tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43604815640621010102024-03-14T09:39:54.632-05:00My Life in PodunkMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-65269344184791444142012-06-06T14:43:00.001-05:002012-06-06T17:54:55.077-05:00Homemade Granola Bars - who knew?A few weeks ago, on Pinterest, I pinned a link to homemade granola bars. Yesterday, I finally got around to making them, and WOW! This really worked! <br />
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Why am I constantly amazed when things I've been buying at the store are so easy to make? Why do I always assume it will be difficult to replicate? Why is the sky blue? I DON'T KNOW, but I've got to stop! <br />
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I followed the link that led to a link that led to a link to finally arrive at <a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/no-bake-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-easy-healthy/" target="_blank">Lauren's Latest</a> for the actual instructions. Just like she says in her post, I took her recipe and tweaked it to make it my own. I highly encourage you to do the same.<br />
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Here is the basic original recipe from Lauren:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1/4 cup butter<br />
1/4 cup honey<br />
1/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />
2 cups quick cooking oats {not rolled oats!}<br />
1 cup crispy rice cereal<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips<br />
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Directions:<br />
In a large bowl, stir oats and rice cereal together. Set aside. In a small pot, melt butter, honey and brown sugar together over medium high heat until it comes to a bubble. Reduce the heat and cook 2 minutes. Pour in vanilla and stir. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well to moisten all ingredients. Pour into lightly greased small jelly roll pan {about 12x8x1} and press out to be about 3/4 inch in thickness. {If your pan isn’t small enough, pack the mixture into one side. You really want to press them down so they stick together.} Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and press down lightly. Cool on a counter top to room temperature for two hours or until the chocolate chips are set before cutting into bars. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.<br />
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I make them exactly as written the first time, and then I started making this my own. In the first batch, I thought the honey overwhelmed the other ingredients. I like honey, but I didn't want honey bars, so on the next batch, I used my 1/4 cup measure and put used 1/2 honey and 1/2 corn syrup. You could also use the entire 1/4 cup of corn syrup. I liked the corn syrup best... it's a personal preference. You do need the entire 1/4 cup of some sticky sweetener, that's part of what holds this stuff together. Skimp and they will fall apart.<br />
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Also, for my second batch, I omitted the vanilla. I couldn't taste it in the first batch, so I deemed it unnecessary. Instead of the 1/4 cup butter, I used 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter and 2 tbsp butter. Then I added to the cereal and oats, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. 2 tablespoons in the original recipe was not enough chocolate...again personal preference! <br />
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I also chose to use my 9 x 9 silicone baking pan. 9 x 9 mades the bars the exact thickness I like, and the silicone is so easy to pop them out to cut. If you don't have a silicone pan, I highly recommend one!<br />
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So, here is batch #3.... dried blueberries and coconut!<br />
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Melt 1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup in sauce pan. While the butter melts, in a bowl, combine 2 cups quick oats, 1 cup rice cereal, 1/3 cup dried blueberries and 1/3 cup flaked coconut. NOTE: I used whole dried blueberries, next time I will chop them up.<br />
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Pour sugar mixture over the dry ingredients and stir, stir, stir. It takes a couple of minutes to completely coat the dry ingredients. If you are adding chocolate, wait until you have completely coated the dry ingredients and it's cooled just a bit - 3 or 4 minutes, or the chocolate will melt.</div>
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Then pour into your pan - again my recommendation is a 9 x 9 silicone pan and pat it down <strong>FIRMLY. </strong>If you don't do this, your bars will fall apart and you will have granola sprinkles for your yogurt or ice cream. Then stick the pan into the refrigerator for 5 minutes.<br />
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If you are using silicone, flip your chunk-o-granola out onto a cutting board to cut into rectangles. If you are using a metal pan, cut in the pan. Then put the bars into an airtight bag or container and store in the fridge. </div>
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Save the little tidbits of granola that fall off your bars for yogurt or ice cream (or bonus for the cook!).</div>
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I don't really know how long these will last in the refrigerator. I don't think I will get to find out, they are yummy! I'm going to make the next batch with chocolate rice cereal, chunky peanut butter, mini chocolate chips and dehydrated bananas! The possibilities are endless! Thanks Lauren & Pinterest.</div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-44827988953591967822012-06-03T12:45:00.002-05:002012-06-03T12:46:09.856-05:00Chicken Salad Two WaysI L-O-V-E chicken salad. I might eat it every day if it were up to me. Sadly, it's not up to me, so I don't. But, I do make it as often as I think I can get away with, and chicken is on sale at the grocery store! <br />
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The Chickens of Podunk are mighty glad that I go to the grocery store for my chicken! </div>
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The secret to my chicken salad is I start with cream cheese. I'm a big fan of cream cheese, and the chicken sticks together better too. No falling out of the bun here! Start with an 8oz block of softened cream cheese - I usually forget, but 30-45 seconds in the microwave will soften it right up.<br />
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Then the chicken. DD#1 and DD#3 went garage sale-ing with me yesterday, and so while we were gone, I had chicken breasts cooking in the crock-pot on low (7-8 hours on low). When I got home yesterday, I put the chicken in the fridge to cool until today. That make whipping this together a 10 minute dish! <br />
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First, I put about 3" of hot, soapy water in my sink for finger rinsing. I hate chicken grease on my fingers, and this little trick keeps my from using those greasy fingers to turn on the water and then having to clean the faucet! <br />
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Remove the skin and the bones from the chicken breasts (rinse fingers in soapy water). You can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead so you can skip this step, but that is almost always alot more expensive, so I will remove the skin and bones. Plus, the cats will love me later.</div>
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Once you have remove the skin and the bones, dice into chunks. The size of the chunks are a personal preference... I like it chunky, so my chunks are about 1". <br />
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Add to the softened cream cheese...(you will have to trust me here, it's under the chicken!). Then add about 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp seasoned salt, 1/3 cup diced celery and 1/3 cup diced onions. I was out of celery and the last onion was sprouting (desperate need to go to grocery store) so you will not see these in my chicken salad. I may use this as an excuse to make it again later this week!<br />
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Stir well to combine. Now, here is where the two ways comes in. Put 1/2 of chicken mixture into another bowl.<br />
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To the bowl on the left, I add about 3 tbsp of hot sauce or wing sauce. We like Frank's Redhot sauce. Any brand will do. Feel free to add more if you like the heat. Stir well. <br />
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To the bowl on the right, I add a heaping tablespoon (out of the silverware drawer, not the official measuring devise) of mayo and a couple squirts of horseradish sauce. Then I stir with the tablespoon to combine. <br />
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Serve on croissant rolls (our favorite) but any bread or bun will do. I serve the buffalo chicken salad with cheddar cheese and lettuce (here again...missing the lettuce... must go to grocery store) and sometime a squirt of ranch dressing. I serve the plain chicken salad with a slice of swiss cheese, lettuce, and sometimes a slice of tomato. <br />
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Yummy and versatile chicken salad! </div>
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If you have or create other versions, I would love to hear them! I'm working on a Spicy Thai Peanut version right now and will let you know.</div>
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1 1/2 - 2 lbs cooked chicken (skin and bones removed)</div>
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8 oz softened cream cheese</div>
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1 tsp black pepper</div>
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1 tsp seasoned salt</div>
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1/3 cup dices celery</div>
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1/3 cup dices onions</div>
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Stir to combine. </div>
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To make Buffalo Chicken Salad, add:</div>
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3 tbsp hot sauce or wing sauce</div>
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Serve on bun, croissant or bread with cheddar cheese, lettuce and a squirt of ranch dressing.</div>
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For plain Chicken Salad, add:</div>
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Heaping tbsp mayo</div>
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3 tbsp horseradish sauce</div>
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Serve on bun, croissant or bread with swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato.</div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-14119851486193781992012-05-18T15:11:00.001-05:002012-05-18T15:12:07.269-05:00Sparkly Light Switch Covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">After a couple of whirl wind weeks... DD#2 graduated from high school, family down to visit and a week away from home on business, I can finally get back into a routine and get some posts up! This project I started about 6 months ago, you know, just about Christmas time. Isn't that when <u>every</u> teenage girl decides she MUST totally re-do her room? New curtains, new mini blinds, new paint, crown molding, closet update, the whole nine yards. And for some reason can't understand why you aren't as excited as she is, and don't even think you can pass this off as a Christmas present! Teenagers in Podunk are just like all other teenagers! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">But I digress...sometimes you've just gotta wait and see how a project turns out. I was a little sceptical when DD#2 showed this to me and declared that she wanted these for her bedroom that we were already painting an <strike>obnoxious</strike> fabulous pepto bismol pink! I didn't think they would hold up to the wear and tear of a teenager, but they have! And now I want to share them with you. SPARKLY light switch covers!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6RdRiKzsBFpNptREhsj5bfNVagTHXVmCi9pjpCPs3EUtgFowY6frqo82r7sX6qoHSqCaochPz52BuSNDqBJhw5elNx9iXab3WxZcr2xzfI9XNppQrIVEe2w5cff6EhwkZRsfz0VwgBEQ/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6RdRiKzsBFpNptREhsj5bfNVagTHXVmCi9pjpCPs3EUtgFowY6frqo82r7sX6qoHSqCaochPz52BuSNDqBJhw5elNx9iXab3WxZcr2xzfI9XNppQrIVEe2w5cff6EhwkZRsfz0VwgBEQ/s320/032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">It was a little challenging to get a picture of them... they sparkle and reflect light like crazy, but if you have a daughter who's into BLING, by all means, these are amazing. Slightly scratchy, but amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">We started out with the existing light switch cover - cheap, plastic and ugly. I just wiped it clean with a damp cloth (trust me it needed done...icky) and let it dry completely.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxDMiqxD38XUhtxFH01duXJm4dXMpq3ecDkXWa56cGsfWPgRyplNuU1TDIW78FWuwrd67DacuZtlcR3cwyO3I9PLurpDVCgEUWo5anUfvDAvizc4YRiyNzonLsUfm6CUQr9V9rirVzjCu/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxDMiqxD38XUhtxFH01duXJm4dXMpq3ecDkXWa56cGsfWPgRyplNuU1TDIW78FWuwrd67DacuZtlcR3cwyO3I9PLurpDVCgEUWo5anUfvDAvizc4YRiyNzonLsUfm6CUQr9V9rirVzjCu/s320/035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original thing of glitter with MUCH bigger! Just using this one for reference.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Sorry, there are no pictures for this process... remember, I didn't really think it would work? Well, I should have taken pictures anyway!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">First I laid down some newspapers because I tend to be messy. Then I smeared a pretty thick layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the switch plate. Be sure you get it all the way over to the edges. Then I sprinkled very liberally with glitter. The glitter pictured is NOT the size I used... maybe 4 x that much. Be sure you get glitter clear over to the edges (do you notice a reoccurring theme here?). I let that set for about 30 minutes before lightly tapping the loose glitter off. I recycled that glitter for switch plate #2. Then I let it dry overnight. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Once it's dry, I took it outside and sprayed it liberally with the clear polyurethane pictured. I bought the gloss, but it comes in matte too. Personal preference. Then I let it dry for at least 4 hours and sprayed it again. I did 3 coats of polyurethane and let the final coat dry overnight. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">That's it. We hung it and have been using it for over 6 months now with no signs of wear and tear at all. </span> </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Glitter comes in a variety of colors, and if you wanted to go crazy you could even do a design (thinking stripes or chevron would be cute). And if you're like me, and love crafts and have girls, you probably even have all the supplies on hand, which makes it even better.</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-73914899622973677942012-05-07T08:18:00.000-05:002012-05-07T08:28:30.986-05:00Meal Planning Monday in PodunkContinuing what I started two weeks ago, I will again be participating in Meal Planning Monday, over at "<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/menu-plan-monday-april-3012.html" target="_blank">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>". You should really go visit her - TONS of menu ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQZBU2GNdSlGACRzTW4p4dR3Bu6zwToqtQ9vELFywPruNbGOZJSTigRYxkzu3DsrzNy69Nzf0Q4QZiYEtIff7FfIwMLaQkElpkGde_N2djkFOSwwMOO4wwoWINckn2mxJY6FWusneV51n/s1600/greenmpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQZBU2GNdSlGACRzTW4p4dR3Bu6zwToqtQ9vELFywPruNbGOZJSTigRYxkzu3DsrzNy69Nzf0Q4QZiYEtIff7FfIwMLaQkElpkGde_N2djkFOSwwMOO4wwoWINckn2mxJY6FWusneV51n/s1600/greenmpm.jpg" /></a></div>
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First, let me start by telling you about the recipe from last week that is getting added to the rotation, and the one that I'm probably never going to make again.<br />
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The clear winner was Sunday brunch with <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/Bacon-Egg-Cheese-Biscuit-Casserole-Clinton-Kelly?cid=facebook-chewclintonbreakfastcasserole" target="_blank">Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole</a>. I did use my own biscuit recipe, but this one is a winner. I did not make it the night before, and next time I will as it's a little time consuming, but sooooo worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXyf70vqHi67S62ACerZ4m_d_GPBkqr0UI4wDUiLXUeLfme-i1QZ6yOhWYE8rlmcXttYG6yBfbCLA5un0rRV4h6s4jDuPag4_QdxVgLL4rGq8toPpPy_KZJ2CfsJhxXVjtoePaq2HOTbp/s1600/IMG-20120506-00009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXyf70vqHi67S62ACerZ4m_d_GPBkqr0UI4wDUiLXUeLfme-i1QZ6yOhWYE8rlmcXttYG6yBfbCLA5un0rRV4h6s4jDuPag4_QdxVgLL4rGq8toPpPy_KZJ2CfsJhxXVjtoePaq2HOTbp/s320/IMG-20120506-00009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZmQIQQ6pAcdOQA-earEWLxalsY5M_lAB0ELo1JxZ6lcb_bvPCpQz-ksnL8n0fqeUHpVGGROUS2AZyhG215PhkFaMJI51hyRqv7hevrBxcLQGSwG63-4B6LEqgi5pG6CS3BQv1GVllZOx/s1600/IMG-20120506-00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZmQIQQ6pAcdOQA-earEWLxalsY5M_lAB0ELo1JxZ6lcb_bvPCpQz-ksnL8n0fqeUHpVGGROUS2AZyhG215PhkFaMJI51hyRqv7hevrBxcLQGSwG63-4B6LEqgi5pG6CS3BQv1GVllZOx/s320/IMG-20120506-00010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The one that I will not make again was the <a href="http://www.jaseyscrazydaisy.com/2012/02/snickers-brownies.html" target="_blank">Snickers Brownies</a>. You will need to love crazy, ridiculously SWEET things for this recipe. We are a chocolate, caramel loving bunch here, and it was just too sweet (for us). <br />
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This week, we have family coming to town, and DD#2 graduates from high school on Thursday. Also, I have lots of leftovers in the fridge to use up, as well as one recipe from last week that I didn't make as we had a last minute school function to attend that included dinner. <br />
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Sunday - <a href="http://nutmegnotebook.com/2011/06/chipotle-chicken-taco-salad-2/" target="_blank">Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad</a> {P}, Chips & Salsa<br />
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Monday - Grilled Burgers, Potato Salad and Brussel Sprouts (cooked on the grill in aluminum foil)<br />
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Tuesday - Grilled BBQ Pork Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli<br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Pasta" target="_blank">Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta</a>, French bread<br />
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Thursday - graduation night - Carry-out Pizza, Chips & Salsa, and graduation cake<br />
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Friday - <a href="http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/05/perfect-day.html" target="_blank">Monterey Chicken</a> {P}(on the grill in foil instead of oven), <a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/01/crack-potatoes.html" target="_blank">Hash Brown Casserole</a> {P}, Mad Hatter Salad<br />
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Saturday - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, French Bread<br />
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{P} = found it on Pinterest<br />
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This is going to be a crazy, busy, fun week in Podunk. Hope you enjoy what's for dinner!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-86711115963975897162012-05-06T21:25:00.002-05:002012-05-06T21:25:23.667-05:00Give a pig a cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgLb1p1b7rE/T5xEhNUm-4I/AAAAAAAAAeo/wTqOr4eqx_o/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgLb1p1b7rE/T5xEhNUm-4I/AAAAAAAAAeo/wTqOr4eqx_o/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a tough job, being a pig in Podunk. Lot's of sitting and thinking.</div>
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Sometimes it involves standing and sniffing the air.</div>
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Or curling up with your friend the calf and taking a nap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOPvPb6-pJVwIo2GKPP_u_TLLq1mDqsEGTus6h9Lv96qGEfrP4moMtO1vRsuZhOmyQBev0svzt31yHPxcPrGeeUlxfl5O-2szYE24ZTeq6nP_72ze-ns6NGVFKpVb4SCME6tPuszwaDRE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOPvPb6-pJVwIo2GKPP_u_TLLq1mDqsEGTus6h9Lv96qGEfrP4moMtO1vRsuZhOmyQBev0svzt31yHPxcPrGeeUlxfl5O-2szYE24ZTeq6nP_72ze-ns6NGVFKpVb4SCME6tPuszwaDRE/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But occasionally, it involves going to a petting zoo. </div>
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The petting zoo is where we found out the pig likes cookies. A nice lady shared her chocolate chip cookies with the pig. When we got home I decided to bake the pig and her buddies, Chica, the calf and Rooster some cookies for being so great with the little kids. I decided against chocolate chip - I know dogs can't have chocolate, so I reasoned livestock in general probably shouldn't either.</div>
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Time to pull out the Betty Crocker cookbook. I'm sure when Betty was writing her recipe for Oatmeal cookies, she didn't ever envision them to be pig cookies, but the pig thinks Betty did a pretty good job. </div>
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I made them pretty small, around an 1" in size - just one bite for a pig. She loves them! And them meet standards for feeding animals here in Podunk...all natural, no hormones, no antibiotics and multi-species. The calf and Rooster will eat them, but don't go crazy for them like the pig. <br />
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One of the horses of Podunk likes them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4htj2Iy4dsTK9RyT6AjGONcBRBJD5HiCUWxtJmWjEuxYXG0JEWuSoNeHDO5mzxbol3_NUsHbQhBk06zYVOgYk8uo6tCJyZL2eG-ztOP-sa5zjd9lkdH3URhrq26L-QnBuEjS2DXmnozt/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4htj2Iy4dsTK9RyT6AjGONcBRBJD5HiCUWxtJmWjEuxYXG0JEWuSoNeHDO5mzxbol3_NUsHbQhBk06zYVOgYk8uo6tCJyZL2eG-ztOP-sa5zjd9lkdH3URhrq26L-QnBuEjS2DXmnozt/s320/125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One took a cookie and then spit it out, </div>
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and the third one just turned up her nose at the entire idea of eating a "pig" cookie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYevxrt2sBbh5bg-drlDe4jWjf4UjHNC7WvY9szrs0zY1b8NbjoY04dt876qdSgX-Lx47VwzKgAKcph8v1NSL-FaFEDob-5aXDP30Ilou2TQvIXwFitqz1FnEJOamGMTYycJS_AMu-mQ2_/s1600/497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYevxrt2sBbh5bg-drlDe4jWjf4UjHNC7WvY9szrs0zY1b8NbjoY04dt876qdSgX-Lx47VwzKgAKcph8v1NSL-FaFEDob-5aXDP30Ilou2TQvIXwFitqz1FnEJOamGMTYycJS_AMu-mQ2_/s320/497.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The pig is pretty excited that she doesn't have to share.</div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-56881762178219775272012-05-06T20:05:00.001-05:002012-05-07T08:27:39.040-05:00Egg Rolls Because I Can!I am a huge fan of the egg roll. Something about the crunchy outside, and the warm and slightly crunchy veggie inside, and of course, the dipping sauce. YUM. <br />
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Friday, on my revamped weekly menu called for Bourbon Chicken and Egg rolls. Sometimes I buy egg rolls, but this time I had purchased the ingredients to make egg rolls. I am trying to find any reason to use my new kitchen gadget, the <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/05/it-slices-it-dices-it-makes-julienne.html" target="_blank">Chop 'N Prep</a>. I love this little thing! <br />
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I don't have an official "recipe" for egg rolls. In my mind, it's a bit of a "wing it" sort of food. For the purposes of this blog, I've attempted to capture the steps, and will give approximate quantities (but no promises here!). <br />
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You will need to start with egg roll wrappers (one package). If you have never purchased them before, they can be found in the refrigerated produce section. DD#3 went grocery shopping with me last week, and had no idea where to find them. She could simply not believe that was where the grocery store "hid" them. I asked her where they should be, she just shrugged, and said "well, not there."<br />
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Next, for my egg rolls, I used about 1/2 a small head of cabbage, one carrot and four mushrooms. <br />
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Using my Chop "N Prep, I chopped them up into little pieces (no kidding, little pieces!).</div>
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And I almost forgot, half of a yellow onion. You can add any other vegetables you want. If you want spicy egg rolls, add a jalapeno. If you have some vegetables you need to use, add them. No right or wrong combination - I think the only necessity is the cabbage. </div>
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If you don't want to chop up all this stuff, because you don't have a fun little kitchen gadget, or because you are short on time, or just because, buy a bag of coleslaw mix and add a diced onion.</div>
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Normally, I would use some ground pork or small shrimp as the meat in the egg rolls. This time, I had a leftover grilled chicken breast. I chopped it up and added it to the vegetables. You can also just make these veggie.</div>
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Then I added about 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil (I like sesame, so you might want 1tbsp), 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp sugar, and a little salt. I'm trying to cut back on salt, so just do a taste test for the salt. </div>
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Lay out an egg roll wrapper so it looks like a diamond, and put about 1/3 cup or so in the middle of the wrapper.</div>
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Then fold the bottom point up over the mixture.</div>
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Then the right and the left sides in so it looks like a little envelope.</div>
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Wet your fingers with water, and moisten the flap (just like an envelope) and roll from the bottom to the top.</div>
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Heat at least 2" of oil (peanut is preferred, but canola is OK too) to about 300 degrees. I don't think I every really check the temperature, instead I cut a tiny piece of egg roll wrapper off and drop it in the oil. If is starts to fry, it's hot enough. If the wrapper sinks to the bottom of the oil, it's not hot enough yet. This is the medium setting on my electric stove, preheated for about 10 minutes.<br />
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Fry for about 2 minutes per side, rolling the egg roll over in the oil to get an even fry. Good luck with this one. Sometimes they stay rolled over, and sometimes they are stubborn. Just trying to get an even brown.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please don't judge the dirty stove top!</td></tr>
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Place a couple of paper towels on a place, and CAREFULLY remove the egg roll from the HOT oil. If your kiddos are helping make these, this is an adult step! <br />
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I got this one a little too brown - taking pictures, I forgot to get out the paper towels! But trust me, it was still delicious! <br />
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Make or purchase your favorite dipping sauce. Serve hot. Enjoy!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-69330124214241912882012-05-04T15:10:00.001-05:002012-05-04T15:12:02.475-05:00PIllow Case Dress<span style="color: #660000;">Pillow case dresses for little girls are all the rage this year, at least if I go by what I see on Pinterest. I'm sure Pinterest would never lie. I've pinned several different ones I want to make, and have successfully made two already for the grandbaby P. P is 7 months old right now, so a dress and diaper cover for someone her size takes about a 1/2 yard of fabric. I bought some seersucker fabric that was on sale, along with one package of double fold bias tape, and a package of jumbo rick rack.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi7g6VZUztGBTOYFhIONP7UA6wtRaMyPs_UToAUpXRanr2zGtfVKnVqMHj3KYIAZQ973TpDj7i6-NPTfMZzR6iYVFepQ1q35sXmK9SRTEf_1Qkz0a8rS1bz77_4JSGw8XJ-kxBLlPrPCw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi7g6VZUztGBTOYFhIONP7UA6wtRaMyPs_UToAUpXRanr2zGtfVKnVqMHj3KYIAZQ973TpDj7i6-NPTfMZzR6iYVFepQ1q35sXmK9SRTEf_1Qkz0a8rS1bz77_4JSGw8XJ-kxBLlPrPCw/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Because there aren't many patterns for a pillow case dress, you can just make your own pattern. Don't panic, I'll show you how. First, get a dress that fits (sleeveless is best), or is maybe just a touch too big. This will be your pattern. Fold your fabric in half and lay your dress on the fabric. If you are making a diaper cover too, be sure you lay those pieces out as well. I found my diaper cover pattern over at "<a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/category/baby" target="_blank">Make It and Love It</a>". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Start with the top of the dress (the shoulders) at the top of your fabric. This will allow you enough extra for the seam allowance at the top. Then just cut a rectangle, the same width as the bottom of the skirt.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Next, you are going to cut out the arm holes. Again, don't panic, you have a pattern. Just slide the dress over so the top of the shoulder of the dress is touching the top of your fabric, and the under arm is touching the side of the fabric. Now, carefully, without cutting your dress, cut out the arm holes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Do that same thing to the other side. Your pattern is cut out! Now, the real fun begins!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Top stitch or serge the top of the dress pieces and the arm holes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Now, lay your two pieces side by side, sided touching and pull out your jumbo rick rack (or ribbon, or whatever you are going to embellish with). Lay this across both pieces - one long piece - and pin in place.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">That is my little secret to making these match up on the dress, and trust me, I've have my share of ones not match up! If yours don't match up in the end, don't worry, this dress is going on a <em>moving </em>baby, and she's not gonna care :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Top stitch this onto your fabric, then with right sides together, sew the dress sides together, making sure the rick rack matches. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Then, using your bias tape, pin it around your arm holes. It's kind of like filling a taco shell, put the dress fabric in between the two layers of bias tape and pin. Do this to both arms, then top stitch in place. Bias tape is kind of stretchy, and will form around the curve of your arm just fine.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Fold down the top of the dress to form the casing for your ribbon, which will become your dress straps. How far you fold it depends on the ribbon you will be using. I folded mine down about 1 1/4". Then stitch 1/4" from the bottom (serged) edge. Do this to both sides. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Now, it's time to hem your dress. I serged the bottom of the dress. You can zigzag the bottom too. Then I fold the material up about 1/4 to 1/2" and topstitch in place. I used a zigzag top stitch, but you can use a straight stitch, or a decorative stitch too. Your sewing is complete! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Only one final step, and that's to run the ribbon through your casing at the top of the dress. Start at the left hand side back of the dress, coming out the back right side, then threw through the right side front of the dress, coming out the front left side. Tie the two ends of your ribbon is a bow, leaving enough room for little arms to fit into and give a little extra for some growing room. This dress can be a sun top with shorts next year. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Admire your work and go eat a cookie! You deserve it. </span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-16073527564120230462012-05-04T13:57:00.000-05:002012-05-04T13:57:24.300-05:00The Ducks are CRAZY!<span style="color: #660000;">I think I mentioned (or I meant to mention) a few months back that DD#3 brought home 3 baby ducks from an auction. At the time, we weren't even 100% sure they were ducks. We thought they might be geese. Clearly we are not poultry people here. They lived on my sun room in a giant rubbermaid container for a few days until we could build a duck corral. They moved to the duck corral and they stayed there during the day, and came back into the sun room and the giant container at night so they wouldn't be cold. They started living in the duck corral full time about a month ago. The duck corral has a water hydrant that leaks in the middle of it, so we put a large pan under it, and the ducks have a little pond in their corral. They love it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The crazy part - I really am getting there. So just earlier this week, we decided that the duck corral was getting a bit small for them full time, and we opened the gate for them during the day. The first day, they never came out of the duck corral. Apparently ducks are chicken! (A little poultry humor on a Friday!) The second day, they came out, but got scared by the dog, who just wanted to sniff their butts. It's a dog thing, but it certainly is NOT a duck thing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Finally, the rest of the week, they have been roaming free in the back <strike>forest</strike> yard, eating bugs, swimming in the dogs water dish, swimming in the puddles in my driveway, trying to swim in the cat's water (only one foot can fit in there) and being CRAZY! They have figured out that the duck food is in the sun room, and peck on the windows to get fed. And when I say peck, I think they have really built a catapult somewhere in my backyard and are flinging each other into my windows. A few times I've gone running to see what just happened, and they are always just standing there, on my patio, ever so meekly, wagging their little duck tail feathers. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">And then I feed them and they stop being crazy.</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-50170667759091523202012-05-03T11:44:00.000-05:002012-05-03T11:45:09.822-05:00Flexibility<span style="color: #660000;">I've mentioned before, that I am not a particularly organized person - I'm a want-to-be organized person. I am a work in progress, and some days are better than others. I am very proud that for the last two weeks, I've had a <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/04/meal-planning-in-podunk.html" target="_blank">meal plan</a>, and used it! I have also found the time to do a few things around the house that I've been putting off and gotten in the habit of checking my calendar every night before I go to bed, so I know what the next day will hold. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">That being said, when you have teenagers, s</span><span style="color: #660000;">ome days you just gotta go with the flow. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">This is the note that was next to my computer when I woke up. DD#3 wrote in sharpie, and DD#2 wrote in pen. Love notes, as it were. Do your teenagers leave you love notes? Apparently they did not know this last night before I went to bed - we are out of calf feed, pig feed and chicken feed and the calf is almost out of milk replacer. Oh, and I need this skirt fixed before 3:15 today, because there is an FFA banquet tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">There is no mention if I need to make something to take to the FFA banquet - I don't think the parents of seniors bring anything, but we have a sophomore too, so I'm going to guess they will spring that on me around 3pm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">In any case, between conference calls for my "real" job, I need to run to the feed store and pick up food for the animals and then fix the skirt. At least the skirt is an easy fix. I did need to change the <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-light-bulb-goes-off.html" target="_blank">menu board</a> to reflect the fact that we are not eating at home tonight. I love the fact that if I do need to take something, I know exactly what I will make! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I went to my new menu board and slid the <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/04/meal-planning-in-podunk.html" target="_blank">Bourbon chicken</a> down to tomorrow, and took off the <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Pasta" target="_blank">Bacon Cheeseburger pasta</a>. Flexibility. That's big in my world. </span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-32138454046392135372012-05-02T10:40:00.004-05:002012-05-03T09:47:24.592-05:00It Slices, It Dices, It Makes Julienne Fries!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">Meet my newest kitchen gadget. Maybe I exaggerate <strike>a lot</strike> just a touch in the post title, but this thing is NIFTY! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">It's a Tupperware <a href="http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app/!tw$shop.p_category?pv_ic_code=2000" target="_blank">Chop 'N Prep</a> (I love my tupperware) and my kids won it at a 4-H horse show! I like the horse show prizes, the kids, not so much! See the little white handle on the top of the lid? You pull it, just like starting a weed whacker, to chop up your vegetables - chop only (no slicing, dicing or julienne-ing. I just thought that was a catchy title). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">You put your vegetables in (or I guess it could be whatever kind of food you want chopped) and close the lid. It's kind of small (you get about a cup of the chopped whatever), but we'll call it fun sized. Then you pull the cord 5 or 6 or 10 times, and voila, chopped up stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I chopped up cabbage for these pictures, I'm going to make egg rolls later. DD#3 made fresh salsa last night in about 5 minutes, which we scarfed down in under 5 minutes! I am also going to try chopping up a leftover grilled chicken breast to make chicken salad for lunch today. This would be a great gadget for a younger child to be able to help in the kitchen. Self-contained - no mess and no chance of chopping off your fingers! Would also be great to take camping, no electricity required.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I am so excited about my new little chopper - I added it to a blog party over at "<a href="http://www.thejohansonjourney.com/" target="_blank">The Johanson Journey</a>". Go check it out! I say it's mine (even though the kids won it) since I'm sure I will be the one using it and washing it. Oh, and it's dishwasher safe too - at least when I ran it through the dishwasher it didn't fall apart or anything. The only down side to this (in my opinion) is the price <u><em>if</em></u> you have to buy it - retails for $45.00. Personally, I'm hoping there is another horse show soon with Tupperware prizes! </span><br />
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<br /> </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-11829626782998893082012-04-30T06:16:00.000-05:002012-04-30T20:43:25.594-05:00Meal Planning in PodunkContinuing what I started last week, I will again be participating in Meal Planning Monday, over at "<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/menu-plan-monday-april-3012.html" target="_blank">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>". You should really go visit her - TONS of menu ideas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/menu-plan-monday-april-3012.html" target="_blank">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a></td></tr>
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Sure made my life easier last week. I'll take every bit of easier I can get!</div>
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I started out by checking my local grocery store's weekly ads to see what was on sale. I gotta say, that for Podunk, our <a href="http://www.harterhouse.com/index.php" target="_blank">grocery store</a> is pretty great. Looks like a great deal on chicken breasts, hamburger and vegetables, so that is the foundation of this week's menu. I also kept in mind that our hens have started laying, and I have eggs that must get used, Cinco de Mayo is on Saturday, and finally, I have lots of recipes I've found on Pinterest that need to be tried! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of our free range hens</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoy!</div>
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Monday - Hamburgers, <a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/guaranteed-crispy-sweet-potato-fries-sriracha-mayo-dip/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato fries</a> {P}, deviled eggs (use those eggs!)<br />
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Tuesday - <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2423433-Spicy-Chicken-Rigatoni" target="_blank">Spicy Chicken Rigatoni</a> {P}, <a href="http://laurenkellynutrition.com/2012/04/09/my-tip-for-this-week-make-roasted-vegetables-for-different-meals-each-day/" target="_blank">roast vegetables</a> {P}, French Bread, <a href="http://www.jaseyscrazydaisy.com/2012/02/snickers-brownies.html" target="_blank">Snickers brownies</a> {P}<br />
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Wednesday - Breakfast - scrambled eggs (hens again), bacon and <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/09/vanilla-pudding-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon rolls</a>{P}<br />
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Thursday - Bourbon Chicken (see recipe below) and Egg rolls<br />
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Friday - <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Pasta" target="_blank">Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta</a>, <a href="http://laurenkellynutrition.com/2012/04/09/my-tip-for-this-week-make-roasted-vegetables-for-different-meals-each-day/" target="_blank">Roast vegetables</a> {P} French bread, <br />
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CINCO DE MAYO - <a href="http://mychocolatetherapy.blogspot.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Chicken Tacos</a> {CR}{P} Mexican Rice, <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/tres-leches-milk-cake/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">Tres Leches Cake</a> and Margaritas<br />
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Sunday - brunch - <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/Bacon-Egg-Cheese-Biscuit-Casserole-Clinton-Kelly?cid=facebook-chewclintonbreakfastcasserole" target="_blank">Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit casserole</a> {P} (more eggs!)<br />
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Sunday - dinner - <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/#!/2010/12/great-grilled-cheese.html" target="_blank">Grilled Cheese sandwiches</a> and Tomato basil soup {CR} (see recipe below)<br />
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{CR} = Crock pot<br />
{P} = Thank you, Pinterest<br />
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<u>Recipes</u><br />
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Bourbon Chicken - From Food.com<br />
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Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li>2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces</li>
<li>1 -2 tbsp olive oil</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, crushed</li>
<li>1/4 tsp ginger</li>
<li>3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes</li>
<li>1/4 cup apple juice</li>
<li>1/3 cup light brown sugar</li>
<li>2 tbsp ketchup</li>
<li>1 tbsp cider vinegar</li>
<li>1/2 cup water</li>
<li>1/3 cup soy sauce</li>
</ul>
Directions<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oil in large skillet.</li>
<li>Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly brown.</li>
<li>Remove chicken.</li>
<li>Add remaining ingredients, heating over medium heat until well mixed and dissolved.</li>
<li>Add chicken and bring to a hard boil.</li>
<li>Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Serve over hot rice and ENJOY.</li>
</ol>
***NOTE: I usually add some fresh vegetables (broccoli, peppers, sugar snap peas) the last 10 minutes of simmer for some additional nutritional value.<br />
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2 cans (14.5oz) crushed tomatoes (I also like fire roasted diced tomatoes)<br />
12 fresh basil leaves (may use dried basil, or Italian seasoning, about 2 tbsp)<br />
1 cup heavy cream<br />
2 tbsp unsalted butter<br />
Salt to taste<br />
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper<br />
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Pour tomatoes into small crock pot on low for 2 - 3 hours. Puree, with the basil leaves, in small batches, in blender or food processor. Return to crock pot and add cream, butter, salt and pepper, cover and cook on low another hour or until ready to serve. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with your favorite bread.<br />
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-33809364115574361572012-04-28T20:00:00.000-05:002012-04-28T20:37:22.448-05:00The "Art" of procrastination.<span style="color: #660000;">Our best friend's daughter K is going to have a baby. We've known K since she was maybe 3 or 4 years old, and have watched her grow up, to to college, move off, come back, go back to college again, move off, and move back. Typical 20's stuff. Around Christmas, she and TJ announced they were going to be parents, and our friends are pretty excited. This will make grand baby #3 for them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">K's baby shower was Saturday, and while I had the best intentions, when I woke up on Saturday morning, her present wasn't done. Well, to be perfectly truthful here, it wasn't even started! While this might throw most people into some sort of panic, I just looked at the fabric (which I had purchased on Monday, and washed on Tuesday) and went and made come coffee. The shower didn't start until 1:30pm.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I started in earnest, cutting out the fabric about 9am, right after DD#2 and DD#3 left for a 4-H function. I had decided to make here some <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" target="_blank">baprons</a> and some <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-contoured-burp-cloths.html" target="_blank">burp cloths</a>, matching of course, and in her jungle nursery themed fabric. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Fabric found at Hobby Lobby</span></td></tr>
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I had decided to make her 3 of both, so I cut 3 bapron pieces from each of the fabric to make one bapron from the animal print, one from the green plaid, and one reversible. You can find this great pattern by visiting Jess at "<a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/technique-understanding-bias-and-making-bias-tape.html" target="_blank">Craftiness is not Optional</a>". If you haven't been over there she has tons of great patterns and tutorials and the most adorable baby ever!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut 3 from both fabrics</td></tr>
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Then I cut out the burp cloths. I found this great, super easy pattern at "<a href="http://cloud9fabrics.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-contoured-burp-cloths.html" target="_blank">Cloud 9 Fabrics</a>". I started out only going to make 3, but had just the right amount of fabric to make 4, so 4 it is. I didn't take pictures of that - kind of dull actually. <br />
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Now it's about 9:30am.</div>
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I started sewing. I didn't take pictures of that either (hard to sew and photograph). The burp cloths took about 30 minutes beginning to end (I do have a serger, your time may vary) including the top stitching that really makes them look nice.<br />
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Now it's about 10am. </div>
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I started on the baprons, and got the fronts and backs sewn together and was ready to started the bias tape trim when I suddenly remembered, when I purchased the fabric, I didn't pick up the bias tape. I rummaged through my stash of bias tape and had a dark brown and a lime green, enough for two bibs, so finished up the two bibs.<br />
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Now it's about 11am. </div>
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I've never made bias tape before, but I've read a couple of tutorials, so I pulled out my fabric stash, and found what I <strike>thought </strike> hoped would be enough to make bias tape. <br />
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Then I went and took a shower so my hair would have time to air dry. I MOST CERTAINLY did not take a picture of that! <br />
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Now it's about 11:30am. </div>
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I pulled out the iron, and the ironing board, and a ruler. DD#1 has my rotary cutter and mat, so the bias tape will have to be done the old fashioned way. I cut out 2" wide strips of fabric on the bias, and kept cutting until I <strike>thought</strike> hoped I had enough. I sewed all of my strips together, and then measured the strips - whew, just enough. Now, with my trusty iron and ironing board I ironed the double fold bias tape. I did not take pictures of that either. Hot iron, camera, fingers... I didn't see that turning out well. The good news is that the bias tape turned out perfectly. The really good news for you is that I can advise you to never make bias tape this way, instead go to the tutorial I found <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/technique-understanding-bias-and-making-bias-tape.html" target="_blank">here </a>and follow it. Dana at "MADE" explains it better than I ever could. I will be making all of my bias tape following her instructions from now on. Not one bit scary, now that I've done it.<br />
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Oh, and it's now noon.</div>
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I took my adorable brown gingham bias tape and finished bib #3.<br />
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It's 12:20pm.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle bib is reversible</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Entire jungle set</span></td></tr>
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I got out my gift bag and "wrapped" up the little jungle set, added the card, then straighted my hair and threw on a nice shirt (defined by me as anything not a t-shirt) and out the door. </div>
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It's now 1pm. </div>
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Short drive to the church where the shower is taking place. Walk in the door - it's 1:25pm.</div>
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Now that's the art of procrastination!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-9143968658488776442012-04-27T09:22:00.001-05:002012-04-27T09:23:26.520-05:00FFA petting zoo<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3PN2x442Ils5D3_hbYV6KjwSBYKAYsuzTD6O1JfGkOVacQ9Vg3jKJI8QzctqyxkPZJebYCVh7SRRxaXLm83vAdvNbh27qwA4sX0l_87e6dGwLv0h0-FPNVFJm4r4kucK59H8MjsPHNSe/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3PN2x442Ils5D3_hbYV6KjwSBYKAYsuzTD6O1JfGkOVacQ9Vg3jKJI8QzctqyxkPZJebYCVh7SRRxaXLm83vAdvNbh27qwA4sX0l_87e6dGwLv0h0-FPNVFJm4r4kucK59H8MjsPHNSe/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Rooster, the rooster.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Last night was the early childhood center's family fun night. For those of you not familiar with this, we are extremely fortunate in Podunk, that our school is growing, and has a thriving industrial park providing it's tax base. This enabled the school, 10 or so years ago to add an early childhood center, which is a daycare, pre-school and kindergarten all in one very nice building. Each month, they have family fun night for all those students and their parents and siblings, for FREE. Each month has a theme, and this month, the theme was "Farm Life" and our high school FFA (future farmers of America) members provided the petting zoo, and a few other activities. DD#2 and DD#3 are officers and spent the evening along with lots of other members, talking to, teaching and coaching (ie, pet them gently) a couple hundred little kids and their families.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Banjo the horse.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Banjo the horse along with the other horse, that I neither got a picture of, or learned it's name had a constant bunch of kids wanting to pet them and feed them (and probably ride them!). They were a petting zoo only, last night.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sam, the goat and Foxy the mini horse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Sam and Foxy drew plenty of attention too. Many, many kids fed both of them, and they never seemed to get tired of the attention. Foxy is probably the prettiest mini horse I have ever seen, and quite well mannered too. Hope she has a beautiful foal for the young lady that owns and loves her! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Feeding Sam</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I am not generally a big fan of goats, but this one may have changed my mind. She didn't smell (I suspect the young lady that owns her gave her a bath for this occasion) and had impeccable manners. She even led on a leash better than our dog. The perfect petting zoo goat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewdTEOUOfCuK6cASCEb42i609_B-esyeQwo2vJSrSM_W0SDsCIoWrgbNRkHPPJGY6j5tGWkw4UMyhxPkiffLsf8Jff89LCh5UukGbZ1_WHEfy3cj5RPz7irv_x-iF3SZBZk2HvK8FMIYq/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewdTEOUOfCuK6cASCEb42i609_B-esyeQwo2vJSrSM_W0SDsCIoWrgbNRkHPPJGY6j5tGWkw4UMyhxPkiffLsf8Jff89LCh5UukGbZ1_WHEfy3cj5RPz7irv_x-iF3SZBZk2HvK8FMIYq/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Foxy, the pregnant mini horse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">We also had ducks and young chickens, which were a source of fascination and many parents used the opportunity to have their little ones count them! The chicks were a little tough to count because they all look alike and they were always moving! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Whitey, Blanca and Bleach, the ducks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Another big hit was the group including the lamb, the pig and the bottle calf. The pig was not quite as thrilled as most of the other animals to go to the petting zoo. She was extremely vocal about not wanting to go! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Chica the calf and Bacon the pig.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Bacon, the pig, just chillin'</span> <br />
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Rooster is watching the action</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;">Even the adults liked the animals. The pig decided she liked being there after a really nice lady shared three of her chocolate chip cookies. The pig was sad when that lady walked off for sure. I'm thinking I may have to bake the pig some oatmeal cookies sometime today, I'm not really sure if pigs should have chocolate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">There were tractors, big and small, for the kids to climb on, and those were a huge hit! Not too many kids there had seen a "big" tractor. The other surprise hit, was the set of animal pens that had been set up, but not used (the goat could escape under them!). It was constantly full of little kids who climbed under, over and through it all night. The FFA kids laughed and said that next year, they should just bring pens! I thought it should have been labeled "unicorn".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Other FFA activities included a hay rack ride. OK, so it's not technically a hay rack, but the little kids thought it was fun anyway! I don't know who's dad was driving, but I heard he gave "awesome" rides! And </span><span style="color: #660000;">had an area for the kids to color farm pictures, and plant cucumber seeds to take home, and were promoting the upcoming FFA greenhouse auction.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The early childhood center volunteers had lots of games, like cattle roping with a cow made out of a box, and of course food, and door prizes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The big hit of the night was the Rooster. A last minute addition by DD#3. He's an outcast in our chicken yard, and he follows DD#3 around the yard like a dog. He does chores with her, he lets her pick him up, and he likes to be petted. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">He just wandered around all night, on his leash, letting every little kid pet him and never squawked or pecked or even acted like he cared. He fell asleep once when DD#3 was holding him, and was a complete gentleman when a little, little boy wanted to open his beak! He watched over the calf and the pig, and of course the baby chickens. By the end of the night, when we got home, and I carried him out to the chicken house, I think he was asleep before I got the coop door shut! That Rooster earned himself a long, long stay here in Podunk and probably a cookie or two as well!</span><br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-74459450338263014232012-04-25T14:33:00.002-05:002012-04-27T13:16:45.147-05:00When a light bulb goes off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">*** UPDATE - New and Improved Menu board - see bottom of post for additional details! Sometimes I even amaze myself! LOL.</span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">My new menu board!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had a moment when a light bulb just went off, and something you've been struggling with suddenly seems so simple? I'm not talking about world peace here, my issues in Podunk are much more minor than that, but issues none the less. Maybe I should call them annoyances rather than issues - you get the point.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to cook, but how to organize my recipes and recipe books and clipped recipes and pinned recipes and recipes in my head and on my computer drive me crazy. Crazy to the point that a few months back, before Christmas, when I was cleaning (this doesn't happen often!) I got completely fed up with my current non-system and threw the whole mess away. Well, not the whole mess, but a good portion. Some of the cookbooks I donated to the local DAV. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That leaves me with no system at all, which up until now, I've been OK with. In case you hadn't guessed, I'm not an organized person by nature. I am a want-to-be organized person, just sometime don't know where to start. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This led me to Pinterest (is anyone else addicted to this site? Of course you are, don't lie!) in search of ideas. The first one I found was wonderful, fabulous, spectacular from a blog </span><a href="http://robbygurlscreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">robbygurl</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - it just wasn't for me. Too organized (is there such a thing?) and too time consuming for me to think I would actually get it done. I see now where she sells them, so if you want to purchase one, I'm sure she would love to sell you one. I don't know her, but that would be my guess!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p-bRGaizZZ0nNi2HQ05468VTefHVu8MkW3-x_AVOuppdVcHU_H-HT4MBH6jz16SAqDBT7etN8BDV_4ELbTk-cs0zx9ZbEbPsJup45KOohi8OpAvy2tjdyNTRHBsYu7MH4sb6sRf-C2on/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p-bRGaizZZ0nNi2HQ05468VTefHVu8MkW3-x_AVOuppdVcHU_H-HT4MBH6jz16SAqDBT7etN8BDV_4ELbTk-cs0zx9ZbEbPsJup45KOohi8OpAvy2tjdyNTRHBsYu7MH4sb6sRf-C2on/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">picture from </span><a href="http://robbygurlscreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">robbygurl </span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #660000;">Then I found another organizing idea on Pinterest, this time from a blog called <a href="http://thehomesihavemade.blogspot.com/2012/02/magnetic-menu-board-part-1.html" target="_blank">The homes I have made</a>, which I think is great. She saw the board from robbygurl on Pinterest too! Her recipe calendar is a little simpler (which I liked) and still colorful and easy to manage. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdCbW3oNlA6zA0hpgqCDL6bEtdXVSDk_Xtyn7fN0U3cKa1qTKR9y5fQoS8AX9S4EIfTigSUB29gO3d76emlAiqU8OAWcdd5AQojv7rCBqC3QjFgmi4VzUn2OUFgjlb2_z5wXFGJ5FqgC_/s1600/Menu_Board-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdCbW3oNlA6zA0hpgqCDL6bEtdXVSDk_Xtyn7fN0U3cKa1qTKR9y5fQoS8AX9S4EIfTigSUB29gO3d76emlAiqU8OAWcdd5AQojv7rCBqC3QjFgmi4VzUn2OUFgjlb2_z5wXFGJ5FqgC_/s320/Menu_Board-002.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">picture from </span><a href="http://thehomesihavemade.blogspot.com/2012/02/magnetic-menu-board-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Homes I Have Made</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it great? And the real beauty of this calendar is that it somewhat resembles how my recipes were organized way back when. I thought I might be able to manage something like this, but my one concern was that I just don't have any space in my kitchen for the calendar board. Plus, I'm kind of <strike>cheap</strike> frugal, and really didn't want to go out and buy a board if I didn't think I would use it long term.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did, however LOVE her idea to use magnets with the recipe names on the board. This is when the light bulb went off. I would do a weekly calendar (more manageable for me) and instead of using a special board, I would clear a spot on my refrigerator, and use the front of the fridge! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I happened to already have magnetic paper (did I mention I work for a paper company!) and I already had some 3 ring binders and clear page covers, so no need to run to the store for supplies, BONUS!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started with looking for a label template that I liked, and found an Avery template that fits labels 3261, 8257, 8760 and 8987 which are 30 up, and are about 1" x 2.5". I like the size, and very little wasted paper. Magnetic paper is not inexpensive! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started by typing in all the days of the week using a fun font. Gotta make it fun, right? Then I pulled out my recipe clear plastic tub (don't laugh! OK, maybe just a little) and started typing in names of my most used recipes/meals.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">clear plastic tub of recipes - what a mess!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not all of your meals need a recipe, right? For me that's stuff like fried rice (way to use up leftover meats) or spaghetti & meatballs ('cuz I buy the sauce and meatballs). You know what those meals are for you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">I also typed in all the days of the week. If you want, you could add "lunch" and "dinner" too. I'm generally the only one home for lunch, since I work from the house, but if a "lunch" menu helps you, by all means, add it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Once I was done with a sheet, it looked something like this:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Magnets</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really liked the colors that "The Homes I Have Made" used, but my printer was low on ink, and remember earlier I mentioned how <strike>cheap</strike> frugal I am? I figure I will dig out the markers later and maybe add a colored border. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I cut them apart, and headed to the fridge to see what they looked like. I had already planned my menu for this week, so it was easy to assemble, once I had cleared a spot of pictures and coupons and the such.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Fridge with a split personality!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I decided that I liked it, I took my recipes and began to put them into the clear sleeves and when I did that, I numbered the sleeves. Each recipe gets a number and I wrote the recipe number on the little magnet (if it had an actual recipe). This keeps all of my recipes in one 3 ring binder instead of needing several binders. If I find I need another binder, I will continue with the numbers, and just label the outside of the binder number 1 - 100, 101-200, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">I will eventually need to organize my magnets, but for now, they are going into a Ziploc bag. You know the kind with the label area on the outside, and I will sort them by entree, side, dessert and whatever other category makes sense to me. This is a bit of a work in progress, but one that I think I can manage. Yeah me!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">** UPDATE **</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I was going to start adding my colored borders, you know, like I mentioned above, with markers, but then suddenly, it hit me (not literally of course) scrapbooking paper! I have <strike>some</strike> a lot of unused, lone sheets of scrapbooking paper. I went rummaging thru my semi-organized file of scrapbook paper, and found 5 single sheets of paper that I liked for this project. Nothing too dark, I was afraid the type would show very well on paper that was too dark. Then I cut the sheets that were 12 x 12 down to the same size as the magnetic paper, which is 8.5 x 11. I used scissors, because there were only two sheets to cut, so I wasn't getting out the paper cutter for that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Then I printed my recipe/menu titles out. I didn't take time to sort them into categories before I printed this first sheet - I was excited to see if this would work, and look great. I'm inpatient that way!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Once printed, I pulled out the spray adhesive and a piece of newspaper. If you haven't used spray adhesive before, be sure to spray either outside with a piece of newspaper behind it, or inside with LOTS of newspaper behind it. This stuff is sticky - they aren't kidding about the adhesive part here people!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Spray it really well, because you will be cutting this into little rectangles, and you want this to stick. Once you have the back of your recipes/menu sprayed, stick it to the white side of your magnetic paper. I rubbed the top of the scrapbooking paper down really, really well on the magnetic paper, and then let it dry for a few minutes, before I cut them apart the little rectangles. They stuck just fine to the magnetic paper, and the true test, they stuck just fine to my fridge. No plain, white, boring menu board! I am pumped about the easy addition of color, and also about not having to pull out the markers. I am also pumped about finding some scrapbook paper with Chinese writing on it (why did I think I needed that originally?) and printing all of my Chinese recipes out on it! Yes, I'm officially a menu board nerd! :)</span><br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-38250160921953103692012-04-24T15:53:00.000-05:002012-05-18T15:42:58.641-05:00Grandma Sarah's Cupcakes<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*** If you are coming here from Simple Living by Diane Balch "<a href="http://simplelivingdianebalch.blogspot.com/search/label/Foodie%20Friday%20Linky" target="_blank">Foodie Friday</a>" welcome! If not, be sure to visit her for tons of great recipes! ***</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grandma Sarah is my mother in law, and she's probably the best cook I know. Not the fancy, never heard of the ingredients kind of cook, but the wow those are the best chocolate chip cookies I ever had kind of cook. She cooks with lard and bacon grease and butter and sugar and lots and lots of love. You will never go hungry at her house, or anywhere near her. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">She gave me this recipe when we got married, and I have made it many, many times. I don't think they ever taste as good at her's though. I have made them using a boxed mix for the cupcakes and then adding the filling when I'm in a hurry. I have even frosted them with a can of frosting from the store (something I am sure she would N.E.V.E.R. do). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Recipe</u></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Filling:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">8 oz cream cheese (soft)</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">pinch salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Mix and set aside.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Combine in large mixing bowl:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 1/2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1/4 cup chocolate drink mix</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 tsp baking soda</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uGgWgWryNw/T5cP3N2kJNI/AAAAAAAAAZM/yKRBwOHrzuU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uGgWgWryNw/T5cP3N2kJNI/AAAAAAAAAZM/yKRBwOHrzuU/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">add to dry ingredients in mixing bowl:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 cup water</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1/2 cup oil (canola)</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 Tbsp white vinegar</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">1 tsp vanilla.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Mix well with dry ingredients. Fill cupcake liners 1/2 full with cupcake mixture. Add a blop (directly from her recipe, "blop" maybe a tablespoon-ish) of filling in the middle of each cupcake. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Cool and frost with frosting of your choice. I usually frost with chocolate butter cream frosting, but this time, the request was for cream cheese frosting. I didn't argue...any reason to make cream cheese frosting is fine with me... yummmmm.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will not use up all the filling for one batch of cupcakes. You can refrigerate the filling up to a week (never lasted this long at my house!). I made a double batch of cupcake this time and came out with 34 regular size cupcakes and a little extra filling.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took them to school for DD#3 16th birthday, and both pans came back completely empty. Not that I am surprised! </span><br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-59293174234300213762012-04-23T17:22:00.002-05:002012-04-26T14:53:41.981-05:00Tomatoes, global bucket style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc8pGvcAqiI/T5XPbhRSIMI/AAAAAAAAAYU/lt2FYfKh9xk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc8pGvcAqiI/T5XPbhRSIMI/AAAAAAAAAYU/lt2FYfKh9xk/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Boy tomato</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little tomato patch is coming along quite nicely, even if I do say so myself (and I do) :) While I did not take pictures of how I planted them about 6 weeks ago (you can find a really nice video <a href="http://www.globalbuckets.org/" target="_blank">here</a> that is way better than what I would have done), I do have pictures of, not only the plants which are almost shoulder high to me, and I'm almost 6' tall, but an actual <u>TOMATO</u>!! Dare I mention that today is April 23rd? APRIL!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Cherry tomato</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">So far, these buckets are perfect. Because we have so much shade, I can move them around to get more sun. Something I just couldn't do with a conventional garden. Also, see the white PVC pipe sticking out? That's how I water them. There is a reservoir in the bottom bucket that wicks water up to the roots. Boy do they drink alot of water! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyfWBrl4nBs/T5XPr-Am-zI/AAAAAAAAAYs/NFxE7M9aR-0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyfWBrl4nBs/T5XPr-Am-zI/AAAAAAAAAYs/NFxE7M9aR-0/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the baby cherry tomatoes??</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe I already have a whole cluster of baby cherry tomatoes growing! Don't tell the chickens, I don't think they have noticed yet. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby Big Boy tomato<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">And one baby Big Boy tomato (the fuzzy thing in the middle of that picture!) about the size of a golf ball. I am beyond excited with my little bucket system. My herb garden is also growing great. I used some basil last week, and am going to use more on Wednesday when I make <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/04/menu-planning-in-podunk.html" target="_blank">baked spaghetti</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6AJi0UtdE/T5XR3qwmeXI/AAAAAAAAAY8/rVNRBk6KaVY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6AJi0UtdE/T5XR3qwmeXI/AAAAAAAAAY8/rVNRBk6KaVY/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">My little herb garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so excited to start getting fresh produce from the little mobile garden. I feel a caprese salad and some fresh salsa in my near future here in Podunk!</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-74575749203899696402012-04-23T08:13:00.000-05:002012-04-26T14:55:32.096-05:00Menu Planning in Podunk<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week in Podunk is going to be a busy week, not that every week isn't a busy week! I have been so <strike>lazy</strike> distracted lately that I have not been posting like I had planned, but that's got to change. And it's not because I have been lacking for content either! So, one of my favorite organizing blogs, "<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>" has <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Mondays</a>, and I have decided that this is exactly what I need to do for my upcoming week and to jump start my blog again :) My menu is simple, but simple is good, RIGHT??</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9o5A5KcApO3f91orOIa54JeKcjI3JRNJVa3H8zGVxXEVXeiWXPX7eDgPMedC6OLRD74eV8nGGeBSekDC8DGdIF0QUVyqDTXDAZ20HYbDUPbDxkkHaxBDGaBMbV3RMxu8pXu7nOZaHRwt/s1600/greenmpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9o5A5KcApO3f91orOIa54JeKcjI3JRNJVa3H8zGVxXEVXeiWXPX7eDgPMedC6OLRD74eV8nGGeBSekDC8DGdIF0QUVyqDTXDAZ20HYbDUPbDxkkHaxBDGaBMbV3RMxu8pXu7nOZaHRwt/s1600/greenmpm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Monday </u></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Activity: Dr appointment, grocery shopping and buy fabric for baby shower gift.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Dinner: Jambalaya (from zatarain's mix on sale at local grocery store) with smoked sausage and left over <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/dark-chocolate-cake-2496" target="_blank">birthday cake</a> for DD#2 birthday last week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Tuesday </u></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Activity: Another birthday (DD#3 will be 16!!). </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Dinner: Roast chicken (cheating and picking this up from Sam's) and mashed potatoes, and <a href="http://mylifeinpodunk.blogspot.com/2012/04/grandma-sarahs-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Grandma Sarah's cupcakes</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicks for the FFA petting zoo</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Wednesday</u> </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Activity: Pick up hay and fence for tomorrow's FFA petting zoo.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;">Dinner: <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/family-recipes/scooters-spaghetti" target="_blank">Baked Spaghetti</a> and French bread (I am hoping for leftovers for lunch the rest of the week.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby ducks for the FFA petting zoo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><u>Thursday </u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Activity: FFA petting zoo. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner: Fried rice, using leftover roast chicken.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby calf and baby pig for FFA petting zoo. They <3 each other!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Friday</u> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Activity: Finish <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" target="_blank">sewing gifts</a> for tomorrow's baby shower.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner: Tacos with </span><a href="http://selfreliancebyjamie.blogspot.com/2011/08/tis-seasonings.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">homemade taco seasoning</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXVrRiwcTrTtYhPVtXFDD3Y56lV7F-STtx9XYsWCo5N3gjQvlfW5VWCDZo6o9zo8qjlXnGT72bWtyqTfwnLtpZlSj56kWRcXAasmNrJGR4wvCxB-f8SMA5dy1lOm0KcVuAiU2D_G7PjGp/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXVrRiwcTrTtYhPVtXFDD3Y56lV7F-STtx9XYsWCo5N3gjQvlfW5VWCDZo6o9zo8qjlXnGT72bWtyqTfwnLtpZlSj56kWRcXAasmNrJGR4wvCxB-f8SMA5dy1lOm0KcVuAiU2D_G7PjGp/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DD#3 getting ready for FFA petting zoo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Saturday</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Activity: Friend's baby shower. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner: Pizza with </span><a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/cooking/how-to-make-the-best-pizza-dough/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">homemade pizza crust</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Sunday</u> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No Activity! Unless you count laundry and dishes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner: </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/133278470192377158/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crock pot southwest soup</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (from pinterest) and french bread. </span></span><br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-34707042450539305882012-03-07T10:44:00.000-06:002012-04-26T14:54:02.946-05:00A new DOG in Podunk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">Meet Lucky. She is the new DOG of Podunk.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2WnjjjQyQN0NXFxNyh3CXn_8UGf4NGHlGK9RaVcwgJnS1OKcds83PW4XoILb0B9PC8NmKAi2fZAS00wjq7Aq921Sh2sNV6s6gw9h-YIgWlJAw-7CpO0Rgfif0fnc6BAA8ghTTtkEGpa0/s1600/Dog+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2WnjjjQyQN0NXFxNyh3CXn_8UGf4NGHlGK9RaVcwgJnS1OKcds83PW4XoILb0B9PC8NmKAi2fZAS00wjq7Aq921Sh2sNV6s6gw9h-YIgWlJAw-7CpO0Rgfif0fnc6BAA8ghTTtkEGpa0/s320/Dog+004.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">We adopted (insert I was coerced by my daughters) her from the Humane Society last night. The daughters and I had gone to look on Saturday, and Monday (they are closed on Sunday) and again last night. We had the choices narrowed down to two when we left on Saturday. We went back on Monday to look again, and play with the two choices, and then again last night for one final test, the walk on a leash test. The daughters will be walking this dog ALOT!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Both dogs passed, but they decided on Lucky. The Humane Society identified her as a Newfoundland mix. She is full grown, and about 40 lbs, so I would have to guess the "mix" is more of what she is and the Newfoundland is less! According to a website I found on Newfoundland dogs, a female weighs 100 - 120lbs with a "calm disposition"... ummmm, no. The website also say Newfoundland dogs like water. We don't know if she likes water yet, but she does like to drink water. She has not met the Cows of Podunk yet, but there will certainly be pictures of that! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Ginger was our second choice and you can find her <a href="http://www.swh.org/09192011/site/dogs.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>. She is a red heeler mix, and would make someone an excellent companion. She had much less energy than Lucky. A really good thing in my book, but the daughters wanted a more "fun" dog. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">This is what the CAT of Podunk thinks of our newest addition.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Annie is NOT impressed, and wants to know when that "thing" is going back! What an evil stare she is giving the dog and me... mostly me. Then she walked away and circled back just to give the dog a look that spoke of her superior being status before walking away again!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Lucky wants to know when she gets to play with the cat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinMWhXNWNnih_4hMgzcKG7Dps6bbgEWb4fIIPiUVXPvIOPq73p0Uwtdg5ostuPK9_v0J-GssQPGgnl3dgXcCVpkkZCuND-TFKwlzEoM2n-w6M7ksfK9RUpalrEYMgEYDkqjbl19wTAsc1/s1600/Dog+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinMWhXNWNnih_4hMgzcKG7Dps6bbgEWb4fIIPiUVXPvIOPq73p0Uwtdg5ostuPK9_v0J-GssQPGgnl3dgXcCVpkkZCuND-TFKwlzEoM2n-w6M7ksfK9RUpalrEYMgEYDkqjbl19wTAsc1/s320/Dog+003.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"> The cat says never.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">On a lighter note, the dog (aka Lucky) needs a new and improved name. She doesn't recognize the current name anyway. We are taking suggestions. Humane Society names are so generic (although she may have come with the name, don't know). Ideas from the Daughters so far include Baylor and Bling. The hubby voted for "dog". Any great ideas??</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Complete side note: The daffodils are in bloom in Podunk! Spring is here.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-59951210117683653492012-03-04T13:23:00.000-06:002012-03-04T13:23:48.856-06:00A Garden in Podunk aka the Redneck Garden<span style="color: #660000;">The gardening bug has hit me full force, and for the last almost month, I have been on Pinterest and a number of gardening sites plotting my garden. STOP right now if you think this post will be insightful in any way! In fact, if I were the betting sort, I would wager that 50% of my plants will be dead in less than a month, that I will be lucky to pick one tomato grown by me, and that the farmers' market will be my primary source of fresh vegetables once again this year!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The two younger daughters and I went to Lowes to shop for plants yesterday. If I am telling the entire truth here, they only reluctantly agreed to come with me because I promised (and kept it) that we would go across the street to PetSmart after Lowes to look at a dog to adopt. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I brought home a blueberry bush, 6 strawberry plants and 10 strawberry roots, one rosemary, one cilantro, one basil and three tomato plants. I also purchased "gardening" soil, vermiculite and 4 5-gallon buckets. We did not bring home a dog... that saga will continue.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The fun began this morning... after watering each plant, I began the transplant. From <a href="http://www.finecraftguild.com/vertical-gardening/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FineCraftGuild+%28Fine+Craft+Guild+.com%29#axzz1lQIJdAFG" target="_blank">this</a> site, which I found via Pinterest, I built a tower herb garden. I used 6 diet Pepsi two liter bottles, duct tape (doesn't every project from Podunk need duct tape) and an exact-o knife. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I'm a little concerned about it tipping over with the wind here, but so far so good. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I am also wondering if the rosemary will get enough water. I've poured quite a bit in the top, and so far nothing has made it to the overflow at the bottom. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">My second completed project was to plant the strawberries in a Topy Turvy strawberry planter I bought last year on clearance for $1.00. I figured it was worth $1.00 to try it. If it works, I can make some more.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I ended up not having enough plants, because reading how many it would hold BEFORE going to Lowes yesterday would have resembled planning, and we simply can not have that! Daughter #3 thought I was putting too many plants in it anyway. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">The blueberry plant got planted in a large pot I have so it can be a container garden blueberry. If I were to plant it somewhere "permanent" I am sure the deer here would eat it before I get the chance to kill it. This one's all mine! I didn't take any pictures...it just looks like a stick at the moment. If I get leaves, I will take a picture, if it doesn't I will return it to Lowes for a refund!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">The tomatoes will have to wait until tomorrow. I ran out of soil (more lack of planning). They are going in the 5 gallon buckets, in a system called global buckets, I found <a href="http://www.globalbuckets.org/" target="_blank">here</a></span>. <span style="color: #660000;">Two teenage boys came up with this, so maybe, just maybe, I can get at least one tomato before I kill the plants. I am also going to try a pepper plant this way. Lowes did not have any pepper plants yet (lucky peppers). </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I will, of course, be bringing these plants into the sun room every night, until the nights are warm enough, but like I said, I have the gardening bug!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-65291105161553829552012-01-25T21:35:00.000-06:002012-01-25T21:35:41.009-06:0025 Cent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">For the last few weeks, my 3 daughters, granddaughter and I have been sharing some quality time, and making great memories on Sunday mornings with a new obsession of ours - THE 25 CENT SALE.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Our local thrift store has item with certain colored tags for 25 cents or 5 for $1.00. Amazing! Incredible! To quote one of my co-workers "you can't get anything for 25 cents". Oh, but you are wrong. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">This past weekend, here is what we got:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Fancy little basket - already holding the remote at DD#1's new house.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Two Jones New York sweaters for me. The gray is a long sleeve, and the pink on it exactly matches a scarf I just finished crocheting. The blue is short sleeved. Both are in perfect condition. I wore the gray one and the scarf to work today.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">An adorable skirt for DD#3 to wear for various school functions. If she only wears it once, I'm money ahead!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Two more baskets for DD #1 new house. No, the apples were not included, but by the time I got the pictures, the fruit was already in there and on her kitchen counter. The darker basket with a handle is now in her guest bath with wash cloths.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Three knit shirts of various sizes that I purchased to make bibs for Ms Paytan. The green one is Paul Frank. I am planning on using the "bapron" pattern that DD #1 found <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a></span> <span style="color: #660000;">via Pinterest. </span><span style="color: #660000;">It's such a cute pattern, with an even cuter baby model. I can't wait to make one (or actually several).</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Three great guys plaid shirts. One is Old Navy, one is Ralph Lauren, and one is Redhead (Bass Pro brand). I can't decide what exactly to do with these, but I love the colors. They will either become bibs for a little nephew (maybe not the pink one!), throw pillow covers, or rag quilt pieces. Maybe all three! DD#1 also bought 3 men's shirts that I didn't get a picture of, and they are already throw pillow covers.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Two light weight shirts to make little summer dresses and diaper covers for Ms Paytan. Thinking something lady bug from the black checked one, similar to<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/133278470192289627/" target="_blank"> this dress</a> I found on Pinterest.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">DD#1 bought 2 summer dresses (back row) and two summer tops.</span></div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">She also bought this simply darling little top. It is going to become a dress for Ms Paytan to wear to DD#2 high school graduation. Love the details, and while you can't tell very well from the picture, the buttons are sparkly. </span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttyMZ96BqdU/TyC_DTIheOI/AAAAAAAAAV8/znnmED2RpaI/s1600/100_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttyMZ96BqdU/TyC_DTIheOI/AAAAAAAAAV8/znnmED2RpaI/s320/100_1616.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">And certainly not least, a Carter's sundress</span> <span style="color: #660000;">in perfect condition. This one will have to go into a rubbermaid storage tub for next summer, but for 25 cents, DD#1 will happily store it.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">What I didn't take pictures of were the 6 throw pillows of different sizes that are all going to be recovered, a king size sheet that is going to become curtains for DD#1 guest bedroom, 2 sweatshirt that DD#2 is going to do something crafty to, a pair of jean shorts for DD#3, a picture frame and a gray, never been worn blazer for me to wear to work.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">In total, I spent $4.00 (this includes DD#2 and #3), and DD#1 spent $9.00. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Now, I must craft and sew everything I bought so we can go again next Sunday.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-13959773270099303242012-01-11T21:42:00.000-06:002012-01-11T21:42:04.899-06:00Crocheted bag from grocery bags - part 1<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I found a really sweet crocheted bag while surfing the net, <a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2012/1/perrins-starling-1.aspx" target="_blank">on this website</a>. I love it's shape, but something just didn't quite do it for me, but I bookmarked it. You just never know when inspiration will strike.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLyow2ofUFs/Tw5Kg3yjHEI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Kn9kOCOgI_k/s1600/starling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLyow2ofUFs/Tw5Kg3yjHEI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Kn9kOCOgI_k/s1600/starling.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;"> Then I found a really cool crocheted bag, made from recycled grocery bags on etsy, but I didnt' care for it's handles - plus I didn't want to buy one, I wanted to make one. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkGA4jrGZu8/Tw5Fsuov3SI/AAAAAAAAATM/rJ9PmhcqDSE/s1600/etsy+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkGA4jrGZu8/Tw5Fsuov3SI/AAAAAAAAATM/rJ9PmhcqDSE/s320/etsy+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I was working on Christmas gifts, and inspiration struck me one day as I was gathering up all of my plastic grocery bags to take them to the recycling center. Note: in Podunk, they don't pick up any recycling curbside, you must take it to them. Inconvenient.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Back to the inspiration... I decided to take the best of both worlds and see what happened. Since the recycled bag didn't come with any instructions (they wanted to sell it, not give me instructions) I had to make some guesses. Turns out, I guess pretty well!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I am going to make this post from here into 2 parts. This part is the prep, and the second part will be the actual creation part. If you feel the need to jump ahead, the website where I found the first bag has complete bag instructions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">First, you will need to gather approximately 50 plastic grocery bags. They need to be clean, so either wash the ones with the "stuff" stuck to the insides, or sort them until you have about 50. I chose to only use one variety of bag, the one from our local grocery store. I like the colors. You can mix and match if you like.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Once you have your grocery bags, you need to cut them up. For me this is the hardest part - not because it's actually hard, but because it takes a long time, and I am not a patient person. I am using a cutting mat with a rotary cutter. This is not essential, but it certainly makes it easier!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ygFIQtODq4/Tw5F9hCLoJI/AAAAAAAAATU/PpnUWThbSqg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ygFIQtODq4/Tw5F9hCLoJI/AAAAAAAAATU/PpnUWThbSqg/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I found that I can cut about 5 bags at a time with the rotary cutter, so I lay them out flat, and then fold them once and line up on my cutting mat and trim off the bottom.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZYcAxobP38/Tw5Gzw-sZ9I/AAAAAAAAATc/6qM3YnawEVM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZYcAxobP38/Tw5Gzw-sZ9I/AAAAAAAAATc/6qM3YnawEVM/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Then cut the rest of the bag, up to the handle portion into about 1" width strips.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCKoQpsDs5M/Tw5HKWXtmiI/AAAAAAAAATk/0D0Rumzam8g/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCKoQpsDs5M/Tw5HKWXtmiI/AAAAAAAAATk/0D0Rumzam8g/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Discard the handles and trimmed bottom. Add them to your recycling. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOAaxLWEcNk/Tw5HfZrt0OI/AAAAAAAAATs/sPLKjU8ixJw/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOAaxLWEcNk/Tw5HfZrt0OI/AAAAAAAAATs/sPLKjU8ixJw/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Put all the strips in a bag or a box, or in some way contain them. You are going to have a bunch, so you will want containment! Mine tended to have static cling, so I just threw a dryer sheet in with them and shook the bag a little.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZLBGJp5eA8/Tw5PXJB7MQI/AAAAAAAAAUE/UflksIRNevA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZLBGJp5eA8/Tw5PXJB7MQI/AAAAAAAAAUE/UflksIRNevA/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Once you have them all cut, you need to string them together to make you "ball of yarn" that you will crochet with. This takes a while too... hang in there, the fun is just around the corner.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;"> First open up one loop.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A92LF3iw3v0/Tw5QTY_q9aI/AAAAAAAAAUM/iJ9kIpHKPC4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A92LF3iw3v0/Tw5QTY_q9aI/AAAAAAAAAUM/iJ9kIpHKPC4/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Then take a second loop and make a slip knot with it through the first loop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnnR-iC6S6A/Tw5Q36Afw8I/AAAAAAAAAUU/tTf1Y-h1Gh0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnnR-iC6S6A/Tw5Q36Afw8I/AAAAAAAAAUU/tTf1Y-h1Gh0/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">And pull until snug... not too tight or you will break one of the loops, but you also want your knot to be small, or that will cause you challenges when you start to crochet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-926HMRhAn-0/Tw5RlSJNYSI/AAAAAAAAAUc/l59Pu37As_8/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-926HMRhAn-0/Tw5RlSJNYSI/AAAAAAAAAUc/l59Pu37As_8/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">Continue looping together until all your strips are one LONG string. You will want to either roll it into a ball or have some sort of containment. Daughter #1 uses a paper grocery bag, but you can use whatever you have handy.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LDWAaOH--E/Tw5SYvu-QlI/AAAAAAAAAUk/O5aslQWQc7g/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LDWAaOH--E/Tw5SYvu-QlI/AAAAAAAAAUk/O5aslQWQc7g/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #660000;">Once you get finished, kick back and relax. The hard part is done. See you again in Part 2.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-51758244089013635092012-01-11T14:25:00.000-06:002012-01-11T14:25:36.458-06:00My New Fat Quarters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I found this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/133278470192216428/" target="_blank">quilt</a> that I simply LOVE on Pinterest. So basic, but so colorful.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnwg468bHR0/Tw3rL52fDXI/AAAAAAAAASs/DGISBOK3H_g/s1600/4450817651_be8c5538df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnwg468bHR0/Tw3rL52fDXI/AAAAAAAAASs/DGISBOK3H_g/s320/4450817651_be8c5538df.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">And I followed the link off of Pinterest to a blog called <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/colorbrick-beginners-quilt-along.html" target="_blank">Stitched in Color</a>. She has a whole tutorial on how to make this quilt. At first I was thinking "what a great idea for my scraps", and in fact I think that's what I said on my pin.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">But then, I remembered that I have a nephew due in February, and this would be an easy baby quilt to make. Only problem was I wanted some really great farm/boy fabric, and the "box" fabric stores near Podunk just don't have the best selection. So, I followed the advise on the blog, and visited her advertisers... isn't that what all bloggers want you to do anyway?</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I found this great fabric, in fat quarters, just as her blog suggested.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JiSniFMwSc/Tw3rW7_4sEI/AAAAAAAAAS0/yNYTDgI57B8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JiSniFMwSc/Tw3rW7_4sEI/AAAAAAAAAS0/yNYTDgI57B8/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I</span><span style="color: #660000;">sn't it fabulous? Lots of tiny cows and sheep and pigs and tractors. Just what a little boy needs. And more than enough to make this quilt with! I might even have scraps left over to make bibs out of.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU76oU46w7k/Tw3rqHj1m1I/AAAAAAAAATE/99Zk7E_BiA4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU76oU46w7k/Tw3rqHj1m1I/AAAAAAAAATE/99Zk7E_BiA4/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I ordered it on a Friday. They shipped it on the same day, and I got in on Tuesday.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y0abyFUQuE/Tw3rgATzDMI/AAAAAAAAAS8/xe8GadSvJRg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y0abyFUQuE/Tw3rgATzDMI/AAAAAAAAAS8/xe8GadSvJRg/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I highly recommend ordering online! It was so easy. I will be doing it again. I got this fabric from <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=235214856222352&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=56916&Parent_Ids=" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Shop</a>. I will be posting pictures of the quilt when I'm done. I will, however, be making one slight change to the original instructions - I will be sending this off to get machine quilted. I've tried to quilt them myself, and it always comes out looking like a herd of monkeys did the quilting! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">No monkey quilting for the new nephew!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-33214764420891086262012-01-10T19:20:00.000-06:002012-01-10T19:20:24.513-06:00Pinterest<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Is anyone else addicted to Pinterest? I know you're out there... I suspect there are many of us! I hope. PLEASE let there be someone else. PLEASE. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I would like to say that I am taking part in the 12 step program to kick this addiction, but I'm not. I like this addiction, and I don't WANT to kick it. In the interest of full disclosure, I do think that recognizing you have an addiction is the first step.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here's what I've made... so far!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0-X_4EogwA/TwzLKm_Jv5I/AAAAAAAAAR8/v3SNp3v5OGw/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0-X_4EogwA/TwzLKm_Jv5I/AAAAAAAAAR8/v3SNp3v5OGw/s320/108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I have made sugar hand scrub before. I found my first recipe <a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/house/crafts/make-your-own-brown-sugar-scrub/" target="_blank">here</a>, on the Chickens in the Road blog (one of my very favorites). But then on Pinterest, there were so many scents and combinations I had never thought of before. Perhaps for good reason. I "created" the peppermint sugar scrub picture all by myself. BAD idea. It smells amazing. It looks amazing. This problem is after sitting for a week to give for Christmas presents, the stuff turned into a solid chunk, and I had to throw it out. I will stick to the tried and true recipes. The ones I eventually used are <a href="http://www.inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, but they are really everywhere.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7S-3ZGfImg/TwzK5kEKFFI/AAAAAAAAAR0/4YYO-ivF32A/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7S-3ZGfImg/TwzK5kEKFFI/AAAAAAAAAR0/4YYO-ivF32A/s320/110.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">The girls were needing Christmas presents for the FFA gift exchange, and these redneck wine glasses were so cute, but in the store they are like $14.99! No way, but on Pinterest, I spent $2.00 per glass plus the candy and eventual ribbon that was added. Everyone that didn't get one was jealous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhhX0gmPky7JJIpia2mSTBcG1jn2dN4u8b62FHr-VUnjuJ9PlfwdVSBZa7JYjYBGx0lph0YPP_9-aDPIrwuHiz2vN10ceUlaet8U9tEVbxiYRowRVFU-IEkutVdgl0NliU9-t0s93FK-P0j/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX0gmPky7JJIpia2mSTBcG1jn2dN4u8b62FHr-VUnjuJ9PlfwdVSBZa7JYjYBGx0lph0YPP_9-aDPIrwuHiz2vN10ceUlaet8U9tEVbxiYRowRVFU-IEkutVdgl0NliU9-t0s93FK-P0j/s320/105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">We always try to make a special Christmas present for the couple that got us started in cows. This year we made custom coasters and glasses etched with their farm name. The calf on the coaster is the first calf we bought from them. We did 6 coasters with 6 pictures of their different cow. I didn't get a picture of the glasses, but I also did some glass etching for me.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0H7xo3C8d8/TwzLqiCOsEI/AAAAAAAAASM/AB95kvx2WvE/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0H7xo3C8d8/TwzLqiCOsEI/AAAAAAAAASM/AB95kvx2WvE/s320/104.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">I borrowed a friend's cricut to cut the "B" out of vinyl. It worked amazingly! I made a ton of glass etched Christmas presents, and so did daughter #1. Now I want a cricut!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PteUpLuAEFE/TwzL2q6zNHI/AAAAAAAAASU/4EMOHGDr13U/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PteUpLuAEFE/TwzL2q6zNHI/AAAAAAAAASU/4EMOHGDr13U/s320/102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">These lovely little things are crocheted braclets. I made one for all the girls for stocking stuffers. The Pinterest link went to an Etsy shop, and they wanted $28.00 for one. I just used my smallest crochet hook (which ironically I realized later was label "Loreal" lol) and chained a bunch of stitches (I just wrapped it around my wrist to determine how long) and then single crocheted two rows, added a button, and walla, stocking stuffer.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tUph_3sJNQ/TwzMGCiofyI/AAAAAAAAASc/bTpYducgYZE/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tUph_3sJNQ/TwzMGCiofyI/AAAAAAAAASc/bTpYducgYZE/s320/099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">I made two of these for my sister in law for Christmas, only I never gave them to her! She got sugar scrub instead! (Sorry Sally!) They just look so cute on my dining room table, and smell good too. The little square glass voltive</span> <span style="color: #660000;">came from the Dollar Tree ($1.00 each) and then I got whole coffee beans from Dollar General, and I already had the tea lights. I do intend to glass etch some for Sally as a gift later... really.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VYABUUfju0/TwzMVkVCRVI/AAAAAAAAASk/Hj2kk5NEAK0/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VYABUUfju0/TwzMVkVCRVI/AAAAAAAAASk/Hj2kk5NEAK0/s320/101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #660000;">And last, but certainly not least is my spin on this adorable crocheted bag, instructions are found somewhere on the internet, but I've lost the link. If anyone knows where this came from, I would be happy to link the instructions. But I made a spin on the original instuctions by making this bag 100% out of recycled plastic grocery bags. I will be posting the complete instructions later, but if you want to make one, start saving your plastic grocery bags now. It takes about 50 bags!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I have so much stuff pinned. I can't wait to share it all with you. What are you pinning?</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-6836573256473287442012-01-10T17:31:00.001-06:002012-04-26T14:55:17.867-05:00What's better than cheap??<span style="color: #660000;">Free of course!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Daughter #2's boyfriend Landon was helping move a friend's warehouse, and the people who owned the building were getting rid of these "shelves". For free!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zMLIzn7IN4/TwzF61s_eII/AAAAAAAAARU/1jx1GJfNPRo/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zMLIzn7IN4/TwzF61s_eII/AAAAAAAAARU/1jx1GJfNPRo/s320/092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">But they are BIG, and HEAVY, so we borrowed a flat bed trailer from a friend and brought them home to make into three sided buildings - one for the cows and one for the horses.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ug-PV0jSQU/TwzGYl_HbsI/AAAAAAAAARc/rV6NBCY7-hI/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ug-PV0jSQU/TwzGYl_HbsI/AAAAAAAAARc/rV6NBCY7-hI/s320/093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">It took 6 of us to unload the things off the trailer... I think Landon loaded them by himself. (He's handy.. I think I'll keep him!) Then we bought runners for the bottom, and 4 x 8 sheets of plywood for the sides, and some tar paper for the roof (which they had used as a shelf).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZlHaIoYtmM/TwzGm4B74OI/AAAAAAAAARk/M_ick3Ak0_E/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZlHaIoYtmM/TwzGm4B74OI/AAAAAAAAARk/M_ick3Ak0_E/s320/094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Now if they will just magically assemble themselves. We are currently in talks about the "right" way to make these buildings, so I would estimate they will be done right after winter turns to spring and the cows no longer need them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtLjR4ZomAk8Z2Nj7L9DStZPqXcNWrdZdj89q27rA9zUIa0y0_1kzHh5MJzCK1PfyksGrLvCM2M0U9n2pYwHgh9Ko0hntA2cMoumVjktMIvFKSOO1pB6SC04v9zeupBfldb-Q2DgmmA0k/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtLjR4ZomAk8Z2Nj7L9DStZPqXcNWrdZdj89q27rA9zUIa0y0_1kzHh5MJzCK1PfyksGrLvCM2M0U9n2pYwHgh9Ko0hntA2cMoumVjktMIvFKSOO1pB6SC04v9zeupBfldb-Q2DgmmA0k/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Sunshine believes this. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"> "More cow cookies please!"</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4360481564062101010.post-48273192550195119662012-01-10T16:40:00.000-06:002012-01-10T16:40:46.993-06:00It's been a year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HtX5E9rgGWmy-7ecRsAG1CCxyahajikWt_0v_K7A0Ej3H2CE60tUuBCf1PCLULhdSWtUQQBLbQ-DEpsCZFEvDoVmtew_hA0l67rcrTU5WNujrPlB32Gzu20zv2paH0sedogPIgBlu57r/s1600/DSCF5365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HtX5E9rgGWmy-7ecRsAG1CCxyahajikWt_0v_K7A0Ej3H2CE60tUuBCf1PCLULhdSWtUQQBLbQ-DEpsCZFEvDoVmtew_hA0l67rcrTU5WNujrPlB32Gzu20zv2paH0sedogPIgBlu57r/s320/DSCF5365.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new grandbaby Paytan with the monkey hat I crocheted for her!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000;">And what a year 2011 was. So many things to tell you. So many new adventures ahead. I'm back... what shall we</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000;"> do first?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Let's recap 2011:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #660000;">I learned I was going to be a grandma for the first time, and was challenged with accepting that my kids lives may differ from what I dreamed/hoped they would be. I also learned that's ok.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I traveled to Canada - Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver (in January)! Don't travel to Canada in January unless your boss say you have to.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I saw my first live hockey game in Edmonton (Thanks Jeff to taking me and explaining it!). There was no fighting or blood. I was dissapointed.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I learned they have snow mountains in Edmonton and that radio stations run contests on when they will melt each year. I guessed NEVER!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My oldest daughter graduated from high school, and moved in with her boyfriend in an apartment, in town.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My youngest daughter bought more cattle... more on them later. And she has more calves.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My middle daughter won Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the National Dexter show in Oklahoma. She got a banner and a COOL belt buckle that she wears every day. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">We attended more cattle shows all summer.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I traveled to Hebron, Kentucky. ALOT! For work.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I garage sale'd alot... looking for baby stuff. We found way too much, but we stayed in budget.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My middle daughter started her Senior year of high school. Sad face.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My oldest daughter started college.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My middle daughter brought home her first boyfriend. He didn't know about cows - he does now.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I became a Grandma for the first time, and it was/is totally amazing! Many, many stories!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I started sewing again. My first project was a quilt for the baby.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My youngest daughter bought the farm's first bull. His name is Gentry. There will be stories.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I started crocheting again (see exhibit A in the picture above).</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My youngest daughter brought home a boyfriend. This officially makes my dining room table too small. He has cows too, but his are spotted. And BIG.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My middle daughter got her senior pictures taken and ordered graduation announcements. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My oldest daughter got a 4.0 in her first semester of college. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">We traveled 6 hours to see family for Christmas with a 3 month old baby... she was perfect.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My oldest daughter and her boyfriend moved into a house about 3 minutes from my house. I like this alot.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I started recycling again, so the corner of my kitchen is a mess again. I contend it is a cheap alarm system to keep burglers out... if we had burglers. I need a better system (in my spare time).</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #660000;">I think that catches you up. I have missed this, so welcome to 2012 and my life in Podunk!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166370380501211032noreply@blogger.com0