tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608894872326392472024-03-05T03:23:55.051-08:00Feathers From My NestKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-2094413695739984202013-02-26T17:20:00.001-08:002013-02-27T14:20:24.885-08:00Wisdom Teeth - To extract or not extract? That is the question.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrf0PpzehGLtvCn2aJSuBy6iJROOEQBGnmiDJ5lzxMDa-nrxFF5TbXsRAEeEX_MeFWI7YVM3w_q15dljUqgG6IbBWmCYF0q3fWCZkHLI8pgbiIkg5MGkmk6lxm0Wy7CH0D9qPOUMZEYk/s1600/wisdom+tooth+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrf0PpzehGLtvCn2aJSuBy6iJROOEQBGnmiDJ5lzxMDa-nrxFF5TbXsRAEeEX_MeFWI7YVM3w_q15dljUqgG6IbBWmCYF0q3fWCZkHLI8pgbiIkg5MGkmk6lxm0Wy7CH0D9qPOUMZEYk/s200/wisdom+tooth+image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Typically, my health and nutritional philosophies lean more towards the natural or holistic side of things. While I'm not against medical treatment and believe that medical interventions can be necessary, I prefer practicing preventative lifestyle methods and using natural methods of treatments whenever possible. I typically try to put effort into staying informed with health and nutrition related issues so that I can help guide my family in an educated lifestyle.<br />
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Well....that is except for today. When I was told to have my son's wisdom teeth extracted I never even questioned it. I had mine extracted and practically everyone I knew had them removed too. It wasn't until today, AFTER I had my son's wisdom teeth extracted, that I became aware of the controversy over routine extractions of wisdom teeth. It was at that moment that I realized my oversight of information. I'm not going to let myself worry about how this could affect my son now that they are extracted, whats done is done. I know that ultimately, if an unknown mistake was made on my part, Jesus can heal Ethan of any effects caused. However, now that I have the wisdom, I am evaluating whether or not I will do the same thing with my other children when they are of age.<br />
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To extract or not extract. That is the question.<br />
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Here are a few links that I'm storing for myself until I need to revisit this issue with my other children. I hope they help you get started in your adventure to discovery so that you can find the path that is right for you...to extract or not to extract. (If you find additional links in your personal research, please add the links in the comments below. I would love to see.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20050505/wisdom-teeth-removal-often-unnecessary" target="_blank">WebMC.com Wisdom Teeth Removal Often Unnecessary</a><br />
same story on <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155933,00.html" target="_blank">Fox News</a><br />
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Your extraction sites may look healed but are they really?<br />
<a href="http://www.thenaturalrecoveryplan.com/articles/Dental-Cavitations.html" target="_blank">The Natural Recovery Plan - Dental Cavitations</a> - <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">This site<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>explains <span style="font-size: small;">how</span> <span style="font-size: small;">s</span>ome
specialist practitioners estimate that up to 90% of routine extractions
may result in the formation of cavitations in t<span style="font-size: small;">he jaw bone</span>, and the further back in the
mouth the extraction, the more likely they are to occur.</span> Of all sites, lower wisdom tooth extraction sites form cavitations the most frequently. They go on to <span style="font-size: small;">explain how cavi<span style="font-size: small;">tations</span> </span>are difficult to detect using the usual methods such as examination or
x-rays. Visually, the gum has healed and there may be no overt signs of
redness or swelling over the extraction site</span></span>.<br />
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VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE!! LOTS of information. They discuss how the bacteria and enzymes harbored in cavitations can affect your body. They also share the opinion that cavitations after extractions are a very common occurrence. - <a href="http://behmnaturaldentistry.com/natural-dentistry-services/cavitations/" target="_blank">Natural Dentistry - Cavitations</a><br />
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In my opinion, these articles (and others) give enough weight to the concern of cavitations that I will personally strongly consider what path to take for the rest of my children. (extracting all of them, none of them or only the ones causing problems) I'm not saying I won't have it done, but that I have a lot more researching to do to decide.<br />
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This next statement is pure speculation on my part as I have not found information to back it up yet. I question the bacteria's ability to to start in a cavitation and hinder our immune system from fighting other germs and infections or transferring to other parts of our body. For example, we know that dental infections can cause endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves) and rheumatic heart disease. I also read that it is accepted practice for individuals with joint or hip replacements to be prescribed antibiotics before every dental visit because of the possible transfer of bacteria from the mouth to the joints. I would be interested to see if information on this exists and if it is in fact a side effect of cavitations. <br />
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<a href="http://www.healingteethnaturally.com/dental-cavitation-infections.html" target="_blank">Dental Cavitation Infections</a> - While this article admits that other professions feel you can't self heal cavitations, their personal feelings are that you can. Half way down the page they have a list of natural alternatives you can try to heal it.<br />
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Enough researching for now. :) I have a couple years to find more information and a son who needs some TLC healing care.<br />
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UPDATE: I have a friend in another state who uses a dentist that practices on a more natural side of dentistry. I contacted her about my son Ethan hoping for advice on the best way to heal his bone and gums since his surgery had already been done. Surprisingly, the dentist responded with additional information that I thought I should pass along in case it was helpful.<br />
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"Thanks for your email and question. I am glad to answer and help in any way. </div>
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The
concern about extractions (commonly in third molars) is that during the
surgery, all of the remnants of the periodontal ligament are not
removed. This ligament surrounds each tooth root as the connection to
the bone. Leaving this then allows a wall of soft tissue that can
prevent bone from healing in the site. Over time this can develop into
an area of necrosis that may be filled with any level of tissue or even
infection. Some anesthetics have also been indicated. These lesions
have been referred to as a NICO lesion. <a href="http://www.drshankland.com/page11402151.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.drshankland.com/<wbr></wbr>page11402151.aspx</a> This is a great website that explains it well. </div>
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In my office I routinely use PRP (Platelet Rich
Plasma) and PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) which are products of our own
blood. I process the blood from the patient here and then will place
these concentrated products in the surgical site. It encourages bone
growth and improved healing. It is amazing!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The concern is now, what to do since this surgery
has been done on your son? Nothing at this point. If he is healthy and
had a good outcome with no dry sockets, doesn't smoke, etc, he is
probably going to be ok. In a year or two you can have a cone beam scan
performed to check his healing sites. (Dr. Shankland's site does not
have any CT views available for review, but is the current way for us to
evaluate for areas of necrosis.) You must be careful about traditional
dentists however, most of them have never heard of this, let alone
treat or diagnose it. </div>
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I hope this makes sense and helps. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate."</div>
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</blockquote>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-38686364042102677292013-02-24T08:37:00.000-08:002013-02-24T08:37:10.381-08:00Blog Resurection...scratch that. Blog TransformationIts time for a blog resurrection...or rather a blog transformation. <br />
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My life interests have changed since starting this blog. Even though I have been wanting to collect and post these new thoughts and discoveries (mainly for easy personal recollection), I also have felt hesitant, fearing previous readers would be disappointed with the content from my new interests. I have allowed my worry and anxiety to keep me away for way too long. <br />
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So here is what I decided<br />
<ul>
<li>Blog For Me. I want a place to collect all of my discoveries so that I can easily find them in one location. What others may see as random topics will be a collection of information that helps my family meet our goals. </li>
<li>Video Blog. There are certain things I that I'm asked about over and over. To help answer those questions easier I decided I should blog about them. In an effort to reducing the time it takes to write about these topics and the anxiety of not being a good writer, I will try video blogging for a few posts. </li>
<li>No More Perfectionism. I'm going to keep it real. My house isn't a catalog home that is perfectly decorated. I don't always have time to take studio quality pictures of things I'm blogging about. I'm a stay at home mom who has to wait until naptime to get a shower. And I constantly have four kids needing my attention. As much as I would like to say that I'll be in a picture perfect home, nicely dressed, hair fixed and looking pretty for video blogs or have beautiful pictures to accessorize written posts...the reality is having a perfect presentation isn't reality for my life. Instead of procrastinating as I try to attain that perfect presentation, I'm going to keep it real and force myself to post things as is. </li>
</ul>
So here we go... <br />
<ul>
</ul>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-27945345264402246592011-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:002013-02-27T13:52:24.865-08:00Who is YOUR mommy guru?A friend of mine recently shared an article with me called <i>Every Mother Needs A Mom Guru. Who's Yours? </i> I absolutely loved it. "Finally!" I thought after reading it. "Someone who gets it!" (I've attached the article below so you could enjoy it as well.)<br />
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When it comes to pregnancy, birth and raising our children, I feel as though our culture will many times position moms to be automatic failures right from the beginning of becoming a mom. We have an overwhelming amount of medical interventions that tell us "your body isn't going to carry and birth your baby on its own...its incapable...you have to have me to do it." And after our baby is born we have every psychologist telling us "if you follow that model for raising your family your going to ruin your child....do it this way". Then there are others who act as if we are supposed to have this-as she describes it in the article-"magical" ability to be able to reach inside ourselves for the constant encouragement that is needed to be a mom. With so many people telling us how to do our job (all in different ways mind you) how are we to ever feel like we can succeed? <br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
This article hits the issue head on. As women, we need other women! We need someone who is going to relate to us. Someone who will tell us about the practical things to help us raise our kids. But even more importantly, we need other women to connect with on an emotional level. A level that doesn't come from a psychologist's or doctor's book knowledge, but rather a level spoken with personal experience and empathy. Sometimes, to make it through a difficult season, us moms need to hear from other women that we are good moms, excellent wives and valued friends...because frankly, sometimes it just doesn't come from anywhere else. Even sometimes our own husbands fall short. Not because they don't necessarily think we're good wive and moms, just because it isn't build into their nature to think to tell us that as often as we should hear it.<br />
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So if no one has told you today...Your a great mom! Your an amazing wife! And on top of all of that...YOUR BEAUTIFUL!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/10/8251826-every-mother-needs-a-mom-guru-whos-yours">TODAY Moms - Every Mother Needs A Mom Guru. Who's Yours? by Diana K. Sugg</a><br />
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Every mother needs a Mom Guru. Who's yours?</h1>
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By Diana K. Sugg</div>
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While my husband slept and the baby in my tummy began to knock, I stood in the small back room. It was painted the perfect shade of yellow, with pastel stars hanging from the ceiling. I was 40 years old, and in a day or so, my first baby would be born. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, or how I would be a mother.</div>
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<img alt="" height="299" id="nullB5D22375-D580-72B8-7109-57ACAAF9A67B.jpg" src="http://m.static.newsvine.com/servista/imagesizer?file=nullB5D22375-D580-72B8-7109-57ACAAF9A67B.jpg&width=500" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 10px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="450" /><br />
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Monica Lopossay</div>
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Who me, Mom Guru? Diana Sugg, pictured here with her two sons, relied on her sister's advice.</div>
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But at least I knew I had the basics in place, thanks to my sister, Valerie. Deep into that night, with the BBC on the radio, I went through her checklist and got the nursery ready -- the snap-on crib sheet that would make changes fast, the goofy-looking animal mobile that would make a quick shower possible, the CD player with the lullaby disc that would help my newborn fall asleep.</div>
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I didn’t know how much I would need her. Because once my son Sam arrived, all the advice from the books and the childbirth class blurred. The voices around me, around any new mother, were many and contradictory. You need to work. You need to be home. You need to let the baby scream. You need to let him sleep in your bed. It’s not that hard. Why haven’t you lost weight? Why are you still nursing?</div>
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Maybe other women were used to it. Some had been preparing their whole lives for it. But I needed help. And to this day, I thank God that I had my sister. My guru.</div>
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She had what I didn’t: the confidence that comes from experience. As a teenager, she’d built a babysitting empire, and now, after setting aside a career as a Chanel executive, she had her own two sons. She’d analyzed every product on the market. She’d researched and lived so many of the issues I was now facing. Hers was the voice I could believe in.</div>
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Valerie shared strategies like keeping my fingernails short, so I wouldn’t scratch the baby, and rotating toys in and out of the closet, so the old toys would become “new” again. She counseled me to shift my mindset. I couldn’t feel badly that I wasn’t writing and working as much as I’d hoped. I couldn’t worry about what other people thought, or managed to do, because their children slept better. It was okay to let Sam watch the “Baby Galileo” DVD for a little bit if I was swamped.</div>
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But it was hard, and I wasn’t getting much sleep. One day, exhausted, I confided my worst fear to Valerie. Maybe, for me, having a baby had been a mistake. Maybe I just wasn’t right for it.</div>
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“Oh, D,” she said, hugging me. Her voice was like a clear bell on a cold night. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You can do it.”</div>
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And over time, with her belief in me, and some experience, including a second son, I started to feel more comfortable in the world of kids. I began to rethink my long-held concept about motherhood: that it was a magical thing, and certain people were just wired for it. Maybe it was like learning to play the piano, or to write stories. Maybe I could get better.</div>
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On a walk one day, after easily manhandling 90 pounds of boys and a double stroller uphill, I stopped at a light. I found myself next to a pregnant woman, who was going to have her first child any day. I recognized the look on her face. She was a little lost.</div>
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My inner guru came out. In five minutes I gave her the lowdown: order diapers online, find a neighborhood or mothers’ email group to tap for advice, find some help, and take care of yourself. “And no matter how hard it gets, just remember, have faith in yourself,” I told her. Then, thinking about all I’d learned, I smiled at her. “Because you can do it.”</div>
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<i style="font-style: italic;">Diana K. Sugg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has covered medicine, crime and other issues for newspapers around the country. She is now a freelance writer in Baltimore raising two young sons.</i></div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-73033662353886608242011-11-02T16:02:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:02:00.330-07:00Spinach & Quiona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK66gXEe-070o7rbHn_hYXL0kmdvSUfhfTPsQN_zSbqPiszbQCfD8UHjhVN_HbWRaI774HnN4sFq87cUlhSxCQKM1xUH3YfkQMi5ZvDGx784sYcOY0FRvs5A6R7iifpqoZiFTEqRo_ag/s1600/close+up+quiona+and+spinach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK66gXEe-070o7rbHn_hYXL0kmdvSUfhfTPsQN_zSbqPiszbQCfD8UHjhVN_HbWRaI774HnN4sFq87cUlhSxCQKM1xUH3YfkQMi5ZvDGx784sYcOY0FRvs5A6R7iifpqoZiFTEqRo_ag/s400/close+up+quiona+and+spinach.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Not many recipes surprise me. But this recipe that I found on <a href="http://simpledailyrecipes.com/14394/spinach-and-quinoa-dinner/">Simple Daily Recipes</a> did. I was expecting a particular flavor and ended up with something better. All I have to say is Yummo!!<br />
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I was drawn to this recipe originally because of my new found interest in Quiona. I could sit here and list all the wonderful things about Quiona. Like that it has the highest 'non meat' protein you could consume...but I'm not. Like that it is LOADED with all kids of vitamins...but I'm not. I could tell you that I've used it with grilled veggies, as a sweet breakfast cereal or blended in smoothies...but I'm not. You'll just have to google and find out all the wonderful things about Quiona on your own. :o) Mr. google can refer you to more accredited places to find this information than here. Go ahead...get to it. Get your google on. <br />
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Serves 4-6<br />
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Ingredients...<br />
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1 cup quinoa<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqdW4xddp4sNUBV-T9JWh3vIhSYpQuTm3oz4o0v3PS7TJNWL4bhNk22g6A2s1vbtZxxOZblhJxgeiHOiJCbYP5hSInBUH4yEVFmE7uCfXnVUsY04Sl2WDKE6Oe0ABIwG_e3DgiHlJgDk/s1600/n+pigtails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqdW4xddp4sNUBV-T9JWh3vIhSYpQuTm3oz4o0v3PS7TJNWL4bhNk22g6A2s1vbtZxxOZblhJxgeiHOiJCbYP5hSInBUH4yEVFmE7uCfXnVUsY04Sl2WDKE6Oe0ABIwG_e3DgiHlJgDk/s320/n+pigtails.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love having these little pigtails in the kitchen helping<br />
to put all the ingredients together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus more for oiling the pan<br />
1 medium carrot, chopped<br />
1 small red onion, chopped<br />
8 ounces sliced mushrooms<br />
1 red bell pepper, chopped<br />
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped<br />
1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed, chopped<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
salt and papper<br />
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Directions<br />
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1. Cook quinoa and set aside.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ty8T490DvQebbt-hst-6GQca1QeBWIlw0OlmaOiPeYCGzkhw2sx5ZFNp72LNxyvAq2Q0QOv3zRS3dqUAUX8mYWlp1g0-NmhuRk-p2s0403wBeNFcqXwnlYEwzqkiascYPMYl5PdP6ms/s1600/cooking+spinach+and+quiona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ty8T490DvQebbt-hst-6GQca1QeBWIlw0OlmaOiPeYCGzkhw2sx5ZFNp72LNxyvAq2Q0QOv3zRS3dqUAUX8mYWlp1g0-NmhuRk-p2s0403wBeNFcqXwnlYEwzqkiascYPMYl5PdP6ms/s320/cooking+spinach+and+quiona.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil and cook carrots and onion until onion is translucent. <br />
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3. Add in mushrooms and chopped bell pepper, cook until pepper is tender, about 5 minutes.<br />
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4. Add in cilantro, chopped spinach, cinnamon and cumin. <br />
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5. Continue cooking another 6-8 minutes and remove from heat. <br />
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6. Add cooked quiona to vegetables and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. (I used an ample amount.)<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-45954220498793488052011-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:002011-10-28T15:27:00.207-07:00'Good For You' Vegetable Dip - Mayonnaise FREE & Dairy FREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33iaB7XZqxvHzdhWscQCjIhyq2IHEcCuEeDw9RF4Ox0AfJElVzkhdW1mEuj4WNhBLJwSCQ1sb4bvdq2yY3UyU_FhPt-zrzkYhxIw9kcKEaQ5My1ZZCKpveP_RKHxEWo8xZMkwr1H38j8/s1600/close+up+veggie+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33iaB7XZqxvHzdhWscQCjIhyq2IHEcCuEeDw9RF4Ox0AfJElVzkhdW1mEuj4WNhBLJwSCQ1sb4bvdq2yY3UyU_FhPt-zrzkYhxIw9kcKEaQ5My1ZZCKpveP_RKHxEWo8xZMkwr1H38j8/s400/close+up+veggie+dip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This recipe came from one of my new favorite blogs... <a href="http://wholenewmom.com/">Whole New Mom</a>.<br />
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I was browsing through her recipes and found a Homemade Vegetable Dip recipe that contained...<br />
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<b>No Mayonnaise, No Soy, No Egg and No Dairy</b><br />
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Wooo Hooo!! EXACTLY what I had been looking for. <br /><br />If you've ever taken time to read the label on store bought dips, I can guarantee you can't read half of what is listed. That is...if you can even bring yourself to read past the hydrogenated oil listing. Blaaaa. <br />
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The base for this dip is healthy nuts of your choice. I became a believer in the value of this healthy dip alternative when I saw my two year old princess swipe up a piece of cauliflower and chow down. <br />
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This dip isn't just good on vegetables. Spunk up your sandwiches. Instead of using mayo reach for this spread. It will be our go to condiment of choice for now on! Out with the mayo and in with the new....or something like that.<br />
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Did I mention that I was really excited about this dip? hehehehe <br />
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Ingredients...<br />
<a name='more'></a>1/2 cup nuts or seeds (sunflower and pumpkin both work great. Soaked & Dehydrated is best.)* I used sunflower.<br />1/4 cup water<br />
3 Tablespoons vinegar or organic lemon juice (Apple Cider Vinegar is what I chose for its nutritional value.)<br />1 Tablespoons arrowroot (cornstarch can be substituted)<br />
1 Tablespoon sweetner of choice (use only 1/2-1 scoop if using pure stevia extract.) - I used raw sugar since I was out of honey but plan on using it in the future.<br />
1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 3/4 teaspoon dried) - she says this is optional...I used fresh.<br />
1 Tablespoon chopped chives (or 3/4 teaspoon dried) - she says this is optional..I used fresh.<br />1 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice** (I forgot to add this and it worked fine. I doubt I'll use it in future batches.)<br />1 teaspoon dry mustard**<br />1/2 teaspoon salt (Real Salt is recommended. See her site for more details if interested.)<br />dash of cayenne pepper - she says this is optional...I used 2 dashes.<br />
Additional herbs, if using as a dip, to taste<br />
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Notes<br />
*'Whole New Mom' said that the original recipe called for cashews so she assumed any nut would work great. She doesn't recommend cashews as they are the least nutritious and somewhat problematic for various reasons.<br />**For the vinegar, dry mustard and salt combination, you may substitute 1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard.<br /><br /><br />Directions...<br />
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1. Grind the nuts or seeds into a "flour" in a blender or spice/coffee grinder.<br />
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2. Add water, blend 1 minute or until completely blended. ***<br /><br />3. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.<br />
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4. Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until thick.<br /><br />5. If you are going to be using this as a dip, at this time, you may wish to add extra fresh or dried chives or other herbs like dill, to taste.<br />
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6. Cool and then store in the refrigerator. A glass or stainless jar is best. It should keep for about 3 weeks.<br /><br />***If you have a high powered blender like a Vitamix you can skip step 1 by placing your nuts and water in the blender and processing for 15 seconds or until thoroughly chopped. You can also skip step 4 by processing your dip a little longer, allowing your Vitamix or Blendtec to heat the dip. An absolute time saver! I'm also a little tempted to skip step 3 and place all the ingredients in my Vitamix at once to grind. I think it should work great but I'll update you later when I attempt it. FYI. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HIGH POWERED BLENDER like a vitamix, I'm not sure that the same method would work as favorable for you. You may want to stick to the original steps to keep from ruining a batch of ingredients.<br /><br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-11928419352152918192011-10-21T14:36:00.000-07:002011-10-21T14:36:00.580-07:00Soaking and Dehydrating Seeds & Nuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently ran across a blog that I have thoroughly been enjoying. <a href="http://wholenewmom.com/">Whole New Mom</a> I find her writings down to earth, easy to understand and health conscious. Being a mom herself, she understands the struggle to find quick and easy ways to get healthy foods in our kids.<br />
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One that caught my eye was an article she wrote on Soaking and Dehydrating seeds and nuts. "Interesting...how does it make them more nutritious?" I wondered.<br />
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Here is how she explains it...<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"></span></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Have you heard about soaking and dehydrating your nuts and seeds but you don’t know why it is important? Or do you know it is important but think that you just can’t fit it into your schedule? Well, I am here to tell you that:</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. It’s very <b>important</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br /></b>2. It’s <b>easier and takes less time</b> than you think</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">3. The<b> taste benefit alone </b>makes it worth it</span></span></div>
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Nuts and seeds are a wonderful addition to your diet. They have a bounty of healthy fats, minerals, protein and vitamins. However, they can also be a bit rough on your stomach. That’s because they contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that prevent them from being digested well and that can be detrimental to your health.</div>
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The answer to this problem is simple: <b>soak your nuts and seeds</b>.</div>
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When seeds and nuts are planted in the ground, the warmth and moisture in the soil around them breaks down their skins so that they can germinate and grow into plants. Likewise, when we soak our nuts and seeds, we break down the encasing on these great sources of energy and make the nutrients more available to us.</div>
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I know. You’re already busy and this sounds like a lot of extra work.</div>
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But it’s really not.</div>
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<b>Most of the time spent soaking and dehydrating is hands-off time</b>. You just put the seeds or nuts in a bowl, transfer them to the dehydrator (or oven) and then take them out when dry.</div>
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For dehydrating, I highly recommend the<a href="http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/Dehydrators-37-cat.htm" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #666666;">Excalibur Dehydrator</span></a><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>If you don’t have a dehydrator, however, you can start dehydrating with your oven. During the winter months, you’ll welcome the added warmth, but in the summer, you’ll wish you had the dehydrator!"</i></span><br />
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She goes on to explain how to soak and dehydrate your seeds and nuts using a dehydrator or oven. You can read the article in its entirety by clicking <a href="http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/snacks/how-and-why-to-soak-and-dehydrate-nuts-and-seeds/">here</a>. <br />
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Here's to a new found love of the dehydrator! Cheers.<br />
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</span></span>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-32647776585632482862011-10-14T01:30:00.000-07:002011-12-07T17:47:48.255-08:00Crockpot Black Eye Peas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqUf0YeRUFhJeAVxs6cHRl3GQ64RgYn-TnAPJviDC1gsTKCQYuBnYtCDDuhL2Awx8YrbMcPDVN8P74B9m2DxVfi1_0KIkucUvkIM0XCauX7z9SnG9UmiigQWVB4uumyK2znuBHFI4Gb8/s1600/close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqUf0YeRUFhJeAVxs6cHRl3GQ64RgYn-TnAPJviDC1gsTKCQYuBnYtCDDuhL2Awx8YrbMcPDVN8P74B9m2DxVfi1_0KIkucUvkIM0XCauX7z9SnG9UmiigQWVB4uumyK2znuBHFI4Gb8/s320/close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm convinced that this recipe can convert anyone who isn't a black eye pea eater into the bean's biggest fan. <br />
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I've personally had to start doubling the recipe. Black eye peas went from being a side dish to a main course at my dinner table. Not that I mind...it doesn't get any easier than throwing all the ingredients into a crockpot. And it doesn't get any CHEAPER than dry beans. Its a win-win.<br />
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Ingredients...<br />
<a name='more'></a>1 lb (16oz.) dried black eye peas<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK5zlt0aorzIZDo0cWN3OL3Mthv24uqDkvXHQD2OmZfzM2dqij5D2BCcFMDAr3bclbGBQJuYd0QgFo9cui-g5HllE2Y8rbzO-VGAPuDHmYLewWmTQseG_4_wgiZ5OHa4joRbHoIwEI3g/s1600/black+eye+peas+plain+peas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK5zlt0aorzIZDo0cWN3OL3Mthv24uqDkvXHQD2OmZfzM2dqij5D2BCcFMDAr3bclbGBQJuYd0QgFo9cui-g5HllE2Y8rbzO-VGAPuDHmYLewWmTQseG_4_wgiZ5OHa4joRbHoIwEI3g/s320/black+eye+peas+plain+peas.jpg" width="320" /></a>2 cups water<br />
4 cups beef broth (is that an herb, a spice or both? ...hehehe...sorry...inside joke. I couldn't resist.)<br />
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar<br />
4-5 fresh garlic cloves or 1/2 tsp garlic powder (I use fresh for the nutritional value.)<br />
1/4 teaspoon black pepper<br />
1 Tablespoon brown sugar<br />
2 Tablespoons butter<br />
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Directions...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2axUL9y0KjrEKo58mIeEgVSrs2ibJu0GRAtxhuuRmtFwy1uEoHahWYPlV_-vuY-rdgDnnt_fyCBkAwZJe3XJhJbCRpbv9gVvBpd2A2QdYQS3gd1g4EBeWt87k9rls5Yue5fN4JEDcpM/s1600/bep+in+crock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2axUL9y0KjrEKo58mIeEgVSrs2ibJu0GRAtxhuuRmtFwy1uEoHahWYPlV_-vuY-rdgDnnt_fyCBkAwZJe3XJhJbCRpbv9gVvBpd2A2QdYQS3gd1g4EBeWt87k9rls5Yue5fN4JEDcpM/s320/bep+in+crock.jpg" width="320" /></a>Use a 6 quart crockpot. <br />
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Version 1<br />
Its best to soak the beans overnight covered by 2-3 inches of water. After soaking, drain the bean water. Add the beef broth, water and other ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. <br />
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Version 2<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb8ycY69ffXSZv_UoKLGeFlOXxK3UeGKxDH7zhphJOE-0vSkefMcd4Jk-UqTzI9B7njcKgG6ysiPu0Cte0xY2yvV1OmTeqpb8z_D6gylZgzEV2Q9OptRTi6mE75S5nqDUmWnoMFJOnJ4/s1600/bepbowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb8ycY69ffXSZv_UoKLGeFlOXxK3UeGKxDH7zhphJOE-0vSkefMcd4Jk-UqTzI9B7njcKgG6ysiPu0Cte0xY2yvV1OmTeqpb8z_D6gylZgzEV2Q9OptRTi6mE75S5nqDUmWnoMFJOnJ4/s320/bepbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">If your like me, you forget to soak your beans sometimes. I've forgot to soak my black eye peas every time I've made them. I wash my beans, put them in the crockpot with the ingredients and cook covered on high for 6 hours. <br /><br /><br />Again...I must admit...this is not an original recipe I created. I found it online and gave it a few minor changes to fit my taste. I can't remember where I got it from to give credit. So hats off to the original 'black eye pea culinarian</span>'. Without you this bean would have remained an overlooked side dish.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-58971634191157990202011-10-07T01:30:00.000-07:002012-02-12T11:46:05.445-08:00Favorite Things - Newborn<i>"...when the dog bites. When the bee stings. When I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my FAVORITE THINGS and then I don't feel sooooooo bad." </i>Sorry...I'm a Julie Andrews fan and got caught up in the moment.<br />
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One of my favorite things is to talk to moms (or soon-to-be moms) about pregnancy, laboring for delivery and newborn care. Its so much fun to hear about all the different ways other moms care for their babies. I've learned several things over the last 15 years of being a parent and talking to others. Now that I'm once again caring for a newborn, I thought it would be fun to share a few of these favorite baby items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2nJNKQt5iLLUJqGo2uLM7AklddKJJ6Pf3w1nYU5EHVkinole94A8lKxsKmYaUXVNruYiXykyZ2D_zuBS2DhAh91ASKFZrGzjkvIq9visfcEdNckrVTjr9znTU87PAVRV6iKkxGQL5uM/s1600/nightyouwereborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2nJNKQt5iLLUJqGo2uLM7AklddKJJ6Pf3w1nYU5EHVkinole94A8lKxsKmYaUXVNruYiXykyZ2D_zuBS2DhAh91ASKFZrGzjkvIq9visfcEdNckrVTjr9znTU87PAVRV6iKkxGQL5uM/s320/nightyouwereborn.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>On The Night You Were Born <br />by Nancy Tillman</b><br />
I cry every time I read this book. It was a gift that I received recently for the birth of my fourth child and it immediately made it to the top of my 'Favorite Things' list. I think it will forever be one of my top picks to give to other expecting moms.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This can be purchased through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-You-Were-Born/dp/0312346069">Amazon.com</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja356X8KIwoSACZgMR0PlwcO8UTA6DxhBvwRqLDwSbapMrv596TPHptvWVT4-s0qHePojumo9U4CDhRqwlCkH4uVPq0sEYK6uLN-aV-M0W6sNgBLb09Lzs7LHkZIYNn2hMn5QdGTB_3dU/s1600/moby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja356X8KIwoSACZgMR0PlwcO8UTA6DxhBvwRqLDwSbapMrv596TPHptvWVT4-s0qHePojumo9U4CDhRqwlCkH4uVPq0sEYK6uLN-aV-M0W6sNgBLb09Lzs7LHkZIYNn2hMn5QdGTB_3dU/s320/moby.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and little B, my 4th baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Moby Wrap</b><br />
The use of slings for babywearing deserves its own individual post. And you see...I'm kinda a sling junkie. I own 5 different kinds. They all have different qualities that make them useful in different situations and with different ages/stages of my child's growth. Someday soon I'll put a review together with the pros and cons of each one. For now, I'll highlight my FAVORITE, most COMFORTABLE and VERSATILE sling...the <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/default.aspx?">Moby Wrap</a>. It can be wrapped several different ways which allows you to use it from the newborn stage until your child is about 2 years old. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3-2eGU6o9-q-Q521A1JvE_2HC57kgG-BuOMq0WRAee4RlDoTBfm-703ag-y8fJLS96psfPQPVjFkp1BhFM5HL6S7geMvywjWEyTUeuLve6pcWurms90KzaNQV-j7L34gKBrkiaZswf8/s1600/moby+head+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3-2eGU6o9-q-Q521A1JvE_2HC57kgG-BuOMq0WRAee4RlDoTBfm-703ag-y8fJLS96psfPQPVjFkp1BhFM5HL6S7geMvywjWEyTUeuLve6pcWurms90KzaNQV-j7L34gKBrkiaZswf8/s320/moby+head+cover.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing how you can cover a sleeping baby<br />
to keep their head comfortable while you<br />
bend over and move around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If it were not for this wrap, I'd accomplish nothing in my home. My Moby keeps my hands free so I can cook, clean and tend to errands and shopping-all while I multitask and bond with my baby. <br />
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Babies feel the most comfortable when they are close to their mommies. A secure baby is a happy baby which equates to me getting more chores accomplished. That's my thinking anyway. And on a selfish note, they don't stay little long. I am of the mindset that you should hold them as close as possible for as long as you can. From my experience with my older children, they naturally start wanting their own independence as they get older. Give them a few years and they no longer climb up in your lap or lay on your chest to sleep. Then you look back and miss all those little moments that you had with them. So you see...anything that helps me to keep my baby next to me is priceless. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/">SproutingUp.com</a> or <a href="http://cottongbabies.com/">CottongBabies.com</a> You can also occasionally find them used on <a href="http://www.craigslist.com/">Craigslist.com</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie93f7CyK-zCfScr3aGNTtSfGwKtyMCcCvkTW61P0m-kQSN7tSMjgEq5qmaZVnRKTUKGhyphenhyphen5LcBUKPymgN6mqNu3sqqz5oBEKeVepNH6IKECwkIBl7JljUIrveTpYQRxU6gQ6eF9Eh6Mc/s1600/sockons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie93f7CyK-zCfScr3aGNTtSfGwKtyMCcCvkTW61P0m-kQSN7tSMjgEq5qmaZVnRKTUKGhyphenhyphen5LcBUKPymgN6mqNu3sqqz5oBEKeVepNH6IKECwkIBl7JljUIrveTpYQRxU6gQ6eF9Eh6Mc/s320/sockons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Sock Ons</b><br />
Recently I was given a baby gift that included a pair of <a href="http://www.sockons.co.uk/index.html">Sock Ons</a>. These are one of the greatest inventions ever. I use my Sock Ons daily and love how they keep those socks on active little feet. They come in a one size fits most style as well as individual sizes ranging from newborn to 6-12 months. And at only $5.99, you can afford to throw a pair of these in every congratulations greeting card that you mail out to the soon-to-be moms you know.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/index.php">CottonBabies.com</a></span><br />
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<b>Cloth Diapers</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVutGte8koyi-NtXoSKi_XagKmC9ml9ZmVlqHi_Nzvs3Ha6cTEhJfuQvWSGeDmaxNU7O9tCvRl43gCqEhxd5VKYBrFgOMf7BLtlOtq1p4hDv-IJi8nccvBzgAZJVJCgGm93dz_5lRVN0M/s1600/bumgeniushookloop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVutGte8koyi-NtXoSKi_XagKmC9ml9ZmVlqHi_Nzvs3Ha6cTEhJfuQvWSGeDmaxNU7O9tCvRl43gCqEhxd5VKYBrFgOMf7BLtlOtq1p4hDv-IJi8nccvBzgAZJVJCgGm93dz_5lRVN0M/s320/bumgeniushookloop.jpg" width="232" /></a>I chat often with moms who are curious about the different types cloth diapers, my likes and dislikes for the different styles as well as how EASY it is to care for cloth diapers. I hope to put together a more detailed post in the future that will share some of this information. For now, I'll just say that I didn't cloth diaper until I had my third child and it was one of the BEST decisions I made.<b> </b>My diaper of preference is the <a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/one-size.php">One- Size Bum Genius Diaper</a>. Not only do I feel that they are the most comfortable option for my babies, they are super easy to care for and very economical when compared to the cost of disposable diapers. (When I get done diapering my forth baby, I will have diapered two children for only $475.)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/">SproutingUp.com</a> or <a href="http://www.cottongbabies.com/">CottongBabies.com</a></span><br />
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<b><b>Sound Sleep For Babies CD</b></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjsSy3h4RNLbZJlBuU88catsIh8agmA7uBwsMmWiKbiSfZCQaRCfV_F9ThBMGexw27ZCJ1nuItCdQZk87nhfoRCwyDeClObqHUyIMAzdDhN6q12k4acE-VGDH7MCYyLkgMQQvPkJJkIw/s1600/soundsleepcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjsSy3h4RNLbZJlBuU88catsIh8agmA7uBwsMmWiKbiSfZCQaRCfV_F9ThBMGexw27ZCJ1nuItCdQZk87nhfoRCwyDeClObqHUyIMAzdDhN6q12k4acE-VGDH7MCYyLkgMQQvPkJJkIw/s400/soundsleepcd.jpg" width="400" /></a>This is my absolute must have for naps and night time. We use it every night. Sound Sleep for Babies has been given two awards for its use of relaxing instrumentals and vocals mixed with their advanced womb simulation. If you use the link below, Amazon offers a short clip of the instrumentals and vocals for you to sample. (The womb simulation starts shortly after the sample cuts off.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SoundSleep-for-Babies/dp/B001Y0I4TY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1314154755&sr=8-2">Amazon for $6.99</a>. It can also be purchased on cd but I'm not sure what stores carry it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhPo4Htb-kOZ1d2AQIwaLae47M5FwSlk8ZqIAZIUWvSg_POiTImrCjAqYRzZus5eZ9rvSUEqWyjKBsWlAxOqRoNgJId5PS4owolxAhFFDUYc0ZahHI30f-uBAKwa4swcliP4CRVqVRjo/s1600/snapgowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhPo4Htb-kOZ1d2AQIwaLae47M5FwSlk8ZqIAZIUWvSg_POiTImrCjAqYRzZus5eZ9rvSUEqWyjKBsWlAxOqRoNgJId5PS4owolxAhFFDUYc0ZahHI30f-uBAKwa4swcliP4CRVqVRjo/s320/snapgowns.jpg" width="232" /></a><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Night Gowns with SNAPS</b><br />
Ok...so they don't turn my baby into a fashionista, but they are easy to slip on (over the head or from the feet up), super comfortable for my newborns and they make diaper changing easy. Note...the snaps at the neckline are important. The gowns that don't have snaps are more difficult to get on. I used these for both my baby boys (in boy colors of course) and my girls. I wouldn't want to go through those constant newborn diaper changes without them.<br />
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<b>Baby Legs</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUro4xGuYvEdwJ4saL31qtX7QqKztnD13mbbgX0e0x2ZZ2XMxbFexx0sLMu_0EF8rn-mAbZiNOqdYtw84U7HNpzsWsRY40Ec0_5_1I0yqznGmvroWo7wFYyqofwnaRrrDM4-TRwky-l4M/s1600/babylegsnewborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUro4xGuYvEdwJ4saL31qtX7QqKztnD13mbbgX0e0x2ZZ2XMxbFexx0sLMu_0EF8rn-mAbZiNOqdYtw84U7HNpzsWsRY40Ec0_5_1I0yqznGmvroWo7wFYyqofwnaRrrDM4-TRwky-l4M/s320/babylegsnewborn.jpg" width="232" /></a>My next big tip for <b>simplifying </b>diaper changes, <b>protecting </b>the<b> knees </b>of your crawlers and easy<b> potty training</b> are <a href="http://www.babylegs.com/">Baby Legs</a>. You'll find a wide variety for boys and girls. I also have several pair that I easily made myself. The project only takes about 10 minutes a pair to create. I'll try to post a tutorial later on how to DIY. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">For purchasing, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend using </span><a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/" style="font-size: small;">SproutingUp.com</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> or </span><a href="http://www.cottongbabies.com/" style="font-size: small;">CottongBabies.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPEg64elJYDfnOTTiL40pIxFqDYNwC53drhCUbkntydzsNzzBENVZ_rKQGMeoGZwxQfL1yMASr8VCIRIBfAbtxNGrL4OWacU9ERbVEsRMVeHjLiqvx1Je5tUcp_xQapQZkiVInB7MpFk/s1600/babylegsallsizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPEg64elJYDfnOTTiL40pIxFqDYNwC53drhCUbkntydzsNzzBENVZ_rKQGMeoGZwxQfL1yMASr8VCIRIBfAbtxNGrL4OWacU9ERbVEsRMVeHjLiqvx1Je5tUcp_xQapQZkiVInB7MpFk/s320/babylegsallsizes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sweet Cheeks</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEa_FGWUoZOUBsaBInlxf0gSmO4Rbdd0bBEYOnPSq2nTWs3-lQSocrNztjSgrdafvSyr7vrX7Lrgu56uXDdIrPfTQDHtvarilJAuSYljmp_a0nf9nDktg2bXRpeYsvSaagTDWnYAX4zk/s1600/sweetcheeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEa_FGWUoZOUBsaBInlxf0gSmO4Rbdd0bBEYOnPSq2nTWs3-lQSocrNztjSgrdafvSyr7vrX7Lrgu56uXDdIrPfTQDHtvarilJAuSYljmp_a0nf9nDktg2bXRpeYsvSaagTDWnYAX4zk/s320/sweetcheeks.jpg" width="320" /></a>I can't tell you how much I love this product. It is completely all natural and the only solution you'll need for a diaper rash. My third baby's bottom was very sensitive and would turn bright red if she sat in a poopy diaper for as little as a few minutes. When this happened, I could put a very light layer of the Sweet Cheeks on her little bum and by the next diaper change she would be clear. Because of the properties of the ingredients and the little amount require, I didn't have to use any barriers between the salve and my cloth diapers. I never had any issues with it.<br />
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Another thing I love about this product is that it is made by a stay-at-home mom. I love supporting other mommies. She designed Sweet Cheeks in such a way that it requires very little and last a very long time. It is also VERY affordable. Its only about $6 a container. Depending on how long you use it, it should last you 6 months or longer. Mine typically last me a year or longer. (And I use it for other things like chapped lips and cheeks too.)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/">SproutingUp.com</a></span><br />
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<b>My Nursing Tank Top Design</b><br />
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This is my best kept secret. My own Nursing Tank Top creation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOeTyShF1Gnc0WrwFg7E-taXGMr6buFsHhdEe3Wsgq0cyXJuc-USU9WdT5nPkTzu6cv_yc6bQ0HgqHaoNEPd5NBzIS4LA5qN2Br-FeF0S5TJ-7C-bD_aAL9mrXoAlHoA8KRPrQGe2YZ4/s1600/nurse+top+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOeTyShF1Gnc0WrwFg7E-taXGMr6buFsHhdEe3Wsgq0cyXJuc-USU9WdT5nPkTzu6cv_yc6bQ0HgqHaoNEPd5NBzIS4LA5qN2Br-FeF0S5TJ-7C-bD_aAL9mrXoAlHoA8KRPrQGe2YZ4/s320/nurse+top+view.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When wearing a v-neck style shirt, pull it to the <br />
left and you can nurse so discretely that everyone <br />
will assume you are just snuggling your baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGVhtV9ScooyGSICpqFwAl-ysKp_oyplD5PIGFBrC6NO9LRR0cdr8NyvLMUCw5v3GB-G8nM61kQPeDjdHTsqaGf1JBuXKluzojS2TmMO1WXeKKR4Ncw_t80pn9r1nuqMtEeQ1z6lWUk0/s1600/nursing+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGVhtV9ScooyGSICpqFwAl-ysKp_oyplD5PIGFBrC6NO9LRR0cdr8NyvLMUCw5v3GB-G8nM61kQPeDjdHTsqaGf1JBuXKluzojS2TmMO1WXeKKR4Ncw_t80pn9r1nuqMtEeQ1z6lWUk0/s320/nursing+side+view.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tanks are long enough to keep my belly<br />
covered when my shirt needs to be lifted to<br />
nurse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I had my third baby, both my boys were in their pre-teens. We were going to school events, sports games, etc. I knew I was going to need to be able to nurse at whatever public location we happened to be at. Now...I realize that there is a new movement of women who are proud to show off their "milk machines" in public...but not me. I'm much more private than that. And the thought of being separated from my family while hiding out in a nasty germ infested bathroom to nurse was an absolute turn off . To solve this problem I went on a nursing tank search only to be disappointed. All of the nursing tanks in the stores were un-usable for one of three reasons. Either they were too short and showed off my left over 'baby roll-muffin top' when I pulled my top shirt up to nurse or when they unbuckled from the should strap and rolled down they left my whole upper chest exposed. But the biggest 'deal breaker' about all the tanks were the built in shelf bras. This type of bra doesn't provide the chest support needed for a nursing mom and if you double a regular bra with the built in one there is too much support making it very restricting. My solution...figure out a way to make my own. And I must say...the solution I created is a MUST HAVE for every nursing mommy. I found tank tops that were plain, without a shelf bra and made with a cotton / polyester blend so my top shirt easily slid up and down over it. I chose a tank style that was a little longer so I don't have to worry about my belly hanging out. (See the picture on the top left.) And even better, if you are wearing a v-neck you can nurse so discretely that everyone just assumes you are snuggling your baby. If your interested in purchasing one, they are available in a multitude of different colors. Use the comment section of this page or our facebook fan page to contact me.<br />
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<b>Cloth/Washable Nursing Pads</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVy5uONLScDOKRyrQY2qTlzL5jMw6ZMoiVYdK6tjaA6gnLv4Yo3E6unbeUC54Xw-MNEF_9wfM6sn6Hyx6a_cg8QnAdOhGtuhRcOydgFZb68SRNtnc2UFfidFXmKenfXq77G315Q4l5HY/s1600/washablenursingpads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVy5uONLScDOKRyrQY2qTlzL5jMw6ZMoiVYdK6tjaA6gnLv4Yo3E6unbeUC54Xw-MNEF_9wfM6sn6Hyx6a_cg8QnAdOhGtuhRcOydgFZb68SRNtnc2UFfidFXmKenfXq77G315Q4l5HY/s320/washablenursingpads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These are SO much more comfortable than disposable nursing pads. And in my humble opinions, they work better too. There are many different materials that you can purchase your washable nursing pads in. I recommend choosing a few different styles for your stash. Some of my favorites are made of wool. Despite them being of wool they are not itchy or hot. The wool has a natural anti-bacterial property and is very breathable. Most women only need a total of 2 pair of pads when using the wool style. I also have some identical to the ones in the picture. They are a less expensive style but do need to be washed more often. Not a big deal for me though...my family produces so much laundry that I'm doing it daily or I get behind. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/">SproutingUp.com</a> or <a href="http://www.cottongbabies.com/">CottongBabies.com</a></span><br />
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<b>Weleda Baby Products</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQLm512lRKDAYnABg8prIc8SmCissE1vJcEMzIGeY4beDtcWTcmTRAOne65qdXIBB7d8CCfQe4_qGq1WxZXVsbA6dKsEqgwLODEFKzEzGV3bKNP4x5WykCR8yDangwTpEzmebtEIHy50/s1600/weleda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQLm512lRKDAYnABg8prIc8SmCissE1vJcEMzIGeY4beDtcWTcmTRAOne65qdXIBB7d8CCfQe4_qGq1WxZXVsbA6dKsEqgwLODEFKzEzGV3bKNP4x5WykCR8yDangwTpEzmebtEIHy50/s320/weleda.jpg" width="232" /></a>I like products that make me feel safe. Weleda's ingredients do just that. I not only use it on my babies and toddlers, I even use it on myself.<br />
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Here are the Weleda product that I keep on hand.<br />
Because the products are more expensive (trust me...you get what you pay for when it comes to wanting natural ingredients) I use the Weleda baby bar soap-not the liquid. I have a soap dish that hangs on the wall of my shower so water doesn't melt my soaps. Using this and a lufa sponge makes this soap last a very long time. I use the shampoo/body wash exclusively for my baby and toddlers hair. I use the Candula oil for moisturing them after their bath when I'm at home. (It tends to last longer than the lotion.) I also keep the Candula lotion on hand for when we travel. (I figure if it bursts open or spills it is less messy.) I also have a tube of their diaper cream but never have the opportunity to use it because I prefer the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ointment. (See Sweet Cheeks product listed above.)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.sproutingup.com/">SproutingUp.com</a></span><br />
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<b>Co-Sleeping Crib Conversion</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK9pswXdMLWLNz2QqcPX1nmN3KskvVnVILTlmqlosPJmSuviFGKjjoY5PaNSrL0kRX9Tj84t89xBPgv1x_frVIIbae30r6T4bv2EMesdBXn4LNgIs-GD0Simec5nibDUBjlJOVhRYngA/s1600/cosleepconversioncrib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK9pswXdMLWLNz2QqcPX1nmN3KskvVnVILTlmqlosPJmSuviFGKjjoY5PaNSrL0kRX9Tj84t89xBPgv1x_frVIIbae30r6T4bv2EMesdBXn4LNgIs-GD0Simec5nibDUBjlJOVhRYngA/s320/cosleepconversioncrib.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
I am a crazy combination. I am fond of having my own personal space in bed but at the same time I also adore co-sleeping. (Especially when nursing your babies. It is soooo much easier and you get way more sleep vs having them in their own room.) So how was I ever going to combine these traits into something useful? I needed to create personal space, co-spleeping space and be safe doing it so I didn't roll over on my infant?<br />
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To help me accomplish this I began looking at <a href="http://www.armsreach.com/">Arm's Reach</a> bassinets. Although they are nice, they were a little out of my budget. As sad as I was to realized I wouldn't be able to acquire one of these special co-sleeping bassinets, I'm glad it worked out the way it did. The need to find a solution pushed me to come up with my own option that turned out even better.<br />
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My solution? Well, when I purchased my crib, I searched for one on craig's list that had the vertically sliding front side. I simply took off that side and placed furniture sliders under the crib's legs. I was now able to push the whole crib up next to my bed. It is WONDERFUL and so COMFORTING to have my babies next to me. I am right by them if they spit up and need help, if they need to nurse in the middle of the night or if they simply need some soothing love pats to comfort them back to sleep. And if the truth be told, I love the comfort just as much as they do. I rub their little heads, stare in amazement at how peaceful and beautiful their little sleeping faces are and drift off to sleep myself. Such amazing moments that bond me and my babies. They know I'm always there and I enjoy soaking in every fleeting moment with them. <br /><br />(Update: I found a site online showing how other mothers built their "side car" crib. Although I used blankets around the mattress and kept my crib movable, so it could go from bed side at night to wall side during the day, you'll be able to see other demonstrations showing how they chose to set up their cribs and secure them to the bed. <a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/turn-your-crib-into-cosleeper.html">http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/turn-your-crib-into-cosleeper.html</a>)<br />
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<b>Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets</b><br />
I think the idea of swaddling is essential for babies. I recently was introduced to Aden+Anais swaddle blankets. It was love at first site. (I'm sure my sister got tired of me talking about how amazing these blankets were. I just couldn't stop...I was so excited.) The size on these blankets are 47x47. Perfect for swaddling
babies where they won't unwrap. And the material is perfect-created
with muslin so they are breathable and keep babies from overheating.<br />
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I adore the <a href="http://www.adenandanais.com/">Aden+Anais</a> website. Take some time to browse through and read all the wonderful information. I also encourage you to listen to the short audio segments from Reagan's swaddle book. I related so much to her mother's heart and her desire to help other mothers with nurturing their babies. To listen to her recordings, click <a href="http://www.adenandanais.com/shop/book.aspx">here</a>. (She also explains how she had all 4 of her babies sleeping 10 hours through the night by 12 weeks of age.)<br />
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The blankets are a little more expensive but in my opinion, SO worth it! I don't splurge on very many things, but I did for these. I purchased an organic swaddle blanket that is two layers of muslin as well as a Dream Blanket that is four layers and has more warmth. I rarely use any other blanket besides these two. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ2uURy0cxNL4YxjVnT0_f6mls3Vsg5zDbfNeQHvsN4FoORMZb5tDCKpWEYoZFff8mTyGOlyxE1htt_2QX2ql2_Xl9aCcBN2bka3z_YegK-SHak05Lt2-lE5CxntLX0UXBZJFiPCrzOE/s1600/wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ2uURy0cxNL4YxjVnT0_f6mls3Vsg5zDbfNeQHvsN4FoORMZb5tDCKpWEYoZFff8mTyGOlyxE1htt_2QX2ql2_Xl9aCcBN2bka3z_YegK-SHak05Lt2-lE5CxntLX0UXBZJFiPCrzOE/s200/wrap.jpg" width="194" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOoEaRthY2tsMGf63fUE5y_hXEMZHEc8Osi1l5MzUXvWiQLkFwDuyVkgDioJ30FsT0gxw5JM_f1NSeoq4wkNJRu58c9_WGiMlntZcWF4Zcg8nmAxYGFUyDx1iJE558GbIhRu-x5QlwvI/s1600/muslin+single+organic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOoEaRthY2tsMGf63fUE5y_hXEMZHEc8Osi1l5MzUXvWiQLkFwDuyVkgDioJ30FsT0gxw5JM_f1NSeoq4wkNJRu58c9_WGiMlntZcWF4Zcg8nmAxYGFUyDx1iJE558GbIhRu-x5QlwvI/s200/muslin+single+organic.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb1nFxSfB4DfZJy1SMvugxG6eI9zxyOqjv93gSIMJzKUweN2-Ei2-l1CaHkJkdVkyI9KDSkgXOmvtsoLcyOcnLbX2TTsP51Z3yGZQFzt1bk9xTqglbk2L82VlTwSFxNYjSSsGmhclXaE/s1600/dream+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSb1nFxSfB4DfZJy1SMvugxG6eI9zxyOqjv93gSIMJzKUweN2-Ei2-l1CaHkJkdVkyI9KDSkgXOmvtsoLcyOcnLbX2TTsP51Z3yGZQFzt1bk9xTqglbk2L82VlTwSFxNYjSSsGmhclXaE/s200/dream+blanket.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />I recommend purchasing from <a href="http://www.adenandanais.com/">Aden+Anais</a>.com, <a href="http://www.diapers.com/">Diapers.com</a> or <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/">Cotton Babies.com</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /> </span>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-4001874082624225332011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:002011-10-13T19:05:47.857-07:00Family Dinner Questions - aka Table Topics<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJOQRH-y-XuNH5O4C5YD2pW2DZaGK84aHxqLsmpx8BaCzVuvoePs3SNXSE7dHQdGgQ-Wq4StFn5wmrl5jxfNPwBZXHWSr-CjxUYkFg9kFvfK1bW6gNWbVOl5zgL9zEfGb7AeFTtuCDfM/s1600/tabletopics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJOQRH-y-XuNH5O4C5YD2pW2DZaGK84aHxqLsmpx8BaCzVuvoePs3SNXSE7dHQdGgQ-Wq4StFn5wmrl5jxfNPwBZXHWSr-CjxUYkFg9kFvfK1bW6gNWbVOl5zgL9zEfGb7AeFTtuCDfM/s400/tabletopics.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit the DIY Tutorials section of our site to learn <br />
how to transform your old sauce and pickle jars <br />
into this table decor</td></tr>
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I came across this idea on another blog and had high hopes for the change that it would bring to our lack luster conversations we had over dinner with our kids. Our typical conversation starters had been something like "how is school." In which they would respond "good". "Did you do anything fun today." Again with single word response they would reply "no". Okay then...where do you go from there? I had high hopes that these spontaneous topics would bring laughter and fun back to the connection we were attempting to make with our kids. (And I knew the moment I saw it that I'd have the perfect place to house my table topics when I completed my pickle jar up-cycling decor project. Bonus for me!! yaaa)<br />
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We used our table topics for the first time yesterday. I couldn't believe how much my boys (who are almost 13 and 15) enjoyed them. It was like opening up pandora's box. Table discussions were fun, fluent and easy. They enjoyed it so much, they drew several different topics before our meal was done.<br />
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To print off your own set of table topics visit How Does She at the following links. <br />
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<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/christmas-present-to-our-readers">How Does She - Family Dinner Questions Set 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/family-dinner-questions-2">How Does She - Family Dinner Questions Set 2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/family-dinner-questions-3">How Does She - Family Dinner Questions Set 3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/family-dinner-questions-4">How Does She - Family Dinner Questions Set 4</a><br />
<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/family-dinner-questions">How Does She - Family Dinner Questions Set 5</a><br />
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And if your looking for a fun gift, visit Table Topics online at <a href="http://www.tabletopics.com/">www.tabletopics.com</a> They offer a variety of topics such as girls night out, dinner party, teen, sleep over, grandparents, campfire, bachelorette, tailgating and many more.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-75461793794364032282011-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:002011-09-18T15:59:19.277-07:00Mongolian Beef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3_sWvH12qvejG1BCnpd3bOxeRKfv5gr-mf-zTqQO1cdrOyVUOjTQyzr6Z2OwzjbhE8nLe_GmTdFT4gQ4N3F3cK6jhKDRJlNeGQwKaaOxfJUCN1hAGsiuWxG3ceSau6cGRS9lpunE_jc/s1600/mongolianbeef2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3_sWvH12qvejG1BCnpd3bOxeRKfv5gr-mf-zTqQO1cdrOyVUOjTQyzr6Z2OwzjbhE8nLe_GmTdFT4gQ4N3F3cK6jhKDRJlNeGQwKaaOxfJUCN1hAGsiuWxG3ceSau6cGRS9lpunE_jc/s400/mongolianbeef2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
My BFF is always a great source of inspiration for me when it comes to cooking. As a mommy of four, she doesn't always find it economical to eat out. But being the amazing provider that she is, she splurges on her family by bringing those flavors home. Case in point...this Mongolian Beef recipe. One of their favorite restaurants happens to be a Asian style habachi grill. After researching different recipes online, she was able to come up with one that matched their taste bud's desires with perfection.<br />
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I made this recipe for my family yesterday. Its very simple and exceptionally tasty. It passed the taste test challenge for all six of us. (Yes, even my two year old devoured the broccoli. And the baby...well...she gave it a thumbs up because it didn't give her a belly ache from nursing after I ate it.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients...</span><br />
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3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided<br />
1/2 cup water plus<br />
2 Tablespoons water divided<br />
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1 lb boneless round steak or 1 lb charcoal chuck steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips<br />
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (I used Olive Oil for the nutritional value.)<br />
4 cups broccoli florets (I had two fresh in the fridge but used frozen for the remainder. <br />
The frozen were slightly less crisp but tasted just as good.)<br />
1 small onion cut into wedges<br />
1/2 cup soy sauce<br />
2 Tablespoons brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
hot cooked rice (I used brown because of the nutritional value.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9101fhF3Q_ks_q6CaqYby98bLf2ZBJ5f8t3OWE3PPQ0y75g3TEkoTceAfXDZ160cPaHqnKU2guuM6jly0UcA46T4oRiPuD4o-Izuuj1ipsNqn4-soShopW5lLYOiHSLkgvsMOaVyxi4M/s1600/mongolianbeef1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9101fhF3Q_ks_q6CaqYby98bLf2ZBJ5f8t3OWE3PPQ0y75g3TEkoTceAfXDZ160cPaHqnKU2guuM6jly0UcA46T4oRiPuD4o-Izuuj1ipsNqn4-soShopW5lLYOiHSLkgvsMOaVyxi4M/s320/mongolianbeef1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Directions...</span><br /><br />Prep Time: 15 mins</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Total Time: 25 mins</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">1. In a bowl combine 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth. <br /><br />2. Add beef and toss.<br /><br />3. In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 Tablespoon oil until beef reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm.<br /><br /><br />4. Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remainin oil for 4-5 minutes.<br /><br />5. Return beef to pan.<br /><br />6. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the pan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">7. Cook for 2 minutes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">UPDATE: My sister and I were discussing this recipe the other day. She mentioned exchanging the beef with chicken. I think that is a wonderful idea. You might consider trying it both ways to see which one you prefer.</span></span><br />
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As seen on the following linky parties...<br />
<a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i29.tinypic.com/k33uoj.png" /></a><a href="http://confessionsofafrugalmind.blogspot.com/" mce_href=" http://confessionsofafrugalmind.blogspot.com/ "><img border="0" mce_src="http://juliecache.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/teal-button.jpg" src="http://juliecache.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/teal-button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Funky%20PolkaDot%20Giraffe/TooCuteTuesday.jpg" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-36694022119129839732011-08-22T13:44:00.000-07:002012-04-07T17:10:32.282-07:00Strawberry Pie Made Easy and 'Delish'I have so many posts to get online. This particular one was created back around Easter. I guess better late than never huh?<br />
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If you have strawberries that you want to enjoy and you know I'll be coming around....you'd better hide them fast! I have always LOVED eating strawberries (especially when I'm pregnant). Most people eat them by the handful...I eat them by the quart-ful.<br />
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My grandmother makes the most amazing strawberry pies. They taste so spectacular that I always assumed they were hard to make. This summer I decided it was time to finally make them for myself and I realized that her recipe couldn't be easier. This was a bitter sweet discovery. On one hand, I could easily make pies for my family to enjoy. On the other hand, I could easily make pies that I could enjoy...and enjoy...and enjoy...and enjoy. You get the picture. Once a strawberry hoard...always a strawberry hoard. <br />
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Ingredients<br />
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frozen pie shell (one that is already formed in aluminum pie dish)<br />
2 quarts strawberries<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 Tbs cornstarch<br />
3 Tbs strawberry jello (less than 1/2 a package)<br />
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Instructions<br />
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Prick your pie shell with a fork to keep bubbles from forming as it bakes. Bake the crust ahead of time according to the instructions then let it sit to cool.<br />
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Wash your strawberries well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvexiScXzSACiVk60q-9PM_NgJ4TQA2CwYhMInBTcv2XdhPg3OevHLkGHgKS3MNRDnbicmDQkbBk5hyr-ivj4Lr2shRXLXOSk72DGhL1ld4dtJsuJqDIavTjcgT9EgRpBh7jJzFVG3l-4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvexiScXzSACiVk60q-9PM_NgJ4TQA2CwYhMInBTcv2XdhPg3OevHLkGHgKS3MNRDnbicmDQkbBk5hyr-ivj4Lr2shRXLXOSk72DGhL1ld4dtJsuJqDIavTjcgT9EgRpBh7jJzFVG3l-4/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used to just run the container of strawberries under my faucet until my friend showed me how much cleaner they get when they are soaked in water. (It is even recommended that you add a small dab of dishsoap to help clean them. I've adopted this method and was surprised to find that it doesn't leave a soapy flavor on the fruit.)<br />
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Waste not want not. (And the last thing I want to be left wanting are more strawberries.) Pampered Chef has this nifty little strawberry corer that keep you from wasting your berry when you remove the caps. Its quick and easy to use.<br />
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After taking the caps off, decide if you want to use whole strawberries or sliced ones. I much prefer to slice mine. I think it makes the pie more flavorful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0cTeZKDcQmEgeNVZLbHtYcMKJ2F4fzc31vKDCBxWEY6e51EF0IecXkPci77inqn8uoxpBOQ8RTC4jkO2C2scgw7dutWoFCUMbKAqMiQ5DtMYDnnGWo5JpBzS31E1YedeUo-yHGDsczU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0cTeZKDcQmEgeNVZLbHtYcMKJ2F4fzc31vKDCBxWEY6e51EF0IecXkPci77inqn8uoxpBOQ8RTC4jkO2C2scgw7dutWoFCUMbKAqMiQ5DtMYDnnGWo5JpBzS31E1YedeUo-yHGDsczU/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added the jello too soon. Follow my instructions, not my pictures. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mix your cornstarch into your dry sugar. This will keep the cornstarch from clumping together when you add your wet ingredients.<br />
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In a pan, add your sugar/cornstarch mixture with your water. Heat until it has a slow boil. Stir it continually. You will notice that the mixture starts off cloudy. As it cooks it will begin to change to a clearer consistency. This is how you know its done. <br />
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Once you see it turn to a clearer consistency, add in your jello and remove it from the heat to cool. (To speed up this process you can sit your pan in a few inches of ice cold water.)<br />
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Once it is cool, pour your mixtures over your strawberries and crust.<br />
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Cool your pie in the fridge to let it set up. Its best to let it cool overnight. As you can see, mine typically don't make it that long and we end up eating them while they are still soupy-goupy. <br />
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Serve with a dollop of whip cream.<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-38269087392222856562011-08-22T12:22:00.001-07:002011-09-13T06:31:48.077-07:00Up-cycling Old Jars, Crystal Glasses and Candle Stick Holders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If your an avid blog reader, you've seen this before. But if you haven't...you'll want to stick around. This is another cheap and quick way to create decor for your home.<br />
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ITEMS NEEDED<br />
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old glassware<br />
old food jars<br />
primer spray paint<br />
white spray paint<br />
gorilla glue (or something comparable)<br />
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I love up-cycling old items and finding new ways to<br />
use them. While I was out at the thrift stores, I collected a variety of old glassware. A couple glass candle sticks, a big wooden candle stick, a vase, an ice cream sunday glass and a crystal martini glass. <br />
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At my house I had saved a couple small candle holders, a pick jar, a pimento jar, a coconut oil jar, an octagon Harry and Davids jar and a small octagon fruit preserves jar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWKK-the04XRSz7JkfS07k7TbMDhZR-p-xn70RtX-p0tsuuwuJ0fg_wBWSWVJgQMdgH8UtXqzQ65xJBVZweDwwnzc4sjweeC0I0LSmbsqEvckPPYKItAlgNC24aiG3hIB6qu44hV2E_k/s1600/vase_price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWKK-the04XRSz7JkfS07k7TbMDhZR-p-xn70RtX-p0tsuuwuJ0fg_wBWSWVJgQMdgH8UtXqzQ65xJBVZweDwwnzc4sjweeC0I0LSmbsqEvckPPYKItAlgNC24aiG3hIB6qu44hV2E_k/s320/vase_price.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This whole project was very inexpensive. Most of the glassware purchased was 50 cents or less.<br />
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INSTRUCTIONS<br />
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Coat the glassware that is to be the base of your jars with primer. Coat the lids of the jars with primer as well. (The primer will keep any pre-exhisting color or writing from showing through.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr_qT5iNVgFb1jsCR1G6NhMfd8Damuk80bw4Zakm0PGpr9LkUXkSag-_rGYKFtQTIADz8HCooJKCHkufEASaBFFhNGoMXIBeJaYA-frXPM8TKJNNPU-7TTyqSkp9HlRFzWYTHJJ7gi00/s1600/finished_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr_qT5iNVgFb1jsCR1G6NhMfd8Damuk80bw4Zakm0PGpr9LkUXkSag-_rGYKFtQTIADz8HCooJKCHkufEASaBFFhNGoMXIBeJaYA-frXPM8TKJNNPU-7TTyqSkp9HlRFzWYTHJJ7gi00/s320/finished_closeup.jpg" width="232" /></a>After your primer has dried, spray your bases and lids white.<br />
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Once the white has dried, use your gorilla glue to attach the jars to the base. (Just a note about the gorilla glue. This glue puffs up and expands as it dries. Don't use too much or it will foam up and drip down your stands.)<br />
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Sit your new creations in any room. They would be perfect for toiletries in the bathroom, candy in your living room, or filled with flowers to decorate your dining room table.
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As seen in the following linky parties on fellow blogs...
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<a href="http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com"><img width="150" src=" http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/serendipity629/zigzag-2.png"alt="DIY projects and crafts" "height="125" width="150" /></a><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Making" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/plain-button.png" /></a><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" height="125" width="125" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOIdqkktCNmbmEOmpu3P9dDW_acpd-VzhW9-fgmusMOyQa9fQtnF5PNiX-y1CKGerhMx2u6pgBw-jevDu9bit5CqQGMpNRLY97SnxGNKK6lMNbGCdNboeCIR_xljAroBb2X1iOCCWj3iK/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0"/></a><a href="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com" target="new"><img src="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/pictures/handmadepact.gif" height="150" width="150"></a><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net" title="Todays Creative Blog"><img src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" alt="Todays Creative Blog" title="Todays Creative Blog" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg"/></a><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Funky%20PolkaDot%20Giraffe/TooCuteTuesday.jpg" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-54049873576553874922011-08-10T21:08:00.000-07:002011-08-10T21:08:53.562-07:00ChangesI'm sure many of you have wondered if I was ever going to come back. I'm still here and have been thinking of everyone often. Thank you for being patient as I prepared for out new family addition. She has now arrived and we are doing wonderful. As soon as my "babymoon" (honeymoon minus the honey...he he) is over, I'll be adding more posts to the blog again. <br />
<br />
A quick update on a change happening. <br />
I'm temporarily switching over to a different email update provider. This will only affect those of you who have signed up to be notified via email when updates happen. I'm hoping the switch will be automatic but it may require you to re-authorize your subscription. Be watching for an email from Feathers From My Nest or Feedburner. <br />
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Until next time....Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-27617486549794567892011-05-03T06:46:00.000-07:002012-01-04T11:18:41.467-08:00Crock Pot Chicken Marsala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5xvDBy-gF4133_JvLDwRhnZJZpcOOveEcRc4UrWwCJEwjubPD87mi_pdl3q7Bxv_rQ2aEF4F-qG-919I183bXuyT6S9YLxyTMEYqXZUmXC79qrDuU5L2DNlxKji-F5CEkr_bODKeeM/s1600/finished2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5xvDBy-gF4133_JvLDwRhnZJZpcOOveEcRc4UrWwCJEwjubPD87mi_pdl3q7Bxv_rQ2aEF4F-qG-919I183bXuyT6S9YLxyTMEYqXZUmXC79qrDuU5L2DNlxKji-F5CEkr_bODKeeM/s320/finished2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With the new addition coming to our family in a few months, I decided I needed to try some new recipes that would be quick, easy and yummy. <br />
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Quick, Easy & Yummy...is that too much to ask??? <br />
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I think not!<br />
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I pulled out my trusty crock pot (aka slow cooker) and got to cookin'. After a few failed attempts at some other recipes, I was sooooo excited with how delectable this one turned out. And EASY.....whewwww....did I mention how super easy it was to make? <br />
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Here is what you need...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>A quick note...<br />
Depending on how many your cooking for, you may want to divide this recipe up. I make enough for two adults, 2 ravenous teenage boys, a two year old cutie pie and leftovers. We LOVE leftovers. <br />
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6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped<br />
1 Tbs Olive Oil (or oil of your choice)<br />
3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts <br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp pepper<br />
6-4oz. can of mushrooms, drained -- We like mushrooms. If your not a mushroom fan you can use less or omit it completely.<br />
2 cups (equivalent to 1-16oz jar) Sweet Marsala Wine -- I can never find actual wine so I use Marsala Cooking Wine that is found over with the dressings & vinegars.<br />
1 cup water<br />
1/2-3/4 cup cornstarch (Quantity depends on how thick you like your gravy...but be advised...it will thicken some as it cools.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUvEabgcXXkB8Ft2nyhOHndtckK1ycsCjfMlicMZxmaPg76KqzKETJLtJ83xWQMQ6wrHH9nuZ_fA47cL-l9LKUVLgpRpodVJeYYffc1YkL9oH0WjswOG9eHUViuKSR9XUi6Au-Vquf0k/s1600/salt_pepper_chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUvEabgcXXkB8Ft2nyhOHndtckK1ycsCjfMlicMZxmaPg76KqzKETJLtJ83xWQMQ6wrHH9nuZ_fA47cL-l9LKUVLgpRpodVJeYYffc1YkL9oH0WjswOG9eHUViuKSR9XUi6Au-Vquf0k/s320/salt_pepper_chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is how easy it is...<br />
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1. Coat your crock pot with your olive oil. <br />
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2. Sprinkle your garlic on the bottom of the crock pot.<br />
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3. Place your chicken on top of the garlic and sprinkle with your salt and pepper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChfSkTQR696vO5WI_DhR3Czr8gQ7PFyyw2fOKZof_ysH81Gy0RSjXME5nkqMcggQGwNs4Gmr-smfe1Ekq6wfmU7xXpDn8fec_FzE04oqmGs03N__xZFTsnuuvuxhlsu1lzJzqXB4r6DE/s1600/mushroom+pour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChfSkTQR696vO5WI_DhR3Czr8gQ7PFyyw2fOKZof_ysH81Gy0RSjXME5nkqMcggQGwNs4Gmr-smfe1Ekq6wfmU7xXpDn8fec_FzE04oqmGs03N__xZFTsnuuvuxhlsu1lzJzqXB4r6DE/s320/mushroom+pour.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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4. Pour drained mushrooms over chicken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJncjX6mUmXQJzZ8MdJfT0SPcFi8vIfTa4SB9ASAiBB_8sTPxU23nr9JLNjctstXw8yITH00UfIZ6Gh508O_gAVXW9y3PoNr4RJqCoYszcleet6CI8qjHhCJLwbrEeeDWKrpfzgQGtGA/s1600/marsala_pour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJncjX6mUmXQJzZ8MdJfT0SPcFi8vIfTa4SB9ASAiBB_8sTPxU23nr9JLNjctstXw8yITH00UfIZ6Gh508O_gAVXW9y3PoNr4RJqCoYszcleet6CI8qjHhCJLwbrEeeDWKrpfzgQGtGA/s320/marsala_pour.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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5. Pour wine over everything.<br />
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6. Cover and cook on Low heat. Your chicken should be done in 5-6 hours but this is an odd time period me and I usually leave mine on low for more like 8 hours. <br />
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7. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth. Remove cooked chicken from crock pot and place it on a plate. Cover it to keep it warm. Stir your cornstarch into the liquid in the crock pot. Increase your heat to high and cook to let the sauce thicken slightly. This should take about 10 minutes but again, I usually don't have 10 minutes of undivided attention to get back to the kitchen in time. For me, the cooking process on this typically lasts 20-30 minute before I can get back in the kitchen.<br />
(I was so excited about my new found recipe that forgot to take pictures of this part...Sorry!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5xvDBy-gF4133_JvLDwRhnZJZpcOOveEcRc4UrWwCJEwjubPD87mi_pdl3q7Bxv_rQ2aEF4F-qG-919I183bXuyT6S9YLxyTMEYqXZUmXC79qrDuU5L2DNlxKji-F5CEkr_bODKeeM/s1600/finished2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5xvDBy-gF4133_JvLDwRhnZJZpcOOveEcRc4UrWwCJEwjubPD87mi_pdl3q7Bxv_rQ2aEF4F-qG-919I183bXuyT6S9YLxyTMEYqXZUmXC79qrDuU5L2DNlxKji-F5CEkr_bODKeeM/s320/finished2.jpg" width="320" /></a>8. Return the chicken to the crock pot. Cover and cook on High heat setting for 5-10 minutes; until chicken is hot.<br />
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Serve chicken and marsala gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes and ENJOY! <br />
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You family will think you slaved away in the kitchen all day.
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**UPDATE** You can use frozen chicken but it does make the gravy runnier. You might consider cutting back on some of the added water if you choose to use frozen breasts instead of fresh.<br /><br />
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As seen in the following linky parties...<br />
<a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Funky%20PolkaDot%20Giraffe/TooCuteTuesday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i29.tinypic.com/k33uoj.png" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-86796610526271057712011-04-26T17:30:00.000-07:002011-04-29T08:53:50.646-07:00Napkin I.D. Rings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXBOwYGNC36XZlG7hJF73l_wxDLgi1kvSF3XO9ekUbp0VTRm4NG9rVNOBeNNRvYD93HJ_kL88J9bmjriCH0yGGTrLOlP4nzWgZH6AY2LWaD6H9iwXUdN8vBSOQ5wTrxMm5lypw5Gwbek/s1600/linky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXBOwYGNC36XZlG7hJF73l_wxDLgi1kvSF3XO9ekUbp0VTRm4NG9rVNOBeNNRvYD93HJ_kL88J9bmjriCH0yGGTrLOlP4nzWgZH6AY2LWaD6H9iwXUdN8vBSOQ5wTrxMm5lypw5Gwbek/s320/linky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To save money we switched from paper napkins to cloth napkins a few years ago. I found that we needed a way to I.D. our barely used dinner napkins so they could be re-used again during snack times. Unfortunately, I never was able to come up with a good way to do this. That is until I came across these adorable (and clearanced) beads. I'm soooo excited to have our ID napkin rings. Not only are they functional...they are CUTE. And to top it off, hey save me from having to wash extra napkins! Does it get any better?<br />
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This project took about an hour to make almost a dozen I.D. rings.<br />
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Here is what you need...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfsecbDAhqlC4LNizVbcz7oEV7tQu-DJf7gmuHiXipqsSfX0bRfViA-mqHbxOvHINP1j3aG6aB_m_4qp5vqLPZg8w1y4YxPR2IMnYLpVFiLmHjxAOR0lrD6y6GIpGx550dS2MTUNV1PU/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfsecbDAhqlC4LNizVbcz7oEV7tQu-DJf7gmuHiXipqsSfX0bRfViA-mqHbxOvHINP1j3aG6aB_m_4qp5vqLPZg8w1y4YxPR2IMnYLpVFiLmHjxAOR0lrD6y6GIpGx550dS2MTUNV1PU/s320/supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a>20 Gage Jewelry Wire<br />
Beads<br />
Wire Cutters<br />
Round Nose Pliers (alteast I think that is what they are called) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QYIbiNYYIfWapPadc9_zVFiceGr_7EamTbujfbbIRJKfCg5qDHnY4KAPAxlD7Bryrosna298EC429Rl8QpasB1vLY27Rv5eumHgGBScPXTL_mgkbKFytrmGdFaMecKxuKbHfBE46t6I/s1600/twirl_end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QYIbiNYYIfWapPadc9_zVFiceGr_7EamTbujfbbIRJKfCg5qDHnY4KAPAxlD7Bryrosna298EC429Rl8QpasB1vLY27Rv5eumHgGBScPXTL_mgkbKFytrmGdFaMecKxuKbHfBE46t6I/s320/twirl_end.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09KWukNyj8yB4ASGYLnBOYZ_PqrPqkUSoSWI8SZmEZB16AmTO0WAWN1SdX0Kyl8pLHWwhiiYzaSa_udr6rWR0rFze6NSeU04ocCl0jMImaEy99vnphcWomzHeaq2JD9T4EPCT0T9tloQ/s1600/twist_for_bead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09KWukNyj8yB4ASGYLnBOYZ_PqrPqkUSoSWI8SZmEZB16AmTO0WAWN1SdX0Kyl8pLHWwhiiYzaSa_udr6rWR0rFze6NSeU04ocCl0jMImaEy99vnphcWomzHeaq2JD9T4EPCT0T9tloQ/s320/twist_for_bead.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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To get started, you need to loop your wire to keep it from snagging your napkin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETpstZGzHA9ZGwTqGj6FStskVgkRFTTs1jZdGIpf0woLC3Bs5LiIeO-dC9MQxvTEumg_6IwyKduforaviYzdkFe69ZIEXfzMPdMyt8ZFJOERYcamOp4ugSo6oPxoSzj39rBOcRqfTRI/s1600/twist_tail_around-circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzfRtxUTBrbOSUEksRqOZap9czkFPgEkVwNs8ICxM4_Wyqtl5mhvMFPJDIx7zqTWqwnw5YKLnurJcvrSlE83oAncU6xEDiBzmF6MEJGkz_Rre8mVT7quAjbmvjo1vNbxKNIWGjnXyfXg/s1600/ring_around_marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzfRtxUTBrbOSUEksRqOZap9czkFPgEkVwNs8ICxM4_Wyqtl5mhvMFPJDIx7zqTWqwnw5YKLnurJcvrSlE83oAncU6xEDiBzmF6MEJGkz_Rre8mVT7quAjbmvjo1vNbxKNIWGjnXyfXg/s320/ring_around_marker.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETpstZGzHA9ZGwTqGj6FStskVgkRFTTs1jZdGIpf0woLC3Bs5LiIeO-dC9MQxvTEumg_6IwyKduforaviYzdkFe69ZIEXfzMPdMyt8ZFJOERYcamOp4ugSo6oPxoSzj39rBOcRqfTRI/s1600/twist_tail_around-circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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Here is what it will look like when your done.<br />
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Next I took a permanent market and wrapped the wire around it 4 times. I chose this size because unlike regular napkin rings, I needed to prevent the I.D. from being oversized and slipping off. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETpstZGzHA9ZGwTqGj6FStskVgkRFTTs1jZdGIpf0woLC3Bs5LiIeO-dC9MQxvTEumg_6IwyKduforaviYzdkFe69ZIEXfzMPdMyt8ZFJOERYcamOp4ugSo6oPxoSzj39rBOcRqfTRI/s1600/twist_tail_around-circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETpstZGzHA9ZGwTqGj6FStskVgkRFTTs1jZdGIpf0woLC3Bs5LiIeO-dC9MQxvTEumg_6IwyKduforaviYzdkFe69ZIEXfzMPdMyt8ZFJOERYcamOp4ugSo6oPxoSzj39rBOcRqfTRI/s320/twist_tail_around-circle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R6TO6SFO4QsvuBE3Hq0FeiaD_zAvMf48D6nKbij9Z93m2rGxxTQ5Z8m-KrbbgKsmlUa7zkwMQwC4NgzKTpKb-2J6By_hLGoDfMlRn1FIm9UGLuooJVxpONxmMXiQ-lqV0LcPBMcyHjA/s1600/twist_tail_around-circle_before_finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R6TO6SFO4QsvuBE3Hq0FeiaD_zAvMf48D6nKbij9Z93m2rGxxTQ5Z8m-KrbbgKsmlUa7zkwMQwC4NgzKTpKb-2J6By_hLGoDfMlRn1FIm9UGLuooJVxpONxmMXiQ-lqV0LcPBMcyHjA/s320/twist_tail_around-circle_before_finish.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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After creating my ring, I cut it from the spool leaving about a 1 1/2 - 2 inch tail so I could wrap it around my rings. But, before I wraped them, I did loosen the wind slightly making the hoops a little larger. You want them to be slightly larger than a quarter.<br />
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Now use your Round Nose Pliers to loop the end so it doesn't snag your napkins. Here is what it will look like. <span id="goog_2029341267"></span><span id="goog_2029341268"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SVJwu6y7cym93F9RSJXUJanRf6A2wYih-xepHu_SypSh2Jk_arlTCPPBn28BbQf5z7KdozNoVSRmYvRbLQWK7wuIMHkVRe7v4NGDG08v2VqlBH2NG_KKHF5D9I2iZqiTWPAhP2Rhzeo/s1600/twist_tail_around-circle_after_hoop_finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SVJwu6y7cym93F9RSJXUJanRf6A2wYih-xepHu_SypSh2Jk_arlTCPPBn28BbQf5z7KdozNoVSRmYvRbLQWK7wuIMHkVRe7v4NGDG08v2VqlBH2NG_KKHF5D9I2iZqiTWPAhP2Rhzeo/s320/twist_tail_around-circle_after_hoop_finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1RmXDmHmpUs6NLr8YSe_mGdHsIZehAaL-0OKYyfiCAjYOZI8gsmM-Nzor8pE16A3LeEfqWWczqSGPdERmqu2_YuY-EJSHIP1dZKMI1n0axDDqQEDfoAZTGqH9iPDDHl5BojNFRCzT-g/s1600/twist_for_bead_closure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1RmXDmHmpUs6NLr8YSe_mGdHsIZehAaL-0OKYyfiCAjYOZI8gsmM-Nzor8pE16A3LeEfqWWczqSGPdERmqu2_YuY-EJSHIP1dZKMI1n0axDDqQEDfoAZTGqH9iPDDHl5BojNFRCzT-g/s320/twist_for_bead_closure.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is how it should turn out.<br />
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Next we attach the bead. Cut a piece of wire about 1 - 1 1/2 inch long. Using the Round Nose Pliers again make a loop on the end of the wire to keep your bead from slipping off. Thread your bead on the wire. Weave the wire through the twists that you placed around your rings. Use your Round Nose Pliers to twirl the excess wire into a spiral that will act as decoration and prevent it from slipping off your rings.<br />
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And there you have it. Your first napkin I.D. ring. :o)<br />
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If you want to add a little more bling to your rings, read on. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGdBxm8yaJ2qznYwu_Ss_PbzfnG1vbmYHlv5XSbpVN6w3KvLd7mJsEJvBuz7nCoTXKL9WhPfBQEOgKKJMOBfAB6wmz-G0TOG0XqInKrVdlCwbHRzuhcq2a8RCDbiqiM6b_dyMlpshQsY/s1600/multiple_bead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGdBxm8yaJ2qznYwu_Ss_PbzfnG1vbmYHlv5XSbpVN6w3KvLd7mJsEJvBuz7nCoTXKL9WhPfBQEOgKKJMOBfAB6wmz-G0TOG0XqInKrVdlCwbHRzuhcq2a8RCDbiqiM6b_dyMlpshQsY/s320/multiple_bead.jpg" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P7jp5liK94FUP_kTe8Lobf12mJMqM5_Q4C0-OPT0d600OSEWNzGDqzmSoSK6lXVKDP6Pc7_3rSRcXPy5DG-DjGZSLALfDTrg-EUwQvvrX0V7P8_tQ5377Yg1R2yUUGPP22QuC_9-GX4/s1600/double_bead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P7jp5liK94FUP_kTe8Lobf12mJMqM5_Q4C0-OPT0d600OSEWNzGDqzmSoSK6lXVKDP6Pc7_3rSRcXPy5DG-DjGZSLALfDTrg-EUwQvvrX0V7P8_tQ5377Yg1R2yUUGPP22QuC_9-GX4/s320/double_bead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMd0JdNb3bUK05Dj_IGmtvZODCeECcE9FPpIxMjnAXM113TDd52JnUFz3GT6ISapmxPFwO9om7xywHG2vLaccz1Juf4v0bDt7aA3ZBDDBJr12p8SCT_zoUgB6o-o8U3nA2lHyNAg5syE/s1600/multiple_bead_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMd0JdNb3bUK05Dj_IGmtvZODCeECcE9FPpIxMjnAXM113TDd52JnUFz3GT6ISapmxPFwO9om7xywHG2vLaccz1Juf4v0bDt7aA3ZBDDBJr12p8SCT_zoUgB6o-o8U3nA2lHyNAg5syE/s320/multiple_bead_finished.jpg" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKZ6cwAgdQA68QyAlzmPwc2C0f2yG90bBMHPcl47rpP-XVSXOlEwqnQI0zD_hhy0neSck11BgSqS2zmb0GSTMk0wzHLYmBCjwtGYm-LIrcfFVrzcq493yv0JqDaHy0PmYpBeyH3rKgBg/s1600/double_bead_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKZ6cwAgdQA68QyAlzmPwc2C0f2yG90bBMHPcl47rpP-XVSXOlEwqnQI0zD_hhy0neSck11BgSqS2zmb0GSTMk0wzHLYmBCjwtGYm-LIrcfFVrzcq493yv0JqDaHy0PmYpBeyH3rKgBg/s320/double_bead_finished.jpg" width="320" /></a>For variation, I created rings with one bead, multiple beads on the same wire and multiple beads on different wires. Here is how I added the bead on different wires and attached them. <br />
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Twist your wires together and thread them through the wrapped rings as one wire. After they are threaded, separate them and individually twist the wires to create decorative accents.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWgHWh3ugv3a54Po6G_IFiY2bQglOsBhpGgqibT8iNd9YA1vEfg3QI3mQRKHtVZWVv1E6qv0hcxHp7q0-ekfL8AQsRWqnrmvDjlfw8q74-iBp_4DxXO1-ukDc9t8uPwqPZRadRhJnC30/s1600/rose_bottom_adornment_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWgHWh3ugv3a54Po6G_IFiY2bQglOsBhpGgqibT8iNd9YA1vEfg3QI3mQRKHtVZWVv1E6qv0hcxHp7q0-ekfL8AQsRWqnrmvDjlfw8q74-iBp_4DxXO1-ukDc9t8uPwqPZRadRhJnC30/s320/rose_bottom_adornment_finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3TpPtLrYbfbtI_bUGrTKNhDdavcJebaHE44PVtSQdRMfgqNXOP6aceDTV5T9gQDXyzvZPVzpsYCmQF_ev3GrSFBo6dSSuPhqp-w0c-d5MLFvEfpVLlC3WlkVyiTeDVAH-ID26Ag8Bt0/s1600/all2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3TpPtLrYbfbtI_bUGrTKNhDdavcJebaHE44PVtSQdRMfgqNXOP6aceDTV5T9gQDXyzvZPVzpsYCmQF_ev3GrSFBo6dSSuPhqp-w0c-d5MLFvEfpVLlC3WlkVyiTeDVAH-ID26Ag8Bt0/s320/all2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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To add decorative swirls to the top or bottom of your bead you'll use a similar technique. Thread your empty wire, twist it and use your Round Nose Pliers to twist your scrolls.<br />
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And there you have it. Aren't they beautiful!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKXxzKzleAA4FCxAXSRpMrEd4upgrbXfrKJZcG92H9eVHQ-2i_nMeLVMnOB9Oei_TXLYfLKYPhSzpwOxzfrTjmZUpCTuORH3jgamOnBBpHtNGOobJ5JHwJYVPXlVMA6ZH6h8ZKrN9jWg/s1600/all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKXxzKzleAA4FCxAXSRpMrEd4upgrbXfrKJZcG92H9eVHQ-2i_nMeLVMnOB9Oei_TXLYfLKYPhSzpwOxzfrTjmZUpCTuORH3jgamOnBBpHtNGOobJ5JHwJYVPXlVMA6ZH6h8ZKrN9jWg/s320/all.jpg" width="232" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDiZbLvNXF4EIhJJn5P-fkuMVRTHxMoHFz7ejyxRB1WydTy70PKwk9NrJEHqxOhP-1ete6NE1MAK6o_4wtco3TThOXGjbIgAii66pnOStq8XUftCps0b0CxeSOt2Rut0pPYnKCZwiUQE/s1600/red_napkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDiZbLvNXF4EIhJJn5P-fkuMVRTHxMoHFz7ejyxRB1WydTy70PKwk9NrJEHqxOhP-1ete6NE1MAK6o_4wtco3TThOXGjbIgAii66pnOStq8XUftCps0b0CxeSOt2Rut0pPYnKCZwiUQE/s320/red_napkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXWBEzB15dxQm5zUvT-XOMAMwLqJZbCCl6QWs7CtszUGx4940rq_I6eCyolreeW1_RAkxYO1QP6CUVxclp9YO9Cu4VwwRN34RU2dRSZD9nlnbLa3OCrcHOTp1YFngRtpjupgXUkvZKRg/s1600/storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ej-RjXoxaEcE3RdiE86fAbvIeUHi2QNd4JwhEjhwfp476ilpGm7pIremC_MOovpUBltUPA5vHj1ulwHP9ALBZ2_g0tFAQEjd8fYxLhr53nwuY2DH9p9CpKsD0W6zNgu7iwT0K1xpoQ/s320/reality_napkins.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And as beautiful as they look on these fancy napkins....this just isn't reality in my house. :o)<br />
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This is my reality... <br />
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My faded, well used, everyday cloth napkins. They look a little ratty and have a few grease stains on them but they represent many many meals shared with my family around our dinner table. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to part with them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXWBEzB15dxQm5zUvT-XOMAMwLqJZbCCl6QWs7CtszUGx4940rq_I6eCyolreeW1_RAkxYO1QP6CUVxclp9YO9Cu4VwwRN34RU2dRSZD9nlnbLa3OCrcHOTp1YFngRtpjupgXUkvZKRg/s1600/storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXWBEzB15dxQm5zUvT-XOMAMwLqJZbCCl6QWs7CtszUGx4940rq_I6eCyolreeW1_RAkxYO1QP6CUVxclp9YO9Cu4VwwRN34RU2dRSZD9nlnbLa3OCrcHOTp1YFngRtpjupgXUkvZKRg/s320/storage.jpg" width="232" /></a><br />
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Now for storage....were am I going to keep these little gems. Hmmmm lovin' the jar. <br />
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Needs a little bling... <br />
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I'm thinkin' I see another craft in my near future. <br />
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Stay tuned to see how this little jar is transformed into a decorative centerpiece to hold my new Napkin I.D. rings.<br />
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This feather was featured on the following linky party...<br />
<a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%20Living%20Well%20Wednesdays"><img border="0" src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/buttonwithstarfish.jpg" border="0" alt="Transformation Thursday" /></a><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img841/8999/floralthrilled.jpg" /></a></a><br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.sugaranddots.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/g00dy2sh0es/linky2.jpg"/></a><a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com"><img border="0" alt="
http://www.thethriftyhome.com" src="http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq196/lulabugs/THButton-1.gif"/></a><a href="http://www.brandyscrafts.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fTAKwL7NlR4Lxc8VBkfzjllxrsP4Q3J5FiwPEIUzImfDXz9875MAuY8v-ga_na1NgEKjPrMydDDNjNWR-gHy2xqoI4KUosGAbvLODb6NGbL-JeD2H96KgCHswnoxKGObY51VfixwvHI/s1600/get+your+brag+on+yellow.jpg"imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" /></a><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg "/></a><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Funky%20PolkaDot%20Giraffe/TooCuteTuesday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2j4369j.jpg" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-57233610898524307152011-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:20:16.264-07:00Boiled Egg Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwrRikIUoXaZOZ2ZjILnPL7yFhergM3HAxwp6F_RNlYLObj9UYUOqrbnl-r5h_W89Gcne0QgErj0KPjWr_Hg4DNoitAURI-Ho7izJjE2bROO1saRDS_xRxcHzwZ19JA9TaNt0qDpVZs8/s1600/DSCF8073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwrRikIUoXaZOZ2ZjILnPL7yFhergM3HAxwp6F_RNlYLObj9UYUOqrbnl-r5h_W89Gcne0QgErj0KPjWr_Hg4DNoitAURI-Ho7izJjE2bROO1saRDS_xRxcHzwZ19JA9TaNt0qDpVZs8/s320/DSCF8073.JPG" width="232" /></a></div><br />
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Alas, my first 'Not Martha' feather. It comes to you out of pure frustration! (And hopes that someone can comment with a few tried and true tips to help me.) <br />
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As you can see, no matter what technique I try, I never seem to get my hard boiled eggs to peel without tearing off large portions of the whites along with the shell. <br />
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As I prepared my eggs yesterday, I google yet another tutorial and followed it exactly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPVkqK2SJBQsVSOxAUb4gGaSt5drGPQdu3ojG5DCxdn-fWFqxkw8NbgWEp8ws9IRYYVSbT5CQw2YQtO2bWCSLALls2INvwoXKQ0STILPfFVsE-n-UwkTggT1O6grRvhHmAVjJwmdGvVI/s1600/DSCF7985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPVkqK2SJBQsVSOxAUb4gGaSt5drGPQdu3ojG5DCxdn-fWFqxkw8NbgWEp8ws9IRYYVSbT5CQw2YQtO2bWCSLALls2INvwoXKQ0STILPfFVsE-n-UwkTggT1O6grRvhHmAVjJwmdGvVI/s320/DSCF7985.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
--I let my eggs get room temperature.<br />
--Placed uncracked eggs in cool water.<br />
--Brought them to a rolling boil.<br />
--After 2-3 minutes boiling I took them off the heat and covered them with a lid for 17 minutes.<br />
--I then ran them under cold water and let them soak to cool for 10 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC22h0a96BOG7bvl71d59iZSFLIu-LvimjKLKQjwk3XSelt_Lt1n-C94G0an2CDeqj3dyepgCxcDdjKCL1FVLzwpwGfrQfJthkYdSIYQLMadXY8-AbTCMGoF1RamRsIJFEbHEjp557tr8/s1600/DSCF8000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC22h0a96BOG7bvl71d59iZSFLIu-LvimjKLKQjwk3XSelt_Lt1n-C94G0an2CDeqj3dyepgCxcDdjKCL1FVLzwpwGfrQfJthkYdSIYQLMadXY8-AbTCMGoF1RamRsIJFEbHEjp557tr8/s320/DSCF8000.JPG" width="232" /></a><br />
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--The instructions said if we were not eating them right away I should store them un-shelled. I placed them back in the cartons and put them in the fridge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was so proud of myself because I was so sure this was going to be the best batch of eggs ever. <b>WRONG!</b> I pulled my eggs out and sat down to peel them only to find that once again...1/2 the whites came off with almost every egg. I tried peeling them cold and I tried letting them get room temperature again. Nothing seemed to make a difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjGrfnMusGuZgkAleS755CLFl2-fCWGDxLt_QEdW_B5-L-6qDlcqsO_FJFiKikHa8gb9pC25qiMEE4tOVDkDDBtOQ4gTBDgQPhvo_PyTUI-TI8YgYGKea_L8qWeDHpBR1GgNKSVZQvco/s1600/DSCF8075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjGrfnMusGuZgkAleS755CLFl2-fCWGDxLt_QEdW_B5-L-6qDlcqsO_FJFiKikHa8gb9pC25qiMEE4tOVDkDDBtOQ4gTBDgQPhvo_PyTUI-TI8YgYGKea_L8qWeDHpBR1GgNKSVZQvco/s320/DSCF8075.JPG" width="232" /></a><br />
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Not to worry...we still devoured them. Once they were filled you hardly noticed the massive imperfections. <br />
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<b>Am I the only one with boiled egg blues out there? </b><br />
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<b>Is there hope? </b><br />
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<b>Can anyone teach me how to get these eggs to peel without tearing up the whites?</b><br />
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.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-16041968189115432412011-04-22T16:36:00.000-07:002011-04-29T08:53:41.841-07:00DIY - Sewing Cloth Napkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px;"></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W2MhVpfuckqsY4960FBQlsYEphJik3ZdHMGS2AjtOT6APMW5yIoI0hK2GFrIIeKxxhXVLWQLPgsvEPlYvQJsSApMYgfxddNAd3ITLS2k9UvNSXcbP1bPt7FdO5MXc8zLnvZ5y1zdw7o/s1600/DSCF7864.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W2MhVpfuckqsY4960FBQlsYEphJik3ZdHMGS2AjtOT6APMW5yIoI0hK2GFrIIeKxxhXVLWQLPgsvEPlYvQJsSApMYgfxddNAd3ITLS2k9UvNSXcbP1bPt7FdO5MXc8zLnvZ5y1zdw7o/s320/DSCF7864.JPG" width="232" /></a></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><br />
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<b>Today's Feather:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Make Your Own Cloth Napkins - DIY Tutorial</b></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">This project is great for anyone needing everyday napkins or wanting to whip up something cute to give as a HOSTESS GIFT.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">CAUTION: Look away all you seamstresses. This tutorial will drive you crazy! As I mentioned before...I am a 'slam bam thank you mam' sewer. I'm not a skilled sewer and I don't know proper techniques. But....I do get the job done which makes me smile. :o)</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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Here is what you'll need... </b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A quick note on fabric choices. - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stay away from polyester/cotton</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">blends, they are stain magnets. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For my everyday napkins I chose a linen material and dyed them brown. Thus far it is my favorite material for napkins. They are sturdy, not bulky and wash well. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Plus linen material is made from the fibers of a flax plant and is significantly more environmentally friendly than cotton. I don't necessarily make my decisions based on environmentally friendly...most of the time it just ends up that way since Natural Living and Thrifty Living usually go hand in hand.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> If I'm wanting a decorative print material for holiday napkins I choose regular cotton apparel fabric. This is what I used for my easter napkins in this tutorial. I do personally find this type of material to be a little thin so I usually sew two layers together with cooresponding patterns. I still prefer the functionality of a single layer of linen but these are cute for the occasion. </span><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Steps...</b></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>1. Prewash your fabric to preshrink.</b></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I learned this the hard way. Nothing is worse than sewing a project that gets ruined during the first wash.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwlfRz47wbIwKQBcHuk3JaPS2wbtjGoYR6KjOT1A_27KiHZ_Lb3WGG9gVBqkSkVJOJGcrWAVAwR8ZMmjnfZrADT7rNlU3W9RaRKclEs_fy5z4Vl87gV3Ot-x7W-PFEIuDnUHO01_Srd0/s1600/DSCF7845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwlfRz47wbIwKQBcHuk3JaPS2wbtjGoYR6KjOT1A_27KiHZ_Lb3WGG9gVBqkSkVJOJGcrWAVAwR8ZMmjnfZrADT7rNlU3W9RaRKclEs_fy5z4Vl87gV3Ot-x7W-PFEIuDnUHO01_Srd0/s320/DSCF7845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>2. Cut your fabric.</b><br />
Standard sizes are 12, 14, and 16 inch squares but I like my napkins to be smaller. By making these Easter Napkins a 10x13 size I was able to utilize my fabric a little better as well. These are 'special occasion' napkins so I chose a patterned cotton apparel fabric. This type of fabric is usually thin so I chose to do two layers of fabric to add some thickness. If you do this, cut your fabric with the patters facing each other (inside out) so it will already be lined up when you sit down to your sewing machine.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdYMRgc0VPz830fI4UsQcBodPWIIxiBYxozKignhnHVNUB6aWtWlD0Cl71Za9IYDfLY4i4X3VetjbCZQXlYJfQR3_SGMjtpALbabhz-euMZqCVtjizLaLUPv2YOTqXT8j3452RCczrIY/s1600/DSCF7849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdYMRgc0VPz830fI4UsQcBodPWIIxiBYxozKignhnHVNUB6aWtWlD0Cl71Za9IYDfLY4i4X3VetjbCZQXlYJfQR3_SGMjtpALbabhz-euMZqCVtjizLaLUPv2YOTqXT8j3452RCczrIY/s320/DSCF7849.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>3. Time to sew. </b><br />
Make sure your patterns are still facing each other. Sew all the way around your napkin and leave an opening on one of the corners.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>3. Turn your patterns right side out.</b><br />
Use this hole to turn your fabric right side out. Pay close attention to the corners and turn them out as much as possible.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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<b>4. Close the opening.</b></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I'm sure there is some savvy way to hand-stitch this seam closed before you do your decorative top stitch. I have no idea how to do that plus I'm ready to get the job done at this point. I simply turn in my edges and top stitch over it. Thus far I have had no problems with this method and I figure if it ever does come open I'll just give it a quick whip in the sewing machine and it will be good as new. </div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>5. Top Stitch</b>. If you've never sewn a top stitch read on....<br />
I start by stitching forward about 1/8 of an inch and back stitching over it to give it strength. I sew over the opening that was turned in and gently keep the remainder of the fabric in place and straight as it runs under the needle. When I get to the corner I stop when the needle is in the fabric, lift the foot of the sewing machine, turn my fabric 90 degrees, lower the foot and stitch on down the other side. At the end, after I have stitched down each side, I back stitch a little again to give my thread strength.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taaa Daaaaaa!</span> Now your done!</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Looking for a cute gift?</b><br />
A set of 4 make a perfect set to share.<br />
With this set I even included 2 smaller 6 inch napkins for the kiddos.</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Other sewing options are:</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><ul><li>Using a serger on a single layer of linen or cloth terry. This is what I did for my everyday napkins.</li>
</ul></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><ul><li>You can also do single layer napkins this way.</li>
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</div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Turn the edge of a single layer in 1/4 inch and then 1/4 inch again. Hem down these folds. Sew the first side and then the side directly opposite before moving on to the edges perpendicular to it. Hemming in this order gives a nice little square stitching detail on the corners. </div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDj1MtTpoLIqcOgcOJT0Q9yg28arLXPpJkz94OruK4M3okaVIfdP7UDF3CC7U9GtvE17I2ssJ4SJvMb0chULhOwmlPOy3V92yDTtbiAdvfEXvGeaX1fqnZ-lNmuntuYgp2Td-duulgqw/s1600/DSCF7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDj1MtTpoLIqcOgcOJT0Q9yg28arLXPpJkz94OruK4M3okaVIfdP7UDF3CC7U9GtvE17I2ssJ4SJvMb0chULhOwmlPOy3V92yDTtbiAdvfEXvGeaX1fqnZ-lNmuntuYgp2Td-duulgqw/s320/DSCF7843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>This feather was featured at the following linky parties...<br />
<a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/j5z2f8.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/category/chic-and-crafty"><img border="0" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/frugalgirls/ChicandCraftyButton-2.png" /></a><a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com"><img border="0" alt="
http://www.thethriftyhome.com" src="http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq196/lulabugs/THButton-1.gif"/></a><a href="http://www.brandyscrafts.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fTAKwL7NlR4Lxc8VBkfzjllxrsP4Q3J5FiwPEIUzImfDXz9875MAuY8v-ga_na1NgEKjPrMydDDNjNWR-gHy2xqoI4KUosGAbvLODb6NGbL-JeD2H96KgCHswnoxKGObY51VfixwvHI/s1600/get+your+brag+on+yellow.jpg"imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" /></a><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img841/8999/floralthrilled.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/buttonwithstarfish.jpg" border="0" alt="Transformation Thursday" /></a><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg "/></a><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Funky%20PolkaDot%20Giraffe/TooCuteTuesday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2j4369j.jpg" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-45497691840109444622011-04-18T14:13:00.000-07:002011-04-18T17:38:50.943-07:00Why I Chose Cloth Napkins - Thrifty Living = Nest Egg & Natural LivingBefore we get into today's post, a quick intro to future posts. Stay tuned for these DIY Tutorials appearing this week and next:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Sewing cloth napkins Napkin ID Rings aka Bling From Pickle Jars to Table Decor Yarn Gone Wild</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxAjd45qBTRHV_uuJLYnZmfKjlAIqYBLUBpid_y9SllxLhnX8gbjxt8t8h6KA74Gm6018mNr7w6BiB2cTPdF-MvjFqV_XQhlCt8tyy_CVys2bL13A8apE5NQNRuTlxH8KvRXMAolmyQ/s1600/coming_up_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxAjd45qBTRHV_uuJLYnZmfKjlAIqYBLUBpid_y9SllxLhnX8gbjxt8t8h6KA74Gm6018mNr7w6BiB2cTPdF-MvjFqV_XQhlCt8tyy_CVys2bL13A8apE5NQNRuTlxH8KvRXMAolmyQ/s640/coming_up_photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Today's Post: </b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Why I Chose Cloth Napkins - Thrifty Living = Nest Egg & Natural Living</b></span><br />
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Today's post is a 'double threat' and will touch on two categories; Thrifty Living = Nest Egg & Natural Living. As time goes on you will find that these topics go hand in hand and will almost always cross over each other. <br />
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Switching from paper to cloth was one of the first changes I made towards living economically leaner. Although saving trees was a consideration, it was only a minor part of my decision. As selfish as it sounds, the truth is that I mostly wanted to save my pocketbook. My household typically used two to three rolls of <br />
<a name='more'></a>paper towels and a package of napkins almost every week. Even when you buy generic brands, it can add up to a significant amount of money over time; an amount that I'd much prefer having in our 'entertainment' budget. Lets see....hmmmm......paper products or a night out eating ice cream with the family.....you weight it out and see which would be more fun. <br />
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The first flip into using cloth that I made was to stop cleaning and drying my counters with paper towels. Soapy dishrags and cloth towels work just as well and clean up just as much bacteria as your commercial kitchen spray. <b>'chaa-ching'</b> Savings on paper towels and no need to spend money on a commercial cleaner that is loaded with harmful chemicals!<br />
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After making the switch with my paper towels and seeing how much easier it was to clean, I decided I'd try using cloth napkins to save money there too. (And be more environmentally friendly.) Here are the benefits that I weighted out on this decision.<br />
<ul><li>Even using cloth napkins on only one to two meals per week would save on paper towel purchases.</li>
<li>Washing wouldn't be difficult. I would just throw them in with my regular loads.</li>
<li>The cost of buying pre-made napkins can be expensive but I could purchase my own material and have mine made. This is what I did and I ended up with about 30 napkins for $15-20. (I was recently gifted a sewing machine and taught to sew--my skills are so minimal I can barely fit into the 'i can sew category' but none the less...I can sew. Cloth napkins are so easy to make, I can sew my own from scrap fabric to reduce the cost even more.)</li>
<li>Cloth napkins last for years and years and YEARS! </li>
</ul>Now, several years after making the switch, I have been spoiled to my everyday cloth napkins and will never go back to paper again. Cloth is so much nicer to use!! It does a much better job and doesn't tear or stick to your fingers!<br />
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In conclusion, if your looking into ways to save money, switching to cloth has been one the easier changes that I've made. I would encourage you to give it a try and see how it works for your family. <br />
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Stay tuned for my DIY Tutorial teaching how easy it is to make your own cloth napkins.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-78354894130460533612011-04-11T12:11:00.000-07:002011-04-23T17:14:13.966-07:00Resurrection Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174rE472JIGbMfRQJTxTauW9vIKksLOjfdbw4OTNaSqbC1txqzS23Ug2-VEgZ-ml5rywHFg3o3KC9SoR1O5sC8Wgc9oEi2u9VgBXIoXq9WPDGxElg0WFzoW8NpJ6dY_FPvumkX0KxdE/s1600/hollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174rE472JIGbMfRQJTxTauW9vIKksLOjfdbw4OTNaSqbC1txqzS23Ug2-VEgZ-ml5rywHFg3o3KC9SoR1O5sC8Wgc9oEi2u9VgBXIoXq9WPDGxElg0WFzoW8NpJ6dY_FPvumkX0KxdE/s320/hollow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These hollow dinner rolls-that represent Jesus' empty tomb-are not only an Easter tradition in my home, they are the highlight of our Easter celebration meal. They are expected so much that when my kids saw me making these for this tutorial they were confused and kept asking if today was Easter. You can imagine the bliss on their faces as I explained I was making them to share with you and they realized they would get to enjoy them twice this season. <span id="goog_2089874820"></span><span id="goog_2089874821"></span><br />
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</div><div>Here is what you need...</div><div><a name='more'></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Frozen dough for dinner rolls - found in the freezer section of your grocer</div><div>Marshmallows - regular size</div><div>Melted Butter</div><div>Sugar and Cinnamon Mixture - I recommend about a 4:1 ratio. (4 being the sugar...mmmmm)</div><div><br />
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</div><div>1. Thaw rolls - Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange dough balls, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. I usually plan on 3-4 rolls per person (we snack on them later in the day) so I place about 16 per cookie sheet. Spray some plastic wrap with non-stick spray (so the wrap doesn't stick to your dough) and cover them as they thaw. This will keep the dough from drying out and getting a hard crust. My house was fairly warm the day I made these and it took about 1 and 1/2 hours for them to thaw.</div><div><br />
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Amendment: A few have commented with difficulties getting their dough to stick close around the marshmallow. Before putting the butter on, put marshmallows in ALL the dough balls. If your fingers get greasy from using the butter it will easily transfer to your dough and prevent it from sticking closed around itself.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>3. Roll dough covered marshmallow in butter. (Or brush it on.) </div><div><br />
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</div><div>4. Sprinkle on cinnamon & sugar mixture. Or you can do like my family does and roll it on. We like them super flavorful, sweet and yummy. (By the way...I typically use raw unbleached sugar which is why mine has a darker color and a more coarse texture. You can use whatever style sugar you keep on hand.)</div><div><br />
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</div><div>5. Place them on a greased cookie sheet, cover them again with your non-stick coated plastic wrap and let them rise until they double in size. This takes approximately 30-60 minutes depending on how warm the environment is. And not to worry...if they don't rise they'll still taste yummy. I'm not sure why yet...but it isn't often that I actually get my rolls to rise as they should. This particular time would be one of those times. They barely rose but left one of the better 'tombs' I've had in my rolls. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>6. Don't forget to pre-heat your oven during the last 10 minutes of your rising step. When they are ready to bake, place them in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.</div><div><br />
</div><div>7. When they are done baking, remove them from the pan and cool on a wire rack. </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174rE472JIGbMfRQJTxTauW9vIKksLOjfdbw4OTNaSqbC1txqzS23Ug2-VEgZ-ml5rywHFg3o3KC9SoR1O5sC8Wgc9oEi2u9VgBXIoXq9WPDGxElg0WFzoW8NpJ6dY_FPvumkX0KxdE/s1600/hollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho174rE472JIGbMfRQJTxTauW9vIKksLOjfdbw4OTNaSqbC1txqzS23Ug2-VEgZ-ml5rywHFg3o3KC9SoR1O5sC8Wgc9oEi2u9VgBXIoXq9WPDGxElg0WFzoW8NpJ6dY_FPvumkX0KxdE/s320/hollow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>8. Enjoy them together.</div><div>"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." <br />
Matthew 28:5-6 </div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">***<b>Stay tuned... I have more unique DIY Tutorials & Crafts in the hopper. Starting a blog has been so much fun!</b>***</span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>My tutorial was featured at the following linky parties.<br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOIdqkktCNmbmEOmpu3P9dDW_acpd-VzhW9-fgmusMOyQa9fQtnF5PNiX-y1CKGerhMx2u6pgBw-jevDu9bit5CqQGMpNRLY97SnxGNKK6lMNbGCdNboeCIR_xljAroBb2X1iOCCWj3iK/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/" target="new"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/pictures/handmadepact.gif" width="150" /></a><a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a><br />
<a border="0" href="http://naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Who%20made%20What%3F%20Weekends%20Linky%20Parties" target="_blank"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn97/DollyJellyB/BlogLogo2-1-3-1.png" /></a><a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/j5z2f8.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/category/chic-and-crafty"><img border="0" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/frugalgirls/ChicandCraftyButton-2.png" /></a><a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%20Living%20Well%20Wednesdays"><img border="0" src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-62840297559615643202011-04-03T06:55:00.000-07:002011-04-11T19:13:42.457-07:00Fabric Cabbage Roses<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are so many uses for these little beauties.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzMD-dLlt2OnI8Oo6Bcv9vYesGDI6Ph0vZCG20fonGSRb6o_aMR9CGJ7Q_JDFpFbzpkJHHqX1Fz7tFGyEn8rTmBHR_J9Q8Fmc-MLJQT4OmDsGJ78OU7pcmpFlGb8oA8KQZAhmmOOEuWs/s1600/candleaftercloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg90w46HDKHPnWM3j9bL6u2SDsUGPeyP19R4xXaZ4a8epQLo7bT7XEykeZ8CEyc8rhZjosMGmF5zGq0oXZp6kyPR2gMNf6Ksu-FiIi3TBR_J-slTxHhxpADnzQAKBpwo0YpVwikLCQeU/s1600/redpillowafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg90w46HDKHPnWM3j9bL6u2SDsUGPeyP19R4xXaZ4a8epQLo7bT7XEykeZ8CEyc8rhZjosMGmF5zGq0oXZp6kyPR2gMNf6Ksu-FiIi3TBR_J-slTxHhxpADnzQAKBpwo0YpVwikLCQeU/s200/redpillowafter.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzMD-dLlt2OnI8Oo6Bcv9vYesGDI6Ph0vZCG20fonGSRb6o_aMR9CGJ7Q_JDFpFbzpkJHHqX1Fz7tFGyEn8rTmBHR_J9Q8Fmc-MLJQT4OmDsGJ78OU7pcmpFlGb8oA8KQZAhmmOOEuWs/s200/candleaftercloseup.jpg" width="145" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5XzD2YRnBVvVN-_TfqS4jZLLRmRzAHa0y5fXBJ8CbqoWbEWfPV8MbpSEDpzp8c8bqKXVqEkcL8OPN7wyd1Dbfm5x7eE8rV75NsB9NEZt-pA_SJRF_FeI3E56u_JSAotGiSQM9mo7_gk/s1600/purseafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUedQwX6ObVHTwp4MaVOTa0HZ-iyixk4qYXGDslMuxe1nYsU5qwUQbxZrGyH5ZpPbiqAJ5MyKtmMpve4AeoHWgqsBumcSwAzvuv-B-BdXgs9y8na0iV0qVaH-xdJS7JAttQH62vNgFn4/s1600/bluepillowbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUedQwX6ObVHTwp4MaVOTa0HZ-iyixk4qYXGDslMuxe1nYsU5qwUQbxZrGyH5ZpPbiqAJ5MyKtmMpve4AeoHWgqsBumcSwAzvuv-B-BdXgs9y8na0iV0qVaH-xdJS7JAttQH62vNgFn4/s200/bluepillowbefore.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNCgCSDAp5gU9PgEmboQUpDquRodsQpDlPAZQh1-Zn84gaG4XXwJ7rbwD5CV2ZZ6mgdxVHN9iozNlsJlE41RD34x8XKMP0GXaZ5SynuVuOffTTbX2aRmLQ5FmLSW0W8GtKmGWwIdO9o8/s1600/naomiheadband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNCgCSDAp5gU9PgEmboQUpDquRodsQpDlPAZQh1-Zn84gaG4XXwJ7rbwD5CV2ZZ6mgdxVHN9iozNlsJlE41RD34x8XKMP0GXaZ5SynuVuOffTTbX2aRmLQ5FmLSW0W8GtKmGWwIdO9o8/s200/naomiheadband.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5XzD2YRnBVvVN-_TfqS4jZLLRmRzAHa0y5fXBJ8CbqoWbEWfPV8MbpSEDpzp8c8bqKXVqEkcL8OPN7wyd1Dbfm5x7eE8rV75NsB9NEZt-pA_SJRF_FeI3E56u_JSAotGiSQM9mo7_gk/s1600/purseafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5XzD2YRnBVvVN-_TfqS4jZLLRmRzAHa0y5fXBJ8CbqoWbEWfPV8MbpSEDpzp8c8bqKXVqEkcL8OPN7wyd1Dbfm5x7eE8rV75NsB9NEZt-pA_SJRF_FeI3E56u_JSAotGiSQM9mo7_gk/s200/purseafter.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsEzYw86Vg8vzNIkvD2bm24vo03O94_XQugqJQMhOsrZmP9m5SLCzdSqekwjZRqvEK5T95SlOaRwIHDbQf9zw8NmH9j1nVvAqsAtrR8b-3TcTlCtsy5RFe3d_8um52TIZN7vAtzovFfw/s1600/lampafter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsEzYw86Vg8vzNIkvD2bm24vo03O94_XQugqJQMhOsrZmP9m5SLCzdSqekwjZRqvEK5T95SlOaRwIHDbQf9zw8NmH9j1nVvAqsAtrR8b-3TcTlCtsy5RFe3d_8um52TIZN7vAtzovFfw/s200/lampafter2.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKNWSmSnaMiT4i6SSOlv5TVHqZT7BTJADII399UBDQeyw6j-3amDPAvA42i52EUaTNxTvG1EnBuApqJSr8qPvysEn5P-wRsBHgtkNInPVzbxWqfui5padvh8BTV-NsNB3YE_-2x6k0hY/s1600/framecloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKNWSmSnaMiT4i6SSOlv5TVHqZT7BTJADII399UBDQeyw6j-3amDPAvA42i52EUaTNxTvG1EnBuApqJSr8qPvysEn5P-wRsBHgtkNInPVzbxWqfui5padvh8BTV-NsNB3YE_-2x6k0hY/s200/framecloseup.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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And I haven't even began to list all the neat jewelry and ways you can accent your outfits.<br />
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So, is your mouth watering yet ????????<br />
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Lets not wait any longer. Lets get started learning how to create these fabric roses.<br />
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Here is what you need:<br />
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<u>fabric</u> - something nylon, organza, polyester, satin or lining fabric <br />
<u>circle templates </u>- FREE download link in the tutorial<br />
<u>sissors </u><br />
<u>candle</u><br />
<u>needle & thread</u><br />
<u>optional - button to adorn the middle</u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81Yi8c_90VIJkPsRM1u7GzBY0T-slyc4QyUlnmZYO1x0jcOMuiyb1RYhIQecqhJnPuj89SKNZ7jtQ-QIrN89t2M0khHf1VYfElg-MpKTEJ8UqJluRu7_C_PxsWkz0uJiSKvKb7eUnqkA/s1600/cabbage_rose_circle_template_blog_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81Yi8c_90VIJkPsRM1u7GzBY0T-slyc4QyUlnmZYO1x0jcOMuiyb1RYhIQecqhJnPuj89SKNZ7jtQ-QIrN89t2M0khHf1VYfElg-MpKTEJ8UqJluRu7_C_PxsWkz0uJiSKvKb7eUnqkA/s320/cabbage_rose_circle_template_blog_image.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafZninaGS-N5ozVWOsbGoe53qknvhI_FTZ0d4LDMxd8KuNcUaPob7oTLC9XRor6K9ghR2oEoU9N5n_7mcfJSqycXyQIsTvyvWFrIz22RSA4_xTkubKBvb_j__YVcYM-25S6xJii6AgpI/s1600/differentsizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafZninaGS-N5ozVWOsbGoe53qknvhI_FTZ0d4LDMxd8KuNcUaPob7oTLC9XRor6K9ghR2oEoU9N5n_7mcfJSqycXyQIsTvyvWFrIz22RSA4_xTkubKBvb_j__YVcYM-25S6xJii6AgpI/s320/differentsizes.jpg" width="232" /></a>1. First you need to choose 3-4 different size circles for your flower. For my big flowers I used the 5", 4", 3.5". For the smaller flowers I used 3", 2.5", 2", 1.5". There were times that I layered one of my small flowers in the center of a big one to give it an even thicker, more detailed appearance. <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/dlc5x0zntb">For the FREE Downloadable Printable Template click here.</a><br />
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2. When I first started making these I drew circles on the materials with the template and cut them out individually. It took FOREVER! Then I had a 'duh' moment!!! Why don't I cut several at once? So a helpful tip to you...cut a strip of fabric to fit the width of your template. Then divide the strip into squares to make a stack of material. You can then cut several circles at once-greatly cutting down on your time.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsx97Orf7W8BHb0IkK24_NHKSkIlr5yemXwWoOylNm4OOOiuQ4cozWYnhLTgZ41rgJNue6JIc3U-0oQn65NYj4_13fHCWBVEAnAuV2qO6h9tZLI-GoIMCrhr6AIsrOXu1mkC5NGL7vKgk/s1600/multiplecircles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsx97Orf7W8BHb0IkK24_NHKSkIlr5yemXwWoOylNm4OOOiuQ4cozWYnhLTgZ41rgJNue6JIc3U-0oQn65NYj4_13fHCWBVEAnAuV2qO6h9tZLI-GoIMCrhr6AIsrOXu1mkC5NGL7vKgk/s320/multiplecircles.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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3. Next use the heat from your candle flame to wilt the material. You'll see it transform into a flower pedal. If your like me, you'll probably catch a flame on it a few times. Not to worry...that adds character. For a flatter flower do a light wilt. I tend to like a very wilted appearance.<br />
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4. Now stack them up and add a couple stitches in the center to hold them together. For added strength, you'll want to double your thread up when you prepare your needle. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SoS0ip_Oi-ZJxixZkUlmsfb2b5HyioZF4KZ7Wr96DKgK5aGxU74Gm0OglV_82f95BOKBa8erQA1BgxVcp5QQcNrSjrjay6CtDSJW9N2KqFvtj7Zne1I8JpddJ0CCdz4QGbw43UiAqyY/s1600/sewlayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SoS0ip_Oi-ZJxixZkUlmsfb2b5HyioZF4KZ7Wr96DKgK5aGxU74Gm0OglV_82f95BOKBa8erQA1BgxVcp5QQcNrSjrjay6CtDSJW9N2KqFvtj7Zne1I8JpddJ0CCdz4QGbw43UiAqyY/s320/sewlayers.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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5. If you want a button or charm in the middle you can add it in at this time. Be creative. Buttons, Wooden Beads, Pearls, Jewels, etc.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">And there you have it! </div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSQbceTxR4Iqnn3qhJZvKaLrIUK5x-nJh_0yDAoVz4PaLdQ2zY_ZOY-W7nZ4IY2ipSZ6KEPbXwQT65BQIZ4sz5-il5pM65lmETjA166Wz1siwbsl_-1dzY3vsZt72BpaXs1DQvtEH7JY/s1600/sideview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSQbceTxR4Iqnn3qhJZvKaLrIUK5x-nJh_0yDAoVz4PaLdQ2zY_ZOY-W7nZ4IY2ipSZ6KEPbXwQT65BQIZ4sz5-il5pM65lmETjA166Wz1siwbsl_-1dzY3vsZt72BpaXs1DQvtEH7JY/s320/sideview.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Isn't it lovely!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">They are even more fun when in bunches.</div><br />
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Now...run out to the fabric store, get your supplies and get started. :o) I'll post again soon with creative ideas on how to use your Fabric Cabbage Roses as jewelry, hair accessories and decor. <br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-84391157782147789582011-03-26T20:16:00.000-07:002011-04-03T06:56:15.887-07:00Effective & Natural Bug Spray Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrgn-WWyroVOOB9QzecMWAeUEBNA6El08fDqjac1sncPTeYsXtE-hDkOrEX4gCsVEcZTMkvfxmK17RT_e6dziJCvVxV_qDx2EhtVpmtV-JogjljIvh4HRks8t7MbX9vBClSelXvUBQw/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrgn-WWyroVOOB9QzecMWAeUEBNA6El08fDqjac1sncPTeYsXtE-hDkOrEX4gCsVEcZTMkvfxmK17RT_e6dziJCvVxV_qDx2EhtVpmtV-JogjljIvh4HRks8t7MbX9vBClSelXvUBQw/s320/finished.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
Rather than spraying my family with the chemicals found in commercial bug sprays, I use a recipe consisting of three natural ingredients that was featured on the Dr.Oz show. <br />
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The Dr. Oz segment with this bug spray recipe demonstrated its effectiveness by setting up a tank filled with hundreds of mosquitoes. The guest placed his arm in without any protection and the mosquitoes flocked to feast. They then created and applied this mixture to the same arm and placed it back in the tank. Not one mosquito feasted. After testing it out on my family, I have found our results to be the same. Not only does this have a more pleasant smell, it is every bit as effective as a commercial spray that can be harmful and harsh on the skin (especially for toddlers and babies).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
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<ul><li><b>Lemon Eucalyptus</b> </li>
<li><b>Witch Hazel, Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol</b> - They gave these options and said to use anything that evaporates quickly. For obvious reasons, I didn't feel comfortable spraying my kids with vodka. Alcohol I thought might burn if it gets into a cut. I chose Witch Hazel since it had a list of medicinal qualities and is known for being soothing to sensitive skin.</li>
<li><b>Pump Spray Bottle</b> - I found mine with the other ingredients at the health food store.<br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></div><div>This is so simple to make. I simply fill up my spray bottle with Witch Hazel and add 10-20 drops of the Lemon Eucalyptus. </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To Apply</span></div><div>I typically apply this to our skin and clothing when we need mosquito protection. If you are sweating or out for extended periods of time, you may find that you need to reapply periodically. <br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-57471764703367994412011-03-20T18:15:00.000-07:002011-04-03T06:58:08.450-07:00Mangos - Nutritional Value & How to Purchase/Cut/Store<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEOZyl4NihN0HJXou93Hhr8UKsZZeqezK9mkjbVX_w-sk8tfhRmKfm9Wq27ZIlm13ID2y0YMriYi31rUjpQmXTDakhmQ1zq62EV7u8l0zDVvR9-bha4TCdRzEFPm4H6ctIXhgXZLTEIc/s1600/cuttingflatside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEOZyl4NihN0HJXou93Hhr8UKsZZeqezK9mkjbVX_w-sk8tfhRmKfm9Wq27ZIlm13ID2y0YMriYi31rUjpQmXTDakhmQ1zq62EV7u8l0zDVvR9-bha4TCdRzEFPm4H6ctIXhgXZLTEIc/s400/cuttingflatside.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Lets talk about Mangos.<br />
<ul><li>nutritional value</li>
<li>how to buy a good mango</li>
<li>how to store mango </li>
<li>how to cut and serve fresh mango to your family</li>
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<b>Here is a little about the nutritional value of a Mango that you might not know. </b><br />
<ul><li>Fresh mango fruit is rich in the following nutrients: pre-biotic dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. Mangos are an excellent source of vitamin A, C, B6, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene. This fruit is high in Iron making if very beneficial for pregnant women and people suffering from anemia. It has a special enzyme similar to papayas that sooth the stomach. An average mango can provide you with up to 40% of your daily dietary fiber needs. It is also rich in Potassium which is an important component of cell and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure. If you or your kids are active in sports or other physical activity, you'll find its high potassium content important for quick replenishing of your body's potassium levels during times of activity.</li>
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<b>Selecting a good fresh Mango.</b><br />
<ul><li>Choosing a good mango is similar to choosing a good peach. You want to give it the trusty C.S.S. (Color, Smell, Softness) test. Mangos may be red, yellow, green or orange but the best flavored fruit will have a yellow tinge when ripe. Smell the mango near the stem of the fruit. There should be a full fruity aroma. A ripe mango will also yield slightly when gentle pressure (aka a soft squeeze) is applied. </li>
</ul><b>How to store un-cut fresh Mangos.</b><br />
<ul><li> Mangos can last 1-2 weeks when stored at room temperature while they ripen. If you need to accelerate ripening, place your mango in a paper bag on the counter. Once a mango is ripe it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 more day but should be eaten soon. </li>
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<b>How to slice a fresh Mango.</b><br />
There are several methods to preparing your mango. This is the easiest one that I have found.<br />
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<ul><li>Mangos have a very large flat seed in the center. After examining your mango you'll notice that there are two flat sides. Choose a side and slice the mango length wise near the seed. Do the same to the opposite flat side.</li>
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<ul><li>Cut a cross-hatch pattern through the pulp. Be careful not to cut through the skin.</li>
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<ul><li>Place your thumbs on each end of the fruit with your fingers underneath in the middle. Gently push upward with your fingers while pulling down on the ends with your thumbs. This will flip your diced pulp inside out.</li>
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<ul><li>Carefully slice out the diced pulp by sliding your knife under the fruit by the skin.</li>
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<ul><li>Cut the remaining pulp from the outer edges of the seed. <br />
Slice the pulp and pare the skin from the pulp.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UIUkdxoufUfhUOaeD9w8hoLQa5WjBr_a9Kj0NaX9XJrL4BbXTzk-qm6qcoLio-tqqRSQLXmArco8B3_WTbq5OlSjh1W1cUOgxCOuuVfL_sBtv-nbwIa3liqJKwLFTj0ZxWiCd4-D3sg/s1600/finishedonecup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UIUkdxoufUfhUOaeD9w8hoLQa5WjBr_a9Kj0NaX9XJrL4BbXTzk-qm6qcoLio-tqqRSQLXmArco8B3_WTbq5OlSjh1W1cUOgxCOuuVfL_sBtv-nbwIa3liqJKwLFTj0ZxWiCd4-D3sg/s400/finishedonecup.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<ul><li>The average Mango should yield about 1 cup of fruit.</li>
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">referenced: http://www.freshmangoes.com</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> http://homecooking.about.com/od/howtocookbasics/ss/cutmango.htm</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-49569745003495395962011-03-17T15:28:00.000-07:002011-05-25T17:25:45.924-07:00Being 'Held' Through LossYesterday I was doing my usual browsing through some of my favorite blogs. One particular blog I visit is called <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/">Joy's Hope</a>. I have always enjoyed getting to experience this mom's humorous heart through her blogging.<br />
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Somehow, in all my followings, I had never taken the time to read about the author. Yesterday I clicked on the link '<a href="http://www.joyshope.com/search?q=what%27s+in+a+name">Joy's Story</a>'. For the next few minutes I sat in suspense as Julie, the blog's author, explained who Joy was. By the middle of the story I was in tears. (I'm sure partially due to the fact that I'm currently 23 weeks pregnant, hormonally unstable and could place myself in her shoes should I have had the same experience.) By the end of the story, I had regained composure through my admiration of Julie's explanation of the Glory of the Lord and how little Joy had effected so many people. <br />
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Experiencing her story has caused lingering thoughts about how many people endure similar circumstances. I don't have all the answers but I think Natalie Grant says it best in her song 'Held'. "The promise was that when everything fell, we would be held." <br />
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For those of you experiencing loss, I pray that temptation to be numb your sorrow with bitterness would instead comforted by the Hand that holds you in the midst of your pain--the Hand that opens slowly to fill you with lilies of the valley and the hope of tomorrow.<br />
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I end this post with a scripture penned by Julie at the end of her article.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13<br />
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</span></div></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-42871025543155679902011-03-11T22:41:00.000-08:002011-04-03T06:59:16.662-07:00Stringing Fingers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_FlEGuNoVjYaz8SqbCgB-aW6Ma5ChyU3yWy9chxd9ztU_Jup89pX1ZpdO48tlvzIRbwzUhHndW6IHs3DKoN2obObVQXGGIQ1WXb01MjVc7HXEmhitiHDH5QQMYy8pbF5j7R-TQgeFu0/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_FlEGuNoVjYaz8SqbCgB-aW6Ma5ChyU3yWy9chxd9ztU_Jup89pX1ZpdO48tlvzIRbwzUhHndW6IHs3DKoN2obObVQXGGIQ1WXb01MjVc7HXEmhitiHDH5QQMYy8pbF5j7R-TQgeFu0/s400/beads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Today I went browsing at JoAnn's Fabric Store which can be a dangerous situation for me. I never know what I'll will walk out of that place with. Luckily this trip provided a cheap project that didn't break the bank.<br />
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I found these yummy little wooden beads and my mind went wild trying to find a way to use them so I could justify the purchase. I kept coming up with ideas for quirky-fun summer jewelry but Naomi, my 19 month old, had another plan for them. After tearing them from her grasping little hands for the umpteenth time, I decided a compromise would benefit us both. I came up with a little learning game to help her learn colors and fine tune motor skills. She LOVES it! When the newness of the game gets old and she moves on to the next adventure...I get my jewelry. Its a win-win!<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2X_KjXIv2Wpb4l5A1jMYFH5GTU1-rs60l8myyJUn_mA3FuFVrh8wtaXcx8HzHn78oHGfacGe0L7LyNgQwMPiu0vP44rRL7OWsQ3Lqwc6Cu8iK8CVe80hQqAH4IYwyo1fquzi5vITNos/s1600/fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2X_KjXIv2Wpb4l5A1jMYFH5GTU1-rs60l8myyJUn_mA3FuFVrh8wtaXcx8HzHn78oHGfacGe0L7LyNgQwMPiu0vP44rRL7OWsQ3Lqwc6Cu8iK8CVe80hQqAH4IYwyo1fquzi5vITNos/s400/fingers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>To create this quick little motor skills & colors learning game you'll need...<br />
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Container (to hold the beads)<br />
Beads with large holes (I got these for around $2.60 with a 40% off coupon. Jo Ann's circulates them frequently.)<br />
22 Inches of String<br />
Tape<br />
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1) Tie a bead on the end of the string so the beads don't fall off when strung.<br />
2) Tightly wrap tape around 2 inches of the string on the other end. This gives a sturdy place for those little hands to grasp.<br />
3) Let the stringing fun begin! (Make sure this game is done under adult supervision if you have a chipmunk like mine who likes to see how many balls they can fit in their mouth.)<br />
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.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660889487232639247.post-70706904431190879112011-03-11T21:15:00.000-08:002011-04-03T06:57:58.994-07:00All oils are not equal. (Part I - Coconut Oil)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL5__xWVw1gR3W7c3sMRDyUaRk7NBohHMvlGZoh6_hQNnMH9RCQi61mzJc5VW5vLhPqaXb_7-LowBCH2EcSOIWbBIo8XEbRJjEr2F0S46Wmar7cQimBBSKD1JCZ4PNHHJcdEnxiRaBHU/s1600/coconutoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL5__xWVw1gR3W7c3sMRDyUaRk7NBohHMvlGZoh6_hQNnMH9RCQi61mzJc5VW5vLhPqaXb_7-LowBCH2EcSOIWbBIo8XEbRJjEr2F0S46Wmar7cQimBBSKD1JCZ4PNHHJcdEnxiRaBHU/s320/coconutoil.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">You’ll be amazed at how the right oil, when used properly in food preparation, can play a part in helping your body do things such as <b>maintain proper digestion, support a healthy metabolism and thyroid function, relieve kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone strength, increase immunity, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels</b>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">My two favorite oils to stock in my cabinets are Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Coconut Oil. Both have unique food prep applications and a long list of health benefits. Oils that I try to avoid include animal lards and common vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola due to their content of polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats and chemical compositions. </span><br />
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For <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Part I</span> of this series I want to share with you what has quickly become my favorite oil to use in the kitchen, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coconut Oil</span>. I have found it to be non-greasy and to my surprise, it didn’t leave a strong flavor in my foods. It has been very light in taste and I love that my jar lasts a long time because so little is needed.<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Here are just a few ideas on how to use it Coconut Oil in your kitchen.</span></u></b></span><b> </b><br />
<b>• Frying:</b> I don’t fry often but my boy’s favorite way to have eggs is fried. Because such a small amount of Coconut Oil is required and with the added health benefits it brings, I don’t feel so bad doing this for them every now and then.<br />
<b>• Butter Replacement:</b> I’ve replaced butter on much of my food. (baked potatoes, toast, etc.)<br />
<b>• In Desserts & Baking:</b> I’ve heard that using Coconut Oil to replacement butter in things like rice krispie treats make them fabulous! I plan on trying this soon so I’m sure you’ll see a post update on the blog about it.<br />
<b>• Stir Fry:</b> Add small amounts when cooking stir fry instead of oils that break down in the heat.<br />
<b>• DIY Mayonnaise Alternative:</b> Make your own mayonnaise with coconut oil for a much healthier alternative.<br />
<b>• Smoothies:</b> Coconut Oil is commonly recommended medicinally in caplet form. If your not using caplets, it is recommended that you toss a tablespoon or two in smoothies (or juice) for you or your children. It would bring great health benefits because of its high lauric acid content and go virtually un-noticed in your drink.<br />
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<u><b>Here is information on the benefits of Coconut Oil compiled from my research.</b></u> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Just a little disclaimer. I’m not a physician. Make sure you take the time to research for yourself. There is an abundance of great info readily available. By taking the time to research, both you and your family will benefit.)</span><br />
<b>• Heart Disease:</b> Coconut oil does contain saturated fat, but because of its chemical composition it does not have the same effect as other unhealthy oils on your heart. The saturated fats contained in Coconut Oil do not increase the LDL levels in the body. It contains about 50% lauric acid that help the body regulate high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and will aid in preventing atheroslerosis. (Although it is safer than other oils, it is still an oil. Use in moderation. If you have a history of heart disease, consulting a physician would be recommended.)<br />
<b>• Immunity:</b> Coconut Oil rich in MCFA (medium-chain fatty acid). The most predominate MCFA is lauric acid. The same lauric acid found in human breast milk that protects babies from illness and disease. In addition, Coconut Oil contains antimicrobial lipids, capric acid and caprylic acid that have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The body uses these nutrients both internally and externally to fight viruses, bacteria and harmful protozoa.<br />
<b>• Resists Heat-Induced Damage:</b> Coconut Oil is the ONLY oil with a stable enough composition to resist heat-induced damage caused by cooking. This helps to maintain the health benefits of the oil while minimizing toxicity levels.<br />
<b>• Low in Omega-6 Fats: </b> The typical American diet is lacking in Omega-3 fats and over saturated with omega-6 fats (the bad fats). Coconut Oil is low in Omega 6 fats.<br />
<b>• Dieting & Athletes:</b> Is used by athletes and those dieting because it provides quick energy and lengthens endurance yet has a lower calorie count that other oils.<br />
<b>• Seriously Ill or Injured Patients:</b> When seriously ill or injured, patients have a difficult time with energy levels because their body is fighting hard against the disease and trying to heal itself. MCFAs are a quick energy source and are given to patients who need the extra strength and energy to fight illness or injury.<br />
<b>• Thyroid & Metabolism:</b> Supports a healthy metabolism. Because of this metabolic effect, the thyroid’s activity is increased.<br />
<b>• Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels:</b> Even though your body converts the coconut oil to energy, insulin is not used in this process because of the MCFA composition of the oil. This deters possible carb-related spikes in your blood sugar level. <br />
<b>• Diabetes:</b> Along with helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels, it also improves the secretion of insulin and helps in effective utilization of blood glucose.<br />
<b>• Promotes Vitamin & Mineral Absorption:</b> The MCFAs in Coconut Oil improve our body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and proteins. One such example would be calcium which is important in strong bones. <br />
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<u><b>Buying Guide</b></u><br />
To obtain all the health benefits Coconut Oil has to offer, it is important to purchase Virgin Coconut Oil that has been properly harvested. If it is not harvested properly, the nutritional benefits will be destroyed.<br />
• Unrefined<br />
• No Chemicals Added (including hexane)<br />
• No Bleaching<br />
• No Deodorization<br />
• No Hydrogenation<br />
• Made from fresh coconuts, not dried ones<br />
• Made without heat processing<br />
• You may also considering purchasing a brand that is GMO free and Organic by USDA standards.<br />
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There are a few good brands out there so do your research. I currently use Virgin Coconut Oil by Garden of Life. (If you live near a store called The Vitamin Store, they sell it for the lowest price I have found. You can also purchase from them online. <a href="http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/">http://www.vitaminshoppe.com</a>) <br />
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<b><u>Storage Guide</u></b><br />
Coconut oil stays fresh for 2-3 years un-refrigerated. If kept in a cool dry place away from sunlight it can be kept even longer before it turns rancid.<br />
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.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10929091417577873841noreply@blogger.com0