1600/2012-11-04+15.54.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxemGPMvhPw/UJdY36CFuOI/AAAAAAAACQw/3yz6kESyd48/s320/2012-11-04+15.54.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pour mixture into pan. Press down to pack it all
down good. <br />
<br />
I like to put foil or plastic wrap in the pan so I don’t have to grease it and
run the risk of bars coming apart when I am trying to take them out of the pan.
I also use a piece of plastic wrap to press the granola down so I don’t have to
get my hands dirty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDQ3VKql5F4/UJdZDRdUYqI/AAAAAAAACRA/TOqTq5ZyVRk/s1600/2012-11-04+15.59.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDQ3VKql5F4/UJdZDRdUYqI/AAAAAAAACRA/TOqTq5ZyVRk/s320/2012-11-04+15.59.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZWFmDFeiho/UJdY-VhIDuI/AAAAAAAACQ4/uDXNonS0Pvc/s1600/2012-11-04+15.57.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZWFmDFeiho/UJdY-VhIDuI/AAAAAAAACQ4/uDXNonS0Pvc/s320/2012-11-04+15.57.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Place granola bars in refrigerator until set. Then
you can cut them. <o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPTE6hKL0WA/UJhNfnOUGKI/AAAAAAAACZI/-uiaQmJj2UE/s1600/2012-11-05+07.45.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPTE6hKL0WA/UJhNfnOUGKI/AAAAAAAACZI/-uiaQmJj2UE/s320/2012-11-05+07.45.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see my cut marks in the No-Nut version? <br />
I like to make bars, but you can make squares or triangles if you like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QasI0hp4EbY/UJhNwZj3NLI/AAAAAAAACZQ/e2B7Ku6--4w/s1600/2012-11-05+12.21.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QasI0hp4EbY/UJhNwZj3NLI/AAAAAAAACZQ/e2B7Ku6--4w/s320/2012-11-05+12.21.53.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this picture you can see the Nut version. <br />
I took the foil/bars out of the container to cut <br />
them and put them in ziplock bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Store in the fridge or at room temperature. I like
to put them in ziplock bags for easy kid snacks and store them in a Tupperware for
easy kid access. I am also thinking that they save a little longer this way since I have noticed that they save 3 weeks with no problems.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3uUKIUpRR8/UJhPGEYroEI/AAAAAAAACaU/lEi_iTrKspU/s1600/2012-11-05+08.00.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3uUKIUpRR8/UJhPGEYroEI/AAAAAAAACaU/lEi_iTrKspU/s320/2012-11-05+08.00.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see my beautiful labels. "NN" for No Nuts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It might seem like a huge waste of baggies, but these bags are easily cleaned and reused. I have gotten in the habit of turning baggies inside out to wash with soap and water before letting air dry when the only thing inside them are silly things like granola or raisins or crackers or... you get the idea.<br />
<br /></div>
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If you haven't tried this before. Take a couple minutes to whip up a batch!<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://www.littlehouseliving.com/old-fashioned-recipe-exchange-116.html" target="_blank">Recipe Exchange</a>, <a href="http://homegrownandhealthy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays/" target="_blank">Homemade Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/11/mop-it-up-mondays-42.html" target="_blank">Mop it Monday</a>, <a href="http://homegrownandhealthy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays-linky-party-week-2/" target="_blank">Homemade Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/monday-mania-11122012/#comment-85698" target="_blank">Monday Mania</a> <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2012/11/mmm-81.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20TheDiyHomeSweetHomeProject%20(The%20DIY%20Home%20Sweet%20Home%20Project)" target="_blank">DIY Home Sweet Home</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-36/" target="_blank">Cheerios & Lattes</a>, <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/11/saturday-seven-party-no-50.html" target="_blank">Saturday Seven</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-52/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>.</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-44431418534774546482012-11-02T22:04:00.000-07:002012-11-10T20:04:03.753-08:00Transition to Working MomI think the title of this post is funny since I consider that being a Mom a lot of work. Simple errands are an adventure! But since my two year old started preschool, I have been thinking that I would like to occupy my time doing something other than mopping the floors. Before having my son I took the CBEST thinking that I would like to teach. I was <i>sooo </i>fortunate to get a job at the school district as a substitute teacher. This has been great! I am able to have a very similar schedule as my kids and easily take off days that something is going on. I took a day off when my little man was up all night sick; and another to take my daughter on a field trip.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like the flexibility. But I have to say that on the nights I work I am exhausted! I come home and sit. I just don’t have the energy to get up or cook or clean up. My husband has been amazing picking up and dropping off kids and even cooking. So here are the differences… I used to get the kids up dressed and ready in the morning, make lunches, breakfast and then schlepp the kids to school before running around before picking them up. Now, when I am working I still have to get lunches ready (including mine) and get kids up and dressed, but hubby is making breakfast, taking kids to school and even making dinner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One thing I knew that needed to change is the way I have my meal plans drawn out. Otherwise I could see us wanting to eat out every night… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M0QWMYkm6U/UJSfxTXGKjI/AAAAAAAACEA/iX0mjBlIpSc/s1600/2012-10-24+13.12.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M0QWMYkm6U/UJSfxTXGKjI/AAAAAAAACEA/iX0mjBlIpSc/s320/2012-10-24+13.12.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: center;">Refrigerator Before... <br />
and yes, that is a New Year card from last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I bought a cheap frame and glued some magnates on the back.<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhmy-M_uS_o/UJSfxeriSNI/AAAAAAAACEA/jQnfNMMAQO8/s1600/2012-10-24+17.21.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhmy-M_uS_o/UJSfxeriSNI/AAAAAAAACEA/jQnfNMMAQO8/s320/2012-10-24+17.21.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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Made a cute Menu print out and printed on stationary. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5i2CcDGGzoHOUNzcUt4QzNmZ0U/preview" width="640"></iframe><br />
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And voilà, a visible menu easy for daddy to follow and mommy to plan for. <o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48G7I3sQa3E/UJSksfoBBeI/AAAAAAAACEk/BXeU69uU0fc/s1600/2012-11-02+21.48.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48G7I3sQa3E/UJSksfoBBeI/AAAAAAAACEk/BXeU69uU0fc/s320/2012-11-02+21.48.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MUCH Better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It still isn't as clean as some refrigerator doors that I've seen on Pinterest. But we have to do what works for us. Before I wrote in <a href="http://stephaniesprojects.blogspot.com/2011/10/kitchen-organization-idea.html" target="_blank">my own book</a> and kept track of meal plans, but that just wasn't working out with the change in duties. <b>I really like this change and think that once the kids are reading, there might be less complaining over their dinner since it was posted for them to see.</b> It has made a huge difference in our planning!<br />
<br />
What do you do?<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-35/" target="_blank">Cheerios and Lattes</a>, <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/11/saturday-seven-party-no-50.html" target="_blank">Saturday Seven</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-52/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-71803394683073984272012-10-13T21:48:00.000-07:002012-10-15T18:53:32.698-07:00My Holiday Present ListI know that Halloween has not even gone by yet and we are
already seeing holiday merchandising in the stores. I have started seeing blog
posts by other people about Christmas and Chanukah shopping. I have a couple of
ideas for this year and I have purchased several things already.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I haven’t posted anything recently, so I thought that I
would show you how <b><span style="font-size: large;">I </span></b>keep track of
what gifts get given. I have an excel file that I have used for several years.
Each year is on a different page. This allows me to look back and see what I
gave family and friends the year before, and before that—eliminating the
possibility of gifting the same thing twice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">My kids are super
lucky since they get the best of all the holidays!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_r6otGN_Rc/UHpBXSylrVI/AAAAAAAABqo/mEWGKj5a03w/s1600/capture-20121013-204147.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_r6otGN_Rc/UHpBXSylrVI/AAAAAAAABqo/mEWGKj5a03w/s400/capture-20121013-204147.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the left side I have a list of all the people in my life.
Family members and their children, friends and neighbors, work acquaintances,
etc. are listed on the left side. And then I have boxes on the left of the
sheet I have a couple boxes: (1) things still to buy and where, (2) major
Christmas gifts, and (3) Chanukah gifts for each night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmWS-fntPAs/UHpBWoulqBI/AAAAAAAABqg/l-vlPDR7zI8/s1600/capture-20121013-203703.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmWS-fntPAs/UHpBWoulqBI/AAAAAAAABqg/l-vlPDR7zI8/s400/capture-20121013-203703.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have already started this year’s – but I wouldn't want to
give anyone the opportunity to cheat!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-32/" target="_blank">Cheerios & Lattes</a>, <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/homemade-projects-1016/" target="_blank">Tip Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/2012/10/sunday-linky-party-82-goodies.html" target="_blank">Petite Hermine</a>.</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-44729967830010050572012-09-30T20:44:00.001-07:002012-10-05T16:40:37.994-07:00Road to Shampoo-less-ness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMa04MnKQsI/UGixjAo5r-I/AAAAAAAABhQ/2w2uw3clmys/s1600/2012-09-30+10.18.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMa04MnKQsI/UGixjAo5r-I/AAAAAAAABhQ/2w2uw3clmys/s320/2012-09-30+10.18.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been trying to remove the chemicals from my house for
the last year. The next step is Shampoo and conditioning products. I have been
scouring the Internet for shampoo replacement ideas (an ongoing process). I
started making my husband’s “shampoo” about six months ago with oil, water, tea tree oil and
castile soap. It works great on his hair, but didn't really cut it on my thick,
long and curly locks. I used the same mixture for about 10 days before I gave
up on it. I understand that there is a hair detox period, but my hair just got
dryer and dryer.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I dreaded the idea of using baking soda.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I started entertaining the idea of a shampoo bar, like the
one on <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/12/shampoo-bar-soap-recipe/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>. I am not quite ready to make it, though. Then, I
found a soap that just might be what I was looking for. I thought I would give
it a chance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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African Black Soap is made with coconut oil and/or palm
oil, Shea butter, oats, aloe leaf juice, plantain extract, vitamin E, vegetable
glycerin, and essential oils. It has a reputation for fighting acne, detoxifying
and healing skin conditions. I also read that it works miracles on
curly hair… let’s see!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although I was going to buy a bar from Butters-N-Bars.com,
but decided to order the Nubian-Heritage bar from <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=90107585" target="_blank">Vitacost </a>since I was making
an order anyway. I even read all the reviews; most of them mentioned how soft
their skin was and a couple did say that they used it on their hair. I’ll take
that as a good sign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided that taking out shampoo chemicals should coincide
with taking out conditioner too. I took a small spray bottle and filled it with
½ Apple Cider Vinegar and a couple drops of lavender oil. After washing I
sprayed my hair with the ACV and left it in while I dried before I wrapped my
hair in the towel and let it sit a little longer before combing it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My log:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Wash #1</b> – So glad
the vinegar smell goes away fast. My hair feels dry but combed out easily
enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My skin feels awesomely soft from the lather! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 2: The next day the hair in the back of my head, close
to my scalp was really oily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wash #2</b> – Soap
seemed to lather more in my hair than before. Still felt dry when I combed it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 3: The next day I could tell there was some improvement.
It wasn't as oily, but still feels a little thick and sticky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 4: (usually wash my hair every other day) I woke up with
a head of nappy hair. There is no other word for it. It was nasty and sticky dread-lock like; though it didn't look bad when brushed out. And was not frizzy
either, like it normally would be if I brushed my hair when dry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wash #3</b> — I was
thinking that the stickiness of my hair could be because I have not been
rinsing the vinegar out. So this time I let it sit, combed through it with a
wide-tooth comb and then rinsed before getting out of the shower. It seems less
sticky. We shall see.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 5: Every day seems to get a little easier. My hair is
still stiff/sticky (which really is a bummer!). BUT the hair by my scalp is
soft and easier to run my fingers through. So that makes me think that I need
to stick it out until my hair grows out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 6: <b>Wash #4</b> –
This time I used barely any vinegar and caved in a little by using some stay-in
conditioner spray. I don’t really think it helped though. I might go back to
the chemically-rick Suave if my hair doesn't improve soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 7: Blah. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Wash #5</b> – I think
and hope that my hair is getting better. I would hate to quit and go back to
Suave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 8: I went through the whole day with my hair up again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Wash #6</b> – My hair
felt a little oily at the roots. Funny how light and normal my hair feels when
it’s wet…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 9: <b>Wash #7</b> –
I know I shouldn't wash my hair 2 days in a row. But I have a meeting tomorrow
and I can’t look like this! So I decided to switch it up (couldn't look worse
than it does…) I used Baking Soda mixed with water in a squirt bottle first.
Then added a little bit of the African Black Soap before rinsing. This made my hair dry! But the ACV made it
easy to comb through. Wow! I can feel a difference, but since it was still a
little dry so I put a little coconut oil on my fingers to comb through my hair
when I got out of the shower. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 10: I might just stick to last night’s routine! My hair
feels much better today and looks better too. Not perfect, mind, but getting
there and I feel encouraged.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 11: <b>Wash #8</b> –
I did the same thing, minus the coconut oil. Next time I buy the Black Soap, I
will buy the kind without the oatmeal, which feels great on my skin but my hair
tends to stick to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7qA8Dmc1k/UGiytoPeDlI/AAAAAAAABhY/yTOO98NwJOI/s1600/2012-09-30+10.56.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7qA8Dmc1k/UGiytoPeDlI/AAAAAAAABhY/yTOO98NwJOI/s320/2012-09-30+10.56.56.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet hair. It does dry much faster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Day 12: My hair is less dreadlock-thick feeling. Still a
little sticky but getting better<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 13: <b>Wash #9</b> –
After letting my hair down it feels dry on the end and oily by my head before I
washed. Same wash as #8. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 14: At least my hair looks a little better than it did a
week ago. But I am still unsatisfied. I hope this continues to get better or I
might have to start testing <i>more</i>
methods. Blah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 15: I woke up looking like I was balancing a nest on my
head. This seems to be the norm lately. I <i>had</i>
to comb my hair which made it look like a frizz ball (typically I can only comb
it when it is wet so the curls stay intact). Luckily it looks great when it is
up and hidden from site.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wash #10</b> - Baking Soda. Soap. Vinegar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am going to stop there and post an update again in a month
or so since I don’t have much else to report in the encouraging department. I
am just hoping that this whole icky hair business goes away and I get my silky
feeling back (without resorting back to the chemical stuff). We shall see. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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Any words of encouragement from people out there who have
taken shampoo out of their routine?<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/homemade-projects-102/" target="_blank">Tip Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-31/" target="_blank">Cheerios and Lattes</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/10/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-47/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>.</div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-77546110143914759922012-09-20T21:31:00.000-07:002012-09-25T21:22:11.050-07:00Freezing in Portions<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of my goals the last
couple months was to start freezing in portions when I put food in the freezer.
It’s all well and good to have a HUGE batch of soup in there, but if I want
some soup, the entire family gets some and it takes too long to thaw for
a quick meal.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I was seeing other bloggers
freeze soup or pasta in cupcake tins. But I think it would be difficult to take
the food out once it was frozen. Maybe silicone would be great to freeze in and
easy to pop out – but I wasn’t able to find any! So I came up with the idea of
using plastic wrap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSFM1SY0Mdo/UFvq8Xw59wI/AAAAAAAABPA/ThNJirOQe4w/s1600/IMG_3247%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSFM1SY0Mdo/UFvq8Xw59wI/AAAAAAAABPA/ThNJirOQe4w/s320/IMG_3247%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Very simple. Just take a
strip of wrap and pour soup/stew/whatever into the cupcake portion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJdUaq0anP4/UFvrCmT3WKI/AAAAAAAABPI/9ZkYofA1jqg/s1600/IMG_3248%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJdUaq0anP4/UFvrCmT3WKI/AAAAAAAABPI/9ZkYofA1jqg/s320/IMG_3248%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">Cover. Repeat.</span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Stick it in the freezer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRwu-K03bXQ/UFvrJB-CwlI/AAAAAAAABPQ/-7o62llOb-4/s1600/IMG_3249%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRwu-K03bXQ/UFvrJB-CwlI/AAAAAAAABPQ/-7o62llOb-4/s320/IMG_3249%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the next day (when it’s
frozen) pull out pieces and put into a ziplock. I just left them in the plastic
wrap. It isn’t difficult to unwrap them but I figure it is a little more
protection from freezer burn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA5A5UrmNO8/UFvrOjcMVJI/AAAAAAAABPc/NynxyeLKuWA/s1600/IMG_3250%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA5A5UrmNO8/UFvrOjcMVJI/AAAAAAAABPc/NynxyeLKuWA/s320/IMG_3250%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">These pictures were from a
batch of stew in my slow cooker. We ate it for dinner and I was still able to
freeze another meal on top of the 12 servings. I think my chili would work for dips
or if I want a little flavor in another dish, I can toss a serving in. I like
the flexibility and this will help my family eat from scratch rather than eat from a can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I also did the same thing today
with some cupcakes. When my sweet tooth needs satisfaction I need something
quick and yummy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What else do you freeze in
single servings?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Shared at <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2012/09/shine-on-friday-with-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Shine on Friday</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/09/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-46/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a> and <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-29/" target="_blank">Cheerios and Lattes</a>. </span></div>
Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-58196441258198749932012-09-17T09:43:00.000-07:002012-09-20T22:14:21.937-07:00Chocolate Sauce from ScratchThis is the second time I have made this recipe and once again it turned out perfect. I know you can make chocolate powder for chocolate milk from cocoa and sugar, but I decided that by making syrup it was a little more versatile because it can be used on ice cream too.<br />
<br />
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<br />
My kids didn’t mind the switch to homemade and I feel a little better about making their milk extra chocolaty. The original recipe did not have vanilla in it, but I think vanilla should be in every recipe. =)<br />
I really like it too… and I have always been more partial to Nestle Quik than Hershey’s.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igWq63cRx6g/UFdR7Ir1twI/AAAAAAAABOc/nl0DhuANwb4/s1600/IMG_3243%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igWq63cRx6g/UFdR7Ir1twI/AAAAAAAABOc/nl0DhuANwb4/s200/IMG_3243%5B1%5D.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 ½ cups sugar<br />
Dash salt<br />
3/4 teaspoon vanilla<br />
<br />
In a saucepan mix the cocoa and water with a whisk. Heat, stirring occasionally, when it begins to boil, add the sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.<br />
Bring mixture to a boil for 3 minutes. Remove syrup from heat. Add the salt and vanilla. Stir to blend. Let cool, and then pour syrup into a container. Store in the fridge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgWdSXghv8/UFdR1mzws5I/AAAAAAAABOU/lmpB5FSJNSQ/s1600/IMG_3244%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgWdSXghv8/UFdR1mzws5I/AAAAAAAABOU/lmpB5FSJNSQ/s200/IMG_3244%5B1%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
When we ran out my husband chucked the Hershey’s bottle but luckily I had another container I could reuse. I think I like the fact that it’s clear. Note: this chocolate syrup is not as thick as store bought stuff so it actually mixes into milk really well. This should keep for a couple months in the refrigerator, I haven’t had problems with it crystalizing. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-15.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/09/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-45/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://lilluna.com/lil-luna-link-party-95/" target="_blank">Lil Luna</a>, <a href="http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2012/09/shine-on-friday-with-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20happygoluckyblog%20(Happy-Go-Lucky)" target="_blank">Shine on Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.littlehouseliving.com/old-fashioned-recipe-exchange-918.html" target="_blank">Little House Recipe Exchange</a>.Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-18284940450646425532012-09-05T19:39:00.001-07:002012-09-17T21:18:38.988-07:00Making Disinfecting Wipes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9shJX-JGqE/UEfVQNukejI/AAAAAAAABJ8/AutgjRN6b_g/s1600/wipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9shJX-JGqE/UEfVQNukejI/AAAAAAAABJ8/AutgjRN6b_g/s320/wipes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I finally used up all of my Clorox and WannaBe-Clorox wipes. I love these things! But I have been waiting to go through my supply so I could implement a greener wiping method in my house. There are two reasons for making my own wipes: (1) to make my house a less wasteful place and (2) because I hate spending money on items that are meant to be thrown away. Are you with me on this one?<br />
<br />
I have seen other's replace their wipes with a soap solution and paper towels. But, instead of wasting the paper, I have decided that instead I am going to cut up some fabric from old T-shirts. I have to do the laundry anyway... I decided to keep the solution simple rather than use a bunch of essential oils:<br />
<br />
2 tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap<br />
1 ½ cups Hot Water<br />
½ cup Vinegar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkD879CCODA/UEfVWu_p7GI/AAAAAAAABKE/aOJuXvl-w5Y/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkD879CCODA/UEfVWu_p7GI/AAAAAAAABKE/aOJuXvl-w5Y/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had some lemon-marinated vinegar on hand, so that’s what I used to get a light citrus smell. <br />
<br />
But I regress…<br />
First I cut up the fabric into rectangles. <br />
I folded to stagger the rectangles.<br />
(It will pull the next rectangle up the hole of the container like store-bought wipes. And it works! Which makes the minutes it took to fold these worth it.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb3JwmLe1Xs/UEfVaTtCiqI/AAAAAAAABKM/BACyf-RnbbU/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb3JwmLe1Xs/UEfVaTtCiqI/AAAAAAAABKM/BACyf-RnbbU/s320/IMG_3218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stick the wipes in the container.<br />
Mix the solution and pour it into the container.<br />
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So I have used them and they work just fine. Even better, they smell like soap. I added a bag under my sink for the used wipes. When it's full, I will wash them.<br />
<br />
Shared at <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/09/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-43/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://onecreativemommy.com/one-creative-weekend-10-linky-party/" target="_blank">One Creative Weekend</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-27/" target="_blank">Cheerios & Lattes</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-13.html" target="_blank">Make it Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/homemade-projects-9-11/" target="_blank">Tip Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/09/saturday-seven-party-no-41.html" target="_blank">Positively Splendid</a> and <a href="http://www.likeamustardseed.com/im-back-with-our-living-green-tuesdays-link-up/" target="_blank">Living Green</a>.<br />
<p><a href="http//www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><img class="size-full wp-image-5212 aligncenter" title="C&LFeaturedButton" src="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/CLFeaturedButton1.png" alt="" width="200" /></a><p><a href="http://onecreativemommy.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://onecreativemommy.com/OneCreativeWeekendfeatured.png" alt="Featured on One Creative Weekend" width="125" height="125" /></a>Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619899948518223766.post-6921111960703340492012-08-25T21:17:00.001-07:002012-09-03T19:35:56.780-07:00Space Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmAgRyAhJcQ/UDlh8Kq4TGI/AAAAAAAABJg/88Wq1ADwEP4/s1600/space+ship.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmAgRyAhJcQ/UDlh8Kq4TGI/AAAAAAAABJg/88Wq1ADwEP4/s320/space+ship.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a space-themed water-play park birthday party for my now 5 year old boy. <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">It was great!</span></b> </div>
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From the cake, decor, food and water activities, I tried to stay with the theme and a budget. In the end, the kids had a great time!</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Connor requested a water party and I have to admit that mid-August is the <i>perfect </i>time to have a water party!</b></span> This party would have been a lot easier in a backyard, but since my mom's yard is grass-less at the moment and I don't have one, the park is the place. I sent out an evite. I have discovered how awesome evite is since it collects RSVPs and reminder emails. Technology is wonderful. On to the lists. </div>
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I have Lots of lists when I plan a party. Lists of ideas and internet links to pictures and anything new that pops into my brain while putting it together. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpaYY27tO4/UDlfLN7jsPI/AAAAAAAABIs/dfAB7jERBds/s1600/2012-08-18+14.49.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpaYY27tO4/UDlfLN7jsPI/AAAAAAAABIs/dfAB7jERBds/s320/2012-08-18+14.49.07.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken before <br />
everything was done</td></tr>
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<b><u>Decorations:</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cut out stars from poster boards. String together groups of 3 and 4 to hang from the streamers.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Streamers (green and blue). In the end, we used a lot less hanging decorations because of the wind.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use green balloons to make alien heads by drawing faces on them.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Streamers (green and blue) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Happy birthday sign for the cake table</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">On the tables I had space stickers, little space shuttles for the kids to toss around and alien masks for the kids and cut out confetti for stars. I didn't end up putting out the confetti because of the wind.</span></li>
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<b><u>Food:</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Space Debris (green colored candy popcorn)<br />
I used the recipe I found <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/03/11/green-candied-popcorn-st-patricks-day/" target="_blank">here</a>, but used blue food coloring to get a darker green color once it was mixed with butter. I also didn't need to use very much. My kids had a blast making and eating the popcorn the night before too!<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Grape and <o:p></o:p>pineapple spears</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Carrots and broccoli with onion dip<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Pizza Planet pizza<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Star and Moon sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly)</div>
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- Cake! This turned out great. It is my first two layer cake. Cupcakes are compliments of my cousin (she has helped me <a href="http://csdesigner-csdesigner.blogspot.com/2011/06/butterfly-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">with another party before</a>; we make a great team), she had the frosting and eyeballs left over from her son's toy story party. They go great together!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrGqT0sBZSo/UDlfLIXgFqI/AAAAAAAABIs/430iGA_ctxM/s1600/2012-08-18+15.37.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Space cake with ailiens" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrGqT0sBZSo/UDlfLIXgFqI/AAAAAAAABIs/430iGA_ctxM/s320/2012-08-18+15.37.03.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Kid Activities:</u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tie die T-shirt</span></b>. This was also a favor to take home. They turned out to be out-of-this-world! I have some pictures below</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz_5z_s2CJQ/UDlfLCDj9SI/AAAAAAAABIs/2PdjPUVZ9Jw/s1600/2012-08-18+16.24.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz_5z_s2CJQ/UDlfLCDj9SI/AAAAAAAABIs/2PdjPUVZ9Jw/s320/2012-08-18+16.24.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids like cleaning when it's not the parent's idea.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Water balloons</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Flying Saucer Toss</span></b>. I found these neat Frisbees at the dollar store that look life flying saucers. I bought a wooden stake at Home Depot for 30 cents and wrapped it in bright green tape for a kid friendly ring toss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Water squirt bottles and sponge meteors</b></span> for a great water fight. I bought 5 oz water bottles for each kid at the dollar store and filled them ahead of time. They were a big hit and the adults enjoyed the spritz too. The kids had a great time with the sponge meteors, and even decided to use them to clean the park bench... so thoughtful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Tubs of water</b></span> on a kid table for little kids filled with misc water toys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Bubble bucket with cups and giant bubble wands</b></span>. I also bought individual bubble containers for the kids who want to walk around with bubbles. The wind actually worked in favor for all the bubble blowers. These bubbles were great! And the solution is so easy to make I never want to buy pre-made bubbles again.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld3BmpK2y4U/UDlfLP_QCPI/AAAAAAAABIs/y0oB6X5B5UM/s1600/2012-08-18+16.29.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld3BmpK2y4U/UDlfLP_QCPI/AAAAAAAABIs/y0oB6X5B5UM/s320/2012-08-18+16.29.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kid tubs ended up on the ground. Always a hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKXs9m-WUC4/UDlfLNbtCxI/AAAAAAAABIs/MHfKUafE_tw/s1600/2012-08-18+15.20.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKXs9m-WUC4/UDlfLNbtCxI/AAAAAAAABIs/MHfKUafE_tw/s320/2012-08-18+15.20.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Balloons are in the bucket.</td></tr>
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The T-shirt favors I mentioned were great! The kids had a blast coloring with the millions (ok a little exaggeration) of Sharpies. I learned about this from a gal in the education department at Joann's Fabric Store. I cut out cardboard to stuff inside the shirts, saved metal hangers to hang up the finished product and attached masking tape to the top to write the name of the artist. I bought kid's small and extra small T-shirt sizes. The process was super simple:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGb0MKJVxNU/UDlfLLGJORI/AAAAAAAABIs/YiRSCnQIcJ4/s1600/2012-08-18+15.30.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGb0MKJVxNU/UDlfLLGJORI/AAAAAAAABIs/YiRSCnQIcJ4/s200/2012-08-18+15.30.00.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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1. Color the T-shirt</div>
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2. Drip rubbing alcohol on the ink</div>
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The ink will spread and look tie died. </div>
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Later, put them in the dryer for a couple minutes to let the ink set. Or, you could use a blow dryer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwznVNGUw4U/UDlfLDubOaI/AAAAAAAABIs/JHntgtqkzuA/s1600/2012-08-18+15.27.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwznVNGUw4U/UDlfLDubOaI/AAAAAAAABIs/JHntgtqkzuA/s320/2012-08-18+15.27.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday boy coloring with daddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDTcjtyFGzg/UDlfLHS_8uI/AAAAAAAABIs/J1SqFAhKcLc/s1600/2012-08-18+16.34.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDTcjtyFGzg/UDlfLHS_8uI/AAAAAAAABIs/J1SqFAhKcLc/s320/2012-08-18+16.34.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TaDa! They turned out looking spacey!</td></tr>
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Since this party, my daughter has been singing Happy Birthday To You around the house and asking me for a birthday. I guess now that this party is over I need to start planning the next birthday party.<br />
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Shared at<a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-25/" target="_blank"> Cherios & Lattes</a>, <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/08/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_31.html" target="_blank">Six Sisters</a>,<a href="http://www.thenaptimereview.com/" target="_blank"> Nap Time</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/08/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-42/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>!<br />
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Steph Huleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055911580561439971noreply@blogger.com3