tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12314978879881934242024-03-18T05:48:50.324-04:00Sparkly PolliwogAlways Changing, Always Adapting, Always Inventing...
Always SwimmingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-27188203849251834062014-04-30T19:54:00.001-04:002014-04-30T19:54:29.418-04:00Cause Bracelet to Keychain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNuqcpoTHT8/UaZv96rtZyI/AAAAAAAAHwI/ZC4gkN0c9i8/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNuqcpoTHT8/UaZv96rtZyI/AAAAAAAAHwI/ZC4gkN0c9i8/s320/13+-+2" height="217" osa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm pretty sure everyone has a rubber bracelet similar to this one above. I know that they are giving out at sporting events, parades, your dentist etc., but do you have a bracelet that supports something or someone that you truly believe in? Breast cancer awareness or in memory of someone lost? Well, I do and this one is very meaningful to me and represent a Person that lived life to the absolute fullest. His name was Lucas Gruenther and he passed away this last year during a training mission. This bracelet reminds me to live life like him, <b><i>LIVE LIKE LUC-LLL</i></b>. So, I got a few of these bracelets and wanted to have them different places for me to see as a reminder of a great person lost and to live my life, LIVE MY LIFE!!<br />
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So what I did was turn my cause bracelet into a key chain. It only took a minute and I love it.<br />
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All you need is :<br />
-your favorite CAUSE bracelet<br />
-a hole punch<br />
-a key ring<br />
-a brad<br />
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How to do it:<br />
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Flatten your bracelet and chose a spot in between the beginning and ending of the saying or phrase.<br />
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Punch a hole through both sides at the same time so they line up.<br />
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Insert your brad through both sides and fold. I kept the backing on that came with brad to keep it flat. <br />
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Thread your key ring through, and that's it!<br />
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Add your keys and have your cause bracelet as a daily reminder of whats important to you or what you are supporting.<br />
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Written By BrandiBrandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-39868247441692662262013-07-03T00:24:00.001-04:002013-07-03T00:24:35.802-04:00Red, white & blue treat<span style="font-size: large;">It's always fun to bring a 'lil flare to <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> food when hosting or attending a party. What not a better way then to cut your fruit into fun shapes! Here's a cute idea that we did last 4th from fruit we got from the farmers market. <span style="color: red;">Color </span><span style="color: blue;">Appropriate</span><span style="color: blue;">,<span style="color: red;"> obvs</span>! </span></span><br />
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We used <span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">strawberries </span>with stems cut off, <span style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">watermelon</span> -cut into stars, and yummy <span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">blueberries!</span> We paired it with a sweet treat of Devonshire cream (recipe to soon follow) with a touch of sprinkles for color. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: red;">Happy</span> Independence <span style="color: blue;">Day! </span></span></div>
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Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-5955743854293298082013-06-12T11:23:00.001-04:002013-06-12T11:23:22.258-04:00Whats in your toothpaste??So we all know its important to brush your teeth and keep good oral hygiene, but is your toothpaste benefiting or hurting your overall health?<br />
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Have you ever looked at the label of your toothpaste?? I recently did and saw all the preservatives, artificial coloring and sweeteners and was not happy. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="155" data-width="325" height="155" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTwwI9X_YByjPuQBfxPHKRPMd0DarpqRqb4LgSlHR-1CtmEez2T" style="height: 155px; width: 325px;" width="325" /><br />
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You would think that a toothpaste that is white shouldn't have any artificial coloring-but mine had yellow#10!! That's when I decided to make a change, especially after just reading about <a href="http://www.happy-mothering.com/02/health-2/nutrition-health-2/beyond-allergies-why-food-dyes-may-cause-child-behavioral-problems/" target="_blank">artificial dyes</a> and the effect they have on kids including behavior problems and aggression.<br />
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Your gums have capillaries and are the quickest way of absorbing things into your blood stream (even quicker then injecting), so why brush them with a product that contain harmful ingredients like: <br />
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<em>sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, fcd blue #1, and cd yellow #10</em>. And these aren't even all of them! <br />
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I found some info on each of these products on a website called <a href="http://www.alive.com/articles/view/18354/whats_in_your_toothpaste" target="_blank">Alive</a>-a complete source for natural health and wellness. These are the main ingredients that should be avoided.<br />
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<u><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Sodium monofluorophosphate</span>,</strong></u> also known as fluoride, has a long list of possible health concerns. The chronic ingestion of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, a crippling bone disease in which the bones are severely weakened. Some researchers are even examining fluoride accumulation in osteoporosis sufferers to see if there is a possible link. <br />
The potential risks associated with sodium monoflorophosphate are apparently so great that the US Food and Drug Administration requires the following warning be placed on products containing fluoride: “If more then the amount used for brushing is accidentally swallowed get medical help or contact poison control right away. Keep away from children under six years old.” <br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Sodium lauryl sulfate</span></u></strong> can accumulate in eye tissue and some believe it is linked to cataracts. It has also been found to accumulate in the brain and liver as well as other tissue. <br />
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<u><strong><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Parabens</span></strong></u> are chemical preservatives that can exert estrogenic activity on breast cells and are believed to be linked to breast cancer. <br />
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<u><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Synthetic colours</span></strong></u>, like fcd blue #1 and cd yellow #10, may produce hyperactivity or worsen behavioural problems in children. Long-term use of some dyes is also believed to cause or aggravate allergies, asthma, hives, and thyroid tumours<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are products that provide</span><a href="http://www.alive.com/articles/view/18354/whats_in_your_toothpaste" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"> ingredients</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> that are safe:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: red;">calcium carbonate</span>—a natural mineral used to gently clean teeth </li>
<li><span style="color: orange;">baking soda</span>—a gentle abrasive that leaves your teeth feeling smooth after you brush </li>
<li><span style="color: lime;">silica</span>—a mild abrasive that helps remove plaque </li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">stevia</span>—a natural herbal sweetener without the harmful effects of artificial alternatives</li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">xylitol</span>—an important ingredient because it is believed to reduce decay causing bacteria and enhances remineralization </li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">tea tree and neen</span>—both contain antibacterial properties which help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. </li>
</ul>
Try to avoid <em>sodium laurel sulfate (SLS)</em> and look for toothpaste with <em>Xylitol </em>instead of <em>Sodium Fluoride</em>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here are some recommended brands:</span> <em><span style="color: blue;">Branch Basics with peppermint oil to taste, Tom’s Clear and Gentle, Jason’s Sea Fresh, Kiss My Face Berry Smart Kids, Tooth Soap.</span></em></blockquote>
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I use <span style="color: lime;"><u><em>Toms Simply white</em></u></span> , that I can easily pick up at my local Walmart, CVS or RiteAid. Or <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Jason's Power Smile</span> from my local health food store and <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasons Kids only toothpaste</span> from babies r' us. For some other safe, non-toxic options you can order online at <a href="http://mightynest.com/search/apachesolr_search/toothpaste" target="_blank">Mighty Nest</a> . Some people are making their own so they know exactly whats going in it, but I haven't made it that far yet. I like to research things to the bone first :) So for now I'm sticking with the Tom's brand for my family and myself. <br />
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<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="WdKqgyfD0a0EPM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFGu6iT0PVousdDtPy2hq_oCv6AuUaWptQaVhER1U6f4rjI9MEXw" style="height: 139px; margin-left: -4px; margin-top: 0px; width: 270px;" /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0idhOFSsmw/UXhsrao4RjI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/QU-mcL3Tx-c/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0idhOFSsmw/UXhsrao4RjI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/QU-mcL3Tx-c/s320/13+-+1" width="182" /></a><br />
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****extra 'lil treat-video on how to brush your teeth by Heather's son Matty:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">H</span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: magenta;">appy brushing</span>!!</span></span><br />
<3 BrandiBrandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-81504590147217085832013-05-30T15:14:00.001-04:002013-05-30T15:14:27.323-04:00BEE Pollen EVERYDAYOk, so if you haven't heard or tried <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>BEE pollen</strong></span> then you need to read this!! I take it everyday and LOVE and swear by it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> What is B<span style="color: yellow;">E</span>E pollen you may ask??</span><br />
It is a mixture of bee saliva, plant nectar, and (true) pollen.contains minerals, <br />
carbohydrates, lipids, and <span style="color: black;">protein, free amino acids, vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Isn't pollen the stuff in the air that makes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> my eyes water and itch???</span><br />
No!! it differs from wind-borne Pollens. One is essential in fertilization of plants and the other a heavier variety that makes you Sneeze!!!It has been effectively used through the ages to rid allergy sufferers of their <a href="http://bee%20pollen%20has%20been%20effectively%20used%20down%20through%20the%20ages%20to%20rid%20allergy%20sufferers%20of%20their%20afflictions/" target="_blank">afflictions</a>. Start taking 6 weeks before the spring season starts and during to ward off symptoms.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ever since I started taking it daily, I have noticed a change in the appearance of my skin as well as my energy level!! WHOOP WHOOP-mama always needs some extra energy to chase the kiddos around!</span><br />
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I buy mine at our local health food store that needs to be stored in the refrigerator and have seen it at Whole Foods as well. You can also get in in pill form, but I prefer it its its purest form of granules from my state of California. I put mine in a mason jar with old Parmesan lid so I can scoop or sprinkle into yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, salad. Just don't add it to anything that requires heat. Heat destroys the active enzymes and reduces the nutrient value.</div>
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**I have found that the best and easiest way to take it is to pop a chocolate chip in my mouth, chew, then take the pollen straight up, chewing and adding a few more chips :) The pollen doesn't taste bad, its just a 'lil strong. At first it was a 'lil tough to get it down, but now I'm a champ ;)</div>
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Do a test day first by putting one granule on your tongue to see if you have any negative reactions to it. People that are allergic to bee stings and have high allergens to pollen are more at risk of a reaction. </div>
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If you are all good in the hood then start taking a few granules a day for a week and then increase your dosage to 1tsp a day. Then eventually you can take up to a tablespoon a day. Increase slowly bc it could have an effect on your gastrointestinal tract. On day three and only day three, I did notice I had to use the "powder room" more often then any other regular day ;)</div>
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It is <a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm" target="_blank">important</a> to recognize that a one teaspoon dose of pollen takes one bee working eight hours a day for one month to gather. Each bee pollen pellet contains over two million flower pollen grains and one teaspoonful contains over 2.5 billion grains of flower pollen. So RESPECT the bee!<br />
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It speeds of metabolic process and suppresses your appetite while eliminating cravings. The Lecithin in it helps dissolve and flush fat from the body. That said, can be used for weight loss and/or management.<br />
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And what it does for the skin has been one of the major factors for me and its continual use. The nutrients of poly-vitamins, microelements, enzymes, hormones, and amino acids that are present in <a href="http://poly-vitamins,%20microelements,%20enzymes,%20hormones,%20and%20amino%20acids%20present%20m%20bee%20pollen/" target="_blank">bee pollen</a> give what is needed by the body to form new tissue. In return making your skin less wrinkly, acne free and more hydrated with the blood flowing through the skin. <br />
Not only do I use it internally, but externally as well. Here is the mask I use:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQWfO2t3FU0/UWip3GtwBYI/AAAAAAAAHkc/TH_Tra9YrOA/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQWfO2t3FU0/UWip3GtwBYI/AAAAAAAAHkc/TH_Tra9YrOA/s200/13+-+1" width="161" /></a><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20px;"><b>Honey Bee Pollen <a href="http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/bee-pollen-for-skin.html" target="_blank">Facial Mask</a></b></span></div>
<ul style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">½ ripe avocado</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 tablespoon of <a href="http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/honey-products-cart.html"><span style="color: black;">Raw Honey</span></a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">¼ cup whole milk</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of <a href="http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/bee-pollen-products-cart.html"><span style="color: black;">Bee Pollen Granules</span></a> </li>
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Have all the ingredients at Room Temperature.<br />
Either in a jar, by hand or blend in a blender all ingredients. Blend Well.<br />
Now clean your face and throat thoroughly. With fingers apply this mask.<br />
Leave on for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.<br />
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I know, I know, sounds to god to be true! But that's why it has been called the "perfect or super food". Its actually the only "perfect food" that exist. It has all the essential nutrients that your body needs to survive and thrive. I say, Do your research and learn all the awesome reasons to take bee pollen. I did and am thrilled with the results. There are so many other suggested capabilities of this natural super food and knowing them will only benefit you. <br />
<img height="186" id="il_fi" src="http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/image-files/bee-pollen-nav-small.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="354" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <em>BUZZ BUZZ</em> my friends </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> and let me know what you think!</span><br />
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Written and Tested by Brandi~noted bee lover ;)Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-87760111968960482802013-05-29T18:47:00.000-04:002013-06-26T20:32:06.350-04:00Sweet Potato Chips RecipeOk <b></b>so I <span style="font-size: large;">looove <u>sweet potatoes</u></span> in pretty much any form. There is a local restaurant that makes sweet potato fries that I regularly order and cant get enough of. Not the best on the waist line, but uber delicioso. I often make my own at home that are baked, not fired and are much healthier. I recently came across a recipe for these sweet potatoes <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">CHIPS</span> that I tweaked and now am obsessed with. <span style="font-size: large;">Nothing like a healthy chip, right? </span>There is something magical about sweet potatoes and cinnamon together. Its like they should always be together, married or attached at the hip, best friends like Heather and I. Anyhoo, here's the recipe and I hope you and your family enjoys!<br>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>This is what you need:</u></span></div>
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~ 2 Sweet potatoes </div>
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~ 1 tbsp butter (or spray butter if want lighter)</div>
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~ 1/2 tsp salt</div>
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~1/2-3/4 tsp ground cinnamon</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>What to Do:</u></span><br>
1-<strong>Preheat</strong> oven *375<br>
2-Thinly <strong>slice</strong> the potatoes----I used my cheese slicer and it worked like a charm. If you have a mandolin, use it!! The thinner the better!<br>
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3-<strong>Melt</strong> butter in small bowl in microwave and add the rest of your ingredients. <strong>Stir,</strong> then add Sweet Potatoes<br>
4- Spray cookie sheet and add coated potatoes, arranging them into a single layer.<br>
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<u><strong>Bake</strong></u> for 12mins, stir, then for another 12 mins or until corners curl up. Turn off oven and let sit.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remove and Enjoy! </span></div>
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Written and taste approved by Brandi </div>
Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-56773104244298860982013-04-24T19:03:00.000-04:002013-04-24T19:23:00.771-04:00Staying Balanced as a MOM<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you are a <strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">stay at home mom</span></strong> (SAHM) or <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>working mom</strong></span>, then its important to not loose yourself in the <span style="font-size: large;"><em>kid tide</em></span>. Being a <u>taxi</u> for your 'lil ones and folding underwear is in the job description, but you need to find balance and not loose who you are as a <span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WOMEN!</span> Staying balance isn't the easiest thing to do, but its<u> super important</u>. Finding a hobby or something you can do just for yourself, once a day or week will help so you don't feel lost in the shuffle.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://ourstrokeofluck.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/road_mom_coffee-white_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" id="il_fi" src="http://ourstrokeofluck.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/road_mom_coffee-white_1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A happy mom is a happy home! Or is it....IF Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy? lol </span></blockquote>
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<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.jccdenver.org/awake/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/mom.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="107" /><br />
I<span style="color: red;"> love</span> being a <strong>SAHM</strong>, but it has taking time to find myself as a person and know when I need<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong> me</strong></span> time. I can now tell when I am feeling not balance and that's when I say hold up, wait, I need to get in check. You are not helping anyone around you if you are not balanced and all tense and about to <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">LOOSE IT!!!</span> When mom is unbalanced, stressed or burnt out, <strong><u>everyone</u></strong> suffers. Kids can feel tension from mom and tend to start acting out, so its a loose~loose situation. <br />
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If you take an hour or two just for <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">YOU</span>, for whatever makes you happy or relaxed, the rest of the day (or week) will be easier and more fun for everyone. Your husband and kids will enjoy having an energetic and refreshed mom to play with them and have a full filled day. Lets get down to it by saying, that by paying attention to your own needs as a MOM even if your a SAHM or working mom, you’ll actually be better at meeting everyone else’s needs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u> Here are some ideas to stay balanced:</u></span><br />
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1-<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Exercise!!!!</u></span> Even if its only taking a walk, <strong>do it!!!!</strong> Clear your head! It releases so much stress and tension. If you can do it alone, great, if you can head to the gym and be surrounded by others who are soaking in the exercise euphoria, great. Just find a way to do it. TRUST me on this one.<br />
<img height="206" id="il_fi" src="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/assets/1/7/SlideShowDimensionInterior/2_-_Hiawatha.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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2- <span style="font-size: large;">Spend time with other moms!</span> Playdates are not just for the kids! Set up regular time to visit with other moms to just vent and chat. Its best to find other moms you actually LIKE hanging out with. Don't just set up playdates bc the kids are friends, set up playdates with YOUR friends! I think its funny when moms feel obligated to do playdates with a child's friend and you don't enjoy it as a parent. We have little time as it is, choose to surround yourself with people and other parents that you enjoy. Laughing and smiling is the best medicine! Funny friends make for a happy heart. Need some time to yourself, then do a trade with another parent! Even having an hour to yourself to go shopping, get a pedicure, massage, is just enough time to unwind and get your head straight. Lets be honest, going to the grocery store by yourself sometime feels like a mini vacay!<br />
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<img height="142" id="il_fi" src="http://domtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/Mommys-Play-Date.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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3-Meet with a girlfriend for coffee or tea. If you have to bring the kids, bring a bag with snacks and activities to keep them busy so you can chat with your gal pal. If you can get away and do it without the kids then all the better. Time without them to drink your coffee without having to make sure they are happy and not getting into stuff is nice to do too.<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="226" data-width="223" height="226" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQyyzSwOvsK_Q31dVrGWASRWOoCQJTxnHVEdt73kDWBO2HOxGyi" style="height: 226px; width: 223px;" width="223" /><br />
4- <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Fill the tub</span> with warm water, turn some relaxing music on (literally-type in relaxation music on pandora! its great), bubbles, sea salt to relax those muscles and then...........this is key .......................................<u><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">LOCK the DOOR!!!!</span></u> Close your eyes and just take time to relax. Let hubby take care of the kids and just take time for yourself. Don't worry that they are probably making a mess, just clear your mind and breathe. Taking time to breathe really deeply in general will not only relax you but provides your body with extra O2 to energize you for the remainder of the day.<br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcROw1IQq6sKtgNAQ5ta1CVze8MxMPOQwRuGcdfsR37f36vAACrm" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /><br />
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5- <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Lock</u> yourself in your bathroom</span> and give yourself a facial and do your nails! Do some SLOOOOW beauty~dry brush your skin, oil treatment for your hair, anything that keeps focus on yourself. Cleaning the tub does not count!<br />
6- <span style="font-size: large;"><u>DON'T, I repeat, DONT</u> skip on sleep!!!</span> Not only is a tired mom a grumpy mom, but sleep deprivation releases cortisol into your bloodstream that makes you well, lets get real, <em>FAT!</em> And that will make you feel grumpy for sure, gaining weight or lugging around extra lbs. So instead of staying up late to try to be a super hero, pinteresting kinda mom, think again and go to BED!! Also, if your child is napping, take that time for yourself to unwind or curl up and nap with them. I know you probably feel that you get so much done when they are sleeping, but you know what? It will still be there tomorrow and the next day. Take that time for yourself, not to mop the floor. <br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/ib/rb-sleep-mask-1-0809-mdn.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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7-The one thing that I have been told by moms with grown children that sticks in my head is: don't worry about having a clean house <span style="font-size: large;">all the time</span>. Take that time to spend playing with your kids. Before you know it, they will be gone and your house will be sparkling clean. I'm not saying let it get gross and smelly, just don't put so much pressure on yourself to have a perfectly clean house. I mean really, you clean it and its messy 20 minutes later anyway. <br />
<img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://thesometimeshealthylivingblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/no-cleaning.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Take time to play</span>, because it sometimes gets skipped over after all the errands and taxing around. Play with your kids, your husband, your friends! <br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="200" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQd0U41gqRqHc-MFhxlBxfSLJ5yPeSl5st3jkTDWkhtI_A-CbHk" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="200" /><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="142" data-width="356" height="142" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtKBRtT6u6w2n26OHiciOVijvl1eTrEANh23syUtUNv-saDqU5" style="height: 142px; width: 356px;" width="356" /><br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="237" data-width="213" height="237" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ7PnZyqVOT2SlkPnDM3CA0kpUjGVR9iQHX7JTT4OxljuUmTkiL" style="height: 237px; width: 213px;" width="213" /><br />
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8- <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Meditate!</span> Do it in the bath, yoga class, in bed at night, wherever you can. Stop and clear your mind of all that needs to be done. All distractions ignored and just close your eyes and breathe. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="190" data-width="266" height="190" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBxOk_Vnx8hiFAhp8eo8MpHEUqSJco0T1o6In_a1zJ4ikdZmGiQg" style="height: 190px; width: 266px;" width="266" /><br />
Some advice on <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1307" target="_blank">how to meditate.</a><br />
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9- <span style="font-size: large;">You don't have to do it all, all the time.</span> Your family is capable of doing things too! I know, its a shocker right? They might not do it exactly the way you would or want, but really, who cares? The kids can do the dishes, pick out their clothes and brush their teeth. They don't need mom for everything and the hovering as well as the need to feel needed isn't as important as raising self sufficient children and a balanced happy mom.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you saying to yourself right now,</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I ain't got time for that! who's got time for that? Aint nobody got time for <em>dat</em>!" (oh sweet brown-lol, got to love youtube)</span></blockquote>
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="188" data-width="268" height="188" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSq8GhDrNltSlYwgY18mfSrH6J5sYtttz-gCd0G9_qufTDum5g8" style="height: 188px; width: 268px;" width="268" /></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, do you ever watch TV? One program is at least 30 minutes??? Ditch the fluff and do something for yourself instead. Ever since I turned my cable off, I get so much more done and more time to myself. For some reason and tips to get started check out our post <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2013/04/join-no-tv-movement.html" target="_blank">Join the NO TV Movement</a>. You don't have to turn your cable off, just choose <u><span style="color: red;">NOT</span></u> to turn it on, even if its background noise and see what HAPPENS......</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">I like to use music to set my mood and help with stress that may come my way. So~Turn on some music and DANCE!!! It really works and your kids, the dog, neighbors love to join in, and your exercising too (*bonus, cha ching)! Music really helps to set any mood, and if I am at home, the music is on. So stop by for a dance party or relax session, it could be either at any time :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">LIVE!</span> <span style="color: lime;">Play!</span> <span style="color: red;">LOVE!</span></span> That will keep you balanced, your family happy and a full filled life. You only get one, make it the best you can.<br />
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Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family. <br />
Namaste~BrandiBrandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-62808523748445720592013-04-18T12:10:00.001-04:002013-04-18T12:10:05.294-04:00Join the No TV Movement<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What?</span> <span style="color: cyan; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Seriously?</span> You may ask. <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><u>Why</u></span> would I want to do that, it entertains me and babysits my kids when I need 20 minutes to do the dishes!!!!</blockquote>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Heather</span> hasn't had cable for over 10 years and inspired me to do the same. For me it has been one of the best decisions I made for my family. My hubby has been a 'lil sad without his ESPN, but he can still get all the info he needs through apps on his phone and Internet without spending all the time watching it on the TELLIE. I decided to turn off our cable bc I felt like it was becoming such a distraction to my kids. It got to a point that they would just automatically turn it on as soon as they walked into the door or woke up! I was at fault too. I would record all these shows then feel the pressure to keep up on them. That's when I said <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">ENOUGH!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">They</span> recommend that you only <span style="font-size: large;">watch 2 hours a day</span>, but really <em>2 hours</em>??? Think about what you and your family could do with that time?? I feel like people are really missing out on the finer things in life and filling it with TV time. I mean really, I don't think the <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">TV is the <em>devil</em></span> or is going to <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">ruin your life</span> if you are watching it, but really, what <em>else</em> could you do or would do if its not on??<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Read a book?</span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Play a board game with kiddos?</span> <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Learn to play an instrument?</span> <span style="color: orange;">Do crafts<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Paint?</span> <span style="color: cyan; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shoot hoops?</span> <em>Bike ride?</em> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">PLAY?</span> <span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">PLAY?</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">PLAY??</span> </strong></span></blockquote>
<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.centralptonews.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/turn-off-tv-week.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="311" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">The <em>average</em> American watches <strong>81</strong> hours of TV per month (under 3 hours a day), that's <strong>972</strong> hours per year!! =That's <strong>40</strong> days a year just watching TV! Say your kids start at age 2, by the time they are 80years old, they would have waisted almost 9 years of their life watching TV!! ek</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Why not give it a shot???</u> Try it! Do a no TV week and see what happens? <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">What could it hurt?</span> Not like you aren't recording it all anyway!! ;) Teach your kids that there is better things to do with their time and their LIFE!</span><br />
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Not only does it save you time, but it also saves you <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">The Cheese</span>, <span style="color: lime;">The dinero</span></span> , <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">PESOS</span>, lets get it straight~ <span style="color: #274e13;">MONEY!!$$$$$!!!</span> And really lets be honest, who doesn't like saving that! </span>If Heather was paying just<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> $50</span> for cable a month , for<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">10 years</span> , that's <span style="font-size: large;">$6,000</span>! And that's just <u>basic cable</u>, which we all know that is not what everyone has. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The average price that<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="203" data-width="248" height="203" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcU-vQntjrfNULqXzEhxQTRADqoLfvN8-nnDoO0hFGEwdKKkOe" style="height: 203px; width: 248px;" width="248" /> is paid for cable is $75, if you invested that money each month (with inflation of cable prices), with lets say a return level of 4%, after 56 years you could of saved over<span style="color: lime; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> 600k!!!!!</span>No lie!! That's a lot of GREEN! </blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have found that my kids play together more, read books, listen to music and together we are enjoying</span><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"> LIFE!</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"></span> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="166" data-width="303" height="166" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFi8iCRtpgPKlMYeUuwZOqBZKrQNzGIJLD31uVPfSQI3qkLdEp" style="height: 166px; width: 303px;" width="303" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of Heathers tricks she uses to get her boys ELECTRONIC urges under control:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><br />
Even without cable my boys would spend every spare moment on an electronic device<br />
<u>if we let them</u>. After many exhausting conversations with them about finding other things to do we decided to make a <span style="color: purple; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"NO ELECTRONICS"</span> rule <em>Monday thru Friday</em> afternoon and it is working great! My middle son has a very hard time concentrating and so far we have seen great improvements with him coming home and getting his work done. I also feel like I have my boys back during the week. They are back to making forts, playing Lego's, drawing, playing games, and just hanging out together. The house is messier, my boys are laughing more, and I am much happier not having to be on them about how long they have been plugged in. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="209" data-width="241" height="209" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpYyi0Jhs15T-fbBQ6TcbKz1ZPTGJsIouGm28wiUCttg8NVYmC2A" style="height: 209px; width: 241px;" width="241" /><br />
~I think the best thing to do is have <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">set rules and stick to them</span>. Working together with your husband or wife is <span style="font-size: large;">VERY important</span> because it shows the kids that you are on the same team. Not on the same team against your children but working together for your children.<br />
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~Having three boys all different ages makes it a little harder to have the same set rules for all of them. What might be good for my 5 year old isn't as great for my 12 year old and vice versa. Sometimes the younger ones will complain that its not fair, but I just try and remind them that they will be older one day also. <br />
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-One of the rules we have made for our 12 year old is that he is allowed to be on his ipod from 8-9 if all of his homework, reading and chores are done. The younger ones are in bed so we don't even have to mention it to them. It has worked out great for me because if he is being mean to his brothers or not listening then I can take him aside and let him know that if it continues the hour will be taken away. His attitude changes real fast. <br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4SlPqzaI71vJkwOXoj70YSUZG_97hEbfZsUvDfp03kpSl_17NjQ" style="height: 183px; width: 275px;" width="275" /><br />
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~Sometimes we have to change it up, but as long as we establish a new rule and stick with it, then it works out fine. One we have added is they may have 1 Spongebob at bedtime. This was put in effect to keep me from going grey at the young age of 31. For some reason my boys always get the wildest right at bedtime! Instead of yelling at them or getting upset I give them 5 minutes to get jammies on and get into bed if they want to watch a show. If they get out of bed after the show then they lose the show for the next night. We still have a few nights of chaos but 90% of the time its easy sailing. <br />
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~My kids are not the only ones who have "NO ELECTRONICS" during the week. My husband and I decided that we would stay off when we are with the kids until they go to bed. My husband compared it to being a drug addict going thru withdrawals. It was hard at first but the rewards make it all worth it. Soon the kids will be all moved out and we will have all the time in the world to play and watch mindless electronics. <br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="210" data-width="240" height="210" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUTrscFa1dw0laZluCrYcoGT2tvCMAMLzlMqfqOLIxkqwblZKc" style="height: 210px; width: 240px;" width="240" /><br />
~My kids really enjoy watching movies, playing games and apps on their iPods, playing Xbox, watching funny YouTube videos and just about anything else that is electronic and now they can enjoy them without me nagging them to get off......... on the WEEKENDS! We both win! ~<br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRUCn3BQNIGQ9sMPq__jqBLIxMC-93n33QnGb0BgVp-lgsVkHwTwA" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We here at <em>Sparkly Polliwog</em> want you and your families to spend as much time together as possible. You never know if you will have another day together, so why waste it watching TV!? <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: red;">LIVE</span>, <em><span style="color: purple;">LAUGH</span></em>, <span style="color: blue;">LOVE </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><3</span></span></span></blockquote>
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvhJuTnD1e7sKiTpqpcwAqloY6oNal9gIvHrJqfumkfLqNuP2-" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /></span>
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With love, <br />
<em>Heather & Brandi </em>Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-86118819419622831192013-04-02T22:21:00.002-04:002013-04-03T09:05:01.607-04:00McMomald's- Healthy Fast Food <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do your kids LOVE to eat out? Do you love the quickness and ease of fast food, but don't go very often because of how unhealthy it is? Do you skip the drive-thru because you and your family are vegetarians?<br />
My answers are YES, YES, and YES!<br />
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I used to LOVE hearing my boys get so excited after telling them we were going out to eat. They would all load up in the car with their smiling faces and then fill their little bellies with greasy, delicious, processed, who-knows-what-is-in-there kind of food. Then to top off the wonderful, "Let's not worry about our health night," they would all bring home every germ from the play area that you could think of. Not only did we get to buy over-priced junk food with very little nutritional value, but we also got a trip to the doctor's office! YAY!<br />
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Now that we are much more conscious of what we are eating, those days don't happen very often. After hearing many "Can we please go out to eat mom?" from three boys (whom I have a hard time saying no to), I came up with a new idea......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyErKtACNzHj5k7BI0WD4HGNdIjH_3ge-OnZEp5g7Y25rkiS-oMpJVFEGx171TFwCUSTL0hlOGn67CsTgR3sXH0YykKa5a7Gf2M6tjqOMtbJyfrbffGnfJdB8lqUWpfKdd0a_3aL5ZYFA/s1600/McMomalds+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyErKtACNzHj5k7BI0WD4HGNdIjH_3ge-OnZEp5g7Y25rkiS-oMpJVFEGx171TFwCUSTL0hlOGn67CsTgR3sXH0YykKa5a7Gf2M6tjqOMtbJyfrbffGnfJdB8lqUWpfKdd0a_3aL5ZYFA/s400/McMomalds+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How awesome is Mc<span style="color: #e06666;">MOM</span>ALD'S?!?!?</span></b><br />
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My boys asked, "What's for dinner?" I replied, "McMomald's!" They all looked at me like I was the weirdest mom in the world. I just smiled because I knew they were going to LOVE my new fast food restaurant.<br />
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To make it fun, I took their dinner order ahead of time.<br />
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<u><b>Do you want a 4 or 6 piece nugget meal?</b></u><br />
I used meatless and soy- free Quorn nuggets. They are made from fungi and oh so delicious! Definitely the BEST vegetarian nuggets we have had. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H4Cd06caZnswvPGhNr0CPOW9I_W7IyUOH2mw02ZPXWvRgH9wqixe4VmSCwgBMSEjBOOJKZNNYsUtwwHKp54pizkWEQeW30i32bq5hIkpFSNY_B9NhaGxTmH3zp6b78rtnj_ehwvf8wRx/s1600/blogger-image--13154752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H4Cd06caZnswvPGhNr0CPOW9I_W7IyUOH2mw02ZPXWvRgH9wqixe4VmSCwgBMSEjBOOJKZNNYsUtwwHKp54pizkWEQeW30i32bq5hIkpFSNY_B9NhaGxTmH3zp6b78rtnj_ehwvf8wRx/s320/blogger-image--13154752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b>What sauce would you like?</b> </u> <br />
I went to McDonald's and bought dipping sauce for the nuggets for $.25 each. The first ingredient in the sweet and sour sauce is HFCS, so you might want to make your own. If you have time, you could try making this recipe: <a href="http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/McDonalds-Sweet-and-Sour-Dipping-Sauce-Recipe.html">topsecretrecipes.com</a><br />
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<u><b>Do you want fries with that?</b></u> <br />
Organic, oven cooked, no salt, GMO free, yummy fries. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1Coq3i_mMoEiDlmlLPLlLIM5RZWp-SkdYhWJ8kfmX_vN6BRsVoV3rKLeOekTbxYM6khBVwgwDAQ6Eyrf8DsXe4N5xs3JX0Fzb20aCxnilOxz4V0frwFRYU09Bu24TgQGCoSIq28J8lnN/s1600/blogger-image-2026820447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1Coq3i_mMoEiDlmlLPLlLIM5RZWp-SkdYhWJ8kfmX_vN6BRsVoV3rKLeOekTbxYM6khBVwgwDAQ6Eyrf8DsXe4N5xs3JX0Fzb20aCxnilOxz4V0frwFRYU09Bu24TgQGCoSIq28J8lnN/s320/blogger-image-2026820447.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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You don't have to choose between fries and apples at McMomald's! Organic, fresh, bag-free apples are mandatory with every meal. <br />
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<b><u>Would you like milk, water, juice, or ginger ale?</u> </b><br />
I found the cutest mini Hansen's Ginger Ale cans at Whole Foods! I think the boys' favorite part of going out to eat is always the drinks! These were very fun and the boys LOVED them. You can buy them online <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansen-Beverage-Ginger-Soda-8-Ounce/dp/B003SBU45Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1364501932&sr=1-1&keywords=hansens+8+oz">HERE</a> for less than $.50 each! <br />
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<u><b>For here or to go?</b></u><b> </b><br />
You could pack it in a bag with the McMomald's logo on the front, or serve it on a tray. I don't remember where we got our trays, but I found some great ones on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winco-SMT-2-Mess-Tray/dp/B000UBBBEI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1364500849&sr=8-6&keywords=food+tray">Silver Tray</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Green-Eats-Divided-Tray/dp/B004S2GCDA/ref=sr_1_142?ie=UTF8&qid=1364501136&sr=8-142&keywords=plastic+food+tray">Green Tray</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Plastic-Divided-Dish-6-Pack/dp/B000XAE3OQ/ref=pd_sbs_ba_6">6 Pack</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divided-Compartment-Meal-Plate-14-1/dp/B00B0XYLBU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ba_17">6 Compartment Tray</a><br />
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There are no cheap plastic toys at McMomald's, but every meal comes with a pack of Glee Gum! My boys can NEVER get enough gum! Glee Gum has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. You can find it <a href="http://www.gleegum.com/">here</a> online. <br />
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They loved putting in their order and I LOVED how fun and easy dinner was! <br />
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When I was all done filling up the trays (no one wanted their meal "to go"), my middle son yelled out, "Can we have McMomald's EVERY night?" We wont be having fast food every night, but I think this will be a fun weekly tradition for our family!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE36OnHi470feunpcAreNb-zghSVv3bhvJylRWzQQMyjUxX_L0qewJisHCigRHrviQlLSAPNq5x98Hctq0Tj-snzGMo5sm_DlrXjwRiTyFRQNjp0fsbPgBTEt9ziGCnt40iaRFxJe7UDJ_/s1600/tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE36OnHi470feunpcAreNb-zghSVv3bhvJylRWzQQMyjUxX_L0qewJisHCigRHrviQlLSAPNq5x98Hctq0Tj-snzGMo5sm_DlrXjwRiTyFRQNjp0fsbPgBTEt9ziGCnt40iaRFxJe7UDJ_/s400/tray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also had a showing of <i>Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs</i> at McMomald's tonight! <br />
These are the little things the kids will remember forever. :) <br />
xoxoxoxoxoxxoox<br />
-Polliwog Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-61197090136669989362013-03-15T15:42:00.000-04:002013-03-15T15:42:41.833-04:00Making your own Fish CrackersOk so lets talk about these <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">lil fish shaped crackers</span>. They are everywhere! Snack day, preschools, sporting events, bday parties! If there is an event with kids there, the go to snack choice to satisfy the masses is usually that lil salty, cheesy fish! I have to admit, they are pretty tasty and go well with coffee! Weird, I know, started when I was pregnant. Lol. Then I got smart and started reading labels! Understanding how bad processed foods are and that 75% of processed foods contain GMO's, I thought.....Lets just make those lil crackers ourselves <span style="font-size: large;">ORGANIC</span> and know whats in them! I found a genius mom on <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2011/03/whole-wheat-goldfish-crackers/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a> who came up with a recipe to make her own! They only have 4-5 ingredients and are rather tasty!!!! <br />
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<img height="233" id="il_fi" src="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/m/mi/mikecco/616730_goldfish_cracker.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /><br />
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I didn't have a fish cracker <a href="http://www.coppergifts.com/cookie-cutters/pc/Fish-Cookie-Cutter-mini-tiny-p1947.htm" target="_blank">cookie cutter</a>, but you can order online or I heard of people making their own out of an aluminum can. I haven't gotten that far and that is why mine look like CHICKEN NUGGETS! Lol I was hesitant of sharing the picture bc of it!! HA HA Mine was a santa cutter, but apparently his head is the shape of processed chicken!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfvdwuJ6aOI/UPMS157mGPI/AAAAAAAAHYA/Adp4mcZS0L8/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfvdwuJ6aOI/UPMS157mGPI/AAAAAAAAHYA/Adp4mcZS0L8/s320/13+-+2" width="303" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">makes~ 100 1 1/2" </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: black;">6 oz (1 1/2 C Grated) sharp cheddar</span></li>
<li>4 tbs butter cold, grated</li>
<li>1/2 C whole wheat Flour</li>
<li>1/4 C all purpose flour</li>
<li>1/8-1/4 tsp table salt</li>
<li>1/8 tsp onion powder (optional)</li>
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<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Lets DO IT:</span></u><br />
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<li><span style="color: black;">Preheat Oven 350*. Combine all ingredients in food processor or by hand until dough forms into a ball.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTvWUqRCU3_gXCaJre19qSV7LU_uotyRlX_gpY75D_Qh9-YcSk2vuxCe3xaG3IVSiJMVlBdACQnvFtJOnRqNuKmWK2TTMuO41akYX6f9EigpkSC9V9CJDJV8d5DUbJ5sRpYYjIUtMeBgp/s1600/13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTvWUqRCU3_gXCaJre19qSV7LU_uotyRlX_gpY75D_Qh9-YcSk2vuxCe3xaG3IVSiJMVlBdACQnvFtJOnRqNuKmWK2TTMuO41akYX6f9EigpkSC9V9CJDJV8d5DUbJ5sRpYYjIUtMeBgp/s320/13+-+4" width="246" /></a><br />
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2. If it feels too warm, put into fridge for half hour which will make it easier to transfer shapes to pan. On lightly floured surface and pin-Roll out the dough. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE3m2jKxFVZNZdrkEUk4Lk04GdngkJ_elsNasNQqk09iG12s2cr2DdUpOhtIDE4d7cfyMdQiHGFMX5Nxzg6_AYYGfgLK-048DwRDTpSswUG8wTyjTr62dzz3qk2Pfbm5K3HW78YSraWjf/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE3m2jKxFVZNZdrkEUk4Lk04GdngkJ_elsNasNQqk09iG12s2cr2DdUpOhtIDE4d7cfyMdQiHGFMX5Nxzg6_AYYGfgLK-048DwRDTpSswUG8wTyjTr62dzz3qk2Pfbm5K3HW78YSraWjf/s320/13+-+3" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Form shape using cookie cutter and transfer on ungreased cookie sheet or parchment paper.</div>
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<img border="0" eea="true" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA8ruobftQO7MvNqQAyqZ9Y_AM-I4BapwN3EnQRC04A8tVGoV8PtOk9fRYEKOuwNh1dPY0KgmlaVBw9z_Nxv8kqbw9phnWOEcM3bYFuAjRB3NiKuRqkkZxdrQ6BgnQRCeB5raYAV3JGd_/s320/13+-+2" width="320" />*see santa head shape? ;) lol</div>
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4. Bake ~12-15 minutes on middle rack or until barely brown around edges.</div>
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5. Remove and cool on rack. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu2ILcqmF43MnGsHaljUR6LG8wkVOUKbBU8Od6tH0vZJt7swRW6eonjtmdw47p6IB39DlQk5clQUL7KPbj0o0_ZQd2DK1PXLc57M0RD1TtVGBmC3fvnhKhv2n_JGzOCdgjXi3bnmDv_Kp/s640/blogger-image-1871293991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu2ILcqmF43MnGsHaljUR6LG8wkVOUKbBU8Od6tH0vZJt7swRW6eonjtmdw47p6IB39DlQk5clQUL7KPbj0o0_ZQd2DK1PXLc57M0RD1TtVGBmC3fvnhKhv2n_JGzOCdgjXi3bnmDv_Kp/s320/blogger-image-1871293991.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heathers batch-looks more like cheez its :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then enjoy!!! Hope you like them! We sure do! <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Happy Snacking my fishy friends!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Written by Brandi</span></div>
Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-60560273963013274402013-02-23T21:51:00.001-05:002013-02-24T17:34:16.745-05:00Thrift Store Shopping For A YEAR!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1co8-e1B80qwsRj7iICjTeRBSVeMxRumBIZmy5jTDq9S8JaJA4rqNa6dwmdjeMAyCo_w2LNESQCVnRAp7B_DHDs_WvcosOl3kvSWVd93K1XbpkVg-9P_XozRU8B1-pTfV83A0ZGCSzUb/s1600/gdw_water_scarcity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trying to save the planet has put a huge damper on my wardrobe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmXSSp5wrTQ6NbZRawef61KSDi0r3rlVQc_yp-jasWnb7SN2bxlQgN3yw3G3CYnie5mE2f520nzbwkR9b7M8B6wrO0_mocEq4f4nJB0yz5dlnpTIzXPOqOVb_mn6whPIVqS7NtKBorGwb/s1600/world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmXSSp5wrTQ6NbZRawef61KSDi0r3rlVQc_yp-jasWnb7SN2bxlQgN3yw3G3CYnie5mE2f520nzbwkR9b7M8B6wrO0_mocEq4f4nJB0yz5dlnpTIzXPOqOVb_mn6whPIVqS7NtKBorGwb/s1600/world.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before going "Green" I used to LOVE going shopping and getting new clothes! Now I can't pick something new off the rack without these thoughts running through my head:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>- How many pesticides were sprayed to make this? </u></b> Did you know that </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ota.com/organic/environment/cotton_environment.html">cotton</a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>is considered the world's dirtiest crop due to its heavy use of insecticides, the most hazardous pesticide to human and animal health<span style="font-size: small;">? </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFIwh7cHnn3XdOz-nFTF5bVmzb-s-_PM89KzloIRhJpN_aqxSxxG7Q67cxuZI6fMVQDcXkx-s_GgPPpU9vexmoIfPFI0-n0mW8sdUz1tqZ2inRssSCr1Za6wTsanHySS0mvkWE-JVrEPx/s1600/pesticides-cotton+report+cover_0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFIwh7cHnn3XdOz-nFTF5bVmzb-s-_PM89KzloIRhJpN_aqxSxxG7Q67cxuZI6fMVQDcXkx-s_GgPPpU9vexmoIfPFI0-n0mW8sdUz1tqZ2inRssSCr1Za6wTsanHySS0mvkWE-JVrEPx/s320/pesticides-cotton+report+cover_0.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>- How much water did it take to make this? </u></b> Did you know that </span>it takes about <u><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1,800</span></b></u> gallons of <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/how-many-gallons-of-water-does-it-take-to-make.html">water</a> to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of regular ol' blue jeans?<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/AVvXsEhA1co8-e1B80qwsRj7iICjTeRBSVeMxRumBIZmy5jTDq9S8JaJA4rqNa6dwmdjeMAyCo_w2LNESQCVnRAp7B_DHDs_WvcosOl3kvSWVd93K1XbpkVg-9P_XozRU8B1-pTfV83A0ZGCSzUb/s1600/gdw_water_scarcity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1co8-e1B80qwsRj7iICjTeRBSVeMxRumBIZmy5jTDq9S8JaJA4rqNa6dwmdjeMAyCo_w2LNESQCVnRAp7B_DHDs_WvcosOl3kvSWVd93K1XbpkVg-9P_XozRU8B1-pTfV83A0ZGCSzUb/s400/gdw_water_scarcity.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://globaldimension.org.uk/news/item/16524">globaldimension.org</a></td></tr>
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<b><u>- Did kids and/or adults have to endure hours of work in a sweat shop to make this?</u></b> Did you know that according to <a href="http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/sweatshops/resources/12211">laborrights.org</a>, <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he official inductees of the 2010 Sweatshop Hall of Shame <span style="font-size: small;">were</span>: Abercrombie and Fitch, Gymboree, Hanes, Ikea, Kohl’s, LL Bean, Pier 1 Imports, Propper International, and Walmart<span style="font-size: small;">?</span></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/AVvXsEi3XCzrGZmYbsnXtq_Dc33kocT6TYnCpdltCfTgV5j4iS_Si99rToAhDNTTIOy2z59MhcyeS-xe4j2VbXn2CLL3wOHJ0g-ZPGmtSJbSS9VwK0mAHtuHoZlom-gtmI-ZqLArKW0CKGsOWqZw/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XCzrGZmYbsnXtq_Dc33kocT6TYnCpdltCfTgV5j4iS_Si99rToAhDNTTIOy2z59MhcyeS-xe4j2VbXn2CLL3wOHJ0g-ZPGmtSJbSS9VwK0mAHtuHoZlom-gtmI-ZqLArKW0CKGsOWqZw/s400/tshirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/love-fashion-hate-sweatshops">waronwant</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>- Were animals hurt to make this?</b></u><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b>You might <span style="font-size: small;">already know about the abuse animals <span style="font-size: small;">have to go through to make fur and leather, but d<span style="font-size: small;">o</span> you know <span style="font-size: small;">about the animals<span style="font-size: small;"> who suffer so you can have wool, cashmere, angora, silk and down? You<span style="font-size: small;"> can read about it here<span style="font-size: small;">: <a href="http://www.gan.ca/animals/index.en.html">Global Action Network</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></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/AVvXsEgHh_3n4OT8EjkPrFwxgA_gBPqDP8bkjFm52c_4ACAhllGVza6IQqZzPAs_1yA8K3WBMutWxOAkHaycMvugIJo7T3K1qOdHjDuDAuf9fJ9TAKU026XXV5ZKHGy1ZX8h1_cjci9qANlb4wO6/s1600/bunny.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh_3n4OT8EjkPrFwxgA_gBPqDP8bkjFm52c_4ACAhllGVza6IQqZzPAs_1yA8K3WBMutWxOAkHaycMvugIJo7T3K1qOdHjDuDAuf9fJ9TAKU026XXV5ZKHGy1ZX8h1_cjci9qANlb4wO6/s200/bunny.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.happycow.net/vegan_fashion.html">www.happycow.net</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let<span style="font-size: small;">'s just say that my shopping trips never end<span style="font-size: small;"> with me buying much. Good for <span style="font-size: small;">the earth<span style="font-size: small;">, </span>animals and my wallet, not so good for my <span style="font-size: small;">wardrobe.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">After years of empty shopping bags and a closet full of organic t-shirts from <span style="font-size: small;">Whole Foods,<span style="font-size: small;"> I have decided to try something new. </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <span style="font-size: small;">year I am determined to look as good on the outside a<span style="font-size: small;">s I fe<span style="font-size: small;">el </span>on the inside<span style="font-size: small;"> without buying any "NEW" clothes. <span style="font-size: small;">I</span>t<span style="font-size: small;">'s time<span style="font-size: small;"> for me to stop putting a label on what I think a "GREEN" person <span style="font-size: small;">should<i><b> </b></i></span>look like<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">How am I going to<span style="font-size: small;"> dres<span style="font-size: small;">s up my life without buying any<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>new clothes<span style="font-size: small;"> for a whole year? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>The thrift store!</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you know:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- </span> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Salvation Army is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization" title="Non-governmental organization">non-governmental relief agency</a> and is usually among the <b><u>first</u></b> to arrive with help after natural or man-made disasters.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- </span></span></span><a href="http://www.goodwill.org/about-us/our-mission/">Goodwill's numbers for 2011:</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<li> People served through employment and training programs: <b> <u>4.2 million</u></b></li>
<li> Mission services provided: <b><u>107 million</u></b></li>
<li> People who earned a job with Goodwill’s help : <u><b>189,000</b></u></li>
<li> Estimated total earnings of people who earned a job with Goodwill’s help: <u><b>$2.95 billion</b></u></li>
<li> Personal and family support services provided: <u><b>10 million</b></u></li>
<li> Total revenue generated by Goodwill organizations: <u><b>$4.43 billion</b></u></li>
<li> Total revenue spent directly on programs: <u><b>82 percent</b></u></li>
<li> Total number of donors (includes repeat donations): <u><b>79 million</b></u></li>
<li> Total number of retail stores: <u><b>Over 2,650 </b></u>and an online auction site, </li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">- </span></span></span>Retail sales for Goodwill in 2011: <u><b>$2.59 billion</b></u>! That's a lot of money to help people in need!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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- The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers are <b><u>100%</u></b> funded from the proceeds of the Family Stores, allowing them to be self-sustaining.<br />
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- The Salvation Army is deeply committed to the modern-day fight against human trafficking (for sexual and labor purposes) and forms of commercial sexual exploitation innately linked to sexual trafficking.<br />
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- <span style="font-size: small;">The Salvation Army provides <u><b>Group homes</b></u>, <u><b>emergency shelters</b></u>, and <u><b>transitional living centers</b></u> for people in need.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;">- The Salvation A<span style="font-size: small;">rmy's red Kettle at Christmas brings in </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>millions</b></u> of dollars each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Go to their websites to read more about all the good they do:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf">Salvation Arm<span style="font-size: large;">y </span></a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodwill.org/">Goodwill</a> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shopping at the Salvation Army or Goodwill helps a lot <span style="font-size: small;">more th<span style="font-size: small;">an just the <span style="font-size: small;">environment.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">After <span style="font-size: small;">doing research on <span style="font-size: small;">thrift store shopping, I was </span></span>in t<span style="font-size: small;">ot<span style="font-size: small;">al </span></span>awe by <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he amount of people they help. I<b> </b>love the idea of <span style="font-size: small;">not buyi<span style="font-size: small;">ng</span> any<span style="font-size: small;">thing new</span>, giving to people in need, saving money and <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">stocking up my wardrobe all at the same time<span style="font-size: small;">!</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">After telling my husband about my idea<span style="font-size: small;"> of</span> not buying anything new for a year, the first thing he said was<span style="font-size: small;">, "What about all the people that NEED the clothes? <span style="font-size: small;">Aren't you just ta<span style="font-size: small;">king from the poor?" <span style="font-size: small;">My response to that is.......... I have NEVER seen a thrift store that was out <span style="font-size: small;">of clothes! Usually the racks are so packed it<span style="font-size: small;">s hard to look at what is there. I <span style="font-size: small;">also always bring any<span style="font-size: small;"> clothes o<span style="font-size: small;">r furniture </span>we don<span style="font-size: small;">'</span>t want or need back to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.<span style="font-size: small;"> It's like I am paying to borrow it for awhile. :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">You might be thin<span style="font-size: small;">king,<u> "I<span style="font-size: small;">sn't <span style="font-size: small;">shopping a<span style="font-size: small;">t the thrift store dirty?"</span></span></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you remember the bed bug outbreak at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/01/bedbugs-spotted-in-juicy-_n_790528.html">Juicy</a></span></span></span>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/01/hollister-bedbug-infestat_n_632200.html">Hollister</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/02/abercrombie-bedbug-outbre_n_634084.html">Abercrombie</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/16/victorias-secret-bedbug-p_n_648900.html">and Victoria's Secret?</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
Do you wash your new clothes when you get home?<br />
I always come home from the thrift store and throw all the clothes into the washer and dryer before wearing them. The dryer will kill any bedbugs or other living creatures that may be lurking in the clothes. If the clothing item is dry clean only, you can get Dryel bags that can be put in the dryer before you wear them.<br />
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* There are a few items I won't be buying at the thrift store this year: underwear, bra's, bathing suits, socks and shoes.<br />
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I hope this has inspired you to <u>shop more, save more, give more, and WASTE LESS.</u> Don't be "green" for yourself.......<i><u>be green for your kids,</u></i> and their kids, and their kids, and their kids. We only have one Earth, let's not wait for someone else to clean it up. <br />
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My year of not buying <b>any</b> new clothes began on Feb. 14th, 2013. I will keep you updated with my awesome finds! Please join me in my year of shopping, giving, sharing, saving and loving. </div>
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Alone we are weak, together we are strong!</div>
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xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Here are some pictures of Brandi rocking her awesome thrift store buys! </u></span></b></div>
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Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-70901464866296399532013-02-08T13:53:00.000-05:002013-02-16T21:55:49.279-05:00Granola Bar Recipe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">My kids like to snack, so I try to provide them with heathier, non processed options. I make them these granola bars often but they never end up the same bc I always add new things.This is one of the ways we like it, feel free to add what you and your family likes to the mix.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXiroNV_0Io/UQIJYq2VL3I/AAAAAAAAHcA/wKdnMklPnRc/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"><u>Ingredients<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">2 cups rolled oats<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">3/4 C packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1/2 C wheat germ or ground flax seed</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1 C all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">3/4 C chips-chocolate, peanut butter, butterscoth,white chocalate (choose your fav or do all)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1/4 C health bar morsels (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1/2 C honey<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1 egg, beaten<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">1/2 C vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #666666; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Directions</span><span style="color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Preheat the oven 350*. Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">In a large bowl, mix together: oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, chocolate chips, health bar and salt. Mix in honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands if need be until well blending. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Bake for 30-35 mins until golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut. </span></span></div>
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<span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana;">Thats it! You can add <i>raisins</i>, <i>nuts</i> or anything really to this recipe. Its a base recipe that I throw together and add whatever I have in the cupboard. I really like to add toasted coconut into the mix! So yummy!! Hope you and your family ENJOYS!! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="plaincharacterwrapbreak"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Happy Snacking!!!</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span>Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-50961134625387508042013-02-06T17:41:00.002-05:002013-02-16T21:53:42.336-05:00Kids Masterpieces in the TRASHWith my first born I kept <span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>EVERYTHING!</i></u></span> No one picture or craft project was not saved. By the second child I started to keep my favorites. Even then the papers and sparkly craft projects were taking OVER! I then started just writing their names and age on it then taking a picture. I allow the masterpieces to stay on the fridge so the kids can feel proud of them before<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I THROW THEM AWAY!!</span></blockquote>
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Sounds like a horrible mom, but in fact it saves me from being a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">crazy</span> hoarder living in piles of piles of paper, glitter, pine cones and popsicle sticks! </blockquote>
<img height="210" id="il_fi" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/worlds_greatest_hoarder_women_cartoon_photosculpture-p153675325691176154bfnv4_210.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="210" /><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><u>Here's what I do:</u></span><br />
After the work of art (if hangable) graces us with its awesomeness on the fridge, I have the child hold the artwork and I take a picture! This way you can see the age that they made it. I also just take a picture of the art in case I want to put it in rotation on digital frame. It looks like framed art! That way we can enjoy it all the time without having to hang 100 pictures a month. You can also use the pictures to make a photo book of your child's finest work or written letters on an online program like shutterfly or snap fish.. I love reading the kids work and seeing how their handwriting has changed as well as their spelling. I still save a select few, but not many.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span> My Two Cuties Briarlyn & Jalen<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">That's it!</span> A clutter free life just minutes away. Its better to live in the now anyway and really what are you really going to do with all those papers?? Would you really want bins full of your old work growing up as a child? Maybe to see it, but really what would you do with it?? So, take my advice and snap shot it and MOVE ON!! Be careful though, because at first when your child sees you throwing away an art project...... they may get a 'lil hysterical, so make sure you explain it to them first or do it when they are not looking! HAPPY DECLUTTERING!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">written by Brandi</span>Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-72352934052498008682013-01-23T23:00:00.003-05:002013-01-23T23:07:47.042-05:00Staying Connected to your TEEN<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">T</span><span style="color: purple;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">e</span><span style="color: lime;">n</span><span style="color: orange;">s</span></span> are going through <i>soooo</i> much trying to find themselves and control their <span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">eMoTioNs</span> that we as parents need to be there for them and <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">STAY CONNECTED!!!</span> <br />
<img height="174" id="il_fi" src="http://fsmontco.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Staying-Connected-With-Teen-logo.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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If you aren't there for them and don't have a good solid connection, they will find it somewhere else. They may have a hard time expressing themselves and may lash out, so as a parent, you <u><span style="font-size: large;">cant take it personally</span></u>. Staying connected is about building closeness in a relationship by being available and responsive to the other person. More then just spending time around each other, but <span style="font-size: large;">with each other</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Son turning TEEN, taking his buddies camping</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Here are some tips to try to remember:</u></span><br />
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Be a <u>sounding board</u> rather then always giving them advice. Advice makes them feel that they cant figure stuff out on their own. They need to learn things on their own, but be a good listener so they can share their results with you. Give them your full attention and show them that they are the most important thing to you at that moment, rather then checking your phone, favorite blog ;) and so forth.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eat</span> together as a family!! <u>TALK!</u> Turn off the TV, PHONE, etc. <span style="font-size: large;">BE together</span>. We open conversation at the table by taking turns telling each other the High & Low parts of our day. It's great bc every person at the table gets their moment to talk and it really opens up insight into whats going on with them.<br />
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<img height="176" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4eDCy_sgQ3_ZMpKa4Cn3d4tXQ8jtrDqS_VakU0RFC4PoiKSqlD9IVrz0-F6W6d42uzkKloOBLAwbNcs3bM7e2I8wjcP8uEORwKErvI_ggUI6AoO36Y9ArlVvQWFszBwBlnejCpiqUOIf/s320/r527f_no_electronics__35693.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
Stay connected with their<u> friends</u>!! If you want them hanging out at your house then you have to provide a warm and fun environment. Make sure to have FOOD!!! Also, Stay connected with their friends parents. Ck in with a quick call or text once in awhile. My son isn't a huge talker so this is where I usually get most of my info.~friends and other parents! He always wonders how I know everything! lol I love it bc it opens up conversation with me having specific questions.<br />
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Let them have their <span style="font-size: large;">own opinions</span>. They will be moving out in a few short years and you aren't raising a mini me, you are raising an independent person and individual you can be proud of. Your job is to raise an adult not a child that cant think on their own.<br />
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When they tell you something in private, don't share it with anyone else, esp on Facebook!! They hate that and its def a deal breaker and they will stop sharing stuff with you. Need to maintain trust and respect.<br />
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Don't try to change the way they look. They are trying to find their identity and if your constantly telling them to get their hair out of their face, it makes them feel rejected, not confident. Unless they are smelly, def let them know!! he he<br />
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Go to their events, may it be a sporting event, music performance, school assembly. Show your support by being there, but try not to be a hoverer (its hard I KNOW!)<br />
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Try to connect with them EVERYDAY. Even if its only for 5 minutes after the younger siblings go to bed, or in the car ride home. Do something they enjoy, like shoot hoops, hiking, biking, or listen to their new favorite music. We like to wrestle, bc its fun, it makes us laugh and I can still show him that I am stronger then him (which wont be much longer!) If you create regular and routine opportunities for your child to open up, they will. They most likely wont just ask to talk about something that is bothering them.<br />
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They have alot going on in their heads and their hormones are going <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">crazy</span>, usually parents are not on the top of their list. So try to remind them why you should be on their list. Take them out to breakfast and just hang without any distractions. No pressure, just hang.<br />
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DON'T wait to stay CONNECTED!! If you wait 'til you notice that there is a problem without establishing a relationship, its will be really hard to get through to them. <br />
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As simple as it may sound, acknowledge them when they leave and come home. May it be just a hello or a hug, DO IT!! They say that married couples that hug when separating live longer. So why not your children!<br />
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Staying connected is important, it will help when your teen starts to have more freedom esp once they get their license! EK!! So you need to set parameters, guidelines and communicate with them. It is all out of love and for their safety. Don't fall into "everyone else is doing it" or "their parents let them". Both don't fly with me and it shouldn't with you!<br />
<img height="108" id="il_fi" src="http://www.liimatta.us/cms/wp-content/uploads/No-Smoking-No-Drinking-No-Drugs.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><img height="103" id="il_fi" src="http://www.mowersdirect.com/images/no_speeding.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="140" /><br />
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See how they respond to situations that others have gone through. I always tell him a story I hear on the news, from childhood experiences or simply just make them up to see what he thinks about them. I tell stories about underage drinking, drugs, guns etc. and see how he responds then tell him my views on the subject. Letting them know how you feel and your opinions will stick with them.<br />
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A great way to get your child to open up to you on what they know in general about <span style="font-size: large;">sex, drugs, etc</span> ..................is to ask them!! When my son asks to watch a specific more mature movie and if I haven't already seen it, I look up info about it. I ask him to tell me what he already knows on the subject, then I decide if he is ready to watch it. If he doesn't tell me anything then he cant watch it, that simple.I don't want him to learn important subjects from actors even if he doesn't think its fair. I also ask him if there is anything that he may have heard from friends that he didn't know what it meant and I can clarify it for him. Don't make things off limits, allow them to ask anything. I tell my son to do it when his younger siblings are not around. My favorite thus far was, "what is a douche bag?" Don't be afraid to talk to them openly about subjects, they are going to learn it somewhere, better from YOU.<br />
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<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/FCSPubs/movie_rating.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="243" /><br />
Set realistic expectations for them. If you don't set them, they wont meet them!<br />
<img height="165" id="il_fi" src="http://learnwithmst.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/report20card.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNSKue-R_aaJ15PT2KDbp-Bkc33HS3i24nPS5vkvRw5LKXWeC8sWj9f_nNHhqrMSkHhKK_v0PavncpnGNZZYBBYkcy6vahcLF0HGipTJ_Br1zoqoHsgck0n1JOPJurBUFQ-MeKruynWB3/s200/DSC_0560.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="132" /> <img height="172" id="il_fi" src="http://alteringeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/respect1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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Help your teen reach THEIR goals. Let them be who they want to be in the world. This support will show them that you love them and respect them as young adults.<br />
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Don't be their friends, be their parent! They need someone to enforce the rules and consequences.<br />
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Most and foremost- believe in them! Show them unconditional love and know that they are not perfect and will make mistakes. Let them! They only learn by doing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaden & Matty-Sparkly Polliwog offspring being silly</td></tr>
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Don't forget that they are still KIDS! And they want to have a good time and be silly!! Be silly with them!!! I know that my son has only been a teenager for less then year, but so far so good. I am excited to see what the next few years will have in store for us. I plan on staying connected and keep building on our relationship. I know it wont always be easy, but whats the fun in life being boring?!! Everyday is an adventure and the bumps in the road are learning experiences on the road of being a parent! Loosen up and LIVE!!! You only have one life and chose to be connected with your child. Start today bc this day will never come again. <br />
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Love being a teen mom~<span style="color: magenta;">Brandi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Heather's view on her pre-teen</b></span>:</span></span></div>
<u><br /></u>When Brandi first mentioned she wanted to do a blog about raising teens, I had mixed emotions. I could probably write a book about how to parent any other age up until 12. With my pre-teen I feel like I still have so much to learn. When my oldest son started middle school I felt like I went from the BEST mom to the WORST mom in a matter of minutes! Every day I would ask myself the same questions......What happened to my sweet, caring, loving son? How does he know exactly what to say to push every one of my buttons and make me feel bad? Why is he always so grouchy? How much does boarding school cost? :)<br />
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I started reading every book I could find on raising teenagers and I still felt like just a mediocre parent. What makes a "GREAT" parent? Are my parenting skills going to make or break him? That's A LOT of pressure to put on yourself! I was doing exactly what Brandi mentions not to do....... taking everything personal! When he was grouchy I would feel responsible. I would go to my room on many nights and cry myself to sleep. I wasn't there for him when he was feeling bad and needed me because I was so caught up with my own emotions. Then I finally asked myself, "What is the one thing that I want for my son?" That was, surprisingly, the easiest question to answer....... happiness. All the things that I thought really mattered... didn't. After seeing my son so unhappy in 6th grade, everything changed. His good grades didn't seem so important. I just wanted him to be happy. I wanted him to be able to look at a bad grade and not feel like a failure. Not only was I putting very high standards on myself, but I was putting them on him also. I now tell my boys the story about Babe Ruth hitting the most home runs <b>and </b>getting the most strike outs in baseball history, all in the same year. I will strike out as a parent sometimes, but I am going to try and enjoy every minute of it! <br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://uploads.static.vosizneias.com/2011/06/ba4.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
After I stopped stressing, I found many ways to enjoy the time with my pre-teen!<br />
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- We started a journal together. I would write in it and leave it on his bed when I was done. He could ask me anything he had questions about and I could stay connected to him without hovering. Make sure not to leave it out when friends come over! <br />
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- We started reading a book called <i>Just For Boys</i>. We would just read a page a night and then talk about it a little. We both learned a lot and it was a great way to spend extra time with him at night.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1407515705/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Just For Boys: A Book About Growing Up" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BpDoGHFsL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a> <br />
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- Instead of telling him, "Get off your iPod," I now tell him he has 5 or 10 minutes to be off. It gives him time to finish what he is doing and shut it down without me yelling at him. I am always telling my boys to treat people the way you want to be treated and I wouldn't like being in the middle of something and someone yelling at me to get off now. It lets him know that I respect him as a person and that I'm not just here to tell him what to do.<br />
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- With three boys in the house its not always easy to get alone time with Dad. My husband and I decided that our pre-teen needs some time to talk movies, new apps and video games alone with his dad. One night a week they get to go out to dinner with each other. Of course he tries to get in some personal questions also, but he doesn't always get much of a response. :)<br />
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- My Father-in-Law was over and I was complaining about what a slob my son was. He responded, "He's a boy! I would be worried if he wasn't a slob!" I never thought about it like that! He has too many important things he's thinking about to worry about towels on the ground, or dirty socks laying around. I now pick them up and smile. I talk to him at night and try and remind him to pick up his things but I don't make a big deal about it. If he does pick it up on his own, I make sure and tell him how much I appreciate his help. I was a HUGE slob when I was a kid and now I spend EVERYDAY cleaning. <br />
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- Sorry to say this moms, but as your boys get older, most won't want to hug and kiss you as much as they used to. :( I told my pre-teen that I need at least two hugs and two kisses a day. When he leaves for school, he always smiles and gives me a hug and a kiss. He knows he doesn't have to do it in front of his friends and we have made it into a little joke. I always say, "Have you filled your daily quota?" :) I think now, more then ever, he needs to know how much I love him and this is a great way to tell him. I also tell him, "I love you," EVERY chance I get! :)<br />
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- I started a chart for him so he can earn money at the end of each week if he finishes all of his responsibilities. If he finishes everything for that week, he gets to double the amount of money! I don't have to be on him all day with what needs to be done. He can decide for himself what order to finish his chores in. We don't allow electronics until everything is done. The chart really gives him the space he and I both need. Its hard to make sure 3 kids are getting all their things done. I always make sure to let him know how responsible he is when he has finished everything for that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each day I add a new chore. After all the numbers are circled I sign for that day. </td></tr>
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- While reading a book called <i>What Do You Really Want for Your Children?</i>, I came across a wonderful way to handle your kids when they are being disrespectful. I now just tell my son that I have too much respect for myself to listen to such talk. I will not tolerate you talking to me in that manner, now or ever again. Do we understand each other? Then I go into another room or have him go to his room for some space. I don't let his mood affect mine anymore. It's wonderful!<br />
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<img alt="What Do You Really Want for Your Children? By: Wayne W. Dyer" class="KV2ItemThumb" height="320" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_Body_Body_Body_imBookCover" src="http://ecimages.kobobooks.com/Image.ashx?imageID=AcmGFtBuJUire0n6wcalcw&Type=Full" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="211" /><br />
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I still have plenty of days that I have to head to the library for some more parenting books, but I now look at my strikeouts as ways of learning to hit Home Runs!!!!<br />
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Don't sweat the small stuff.... its not worth your time! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo<br />
-HeatherBrandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-62131662043711662272013-01-22T09:31:00.001-05:002013-01-22T09:36:59.181-05:00Valentine's Day Gifts Your Valentine Will Always Remember!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Roses</i> are <span style="color: red;">Red</span>, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Violets</i> are <span style="color: blue;">Blue</span></span>,</div>
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If you want some <u>great ideas</u> for <span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Valentine's Day</span>, then read on and you'll know just what to do!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valentine's Day</span> is a fun day to show that special someone just how much you love them! I love my kids bunches, but this day is really for my hubby! I think my boys seeing their parents in love on Valentine's Day is much more special then a box of chocolates. I help them make cards for their classes and then get busy planning out something special for my main squeeze!</div>
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You don't need a lot of money to show your love. In fact..... its just the opposite! Here are some cheap and fun ways to say<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><u><i>I LOVE YOU!</i></u></b> </span></div>
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- One year I covered the inside of my husband's car in <i>post-it notes</i> before work with reasons why I love him written all over them! It looked awesome and my husband had a huge smile on his face when he was reading them all.<br />
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- How about a <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">romantic dinner</span> served by your kids! Let them set the table, pour the wine, serve the dinner and light the candles. When they are done, they can head into another room to watch a movie and have a special kids only meal that you prepared ahead of time.<br />
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- One year my husband surprised me (after the kids went to sleep) with a room full of<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">rose pedals</span></span>, candles, wine, my favorite music and a fantastic back massage. He didn't have to spend very much money, but it's something I will remember<span style="font-size: large;"> forever.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NxknBHs8rsDBvfx-hMd8kG63DgDnTBPw-TZDFPvBNwnw1WkgHwR4IvT3PTFqJY0ST1vbF8FoEC4lmgyD28r6UyDa3MEAkDDYyJe1qhsxYOI4oGzwtvcSlcp2hwGrqOdOPscrs61Ut5PJ/s1600/rooms-for-romance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NxknBHs8rsDBvfx-hMd8kG63DgDnTBPw-TZDFPvBNwnw1WkgHwR4IvT3PTFqJY0ST1vbF8FoEC4lmgyD28r6UyDa3MEAkDDYyJe1qhsxYOI4oGzwtvcSlcp2hwGrqOdOPscrs61Ut5PJ/s320/rooms-for-romance.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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- If you want to have a kid free Valentine's Day evening, but don't want to pay for a sitter, talk with a friend about <span style="font-size: large;">kid swapping</span>. You don't have to go out on the actual day. It will be far less crowded if you wait a day or two before or after Feb. 14th.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw72V09ypQyKj0EgHXzNGF57PhzhavVgYltOH0uEBS3CABNG7XDbWnTiTAr8KAZYE0Vau_mz94Lx86qIQcKuJYm4bPsHPXiYGZoR43GPjs_txNqdSxTrEhxWL38-YfAbMItI41AYXCRes9/s1600/friends-talking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw72V09ypQyKj0EgHXzNGF57PhzhavVgYltOH0uEBS3CABNG7XDbWnTiTAr8KAZYE0Vau_mz94Lx86qIQcKuJYm4bPsHPXiYGZoR43GPjs_txNqdSxTrEhxWL38-YfAbMItI41AYXCRes9/s1600/friends-talking.jpg" /></a></div>
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- Sometimes hard working husbands or wives just need some <span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">quiet time</span> to themselves! Show him or her you love them by surprising them with their favorite meal, putting on their favorite movie and taking the loud, rambunctious, sweet kids out of the house. Nothing says I LOVE YOU like quiet time after a hard days work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNXKfOUQ2ht1iAbqmIVJrIZVKJYRCUgylB6qywKGk13cXtJaAkxqKG7W2L23PJTp4XOPo-QOFLWWjHOqJlAXod9-qY9aLCSjZnZa4Sdtvcr87G2Af-DCIW-rrZDmUn6MNhL3TmPP5llAD/s1600/1223_man-eating-pizza-watching-tv_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNXKfOUQ2ht1iAbqmIVJrIZVKJYRCUgylB6qywKGk13cXtJaAkxqKG7W2L23PJTp4XOPo-QOFLWWjHOqJlAXod9-qY9aLCSjZnZa4Sdtvcr87G2Af-DCIW-rrZDmUn6MNhL3TmPP5llAD/s320/1223_man-eating-pizza-watching-tv_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- How about<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">bath time</span></span><span style="color: blue;">?!</span> Buy their favorite magazine (or a new book they have been wanting to read), put on some soft music, light some candles, and add there favorite snacks. Take them to the bathroom, hand them a sweet love letter and shut the door! Make sure to include a note that says, "Take all the time you want."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oU58jGy2BMvn9AJJ0qy0TlYOY3Naud2XGt3T801ijF7FoSYECHA9st20jpRaWiKVsJpb3zCBIk-eagj4JQNZ6E3-wE_6CXfejdP9sxW4m7z9zw5BoxovDc1ahjRUeQJsjpjfNgIz6cyT/s1600/Rose-petal-bath-with-wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oU58jGy2BMvn9AJJ0qy0TlYOY3Naud2XGt3T801ijF7FoSYECHA9st20jpRaWiKVsJpb3zCBIk-eagj4JQNZ6E3-wE_6CXfejdP9sxW4m7z9zw5BoxovDc1ahjRUeQJsjpjfNgIz6cyT/s320/Rose-petal-bath-with-wine.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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- Sign up for a <span style="font-size: large;">Love the One You're With <span style="color: red;">5K</span></span>. All the money usually goes to charity and you can finish off the race with a sweet love letter, letting the one you're with know why you love them so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hXBI6ne3PLDLsdbJdVZksE7U8p-3AQo8QWilAhp0iPIpNpD5CQsXefl48JC6jgMRXqVvIZdLtKstFt2oUvJedOHZ8eDYbaERfxzVrv0bVvgCGbNtYfUukF09YffG6xLL431VkIDDYzF4/s1600/RunningHeart2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hXBI6ne3PLDLsdbJdVZksE7U8p-3AQo8QWilAhp0iPIpNpD5CQsXefl48JC6jgMRXqVvIZdLtKstFt2oUvJedOHZ8eDYbaERfxzVrv0bVvgCGbNtYfUukF09YffG6xLL431VkIDDYzF4/s1600/RunningHeart2.gif" /></a></div>
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- Do something you haven't done in awhile! Like ice skating, bowling, miniature golfing, dancing or go-carts. Follow up with an ice cream date and you'll feel like kids again when you get home. Make sure to leave the kids at home doing something fun for this date. Remember the reason the kids are here and that the kids will be moving out one day. <span style="font-size: large;">Don't let the<span style="color: red;"> flame</span> die.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoIaANm4UnsCpIGQbnHk5Ju2MYIsTx4g6owa3vRMXzPswXkyGrSKodCe2Io_6tGCcR1iscasJckokTE0vpFF2cyEgZR_3txaKvzJkUMWGJZWHXSLrmT3yV9fPy7NkkIJXBUyS8PzcSaTJ/s1600/iceskating.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoIaANm4UnsCpIGQbnHk5Ju2MYIsTx4g6owa3vRMXzPswXkyGrSKodCe2Io_6tGCcR1iscasJckokTE0vpFF2cyEgZR_3txaKvzJkUMWGJZWHXSLrmT3yV9fPy7NkkIJXBUyS8PzcSaTJ/s320/iceskating.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- For<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #783f04;">book lovers</span></span>, meet them at a bookstore with a gift card, some flowers, a love letter and some time. Take the kids home and let your lover peruse the whole bookstore. You could pick out your favorite "Adults Only" book beforehand and at the bottom of the letter remind that special someone to pick it up for later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOywftlUomtQV4hixYXUQRa0Eno2l05A799SRjQ-N524YPZ9hOMLFC4GIZ4aH4RwSKjYQOkUW_rKMX-YtPVlBPLWRk3HMSVc2nJxsi7WIRzqGFdNmfPRoImgRonr4rh1F_weXfMfEZKfw/s1600/kissing+bookstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOywftlUomtQV4hixYXUQRa0Eno2l05A799SRjQ-N524YPZ9hOMLFC4GIZ4aH4RwSKjYQOkUW_rKMX-YtPVlBPLWRk3HMSVc2nJxsi7WIRzqGFdNmfPRoImgRonr4rh1F_weXfMfEZKfw/s320/kissing+bookstore.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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- Do you and your Valentine like to do <span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">puzzles?</span> Get a new puzzle, pour some wine, make a fire, and turn on some romantic music. Talk, laugh and enjoy each others company. If you want to add a little spark to puzzle night, how about adding a few rules! After 1 person gets 10 pieces then the other person has to take off 1 piece of clothing. You will be racing to find the most matches! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDDF9tlSDzyAHf-794_5xmaNjxlTNRdlLdUaqAomxVeTXX0_iomj9vKsWbOlqQOJ2Y0ieCkZTfoQsBcm5srL1UkNzyJA_bMamU2Ub_-6RzQYrv2DnENkgVinpjWJfIs1l0VjHglIQcPGw/s1600/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDDF9tlSDzyAHf-794_5xmaNjxlTNRdlLdUaqAomxVeTXX0_iomj9vKsWbOlqQOJ2Y0ieCkZTfoQsBcm5srL1UkNzyJA_bMamU2Ub_-6RzQYrv2DnENkgVinpjWJfIs1l0VjHglIQcPGw/s320/puzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- If your Valentine gets home after you, how about putting on your <span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">heels, lacy undies and your apron</span> and start cooking. No pants or shirt are needed for this meal! When he gets home, tell him he can't touch you until AFTER dinner. By the time dinner and dessert are done he will be dying to enjoy his Valentine's gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPZDcVFBDDvubHlgh97pKvZbw5xf27Snv3UwuoUaxGu8DhoA00vIuS36WEpDJkrkjFoSofCK41fknjzDOkqg9cCK77DMw85-SNNynuKT9vQNgRKded2kz25TF_h-iJQgXadC8W4VPGfIa/s1600/cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPZDcVFBDDvubHlgh97pKvZbw5xf27Snv3UwuoUaxGu8DhoA00vIuS36WEpDJkrkjFoSofCK41fknjzDOkqg9cCK77DMw85-SNNynuKT9vQNgRKded2kz25TF_h-iJQgXadC8W4VPGfIa/s1600/cook.jpg" /></a></div>
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- Nothing says I love you like a <b><span style="font-size: large;">yummy box of chocolates</span></b>! Instead of just buying a box at the store and then handing it to your Valentine, why not jazz it up a little first. On the front you can write.... "You are sweeter than chocolate because"........... and then wrap each chocolate with a strip of paper with a reason why your sweetie is so darn sweet. It doesn't cost you any more money, but the smile on your Valentine's face will make all the extra time you spent well worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLX2I-VmEKmi91Bmtfnux2_M0arKMPs2btt-bjV49Xk1x6F5UeT9CJuWH-MHVwQ9bOWT4x_Q_EyD9X7wXreRm_ROM8Jtp4ek_4E8rKJZicvMO1j_a6BjscVMmTJlbjWVsqMO6Fb20XWQb/s1600/DIY+Box+of+Chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLX2I-VmEKmi91Bmtfnux2_M0arKMPs2btt-bjV49Xk1x6F5UeT9CJuWH-MHVwQ9bOWT4x_Q_EyD9X7wXreRm_ROM8Jtp4ek_4E8rKJZicvMO1j_a6BjscVMmTJlbjWVsqMO6Fb20XWQb/s320/DIY+Box+of+Chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- <span style="font-size: large;">Lets face it girls</span>, guys are very <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">visual<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>creatures</span>. They won't notice if you've put on a few pounds or got your hair done, but they will notice a new bra and panties! Pour yourself a drink before he gets home and get ready to give him a Valentine's gift he will always remember..... A <span style="font-size: large;"><b>STRIP TEASE!</b></span> They have a great book called <span id="btAsinTitle"><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Housewife's Guide to the Practical Striptease</span></u><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">that will show <span style="font-size: small;">you exactly what to do. If you are still to<span style="font-size: small;">o <span style="font-size: small;">embarrassed,</span> then just blindfold him! <span style="font-size: small;">Have arrows point<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ing him where he needs to go<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">Using his favorite candy bars for the arrows is <span style="font-size: small;">fun and then <span style="font-size: small;">you <span style="font-size: small;">will have something to eat as an after show snack. <span style="font-size: small;">At the end of the arrows have a <span style="font-size: small;">chair, a <span style="font-size: small;">blindfold</span> and a note telling him to put it on. You could put a drink next to <span style="font-size: small;">the chair<span style="font-size: small;"> for him to chug down before putting on the blindf<span style="font-size: small;">old. Start the music an<span style="font-size: small;">d start dancing. He w<span style="font-size: small;">on't be able to see you but he will feel you every time you brush up against him.<span style="font-size: small;"> You only have one husband....... enjoy <span style="font-size: small;">him and let him enjoy beautiful<span style="font-size: small;">, sexy </span>you! :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe15YM3qZFPZSlre_Bb4T49W6wFeMNcPjCR7YQbG9ZAZwn_rOGDXlEboIja7AFslRUSBOupFvTsVrMbGceFOxZHXonyL6fU_uOxBjq1FOT6JwAFl231WjqsHTGO5oCaWoDQyOx-yHusswP/s1600/The-Housewife-s-Guide-to-the-Practical-Striptease-9780976650508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe15YM3qZFPZSlre_Bb4T49W6wFeMNcPjCR7YQbG9ZAZwn_rOGDXlEboIja7AFslRUSBOupFvTsVrMbGceFOxZHXonyL6fU_uOxBjq1FOT6JwAFl231WjqsHTGO5oCaWoDQyOx-yHusswP/s320/The-Housewife-s-Guide-to-the-Practical-Striptease-9780976650508.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Does your Valentine l<span style="font-size: small;">i</span>ke <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">wine?</span> How a<span style="font-size: small;">bout a wine tasting at home! Buy a few new <span style="font-size: small;">bottles</span> of wine, some chee<span style="font-size: small;">se, grapes,and crackers. S<span style="font-size: small;">et <span style="font-size: small;">it all up on a blanket</span> next to a cozy<span style="font-size: small;"> fire...... it will be the BEST wine tastin<span style="font-size: small;">g you have <span style="font-size: small;">ever been to!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKNRYz0I_Uief8mVsxmLyeNYDkvjz1zICxS6CjWfi6FQLL_P2eJ-5xE-9F9-RcL_0MvBVtHcC0O-u8bSizR0mTZKjPqEGQwQu9JqAMgmtHVIFtE0kseaSDOpIWaRB6TIve_3-vtKTqd7j/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKNRYz0I_Uief8mVsxmLyeNYDkvjz1zICxS6CjWfi6FQLL_P2eJ-5xE-9F9-RcL_0MvBVtHcC0O-u8bSizR0mTZKjPqEGQwQu9JqAMgmtHVIFtE0kseaSDOpIWaRB6TIve_3-vtKTqd7j/s320/wine.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope these ideas help you plan a beautiful, love filled <span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Valentine's Day!</span> Show that someone special just how much they mean to you. If you are single at the moment, then plan something special for yourself! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We<u> all deserve</u> to be pampered. <span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span>o<span style="color: red;">x</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">P<span style="font-size: large;">.<span style="font-size: large;">S......</span></span>The new <span style="color: #990000;">Die Hard</span></span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>movie is coming out<span style="font-size: large;"> <u>ON</u> Valentines Day!! <span style="font-size: large;">I think ANY guy would LOVE <span style="font-size: large;">a surpri<span style="font-size: large;">se </span>movie date. If you don<span style="font-size: large;">'t want to see it then <span style="font-size: large;">ask ones of his friends if he wants to<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">go<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-19690565917636235172013-01-15T13:51:00.000-05:002013-01-15T13:51:28.751-05:00VICKS TricksIf you thought that <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vicks</span> </span>topical cream was just for relieving throat,chest and head congestion while you sleep, then you will be surprised with this post. My moms is always like, "Well, did you try Vicks?" I would often forget about the mentholated cream and how it really does work wonders!<br />
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The <em>active </em>ingredients are<span style="font-size: large;"> <em><span style="color: lime;">Camphor</span>, <span style="color: #274e13;">Menthol</span> and <span style="color: #38761d;">Eucalyptus oil.</span></em></span><img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://www.vicksvaporrubonfeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Vicks-Vapor-Rub-on-Feet.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="240" /></div>
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Do not use in children under 2. There is a more gentler formula for babies that contains only aloe vera with fragrance of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary (for ages 3months and up).**Also, do not rub under children's noses** Was a studying done on ferrets that suggests not doing it.</blockquote>
<img height="183" id="il_fi" src="http://www.globalgiants.com/archives/fotos/PROCTER-GAMBLE-VICKSBABY.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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Not only has it been around for over <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">100 hundred years</span>,</span> it is the most used over the counter decongestants.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT, that's not all!! Here are some other uses:</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Feet Uses:</span></u><br />
1- Rub all over your feet and cover with socks while you sleep. This provides night time cough relief (worked for my daughter).<br />
2- Fungus toes can be helped if you rub on a little bit after getting out of the shower. It penetrate and kill the bacteria in less then 2 weeks!! (my mom tried and said it worked for her)<br />
3-If you get dry, cracked feet, try rubbing Vicks on in the morning and night until it soften ups.<br />
4-Have Athletes foot? Rub the minty rub on they dry, crusty spots twice a day.<br />
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<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.medimanage.com/Images/moisturize-feet_300.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="168" /><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><u>For the SKIN:</u></span><br />
1-Have Eczema? There isn't a cure, but rubbing the cool, minty paste can relieve the terrible itch.<br />
2-Dab onto a zit to help your acne to subside and be less red.<br />
3-Rosacea getting you down? Lightly rub Vicks onto red areas at night, just make sure not to get into your eyes.<br />
4-Feel a cold sore coming on? Rub a dab onto suspected area.<br />
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<img height="157" id="il_fi" src="http://www.gnet.org/wp-content/uploads/coconut-oil-skin.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>For the BODY:</u></span><br />
1-Rub the minty paste to relieve achy muscles. The Menthol acts as a local anesthetic and relieves those aches and pains!<br />
2-Sinus Headache? Without getting it into eyes, rub onto cheek bones and forehead.<br />
3-Got a itchy bug bite? Just a dab with do ya!<br />
4-Itchy Skin in general? Dry elbows? Use the CREAM!!<br />
5-Dealing with something really smelly? Apply some under the nose to mask the smell.<br />
6-Camping or in an area with Mosquito's or Ticks? Rub some Vicks on exposed areas to keep those pesky bugs away. Already gotten bitten by the Mosquito? Rub some on the bite to relieve itch.<br />
7-Tennis Elbow? Rub some on and wrap it up.<br />
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<img height="139" id="il_fi" src="http://www.rosslab.neurobio.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Mosquito.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Try these out and let us know if they work for you and your family</span></div>
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Written by Brandi<br />
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<br />Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-47599545374052461692013-01-14T16:02:00.002-05:002013-01-14T16:02:19.911-05:00Make Your own Graham CrackersI don't know about you, but my family and I<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> love</span> us some <span style="color: orange;">Graham crackers</span>! <em>Esp</em> with peanut butter or s'more ingredients! My kids like to dip theirs in milk, which makes a mess, but I totally get it! So good! So when I found out that I can make my own with ingredients that I can read, then I was all in! I love to make snacks that the kids love and I can feel good about, bc other then that they usually only get fruit. All those package snacks are loaded with ingredients I don't want to give my tikes or are expensive! So here's the recipe I found from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/05/graham-crackers/" target="_blank">Smittten Kitchen</a> and tweaked to fit my family.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">~makes 10 4x4.5" or 48 2' sq.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>2 1/2 C + 2 tbs unbleached all purpose flour (can sub 1/2 C whole wheat flour)</li>
<li>1 C dark brown sugar, lightly packed</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>3/4 tsp kosher or sea salt</li>
<li>7 tbs unsalted butter cold and grated</li>
<li>1/3 C mild flavored honey like clover</li>
<li>5 tbs milk (full fat if have)</li>
<li>2 tbs pure vanilla extract</li>
</ul>
Topping (optional): 2 tbs granulated sugar, 1tsp ground cinnamon (mixed)<br />
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<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Get to Making:</span></u><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><u>Dough:</u></span><br />
Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt into a food processor or electric mixer. Pulse or mix on low to blend then add butter until looks like coarse meal.<br />
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In separate bowl, whisk together honey, milk, and vanilla (wet ingredients), Add to flour mixture and mix on low until dough starts to form. *If its not moist enough and wont stick together like dough-then mix another proportionate ratio of wet ingredients and add to dough (I had too, maybe bc I used my hands?)<br />
Lay out saran wrap and dust with flour to add your dough in a 1' thick rectangle. Wrap and chill until firm ~2hrs<br />
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<u>Rolling out the Dough</u>:<br />
Divide dough in half and roll out onto flour surface into a long rectangle ~1/8 thick. Trim edges<br />
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Now cut your dough using a pastry cutter or I used a pizza cutter to cut desired size. Traditional cut is 4 1/2", but I just went with the flow. Poke each cracker half way through with end of wooden skewer or toothpick.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-kbgVHh4AE/UPMHC5FUzGI/AAAAAAAAHXw/vgDSsmoqhJo/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-kbgVHh4AE/UPMHC5FUzGI/AAAAAAAAHXw/vgDSsmoqhJo/s320/13+-+2" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place onto non stick baking sheet or parchment paper and sprinkle with mixed topping.</div>
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Bake for 15-25 minutes on 350* or until brown and slightly firm. They wont be hard when you first take them out like a traditional cracker, so DON'T over cook!</div>
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Let cool and ENJOY!! Let us know if your family loves them as much as ours. </div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span>Happy Snacking!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Written By Brandi</span></div>
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Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-63008642467174194882013-01-04T14:11:00.002-05:002013-01-04T14:11:37.902-05:00TO DIE for Chocolate Caramel BarsWARNING!! WARNING!! These are so amazing and delicious that you will probably eat the entire batch unless you share with family and friends!!! Just wanted to warn you bc I don't want to be at fault when you cant control yourself! lol I have this problem and often times just go with it bc why not?! I work out, I deserve a pan full of heavenly goodness. I'm sure a few crunches will burn the entire batch off, right?? My mom and sis in law both make this, one with and one without nuts for those allergic family members (my HUBBY). Both are equally as yummy. Here's the one with nuts:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMIRI7qjRMk/UNyqBId0qgI/AAAAAAAAHTg/DnwR9P4QYWo/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMIRI7qjRMk/UNyqBId0qgI/AAAAAAAAHTg/DnwR9P4QYWo/s320/12+-+3" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></u><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">1 3/4 flour</span></li>
<li>1 c quick oats</li>
<li>1/2 C brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 C Cold butter</li>
<li>1 C chopped walnuts</li>
<li>2o caramels</li>
<li>1 14oz can eagle brand sweetened condensed milk</li>
<li>2 C chocolate chips (or more if you love the heavenly morsel)</li>
</ul>
<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: black;">Preheat oven 375*</span></li>
<li>Mix in large bowl: flour, oats, baking soda, & salt (*this is crumb mix)</li>
<li>Cut in butter until crumbly</li>
<li>Save 1 1/2 C of crumb mix and press rest into 13x9" pan and bake for 15 mins.</li>
<li>Add walnuts to saved crumb mix</li>
<li>In saucepan on low heat: melt caramel with milk</li>
<li>Layer chocolate chips, caramel mix, then crumb mix onto pressed mix and bake for 20 minutes.</li>
</ol>
That's it! That's all it takes to make a piece of Heaven! Enjoy!!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">written by Brandi</span>Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-54347708233773167392013-01-03T22:29:00.000-05:002013-01-03T22:30:24.171-05:00Have You Shaved Your Sweater Lately?There is no better time than on cold winter days to break out your favorite comfy sweater. I don't always remember to wash mine inside out and almost always forget to keep them out of the dryer, which leaves fuzz balls all over them. I have a few sweaters that were filled with fuzz balls and I would only wear them to bed. I couldn't get rid of them but I didn't want to wear them out of the house looking the way they did until...<br />
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I started shaving them! Who knew a simple razor could make my sweaters look brand new again!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During Shaving</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrm14XhYc5rJlSb1y1unjtsYja-QeHP-5__iJBfpceb6KhuSwfxsUhF8bKgTRiB1gTTa4vHv2efGffw8kOkFZjFcbQPDICSGGB018Z45zdywfdBRrrnIkMCdVv_e6jz078hY9zMemdz_E/s1600/blogger-image-1180363229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrm14XhYc5rJlSb1y1unjtsYja-QeHP-5__iJBfpceb6KhuSwfxsUhF8bKgTRiB1gTTa4vHv2efGffw8kOkFZjFcbQPDICSGGB018Z45zdywfdBRrrnIkMCdVv_e6jz078hY9zMemdz_E/s1600/blogger-image-1180363229.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">After</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Shaving</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Look at all the fuzz I <span style="font-size: small;">shaved</span> off of ONE sweater!</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxfxtpV4_uOyla1XAZEviUlGnj4MSnNGOAk8D_s3uCG6w2m3sUTT17BgtYSIvzrUSGDYYkYkGcj20slQI2iQbr4elxUrsX09QSw0uLHo3nLoLEPb6RJi9-a4wzFxDbh9mxUvvRHYM136p/s1600/blogger-image-520171561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxfxtpV4_uOyla1XAZEviUlGnj4MSnNGOAk8D_s3uCG6w2m3sUTT17BgtYSIvzrUSGDYYkYkGcj20slQI2iQbr4elxUrsX09QSw0uLHo3nLoLEPb6RJi9-a4wzFxDbh9mxUvvRHYM136p/s1600/blogger-image-520171561.jpg" /></a></div>
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All you need is a razor!<br />
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Make sure you don't press too hard while shaving.....you wouldn't want to put a hole in your favorite sweater.<br />
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It took me about 30 min to do the whole thing. Now I don't have to keep this one in my pajama drawer!<br />
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo <br />
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Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-79493963738174671032012-12-29T22:19:00.000-05:002013-01-24T09:38:51.655-05:00Couch to 5K in Less Than 4 Weeks!Do you want to lose weight? Feel less stressed? Be healthier? <br />
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There is no better day than today to start taking care of yourself! I know it can be hard to find the time for yourself, but YOU ARE WORTH IT! When you take care of yourself, you feel good. And when you feel good, everyone around you benefits from it. My husband knows that when I go out for a run, I come back feeling good, and therefore I have more patience with the kids and I can handle the day to day stresses much better. <br />
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Here are 7 benefits of getting physical activity from the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676">Mayo Clinic</a>:<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No. 1: Exercise controls weight</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No. 3: Exercise improves mood</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No. 4: Exercise boosts energy</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">No. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No. 6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No. 7: Exercise can be fun</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">A cheap and fun way to get your <span style="font-size: small;">exercise</span> is running! </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><img alt="" height="241" id="100000001746311" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/08/28/health/28Physed/28Physed-tmagArticle.jpg" width="400" /></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Running is not like riding a bike. You can't take a break for a few years and then jump back into it at the same speed as when you stopped. I used to run almost everyday years ago and I was in the best shape of my life. I can remember running a half marathon and not getting tired at all. A few months ago, a friend asked me to do a <span style="font-size: small;">5</span>K with her and I said "SURE!" I wanted to start running any ways and I knew this would give me <span style="font-size: small;">a</span> push to get started. I thought a <span style="font-size: small;">5</span>K would be easy until I went out that first day to start my training. I thought I was going to die! I couldn't run for even 2 minutes without being <span style="font-size: small;">completely</span> out of breath. I came home <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">exhausted</span> and knew</span> I needed to start off slower. I<span style="font-size: small;">'m not</span> 20 anymore and I could definitely feel it. I wrote a running plan and in 6 weeks I was running for 10 minutes straight with no problem. Here is what I did:</span></span></h2>
Put on my favorite music, laced up my running shoes and started my timer..... it's time to RUN!<br />
I try to run 3-4 days a week <br />
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<b><u>Days 1 and 2 </u></b><br />
Walk 3 mins.<br />
Run 1 mins.<br />
For a total of 15 mins.<br />
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<b><u>Days 3 and 4</u></b><br />
Walk 3 mins.<br />
Run 2 mins.<br />
For a total of 18 mins.<br />
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<b><u>Days 5 and 6 </u></b><br />
Walk 3 mins.<br />
Run 3 mins.<br />
For a total of 21 mins.<br />
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<u><b>Days 7 and 8</b></u><br />
Walk 3 mins.<br />
Run 4 mins.<br />
For a total of 24 min<br />
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<u><b>Days 9 and 10</b></u><br />
Walk 2 mins.<br />
Run 5 mins.<br />
For a total of 30 mins.<br />
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<u><b>Days 11 and 12</b></u><br />
Walk 2 mins.<br />
Run 7 mins.<br />
For a total of 29 mins.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Days 13 and 14 </b></u><br />
Walk 2 mins.<br />
Run 9 mins.<br />
For a total of 35 mins.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u><u><b>Days 15 and 16</b></u><br />
Walk 2 mins.<br />
Run 10 mins.<br />
For a total of 38 mins.<br />
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Keep increasing your running time with each run. I don't time myself anymore, but after 3 months I was running for 45 minutes while only walking 2 minutes to start and 2 minutes to finish.<br />
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Here are some other running plans I found:<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/67061481922650210/">Couch to 5K</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/188517934372619171/">Train to Run Long Distance</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/39969515413144408/">Couch to 5K</a><br />
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<b>Make sure you always start and end with walking. </b><br />
It is also a great idea to keep a journal of your progress. Then you can look back and see how far you came from day one. If you have back or knee problems and can't run, then speed walk. <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/16/just-15-minutes-of-exercise-a-day-may-add-years-to-your-life/">TIME</a> says you can add <b>YEARS</b> to your life with just 15 minutes a day of exercise! <br />
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I had such a blast running the 5K with my friend Lisa. It feels great to set a goal and complete it. My boys were at the finish line waiting for me and they looked SO proud! They all said they want to do it with me next year! It's one thing to talk to your kids about being healthy and exercising, but it's another to show them how. <br />
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You don't have to wait until New Year's Day to start..... Start Today! Dishes need to be washed, laundry needs to be done, bathrooms need to be cleaned, but most importantly... you need to take care of yourself. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Signing up for a run is great motivation to start a training program. Here are some websites to look for a marathon near you:<br />
<a href="http://www.marathonguide.com/races/races.cfm">Marathon Guide</a><br />
<span id="goog_1759491099"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1759491100"></span><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/race-finder">Runners World</a><br />
<a href="http://www.runningintheusa.com/">Running in the USA</a><br />
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There are many different runs you could sign up for! Brandi and her family did a mud run last year and they had a blast running together!<br />
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There are also a lot of helpful running apps you can get for your smartphone... <br />
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<b><u><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runkeeper-gps-track-running/id300235330?mt=8">RunKeeper </a></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Join the more than 12 million people who are using RunKeeper to turn their phone into a personal trainer in their pocket! Track your runs, walks, bike rides, hikes, and more using the GPS in your iPhone.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="iPhone Screenshot 2" class="portrait" height="320" src="http://a876.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/105/Purple/v4/6f/66/92/6f66929c-8612-8961-cb97-01567cf9df13/mzl.cbwkufnp.320x480-75.jpg" width="180" /><br />
<b>Cost:</b>Free<br />
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<u><b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ghost-race-pro/id388861430?mt=8">Ghost Race</a> </b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Training for a marathon? Looking to beat your personal best? Do you need that extra push? Stop running against the clock and start training against a competitor. Set the distance and pace you would like to beat and get ready to train! Keep track of all of your fitness activities from taking a walk outside to working out in the comfort of your own home. Monitor your progress with the built in history storage complete with weather details at the time of your activity.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="iPhone Screenshot 2" class="portrait" height="320" src="http://a429.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/083/Purple/v4/df/17/3f/df173f2f-3521-de69-ddb3-d0d00e969c6e/mzl.rmmqnwbj.320x480-75.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $0.99<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/get-running-couch-to-5k/id319043985?mt=8">Get Running (Couch to 5K)</a></span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Targeted more for beginner runners. With three enjoyable workouts a week, in nine weeks you will be running continuously for half an hour, even if getting off the couch is a struggle today!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="iPhone Screenshot 2" class="portrait" height="320" src="http://a25.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/071/Purple/v4/61/87/5d/61875da2-3562-2dc6-ef80-4bd455108010/mzl.mkrzckst.320x480-75.jpg" width="180" /><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $2.99<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fitnio-gps-exercise-tracker/id290233554?mt=8">Fitnio</a></span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fitnio is another GPS-based tracking and monitoring app for walking, running and cycling. The app records your activity and then displays distance, pace, caloric burn and also keeps an ongoing log of all workouts and also syncs with its website. Fitnio also provides an emergency contact option in the event that immediate help is needed during a workout.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="iPhone Screenshot 1" class="portrait" height="320" src="http://a1335.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/023/Purple/51/03/ef/mzl.nazyhsbh.320x480-75.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $1.99<br />
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<u><b><a href="http://www.runningmethod.com/">Run Coach Pro</a></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">Run Coach Pro puts a personalized training plan in your pocket. Training plans are available for getting fit or race events (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50K Ultra). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><img height="320" src="http://www.runningmethod.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iPhone_save_11.png" width="283" /><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $0.99<br />
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<u><b><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/imapmy/">Map My Run</a></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">MapMy is a fitness tracking application that enables you to use the built-in GPS of your mobile device to track all of your fitness activities. Record your workout details, including duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation, calories burned, and route traveled on an interactive map. You can even effortlessly save and upload your workout data to any of the MapMyFitness websites where you can view your route workout data, and comprehensive workout history.</span><br />
<img alt="MapMyRun apps" height="274" src="http://d2i3r43q6ffvz8.cloudfront.net/prod/hashed/284eb0b63f7edfda8ccc2d3c9794d1e93b1daf5a.png?p=http%3A%2F%2Fd2i3r43q6ffvz8.cloudfront.net%2Fprod%2Fprod-20121221-03%2Fimages%2Fimapmy%2Fmain_phones.png" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<b>Cost:</b> FREE<br />
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You don't need an expensive piece of equipment or a monthly gym membership to get the exercise you need!<br />
Running or walking outdoors is also a great way to soak up some vitamin D!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d">US News Health says:</a><br />
The sunshine vitamin may protect against a <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/070608/0608health.vitamind.htm">host of diseases</a></span>, including osteoporosis, heart disease and cancers of the breast, prostate and colon. What's more, sunlight has other hidden benefits — like protecting against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system.<br />
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Make sure you put on sunscreen if running for long periods of time and follow these important safety rules from <a href="http://www.rrca.org/education-advocacy/rrca-general-running-safety-tips/">RRCA.</a><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="upper">Don’t wear headphones</span>. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles</span>. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Look both ways before crossing</span>. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe</span>. Include any medical information.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you</span>. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call</span>. Know the locations of public phones along your regular route.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Trust your intuition about a person or an area</span>. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not “right”, it isn’t.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Alter or vary your running route pattern</span>; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Run with a partner</span>. Run with a dog.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Write down or leave word of the direction of your run</span>. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails</span>. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others</span>. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark</span>. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.</span></li>
<li class="importance"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">Carry a noisemaker</span>. Get training in self-defense.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance">When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road</span>. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="importance upper">Call police immediately</span> if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately </span></li>
</ul>
Start running today and let us know how you are doing! We would LOVE to post your progress to inspire others who read this. Take a before picture and your measurements to compare with later.<br />
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Go <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/101-kicks-butt?page=single">HERE</a> to read 101 tips to get you motivated to run. You can do it... YOU ARE WORTH IT!<br />
Happy Running xoxoxoxoxoxSparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-45747896792549236902012-12-28T17:28:00.001-05:002012-12-31T21:45:05.551-05:00New Years Eve Game for the Whole Family!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You might not be able to go to New York to watch the ball drop this New Year's Eve, but with this ball of treats... you'll be glad you stayed home!</b></span></div>
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A few years ago, we started a New Year's Eve game which the WHOLE family could enjoy. It's a great way to reuse all of the wrapping paper from Christmas! We call it the <b>New Years Ball Game</b>. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfA2shfHGj3tBwxBv8C3HzVD_9t1mhGvo8ggXq2VfE7AkEB02GPSm4VIhU-vGFKqkm50RkdnPZQXX1JtqoF5lWu0uVYPOBaAd49qZFMxr8aeKTC5rcfgp1uQdejYDGANlwp6Su8g1Cr5p/s1600/blogger-image-1437081034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfA2shfHGj3tBwxBv8C3HzVD_9t1mhGvo8ggXq2VfE7AkEB02GPSm4VIhU-vGFKqkm50RkdnPZQXX1JtqoF5lWu0uVYPOBaAd49qZFMxr8aeKTC5rcfgp1uQdejYDGANlwp6Su8g1Cr5p/s320/blogger-image-1437081034.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Here is what you'll need for the game: <br />
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- Used wrapping paper, tissue paper and/or newspaper<br />
- Packing tape (the more you use, the longer it will take to unwrap) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivutsPyqwVAn68FXGKhd0GS23dKHvswuj7gIhOq4AMmvRmf-DU4UaDzmCgkRpx5r9uNg0-7TroxDWFkusBTpfQc54rn6E0cHdMccLEFsMuUxif5fAbFgt9E_tA-tkPNHlIJHJvf5AbqNVK/s1600/blogger-image-619663226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivutsPyqwVAn68FXGKhd0GS23dKHvswuj7gIhOq4AMmvRmf-DU4UaDzmCgkRpx5r9uNg0-7TroxDWFkusBTpfQc54rn6E0cHdMccLEFsMuUxif5fAbFgt9E_tA-tkPNHlIJHJvf5AbqNVK/s320/blogger-image-619663226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Treats: candy, small toys, gift cards, gum, etc. You can spend as little or as much as you want! That's one of the things that makes this game so great!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yB3PAKKgtkIrRWQHB7pfXsYZIW60dawbMHnHvtYMKiQCiz7ryoqJF8vLwZR7Y-kqZKcAKrlYSYbz4QgaC4zaMgHQgjC2iX2TwKDB8r-cycOzlzbU2FJy58S-jVVPUwraV7EWyoJB_rz2/s1600/blogger-image--6281426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yB3PAKKgtkIrRWQHB7pfXsYZIW60dawbMHnHvtYMKiQCiz7ryoqJF8vLwZR7Y-kqZKcAKrlYSYbz4QgaC4zaMgHQgjC2iX2TwKDB8r-cycOzlzbU2FJy58S-jVVPUwraV7EWyoJB_rz2/s320/blogger-image--6281426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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-A single, typical 6-sided die. <br />
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I always start the ball with the best prize in the middle. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnO34k_3T7KQ7Uu8MrY6MPCOJhHA0pzlsQBlcSuXR1G3wwdqx4d3_43eXN3z8hdanofyBuJ24EMIoUEm7h1UnAKXCuEub0RpmSV7J1viTUnqTJufL2EAyFrZGplS7CbhqfERqk-NiJU4l/s1600/blogger-image-708790288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnO34k_3T7KQ7Uu8MrY6MPCOJhHA0pzlsQBlcSuXR1G3wwdqx4d3_43eXN3z8hdanofyBuJ24EMIoUEm7h1UnAKXCuEub0RpmSV7J1viTUnqTJufL2EAyFrZGplS7CbhqfERqk-NiJU4l/s320/blogger-image-708790288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start with wrapping paper around the prize and add a piece of tape. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtAFNxMSXKWS4ZGROYugAt53443RtXcQUHNLKQ25qep9MnXBFZh4c91bvKXkV7Qo_VScTxWoIz9YgKUsIV-x53oJZTrVucGfB0f7WuZ-wdQXGRpCAG1gL1M_Y9SZCHpTwq_L60If78IxC/s640/blogger-image-1972263003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtAFNxMSXKWS4ZGROYugAt53443RtXcQUHNLKQ25qep9MnXBFZh4c91bvKXkV7Qo_VScTxWoIz9YgKUsIV-x53oJZTrVucGfB0f7WuZ-wdQXGRpCAG1gL1M_Y9SZCHpTwq_L60If78IxC/s400/blogger-image-1972263003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lay the prize on top, cover with paper and then tape. The more tape you use the harder it will be to unwrap!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-x_VZUrcGgTlVkGaKaO0cEb0W8J2g-ji2Bxaz8tIVZ-uXbYAICtTG0CHhjE81ChyphenhyphenX1rYpZPW9mWbKepFNS5Nor56u2tjESgNuQZrA38XyaqZxZJZLcmnTxiRcBMmz2MMCimnZ6znv6Au/s640/blogger-image--824321996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-x_VZUrcGgTlVkGaKaO0cEb0W8J2g-ji2Bxaz8tIVZ-uXbYAICtTG0CHhjE81ChyphenhyphenX1rYpZPW9mWbKepFNS5Nor56u2tjESgNuQZrA38XyaqZxZJZLcmnTxiRcBMmz2MMCimnZ6znv6Au/s400/blogger-image--824321996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Keep adding more treats, paper and tape until the ball is the size you want.<br />
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How to play the game:</div>
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- Everyone sits in a circle.</div>
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- The youngest player gets the ball first.</div>
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- The person to the left has the die.</div>
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- That person starts rolling the die as the player with the ball starts to unwrap the ball.</div>
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- As soon as a 6 is rolled (or any single number you choose) both the player with the ball and the player with the die pass to the person to their right. </div>
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- What ever a person unwraps, they get to keep.</div>
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- Keep going around in a circle until the entire ball has been unwrapped.</div>
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My boys have a BLAST playing this game! It will be a New Years tradition for years to come! The first year we played I only had a prize in the middle and it wasn't as much fun. The next year I added more treats throughout the ball and they really liked it because everyone was able to get a few treats. We try and eat very healthy throughout the year, but on New Year's Eve we like to celebrate the upcoming year with some yummy junk food treats. </div>
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I hope you and your family enjoy this game as much as we do. Have a fun and safe New Year's Eve! xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxo</div>
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Here is a video of my family playing the game for New Years Eve 2012 </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Wf7UI6Busk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-60634742613175322462012-12-27T16:06:00.000-05:002013-03-07T14:35:45.249-05:00Homemade Wheat Thin CrackersHave you ever read the label on a wheat thin box? Sparkly Polliwog has and we don't like what we have found! Why buy a snack that has MSG in it when you can make it yourself and know exactly whats going in it. Not that the package kind is evil or anything, but there is just stuff in it that you would never add to your food by choice. It is also a fun project to do with the kids! Found this recipe from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/09/homemade-wheat-thins/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3AVh04Cv0iiHvceRyByh_bz6bdtiImncD0fP4ouyyUvTm6PCP9P2PYpFB6a5RdNCxuC3SPSc3JZ_HcybhVmT2gOQ6E4I1J4ycIx5LQrkgQuhBDBP2cP6RfxenRMFBr_THtcp8Ct_lBql/s1600/cracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3AVh04Cv0iiHvceRyByh_bz6bdtiImncD0fP4ouyyUvTm6PCP9P2PYpFB6a5RdNCxuC3SPSc3JZ_HcybhVmT2gOQ6E4I1J4ycIx5LQrkgQuhBDBP2cP6RfxenRMFBr_THtcp8Ct_lBql/s1600/cracker.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKTPDrxqTwc/UNygMa4Y1aI/AAAAAAAAHSY/TfFQS_aXczg/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz8zLDc5rz0/UNygXZtmMkI/AAAAAAAAHS0/hpUqeIr_tPs/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz8zLDc5rz0/UNygXZtmMkI/AAAAAAAAHS0/hpUqeIr_tPs/s200/12+-+3" width="195" /></a><u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Makes ~3 dozen. I doubled it :)</span></div>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black;">1 1/4 C whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 1/2 tbs sugar</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 tsp table salt , +additional for topping </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 tsp paprika</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4 tbs unsalted butter</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 C water</li>
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<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: black;">By hand or food processor: COMBINE the flour, sugar, salt, paprika, and butter until evenly distributed. (I don't have a processor, SIGH, so mixed by hand-I grated the cold butter before mixing). Mix until looks like cornmeal.</span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_XHs7D5s4s/UNygXcBUzgI/AAAAAAAAHSs/kYz8aHFZNCU/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_XHs7D5s4s/UNygXcBUzgI/AAAAAAAAHSs/kYz8aHFZNCU/s320/12+-+2" width="290" /></a></div>
Drizzle 1/4 C water and combine and knead until all blended.<br />
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2. Heat oven 400* and either lightly grease baking sheet or line with parchment paper.<br />
3. Roll half the dough out at a time on floured surface. You want to get it as thin as possible and in much of a rectangle shape as you can. You can recruit a helper ;0<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu7rx6453hY/UNyhG105NXI/AAAAAAAAHTA/ocoK3UHb0q8/s1600/12+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu7rx6453hY/UNyhG105NXI/AAAAAAAAHTA/ocoK3UHb0q8/s320/12+-+6" width="320" /></a><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxi2jpckDFs/UNygXetK1FI/AAAAAAAAHSw/I7Yfn_WRwYo/s320/12+-+1" width="244" /></div>
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Using your pizza, knife or pastry wheel, cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. <br />
4. Place onto baking sheet, don't need to be spaced to far apart and poke holes into each square using a tooth pick<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRrmkcps3yA/UNygMajOYUI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/tmg48CQTP68/s1600/12+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRrmkcps3yA/UNygMajOYUI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/tmg48CQTP68/s320/12+-+5" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvVTQqELDdI/UNygMUXwq5I/AAAAAAAAHR8/SGkJc1P-qAE/s1600/12+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 252px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 321px;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvVTQqELDdI/UNygMUXwq5I/AAAAAAAAHR8/SGkJc1P-qAE/s320/12+-+4" width="320" /></a>Sprinkle some salt and bake until golden and crisp ~5-7 minutes depending on thickness </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZU9hR0G1us/UNygMSHPCAI/AAAAAAAAHSk/1eHY4vkNawk/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZU9hR0G1us/UNygMSHPCAI/AAAAAAAAHSk/1eHY4vkNawk/s320/12+-+3" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cool on baking rack</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4mvSbQum_U/UNygMQr2r6I/AAAAAAAAHSg/VbrOqx_RMiY/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4mvSbQum_U/UNygMQr2r6I/AAAAAAAAHSg/VbrOqx_RMiY/s320/12+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
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Store in airtight containers up to 2 weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLDdLwQ4Mo/UNtl9nREQwI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/bdxG6SjItPM/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLDdLwQ4Mo/UNtl9nREQwI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/bdxG6SjItPM/s320/12+-+2" width="320" /></a></div>
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We like ours with the <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/12/garlic-cheese-ball-recipe.html" target="_blank">Garlic Cheese Ball</a>! So YUMMY</div>
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Hope you and your family enjoy this alternative to the package kind. We sure do for so many reasons! <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Happy Snacking!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Brandi</span></div>
Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-20952424798433710662012-12-27T16:04:00.003-05:002012-12-27T16:09:02.206-05:00Garlic Cheese Ball RecipeIf you love cheese as much as I do then you will go crazy over this <span style="color: orange;">CHEESE BALL</span>! I am a cheese ball at heart and this is my new best friend and favorite recipe. It's simple, with few ingredients and makes enough to share with your cheesy friends. My friend Abby was nice enough to share her aunts recipe after making it for a recent holiday party. I didn't leave the cheese balls side, it came to every room I was in, in fear that someone else would devour it all before me. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLlpsiu0gY/UNtl9p8xRBI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/QDhmj9KUqOQ/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLlpsiu0gY/UNtl9p8xRBI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/QDhmj9KUqOQ/s320/12+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
This picture only shows half the size this recipe makes bc I made one w/o nuts for my Nut Free hubby.<br />
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<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></u><br />
-1 8oz package of cream cheese<br />
-1 1/2 pounds of sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese (grated)<br />
-Mayonnaise (just enough to moisten 1-2 tbsp)<br />
-Fresh garlic -minced 1-10 cloves depending on taste (I put 7-8 cloves in mine)<br />
-Seasoned salt <br />
-Chopped Walnuts<br />
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<u><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Preparation:</span></u><br />
<span style="color: black;">1~Mix softened cream cheese with grated sharp cheddar cheese with enough mayo to moisten. (Use heavy duty mixer, or clean hands) </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">2~Add garlic and seasoned salt. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">3~Roll into a ball, then roll in chopped walnuts. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">4~Wrap and place in refrigerator. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"> *****Best if made several hours ahead of time for flavors to blend*****</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">Serve</span> </span>with choice of cracker-we love it with <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/12/homemade-wheat-thin-crackers.html" target="_blank"><u>HOMEMADE</u> wheat thins</a> (CLICK FOR RECIPE)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLDdLwQ4Mo/UNtl9nREQwI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/bdxG6SjItPM/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLDdLwQ4Mo/UNtl9nREQwI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/bdxG6SjItPM/s320/12+-+2" width="320" /></a></div>
I plan on making this awesome cheese beast for every party I tend, mainly bc I love it and so I don't eat the entire thing by myself! <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Eating my <span style="color: orange;">Cheesy </span>Friends!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and tasted approve by Brandi</span>Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-57417822938061514812012-12-21T10:17:00.000-05:002012-12-21T11:55:42.362-05:00Bubble Burlap WreathI love burlap and decorating with it. It can be tricky to cut, but in this wreath tutorial it doesn't matter! Wahoo! Its super easy and turns out really cute. Since burlap is so durable, this wreath can be hung in or out doors. The ribbon or embellishments can be changed seasonally or to match for each holiday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhFcQ9CahXg8SA1SWQXAnEmg2BQ3Sz8wJjMf2nJ7YpLo2B-Lx-aEewEmRJPMcp-e3EwnY6wwAdhvTq3TLgWKG1nCa9DEbqmdBm3v1WR08HoL7QZU1hEBUfqK-P_2ys7X_vuSn58jM79Rq/s1600/burlap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhFcQ9CahXg8SA1SWQXAnEmg2BQ3Sz8wJjMf2nJ7YpLo2B-Lx-aEewEmRJPMcp-e3EwnY6wwAdhvTq3TLgWKG1nCa9DEbqmdBm3v1WR08HoL7QZU1hEBUfqK-P_2ys7X_vuSn58jM79Rq/s1600/burlap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">What You Need:</span></u><br />
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<li><span style="color: black;">10" foam wreath</span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-e33bnARBc/UNM_rjIyuwI/AAAAAAAAHOk/7sRWiRVOcwc/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-e33bnARBc/UNM_rjIyuwI/AAAAAAAAHOk/7sRWiRVOcwc/s320/12+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
<li>1 1/4- 1 1/2 yards of burlap (or fabric of choice) </li>
<li>pins with large heads</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>ribbon or way to hang</li>
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<li>Cut burlap into 4x4 inch squares by first cutting it into strips. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1MfJXpmgFU/UNM_rkZP71I/AAAAAAAAHOc/sWwX79KmxBs/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1MfJXpmgFU/UNM_rkZP71I/AAAAAAAAHOc/sWwX79KmxBs/s320/12+-+2" width="320" /></a></li>
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Doesn't have to be perfect, but pretty close to same size.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2YjrNP5rFg/UNM_rroHtyI/AAAAAAAAHPA/cRI0cdathzY/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2YjrNP5rFg/UNM_rroHtyI/AAAAAAAAHPA/cRI0cdathzY/s320/12+-+3" width="247" /></a><br />
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2. Fold squares into half to make a triangle<br />
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Fold left corner and bring to meet front and line up corners<br />
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Bring right corner to the back, lining up all corners and making a bubble.<br />
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Pin through all four corners using one pin.<br />
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3.Pin the "bubble" to the foam wreath<br />
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Keep making and adding bubbles one at a time leaving no gaps. You don't want to see any pins or foam. It helps to pin at an angle.<br />
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Bring it all the way to the edge and fill in any spots that show green<br />
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4. To attached ribbon, just loop around and tie up top. ~I made a bow and used glue gun to add <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csyuBzARhlw/UNM_-ratMLI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/pYdi4jURxZA/s1600/12+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="188" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csyuBzARhlw/UNM_-ratMLI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/pYdi4jURxZA/s320/12+-+5" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just fold ribbon in thirds and wrap a piece of burlap around center and use glue gun to secure<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBdE9CoKnB0/UNM_-cWyigI/AAAAAAAAHPg/pMbJ9KYTf4s/s1600/12+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBdE9CoKnB0/UNM_-cWyigI/AAAAAAAAHPg/pMbJ9KYTf4s/s320/12+-+4" width="320" /></a><br />
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Attach using glue gun<br />
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That's it!!! Hang it wherever you please. I hung mine with the <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-banners.html" target="_blank">DIY Banner</a> I made for the holidays.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written By Brandi</span></div>
Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-57994834496462921682012-12-20T19:28:00.000-05:002012-12-20T21:14:42.986-05:00Name SignI love monograms and signs made out of last names to represent a family and its unity in the house. I decided to try to make my own instead of buying one and I think it turned out pretty nifty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCaoOykCLlU6AOlMJ3U20Rww4eSvc8cT_Mm_ObDy3jWoGY9oOIBcPTfXE2Yy2TGXKSDA1Q2iI5q5nqTltDMRBMZI_O_1919ZuUOBUSYs3146clUi7eC8RW919Fza_Fx0B-POOokWyoNbK/s1600/frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCaoOykCLlU6AOlMJ3U20Rww4eSvc8cT_Mm_ObDy3jWoGY9oOIBcPTfXE2Yy2TGXKSDA1Q2iI5q5nqTltDMRBMZI_O_1919ZuUOBUSYs3146clUi7eC8RW919Fza_Fx0B-POOokWyoNbK/s1600/frame.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was able to get all the letters off a photo share site called <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587080023/" target="_blank">Flicker</a> for free. I printed them up onto regular printer paper and just so happened to have a 5 spaced frame I got from Ikea. But if you don't have an exact spaced frame to fit you name then all you have to do it select the size of your letters to be printed to fit side by side onto your frame.</div>
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You can keep it simple or spice it up.</div>
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*I decided to spice it up, bc Im that type of gal*</div>
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Cut each letter out, arrange them onto mat of frame and tape or glue them down. Use your glue gun and jute or thick twine to border each letter. Start on bottom right corner and wrap around without cutting until reach starting corner.</div>
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If want, line the outside border of mat with your twine too.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ov6jSEH0jU/UM_tolaxUZI/AAAAAAAAHM4/zq2yQHqVKLs/s1600/12+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ov6jSEH0jU/UM_tolaxUZI/AAAAAAAAHM4/zq2yQHqVKLs/s320/12+-+2" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then made fabric and twine flowers made the same way as in the <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-picture-frame.html" target="_blank">revamp picture frame</a> and <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/12/revamp-that-vase.html" target="_blank">vase</a> to put in corner.<br />
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Glue edge and wrap around self and glue at same time. (this one isn't glued-don't want space)</div>
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Glue flowers onto frame and if want sand paper edge of frame to to make it look more distressed. Then hang on the wall, That's it!</div>
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You can do this for any name, any size! Makes a great gift. Be cute to have the "mat" be burlap or instead of jute use small individual frames inside the big frame. Or get small colored mats for each letter or use scrapbooking paper. The flicker site has tons of letters to make each sign your own! <br />
**If want to know how to make <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-burlap-wreath.html" target="_blank">Easy Burlap Wreath</a> or <a href="http://sparklypolliwog.blogspot.com/2012/12/jute-wrapped-letter.html" target="_blank">Jute wrapped letter</a>, click on links ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Brandi</span><br />
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Brandi Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258911336468783194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231497887988193424.post-90200503003569858012012-12-19T21:32:00.000-05:002013-02-23T22:39:07.694-05:00Are You Using Your Toilet the Right Way?<br />
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Are you using the toilet the right way? Did you even know there is a "right" way to use it?<br />
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<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.illustrationsof.com/royalty-free-toilet-clipart-illustration-1046816.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="190" /></div>
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Talking about what goes on in the bathroom is not usually something people like to talk about.........<br />
except this lady!<br />
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My boys actually inspired me to write this. They LOVE to talk potty talk. They know how much my husband and I DON'T want to hear about their daily bathroom business, but they continue to tell us any ways. Then one day, my son asks me, "Why is it so gross to talk about poop? We all do it." I agreed and then told him, "Just not while I'm eating please." He was right though. Why do we have such a hard time talking about something that is so important to our health? <br />
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The main reason for starting Sparkly Polliwog was to share the things we do to make our lives better. As personal as this next story is for me, I feel I have to share it. If I would have read this 12 years ago, maybe I wouldn't have had to go through all the pain, money and discomfort that I did. If you have had any problems with constipation or hemorrhoids, read on because this could change your life! It did mine!<br />
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According to <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/06/28/constipation-may-lead-to-other-problems">US News Health</a>, over 63 Million people suffer from constipation! In the United States alone the cost of treating constipation is about $235 MILLION a year!<br />
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I was one of those people. After having my first son over 12 years ago I developed postpartum hemorrhoids and constipation. I dealt with it for over 10 long, very uncomfortable years. I think I went to see the doctor more than I actually went to the bathroom in those 10 years. I did EVERYTHING the doctors told me to do. I ate more fiber, exercised, drank more water, no soda, meditated, ate prunes and yogurt, stomach massage. I tried going at the same time everyday, Metamucil, phsyllium husks, enemas, etc etc etc. Nothing worked!<br />
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In 2005 my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had over 3 1/2 feet of intestines removed! It was then that I decided I needed to take this more serious and start trying other options. I went to the library and got every healthy eating book I could find. The first thing I did was remove dairy from my diet. Then meat, then all animal products, and finally all cooked food. I went 100% RAW! I ate only fruits, vegetable and sprouted seeds and nuts for over a year and my bathroom problems stayed the same.<br />
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When I moved to the East Coast I started adding cooked foods into my diet. It was much harder to get fresh organic fruits and veggies in Connecticut during the winter. I can remember feeling so hopeless. I tried everything I could and I was still the same as I was over 10 years ago. I ate a lot healthier, but the constipation was still the same. I can remember lying in my bed one night asking God to fix me, telling him that I wouldn't ask for anything else for myself ever again. It seems a little dramatic now, but after 10 years of being backed up, I was all out of ideas.<br />
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About 3 months later my lovely SIL and BIL came to visit us. She told me about a book her husbands mom got him for his birthday called <i>The Guru In You</i>. I decided to buy it on my phone that night and started reading. I had no idea it was going to change my life the way it did. That was almost 2 years ago and since reading it I have gone to the bathroom EVERYDAY, most days more than once! I feel so much lighter, less stressed and so much healthier.<br />
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Here is what I learned:<br />
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<a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,919965,00.html">According to proctologists,</a> "We were not meant to sit on toilets, we were meant to squat in the field."<br />
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<a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/health-tips-tested-what-really-works?page=2#copy">From Dr.OZ:</a><br />
<b>Squat to Improve Bowel Movements</b><br />
"If you squat when going to the bathroom instead of sitting, you can
release your bowels three times faster. This is actually the position
that people around the world used for thousands of years before the
invention of toilets. Squatting also reduces the development of
hemorrhoids and strengthens your legs."<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cameron-alborzian/the-toilet-is-killing-you_b_645394.html">From Yogi Cameron Alborzian:</a><br />
"For thousands of years people have been sitting on the floor or squatting on the toilet, which is the natural sitting posture."<br />
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How could something as easy as changing the way I used the toilet fix all my problems? I had my doubts at first but I decided to try it for a week and see how it went. Two years later I am still squatting. I will NEVER go back to sitting. My stomach cramps are GONE, my constipation is GONE, my hemorrhoids are GONE! <br />
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From <a href="http://www.naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html">Natures Platform:</a><br />
<b> </b><b><u>Seven</u><u> Advantages of Squatting</u></b><br />
1. Makes elimination faster, easier and more complete. This helps prevent "fecal stagnation," a prime factor in colon cancer, appendicitis and inflammatory bowel disease.<br />
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2. Protects the nerves that control the prostate, bladder and uterus from becoming stretched and damaged.<br />
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3. Securely seals the ileocecal valve, between the colon and the small intestine. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation, contaminating the small intestine.<br />
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4. Relaxes the puborectalis muscle which normally chokes the rectum in order to maintain continence.<br />
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5. Uses the thighs to support the colon and prevent straining. Chronic straining on the toilet can cause hernias, diverticulosis, and pelvic organ prolapse.<br />
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6. A highly effective, non-invasive treatment for hemorrhoids, as shown by published clinical research.<br />
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7. For pregnant women, squatting avoids pressure on the uterus when using the toilet. Daily squatting helps prepare one for a more natural delivery.<br />
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There are many different things you can buy to go on your toilet to make squatting easier......or you can just squat on the toilet itself.<br />
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Here are some websites were you can read more about the benefits of squatting:<br />
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<a href="http://www.naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html">Natures Platform</a><br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/09/20/161501413/for-best-toilet-health-squat-or-sit">NPR</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_defecation_postures">Wikipedia</a><br />
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2010/08/dont_just_sit_there.html">Slate</a><br />
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It is so weird that during the 10 years of going through all these troubles, I never heard about squatting, not even from all the doctors. It is not something that people will usually bring up during a friendly conversation, but it is such an important subject. Please pass this blog along......you never know who could really benefit from it. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo <br />
<br />Sparkly Polliwoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359308781949440648noreply@blogger.com11