tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56067587488299046862024-02-07T19:45:19.423-05:00My Life Without Training WheelsKaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-24678299264883401412016-02-21T13:30:00.004-05:002016-02-21T13:30:40.690-05:00Where is she?Hello Everyone!<br />
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I know I haven't posted in a loooong time, and I'm sure you are wondering what happened to me. Well, maybe you are wondering. I thought I would just post a quick update, because I have had a lot of traffic to my blog, thanks to my cheese dip post and Pinterest. The good news is that I am still alive!!! To keep a long story short, about 1 1/2 years ago, Senor Caliente had an accident, and to keep us in our home, I had to go back to work. I started working in an elementary school, and for some reason I haven't figured out yet, I decided that I had missed my calling. One year ago, I went back to college. So here I am, super busy, with a full time job as a para-pro and a full time school load. I am studying secondary education with an emphasis in English. Although I work at an elementary school, I know that little kids are not for me. I do, however, love teenagers! So, that's it, that's where I am. Don't worry, I still have lots of ideas swirling around in my head, and have been taking pictures of projects that I would eventually like to blog. I just don't have the time right now. Please feel free to post any comments or questions and I will definitely answer you, and please, please, please, pray for me!<br />
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KaseyKaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-84214996078836048152014-08-01T22:54:00.001-04:002014-08-01T22:56:56.411-04:00Say goodbye to grease spots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends! I can't believe it has been 5 months since I last posted. I am such a slacker....but really this summer has been cray cray! I have been wanting to get into a better habit of blogging...I know, I know I keep saying that, but I really mean it! Anyhow, I decided to sign up for NaBloPoMo this month and that means that I am supposed to blog EVERY DAY!!!! It's kinda scary, but I am going to do my best. I am getting today's blog in with only 1 1/2 hours to spare. Luckily. I took these pictures awhile back so I could blog my favorite grease stain remover. </div>
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I don't know how it happens, but I always manage to get grease stains on my favorite shirts (maybe it's because I'm always dropping food on myself :)). In my journey towards making all of my laundry cleaning supplies, I stumbled upon this awesome recipe. The best part is that it even works on old stains that went through the dryer. I had a few shirts hanging in my closet that I couldn't bear to throw away and they were saved! YAY! So, I'm going to share with you today.</div>
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I only wore this shirt a couple times before I got the first grease spots on it, can you see them?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-XhSBaKEwhkwFgdYTBdfVgRKYlYfVvNVpVzEO26hFjd01rauDDJ7_cZX0y09OXWHD9E4mZxtUCwy7330im_q_8xv89-rnslEYOvR45umt50OP2yCJbMRZGj0vlzbjKIoCtjTlDoOg_BB/s1600/IMAG0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-XhSBaKEwhkwFgdYTBdfVgRKYlYfVvNVpVzEO26hFjd01rauDDJ7_cZX0y09OXWHD9E4mZxtUCwy7330im_q_8xv89-rnslEYOvR45umt50OP2yCJbMRZGj0vlzbjKIoCtjTlDoOg_BB/s1600/IMAG0934.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite thing about this recipe is that I can make it up whenever I need it, with things I always have around the house. You will need:<br />
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Baking Soda</div>
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Peroxide</div>
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Dawn dish soap</div>
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There are no real measurements just mix them up to make a nice paste.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtUx66Ghg2D5Q34ZWrqzGkHwuerkMxyIYjbyVm80KvaM6LjDYtoNL2HbW_tF_RtxbvNlFuW9TyicaQqm8oEznzQDk_T_etfNhBMHpGt0VI64jX99MuyzWW_5vJoWizdNzoMExSODLzACV/s1600/IMAG0935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtUx66Ghg2D5Q34ZWrqzGkHwuerkMxyIYjbyVm80KvaM6LjDYtoNL2HbW_tF_RtxbvNlFuW9TyicaQqm8oEznzQDk_T_etfNhBMHpGt0VI64jX99MuyzWW_5vJoWizdNzoMExSODLzACV/s1600/IMAG0935.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spoon some on the stain and scrub it in.</div>
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It doesn't have to sit, you can just throw it right in the washer. I hope you are able to salvage some of your favorite clothes with this grease remover. It's also a great stain remover. What's your favorite way to pretreat laundry? Let me know in the comments or comment and let me know if this worked for you.</div>
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Until tomorrow!</div>
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-86714465844742502172014-03-14T19:04:00.000-04:002014-03-14T19:04:51.701-04:00DIY Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser and face wash revisitedHappy PI Day!!!!! I am going to keep it short and simple today (or not). Maybe you remember (or maybe you don't) about the <a href="http://mylifewithouttrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-made-my-own-face-cleansing-cloths.html" target="_blank">face cleansing cloth</a>s I posted about around a year and half ago. Check that post out because it is a finer example of my <strike>witty </strike><strike>repartee</strike> writing skills and it talks about some of the awesome benefits of coconut oil. The cleansing cloths were awesome, but I have changed my process around and I thought I should share it with you. I actually changed my method last summer, but since that time all of my kids (heaven help me they're teens and tweens) have started using our face cleanser and their friends are so jealous of their dewy, sunkissed, acne free skin. Maybe it's just the acne free part. If you don't recall my previous method here is a quick picture tutorial of it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aXizycEIjc_XaT5RZtjHT9oAQ7C4VgxtnxdYZQQb3UwttZvTf6w6-EveWXXU_YBJFsG_tYszJpJ4H4hpIJUjQ2ACm38c9n2TXnuzH3DxPO-gjwUPWpoL80WSP0-8ujnPmruvUh1E4em9/s1600/face+wipes+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aXizycEIjc_XaT5RZtjHT9oAQ7C4VgxtnxdYZQQb3UwttZvTf6w6-EveWXXU_YBJFsG_tYszJpJ4H4hpIJUjQ2ACm38c9n2TXnuzH3DxPO-gjwUPWpoL80WSP0-8ujnPmruvUh1E4em9/s1600/face+wipes+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see in the final picture it is also FANTABULOUS at removing your makeup. It's really a cleanser/acne wash/moisturizer all in one! You can also use these as baby wipes!!!! The problem with the previous method for me was that when I got near the end of the roll of paper towels the coconut oil would sometimes go back to solid, probably because I didn't use them fast enough. The other problem was keeping the big ugly coffee canister on my bathroom counter all the time. It just took up too much room. I still advocate this method for baby wipes though. For my new method the cleanser recipe really just remains the same, it's the delivery method that has changed. My new cleanser looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYneiiWLLLk6vZH8SqOmPyTgpGii5DBvG39DJ2b6KBfbW_t9fSXZnv5PeeCclj16IXs8P7lLZoa-_i-nTIgd3qZ4KTVNxol098hauX6eozJwbxh2iKwznlD5D9K00doTdfupqPqbcZenj/s1600/IMAG0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYneiiWLLLk6vZH8SqOmPyTgpGii5DBvG39DJ2b6KBfbW_t9fSXZnv5PeeCclj16IXs8P7lLZoa-_i-nTIgd3qZ4KTVNxol098hauX6eozJwbxh2iKwznlD5D9K00doTdfupqPqbcZenj/s1600/IMAG0918.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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The recipe for the cleanser is as follows:</div>
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1 cup warm water</div>
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1 tbsp unrefined, organic coconut oil</div>
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2 squirts of your favorite face wash, body wash or baby wash.</div>
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Mix all of the ingredients in your jelly jar and shake until oil is melted. Don't worry coconut oil melts at a very low temp so it should melt with hot water straight from the tap. To use: shake your jar, squirt a little cleanser on a cotton round and use it to clean your face and remove makeup. I usually use one or two cotton rounds for my eyes (depending on how heavy my makeup is that day) and then get a clean one for the rest of my face.</div>
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I made the cute little pump bottle using a jelly jar and a pump from an old soap bottle. It's a fairly simple project. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCszgf5QKbFbDabILQeu6g87o7o5CnPz05ff3CWUdkIDF4l_RDDQfkO9TkITGwoCr1qq0OphO6oO5d-HIdUclld5usYHZV-vcnjNcJJtFYfJR-uuVVDTNqZOHhIjuj2jMXTvgAScTq7ZQY/s1600/DSCN3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCszgf5QKbFbDabILQeu6g87o7o5CnPz05ff3CWUdkIDF4l_RDDQfkO9TkITGwoCr1qq0OphO6oO5d-HIdUclld5usYHZV-vcnjNcJJtFYfJR-uuVVDTNqZOHhIjuj2jMXTvgAScTq7ZQY/s1600/DSCN3299.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You will need:</div>
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jelly jar</div>
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pump from an old soap or lotion bottle</div>
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Some type of razor blade</div>
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phillips head screwdriver</div>
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needle nose pliers</div>
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scissors</div>
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hot glue gun</div>
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First you need to make a hole for the pump. It is easier if you leave the lid screwed on the jar. Pierce the lid near the middle with the razor blade, use the screwdriver to widen the hole, then use the pliers to widen it more. It won't be perfectly round but you want it wide enough for the pump to slip in all the way to the screw top and fit snugly. </div>
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Cut the pump down to size. </div>
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Next, use the needle nose pliers to crimp down the rough edges on the bottom of the lid. We don't want to cut ourselves and have to get a tetanus shot. Then, to further protect yourself (because my girls and I are rather accident prone) and to keep the pump in it's place cover the exposed metal with hot glue. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs3GzJoiWnUtdn9ztfRMIomoNvS7dPOCget-LWudhF1jWnOf6jVHbfwYV7VgPta5Krqsw2ldA1YsiT4da74T1RRYTYV1jZbTk5uxThN0yS3StMnfCZ8cGHwrIzapJVNLz8pQ6dj0hqNw3/s1600/DSCN3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs3GzJoiWnUtdn9ztfRMIomoNvS7dPOCget-LWudhF1jWnOf6jVHbfwYV7VgPta5Krqsw2ldA1YsiT4da74T1RRYTYV1jZbTk5uxThN0yS3StMnfCZ8cGHwrIzapJVNLz8pQ6dj0hqNw3/s1600/DSCN3309.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now you have your very own jelly jar soap dispenser! Go clean your face before the eyelash mites attack! </div>
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-30954238573350275972014-03-14T15:16:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:16:09.218-04:00The best Valentine's day EVER!<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so excited about tomorrow. I REALLY love Valentine's day! I mean REALLY! What's not to love about a day that focuses on love. After all, Jesus spoke of love in the Bible several times. One of my favorite instances was in Matthew 22:34-40</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-22-34"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">"</sup><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23907Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> the Pharisees got together.</span> <span class="text Matt-22-35" id="en-NIV-23908"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">35 </sup>One of them, an expert in the law,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23908Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> tested him with this question:</span> <span class="text Matt-22-36" id="en-NIV-23909"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">36 </sup>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">37 </sup>Jesus replied: <span class="woj">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">38 </sup>This is the first and greatest commandment.</span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">39 </sup>And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span> <span class="text Matt-22-40" id="en-NIV-23913"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">40 </sup>All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text Matt-22-40" style="font-family: inherit;">In short, Jesus commanded us to love God and love people. So, today's post is about love and valentine's day. </span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-22-40" style="font-family: inherit;">I know that V day is really a commercial holiday designed to make you buy cards, candy and overpriced roses, but honestly, I think it could be so much more. Maybe you aren't in a relationship, but I <u>know</u> that there is someone out there who could use a gesture of love from you. It doesn't have to be anything big, maybe a kind word or a handmade card. Sadly, there are people out there who don't have someone to love them and/or they don't accept or understand the love that their heavenly Father has for them. I think that is why Jesus commanded us to love others so many times in the Bible. We are his ambassadors. We should make every day be valentine's day. So, whether you are in a relationship or not, I challenge you to show love to someone that needs it tomorrow. Let me know in the comments how God chooses to love through you.</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Of course, there are those of you out there like me who have been married what seems like forever. I don't know about you, but for us V day isn't that special. I really don't expect much from Se</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">ñ</span><span class="text Matt-22-40">or Caliente on February 14th. We don't have a ton of money to spend on frivolities and I would prefer random acts of romance throughout the year over a grand gesture on one special day. Besides, it only took me 12 years to convince him that while roses are pretty, tulips are my absolute favorite. </span></span><br />
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These are some tulips that he got me a couple of weeks ago when I sent him to the store for toilet paper. I just love random acts of romance!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEv1Yboh1eb_oGohNDfr8vyZ-LlSXLSNd2TDiwhpEJBLaLrFLzaN4yialF4d28zQPwf7nYMJoi2P069ekK0TGLTwNfr4lRH9r4WcSiXh8BhbpEjWiMEHJINmUiGATwNIpckr-O_QP6Qpn/s1600/CAM00640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEv1Yboh1eb_oGohNDfr8vyZ-LlSXLSNd2TDiwhpEJBLaLrFLzaN4yialF4d28zQPwf7nYMJoi2P069ekK0TGLTwNfr4lRH9r4WcSiXh8BhbpEjWiMEHJINmUiGATwNIpckr-O_QP6Qpn/s320/CAM00640.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Don't get me wrong, we do "observe" Valentine's day, usually we go on a date around that time or we give each other a card, but that's about it. I'm actually going to do something out of character for him this year though. I'm getting him a present. You may remember a <a href="http://www.mylifewithouttrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/marriage-is-not-romance-novel-love-is.html" target="_blank">post I wrote a while back about marriage</a> and how I had stumbled on another blogger's post called <a href="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2012/02/29-days-to-great-sex-day-1-the-act-of-marriage/" target="_blank">29 days to great sex</a>. It really changed my vision of my husband and my marriage and showed me that perhaps my priorities needed to be rearranged. Well, I am excited to announce that the author of that blog has really vamped up the series and made it into an ebook for couples to work on together and you may have noticed the link in the sidebar for it (31 days to great sex). The best part is that it's totally in my budget! It only costs 5 bucks. I am pretty sure my hubby is going to love it! You know why? Because married sex is the best sex and what man doesn't want more sex? Guess what? I am going to love it too, because the book isn't all about sex or having sex every day. It's about focusing on your intimate life with your spouse so that you can have the close relationship that God intended. It also offers a few tips on how to spice things up a bit! It's about showing your husband love in the way that makes him really feel loved, so that he will also be able to love you in a better way. When I first read the 29 days posts, I saw a difference in our relationship. I actually discovered the posts in September which was about 6 months after they were written and while they were written to be done a day at a time I finished reading them in about 5 days and tried to put them into practice. I saw changes in not only myself, but also in my husband and he didn't even know what I was doing! I also, saw God working on him through my love. I have prayed for him for years, because although he professes to be a Christian, I know that he doesn't have a deep relationship with Christ and can't accept Christ's love because he doesn't feel lovable. By showing him love through intimacy, he has been able to open himself up to the need of a relationship with God and I have seen him changing before my eyes. So this series was really an answer to 12 years of prayers for him. I have to admit that since I first read the posts, I have fallen out of the mindset, so I am so excited to get the ebook and work through it together. So now, my challenge for all of you married couples out there is to get the ebook and study it with us. Here is a link to purchase the book:</span></span>
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<a href="https://sheilawraygregoire.com/shopforbooksdownloadscdsandmorec674.php?cID=5&pID=62&af=jewel"> <img alt="31 Days Valentine's Day copy" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8465294127_3ed7ae8a5d.jpg" height="304" width="400" /></a></div>
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Because I believe in full disclosure, It's only fair that I let you know that while I am truly excited about purchasing this book and working through it with my man, I do receive a couple of dollars for each one of you that purchases this book. The author is very generous and is splitting the proceeds of any of her products that are purchased through my blog. She is a fantastic author who really has a heart for God and for married couples, so I urge you to take a look at all of her products. I would also like to let you know that this ebook is great for old married couples like me and my husband or for newlyweds, so If you know anyone who is getting married or has just gotten married, this would be a great inexpensive gift. Please feel free to comment below if you are going to try this along with me. I will try to post a couple of times about how my relationship is changing throughout the next 31 days and I look forward to hearing about any changes in yours.</div>
Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-86595478667153567732014-03-12T13:02:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:07:35.047-04:00The Miraculous Allergy Cure!!!!Hello again Blogosphere!!!! I know, I have been slacking again, but hey, it's spring now so I am feeling motivated again (finally) and of course I am also feeling stuffy. I live in the fantastic state of Georgia where a pollen count under 1000 is like a summer day without frizzy hair....it's just not in the cards for me. I have suffered with seasonal allergies for a while and I have tried several medications for them, but they either didn't work well or they didn't work well enough to justify the side effects. I've been doing a lot of internet research in the last year or so trying to <strike>stave off boredom</strike> adopt a healthier lifestyle and I stumbled across some interesting information. I have found a natural, effective and somewhat cost friendly way to heal my <br />
<a name='more'></a>allergies. I say somewhat cost friendly because the ingredients seem somewhat pricey until you compare them to the monthly cost of allergy meds (not to mention the side effects). So today, I am, dare I say it, proud to present to you the miraculous cure! I love this one because it REALLY works and it only requires two....count 'em TWO ingredients. I noticed I was feeling stuffy about three days ago. "I was so codgested I couldd't breath through by dose at all!" I started taking this in the afternoon the day before yesterday and today I can breath through my nose with the windows open. So, enough of my yammering and testimonial, here is the recipe.<br />
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Ingredient 1</div>
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Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar-I prefer Bragg's and it is easy to find, make sure that whatever brand you buy has "the mother", this will make it appear cloudy, but that's the healthy part. You don't want to buy regular ACV, it won't work. Walmart has it and it run's about $5 for the bottle where I live, don't worry it will last a while. </div>
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Raw, organic preferably local honey. The reason it is best to have local honey is because the bees use pollen native to your area, which is the pollen you are reacting to. At least that's what I've read on the internet and we all know that you can't lie on the internet.</div>
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OK, if you consider water an ingredient then I lied, because this requires water and that would be a third ingredient. If you have the internet I am going to assume you have running water readily available at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuY18YtQbWWVigtZ3dojrWY9QY4zAszvJwLcK_sC8j4c_d_vzgKgIXhbH64BEBGnbgok93zvo04CcdCtFRDfHEzugpuAYwcssNpudKvTxBS4Mcaw3QC00TOyppgMdXc1XOfDXs1jq9aZj/s1600/IMAG0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuY18YtQbWWVigtZ3dojrWY9QY4zAszvJwLcK_sC8j4c_d_vzgKgIXhbH64BEBGnbgok93zvo04CcdCtFRDfHEzugpuAYwcssNpudKvTxBS4Mcaw3QC00TOyppgMdXc1XOfDXs1jq9aZj/s1600/IMAG0912.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there are two methods to making this and neither one is really hard. The first is the super duper easy way. It requires a keurig. This is the way I am making it now because I was fortunate enough to receive a keurig for christmas. As I sit here typing though I realize you could probably just use your regular coffee maker as well. Any how, I put 2 Tbs of honey in a coffee cup and brew 6 ounces of water into the cup. The hot water makes it easy to mix in the honey. Seriously, it's practically impossible to mix honey into cold water, trust me, don't even try. Once you have the honey and water mixed pour it into a cup filled with ice. Add in 2 Tbs Vinegar and mix well until chilled. Drink up!!! It's actually really yummy, well, I think so anyway. You can drink it 2 or 3 times a day and it really helps. You can also make it ahead of time and take it to work with you. I make it for Senor Caliente in the spring and summer because he's a landscaper. He finds it helps his allergies and he also says it's really refreshing on a hot day.</div>
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Now the second method is for those of you who like to be prepared at all times. What you will need to do is make a honey syrup. In a small sauce pan heat 1 cup water and 1 cup honey. Simmer until honey is dissolved. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. I actually use an old vinegar bottle for it, you know the old adage reduce, reuse, recycle! To make your drink. Add 2 Tbs vinegar and 4 Tbs honey syrup to 8 ounces of cold water. Mix well and guzzle it down! </div>
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In either method feel free to use less honey, I just love the sweetness of the honey (perhaps a bit too much.)</div>
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There are supposed to be other benefits to consuming both raw vinegar and raw honey, but you'll have to do your own research into that. Perhaps you can enjoy a nice cool glass of my miraculous allergy drink while you peruse the internet which is full of TRUE information.</div>
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If you like this post be sure to check out my other posts which are full of fun recipes and tips to keep you frugal, and don't forget to follow my blog by clicking on the follow button in the side tab. I welcome any and all comments and would love it if you left me some feedback on things you would like me to research and blog about. Also, if you see an idea on pinterest or another blog that you are interested in and/or too afraid to try, send me a link and maybe I'll try it for you! Have a blessed, snot free day!</div>
<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-49291611737237241002013-12-17T10:21:00.002-05:002014-03-14T15:07:57.243-04:00V is for victory rolls!I'm baaaaaack! Well, at least for today anyway. I gave myself the goal of posting at least once more before 2013 finishes and today is the day. Hopefully, I'll be able to post a couple more times before the end of the year.<br />
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I have been obsessed with pinups and victory rolls for years. I always wanted to be able to wear my hair in victory rolls and for years have settled with just twisting it and pinning it on each side. However, all of that has changed!!!! I have been reading and watching lots of tutorials on the web and in the end I combined them and practiced a lot until I got the perfect Victory Rolls down pat....well at least in my opinion anyway. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Today (as if you haven't figured it out yet) I am going to share my new knowledge. A lot of the tutorials I found were step by step written tutorials and I learn better by watching and imitating so I am going to give you a bit of both worlds. I am also being brave and posting my video tut on youtube. Before I begin I should let you know that mine are perfect for me, but maybe not quite the same as everyone elses, there are as many ways to wear them as there are women who wear them. This covers the basics though and once you get that down you can adjust yours to be the way you like them. You can also search for images of them on the web to get ideas. As a matter of fact I welcome you to post photos of your victory rolls!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQpUTXVKyAA/Uq-CwM5wWiI/AAAAAAAAG9M/pcJrbwd3zwE/s1600/IMAG0603_1%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQpUTXVKyAA/Uq-CwM5wWiI/AAAAAAAAG9M/pcJrbwd3zwE/s320/IMAG0603_1%257E2.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
I prefer to wear mine a little lower on the sides of my head, but many of the women from the 40's wore them more on top. The shape of my face works better with it on the side, but here it's what they look like on top:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4XMx1Pc9A3ScaQ8OA7xcKlZdvyoKq0bL5ObpYIOX4-HeU54LdIMSddj-97eNLHrjorhx8w6yF1lk0V1oCXIthrL7UyM9tuQ7zxBPgCQ3jbZzfNUEPnRHCH5IGbIlWgnd_1rd1TFy9Xk/s1600/IMAG0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4XMx1Pc9A3ScaQ8OA7xcKlZdvyoKq0bL5ObpYIOX4-HeU54LdIMSddj-97eNLHrjorhx8w6yF1lk0V1oCXIthrL7UyM9tuQ7zxBPgCQ3jbZzfNUEPnRHCH5IGbIlWgnd_1rd1TFy9Xk/s320/IMAG0631.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
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To get started you will need:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf5_eQ6zcyqofEfir7NhK4xy3cqmjaLJLlQWWmvcSe1TEW00wvhnPp0pyBuwerbGHkeziq3EQAHy2Jb5z-dgjp5B6jVPYLU5gQ6-14-tvW7m9Z1Ni5JYd62UUKqjoPTWtQGmQyrMZBJxe/s1600/IMAG0548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf5_eQ6zcyqofEfir7NhK4xy3cqmjaLJLlQWWmvcSe1TEW00wvhnPp0pyBuwerbGHkeziq3EQAHy2Jb5z-dgjp5B6jVPYLU5gQ6-14-tvW7m9Z1Ni5JYd62UUKqjoPTWtQGmQyrMZBJxe/s320/IMAG0548.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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A flat iron (any kind will do)</div>
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A brush</div>
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Hairspray</div>
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bobby pins</div>
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aluminum foil</div>
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and a cute little bow to add into your hair (apparently I forgot mine today)</div>
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Once again, I am not going to type all of the steps, I'll just show you the video. Before I get to that I should tell you that while I get complimented almost everywhere I go when I wear this style, there are times when people think that the look I am going for is this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlbGJpr8JEjeT56qnG_-W-N1cP9mIFRW-MEY2iikXtOIxHmL5RALJV_ONAiV8FFDYRHCsUASIXj2MZRJ8Yw1haLp6A9KVvN9K-naLX96jh0r784UxiSITSxawXhDXDFRVgAMPi9Vo3_EL/s1600/grinch+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlbGJpr8JEjeT56qnG_-W-N1cP9mIFRW-MEY2iikXtOIxHmL5RALJV_ONAiV8FFDYRHCsUASIXj2MZRJ8Yw1haLp6A9KVvN9K-naLX96jh0r784UxiSITSxawXhDXDFRVgAMPi9Vo3_EL/s1600/grinch+rolls.jpg" /></a></div>
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No, I am not the Mayor of Whoville!!!! I am going for this look:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabDoKsqZeKRA_paDUJ4X-yOvUiF1A08nYA3DQrlG-MTQ_S_pE7vjKtjZ27OLfBfCGUO4Nhn3_oOVRJZL8KI3-NhkrNpVbNr10FcN1KN8hHTBCGbHXn1m_NzofQffJSidYxMdnsw37eUq8/s1600/lipstick_and_curls_blog_30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabDoKsqZeKRA_paDUJ4X-yOvUiF1A08nYA3DQrlG-MTQ_S_pE7vjKtjZ27OLfBfCGUO4Nhn3_oOVRJZL8KI3-NhkrNpVbNr10FcN1KN8hHTBCGbHXn1m_NzofQffJSidYxMdnsw37eUq8/s320/lipstick_and_curls_blog_30.jpeg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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Pretty Pinup!</div>
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So, without further ado, here is the youtube video tutorial. Please let me know if I didn't explain it thoroughly or if you have any questions. I will do my best to answer. Now go pretty yourself up like a pinup girl!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bT381Y5xbI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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BTW, in the video I promised a picture of how I used my elf on the shelf as a sort of tripod. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgw9dBZRB621KmIgUUGcMV8Z8h9_3BL6jsz0udMrOLcXSHG2FiAp3331QF5Zsfq0LWR3SAspBJg5kX6ZmbpuHGLMV7gsgWu89yS8roZsrhy2p8TLuMVrl9BCDguo7Q49ySdFilFxkRcAe/s1600/DSCN4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgw9dBZRB621KmIgUUGcMV8Z8h9_3BL6jsz0udMrOLcXSHG2FiAp3331QF5Zsfq0LWR3SAspBJg5kX6ZmbpuHGLMV7gsgWu89yS8roZsrhy2p8TLuMVrl9BCDguo7Q49ySdFilFxkRcAe/s320/DSCN4424.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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HAHAHA Silly elf!</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-1479823028809543062013-09-09T15:35:00.001-04:002014-03-14T15:08:20.768-04:00DIY Chalkboard Platter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey Folks! Well, I have been letting time pass me by again. Things have been crazy around here since school started. First we had band camp and now that I have a child in High School I am a band parent (oh the joy!) Then, when things were starting to slow down and I was getting ready to start crafting and blogging again, my Sister had her baby and it was off to Oklahoma.....a very, very looooooong 15 hour drive. I'm back though and ready to blog.....well, at least for today anyway. </div>
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I am continuing my crafty obsession today with another Pinterest idea. I found some pictures of these cute chalkboard platters, but no tutorials. So, after doing it wrong, and then talking to a helpful associate at Michael's, I finally completed the project to my satisfaction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9JCAEGquP1jfZE8m7l-V4-AMuU8XI9m0jYdIxHLoZC8vTBXndmtCEU62acKYPVEQgkKTRdD_eA8Q39gVVHdQovWYX1fWTI7wuGMy6gvkhXW_ykLx0IGBLC7Qfxrf-BIKDpFGcYZDDzOr/s1600/IMAG0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9JCAEGquP1jfZE8m7l-V4-AMuU8XI9m0jYdIxHLoZC8vTBXndmtCEU62acKYPVEQgkKTRdD_eA8Q39gVVHdQovWYX1fWTI7wuGMy6gvkhXW_ykLx0IGBLC7Qfxrf-BIKDpFGcYZDDzOr/s320/IMAG0105.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
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I was really excited to do this one because I found this awesome silver platter at our local flea market for just 5 bucks! I don't know if it's really silver or not, but it feels really sturdy and heavy duty, which suits me just fine. I should start out by telling you that the first time I did this I just painted the chalkboard paint directly onto the platter with a paintbrush. It came out really streaky and it scratched off pretty easily. However, when I decided to redo it I had a really hard time removing the paint without scratching the platter. I tried paint thinner, soap and water and scratching with a plastic spatula but with no luck. Then, I found the secret formula, you might call it Chalkboard paint's kryptonite. That miracle formula is fingernail polish remover. It stripped the paint off in no time......(hmmm, maybe I should paint my nails with chalkboard paint????) So without further ado, how to make your own chalkboard platter, the right way.</div>
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You will need:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUWS86QZKUgqwhmA97pmAOpIi9eyZVoAKzBJDUr3rKyb1qlv6Giwy5Rf17PW_UNfJ0OYdvNyUBCQRTM6wBMOQIyWomfSDDsVc9tiJoQ4EA0yeypaItGvIHBdBYgxKKIrcTqw_GljxnlbR/s1600/IMAG0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUWS86QZKUgqwhmA97pmAOpIi9eyZVoAKzBJDUr3rKyb1qlv6Giwy5Rf17PW_UNfJ0OYdvNyUBCQRTM6wBMOQIyWomfSDDsVc9tiJoQ4EA0yeypaItGvIHBdBYgxKKIrcTqw_GljxnlbR/s320/IMAG0063.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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A silver (or mystery metal) platter (check grandma's attic, thrift stores or maybe even the dollar store)</div>
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Chalkboard paint</div>
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Mod Podge</div>
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Paint sponge (or a roller sponge)</div>
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Ribbon</div>
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Hot glue gun</div>
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You will want to start off by priming your tray with Mod Podge, this is supposed to keep it from chipping</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m-ROMFD4oq-LXOV9F-0M6Bt7DwXe5FhU3YO3QaaDeh8WMAj0Wx2NIp0VlD7RfQlcvwJ8nKCWCmLQa6IWHaFplCNksYHE7fvJsMdAgUUtXEVaygR0TpWBUb5hbD7sjOVYiB2L4H1Kf_fO/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m-ROMFD4oq-LXOV9F-0M6Bt7DwXe5FhU3YO3QaaDeh8WMAj0Wx2NIp0VlD7RfQlcvwJ8nKCWCmLQa6IWHaFplCNksYHE7fvJsMdAgUUtXEVaygR0TpWBUb5hbD7sjOVYiB2L4H1Kf_fO/s320/IMAG0065.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let the Mod Podge dry completely, which is basically until it's clear. Next, apply a layer or two of Chalkboard paint.</div>
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Let that dry and then apply one more layer of Mod Podge.</div>
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Lastly you will want to hot glue your ribbon onto the platter. I wanted my platter to be versatile, I liked having to option to hang it on the wall or set it up on a plate stand. I was worried that the ribbon and hot glue might just pull off of the back so I glued it down the entire length of the platter to ensure it would hold.</div>
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I also tied a bow and glued it onto the bottom front.</div>
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After your paint is dried you will need to prime it. Just take some chalk (which I found for 39 cents at Walmart) and rub it all over the chalk surface, then rinse and dry it and you are ready to go. I like to get creative with my chalk so I bought a box of colored chalk and every day gets it's own color. Now I don't have to answer the same question 50 million times every night when I'm cooking: "What are we having for dinner?" </div>
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-25921775631806255082013-08-01T16:06:00.002-04:002014-03-14T15:08:32.427-04:00DIY Decorative Serving TrayI am so excited about today's post!!! I have been getting crafty lately and it's Thrifty Thursday!!! Before I begin, I should give you a bit of history on my living room decor. Several years ago, I fell in love with a red microfiber sofa and love seat when I was looking for a new living room set and brought it home. Upon arrival I realized it was going to be difficult to decorate around it. I have been decoratively paralyzed since I bought it 6 years ago. Luckily I recently received divine intervention at Target, when I stumbled across some microfiber pillows in the perfect coordinating colors, but more on that in a bit.<br />
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A few weeks ago Senor Caliente and I went to the flea market looking for treasure. My husband says I'm crazy, he doesn't see the beauty in the seemingly random items I pick. Thanks to Pinterest and some other bloggers I have been learning to see past the obvious use for things and find a way to re-purpose them. That makes it treasure in my book, cheap treasure! Our treasure hunting trip was a huge success, I found a wooden serving tray for only $6. I have drooled over painted decorative serving trays at pier 1 for a price way outside of my decorating budget (which is extremely small), so when I saw this I knew I had to have it. Plus, it's perfect for thrifty Thursday! It was plain unpainted wood and the perfect blank canvas. I had to let it sit for a couple of weeks while I figured out what to do with it. I finally found some images that gave me the perfect idea! There weren't any tutorials that I could find for what I wanted to do so I had to figure it out as I went. I am so proud of this and I am excited to share about how I went<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz0h75EnEGjRwGNMNIy0ounUW7SUhL2O6oTWUq2zuAv-PKPhyphenhyphenPK5pPiO77uA4HItwPm9-RzLM0K2wMtAkdlKHXcSaY9o7XrVhyphenhyphenjo5MfVbE0fDOgE3NTuUvmDssGM67nyV1Stya2H5mkd0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz0h75EnEGjRwGNMNIy0ounUW7SUhL2O6oTWUq2zuAv-PKPhyphenhyphenPK5pPiO77uA4HItwPm9-RzLM0K2wMtAkdlKHXcSaY9o7XrVhyphenhyphenjo5MfVbE0fDOgE3NTuUvmDssGM67nyV1Stya2H5mkd0/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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To get started you will need:</div>
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A Wooden Tray</div>
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Scrapbook paper of your choice</div>
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First you will need to spray paint the tray. I don't have any before pics because I was so excited to get started that I forgot to take one. I was a little unsure of how to spray paint it without getting paint everywhere. The grass was too deep to lay newspaper over it and put the tray on top. My husband forbade me from getting even one drop on his precious lawn and I was afraid to spray on the sidewalk, because I know from experience that spray paint is practically impossible to remove from concrete. My husband came up with this ingenious plan.</div>
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Yup, he hung it on a dog leash from a hook on the porch. It actually worked very well.</div>
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After it dries you will need to measure and cut your scrapbook paper. </div>
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How long this takes will depend on a couple of things. First of all, is there a pattern on your paper and secondly do you care if it all matches up. For me the answers were yes and yes. I used 3 sheets of the yellow paper, with some pieces left over because of cutting to make the pattern match up. I laid it all out on the tray before mod podging it on. </div>
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I started with the smallest piece and worked my way up to the biggest so there would be fewer seams. I found that it worked best if you put mod podge on the tray and the back of the paper because you can slide it around and get positioned just right. After I they were all adhered to the board I painted another layer of mod podge on top. It got really wrinkly and I got really worried, but somewhere in the back of my brain a voice told me to leave it alone. I was reminded of a quote that changed my life a few years ago. "Perfection is only temporary. 'Good enough' lasts longer." So I let it dry in peace. When it was all dry the wrinkles had disappeared.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6-Jz-Zt5lbdfAMDPIhaWhMCafxlDiInX2NTlEjWGsixehFmHByf3b17GY46pZC2VcbPrkVSFNRcFWKSSwfffKMjqIotTM7lUaTbsfH9ckB5u9AYxYqvRdnvjNw2RVkaPHqyN-BHuJA5e/s1600/IMAG0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6-Jz-Zt5lbdfAMDPIhaWhMCafxlDiInX2NTlEjWGsixehFmHByf3b17GY46pZC2VcbPrkVSFNRcFWKSSwfffKMjqIotTM7lUaTbsfH9ckB5u9AYxYqvRdnvjNw2RVkaPHqyN-BHuJA5e/s320/IMAG0072.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a>I</div>
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I wanted to put a letter S on ours for our last name and to make it even more unique to us. I bought some letters for another project (that I will be posting about later) and decided to use one of those as a stencil.</div>
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I flipped it backwards and traced it on the back of my scrapbook paper so I wouldn't have to see any trace lines on the front. </div>
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Then I cut it out. I have mad cutting skills. Ask any of the kindergarten students I sub for, and they'll tell you that cutting skills are a hot commodity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6y1xTrV2fT1sABg-l5fG3s_YcEw4rl7WBtJ6s2W-rV9fcXBXBysQE3S2O1ZfmD20W6vEZOCxIdvmPbNlkG7N7vfebZxnabzogdK62oU4-5hyphenhyphen542B-9Nrbg-diUh7IrL2HAz4UvoNCzv8/s1600/IMAG0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6y1xTrV2fT1sABg-l5fG3s_YcEw4rl7WBtJ6s2W-rV9fcXBXBysQE3S2O1ZfmD20W6vEZOCxIdvmPbNlkG7N7vfebZxnabzogdK62oU4-5hyphenhyphen542B-9Nrbg-diUh7IrL2HAz4UvoNCzv8/s320/IMAG0077.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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When everything was dry I mod podged the "S" onto the middle of the tray and then applied another coat over the whole thing.</div>
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Once again with the wrinkles!!!!!</div>
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Luckily, they went away again. Now i have this beautiful personalized tray that totally goes with my new color scheme in the living room. I am glad that I finally overcame my decorating paralysis and found the right colors. It really brightens up the living room. How's that for thrifty?!?! The whole thing cost me only about $15 to make! Now, what color to paint the coffee table and end tables? Any ideas???</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94KBTXJCBzVhA1xj8OssxVEYgkFDao_waf-rmdo5sCsHoXPZQ7NOz1kZCwfJ3CgnRsdstNEVbGTL_BxROKA_8ywXQD4vnR27YBQVYODzGidK9lDV3iu1NArdJjzqrJqqEq-9ZNVuveTGA/s1600/IMAG0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94KBTXJCBzVhA1xj8OssxVEYgkFDao_waf-rmdo5sCsHoXPZQ7NOz1kZCwfJ3CgnRsdstNEVbGTL_BxROKA_8ywXQD4vnR27YBQVYODzGidK9lDV3iu1NArdJjzqrJqqEq-9ZNVuveTGA/s320/IMAG0081.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm linked up at the following blogs:<br />
<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/08/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party.html">http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/08/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party.html</a><br />
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2013/08/frugal-friday.html">http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2013/08/frugal-friday.html</a></div>
Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-48845652683434625712013-07-17T09:31:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:11:05.043-04:00Mexican Rice...yiiippa yippa, andale, arriba!!!!Hello world!!! I know it may seem like I have fallen off the face of the earth, but I am still here....I promise! I can't believe I haven't posted since March!!!! I wish I could say something awesome like "we've just been so busy!" or "The kids and I have been very active over the summer". That would be a lie, though, and I really try not to do that. The sad, honest truth is that we haven't done ANYTHING this summer. Seriously, other than a few pinterest projects and learning to crochet, I have sat around and let the summer pass me by. You see, the truth is that for the last couple of years I have been struggling with anxiety and depression. One of the reasons I began blogging was that it really helped me to combat the depression and gave me a reason to keep getting off my behind and doing something. I have been having a hard time lately just keeping up with the house and laundry, geez, I haven't even been going outside except to get groceries and tend to the garden, so I decided to start blogging again. It really gives me a sense of purpose....even if the purpose is just to share a few recipes, crafts or funny stories. It helps me feel connected in a way (especially if you leave comments....lol...hint, hint). So there, now it is out in the open, nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, just the facts. As a matter of fact, when I finish writing this blog post, I am going to sweep and mop the floor, put in the last load of laundry (well, for the next day or two anyway) and then I am going to take the kids to White Water....yay, fun!!!!! I am actually going to drive all the way to Marietta without another adult in the car and (try) not to be anxious (yes Mom, I took my Prozac this morning).<br />
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So, now, on to the goods for today!! In my last post, all the way back in March, my good friend Stephanie commented and asked me to post about how to make authentic Mexican Rice. I am ashamed to say that I actually kind of sucked at it. My husband would generally make the rice because everyone including him, the kids and my Mother told me that he made it better. However, it still wasn't right....it just didn't taste like the rice you get at the Mexican restaurant. Since I am a responsible blogger and would never blog a recipe that isn't up to the high standards of my taste buds, I decided to do some research to find the correct way to make the rice. I wish I could credit someone here with the information I discovered, but my new improved recipe is really a mash-up of my previous recipe plus a few techniques I picked up on the net. The result is perfectly fluffy mexican rice. My whole family and even my husband has taken the rice making job away from him and restored it to me, while exclaiming how wonderful this rice is. As a matter of fact it's better than what you will get at the restaurant. So I will quit rambling now and give up the goods. </div>
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Two cups of long grain rice (not instant)</div>
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2 cubes of Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Bullion from the mex. section of the store)</div>
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2 -4 ripe tomatoes, quartered</div>
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1 onion, quartered</div>
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water if needed</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. The first and most important step is to rinse the rice really well. If you don't, your rice will be gummy and sticky. I know, I know I've heard that washing it washes away the nutrients, but really.....we're using white rice, it's not that good for you anyway.<br />
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Next, you'll need to blend the tomatoes, caldo de pollo, onion, and garlic. A few words of advice, put the tomatoes in the bottom of the blender followed by the garlic, onions and caldo de pollo. If you put the onions in first it will be practically impossible to blend it to a liquid state (don't ask me how I know this). When you get it blended it will look like the following picture. You will need about 4 cups of liquid, so add tomatoes, up to 4, to get there and if you still aren't at 4 cups just add water. Set this aside for now. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD6sM7hSzH-sugFj3yQ8tMiWcJO9LdZHP40giEeA1wisp1KdMt2mv5yALERndyQIQ9V0vyT6okPqGhkVzb1OMK4qKd4CiXci18Xo_yipnrHgulejXnPwoRrskAu8dnRKNYgjaB8yigkJk/s1600/CAM00745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD6sM7hSzH-sugFj3yQ8tMiWcJO9LdZHP40giEeA1wisp1KdMt2mv5yALERndyQIQ9V0vyT6okPqGhkVzb1OMK4qKd4CiXci18Xo_yipnrHgulejXnPwoRrskAu8dnRKNYgjaB8yigkJk/s320/CAM00745.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next, using a deep pan that you can put in the oven, heat a little oil in the pan. I have found that my cast iron dutch oven works really well for this. When the oil is hot enough, add the rice. To test the heat of the oil drop 1 or 2 grains of rice into the oil, when they start to sizzle the oil is ready. Stir fry the rice until it is golden. Try not to get it too brown as it will have a burnt taste. </div>
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When the rice is golden, pour in your tomato mixture and stir to mix. Put the lid on the pan and put it in the oven. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. When you take it out stir it, if all of the liquid has been absorbed it's ready. If not put it on for a bit longer and cook until all liquid is absorbed. That's IT!!!! Can you believe how easy it is? When I am cooking Mexican, I generally get the rice started first so I can cook everything else while it's in the oven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo0e44ECt8cVHloaITMJl5m29HUUfS8LuMNa4Cl7YXGj3q7LqmcGLzh_dVZTZjD6O8GNJTuWwsi2iMoIxtNfktPFmuH6V5e84qKMTkm0zRC0dSyuP5d8OcJdh6-BwOUK23lUNxe-CCIkt/s1600/CAM00746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo0e44ECt8cVHloaITMJl5m29HUUfS8LuMNa4Cl7YXGj3q7LqmcGLzh_dVZTZjD6O8GNJTuWwsi2iMoIxtNfktPFmuH6V5e84qKMTkm0zRC0dSyuP5d8OcJdh6-BwOUK23lUNxe-CCIkt/s320/CAM00746.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a yummy looking photo of the rice along with some fried, black bean tacos that my husband calls fritas. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or recipe requests. Enjoy your mexican restaurant style, fluffy, tasty rice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQRfQWMDZ3sWw2UysSuKVn93aBhjuHDgBOIwtjZcFZ-TkpYsuMOL2Dwlu7VVWOBcK-1xbpAfJpvlEnU-YTQzDPuHjhfdjHWWreL65gkKZRAwUD1vPaKxdJFbL-qtN4zz3wf8hxhRlaIBD/s1600/CAM00754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQRfQWMDZ3sWw2UysSuKVn93aBhjuHDgBOIwtjZcFZ-TkpYsuMOL2Dwlu7VVWOBcK-1xbpAfJpvlEnU-YTQzDPuHjhfdjHWWreL65gkKZRAwUD1vPaKxdJFbL-qtN4zz3wf8hxhRlaIBD/s320/CAM00754.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-41658714461322160432013-03-22T19:32:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:11:23.377-04:00Never underestimate the power of FLAN!Lately, my girls and I have been watching season 1 of Sabrina the Teenage Witch on Hulu. Here's a quick shout out to Hulu and Netflix for showing all of my favorite 80's and 90's shows like Saved by the Bell, Jem and the Holograms and Sabrina....HOLLA! My kids love these shows as much as I do. Anyhow, the most recent episode we watched featured Flan and I realized that I needed to share my recipe for flan so others <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0PNOcNmvzSQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Now check out this picture of the creamy yumminess that is real mexican flan...<br />
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<strike>Unfortunately, I got so excited about the eating part that I forgot to take a picture of a properly plated flan, </strike> UPDATE! I found the pictures and trust me, it tastes FANTASTIC! </div>
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I used to think that I didn't like flan. You see I had eaten it before during a fiesta in my second year Spanish class in high school. What I didn't realize is that the "chef", aka teenager, had used a box mix from the Jell-O aisle and that is NOT what flan is supposed to taste like. My husband finally convinced me to try it at the Mexican restaurant and I fell in love. I might have actually taken it from him forcefully and eaten the whole thing by myself. Well, as I mentioned in my previous post about <a href="http://www.mylifewithouttrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/who-loves-cheese-dip.html" target="_blank">Cheese Dip</a> there was a waiter there who was free with the recipes and I know how to make it now!!!! Of course, I, being the sweetheart that I am, am going to share the recipe for my Mexican husband approved flan with you. You can thank me in the comments. <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mylifewithouttrainingwheels/flan" target="_blank">Click here for the printable version.</a></div>
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1 cup + 1/2 cup sugar separated</div>
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1/2 cup water </div>
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6 large eggs</div>
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1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk</div>
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2 13 oz cans evaporated milk</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 tbsp cinnamon (optional)</div>
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Prepare a water bath for your flan. I usually put my empty dish or dishes in a cake pan and then fill it with water. Put the water bath in the oven and preheat to 325. Pour 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water into a small saucepan and stir to mix. Turn heat to medium high and bring to a boil. DO NOT STIR it after it comes to a boil.</div>
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You want to caramelize it. It will take a while, but once it starts to turn yellowish you need to watch it closely. Once it is golden you need to remove it from the heat and pour it into the dish that you will be using for your flan. It is better to take it off the heat a bit early then to let it cook too long. It will continue to cook until you pour it into the dish so if in doubt, remove it from the heat.<br />
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Sometimes I use 1 cup sized ramekins (this makes about 7 or 8) and sometimes I use one big bowl. Either way pour it into your dish and turn the dish to coat it. It will harden as you turn the dish and make a nice little coating.<br />
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Now it's time to mix the flan! Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them well. Next add the milks, vanilla and cinnamon and mix well.</div>
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Pour the mixture into your ramekins or ovenproof dish, place in your water bath and bake 45 - 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.</div>
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Chill, run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert it over a plate. The caramel will come oozing over the sides. </div>
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<strike>Once again, sorry for the crappy photography, I just couldn't wait to eat it!!!</strike> I'm so proud of myself for finding the good pictures that I actually took! Go enjoy the wobble-dy jobble-dy goodness that is Flan!<br />
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-81433877683978223892013-02-26T13:48:00.000-05:002014-03-14T15:11:42.018-04:00This one's for the boys!Has anyone else out there seen these ads at Walmart to make your headlights look like new? They look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAFLErgg_tRUwiU5gIlfSgFfGHST2ufpBtn9e7TEShW4n9B84VEMP6FVEE9bUXo_LuZ58EcMtzc2AvX-5uHfhT5Nro2NBO-Fgd8nrba9mAAUdQ4U6AL-Wnp8-3hVMVfG30eQcc697_R5H/s1600/headlight+advert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAFLErgg_tRUwiU5gIlfSgFfGHST2ufpBtn9e7TEShW4n9B84VEMP6FVEE9bUXo_LuZ58EcMtzc2AvX-5uHfhT5Nro2NBO-Fgd8nrba9mAAUdQ4U6AL-Wnp8-3hVMVfG30eQcc697_R5H/s1600/headlight+advert.jpg" /></a></div>
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I always wondered about them, because the headlights on my 1998 Grand Caravan look like this:</div>
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I was beginning to look into having them fixed because I feel like my lights are barely visible at night and I was worried about it. However, the ads like the one above never really said what was involved so I put it off. A couple of weeks ago I happened upon a pin that said you could do it yourself with a little bit of toothpaste. I researched the product at Walmart and found out that there was sanding involved and it costs about $20. Having it done professionally costs even more, around $80. I thought I would go ahead and give the toothpaste method a try. I mean it was practically free since I already own toothpaste and an old toothbrush. I had nothing to lose right? Have I mentioned that I am <strike>cheap</strike> frugal? So, I broke out an old toothbrush, my Colgate, a bucket and a sponge and got to work. It really only took me about 10 minutes to do both lights. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7jEZXKhyphenhyphenCl7uGKaYOmFlgNVF5NPq3ySC0_Nn_RFj7bdEQ-wJJRWX9_gBop5xh9buAboi9_VjTCMqnwrYt3hbOhUUxa6Y1AT0bWmvovcvFYl8FlQxRF-OFv3OTq9F2lkNIsQf1obin_fc/s1600/CAM00647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7jEZXKhyphenhyphenCl7uGKaYOmFlgNVF5NPq3ySC0_Nn_RFj7bdEQ-wJJRWX9_gBop5xh9buAboi9_VjTCMqnwrYt3hbOhUUxa6Y1AT0bWmvovcvFYl8FlQxRF-OFv3OTq9F2lkNIsQf1obin_fc/s320/CAM00647.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj8HNguch8BtQ6NFOT6ESeZIGA4ksPfQiuxm9I-OLyfVYdYrWPBP5nEXO_baZhCKCbP5DLRqloae871jRlcEgphxdEK___Uk0UisDp4DHrT_FC3G-ECag5Ri2HiLm9dK_DshTaAvp_mUC/s1600/CAM00648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj8HNguch8BtQ6NFOT6ESeZIGA4ksPfQiuxm9I-OLyfVYdYrWPBP5nEXO_baZhCKCbP5DLRqloae871jRlcEgphxdEK___Uk0UisDp4DHrT_FC3G-ECag5Ri2HiLm9dK_DshTaAvp_mUC/s320/CAM00648.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAYUf3rPUcd7JNM97FT_kjv-05e1aFLiiHmIQkrb_w5hpAOOTWZomTjVJdo-qo5fTkJ7oRM1_3zbIRH5hoD4LUwfxZiNSdctVf6Te8BDSKSZYbyy3f1qOQ-9twkSdmVKZKf5dTjarWLiD/s1600/CAM00649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAYUf3rPUcd7JNM97FT_kjv-05e1aFLiiHmIQkrb_w5hpAOOTWZomTjVJdo-qo5fTkJ7oRM1_3zbIRH5hoD4LUwfxZiNSdctVf6Te8BDSKSZYbyy3f1qOQ-9twkSdmVKZKf5dTjarWLiD/s320/CAM00649.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And voila!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaIYRGKY-Y-Mgy_sLWDvcvhtfFi8UWWQ3zVioGCSv06LlC6ghUQn7EoE_HilriWtawDac_xqC_Aep2TiCqGFDqj2cvWE9PcUSVwhR1MqpTEezi_VQtVq-QwAFuq__dBPrBeUiwa43Gv7W/s1600/headlight+beforeandafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaIYRGKY-Y-Mgy_sLWDvcvhtfFi8UWWQ3zVioGCSv06LlC6ghUQn7EoE_HilriWtawDac_xqC_Aep2TiCqGFDqj2cvWE9PcUSVwhR1MqpTEezi_VQtVq-QwAFuq__dBPrBeUiwa43Gv7W/s320/headlight+beforeandafter.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not exactly like new, but a heck of a lot better and way cheaper, which in my mind is a win-win! BTW, please excuse the fact that my car is missing her bumper. Big Bertha (that's really her name) is undergoing some repairs at the moment. </div>
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On a funny side note, my youngest daughter, Stinkerbell, happened to walk outside while I was doing this and when she saw me she gasped and said "Oh my gosh Mommy! Who's toothbrush is that?!?!" I was really tempted to tell her that I was breaking in a new toothbrush for her, but I refrained. Kids say the cutest things. </div>
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Well, now you know how to give your vehicle a 10 minute face lift and you have an excuse to buy a new toothbrush. Get busy!</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-54997986314175935082013-02-14T16:54:00.001-05:002014-03-14T15:12:43.745-04:00Pamper yourself and feel the love!Happy Valentine's Day! As I mentioned yesterday, I just love this holiday. I am really feelin' the love today. I really enjoy seeing my friends posts on facebook about what their valentine has done for them and I hope that I can give some love to all of my friends who feel unloved or left out of this day. Valentine's day is for everyone, not just couples. In my family we give a little something to everyone that we love, not just spouses. It doesn't have to be extravagant, although contrary to yesterday's post, my sweet hubby surprised me with roses and candy. I wasn't expecting it and was completely caught by surprise. It was also nice to see how thrilled my kids were that their dad had gotten something for me. They all knew before I did and I could just see the joy in their faces when I discovered my surprises. I am a stay at home mom, so I don't have a bunch of cash to spend and I really enjoy giving homemade gifts, so that is what I will be doing today. One of my favorite gifts to make and give (or keep) is a nice sugar scrub. I don't know if you have ever purchased one or even looked at the price, but they are so expensive that it's ridiculous (I am also pretty <strike>cheap</strike> thrifty.) The worst part about the high price is that they can be made at home with ingredients you most likely already have in your cupboard. Seriously, can we say highway robbery?<br />
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Not only are they fantastic gifts but they are a wonderful way to pamper yourself. The bible tells us to love others as we love ourselves, so if we aren't loving on ourselves once in a while we may be unable to properly love others. So I give you permission to make a sugar scrub for yourself and show your skin some love. Take an hour in the shower and you will definitely feel loved...I promise! So, without further ado here are some recipes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfnBtj3d5sWpNRWK6y6qvsboAsrE2r_Fd34xyyjOJsoyi-yS3MWeXazuXiIXlae-xAJz4Mp9QRkRJ40GVGc2lDg90qmqYxJCXHpAiosVt7gEdPiWEWtjTATt9uH4rZPOm-Zdk0Nf5j_3J/s1600/CAM00681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfnBtj3d5sWpNRWK6y6qvsboAsrE2r_Fd34xyyjOJsoyi-yS3MWeXazuXiIXlae-xAJz4Mp9QRkRJ40GVGc2lDg90qmqYxJCXHpAiosVt7gEdPiWEWtjTATt9uH4rZPOm-Zdk0Nf5j_3J/s320/CAM00681.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first one is possibly my favorite. It's a coffee sugar scrub. The two in the picture are the ones I made for my Mom and Grandma. I am so happy to have those two valentines still in my life. This is great to use in the shower, as a matter of fact I keep a jar of it in my shower at all times. Not only does this feel luxurious, but if you use it a couple of times a week it will reduce cellulite and varicose veins as well as tightening up your skin (yippee!!!). I won't go into all the science of it since I am not a <strike>genius</strike> scientist, but If you are curious there is a lot of info out there on the net. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTesKeU4yfHKnpT4TBOLkSRvZ6DLKpdMHK-w4G8tddHMG3bc_DGunkeMfl6M0rF6RO-TbKHbkqUNZTo9ikWSVYIMM2NEWDLtPRrSVhNL2EUm0KEXj5kGvz0w6S9ESx0MZJbd93ITHxaAH2/s1600/CAM00672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTesKeU4yfHKnpT4TBOLkSRvZ6DLKpdMHK-w4G8tddHMG3bc_DGunkeMfl6M0rF6RO-TbKHbkqUNZTo9ikWSVYIMM2NEWDLtPRrSVhNL2EUm0KEXj5kGvz0w6S9ESx0MZJbd93ITHxaAH2/s320/CAM00672.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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1/2 cup coffee (I use the cheapest I can find since I am not going to be drinking it.)</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
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1 tbsp cinnamon</div>
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1/4 cup coconut oil (olive oil is works great too!)</div>
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Mix the coffee, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3x0BM9D6lc/UR1Af4grtNI/AAAAAAAACTM/shLcbcY6WHc/s1600/CAM00673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3x0BM9D6lc/UR1Af4grtNI/AAAAAAAACTM/shLcbcY6WHc/s320/CAM00673.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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add the coconut oil on top</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb7saUHuaIwcTZTsR3izuunII9jiWcXWuao226yNQdjITjQxGSVmh3UIiTYyntQUcFz_gL_paiwzZd89Kz9fSdGabt0l80OMvPTKACLPp-4nvRbUGQ-XIL5s-iLl57PychrWhOSkYzZ8n/s1600/CAM00674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb7saUHuaIwcTZTsR3izuunII9jiWcXWuao226yNQdjITjQxGSVmh3UIiTYyntQUcFz_gL_paiwzZd89Kz9fSdGabt0l80OMvPTKACLPp-4nvRbUGQ-XIL5s-iLl57PychrWhOSkYzZ8n/s320/CAM00674.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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smash it all together with a fork. If it's chilly in your house and the coconut oil is kind of hard you can pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYjP029ypc8NlrSepsSzQBzKh1sdzGQqGjVXXqb8JDmRSu9InAciFSUHoKfvWTFv7xyIuyicwvp1MFnRUiOvqfTCc6um39gbLMQEw-o8p4RvAbZ8qE1JZt9tnhwYKvRXmeLSiYH3e72Te/s1600/CAM00675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYjP029ypc8NlrSepsSzQBzKh1sdzGQqGjVXXqb8JDmRSu9InAciFSUHoKfvWTFv7xyIuyicwvp1MFnRUiOvqfTCc6um39gbLMQEw-o8p4RvAbZ8qE1JZt9tnhwYKvRXmeLSiYH3e72Te/s320/CAM00675.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know the finished product doesn't look all that glamorous, but who cares what it looks like, it smells divine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJsW4MZJFpM5nvGG0XXPdMe-HtWEqB1eeK_MU3i2OPNk7JoTaJXGNKz-1djP6AaVTMbWRC295LtZpAT99GRakJEPnM5NmRhaQBult-GBZ08p-9dD8BS3L4FAapBqyPIH-BAefGYaESsIH/s1600/CAM00679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJsW4MZJFpM5nvGG0XXPdMe-HtWEqB1eeK_MU3i2OPNk7JoTaJXGNKz-1djP6AaVTMbWRC295LtZpAT99GRakJEPnM5NmRhaQBult-GBZ08p-9dD8BS3L4FAapBqyPIH-BAefGYaESsIH/s320/CAM00679.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I buy one dollar candles in these jars at Walmart. When I have used the candle up, I freeze it for about 30 minutes and then pop the leftover wax out of the jar. The jars are perfect for holding sugar scrub gifts. For myself, I usually just put them in a mason jar. BTW, keep the leftover wax and use it to make my <a href="http://www.mylifewithouttrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/one-womans-trash-is-another-womans.html" target="_blank">easy fire starters</a>. Once you have your scrub, just hop in the shower and scrub it anywhere you like. My posterior and thighs tend to have the most cellulite, so that is what I scrub the most. Keep scrubbing for about five minutes and then just rinse it off in the spray. You won't want to use soap after this because that would wash away all of the oil. When you get out of the shower just pat yourself dry and give the oil a couple of minutes to sink in to your skin. Congratulations your butt is now as soft as a baby's.</div>
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Maybe coffee isn't your thing? How about cookies? Seriously, who doesn't love a good cookie? Well, my waistline doesn't, so I have to pretend to enjoy them by using my sugar cookie scrub. I didn't take pictures of this since I felt it would be repetitive. So here's the recipe:</div>
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Sugar Cookie Scrub</div>
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1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil</div>
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2/3 cup sugar</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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This one also smells wonderful. It's good enough to eat, as a matter of fact I kind of like the fact that all of it is food grade, because I know it is safe to use on my skin. This one is really luxurious to use on your hands and feet. It is especially helpful during the winter months when my skin is so dry.</div>
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Okay, now I know that there are those of you out there who aren't fond of baked goods or maybe you just love all things citrus. If that's the case then this last scrub is for you.</div>
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Lemon Drop Scrub</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil</div>
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2 tbsp lemon juice</div>
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I keep a jar of this on my kitchen sink and try to use it once a day. It keeps my hands so nice and soft and has a nice fresh scent. This type of scrub is much better for hands than the coffee scrub because the coffee likes to hide under your finger nails making them look dirty. This one is also fantastic for exfoliating your face. </div>
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Please keep in mind that if you use olive oil in these scrubs in place of coconut oil you will have to stir them before you use them, since the olive oil likes to rise to the top.</div>
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Now, go pamper yourself and show yourself some love. Use a scrub all over your body and not only will you feel the difference, but so will anyone else who happens to be touching your skin today...wink, wink.</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-62138930499425571732013-01-23T21:43:00.000-05:002013-01-23T21:43:23.063-05:00Who needs Honeybaked?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d2Ms6uIto0bSHW-VP61yaG6bEg1aulC2NHRq4YduXx3eCkiFB1zUK08BGEKB9O1ExacilLSh58P5OCvuM1zPXYPQ30bObEoG7HW2aLyPdZkugUt9nD3nSa8KCU4UL-ID1Mcvjtd-3-4Q/s1600/CAM00490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d2Ms6uIto0bSHW-VP61yaG6bEg1aulC2NHRq4YduXx3eCkiFB1zUK08BGEKB9O1ExacilLSh58P5OCvuM1zPXYPQ30bObEoG7HW2aLyPdZkugUt9nD3nSa8KCU4UL-ID1Mcvjtd-3-4Q/s320/CAM00490.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you guys, but I am a real fan of ham....actually I really love pork (BACON) in general. I always look forward to Easter because my Mom always either cooks a ham or buys a Honeybaked ham. I had never cooked a ham until about a year ago, because I had no idea how and I thought it took hours of oven time. Boy was I wrong! I have been following Stephanie O'Dea for a while now over at <a href="http://crockpot365.com/">crockpot365.com</a> and she posted a recipe for a copycat honeybaked that looked so good! I didn't have all of the ingredients on hand, so I winged it and made it my own and now it's a family favorite. Let me just pause here and tell you that if you haven't been over to her website, you should check it out. She has so many great recipes for the crockpot, you won't regret it! Now back to your regularly scheduled blog. So, this is how you make it and you won't believe how easy it is. Before I start, I must tell you to make sure you get the butt portion of ham when you go shopping, the shank portion won't fit in the crock (don't ask me how I know that).<br />
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First you need to rub brown sugar all over the ham and place it flat side down in the crock. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLYOtdeYOJIN333f1HaeUAdbM24nVwSBvtYSDQwkIuVNJdZzP5vDL8VH1qIZ2OW-DwdbxdYrvanHw26PH_qQ2V0b2xcuGHLsfgjU6UGYsomrZaqaWg1dNPz6o7jd6SHgSSqZlD98uMMJA/s1600/CAM00492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLYOtdeYOJIN333f1HaeUAdbM24nVwSBvtYSDQwkIuVNJdZzP5vDL8VH1qIZ2OW-DwdbxdYrvanHw26PH_qQ2V0b2xcuGHLsfgjU6UGYsomrZaqaWg1dNPz6o7jd6SHgSSqZlD98uMMJA/s320/CAM00492.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pour about a cup of Karo over the ham. I know it's really bad for me, but I only use it a couple times a year, so don't fuss at me.</div>
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The new bottles have a line for measuring right on the side, so no need to dirty a measuring cup!</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrAmX90dDGfQAnC99n_eEscPGh-S7jKegswF8gn-Tpz7j-t9eJtE4eWr3DJ1pId36_AskSuDUEV6OmgyQF1HFCmh31w7SLumFzryx1FSFkFCtLLZWp-phuvUO27EZTE1tMxXldC6xTP4A/s1600/CAM00493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrAmX90dDGfQAnC99n_eEscPGh-S7jKegswF8gn-Tpz7j-t9eJtE4eWr3DJ1pId36_AskSuDUEV6OmgyQF1HFCmh31w7SLumFzryx1FSFkFCtLLZWp-phuvUO27EZTE1tMxXldC6xTP4A/s320/CAM00493.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pour the pineapple chunks and juice over the ham.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCgo1E2ioDEfVghHMttIlvws-VLimcSWRrqrRJlgC3pipv48gvbxemL3DNZ3F9RRzDqlkbJLi5EVHPvvKiybxIdCtgC6t0_CVfDsCsSn59WY-SrAjFjn47poDqDPNQ4H8DTp2jLuYiydi/s1600/CAM00495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCgo1E2ioDEfVghHMttIlvws-VLimcSWRrqrRJlgC3pipv48gvbxemL3DNZ3F9RRzDqlkbJLi5EVHPvvKiybxIdCtgC6t0_CVfDsCsSn59WY-SrAjFjn47poDqDPNQ4H8DTp2jLuYiydi/s320/CAM00495.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, here comes the hard part. Put the lid on and cook it on low for 4-6 hours. That's it! It is so yummy, my whole family devours it every time I make it. We eat the pineapple and the ham. The pineapple just sort of soaks in the broth and brown sugar and each piece bursts with flavor. The ham tastes salty and sweet all the way through. Not to mention how tender it is from cooking all day long. Of course the best part is that you don't have to slave all day for your meal which leaves more time for blogging :). Unfortunately, I got so excited about the ham that I forgot to take a picture of the finished project, so you will just have to cook it to see how awesome it is. Let me know in the comments if you try this ham and what your family thinks about it.</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-12445369633982699352013-01-22T11:40:00.000-05:002014-03-14T15:16:56.996-04:00House Rules 2.0<br />
Well, my friends, today I am going to repost and edit and old post from a couple years ago. You may remember my posting about our Family Rules Canvas that I made based on a couple of other blogs. Well, I have gotten many compliments since I hung it up and my sister loved it, so I decided to make her one for Christmas. Here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf9VnNu4cRtAr4Ap6ChFb024zIqVYGeAA6oSLewbCjkDj5NGAm39MW18d7u34QKH549b_v3_Agy3Xavq_1FNBQrdhdBHTa7Ztd-xiKqN84YL8Vs-nY1bLyzTCszfQLIZrePKKBpBJBGj/s1600/CAM00597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf9VnNu4cRtAr4Ap6ChFb024zIqVYGeAA6oSLewbCjkDj5NGAm39MW18d7u34QKH549b_v3_Agy3Xavq_1FNBQrdhdBHTa7Ztd-xiKqN84YL8Vs-nY1bLyzTCszfQLIZrePKKBpBJBGj/s640/CAM00597.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is the video of me giving it to her for Christmas (she's going to kill me for this):</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4tKM8zGTtdLRU6Je0gt95DuPLjpa8_8z1P_ZsgND9GhEMR2pGI7eN46tr4o4KiPC9JgPzd-yZDeJrOOkv6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I think it is safe to say she likes it. As a matter of fact she and her husband and my Mom and my own husband are convinced I could make some money selling these. So, if you want one without the hassle, call me and I'll make you one. For all you DIYers out there, here are the instructions with my edits added in red. Let me just say that the second time around was so much easier than the first, I guess knowledge is power...hahaha. In case you can't read it her rules are as follows:</div>
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(Insert last name) Family Rules</div>
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Love God, Love Others</div>
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Pray without ceasing</div>
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cuddle when you're sad</div>
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never give up, you mustn't quit</div>
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use your manners...yes, please & no, thank you</div>
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keep your promises</div>
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Thank God for this day, this family, this home</div>
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work cheerfully</div>
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Be thankful, eat together, clean up after yourself</div>
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Try new things with an open mind, you never know what you might like</div>
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share everything except bad ideas</div>
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Always say "I love you"</div>
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Always tell the truth</div>
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Use gentle words</div>
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Husband, Love your wife....</div>
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Wife, always be on his side</div>
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Forgive easily</div>
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Encourage your siblings, share in their joy</div>
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sing silly, dance crazy, hug often, smile a lot</div>
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As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.</div>
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Here are the instructions:</div>
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I have to start off by Thanking Troye for posting on facebook about her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1906801592467&set=a.1276488395031.2041146.1314624451">project</a>. It inspired me! She got the idea over at the <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2009/09/family-rules-canvas/">pleated poppy</a> which I am also linking here so that you can see more of these awesome pieces of artwork. I thought I would post mine with directions in case you are curious about how I did it, or if you want to make your own (P.S. I might consider making these for profit...hint, hint). So here goes...<br />
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First, you have to buy your supplies. I bought a blank canvas 24" x 48". I found out that Hobby Lobby will still take a 40% off coupon if you show it to them on your phone, so I got it for 40% off. <span style="color: red;">(I bought my second canvas at Michaels with a digital 50% off coupon)</span> Whatever you do, don't pay full price for your canvas. Also, I got some paint (whatever color you like for the edges), Scrapbook paper, paint brushes, mod podge (I bought the off brand and it worked fine) and Sharpies (Don't buy these at the craft store, you can get them at The Dollar Tree for a 1/4 of the price.) <span style="color: red;">I didn't need the sharpies the second time around.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4fxCmA1N7KBYQlSTN4cq5ZUaQv8q1RqQJIIT60588-8CsXmnHiPdQGkf9tGqxYJ2aLp4LxYC2hi6isTk8eIeu_-6Iq9LI6OEeVTR8W3amMbfTBT-Dsqxf8FhGWWZvqP-QTU70A18GkCC/s1600/2011-03-30+12.18.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4fxCmA1N7KBYQlSTN4cq5ZUaQv8q1RqQJIIT60588-8CsXmnHiPdQGkf9tGqxYJ2aLp4LxYC2hi6isTk8eIeu_-6Iq9LI6OEeVTR8W3amMbfTBT-Dsqxf8FhGWWZvqP-QTU70A18GkCC/s320/2011-03-30+12.18.51.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, a lot of the ladies who have done this project said that paper shopping was the fun part....not for me. I found it to be overwhelming, but I am not really a scrapbooker either. So, this could be the best part for you. <span style="color: red;">Make sure you pick out light colors. If the paper has too much navy or black on it the words will be difficult to read. For example, the black and pink striped paper in the picture above didn't make it onto the canvas because you couldn't see the words on it at all. </span>The first thing I did was to lay out the paper in the order that I felt looked most appealing from top to bottom. Although it is not matchy matchy, I wanted it to sort of flow from piece to piece. After my moment of organization I let my inner artist free. I ripped the plastic off my canvas and I got to work with my paint. I felt like a professional painter....Picasso, Degas, Monet....An Arteest if you will...I call it "Field of Grass". Unfortunately I had a choice to make, hang my masterpiece or finish my project...I couldn't afford another canvas, so I had to cover my artwork in order to finish my project. I found out that if you buy cheap tempera paint, you will need to paint at least two coats because this is what it looks like after one. It doesn't need to be perfect though, since most of it will be covered anyway. <span style="color: red;">I used hot pink paint on my sister's canvas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9j9qp3iZBOgv3yrU0owIx5MRtJ6qRBeJN3P1pynkYNBL2BZA0SmtGfd9-6m9ur5VNzf0Vgdiiqq-Kpbty7zmdh746U_jR_5ooGVL0Slh59xjNQJ2hVoltFYzy-33nxDAdcmMpYTUb1nH/s1600/2011-03-30+15.27.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9j9qp3iZBOgv3yrU0owIx5MRtJ6qRBeJN3P1pynkYNBL2BZA0SmtGfd9-6m9ur5VNzf0Vgdiiqq-Kpbty7zmdh746U_jR_5ooGVL0Slh59xjNQJ2hVoltFYzy-33nxDAdcmMpYTUb1nH/s320/2011-03-30+15.27.47.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next was the fun part for me, I downloaded fonts...there are THOUSANDS of free fonts out there in internet world, it is truly amazing I just googled free fonts and found all sorts of fun stuff. I actually spent most of one day on the font part and, after hours of looking at and downloading all of the fun fonts and, wishing there was time for more, I got started. The first problem I encountered was that most scrapbooking paper is 12" x 12". and wouldn't fit in my printer, also, my canvas was 24" wide. So, I played around in open office (I currently don't have word, but the program I used was the OO version of power point. <span style="color: red;">I have Microsoft Office now and I found it to be a million times easier to work with than OO. I used Publisher, but I am sure you could do it in Word. The following steps are very similar though.</span>) I had to play around with it a lot, but I finally managed to make a template that was 6" tall by 24" wide. I then cut each piece of paper in half and configured it to print on 2 pages and then taped them together....there is probably a better way of going about this, but I had to do it any way I could figure out (comments about better ways are welcomed). <span style="color: red;">This time around, I was able to print it as a banner in Publisher so I was able to tape the two pieces together lengthwise and print one long sheet. This made it possible to make sure all of the "banners" were the exact same length which in turn made the edges turn out even on the canvas. Before I started printing I taped all of the "banner"s together to make sure I had taped them all the same length. </span> Here is a screen shot of my first slide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDTfLluX6vOEGxJU_hUa7ESsTFPrAOt-RQjsGh9rWO2_p1tjVatmeuLgcI1sFvqgUODHsbDtlQ3A6dzu3-RZicdGgVB0yizQNhwrs8nf7IBFXB3P3Hwer0oMDnVdWXxczt_mdZfgYxLa4/s1600/2011-03-30+15.41.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDTfLluX6vOEGxJU_hUa7ESsTFPrAOt-RQjsGh9rWO2_p1tjVatmeuLgcI1sFvqgUODHsbDtlQ3A6dzu3-RZicdGgVB0yizQNhwrs8nf7IBFXB3P3Hwer0oMDnVdWXxczt_mdZfgYxLa4/s320/2011-03-30+15.41.08.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I typed all of the rules out in no particular order and figured which font should go with which rule. It is important in this step to know the difference between Their and there & also your and you're & lastly too, to and two. In life it is also important to know these differences as well as the difference between lose and loose. I win, you lose.....My pants are very loose. Now you know!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqv2Bx1YKsA19G_-SxkMnbhf_t2RAhIRMtPzC7hUgwyGRO56aK91wlFJxBav6RiN6IWkL8RZQOX3Qx2mpd42KVxEmf21z8LQTGnDrsiuUpIDyfIp2FRrcQy-zYNRUTpa7rATiBTLpEs78/s1600/2011-03-30+15.41.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqv2Bx1YKsA19G_-SxkMnbhf_t2RAhIRMtPzC7hUgwyGRO56aK91wlFJxBav6RiN6IWkL8RZQOX3Qx2mpd42KVxEmf21z8LQTGnDrsiuUpIDyfIp2FRrcQy-zYNRUTpa7rATiBTLpEs78/s320/2011-03-30+15.41.30.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a scrap piece of scrapbook paper and did a practice run. I did the wavy cutting after I had printed it and taped it together. <span style="color: red;">Always practice before you use your good paper. This time I taped copy paper together and practiced until it printed out the way I wanted. Then I just retyped every rule in the same template, just changing the font and size to fit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5GeNd5HDdTKWrgY1_KUkMfkysY_XS-0Lo0CekzZw2M7-clgMQ7Ytk7lTgGc_3Bt8HJLGAQn4esM55YuGsIIkNnd8qJvG2LZoQ3W3VzODuU9NYTGv8CLm1i93CRefvnlXt2qaYuvfyMcD/s1600/2011-03-30+15.41.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5GeNd5HDdTKWrgY1_KUkMfkysY_XS-0Lo0CekzZw2M7-clgMQ7Ytk7lTgGc_3Bt8HJLGAQn4esM55YuGsIIkNnd8qJvG2LZoQ3W3VzODuU9NYTGv8CLm1i93CRefvnlXt2qaYuvfyMcD/s320/2011-03-30+15.41.54.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Important Note Here!!! Don't glue your paper down until you have laid it all out and made sure that everything fits and flows, I didn't figure that out until about the 6th sheet when I realized I had a lot more rules left than I had room...OOPS! It's okay though, I made it work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n0Q7Kganknndfa0Ipdfd8vBcI8m-7cVC9_iXLrZH0_1e_lwA9i5jgrUpnodVIinfPubUC72mYXDExxLTaVfcdjCl0nUqtWxCbojxUL4qGiEvifsKtQmBpR-5jlslq4bjvAm7dPH8SOpW/s1600/2011-03-31+17.41.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n0Q7Kganknndfa0Ipdfd8vBcI8m-7cVC9_iXLrZH0_1e_lwA9i5jgrUpnodVIinfPubUC72mYXDExxLTaVfcdjCl0nUqtWxCbojxUL4qGiEvifsKtQmBpR-5jlslq4bjvAm7dPH8SOpW/s320/2011-03-31+17.41.03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another important note, make sure you have plenty of ink. I ran out of black ink about half way through and didn't feel like going to get more, so I printed in color and colored over it with sharpie. This was a very long and painful way of avoiding a trip to Walmart. <span style="color: red;">I planned ahead this time and did not run out of ink, therefore no sharpie was necessary. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFL59XH61TiKCycgwLpPTQ60WjzzFuCFuaKuxij7Vta4X0J9Gs-EuMHnO_TAD3O93xlvuNeT726dzOo5Qd92nMxbR7IyYoLoSg-ZrQaXe9Ty-JPiSSrEbLGJMkuMzjybW7fRYz_IOCJHz/s1600/2011-04-02+14.34.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFL59XH61TiKCycgwLpPTQ60WjzzFuCFuaKuxij7Vta4X0J9Gs-EuMHnO_TAD3O93xlvuNeT726dzOo5Qd92nMxbR7IyYoLoSg-ZrQaXe9Ty-JPiSSrEbLGJMkuMzjybW7fRYz_IOCJHz/s320/2011-04-02+14.34.48.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVarjHZev6x_uTavtS9BY1xFa24EJtTiN4TwfUKU3H7JmaTA9zD8mGDXMkYjHCx0dY_VLuhYyHNrsOyzGgS4RVMgxVAF4I01pWeJDxi0BKscC2-BdxesMoNF-v2YMFTQVPpswrmPh4-Mzq/s1600/2011-04-02+14.36.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVarjHZev6x_uTavtS9BY1xFa24EJtTiN4TwfUKU3H7JmaTA9zD8mGDXMkYjHCx0dY_VLuhYyHNrsOyzGgS4RVMgxVAF4I01pWeJDxi0BKscC2-BdxesMoNF-v2YMFTQVPpswrmPh4-Mzq/s320/2011-04-02+14.36.58.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was also hard, because some of the fonts I was using were not solid, and I had to figure out a way to make them look the same without just coloring them in solid, which I could have easily done if I weren't an <i>arteest</i>. For this particular font (I believe it is called candy shoppe) I used a pen and colored it in very painstakingly to make it look like it was painted on and weathered. It took hours....really....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3fybx4Hxrt64f65IztrUep3J95sjxmMBsPy_rhfirxb9rQhmk_32dzOSkBiko5tCWZj5xjtMrdAH4hC4qiyaSJEJt-B3Um5G4cnUBrfdS_kCwMF8uTmqQ2RGar0uzKmD3xyABLImaCO0/s1600/2011-04-02+16.20.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3fybx4Hxrt64f65IztrUep3J95sjxmMBsPy_rhfirxb9rQhmk_32dzOSkBiko5tCWZj5xjtMrdAH4hC4qiyaSJEJt-B3Um5G4cnUBrfdS_kCwMF8uTmqQ2RGar0uzKmD3xyABLImaCO0/s320/2011-04-02+16.20.29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, after I arranged all of the strips of paper, I glued them on with the decoupage and then I painted over the whole thing with more decoupage to seal it in. You may also notice that I used some of my left over edges glued down the sides to give it a more finished look since, for some odd reason, all of my edges weren't even. <span style="color: red;">(Ha ha ha, this step wasn't necessary either, as explained above.) </span>I have also read that others have used ribbon for this...I am too <s>lazy</s> innovative to <s>go find</s> need ribbon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVTbTJQ1rR6L9ihY5_CC0p2xXQETUXX4P0y_bwCCoS0_G2EJAUW9o7Q7ggX23JKHkcKuJ6cUFTW2Ry11oBOxDBONKWKNB-Yo13FQVz6Z_3ZxC2gdvDeedMe151cHN4MD4FL9EYQ7KC954/s1600/2011-04-03+14.22.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVTbTJQ1rR6L9ihY5_CC0p2xXQETUXX4P0y_bwCCoS0_G2EJAUW9o7Q7ggX23JKHkcKuJ6cUFTW2Ry11oBOxDBONKWKNB-Yo13FQVz6Z_3ZxC2gdvDeedMe151cHN4MD4FL9EYQ7KC954/s640/2011-04-03+14.22.09.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In case you can't read them, here are my rules: </div>
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Solis Family rules</div>
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Love the Lord Your God</div>
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Pray without ceasing</div>
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cuddle when you're sad</div>
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Thank God for this day, this family, this home</div>
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Never give up, you mustn't quit</div>
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Try new things with an open mind, you never know what you'll like</div>
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Always tell the truth</div>
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forgive easily</div>
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keep your promises</div>
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work cheerfully</div>
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sing silly, dance crazy, hug often, smile a lot</div>
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Encourage your siblings...Share in their joy</div>
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Use your manners...Yes, Please & No, thank you</div>
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Always say "I Love You"</div>
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Share everything...except bad ideas</div>
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Love Others</div>
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Choose whom you will serve</div>
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Be thankful, eat together, clean up after yourself</div>
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Husband, love your wife</div>
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wife, Always be on his side</div>
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Make the wise choice</div>
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Use Gentle Words</div>
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Now, go and be inspired to create!!!! Or just call me and I will make one for you for a price.<br />
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-42332788782981699872013-01-21T15:47:00.001-05:002013-01-22T00:28:11.528-05:00I've officially gone granola!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSWNOkOP2OyonW3IEzXQmg6LZBmo9SSlMT7poLTDGd81FUndVuWI-yZP-65F-t4dvhgYzQnmpISZPaSL30p2QOxu0X5Vl_QoM0wP9zJs9izX91pEif-LfhRzJF8MCh8lee9pDF2jduplT/s1600/CAM00626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSWNOkOP2OyonW3IEzXQmg6LZBmo9SSlMT7poLTDGd81FUndVuWI-yZP-65F-t4dvhgYzQnmpISZPaSL30p2QOxu0X5Vl_QoM0wP9zJs9izX91pEif-LfhRzJF8MCh8lee9pDF2jduplT/s320/CAM00626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you guys, but here in the Caliente household we love, Love, LOVE granola. We love to eat it by itself or as cereal or with some fruit and Greek yogurt. We also LOVE Greek yogurt. We love granola and Greek yogurt so much so that we were spending too much of our grocery money on it. Luckily, this summer, my favorite blogger <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/foolproof-crockpot-greek-yogurt-and-i-mean-foolproof.html" target="_blank">Jillee</a> posted a recipe for homemade Greek yogurt. I tried it and I LOVE it. I can make a whole gallon of plain Greek yogurt that costs less than a 24 oz container of my preferred brand. So from that point on we were making our own yogurt, but that caused us to eat MORE granola. I played around with the idea of making granola, but I thought it would probably be too much work, so I put it off until finally, about a week ago, I was bored and thought I would just look around on the net and see what recipes I could find. I was floored at how simple it really is to make and I had all of the ingredients right here <br />
<a name='more'></a>in my house!!!! Well, I had to give it a try and we loved it even more than the stuff we were shelling out our hard earned dollars for. My family loves it too! They ate the whole first batch that same day. The second batch I made was a double batch and they ate that in a 24 hour period (I might've helped a bit too). Anyhow, today I am going to share my recipes with you. I will start with the yogurt. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the process, but it's pretty straightforward. If you absolutely must have pictures you should refer back to Jillee's post <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/foolproof-crockpot-greek-yogurt-and-i-mean-foolproof.html" target="_blank">here.</a> This recipe is fantastic because you can make it in the crockpot and if your crockpot has a meat thermometer it requires no supervision.<br />
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A 6 qt crockpot</div>
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1 gallon of milk (I use whole milk, but I am pretty sure it will work with anything down to skim)</div>
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3 cups powdered milk</div>
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6 oz. plain Greek yogurt</div>
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Pour the milk into the crockpot and whisk in the powdered milk and cook until it reaches aprox. 180 degrees. It takes a while so I always cook it on high. I just put my meat thermometer in the crockpot and set it to cook to that temp. When it reaches 180 take the lid off, turn off the crock and let it cool to about 100 - 115 degrees. This may take a couple of hours, but you don't want it to get cooler than 95 degrees or it won't culture right. When it has reached the 100 to 115 degree range dip out about a cup, whisk the yogurt into it and add it back to crock and mix well. At this point you can either pour it into the containers you are going to store it in or leave it in the crock. I pour it into 8 cup Tupperware dishes and put it in the oven with no lid. You will need to leave it there for about 10 - 12 hours with the <b><i>oven light on</i></b>. I usually do this part overnight. No Peeking! You don't want to let any of the heat out. This method worked perfect for me every time while the outside temperature was warm. But the last time I made it, while it was cold outside, the yogurt didn't get as thick, so I would suggest preheating the oven to a low temperature, <b>turning it off</b> and then leaving the yogurt in there overnight with the light on. I am going to try it that way next week and will post an update about whether or not that solves the problem. After you take it out of the oven you will want to chill it for a couple of hours before you eat it. We love to use our Greek yogurt in smoothies, mix some of my homemade jam in it, or simply add a little honey and granola. It's yummy and extremely good for your digestive system.</div>
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Now on to Granola!!! I'm not posting a link to a recipe because I totally made this up based on several different recipes. Excuse me while I pat myself on the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqhfl2oAUEEaI9b8xkeVHBu9yQafAbVcgqTxKw5XMhpq1dGG5E7C7b3RYwFbI_R7B5NJBAOLBxmlPzF64WQlJYelRSXKRgKogTK9yNWchdYqYHIOoqUYrk6v0xJ7VjUOR-Tk_7eg2iOl-/s1600/CAM00622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqhfl2oAUEEaI9b8xkeVHBu9yQafAbVcgqTxKw5XMhpq1dGG5E7C7b3RYwFbI_R7B5NJBAOLBxmlPzF64WQlJYelRSXKRgKogTK9yNWchdYqYHIOoqUYrk6v0xJ7VjUOR-Tk_7eg2iOl-/s320/CAM00622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You will need:</div>
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3 cups old fashioned oats</div>
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1/4 cup brown sugar (or use sucanat as a healthier option)</div>
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1/2 tsp kosher salt</div>
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1 tbsp cinnamon (or less if you're not a fan)</div>
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1/2 cup sliced almonds</div>
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1/3 cup honey</div>
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1/4 cup coconut oil melted</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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Mix oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon & almonds in a large bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ojz4Al8D9ZrLJKsecxvSxJaZDq4AkkqBJB0OGqNOT_KEecCX79FY-Rk_RZlqAcy-keh9AFh4hHy6ZHCdjlquCS8vI5Aj5VOqf0rysjS8tJSjCYP-kjQhdqTtmEHsW7LQKMZEWtp3foqp/s1600/CAM00616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ojz4Al8D9ZrLJKsecxvSxJaZDq4AkkqBJB0OGqNOT_KEecCX79FY-Rk_RZlqAcy-keh9AFh4hHy6ZHCdjlquCS8vI5Aj5VOqf0rysjS8tJSjCYP-kjQhdqTtmEHsW7LQKMZEWtp3foqp/s320/CAM00616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mix honey, coconut oil and vanilla in a smaller bowl. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_N9NNocoO-3px8THZJhyvkfA8US5Zb4NkN8TW6varhiRR4-UN4yRqXhs1KR8i8Vcl2ndabKDB1uKLfgZYTVrxe_KGLq2n4nt685nHWH2_1taofJGmzMKoTb1UXIOFYBDtX2vXHutqNrD/s1600/CAM00618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_N9NNocoO-3px8THZJhyvkfA8US5Zb4NkN8TW6varhiRR4-UN4yRqXhs1KR8i8Vcl2ndabKDB1uKLfgZYTVrxe_KGLq2n4nt685nHWH2_1taofJGmzMKoTb1UXIOFYBDtX2vXHutqNrD/s320/CAM00618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fM_NqlUAJjkBALzAzDHlvOOeVWM6ro7KIgwFYU6knUF1z50SGHQYzgm4zo40wGb7Jwk7jiDbcEYPvbisMgNI2J1s0RtDDULLGfF86XgoMhPoIXqyOyNmG4eUjGQ7UdyjR1vTC3Wx0f1P/s1600/CAM00619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fM_NqlUAJjkBALzAzDHlvOOeVWM6ro7KIgwFYU6knUF1z50SGHQYzgm4zo40wGb7Jwk7jiDbcEYPvbisMgNI2J1s0RtDDULLGfF86XgoMhPoIXqyOyNmG4eUjGQ7UdyjR1vTC3Wx0f1P/s320/CAM00619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stir it some more, until everything is well incorporated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04TVSfwJkg4fhYV8Dc2bgN4a2SHqi2c3W9wx8hdq836F0yujsju64Hecg7h-hcks97DWCJD38i37k5leLaUQtKraecHLDZXa5b8BF5MxdmuvIdnrQgeXPYG7MHXGWAbR0ATJhvOvnaZ77/s1600/CAM00620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04TVSfwJkg4fhYV8Dc2bgN4a2SHqi2c3W9wx8hdq836F0yujsju64Hecg7h-hcks97DWCJD38i37k5leLaUQtKraecHLDZXa5b8BF5MxdmuvIdnrQgeXPYG7MHXGWAbR0ATJhvOvnaZ77/s320/CAM00620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan and bake at 300 degrees. The longer it is baked the crunchier it will be. I like my granola crunchy so I bake it for about 30 minutes. If you like chewy granola go for about 20 - 25 minutes. Take it out of the oven and stir it then let it cool completely. It will be chewy when you first take it out of the oven, but it hardens as it cools. When it is completely cool put it in an airtight container and use it within 10 days, if you can keep it that long. BTW, this recipe is very versatile, if you are the type of person who likes dried fruit (blech!) you can add that in after it cools. My mom likes to add Craisins to her granola. You can also experiment with the nuts, try walnuts or hazelnuts. If the nuts are raw add them in before cooking or if you use roasted nuts add them at the end. You can also use other whole grains in place of the oats. Just have fun with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3kMCnFYYoJwDbaECBcLxi6xDdd8quXkv-EQvlQh0P-QwTCgLi2j5xj-NC0zdjVSRccD7kB7GL5384xzd2aoHqsamTj8Fjmha4w214cAiBS6kDXJC6XphzOYjOGFaYmaY7dyf8bCFSEdc/s1600/CAM00624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3kMCnFYYoJwDbaECBcLxi6xDdd8quXkv-EQvlQh0P-QwTCgLi2j5xj-NC0zdjVSRccD7kB7GL5384xzd2aoHqsamTj8Fjmha4w214cAiBS6kDXJC6XphzOYjOGFaYmaY7dyf8bCFSEdc/s320/CAM00624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look how pretty and yummy it is! Go mix that with some berries in your crockpot greek yogurt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNIB7ryPt3QJ6ez_z__BmiKjI7_s7DawCLfQ_uQ9ZcvASftcnwP6Ledw9uadT-d6TohMvjJDMJRVDgNohXOZrpPqTWPMA-32eJWY13KpaOxrfcpKNHQdUWA6shhLeDoQiHX7XUt6EY_L/s1600/CAM00623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNIB7ryPt3QJ6ez_z__BmiKjI7_s7DawCLfQ_uQ9ZcvASftcnwP6Ledw9uadT-d6TohMvjJDMJRVDgNohXOZrpPqTWPMA-32eJWY13KpaOxrfcpKNHQdUWA6shhLeDoQiHX7XUt6EY_L/s320/CAM00623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-2723595349474271102013-01-03T12:55:00.002-05:002013-01-22T00:28:57.510-05:00Mall Chicken (aka Sweet & Sour Chicken) with fried rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello World! Sorry I haven't posted in almost 2 months. It has been a combination of laziness and trouble getting blogger to upload the photos I use in all of my posts. So here is my post holiday "Happy Thanksgiving" and "Merry Christmas"! I couldn't resist posting this awesome photo that was supposed to be our Christmas card. Unfortunately that didn't come together for me either so I wasn't able to send it out. However, I HAD to show it off, because I am so proud of my mad photography skills and my BFF/Aunt's mad photoshop skills. I got the idea from another <a href="http://summertimedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-christmas-card.html" target="_blank">blogger (Summertime Designs)</a> that I saw on pinterest. I think we will have to redo this idea next Christmas so I can actually send them out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi536uYSBFLDq4TVbMpZbp26Mk2UqlgnLC1llvmp8LRV8LPbx5c_O-m56R_mHLh213DVJmnS3FPXpkxcEENf51L9vIkXRUsNMyqIaovpiOmlpESeJIwcWEIOuccc6sWdlWr-FAX09S-auiA/s1600/kfam3_by_shaelynn-d5o87ko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi536uYSBFLDq4TVbMpZbp26Mk2UqlgnLC1llvmp8LRV8LPbx5c_O-m56R_mHLh213DVJmnS3FPXpkxcEENf51L9vIkXRUsNMyqIaovpiOmlpESeJIwcWEIOuccc6sWdlWr-FAX09S-auiA/s320/kfam3_by_shaelynn-d5o87ko.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyhow, that is not what today's post is really about. Today I am going to give the awesomest (Yeah, I know, I made that word up) recipe that I got off of Pinterest (you can check out the original <a href="http://life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-with-fried.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I have had this recipe for a few months and the first time I made it we all loved it so much that I made it another night that same week. I didn't post it because I kept seeing it all over Pinterest, but finally I decided that maybe not all of you have seen it, or perhaps you have seen it but been hesitant to try it. I have also made a few tweaks that I think make it better. We call it Mall Chicken, but I think the proper name would be Sweet & Sour Chicken. The reason we call it Mall Chicken is because it tastes just like the chicken you get at the little chinese restaurant in the mall food court, but better. At least that's what my family said. Of course, you know mall chicken wouldn't be complete without fried rice, so I am going to give you that recipe too. Let me just post a little disclaimer here, I know this may not be the healthiest meal on the planet, but it is way better for you than the <strike>chemicals & junk</strike> food you buy at the mall. The best part about this recipe is that it's practically impossible to mess it up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwjCgrKsKFU/UOW18Xr9gcI/AAAAAAAAB0o/DyYA10mTHko/s1600/DSCN3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwjCgrKsKFU/UOW18Xr9gcI/AAAAAAAAB0o/DyYA10mTHko/s320/DSCN3645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doesn't that look so yummy! I'm still working on my food photography, so hopefully the pic does it justice.</div>
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<u><b>Mall Chicken and Fried Rice</b></u></div>
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for the chicken you will need: </div>
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6 chicken breasts (I usually just use a 3lb. bag of boneless skinless breasts)</div>
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cornstarch</div>
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5 eggs beaten</div>
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olive oil</div>
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for the sauce:</div>
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1 1/2 cups sugar</div>
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1/2 cup ketchup</div>
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1 cup white vinegar</div>
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2 tbs soy sauce</div>
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2 tsp garlic salt</div>
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for the rice:</div>
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3 cups cooked rice (I usually cook it in the rice cooker early in the day and let it sit)</div>
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3 tbs oil</div>
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1 cup frozen peas & carrots</div>
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1 small onion chopped</div>
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2 tsp minced garlic (or just use garlic powder for a stronger garlic taste)</div>
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2 eggs beaten</div>
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1/4 cup soy sauce</div>
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I always start the rice first if I haven't been able to cook it earlier so it will be ready when I am. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees then start on the chicken. You need to trim the chicken and cut it into bite sized chunks. If you can do that the night before or earlier in the day it will save you a ton of time. Heat your oil in a skillet or electric wok. This is where I call on help from my sous chefs (aka one of my daughters). We form an assembly line. I have my daughter dip the chicken in the cornstarch and then into the egg and drop them into the frying pan. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wGQfRPVa20/UOXA8Xk9n8I/AAAAAAAAB1s/VxqOaKky2LU/s1600/DSCN3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wGQfRPVa20/UOXA8Xk9n8I/AAAAAAAAB1s/VxqOaKky2LU/s320/DSCN3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6CrdjRcXw7SVnyyFMBfL2xDRONy7Imr9osp4Oa2jtEt8PeEDsZasZiFscEtJBoIxiLw-nikhJ3R8S9bq3x3xiyZeVkMbm7RLc8jPwGPVacHzDrKG9m91kWqw7xMB13UCRNPiHmjbqNYe/s1600/DSCN3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6CrdjRcXw7SVnyyFMBfL2xDRONy7Imr9osp4Oa2jtEt8PeEDsZasZiFscEtJBoIxiLw-nikhJ3R8S9bq3x3xiyZeVkMbm7RLc8jPwGPVacHzDrKG9m91kWqw7xMB13UCRNPiHmjbqNYe/s320/DSCN3622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then concentrate on browning each piece. In the original recipe she puts all of the chicken into the pan at once and cooks it. I know that would be faster and I have tried it that way, but I promise that if you cook each piece individually it will taste so much better and crispier! You do not need to cook it all the way through, just get the egg nice and golden.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrOkcEzGLd4/UOW1qpPbzCI/AAAAAAAABzY/VMbhajZpQhE/s1600/DSCN3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrOkcEzGLd4/UOW1qpPbzCI/AAAAAAAABzY/VMbhajZpQhE/s320/DSCN3629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place the cooked pieces into a baking dish, I use a 1/2 sheet cake pan.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iHDOBbasZk/UOW1sgcR55I/AAAAAAAABzg/G6JwZGo52Jk/s1600/DSCN3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iHDOBbasZk/UOW1sgcR55I/AAAAAAAABzg/G6JwZGo52Jk/s320/DSCN3630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once you have browned all of the chicken, mix all of your sauce ingredients and pour the sauce over the chicken.</div>
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You will need to bake it for one hour, but it is essential that you take it out of the oven every 15 minutes and turn it. Every time you take it out the sauce will be a bit thicker. I usually start my rice during the last 15 minutes of cooking the chicken. Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok and add the peas & carrots, onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent. I almost always forget to thaw the peas & carrots but they turn out fine anyway.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-639rh-c0SqY/UOW1v2-NrzI/AAAAAAAABzw/DkzPVIFaVPI/s1600/DSCN3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-639rh-c0SqY/UOW1v2-NrzI/AAAAAAAABzw/DkzPVIFaVPI/s320/DSCN3635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Push the veggies to the side, add the egg to the other side and scramble.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlxBvIRO4n4/UOW1zOhqVcI/AAAAAAAABz4/Ehxx3ZQjxnE/s1600/DSCN3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlxBvIRO4n4/UOW1zOhqVcI/AAAAAAAABz4/Ehxx3ZQjxnE/s320/DSCN3637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I usually tilt the pan so the egg will stay on the side and not mix with the veggies until it is cooked because I am OCD like that.</div>
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Next add the cooked rice and stir to break it up.</div>
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Then add the soy sauce and mix everything well.</div>
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I usually finish it at the same time the chicken is done. We serve it up on dessert plates to try to control our portions because it is hard to stop eating this stuff.</div>
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I think we have some leftovers in the fridge, but only because I made extra last night for company. I'm going to go eat those now. B'bye.</div>
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-62712374947233433082012-11-09T16:46:00.000-05:002013-01-22T00:29:16.696-05:00PB & Chocolate go together like Batman & RobinHello my bloggy friends! Boy have I got a surprise for you today! Before I start, I should tell you that if you are dieting, you should think twice before reading this posting. There, you have been sufficiently warned and I take no responsibility for what happens after you read this. Who doesn't love a good Reese's Cup? Well, besides people with peanut allergies. I used to buy no bake Reese's Bars and make them for my family quite frequently. I haven't made them in a while and was really wanting some of that peanutty goodness and also I was at my election campaigning breaking point (I, too, am really tired of Bronco Bama and Mitt Romney). I went to the store to pick some up only to find that they no longer carry them.....WHAT?!?! So, I tried making buckeyes instead. I really like buckeyes, but they just weren't quite right. They taste great, but not like a Reese's cup or bar. So I started searching Google and I found it. The perfect recipe. It taste's just like Reese's to the 10th power...or heaven. So, first I have to credit <a href="http://mybakerlady.com/2012/01/16/reeses-peanut-butter-bars/" target="_blank">BakerLady</a> for the original recipe. I tweaked it a bit, though, and look at that yummy piece of paradise! The good news is that I made it through the election intact, but sadly the peanut butter bars did not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEXY45OFpAA9hiLfgcxYwZ8JUDmudkgE85RQOx5Qb-AYeyxIetE0CMeEZ6rzj36iWlSOddG37iLCaBpm1bC7yR7O-PcjAA81PeSKwQQUNBq1PPlHROi_yQD_Hcaxydyok9ZC3p0BJ5Rz-/s1600/DSCN3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEXY45OFpAA9hiLfgcxYwZ8JUDmudkgE85RQOx5Qb-AYeyxIetE0CMeEZ6rzj36iWlSOddG37iLCaBpm1bC7yR7O-PcjAA81PeSKwQQUNBq1PPlHROi_yQD_Hcaxydyok9ZC3p0BJ5Rz-/s320/DSCN3287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What You'll Need:</div>
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1 cup butter melted</div>
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs (just grind some graham crackers in your food processor)</div>
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2 cups powdered sugar</div>
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1 cup + 4 tbs peanut butter</div>
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1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or just use the whole bag like I did)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL37U-BKZaKYfLfgxlvfsVq1TI5EG9a_8zBr1ghoB5fgLMi7hUSWh1zUmvzgRMwJYLq86oFrrLXOzcqK4CFsMuXGtfMkycW0kizp8V1hd6f48VhedCvvUURGvIcQTIoRn9BqA-K1aliuA3/s1600/DSCN3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL37U-BKZaKYfLfgxlvfsVq1TI5EG9a_8zBr1ghoB5fgLMi7hUSWh1zUmvzgRMwJYLq86oFrrLXOzcqK4CFsMuXGtfMkycW0kizp8V1hd6f48VhedCvvUURGvIcQTIoRn9BqA-K1aliuA3/s320/DSCN3248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and 1 cup peanut butter in a bowl</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD34IIYA1tFZiEiIuhT2fyg0yB6olIeCjmTh-9CPP3EnOCER4lDzbh0v4YP8VaiYykOdf3yVfj3wndNqb4ridHe00lIxLoFeHxJ2WO54b8TFGBFS9-j6DwJH6o3WgTwylUvaIptAye5v01/s1600/DSCN3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD34IIYA1tFZiEiIuhT2fyg0yB6olIeCjmTh-9CPP3EnOCER4lDzbh0v4YP8VaiYykOdf3yVfj3wndNqb4ridHe00lIxLoFeHxJ2WO54b8TFGBFS9-j6DwJH6o3WgTwylUvaIptAye5v01/s320/DSCN3251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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add yummy melted butter (yeah, I'm a regular Paula Deen)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O6-etuxH73kG00dkMcD6RjQz_9fMOQala_vEvcRD1ZBdwHipErBHkk6ch4hWVb4xpP-bBnPoaJKTGARQisDo40wP9jC8J-Tyv2_WY5Lx79mTycIu5DfQCaXv8ymbU_f9itZ20a56lwQm/s1600/DSCN3253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O6-etuxH73kG00dkMcD6RjQz_9fMOQala_vEvcRD1ZBdwHipErBHkk6ch4hWVb4xpP-bBnPoaJKTGARQisDo40wP9jC8J-Tyv2_WY5Lx79mTycIu5DfQCaXv8ymbU_f9itZ20a56lwQm/s320/DSCN3253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mix well. Pour into an ungreased 9x13 dish and press into dish with a spatula.</div>
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Next you need to add 4 tbs peanut butter and the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and nuke them for about 1 minute. Or, if you feel so inclined, you can melt them over a double boiler, but this takes a while and I am very impatient when it comes to chocolate and peanut butter.</div>
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Mix well. Stop salivating, you'll damage your computer.</div>
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Pour Chocolate over peanut butter and spread evenly.</div>
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Lick the spatula, you know you want to. Don't get caught by the kids or you'll have to share.</div>
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Put it in the fridge for 1 hour to set....if you can wait that long. </div>
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MMMMM heaven! Even my kids said so. I really don't know what else to say about this dish except that I'm both happy and sad that it's gone. </div>
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I think I'll go cry now. Enjoy! Leave me a comment and let me know if there is a recipe I can blog for you.</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-6604158411799447932012-11-02T09:37:00.003-04:002013-01-22T00:29:55.261-05:00Dia de los muertos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKAdjE4hqLgzI5YaBmz5mBSE0u_YsX-_De1SKL6RyjwC-tQZ2SiIvSHTUK7lzKZYahCBx1uZlcZ8cthylR2MlTp_y3IM62jpWudg9ijwbVjOlEfFf9eUz4bQBZ1nHXxETIykV8WuNv035/s1600/DSCN3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKAdjE4hqLgzI5YaBmz5mBSE0u_YsX-_De1SKL6RyjwC-tQZ2SiIvSHTUK7lzKZYahCBx1uZlcZ8cthylR2MlTp_y3IM62jpWudg9ijwbVjOlEfFf9eUz4bQBZ1nHXxETIykV8WuNv035/s320/DSCN3216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since my husband is Mexican, we want to teach our children his heritage as well as ours. Part of that is Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This is our "altar" for this year. Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd. It's a time to remember deceased loved ones and honor them. Day of the Dead is a festive occasion, a time to celebrate, much like a family reunion. It is a time to be happy, not sad, since ancient aztec culture says that tears can cause the spirits' return pathway to be slippery. November 1st is dedicated to babies and children. Our day one altar was dedicated to my nephew, who was born too soon and passed away the next day.<br />
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This is pan de muerto or day of the dead bread. We had to wrap it in plastic to keep the cats from eating it. I don't know if you can tell, but it's shaped like a little person with it's arms crossed over it's chest. It's a sweet bread traditionally reserved for the dia de muertos altar. There is also a glass of water which represents purity and is said to be refreshing to the spirits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCmRO_xwufh8CgjFkNHFqvLvve9iMWpTVdVOW-3horq79CGUhY7zUKiz2OkZkGdNyBOPFSbuMs5kFgPJ48QZVbxyaanIXmMkwqtG3shpcHI_2PLWJWbrQyrWb-_V730ktM3Wy69Y2EUS-/s1600/DSCN3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCmRO_xwufh8CgjFkNHFqvLvve9iMWpTVdVOW-3horq79CGUhY7zUKiz2OkZkGdNyBOPFSbuMs5kFgPJ48QZVbxyaanIXmMkwqtG3shpcHI_2PLWJWbrQyrWb-_V730ktM3Wy69Y2EUS-/s320/DSCN3215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is tradition to place seasonal fruits on the table as well as candles to light the way for the spirits to return home. For children it is customary to have lots of candy and sweets for them to "enjoy". It is said that the spirits enjoy the smell of flowers, so flowers are also placed on the altar to represent the frailty of life and for the spirits to enjoy the scent. Many people also place lots of sugar skull candies on the altar, but I couldn't find any and didn't have a mold to make them myself. Maybe next year.<br />
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You generally place a photo of the person to whom the altar is dedicated on the altar, in the center. If the altar is dedicated to more than one person, you can have several photos. November 2nd is for adults who have passed. We dedicated our day 2 altar to my great grandparents, My grandpa and Ramon's father.<br />
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It is also customary to place the deceased person's favorite foods on the table so that they may enjoy the essence of the food. I enjoy the memories that these foods invoke. My Great Grandparents always had creamed corn on hand for us to eat (don't ask me why) so I put out some creamed corn. I also added green jello, because my Papaw Walker used to take me out to his favorite restaurant and buy me green jello.<br />
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I have corn bread and milk and an onion for my Papaw Rayfield. It was his favorite meal and one that he ate almost every single day of his life. The kids added whoppers candies because they wanted to contribute and that was his favorite candy.<br />
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Lastly, Ramon's father gets to enjoy a shot of tequila with a beer chaser, because that is what he loved in life. He also loved tamales, but I don't know how to make those, so he kinda gets the short end of the stick. Lo siento Suegro! (I'm sorry father in law). I have found this tradition to be fun and oddly comforting. It is great to prepare the altar and the food and be surrounded by happy memories of people that I cherished and miss dearly. It helps me to remember all of the good times I had with them and reminds me that I will be reunited with them in heaven some day. You don't have to be Mexican to celebrate dia de los muertos, so maybe next year you can join this american girl in her Dia de los muertos celebration. Also, if you happen to live in the Atlanta area you can join me at Atlantic Station on Sunday for Atlanta Day of the Dead, check it out <a href="http://www.atlantadayofthedead.com/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-82003199711075366922012-10-25T13:19:00.000-04:002013-01-22T00:30:40.853-05:00One woman's trash is another woman's treasure<div style="text-align: center;">
It's starting to get chilly y'all!!! I really enjoy fall and the first part of winter. One of my favorite things about this time of year is when we get to have a fire in the fireplace. The problem is that I can't start a freaking fire to save my life. Seriously, it has got to be pretty hard to light a house on fire because I can't even get one started in my fireplace. I usually end up shelling out money for those little fire starters at kroger and they are so expensive! Last year we actually started using a combo of dryer lint (at the suggestion of a fireman friend I have) and papers that we needed to shred (because we don't have a shredder.) </div>
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It was still a long process though, I would have to sit there and keep stuffing papers around the wood until it finally caught fire. Well, this year I have discovered how to make my own firestarters and the credit should go to Jillee (again)!!! Really! I can't tell you how excited I am, because the best part is that they were totally 100% free to make. FREEEEEE! Now I can smirk when I walk past the pile of "kindling wood" at kroger that is on sale for only $8....hahaha. The best part, I can have a roaring fire in 5 minutes flat, yep, that fast! So here is a tutorial, full of pictures.<br />
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a cardboard egg carton (I bought a 2 1/2 dozen tray because the regular cartons were styrofoam)</div>
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Lots of dryer lint (I just keep a bag hanging next to the dryer and put the lint in there until i need it)</div>
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old candles that won't burn anymore</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82AgaprrJX73f7xwutBO9QxuAr8Za8gRizlVMDe2DXg0FryVUQYj28jZ2QcD3watrb_kl8UIBZWkjoJN0vkWaGA_eEHy4RPygm-Vr2bMaLi2s0WYnOvG4HYtTyMUkaiS4vvdA_VGjPeeu/s1600/fire+starter+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82AgaprrJX73f7xwutBO9QxuAr8Za8gRizlVMDe2DXg0FryVUQYj28jZ2QcD3watrb_kl8UIBZWkjoJN0vkWaGA_eEHy4RPygm-Vr2bMaLi2s0WYnOvG4HYtTyMUkaiS4vvdA_VGjPeeu/s320/fire+starter+supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I use the little candles in a jar quite frequently, Senor caliente can't get enough of them and he loves for me to have them burning when he walks in the door. When they burn down to the end of the wick I just stick them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so and the wax pops right out of the jar. I usually wash the jars and use them to hold sugar scrub gifts for friends. You can also use any other kind of old candle that you don't need anymore. Heck, you could probably use old crayons for that matter. Anywho, next you need to stuff wads of dryer lint into the egg cups like so:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR-lQLdk1wknJ-Ijlax_dbSY8RTbrpK6Kibv0eBR3e2d-JvlAMjW9DlVr2LA2LJ16VXhRMLlHdbzSoRXN22xr93IQSOjaxRnEjwY0UTO29506oGthQ6nU2S_2ez9-N17IhhBc_Wh6ZqaZ/s1600/Photo+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR-lQLdk1wknJ-Ijlax_dbSY8RTbrpK6Kibv0eBR3e2d-JvlAMjW9DlVr2LA2LJ16VXhRMLlHdbzSoRXN22xr93IQSOjaxRnEjwY0UTO29506oGthQ6nU2S_2ez9-N17IhhBc_Wh6ZqaZ/s320/Photo+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, you have to melt the candle wax. Make sure you use a pot that you don't mind messing up. This cute little pot turned up in my cabinet and it was just perfect because it had the little pour spout on the side. I seriously have no idea where it came from. I should also interject here and let you know that you can melt multiple candles together. I had no idea how much I would need so I ended up melting candles about 3 different times. You can mix scents too, since you won't smell it when you use this to light a fire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIwWI-1WGqa6J6bvvQvqTM9KsZfJTsTZaPTzfV2BV5h1DJuabex8PqEbNOFXjNvMAyQ23tGAtWFgrXhfTB20lhJMGzNV1feuir5taQZotqzdkBk734H4aLj-rn4JVvfgsQ8akg9XZHueE/s1600/Photo+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIwWI-1WGqa6J6bvvQvqTM9KsZfJTsTZaPTzfV2BV5h1DJuabex8PqEbNOFXjNvMAyQ23tGAtWFgrXhfTB20lhJMGzNV1feuir5taQZotqzdkBk734H4aLj-rn4JVvfgsQ8akg9XZHueE/s320/Photo+31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I don't worry about removing the wick or any of the specks or anything, It doesn't need to look pretty. Once the wax has melted you just pour some on each of the wads of lint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnYmcNWn4p5O0K7VEcAycz4kBrm7c2hHM7d9GxT21YMCIpL4W4nj4wFcYKqFH6jGAutKKNmhQbEvk21Rdnlt0rDarCoQMSNTqQPaGvVje9A8OBYxTVmT0UGUGZTI8P58NWcCDFJhxzL8y/s1600/Photo+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnYmcNWn4p5O0K7VEcAycz4kBrm7c2hHM7d9GxT21YMCIpL4W4nj4wFcYKqFH6jGAutKKNmhQbEvk21Rdnlt0rDarCoQMSNTqQPaGvVje9A8OBYxTVmT0UGUGZTI8P58NWcCDFJhxzL8y/s320/Photo+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let the wax harden and then cut them up.</div>
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I put them all in this cute little basket and then I tidied up the fireplace area and brought some firewood in.</div>
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So cute, right? I still keep a basket of papers that should be destroyed and just toss some onto every fire when I think about it.</div>
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The first time I used these, I put 3 in there and tried to get them between the pieces of wood and it worked great, but since then I figured out I can actually put two of them under the grate and light them and the wood will catch pretty quickly. These last long enough to get it going good and they burn high enough to catch the wood as well. Now go and make fire! While you're at it, check out this awesome recipe for <a href="http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2010/12/nutella-hot-chocolate.html" target="_blank">nutella hot chocolate</a> and make some to sip while you sit in front of your blazing fire. </div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-69660407925114909002012-10-24T16:53:00.000-04:002013-01-22T00:31:17.335-05:00I may be a mom, but I am still a woman<br />
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I love being a mom and I mostly love being a wife. I am so happy that my husband is able to provide enough for our family so that I can stay home and take care of the kids and the house. Don't get me wrong, we have to make sacrifices for that luxury, for instance we don't pay for cable or satellite and we are a one car household for the moment as well. But that's fine, because I get to meet my kids at the bus stop in the afternoons and give them a snack while we talk about their day at school. I am here to help with homework and make sure my teenage son isn't getting into trouble on the internet. The problem is that it's so easy to slip into the mindset of practicality over appearance. Since I'm not going to a "job" in the corporate world or even to anyplace more fashionable than the grocery store I can get away with wearing my yoga pants and a lucky charms t shirt all day with my hair pulled into a ponytail. I think we all, as moms, think of that as one of the perks of our job or even think we don't have time, energy or money to do so. But I want to convince you to change that. <br />
<a name='more'></a>I have recently changed my mindset on that. My husband works hard every day and he deserves to come home to a pretty wife and I deserve to pamper myself a bit as well. I have made it my goal to put on makeup, fix my hair and wear a decent outfit most days of the week . He actually gets out of the house so I know he sees pretty women everywhere and I certainly don't want him to think the grass is greener on the other side. We women are so bad about presenting a beautiful package when we are trying to catch our husbands, but when he's caught we just toss it out of the window or maybe we just stopped caring about ourselves because we were so busy caring for others. Now my husband is not one to complain, but when I make the effort to look pretty for him he actually looks at me and then smiles when he walks in the door. It reminds him of the version of myself that he actually fell in love with. When I first started doing it he would ask me where I had gone that day, now he is used to it and if I haven't fixed myself up he kisses me and asks if I'm not feeling well. It really doesn't take that long to put on light makeup and fix your hair and you can pamper yourself fairly inexpensively with stuff you already have around the house. I have also invested in a couple of aprons so that I don't have to worry about getting my "nice" clothes messed up while cooking or cleaning. The best part is that it not only benefits my husband, but my kids notice and are proud to have me standing there at the bus stop for all of their friends to see and it makes me smile every time I look in the mirror. My confidence has improved immensely. The bottom line is that there are more benefits to taking a half hour out of your day to glam yourself up a little than there are to taking advantage of the fact that you don't HAVE to. So with that explanation I am going to do another fun hair tutorial today. </div>
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First for the pampering part. Did you know you don't have to go to an expensive salon to have a great conditioning treatment? You can stay at home and get stuff done, all while giving your tresses some much needed tlc. Thanks once again to <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/" target="_blank">Jillee</a> I have an awesome recipe for a deep conditioning treatment along with some funny pictures. </div>
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You will need:</div>
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2 TBS coconut oil</div>
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1 TBS olive oil (I didn't have olive oil the first time i tried it so I used vegetable oil and it turned out fine.)</div>
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Plastic baggie (like the kind you put your produce in at the store) or saran wrap</div>
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Start out by mixing the coconut oil and olive oil and stir them to make a paste. The first time I did this I decided to melt the coconut oil in the microwave so I could pour it on. Big mistake, way messy!!! It will still be messy as a paste, but not as bad. So, coat your hair with the oil, use all of it and just work it through really good. The coconut oil is so good for your hair, it actually repairs it from the inside out. When you have covered your hair in oil pin it up and then put the bag on your head. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VjfZHNyXs6HMSu5Yk9kxE86rDmINbTGeIwyFHonvVnZMa8RJ8a1jNRtEkW76kZZJ3zEBBw9U01Ztkn0NCAojQkx-nNYPtRiu2YCbkEgOpQK0gdPVkDYqTJM8-mCDdbCGxDkjjmUienN5/s1600/Photo+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VjfZHNyXs6HMSu5Yk9kxE86rDmINbTGeIwyFHonvVnZMa8RJ8a1jNRtEkW76kZZJ3zEBBw9U01Ztkn0NCAojQkx-nNYPtRiu2YCbkEgOpQK0gdPVkDYqTJM8-mCDdbCGxDkjjmUienN5/s320/Photo+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take a picture of yourself making gangsta signs so you don't lose your street cred</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqo4PxO5DLJ5hPVxR-Ez3ybG2J_bciGXsTXPjZxLdrSV1rB-xhu7F8VQPQI8inmFBT4roMAndBkMvuwb1stCyN-M3TqBPQqcdN2L4GOOhbGen4Tv6iwhAc8iWu6Xz2M8O_DxPtPFqdSWs/s1600/Photo+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqo4PxO5DLJ5hPVxR-Ez3ybG2J_bciGXsTXPjZxLdrSV1rB-xhu7F8VQPQI8inmFBT4roMAndBkMvuwb1stCyN-M3TqBPQqcdN2L4GOOhbGen4Tv6iwhAc8iWu6Xz2M8O_DxPtPFqdSWs/s1600/Photo+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqo4PxO5DLJ5hPVxR-Ez3ybG2J_bciGXsTXPjZxLdrSV1rB-xhu7F8VQPQI8inmFBT4roMAndBkMvuwb1stCyN-M3TqBPQqcdN2L4GOOhbGen4Tv6iwhAc8iWu6Xz2M8O_DxPtPFqdSWs/s320/Photo+13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">and then blow it with your hair dryer for about 10 minutes. Duck face is optional.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPE7DQfoSABz7DRHOLxvyX_IaTLaOOQZBlkYknprovolnJ7sWs8331uMQ4vpjAI-XINlv_iwySBXGTps0rpzkTOcuArnRb2X7VES1vtcE-dTbvQqduqmAji_9Nh4DrtZ7QyOG6EElwb43/s1600/Photo+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPE7DQfoSABz7DRHOLxvyX_IaTLaOOQZBlkYknprovolnJ7sWs8331uMQ4vpjAI-XINlv_iwySBXGTps0rpzkTOcuArnRb2X7VES1vtcE-dTbvQqduqmAji_9Nh4DrtZ7QyOG6EElwb43/s320/Photo+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You will need to leave your hair like this for about 30 minutes. I just did some laundry and worked in the kitchen while I waited and prayed that nobody would come to the door. Then take the bag off, wash and condition as usual and blow it dry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hU2Jt1cDaJsp6WJJgv-lBB97Ozq9oKZnowZA8k5Gb49kJG_3UEHGsSXpb5FRFj-LQhNuMpEk2iC9EtcRZwGgcgTqzsW6bUUmYq9je3XoJQBcTYCxkowfauREpF4fk2w4XWN8icdnVWID/s1600/Photo+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hU2Jt1cDaJsp6WJJgv-lBB97Ozq9oKZnowZA8k5Gb49kJG_3UEHGsSXpb5FRFj-LQhNuMpEk2iC9EtcRZwGgcgTqzsW6bUUmYq9je3XoJQBcTYCxkowfauREpF4fk2w4XWN8icdnVWID/s1600/Photo+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hU2Jt1cDaJsp6WJJgv-lBB97Ozq9oKZnowZA8k5Gb49kJG_3UEHGsSXpb5FRFj-LQhNuMpEk2iC9EtcRZwGgcgTqzsW6bUUmYq9je3XoJQBcTYCxkowfauREpF4fk2w4XWN8icdnVWID/s320/Photo+11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was amazed at soft and light it was. I guess you can't really tell by the pictures, but here's a close up anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzMNYmVL8uhSezZas-s_8BCRvJV7v1Uz3uIgc2rnMSdiEs85q8XTSLAS1SKjIdpJ7Kwtl4EwLQHNnyubhHPbbY3XwUiIjyOB9s2fw9CDDbLU-7wpHMcHRRv9_tczUAg7LDubUt8xPF7k0/s1600/Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzMNYmVL8uhSezZas-s_8BCRvJV7v1Uz3uIgc2rnMSdiEs85q8XTSLAS1SKjIdpJ7Kwtl4EwLQHNnyubhHPbbY3XwUiIjyOB9s2fw9CDDbLU-7wpHMcHRRv9_tczUAg7LDubUt8xPF7k0/s320/Photo+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Now to style it! I love having a big bump in my hair. I hope it never goes out of style! So you want to start by back combing the hair at the back of your head.</div>
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Then lightly brush over the top so that it looks smooth on top. Next, I usually use some bobby pins to push the bump up a bit and keep it from falling.</div>
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Pull the sides back and pin them criss crossed in the back to cover the bobby pins.</div>
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Pull your hair into a side ponytail. From this point you can proceed and add a sock bun or if you like your hair down, you can just leave it as a pony.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzjiEsp-0qs6sFn3DaL3Ri4_F-iB_Kb7uZT8o0fpnL-97IyaeYNlE60cdYVz_SeoGI-k4OCCj0NP9RgNxbGXw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Here are some pics of the finished product. If you don't like the idea of the ponytail showing in the back, you can hide it with a cute flower clip or some other decoration. Now, go and glam yourself up a bit, if not for your husband, then do it for yourself. Go on, you deserve it!</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-81424363194238080222012-10-23T08:29:00.001-04:002014-03-14T15:22:57.985-04:00Boo! It's time to decorate<div style="text-align: center;">
I love halloween! Let me clarify further, I am a Jesus loving Christian and I love halloween. I have some parameters set for my kids about halloween, for example I have explained the origins and I don't allow them to dress up as evil things. No blood and gore here, but I LOVE cute pumpkins and spiders (plastic ones anyway) and black cats and getting a little bit frightened. So, it is time to decorate and I don't have a ton of moolah to spend on halloween decor. So I have come up with some of my own decorations and I wanted to share. My adventures in halloween decorating began with my house o' lantern. I got this idea from an article in family fun magazine a few years ago, but they did it backward. They had the whole window covered in one large piece of cardboard with holes cut out for the eyes nose and mouth with plastic covering the holes. That seemed like a lot of work to me. I was also afraid that it wouldn't let in enough light during the day. So, I switched it up and made it my own. I like it better my way.<br />
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You will need: </div>
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A window</div>
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A large cardboard box or posterboard</div>
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1-2 yellow plastic tablecloths (you can find them at dollar general for a buck)</div>
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Scissors </div>
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Tape</div>
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It's fairly simple, so I don't have a picture tutorial, just some different pictures of the finished product. I started by getting a really big box out of my garage. I don't know why, but we never seem to dispose of boxes around here. I cut one corner so I could lay it out flat and then cut two eyes, a nose and a mouth. Remember, measure twice, cut once applies in this situation! Measure your window so you can make all of the pieces proportional. I can't tell you how many times I have had to cut the nose and I am still not 100% satisfied with it. I suggest you draw your pieces on the cardboard with chalk before cutting. Afterwards you will need to tape the pieces to the window then cover them with the plastic tablecloth from the inside. We keep the blinds drawn behind it, because my cat thinks he needs to shred the tablecloth for me. It still looks great, even with the blinds drawn. I have the eyes different than last year. I just tilted them onto their side this year. Last year they were straight up and down, but the eye balls were still looking toward the side (where the door is).</div>
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Here is a picture from the outside of how it looks during the day. If you are really a perfectionist you could paint the cardboard black before you tape it up but, luckily for me, I'm not a perfectionist.....much. Nobody can really see it during the day anyway.</div>
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Here's how it looks from inside the house.</div>
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This year, I decided to use the same method for a smaller window treatment in my upstairs window. I decided I wanted a scaredy cat. I found a picture I liked on Google Images and then (because I don't have a printer) I free handed it onto the cardboard in chalk. Afterwards I cut it out with an exacto knife and scissors. I decided to cover it with green instead of yellow. </div>
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It looks great! My husband came home from work and said that there was a cat in the upstairs window and he didn't think it was Cheeto (that's our cat). I looked at him kinda funny and then my son pointed out that Senor Caliente was just being facetious....doh!</div>
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The last of my homemade decorations are these cute luminaries I found on Pinterest. I saved up my milk jugs for about 6 weeks in order to finally get 7. We drink more than that, but somebody kept crushing them and putting them in the recycling bin. I won't name names honey. I also used some of them for my <a href="http://www.mylifewithouttrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2012/10/laundry-blogger-therapy.html" target="_blank">homemade laundry stuff.</a> This one is pretty straightforward. I used nail polish remover to rub the date stamp off and I peeled off the label. I really didn't worry about getting the label off perfectly. I just made sure that I got all of the colored part of the label off. I cut a hole in the back and decorated the front with a sharpie. I made each one different. Some of them have the handle in front and some have the handle in back. After it was decorated, I poured some sand inside so they wouldn't blow away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tMqns8BqO63UlWpxLHX52zSvdppnZw9-ULFuud7o-ZEnnssgo4gv4JH7HF8iIMutmrqoqY2nGcMFjNrMybAGQlQsBDtQmEXAf0BA9cHvHpsg5lLul20cv-kk2rOZ_l8U8WPxVbnIZLot/s1600/Photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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Last, I added a flickering LED tealight. I got them on sale at CVS. I think it ended up being about $3 for a 6 pack. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NZ001OMwpTtwOb6dhsPkeyqHBvhH-flkCXMXopjPEgQXgqpQOVPiIE68B0iUq2JPdcL1NAdDPnzpXNI6CS6OtSl_FcVj0yQYhMCHFXbtCnHsE2pc3oqfPlDyA8B2YmPRNF29M2Gg_wEr/s1600/Photo+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NZ001OMwpTtwOb6dhsPkeyqHBvhH-flkCXMXopjPEgQXgqpQOVPiIE68B0iUq2JPdcL1NAdDPnzpXNI6CS6OtSl_FcVj0yQYhMCHFXbtCnHsE2pc3oqfPlDyA8B2YmPRNF29M2Gg_wEr/s320/Photo+10.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are some pics of the finished project, I wish my camera phone could do them justice.</div>
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The one with the mustache (below), is my kids' favorite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZqYOZMdwPTxCk82OphC6M3P4XSddyTQqnWoo6T0QC4dV7jGVoVwZIkevnDbiLLlwpnoDP84iZSTs5W-KbXBTs4MAjGwtojW8r52hiAoAgHN10UMhvo-apx_U5XD2jJ8Y41ElaUFnMP4f/s1600/Photo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZqYOZMdwPTxCk82OphC6M3P4XSddyTQqnWoo6T0QC4dV7jGVoVwZIkevnDbiLLlwpnoDP84iZSTs5W-KbXBTs4MAjGwtojW8r52hiAoAgHN10UMhvo-apx_U5XD2jJ8Y41ElaUFnMP4f/s320/Photo+6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, that's all for today folks! I hope you have a fun and safe halloween. If it isn't against your beliefs, feel free to take some of these ideas and make your own halloween decor. It makes all of the kids excited to trick or treat at your house and my kids are proud to point our house out to all of their friends. Also, if any of this isn't clear feel free to ask questions in the comments section.</div>
<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-27788026550553765742012-10-18T13:26:00.001-04:002012-10-19T14:00:15.011-04:00So simple it'll curl your hair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so excited about today's post! I have always had the hardest time with curling my hair. I have really thick hair and If I use rollers to curl my hair, it goes wild and gets big and poofy. Poofy was fine in the 80's, great even, but nowadays nobody wants poofy hair. I have been seeing a lot on pinterest and youtube lately about using curling wands and certain flat irons to get that loose curl/wave, but I don't have a curling wand and my flat iron (which I love, by the way) doesn't get hot on the outside, so I was out of luck. Until the other day, when I stumbled on a new tutorial on Pinterest. Unfortunately, it was a set of pictures and didn't lead back to a blog or tutorial, the pictures were enough for me to figure it out and I thought I would create a tutorial for anyone else who was interested. </div>
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Here is how to go from:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHhMf0jOzY5Cv94rJ8Q4tmFSafg06degNiwvjGcxlQY6bmKh6a6YxsLqvRZ3KrkpbIH3V8VaVI6KswMb_WIWUs8CO45qbRi5Aw1SJH_J2AVCotVrIr3WroOZjKD3KqzLuF1smOvpzc9M7/s1600/Photo+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHhMf0jOzY5Cv94rJ8Q4tmFSafg06degNiwvjGcxlQY6bmKh6a6YxsLqvRZ3KrkpbIH3V8VaVI6KswMb_WIWUs8CO45qbRi5Aw1SJH_J2AVCotVrIr3WroOZjKD3KqzLuF1smOvpzc9M7/s320/Photo+11.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtw2EvIooHXDQd-Aaf2l_Qjq4EoBNgJwjQ3gh6VEZBpMEG11em0aPhgXt3P1_jruOLRPIohgJ1J9J-fTF8UAK-TnqnUKKyfmjgLSdHPsSVtbZ1o0qQ_XUayQ7nLKc5te-rddgG-3jFgXu/s1600/Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtw2EvIooHXDQd-Aaf2l_Qjq4EoBNgJwjQ3gh6VEZBpMEG11em0aPhgXt3P1_jruOLRPIohgJ1J9J-fTF8UAK-TnqnUKKyfmjgLSdHPsSVtbZ1o0qQ_XUayQ7nLKc5te-rddgG-3jFgXu/s320/Photo+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It is pretty simple once you get the hang of it and depending on how much hair you have should only take about 20 minutes. I washed my hair the night before and let it air dry. I already have somewhat wavy hair so I didn't have to curl my bangs, they just kinda do that if I don't flat iron them or dry them with my round brush. So, I started by sectioning my hair into 6 sections and pinning the top 4 sections up with a bobby pin. BTW, let me just apologize for the awkward pictures since I had to do my hair and take pictures with no help. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpn2riToTSe8WgIXQaVNBx-cI2zfW-ng1xML9UM2cVHc_4TovbAgtWNwqHH7vNOeNw1_ZIqwdVGl0nD16fwzzMIQbOmg6a3XrXMUs3XglK6IqjwsallrbjaULfl_UoerZdRWqJoHbiLIe/s1600/Photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpn2riToTSe8WgIXQaVNBx-cI2zfW-ng1xML9UM2cVHc_4TovbAgtWNwqHH7vNOeNw1_ZIqwdVGl0nD16fwzzMIQbOmg6a3XrXMUs3XglK6IqjwsallrbjaULfl_UoerZdRWqJoHbiLIe/s320/Photo+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You want to take a relatively small section of hair, maybe an inch(?) and curl it around your fingers like your going to make a pin curl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tnovjqPv61krlaDZBkEgfDhrwL_Ll8cuLUXW1E5kiY_keHkBuMyG_3CyN-6FJ5YaX_9659qMFvAHUMfdJYCjXPN5cGOtziVAnXpKdT7OsmmGHoDuqvdr5vMM7bozZ5uhPpNXDZuHLKP0/s1600/Photo+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tnovjqPv61krlaDZBkEgfDhrwL_Ll8cuLUXW1E5kiY_keHkBuMyG_3CyN-6FJ5YaX_9659qMFvAHUMfdJYCjXPN5cGOtziVAnXpKdT7OsmmGHoDuqvdr5vMM7bozZ5uhPpNXDZuHLKP0/s320/Photo+9.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8YQHSmNXY-oWNkitXlJpzOemkNV80bJCGxPi6vEyAjLbA_ouxpJAG2JBOhJslNUW7CgGjh_kZQjJG-ZomUDBYCFzIocgHNUQG484gdkPHe7Ox3JyosX6H-D8EJZKo3kOqU_t4H8CNKkK/s1600/Photo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8YQHSmNXY-oWNkitXlJpzOemkNV80bJCGxPi6vEyAjLbA_ouxpJAG2JBOhJslNUW7CgGjh_kZQjJG-ZomUDBYCFzIocgHNUQG484gdkPHe7Ox3JyosX6H-D8EJZKo3kOqU_t4H8CNKkK/s320/Photo+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Carefully, without burning your fingers, put at least half of the curl (or more if you can) into the flat iron. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds and voila, a perfect curl. Keep going until all of your hair is curled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsutsOysgnjyK2xBDi8y8e_Kw-C9BFmBRJQhbht8BLelWbYQdgSAWyXAP81jpj4SiJYvdD1sfroNNLbG_karRuEOVn80AIpCGV91Yv1wfOBb_mQuZrwUtba3dQWEj3k5NPmj5nRUD6fKI2/s1600/Photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsutsOysgnjyK2xBDi8y8e_Kw-C9BFmBRJQhbht8BLelWbYQdgSAWyXAP81jpj4SiJYvdD1sfroNNLbG_karRuEOVn80AIpCGV91Yv1wfOBb_mQuZrwUtba3dQWEj3k5NPmj5nRUD6fKI2/s320/Photo+4.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjISve8oerqlYlnC-LtE1QYOny_Xwd-lwNVBlB0Yce2yPxOv5pygEYgHVvPvThmNFw19zAp4APR-QrAgALjhnK0zChnRm1kUrSrPW7IA-ZvFfx3Bc7aZA8LerWF89J-OgRzbhbKzIb5ucK/s1600/Photo+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjISve8oerqlYlnC-LtE1QYOny_Xwd-lwNVBlB0Yce2yPxOv5pygEYgHVvPvThmNFw19zAp4APR-QrAgALjhnK0zChnRm1kUrSrPW7IA-ZvFfx3Bc7aZA8LerWF89J-OgRzbhbKzIb5ucK/s320/Photo+8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Spray it with hairspray and then finger comb.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJFH96nTZBI9DqyDadaizuJgFJh0AyZPf1AaBp91_UswzMW058wjcUiHZ14eSQ31P081_KIpU1wJUpHP0Y2GBDSt0NP3o8VIMoXRsg3T1JxVp5KYWrQVAW9j1vB3mDxdHH1Cd7S8f_ueb/s1600/Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJFH96nTZBI9DqyDadaizuJgFJh0AyZPf1AaBp91_UswzMW058wjcUiHZ14eSQ31P081_KIpU1wJUpHP0Y2GBDSt0NP3o8VIMoXRsg3T1JxVp5KYWrQVAW9j1vB3mDxdHH1Cd7S8f_ueb/s320/Photo+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91GR1iyOmu-GlfuMzznULIc-MjJQ1h8LGveV35wKfBRS1n4a7N5g7E4jyD3Ae_HoZzYptNpBG0_dei80eu8pieQchvc_mV9g7ljcfAgly7xFTbzn0rL-yL3OuvR_pG5yi_Km1UV4gYLFi/s1600/Photo+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91GR1iyOmu-GlfuMzznULIc-MjJQ1h8LGveV35wKfBRS1n4a7N5g7E4jyD3Ae_HoZzYptNpBG0_dei80eu8pieQchvc_mV9g7ljcfAgly7xFTbzn0rL-yL3OuvR_pG5yi_Km1UV4gYLFi/s320/Photo+7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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That's it, you can leave it down or pin some of it up. Heck, if you want to go all out, check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_MzVrUtjQw" target="_blank">youtube video</a> on a cute curly updo. I've been getting lots of compliments on my hair like this. Let me know if you have any questions. Also, if this doesn't make sense I have included a quick video below showing you how to do the pin curl.</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-24253803099112716902012-10-16T12:32:00.000-04:002012-10-16T12:32:02.513-04:00I made my own face cleansing cloths!<strike style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></strike><br />
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Okay, once again I am bringing you another idea compliments of <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/" target="_blank">Jillee</a>. I saw her post about making facial cleansing cloths/baby wipes and I was so intrigued. It's no secret that I am <strike>broke</strike> frugal. I am also somewhat lazy, not in the "I'm not going to clean my house" kinda way, but more in the "I'm too tired to wash my face, I'm just going to bed" kinda way. Plus, I just really hate the way that water drips down my neck and into my cleavage when I try to wash my face at the sink. It never works the same for me as it does for the cute model in the face wash commercial. You know, that really cute girl with perfect skin who just splashes water on her face and then opens her eyes with a smile on her face? Yeah, when I try that water drips into my bra and then some errant soap suds drip into my eye and I start shouting because it burns and while blindly walking towards the towel hanging on the back of the door I trip over the cat and end up with a concussion. I also have to say that I was compelled to do something to get my eye makeup off every night since my Mary Kay lady told me that I would get eyelash mites if I didn't (eeeeewwww!). So once again, when I saw this I was INTRIGUED! I made some and I love, <b>LOVE</b>, <b><u>LOVE</u></b> them!!! They get all of my makeup off and remove dirt AND my face feels so soft afterwards. Not to mention, I can tell you (from personal experience) that these are very soothing to and help heal chub rub (If you don't know what that is then you are skinny and so it doesn't apply to you anyway). So here is my tutorial, with Pictures to follow. </div>
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<u><b>Face Wipes/ Baby Wipes</b></u></div>
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Large container (I found that a large leftover coffee canister was perfect for this)</div>
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Roll of paper towels (I like the select a size, because the small size makes the perfect face wipe)</div>
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4 cups warm water (some use distilled to inhibit mold, but I just boil the water and haven't had problems)</div>
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2 tbs Extra Virgin unrefined coconut oil (so good for you inside and out)</div>
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2-3 squirts of Your fave face wash or baby wash</div>
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Cut the roll of towels in half and then cut the cardboard roll and pull it out of the middle. I used a bread knife to cut it, but I am sure an electric knife would be even better. With that done, you will be able to pull the wipes from the inside kinda like a dispenser. Put the roll in the canister, save the other half for later, or use it to make some wipes for a friend. If you are not using distilled water you will want to boil it to keep away any mold. While it is still hot or warm you want to add the coconut oil so it will liquify. The water needs to be more than 76 degrees for it to liquify. Stir it until completely dissolved and then add 2 -3 squirts of your favorite face wash or baby wash and stir again. Pour the mixture over the towels being sure to soak the whole roll. That's it, you probably want to wait for the water to cool before you try them though. I have also found that they are extra oily if you use them right after you make them. It's best to let it sit for a couple hours before you try them out. Check out the results, it removed all of my black and purple makeup! Cool huh? </div>
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The coconut oil is what takes the makeup off and moisturizes your skin. I have to say that my complexion is so much better since I started using these. I used to get acne really bad, especially at THAT time of the month, but I am proud to say that this picture was taken when the acne should be the worst and I only have one blemish that is actually in the healing process, not the pus filled process. So, I am all for this, plus you really should check out this <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html" target="_blank">article</a> about coconut oil. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-hatred. Okay, maybe I made that last one up, but it's awesome stuff! It's also been proven to help with Thyroid function for those of us with hypothyroid disease. Did I mention how much I love the stuff!? In case you are wondering where you can find it, I bought mine at the International farmer's market, but I think whole foods would carry it and I am pretty sure that my local Kroger carries it in their organic section. The main thing is you really want to make sure that it is unrefined to get all of the benefits. Anyhow, I hope you will give this a go and let me know what you think in the comments section. If you try it out, let me know what benefits you notice.</div>
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-60951655502499118432012-10-15T12:05:00.002-04:002014-12-29T13:24:31.161-05:00Who loves Cheese Dip??<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><i>Update: Wow! if you are here visiting from Pinterest, I appreciate you! I had no idea this post would be so popular, but I am honored. After you read this post please feel free to stick around or come back and check out some of my other blog posts. I blog about several things including recipes, crafts hairstyles and neat tricks that have helped me out or saved me money. I would be happy to have you as a subscriber or commenter as well. If you have any questions please contact me using the button to the right and I will respond as soon as possible. Thanks again!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i> </i></span>Hello again! For the last few days I have been dreaming about Cheese dip, not the Velveeta kind, I'm talking about the creamy, gooey, white kind you get at the Mexican restaurant. They sell a poor facsimile of it at my local grocery store, but it's not the same and I was thinking that I really ought to share something that I already knew before Pinterest. Guess what!?!?! I know how to make that liquid gold that is Mexican restaurant cheese dip. This is the real deal, I got it from the manager of one of the many Mexican restaurants that we have in town. We used to go there a lot before money got tight and the manager, who I am pretty sure is a gay male, REALLY liked my husband. So, he was always giving us free stuff, including this recipe and the recipe for authentic flan (I'll have to save that for another day.) But, wait! There's more! Today's post is a twofer, I am also going to give you my best friend making, party invitation garnering Guacamole recipe....yep, you just heard those angels singing again. So without further ado, let's get to it!<br />
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<u><b>Cheese Dip</b></u></div>
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You will need: </div>
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1 lb. White American cheese, grated (Land o lakes is the best but any kind will do, you will have to ask for it at the deli counter. I ask them not to slice it, since I need to grate it.)</div>
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<strike>3 cups milk</strike> 2 cups milk <span style="color: red;">(I've been finding that with three cups of milk this just doesn't get thick enough so I've reduced the recipe to two cups of milk and gotten better results)</span></div>
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1 small can diced jalapenos</div>
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Pour your milk into a saucepan and begin heating it on medium. You do NOT want to boil it, because it will boil over easily.</div>
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Once the milk is hot, steam will start rising off the top. At that point you want to start adding your grated cheese a handful at a time. Add a handful, stir until melted, add another handful, etc. If you add too much you will end up with a big clumpy mess. </div>
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When you have added all of the cheese you will want to add the diced jalapenos. I can't tell you how much to add, I used about 1/4 of the can and poured in some of the juice, because I like a slight burn at the back of my throat when I eat it. It was not too hot for my kids though.</div>
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It will be really thin at first, just keep stirring and it will thicken up. When it reaches the consistency that you like, it's ready to eat! Easy Cheesy, only 3 ingredients to cheese heaven. </div>
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<u><b>Guacamole</b></u></div>
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You will need:</div>
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4 ripe avocados (to check for ripeness, you want them to be more of a purple than green. It should give just slightly when you press on it with your thumb.)</div>
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1 tomato</div>
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1 onion</div>
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1 cup of cilantro, chopped</div>
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4-6 cloves of garlic (depending how much you like garlic)</div>
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1 jalapeno</div>
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1/2 - 1 lemon or lime (I prefer lime, but will use lemon in a pinch)</div>
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Salt to taste</div>
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First, you should halve and pit your avocados. The easiest way to get the pit out is to push the blade of your knife into the middle of the pit and then twist it out. (Did you know you can save the pit and sprout it?)</div>
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Spoon out half of the avocados into the bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher.</div>
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Cut the rest of the avocado into cubes and scoop them out into the bowl. You can cut it right inside the skin and then just scoop the cubes out with a spoon.</div>
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Tear off about a cup of cilantro leaves. An easy way to chop these is to put them in a small bowl and use your kitchen shears to snip them up.</div>
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Dice the onion, tomato and jalapeno and mince the garlic (or just use a garlic press, like I do.) and add those to the bowl. Squeeze half of the lime on top, sprinkle it with salt and stir to mix.</div>
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Taste and adjust the lime, garlic and salt as needed. Look at all the pretty colors!!! </div>
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And of course, the best part, enjoy it!</div>
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MMMMM Tasty!Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606758748829904686.post-4526030086887856202012-10-13T21:08:00.000-04:002012-10-13T21:08:43.508-04:00Laundry-Blogger TherapyI have to start this post off by thanking Jillee over at <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/" target="_blank">One Good Thing by Jillee</a>. My family recently suffered the loss of a loved one and I have just been in a funk over it. I am still emotional and sad at times. Around the time that all of that happened I discovered Pinterest and from there Jillee's website. It was there that I learned you can make your own laundry detergent....wait, what? You can make detergent? Yes, and a whole lot of other stuff too. So, since I was bored and depressed and we are really strapped for cash right now, I decided to try out some of her recipes. I will be posting some of them in articles to come, along with my results and experiences. But today, I am going to post about my all new laundry lineup. I also have to say that Jillee inspired me to start blogging again, which is why I have actually been posting pretty regularly the last few weeks. I feel like I did when I discovered Jesus all over again and I just want everyone to know how awesome this is!!!! I have a dream that everyone will learn the benefits of homemade laundry detergent, cleaning goods, etc. and stick it to the big corporations selling us expensive crap! Okay, I'll get down off of my recycled soap box now. Seriously, I did the math, my favorite recipe for laundry detergent comes out to about 25 cents a gallon and one gallon washes 16 large loads at the least. That's just over a penny a load!!!! Not only am I saving money, but the eczema that both my son and daughter have been experiencing is starting to clear up and our laundry is brighter and smells better than it did with my really expensive name brand detergent. I can't say enough how excited I am about this. So my new homemade laundry regimen consists of Detergent, fabric softener (yeah, that's right) and stain remover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y7U74jq0NLzaKH7F4gqkHWBpITKac8mUyE2xqHkp6algDZvBdncDe8BOqOIXjvmiYTB0foE9jrYL2pCjNlk4Ehv86Vd4i7CATYFNnAUozIewTo-4-F3cRGDI-ZhIYlqR3PGEh8dz-VXZ/s1600/Photo+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y7U74jq0NLzaKH7F4gqkHWBpITKac8mUyE2xqHkp6algDZvBdncDe8BOqOIXjvmiYTB0foE9jrYL2pCjNlk4Ehv86Vd4i7CATYFNnAUozIewTo-4-F3cRGDI-ZhIYlqR3PGEh8dz-VXZ/s320/Photo+27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You will notice the downy unstopables (yes, it's spelled with one P. <strike>you grammar nazi!</strike>) pictured as well. I go ahead and splurge on the scent booster since I am saving SO MUCH on the other stuff. You really only need a Tablespoon to get a fantastic scent, as a matter of fact the whole house smells like it on laundry day. It makes me smile. So, the purple bottle is my fabric softener, I also have some in a gallon jug. The milk jug is detergent (I know it looks like water, but it's powerful). The green spray bottle and mason jar are my homemade stain remover. It's works really well, I have 3 kids who don't stain their clothes as much as I stain my own and it is fantastic for mine. It has even removed a few old stains that I thought would never come out! So without further ado, here we go (with pictures!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qZy5Kt9z04LM6l2oCEzgx4QFVuOgnUGQvSE9FFDtfjk0ty50GJ2kqSveVNhitFhyphenhyphenhyphenhyphenDPa_kNf4_n6gOU4hhNlh-SgraATRS6AMASq6k2GNBRqmMYIQGadRWQqfUbdlL7FYyqWNj8-eHT/s1600/Photo+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qZy5Kt9z04LM6l2oCEzgx4QFVuOgnUGQvSE9FFDtfjk0ty50GJ2kqSveVNhitFhyphenhyphenhyphenhyphenDPa_kNf4_n6gOU4hhNlh-SgraATRS6AMASq6k2GNBRqmMYIQGadRWQqfUbdlL7FYyqWNj8-eHT/s320/Photo+43.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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For Laundry Detergent you will need:</div>
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3 TBS Borax</div>
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3 TBS Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda)</div>
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2 TBS Dawn dish detergent</div>
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You will find the borax and washing soda in the laundry aisle at you're local grocery store. It was on the bottom shelf at my local Kroger and I really had to look for it. Put all of your ingredients in whatever gallon jug is appropriate. I make it up in this milk jug and then transfer it to the name brand detergent container that I already have that is equipped with a handy dandy dispenser.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXYzSTURy4bgWWnqwuliKcTltgAq9ly1RsT0zvfZjsZnXJAt9oDHUrsmMh5iqriEkbTCqnHVsY8R1KZ_T2uebaVK09Wz2VhtD1jB44FE_iCDht23uyvW28ouH8Efo7gIbk55IF40-U1iq/s1600/3fd35daf-93af-417d-bf0c-4131fe811671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXYzSTURy4bgWWnqwuliKcTltgAq9ly1RsT0zvfZjsZnXJAt9oDHUrsmMh5iqriEkbTCqnHVsY8R1KZ_T2uebaVK09Wz2VhtD1jB44FE_iCDht23uyvW28ouH8Efo7gIbk55IF40-U1iq/s200/3fd35daf-93af-417d-bf0c-4131fe811671.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-dzXA9l7jt3xEih_eTWwBCd5hmVAtAGV1mjx5A_069XSmvaMGxtUP7lSg38-OKUzW47BCVf5Z6J7_XpxxmY-58lTPJb769MPtx5zGqUuHaOqHAl4IctPvwsPL02JTcwczOJlhFQWS5ZD/s1600/3943ed24-3620-4088-beb5-5ae5e2474fe0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-dzXA9l7jt3xEih_eTWwBCd5hmVAtAGV1mjx5A_069XSmvaMGxtUP7lSg38-OKUzW47BCVf5Z6J7_XpxxmY-58lTPJb769MPtx5zGqUuHaOqHAl4IctPvwsPL02JTcwczOJlhFQWS5ZD/s200/3943ed24-3620-4088-beb5-5ae5e2474fe0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvSseMrkNBOg3wAN1Woz3Xp3eK79OrfWc4tCnHJ5vyh1CLEFu8l4OX26Z-7qBWhE1O50KP8YpbSXdyHGOe6AZ4Ie922x48Pdg3w9cahSiRGRzJX0epCPrWSthnY6UbO-zAifDep2cEFnl/s1600/3f00a23c-d0b4-4a02-8b10-7e7d60faa69c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvSseMrkNBOg3wAN1Woz3Xp3eK79OrfWc4tCnHJ5vyh1CLEFu8l4OX26Z-7qBWhE1O50KP8YpbSXdyHGOe6AZ4Ie922x48Pdg3w9cahSiRGRzJX0epCPrWSthnY6UbO-zAifDep2cEFnl/s200/3f00a23c-d0b4-4a02-8b10-7e7d60faa69c.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Run about a cup or so of hot tap water and pour that into your jug and swirl it around to dissolve everything. Don't shake it because you will get a lot of foam. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkmaRyNCrg3Y3MgZ9sboTaL1skDfszyc7jDwGbqy8On0yDTVAb1VE7cery2Uc-NjZtGoBuAxgktaluNsxXWGMyr38ahfXEOf714GUS_TW4eyM7IYTS8Lqsi5mS3-sTs-lTLbTHi8u_r58/s1600/Photo+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkmaRyNCrg3Y3MgZ9sboTaL1skDfszyc7jDwGbqy8On0yDTVAb1VE7cery2Uc-NjZtGoBuAxgktaluNsxXWGMyr38ahfXEOf714GUS_TW4eyM7IYTS8Lqsi5mS3-sTs-lTLbTHi8u_r58/s320/Photo+46.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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When everything is dissolved put the jug in your sink and fill it with tap water. I pour it rather than let the faucet fill it to avoid foam. Some bubbles will spill over, but that's okay, you're soap will still be AWESOME!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tS7pZXWYKStlpbNG6CyVI_NUKP7DpsdfS88hNsCdPlrDqdjJZl_h2yxSeOItZqHia2MCeaWhM4gXLCnvYX2KsJ9NF1Ope5A4XOzHJ_BJBl1qMP2Je6ao8CVdnS4UitKPSgyG0PJVsVjL/s1600/49564740-7ef7-4272-baef-2bbc73208294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tS7pZXWYKStlpbNG6CyVI_NUKP7DpsdfS88hNsCdPlrDqdjJZl_h2yxSeOItZqHia2MCeaWhM4gXLCnvYX2KsJ9NF1Ope5A4XOzHJ_BJBl1qMP2Je6ao8CVdnS4UitKPSgyG0PJVsVjL/s320/49564740-7ef7-4272-baef-2bbc73208294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's it, you're done!!!! You will need to use about a cup of detergent for a large load. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP0SldUKFxkir82pu-PXeoKPK2tAAsqDKXV4uIdTGQxADn-Izv1xDnISAtsxcWfVsB7mXShB5scPKNDNtdMV8vf-qm6bn5b8Ad-3vTTY5ydDJngEnbNqrEuSri1SSLgm8nk9fGFsye6He/s1600/Photo+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP0SldUKFxkir82pu-PXeoKPK2tAAsqDKXV4uIdTGQxADn-Izv1xDnISAtsxcWfVsB7mXShB5scPKNDNtdMV8vf-qm6bn5b8Ad-3vTTY5ydDJngEnbNqrEuSri1SSLgm8nk9fGFsye6He/s320/Photo+41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For Fabric Softener you will need:</div>
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15 - 16 oz bottle of cheap hair conditioner, whatever scent you like is fine.</div>
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6 cups water</div>
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3 cups white vinegar</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfN61pSfU3RYgrth-F5xgpKk3k0IVc9spsDQKGACfo_zuQ-vfjQsMjYAKgIYWTXWghyIOxT81cTsLG0V_0FcEpY_8pjxxkiImA0P8H2eu_U1wYsoUXRQUF8KQTMJJb_Ni0oO9etJr-sw8/s1600/Photo+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfN61pSfU3RYgrth-F5xgpKk3k0IVc9spsDQKGACfo_zuQ-vfjQsMjYAKgIYWTXWghyIOxT81cTsLG0V_0FcEpY_8pjxxkiImA0P8H2eu_U1wYsoUXRQUF8KQTMJJb_Ni0oO9etJr-sw8/s320/Photo+40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dump the conditioner in a really big bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggps6E_HroK1Ay_XhEmNrO0_mp8WO7Lprqqzr3wIbeDitcs3kYzwPb6AY17aCiN35qLPm5vR8IsoxxoiXAe8S6Pm91Ud5Hp81Pe1JkluFGxhM5w01f4MRLQR2Voqxpm8_ZueW_Wwfuon6U/s1600/Photo+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggps6E_HroK1Ay_XhEmNrO0_mp8WO7Lprqqzr3wIbeDitcs3kYzwPb6AY17aCiN35qLPm5vR8IsoxxoiXAe8S6Pm91Ud5Hp81Pe1JkluFGxhM5w01f4MRLQR2Voqxpm8_ZueW_Wwfuon6U/s320/Photo+42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am SUPER cheap, so I poured my water into the empty bottle and shook it to make sure I got <strike>every stinking last drop</strike> all of the conditioner out of the bottle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiJu2dcfn2n7626Rwawm9rrm0s6qHCZAiasQtxXD2zEGnrqEuB5mEWPugLY3NCkPeJpmI4YGvGYjLg-fdX9qOAoizqDnSG82XA-ZDPJ4oNMB4GBExiU9vNe_aRs4pl9zv_cW_GBXFnxVj/s1600/Photo+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiJu2dcfn2n7626Rwawm9rrm0s6qHCZAiasQtxXD2zEGnrqEuB5mEWPugLY3NCkPeJpmI4YGvGYjLg-fdX9qOAoizqDnSG82XA-ZDPJ4oNMB4GBExiU9vNe_aRs4pl9zv_cW_GBXFnxVj/s320/Photo+39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Add Vinegar and whisk together. You will want to stir this instead of pouring it all in the jug and shaking so it will not foam up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnLmylZKGK9xbPaMD2k-jvv4fYV4zcn09RNcelTcvg5di8YjE9Sa2ktfEy558gzyhUsvTbfb3DOYYLhDqOr04gBp3tGxbq9qHKlUDdDE5lSfSn6S6-2pnfBGx35o1huRPzagz6Uh39sJB/s1600/Photo+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnLmylZKGK9xbPaMD2k-jvv4fYV4zcn09RNcelTcvg5di8YjE9Sa2ktfEy558gzyhUsvTbfb3DOYYLhDqOr04gBp3tGxbq9qHKlUDdDE5lSfSn6S6-2pnfBGx35o1huRPzagz6Uh39sJB/s320/Photo+30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then pour it into your containers. I know, it's unbelievably easy! I like to do a double whammy with my fabric softener. I use the jug just like I would use downy. I pour the same amount as I would with commercial softener into my downy ball and drop it into the washer. Then, when I put the clothes into the dryer I add a few squirts from the spray bottle and start it. The laundry comes out so soft and it smells like whatever scent conditioner you chose. Mine is the V05 Shea butter and vanilla.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCJN9CibYNfi9vE4YuaXAXnVW0mYg-tqJubsOm2twb8OgQr23EQMHdNMLodcQHD-7n5nNnQgsgnxMFOc_ukFVnx1WUaN9lKsig4gm2cBfagkBfJnkHgWOJoXTKwz-1_K5p6BWEZsds-uo/s1600/Photo+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCJN9CibYNfi9vE4YuaXAXnVW0mYg-tqJubsOm2twb8OgQr23EQMHdNMLodcQHD-7n5nNnQgsgnxMFOc_ukFVnx1WUaN9lKsig4gm2cBfagkBfJnkHgWOJoXTKwz-1_K5p6BWEZsds-uo/s320/Photo+26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I didn't take pictures when I made my stain remover, but I will give you the recipe to try out.</div>
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You will need:</div>
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2/3 cup dawn dish soap (It's great stuff!)</div>
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2/3 cup ammonia</div>
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6 TBS baking soda</div>
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2 cups warm water</div>
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Mix all the ingredients and pour it into a spray bottle. Just spritz it on the stains, rub it in and toss the garment in the washer. Easy as pie! Hope this helps someone out and let me know what you think! I welcome comments below.</div>
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<br />Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715970483014551471noreply@blogger.com0