tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737937451908136442024-03-14T05:10:24.619-07:00A Calming ChaosWith an active toddler, a busy schedule and trying to frugally decorate a New House, there are sure to be some adventures. But there is something Calming about all the Chaos around me, knowing this is my HOME!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-43443671095368757062013-03-04T04:54:00.000-08:002013-03-04T05:01:05.382-08:00She Melts My Heart, I Tell YaPutting Alyssa to bed last night. I was laying in bed with her, and I usually ask her if she had a good day, and go over the events of the day.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"So, how was your day?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"> "Good"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"> "What did you do today?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"I seen Massin" (Madyson - her friend)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"Oh, do you love Madyson"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"Yeah"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"Is she your best friend?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"No."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"No? Well, who is your best friend?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"Umm, You."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">It was so sweet. My heart melted and tears welled up in my eyes. I know that one day, probably not too long from now, she will come home and tell me about Madyson, or another kid from school, and how they are her best friend. But at that moment, and many moments while she is still small, I am her world. What a great privilege I have.</span></div>
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Emily</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-27319976611373496952013-02-26T07:19:00.000-08:002013-02-26T07:19:48.625-08:00A Date with my GirlIt was just Alyssa and I on Friday. Chris wasn't coming home for lunch and the baby I keep during the week wasn't here, so I wanted to take advantage of one-on-one time with her. <br />
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It's crazy how I'm a stay at home mom, and still struggle to find time to just stop and enjoy life with my daughter. I mean, isn't that the point? This August, we are planning on putting her in preschool. Not just day care, where I can keep her with me when I feel like it. This is real school. This is the school she will be attending in kindergarten and beyond. I took her to the school yesterday because she has been begging to go, so I figured I could take her to see it, and I could get some info on their 3 year old program while I was there. <br />
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I'm really torn about it, to be honest. I want her to go to this particular school. It is not private, but it is charter. Most kids that go there wait for years before they can get in. The best way to guarantee her entrance is to take her when she turns 3. I have someone who can hook me up with a spot for her, so it's ideal for me to just take her. But at the same time - she's my baby. I hate the thought that when she is enrolled, I can't decide to just keep her for 1 or 2 days a week. When the rest of the school has early release days, she is stuck there until 3 pm. I know it's really the best option, but it just seems so final.<br />
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Anyways.... so I have been feeling like I only have a few months to really enjoy mommy-daughter time, and want to make the most of it. I don't want her early memories to just be of me cleaning, or paying bills, or being on the computer, I want her to remember me taking her to the park or the library, or Disney, whatever. So I have really been making a point to do those things now.<br />
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On Friday, I decided that I wanted a stay-in-Auburndale sort of day. The weather was perfect. It was warm under the sun, but cool in the shade, and the breeze was blowing just right. I knew I was going to take her to the A-dale park, and really let her blow off steam. First we went to the Auburndale Pizza Company. They sell pizza by the slice, and have a nice little outside area (that is actually screened in, so it keeps the bugs away). We sat out there and enjoyed our pizza and antipasto.<br />
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Then we headed to the park. I love this park. It's divided in 2 sections - one for 2-5 year olds, and the other for 5-12 year olds. The only problem is that the big kids seem to migrate to the little kid section, and they run all around them and aren't careful. But during a weekday when school is in, it's not a problem at all. Of course now Alyssa wants to go to the big kid side, so I really can't complain about it at all. I have a hard time getting her to play with the other kids out there. She is so shy. A little girl came up to her and said "Hey, do you want to play with us?" Alyssa very frankly says "Nah". I don't want to be too pushy with her, but I did finally talk her into playing. She ended up having the best time, and didn't want to leave. She also overcame her fear of going up the ladder, which is really high, and going down the big slide which is also very high, and dark inside. Once she went on it the first time, there was no talking her into anything else out there.<br />
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After that we went to the public library. I have not hung out in a library since I was in Jr High. We both got our library cards. Of course, I picked out a cute little bee card, and she picked out an adult design. This library is cool, because there is a separate room for kids. This way they can go in, and don't have to worry as much about being quiet. They have computers there with learning games. She thought she was really cool playing on a real computer. I will be blogging more about this library, because I learned recently that they have a kid's program every Thursday with crafts and music and stuff. Plus it is just for 3-5 year olds, so it will be nice for her to get to know a few other kids her age. I am looking forward to meeting some new people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course she would pick up the book with a scorpion eating a lizard on the cover</td></tr>
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I love days like Friday. I hope for many more like this before she goes to school. Of course there is always spring break and summers. <br />
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<strong>What types of things do you do with your kids? Leave a comment telling me all about it!</strong><br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-13965856123900691722013-02-25T13:43:00.001-08:002013-02-25T13:43:45.250-08:00My New Front Porch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On my last post, I told you about the plans for our front porch. Originally this space was just another flower bed. Well, maybe not just another flower bed, more like a jungle, with it's own ecosystem. After just a few months of living here, we tore our the flower beds and just had a plot of dirt where the plants used to be. We knew all along that we wanted a porch there, but had no idea how to go about it. We knew we wanted pavers, but were overwhelmed by the costs and work involved with that. We have thought about pea gravel, cement, cement molds, you name it. <br />
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We ended up settling on these 16x16 pavers. We love them because they are all one piece, which means less work and less up-keep than the smaller ones. Plus, they have deep rivets in them so you can put the sand in them, making them look like we worked a lot harder than we did. (PS... shout out to my father in law, Bobby for all that he did to help us this weekend, as well as my mom for helping take care of the kid, and carting me to Lowe's for some extra stuff we needed.)<br />
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Sorry in advance for not having step by step pics. <br />
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Here is what we did to make it happen:<br />
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1) Prep the ground. This was actually done a long time ago, when we pulled all of the bushes out, thus leaving an empty pallet.<br />
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1a) Part of prepping the ground also includes leveling it, and packing the dirt to avoid shifting. They make tools that you can rent to make the job a little easier, but my FIL and Chris did it the old school way, by pounding a cinder block over and over again. <br />
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2) Paver sand base. We didn't have to do a lot of this since we live in FL, and already have sandy soil. But the good thing about the special paver sand is that its more like crushed rock, will likely prevent everything from sinking and moving around.<br />
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3) Paver base. Not sand. This is like a thick styrofoam that keeps everything level. It also won't absorb water, which is good. <br />
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4) Pavers. The pavers we used have a similar pattern to them, but not exactly the same. So we were able to make them look a little more hodge-podge than if we just used straight bricks. Really, how you do it is up to you, just as long as you keep with it, and don't change your mind in the middle of your project.<br />
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5) Paver sand base.... again. This is going to keep the pavers from shifting more, and also makes it look like cement between bricks. This step isn't all the way complete for us. We put some down, and wet it and let it dry, and we are going to be mixing some sand and <a href="http://www.sealkrete.com/" target="_blank">Seal-Krete</a> to put in between the cracks, so that we aren't sweeping up sand and re-packing for the rest of our lives. <br />
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6) Seal-Krete. When the last step is done, we will be putting <a href="http://www.sealkrete.com/" target="_blank">Seal-Krete</a> over the whole porch to keep the whole thing sealed. It's best to do this, so the cement stays dry, and doesn't wear down or have mold issues. This will also help keep grass and weeds from showing up between the pavers.<br />
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7) Decorate. I don't have it just the way I want it just yet. We will likely be adding some lighting above the porch, and maybe a nice wall sculpture.<br />
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Notes: Pavers are heavy. I don't mean like over time, they are difficult to handle, or maybe you will be sore the next day. These things are like 40 lbs. It was quite comedic when we were buying them, and trying to get them through the store, onto the truck and off again. Not to mention pinched fingers. <br />
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In case you wonder: The pavers, paver base and sand cost us about $450 for a little bigger than 7x10 area. The pavers were $4.96 a piece, or $2.68 per square foot. <br />
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I don't regret our decision to do this at all. Last night we sat out their with my parents, watching Alyssa play through the grass while the sun went down, and the orange blossoms were potent!<br />
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One more thing to add. Over in the opposite corner, we had a sort of straggly plant there. I have always wanted a Bougainville, but it is super thorny, so we would always be trying to get Alyssa to stay away from it, and pruning can be a bear, not to mention very painful. I was at Lowes the other day and found this Bleeding Hearts Vine. It resembles, and will continue to resemble a Bougainville, without the thorns. Just a little tip from me, because I was excited about it. The only bad thing is that it is pretty picky. It doesn't like moist soil, but also doesn't like the sun. I put it there, because it is the perfect spot, and I'm hoping I can keep it going. And the trellis that I am using was only $8. Score!<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-11413417197726265642013-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:002013-02-22T07:06:05.749-08:00A Thorn in My Side, and a True Thorn in my SideI'm so excited for this next month. As I shared in my last post, we will be overhauling the backyard. We are putting in a fire pit/living room area, and building a deck for a dining room area. I have been pinning mosquito repelling plants like crazy so that we can be out there and not become dinner. But, something that I forgot to mention is that we are also creating a front porch sitting area by our front door. <br />
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One of my dreams of living somewhere that my kids would grow up is to have a front porch so they can play outside in the front with the neighborhood kids. One of my fondest memories growing up was playing with the neighbors at dusk when the fireflies were out. My parents were chit-chatting with their parents, and we were just enjoying life, being kids. **Rabbit Trail Alert** Then we would go inside, take our baths for the night and go to bed when our hair was dry. Sometimes we would go to bed when it was still dusk. I thought it was crazy to go to bed so early, but it must have been comforting, because now, sometimes at dusk, I just want to go to bed while I can still see the light through the blinds, and whisk away to dream land.<br />
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Well, that was Ohio. In Florida, our dusk is only about 10 minutes long, compared to about 3-4 hours on a cooler Ohio summer night. We also don't have fire flies here. But, I have made a home here in Florida, so I have to make do with what I have. I may not have dusk or fireflies, but that doesn't mean that I can't make some of those same memories in this neighborhood with my kids. <br />
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Here is a picture of the house when we first moved in. Notice the jungle that was our front flower beds.<br />
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Those flower beds took months to clear out. MONTHS! I was going to try to keep some of it, and just cut it back, but there was a very thick bed of ferns that had to come out. The more I tried to pull them out, the more I realized how in-the-way the bigger bushes were. We ended up pulling out absolutely everything and starting from scratch. We ended up changing the shape of the flower bed, which also took a lot of work. I never realized how strong I could be until I had to dig up 100 pounds worth of bush and ferns out of the earth. I'm like Wonder Woman, only less 80's.<br />
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We have also made a few other changes to the front. We painted the whole house. It's hard to tell in that pic, but the house was pink. Everyone in the neighborhood hated it, not to mention that it had been years since it was last done, and there was mildew stains and hard water stains from the irrigation system. It was really terrible. <br />
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My father in law came a couple weeks ago and installed gutters. That was a huge blessing, because we had a water fall where we wanted to put the porch, and knew that we would regret laying pavers if we didn't put those up first. <br />
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Here are a couple pics of the area that we will be putting the porch. Please don't judge me for the weeds. The fact is that we have dug weeds out of that area several times, and there is nothing protecting the ground from them right now. That will change this weekend.<br />
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I will keep you up to date on all of the progress over the next month. <br />
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I'm going to get serious with you for a minute. My brother posted this video on Facebook the other day. I don't care who you are. If you are a kid, or a teen, or a parent or future parent, you need to watch this. <br />
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Bullying is a real epidemic amongst kids. I myself was bullied terribly in school. I have overcome in a lot of ways, but the pain is still real. Kids these days are killing themselves over what people are saying to them. It's not something to joke about, and no kid, no matter what they look like, who they choose to love, how much money their parents have or what they did in the past should deserve to be bullied. Yesterday was an extremely emotional day as I first watched this, then saw in the comments someone try to make light of the bullying situation. That particular person just happened to be from my past, and someone I associated with my bullies. When I called him out on it, he basically told me that I deserved it because I didn't stand up for myself. Needless to say, I was a wreck yesterday. <br />
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I won't keep you any longer but do want to say, please, please pay attention to your kids. If you think your kids seem depressed, struggling in school, not playing/hanging out with their friends, please talk to them about bullying, because they very well could be a victim. On the other hand, if you think your child could be a bully, please put an end to it right away. <br />
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Have a kid or teenager in your life? Tell them why you love them, and how great you think they are. That could be just what they need that day, or as a reminder for their days ahead.<br />
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If you yourself are being bullied, please know that it does get better. When you leave high school, the people that you were around, will all go their separate ways. You will grow up. You will learn who you are, and accept who you are. They will grow up and mature. I would have never believed it, but 99% of the people that bullied me, I don't know where they are, or what they are doing this day. The adult world is so much different.<br />
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If you have any questions about bullying, please refer to <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html" target="_blank">this website</a>. It will give you some insight on signs to watch for, plus what to do in the situations. <br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-35398676926767345142013-02-21T01:30:00.000-08:002013-02-21T03:49:49.129-08:00Stupid Nettles - Can I just be a baby for a minute?I am posting this so everyone can feel sorry for me. I was playing outside with Alyssa the other night. She stopped for a minute and laid on the grass. <br />
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"Mommy, come here and look at the stars with me!"<br />
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There were no stars, in fact, it was like 4 in the afternoon. But I wanted to pretend with her. After all, I was out there for her. I went and laid down, with my arms over my head, using my hands for a pillow. Our grass has some browning to it since it is winter, but didn't expect it to feel so sharp when I laid on it. I felt it first on my arm, and when I looked over to see the grass, I then got some on my face. I instantly moved noticing I was laying in nettles, and it was too late, because I had patches all over the top half of my body. It sucked. It's feeling better today. It still tingles sometimes, and since I got a spot on my finger tip, writing this feels really strange. If you have never had nettles before, lucky you. They feel like a billion splinters, and after they stop hurting, they just feel like the area is asleep. I had trouble sleeping last night, because it was hot in our room, but I had to keep the blanket on because the wind from the fan would hurt the spots really bad.<br />
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This is what psrt of my arm looked like.<br />
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So this morning, I got on Pintrest to see if there was a "Pintristy" way to kill off nettels. (Yes, I just made up that word - I think) So you know what the folks at pintrest want me to do with my nettels? Keep growing them - and EAT THEM! Say, what?! I guess they are really healthy for you, but there is no way those things are going to keep living in my yard.<br />
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Here is a <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Sting-from-a-Stinging-Nettle" target="_blank">Link</a> to tell you a great way to stop the stinging if you happen to fall victim to this hellatious plant. I have to say that step 1 made me laugh. "<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0"><strong>Move away from the nettles to a nearby area to prevent getting stung again</strong></span><span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">." I guess that's what common sense would tell me. However, common sense did not tell me to look up how to soothe the sting until right now - when its almost gone. </span><br />
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<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">I have some cool stuff coming up soon. We are going to be doing a makeover in our back yard that will consist of a firepit, and a deck made out of pallets. Stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">Tata,</span><br />
<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">Emily</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-66453751244995205992013-02-20T12:40:00.000-08:002013-02-20T12:41:46.301-08:00Anne Elise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My niece came into this world a month ago today. I am elated, to say the least. She is beautiful, and looking at her makes me long for Alyssa to be a baby again. Chris says we should just have another. I'm ok with that, :). I had no intentions on going up there to meet her at the beginning. I couldn't afford it, and didn't think it would be feasible for me to get away from Florida. But, alas, when there is a will, there is a way. We made it up the day after she turned 1 week, and I got to hold her first, and had to fight back tears. The feeling of holding my blood niece was unimaginable. She was sleeping, and I scooped her up, and said her name, and she smiled from ear to ear. What can I say, she melted my heart.<br />
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Alyssa was ecstatic to go up, and hold a real baby. She practiced with her baby doll so that she knew how to hold her head and body just right. She did a great job with her.<br />
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And another great thing about when we went, is that it was snowing the day we were there! It was super cold, but I guess I'm so used to it being cold and not snowing here, that it didn't even occur to me that it could snow. When we opened the window that morning, I saw a white blanket barely covering the ground. It wasn't much, but we took advantage of it. <br />
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We had a great time up there. I can't wait for next month when they come down to see us in Florida. Here are some more sweet pics...<br />
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Oh, and this just made us laugh.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-46787249517289836852012-10-09T04:30:00.000-07:002012-10-09T04:30:02.796-07:00Virginia: Part Two - My Embarrassing Bucket List VisitDo do do do do do.... dunnununununah doo doo doo doo doo doo doooo... laddadadeedeedah. Who can guess what that tune is to?<br />
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I will give you a hint. It is one of my guilty pleasures.... The Waltons. Yes. It's true. I am old. More like an old soul, who particularly loves 80's dramas that were set back in time. The Waltons, and Little House on the Prairie mostly. Call me a nerd, I don't care.<br />
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When I was in Virginia, I went to Walton's Mountain. This is exciting stuff! They have the home that Earl Hammer (the creator of the Waltons) ,that he grew up in. They also have a museum with replicas of the Walton's home, and Ike Godsey's general store. It was so neat to be able to stand in the kitchen, just like I always wanted to when I watched the show. Here are some pictures from the museum.<br />
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So that's it. Tomorrow I will have pictures up from the shower. <br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-55060607654817694272012-10-08T12:31:00.000-07:002012-10-08T13:10:29.201-07:00Virginia: Part OneAlyssa and I jumped on the plane last Wednesday and headed to Culpeper, VA to see my brother. The main reason we went was for their baby shower. Here are some pics we took while we were passing time in the airport, and on the plane.<br />
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Orlando Airport has a lot of shops and restaurants to help pass the time. Of course they have a ton of Disney shops, just in case you forgot a souvenir while you were there.<br />
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Watching the planes.</div>
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Getting ready to take off</div>
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Making a picture for her new cousin. This was a great time passer by the way!</div>
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In D.C. .... the Washington Monument. I loved being able to see some of D.C.'s sights from the plane. Unfortunately, this was the only one I could get a good picture of.<br />
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*******<br />
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I have some more footage of the trip to show you, including the shower, and something from my bucket list. Stay tuned!<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-71506677274489563602012-10-01T08:32:00.000-07:002012-10-01T08:32:23.561-07:00Hello WorldSo, going into my new blog, I promised myself that I wouldn't start a post with "Sorry I haven't blogged lately." But, non-the-less... that is how I am starting this one.<br />
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A lot has been happening in the last few weeks. My head has been spinning in all different directions, and I have been suffering from a little writers block because of it, and also having a lot to take care of.<br />
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A couple months ago, I started this blog with a plan. While I still have the same plan, part of my problem has been coming up with projects and recipes once a week to show you, and then finding the time to do a craft, or make the recipes has been challenging for me. As I said in the beginning, please bare with me as I get this off the ground, because I started on a whim, and didn't have several weeks worth of ideas under my belt to start it off. <br />
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As you know by now, I am a consultant for <a href="http://acalmingchaos.blogspot.com/2012/09/tgif-whats-poshining.html" target="_blank">Perfectly Posh</a> and have been struggling to get my business up and moving. I have had 2 baby showers that I have helped out with, one being at my house, and I am leaving on Wednesday for Virginia for my brother and SIL's shower. I also decided a few weeks ago for sure that I was going to finally break the chains that I called my job, and be a stay at home mom. I told my husband that we were just going to have to make sacrifices because it was important to me, and he agreed. So I do my budget, with the intentions of my last day being the last day of November. After I write out several months worth of the budget, I go into work the next day with a corporate email, asking employees to voluntarily cut their hours to help during the slow seasons. This threw an all new wrench in the gears. Of course I wanted to just jump on it, but what about my budget? This would mean less pay, and less savings every month for the big day. But it seemed to make sense. I would have 2 extra days during the week with my daughter, and still have an income. Chris was pretty insistent that I take that chance right away. So I send an email that I would take off Thursdays and Fridays, and just work Monday - Wednesday. I figured it was just to the end of the year, and that would be a perfect time to make my last day... then something else happened. A friend of mine contacted me, asking if I knew of anyone that would watch her daughter. This seemed like the perfect opportunity because I could continue making a little extra money, and would give my daughter a playmate. So I ended up putting in my 2 weeks notice right away. My last day was supposed to be 10/8, but got an email from my boss last Tuesday that they were going to just let me go, and call it my 2 weeks worked. OKAY! <br />
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So, my life is so different than I thought it would be 3 weeks ago. I am so blessed to be staying home with my daughter, and finally being able to give her the energy she deserves. She is already thriving, and seems so happy to finally have her mommy!<br />
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Side note.... I do have a couple projects lined up again. So I will be able to start blogging again on a more regular basis... with the exception of this week, because I will be in VA enjoying the cool fall weather!<br />
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Tata, <br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-55225603269687148102012-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:002012-09-22T19:47:02.828-07:00Weekend Meme: We All Wonder<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLWtptu7AbNJQxhi-jek0I-nVqrwCISbIsNOyT0OP2SJL4-rSSum6qWFk2Vc_ITrCafLmwg0aXlgDXvZ7EN4LZF3i9vWIwzprjZnFFe183h5SPMK9X9e9dqxoDb0V1dat7oZi1DQC5rPy/s1600/real_meanings_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLWtptu7AbNJQxhi-jek0I-nVqrwCISbIsNOyT0OP2SJL4-rSSum6qWFk2Vc_ITrCafLmwg0aXlgDXvZ7EN4LZF3i9vWIwzprjZnFFe183h5SPMK9X9e9dqxoDb0V1dat7oZi1DQC5rPy/s400/real_meanings_15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nedhardy.com/2012/01/10/17-real-meanings-to-words-and-phrases/" target="_blank">Ned Hardy</a></td></tr>
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I can't tell you how many times I have felt this way. Pretty much everytime!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-36199594868672842452012-09-13T08:58:00.000-07:002012-09-13T08:58:55.625-07:00To DIY or not to DIY - That is the QuestionDIY is all the rage these days. It's fun. It's fun having a creative outlet, and satisfying knowing that you made it, or refinished it exactly how you wanted it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/category/diy/page/2" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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But are all of those blood, sweat and tears really worth it? Well, it depends. Here are some guidelines that I go by when deciding whether the project is worth it, or if it's just better to buy something in place of it.<br />
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1) How much will it cost. Of course if you have a dresser (IN GOOD CONDITION), and you had it for years, or you got it for free, or maybe $10 at a yard sale, then throwing a couple coats of paint on it may be worth it. If you go to antique store, and find a similar dresser for $350, but it's missing the top, or it needs new drawers or something like that... probably not. You figure, you pay $350 for the dresser, then you have to find about the same wood, then cut it, sand it, stain or paint it, buy the gears, and whatever else it needs. At that time, you have probably spent $450, but all of the time and effort you put into it, when you could have gone to Ikea, or another furniture store, and bought one for $200 that is just as nice, and brand new. Now, if you are just wanting different wood, or to stensil something on the top... don't you already have a dresser?<br />
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2) Is it really worth your time? DIY, I guess, is mostly about time and money. You have a great art piece ready to go at Pier One. Great, it's beautiful, its exactly what you are looking for, and it's a whopping $200. That's nuts. Listen, I love Pier One as much as the next girl (trust me on this), but their stuff comes with a hefty price tag. How creative are you really? Is it something you really could do yourself? If it's a painting, could you really paint what is on it, and mimic the painting? I say, if it's something that you really love, maybe save up or wait till it's on sale, and just buy it. When I look at an art piece, if I love it I wait, and buy it after I have saved for a little bit. If its something I know I'm not willing to pay the money for, then I use it as inspiration and move on. There is no sense in mourning over it if you won't ever have it, when you can use something similar. Have a painting that's out-dated, or doesn't reflect the style anymore? Just slap a coat of Kilz on it and go from there. The possibilities are endless. You could use paint. Maybe use what you have painted your walls with to make something abstract. Or you could make it more 3-d by using fabrics, or layering scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqFEjbCWWM0NVk-LVNtO143f7RwsdXjLenVDXkod56edyq_PpV2D1HzfTDB07pVLOomNSU9ILm5s7ZibjyOGdJhr8VDIPyJg1fS9AB8S_kBZ6KexlfzoJ2HkS3kGEzMsps8bzHqCFnXC5/s1600/paper-towel-roll-diy-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqFEjbCWWM0NVk-LVNtO143f7RwsdXjLenVDXkod56edyq_PpV2D1HzfTDB07pVLOomNSU9ILm5s7ZibjyOGdJhr8VDIPyJg1fS9AB8S_kBZ6KexlfzoJ2HkS3kGEzMsps8bzHqCFnXC5/s400/paper-towel-roll-diy-art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.decoist.com/2012-05-23/25-diy-wall-art-ideas/" target="_blank">Decoist</a></td></tr>
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3) Are you really going to use it? Yes, I agree, that is a really nice piece of wood sitting on your neighbor's curb. Hmmm, what could you do with it? You could replicate the painting you saw at Pier One. You could buy some legs for it, and make it a nice end table. You could hang it from the ceiling in the nursery with some cute yarn balls hanging from it to make a mobile. But, really... let's be real here. Are you going to do that? Is that something that you really wish to take on, or is it just a fantasy. Don't pick things up that could be used, unless you have a set plan on it. It's ok to throw away that old olive oil bottle. I know that you could put some twine around it, and display it on your shelf. But if you are anything like I am, if you don't have all of the materials, and a free day that you KNOW you will get it done, then it will probably just end up sitting in your garage, taking up space when you promised your parents that you would have the garage all organized to fit the set of weights they are trying to get you to take.<br />
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So, basically, when you are taking on a project, make sure that it will really be worth your time. I get it. There is something so satisfying about spray painting a lamp, and putting ribbon around the shade, but you only have so much time in a day, and if they have the same lamp at Lowe's for the same price as all of the materials, just buy it. Trust me, I love DIYing, but this chick is busy, and my time is valuable. So that's just my 2 cents.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-44656377251442171542012-09-11T05:23:00.000-07:002012-09-11T07:23:33.630-07:00Fat Tuesday - The Great Grilled Cheese Race<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8oXuMEZYRG6lPCi5OW1ffITwVxP5e1FaTzcQuchkVqawB98moWtzxFhW0czQ2eTP5JWOj3mGQIZxg1Riv10ZOWWLJS_UJyispQ5CHcaGHhTvuxChKzt64QsDXr4tVW1BoMOTsQwPvyV/s1600/grilled1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8oXuMEZYRG6lPCi5OW1ffITwVxP5e1FaTzcQuchkVqawB98moWtzxFhW0czQ2eTP5JWOj3mGQIZxg1Riv10ZOWWLJS_UJyispQ5CHcaGHhTvuxChKzt64QsDXr4tVW1BoMOTsQwPvyV/s320/grilled1.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/217439488229767252/" target="_blank">Quick Dish - Table Spoon</a></td></tr>
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If you have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/poshheart/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> account, you know as well as I do not to go on it when you're hungry. I go on, and repin every food I see whether I intend on really eating it or not. I think the thing that gets me the most excited is when I see so many ways to jazz up a grilled cheese sandwich. When you think about it, the possibilities are really endless. Here are a few of my favorites.<br />
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This one actually came from a photography page, <a href="http://www.lylaandblu.com/#31" target="_blank">Layla and Blu</a> . It looks like it is made with an herb mayonnaise and egg and bacon. That's what it looks like to me anyway. The mayo would be easy to make. Mix in some parsley and garlic, or dill which would give it some zest. Maybe use a provolone or havarti cheese. Mmmmmm.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD16n7VHpP6HRcvv4vd4mdwHDkEX4Oz4v96cmaTTdwrfMwOzcGHnJk4uAty7EUnGK6sNEcESfoFhyphenhyphenYuyqGIlUv36wosfrcAq2Xp-H7znwvvmeCTFiM1SnrBloO5v0j9_N0c81MXtvL7nl/s1600/132293307774523024_b9DmYtlg_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD16n7VHpP6HRcvv4vd4mdwHDkEX4Oz4v96cmaTTdwrfMwOzcGHnJk4uAty7EUnGK6sNEcESfoFhyphenhyphenYuyqGIlUv36wosfrcAq2Xp-H7znwvvmeCTFiM1SnrBloO5v0j9_N0c81MXtvL7nl/s640/132293307774523024_b9DmYtlg_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/177047829072072569/" target="_blank">Layla and Blu</a></td></tr>
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Up next is a yummy Italian spin on the great grilled cheese. It is a Caprice Grilled Cheese sandwich. Basically this one would have a pesto spread on the bread, and topped with tomatoes, and basil, and of course - TONS of mozzarella cheese! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxmTkh0fKCRAU8so3pKLUozEUgqp8P7WPENyVs5k3Md8rwQuQVrteURKRdNwJ-PursObBWJmOvnxlr4HarHdFyX4veGG0R6spv0-GUi14ivKKqrwnYFxpzMmnpUNfWWhQhVP8FmIJA9pp/s1600/134193263867117662_o8LSxTBf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxmTkh0fKCRAU8so3pKLUozEUgqp8P7WPENyVs5k3Md8rwQuQVrteURKRdNwJ-PursObBWJmOvnxlr4HarHdFyX4veGG0R6spv0-GUi14ivKKqrwnYFxpzMmnpUNfWWhQhVP8FmIJA9pp/s400/134193263867117662_o8LSxTBf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/177047829071714168/" target="_blank">From Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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This next one features one of my favorite places in the world - Hawaii! I love Hawaii, and all things Hawaiian, including the tasty food - especially the pizza. This sandwich combines the amazing grilled cheese, and the amazing Hawaiian pizza to make a flavor extravaganza! There is mozzarella, ham, pineapple with some garlic, jalapenos and pizza sauce. Can I get an amen!?! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcEaHUX87Mp4meKb3jv59nAsjZZep-Tj3iyfpe-xKm9Yp3FUssHoLUcBsmHk5zBfTNKti2rI9TaCr9oCuz3jvLtWsi9zU8K8Zn7yDX4UdZpGlgsz9uZvIeUPCUyyfXqiWMkLtcBJdz2Tc/s1600/150659550004467190_Ay1cFUv8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcEaHUX87Mp4meKb3jv59nAsjZZep-Tj3iyfpe-xKm9Yp3FUssHoLUcBsmHk5zBfTNKti2rI9TaCr9oCuz3jvLtWsi9zU8K8Zn7yDX4UdZpGlgsz9uZvIeUPCUyyfXqiWMkLtcBJdz2Tc/s400/150659550004467190_Ay1cFUv8_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.keyingredient.com/blog/?p=15338294668" target="_blank">Healthy Living - Back Burner</a></td></tr>
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But then, of course, this wouldn't be a Great Grilled Cheese blog without the classic. The guy that made it all happen, none other than - the original grilled cheese. With the texas toast, and the gooey American cheese - or cheddar, whichever you prefer. Does life get any better than this?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3apKUjL7mpl2maa2K8fa5WMM7lpZSoJejxbIVFmj0THvnI1FfDRHqUG7hSzvvkec_qtb5KP0oUeDRBiMKkXF8MHeaEX0gFZfAbbislFlDJuVJ3DbEhspwFFO7MAJUhlfx_eUorm0yWgam/s1600/216032113345950147_0uiGOdaC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3apKUjL7mpl2maa2K8fa5WMM7lpZSoJejxbIVFmj0THvnI1FfDRHqUG7hSzvvkec_qtb5KP0oUeDRBiMKkXF8MHeaEX0gFZfAbbislFlDJuVJ3DbEhspwFFO7MAJUhlfx_eUorm0yWgam/s640/216032113345950147_0uiGOdaC_c.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://culinarychannel.tumblr.com/post/24546696822/lylaandblu-its-too-good-looking-not-to" target="_blank">Lyla and Blu</a></td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed this mouth-watering post as much as I did. Now to go fire up the griddle!<br />
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And also, let's not forget 11 years ago - the day our lives all changed. This country is ours, not theirs. It's difficult to remember, during election years, that we need to put aside our differences, and come together, and love one another for who we are. I will be praying for those who lost loved ones that day, and hugging my family a little tighter.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-54710692094885782732012-09-10T10:44:00.000-07:002012-09-10T11:36:34.045-07:00Last WeekendWe went to Epcot on Saturday. I may have said this before, and I will probably say it a dozen more times, but I LOVE EPCOT! Of all the Disney parks, I'm sure that makes me a weirdo, but I am pretty much obsessed. The World Showcase (the countries) is my favorite part. I could spend all day every day walking through the countries, shopping in their little shops, and sampling their cuisine. I just love it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the "finger"</td></tr>
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On a totally separate note: I was informed yesterday that unless you have an account, that you are unable to post comments. I went back in and changed the settings on that, so anyone can comment. If you don't have a user ID, you can comment using the "Anonymous" selection, and just type your name at the end.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-46201005494392283772012-09-07T06:31:00.000-07:002012-09-07T10:33:29.691-07:00TGIF! What's "Posh"ining?!Sorry for the cheesy title.... but, what's a girl to do? LOL<br />
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Perfectly Posh will be 1 year old on October 1st, and is in the middle of celebrating their first birthday! If you have a home party before September 15th, you will earn <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">TRIPLE</span> hostess rewards! And as Posh, your money goes a long way, which means that you will have the chance to get TONS for free! Here is a sample of what you will earn for having a show. I know it's short notice, but this is just for a limited time, and I am available every day next week. So let me know if you want to do a party then.<br />
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I can't wait to get my hands on this Spooky Posh! It will be out only for a limited time, but the scents look divine! Plus.... you can get the whole set for just $29! That is a great price! Not to mention Halloween is one of my favorite times.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click Picture for a Larger View</td></tr>
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Our products are always buy 5, get 1 free. (Except the lip balm). I have taken advantage of this myself, and trust me, it helps a lot!<br />
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There is a button for Perfectly Posh at the top of my blog that you can shop online 24/7, without having a party. Or you can click <a href="http://www.perfectlyposh.us/PoshHeart/" target="_blank">here</a> to shop now!<br />
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Also, like me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/PoshHeart" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up with all of the specials we have going on at the time. <br />
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And of course, I am always hiring! If you are looking for a job or extra income, and tired of the same ol same ol run-around, let me know! Just $99, you can be your own boss, have a flexible schedule and change lives, 1 sweet face at a time!<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-7329953615410590882012-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:002012-09-06T04:00:16.348-07:00Alyssa's Bedroom Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5hRMWj44bda6QCF0s8ueatV5_FbaHXAfMIMIrJcSzVavFdj8qU5JsDx_8DM12gEtEO31YjiSiVVFRKJLdx5zhqpmwP6OfDDZnb-XvO-hwoB7FZywSda06gBoIRf5GEO5ovjP78Hc7gpf/s1600/aroommakeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5hRMWj44bda6QCF0s8ueatV5_FbaHXAfMIMIrJcSzVavFdj8qU5JsDx_8DM12gEtEO31YjiSiVVFRKJLdx5zhqpmwP6OfDDZnb-XvO-hwoB7FZywSda06gBoIRf5GEO5ovjP78Hc7gpf/s640/aroommakeover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know who loves her room more, her or me! I am so pleased with the way it came out. I knew it was time for her to be in a bigger bed, because she wasn't really sleeping well in her toddler bed anymore. With the crazy colors that I painted her room, it was really hard for me to find bedding that would go with it.<br />
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I found this bedding at Target, and fell in love. As soon as I saw it, I noticed my favorite color in it which I knew would be the perfect wall color, and it went from there. <br />
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Let me remind you what it looked like before<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwfVHaicsHV04h3kSxdvTpKv1osChz6ZKQU6WKEzJGU-u05iVFJqXLt5_sVWRAdWW8JpIZzlAbSf9SzsUNQom_o87bBBVEzmv08wrra8Fg46XDoH1MbRZYH4gwbHhxvhDEMw0CD77ZBME/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwfVHaicsHV04h3kSxdvTpKv1osChz6ZKQU6WKEzJGU-u05iVFJqXLt5_sVWRAdWW8JpIZzlAbSf9SzsUNQom_o87bBBVEzmv08wrra8Fg46XDoH1MbRZYH4gwbHhxvhDEMw0CD77ZBME/s400/IMG_0773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw8qoLs0BqKdEbGg63BOBv3eMsJRrUvWiTpK0n9UTziwRkTo7RphwDC7NF54dta5YraTtr-y1xtayDWSR3ddbPibeTWJCfY58f_Vf8opDLfc_OHse20YsFTVCCp6jJRJIH_Cnj7jRJONY/s1600/IMG_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw8qoLs0BqKdEbGg63BOBv3eMsJRrUvWiTpK0n9UTziwRkTo7RphwDC7NF54dta5YraTtr-y1xtayDWSR3ddbPibeTWJCfY58f_Vf8opDLfc_OHse20YsFTVCCp6jJRJIH_Cnj7jRJONY/s400/IMG_0771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not to mention the green marker in areas that you can't see in the pictures. <br />
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And here it is now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmenYK1eF71esFjt3XvQLq7nwikq8I1CYDI0zBv3oKpYmYiYe3Q8QVWMteC0ejvl8FUzPbDvrrlJC7ieYK3xjru2QWjd9v1eBKkF-dpcuogn6Eh8l_UknpOOTo51NC6QTzy4iBNzQm61nk/s1600/aroommakeover5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmenYK1eF71esFjt3XvQLq7nwikq8I1CYDI0zBv3oKpYmYiYe3Q8QVWMteC0ejvl8FUzPbDvrrlJC7ieYK3xjru2QWjd9v1eBKkF-dpcuogn6Eh8l_UknpOOTo51NC6QTzy4iBNzQm61nk/s640/aroommakeover5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DUWJnQoUiwHIBUH41fk-kb7lDBpTiAJHHdGEqpCEiJyGLoYbWtasy4aL0IRJOWOoDGq9ThzmXCVJgftuiAwSguS0cYA2evZrlFIsZS0gm2njBI1kGoTod_M1vxopE74q3BQhqeHAHP-d/s1600/aroommakeover4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DUWJnQoUiwHIBUH41fk-kb7lDBpTiAJHHdGEqpCEiJyGLoYbWtasy4aL0IRJOWOoDGq9ThzmXCVJgftuiAwSguS0cYA2evZrlFIsZS0gm2njBI1kGoTod_M1vxopE74q3BQhqeHAHP-d/s1600/aroommakeover4.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here are the pictures I wrote about <a href="http://acalmingchaos.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-framed-heart-work.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_2fP8Pt2mcTz66cGKL0jHGAn2RbNLByQNSVMua64croqYCNnT92VEfelI5z94dB8q7puFpC6X0ia9J53seU9Z4qRNRE_JhlMXmgT1cnhp2MvFURFnJCpOKnhhzDQeR7wnuxbBz1qqeOE/s1600/aroommakeover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_2fP8Pt2mcTz66cGKL0jHGAn2RbNLByQNSVMua64croqYCNnT92VEfelI5z94dB8q7puFpC6X0ia9J53seU9Z4qRNRE_JhlMXmgT1cnhp2MvFURFnJCpOKnhhzDQeR7wnuxbBz1qqeOE/s640/aroommakeover3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really knew I wanted the chalkboard wall. Well, at first I was sort of on the fence about it. I was afraid that she would think it was ok to write on the walls, but I tell her that she can color on the black all she wants, but no where else. So far so good, but she hasn't gotten a hold of any markers yet. And there are just a couple more things I want to do in there, like a picture over her shelf, and one over the other toy box (on the other side of the chalkboard wall.) But for now, I am loving it, and it will give me something to look forward to doing in there.<br />
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As I have said before, that I like to be frugal when I decorate. You can make a room look amazing for little to nothing. You may have to do a little searching, but there are cute things out there, that don't cost a lot of money.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how much did it cost?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the picture for a full size- to see pricing easier</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This whole room cost me $239!</span></div>
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I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. Now on to the Master Bedroom!<br />
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Tata,<br />
Emily<br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-61162538179535391272012-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:002012-09-05T04:00:01.295-07:00Wacky Wednesday- Grandparent's Day Card CraftsMom, Dad, Bobby, Laura - Don't read this post until after Grandparents Day!<br />
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My kid has some incredible grandparents. They all love her so much, and she knows it. She has a different relationship with each of them. Alyssa is at a great age where she is really interested in doing crafts, coloring and really getting her hands busy. Seems like the perfect year to do more than just me going to Walmart and trying to find 4 different cards from her. <br />
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Today, we are making cards to give them. <br />
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Before we get started, here is a little random trivia about Grandparent's Day. <br />
Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. On
Grandparents Day, people honor and thank their grandparents. Grandparents Day
was declared a holiday in the USA by the US congress in 1978. The congressional
proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. The idea of Grandparents Day
began in 1970, when Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade (from West Virginia) started
a campaign to designate a special day to celebrate grandparents. (Wiki)<br />
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For Nana and Grammy, we are making Butterfly Cards, and for both Grandpas, we are making alligator cards. <br />
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You will need 1 piece of construction or scrap book paper for the alligator, and 2 for the butterfly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyzrYw7z8TP2qEBsSnR2g9l_HFrMFUc3fRPGMQPQt7-9KLaaANWe4pGZ6ujvaYCdvCNvfXK3J-dZj2oEB0kXfPwX91iDCWSrleTu4yb-xiiAD3Xth76hc5AsE7uZ0QYrUjPjAde6QGeY2/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyzrYw7z8TP2qEBsSnR2g9l_HFrMFUc3fRPGMQPQt7-9KLaaANWe4pGZ6ujvaYCdvCNvfXK3J-dZj2oEB0kXfPwX91iDCWSrleTu4yb-xiiAD3Xth76hc5AsE7uZ0QYrUjPjAde6QGeY2/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" /></a></div>
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We will start with the alligator cards. </div>
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Take a green (or whichever you decide) paper, and fold it in half once.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaz01N5EyC4LMvN3NvTlee8zzXFEZ-lJo8ZLnzaWY8lh2NI_FAAjnHAEcT3sR8l7sBd9a8JrmsD1Ajr2Yua6JY-mO0UWtCku1tKniBljYThimp2p4bGWXp9ntoKpKdF3hvgJoZ4UgarLE/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaz01N5EyC4LMvN3NvTlee8zzXFEZ-lJo8ZLnzaWY8lh2NI_FAAjnHAEcT3sR8l7sBd9a8JrmsD1Ajr2Yua6JY-mO0UWtCku1tKniBljYThimp2p4bGWXp9ntoKpKdF3hvgJoZ4UgarLE/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" /></a></div>
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Here is where you will need mad drawing skills like mine.</div>
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Draw the profile of the gator. Basically a half circle with 2 pegs for legs. Make sure his "back" is at the fold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUsHJ9QLEOgn2_Xb47vsofM6gB2gkTNJ88_Z0-l7WuGYI-GJ3NRVSpHbCJMWHKRBg0Jb7CcGxnLkgY7fKVlCJ1rwAjOwyidPbHRae_bmBCeAFmI4H302DTPIWib7OPv2dIYliFYOWWaDU/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUsHJ9QLEOgn2_Xb47vsofM6gB2gkTNJ88_Z0-l7WuGYI-GJ3NRVSpHbCJMWHKRBg0Jb7CcGxnLkgY7fKVlCJ1rwAjOwyidPbHRae_bmBCeAFmI4H302DTPIWib7OPv2dIYliFYOWWaDU/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" /></a></div>
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Cut it out, leaving the fold intact.</div>
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Next what you are going to do is cut little slits along the back and tail, but not on his head. Then unfold the gator, and bend back the cut corners to make spikes on his back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMFLyDEnKTGVorIC2MJWnswC9Lc_iZdMWxl-gL2B3T25o9Msslv0TU4nYRjlDMbddezYbNOcxOSvMQQ6pgS-jhO2e8N2tez3afuhByz_pfQVlbnJEda3j3GCXlcusqKKV04xMTZURHUXS/s1600/gator+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMFLyDEnKTGVorIC2MJWnswC9Lc_iZdMWxl-gL2B3T25o9Msslv0TU4nYRjlDMbddezYbNOcxOSvMQQ6pgS-jhO2e8N2tez3afuhByz_pfQVlbnJEda3j3GCXlcusqKKV04xMTZURHUXS/s400/gator+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold it back up, and give him eyes and a mouth, and decorate how you like!</div>
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Now for the grandmothers, we will be doing butterflies. </div>
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First get your 2 sheets of paper, and fold them in half, cutting them together, in the shape of a butterfly.</div>
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Next, take one of the papers, and mimic a smaller butterfly within the larger one, and cut it out as well.</div>
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Take the center of the cut butterfly and glue it to the center of the inside of the card. Then put the outer part on the outside. (Im not sure when I started taking pics of the yellow one instead)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0GgC0jRDii_q9QfgXjCZj50e46GVDLI6JJu8oXTyaPfa1z0L2akcO8kKZxn_iAiENaFxdSJMfWths06TcIR8pxN4CY1qVjdULVsu4srvxY0uwVyx_sonCuuCdXMNTFWj_XvCy9t9wLy3/s1600/butterly+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0GgC0jRDii_q9QfgXjCZj50e46GVDLI6JJu8oXTyaPfa1z0L2akcO8kKZxn_iAiENaFxdSJMfWths06TcIR8pxN4CY1qVjdULVsu4srvxY0uwVyx_sonCuuCdXMNTFWj_XvCy9t9wLy3/s640/butterly+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Decorate however you like, and Viola! You have a special home-made craft that the grandparents will love!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8cyL0wcHTqfwC5ajcT5lOahSJFPPSiLFkAaP4jsJqT3jfoBBW3gAdIBU6u5fWdBI55eOX7m8VoNL51dno1To5RbqsnYhmL3m7VcvpV0hnnQeHabc7HWPbeyoOXj2zjbgvK2EamntIkUq/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8cyL0wcHTqfwC5ajcT5lOahSJFPPSiLFkAaP4jsJqT3jfoBBW3gAdIBU6u5fWdBI55eOX7m8VoNL51dno1To5RbqsnYhmL3m7VcvpV0hnnQeHabc7HWPbeyoOXj2zjbgvK2EamntIkUq/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" /></a></div>
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Happy Grandparents day all!</div>
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Tata,</div>
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Emily</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-84019472773455216292012-09-04T04:00:00.000-07:002012-09-04T04:00:07.702-07:00Fat Tuesday: Cookie-Ception (A cookie within a cookie)<div style="text-align: left;">
Welcome to Fat Tuesday. I hope you all had a great long weekend. I know I did.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fill your glass with ice-cold milk!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzbfCjipFJ-JvH1YG-cgvPrIOPjv_u6Bw9RLutdEE3Krbc1IyD9Y03V4Thp_EvG6OXszW3zIAJkuwehXM2yETa5fkS7BRvoaxHWdE8OPJ0_X8uUdbcfIGdb3yHxYnH8DhyRY6jJRbH4FZ/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzbfCjipFJ-JvH1YG-cgvPrIOPjv_u6Bw9RLutdEE3Krbc1IyD9Y03V4Thp_EvG6OXszW3zIAJkuwehXM2yETa5fkS7BRvoaxHWdE8OPJ0_X8uUdbcfIGdb3yHxYnH8DhyRY6jJRbH4FZ/s640/IMG_0812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This phenomenon comes to you, courtesy of my husbands curiosity. He loves food that seems like a bad idea. This particular cookie, when I saw it, I thought it would be overly sweet, and just not good, but, I was proven wrong. I ate it, and it was so yummy, I just wanted more. Really, you shouldn't eat more than one, because it really is like eating 3 cookies together, but hey, YOLO - am I right? (<span style="font-size: x-small;">YOLO means you only live once, in case you didn't know that</span>.)</div>
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Not only is this cookie sinfully good, but it also is super easy to make. Here is what you need:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIzLlnfB0QKnuLatjfvycD7OrnVFrMFbTIQqYyH43qjeGkP9dBc55SGzR8HEtohBtlZ3yJxsAUt8w_stq6I2-RKoZOX6hhk58jNNCC999Ep92ZKp4VRVhBJbYNFCDpXtkBylzaDF9Hmq/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIzLlnfB0QKnuLatjfvycD7OrnVFrMFbTIQqYyH43qjeGkP9dBc55SGzR8HEtohBtlZ3yJxsAUt8w_stq6I2-RKoZOX6hhk58jNNCC999Ep92ZKp4VRVhBJbYNFCDpXtkBylzaDF9Hmq/s400/IMG_0779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yup, that's it. Oreos, and a colossal package of chocolate chip cookie dough. The package says it makes 36 cookies, but in this case it only made 12, so if you are making these for a party, you may want to pick up more than one pack.<br />
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Open up the cookie dough, and slice it up. Actually, it's a good thing I'm here, because I made them wrong, and you can learn from my mistakes. What I did, was put a slice under the oreo and one over it, and it spread WAY out when it baked. I think if I did it again, I would put a slice the same size as the oreo on the bottom, then a ball of the dough on top, and it should melt around the oreo. I will still show you what I did for a point of reference though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBvHeW2mhsTVcGeITwEh05D5HENlCYKqAJw6kMOYfk75tK4r5KMrqPONpUjWB5lZkV_bfV7Er6oYJhbT_9nI7OmgftiAXZXUSOvsLrtG7T96y6wQKX4YVjNILpIzqR5d1NMofWJxX-Ix0/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBvHeW2mhsTVcGeITwEh05D5HENlCYKqAJw6kMOYfk75tK4r5KMrqPONpUjWB5lZkV_bfV7Er6oYJhbT_9nI7OmgftiAXZXUSOvsLrtG7T96y6wQKX4YVjNILpIzqR5d1NMofWJxX-Ix0/s400/IMG_0781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOeF2OjWHSl5Xz1MpgAMeUYiU0jLd9XRwB-iCZzVUwMkAuYRvqT6oefwf1TawEvw5Z103_Wgi3o1FMpqAN57_2zjES9bzzowzMAA2TDs1qv7U-24C0OtadEJpH1KoYnHfcC_v6nsk_b8V/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOeF2OjWHSl5Xz1MpgAMeUYiU0jLd9XRwB-iCZzVUwMkAuYRvqT6oefwf1TawEvw5Z103_Wgi3o1FMpqAN57_2zjES9bzzowzMAA2TDs1qv7U-24C0OtadEJpH1KoYnHfcC_v6nsk_b8V/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUenW43RFHba_iH3fB63__4g_4nmTJmDW3mDmxCjHpynoai0gm8En5QSF0Voktkd0m5SHQ7iuW03-tA_P0-HSSJBQlA76EkqmXjGgLsfui-dAUttpjkkvTbMAqefnCm5pUEBZIkaFhkhJ/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUenW43RFHba_iH3fB63__4g_4nmTJmDW3mDmxCjHpynoai0gm8En5QSF0Voktkd0m5SHQ7iuW03-tA_P0-HSSJBQlA76EkqmXjGgLsfui-dAUttpjkkvTbMAqefnCm5pUEBZIkaFhkhJ/s400/IMG_0784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the disgusting looking cookie sheet. It's clean, I promise</td></tr>
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Place in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. I put mine in for 10 minutes, and realized they were melting off of the oreo, so I took a spoon and scooped it up on the oreo again and put it in for another 4 minutes. They aren't beautiful, but they are soooooo good!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzbfCjipFJ-JvH1YG-cgvPrIOPjv_u6Bw9RLutdEE3Krbc1IyD9Y03V4Thp_EvG6OXszW3zIAJkuwehXM2yETa5fkS7BRvoaxHWdE8OPJ0_X8uUdbcfIGdb3yHxYnH8DhyRY6jJRbH4FZ/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzbfCjipFJ-JvH1YG-cgvPrIOPjv_u6Bw9RLutdEE3Krbc1IyD9Y03V4Thp_EvG6OXszW3zIAJkuwehXM2yETa5fkS7BRvoaxHWdE8OPJ0_X8uUdbcfIGdb3yHxYnH8DhyRY6jJRbH4FZ/s640/IMG_0812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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PS I got Alyssa's room all finished. I am so in love with it! It is perfectly sweet, and I just put her to bed, and she went with no hesitation in her new big girl bed. I will show you pictures on Thursday.<br />
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Tata,<br />
Emily<br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-14922624520990503142012-08-31T05:30:00.000-07:002012-08-31T05:30:02.646-07:00Happy Retirement / Flashback Friday - Taking the Fall for a Good Cause<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">First of all, I would like to say:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHgPmhI1ODp3TUJOC3Sn0kpsyHvdjDExOOebeAbGP3h2mSeomVEXkXgN0Tb7ZSbDm9aglO-H3na0sgYZfL0h5q7EYqQkQI0WouwtrHaUI4eRFmQS38fDuN71l98zTDjxQzX9FpRwx34Jm/s1600/product_3519_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHgPmhI1ODp3TUJOC3Sn0kpsyHvdjDExOOebeAbGP3h2mSeomVEXkXgN0Tb7ZSbDm9aglO-H3na0sgYZfL0h5q7EYqQkQI0WouwtrHaUI4eRFmQS38fDuN71l98zTDjxQzX9FpRwx34Jm/s320/product_3519_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">To my favorite mom! It's bittersweet for me, because we work together, but I'm so happy for you, and love you.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This is the most viewed post of my old blog. I love reading it myself, because Alyssa always has something up her sleeve. Plus, I miss her being a baby. Hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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Anyone who doesn't know my daughter, has no idea how incredibly intelligent she is. As you can see in the pictures, I have a huge layout for her so I can get my work done, and she can be entertained. Well, she has figured out a couple ways to get me to gear my eye towards her instead.<br />
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Step 1. Things in the mouth.<br />
As you can see, I have a cushy little rug for her to play on since we have all tile floors. I also put down a play mat from ikea that has a ton of cool bugs and stuff on it- that she refuses to look at. But lets focus our attention on the speckled rug in the back. She has figured out how to pull all of the little speckle pieces out and put them in her mouth, thus me having to get up, and take it out of her mouth- giving her a good reason to cry and therefore, me having to pick her up to calm her down.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09mw5HSPqKBCMcSZwsis0KS7-jf8BlBaQ7zu_18wcSVHg-0QU_XC5aKvp_vHZS5c1-FHIkV0yuCgyfeBvFsXhio9jq-Z1MrvfzqWw6MtiGZZAJC0JcMGIFVNWiQG8VjaSKIL7n7IfmWVR/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504540662031785266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09mw5HSPqKBCMcSZwsis0KS7-jf8BlBaQ7zu_18wcSVHg-0QU_XC5aKvp_vHZS5c1-FHIkV0yuCgyfeBvFsXhio9jq-Z1MrvfzqWw6MtiGZZAJC0JcMGIFVNWiQG8VjaSKIL7n7IfmWVR/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
This is when I thought I was being the smart one... or was I - by replacing this rug with her room rug?<br />
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Step 2. Taking the plunge.<br />
She has gotten very good at standing up- and even better as using this to her advantage. She will stand up- exhibit A. Then she will look back to see if there is anything behind her, look at me to make sure I'm not looking, then fall down and cry- exhibit B. Thus leads to me picking her up, to comfort her.<br />
Exhibit A<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAydgY63z99hss5oD6BMYKgUbX9evl6Ued9eH3zSDVrXZzP6mab7TFDtwDxlrEgZXv9Iq0c3HgphRJfcgQlyc9R5Lcre_9gchyphenhyphenclLbVYyCbw0fcRlylJQ9bQUrnQ3IPeanwKci_9ngB4BY/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504542653109818082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAydgY63z99hss5oD6BMYKgUbX9evl6Ued9eH3zSDVrXZzP6mab7TFDtwDxlrEgZXv9Iq0c3HgphRJfcgQlyc9R5Lcre_9gchyphenhyphenclLbVYyCbw0fcRlylJQ9bQUrnQ3IPeanwKci_9ngB4BY/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Exhibit B<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupO6LLw4yteoQkiludTuRanYzvHfnsu4pcq2q_uTZyNm9cGTeEdjZ61dD1GVwqJ3QGIefrtJYL2qDtMzbyOSBo88rkttfaNo2nCT_i03NwZrjr2-4iscRDrS4BjIHSXzfxUFEMf5wvMjl/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504544143430945874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupO6LLw4yteoQkiludTuRanYzvHfnsu4pcq2q_uTZyNm9cGTeEdjZ61dD1GVwqJ3QGIefrtJYL2qDtMzbyOSBo88rkttfaNo2nCT_i03NwZrjr2-4iscRDrS4BjIHSXzfxUFEMf5wvMjl/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Step 3. "Sleeping"<br />
Next thing she tries is pretend sleeping. She has started this since I started putting her in time out. She will lay there very still, and very quiet. Then I go to pick her up to put her in bed, or in her swing, and she usually will "wake up" and be so happy and wide awake. So, I go to put her down, and she starts to scream. Other times, she will stay "asleep" and I put her down and that is when she decides to "wake up" and sometimes she will play in her swing with the little toys, and other times she just cries. I seem to have outsmarted her on this one, so she will lay there silently as long as she can, then just start crying so I will.... drum roll please....... Pick her up. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtfbUIKxu_1jdacyl9bhjIKZSFDj3PD0Xk8cHEPJ5DVxD7EwKNbQxbusW4Y3Eh0iy1aFNDSZokNAQuWHOdm2pMj_pUYN3dYeYLpcynwry-2dK9RZZ4YjGigBSHAYQ-S2WSMQ2UOo0eW_h/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504545880471636658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtfbUIKxu_1jdacyl9bhjIKZSFDj3PD0Xk8cHEPJ5DVxD7EwKNbQxbusW4Y3Eh0iy1aFNDSZokNAQuWHOdm2pMj_pUYN3dYeYLpcynwry-2dK9RZZ4YjGigBSHAYQ-S2WSMQ2UOo0eW_h/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Finally she does give in, and decides that maybe a nap is the best option... or is it? The world may never know!<br />
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What are some of the funny things your kids have tried to pull? Tell me in the comments.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-64368397265002177542012-08-29T19:19:00.002-07:002012-08-30T12:48:09.729-07:00DIY - Framed heArt Work<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhv2Wv3D84-txFL_WDIbtFoU_BlPy2Pqb8Ehelv7h-C3AOYPGfBgHFWEsn_2jQUjlcvelbPeNVWR8Xrs7qWu0G2gB1ZwyLh91WBnCoDECB0iBghtlQUzF5ZaNd86kMuB5kvS-YnGYt2sa/s1600/follow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhv2Wv3D84-txFL_WDIbtFoU_BlPy2Pqb8Ehelv7h-C3AOYPGfBgHFWEsn_2jQUjlcvelbPeNVWR8Xrs7qWu0G2gB1ZwyLh91WBnCoDECB0iBghtlQUzF5ZaNd86kMuB5kvS-YnGYt2sa/s640/follow.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please excuse my pic quality- I had to use my phone because my camera batteries died</span></td></tr>
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As you already know, I am in the middle of re-doing A's room. I'm trying to do it as <strike>cheap</strike> resourceful, as possible. I honestly bought 3 of these frames to use in my dining room make-over, but as I said before that I am picky, so I haven't come across exactly what I wanted to put in them yet. So, since these were laying around, and since I needed white frames for her room anyways, I stole these. (Just don't tell my dining room, ok?)<br />
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I found these beauties at Walmart for $12. Sure, they might be great if I was going for the whole "beach theme", but, I'm not, and it isn't at all my style, but I love the simplicity of the frame. When you have a bold color, and a lot of patterns going on, a simple white frame is the perfect way to modernize any wall.<br />
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This is a super easy project. I am going to be using all 3 of them for her room, but a certain someone was requiring my attention, so I finished one, and put it down for the night. You will get to see all of them together when I reveal her whole room.<br />
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What I did, was took the beach picture, and basically turned it around, so I would have a completely white paper. <br />
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Since I love my daughter helping with my projects, and since it was for her room, I figured the best option was to let her display her art work with these.<br />
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I had her use 3 colors (pink, lime green and purple) on regular copy paper. I told her to just go crazy scribbling 1 color at a time on each paper. Of course, she refuses to scribble now, because her sophistication only allows her to write little letters, and draw circles. <br />
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And I would have to confess that she wasn't interested after the pink and half of the purple, so I finished with the same idea. Then I had to fill them in more so they weren't as white. So I guess, now that I think of it, she will have my scribbly art all over the wall.<br />
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NOTE: If you want an even cleaner look, you could use some cute scrapbook paper. I just like the idea of it looking youthful.<br />
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So the next step is so incredibly elementary. It was time to make the hearts. This will amaze and astonish you, but what I did was fold the paper in half, then cut out a half heart, unfold it and it was a perfect heart! WOW! (Excuse my sarcasm, but I can't explain it to you like you would have no idea about that little trick.) I used the first heart cut out as a guide to cut out the other two, so they were all the same size and shape to keep with the modern design. Modern design is all about uniformity.<br />
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I got really lucky about 7 or 8 years ago when my husband bought me a huge set of scrap booking stuff. I have to say that I never really had the chance to use it, but I went into it the other day and discovered tons of pages of letters of all colors and patterns you can think of. If you aren't so lucky, you could trace the letters with stencils, or if you are really awesome, you can just use your own amazing hand writing. <br />
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Next, put everything (heart and letters) on the back of the original poster, and arrange it to your liking. Make sure that everything is centered and level. If you need to use a level or measuring tape, I would suggest that. Especially when you are working on your second and third to make sure that they will all match.<br />
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The next step may be different depending on your needs, or how often you change your mind. I would suggest using glue, but since I am in the mind changer category, I used double sided tape to secure all of my pieces. I figured if I got tired of the scribbles and wanted to use the cute scrap booking paper, then it would be pretty easy to change out. Plus once it's in the frame, it will stay put anyway, but of course, you want something there for security purposes. <br />
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And there you have it folks, a $12 piece of art that has the love of me and my daughter in it. Like I say, once all 3 are done, I will be showing you them in the room reveal. And again, please excuse the horrible picture quality since these were taken with my phone. I promise I will buy batteries before the big reveal!<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-14271550556026377972012-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:002012-08-29T04:00:00.271-07:00Waky Wednesday - Busy WeekI don't have a particular craft to show you today, mainly because I have been busy working on Alyssa's Room. I can't wait to show you. (But really, I can't wait to see it all done for myself.)<br />
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This is what we've been looking at.<br />
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It had the potential to be so cute. My mind gears were turning before we officially closed on the house, and I had such high expectations. <br />
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I always say that there are 3 points of a good designer. Carrying color, realizing the style, and knowing the size/if what you want will actually fit. Well, I am great at carrying colors and styles, but I really lack on knowing the size. Sure, if I actually took the time to measure something, then all would be well, but I don't generally do what I'm supposed to do.<br />
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So I had this color in mind, it was supposed to be more of a highlighter pink, but everything I found was too bright, or too dull, and just never happened, so I settled on this almost red.<br />
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There was going to be a stage in the corner, with a microphone and a little drum set, and it was going to have a chevron curtain hanging in front of it. It was going to be cute, but one thing after another just wasn't working, and I settled.<br />
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Settling is bad in design. For me anyways. I'm way too much of a perfectionist when it comes to designing something, and it has to be EXACTLY what I had in my head, or it's no good. There are 2 things wrong with that. Either I wait and wait and wait to do something, or I settle, and I'm never happy with it, and just like now, I have to re-do a room, less than a year later. FAIL. <br />
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These stripes have been a pain to deal with, but the good news is that now it is a really pretty green/blue color, and I can't wait to get the pictures hung and her new big girl bed put together. <br />
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But for now, you get to look deep into this "Before" picture of her room, and I will put the finished pictures on my blog as soon as I get it done.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmiyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-73709021809462133482012-08-28T03:30:00.000-07:002012-08-28T03:30:02.971-07:00Fat Tuesday: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ahh, Fat Tuesday. Is there really a better day of the week? Well, I guess Fridays are better, but only because you have all weekend to make, and enjoy this delicious recipe!<br />
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So, I was sort of bored at home on Saturday. Chris went to the movie with his friends, and one of them parked behind me so I was stuck. I figured instead of being lazy, I would make something yummy with Alyssa. She loves stuff like that.<br />
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I went in my pantry and saw that I had everything I needed to make Peanut Butter Cookies. I thought that sounded perfect, and figured Alyssa would enjoy smooshing then with a fork. But I saw that it had a recipe for bars, with chocolate on them. The only chocolate I had was semi-sweet, so I was trying to figure out how to make them more like milk chocolate. And it went from there. (PS, you can make the cookie dough from scratch if you would rather - I take the short cut where I can)<br />
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Here is what you need:<br />
1 package of Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie mix (with egg and oil as directed)<br />
2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1 cup white chocolate chips (saving about a half cup to sprinkle on top)<br />
2 heaping Tablespoons of peanut butter (I used creamy)<br />
2-3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
Grease 11x13 glass pan<br />
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In a bowl, make cookie mix (Mix, 1 egg, 3 T vegetable oil)<br />
Mix well and transfer to greased pan.<br />
Press down evenly across the pan. <br />
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Bake for 12-15 minutes. When it comes out, let it cool for at least 5 minutes.<br />
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Out in chocolate chips, peanut butter and confectioners sugar into a bowl, and put in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. NOTE: The white chocolate chips wont be as melted, don't attempt to melt them completely, because they are painfully stubborn, and will ruin the rest of the chocolate if it's over cooked (please, learn from my mistake). <br />
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Pour the chocolate mixture over cookie land, and sprinkle the remaining white chocolate chips on top. Let it sit and cool down for a while to harden.<br />
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These are sooooo yummy, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have been!<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-54736221644955210652012-08-27T04:00:00.000-07:002012-08-27T04:00:18.924-07:00DJ Lance is my HomeboyAs a parent, you prematurely swear things off for your house. You assume that because you don't like something, that they automatically will never like it, or ask for it. Of course, the more your kid is in someone else's care, the less control you have over what they are exposed to. <br />
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"So, Emily," you ask, "What did you swear off?"<br />
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And I would very easily reply with: "Nick JR." <br />
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It's hard to describe, but I always looked at Nick JR as way too colorful, and bright. They dumb kids down, I almost felt like the brain cells are disolving with every moment that their little beady eyes were fixated on it. It was probably more the fact that I didn't want to watch it personally. I still feel that way. But....<br />
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One day, a few weeks ago, Alyssa asked for it. Not a certain show, or character, but she actually said, "Mommy, I want to watch Nick JR."<br />
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I felt faint, and began vomiting uncontrollably*. I was weak in my knees, the walls were closing in on me. What do I do? How could <strong>MY</strong> daughter want that channel? All of the corniness. The blinding colors. The weird looking costumes. My life as I knew it, was over.<br />
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But at that moment, the earth shattered. The moon turned blue. Pigs were flying, and hell was freezing over. But I grabbed the remote, and pushed 3 little numbers that I never imagined I would push. 1...2...5 - Nick JR. And I was greeted with this:<br />
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I swore I would only let it go one day. But I have to say, sometimes I don't always know what's best. She asked for it, and I would encourage her to go play, or watch Barney, or do something, anything but this. But, none-the-less... this is my life now. I had to accept it.<br />
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It just so happened that the show she wanted to watch the most, was one that I was dreading the most. Yo Gabba Gabba. *Shiver* These creepy alien looking things, and this guy in a furry orange hat. It turned into a major epidemic. Yo Gabba Gabba has to be on, even if it's not being watched. It goes on, she watches for a minute, then plays with something, and even leaves the room, but if I turn it off, boy am I in for it. Then one day, I sat down and really watched it, from beginning to end. And then, something happened....<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I fell in love.</span></strong> </div>
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No, not in love with the show, and not even with DJ Lance, but with the fact that Yo Gabba Gabba puts me in one of the most relaxed states humanly possible. The music in it is so relaxing. The cartoon shorts in it keep me drawn to it. It's mesmerizing. They have guest stars, like Jack Black, who is so funny in it. What is it about this show? Could it be...?<br />
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This is a cartoon short within the episode Games. Chris and I were talking about the writers of Yo Gabba Gabba, and have decided that they must all be pot heads. We talked about how amazing it would be to work on the show (<span style="font-size: x-small;">no, not so we can smoke pot</span>), and how much fun they must have.<br />
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I wonder if they sell a DVD just of these shorts. It would be the perfect Saturday afternoon nap.<br />
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So, I still don't like her watching Nick Jr. If it's so hypnotic for me, I can only imagine how it is for a growing brain. I don't want her getting in the habit of watching TV. She is naturally so active, and imaginative, and I don't want her to lose that. But I guess if she wants to watch Yo Gabba Gabba sometimes, I would be ok with that.<br />
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TaTa,<br />
Emily<br />
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*No, I was not really vomiting uncontrollablyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-60718442819229992392012-08-26T10:15:00.000-07:002012-08-26T10:16:05.301-07:00Weekend MemeOk, so I am the first ones to think that memes on Facebook are over done. In fact I very rarely post them because I don't want to be "one of those people." But I do have to admit that I hold back on a lot that are really funny because of that. So I will do a weekend meme, just so you know I'm still alive, but don't have to think much about. <br />
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This cracks me up, because it is Chris and I all the way!<br />
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PS... please pray for me today. In October, when we bought our house, I thought it would be really cute to paint Alyssa's room cute pink and teal strips (I will be showing pics later). Well, the plan never really executed properly, and since I bought her a big girl bed, with adorable bedding, I am re-doing her room. Those stupid stripes are going to get the best of me, and I want to throw the Kilz can through the window. That would be a bad thing.<br />
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Always remember:<br />
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Bold Stripes= very adorable<br />
Painting over them= not adorable.<br />
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Don't make the same mistakes I do, my friends.<br />
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Tata,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-86498320453776459852012-08-24T05:00:00.000-07:002012-08-24T05:00:02.702-07:00Flashback Friday- Favorite Teachers and Fake Vomit<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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With so many great stories from my child hood, how does one choose? That is why I am making Fridays, Flashback Fridays. I will share with you something from my past that still makes me smile when I think about it.<br />
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Mandie was my best friend growing up. Everything we did was funny, so you will get to hear a lot about her on this blog. <br />
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Kids do really stupid things. It isn't hard to make a 6 year old crack up. When I look back on my life, and some of the things I thought were great, I would like to punch myself in the face. I know some people thought I was probably annoying, but oh well. What was even better was the fact that I had friends, like Mandie, who brought out the best in me. <br />
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I had an awesome teacher when I was in 1st grade. I don't know if it was the excitement from being in school, or if she, in all her wrinkled glory was just that amazing. Her name was Mrs. Billups. She seemed like she was 110, but I was only 6, so my perception may have been a bit skewed. I actually tried to find a picture of her, and since I couldn't, you will just have to base this story on this picture:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVzvY-4o7r52reZId4UD-tZSd3CEPi7emLApOXvJirHthuZR3DcNZEm37KvKlmPITkufO0_lwrEBKOYEoAu-eLW2o_mKPlIbQTYiOLP1VH5SC-yv3HTnbyQuwE_cQmizj7MntfmZgkiw1/s1600/old_lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVzvY-4o7r52reZId4UD-tZSd3CEPi7emLApOXvJirHthuZR3DcNZEm37KvKlmPITkufO0_lwrEBKOYEoAu-eLW2o_mKPlIbQTYiOLP1VH5SC-yv3HTnbyQuwE_cQmizj7MntfmZgkiw1/s1600/old_lady.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lady is adorable, by the way<br />
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She was just so nice, and so caring. She was the grandma type that you could just go sit in her lap, and she loved what she did. Teachers are a lot different now, because the times are different. I do remember her having an altercation with one of my class-mates. He was pretty high strung, and ended up throwing a chair at her. I was pretty mad at him. He may has well pulled my heart out of my chest. She was that cool<br />
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Anyways - I remember Mandie and I playing this game over and over again. I had fake vomit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This very one, actually</td></tr>
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For hours, one of us would be the teacher (Mrs. Billups) and the other, a student. The teacher would place the vomit in her mouth, and vomiting it onto the floor, while the student would plea "Mrs Billups, don't die!" After one would vomit it onto the floor, and the other plea, then the roles would switch, and the other one would put the fake vomit in their mouth. Is there a punch line? Why, Yes, there is. Shortly after playing this game, we got the dreaded news that Mrs. Billups, did in fact, die.<br />
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It's so gross to think too, about the fact that not only did it go from one mouth to the other, but also onto the floor (which I may add, my room probably was not clean)<br />
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Tell me in the comments something that you did that you thought was hilarious back in the day. I would love to hear about it!<br />
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TaTa for Now!<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673793745190813644.post-23592554069404740492012-08-23T05:54:00.000-07:002012-08-24T10:51:43.429-07:00DIY Thursday - Lamp Hack- How to make any Lamp CordlessThis idea is so brilliant. I can't say that I have a need for it now. But I am doing Alyssa's room over the next few weeks, and she thinks her lamp is a toy. Luckily, she has one of the paper one from Ikea, but she still pulls it down and touches the bulb, and I'm afraid one day she is going to break it. If I can put it up on a shelf, that would help me out a lot!<br />
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Head over and read this great tutorial by <a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/2012/08/lamp-hack-how-to-make-any-lamp-cordless/" target="_blank">View Along the Way.</a> It really is a great, inexpensive DIY trick! Enjoy<br />
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I hope you enjoy her blog as much as I have! She is hilarious and has some really great ideas!</div>
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Come back tomorrow for Flash-Back Friday, where I tell you a funny story about vomit and my first grade teacher!</div>
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TaTa, </div>
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Emily</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07240148056326039659noreply@blogger.com0