tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30717110395537958602024-03-05T04:06:13.150-08:00Simple Stitches by ShannonShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-24220109486193490362014-03-02T09:41:00.004-08:002014-03-02T09:41:41.049-08:00Simple Stitches MOVED!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi! I am officially moved over. You can now find me over at:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.simplestitchesbyshannon.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to have you follow along on Facebook as well:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/SimpleStitchesShannon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope to see you over there! You'll get details on my sewing projects and find some that will be for you to buy and love on for years to come!</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-53902388847297944612014-02-27T11:44:00.000-08:002014-02-27T11:44:47.855-08:00Updating!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been MIA on here for a little bit. I have been busy sewing some REALLY cute things and now I am currently working on updating this blog to suit what I want to be doing a little better. (more on that later) I am hoping to have it all finished and beautiful in the next couple weeks. A new web address and all. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will keep you in the loop when it gets finished so you know where to find me! :) </span><div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-75769407832035529982014-02-17T10:54:00.001-08:002014-02-17T10:54:57.861-08:00Meal Plan Printable<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things I like the least that I have to do weekly is meal planning. It takes me FOREVER. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of being more organized this year, I decided I would make a weekly menu and make it cute! That will make meal planning more fun, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It helps me to have specific types of meals to plan for each day. I also put a spot for breakfast and lunch because I base my grocery list off of the menu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mine looks like this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57CclAi4GaqXq6MCnGv_mR9paDouztGbDtpVB6O96YJHz8FnRRzBKyTWymsAIUonjS-C18qQUxcPPs0eGLHe85WwSiuIskONaTsCnlVASmS313GrK6d6csRuRPHnhPhEbzvKP_unSoIY/s1600/Meal+Plan+Specific.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57CclAi4GaqXq6MCnGv_mR9paDouztGbDtpVB6O96YJHz8FnRRzBKyTWymsAIUonjS-C18qQUxcPPs0eGLHe85WwSiuIskONaTsCnlVASmS313GrK6d6csRuRPHnhPhEbzvKP_unSoIY/s1600/Meal+Plan+Specific.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mondays are crockpot meals. (This is one of my busiest days so the crockpot makes it so I don't have to think about dinner prep!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesdays are Soup/BBQ. (Soup if it's cold-BBQ for warm days)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesdays are brinner. (Breakfast for dinner)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday is Pinterest recipes (new or favorites-I usually try to pick a new one)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday is vegetarian meal. (makes the weekly grocery bill a little less expensive)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturdays are Pizza. (Usually homemade but not always)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday we like to have a large super yummy dinner. Almost holiday style, but not quite. Just a time to gather around a super delicious meal and enjoy one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have an extra box for extra things to make throughout the week. Bread and chicken stock are typically here. As well as special treats like cookies and what not. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some plain printables in lots of colors if you want them! They don't have categories or anything so you can fill it out to your needs. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gray: Print it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0N0vT6XflMFMkh3c1RBVVRaaFU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieSlbO5wLU_sRUlu8Hs5VTt725yXMbuFWnptsvPRYUU8AwoQv5ARL_Eda7wflFQl1miwN-MNEdR8mE9oaSzP9jbvGYxT-ZuOws4UDXGK6NmmXZd07BbPu2Q0iMi0__I6G4_fOLdlt_M8/s1600/Gray+Meal+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieSlbO5wLU_sRUlu8Hs5VTt725yXMbuFWnptsvPRYUU8AwoQv5ARL_Eda7wflFQl1miwN-MNEdR8mE9oaSzP9jbvGYxT-ZuOws4UDXGK6NmmXZd07BbPu2Q0iMi0__I6G4_fOLdlt_M8/s1600/Gray+Meal+Plan.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mint: Print it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0N0vT6XflMFeW9NNW5mZUNIMTg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljfo1wYFPVQZ3dGL3I9KhHNjUWYJkaiaRlvG2VPyIDRHrhN7GZDpJErlGAkTi9Olhfzarjx8B5hyphenhyphen9NgoVhoQM0PGzzkQcF-BMycFQWiWWszJQSSLiFY45U2j93wFwuM4T0C8CJjlbg2M/s1600/Mint+Meal+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljfo1wYFPVQZ3dGL3I9KhHNjUWYJkaiaRlvG2VPyIDRHrhN7GZDpJErlGAkTi9Olhfzarjx8B5hyphenhyphen9NgoVhoQM0PGzzkQcF-BMycFQWiWWszJQSSLiFY45U2j93wFwuM4T0C8CJjlbg2M/s1600/Mint+Meal+Plan.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yellow: Print it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0N0vT6XflMFSFhQa3czWm1iQW8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDCKSxuIutNQSC7YvD2whQNnO6q-wbyIjXdp3EQyVdvT5L7LFkA8qTdHEjGirnRM3ilOE7br-AQJOtBvqfbBe8tBUUvO8lMtPyAeEwzS17eJbWrDGNr19NM0GjJivGD8b36GraON3e7U/s1600/Yellow+Meal+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDCKSxuIutNQSC7YvD2whQNnO6q-wbyIjXdp3EQyVdvT5L7LFkA8qTdHEjGirnRM3ilOE7br-AQJOtBvqfbBe8tBUUvO8lMtPyAeEwzS17eJbWrDGNr19NM0GjJivGD8b36GraON3e7U/s1600/Yellow+Meal+Plan.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have great meal planning tips?? Please share them with me!</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-82673753109838234702014-02-13T14:33:00.001-08:002014-02-13T14:33:59.269-08:00Tracking Eggs! FREE Printable<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been quiet on the ol blog for a little bit. I've been busy sewing and keeping up with the kids. But I can't wait to share my sewing project! It's ADORABLE! And a birthday pressie for Lil Bit. Can't believe she is nearly THREE! :(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, the ladies (aka my chickens) have picked up on their egg laying. FINALLY. It's been pretty pathetic to get one or two eggs a week. Then February came along and BAM! Roughly two eggs a day. So that's better. Spring can't come quick enough and I'll be getting at least 4 a day!! Hurry up Spring!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm always curious how many eggs we get a month and I want to be able to see at the end of the year, what we provided ourselves with! I made myself a chart of sorts. I just keep it on the computer and it adds it all up for me. (Thanks Hubs!) But if you like it and want to use it for your eggs, have at it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sRHUCaH5MEU7angze6NZ3a63BCUjKYGK6TLhSXd1e2wOtCfoXNjEjLTBELkJzkjm4jDPd0e3qG5fj5Shu7eFY2-J74twtKZw1-NHw6qBQ4bD2CmuUk-4KaDvQTyzLbPPvOH-Isi0gFI/s1600/Egg+Record.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sRHUCaH5MEU7angze6NZ3a63BCUjKYGK6TLhSXd1e2wOtCfoXNjEjLTBELkJzkjm4jDPd0e3qG5fj5Shu7eFY2-J74twtKZw1-NHw6qBQ4bD2CmuUk-4KaDvQTyzLbPPvOH-Isi0gFI/s1600/Egg+Record.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grab yours <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0N0vT6XflMFbXVod1M5WGh4c0k/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan on making one shortly for our gardening things too. What was planted and when and how much yield it produced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to weather in the 60's this weekend!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-74534730745474747032014-02-05T05:30:00.000-08:002014-02-05T05:30:00.982-08:00Oil Washing (with Essential Oil)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know we are quickly already into February. I had one last use for lemon that I wanted to share before we moved on to a new oil. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been washing my face using coconut oil for a month now. I liked it alright. It cleaned it well but I could never quite get rid of the loose dry skin that Colorado leaves you with in winter. NO fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So looking up different natural ways to wash my face I came upon using lemon! It was stated that lemon was really good at getting rid of those flakeys! Well sign me up! It's also really beneficial in other ways too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was hooked the first time I tried it. SO refreshing and it really did take off the grossness. As I continued to look into this, I asked my friend who has an unbelievable amount of knowledge of essential oils, WHY is lemon so good for your skin? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon Oil can:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">open clogged pores (yep-totally does)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">aids in cellular oxygenation and detoxification, therefore rejuvenation. It does this both internally and externally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It aids in cellular regrowth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Topically, it breaks down oils and improves micro-circulation, thus enhancing healing and has a major constituent of limonene, "extensively studied in over 50 clinical studies for its ability to combat tumor growth" -Essential Oils Desk Reference book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Basically, it is making your skin glow and super healthy! Gotta love that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coconut oil happens to be a fantastic carrier oil for essential oils. Curious to know why? I was too. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It easily penetrates or absorbs into the skin, allowing the oils to seep in and be absorbed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't go rancid or let oils spoil because of its own properties. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It does not alter the properties of essential oils.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it's super healthy for you to begin with. You can find SO MUCH health info on coconut oil, so I won't go way into it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was excited to put the lemon in my coconut oil to wash my face!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's do this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supplies:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coconut Oil (we use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Virgin-Coconut-15-Ounce/dp/B001EO5Q64/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1391568183&sr=8-6&keywords=coconut+oil" target="_blank">this</a>, but get it from Costco because it's a great deal there!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon Essential Oil (therapeutic grade)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all-I can read and KNOW what every ingredient is that I am putting on my face.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAmlPvLRuIUbg5QVp8fEmkIAxitZV3H0A5JitfmlPrbEVHe8m2_jGM61qfscToBV47hYf-tL-uGJBF44tWmGFZb07YK0r2mCNxo058p0eYYMQIVRCw9AtCd4q5trWLED9qR8SjKcMsug/s1600/Facewash+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAmlPvLRuIUbg5QVp8fEmkIAxitZV3H0A5JitfmlPrbEVHe8m2_jGM61qfscToBV47hYf-tL-uGJBF44tWmGFZb07YK0r2mCNxo058p0eYYMQIVRCw9AtCd4q5trWLED9qR8SjKcMsug/s1600/Facewash+Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put a good amount of coconut oil in a jar. I probably put in about 3 or 4 tablespoons. Cover jar and heat up in warm water so it melts. Coconut oil starts to liquify at about 75 degrees, so it doesn't take long to do this. Add in your lemon oil. I did about 8 drops. Nothing super mathematical about it. You don't need it super strong but enough to do its job.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi81Yg7hfVMr0-aciG9ImafBDuNQqdtcxbae6EVphJdseU68aYX3UCu-eqUbWsW1IcA3S3yI_d7nFaB5BIGCrTRtrTCwQbtKzRbTed3LxvA9Kgv3Z-JPRlWwJv4GdXiGEROeTZouay7kQ/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi81Yg7hfVMr0-aciG9ImafBDuNQqdtcxbae6EVphJdseU68aYX3UCu-eqUbWsW1IcA3S3yI_d7nFaB5BIGCrTRtrTCwQbtKzRbTed3LxvA9Kgv3Z-JPRlWwJv4GdXiGEROeTZouay7kQ/s1600/oil.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*that white blob is just unmelted coconut oil*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Give it a good shake and it's all set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To use it, I again, warm up the mixture so it's more liquid like. Dip my fingers in and then just rub it on my face. Get a washcloth wet with nice and warm water and apply it your face. I like to do it like a semi spa treatment and let it sit on my face for a minute or two. Then gently rub so your face feels moisturized instead of oily. If you're wearing make up, it should come off onto your washcloth. It even takes off water proof mascara! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tell ya, my face has never felt so refreshed and clean! I love it! And I really like that I don't need a moisturizer after washing. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that wraps up our month of Lemon Essential Oil! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are 40 MORE uses for lemon oil:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acidosis</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acne</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alkalosis</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anemia</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aneursm</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Angina</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anorexia</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Antibiotic reactions</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bladder infection</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blood clots</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blood platelets (low)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Confusion</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cushings disease (adrenal gland imbalance)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depression</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Diarrhea</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dysentery</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Age related macular degeneration</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fatigue</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gallbladder infection</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gastritis</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gout</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hair and scalp problems</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dandruff</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Halitosis ( bad breath)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heartburn</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hematoma</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kidney disorders</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kidney stones</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Liver disorders</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Malaria</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mucus (excess)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nails, finger/toe (brittle or weak)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Narcolepsy</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning sickness</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dry nose</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Postpartum depression</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poison oak and poison ivy</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Snake bites</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Throat infections (cough)(dry cough)(laryngitis)(sore throat)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toxemia</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you gotten your Lemon Oil yet? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">*You can order your therapeutic grade lemon oil from Young Living </span><a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">directly</a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">, or email me and I can get some shipped to you! (paterson.shannon@gmail.com)*</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-84044612864756465622014-02-04T11:02:00.000-08:002014-02-04T13:20:31.406-08:00Valentine's Day Inspiration<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Valentine's Day is Kelsey's FAVORITE holiday. :) The girl is all about the love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought this year we'd have some fun decorating for it. Especially since Allie's birthday party will be Valentine themed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of my favorite things I've printed out so far and decorations I plan on doing within the week!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1hKgRpnAaycaeN53KoDQogUldOSiBaNzSuofDMn84yRWlrImJi4b4Yy3gdMx6WkAdyzSA4kZdW66CU5fZOpg-6pZwveCdLLjSyCj-7r4_SJOgzBxlNO0IY5HqETy01gwKZ2pMDYfJoU/s1600/1+Corithians+16+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1hKgRpnAaycaeN53KoDQogUldOSiBaNzSuofDMn84yRWlrImJi4b4Yy3gdMx6WkAdyzSA4kZdW66CU5fZOpg-6pZwveCdLLjSyCj-7r4_SJOgzBxlNO0IY5HqETy01gwKZ2pMDYfJoU/s1600/1+Corithians+16+print.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one I actually made myself. :) Easy, cute and quick. Download and print it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0N0vT6XflMFTjZZR2NUR2c2Y2M/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZSMKoN9xJYsxlEzP8zCmkINDaJefYnsK2cmpYilAmKu1ti7AWl9kLAX-7gPHFuPGFV8GQ5i94Ag4rHuePJcifDx0cbX1CvCAiUM8suT64yragLoASbVuCC8zVp8XBIkS0TUrksmOtR4/s1600/1+Corinthian+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZSMKoN9xJYsxlEzP8zCmkINDaJefYnsK2cmpYilAmKu1ti7AWl9kLAX-7gPHFuPGFV8GQ5i94Ag4rHuePJcifDx0cbX1CvCAiUM8suT64yragLoASbVuCC8zVp8XBIkS0TUrksmOtR4/s1600/1+Corinthian+13.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How cute is this one? All the colors! You can get it <a href="http://falalalovely.blogspot.com/2012/03/love-printable.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>. She has it available in lots of color options!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the LOVE letters on the old window. I have the perfect window for this!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjnKdG4OwBwY3yjh-uBHf2oy7wjUCoyStXO6xoLLhohdF4ox_4E-tOfY-IJTIzq6UrEz_Q7yFGQYPpSVRbB2RmjrFzAg_I5oBRt7iQu3f8nHTopIIG2MXA-J-aOfs0WdlJC52qiZYL74/s1600/Love+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjnKdG4OwBwY3yjh-uBHf2oy7wjUCoyStXO6xoLLhohdF4ox_4E-tOfY-IJTIzq6UrEz_Q7yFGQYPpSVRbB2RmjrFzAg_I5oBRt7iQu3f8nHTopIIG2MXA-J-aOfs0WdlJC52qiZYL74/s1600/Love+words.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image from http://www.styledomaine.com/2013/01/valentine-decor/*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the hearts in the frame and the burlap bunting of this next one. The sign is really cute too. I don't think I will have time to make that though, but one could always try!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZUSUQP8bZHoaXGcoji6ED1nvuGeVCts4jEIEr8OpMdBtNtIZSIqs3q65FHDnL-wuj0iArTrds46fwTu3qhrKpRY_fFA7RYy9YRVPddFJUHmKi0YZWhiv8rjCZeaN-FZ-iveTLIq4Bwo/s1600/Valentine+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZUSUQP8bZHoaXGcoji6ED1nvuGeVCts4jEIEr8OpMdBtNtIZSIqs3q65FHDnL-wuj0iArTrds46fwTu3qhrKpRY_fFA7RYy9YRVPddFJUHmKi0YZWhiv8rjCZeaN-FZ-iveTLIq4Bwo/s1600/Valentine+Decor.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image found here http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205617539209203473/*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This heart garland would be really easy to make as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNIdAkaTxrVarZJ6xV-31j_f-LPdqbRN_8FY8J7IaqCokMF9MXiMi4BFLhRj043S-_7qldK5Y2SKJ1JCIfxhzCNY44SxE6HcoTmErcEWxZHJCLmXqGoOqeqH8zjCrFPBGkSuCPFoRZe0/s1600/Heart+Garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNIdAkaTxrVarZJ6xV-31j_f-LPdqbRN_8FY8J7IaqCokMF9MXiMi4BFLhRj043S-_7qldK5Y2SKJ1JCIfxhzCNY44SxE6HcoTmErcEWxZHJCLmXqGoOqeqH8zjCrFPBGkSuCPFoRZe0/s1600/Heart+Garland.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image from http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205617539208850526/*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's on your list for Valentine's Day?</span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-15222075099586698302014-01-31T09:11:00.000-08:002014-01-31T09:11:01.322-08:00Kids Clothes Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5u7FzeL-36bzpkofZn97k8U45V9694LinTbZqo2FCFNKf4db5zwKGfGhPEZqPuUO5RfEo9Tm7Tm4tMTo6sDmECe1Ehy0xcUVd4TUDB-2uSpW_x92tKeOKJBakz_f5S4d2o9GGogENTQ/s1600/day-five.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5u7FzeL-36bzpkofZn97k8U45V9694LinTbZqo2FCFNKf4db5zwKGfGhPEZqPuUO5RfEo9Tm7Tm4tMTo6sDmECe1Ehy0xcUVd4TUDB-2uSpW_x92tKeOKJBakz_f5S4d2o9GGogENTQ/s1600/day-five.png" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image from blog.kidsclothesweek.com*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sheesh, this week of sewing has gone by fast! My day three project continued into day four and is being posted for day five. It took me longer to complete this because I made up the pattern as I went. It's not complicated AT ALL. Seriously, ANYBODY could do it. But I'm not so good at making it up as I go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a circle skirt apron. I LOVE how it turned out. Especially for my first go at it. I took notes to change for future aprons, because there WILL be future aprons of this. It came out so cute!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHlj1AhArmFEocOseFyBcIS9qkluEvgpUMp7TIfaQ8ExQ9HarvIDMm7R-ne0XHga1mVGU0qxNpk4030li62jVM0Z_NOnpN9eiR6ld79zNzO1Ai63uW0tbt7j7Ihbf7Pah_a7Pc0n3ADE/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHlj1AhArmFEocOseFyBcIS9qkluEvgpUMp7TIfaQ8ExQ9HarvIDMm7R-ne0XHga1mVGU0qxNpk4030li62jVM0Z_NOnpN9eiR6ld79zNzO1Ai63uW0tbt7j7Ihbf7Pah_a7Pc0n3ADE/s1600/Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has that 50's vibe that makes my heart melt!! Oh love it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got the lemon fabric at JoAnns FOREVER ago specifically for making an apron but never got around to it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CtPRgWqXwhiu65YHL3_w40C_ljB6f_D33jfvRMsA4rv_Qv9n4YsjBDEU7RQflivTQYqsl1uvSEdBhQfRJrYHKjd8HNKCDYg2uksK1qsQ67d91NB_u8hDu3Eu2EGqzHT8lja9i00yJd4/s1600/Full+Size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CtPRgWqXwhiu65YHL3_w40C_ljB6f_D33jfvRMsA4rv_Qv9n4YsjBDEU7RQflivTQYqsl1uvSEdBhQfRJrYHKjd8HNKCDYg2uksK1qsQ67d91NB_u8hDu3Eu2EGqzHT8lja9i00yJd4/s1600/Full+Size.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was pretty excited to have this apron made special just for her. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not too bad for a first go of it! I think now that I have it all figured out I could whip one out in less than an hour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I will try to get one last thing finished before the end of the weekend! Last day of Kids Clothes Week is Sunday! Have you popped over there to see all the super cute things people are making? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go check out <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/2014/01/kcw-day-five-2/" target="_blank">Day Five</a>! And all the others while you're there. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-10973677465160428192014-01-29T10:13:00.000-08:002014-01-29T10:13:41.700-08:00Kids Clothes Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAfFpaOUlhXoNF0rNHWJ3dJbXIIdjD8NsUk-hFBAIv_F-eHkvCqPV8f9xTxGyZ7-jjdQN6WLaycyNrwLBTlbjt_3cc43zkd2GzuMoW-DE6TByPemPu3wM5HU-Cw-KPCVb0-unuyb4kag/s1600/day-two.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAfFpaOUlhXoNF0rNHWJ3dJbXIIdjD8NsUk-hFBAIv_F-eHkvCqPV8f9xTxGyZ7-jjdQN6WLaycyNrwLBTlbjt_3cc43zkd2GzuMoW-DE6TByPemPu3wM5HU-Cw-KPCVb0-unuyb4kag/s1600/day-two.png" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image from blog.kidsclothesweek.com*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For day two of KCW, I whipped up a shirt for Kels. <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">The Flashback Skinny Tee</a> from <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" target="_blank">Made By Rae</a>. Every pattern I have purchased from Rae has been fantastic. Simple, easy to follow, and great results! You can buy the big kids size (6-14!) or the smaller sizes (12 months -5T). Kelsey measured out perfect for the 5T.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VOmcL1dpE5obVHQa2SjMc9M2GL3x1v43i33Uupy8MG5oSTrU4eBlGg-M5sN2nwJPFCvbaTH5blYPCbiZcgl-CZiETD69t4pGkn9-aNVmWY21OTsJjO7jgpZgm5jyhd1wBS9C7etdMoc/s1600/Skinny+Tee+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VOmcL1dpE5obVHQa2SjMc9M2GL3x1v43i33Uupy8MG5oSTrU4eBlGg-M5sN2nwJPFCvbaTH5blYPCbiZcgl-CZiETD69t4pGkn9-aNVmWY21OTsJjO7jgpZgm5jyhd1wBS9C7etdMoc/s1600/Skinny+Tee+Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fabric is a really light weight, SOFT knit from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a>. I was nervous to work with it because I haven't been real successful sewing with knits yet. I went REALLY slow, pinned the heck out of it, and used the stretch stitch on my machine. And all was well in the world.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8ZnA1QYi1vEFsTUOOKEDkFCOKxiQ3Kz6W5ZLgSWtX3_A7Jq9X7g0NixjoWG1FAY_JNNpnBqzS6yQ1mRuglzvdp-FsvwTYR1yyKDUR1qvmQexG7nMabDxO93Zw46eY80UhJqdLHjTCCU/s1600/Holding+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8ZnA1QYi1vEFsTUOOKEDkFCOKxiQ3Kz6W5ZLgSWtX3_A7Jq9X7g0NixjoWG1FAY_JNNpnBqzS6yQ1mRuglzvdp-FsvwTYR1yyKDUR1qvmQexG7nMabDxO93Zw46eY80UhJqdLHjTCCU/s1600/Holding+hands.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was really happy with the length of the sleeves. Store bought shirts seem to be the TINIEST bit short on her arms. This pattern length worked really well for her arms. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_efgJpFDx-YNKSOWP7YTxcpngP54kwBarvsZ_oy-HD5_0h5lGhdAaU-e19Yvp9-ZrNdtVrDpaJkHdBjV5XaC6gz30dsy5kJcUEVQQXWAHInHG9Ma0H4wv7YGiFGSsGpWYXjqUJdNNI8/s1600/Behind+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_efgJpFDx-YNKSOWP7YTxcpngP54kwBarvsZ_oy-HD5_0h5lGhdAaU-e19Yvp9-ZrNdtVrDpaJkHdBjV5XaC6gz30dsy5kJcUEVQQXWAHInHG9Ma0H4wv7YGiFGSsGpWYXjqUJdNNI8/s1600/Behind+back.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The length on the waist turned out well too. She can reach up without her tummy showing. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now onto pattern drafting for my day three project! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wish me luck!</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-20790376470930344362014-01-28T20:27:00.002-08:002014-01-28T20:27:59.069-08:00Kids Clothes Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc4WtlZTXIErWdRh_j1a3q4oat4c1q4z1MhxRBbhxOX2SmICQBnojbPUKop-RdOdNFs8VPOfwovG5qGGvtp5cVk4TzDNihDEm3q4jNbpDdiq0kb3ao5JFQZk-YzxjkhgpHkTrp8-H220/s1600/Kids+Clothes+Week.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc4WtlZTXIErWdRh_j1a3q4oat4c1q4z1MhxRBbhxOX2SmICQBnojbPUKop-RdOdNFs8VPOfwovG5qGGvtp5cVk4TzDNihDEm3q4jNbpDdiq0kb3ao5JFQZk-YzxjkhgpHkTrp8-H220/s1600/Kids+Clothes+Week.png" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*image from kidsclothesweek.com*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was hoping and wishing that I would have time to participate in Kids Clothes Week this year. I usually sit back and watch all the beautiful things everyone is posting. This year, I decided, I'm all in! And I am so pleased that I have been squeezing it into our fairly busy schedule. It just happens to be the week that we have no parties or anything! :) SCORE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really, the goal is to sew for kids (yours or someone else's) for an hour each day this week. Whether that means you only get something cut out and started or you finish multiple items. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my day one project actually got completed ALMOST in day one. I really wanted to take my time and not rush through it to see how much I could accomplish this week. I want the things I am making to be special and really show time and effort. Because that's what makes sewing worth it, I think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose to make <a href="http://veryshannon.com/patterns/sweetheart-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">The Sweetheart Dress</a> from <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/" target="_blank">Very Shannon</a>. I have had this in my "want to sew" pile for quite some time now. Then, the perfect situation arose. Not only is it Kids Clothes Week, but we are celebrating Allie's birthday on February 15th. Her party will be Valentine theme. Ummm, couldn't get better. So I went to JoAnn's and found fabric to go along. I love it. Red and grey but not hearts or too Valentine like.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsE8hZD3N4BYDwZFh4XrFBxUg8_S4EQO7Lt6wHWx-inOR73FIGSVyOxsNt4GEQ0HED6LvLrHCM6Yei1ulci2gh8cTiH-kISfiaWPKJbp3-S_LVtu8Z889Zn5PTxUJ48mtHw4derrT0ik/s1600/Title+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsE8hZD3N4BYDwZFh4XrFBxUg8_S4EQO7Lt6wHWx-inOR73FIGSVyOxsNt4GEQ0HED6LvLrHCM6Yei1ulci2gh8cTiH-kISfiaWPKJbp3-S_LVtu8Z889Zn5PTxUJ48mtHw4derrT0ik/s1600/Title+Dress.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is similar to the Geranium dress except this has a fun surprise on the back.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t7Uzav6EZeleJUsTvi3XbhcLMKGZi66mYJnlcEhu_7NLaYkx_n9ppLtHhoDJXGVqCL37GHN7rnKf6Iy607Y1Z84wvbgh7mkMwL3jSqimOVQl-d2_p0Xf5GTEnrYFe03CwcV2SmLadJ4/s1600/Dress+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t7Uzav6EZeleJUsTvi3XbhcLMKGZi66mYJnlcEhu_7NLaYkx_n9ppLtHhoDJXGVqCL37GHN7rnKf6Iy607Y1Z84wvbgh7mkMwL3jSqimOVQl-d2_p0Xf5GTEnrYFe03CwcV2SmLadJ4/s1600/Dress+Back.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A heart cut out! How cute is that?? And perfect for a Valentine's party! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOSywXKgsSy8amJlmXLXG-VNabcGiWidkm8dXQtIBmOYe5FoRHaDHUPYX1FBxAvftAUqnEWuGTIXfBRxMNQl7MMgTz7BuTZZi3iB-FlnOHVISooFev_PdJi11fsAjbZgYLuavh8NguUA/s1600/Heart+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOSywXKgsSy8amJlmXLXG-VNabcGiWidkm8dXQtIBmOYe5FoRHaDHUPYX1FBxAvftAUqnEWuGTIXfBRxMNQl7MMgTz7BuTZZi3iB-FlnOHVISooFev_PdJi11fsAjbZgYLuavh8NguUA/s1600/Heart+Close+Up.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean seriously! So cute!! I just need to put the button on it where that needle is. I am going to attempt a fabric covered button in the grey lining fabric. I will also add a flower embellishment on the front waist as well. But I'm saving those little details for the weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The skirt is enclosed in the lining so there are no itchy seams, one of my favorite features. If a pattern has this feature I am almost certain to buy it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ04lxV8bXLnob5AK7O2KkbcqqyhdtZipPGNmAnSl61azYCc5nESUqJIFJtbRpjjsSdbhDL7JWimPDmhPWrzV8OEQS-lk_ZDSrwx_hO8rS_PdMmuCAIJR7AwmqlBlHASu5je1W213KiI4/s1600/Lining+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ04lxV8bXLnob5AK7O2KkbcqqyhdtZipPGNmAnSl61azYCc5nESUqJIFJtbRpjjsSdbhDL7JWimPDmhPWrzV8OEQS-lk_ZDSrwx_hO8rS_PdMmuCAIJR7AwmqlBlHASu5je1W213KiI4/s1600/Lining+Close+Up.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so excited to take her 3 year old pictures in it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day Two for Kids Clothes Week was also successful! I'll post about that tomorrow! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you joining in the sewing festivities? What are you making?</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-66028685883533744732014-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-22T05:00:02.671-08:00Amazing Carpet Cleaner<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am amazed at everything lemon oil can do! I love how much I'm learning about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week was a serious shocker! I really wasn't expecting this to work. But work it did!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you ready for it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjENn_hbIDtgbVMajdJmEPU2ydfl7t93WAoQhUxm62PqBmfzTiaYA4JDuH_LrBiGmzvZs0BlsuM5TlA7O8xEInLJpXXOX9UYMMstCcWA731ZI94XLnvNiUNusn7tok4QoXgSaTSwHFHE/s1600/Carpet+Cleaner+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjENn_hbIDtgbVMajdJmEPU2ydfl7t93WAoQhUxm62PqBmfzTiaYA4JDuH_LrBiGmzvZs0BlsuM5TlA7O8xEInLJpXXOX9UYMMstCcWA731ZI94XLnvNiUNusn7tok4QoXgSaTSwHFHE/s1600/Carpet+Cleaner+Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know…really, Shannon? This really isn't that amazing. You can find recipes similar to this ALL OVER Pinterest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But you would be wrong, because they are missing the most important ingredient and don't work NEARLY as well! I've tried MANY natural, DIY carpet cleaners and they just don't compare to this. From just baking soda and vinegar, to adding in some dish soap, to ironing it after spraying it. None of them worked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE my puppy. Adore her. I am so happy to have her. She is my baby. But, she made a few stains on the girls' carpet that I could not get out. I got so annoyed every time I would see them. Those little puppy pee spots, mocking me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before. But I am so glad I finally did. The mocking is gone! I won this battle!! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is what you will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon essential oil (therapeutic grade)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spray bottle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dish for mixing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hand towel</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Process:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put some baking soda into your little mixing dish. Couple teaspoons maybe. Add in some drops of lemon oil - I added 7 or 8 drops. Mix it around so the baking soda absorbs the oil. It will start to look and feel like cornstarch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtItBYRCJ3Sj6sQHgB4XsgrrvPPiZ7t7PNB7AVTRWVBsc-j7YsB1_aDzaug0vrSot295vY6tOaO9cqg15CoFzEeMCzE46eq5Tc1FILCfCdSp_YsF-SQHwIeo4wXfqWodqkh9D6iS4KZG4/s1600/Baking+Soda+Combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtItBYRCJ3Sj6sQHgB4XsgrrvPPiZ7t7PNB7AVTRWVBsc-j7YsB1_aDzaug0vrSot295vY6tOaO9cqg15CoFzEeMCzE46eq5Tc1FILCfCdSp_YsF-SQHwIeo4wXfqWodqkh9D6iS4KZG4/s1600/Baking+Soda+Combo.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now mix equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go find that spot and ignore it's mocking. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEj5gQxWqPmvTmjON-xz6Wm7K25cHKZdLqSpliRIfp6cWon9xX-QqFo1VafUboOHxSzDyI3gr4pconm1QBMhOwVbCsyRjs8pbg2BClsXmB07Eo4hc1fSAflseNPjVGBEb-HPq3eaLe4M/s1600/Red+Stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEj5gQxWqPmvTmjON-xz6Wm7K25cHKZdLqSpliRIfp6cWon9xX-QqFo1VafUboOHxSzDyI3gr4pconm1QBMhOwVbCsyRjs8pbg2BClsXmB07Eo4hc1fSAflseNPjVGBEb-HPq3eaLe4M/s1600/Red+Stain.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There it is…..kinda blending in and definitely mocking all at once. Ignore it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go ahead and put your baking soda mixture on it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcMi7VpMK4_wHAX6MAwmVYsUk6m9rqIEUfLemFNfhjNBQnKT9_jsq7uU2LdVicFrgZdFnCrgPl0S1KhvtTzKZ_uCjuzikh4aJuHZ40bwnMDpEaKuwGwK0vRy7dmZ3mWgJInLhw0Hh-To/s1600/sprinkled+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcMi7VpMK4_wHAX6MAwmVYsUk6m9rqIEUfLemFNfhjNBQnKT9_jsq7uU2LdVicFrgZdFnCrgPl0S1KhvtTzKZ_uCjuzikh4aJuHZ40bwnMDpEaKuwGwK0vRy7dmZ3mWgJInLhw0Hh-To/s1600/sprinkled+on.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rub it in really well. You want it to get into the fibers pretty well so it lifts the stain out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And this stain has been here a good amount of time…..</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGFBMjENtpzn6tvonGUMmGGcW_ryDWbuD0GsNyqJ69w4i8UryBOzugfZmVJuSyb3wxD1dE42jSC8q8UWvfZSIE_gdKA3sTwZGKjE2OBUCb_5PMTQHcwQCfMNZuh2-TFCE2LEs7MiSiuU/s1600/rub+it+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGFBMjENtpzn6tvonGUMmGGcW_ryDWbuD0GsNyqJ69w4i8UryBOzugfZmVJuSyb3wxD1dE42jSC8q8UWvfZSIE_gdKA3sTwZGKjE2OBUCb_5PMTQHcwQCfMNZuh2-TFCE2LEs7MiSiuU/s1600/rub+it+in.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember where the spot is. It's hard to see it once your baking soda is all rubbed in. Then give it a good spray with your vinegar and water. Let it bubble and do it's thing. Once the bubbles seemed to have calmed down, rub it out with a hand towel!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgliC5oqRArHiJxGkbrhOZFT3T6QC8h7eBaVAkxsfRZkVRYBDBwie7Z763UYmnSbbxErS3WZAKbW2Dy-a3tTd159llIQkCjws8T6Ku7IyrsgDUde89PlApwmeWlboomZIZBRQ74CQ00oE/s1600/Stain+gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgliC5oqRArHiJxGkbrhOZFT3T6QC8h7eBaVAkxsfRZkVRYBDBwie7Z763UYmnSbbxErS3WZAKbW2Dy-a3tTd159llIQkCjws8T6Ku7IyrsgDUde89PlApwmeWlboomZIZBRQ74CQ00oE/s1600/Stain+gone.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there you have it! Stain is gone!! Oh happy, HAPPY day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't have a stain to remove but want to freshen your carpet up a little bit; sprinkle the baking powder and lemon mixture onto your carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the stinky smells and then vacuum it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easy everyday use for a fresh carpet!</span><br />
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*You can order your therapeutic grade lemon oil from Young Living <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US" target="_blank">directly</a>, or email me and I can get some shipped to you! (paterson.shannon@gmail.com)*Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-46925271266533139992014-01-20T08:11:00.002-08:002014-01-20T08:11:38.312-08:00The Gardening Season Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsDYgTXJhnQXeq-E2R2FLsueXvtXyF0AzgSxp5-tPwZzGNRWmA3NGYRuiFSW_mKW_SwC5hFs3pMZNrxadsHG0aax7Y-yNeOJ3B_7vT1fipnJNve_HbdPm-Nt0tejLr30I1h-qSZAqlWQ/s1600/Starting+Seeds+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsDYgTXJhnQXeq-E2R2FLsueXvtXyF0AzgSxp5-tPwZzGNRWmA3NGYRuiFSW_mKW_SwC5hFs3pMZNrxadsHG0aax7Y-yNeOJ3B_7vT1fipnJNve_HbdPm-Nt0tejLr30I1h-qSZAqlWQ/s1600/Starting+Seeds+Title.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FINALLY!! It is time to start seeds! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, actually, I started them last week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so excited about them. The only ones that I have done so far are the slow to germinate herbs along with a few that will do good in the spring frosts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what I've started:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Cilantro (which I'm pretty sure the cat destroyed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sweet Marjoram (no idea how to cook with/eat it, but chickens benefit from it)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Basil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Mint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Spearmint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Chives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Celery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Onions (started now for large transplants later!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Kale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Broccoli</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've never grown this many herbs before. Last year, the chickens had a hay day with a lot of things that got planted. As well as the massive amount of rain and hail last summer. It was not so great. So we will see how this year's garden comes along. I'm hoping to keep the chickens distracted with other things I will grow specifically for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want to start some seeds??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grab your seed starting medium. I'm hoping to make some next year once I have a little more experience under my belt. This year, I just grabbed a couple bags at the local nursery. This was what they said they use and love. Not certified organic, but the ingredients don't scare me. I know it's called Ferti-Lome, but there is no fertilizer in it. It's just fertile starter! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGytEuBk69n7NFpnKPMY2wxIIok1uId-VdVAAB3vTrqnBdwzJg32PyQL3OIG2-U7zF4-D288HARxSXVNzNa4Pnw9n8rmUFEQO7SgSFG1DsWg5TnEriMQM8v6l7j4QlA1DzRBI0CS8akQ/s1600/Ferti-Lome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGytEuBk69n7NFpnKPMY2wxIIok1uId-VdVAAB3vTrqnBdwzJg32PyQL3OIG2-U7zF4-D288HARxSXVNzNa4Pnw9n8rmUFEQO7SgSFG1DsWg5TnEriMQM8v6l7j4QlA1DzRBI0CS8akQ/s1600/Ferti-Lome.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You don't want to plant your seeds straight in this right out of the bag. It needs a little bit of prep work. You are going to want to get it moist, but NOT wet. Does that make sense? It should feel damp. The easiest way I have found to do this is to dump a good amount into a large bowl with some water. Then use a spoon or your hands to mix the water into it. The water takes a little bit to soak in. Give it a few minutes before you add more water to it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqgt-h6wXPOsBrRoUp7yuGALPyiWizePWh8fufM9FJfEucTZz51Cv39tRRrtEtSSdX1PwlnGK4WIuU3bqUKtPwlFrKcbQr9ThG1A7vDGmOrin-HiO4pXaPi2DxSpsD6Ze63_AVJsfbq4/s1600/Bowl+of+soil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqgt-h6wXPOsBrRoUp7yuGALPyiWizePWh8fufM9FJfEucTZz51Cv39tRRrtEtSSdX1PwlnGK4WIuU3bqUKtPwlFrKcbQr9ThG1A7vDGmOrin-HiO4pXaPi2DxSpsD6Ze63_AVJsfbq4/s1600/Bowl+of+soil.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nice and fluffy and moist. That's all the prep that is needed. It's all set to put into your containers and plant your seeds! I started these seeds in some flats. I filled the flat about 3/4 full with the seed starting medium and flattened it so it was all even. Next, I put the seeds out in rows and labeled with little wood markers. Cover with more seed starting medium and press down lightly. Take a spray bottle of water and give it a good spritz all over. Then cover your flat with a lid or some kind of clear plastic. (maybe even ceran wrap!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln1uzFXqTuK8yJlFmeA8MhX5VH-6_4_8Ui4nxKQ2ahQtJduPtLwq32UYxA3GrZ0pcbPgY9Q9ahSHQLDlaI3eP3aSzy-7haWGiwQ8URijtFK3IoPjciW53RC-YwHfjNvXag4dzAZd3gQ0/s1600/Covered+Flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln1uzFXqTuK8yJlFmeA8MhX5VH-6_4_8Ui4nxKQ2ahQtJduPtLwq32UYxA3GrZ0pcbPgY9Q9ahSHQLDlaI3eP3aSzy-7haWGiwQ8URijtFK3IoPjciW53RC-YwHfjNvXag4dzAZd3gQ0/s1600/Covered+Flat.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put it in a spot that gets lots of sun! This is giving it a little greenhouse effect. Warm and humid. You don't need to water it while it is like this. Once you see sprouts, take the lid off and water as needed. (With your spray bottle, no need to drown em) This year for Christmas, the hubs bought me a heating mat! I'm really happy with the results so far. Last year, my plants got really leggy. Reaching and stretching for the heat from the sun. They weren't strong at all. This heats them from the bottom so they don't need to reach and stretch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are my little seedlings after just a week!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0BZ7ezrr5R7fQikTZhODOr2oMbCEUPtqVZq2JAIkCC7jZ_QG2Fq8WcgrRGWxOQksFkyKJf6FQMnB6qrlOdzAGFsbfZ4Rd0IiAB27DxBVq_ovKxyDrtFjPA8bNfo4yC_4AGKI_T-Iecg/s1600/Sprouted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0BZ7ezrr5R7fQikTZhODOr2oMbCEUPtqVZq2JAIkCC7jZ_QG2Fq8WcgrRGWxOQksFkyKJf6FQMnB6qrlOdzAGFsbfZ4Rd0IiAB27DxBVq_ovKxyDrtFjPA8bNfo4yC_4AGKI_T-Iecg/s1600/Sprouted.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy little seedlings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYvsCwjk3zl7i9ZjaWj0irpzFfk_YjZfbnGArxuB7qvKB-zfNGI8x6ZuKhSrft853IfJP73yyTVvFSMJ3k9QID8wJ933NHNfQ7j4bwgkhwzAIs3rjewmk3cXdMNC4P7U7Ug6SEW8QLRU/s1600/Signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYvsCwjk3zl7i9ZjaWj0irpzFfk_YjZfbnGArxuB7qvKB-zfNGI8x6ZuKhSrft853IfJP73yyTVvFSMJ3k9QID8wJ933NHNfQ7j4bwgkhwzAIs3rjewmk3cXdMNC4P7U7Ug6SEW8QLRU/s1600/Signs.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-6864633686341463962014-01-15T08:41:00.002-08:002014-01-15T08:45:11.890-08:00Crayon Remover!! - Lemon Oil <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our featured oil this month is LEMON! If you missed the first feature of lemon and the best all purpose cleaner around, you can read it <a href="http://simplestitches-shannon.blogspot.com/2014/01/oil-of-month-lemon.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A real EVERY day use I have found is to use it as a hand sanitizer. Let me tell you! With all the diapers I change and chickens and a puppy running around. I use it EVERY day. Lemon is a natural antibacterial. I just put a drop on my hands, and the kids' hands, and rub em together. It's good to keep a bottle in my purse for on the go situations. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another "everyday" use for lemon oil is removing crayon from furniture! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxpQvSBd7Cipilr7c6hz0dmcmIhFO5Pt6q73tpkVPbifcAF8FnpnjXmrPlN-fC8x5Q0IuKYooyXLIkPYSGLnyKq2b1kmU6Usp02xSCNImSHaG06hdsXNxh38n4UlT_Ae8mbur6nHbFbw/s1600/Crayon+Remover+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxpQvSBd7Cipilr7c6hz0dmcmIhFO5Pt6q73tpkVPbifcAF8FnpnjXmrPlN-fC8x5Q0IuKYooyXLIkPYSGLnyKq2b1kmU6Usp02xSCNImSHaG06hdsXNxh38n4UlT_Ae8mbur6nHbFbw/s1600/Crayon+Remover+title.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it's, of course, so easy to do. Drop one to two drops of lemon onto your rag, and rub onto the crayon mark. It disappears! Like magic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you see it……</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71tnh_wY3-dOYgr0-mj4TC_BqWwYUZoW8QWAOW-jqPkxRYZjMSNUHcaGM6JtYveFhgJjuG2FFyWnLiDYFvYT1PVVakz5rB3Ole3uc52lcdMTTjXi7pGEtjOW58l6tOSOtiV-Yt197HtY/s1600/Crayon+marks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71tnh_wY3-dOYgr0-mj4TC_BqWwYUZoW8QWAOW-jqPkxRYZjMSNUHcaGM6JtYveFhgJjuG2FFyWnLiDYFvYT1PVVakz5rB3Ole3uc52lcdMTTjXi7pGEtjOW58l6tOSOtiV-Yt197HtY/s1600/Crayon+marks.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you don't…..</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYQmLvW7GlDgVWO2m-uSpVBgXMP2mKR9C4TofymGKAjo6UJHN5GD5q736pNllC4CQDZKeS7nWcIG98dGvTrMws7rtkmYhPOab_204EC_isUdc6HjGRtAAe-Pgn-RpxkdRYmLTrYbwqec/s1600/Crayon+is+gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYQmLvW7GlDgVWO2m-uSpVBgXMP2mKR9C4TofymGKAjo6UJHN5GD5q736pNllC4CQDZKeS7nWcIG98dGvTrMws7rtkmYhPOab_204EC_isUdc6HjGRtAAe-Pgn-RpxkdRYmLTrYbwqec/s1600/Crayon+is+gone.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since it was a little dirty anyway, I gave the whole thing a wipe down with my lemon <a href="http://simplestitches-shannon.blogspot.com/2014/01/oil-of-month-lemon.html" target="_blank">all purpose cleaner</a> and it was good to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might just go room to room wiping off any spots on see on the walls. :) Great little "magic eraser" without all the gross chemicals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as drinking it a glass of water a day, we are all lemony fresh! </span></div>
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*You can order your therapeutic grade lemon oil from Young Living <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US" target="_blank">directly</a>, or email me and I can get some shipped to you! (paterson.shannon@gmail.com)*</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-30387482429990314712014-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:002014-01-14T14:53:03.262-08:00Party Season<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of year! Birthday parties like crazy with a few other things thrown in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nathan's party is first and coming up this weekend! February is Allie's birthday. Usually we throw a Superbowl party as well but not this year. A baby shower for a dear friend instead is WAY more fun!! March is St Patrick's Day (which we have lots of fun celebrating-more on that in March) and Kelsey's birthday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First things first - Nathan's party!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year was a really fun Super Mario Brothers theme. It was REALLY fun planning the games and decorations for this one. So here are some quick photos in case you know someone who needs ideas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cake - AKA the main event:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNCMLluADyxp4HuKRSpqY4RIqcKHeHl9-bfl9bZp-Sjbeflj5WGI6G3u4BP01Cx2fZewEF-FLnYMfufUqva2eVPdeM9twflcbnfgvgYAIFXMfDj50uN3fgB2sxAThtV5EbHyV97M6jRs/s1600/Mario+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNCMLluADyxp4HuKRSpqY4RIqcKHeHl9-bfl9bZp-Sjbeflj5WGI6G3u4BP01Cx2fZewEF-FLnYMfufUqva2eVPdeM9twflcbnfgvgYAIFXMfDj50uN3fgB2sxAThtV5EbHyV97M6jRs/s1600/Mario+Cake.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an OLD Wilton cake pan I found on Ebay. I was so excited to find it and loved decorating it. (Horrible lighting and an Instagram picture was all I got of it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite decoration:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshyya5b0_R8J6zzitrWIuIiQECEiMg8RN84OC0hYR0q-3eJIpiIL2q-hsGSr7PkfHksTw9Izj1r86XxvQA2Tk0hG77YLLS6qiIa1PlB3EGQu04W5aI3pJfCQUneFnxjyHswBTDnHdgKE/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshyya5b0_R8J6zzitrWIuIiQECEiMg8RN84OC0hYR0q-3eJIpiIL2q-hsGSr7PkfHksTw9Izj1r86XxvQA2Tk0hG77YLLS6qiIa1PlB3EGQu04W5aI3pJfCQUneFnxjyHswBTDnHdgKE/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">White balloons and the hubs drew the ghost faces for me. They are taped to the ceiling with fishing line so they really looked like they were floating. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55C-zguU7HlxRbxm6jZcDmU8bZJQ4YRHKVfA4S5I1OBxr7aHTZb6DeHw2TP6twnrmOeMAKFhELbbXPp2Wy60dj47-Zu8y5SoKGQXFz7PHV5qin5VpJJcNn5Keo_RYDkG7ZP_HsDAHzww/s1600/Game+Over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55C-zguU7HlxRbxm6jZcDmU8bZJQ4YRHKVfA4S5I1OBxr7aHTZb6DeHw2TP6twnrmOeMAKFhELbbXPp2Wy60dj47-Zu8y5SoKGQXFz7PHV5qin5VpJJcNn5Keo_RYDkG7ZP_HsDAHzww/s1600/Game+Over.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again with the not so great photo, and after everyone left. But this was the favor table. The Game Over sign also says "Thanks for playing!" And I made the yellow question mark blocks and filled them with chocolate gold coins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some games we played were:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yoshi's Egg Smash!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC9_1LvznxohSO8ShqG8zefBTaIfl9ZDDgc2o0AV9l726T6O1gjBnny8QtzyoP-7z00OJzLmcLF80YdowCGAFKOzWpXgPJY8Xfh-boj8D9RDphkNM1AvLpvLzFuLwgrN4Zu1UghOyNwc/s1600/Yoshi+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC9_1LvznxohSO8ShqG8zefBTaIfl9ZDDgc2o0AV9l726T6O1gjBnny8QtzyoP-7z00OJzLmcLF80YdowCGAFKOzWpXgPJY8Xfh-boj8D9RDphkNM1AvLpvLzFuLwgrN4Zu1UghOyNwc/s1600/Yoshi+Eggs.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I blew out the eggs and let them dry out. Next they were colored and filled with confetti. To close the confetti in, I glued a white paper circle over the hole. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the kids smashed them. Throwing them at a target on the garage door. It was SO FUN!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1OpzLv87_14HqQxEQ9quvd986cI4rS43xf8dofvKo5FEjHSI7ZRPEFC24KalGpMNF7fI0jxrAWxhc0-DdLunCb2qGbY2nGsr9nP1XGyCuwY2_D9wDsgv3qRwI7ccIhhKdoX_wzUn7zw/s1600/Egg+Smash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1OpzLv87_14HqQxEQ9quvd986cI4rS43xf8dofvKo5FEjHSI7ZRPEFC24KalGpMNF7fI0jxrAWxhc0-DdLunCb2qGbY2nGsr9nP1XGyCuwY2_D9wDsgv3qRwI7ccIhhKdoX_wzUn7zw/s1600/Egg+Smash.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also did a Goomba Stomp: Balloons made to look like Goombas and each they had to stomp on them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrT_K6Mn5pBimBA-p74A1LJoSa0DmFkoklYNsB00H5ZkU5MIAU6EUlqp21pUo87YKzkZ2VL281s_Q8LrTcS11g1PgnC5_LO8-g6OrSwTZSHZ6ge8J5UYkSr-NAV4uBCEzA5uXuIURDnI/s1600/Goomba+Stomp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrT_K6Mn5pBimBA-p74A1LJoSa0DmFkoklYNsB00H5ZkU5MIAU6EUlqp21pUo87YKzkZ2VL281s_Q8LrTcS11g1PgnC5_LO8-g6OrSwTZSHZ6ge8J5UYkSr-NAV4uBCEzA5uXuIURDnI/s1600/Goomba+Stomp.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treats and fun were had by all. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKCaHeghYiNyxQf-7f5Le419YjxW7QofMh-CD2WU5mDNufSFoSpShVHQUOwQbH4BGRW5JZO2bxEhnAfBrS6XPiRD-cXhsuq73gS4R_szy4yITjxVIKtHw3XSgcSRL1rRMNceBAD6kLs/s1600/Allie+moustache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKCaHeghYiNyxQf-7f5Le419YjxW7QofMh-CD2WU5mDNufSFoSpShVHQUOwQbH4BGRW5JZO2bxEhnAfBrS6XPiRD-cXhsuq73gS4R_szy4yITjxVIKtHw3XSgcSRL1rRMNceBAD6kLs/s1600/Allie+moustache.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*chocolate Mario Mustache*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, Nathan wanted an AIRPLANE themed party. It was a little more difficult for me so we'll see how it all pulls together! But really, the most important part is that he enjoys his special day and feels celebrated. I know he doesn't care so much about all the little details. They're just fun for me! :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_G_EpZ0ezqhSpl9HYy4d4LIq2pf6gMHhgSgCafhRtbMIKwRKGj4y7fjthAP2BpfaCeMa12IjJfgk2y6gZYQ64DhIXuNm0sLQBNYHk_oWiF33BHCdYLok5j3yLbLG-6TKYHjkCNEL21s/s1600/Airplanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_G_EpZ0ezqhSpl9HYy4d4LIq2pf6gMHhgSgCafhRtbMIKwRKGj4y7fjthAP2BpfaCeMa12IjJfgk2y6gZYQ64DhIXuNm0sLQBNYHk_oWiF33BHCdYLok5j3yLbLG-6TKYHjkCNEL21s/s1600/Airplanes.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-74064579562879179832014-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-10T05:00:01.734-08:00Our Quiet Corner and FREE Printables<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been working on getting the house more organized and it is making me oh so happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm starting with the kids' rooms-and more specifically, the girls. I've been having the hardest time trying to figure out how I want things sorted and organized. I have anywhere from 3-5 kids (ages 6 and under) during the week. I want things accessible but not always out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first project to tackle with this in mind was BOOKS. We adore books in this house. We have so many books. Without a designated book spot, just a couple shelves in the bedroom, it was getting out of hand and the books were getting beat up. :( Poor sad books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought some spice racks from IKEA to set up in the girls room as tiny bookshelves. They are perfect for night time. A few books in the bedroom that can be swapped out weekly. Love it, but it was not enough.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIM2QgO8ta_cioWr5insQpWofjWIt-bv0INFX9UcAytNZIuMiGMm_tdctLv4SkxngXXSTdtGTqmqyAPBV8ex8Huza0iqfCZy33stGL824ZKNXTTkG7QXilsHN0I1Yvhg9Tn-Kx632F5A/s1600/Whole+thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIM2QgO8ta_cioWr5insQpWofjWIt-bv0INFX9UcAytNZIuMiGMm_tdctLv4SkxngXXSTdtGTqmqyAPBV8ex8Huza0iqfCZy33stGL824ZKNXTTkG7QXilsHN0I1Yvhg9Tn-Kx632F5A/s1600/Whole+thing.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to bring their toy shelf cubby thing from Target out to the living room. The perfect spot was in the corner. Between the back door and side window. Lots of sunshine, which is one of my favorite things about reading-snuggling up in the warm sun with a good book. And plenty of space. It fit perfect! Not all of our books would fit but a decent amount, so I was happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now to add little details. I do have the books somewhat organized so it's easy for the kids to find what they are looking for. Easy readers, Mom and Dad read aloud, bibles and bible stories, classics and board books. The basket on the side holds our library books. To encourage independent reading, I put out some of our favorite lovies to be read to. I also put out some quiet activities to keep hands busy while listening to read alouds. Some puzzles and blocks. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUsw2H-9MWo6VOhRuZhrCWZ5KjCN77yQBkqfIxDEjQUPJL9jTCi1xGX4HozaZI7yKitT3_wW6HIOI-c5STYJT2ZtOHO5dfWIlkpHnXHHQLpFkz3qGrq71VKVQiD1_O82Z7Hcc1LA-OVo/s1600/Silly+Firefighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUsw2H-9MWo6VOhRuZhrCWZ5KjCN77yQBkqfIxDEjQUPJL9jTCi1xGX4HozaZI7yKitT3_wW6HIOI-c5STYJT2ZtOHO5dfWIlkpHnXHHQLpFkz3qGrq71VKVQiD1_O82Z7Hcc1LA-OVo/s1600/Silly+Firefighter.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even with the cubby there, the wall was looking pretty bare. My good friend gave me the cutest picture that says "Enjoy the Simple Things". I know she gave it to me for our master bedroom but it went so perfect right there above books, puzzles, and blocks. :) Then I browsed <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/shannonpaterson/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for some printables.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I fell in love with these two bible verse printables. I love that our children will have God's word to read right there, breathing life into them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTi4iWQNip3jAdCwjS29X0Kh38CRv8954pkGUB8vZTLVuSIhKoQ9FCydujWFo2N-gwthV7eU3yWBwUOZ3iHvW1NX3KHdYwhvigV-iKZjyQH9ya0v1KqSrfkIJFkMY9pFk2liuBeCwYKA/s1600/fruit+of+the+spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTi4iWQNip3jAdCwjS29X0Kh38CRv8954pkGUB8vZTLVuSIhKoQ9FCydujWFo2N-gwthV7eU3yWBwUOZ3iHvW1NX3KHdYwhvigV-iKZjyQH9ya0v1KqSrfkIJFkMY9pFk2liuBeCwYKA/s1600/fruit+of+the+spirit.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can print this one for yourself<a href="http://www.beautifullyrooted.com/2012/03/fruits-of-spirit-free-printable.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. A black and white version is available as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCrr4v_D49HnZm2jgdS50KAhJkMC4LYvRYcv39Kp-8JY8xfMFyuAo_rYwb9bflOb8bVz93YUxcyBKW7Nxf3Ti_9z8q-By6eG4e5zF8-vA1SlZoJvig5QaWUQUc-OGFfVWiyI5iLMloY4/s1600/rainbow+printable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCrr4v_D49HnZm2jgdS50KAhJkMC4LYvRYcv39Kp-8JY8xfMFyuAo_rYwb9bflOb8bVz93YUxcyBKW7Nxf3Ti_9z8q-By6eG4e5zF8-vA1SlZoJvig5QaWUQUc-OGFfVWiyI5iLMloY4/s1600/rainbow+printable.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can get this one <a href="http://www.juxtapost.com/site/permlink/42ca26f0-6903-11e1-b7cd-15a74457eccc/post/free_printable_verse/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I printed them on nice card stock and stuck them in some big white frames we had. I love the color these bring to the wall. They make the books stand out more too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I just need to find a cute child size rocking chair and it will be all finished. I can bring my focus back to the girls' room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How are your resolutions/goals for 2014 coming along? Have you started any?</span><br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-84501743508193111282014-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-08T05:00:00.589-08:00Oil of the Month - Lemon<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my goals I recently added to my list for 2014 - because it clearly was not long enough - is to learn even more about essential oils (especially ones we haven't used yet!) and use them in more of our daily routines for their health benefits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought I would feature a different oil every month and through out the month show different ways we are learning to use them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for January: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2Jp64RpovcRGhWHlNqQbXJhtcq0lPDRJP86l2_oqVZSs6Wdy8HDFYoU0NqM1Zs0km-zMQzIr3JFSWnEq22Yvq6p_L0Y3ZE98EAK2KwBAIWeO5WhHy8d-xQSKkKMLsVnqmhoXdImCiAI/s1600/Lemon+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2Jp64RpovcRGhWHlNqQbXJhtcq0lPDRJP86l2_oqVZSs6Wdy8HDFYoU0NqM1Zs0km-zMQzIr3JFSWnEq22Yvq6p_L0Y3ZE98EAK2KwBAIWeO5WhHy8d-xQSKkKMLsVnqmhoXdImCiAI/s1600/Lemon+Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon! Oh lemon, how I adore you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a little background info on it straight from the <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lemon-essential-oil" target="_blank">Young Living website</a>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">Lemon (Citrus limon) has a strong, purifying, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting. Lemon consists of 68 percent dlimonene, a powerful antioxidant. It is delightfully refreshing in water and may be beneficial for the skin. Lemon may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods. Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons. Jean Valnet MD estimated that it takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of oil. In his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system.* Lemon has an approximate ORAC of 6,619 (TE/L). TE/L is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent per liter."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Since it's great for supporting the nervous system, I'm just going to drink my glass of water with a drop of lemon in it! :) It makes water so much more appealing considering you should drink at least EIGHT cups a day. Seriously….eight?? Who does that?? ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">I have a few FAVORITE ways to use lemon. Yes, in my water is one way, but another one is as an all purpose cleaner. It's the best cleaner I've ever used. I'm not even exaggerating. Seriously. The Best. The End.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Lemon is a natural disinfectant and antibacterial. Everything you need for cleaning counters and what not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">All you need is a glass bottle with a spray nozzle, lemon oil (therapeutic grade) and water.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOBf9ayl9jN6kbkwLQcyfySpy7woh6_P7LrCzd9C4U_viqslf8rPnBoYQns6bVLoounRGABD9Ln0qzpY4Dh5RygNowct6MbvaFxjw3vLRndve5JTEQhPnTe5uyAdNHQJzVkApJyULLY4/s1600/Supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOBf9ayl9jN6kbkwLQcyfySpy7woh6_P7LrCzd9C4U_viqslf8rPnBoYQns6bVLoounRGABD9Ln0qzpY4Dh5RygNowct6MbvaFxjw3vLRndve5JTEQhPnTe5uyAdNHQJzVkApJyULLY4/s1600/Supplies.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Glass is important because oils in plastic will cause the plastic to leach nastiness.* and clearly I should have sprayed the table to get that gunk off before taking the picture. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saved a sparkling water bottle and a spray nozzle off store bought cleaner forever ago. It fits the bottle almost perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bottle is 25 oz. Add 10-12 drops of your lemon oil and fill the bottle with water. Put the top on, give it a good shake and you are good to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a before and after of the kitchen sink. Be warned, the before has some nasty gunk stuck on. All I did was spray just like normal all purpose cleaner and gave it a wipe down with a towel. No serious elbow grease needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prepare yourself to be in awe of the cleanliness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_bDEgs-ad_W_rCVXSL56g-n5A8QMlahP3BtH3mqLS-hklcgugHXeSVvi_aqTlcLpUdCcTZRQCUintDV5tDvBMxE5dRQzMC5aHLXHFW2eDRmDpeqZE2kFRAYSTDiTL56mZM7cAV5eROc/s1600/Sink+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_bDEgs-ad_W_rCVXSL56g-n5A8QMlahP3BtH3mqLS-hklcgugHXeSVvi_aqTlcLpUdCcTZRQCUintDV5tDvBMxE5dRQzMC5aHLXHFW2eDRmDpeqZE2kFRAYSTDiTL56mZM7cAV5eROc/s1600/Sink+Before.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-tqK6C5LqDvRwnOrbV164aiqEi8yXQf79WyB-bqLufndvOprFeSrVa75VuJwjyOfspLlDpDx0lTq5ziqZv9T8Ob2_3AsDiHG6OiZhwhVO_gdMLarb2jMiqwuwz8RkPSJRiIsGnA6f4I/s1600/Close+Up+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-tqK6C5LqDvRwnOrbV164aiqEi8yXQf79WyB-bqLufndvOprFeSrVa75VuJwjyOfspLlDpDx0lTq5ziqZv9T8Ob2_3AsDiHG6OiZhwhVO_gdMLarb2jMiqwuwz8RkPSJRiIsGnA6f4I/s1600/Close+Up+before.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Umm GROSS! It was stuck on good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvN3y7KaeL0bNm4Fkz5ahLEDQMCBSvJXVVPKTVd4VDJjEPr-OW0Di7gE559gbBwjY3WmagybNMGYCOORmSaYGytPkiUyRXr1PyVQObrUbbCkoKx3lYujl17jEsMNSpRsXLpIxso4E_Y0/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvN3y7KaeL0bNm4Fkz5ahLEDQMCBSvJXVVPKTVd4VDJjEPr-OW0Di7gE559gbBwjY3WmagybNMGYCOORmSaYGytPkiUyRXr1PyVQObrUbbCkoKx3lYujl17jEsMNSpRsXLpIxso4E_Y0/s1600/After.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-XVRNb8b82M7ppsfx_SGvnTcXq4pMQJK7AdnA7cutzZ2asWYqoqj8m-2i_MsCNMIJd2bIb-CTdywPepLsORTyprpwGzGyWjDh5E_KPHf2YvsEcHHvRrV93WYWfa2-Zqhqs4R3jNP0jc/s1600/Close+Up+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-XVRNb8b82M7ppsfx_SGvnTcXq4pMQJK7AdnA7cutzZ2asWYqoqj8m-2i_MsCNMIJd2bIb-CTdywPepLsORTyprpwGzGyWjDh5E_KPHf2YvsEcHHvRrV93WYWfa2-Zqhqs4R3jNP0jc/s1600/Close+Up+After.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazing!! And seriously, just wiped it with a towel. No sponges for scrubbing or anything. The hubs even said, "Man, it's so shiny. You didn't do anything special?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nope, it's all in the lemon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nice and sparkly! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can order your lemon essential oil off the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/" target="_blank">Young Living website</a> or you can email me and I can get some shipped to you! (paterson.shannon@gmail.com) </span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-82460640128049584792014-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:002014-01-05T11:39:30.841-08:00Making Natural Yeast Starter<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might as well apologize now because this is going to be lengthy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Switching over to much less processed foods was something we decided to do last year. It has helped us in so many ways health wise and I don't see us ever going back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you learn some of the things about processed foods, you can't unlearn them….. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hubs and I have both always enjoyed baking our own bread but used to just do it for fun. After researching and reading for the best kinds of breads we can make for our family, I came to natural yeast. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Baking-Natural-Yeast/dp/1462110487/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?ie=UTF8&qid=1388932059&sr=8-1&keywords=the+art+of+baking+with+natural+yeast" target="_blank">This book</a>, The Art of Baking With Natural Yeast, has been a great resource for recipes and the "whys" of using natural yeast in your home. As well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1388932105&sr=8-1&keywords=nourishing+traditions" target="_blank">this book</a> called Nourishing Traditions. If you don't own these, add them to your list!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCCllfX8UQhAjkTXKTmzP3JyLdK-XVp8W3d2Z6nk6fMPSdFmVhdpXzVBM2hJcTcV8iJrn0rNomn2f5hv0EqvTYeyNpbRL6naHWB5IWXA9yzb-Ch2e6wi-ts2NXdYTdcWFw3i-lNhMKZM/s1600/Starter+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCCllfX8UQhAjkTXKTmzP3JyLdK-XVp8W3d2Z6nk6fMPSdFmVhdpXzVBM2hJcTcV8iJrn0rNomn2f5hv0EqvTYeyNpbRL6naHWB5IWXA9yzb-Ch2e6wi-ts2NXdYTdcWFw3i-lNhMKZM/s1600/Starter+Title.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are just three benefits to using natural yeast as opposed to store bought, quick rise. (which is FINE, if that's just easier for you. But hopefully after reading this you'll see how easy-time consuming, but easy- it is to make your own yeast full of health for you and your family!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Natural yeast breaks down harmful enzymes in grains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Natural yeast takes the nutrition in grains-the ones your body craves-and makes them easily available for digestion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Natural yeast converts dough into a digestible food source that will not spike your body's defenses. It predigests SUGARS for diabetics, breaks down GLUTEN for the intolerant, and turns calcium-leaching phytic acid into a cancer-fighting antioxidant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">*these are taken from the book Art of Baking With Natural Yeast</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And these are just the first three that are mentioned! There are so many more. I could just quote the book word for word on all the goodness. Many, many delicious recipes included!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Natural yeast - a super hero in the world of baking with whole wheat, I tell ya!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how to find and make natural yeast! Get that goodness in you! Wild yeast is all around us. They can be captured by adding organic grapes, apples, rye, wheat or even juniper berries with water and flour and allowing the mixture to ferment and grow. Yep, it's alive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is its own little ecosystem in a jar. The lactobacilli and wild yeasts feed on the sugars that are in the flour and break down things our body can't, including gluten. While eating, it releases carbon dioxide, making little bubbles. This is what causes your bread to rise. As you make starter, you will see that sometimes a brown liquid forms on the top. The is made of ethanol and acetic acid. This DOES NOT mean your starter is ruined. Your starter is fine. Pour it off and stir. Or some people just stir it right back in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, that was quite a mouthful of information. But great to know! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The easiest way to make your own natural yeast is to use some flour! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">filtered water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">jar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">cheesecloth (optional) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We use organic whole wheat. (This process does take quite a bit of flour)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't matter the amount you start with. I used one cup but you could do a half or even a quarter cup. I wouldn't go above a cup because that will use a ridiculous amount of flour at feeding time and a very large container! Your jar will need to be big enough for your mixture to double in size.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put an even amount of flour and water in the jar. Stir well to combine. Should be a thick pancake batter consistency. Stir it three times per day until bubbles form. (It is very helpful to do this at meal times because it's easier to remember. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep it on the counter right where you prep meals so you see it!) Keep it on the counter top covered with cheesecloth or loosely with a lid. We never had luck with a lid because it didn't get enough air. Cheesecloth works great! Bubbles forming depends on how fresh your flour is. The more fresh the flour, the faster your bubbles will appear. It will probably take about 12 -24 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the bubbles appear, you need to start feeding it. It eats flour and water. Feed it once per day. Remove half and replace it with the same amount of flour AND water. Continue to stir three times a day (feeding it counts as stirring) Wait for it to start expanding. You need to feed it this way daily until it can double its size in 12 hours or less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you will feed it once per day at a ratio of 1:2:2. Stir it down and measure out your starter. I measure out a cup. Dump out the rest, it's not quite ready to cook with. Put the cup back into the container (does't need to be cleaned) and feed it double the amount of starter. One cup starter will be fed 2 cups flour and 2 cups water. Stir well to combine. Feed it this way once per day until it can double in 12 hours or less again. (This only took ours one feeding) (No need to stir three times a day anymore, let it do it's thing.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now comes the part where it takes a lot of flour. You are going to feed it twice per day for a week, the same way you feed it above. The goal is to get it to double in 8 hours or less. This means you have a healthy and active starter that is ready for baking. It can happen in less than a week, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't. Give it the full 7 days if it needs it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQvKkFS-DBsAaWvkxaYceo_UGF4aogf_Jpib9UeTuVgznssee_RQ3ZdVcK89k33xdc8U49hcl1iIYavRHCh9LQ7e7G-ONYBV3ZdnzHpQiUJYrzF2YVNLmnAsBX2c_-QMEIKueXUfQ7GY/s1600/bubbly+starter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQvKkFS-DBsAaWvkxaYceo_UGF4aogf_Jpib9UeTuVgznssee_RQ3ZdVcK89k33xdc8U49hcl1iIYavRHCh9LQ7e7G-ONYBV3ZdnzHpQiUJYrzF2YVNLmnAsBX2c_-QMEIKueXUfQ7GY/s1600/bubbly+starter.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you can bake with it or stick it in your fridge! It slows down growing in the fridge and only needs to be fed once a week. We usually bake with it, (feed it after using it) and stick in the fridge for the rest of the week. It will last you as long you continue to feed it. I forgot to feed it one week and panicked that I killed it. Took it out and fed it. And it was FINE. They are pretty resilient so don't stress about it. You will know that it's dead if it's starts growing mold. The tangy sour smell (like sourdough bread) is normal and what you want. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy your starter and delicious, HEALTHY bread! Your starter can be split and shared with friends too! All you need is a quarter cup to keep it going. So split it and share the love! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And make yumminess like these whole wheat cinnamon rolls…….</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNaAy8UzUj7SFqj8upL_odWy1LVlP8vW_kwtyqmE02ENzG5yC17g2ZP3a2ew23uWRwXo1zHVh3eINkjOWHas-tFUXMmOjsJ4l_gANvouVvfVLxpFi9Fi2raKxLwcJ7UlrIleO-n_8oMg/s1600/Whole+Wheat+Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNaAy8UzUj7SFqj8upL_odWy1LVlP8vW_kwtyqmE02ENzG5yC17g2ZP3a2ew23uWRwXo1zHVh3eINkjOWHas-tFUXMmOjsJ4l_gANvouVvfVLxpFi9Fi2raKxLwcJ7UlrIleO-n_8oMg/s1600/Whole+Wheat+Cinnamon+Rolls.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-8206963974844494972014-01-01T11:52:00.004-08:002014-01-01T11:52:47.207-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From our family to yours…….</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOqhri3t_AodspJHnjzWcM6oZIOHerfgZrY64J-ueyPUhyphenhyphenTCrP9VtvJDhqo_RA7HBBlKEegxg-hqJIVTssduecskneO58T2jP3rbl378edyxRSfDOnvQtE9qg-cztbiTbvcoux2tBErA/s1600/New+Year+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOqhri3t_AodspJHnjzWcM6oZIOHerfgZrY64J-ueyPUhyphenhyphenTCrP9VtvJDhqo_RA7HBBlKEegxg-hqJIVTssduecskneO58T2jP3rbl378edyxRSfDOnvQtE9qg-cztbiTbvcoux2tBErA/s1600/New+Year+Photo.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-70275247810026277612013-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:002013-12-31T07:28:07.285-08:00A New Year With New Goals<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not really one to make any sort of New Year's Resolutions. But for some reason as this year ends, I felt like a needed to make a list of things I would like to get accomplished in the coming year. More as a way of us reaching our goal of owning land and animals, and a BIG garden, and lots of trees, and no street noise. *sigh* We will get there one day. I just know it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make the goals for this year more concrete and therefore more likely to happen, I wrote them all down and organized them nice and pretty. Perfect to be printed and then I can cross them off as we complete them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are lots more I could add to this, but slow and steady are good and this list was getting pretty long. All of this will be great to get accomplished in a year. And if not, no biggie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put them in their own categories as well. I'm pretty excited that the homesteading list is so long! Lots of fun and learning come Spring and Summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you make resolutions or goals for the New Year? </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-58381253835280695522013-12-29T15:48:00.000-08:002013-12-29T15:48:41.691-08:00A Geranium Dress<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE sewing. And I especially love sewing when I don't have a specific deadline to finish a project. (Like Christmas presents) Our neighbor JUST had a baby girl. She came early, before her shower even! I'm working on a little present for the shower. I like to make something and get something off the registry. Even if the thing off the registry is super small like a paci. I LOVED my showers, and everything I got from them but I was always a little bummed that most the stuff I received was stuff not on my registry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/12/geranium-dress-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">Geranium Dress pattern</a> from <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" target="_blank">Made By Rae</a> is one of my go to patterns for dresses (also an option to make it a top). You have two size groups to choose from when you buy, 0-5T or 6-12! Yep, all the way up to 12! They were the girls Easter dresses last year and they have gotten PLENTY of wear since then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back on to the topic. Baby girl! I made her a little Geranium for summer time in size 6-12 months. I made the version with a slight cap sleeve. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheumw75LbOiP21P_PEGtGm3MwcjEEFpyLoYPqL9tOLBXr6Ai7gufAvUVP7QPVuQL2QYQdDriR829yGBvWcyekTxTSHz_afWvXtA6_8glLsO290sxkd30w4WkNJAL_0sFTMiZYKVXoQcAY/s1600/Title+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheumw75LbOiP21P_PEGtGm3MwcjEEFpyLoYPqL9tOLBXr6Ai7gufAvUVP7QPVuQL2QYQdDriR829yGBvWcyekTxTSHz_afWvXtA6_8glLsO290sxkd30w4WkNJAL_0sFTMiZYKVXoQcAY/s1600/Title+Picture.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqjIMMS-hkQyOdDOnCqTMPuM5kixeb-geXi8adtg8l7d0mNaP7eOJ8KRvXVPzBaZhXMut1xRA7gHzxxyzsWkc6Ui8Fe_0B_YDKQFp-cRJc5l7yaSjlXJk4LCjaKBhyphenhyphenqSWb-dTzHiq_A0/s1600/Full+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's one of my go to patterns because of how quick it sews up. I usually cut the fabric out in the evening and sew up the bodice, then the next morning finish it up with the skirt and buttons. Done and done.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iruayYbY1cKifwpme-nOZklCfVRMQ9gU_StVNg_i2wHY94owiaVQHE-CQtTi-DGI7rZUDySkJa719JbZ_LeuWpCwAS8kouK4ecmNLZgFIKvvqiMzxGXD9RhB8KebliIEdznyQ8el9jE/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iruayYbY1cKifwpme-nOZklCfVRMQ9gU_StVNg_i2wHY94owiaVQHE-CQtTi-DGI7rZUDySkJa719JbZ_LeuWpCwAS8kouK4ecmNLZgFIKvvqiMzxGXD9RhB8KebliIEdznyQ8el9jE/s1600/back.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite parts of the pattern is how well the inside seams are finished. I chose a black and white polka dot just to have some interest for the inside. :) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-QheKvjVLSUTuXlW1RMVCjL0i6rY1XukG9cXNA0B-fbpHfjLBHcuS1xw9VIEM2XiCTMgbwArMu4AuF8xf3gOFLOPqnH90Uc_QatrTfp3DnTh5FMOHw1dPQtm3clQvm1-a8Le5giY5iI/s1600/inside+bodice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-QheKvjVLSUTuXlW1RMVCjL0i6rY1XukG9cXNA0B-fbpHfjLBHcuS1xw9VIEM2XiCTMgbwArMu4AuF8xf3gOFLOPqnH90Uc_QatrTfp3DnTh5FMOHw1dPQtm3clQvm1-a8Le5giY5iI/s1600/inside+bodice.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See? No raw edges hanging out to bother sensitive little bodies. They are all tucked into the lining. Perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also really liked the bigger buttons. Gives it a little extra pop of color!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsT_PdlG4YVUV6El63JttY4QojBKjRkRqKnHSOlh0VVSaPsn3RLPtibOulDmueAbzazsFEC_Ee5xMtzEmZhxijrNn1bAQPtGV-wbK7LdfkOfCBIPgAJxWIDfcD28yDg7H2ydZSvQ3tAs/s1600/buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsT_PdlG4YVUV6El63JttY4QojBKjRkRqKnHSOlh0VVSaPsn3RLPtibOulDmueAbzazsFEC_Ee5xMtzEmZhxijrNn1bAQPtGV-wbK7LdfkOfCBIPgAJxWIDfcD28yDg7H2ydZSvQ3tAs/s1600/buttons.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's different fabric than I would normally pick but I love how it came out. I think I will add a little flower pin to it to help brighten it up some. Or leave it. I'm still up in the air about it. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My other favorite thing to make for little baby girls are these really sweet baby sun bonnets. So that's next up on the sewing list. It's another pattern from Rae, you can get it <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2011/04/peekaboo-bonnet-sewing-pattern-pdf/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's a great little handmade shower gift. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-11765613783249626412013-12-27T13:14:00.001-08:002013-12-27T17:31:15.462-08:00DIY Natural Chap Stick With Essential Oils<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we started using essential oils and cutting out highly processed foods, I've been wanting to try to make my own beauty products. Like lotion and chap stick and things of the sort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I browsed around Pinterest at ALL the recipes. Most chap stick recipes are very similar. I chose to follow Shaye's <a href="http://theelliotthomestead.com/2010/11/chapstick-baby/" target="_blank">recipe</a> from <a href="http://theelliotthomestead.com/" target="_blank">The Elliot Homestead</a>. It's a really simple recipe. I added some oils to it to help even more. Especially since Kels gets chapped lips so often and the only thing that really HEALS it are essential oils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alright, lets get going!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG8zP5EFDVcLXbbQP-ZwPf6sztm01-vT2s1CglUApeJ0R6lEgL_Y7bQ_07izfdcsnsBcN8hrn_0I7iD8vfyvOwEUApmKOnCA-c1Xfx_wiQVYGtVHX0FQmkCbfKBQgPq6heJMb1fWFaok/s1600/Chap+Stick+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG8zP5EFDVcLXbbQP-ZwPf6sztm01-vT2s1CglUApeJ0R6lEgL_Y7bQ_07izfdcsnsBcN8hrn_0I7iD8vfyvOwEUApmKOnCA-c1Xfx_wiQVYGtVHX0FQmkCbfKBQgPq6heJMb1fWFaok/s640/Chap+Stick+Title.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients/Supplies:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* 2 Tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Certified-Organic-Virgin-Coconut/dp/B000GAT6NG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388174748&sr=8-3&keywords=organic+coconut+oil" target="_blank">Organic Coconut Oil</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*2 Tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/100%25-Unrefined-Organic-Shea-Butter/dp/B00D9NV2D4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388174837&sr=8-2&keywords=raw+shea+butter" target="_blank">raw Shea butter</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*2 Tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00455IWK6/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Beeswax</a> (which is 1-1 oz bar)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (If you are in Colorado, I STRONGLY suggest you get your beeswax <a href="http://honeystore.beeyondthehive.com/beeswax-bar-1oz/" target="_blank">here</a>! Local is better, especially for the bees! And these bees cover basically all of Colorado. We found them through our farmer's market.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EP1FBY/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Chapstick containers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Essential Oil ( I used Lavender and Peppermint-therapuetic grade only)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melt your beeswax on medium heat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97mhn0h5lEOITRgJeX9fDP_3hRp1l1VO0PYkqhw1YSftKUUJcvh-YaLrpim7_esLpn2WyQFBvzDIoEAyE6XP_x10XRyOBaA9V6k2jfBs5fwRFDw5x2u-TjQIVv3c0goVQX50zxLnGq84/s1600/Beeswax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97mhn0h5lEOITRgJeX9fDP_3hRp1l1VO0PYkqhw1YSftKUUJcvh-YaLrpim7_esLpn2WyQFBvzDIoEAyE6XP_x10XRyOBaA9V6k2jfBs5fwRFDw5x2u-TjQIVv3c0goVQX50zxLnGq84/s640/Beeswax.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvUIdvMATWULfvaaYvcYCS6FpOZ90zWo2jQAaJPnKpe23YrefLS7Bpd35AtT8QpTDPvclvgAx3Nvh9ux32N3hKs4-U4lVwB8fj920tQDky0KIoS7gAubvyPrLuPqteaFHFXxAOHTmVRM/s1600/Beeswax+melting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvUIdvMATWULfvaaYvcYCS6FpOZ90zWo2jQAaJPnKpe23YrefLS7Bpd35AtT8QpTDPvclvgAx3Nvh9ux32N3hKs4-U4lVwB8fj920tQDky0KIoS7gAubvyPrLuPqteaFHFXxAOHTmVRM/s640/Beeswax+melting.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once it's melted, add the coconut oil and shea butter until melted. Since I used two essential oils, I divided this mixture in half. I added about four drops of essentials to each half.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I read a turkey baster works well to transfer the wax mixture to the chap stick tubes, but our turkey baster isn't great. I found an old medicine dropper and that worked PERFECT. Filled all the way it just about fills a whole chap stick tube. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIf3Gc2DAoL-D2bjs06hoCAxVsrZxSOPvnVVgOnjGwYYrz4QDIFLkAoFcUP8oHF6ua-VpE1xUnH3Zam8k9JjyzjTRaw8d73rEcdahOJGLmK8SA-Sk1b82ifkX9rXkUmbyPECtWSNWQXo/s1600/Dropper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIf3Gc2DAoL-D2bjs06hoCAxVsrZxSOPvnVVgOnjGwYYrz4QDIFLkAoFcUP8oHF6ua-VpE1xUnH3Zam8k9JjyzjTRaw8d73rEcdahOJGLmK8SA-Sk1b82ifkX9rXkUmbyPECtWSNWQXo/s400/Dropper.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After you pull it up in the dropper, CAREFULLY squirt it into the chap stick tube. The medicine dropper does squirt it out pretty fast, so just watch it so it doesn't get all over the place, using a steady pressure. It cools quickly and shrinks a little bit as it hardens. When it was doing this, I carefully topped it off so they were all full.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPv4iOflqudaD-xLXQrLLDrd4WKta-4DLl9F_IRbWbx8uQcFhPEpWeWq9tOuduMRBx_GzoDnMbNAh_5-x1WgPbPQ_4W14oK9nk0aZcmmO30VOFuuZr6lm8rW64fmhuTWcBvu_HegVImo/s1600/tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPv4iOflqudaD-xLXQrLLDrd4WKta-4DLl9F_IRbWbx8uQcFhPEpWeWq9tOuduMRBx_GzoDnMbNAh_5-x1WgPbPQ_4W14oK9nk0aZcmmO30VOFuuZr6lm8rW64fmhuTWcBvu_HegVImo/s640/tubes.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow to fully cool and you're all set! And this stuff is AMAZING! We all really like it. And it helped Kelsey's lips so much!! I took a before picture and a 24 hours later picture of her lil lips to show you. I used the lavender one on her because lavender is healing to your skin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before trying the chap stick:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6TzmXC7m27v8Uiluj6H_rFcJpEk4Y6oZew08iSMosX5GhPUIH22VepWU2NO94Se0lMY2bpEm_8mno2plTZGA0hoQLOx4apYr9tkTNF_1-Km6-uZV4DUvOKWgOEmdaWSzda5fROwzJBc/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6TzmXC7m27v8Uiluj6H_rFcJpEk4Y6oZew08iSMosX5GhPUIH22VepWU2NO94Se0lMY2bpEm_8mno2plTZGA0hoQLOx4apYr9tkTNF_1-Km6-uZV4DUvOKWgOEmdaWSzda5fROwzJBc/s640/before.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24 hours later: Still a little dry but noticeably better! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_mjop7ldHMTzzWEIeqIpcuAabh2gvjNdIGDBJfisChOjMSnsEjRCSjODbMhujtTmYvxK4RiFa1MyyxACByOagF-UYnOMskdXv-sN3yrD_VRmyVTpbr6MoxakBjldK_pkOU-fYO6eelM/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_mjop7ldHMTzzWEIeqIpcuAabh2gvjNdIGDBJfisChOjMSnsEjRCSjODbMhujtTmYvxK4RiFa1MyyxACByOagF-UYnOMskdXv-sN3yrD_VRmyVTpbr6MoxakBjldK_pkOU-fYO6eelM/s640/After.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day, it was good as new! I just forgot to get a picture of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love it! I used a couple for stocking stuffers too. There are a few other oils I am excited to try in the chap stick recipe that are healing for skin, just like the lavender. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love having a product that I made, know exactly what is in it and know that it is doing more good than harm and actually healing my little girl's lips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me know if you try it and how you like it.</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-2203273642512724832013-12-25T19:03:00.003-08:002013-12-25T19:03:47.919-08:00How To: Clip A Chicken's Wing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clipping a chicken's wing(s) is really not difficult at all. All you need to know is WHERE to clip them and you're good to go! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua3gKd5F32WUhgePB7nJxmigOTlYvohajWa92e8D1HSlZeYYNP_Va2GKgFX7wHW7QVcnH43_8EJ-TuNwty3Vfn0Ay5d_jBD_VupNfB1WUaHOX69BmSQ2ZZ2xu8g6IaXbknP8dLO8inFI/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua3gKd5F32WUhgePB7nJxmigOTlYvohajWa92e8D1HSlZeYYNP_Va2GKgFX7wHW7QVcnH43_8EJ-TuNwty3Vfn0Ay5d_jBD_VupNfB1WUaHOX69BmSQ2ZZ2xu8g6IaXbknP8dLO8inFI/s1600/Title.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here in our little HOA neighborhood, we keep the wings on the ladies clipped. Although this doesn't prevent them for JUMPING, I mean seriously……MY chicken has legs like a kangaroo, it does keep them from FLYING over into the neighbors yards. We have short fences and I bet the neighbors appreciate not having chickens flying over randomly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my friend, who recently got six of her own ladies, asked if I could help her clip the wings of her chickens. Clipping chicken wings is definitely not something that is needed but can be a benefit depending on your situation. She lives on 5 acres and they are enclosed for the most part. However, the other day one was able to get up high enough on a tree to jump over the fencing. In her neck of the woods….. literally, they have a good amount of predators. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was happy to help and took pictures along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First things first…..catch your chicken. Hers are friendly so this wasn't a huge issue. :) Always a good thing. Clipping wings goes A LOT smoother if you have two sets of hands. One to hold the chicken and the other to do the actual clipping. I have not tried to do it by myself but oh how I could imagine! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The person who does the clipping can gently pull the wing out. The chicken will likely relax and help by stretching it out for ya.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsrAt6NAoV5hvjhB4U3VP2VV4kL3TrgIWbMzEmoGhHbgkl0hERai8BJywHlfI4RWqGpooz1Venij_Xy7B1FoFB0IZNhdtdZN8L2R9CbwTXfs3-A_JpoBVR_91pSMwBvbykWPtWaaqLK0/s1600/chicken+wing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsrAt6NAoV5hvjhB4U3VP2VV4kL3TrgIWbMzEmoGhHbgkl0hERai8BJywHlfI4RWqGpooz1Venij_Xy7B1FoFB0IZNhdtdZN8L2R9CbwTXfs3-A_JpoBVR_91pSMwBvbykWPtWaaqLK0/s1600/chicken+wing.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kitchen shears are great for this. It does not hurt the chickens at all! There should be no blood. If you see blood you have cut too far down on the chicken's wing. They may twitch slightly at the sound, but mine as well as these chickens were calm through the whole process.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cQ4fHsf-tsWFLN5UXP4LWrwV0O4VbrPkLhF3b-pJbFXgrdWFl-P0yNGGAhtBfXKlwWaVDE0tYXsi1fORup-SDogceDm7BzMN3e_bhFp4QYuGAIvpidxi2I2x7AE1fqPyjz9_-QEuNs4/s1600/Cutting+Instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cQ4fHsf-tsWFLN5UXP4LWrwV0O4VbrPkLhF3b-pJbFXgrdWFl-P0yNGGAhtBfXKlwWaVDE0tYXsi1fORup-SDogceDm7BzMN3e_bhFp4QYuGAIvpidxi2I2x7AE1fqPyjz9_-QEuNs4/s1600/Cutting+Instructions.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Try to cut as close to the smaller feather as possible WITHOUT actually cutting them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRNUmBuRoZ6IYpGxxJTiWkQEjUY2raPEVP8KyyEFP3dEbi7tRxBkZ01FGQdSklCT2afyEnYTy0Cr-vANuCZ7r_VRU3u8D34I_eHQlmKsi2G7YCOCjtADOB31Nxbe4JBfXexHUIwe7c9o/s1600/Cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRNUmBuRoZ6IYpGxxJTiWkQEjUY2raPEVP8KyyEFP3dEbi7tRxBkZ01FGQdSklCT2afyEnYTy0Cr-vANuCZ7r_VRU3u8D34I_eHQlmKsi2G7YCOCjtADOB31Nxbe4JBfXexHUIwe7c9o/s1600/Cutting.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Save the feathers and put them in your compost! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can choose to do just one wing or both. I have read that cutting just one makes it so they try to fly but are off balance. So they just stop trying. My chickens have both their wings clipped. We just cut one wing on each of our friend's chickens. It's really up to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little less worry to your chicken keeping hobby. :)</span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-1265418254812472882013-12-19T13:49:00.001-08:002013-12-19T13:49:38.647-08:00Essential Oils<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little over a year ago, a friend introduced me to essential oils. I will admit, I was very skeptical about it. How could just a few tiny drops of something heal a whole body, and most the time less than 24 hours? </span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5pqg_GIS1n-PWslrBawf85lU4H9YEscHovfN_GGowvDnIEoJpG7VVgrVj63EEv2hE1yD8c37idDf6nFunHnYy0JNz6mzLLwhDri5Yb406ffOhPL7GvnJJ0pDfp-DyJ3ybcr6ASPAbe4/s1600/oils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5pqg_GIS1n-PWslrBawf85lU4H9YEscHovfN_GGowvDnIEoJpG7VVgrVj63EEv2hE1yD8c37idDf6nFunHnYy0JNz6mzLLwhDri5Yb406ffOhPL7GvnJJ0pDfp-DyJ3ybcr6ASPAbe4/s1600/oils.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, my little guy got pneumonia. Let me tell you! I was a mess!! I felt like a horrible mom, which is just silly. He had a cough and I thought it was just a cough. Then one morning, he came in our bedroom. REALLY EARLY. Crying and saying it hurt under his arm when he would breath. :( SCARY. So Hubs got up and took him to the ER. He was admitted and x-rays were taken. It was pneumonia and he had to stay and get antibiotics through IV. The whole shebang. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW378sFbe5CFQJLOX-IeAAaXldAcD6Jl22Pd1P2BvV8ig6YGrGX0R9ob7uXcmhhtNqZOj55hDFL4Wc4kYZA8KH-F2wQyIczVnZnnoqEpXeu19Fy_5VdluKp-zVcmRtiAwD-BBOTA8dd4/s1600/Nathan+and+teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW378sFbe5CFQJLOX-IeAAaXldAcD6Jl22Pd1P2BvV8ig6YGrGX0R9ob7uXcmhhtNqZOj55hDFL4Wc4kYZA8KH-F2wQyIczVnZnnoqEpXeu19Fy_5VdluKp-zVcmRtiAwD-BBOTA8dd4/s1600/Nathan+and+teddy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBMeRQ4o0gOz1ThEbRWWXerjUAwUZAYW_CBNXba7Jl6ibP2glDMB4Fnctpx9rMRLblbd4OTrNrtGHcDEeGYauAjQGnvYYZAExFyLNuWOLqqMQOUSiMQSxk_eMOMau_InQAB4co8eXKXU/s1600/Nathan+and+Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBMeRQ4o0gOz1ThEbRWWXerjUAwUZAYW_CBNXba7Jl6ibP2glDMB4Fnctpx9rMRLblbd4OTrNrtGHcDEeGYauAjQGnvYYZAExFyLNuWOLqqMQOUSiMQSxk_eMOMau_InQAB4co8eXKXU/s1600/Nathan+and+Daddy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean seriously. It's just the saddest thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, he stayed in the hospital for three days. While he was there, my friend offered for us to use her oils and diffuser. So I said SURE! The diffuser just puts the oils in the air, mixed with water. Kinda like a humidifier. He perked up and we continues to use it at home for a week after. And his cough was GONE. The doctors said it would take a few weeks to a month for his cough to be completely gone and he would get winded running around. Nope! I was so relieved! And sold on the oils. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now, we use them for everything and anything. And it's been great! We use Young Living because they are <b>therapeutic grade</b>. Which are the only kind of oils that will benefit you and that you should use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ones that are our must haves at all times:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lavender:</b> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. " </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's amazing. I have used it on cuts and burns. It always amazes me when I use it on a burn. Usually from cooking and accidentally touching the pan. I just grab my lavender and drop one little drop on it. The pain stops almost instantly and heals the skin. No scar, no red spot that's sensitive. I also use it in baths, just to help our bodies relax before bed. It's great for your skin. Kels gets chapped lips REALLY bad! I mean, cracked, bleeding, peeling. She can't stop licking them once it gets started. A drop of lavender and she's good to go. It doesn't taste the great so she stops licking and it heals the skin so nicely. It's great for diaper rash too! There were a couple months when we weren't using cloth diapers on Allie. We were using disposables and she got a terrible rash! Her little skin is just super sensitive. I tried all the diaper rash creams that we swore by before and they would help but it just wouldn't heal. Then I remembered my lavender oil and it was GONE the next day. I could go ON and ON about lavender. You don't want to be without it. It's one that if I don't know what oil to use, I just use this. Infections, scrapes, moods. Whatever. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Peppermint:</b> Great in hot chocolate. ;) Natural pain reliever. Yup, you can use it for anything you need a pain reliever for. As well as fever reducer. And tummy issues. It relieves my headaches within minutes. Sore muscles, rub it on em. The last time we had the flu…which was a WHILE ago, (we RARELY get them now) Kelsey had a fever and was vomitting. I rubbed the peppermint oil on her stomach, and Thieves (another must have) on her feet along with the peppermint. She was running around and ate dinner that night. I'm serious. I can't make this stuff up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lemon:</b> A natural mood booster and also disinfectant. I like to diffuse this in the house. It smells so fresh and happy. I also keep a spray bottle with water and about 10 drops of lemon in it. The best all purpose cleaner I have ever used. It also tastes super yummy in water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Thieves:</b> "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px;">Thieves was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health."</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We brush our teeth with Thieves. (Hubs and I, it's too strong for the littles) If someone comes over that has had a cold or runny nose or anything of the sort, I diffuse it. It's great for tooth aches. Lots and lots of things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are just <b>very few</b> examples of what things we have used oils for. The list is literally endless. And the stories from others are amazing. Even other stories we have ourselves. I love my oils. I'm no doctor, so <b>PLEASE</b> don't take this as advice for your own health. But I really can't say enough good things about them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't wait to use them in some DIY beauty products. Like chapstick and body butter. So exciting! If you want to get your hands on some, please let me know! I am happy to help! Remember, the only ones that are safe for use in this way are <b>THERAPEUTIC GRADE</b>. If it says, not safe for internal use, you should not be using it. It is not the purest form of oil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to hear if you try these!</span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-1568122775755432812013-12-17T11:23:00.001-08:002013-12-17T11:23:09.997-08:00Homemade Finger Paint<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This finger paint takes literally 10 minutes to whip up and provides my littles with lots of fun! </span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8IR5NTfmDtbjy9yF4QSGxV9F_8QdOsxmGOW6evfr6MjaEi2cUTLQhKqDt7UeVpv9_mZTdjsM6wI3oT4kxL-PnR80N6Hn8Cq-ygyzwBiXoKiocr5LPlk0SkpIti1Iis0KQ3uZSOIHzzo/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8IR5NTfmDtbjy9yF4QSGxV9F_8QdOsxmGOW6evfr6MjaEi2cUTLQhKqDt7UeVpv9_mZTdjsM6wI3oT4kxL-PnR80N6Hn8Cq-ygyzwBiXoKiocr5LPlk0SkpIti1Iis0KQ3uZSOIHzzo/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup cornstarch </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 tablespoons sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, combine water and salt and sugar on the stove, on medium heat until dissolved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx9W3EhSOTZVYw_YIN7T5b2xWxg4grF4zifiORQkTk-Ud6Flh3qEyuygOu8eyzFj2dLkKoVm4y-NHDO9bhYFdAhqD2nRnfuQmqZmpwHvFXYrnMmxyJXgV7R05XSxy4YYNsn3zdWOTV9k/s1600/whisking+sugar+and+salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx9W3EhSOTZVYw_YIN7T5b2xWxg4grF4zifiORQkTk-Ud6Flh3qEyuygOu8eyzFj2dLkKoVm4y-NHDO9bhYFdAhqD2nRnfuQmqZmpwHvFXYrnMmxyJXgV7R05XSxy4YYNsn3zdWOTV9k/s1600/whisking+sugar+and+salt.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then add in your cornstarch. Keep on medium heat and stir it frequently. Once the ingredients warm up, they thicken fast.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbSI46nZVuHMkYnF-c5ozmddM73BJXNT01PJK4gxy2qm_c8TboL6E1XUlrvGp_uqWb-JB1fe9nlxjQe-7VQTAIRne8K0-XGHFDuVFhvYuSsNCHKstFKG_so0EmNSN5g0RJeIzW2za9ZM/s1600/cornstarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbSI46nZVuHMkYnF-c5ozmddM73BJXNT01PJK4gxy2qm_c8TboL6E1XUlrvGp_uqWb-JB1fe9nlxjQe-7VQTAIRne8K0-XGHFDuVFhvYuSsNCHKstFKG_so0EmNSN5g0RJeIzW2za9ZM/s1600/cornstarch.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which is one of the reasons I like this recipe so much. You can alter it to whatever thickness you prefer……or mess you like to clean. ;) I think a little thicker and goopy is easier to clean than a runny all over mess. So I usually make it fairly thick.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4dlh4IHKFi2GyUF2ouaQsPRdBQrUAdJJLv0eyQMHoZvMmOnuNamCJrpJ7HRzSSZYHzDQ_DnpCHcZETn8yJ_DHU43iPNQ2tSku8PVFlcVTCxMphMLpSptEPbw-803fIKcc58Zvugs3rc/s1600/thickened.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4dlh4IHKFi2GyUF2ouaQsPRdBQrUAdJJLv0eyQMHoZvMmOnuNamCJrpJ7HRzSSZYHzDQ_DnpCHcZETn8yJ_DHU43iPNQ2tSku8PVFlcVTCxMphMLpSptEPbw-803fIKcc58Zvugs3rc/s1600/thickened.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to do more than one color, scoop into individual jars or bowls or whatever you have on hand. Add your colors and mix well. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlQeqtnYGSDtlT7S5fg3oY2fzygpVbPAnScwAsHq-ISpfm7EUIpGtVdrj2z-zrVgv1jWv6g85_pkAqjZmGaP-_4DuaeNX9QPAsIOVztcC4kjI9Es68IhJlgV2bAUM8gafinuVj1XiJac/s1600/adding+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0LspoNlyg2ruGBC4e06OFN5iXs6isQer4AOJxdCaq6c1zJNvutdDo2WMlpFL2Jxd8Zg9sgFyuD9L8c4Gu1Yg-dxTlhdw3aZKZ-RoVKY41ZLtwbYhBeDV8-IVPZLuxhK5JKpbDP-3ADY/s1600/adding+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0LspoNlyg2ruGBC4e06OFN5iXs6isQer4AOJxdCaq6c1zJNvutdDo2WMlpFL2Jxd8Zg9sgFyuD9L8c4Gu1Yg-dxTlhdw3aZKZ-RoVKY41ZLtwbYhBeDV8-IVPZLuxhK5JKpbDP-3ADY/s1600/adding+color.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ8331OsPlPWdnAbplHEeIIRDbbxKNYoVGLmbeWllv6PUdck1efSpN90hZ3oqza6oVGkPFZW1OUdcLyplZsIIuPYoPOTbqCp0CLlCmw9qTbcpxmCuPgSPWK83AcEPrZO2vNtf-72Lm2U/s1600/color+in+jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ8331OsPlPWdnAbplHEeIIRDbbxKNYoVGLmbeWllv6PUdck1efSpN90hZ3oqza6oVGkPFZW1OUdcLyplZsIIuPYoPOTbqCp0CLlCmw9qTbcpxmCuPgSPWK83AcEPrZO2vNtf-72Lm2U/s1600/color+in+jars.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The colors come out so pretty. Slightly transparent and very vibrant.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsX9xfqHn34r182kzY8fbXHdQynpNFJ91Yn7mFuO4q4vSaHOEcsCjTJF8mr-zizwqaPRcUPHhTPa3866DpVQmpJKXFDzffwgKmMYDyPmDh0BXY2z_Mk0suA9WRFTr0Vz7AS8O01v14Res/s1600/color+sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsX9xfqHn34r182kzY8fbXHdQynpNFJ91Yn7mFuO4q4vSaHOEcsCjTJF8mr-zizwqaPRcUPHhTPa3866DpVQmpJKXFDzffwgKmMYDyPmDh0BXY2z_Mk0suA9WRFTr0Vz7AS8O01v14Res/s1600/color+sticks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See!! So pretty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time around, we used q-tips (and fingers) to paint. But mostly q-tips. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal4KZG6TrGSVJS-yUe2gvTv2QSnQTEoWAFNnN128JiAChCYEyaD42traR8_e43tlR0gZhfDn7QnYW-AhQM9rox-jpOQyoKcSqtEqxURGvYeXr2d86XVl_97lRj08mKcMaxD6dadtV-A8/s1600/Bitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal4KZG6TrGSVJS-yUe2gvTv2QSnQTEoWAFNnN128JiAChCYEyaD42traR8_e43tlR0gZhfDn7QnYW-AhQM9rox-jpOQyoKcSqtEqxURGvYeXr2d86XVl_97lRj08mKcMaxD6dadtV-A8/s1600/Bitty.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has so much fun when we do things like this while the big kids are at Co Op on Mondays. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-24170565697612901232013-12-13T11:53:00.000-08:002013-12-13T11:53:12.621-08:00Baby, it's COLD outside!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week was FREEZING. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nope, I take that back. It was BELOW freezing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was darn cold!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think our warmest day was about 10 degrees. Yes, you read that right, TEN. BRRR! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So of course, the chickens weren't laying eggs. Can't say I blame them. They were just trying to keep warm. Technically, I think we got three. All week. But one was broken from freezing. So two. It was a sad, sad week for eggs, because of course, when you don't have them, all you want to do is bake and make scrambled eggs and do all the things that require more than two eggs. *sigh* It was a loooooong week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add to that, three to five kids running around the house, going a little stir crazy. Phew, this mama is TIRED. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week it got into the 50's! WHAT?! It was like the harshest winter and then a week of Spring! So naturally, in Colorado, when it's above 40, you let your kids run around in t shirts with snow on the ground because the sun warms you up and the kids get their crazies out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6zfDjAEKcoqeeVRcOFEVO8keQZNsxSZBRXihEm8Vc8rk8dafySnus3Z9S8w8nq1iVNi9R9uEoZauDE5W8604Q5c_CuPwjZcnnyUs_8ogRmjXjjTzLxYcXR2kGcZ4Z1vxYUjXCCFUQk8/s1600/warm+weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6zfDjAEKcoqeeVRcOFEVO8keQZNsxSZBRXihEm8Vc8rk8dafySnus3Z9S8w8nq1iVNi9R9uEoZauDE5W8604Q5c_CuPwjZcnnyUs_8ogRmjXjjTzLxYcXR2kGcZ4Z1vxYUjXCCFUQk8/s1600/warm+weather.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pups got her crazies out too. Man, she was so excited the kids were allowed to play outside. She was running circles a million miles an hour around the yard. Hysterical!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since it was so cold last week, I didn't have Little Bit help me with the chicken chores. She LOVES it and it's so fun watching her take care of the chickens and hear her imitate the sounds I make at them. :) So this morning it was back to work for her!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic4-ucSRpwkZ40KaBCEl_uH_2cHCrjPje9tqQxOSP7pb8mXk5npGyzdwbRZhEGSB1prBCJB1xvsQZPR_iFPrRF_us0xnaOiFRUwhQlBVPt5grx_PReDzrlrd0GiUlHRdQMYKg7rlxdOA/s1600/Chicken+Chores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic4-ucSRpwkZ40KaBCEl_uH_2cHCrjPje9tqQxOSP7pb8mXk5npGyzdwbRZhEGSB1prBCJB1xvsQZPR_iFPrRF_us0xnaOiFRUwhQlBVPt5grx_PReDzrlrd0GiUlHRdQMYKg7rlxdOA/s1600/Chicken+Chores.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course, the ladies had a warm little egg waiting for her. I adore her little bibs! They are super cozy warm because they are lined on the inside. And we can't live without BOGS boots. All our kids love them. Cozy and toasty! I need to get myself a pair because my cozy toasty boots are lace up and that does not work for this night owl super early in the morning……</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the ladies are not laying as often, (winter = less daylight + cold = rest time for chicken bodies) I decided to make an "Egg Production Record" to keep track of how many eggs we get a month. I really love it! It has a spot for how many chickens we have, how many good eggs we get, how many broken, and totals. The hubs helped me make it REAL fancy by having it total all of it at the very bottom. :) He's so helpful. I'm working on one for the vegetable garden too. It will have a place to enter in what was planted and when. How many seeds were planted. Were they started indoors or outdoors, etc. And probably one for when I harvest too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Man, winter sure is busy for being the "off season". :) </span><br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071711039553795860.post-52237389280137240712013-11-13T09:26:00.001-08:002013-11-13T09:26:46.845-08:00Homemade Cheese Crackers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I am a salty person all the way. I would much rather have a bag of popcorn for dessert over ice cream. Almost any day! The hubs just doesn't understand. I am also a snacker. Which bugs me but just the way it is. Since we have cut out high processed foods, there I some things that I just down right miss. Like Cheez Its. Full of crap but oh so yummy. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So browsing around Pinterest, I found <a href="http://shopgirlmaria.blogspot.com/2013/02/homemade-cheez-its.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe and thought I would give it a go. I wouldn't go as far to say that they taste just like them, but they are pretty darn good and don't have all the unnecessary junk in them! Woohoo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the recipe:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 oz shredded cheese. (I used organic sharp cheddar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. First, mix together the shredded cheese, half of the salt and the softened butter. Add in the flour and mix until the dough gets clumps. Then, with the mixer running begin adding the ice water and mix until a soft dough forms. Use as much ice water as you need for a dough to form.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Divide the dough in two, form each into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Then, roll the dough out on a floured surface into about an 1/8 inch thickness and using a fluted pastry cutter, cut the dough into about 1 inch squares. (Yeah, I don't have fancy cutters like that so I used a knife and cut squares and then poked holes in the top! Easy Peasy)<br /><br />3. Preheat your oven to 375 deg F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer your little crackers onto the parchment paper, then sprinkle them with the rest of the salt. Bake for about 7 - 10 minutes (I actually undercooked the first batch. They came out a little doughy. I cooked the second batch for 15 minutes. Just keep an eye on them.), or until they have puffed up and the edges begin to brown. Let cool before eating. (They are best eaten right away, but you can store them in an airtight container).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here they are in all their glory!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Iyl6LM9Ez8MXebtm22hm_xvTCUKSIrMWMCg_Rad4jADrzvFNHMsXWAhnTGDkn-MAas1Nqkqr_Qc0FOZECM8E4Z2spBZ7rJzhlLuIzDRIxmJwd459BPzi0t7WqMzYJLWpYObYrzPPziY/s1600/Cheese+Crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Iyl6LM9Ez8MXebtm22hm_xvTCUKSIrMWMCg_Rad4jADrzvFNHMsXWAhnTGDkn-MAas1Nqkqr_Qc0FOZECM8E4Z2spBZ7rJzhlLuIzDRIxmJwd459BPzi0t7WqMzYJLWpYObYrzPPziY/s320/Cheese+Crackers.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Iyl6LM9Ez8MXebtm22hm_xvTCUKSIrMWMCg_Rad4jADrzvFNHMsXWAhnTGDkn-MAas1Nqkqr_Qc0FOZECM8E4Z2spBZ7rJzhlLuIzDRIxmJwd459BPzi0t7WqMzYJLWpYObYrzPPziY/s1600/Cheese+Crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yuuuuuuumy! They really aren't hard to make or take much time. Win win!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17420552119986664855noreply@blogger.com0