tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12394752479386189792024-02-06T20:59:25.170-08:00Family StrongA resource for strengthening families.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-72720027850680489282016-06-06T13:05:00.001-07:002016-06-06T13:05:47.167-07:0010 Things To Make Vacations More Fun and Memorable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwapEnn5IOUSRBdnokpI0sqtzFbkM7tBQ6c34JUwik0LJFDU_uARgDRhzQZylvcNJiNAYW1MD3q2IlFE5fFWIFoMuhNBlYHs-n2VhpbaDb-cocrlNN-2L2LAa89Jvhq_evmYI5_DxRAXVq/s1600/1907579_10152206599467579_616509737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwapEnn5IOUSRBdnokpI0sqtzFbkM7tBQ6c34JUwik0LJFDU_uARgDRhzQZylvcNJiNAYW1MD3q2IlFE5fFWIFoMuhNBlYHs-n2VhpbaDb-cocrlNN-2L2LAa89Jvhq_evmYI5_DxRAXVq/s200/1907579_10152206599467579_616509737_n.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've all been there. We spend hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on a vacation, only to be disappointed when we get home. Things didn't go as planned or live up to all our expectations leading up to said vacation. It doesn't have to be that way though. Life is about experiences! And, even if those experiences aren't what you planned, they can still be great and make your life all the richer for them. A little planning and a lot of attitude can make even the smallest of vacations memorable. Here are 10 strategies we use to make each trip we take amazing and wonderful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> <b>ENJOY THE ANTICIPATION</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Half of the fun of taking a vacation is the months leading up to it. Having something to look forward to can get you through the mundane routine of work and school. Do all you can to enjoy the anticipation of an upcoming trip. I change my computer desktop picture to something associated with where I'm going, I will put a countdown calendar on the fridge for all to see and will also share new things I learn about our destination to get everyone excited about where we are going. Just enjoy looking forward to your upcoming trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. PLAN WELL</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can't stress this enough. A well planned trip is a happy trip. Don't just assume that a rental car is going to be available for you upon arrival, or you are going to magically fill your days with fun things to do. Make sure all your ducks are in a row before you leave. Get all the arrangements (flights, hotels, cars, travel routes) all planned out ahead of time. Then, once you are on the road everything should run smoothly for you because it will be ready to go and you know exactly where you are going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. BE FLEXIBLE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even the most meticulous planning can have glitches in it, so roll with it and make the best of your situation. Several years ago Aaron and I had a trip planned to Maui. I spent months planning everything out. Flights and hotels were booked, rental cars were reserved and surfing lessons arranged. We were planning on having a layover in Oahu for a day so we could visit Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. What was NOT in our plans was missing our flight in L<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o</span>s Angeles on our way. For three stressful hours I was so angry with the airlines I was verging on tears. We were stuck in LA for two days before they could get us out and on our way to Maui - Oahu was just out of the picture for us. All those plans ruined. However, once we resolved ourselves to the fact that it was what it was, we sat down that night and planned out our day in LA - and I have to tell you that we had the most fun ever! We did all the "touristy" things LA had to offer: The Hollywood Sign, The Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier.... we had the best time because we were flexible, rolled with the punches and made the best of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. PAY FOR YOUR VACATION AHEAD OF TIME</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's nothing worse than taking a vacation and then spending the next 6 months paying for it. What a buzz kill! We save for our vacations and have them completely paid for before we leave so that we can just relax and enjoy ourselves without watching the dollar signs add up and stress us out. Here are two posts I wrote on how to pay for vacations:</span></div>
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<li><a href="http://familystrong.blogspot.com/2011/02/3-strategies-we-use-to-help-pay-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 Strategies We Use to Help Pay for Vacations</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://familystrong.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-pay-for-your-vacations.html" target="_blank">How to Pay for Your Vacations </a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>5. LIVE IN THE MOMENT</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the most memorable experiences I've had on vacations are the ones that weren't planned. Sitting outside an ice cream house, with my ice cream cone, listening to a local musician; discovering a local cafe with the most amazing food; seeing a beach tucked away on the side of the road, stopping and sitting listening to the waves crash on the beach. Even though you have carefully planned out your vacation, make sure to leave room for the unexpected. You never know what's around the corner and you have to be fully present in the moment to recognize those magical experiences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6. SLOW DOWN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There have been several times in my travels where I have been lost in one of those moments I was just talking about. The unplanned magic that you just have to sit and enjoy. Then a tour bus loaded with people will pull up, they all pile out and take a few pictures of themselves, hop back into the bus and continue on to the next destination. What?! How can you fully experience anything in 5 minutes?! Ya, you may have your picture to prove you were there, and to look back on, but what <i>meaning</i> does that picture have to you if you didn't take the time to really stop and enjoy where you were? Slow down! Enjoy the scenery, people, food and culture of where you are at that moment. Lock it into your memory. A picture is great for helping you to remember, but a great memory will be remembered with or without a picture or little trinket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>7. INTERACT!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The most enriching thing about travel to me is the amazing people that I meet. I learn more about a place and it's culture just by talking to the people that live there. We are not about the fabricated experiences, and learning about a place based on what an excursion company thinks are the highlights of a given area. Talk to hotel staff, waitresses, park rangers and museum staff. Ask them about the history of the area, what they like to do on their day off and their favorite places to eat. Hobnob with the "locals" you run into while walking through a park or sitting at a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee. The world is full of amazing people. Get out there and meet some of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>8. TRY SOMETHING NEW</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get outside that comfort zone and try some new things. We have done rock repelling, cliff jumping into a cenote, taken surfing lessons and gone horseback riding through the jungle. We have eaten alligator, frog, snails and snake. You might be pleasantly surprised at how delicious a new food is or how fun a new skill or activity may be. Don't let fear keep you from trying new things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>9. JOURNAL AS YOU GO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every night before slipping into slumber<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> j<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ot down the high<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lights from <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that day. What you did, how you felt and who you met. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A lot of times, when e<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">verything is said and done, the little details are forgotten. Remember the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">m</span> vividly by keeping a journal of every day as you go along.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>10.</b> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">PHOTO BOOK THAT <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BI</span>TCH</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On my mantel at home I have a handful of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">vacation photo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> books<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span><a href="https://www.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank"> Shutterfly</a> is my favorite company to use, but there are many out there<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Take all of your pictures<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nd the journal you <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">were keeping, and put it all into a book. I love to sit down and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">reminisce</span> about past trips by <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">flipping through my boo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ks. And, they are a very popular item <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">when we have guests - they love to look through our books and see all of the adventures we have been on<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. When I look through my book it feels like just yesterday that I was <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">on that trip<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and I get to enjoy it all over again. Plus, it's kind of cool to be able to see all of the great p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">laces you have been!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't be <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">disappoint<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e</span>d in a vacation ever again!</span> They m<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ay not all be <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">extravagant</span> trips to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">exotic</span> place<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s, or full of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">life altering experiences, but they can all be great. Even the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">most simple of vac<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ations can be enriching and fun - it's all in your attitude. So, get out there a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nd <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ex<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">perience life! Meet people, try new things and have some fun.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-51691472437386599592016-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:002016-06-01T14:59:40.604-07:00Please, Don't Be Quick To Judge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0poaoFjRUXknPHyIxU_7IIDoxxGgWXbsCm2ZfSlSkrNgz74THsH4GNHKIZGWSzDc5gA4boqYTq5t12WZ5888QHOasT2sb3ktVnJUTxKVlPTrbbD9LmRrGMGGQZtkF9j0k5wI1tbFyml7e/s1600/Harambe+Cincinnati+Zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0poaoFjRUXknPHyIxU_7IIDoxxGgWXbsCm2ZfSlSkrNgz74THsH4GNHKIZGWSzDc5gA4boqYTq5t12WZ5888QHOasT2sb3ktVnJUTxKVlPTrbbD9LmRrGMGGQZtkF9j0k5wI1tbFyml7e/s200/Harambe+Cincinnati+Zoo.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I try and stay away from anything remotely political or religious on here, but I have to take a moment to speak up. My heart is breaking over the news of the death of Western Lowland Gorilla Harambe and the enormous loss of this critically endangered animal. I am a bleeding heart for animals and the proper treatment of them and was even a hard core vegetarian for almost 2 years. However, my heart is also breaking for the mother of the little boy who was in the enclosure with Harambe for almost 15 minutes. Let me share my own zoo experience with you and maybe your heart will soften just a little bit for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was about 20 years ago, and we decided to take the kids to the zoo for the day: our son was about 7 and our daughter 4. We had been there for a few hours, had a picnic lunch, and enjoyed the sunny afternoon. We were cleaning up and getting ready to go when we suddenly realized that our son had disappeared. This literally took less 30 seconds as I was throwing some garbage away. Just like that I didn't know where he was, and I panicked. You would think that in that short amount of time a kid wouldn't get very far, but the zoo was very crowded and we didn't see him anywhere. We checked the bathrooms, the neighboring exhibits and asked the people around us if they had seen him. Nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Full on panic mode at this point! Aaron ran to the car to see if he happened to go there. Since we had gotten separated, and knowing that we were getting ready to leave, we thought that is where he might head; I stayed put in case he came back. No dice. We frantically looked around that zoo for an entire hour! It was was one of the longest, worst hours of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally after an hour of looking we found him over at the Orangutan exhibit. He wanted to see the Orangutans one more time before we left. Now, at the time my son was very head strong and had a naughty streak, but he was also very cautious and worrisome, so f</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ortunately he was just quietly sitting on the outside watching. However, if he were more adventuresome and a "jump first think second" kind of kid like his sister was, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who's to say that he wouldn't have tried to climb the barrier to get a closer look. I didn't know whether to spank him or hug him the little brat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here are the thoughts that have been rolling around in my mind the last few days on the tragedy that took Harambe's life. I CANNOT blame the mother. If you have raised any kids yourself you know it only takes one very quick instant for things to happen. I don't know the events that transpired right before her tiny three year old fell into the moat of the enclosure. Maybe her baby in the stroller started to cry and she turned her attention there for a second to pick it up. Like me, she could have just been over throwing something in the trash super quick. Is it possible that she was not paying attention to her kid as well as she should have been? Well, yes, I know many parents like that - but I don't know and I refuse to judge her on what I don't know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot imagine the panic, heartache and hell she went through watching her child be thrown around by a 400 pound animal. The helplessness she felt. That could very easily have been me 20 years ago when I lost my child in the zoo... and I was an extremely attentive parent - especially in public places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a tragedy that this amazing animal had to die? YES!!! Do I wish things could have been different? MOST DEFINITELY!! Do I blame the mother? Absolutely NOT! I'm sure she is doing enough of that on her own without having me, and everyone else in the world yelling at her at how horrible of a parent she is. I'm sure she will live with this the rest of her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think each of us have moments in our lives that we wish we could live over; that one second we could take back and change. Even the best of parents have moments they regret - moments that we wish we could do over, change, or delete from our experiences. Unfortunately life doesn't have a control Z button. I always raised my kids with the thought that your entire life can change with one decision, and one moment. Unfortunately for this mother, her one moment was so tragic that the entire world is turning against her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, yes, my heart is heavy over this story. Both for poor Harambe who had to lose his life just doing what gorillas do and for the poor mother who has to live with this tragedy for the rest of her life. It could have happened to any of us, and I will not judge her because of that.</span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-23617712867631676432016-05-30T12:11:00.000-07:002016-05-30T12:11:17.451-07:00Differences in Patriotic Holiday's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have several patriotic holidays throughout the year that help up remember and honor those who have served (and are serving) to keep our country safe and defend our rights. While these holidays are great for enjoying a day with good food, friends and family, and a day off from work it's important to remember <i>why</i> we have these holidays in the first place. Here's a list of all of our patriotic holidays, when they are, and WHY we have a day set aside to celebrate each one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrated on the third Saturday in May, armed forces day is set aside to honor all of those serving our county currently. All those men and women training, honing their skills and giving their time to be ready at a moments notice to do what needs to be done to ensure our safety and freedom and who willingly go and defend others in the world who need our help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Memorial day is always the last Monday in May. It is for remembering those who have died in the service of our country. Those giving the ultimate sacrifice for us to be able to have the basic rights and comforts in life that we enjoy every day; defending our country from those who would take away those rights; keeping us safe, comfortable and free and helping others in the rest of the world be able to have those basic rights as well. It is very important to not let their sacrifice be in vain and to honor them and what we have because of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>FOURTH OF JULY:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The formation of our country as we know it today. It's the date that we claimed our independence from England and declaring ourselves as a new nation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A day set aside every year, on November 11, to honor all those who have served passed years in the armed forces. Those who served their time, whether is was for a few years or an entire career, in helping keep our country safe and sound. A day to thank them for the time they spent in serving our country and the willingness they had to give the ultimate sacrifice if needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each of these holidays are a way for us to reflect, give thanks to those who work so hard to keep us safe and remember what our country is all about. That freedom isn't free, that there are many people out there ensuring that our quality of life remains what it is, that many people have died to make sure that our rights stay intact and make our country the great place to live that it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you SO much to all of those, past and present, who have given me the amazing country and life that I enjoy every day! I love you and appreciate you and everything you have done for me, my family and my fellow countrymen.</span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-24926053112185634292016-05-23T18:49:00.000-07:002016-06-06T13:14:58.531-07:00Cliche Selfie Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zfdaIGnmFILXJVELCNGNtZAnJLWaNoGp6N_4JG_IcLwJd7wiDGEX-6Q1Q1y5Hj8t6LTGvBmhKX9ouXxU6mOei5V5OFH23m7mIeQxkv_SeZYBgpUwQr0zFXiD3eJ-jDe4Ks2ncLliw45N/s1600/13256118_10154195150362579_6133146191745485776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zfdaIGnmFILXJVELCNGNtZAnJLWaNoGp6N_4JG_IcLwJd7wiDGEX-6Q1Q1y5Hj8t6LTGvBmhKX9ouXxU6mOei5V5OFH23m7mIeQxkv_SeZYBgpUwQr0zFXiD3eJ-jDe4Ks2ncLliw45N/s200/13256118_10154195150362579_6133146191745485776_n.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This last weekend we spent three days in Las Vegas with some friends of ours. On our last day we had a few hours to kill before our flight and wanted something fun to do without spending any more money - Vegas will bleed you dry and we were tapped out! We decided we were going to walk around for an hour and take every single cliche selfie we could think of in that amount of time. We actually had a blast doing this, it cost us zero dollars, and we had a good laugh at ourselves looking at the pictures in the airport. This idea could really be taken to any city you visit, or even your own home town if you need a free date. Grab the camera, get out there and get silly. Here are our favorite pictures from that little jaunt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MGM Grand</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbik7aXlLivlQqzBMbkXFsJTMhfIjM7KmMBqZiAnAcxuD4fSXTGF864Av1jXXbZhf3KbZdieeyOQsOatn7iZLFXO_PlvsaL8yq8fNJvekZbpqP4smIt96NjqfhEdAQEO8eiewJ3fcYxEQ/s1600/13239086_10154195153322579_7195091468214545278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbik7aXlLivlQqzBMbkXFsJTMhfIjM7KmMBqZiAnAcxuD4fSXTGF864Av1jXXbZhf3KbZdieeyOQsOatn7iZLFXO_PlvsaL8yq8fNJvekZbpqP4smIt96NjqfhEdAQEO8eiewJ3fcYxEQ/s640/13239086_10154195153322579_7195091468214545278_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Monte Carlos</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3rmjvTTM3831WAvPP3YpA7cab3O1YTrd8v3raCLc1k1xaNqq-qRq34hgg_zQdUqx0j9vaHTD0XGGSKuXcH-sL7gOQUJWfaeof2oo6pEmAC38g8A5GtBZH9I1PksPf5ALlplJj5tc-2p/s1600/13240023_10154195152862579_1902350535817652695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3rmjvTTM3831WAvPP3YpA7cab3O1YTrd8v3raCLc1k1xaNqq-qRq34hgg_zQdUqx0j9vaHTD0XGGSKuXcH-sL7gOQUJWfaeof2oo6pEmAC38g8A5GtBZH9I1PksPf5ALlplJj5tc-2p/s640/13240023_10154195152862579_1902350535817652695_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The M&M Store</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_qnoaftKJTeNUcV1ThCy2ktLCGdR7xxQ1aaEXcuCDTm32iz4LLTZo3u_Vh5dLQ7SBDsdhJL6J9un3r0LhjTyqhSoUk7958UEzTlUpElV6ffxL758LZkhhxmeKCnJ9V-Tef4WcNrZ_D9-/s1600/13240059_10154195151222579_3245393411958435645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_qnoaftKJTeNUcV1ThCy2ktLCGdR7xxQ1aaEXcuCDTm32iz4LLTZo3u_Vh5dLQ7SBDsdhJL6J9un3r0LhjTyqhSoUk7958UEzTlUpElV6ffxL758LZkhhxmeKCnJ9V-Tef4WcNrZ_D9-/s640/13240059_10154195151222579_3245393411958435645_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Statue of Liberty at New York, New York</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New York, New York "Skyline"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfHYTKvL2L6zWx1_uE0yJCWoImNNhxnGVTDcTpd6G_VDhWbU89GuI2Hjsgr6IwzSpyjJhf9qZY18BeKNTr-YNyfTanVLit6TsmIBYeubk36MtHOm2vUxFiDiPy6RyCUW3pJ5wDCDeElQI/s1600/13256429_10154195154232579_4721617777333929831_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfHYTKvL2L6zWx1_uE0yJCWoImNNhxnGVTDcTpd6G_VDhWbU89GuI2Hjsgr6IwzSpyjJhf9qZY18BeKNTr-YNyfTanVLit6TsmIBYeubk36MtHOm2vUxFiDiPy6RyCUW3pJ5wDCDeElQI/s640/13256429_10154195154232579_4721617777333929831_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paris and Eiffel Tower</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAfGzqk7j0xabxYutTKCzbbMpREfhqwqKMX7eT7fIoMIBLqJo6oeYF_pCDdHgoEMW6D-8vV6g0uvSisRIy50-TI3hi_jHUhiTVXzu0bhLCF7I1yZGqd56MBAVeuJy_PczTUMaezwDyFyV/s1600/13265831_10154195153042579_2860157215690369243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAfGzqk7j0xabxYutTKCzbbMpREfhqwqKMX7eT7fIoMIBLqJo6oeYF_pCDdHgoEMW6D-8vV6g0uvSisRIy50-TI3hi_jHUhiTVXzu0bhLCF7I1yZGqd56MBAVeuJy_PczTUMaezwDyFyV/s640/13265831_10154195153042579_2860157215690369243_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hard Rock </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwOGbib9k57Vw01iAWdvoNOQ1whMBGzEjZs-rGXGGiAGRDfkypa7qS0lNu93EmBeRzyneThxVqSC5AX4HpBhM3maGnGQfSoUR_Dt0OZk2jsLi5N4ln-NEQtCOSMyJ1W8OOFg7SHHDfBSh/s1600/13266078_10154195150847579_7287296249051864997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwOGbib9k57Vw01iAWdvoNOQ1whMBGzEjZs-rGXGGiAGRDfkypa7qS0lNu93EmBeRzyneThxVqSC5AX4HpBhM3maGnGQfSoUR_Dt0OZk2jsLi5N4ln-NEQtCOSMyJ1W8OOFg7SHHDfBSh/s640/13266078_10154195150847579_7287296249051864997_n.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Hershey's Store!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> New York, New York Bridge</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-885532649495742682016-05-16T14:22:00.000-07:002016-05-19T09:33:33.692-07:00Parenting Sure Has Changed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5dCW2RcAN5iUz_zN087_MrCPCN-Ex4vtPldt3dtoIiDyfao290xo6SgwnsGu9IT0aLMhJvGKU4SuGVu2BKoIbhiaOHa1nQ-AZFbC0khk3e_xuszRTfMC0aqkumcZ7ZeY8hT7iDh9oUEE/s1600/048d405f-4ae0-4c27-af31-9b0bab5d29a4_zps93d13ce7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5dCW2RcAN5iUz_zN087_MrCPCN-Ex4vtPldt3dtoIiDyfao290xo6SgwnsGu9IT0aLMhJvGKU4SuGVu2BKoIbhiaOHa1nQ-AZFbC0khk3e_xuszRTfMC0aqkumcZ7ZeY8hT7iDh9oUEE/s200/048d405f-4ae0-4c27-af31-9b0bab5d29a4_zps93d13ce7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are always memes going around on the Internet about what life used to be like "when we were kids" and how coddled today's children are. I have to say that I agree with <i>most</i> of them. While I do believe that seat belts and bike helmets are a step in the right direction, there are a lot of other changes that I think are not only unnecessary but downright ridiculous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Don't Get Hurt</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ah, the line at recess to get onto a swing. The taller the swing set the better as this meant</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you could launch yourself even further in the hopes of winning the competition to see who could fly the furthest when jumping completely out of the seat. If you could fly all the way out onto the grass, you were the ultimate champion.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Now? All schools (in Washington State anyway) have taken out all swing sets to "keep kids safe" - and undoubtedly schools protected. I just don't know how a kid can grow up without knowing the feeling of those </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">few moments of free-fall as your swing left your butt in it's decent back to bottom of the swing arch, and you felt your stomach leap into your throat. Playing on the swings, climbing trees, taking your bike off jumps - these are all rights of passage in a kids life. We shouldn't keep them wrapped in bubble wrap for fear they will get hurt. That's the amazing thing about the human body. It heals. And, they make some pretty awesome band-aids these days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Go Play Outside.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can't tell you how many times we heard this growing up.... and frankly my kids as well. It was good to be out getting exercise and fresh air. I would wake up on a summer morning, go out and round up the neighborhood gang, and sometimes my mom wouldn't see me again until I got hungry - and then it occasionally wasn't even until it got dark because we would pick up food here and there at whoever's house we were closest to at the time. I very rarely hear kids playing outside any more. Is it unsafe to let your kids play outside? OF COURSE NOT!! Nay sayers would like you to believe that the world has become a dangerous place. It isn't any more dangerous than it was when we were kids, and as a matter of fact studies have been done to prove that it is in fact safer now than it ever has been. Kick those kids to the curb and get them outside!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Children's Taxi Services.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a big one for me. When my daughter was 10 her best friend lived about three blocks over. She meandered over there all the time to play. Did her friend ever walk over to our house? Nope. Mom drove her and picked her up when she was ready to come home. <i>She lived 3 BLOCKS away!!!</i> I would hop on my bike and ride a mile or more to get to my friends house. In 5th grade I lived on the very outskirts of a big city and had to walk to school, on a busy road (no, it wasn't in the snow, barefoot both ways.... why?). If I wanted to go down to the public pool in the summer to go swimming with my friends I had to walk. The parents waiting to pick up their kids from school in the afternoon look like the back-up on the freeway during rush hour. I understand that sometimes you have to pick up a kid for a doctors apt occasionally, but hundreds of kids need to be picked up? Why aren't they riding the bus or walking?! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our parents didn't drive us anywhere, ever.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We walked or rode our bikes. I think kids need to use their own devices to get places a little more often.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Allowance.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I never got allowance, and neither did my kids. I had a very hard time paying my kids for something that is just plain responsibility when you are part of a family. You help out by cooking dinner, doing dishes, vacuuming the floor an making your bed. That's what makes a family function properly - everyone doing their part. You shouldn't be paid for that! If that was the case I would be a very rich woman right now. With that said, I did give my kids <i>extra</i> chores they could do to earn money to go to the movies or do special activities with their friends. I didn't just hand over money all the time for nothing - washing the car or weeding the garden would definitely get you a little green in the pocket for whatever extra you might need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Holy Cow!! Some of these kids are having more extravagant birthday parties than my own wedding. Thousands of dollars are being spent on Fun Center rentals, bouncy houses, entertainment and catering. We got to have a few friends over (usually restricted to 2-3), got to pick what we wanted for dinner, and then had cake and ice cream. Done. I did give my kids special birthdays for special years: sweet 16 and turning 21 to name a couple, but as a general rule it was kept small and simple. It made those mile-stone birthdays all the more special because they weren't the regular occurrence, they were... well, special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So many people rant about how uncontrollable, disrespectful and entitled "kids today" are. Well, it all starts in the home, with how that kid is raised. Respect is a learned behavior and someone isn't going to feel entitled to a bunch of stuff if they aren't used to having it in the first place. Raise your kids with love, responsibility and expectations and they will almost always raise to the task. And, for God's sake, take off the bubble wrap and let your kids be kids! A skinned knee is all part of growing up. </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-5225227212238834242016-05-13T10:16:00.000-07:002016-05-13T10:22:06.748-07:00Watch Ya' Mouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1lZbocNpO9v6QrtkHCcKiqALEFQupFiHo0YhD8bdUBJCbwh40Uwq_UULwDtcm2z4bt4UhRqrq-5BLdtR5zqGIFaEoCEd0C9rBxV64k1cgE1_PjuvM0keWhuDXqIrLwMOADnvrTqJCYu/s1600/DCR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1lZbocNpO9v6QrtkHCcKiqALEFQupFiHo0YhD8bdUBJCbwh40Uwq_UULwDtcm2z4bt4UhRqrq-5BLdtR5zqGIFaEoCEd0C9rBxV64k1cgE1_PjuvM0keWhuDXqIrLwMOADnvrTqJCYu/s200/DCR3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's not very often that I see a video on Facebook that makes me laugh. Usually I sit there wondering what the heck everyone else is seeing in it. However, this morning I saw a video that had me laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my face! With just this little piece of plastic, and a couple of siblings, hilarity ensues. I will <i>definitely</i> be playing this game with my family and/or friends very soon!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Opening picture taken from http://www.mydentodoc.com. Video provided by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCckIJbG_MpYWWwlB6QfDKXg" target="_blank"><u>Joe Santagato</u></a></span></span>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-88729993428372102612016-05-09T20:58:00.002-07:002016-05-09T20:58:54.961-07:00Run a Race!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstKy_RKqikAM1tDKoyxBEJwvnCb7Vg4TY0A8rnBH0YlG3sPQ1N5OpgLOjjC7pgDGEjokxXwEDvjFq0_HzyxsFP1UI8nM5_z_oxAOBqWotZ61pLZyNg0nou_dQ_KE6wvq5NOjg47yY_NNr/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstKy_RKqikAM1tDKoyxBEJwvnCb7Vg4TY0A8rnBH0YlG3sPQ1N5OpgLOjjC7pgDGEjokxXwEDvjFq0_HzyxsFP1UI8nM5_z_oxAOBqWotZ61pLZyNg0nou_dQ_KE6wvq5NOjg47yY_NNr/s200/finish.jpg" width="200" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a great Mother's Day yesterday! One of the things on the agenda for the day was The Color Run with the girl. I would highly recommend this activity for all ages and activity levels, especially if you do something like the Color Run, that is designed specifically for fun. It's only three miles, most people are waking, and it's not even times so it doesn't even matter how long it takes you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have to admit, as a runner this "race" was quite frustrating for me as there were so many walkers. Since most doing this race are inexperienced with the racing world they weren't staying to the right to leave the left open for people who want to run. SOOO, if you go into this type of race thinking you are going to run - think again. Just relax, have fun and go with the flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were so many kids on this race that it was awesome to see. I love to see kids being active with their parents! And, everyone was dressed up in fun colors and outfits, which makes it even more fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, next Mother's Day, grab the kids and the tennis shoes and hit the road with a fun run.... then you don't have to feel quiet as guilty eating the dessert they cook up for you later.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQCuBklE9rP0zUlFEE_UoCKDfaoVOX2Hee8A3Ljp5AFqV__5NIkvik8jQhsVO5mqfB-UFFBBpb_Ni3jy_9rtNHB19MJnqxiQaAkbv7rwEClVsdCByxZDtXTI08y4RU5RiMpnPH_WaD-bj/s1600/13177448_10154161617117579_5769980114927249521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQCuBklE9rP0zUlFEE_UoCKDfaoVOX2Hee8A3Ljp5AFqV__5NIkvik8jQhsVO5mqfB-UFFBBpb_Ni3jy_9rtNHB19MJnqxiQaAkbv7rwEClVsdCByxZDtXTI08y4RU5RiMpnPH_WaD-bj/s400/13177448_10154161617117579_5769980114927249521_n.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VOOr4dQBGLV1TxkwJIMZIaKcjr7QHYFkZQYzjMnOcek5gpTJm0Uvir74-dlRJx49quAPpBi9KjJQy3GxiopCXnIUuF_GyG5MOMCNz9YBs6Q26YY1qv34fPYvqsxAn8JUaErGeLB5t8c3/s1600/13178950_10154161617227579_3846650354309566412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VOOr4dQBGLV1TxkwJIMZIaKcjr7QHYFkZQYzjMnOcek5gpTJm0Uvir74-dlRJx49quAPpBi9KjJQy3GxiopCXnIUuF_GyG5MOMCNz9YBs6Q26YY1qv34fPYvqsxAn8JUaErGeLB5t8c3/s400/13178950_10154161617227579_3846650354309566412_n.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCzsKAcCicm_yy16xS8-_TEn9djSXn48e_FoEL7Boc-fmlObMfBoc5169gakgp1hVvbW3ChuuOQtc6-LSl1px3zg9yr8qCpNEihdn9nUULfDk9hyphenhyphenYC_enzoOm_MNmpanShlUd6Ru6fanZ/s1600/13179077_10154161617392579_6620637513098235961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCzsKAcCicm_yy16xS8-_TEn9djSXn48e_FoEL7Boc-fmlObMfBoc5169gakgp1hVvbW3ChuuOQtc6-LSl1px3zg9yr8qCpNEihdn9nUULfDk9hyphenhyphenYC_enzoOm_MNmpanShlUd6Ru6fanZ/s400/13179077_10154161617392579_6620637513098235961_n.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All clean, fresh and white, ready to get splattered with colored chalk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aaron took this picture of us from the bridge that crossed over the start line. Never had a race pic from this perspective before!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jess out doing her thing!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyFbQjZK4xbUAc2DPmpVb5WcGLyOZZjVeWClW52n2Se3FAn2urbu6YtkoZ004o5kGvj1Mudjlh2G-LZTChmfqRlCqloS7Eqy1PZ6ZxRQgoMxr9zahafjWgQ01-ldb7S3AM3H4XGt-KaUc/s1600/13139296_10154161617717579_8891504868896981087_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyFbQjZK4xbUAc2DPmpVb5WcGLyOZZjVeWClW52n2Se3FAn2urbu6YtkoZ004o5kGvj1Mudjlh2G-LZTChmfqRlCqloS7Eqy1PZ6ZxRQgoMxr9zahafjWgQ01-ldb7S3AM3H4XGt-KaUc/s400/13139296_10154161617717579_8891504868896981087_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo op with "the kid" afterwards - Jess's puppy Copper. Everyone LOVED him at the race and we couldn't walk more than 20 feet without being stopped by someone wanting to pet him. He's a sweetie! </span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-26324144920527086762016-03-14T09:41:00.000-07:002016-03-14T09:41:38.233-07:00Leprechaun Trap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwH34lUhh4bLFLX77uBkEJYiHPUapo4wxj2UjCnwQE1WK5-n8V8cPVaXzfg3agdOR-dhKhC17-vAhF2MaXdVSfHQ3B05RrdQv7At-jMG-eAOlkT4p2R37Y403pO3tpGtLgnW_AfDDYGI4/s1600/leprechauntrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwH34lUhh4bLFLX77uBkEJYiHPUapo4wxj2UjCnwQE1WK5-n8V8cPVaXzfg3agdOR-dhKhC17-vAhF2MaXdVSfHQ3B05RrdQv7At-jMG-eAOlkT4p2R37Y403pO3tpGtLgnW_AfDDYGI4/s200/leprechauntrap.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I never really thought of trying to trap a Leprechaun when my kids were little. We always did the green eggs and pancakes every St. Patties day breakfast, and I usually made some sort of Shamrock cookie or special treat for that night, but my creativity never went beyond that. One of my school teacher friends was talking to me the other day however, about setting a trap in her classroom and how much the kids were getting into it. Such a fun idea! I found this trap over at <a href="http://thecraftingchicks.com/st-patricks-day-ideas/" target="_blank"><u><b>The Crafting Chicks</b></u></a> and thought I would share it. I'm keeping this idea for the grand kids some day, it's just way too fun. Head on over and check it out!</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-58656027440928641922016-03-10T09:02:00.000-08:002016-03-10T09:02:12.489-08:00Shamrock Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXsjENEH15qU26HkDLUKb8Z46NFX-svVdsHULSfqRTXqZ04i1UmOUDrScB1nKJO5OBZndlwNHvvygjQ5CIo8f5BWCEexyPLQDq7mW0M-yIwFu1Pfom1jJUEiUMjYvWfh5niN8mG0sMbww/s1600/DSC01270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXsjENEH15qU26HkDLUKb8Z46NFX-svVdsHULSfqRTXqZ04i1UmOUDrScB1nKJO5OBZndlwNHvvygjQ5CIo8f5BWCEexyPLQDq7mW0M-yIwFu1Pfom1jJUEiUMjYvWfh5niN8mG0sMbww/s200/DSC01270.JPG" width="148" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I <i>love</i> mint! And this time of year I am always tempted to head to McD's for their Shamrock Shake. I am a good girl and resist that temptation, but damn they are good! I am happy to say that I have come up with an acceptable alternative to that devil of a shake however. It's healthy, fresh and so delicious you won't even miss it's fast food counterpart. Your lips and butt will thank-you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SHAMROCK SMOOTHIE </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Frozen Banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tb Cacao Nibs </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blend everything in a blender, find a warm cozy spot, and enjoy completely guilt free. </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-48691385640828216242016-03-03T07:50:00.000-08:002016-03-03T07:50:54.729-08:00The Ziploc Barf Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_KmF8MEO3OgFnP72mQ9PAhSbHtOEMS8IL7iNAIhbJPCemvfbWD4iwDHli-E76okvI-ktLC3z2XD0K2XwvdGXERbjOlka19NcNNoLgzP13DyI0_jBM8zppCNjjwjZ2TCxvIHglzXVx-27/s1600/s-l225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_KmF8MEO3OgFnP72mQ9PAhSbHtOEMS8IL7iNAIhbJPCemvfbWD4iwDHli-E76okvI-ktLC3z2XD0K2XwvdGXERbjOlka19NcNNoLgzP13DyI0_jBM8zppCNjjwjZ2TCxvIHglzXVx-27/s200/s-l225.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh my gosh, where was this idea when I was in my child rearing years?! A friend of mine told me about this, as her kids were ALL just sick with the stomach flu, and I thought it was genius: using Ziploc bags for barf bags. How many times in my children's youth did I have to clean out the barf bucket by the bedside because things came on too quickly to make it to the bathroom? With a Ziploc bag you can zip it up and throw it out. No mess, no stench. This is even more perfect if you have kids prone to motion sickness in the car when a bathroom just isn't available...and at less than 10 cents a bag that's the perfect solution in my book! Road trip anyone?</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-1438362956641875302016-02-29T19:49:00.001-08:002016-02-29T19:50:13.632-08:00March Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xY-BuQo-m8-ympog62A0kv2KSoJ16xW8Eh7UGXryV0v7uW84niS3m9PtHZgKZ8MGxPSoRvbfzK1mN4NZsCqFIIBPMsI4u2NrIYf8i4rhDhtP6k8lEDpr05Mu097O8sX4YDxGuQl3MZe9/s1600/Holiday+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xY-BuQo-m8-ympog62A0kv2KSoJ16xW8Eh7UGXryV0v7uW84niS3m9PtHZgKZ8MGxPSoRvbfzK1mN4NZsCqFIIBPMsI4u2NrIYf8i4rhDhtP6k8lEDpr05Mu097O8sX4YDxGuQl3MZe9/s200/Holiday+Pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, here's a regular post I haven't done in quite a while.... and for that I deeply apologize. We need every excuse we can get our hands on to have little mini-parties all of the time!! I <i>really</i> need to be better about inviting friends over for silly holiday parties, especially now that my kids are gone and not here to celebrate with me any more. I am going to pick one of these this month and have a gathering! I will report on what I decide to do. In the mean time, pick one of your own and have your own unusual party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>National Peanut Lovers Day</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>2 - </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Dr. Seuss Day</b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>3 - </b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23">World
Book Day</span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23">5-6 - </span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23">National Maple Syrup
Days</span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23">6 - </span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>Oreo Cookie Day</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>9 - </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Barbie Day</b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>11 - </b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Johnny Appleseed Day</b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>12 - </b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b>Genealogy Day</b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b>13 - </b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Daylight Savings Time Begins</b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>13 - </b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>Donald Duck Day</b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>14 - </b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Pi Day</b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>17 - </b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>St.
Patrick's Day</b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b>20 - </b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Spring (Vernal Equinox)</b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>23 - </b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><b><span class="auto-style24">National Tamale Day</span></b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><b><span class="auto-style24">26 - </span></b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><b><span class="auto-style24"><span class="auto-style24"><b>Make Up Your Own Holiday Day</b></span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><b><span class="auto-style24"><span class="auto-style24"><b>27 - </b></span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><span class="auto-style31"><span class="auto-style27"><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style32"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style21"><span class="auto-style23"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b><b><span class="auto-style24"><span class="auto-style24"><b><span class="auto-style24"><b>Easter</b></span></b></span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-79619941542052949012016-02-15T13:22:00.001-08:002016-02-15T13:34:09.790-08:004 Great Kitchen Organization Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been hard at work the last couple weeks gutting out and deep cleaning my kitchen. I get very stressed out when things are cluttered and unorganized and I had a few cupboards that really needed some serious attention. I tried to keep things stacked and in containers, but it just wasn't enough. I was tired of having to dig for what I needed and wanted a system where everything was super easy to get to. I am <i>extremely</i> pleased with what I came up with and thought I would share my ideas. Get ready to get organized! You're life will run SO much smoother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Grip Drawer Liners</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first thing I did was dung out my spice and "gadget drawer". I got rid of everything I haven't used in the last year and set everything else aside. I lined both drawers with grip liner. This stuff is amazing because once you have it down nothing slides around in your drawer when you open and close it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I then put all my spices back in the one drawer and the other I placed all of my "gadgets" in an orderly fashion that is easy to grab quick what I need. Again, with the grip liner it stays exactly where you put it, so the drawer always stays organized. No more digging for the pizza cutter! And, my spices won't clunk around in my drawer anymore.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR353ZIuS7KKvvURGwZYrsOOgwol3mD1aUbX2AZr8aqFU8rJuHy6obcLjvnyCqNweY4vyTxeDWmjAIIaoPg4hFSWBkCIjFfZnmBicA7toRpagMXwSbhZ5v7aVw0-0mOZ6mZ7RSa5XAuPhw/s1600/DSC01112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR353ZIuS7KKvvURGwZYrsOOgwol3mD1aUbX2AZr8aqFU8rJuHy6obcLjvnyCqNweY4vyTxeDWmjAIIaoPg4hFSWBkCIjFfZnmBicA7toRpagMXwSbhZ5v7aVw0-0mOZ6mZ7RSa5XAuPhw/s400/DSC01112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Cooking Utensil Holder</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wanted to take all of the larger utensils in that "gadget drawer" that I use all-of-the-time and make them even easier to get to. I decided the best route was to get a utensil holder to put next to the stove, where I am using said utensils. However, I didn't want to buy another item to put on my counter. That is another thing I definitely can't stand is a cluttered counter. I want a lot of space to work and hate a lot of things sitting on the counter. Solution? I emptied my smallest canister and put everything in there. It's a double win because it's something that was already on the counter (so I wasn't adding anything new) and it matches the set. Perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. One Word - BASKETS!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a great system of having all of my bulk items in matching containers in the cupboard. They fit nicely, looked great and kept things pretty organized. The problem was,<b> </b>I have very deep cupboards and every time I wanted something I had to dig through the containers to find what I needed. Usually this involved half of my containers sitting on the counter till I found what I was looking for and then me having to put everything back - Ugh! Putting all of them into baskets was a stroke of genius, because now all I have to do is grab out one thing, get what I need and slide the basket back in the cupboard. All containers are labeled on the top so it's easy to find what I'm looking for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also have all my my cake decorating supplies, cupcake liners and smoothie powders all in baskets for easy grabbing. In my smaller cabinet I have all my seasoning packets in their own basket along with one for all my extracts in another. Again, grab the basket, get what you need and put the basket back instead of having to dig around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The other thing I use baskets for is all the produce that needs to be kept separate in a cool dark place: onions, potatoes, garlic and squash. I got wire baskets for these to keep air flowing and it's easy to see when I'm running low. You can also see that I have a container for all of my teas and coffees and another for my baking supplies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Pots and Pans.... Rack Um!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was the hardest, and most rewarding cupboard to organize. Pots and pans are always a mess. Even when you nest them inside of each other, it's a pain every time you need to get the pan on the bottom and they never seem to stay that way. Someone does the dishes and they just get thrown into the drawer because most of the time they don't wan to take the time to re-nest the pans. (yes, I am guilty of this from time to time myself) And what to do with all of the stupid lids?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I started out by getting rid of all pots and pans I don't use very often. I whittled it down the the pans I use the most and are the most useful. A good stock pot, my wok, my steamer, a couple good small pans, a medium pan, a sauce pan and my trusty cast iron. Everything else went. I bought wire racks to keep them separate, instead of having to "Nest" them and another rack to keep my skillets easy to grab one at a time.... then, one more basket for all the lids. (Man, I LOVE baskets!!! They make your life SO much easier!) I don't have a before picture of the mess I had, but here is how it looks now. Each pan is easy to grab without having to mess with anything else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even just looking at these pictures makes me feel more relaxed. I hope I'm not the only one who likes to stare at their finished handy work..... Cooking is one of my favorite past times and now it is so much more enjoyable. It really didn't cost that much money either (way less than a re-model for sure) - $200 at the most. It's the little things in life that really make everything better.</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-22300268214730367942016-02-02T10:09:00.000-08:002016-02-02T10:09:22.032-08:00Kitchen Accessory Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in the middle of my annual organization cleanse. I try super hard not to get a bunch of stuff to clutter my house, but it's amazing how much I need to organize and de-junk every year. At the moment I'm working on the kitchen (probably one of the hardest rooms to work on). I spend a LOT of time in this room, and want it to look great but also be extremely functional. I'm very proud of my latest idea in here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've seen a lot of kitchens with pots, pans, utensils and the like hanging from rafters and walls. My kitchen isn't designed in a way that's feasible for this, though it would be amazing to have everything out and ready to use. I love the idea, and hate having to root around the cupboards for what I need, it just doesn't work for my floor plan. However, the other day I had a total ah-ha moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things I am <i>constantly</i> digging for are the measuring cups and spoons. They have a place, but I'm always digging them out to use them. When I'm in the middle of an all-day cooking session I just get them out in the morning and leave them out until I'm done. I had one such day last Friday (48 garden burgers, 32 granola bars, 8 hamburger buns, and one loaf of bread). I happened to be standing at my stove cooking up the veggies for the garden burgers and was staring at the gigantic blank space right there between the stove and the fan vent. That's when it hit me - I could hang my measuring cups and spoons right there. SO easy to get to, a super convenient place right where I'm cooking and baking and it is dead space anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The job was super easy and super inexpensive. I bought a tension curtain rod ($5.00) and four S hooks ($4.00). For under $10, and literally 1 minute of work, I came up with this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE it!!! It actually makes my kitchen look semi-pro, it's decorative in a completely dead space, and its SO convenient!! Those suckers are ready to go at a moments notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I just have to figure out a better plan for my pots and pans. </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-39736883380704245312016-01-05T21:02:00.000-08:002016-01-05T21:02:20.348-08:00Get More Creative!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQlXpWKPgeAsO6rFHLUnvldgbpJh0qrxoW9URDP_2M9cDrNSg1Xe82y2rdo_m8jl6YTcVCbg52Ft5EjKTHnTqRkR9jvU1biYgq57Ue5ZP6yYS61FDNP8Bswp1M1bEHOjuUsuMBLBr_9PE/s1600/12400444_10153897375198217_7959573038925922505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQlXpWKPgeAsO6rFHLUnvldgbpJh0qrxoW9URDP_2M9cDrNSg1Xe82y2rdo_m8jl6YTcVCbg52Ft5EjKTHnTqRkR9jvU1biYgq57Ue5ZP6yYS61FDNP8Bswp1M1bEHOjuUsuMBLBr_9PE/s200/12400444_10153897375198217_7959573038925922505_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a completely shameless plug for Aaron's new book. I am very proud of him right now. It's an awesome book on how to be more creative at everything you do in life and has really motivated me to get off my duff and get going on some of the things on that long "some day" list. Check it out, you won't regret it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bulb-More-Creative-Everything-ebook/dp/B019I42DE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452055771&sr=8-1&keywords=aaron+cheney" target="_blank"><b><u>KINDLE VERSION</u></b></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bulb-More-Create-Everything/dp/1522841334/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1452055771&sr=8-7&keywords=aaron+cheney" target="_blank"><u><b>PAPERBACK</b></u></a> </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-70514222534750943052016-01-01T11:11:00.000-08:002016-01-01T11:11:03.820-08:00Big Ball of Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw this idea for a game kicking around on the internet this year that I wanted to give a try. Wrapping a bunch of "prizes" up in plastic wrap and making it a contest to see who could unwrap the most things. It seemed like a good idea so I set about making it a reality for our Christmas Eve gathering. It was HUGE success and unanimously voted to be a yearly tradition from here on out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing I did was hit the dollar stores, bargain bins and gadget aisles of my favorite stores (I can be a real thrifty shopper when I have the time and mindset). I wanted mostly inexpensive, fun items in our ball o' plastic. However, in the center were a few more desirable gems: some small games and movie tickets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPssKKtezhIp6KyH3IMniLwIoknU6U-lO64V5tJ8cV8CJeRtP9-07hHM77aRaIdrRfo2HrLU7jDEQvyFmUq-6asoDQlyf6jSEHCuIU99m4PdlDr8DmJWkHC0KBEexEsOhFGuxutxcpypUH/s1600/DSC01053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPssKKtezhIp6KyH3IMniLwIoknU6U-lO64V5tJ8cV8CJeRtP9-07hHM77aRaIdrRfo2HrLU7jDEQvyFmUq-6asoDQlyf6jSEHCuIU99m4PdlDr8DmJWkHC0KBEexEsOhFGuxutxcpypUH/s400/DSC01053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bulk of the booty was Christmas Candy, Gum and simple items like pens and pencils. I also went back out to pad the pool with some microwave popcorn and more Christmas Candy...... I don't think there is such as thing as too much Christmas Candy - Santa would have wanted it that way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you wrap your treasures, make sure that the most valuable items are in the center, and they get smaller and less expensive as you get to the outer layers, where you start your unwrapping. That way, the longer the game goes on the more desirable the prizes are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are the rules to this fabulous game. I don't know who the ingenious person was who came up with the idea in the first place, but my hats off to them!! I did end up throwing a few ideas of my own into the game to make it more fun and challenging, but I suppose that's the nature of all great things - a culmination of many ideas colliding into a final project (or game).</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3-4 Rolls of plastic wrap - depending on how many prizes you have and how big they are.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enough prizes that everyone in your group gets to have a turn at least 5 or 6 times. I bought a few bags of candy and opened them up to make individual prizes: that also works with pens, pencils and anything else that comes in a package.... It makes things go longer and it shares the items among several people.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sure to have some more desirable items in your ball. I had some movie tickets, larger candy bars, and a couple small games towards the center of my ball - the beauty of doing this with plastic wrap is you can see what's coming up and people get very competitive when something bigger is coming up. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, start by wrapping up all of your treasures in your plastic wrap. Put the most desirable things in the center and work out to the smaller stuff. We had a lot of candy and microwave popcorn in our outer layers to start off.... Keep one of the rolls that the plastic wrap came on, as you will need it for game play.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One person gets to start with the ball while the person on their left gets two dice. The person with the ball starts to unravel the plastic and re-rolling it back onto the tube it originally came on. (even though I used 4 rolls of plastic wrap, we only re-rolled one of the tubes.) Simultaneously, the person with the dice rolls until they can get doubles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as the person on the left rolls doubles they get to start unrolling the ball while the dice are passed to their left. And play continues.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anything that you are able to free from the plastic as you are unraveling becomes yours, and you get to keep those items.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a little bit of trading and swapping going on after the game, but mostly people had a great time and were all very happy with the treasures they came away with. Everyone talked about how fun this game was for days. It will definitely be part of the Cheney Family festivities from here on out!</span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-31605200109795400922015-12-18T10:26:00.000-08:002015-12-18T10:26:35.519-08:00It's Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know my girl is a grown, married adult now but some traditions are just too hard to break. As long as this lady is still living in the same town as me we will continue to get our yearly picture with the Jolly ol' St. Nick! This year we missed our traditional Black Friday photo shoot (don't worry, we were still out on Black Friday, we just missed Santa this year), but Santa didn't let us down. He showed up at the Victorian Christmas Holiday Bizarre we were shopping at, so we cornered him there and got our annual picture. Thanks Santa!! Love the picture.</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-36646263579424623662015-12-09T14:05:00.004-08:002015-12-09T14:05:55.133-08:00Garland Chandelier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZfpEFVh7uxi0wdb9seojdVI2PqahQ24fcxMx1V3jqSK2WHjQmMWkeiuTZOzT-ttALNl6jR3Oc2mhrix3l7OE8opokbN_yOJIYJyH6bUH9Q3Er8SZ3sh90u_3wVszhy4lNMumhdSNltPo/s1600/DSC01050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZfpEFVh7uxi0wdb9seojdVI2PqahQ24fcxMx1V3jqSK2WHjQmMWkeiuTZOzT-ttALNl6jR3Oc2mhrix3l7OE8opokbN_yOJIYJyH6bUH9Q3Er8SZ3sh90u_3wVszhy4lNMumhdSNltPo/s200/DSC01050.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas decorations bring me great joy and comfort. I think it's mostly because, during a time of year when I don't get to be outside as much as I like, I have the opportunity to bring the outside into my home. I put green wherever I can, and each year I try to come up with a few new ideas. This year the green extended to the dining room chandelier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's such a simple, inexpensive way to dress up the table and make it feel just a little more special. I did do this a few years ago and tried using real tree branches. I would highly recommend NOT doing this, and moved to the artificial garland this year: it's a very off putting when the branches start drying out and dropping pine needles into your food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grabbed some green garland at Michael's when they were having a 60% off all garland and wreaths. If you keep an eye out you can get a really great deal. This particular garland was already donned with pine cones and cranberries so I had very little work to do, as it already looked amazing all on it's own. I tend to go for more simple and not overpower the garland - I like the greenery! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All I did was take the garland and wrap it around the top of the chandelier and then fluff it up to be nice and full. I then hung a beautiful ball right in the center for just a little bling. All-in-all this took about 10 minutes, and around $10.00, and looks amazing. Everyone who comes over comments on how beautiful it looks.</span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-3254641925627694152015-12-02T20:09:00.000-08:002015-12-02T20:09:40.303-08:00Gift Bag Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a place on one of my walls that I really wanted a Christmas/winter picture on. I was looking around the store today and just couldn't find anything I liked... and, all the pictures were $20 or more: not worth the cost to me. Then I saw this awesome gift bag and had a brilliant idea. I came home, cut out the picture on the bag and put it in a picture frame I already had. It looks perfect in the space I wanted it and the total cost was only $2.00! </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-30219931251451560512015-07-21T11:06:00.000-07:002015-07-21T11:06:32.445-07:00Fancy Oreo's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJqyXK-mvpq5LVnFR4gP32RM6U9RYSZTGN4mnx5SpienivIJRP7YgLKJHxXNjXbYztywks3zo5atkcKV-of6QmMvnE4InuyxILl0ubfed0Pe9NLBN5GtnYZ3jzk0jfpzVcjONXu6ncBKG/s1600/DSC00018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJqyXK-mvpq5LVnFR4gP32RM6U9RYSZTGN4mnx5SpienivIJRP7YgLKJHxXNjXbYztywks3zo5atkcKV-of6QmMvnE4InuyxILl0ubfed0Pe9NLBN5GtnYZ3jzk0jfpzVcjONXu6ncBKG/s200/DSC00018.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, okay, I'm slow. Jessi's wedding was four months ago and I haven't really put anything on here yet. What can I say, we had family here and then summer hit - and we have been outside living the dream. I'll be getting to it over the next couple of weeks. Here is one of the favorite treats of the shower and wedding. Everyone loved them, they were super easy to make and most important, they looked very pretty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>INGREDIENTS</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oreos</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Colored Dipping Chocolate (whatever the color of your event is)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matching Colored Sprinkles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">White Candied Pearls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>DIRECTIONS</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melt chocolate in a double broiler. The package says you can melt chocolate in the microwave, many place on the interwebs say you can melt chocolate in the microwave, and I know many people who have success with this - you may even be one. I have NEVER been able to melt chocolate in the microwave. Every time I try it burns, so a double broiler works great for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dip half your Oreo in the colored chocolate and place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. While chocolate is still warm, put some sprinkles down the center of the Oreo, followed by a line or two of your candied pearls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you have a baking sheet full of dipped Oreos, place in the fridge for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate. Yes, it is that easy. Now you will have simple beauty on a plate.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY0CHijm02ICKt08X4RUAcujOyDZ5di1LtyVBZ2xKzgC-MFyQaYRmljt96OE4w65HL9_jA1qr-3xlhC_e942Zv63_jVib_Sd_wEAOyWpzV9uiwirVRynrWfUvZb41DmLMYxnZYn_sdAIV/s1600/DSC00021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY0CHijm02ICKt08X4RUAcujOyDZ5di1LtyVBZ2xKzgC-MFyQaYRmljt96OE4w65HL9_jA1qr-3xlhC_e942Zv63_jVib_Sd_wEAOyWpzV9uiwirVRynrWfUvZb41DmLMYxnZYn_sdAIV/s400/DSC00021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-13017686364426059162015-07-08T09:27:00.000-07:002015-07-08T09:27:32.646-07:00Flag Bean-Guacamole Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis92UfLKdbey0SoGwwF4qLaP79lORC-4pixHyXFG9cDWBS7PoPSY4Eief_t9eVkpL4nhbbxATRK9c7KK_-P1-uNqcKW5wrIQFOG-8G8TsxNpZX7fzIypfOzYeSoImXokCpELS_AOj958pX/s1600/Patriotic+Bean+Dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis92UfLKdbey0SoGwwF4qLaP79lORC-4pixHyXFG9cDWBS7PoPSY4Eief_t9eVkpL4nhbbxATRK9c7KK_-P1-uNqcKW5wrIQFOG-8G8TsxNpZX7fzIypfOzYeSoImXokCpELS_AOj958pX/s200/Patriotic+Bean+Dip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a great 4th of July celebration with friends. Great food, relaxing afternoon, and awesome fireworks over the water. One of the things I took for the potluck was a twist on my favorite bean dip. It's super easy to throw together and everyone loved it - it was one of the first things that disappeared. (Plus, it just looked amazing).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Cans Refried Beans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tb. Taco Seasoning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Large Avacados</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Light Sour Cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tb. Guacamole Seasoning Mix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 Green Onions - diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Large Tomato - Diced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Large Can of Diced Olives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Slice Mozzarella Cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>DIRECTIONS</b></u></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 9x13" pan. (I used a good ol' Ziplock tuperware container - cheap and easy to transport in the cooler.)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the refried beans.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make your guacamole, smash the avocados in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup sour cream, seasoning mix and green onions. Mix well and then spread this over the refried beans layer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take the rest of your sour cream and spread it over the top of the guacamole for a third layer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spread one cup of shredded mozzarella for your fourth layer. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take your chopped diced olives and put them on the corner of your "flag".</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using the rest of your shredded mozzarella, and diced tomatoes, make the stripes of your flag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a small star cookie cutter, cut stars out of the sliced mozzarella and place those on top of your olives in the corner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Walla - flag bean dip. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what your final dish should look like</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very patriotic - and super yummy! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuW3NubsCDniagk3sH0n6yOnAbCN23wD2rhMi2oSnkGMQ47cTp8pCTfB0biRYQAg2WUEgo-9LnpRlYCuQ9tbLodAovmvBBrGl4-ilIfZn3Y2uq0flIp0Tk8DpeyPEhjy29sXFBMaK9ry5Y/s1600/Patriotic+Bean+Dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuW3NubsCDniagk3sH0n6yOnAbCN23wD2rhMi2oSnkGMQ47cTp8pCTfB0biRYQAg2WUEgo-9LnpRlYCuQ9tbLodAovmvBBrGl4-ilIfZn3Y2uq0flIp0Tk8DpeyPEhjy29sXFBMaK9ry5Y/s400/Patriotic+Bean+Dip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-60979808691518549452015-07-02T12:07:00.004-07:002015-07-02T12:08:23.924-07:00Patriotic Piggies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLOeKC5oPJhaY4AAkLMIJZ6ITJxk5N1W4uOxr7v4JNl4zLugYJVlHjhH4Lg5u3O1EciFetOCMMJPA37eMAeg9N3vEK5evrErKQzU0XKD7fH2JUIwUfN7ItyJlJQIfhFKJfHgsy-2B6xh7/s1600/1891143_10153434885822579_7310241411211011297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLOeKC5oPJhaY4AAkLMIJZ6ITJxk5N1W4uOxr7v4JNl4zLugYJVlHjhH4Lg5u3O1EciFetOCMMJPA37eMAeg9N3vEK5evrErKQzU0XKD7fH2JUIwUfN7ItyJlJQIfhFKJfHgsy-2B6xh7/s200/1891143_10153434885822579_7310241411211011297_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't paint my fingernails. I can spend an hour giving myself a manicure, painstakingly painting each nail to perfection, and in a matter of hours they are chipped. So not worth the time! My toes are another matter however. Polish stays on and I can be very bold in my colors and design since it's on my feet. Here's a very easy way to get into the Patriotic spirit, and you don't even have to be a manicurist to pull it off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not painted my toes in a few weeks, as I was trying to keep them free for healing. Aaron and I did a huge hiking trip (3 National parks, 5 days, over 40 miles logged - including a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in one day). Needless to say my poor feet were beat, pealing and bruised.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDJO2eogR4IKedrGgvX16yVdsN2r4VFRtdC88kLD5WflTIXPD5onvSPHhi94f5atpkTc_ojmcYSgArTra66euHmFXE1RM_7IM0HExaKcnmjY0q2b2GCKXgL8Di5mJlu5hCbn1xZKiQIpZ/s1600/11228942_10153415946877579_358922487917710396_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDJO2eogR4IKedrGgvX16yVdsN2r4VFRtdC88kLD5WflTIXPD5onvSPHhi94f5atpkTc_ojmcYSgArTra66euHmFXE1RM_7IM0HExaKcnmjY0q2b2GCKXgL8Di5mJlu5hCbn1xZKiQIpZ/s400/11228942_10153415946877579_358922487917710396_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aaron got tired of looking at my bruises and told me it was time to paint them up and hide them. Funny man! With the 4th coming up quickly, I decided to go with a patriotic design. You only need a few supplies to pull this one off on your own and it looks super cute and impressive!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishm4wK8vU4XVNLexThnrYXvPEHAAnxcHvgGAuhig3mw4ub8ztXoui78m_Suw9wnndjJyUH3Eo_8tzSuawAGi5XXlCmSI9gIlUnMYpuWyX-nwZUlEsBAQ8S1wV7L_VatpJD-QO23I1fFFP/s1600/DSC00773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishm4wK8vU4XVNLexThnrYXvPEHAAnxcHvgGAuhig3mw4ub8ztXoui78m_Suw9wnndjJyUH3Eo_8tzSuawAGi5XXlCmSI9gIlUnMYpuWyX-nwZUlEsBAQ8S1wV7L_VatpJD-QO23I1fFFP/s400/DSC00773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top/Base Coat Polish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue fingernail polish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Red fingernail polish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">White nail art polish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Orange Stick</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dotting Pen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Star stickers, appliques or gems (I used gems, this is optional and I will tell you how to design without these if needed)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STEP 1:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint all toes with base coat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STEP 2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint your big toes with the blue polish and all the rest with your red. Do two coats of this for a nice even color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STEP 3:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While your blue polish is still wet, stick your star gems onto your big toe: this will allow them to adhere to the polish so they won't come off. They also make a gem glue polish, but you can skip that step if you work fast while your blue is still wet. If you are doing stickers you should wait until it dries. My gems were hollow in the center, so I used my dotting pen to fill them in with my white nail art polish. If you don't have a dotting pen, a toothpick will probably work just fine - or if you have a steady hand just use the thin brush of the nail art polish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, if you don't have stickers or gems, don't despair, you'll still look amazing. Just use your dotting pen to place white dots onto your blue toes. From far away that's what the stars look like anyway - white dots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STEP 4:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using your white nail art polish, paint vertical stripes onto all of your red toes. Make sure the white stripes are not too thick, you want that red to show through. I made sure there was more red than white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STEP 5:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint all toes with the top coat. I did a second coat of the top coat on my big toes to make sure the stars were nice and secure and wouldn't fall off at any time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you are ready to show up for that Independence Day BBQ in your cute flip-flops showcasing your amazing toes!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLOeKC5oPJhaY4AAkLMIJZ6ITJxk5N1W4uOxr7v4JNl4zLugYJVlHjhH4Lg5u3O1EciFetOCMMJPA37eMAeg9N3vEK5evrErKQzU0XKD7fH2JUIwUfN7ItyJlJQIfhFKJfHgsy-2B6xh7/s1600/1891143_10153434885822579_7310241411211011297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLOeKC5oPJhaY4AAkLMIJZ6ITJxk5N1W4uOxr7v4JNl4zLugYJVlHjhH4Lg5u3O1EciFetOCMMJPA37eMAeg9N3vEK5evrErKQzU0XKD7fH2JUIwUfN7ItyJlJQIfhFKJfHgsy-2B6xh7/s400/1891143_10153434885822579_7310241411211011297_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-19999649096043752762015-06-29T11:48:00.002-07:002015-07-21T11:10:34.834-07:00Blueberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAeScDesX610juwrFJup7rUzCuVOyErvHQhn2lnS9hFilaYXIvE7_BfqBBZYnsoTBAgxq-1boM-q9rLznv2JiKlvcwyHxkpduLv2DRLfVRnhzm64_8PGDKp4vjdOvewq5B51d7ptcEmc/s1600/_MG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAeScDesX610juwrFJup7rUzCuVOyErvHQhn2lnS9hFilaYXIvE7_BfqBBZYnsoTBAgxq-1boM-q9rLznv2JiKlvcwyHxkpduLv2DRLfVRnhzm64_8PGDKp4vjdOvewq5B51d7ptcEmc/s200/_MG_0001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love blueberries. I love them so much that I put in a small blueberry garden in my yard. One of my favorite things to do throughout the summer time is to get up in the morning and pick a handful of blueberries to throw into my granola - and let me tell you, there is nothing better than a just picked, ripe blueberry!! Towards the middle of summer the blueberry bushes are weighed down with all of the amazing plump berries and we are able to pick them by the handfuls. So yummy. Then it becomes muffin time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdCCp5sxdKkn0iJvtUYd2QpZa7sRLPHmof3h4rnoU42q694Uvh7qJnwIesmJo0Fl_29LRBB3O4rpiMMp-E404A9iE7fre0aplfiSJSWK5dtUoyZwOBbeLYUTTbpMd3AgfUsfIwcSoZAXw/s1600/10353622_10153401445032579_8044280590169013790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdCCp5sxdKkn0iJvtUYd2QpZa7sRLPHmof3h4rnoU42q694Uvh7qJnwIesmJo0Fl_29LRBB3O4rpiMMp-E404A9iE7fre0aplfiSJSWK5dtUoyZwOBbeLYUTTbpMd3AgfUsfIwcSoZAXw/s400/10353622_10153401445032579_8044280590169013790_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The blueberries are going gangbusters this year. We have had a hotter than normal spring and it's just moving into our summer. Mid 80's-90's is the norm around here as of late (and living is Seattle, that is an unusual phenomenon). Though the house gets a little warm, since we don't have air conditioning, the garden is <i>loving</i> it. I have already gotten a couple batches of blueberries, with several more ripening as we speak.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1EeiDMP7aDdICvooxB2nCnVyIxZQZ_95yhO2x8tCwZx1v1PT9LPTMtcHmNBtZTrJBODHHgiWIm6yzOCwtByLvT7pTZPW1mKxfSv1912PGhTDURhyphenhyphenQ_VJJlT3He9fuXZmPVZOV0YHbbNl/s1600/10013891_10153401445107579_5807574559980171361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1EeiDMP7aDdICvooxB2nCnVyIxZQZ_95yhO2x8tCwZx1v1PT9LPTMtcHmNBtZTrJBODHHgiWIm6yzOCwtByLvT7pTZPW1mKxfSv1912PGhTDURhyphenhyphenQ_VJJlT3He9fuXZmPVZOV0YHbbNl/s400/10013891_10153401445107579_5807574559980171361_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This morning I made up some of these delightful muffins, early before the house got too warm. Can't wait for breakfast tomorrow!! If you don't have a blueberry garden of your own, head out to a U-Pick or farmers market: your muffins will be just as good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>INGREDIENTS:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3/4 Cup Milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 TB. Canola Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 Egg Whites</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1/4 Cup Applesauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 TB. <a href="http://theweightshednutrition.blogspot.com/2013/07/vital-wheat-gluten.html" target="_blank"><u>Vital Wheat Gluten</u></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Preheat Oven to 400 degrees. Line Muffin tins with cupcake papers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beat milk, oil, egg whites, applesauce and honey. Stir in flour, baking powder, gluten and salt and mix until just moistened. Fold in blueberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until golden brown - about 15 minutes. Immediately remove from pan and put on a cooling rack.</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-8509476431720788482015-06-15T11:27:00.000-07:002015-06-15T11:27:51.919-07:00Garden Bling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3UXvPrgUImT55AaYX7i6cw8XKLVIQKsQ-LrjGsCEWgIJAW095L-4Ys0AQSWDtNX48pbSBST3j16nNa-EC25hyT6i4q6TjlUmy1sxWgezsdJwL0v5M-41tMLV0fU9plG1-vkAZAY-x0Ur/s1600/DSC00749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3UXvPrgUImT55AaYX7i6cw8XKLVIQKsQ-LrjGsCEWgIJAW095L-4Ys0AQSWDtNX48pbSBST3j16nNa-EC25hyT6i4q6TjlUmy1sxWgezsdJwL0v5M-41tMLV0fU9plG1-vkAZAY-x0Ur/s200/DSC00749.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love to garden. There is something very therapeutic about digging in the dirt and listening to the birds chirp while the sun warms my back: complete peace. My garden is a place I love to be, and I have decorated it beyond the beautiful plants I have growing there. A trip to the thrift store can make your garden sparkle in the sunlight and give it a wonderful addition of art and color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter and I <i>love</i> to thrift shop. We hit second hand stores, pawn shops and antique malls all of the time. We spent many a summer days doing this as she was growing up, and now that she is married it's one of our favorite weekend outings together. I have more clothes than I know what to do with, so the clothing racks have been off limits to me in our later outings. My new obsession? Glassware and art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we walk into a store I head straight for the dishes. Plates, glasses, vases and votive cups intrigue me - especially anything hand painted, hand blown or mosaic. It started because I am getting ready to write a cookbook and I am always on the lookout for awesome dishes to do food photography with. One day I happened to be talking to a client of mine, and we got into garden talk. She mentioned that she put bottles and plates in her garden to decorate it. Now, why didn't I think of that?! Brilliant. I was now on a new mission every time I walked into a thrift store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a few treasures that I have found this year, and I love the way it makes my garden look. The glassware gives my young, and not filled in yet, garden color and design. Just one more reason I love being out there!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMFK80x4faNX1Lf1m3w5IPeScK9hXoCi1oP_wXKk8SpZaTDDQMoEYm574uMPpjEJNFC7rNEtuVzmzFlisjaZ82V-MgnlPyYjcIDRfiIzMExOWcJ6N6zVVk-iW89hYLKU_Kr0Bnr-4BYfV/s1600/DSC00751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMFK80x4faNX1Lf1m3w5IPeScK9hXoCi1oP_wXKk8SpZaTDDQMoEYm574uMPpjEJNFC7rNEtuVzmzFlisjaZ82V-MgnlPyYjcIDRfiIzMExOWcJ6N6zVVk-iW89hYLKU_Kr0Bnr-4BYfV/s400/DSC00751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found a couple of hand painted plates that I just stuck into the ground. I am thinking I want to go take a ceramics class now.......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9Owm_ePr2CHNOqiemsxOsckVR7F0WxtffqL3Ebazc1zIYSO_MLVJxAfMhpVRvj-Ig2wUQRhjhyjy77P10sATq2hVSINydJBwoSygrrdFHsdkAB1Shim0HvXEUUn0MdEfKaRUYkX767x8/s1600/DSC00752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9Owm_ePr2CHNOqiemsxOsckVR7F0WxtffqL3Ebazc1zIYSO_MLVJxAfMhpVRvj-Ig2wUQRhjhyjy77P10sATq2hVSINydJBwoSygrrdFHsdkAB1Shim0HvXEUUn0MdEfKaRUYkX767x8/s400/DSC00752.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVcj8DyI-YPafcmA5UO6aWQmfDwmg9LT5LbKzPknbhmLhCYJpPSU2Gs-McyLeIgewsPPC-4YA03_kMSLBK9_KgZQkOxXXEEEpywrao6gERl_PlkblsxTvZ2EIftZSyQrcXlIJqbHXKdE7/s1600/DSC00749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVcj8DyI-YPafcmA5UO6aWQmfDwmg9LT5LbKzPknbhmLhCYJpPSU2Gs-McyLeIgewsPPC-4YA03_kMSLBK9_KgZQkOxXXEEEpywrao6gERl_PlkblsxTvZ2EIftZSyQrcXlIJqbHXKdE7/s400/DSC00749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Votive cups can be turned upside down (so as to not fill with water) to add bling. I found two mosaic style cups that sparkle in the sun beautifully. The little one I actually put on this awesome holder that I found to make it a little higher up. You can do the same thing with bottles, I just haven't found any that I have fallen in love with yet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aOqVKSkpbtE6u_meuSuVNYYX4Td5tJF7paWMl5Nqe6J_PLp7CZZ5zS8gvQ_Bm8VFadYAlJSHRV62VtL8TdSTv8umMaaP7dHJVFVRrU5Jd1DAdfZ1-9-uYEDA4weQKiRhPEzUcs9WvZjd/s1600/DSC00753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aOqVKSkpbtE6u_meuSuVNYYX4Td5tJF7paWMl5Nqe6J_PLp7CZZ5zS8gvQ_Bm8VFadYAlJSHRV62VtL8TdSTv8umMaaP7dHJVFVRrU5Jd1DAdfZ1-9-uYEDA4weQKiRhPEzUcs9WvZjd/s400/DSC00753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2yMbJYyk9cBUKvYBrYsyasGvwmDH-lzTcpovTuHy-7iVFrxpyufXGUN5nPf_O4w61bOV4iLb0_iXu1UphhoBpYpYL3MIMQAzgOAGL0QKldKJHObYEk-CxRch65i-aXk8ucVDi1ziRbFM/s1600/DSC00755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2yMbJYyk9cBUKvYBrYsyasGvwmDH-lzTcpovTuHy-7iVFrxpyufXGUN5nPf_O4w61bOV4iLb0_iXu1UphhoBpYpYL3MIMQAzgOAGL0QKldKJHObYEk-CxRch65i-aXk8ucVDi1ziRbFM/s400/DSC00755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this! I am just going to have to make sure my treasures don't outweigh my plants. The last thing I want is for my garden to look like a junk yard, but a little bling here and there adds character and flair.</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-80264891087302696262015-03-04T17:09:00.000-08:002015-03-04T17:10:40.901-08:00Why Mom's Get NOTHING Done!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcWlc0oGq1gE66p_IKgnGiyvqzhSTX6YrXosTRLhM2wydN64OTwaDRdjaMa-tr15uOkFomL2jDV69-SSHp6drAk7QE4K_w5M37n1GqTKZMaoU8_1_H4yjo93tAAC3Kbeemvjwm5C9apoQ/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcWlc0oGq1gE66p_IKgnGiyvqzhSTX6YrXosTRLhM2wydN64OTwaDRdjaMa-tr15uOkFomL2jDV69-SSHp6drAk7QE4K_w5M37n1GqTKZMaoU8_1_H4yjo93tAAC3Kbeemvjwm5C9apoQ/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just saw this video and HAD to share it. Oh. My. Gosh!!! I so remember these days. Those of you on the back end of raising kids can totally relate and the rest of you who have parenthood in your future, here is what you have to look forward to. To those right smack in the middle of it - I promise you will laugh one day and miss it. Here's to all you mom's out there. Enjoy a giggle on me!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_bP0Uf3Shd0" width="560"></iframe>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239475247938618979.post-71275980055224908182015-02-20T14:10:00.000-08:002015-02-20T14:15:34.500-08:005 Things That Are Great About Being An Empty Nester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFNxUkAT-vdQ-R572gTsnewELDP9o5k5MdiZS7KldDvJhdAvyQ7dJRWOYznljPLOH4OiDOSbv07Z_RVbCVWOmAIr0DoE5gnf5umP-HnLIHZl59UPXXkRZDeJSNzlulG2m9_hQDjJ-Iteq/s1600/IMAG0711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFNxUkAT-vdQ-R572gTsnewELDP9o5k5MdiZS7KldDvJhdAvyQ7dJRWOYznljPLOH4OiDOSbv07Z_RVbCVWOmAIr0DoE5gnf5umP-HnLIHZl59UPXXkRZDeJSNzlulG2m9_hQDjJ-Iteq/s1600/IMAG0711.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Empty nest syndrome. I've heard the tale, and seen mothers go through it many times. They just can't seem to let go of the kids, and lose direction in their lives once they have all moved out. I have worried about how I would react once my kids left. I put everything I had into raising those munchkins - would I rattle around the halls like a ghost lost forever to life? Well, I'm pleased to say that I am loving where I am in life right now! Here are my top 5 things I love about being an empty nester.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. I CAN FINALLY BE MY KIDS' FRIEND.</b> I can't tell you how many times I had to say, "I am not here to be your friend, I am here to be your mother". It was never a popular position to be in, and many times I felt my kids would rather kick me off a cliff than be in the same room with me. I had to make the difficult decisions, inflict discipline where needed, and be the party pooper in more situations than I liked. But now...... they are both someone else's worry. They have their own partners they have to answer to, and it's finally not me. We get to go hiking, on Sunday drives, and host family dinners: we can sit around and play games, laugh and have a good time. I can finally relax and just enjoy my kids for the amazing adults they have turned out to be. I get to be their friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. EVERYTHING COSTS HALF. </b>We have gone from feeding and paying for four people to two. All of the sudden, the vacations we thought were never possible seem more within our reach. Energy and water bills have dropped. Food - don't even get me started on the grocery bill. The purse strings are just a little more relaxed these days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. MY HOUSE IS ALWAYS CLEAN.</b> I can't even begin to tell you have much less time I spend doing housework. I can get an entire weeks worth of laundry done in two loads - yes, I said two, and we are super active people that exercise every day. The kitchen doesn't have a continual flow of dishes in the sink, the toilets in the two guest bathrooms are always clean, and there isn't a flow of stuff coming out of the back bedrooms like a tidal wave waiting to overtake me. It's amazing how much more relaxed you are when your house is clean. And, the most amazing thing of all? When I put something away, it actually stays there until I need it again. My things have stopped disappearing into the depths of disarray never to be found again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. I HAVE TIME FOR MYSELF.</b> To do whatever I want. I have taken on a few new hobbies. I have started sewing, working on advancing my fitness career by taking more classes and have even started writing a cookbook. I finally have time to pursue my own interests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5. ANY TIME, ANY WHERE.</b> Nuff said on that. </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915819831814637769noreply@blogger.com0