tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13823390171838377892024-02-20T03:03:56.807-08:00The Hand Crafted CottageThe Hand Crafted Cottage is a blog dedicated to sharing my everyday life of being a mom,crafter,baker,penny pincher,Etsy lover,pinterest pinning fabulousness. I love sharing recipes,diy projects,my favorite pins,great Etsy shops,and a bit more. I am what you call a jack-of-all-trades blogger and really love hearing comments back from those I am so lucky to have reading my posts! Thank you so much for visiting the Hand Crated Cottage...I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it! :)The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-20434266893675265492013-02-11T10:49:00.001-08:002014-02-11T11:45:31.276-08:00My Favorite Mondays no. 2<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It’s Monday! Now, that isn’t always a thing to celebrate but I think this week, we should be excited for Monday and the week ahead. It’s our week filled with love (only 3 more days until Valentine’s day!) and, also, it’s </span><a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Random Act of Kindness week</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here’s my five picks for ‘My Favorite Mondays’ – inspired by this special week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Favorite Pin</strong></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes holidays have a way of sneaking up on you. Valentine’s Day is a bad one for this because, truthfully, I think we are still all recovering from December a bit. I absolutely adore </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152981718564472122/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">this pin</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> fromCrafted by Lindy because it is a thoughtful, easy way to give something different at valentines (AND <a href="http://craftedbylindy.com/2013/02/06/valentine-printable/" target="_blank">a free printable</a> never hurts!). What a perfect idea for a teacher, co-workers, or your day home/daycare provider.</span><br />
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<a href="http://craftedbylindy.com/2013/02/06/valentine-printable/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe1QTXKdbIoXSSB_xRP4UjozF3uzvolAIGAwzsmgWGiVMLr3V1VP4RotmdcWaN-MeSVcpEqO6Onoh6RqZDugs9oUAFdnnYd1_0DVeC8VUX2CTGiMr0yT_Ec6to-Joz2VAdx7bTmb9uPgI/s400/2eb056f168f82fa1682b2dedc9b69a2d.jpg" height="400" uea="true" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Favorite Etsy find</u></strong>This is, by far, my favorite Etsy find this week! </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Image3D?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Image 3D</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> sells these uber cool view-master style custom reels and viewers. The awesomeness of this product does not require much explanation, however, I will say that if my Valentine were to get me one of these and fill it will our favorite photos, I would absolutely be swooning. The possibilities of cool things you can do with this are endless – picture this, use a reel and viewer as the greatest way ever to announce your pregnancy or engagement. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QhIJ-ajF5kLsVdFP9PM0MwBsrdAZN9bO_0ulDtZpbvIKBgIqSseBdv6XiosLGU1-kJ2xsZ118t-np6GkWWtT_yBTGHW_WJEnM2GPomhvRKMLCp0JIX17IYwIEylgVEa3nvQgRj0fhicb/s1600/image3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QhIJ-ajF5kLsVdFP9PM0MwBsrdAZN9bO_0ulDtZpbvIKBgIqSseBdv6XiosLGU1-kJ2xsZ118t-np6GkWWtT_yBTGHW_WJEnM2GPomhvRKMLCp0JIX17IYwIEylgVEa3nvQgRj0fhicb/s400/image3D.jpg" height="292" uea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Favorite Charity</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Last year I found out about a fabulous charity called </span><a href="http://care.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">CARE Canada</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> (there is also a CARE USA) whose mandate is to empower women and girls, particularly those living in poverty. This worthy cause is one that every person should take notice of because, according to CARE, if a single woman rises from poverty, she typically takes 4 people along with her. Also important to note, as with any charity you choose to support, CARE Canada operates with an average 6% administrative cost and have all of their annual reports available on their website. </span><br />
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<a href="http://care.ca/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1sW1bYZhvS66fp7564_H5msVbS9OGeotiQByOTVuudl6iUCjOeokrYb_QMrrs_9O2-jSD28MBQp63rf0YGg8xYT5CCHI34QzGwYok2_ZadegLIOQnAAez8s6HoAbr_-r91A-KfJHSRUM/s640/slide1.jpg" height="248" uea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">CARE is currently running a Walk in her Shoes fundraiser that I encourage you all to learn more about (</span><a href="http://careca.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1090&pg=entry&s_locale=en_CA" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Favorite App</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Okay, when it comes to cool new apps, I’m usually pretty far behind on things and I’m guessing that most people already know about this one, but </span><a href="http://songza.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Songza</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> is my favorite new app. It is a mind-blowingly awesome app where you can stream playlists onto your smart phone (or stream onto your computer). There are no audio ads, it’s free, and the play lists are killer – need some new workout tunes? Songza! Need some low-key background music at work? Songza! Need someone to suggest some new music? Songza!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.songza.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL2h5FQUc2dc5ugkwrgq3Qx-HfUXKCoC0J45mMGZbMHnsR6Frn-mP4QPoCfMqx65iTdho5H2QcnJHbfqqpbrWuzc6J5eK164_Oh5ibNuOSrFO7q5vPjljZehz29bx5ByhsAFEuMbWqDAa/s1600/com_songza_android.png" uea="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Favorite Personal Update</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">OH, I am so excited for my upcoming trip to France. There are so many things that I want to see when I’m there I am finding it tough to pencil everything in (while trying not to pencil too much in)! The exciting new development for this trip is that we will now be spending 3 nights and 4 days in the south of France as well, and taking a trip to Monte Carlo too. Any tips for must-sees when I’m in Paris – send them my way!</span></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiishe9pNinzpCo65RZKXHsWSS788n4PP88XXjXV01aSu9F7ClaB6dX5806EgYL1oAwIsbA2eOIhx6esflCwIKvYWX4Lb_Ka9GaaqXRq75MSvPI_MasU_rio-DRnkhdT-q1Svt8xTfXHoNG/s320/300px-Whole_Monaco.jpg" height="240" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for joining me this fine Monday and I hope your love-filled weekend is LOVE-ly! Leave me a comment and share your favorite monday finds!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BzXYGmbWCC8wCee1rmpmNbTHcCJ6e4MF9InU87CoxNb08lb7kChZJ8c-8-QpqcVhUg1vPLRkIQPA1YcSE4h1WAKRqkSqCCF_-qxZEEXXcJQvCJx6iywThyphenhyphenNt1dbK4b_gpcXLgP0eV4dx/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BzXYGmbWCC8wCee1rmpmNbTHcCJ6e4MF9InU87CoxNb08lb7kChZJ8c-8-QpqcVhUg1vPLRkIQPA1YcSE4h1WAKRqkSqCCF_-qxZEEXXcJQvCJx6iywThyphenhyphenNt1dbK4b_gpcXLgP0eV4dx/s1600/sig.png" uea="true" /></a></div>
The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-15346711916820367872012-11-18T13:29:00.001-08:002012-11-18T13:29:45.570-08:00Santa Box<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Without boring you, I will just say that I have not posted on my blog in the last few months due to some insanely busy times in my house. I love being busy and keeping my days full but what I don't love is when I miss out on some of my favorite things because of the crazy day-timer! When I say favorite things I mean, of course, reading, sewing, baking, and <u>BLOGGING</u>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With Christmas around the corner, and my Pinterest addiction in full swing, I have been motivated to get into the spirit of the season. I've been signing up for potlucks and secret Santa's, buying and hiding special gifts, and planning out my baking list for this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My eldest daughter is currently in pre-school and is big time into making crafts. I had some free time this afternoon (what?!) and decided to spend some quality (holiday inspired) crafting time with her while the little one was sleeping. I have a big box of "kid-friendly" crafting supplies - not to be confused with my "mommy-spent-too-much-on-these-supplies-so-don't-touch-them supplies" - that I pulled out and we looking around the house for some motivation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before long, I had gathered an empty cereal box, a toilet paper roll, and brown paper bag. We decided to go with the cereal box and worked out a Santa Clause idea. I love what we came up with because it was so easy and was something a four year old could easily work on by herself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHiG6m3DJaX3lbaOwwSPH2PHLSSfzK1kj61_fZohSf8EH2mymE6_jKQ5PSACOHirx5Dn_79Paw_ZOQ3pE6vmoayTkGJVtCp4pDdmQUMELF4arXt4FU6L7O3IaBPM2YJTADrvFAUK-QkVA/s1600/pic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHiG6m3DJaX3lbaOwwSPH2PHLSSfzK1kj61_fZohSf8EH2mymE6_jKQ5PSACOHirx5Dn_79Paw_ZOQ3pE6vmoayTkGJVtCp4pDdmQUMELF4arXt4FU6L7O3IaBPM2YJTADrvFAUK-QkVA/s640/pic5.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The supplies we used were:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">An old cereal box;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Construction paper;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">White glue & tape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A pair of googly eyes (dollar store); and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some white puff balls (dollar store).</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7keuR6Pg_cD4W8DkSFTzCUNxVgLSWwzGIOBMm2Z0Apmw8aiB8ZILWX8UimEDTY1aGkl1i0qoFT_DsZIU8_L6_Z8XC8edrQxpghePbata-e8NnnTjwPRqImYh6GNkPPaBrNbFgL-_yhR/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7keuR6Pg_cD4W8DkSFTzCUNxVgLSWwzGIOBMm2Z0Apmw8aiB8ZILWX8UimEDTY1aGkl1i0qoFT_DsZIU8_L6_Z8XC8edrQxpghePbata-e8NnnTjwPRqImYh6GNkPPaBrNbFgL-_yhR/s320/pic2.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeaFpr9iFhNHwrheKu9OvptP6r2JFVfxDESZeVeE-B8oO8Q-yFIRELpninukvvnanhP-matdUyfpOcRxfm3mwuL0jW90PrOgOoqKbq7SCq5jTwAMTu2D0ZwZiUeH6op6h9A9-Kzq0NQ8O/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeaFpr9iFhNHwrheKu9OvptP6r2JFVfxDESZeVeE-B8oO8Q-yFIRELpninukvvnanhP-matdUyfpOcRxfm3mwuL0jW90PrOgOoqKbq7SCq5jTwAMTu2D0ZwZiUeH6op6h9A9-Kzq0NQ8O/s320/pic1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had my daughter trace out the red paper and we covered the cereal box, using white glue. We then traced out and glued on Santa's belt (using sparkly construction paper for the buckle). Next we put together Santa's face and curled up some white construction paper for his beard (we used tape to adhere this to his face because the white glue was not strong enough to hold it in place). After this, we glued on his hat and the white puff balls along its edge. To make his legs, we just folded up paper and taped it onto the bottom of the box. The shoes are black construction paper with a piece of the sparkly paper for little buckles (also adhered with tape). Voila, a super simple and fun craft - my daughter was beaming with pride when we were done! </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KFnotzom_AiqAL1_c2ZiKjAKMDvGwqS8AyM4e6reAKE70bkNu0aN6P4IAtbl89ZtdoDPPV_I__bV2Cc6_wLZfv6vMcS1KiUjknC8cRfFnyXzvWO5B1eB7AlluOhUfBhiLf_-Lp6lxfwf/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KFnotzom_AiqAL1_c2ZiKjAKMDvGwqS8AyM4e6reAKE70bkNu0aN6P4IAtbl89ZtdoDPPV_I__bV2Cc6_wLZfv6vMcS1KiUjknC8cRfFnyXzvWO5B1eB7AlluOhUfBhiLf_-Lp6lxfwf/s400/pic3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you have a bunch of empty boxes, you could also make other holiday inspired figures - a reindeer, an angle, or a gingerbread man are a few ideas!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ5d4rb8wZ6HxluzuCV5ikF6Ax_XxhDdoDzT6nmbwdbD_V5TeQccp0FQgwbamKQ1KixG0yjY_BXNvvkKkaOdiAmJB7_tacgPutdsCjYAi6TbUENCm_gCWdeY9HKZ3ecttNcbktcWv30hK/s1600/pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ5d4rb8wZ6HxluzuCV5ikF6Ax_XxhDdoDzT6nmbwdbD_V5TeQccp0FQgwbamKQ1KixG0yjY_BXNvvkKkaOdiAmJB7_tacgPutdsCjYAi6TbUENCm_gCWdeY9HKZ3ecttNcbktcWv30hK/s640/pic4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for more Christmas crafts, check out a post I put up last year for <a href="http://thehandcraftedcottage.blogspot.ca/2011/12/kids-christmas.html" target="_blank">cinnamon scented ornaments</a>! They make your house smell A-Mazing when you are making them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-70352461658534605082012-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:002012-06-04T12:38:29.196-07:00My Favorite Mondays no. 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I've noticed that many of the blogs I subscribe to, do a "my favorites" list once a week. I love to share and highlight anything I've got going on or think is awesome, so, of course, I decided to jump on this bandwagon. I wanted to do it on Friday...but, I ran out of time and therefore am doing it today. SO, my favorites list will be on Mondays now - thus, the title, "My Favorite Mondays"!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My Favorite Pin</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Without a doubt, this pin that originates back to lesapea.tumblr.com, is my favorite pin of the week (maybe ever)! Good lord, click on the link and you will be in awe of all the amazing images...simply stunning. I am a calligraphy junkie and this quotation is beyond lovely. This is a perfect pin!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My Favorite Etsy Find</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I'm so excited to bring this Etsy shop to your attention. I just happened to come across it on the main page this weekend in that scrolling area where they show newly listed items. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohhhlulu" target="_blank">Ohhh Lulu</a> is stunning. I love pretty much everything she has listed in her shop and I am now creeping on her twitter and FB, excitedly waiting for anything she posts!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohhhlulu" target="_blank"><img border="0" fba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp9SfDBijrPX6Eo77aiugk10JxV0HaJvZIE4tZVZuJZe8wWKIkQFTzoYpxhJlGqS1oAvuRBziOFREarN-8VTGM3P21CMAtN1W0iI6lqPgrFJOt1pEfH70MH3SIyDxwiWnFQQN-mmEczDj/s400/lulu.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My Favorite Blog Update</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As you've probably noticed, my blog has had a rehaul and I am now supporting an awesome new look. I am so thrilled with the outcome and want to give a huge thanks to Hannah from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmod" target="_blank">Sweet Mod Designs</a> a big thank you for her hardwork (look for a posting on her in the near future!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmod" target="_blank"><img border="0" fba="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhqLmBRFe9fiK5EeNGyZXP1IY6g6R9kQn6eTCPeymqZCTP7rcwKwCXMs9ZWUfxfzZvU7WCQbe0kPgRa6rruYNPyT-YcrDv8p590ZRLYxv1hcFdZExYocX1YyEn2OP08sE5JGfBGtc8wvL/s200/blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My Favorite Personal Update</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I am pretty much beyond excited for next April when I, so luckily, will be going on my dream vacation to Paris! This isn't new news but, I'm so happy because I am starting some refresher French language classes this week!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Je suis trés excité!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://savedbythesouthernbelle.tumblr.com/page/47" target="_blank"><img border="0" fba="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jxKKjctwiwy9mGNKhJIlPJ70EyZOOrzuK-aKdAazb_wHjL4divQYU_rD-P82tQ65DpzvE47Ceb63DXOjVgC0v2pqrF7l6hHS9Cz9Yhoe5bkp-bNHhnl61g-XEdWfCKo2Y0ePu4kWQwVE/s640/paris.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My Favorite New App</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I know I am so behind in this but, I FINALLY joined twitter! I downloaded the app on my phone and have been addicted to it since. My friend was constantly trying to get me to join and now, looking back, why did I resist? I am @mycraftyblog so look me up (or simply click on the twitter button under the "About" section on my blog)! :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/mycraftyblog" target="_blank"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZwNFhM5tbrkUJzHRxpUg-k7BK7AcGtAixTLJQaL6UcLBsmO4RdHotlPG1ptJwJ7P5rrS_RXUh3KO5bHlHJVK5cYBFYyZ1nIStY11CxE4XEybogvwTwjmzuoeFrBaagOsvzngIVrcnfFr/s1600/twit.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My first favorites on <em>My Favorite Mondays</em> are pretty good, right?! I look forward to the week ahead and finding some new gems to share with you next Monday!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite news for the upcoming week! :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0GqIyIQpUSyVnty56s0F7EzGsUSO3w0jtkCO0PKtkaCdj_xZcgk_3FAXg4yxujaEsoQpO2DcanTwPjhBDue5Pj-wMV_B6D9Rnq6jXnqVA-PCeScFStxMf13izhwcfqc-I-tdfaMyrG7m/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0GqIyIQpUSyVnty56s0F7EzGsUSO3w0jtkCO0PKtkaCdj_xZcgk_3FAXg4yxujaEsoQpO2DcanTwPjhBDue5Pj-wMV_B6D9Rnq6jXnqVA-PCeScFStxMf13izhwcfqc-I-tdfaMyrG7m/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-73824761439624403342012-05-28T12:37:00.001-07:002012-06-01T16:44:41.164-07:00Frugal Father's Day<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited. In two and a half months I am going on a trip of a lifetime. I am so lucky to be saying that I will be partaking on an adventure to, what I consider to be the mother country, Ireland! I am also going to spend five days in London as well. I am even luckier because I will get to share this experience with my loving parents, sister, and husband. I am beyond excited!</span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Now, with my departure date looming closer and closer, my purse strings appear to be getting tighter and tighter. I just know that when I’m doing my thing (aka <i>shopping</i>!) in the UK, I’ll totally regret it if I don’t save up enough money to really go for the gusto…I mean, come on, it’s Europe! Did I mention that I’m excited?!?</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, my husband and I have come up with a pact, cutting out a bit of the unnecessaries where we can. One place we decided to skim on this year was gift-giving to each other. He is already famous for saying, “I don’t need any gifts” (don’t you just hate that?) so I told him that, this year, I would carbon copy my mother’s day to his father’s day. I had an awesome mother’s day, of course, and even though it was gift-free I got plenty of the real gifts that matter in life – little kisses, big hugs, works of art from my three year old and a lazy day with my favorite people in the whole entire world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now, with Father’s Day coming up, it’s up to me to be creative – without spending much/anything. Haha…jokes on him, I have Pinterest! I’m totally going to rock it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In our family it’s funny because Mother’s Day usually centers on breakfast and Father’s Day centers around supper…and the BBQ. So my plans for a Frugal Father’s Day are going to break down to this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. Awesome supper with plenty of hearty man-food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. Adorable handmade crafts from the kids and </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. A spin on an old classic, as a gift from yours truly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let’s just say that I’m doing a carbon copy of mother’s day but I’m putting some glitter and awesome dust on it too.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Food</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This should be a fairly easy thing to come up with. What are his favorites? For my husband, he has a major sweet tooth for Reece peanut butter cups so I’m pretty sure that this </span><a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/8/14/reeses-cheesecake-brownies.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Reece’s Cheesecake Brownies</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> would be a huge hit. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/8/14/reeses-cheesecake-brownies.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="294" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7v-F-SLVG3KWJx3rwVYxtSx8p17YtU6lladxH3S95Klk8m0Kb81jfu0ji43XORsarhg-CGIQfsQU19r6qEqbXiyxI5dndwpmrFl745rLSaYpD49IzENN2tjt2s2VoIioOoFn8x4szkI7/s320/choco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Check out Pinterest...you can pretty much find a cake, cupcake, bar, or cookie inspired by any and every chocolate bar known to man kind! I think a few of these would go over quite nicely as well (click on the picture to be taken to the recipe):</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/barbecue-chicken-pizza-recipe/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE8TMNoaYe2lnKe4p31v8N6yNnlW6JuC9Q4w_EKNNWL8vW02uFv5GMiDonOO9AOqrneSZBVb6f_agUrDOU5PQbpdVzWnwVsa6sPKQ-e50jGg5nrPzBg4BvLPhCrlerYww45MGkPRqC9Yy/s640/BBQ-Chicken-Pizza.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">BBQ Chicken Pizza</span></div>
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<a href="http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/10/08/beer-battered-fried-pickles/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS82dgs7Yu1XIWWiBlEk2wPd0wZuW9jOG0iw4i2G49l7iCJ57DyEOp-XYLeBLlnhMd7euyKJDXwQ217Fxe0nJQgXYlTyLd3eMzy-cAcIBGjigw0XmqjPZ239XwEEx9jk1Q46PcFgX46dI/s400/pickles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Beer-battered Pickles</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/02/buffalo-chicken-potato-skins.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS-RMHjdEyZRGDZU2Rn05LQYzVWXUMXN8hoY1w5gPksMhIJxDt2NgWRVxHBzpT8bamYDd54-qAjrcFgQVHTwFJDZmet9jZTyzLcdI8ghjQ-Ncicv_6U6SSQWy7QCNtYmJstT6kNRDieVm/s320/potatoe.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Décor</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/06/freebie-fathers-day-printables-are-tie.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6tblIp-I2mQKkD_cTtGqSPIA_2FMmO9BF5PM7r3dpehw9s7OCTkSaWX5nbE6oX-vDUlqPiRrJ6AjAu-k7J4S0pfcGEhcZk-Yff6p3-OEPgxb6-yGmY0caGfMInlREsE6cXyMoWnBscai/s400/fathers-day-printable-1.png" width="372" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE this tie themed banner and flag set, available for free download at </span><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/06/freebie-fathers-day-printables-are-tie.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Amanda’s Parties to Go</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">! It doesn’t take much to sneak downstairs after everyone’s gone to bed (or before they wake up) and put up a little pizzazz to wow them in the morning! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Gift Options from the kids</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.ca/2010/06/fathers-day-printable.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_JtsqnXDDcSf_fDKHwr4sbRUgISFGM0hrZx8NPCOnwIlo-hkgUcjHf9-8KduDr5WHLH_dIP1Ni3oNkVlyhp4tAMvWe1-uBYBOfeChtfMhgNwMqoBPrgTC1wgfLBaLWKAATyZQlizPtAx/s320/Father's+Day+Survey_0001.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I love this Father’s Day survey from </span><a href="http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.ca/2010/06/fathers-day-printable.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Creative Homemaker</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">! My three year old comes up with the most hilarious stuff so I would love to sit down with her one night and fill this out. Plus there’s lots of white space for her to “decorate” it afterwards. It’s a nice idea to do one of these every year and then bind them together in a scrapbook!</span></div>
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<a href="http://kinderpendent.blogspot.ca/2011/03/quote-books-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMftSDC0X1LmHUXHVssnaIgzOvV-UlpPOHMnxa5EkDydnq_E2hpywH5MkssLn_ZkmcOuuXi5QHyN8zFfpA7Qbcyl50ZKr6rNnrr7rhYNeGwRkj5-b4bzhlIPYZiGNzGuQ2dZqnsZTemr6/s400/quotes.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here’s another idea from </span><a href="http://kinderpendent.blogspot.ca/2011/03/quote-books-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Kinderpendent</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> that you could do with your little one…create a quotation book to chronicle all those adorable things your kids say. You can dress it up with a bit of cardstock, ribbon, etc. This would definitely be a book to cherish for years to come – just make sure you leave some blank space for those gems that are yet to come!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2012/03/31/craft-ideas-for-him-fathers-day/diy-gifts-for-fathers-day/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72dGD28YYCcSnnsoR3eKFfl6Yqim2fsC6rxbRmH_SSG_3GCDYPRPvHoEMGduFcFsGw1BmZ4k43gpJ9ARUCvcYwHue1BjTzkDR6Um8YLgKLK97Ecr_Wu8b5ym-zLcyf83K0D_olA9auoGn/s320/book.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have been seeing these bookmarks a lot lately on Pinterest and have been waiting for a chance to make one. How cute are they and think of all the fun you’ll have making them with your kids (check out this </span><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2012/03/31/craft-ideas-for-him-fathers-day/diy-gifts-for-fathers-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">link</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> for more info)!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Gift from Wifey</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, when we agreed to not buy any gifts for each other this year I knew that I was still going to make him something. When I thought about it, I came up with something that would be perfect. A coupon book. Yes, just like we use to make when we were little BUT this time, it’s going to be filled with some very important coupons (in a parent’s world anyways!). Example, what does my husband really hate doing? Hmmm…how about: get out of one poopy diaper, one foot rub while we watch the sports channel, one sleep in until the time of your choosing, and so on and so forth (if you’re really brave you could include a “blank cheque” one too!). What is really important to him…or what are one of those annoying daily life tasks that he can get out of. Yes, it’s more elbow grease from you but, personally, I’ll be happy when I’m trying on a pair of new shoes at Harrods in London that I couponed my way out of this one! Check out </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/350370/clip-art-and-templates-fathers-day/@center/326420/martha-stewart-clip-art-and-template-crafts#/271224" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Martha Stewart.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> for an awesome Father’s Day coupon book template. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/350370/clip-art-and-templates-fathers-day/@center/326420/martha-stewart-clip-art-and-template-crafts#/271224" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPrtfq2FhLywinzZEfo7QV1mnTDkNNfpiSAxlcWxPYXBsFnp2KGywIg9dFLpbAttxEjDKR4r5YUCwOJXpwN6wKF6KE89l8Tdcr0QYfPevyuXThzzF81ED0u48lXUkjQkEmp8MG13U19Kx/s400/coupon.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">With a little creativity and a lot of heart you can make a wonderful Father’s Day. It really is the thought that counts and I think that putting in the effort is worth so much more than anything you could buy in the store!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here’s a little poem that I want to include in my hubby’s card – he always makes me cry with those cheesy box store cards…let’s see how he holds up to this, handwritten by my daughter!</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-82002286765554193222012-05-26T16:39:00.001-07:002012-06-01T21:44:31.938-07:00Weight Loss...finally!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Since last September I have been on a weight loss journey. I had a sweet baby girl in April of 2011 and, after taking the summer off, I decided in the fall that it was time to get up and get moving again. If I wasn't careful, I was worried that I would <em>never</em> lose that dreaded baby weight. PLUS, to top things off, I was still carrying around some twenty pounds of extra weight from my first pregnancy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As you may know I am also a type one diabetic. So, losing weight for me has always been a struggle because, along with normal food cravings and stresses that go with trying to drop a few pounds, I also have to deal with high and low blood glucose levels. In the past I had just ignored my problems, with the hopes that they would magically go away. Guess how that turned out!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">By chance one day I was having a coffee date with my girlfriend Amy. We got on the topic of weight loss and she told me about this app that she had started using a few days prior. Well, I didn't know it at the time but this conversation was going to <em>change my life</em>, literally! The app was called My Fitness Pal and it can be used on pretty much any phone (or they also have a </span><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">). The idea behind my fitness pal is very simple, and I believe it's this simplicity that has made it so easy for me to stick with it. You input all your information - including your weight loss goals (do you want to lose one pound a week, half a pound, <em>etc.</em>) - and you are given a calorie allowance for the day. If you work out and burn up extra calories you can eat more. One of My Fitness Pal's best features is that, when using the app on your phone, you can scan the barcodes of the foods you are eating and the nutritional information pops up in the food logging area, it's that easy! If you are eating let's say an apple, there is a food search option for items that do not have a barcode.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I can tell you this now, but, when I first started with My Fitness Pal, my BMI was just inside the obese category (!!!!! WTF!) and, now, I am so happy to report I am in the <strong>healthy</strong> category! I've added a button to my blog that shows how far I've come, to date, I'm down 34 pounds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Another aspect of My Fitness Pal that has made it a lot easier to stick to is it's social media design. You can friend people and cheer each other on. Personally, I've connected with tons of other diabetics (who also use an insulin pump) where, in my real life, I only know one other person who actually wears one. Finding people who are in a similar situation to yourself can really help with the encouragement factor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, if you are a user of My Fitness Pal or decide that you want to go join up today, make sure you look me up! Let's cheer each other on! :)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here's some other resources to help you with your own weight loss journey!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">You dont' need fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership to get moving! Take this 'Fitness at Home' challenge, posted on Pinterest by <a href="http://pinterest.com/casarra001/i-work-out/" target="_blank">Laura Merrik</a>, and you'll see results guaranteed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kYb7RTEqTZIAlOq5doIz3QcFuIjyFjJmLZ4mJ2pUqm0U4RhjcyW3EZ1q4av9UaNsYTc7VOtgB9Qiy1npzYgD3fUwddodQQhgHNkRsu7hIACYdTUVcoiBAlZYLLKMP277DjheTJXU9Jzg/s1600/topsongslogo_90_sp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kYb7RTEqTZIAlOq5doIz3QcFuIjyFjJmLZ4mJ2pUqm0U4RhjcyW3EZ1q4av9UaNsYTc7VOtgB9Qiy1npzYgD3fUwddodQQhgHNkRsu7hIACYdTUVcoiBAlZYLLKMP277DjheTJXU9Jzg/s400/topsongslogo_90_sp.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr></></></></><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">If you're like me you will have your i-pod BLARING music to keep you motivated...check out the <a href="http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_100_best_workout_songs_from_the_90s" target="_blank">Top 100 workout songs from the 1990's</a>!</td></></></></></></></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://purplefoodie.com/apple-chips/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcmYC0F4iwhaMOqNHTb02ztVn4SFAyHrY3VrofX2YajAxTK6S_wH0ZGHVBc4Hq6VPkihxs4LjKU8Tz8kpDeXGlSw17pBwArcDhQNbPPE11Q304c6E7Wd4n5laZ0zoL-x6Nu0hGWgmMQWU/s400/apple.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source: http://purplefoodie.com/apple-chips/</span><br />
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Eat healthy snacks...I love to make apple chips! There are a few reasons they are awesome - first so easy to make. Also, very yummy! AND..they make your house smell DEVINE when they're baking! Here's how you can make some: <br />
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees<br />
2. Slice your apples (I like to go very thin because that makes them crunchier when they're baked) - Cut them evenly for a consistent crunch!<br />
3. Sprinkle them with cinnamon<br />
4. Bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 2 hours (turn them over after an hour)<br />
5.Enjoy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_546200017"><img border="0" height="267" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwDozVW6HYBYrsNRJzPZBvRv7KXEBDTghG-Xjej3c6qx7AK7SwfTiRwJ2NSkjY-vTI7nYnJ4x0xAYD-XSK8BMla1FXUv1qEKptADl7J9kY_cF9pZHk-NpjCtt5L0-WQQmxVSkH_wVpjLc/s400/now.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_546200017">Do this!</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://soon2befit.tumblr.com/archive" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I sincerely do wish you the best in your own weight related efforts and encourage you to check out My Fitness Pal...I honestly don't know where I would be without all the support I draw from it! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Also - one last quick tip: start a healthy living pin board on pinterest!! You can draw SO MUCH inspiration there too! Here's a link to my pin board for just such a thing: </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/mrslavaj/healthy-lifestyle/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">http://pinterest.com/mrslavaj/healthy-lifestyle/</span></a>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-84407831345075933442012-05-16T12:59:00.002-07:002012-05-16T13:00:29.566-07:00Wishlist Wednesday - Pattern PerfectionIt’s that time again – wishlist Wednesday!! When I was thinking about one of the things that would be fairly high up on my wishlist, I knew <strong>EXACTLY</strong> what I wanted to showcase.<br />
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I love to sew, I love cute, I love Etsy. So, naturally, I love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollsAndDaydreams" target="_blank">Dolls and Daydreams</a>. Oiy, where to start? Well, with one look at this jaw-droppingly cute Etsy shop you will be in heaven (if you like sewing, anything adorable, or if you like to collect stuffies).</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollsAndDaydreams" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="318" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwR7mkoueEqfUpCntETvJDlM79LRPGqM8DFxo7Ibib3REB_2rgUdBSWWLbtmll2QEfi5SubXfBwYcQ-lsVq_LVB1CyLxPzvoeaxO-zJXdq3OpnAR038rnxgavRF0FSMQNPfUSeRifQlT-/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think there are so many reasons to love this shop. First, the selection. Oh Lord. From ballerinas to superheroes to bunny rabbits and lions. You can get a Marie Antoinette pattern or a snuggly lamb. Really, whatever you’re looking for, it’s offered here. Also – I love that you can change up your fabric choices (seeing that many of the stuffies are wearing clothes) and it really changes the look of what you’re making! The PDF pattern (that goes straight to your inbox – no waiting!) makes your sewing project a breeze – the shop owner provides tips along with the sewing instructions for your convenience. Also, I love how the finished projects boast both cotton fabrics and felt (I heart felt big time!) and that it is appropriate for children under three. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollsAndDaydreams" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3HCc4kA8xuM0zgcmybyN9uRRHb0pLk0ptiE1jgM7TomkZo7KdSNL8eGgbArg7qkf4uZ6a0pHKn3KGZFCHLpFv_v2czajUVGf6FfVSMWK4NZoPSvHBsES4ZJQxCPBJR7Ff58Ih72e6hK2/s400/5.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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Another great selling feature you receive when purchasing a pattern through Dolls and Daydreams is that you are given the okay to sell your finished creations…a luxury not permitted by all patterns sold on Etsy. </div>
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Currently there are over 50 listings for these great patterns and each one averages a price of approximately $10USD (did I mention you also get a materials list included with the pattern?).</div>
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Yes, I am in love big time with all of the items listed in this awesome shop and I can’t wait to get my hands on a pattern and start sewing!! Be assured that when I do buy a pattern and sew it up I will be posting some pictures here!! :)</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-20555478282746721172012-05-13T16:16:00.003-07:002012-05-13T16:32:50.395-07:00Mother's Day LoveHappy Mother's Day to all you hard working Mama's out there!! <br />
It's so funny because on my first few Mother's Days I expected so much. Yes, I thought, I shall be pampered and waiting on for these 24 hours and none of my regular mother-like duties shall apply. Well, I was usually disappointed to find that it really was like most Sundays - but I did get to sleep in! LOL...these days I'm happy to enjoy my special day - still wiping bums and cleaning up messes - but I've since discovered the real importance of today. I love my girls with all my heart and seeing them bring me their homemade pictures and their proud face hand me some flowers,well, it melts my heart. I'm also so thankful to spend part of this day honouring my own mother and mother-in-law. Wow, do they ever do a lot to help me and my family out, to support us in every way they can, and they are always there cheering us on. I love you guys!<br />
Here's how my day broke down in a nutshell (I hope you enjoyed your day as well!)...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunny morning enjoying the outside world</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Little Miss S</td></tr>
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"mom - I found this for you!"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I love these cards, decorated with scribbles and pictures from the girls...I always cry from the cheesy saying inside! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Beautiful flowers from my husband and girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We served an AWESOME punch - all it takes is a can of frozen pink lemonade concentrate and 4 cups of white cranberry juice and then refridgerate for an hour. Before serving add in some club soda and fresh mint and voila - sparkling pink punch!</td></tr>
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The ladies and I (minus Kate who was napping)</div>
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</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-34307153622979505382012-05-12T16:03:00.001-07:002012-05-12T16:04:11.547-07:005 Perfect Bridal Shower GiftsIn exactly ten weeks I get the privilege to stand up with one of my best friends on her wedding day. I'm so thrilled to be one of her bridesmaids and am so looking forward to her big day! She was one of my bridesmaids when I got married (5 long years ago, lol!) and I just can't wait to make her feel as special as she made me feel when I was a blushing bride.<br />
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<em>Shannon - girl, I love you so much and wish you every happiness in the world. You are one of the kindest people I know on this Earth and you are going to make a wonderful wife to your very lucky man. I CAN NOT WAIT for your stagette next weekend...bring it on!! :)</em></div>
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So, before the wedding there are the obvious events to get through first. First on our schedule is the stagette (have I mentioned I can't wait for it?!) and then, later, the bridal shower. I especially love bridal showers - I love anything traditional that requires baking and pretty gifts!!</div>
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Many of you may be approaching bridal shower and wedding season yourselves. Personally, I always like to give a physical gift (rather than a gift card - although, I do love getting giftcards myself!) because as I mentioned I like tradition! I have also said this several times in my blog, but, I also <strong>love</strong> a personalized gift. Therefore, I thought I would share with you a few gifts that I have up my sleeve for a show-stopping, perfect bridal shower gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xo3NZfUTs-guSUHvOcZExA_wV2Ys6MqhiW57uTbfNc6MwFnoUfbHgfAcbhyZTBDbuqNsm4Q0s1IbA1smV9dSHAiTEZccgV2lgR7C9c2HOCFfhQV7-t-MlVrDaMUB_AC2ioaV-LYCcNUB/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xo3NZfUTs-guSUHvOcZExA_wV2Ys6MqhiW57uTbfNc6MwFnoUfbHgfAcbhyZTBDbuqNsm4Q0s1IbA1smV9dSHAiTEZccgV2lgR7C9c2HOCFfhQV7-t-MlVrDaMUB_AC2ioaV-LYCcNUB/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89523550/wedding-card-holder-birdhouse-the" target="_blank">Door Country Woodworks</a> is without a doubt one of my all time favorite Etsy shops. Just take a look in his shop for about a millisecond and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. Now, this birdhouse would literally bring the show down at a bridal shower. It works as a card collector at the wedding (and you can custom colour it so that it matches the wedding colours) and then, when the wedding is over, converts to a birdhouse for the newlywed's backyard. Notice in the picture that there is even space for the couples name and date of the wedding. This one is $125USD and there are many different to chose from. The "Just Married" bunting on it is just spectacular!</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78941319/custom-calligraphy-art-albert-einstein" target="_blank"><img border="0" dba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kkC6QKnO4xUZiEFnSajdwWPoeN2fxKHIb6kZE2ruzk0aYlHzqr_CR4lTZPV47me5m_OWkq0GdwAj-Uuz3CRnga2__UChIDmHpECpidiv3RRRmN3-dF0JnBUQUKYyLeaVe8Ox6OI1aKPD/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh.my.lord. I am obsessed with calligraphy. My ONEday Wishlist (my version of a bucket list - only I dont' use <em>bucket list</em> because I hate that term)includes to become a skilled calligrapher. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78941319/custom-calligraphy-art-albert-einstein" target="_blank">Ink Blot Calligraphy</a> is the proud owner of this wonderful skill and this listing for some custom calligraphy art is right up my alley. So beautiful and there is so much talent that goes into this. I believe that it would be a perfect gift for a bride, especially if she's a close friend, because what set of girlfriends don't have a special quotation, funny inside joke, or just something special shared between them? For a $10USD <strong>deposit</strong> you can get started with your ink colours, font and flourish preferences, sizes, etc. I can totally picture "to have and to hold from this day forward" in beautiful calligraphy and then framed in something lovely.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95444169/personalized-bridal-hanger-custom" target="_blank"><img border="0" dba="true" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW89q2TqTKQQfbYqLijsNmEr0VrueXpVXe-Aj9wAPnX8BdQsHihMaKjHOgqPIBN0s_MvhPh0Kk5JBWCYsEIz41J9wZW6k0lP9-BLo4su4umXRZiNqKTphq8q603_i1iBeFRPz0UPoFcwgM/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This listing from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95444169/personalized-bridal-hanger-custom" target="_blank">Black Scrap Cat</a> is a favorite of mine for several reasons. First, this shop originates from Canada and I love supporting local artists (we are in the same province even). Second, just think of the wedding pictures, what a wonderful photo prop! And third, this amazing gift doesn't have to just stop here - you can get one for mother of the bride, bridesmaids, flower girl, <em>etc</em>. It makes such a special memento to use on the wedding day and to keep forever. For $27 USD you can really create some wow!</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75321078/new-design-round-sign-with-vinyl" target="_blank"><img border="0" dba="true" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCSu7wW1PKSycdrvsseCG1-ewSH8qDOFXsqBnk-2BgU6lYgHpMcpvTym9CcXlHg7RlAv5-DgvmxKKYugizBYbecAHiXAMe2Yv7pIF-piMtelgTyGehIw4PyPk6BMDQ-OauEBSiEVdXj2d/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75321078/new-design-round-sign-with-vinyl" target="_blank">Define your Space Vinyl</a> is an Etsy shop you should become familiar with. I love it. There are so many amazing pieces to chose from I really don't even know where to start. I love this one, in particular, because of the coordinating fonts and the flourished design along the bottom. It would look so lovely on the wall and I know when I was a bride (with a newly acquired last name) I loved seeing it and displaying it with pride. This one is 18 inches in diameter, a good healthy size, and can be done in your bride's custom colours for $42 USD. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67339726/personalized-coordinate-print-8x20" target="_blank"><img border="0" dba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gNGxAhO3KTNneKyoxNzLGC4bBZoiIdvT1mW7UWqjOjwf65_iYViOEtCgqrFFTdgXefcUqKH214ch1XAP3Gz10Q47ojsKfyHAiZirEZzc3m7bc2Qg9tDhjHLLnqYOcUcmWMwrldL_zVk9/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This I love because it is so unique. I'm guessing that most of us do not know the coordinates of where we got married (or another special occasions in our lives) but what a cool thing to find out; and don't let the wedding place be your only option - first date, first home, where they met, <em>etc.</em> AND, what a conversation piece this would be. You can pick one of these up at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67339726/personalized-coordinate-print-8x20" target="_blank">The Drifting Bear</a> for $48USD.</div>
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I wish I could get all of these for my special lady. She certainly deserves them!! :) BUT, who knows, maybe on her bridal shower day she'll unwrap a little something special.... ;)</div>
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<em>(and no I can't tell you...she might be reading this right now!!!)</em></div>
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If you know of any special bridal shower gifts you'd like to share, please list them below in the comments section!! :)</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-86904330987511708082012-05-09T14:05:00.001-07:002012-05-09T14:05:47.478-07:00Chocolate Covered Wow Factor (in no time flat!)Today, sadly, my daughter had her last music class. I say <em>sadly</em> because the whole experience with this program has been so positive. She has learned a lot, met new friends, and even got to showcase what she learned earlier in the month, when the kids were part of an adorable play (the Three Piggy Opera). I've loved going to the class with her and sitting with a group of moms while we waited for the kids (the teacher was absolutely awesome too); we were a group that really jived together well and I'm sort of sad that our weekly meetings have now come to an end! Of course we have exchanged numbers with promises of play dates and I really hope that we follow through and continue meet up every once in a while in the future.<br />
Because it was the last class, we had a recital of sorts, where the kids sang little solos and "played" the piano to various songs. I was proud of Scarlett, who did so awesome!<br />
We all brought some treats for after the performances, I opted to make some <span style="font-size: large;">chocolate covered brownie bites</span>.<br />
I wanted to share this with you because they were so yummy, so easy to make, and they give off a great <strong>wow</strong> factor! As you know, I'm back at work full time, so I don't have a lot of extra time to be baking things in the middle of the work week. These, however, were perfect for me and my tight schedule.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtSN9B7wJZ7Cn5Wng4sGEoMVONLjGiWhGKxJfw6vCGsERG2vTZrD0-Uqwmrj7YuVDm0WOzCNIBz2TZv21f9IDkd0j0N02nR57_jOgx4CtyJzRToeJYYHqXzwn9P4IWxikJbES9h2oPfG1/s1600/brownie+pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtSN9B7wJZ7Cn5Wng4sGEoMVONLjGiWhGKxJfw6vCGsERG2vTZrD0-Uqwmrj7YuVDm0WOzCNIBz2TZv21f9IDkd0j0N02nR57_jOgx4CtyJzRToeJYYHqXzwn9P4IWxikJbES9h2oPfG1/s400/brownie+pops.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Here's how you can make some of your own:<br />
1. Bake a pan of brownies (from a box is even better because it is so very quick - you don't even need to pull out your mixer, just hand mix the ingredients). <br />
2. After they've cooled, break up the brownies into a bowl and then form them into balls (rolling them with your hands).<br />
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3.I put the sticks in at this point (which I bought at Micheal's craft store) and then put them in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.</div>
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4.I melted some <em>Wilton Melts</em> chocolate in the microwave (according the the package instructions) and then dipped my brownie bits.</div>
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5.Apply your sprinkles of choice and let the chocolate harden on a piece of wax paper (approximately 20 minutes).</div>
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6.I tied ribbons onto each stick for a little extra whoomp!</div>
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They were perfect and quick. The brownies are soooo very moist and very yummy. I love these because you can change up the colour of the chocolate or sprinkles to match your own party's theme. And, it looks like you've created something amazing - which you have - but no one needs to know you whipped it up like nothing! ;)</div>
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Like I said, we love our music teacher and I only hope that we are lucky enough to be in one of her classes again in the future. We brought her a little gift - Scarlett coloured her a picture (lol - a self portrait!) and then I went to an amazing chocolate boutique I know of (one of the benefits of working downtown!) and got her some uberly delicious chocolate coconut disks and butter crunch. I made a little tag for the chocolates, which was a picture of a lollipop with the words "<em>you are so </em>sweet" on it.</div>
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I know that as my kids get older, and are involved in the various different activities they will undoubtedly be a part of, I will meet a lot of different parents and teachers/coaches/instructors, <em>etc</em>. If every experience parallels this one, I will be very happy, and will make a lot of friends along the way!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeYGrArM16T3B0zhCEBIBUoJMWzBLIpwANaXC3Ti5tme_TC483ueMQZ2-fyYPjEhDQ-Kykt52atoslJqlUCC53Sgfc4buCBvdMRUa2BUDlHdiFz2Lp8-tOsm2AxcA82kZIAAdw6rGYesH/s1600/browniepop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeYGrArM16T3B0zhCEBIBUoJMWzBLIpwANaXC3Ti5tme_TC483ueMQZ2-fyYPjEhDQ-Kykt52atoslJqlUCC53Sgfc4buCBvdMRUa2BUDlHdiFz2Lp8-tOsm2AxcA82kZIAAdw6rGYesH/s400/browniepop4.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-90690176736069525502012-05-06T07:30:00.002-07:002012-05-06T07:30:03.858-07:00Chocolate Guinness CakeLast night was a very special night because my family and I were celebrating both my Dad and Mom's birthdays and my little sister's college graduation. I was given the task of bringing the birthday cake (I always volunteer for anything baking related) and had set off in search of that <span style="font-size: large;"><em>perfect</em></span> cake!<br />
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I had a few different options in mind, mostly ones that I had pinned onto my 'baking/desert' board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. When I logged onto to check what I had saved, my eye immediately went to the absolute perfectly suiting cake for our celebration...yes, I'm talking about a <strong>Chocolate Guinness Cake</strong>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEvqq5ehyIOZIHWq6-CRc-95BGVXytiZcjWayE-5gBr0tjI-2QCy2eAlF3JU7wVSyFFDhhXa-6jGMxNLB-6653vURp4he3ab1myCgwfzOdvhL4EdvKuOrjsE5X4zIYGehtromPoGZxTWI/s1600/guinesscake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEvqq5ehyIOZIHWq6-CRc-95BGVXytiZcjWayE-5gBr0tjI-2QCy2eAlF3JU7wVSyFFDhhXa-6jGMxNLB-6653vURp4he3ab1myCgwfzOdvhL4EdvKuOrjsE5X4zIYGehtromPoGZxTWI/s400/guinesscake.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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This cake is so suiting for us for many different reasons. First, I love to try baking anything new and different. Also, my husband and dad are both Guinness freaks so I knew it would be a hit with them. And, furthermore, my family is partaking on a trip to Ireland this summer so I thought it would be a great way to tie that in as well (my sisters graduation gift were some Euros)!</div>
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I got the recipe from <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/10/in-the-kitchen-with-katie-quinn-davies-guinness-cake.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a>. which by the way, has so gorgeous pictures of this cake. It is simple to make and doesn't require any crazy ingredients or baking tools! Perfect.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Chocolate Guinness Cake</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong></span>■250 g (1 c. and 2 tbsp) unsalted butter<br />
■250 ml (1 c.) Guinness</div>
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■75 g Dutch process cocoa ( 3/4 c.), sifted</div>
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■275 g (2 + 1/4 c.) all purpose flour, sifted</div>
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■2 tsp. baking soda</div>
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■400 g (2 c.) sugar</div>
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■2 medium eggs</div>
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■150 ml (2/3 c.) sour cream</div>
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■1 tbsp. good quality vanilla extract</div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frosting:</span></u></strong>■300 g (1 + 1/3 cup) cream cheese</div>
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■150 g (1+1/2 c.) powdered sugar, sifted</div>
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■150 ml (2/3 c.) cream, whipped</div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking Instructions:</span></u></strong></div>
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Preheat oven to 180C/350F.</div>
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1. Add butter, cocoa and Guinness to a saucepan. Warm over a medium heat and stir until melted. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly.</div>
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2. Add flour, baking soda and sugar to a large mixing bowl and mix together well. Pour in the Guinness/cocoa/butter mixture, lightly combine, add the vanilla, eggs and sour cream and beat everything together until well combined. The batter should be thick and dark chocolate in color. </div>
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3. Pour into a greased and lined 10″ angel food pan (or another straight-sided tube pan) and cook in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean from the centre of the cake.*Note: This cake is very moist inside, so use your judgment regarding the skewer test. Do not leave in the oven until the cake has totally dried out — cook long enough so there is no uncooked cake on the skewer but there may be a few moist crumbs sticking to it after an hour of cooking. [Please note: This recipe is designed for using an 8.5" x 3.5" pan. If you make this in a regular angel food cake pan, you should start checking for doneness at least 15 minutes early.]</div>
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4. Leave to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from the cake tin and placing on a wire wrack to cool completely.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Frosting Instructions:</u></strong></span></div>
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1. Place the cream cheese into the bowl of a mixer and beat on a low-medium speed using a whisk attachment (I find a paddle attachment tends to over-beat the cheese). Whisk until the cheese is smooth and there are no big lumps remaining.</div>
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2. Gradually, using a large spoon, add in the sifted powdered sugar and beat gently to combine. After 2 to 3 minutes, stop the machine, scrape any excess frosting from the sides of the bowl and beat on medium speed until lump free. </div>
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3. Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in the whipped cream, mixing to fully combine. </div>
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4. Place cooled cake on a cake stand and add the frosting, spreading out just to the edge without going over the side (never go over the sides of the cake) until the cake resembles a pint of the creamy black stuff! The idea is to capture the essence and simplicity of a pint of Guinness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwxOh-iilzewCDLzU_RtxjarRLHi6LyGEugIVNdQp9oEDPAnmKlU2PUF5zapXhjv5pUt0w2iHdbErLDNsspHFyrroqNmJE-GM4tx6CqJpjObvcyXoiqB_mn8XadTYem7UOY0_QQ74bw1K/s1600/guinesscake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwxOh-iilzewCDLzU_RtxjarRLHi6LyGEugIVNdQp9oEDPAnmKlU2PUF5zapXhjv5pUt0w2iHdbErLDNsspHFyrroqNmJE-GM4tx6CqJpjObvcyXoiqB_mn8XadTYem7UOY0_QQ74bw1K/s400/guinesscake2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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This cake is <strong>so</strong> yummy (when it's baking the smell is absolutely divine!) and a great conversation piece. I love how the dark chocolate part of the cake, topped off with the frothy looking white frosting, resembles an actual pint of Guinness! It is soooo very moist and the frosting is a show stopper! Do yourself a favor and try out this great recipe! Cheers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6gyKdgRlNTQ2nlvrJoH1G3Yg3p1UPlU5MoajkFkjfra_wswEPiqrrVFlUtopxufTfFXyHdd1-UbXTgaIvxEk90jDQLKgf-OMd6F1yYiEYOqLOy8AZDhKSAnc3fUa28wpwEskxBHcb-fE/s1600/guinesscake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6gyKdgRlNTQ2nlvrJoH1G3Yg3p1UPlU5MoajkFkjfra_wswEPiqrrVFlUtopxufTfFXyHdd1-UbXTgaIvxEk90jDQLKgf-OMd6F1yYiEYOqLOy8AZDhKSAnc3fUa28wpwEskxBHcb-fE/s320/guinesscake3.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2pJWZ23O-qUxMX3kj5IJOzerCQZqn7E4DzMNlcCM1mR2RJbYqg4ZohwxUsrfEguwHoaLgCQSpl_69bcC2IPNdpmLzACqmNUcdP6WlGXQfpwRe6qFg-Y6h2-N0VGf53QXgfJrvVYYOBJR/s1600/guinesscake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2pJWZ23O-qUxMX3kj5IJOzerCQZqn7E4DzMNlcCM1mR2RJbYqg4ZohwxUsrfEguwHoaLgCQSpl_69bcC2IPNdpmLzACqmNUcdP6WlGXQfpwRe6qFg-Y6h2-N0VGf53QXgfJrvVYYOBJR/s320/guinesscake4.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And finally...I have one more thing to cover - the results of my contest!!</span></div>
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So, I just want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone that took the time to enter my contest, pin the posting on pinterest, and/or post it on Facebook or Twitter. You all rock and I appreciate it so very much.</div>
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Now, by random number generator, the winner is...</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><u>Kristi from <a href="http://schnitzelandboo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Schnitzel and Boo</a>!!!!!</u></span></div>
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<em>Thank you so much Kristi</em>!!!! I will be in contact with you to get your mailing address so that I can send you out this awesome recipe book!! :)</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-85476671376075625992012-04-30T21:40:00.001-07:002012-04-30T21:43:34.451-07:00Heirloom Chicken Noodle Soup<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love when you have a go-to recipe that has been passed down from someone special. I have a few different recipes like this, but one of my favorites is my grandma's chicken noodle soup!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My grandma is an amazing cook and I always look forward to a meal at her house. When she use to live on a farm, she would prepare dishes with ingredients made right out of her garden. I loved it. She no longer lives in the country but when I come visit her and sample some of her delicious food, it's almost like I'm a teenager again, back in the kitchen at the farm, enjoying something very familiar and comforting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, the other thing that's awesome about this recipe, besides its nostalgia value, is it's simplicity. I make it after I've made a chicken or turkey for dinner (I'll make stalk from the carcass) or I'll make it using chicken broth that I've bought at the grocery store. It's versatile, you can use fat egg noodles like I do, or exchange those for rice or whatever noodle you prefer. I will often use different types of vegetables in it as well, depending on what I have available (or what I want to use up) from my vegetable crisper in the fridge.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpndxXQ_XoC2hlrhDCjgOl8hdOSGiv45hE4fnVQTU9yTNtOMcgHBUWI4XBAr1QnYDL1KSbtMh7NsnMCMkrjezoNiAGP_-W6e07AxbnkfTJ23BJDwQNY59ize-cxqqPmyeSv71NfwvqMkM/s1600/sppons.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpndxXQ_XoC2hlrhDCjgOl8hdOSGiv45hE4fnVQTU9yTNtOMcgHBUWI4XBAr1QnYDL1KSbtMh7NsnMCMkrjezoNiAGP_-W6e07AxbnkfTJ23BJDwQNY59ize-cxqqPmyeSv71NfwvqMkM/s400/sppons.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source<span style="color: black;">: </span><a href="http://www.soupchick.com/pots-tureens-bowls/"><span style="color: black;">http://www.soupchick.com/pots-tureens-bowls/</span></a></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heirloom Chicken Noodle Soup</span></u></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Equal parts chicken broth and water (i.e. if you are using 2 cups of chicken broth, add 2 cups of water as well) <em>OR</em> fill 3/4 of your soup pot full with your homemade chicken stalk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/2 large onion (chopped)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 cup celery (chopped)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 medium carrots (chopped)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 large garlic cloves (chopped)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Chicken meat (you desired amount depending on how meaty you want your soup to be)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Dash of savory</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/2 tsp of marjoram</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Dash of sage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Dash of cumin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Dash of coriander</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 Bay leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1/2 Tsp of salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 Tbsps of Chicken OXO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 pkg. of egg noodles (include more depending on how noodley you want your soup to be)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- In a large soup pot, add your broth and water (or stalk), onion, celery, and garlic - bring to a boil <br />- Add in all spices (keep adding to desired taste)<br />- Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and add to broth along with carrots<br />- Add in noodles 10-20 minutes before serving<br />- Enjoy!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It really is as simple as that! I love to make this soup and put it into individual portioned containers and then freeze them; that way when I'm in a hurry to make my lunch I can just grab one and go. If you end up making some of this soup I hope you love it as much as I do!! I will update this post with a picture of it when I make some next week!</span>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-62776132146727557562012-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:002012-04-29T07:15:41.497-07:00Celebrating with Cake and a CONTEST!Happy April 28th! This is a super special day to me because today is my baby girl's first birthday!! Yes, I can't believe that an entire year has passed us by already. It has gone by with incredible speed and looking back, yes, there have been some bad days, some tired days, and a lot of messy days but I wouldn't trade one day for anything in the world. The amazing thing when you have children is that you almost get to re-experience the wonders of life; you discover what ice cream tastes like for the first time, feel grass in between your toes again, and believe in magic. I love my kids so much and they bring so much joy into my life. <br />
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<em>Kate, I know you can't read this, but mommy loves you so very much. You make my life so full of happiness and excitement. I look forward to the many many years to come, being at your side, cheering you on. I love you - happy first birthday, my sweet little girl!</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCveotZFY4yilX8SKo8nCakNLPDgwbf5wkPx-e5UqWaAJS29ybumRjJVWxWdw2wTx-rcidprO3vFKu8kfhgjOpdRzTYZLE4IusmUjXdFn4mgmU16Z5QP_tOWJqJ5RytfyMXed335KGAAT/s1600/Bkateisone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCveotZFY4yilX8SKo8nCakNLPDgwbf5wkPx-e5UqWaAJS29ybumRjJVWxWdw2wTx-rcidprO3vFKu8kfhgjOpdRzTYZLE4IusmUjXdFn4mgmU16Z5QP_tOWJqJ5RytfyMXed335KGAAT/s400/Bkateisone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We did already have Kate's big birthday party last weekend, however, we can't let her real birthday go by without doing a little something special. So today we are having a small BBQ in her honor! </div>
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We didn't actually have a birthday cake for her last weekend either (just a cupcake) so today I made her a very special cake from my all time favorite baking recipe book - <strong>Baking From my Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan</strong>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGbV8s2jHwQgMuaUZwl81yJ_rcTmYlb_NQon8XbNdMVhPoXEPA89w9ZDr4gTvNg7SHc4NyuZOEOvxycEt77J2ASwcj-hwPenB14LJt2_iyREeeOkUO-OkYiH4ZM2laQJ9u47BXwjcBX5i/s1600/celebrationcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGbV8s2jHwQgMuaUZwl81yJ_rcTmYlb_NQon8XbNdMVhPoXEPA89w9ZDr4gTvNg7SHc4NyuZOEOvxycEt77J2ASwcj-hwPenB14LJt2_iyREeeOkUO-OkYiH4ZM2laQJ9u47BXwjcBX5i/s400/celebrationcake.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">White <span style="color: magenta;">Celebration</span> Cake!</span></u></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cake: </span></u></strong></div>
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2 1/4 cups cake flour<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 1/4 cups whole milk or buttermilk<br />
4 large egg whites<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest<br />
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buttercream: </span></u></strong></div>
1 cup sugar<br />
4 large egg whites<br />
3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)<br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
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<u><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishing: </span></strong></u><br />
2/3 cup seedless raspberry preserves, stirred vigorously or warmed gently until spreadable<br />
About 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></u></strong><br />
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1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-x-2-inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each pan with a round of buttered parchment or wax paper. Put the pans on a baking sheet.</div>
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2.For the Cake: Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.</div>
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3.Whisk together the milk and egg whites in a medium bowl.</div>
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4.Put the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant.</div>
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5.Add the butter and, working with the paddle or whisk attachment, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light. Beat in the extract, then add one-third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed.</div>
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6.Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, beating until the batter is homogeneous, then add the last of the dry ingredients.</div>
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7.Finally, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops with a rubber spatula.</div>
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8.Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and springy to the touch – a thin knife inserted into the centers should come out clean. Transfer the cakes to cooling racks and cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife around the sides of the cakes, unmold them and peel off the paper liners. Invert and cool to room temperature right side up. (The cooled cake layers can be wrapped airtight and stored at room temperature overnight or frozen for up to 2 months.)</div>
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9.For the Buttercream: Put the sugar and egg whites in a mixer bowl or other large heatproof bowl, fit the bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk constantly, keeping the mixture over the heat, until it feels hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. The sugar should be dissolved, and the mixture will look like shiny marshmallow cream. Remove the bowl from the heat.</div>
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10.Working with the whisk attachment or with a hand mixer, beat the meringue on medium speed until it is cool, about 5 minutes. Switch to the paddle attachment if you have one, and add the butter a stick at a time, beating until smooth.</div>
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11.Once all the butter is in, beat the buttercream on medium-high speed until it is thick and very smooth, 6 to 10 minutes. During this time, the buttercream may curdle or separate – just keep beating and it will come together again. On medium speed, gradually beat in the lemon juice, waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding more, and then the vanilla. Press a piece of plastic against the surface of the buttercream and set aside briefly.</div>
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12.To Assemble the Cake: Using a sharp, serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion, slice each layer horizontally in half. Put one layer cut side up on a cardboard cake round or a cake plate protected by strips of wax or parchment paper. Spread it with one third of the preserves. Cover the jam evenly with about one quarter of the buttercream. Top with another layer, spread with preserves and buttercream and then do the same with the third layer (you’ll have used all the jam and have buttercream left over). Place the last layer cut side down on top of the cake and use the remaining buttercream to frost the sides and top. Press the coconut into the frosting, patting it gently all over the sides and top.</div>
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**STORING: The cake is best the day it is made, but you can refrigerate it, well covered, for up to 2 days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbKW4YETI4BCRdbmcdDhaxA9Ca6EYumwZw9UPxXY5whUfUyWM28y4GBGlABvi637ikrWs1qitGQhZKofSLgZtZdcuk_n-9QD3Ixi2Yek9gLSL9ndzziVxkySk2NCtak4Axzk-90Pvmi2_/s1600/celebrationcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbKW4YETI4BCRdbmcdDhaxA9Ca6EYumwZw9UPxXY5whUfUyWM28y4GBGlABvi637ikrWs1qitGQhZKofSLgZtZdcuk_n-9QD3Ixi2Yek9gLSL9ndzziVxkySk2NCtak4Axzk-90Pvmi2_/s400/celebrationcake2.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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And there you have it, AMAZINGLY delicious cake that you can use for any important celebration! I know the girls are going to love this cake and I hope to make it more often for our special occasions so that when they are older, they can look back at this recipe and want to recreate it themselves (maybe when they are celebrating their little one's first birthday! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq7TTJ_hmOBOjbrxahNlg1Q1raJdxQDFgPpE51Jrv74v5Ez6MXK703UBMI5OBw5xJbHdN_OwuEJYBbQ5bFWwalEqVGky9O1FfmvFKkiJz-0dXdT8fBRqzhdDTB6aRlGSP5aOnvWE73shN/s1600/celebrationcake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq7TTJ_hmOBOjbrxahNlg1Q1raJdxQDFgPpE51Jrv74v5Ez6MXK703UBMI5OBw5xJbHdN_OwuEJYBbQ5bFWwalEqVGky9O1FfmvFKkiJz-0dXdT8fBRqzhdDTB6aRlGSP5aOnvWE73shN/s400/celebrationcake3.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">LOL - do you think she liked it?!</span></div>
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NOW - don't go just yet!! <span style="font-size: large;">I have one more thing to cover</span>! I noticed this morning that I have hit a small milestone on my little blog. I am happy to have 200 followers now!! </div>
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In honour of this I want to have <strong>my very first give-away</strong>!! When thinking about what I wanted to pass forward as a token of my appreciation I knew instantly what would go perfectly in co-ordination with today's post!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">SO, I am giving away a brand new copy of the fabulous Ms. Dorie Greenspan's cookbook, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"<em>Paris Sweets</em>"!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjjJOqWGnCAFzuOYm3JCIoldBLX1GfEfbkhj4YIBWDusmYkN42fBV__99D7lUzvJwSGdNt3UWJ6qt-5rrkEAN7hx18PopY_UX3eewQtWPAXOeu7IpvNFYJMuj2v_pq6V85DI3m5viXxGy/s1600/Paris-Sweets3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjjJOqWGnCAFzuOYm3JCIoldBLX1GfEfbkhj4YIBWDusmYkN42fBV__99D7lUzvJwSGdNt3UWJ6qt-5rrkEAN7hx18PopY_UX3eewQtWPAXOeu7IpvNFYJMuj2v_pq6V85DI3m5viXxGy/s320/Paris-Sweets3.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Here is a link to the <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Paris-Sweets-Great-Desserts-Pastry/dp/0767906810/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_T1?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CVUYDD5AU37F&colid=355QGTAJM31DM" target="_blank">amazon listing</a> for the cookbook, if you want to check out reviews or details on it. Today is April 28th, so I'll leave the contest open until 9am (mountain time) on May 6th - so about one week. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To enter the contest, please just leave a comment in the comment section below</span>. If you pin this posting to one of your pinterest boards, you'll get two entries (<strong>PLEASE</strong> say in the comment section if you've pinned it AND a way that I can get a hold of you, should you win).</div>
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If you want to learn more about the amazing Ms. Dorie Greenspan and her recipe books, here is a link to <a href="http://doriegreenspan.com/index.html" target="_blank">her website</a>. Below are a few pics I found from other blogs who have made recipes out of this book (just to your senses tingling!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNNgq6UHBZFfFpEq3tzbq1dXo9D8XXGaGirymuUwiUTKQUJ-QzJ08uGY-b5qaU-vHZPAoNqvWU5iAcFVYP1liT7tIkuhUJOQ0r2QNqCJQKsUUmvEKFnThjzTnEH5EjImCGuriq6zeX065/s1600/paris+sweets+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="228" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNNgq6UHBZFfFpEq3tzbq1dXo9D8XXGaGirymuUwiUTKQUJ-QzJ08uGY-b5qaU-vHZPAoNqvWU5iAcFVYP1liT7tIkuhUJOQ0r2QNqCJQKsUUmvEKFnThjzTnEH5EjImCGuriq6zeX065/s320/paris+sweets+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">source: </span><a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/08/23/peace-offering/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/08/23/peace-offering/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQWH5fTn3CiN7pDIV2G_QCf_0b_S9qe8yxU4EXD8xuRM36h-5yRlGIh6pBDdSr781L8I_278GD4gKUa0pQM7eWgxg82UDyCvsBqF-1ci7MO0Zc7CeJyFl41Vy2xYPhhyWkER-q-DhHm3t/s1600/parissweets4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQWH5fTn3CiN7pDIV2G_QCf_0b_S9qe8yxU4EXD8xuRM36h-5yRlGIh6pBDdSr781L8I_278GD4gKUa0pQM7eWgxg82UDyCvsBqF-1ci7MO0Zc7CeJyFl41Vy2xYPhhyWkER-q-DhHm3t/s320/parissweets4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">source:</span><a href="http://bossacafez.blogspot.ca/2010/11/eclairs-au-cafe-coffee-eclairs.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://bossacafez.blogspot.ca/2010/11/eclairs-au-cafe-coffee-eclairs.html</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMkaqUxvp4Y4_WIM8OeSB2tA4-hEMvND9rNVLS9BdEPIB__VK5yiiNq2-OYhiGz1whh7caTFiCG7o48-e-WWzHRc8UO2mNOCN7OzBXKwee8DzY7QinJhCPCdccL6hBmjFqBksPisasl0r/s1600/DB-Opera+cake+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMkaqUxvp4Y4_WIM8OeSB2tA4-hEMvND9rNVLS9BdEPIB__VK5yiiNq2-OYhiGz1whh7caTFiCG7o48-e-WWzHRc8UO2mNOCN7OzBXKwee8DzY7QinJhCPCdccL6hBmjFqBksPisasl0r/s1600/DB-Opera+cake+036.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">source:</span><a href="http://onceuponacookie.blogspot.ca/2008/05/little-fairy-opera-cakes.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://onceuponacookie.blogspot.ca/2008/05/little-fairy-opera-cakes.html</span></a></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-43073574148568450522012-04-26T19:24:00.001-07:002012-05-01T12:45:39.045-07:00Meal Planning MayAs I mentioned in yesterday's post, one way I am preparing myself for the return to work is by meal-planning. It seriously saves you so much time and money. I absolutely hate that feeling when you get home from work, you're starving, the kids are starving, and you are going from the pantry to the fridge and then back to the pantry, scratching your head and wondering what on Earth you are going to serve for dinner! Without meal-planning, I also run the risk of going to the grocery store every day. For some reason, when I go there, I'm just so concerned with getting in and out, I don't think past the moment and I never get more than I need for the dinner I will be preparing that evening. <em>BUT</em>...with my trusty list of preplanned meals, I can cut down on constantly going to the store and, if I'm being honest, the last minute pizza ordering that also often occurs when I'm not prepared! I thought I would share with you my meal plan for the month of May. I planned for 5 new meals per week with 2 days a week for left-overs. In reality, 5 meals for my family makes a lot of left-overs but I plan on packaging most of those into individual servings and freezing them. That way when I have to make my lunch the next day, I can just grab a pre-portioned meal and go! <br />
I will also provide you with your weekly grocery list, but, please keep in mind that on the grocery list I am not including the staples that I'm thinking you would generally have in your home already (sugar, oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, spices, butter, <em>etc</em>.); please review the recipes before you go to the store so that you do not miss anything! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0NwxqTrAKz2EFRzozYqh5pBufaly6BIj4-kEzV9nYKiRrDK88rqtUePB00-ptvsutMA7UrGBotW1qvgPtPXSw4Mgq77f0_PaKUXKDKmeX-kyyscPkii_jVm1dFrCZRZOIJDJ-iYQDv_l/s1600/meal-planning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0NwxqTrAKz2EFRzozYqh5pBufaly6BIj4-kEzV9nYKiRrDK88rqtUePB00-ptvsutMA7UrGBotW1qvgPtPXSw4Mgq77f0_PaKUXKDKmeX-kyyscPkii_jVm1dFrCZRZOIJDJ-iYQDv_l/s400/meal-planning.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source: <a href="http://satoridesignforliving.com/2012/01/everyday-made-easy-meal-planning/">http://satoridesignforliving.com/2012/01/everyday-made-easy-meal-planning/</a></span></div>
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Here are the month's meals. I have provided links to the recipes for each meal. When there is no link (you will there's not suppose to be a link because the meal is not underlined in those cases), I am assuming that this is a general, everyone knows how to make it type meal.</div>
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The meal idea I am giving is for, in the most part, the main part of the meal, feel free to add your favorite side dishes. When I include items like "garden salad" do what works best for you (add a bag of salad to your grocery list, make a salad from scratch, or replace it with your favorite rice, veggie, <em>etc.</em>). Also note that some meals require some preparation the day before you plan on making it (for example, slow cooker recipes or marinating).</div>
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<u><strong>Week One Meals:</strong></u></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/old_fashioned_meat_loaf_aka_basic_meatloaf/" target="_blank">Meat loaf</a> with garden salad</div>
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2.<a href="http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/164785/Garlic-Parmesan-Crusted-Pork-Chops" target="_blank">Garlic Parmesan Pork</a> chops with noodles</div>
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3.<a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/06/07/classic-cobb-salad-with-red-wine-lemon-vinaigrette/" target="_blank">Cobb salad</a></div>
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4.<a href="http://mychocolatetherapy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken tacos</a> (**slow cooker recipe - requires morning time prep!)</div>
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5.Make your own Pizzas (this is basically using all your left over veggies and cheese from the above recipes and making a pizza out of them!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNvSa1a04Hf8yzjiQUGETLE6CaB6hiQd11gmaXTKX0wQ9in-UbI-9fMq320vhakVuTcT6ICf2K0FmuqBZYTHNaMMMJ60hhhnWCKOmur8-zeziM4YT_AA2zMkntaO0t2Fhnpdyd9vt-ePq/s1600/cobbsalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNvSa1a04Hf8yzjiQUGETLE6CaB6hiQd11gmaXTKX0wQ9in-UbI-9fMq320vhakVuTcT6ICf2K0FmuqBZYTHNaMMMJ60hhhnWCKOmur8-zeziM4YT_AA2zMkntaO0t2Fhnpdyd9vt-ePq/s320/cobbsalad.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source: <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/06/07/classic-cobb-salad-with-red-wine-lemon-vinaigrette/">http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/06/07/classic-cobb-salad-with-red-wine-lemon-vinaigrette/</a></span></strong></div>
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<u><strong>Week Two Meals:</strong></u></div>
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1.<a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/02/yummy-cheesy-chicken-roll-ups-recipe/" target="_blank">Chicken roll-ups</a> with steamed veggies</div>
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2.<a href="http://melissafallistestkitchen.blogspot.ca/2011/09/freezer-cooking-slow-cooker-meals.html" target="_blank">Crock pot stew</a> (**slow cooker recipe - requires morning time prep!)</div>
3.Beef Burritos <br />
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4.<a href="http://rhodesbread.com/blog/blog/braided-spaghetti-bread" target="_blank">Garlic bread spaghetti</a></div>
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5. Spinach, grilled chicken, feta, and craisin salad (just toss these items together and finish off with some raspberry vinegrette!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYzEtN8bLVIT1PD7CLL1nKu_erZTlEyf9qn7Wj1xAO9nr5yfPJrje571l8ZF1ikblWXlyEiSp_ACOCydqARMmtbdnaEYYNlMo1JHhKeL63Pgn0QBJwFrrrxxESVJHm6iS06ktw0Zs3nBz/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYzEtN8bLVIT1PD7CLL1nKu_erZTlEyf9qn7Wj1xAO9nr5yfPJrje571l8ZF1ikblWXlyEiSp_ACOCydqARMmtbdnaEYYNlMo1JHhKeL63Pgn0QBJwFrrrxxESVJHm6iS06ktw0Zs3nBz/s320/IMG_5481.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source: <a href="http://rhodesbread.com/blog/blog/braided-spaghetti-bread">http://rhodesbread.com/blog/blog/braided-spaghetti-bread</a></span></strong></div>
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<u><strong>Week Three Meals:</strong></u></div>
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1.<a href="http://www.mmmisformommy.com/2011/09/easy-barbecued-ribs.html" target="_blank">Slow cooker ribs</a> with wild rice and steamed veggies(**slow cooker recipe - requires morning time prep!)</div>
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<strong>The link provided for the ribs is only for the sauce used in this recipe, so use this sauce recipe on your ribs and put into slow cooker on low for 8 hours)</strong></div>
2.<a href="http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/2012/04/roasted-sausage-potatoes-and-peppers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CinnamonSpiceEverythingNice+%28Cinnamon+Girl+Recipes%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Roasted sausage, potatoes and peppers</a> <br />
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3.<a href="http://thehandcraftedcottage.blogspot.ca/2012/04/heirloom-chicken-noodle-soup.html" target="_blank">Homemade chicken noodle soup</a> </div>
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4.Grilled chicken burgers and fries</div>
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5.Grilled chicken greek salad with couscous (I will blog the recipe for this in the coming days and refresh this post with the link to the recipe!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN98jGS8ZkCjYCStVGScoBD_T9Vj8MshPqggG_Kls7LQ0vo9NrWGy1ylXiTet581pXKDxBhb5nhcnpYrLwpoAyHMTEaQN7wuEqzbceKhW-JlZw5xxT85AnHLNmn_cepi2IYyuyPN3QFyhi/s1600/Roasted-Sausage-Potatoes-Peppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN98jGS8ZkCjYCStVGScoBD_T9Vj8MshPqggG_Kls7LQ0vo9NrWGy1ylXiTet581pXKDxBhb5nhcnpYrLwpoAyHMTEaQN7wuEqzbceKhW-JlZw5xxT85AnHLNmn_cepi2IYyuyPN3QFyhi/s320/Roasted-Sausage-Potatoes-Peppers.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">source: <a href="http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/">http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/</a></span></div>
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<strong><u>Week Four Meals:</u></strong></div>
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1. <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/02/09/buffalo-chicken-salad/" target="_blank">Buffalo chicken salad</a></div>
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2.<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/08/filipino-bbq-skewers-3-ww-pts.html" target="_blank">Pork kabobs</a> with BBQ grilled veggies (low fat!(**requires morning time prep for marinating!)</div>
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3.<a href="http://www.americanfamily.com/recipes/easy-slow-cooker-jambalaya/43136/RL" target="_blank">Slow cooker jambalaya</a> (**slow cooker recipe - requires morning time prep!)</div>
4.Subs with raw veggies and dip <br />
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5.Potroast with garden salad and buns</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ye2TYPyPNp9hKt__VpF7IbkY1Fes8P6vlyGMcgBYU6jAWzjHplEmI-WDUwcNfEnO-ByXGPLXXruXDZ_O234NzH0ydU431q1F138Vhro4UivRRCi-lmZvtpsY_rSUOgueNTprNtxYb3s/s1600/filipino-pork-skewers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ye2TYPyPNp9hKt__VpF7IbkY1Fes8P6vlyGMcgBYU6jAWzjHplEmI-WDUwcNfEnO-ByXGPLXXruXDZ_O234NzH0ydU431q1F138Vhro4UivRRCi-lmZvtpsY_rSUOgueNTprNtxYb3s/s320/filipino-pork-skewers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">source: <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/08/filipino-bbq-skewers-3-ww-pts.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/08/filipino-bbq-skewers-3-ww-pts.html</a></span></div>
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Here are the grocery lists. I suggest copying and pasting them into a word document as required!</div>
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<strong><u>Week One:</u></strong></div>
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- 1 pound ground beef</div>
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- 4 pork chops</div>
- 8 chicken breasts<br />
- 2 avocados<br />
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce<br />
- 2 tomatoes<br />
- 1 red onion<br />
- 1 white onion <br />
- 1 lemon <br />
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- 2 garlic bulb</div>
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- 1 green bell pepper</div>
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- 1 lemon</div>
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- salad</div>
- 3 egg <br />
- sour cream <br />
- 1 - 8 oz pkg of cream cheese (<strong>**optional to add to the crock pot chicken tacos!)</strong> <br />
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- 1 - 8 oz can of diced tomatoes</div>
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- red wine vinegar</div>
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- agave syrup</div>
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- 1 pkg. taco seasoning</div>
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- 1 jar of your favorite salsa</div>
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- Tortilla chips</div>
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- 3/4 cup of (shredded) Parmesan cheese -<strong> next week required a 1/4 cup of Parmesan as well so you could buy it now and store until then!</strong></div>
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- large pkg. of favorite cheese (cheddar, jack, mozza, <em>etc.) <strong>- this should be enough cheese for the chicken tacos, cobb salad, and the make your own pizza</strong></em></div>
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- 1 cup of bread crumbs</div>
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- pizza dough (prepare or pre-made dough)</div>
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- soft or hard taco shells or tortillas</div>
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- package of noodles</div>
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<strong><u>Week Two:</u></strong></div>
<br />
- 1 - 8 oz pkg of cream cheese<br />
- 3 cups of cheddar cheese (shredded)<br />
- 1 medium pkg. of mozza cheese<br />
- 1 small container of feta cheese<br />
- 1/4 cup of (shredded) Parmesan (<strong>if not bought in the previous week)</strong><br />
- 2 pkgs of refrigerated crescent roll dough<br />
- 1 frozen bread dough<br />
- broccoli florets<br />
- 1 green bell pepper<br />
- 2 tomatoes<br />
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce (<strong>you may have some left from last week</strong>)<br />
- 1 med. white onion<br />
- 2 carrots<br />
- 1 garlic bulb (<strong>you may have some left from last week</strong>)<br />
- 1 pkg of craisins<br />
- bag of baby spinach leaves<br />
- salad<br />
- 1 can of tomato paste<br />
- 1 can of spaghetti sauce<br />
- 1 pkg of taco seasoning<br />
- 1 pkg of spaghetti noodles<br />
- 1 bottle of raspberry vinegrette<br />
- 4 chicken breasts<br />
- 3 pounds of beef stew meat<br />
- 1 pound of ground beef<br />
- 1 pkg of Italian sausage <strong>(optional for the spaghetti bread)</strong><br />
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<strong><u>Week Three:</u></strong><br />
- 1 pkg of pork ribs<br />
- 1 pkg of Italian sausage<br />
- 8 chicken breasts (depending on how many grilled chicken burgers you need! Remember you need chicken for the soup, greek salad, and the chicken burgers!)<br />
- 2 garlic bulb<br />
- 3 bell peppers<br />
- 1 cucumber<br />
- 2-3 tomatoes<br />
- 2 large white onion<br />
- 2 red onion (for grilled chicken burgers and the greek salad)<br />
- 3 celery stalks<br />
- 2 carrots<br />
- 1 lemon<br />
- fresh rosemary<br />
- 2 Tbsp of (shredded) Parmesan<br />
- 1 large container of feta cheese<br />
- 1 medium pkg of Monterrey jack cheese (for grilled chicken burgers)<br />
- dijon mustard<br />
- cornstarch<br />
- wild rice<br />
- frozen or fresh veggies for steaming<br />
- chicken stock (homemade or bought)<br />
- 1 pkg of egg noodles<br />
- 1 box of couscous<br />
- 1 pkg of burger buns (for the grilled chicken burgers)<br />
- Fries (homemade or premade)<br />
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<strong><u>Week Four:</u></strong><br />
- 1 romaine lettuce<br />
- 6 celery stalks<br />
- 3 tomatoes (for the buffalo chicken salad and the subs)<br />
- 1 yellow and green zucchini<br />
- mushrooms<br />
- 3 bell peppers<br />
- 1 red onion<br />
- potatoes<br />
- carrots<br />
- 2 white onions<br />
- raw veggies of your choice (to dip!)<br />
- salad<br />
- 1/2 cup of blue cheese<br />
- 4 slices of bacon<br />
- 4 chicken breasts (for the jambalaya and the buffalo chicken salad)<br />
- 2 1/2 pounds of pork meat<br />
- 1 pound of sausage<br />
- 1 pound of shrimp<br />
- 1 beef roast (your choice of size)<br />
- fresh deli meats<br />
- 1 jar of your favorite hot sauce<br />
- 1 jar of veggie dip<br />
- 1 - 28 oz can of diced tomatoes<br />
- 1 pkg of long grained rice<br />
- 2 cups of chicken broth<br />
- Cajun spice mix<br />
- sub buns<br />
- dinner rolls (to go with pot roast)<br />
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So there you go! <strong>Meals planned for the entire month</strong>, complete with <span style="font-size: large;">weekly grocery lists</span> to make all of the meals! Easy peasy! <br />
Again, I would really suggest to you to review the recipes before going shopping to make sure that I have not missed anything you may not have in your home. I know everyone has different staples so, please double check. Also, some items you may be able to buy in the earlier weeks if it means buying in bulk and saving some money!<br />
I seriously hope that this helps you out as much as it does me! If you plan on using this meal plan, please let me know how it went!!<br />
Happy eating! :)The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-65790012048273042862012-04-25T10:02:00.002-07:002012-04-26T09:29:56.515-07:00Making Stuff Happen!In 5 short days I will be <em>returning to my full time job</em> and completing my year-long maternity leave. I'm feeling so conflicted about this (as do most moms who are on the verge of returning back to their old grind after an extended time off)!<br />
Our family is going to be going through so many changes with my return to work. Going from a stay-at-home mom - colouring non-stop and watching the Disney channel, buying my groceries in the middle of the day, and avoiding traffic at all costs - to waking up at 5am, getting the kids to our new dayhome, dealing with rush hour traffic and downtown parking...oiy! The best I can do is hope that we survive and prepare myself as much as I can.<br />
It's ironic that with going back to work, I will be bringing in less money than being on maternity leave. I will now have to start paying for a dayhome (<strong>$1,500 a month</strong>!), parking, more gas, <em>etc</em>. Yes, it's not cheap to go back to work but it's something I have to do.<br />
To prepare myself and my family, I need to focus on 3 major areas. My first focus is my budget. As I mentioned with all my new expenses I will be bringing in less money per month so I need to address this and make some changes. I started off with a budget sheet and wrote down all my income versus expenses. You can find a great free printable at <a href="http://sissyprint.blogspot.ca/2011/06/freebie-friday-monthly-budget.html?showComment=1308344147242" target="_blank">Sissy Print</a> to record everything you need to track. I then found an excellent free printable for some cash budget envelopes at <a href="http://www.todaysnest.typepad.com/todays-nest/2010/09/todays-money-budgeting-with-cash-envelopes.html" target="_blank">Today's Nest</a>, which I really like because, for myself, when dealing with cash I'm less likely to go over budget (I guess it's a visual thing)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZlnqiFhCDGVQG7Mq8MIGyGlkZK9gJfRYntiPEA5xEjUmUJ1luuVScsxuZ3BAwFR63411N-faXSwIsxo7ekKiM0CgotIIarAEN63z_Brqiz1_0QiLUPYy8ujcD0XOdLDeh76_KlsC-qts/s1600/budgetenvelopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZlnqiFhCDGVQG7Mq8MIGyGlkZK9gJfRYntiPEA5xEjUmUJ1luuVScsxuZ3BAwFR63411N-faXSwIsxo7ekKiM0CgotIIarAEN63z_Brqiz1_0QiLUPYy8ujcD0XOdLDeh76_KlsC-qts/s400/budgetenvelopes.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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With that in order and all organized I then looked to another aspect of going back to work that will make things easier if I plan ahead...dinner time. I absolutely hate that feeling of getting home at 5:30pm, everyone is starving and we have no idea what to make for dinner! Meal planning...it saves you so much time and money (less implusive pizza buying and daily trips to the grocery store). I started pinning supper ideas a while ago and then, with the help of another awesome free printable from <a href="http://www.designfinch.com/2011/07/31/sunday-planning/" target="_blank">Design Finch</a> I can write down what we are going to have for dinner for a month at a time <strong>AND</strong> include a weekly shopping list! I don't know how I would survive without this!</div>
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<a href="http://www.designfinch.com/2011/07/31/sunday-planning/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDhigmD09RqzzjT_XhTrX7Unf7KDkIt-C4fPrl7XwB2K_2vvoDB_xjt8HmmsvgYS65CJ95UZ9vwYZKOcfbSbKMQLJHzIbjVukng02ZI4kx7N98QUlrYl9-RBOvkJWMxtmqPon7HaMTlt7/s640/pln_wklyplnnr_07_11.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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The third thing I needed to focus on is cleaning and home organization. Design Finch has some awesome free printables for this, as does <a href="http://bloominghomestead.blogspot.ca/2010/10/weekly-cleaning-schedule.html" target="_blank">Blooming Homestead</a>. Spending a few moments to write down your to-do list will really pay off in the end. You can find tons of different ideas on Pinterest that allow you to do small things, daily, to keep on top of the mess. Check out this one, for example, from <a href="http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.ca/2010/11/15-minutes-of-cleaning-how-to-have-fake.html" target="_blank">Organizing Made Fun</a>, which shows you how to keep your home sparkling, while cleaning for only 15-20 minutes every day.</div>
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For me these were the main things that I wanted to focus on to make the transition a bit easier. It's still going to be tough leaving my girls every day and I'm not looking forward to getting back into the grind. I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly and choosing to be positive about it! I am thankful that I have so many things to look forward too over the next year, which really makes going back a lot easier as well!</div>
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If you have any tips you'd like to share about being more organized and preparing to go back to work after a long period off, I'd LOVE to hear them!! :)<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> </div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-50965635332919755502012-04-24T08:09:00.001-07:002012-04-24T08:09:06.691-07:00How does your Garden Grow...Yesterday I started a new project - something that I've always dreamt of doing. Lack of <em>knowledge</em>, <em>time</em>, and <em>space</em> has always prevented me from actually going through with this little plan but I figured it's now or never so I took the plunge. <br />
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I went with my girls to a local garden centre, picked out several seed packages - after some research into which varieties were best for my climate - soil, and some cute Martha Stewart gardening tools (okay, so the tools were purchased on a whim but they are turquoise and brown and very fabulous looking).</div>
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Very excitedly, we came home and laid out our new treasures in front of us. I had seen on pinterest a few weeks back that you can save your empty toilet paper rolls and use them as seedling cups (click <a href="http://savingslifestyle.com/2011/06/stockpiling-reminder-roll-toilet-paper/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the article), so I also had a big bag of cardboard rolls. Apparently they can go right into the soil when you're ready to transplant them into your actual garden and the cardboard is biodegradable.</div>
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I found out that I had to start a few of my seeds indoors and a few of my seeds outdoors, after some reading and some very good advice from a domestic guru at <a href="http://schnitzelandboo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Schnitzel and Boo</a>. So, after putting the baby down for her nap (nightmare trying to work with dirt and minuscule seeds when a one year old is climbing all over everything!) we got started.</div>
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The in-door seeds that we started were zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and thyme. To start later, outside, we have strawberries, carrots, garlic, peas, dill, green onions, and potatoes. Now, I'm the farthest thing you can be from an expert so I hope this is right - I guess we'll see with time! :)</div>
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We got all our seeds into the cardboard cups, marked them and put them inside on our lovely Ikea seed table. First thing this morning my daughter ran downstairs to check out the "baby seeds" and she was pretty disappointed to find nothing more than our wet seedling cups just sitting there. I assured her with some time and sun and love they would be growing soon (inside I thought to myself, "I hope!").</div>
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Seeing that this is my first garden and that it is becoming a family affair (the mister is going to build me a 8 foot by 4 foot raised garden bed) I will post updates on how it is making out. <strong>What would success look like to me with this little project?</strong> Well, right now, I hoping that the seeds actually grow and to be able to transplant them outside; I would love to see something - <em>anything</em> - out in terms of actual veggies so that the girls can see how a seed turns into real food! I think, most definitely, the time we spend together, having fun working outside on our project will be a major win as well!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Such a nice day yesterday we had some fun in the playhouse too - yes, when I go down the slide it's a scary sight!! :)</span></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-23301452657358793062012-04-23T10:51:00.003-07:002012-04-24T08:10:13.633-07:00Milk and Cookies First BirthdayIn a few short days, my baby is turning one! I can't believe it. This past year has gone by with alarming quickness and now, before I know it, my baby isn't so much of a baby anymore!<br />
We ended up having to have her birthday party this past weekend because my mother-in-law would be away during her real birthday. Also, since I will be going back to work next week (boo-urns), it was nice to get the big festivities out of the way before my first day back - cut down on the chaos!<br />
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I, as most pinners do, have a crazy obsession with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and therefore started there to chose a birthday party theme. There are so many great ideas on this amazing website but as soon as I saw some Milk & Cookies party pics I knew this was the winner!</div>
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So started a few weeks in advance and made nine different types of cookies; my goal was to make ten different batches but by the ninth one I was done! Sugar cookies (family recipe), gingersnaps (family recipe), coconut macaroons (<a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/" target="_blank">Joy of Baking</a>), chocolate chip (family recipe), oatmeal raisin (<a href="http://aristocrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Aristocrafty</a>), Oreo pops (<a href="http://hiphiphorrayblog.com/" target="_blank">Hip Hip Horray Blog</a>), minty s'more cookies (<a href="http://www.tipjunky.com/" target="_blank">Tip Junky</a>), pinwheels (from <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/2011/12/christmas-cookies.html" target="_blank">Schnitzel and boo</a>), and chocolate chip cookiedough cheesecake bars (<a href="http://brandysbaking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brady's Baking</a>) were on the menu. I also prepared a milk bar that offered skim, 1%, 2%, and homogenized milk, along with chocolate, rolo, and strawberry syrups for flavoring.</div>
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For decor I tried to keep things as <em>INEXPENSIVE</em> as possible! For the table I used a tablecloth I already had and then went to the Dollar Store and got the thin pink and white plastic table covers , which I taped to the front and laid along the back of the table. I bought the pink sparkly O,N,E from Walmart for $2 each. I used different platters I already owned and then for the Oreo pops, I bought some foam and covered it with paper and ribbon. I place it on top of a coffee cup and voila - a cake pop stand! I also went to Home Depot and bought some ceramic tiles (the edge pieces) and made them into my cookie markers - they work perfectly with a dry erase marker!</div>
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For the milk bar I went to IKEA and bought six large glass bottles for $2.99 each. I used some ribbon and chalk decals from <a href="http://jenlava.uppercaseliving.net/" target="_blank">Uppercase Living</a> to decorate. The smaller milk bottles I purchased on-line and simply added a ribbon to make them pop. The amazing paper straws (they did not get mushy at all in the milk) were purchased from an Etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeyYoYo?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Hey Yo Yo</a>. I also used a large chalk decal for the milk bar sign, which I put on board I bought from Home Depot for $6.</div>
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Here's a picture of me with the birthday girl! We ended up just have one cupcake for her to smash into, rather than a full cake. There were so many cookies I'm glad I decided not to add more sweets in the end. She had an awesome time and we were so happy to spend the afternoon with family that we do not always get to see. </div>
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Happy birthday Miss Kate, I love you more than I can say. You are such a sweetie and I'm so very proud to call myself your mom. xxoo</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-28403235234618011582012-03-07T16:44:00.007-08:002012-03-07T21:44:16.053-08:00Earning Extras<div>I, like many moms out there who are also about to go back to work after maternity leave, am DREADING my return. Not because the work stinks or because I don't like the people I work with, but because the thought of leaving my 2 little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dah</span>-lings in the care of another bothers me.<br />I hate the rushing in the morning, the conflicts with other kids (however few they may be), the huge expense, the weepy goodbyes, and so on and so forth. BUT, like most of us of there, what can I do? I would love to stay home with my kids but, can we afford it? What would we have to sacrifice? Do I really want to give up my independent self that exists outside the home? Do I want to give up my pension? SO many things to question and really think about...meanwhile, I have this ticking clock saying, "make your decision <strong>now</strong> because you are running out of time!". Usually what ends up happening is I stress about it and then push it deep down and think that I'll worry about it later. So, this is getting me nowhere - fast!<br />I don't know what I will decide in the end but what I do know is that with all this soul-searching and money fretting I've come up with a few ways that I could make some extra dough, doing things that I actually would enjoy. I wanted to share them with you because, who knows, maybe you've already decided to make that plunge to stay at home and need a few ideas on how to raise some extra <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cash</span>! So, ta-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">da</span>! - here are a few things that can earn you that extra bacon: <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717396363736784130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcIEC_jLjQxeUTIcKktBqnIh2aDEcVQGWHJWf9xj5O27vIqoPcxf_CpGA5B3ecXfLND-UyfLNFsBb48rqpNjfx1Zf1f74ePDO2scgn4tv_feoLOAwyIMsYOtD6qwII91ETXFeVCaClrfl/s400/bacon.jpg" /><strong>1.Become a vendor for a home-show company.</strong> Yes, they can be annoying at times but if you find a company whose product you <em>really</em> like then it could make a lot of sense. If you have a passion for something people can generally sense that and become more invested in what you are presenting to them. Do your research and find out what companies have to offer in terms of compensation, support, sales requirements, product, <em>etc. </em><u>You don't have to be a pushy sales person who is always bugging friends and family to support you</u>. Use the tools (often times free)out there to build a <span style="font-size:130%;">network</span>...create a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> Business Page, pin your stuff on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinterest</span>, put an add on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kijiji</span>, place a sign advertising your items on your community bulletin board, and whatever else you can think of!</div><br /><div><strong>2.Start a blog.</strong> Believe it or not, you CAN make money by writing a blog. Okay, well I don't make any money but I've heard of it being done!! How you ask? Well you start a blog and write about what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interests</span> you! Sewing, cooking, photography, whatever! You can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">monetize</span> it through your blog provider or sell your own <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">advertising</span> space. If you're not sure how or where to start...check <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">pinterest</span> (yes my go-to place)...there are tons of ideas and tips there for blogs!<strong>3.Open an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> account. </strong>If you craft, bake, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">create</span> you could have an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> account. If you're not sure what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> is it's an amazingly awesome website that's like an on-line farmer's market. You can open you're own shop and sell your handmade goods that you've made from home. Click <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com">HERE </a>to go check it out.</div><br /><div><strong>4.Pay more attention to your loyalty programs.</strong> Depending on what loyalty programs you are involved with you could really benefit from these at key times during the year. For example, my sister gets points through her credit card. She uses her card to purchase big items throughout the year (even if she has the money to actually buy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">something</span>, she uses her card and then pays it off immediately on-line) and then at Christmas time she always has enough points to order gift cards for everyone in the family. There are so many point programs out there I can't speak to all of them but what I can tell you is that if you focus on one or two that you can redeem for something worth while <em>to you</em> (flights, free groceries, free gas, <em>etc.</em>) you can actually end up saving yourself quite a bit! My personal example is that I collect points for flights. I have a credit card that accumulates these points, I go to the pharmacy that gives me them, shop for items that give me bonus points, etc. In the 5 years I have been collecting them I have redeemed my points for 5 flights to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span> Vegas, 2 flights to Vancouver, and I already have enough for a flight to Europe now!</div><br /><div><strong>5.Consign things that you no longer need. </strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Decluttering</span> your home can benefit you in several ways. When you get rid of the things clogging up your place it can actually be quite liberating for one. Why not make a few bucks at it too? Go though items and weed out the ones that are consignment worthy. Depending on where you consign them you could sell clothes, toys, small household items, DVDs, accessories, <em>etc.</em> If you don't know of any consignment places around you, check on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> - chances are there is one organized on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">FB</span> by someone living in your area (be sure, however, to check out how many followers the page has and read their policies closely before bringing any of your stuff to someone you don't know.)</div><br /><div>I'm sure there are so many ideas out there how to save cash and how to raise cash. Please feel free to share in the comments section because, like I said, I'm still decided on my own situation and the more money earning ideas the better!!</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-56054514944122856742012-03-06T12:29:00.009-08:002012-03-06T21:10:01.371-08:00little changes, big results<div>I have recently started to enforce a major change in my household. With all the recent news we've been hearing here in Canada about retiring ages going up, the poor economy, pension problems, <em>etc</em>. I knew we needed to start doing something <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>now</strong></span> to prepare for <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>the future we have envisioned</strong></span> for ourselves. </div><br /><div>I am a huge <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pinterest.com">Pinterest </a>freak so I started there. There are so many great ideas on Pinterest on how to save money, plan for your future, waste less, be more productive, being sustainable, and I could go on and on. I also found several absolutely fantastic blogs via Pinterest who's main focus are centered on being frugal and smart with your hard earned cash!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 373px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717016509114344978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2eOWDKHh95gvk-DMBtDT4ahgncMSeqnwquM907WDXlurjWPa_J6T5bs6lpj2xLAmyaj4kzMm6VGT3wFNUPa76nqRDxRSCkLpc7YzadrPaMcZzdUPXg2NPb7dGAihT2FndSh2xEHIK2Py/s400/m213680058.jpg" /><br /><div>I decided to start small and to make myself the promise that this lifestyle change would not mean that we had to be "<em>cheap</em>" or <em>go without</em> but, rather, it would mean that we would cut where we could, make smarter decisions, and really look at wants versus needs. I think to start out with small changes is a great idea because it can ease you and your family (because without their support, it'll never work) into thinking this way and will set you up for <em><span style="font-size:130%;">success</span></em>. </div><br /><div>Here are a few small changes that we have made that is already resulting in some actual results:</div><br /><div>1) <u>Make a list of small things you can change to save some money in your budge that you wouldn't even really notice</u>. The point of this is to show how little things do actually add up! I made a list of eight things I knew we could easily change. They included, turning off lights when we are not actually in the room (we were sooo very bad for this), unplugging the coffee maker during the day, watch a little bit less t.v. (therefore less power), following through when I wash a load of laundry (to reduce having to rewash if I left it too long), <em>etc</em>.</div><br /><div>2) <u>Take advantage of that food that's already in your freezer and pantry!</u> We have an entire freezer full of meat in our basement and the one on top of our fridge is always equally as full. So much so that we often struggle to pack more stuff in it! Why on Earth am I always buying more, before I use what I actually have? So plan ahead. Make a weakly meal plan, using what you have on hand first, which cuts down on your grocery bill.</div><br /><div>3) <u>Put your spare change to work!</u> Contrary to many people, I actually enjoy doing laundry because my husband never empties his pockets. I secretly pick his pockets and always keep the money I find inside (hahah!) - I consider it like my pay check for cleaning his underwear! :) I started putting all that change into a large mug hidden away in the laundry room....and really, it hasn't taken that long to grow to $50! Sweet, I'll take that and put it towards something I usually don't have enough extra cash for (like in my RRSP!). Think about it...$50 here and $50 there adds up!</div><br /><div>4) <u>Make a few more things at home.</u> This has been one of my favorite changes! We've always been a family that bakes and crafts but focusing that energy more towards what we actually need has been great. Whether you make some more baked goods (and buy less granola bars, bread, or fruit snacks at the store), your own Windex or laundry detergent (which is probably better for you anyways), or art supplies for your kids (like eco-friendly finger paints) you are just putting money in your pocket. You can usually make your own version of the store brands for way less and it's generally better for you! Not to mention the invaluable time you are spending when you do these things with your kids!</div><br /><div>5) <u>Consider growing some of your own food</u>. I've always wanted to have a garden, however, a lack of time, knowledge and space has always stopped me dead in my tracks. With my beloved Pinterest on my side this year, I'm ready to make the plunge. You can have a garden or a garden-esque type set-up in any living space. We have a backyard so I'm going to attempt to make two raised garden areas and include a few "garden pots". Even if you lived in an apartment and had a small balcony you could do a few "garden pots" (check these out on Pinterest...love them!) and grow your own herbs! With a little planning ahead I am hoping to find success here! An added bonus is that I will be including my 3 year old in the process and she's going to love learning and growing some veggies from seeds!</div><br /><div>So, the five things I mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many things you can do to make smarter money choices and, remember, it's not about going without it's about getting the most for your hard earned cash! Over time, small changes make a big impact on your wallet! Think about what you and your family need rather than what you want in this moment. If you've made any changes please share because I would love to hear them!!!</div><br /><div>p.s. This afternoon, my daughter and I were raiding the stuffed freezer in our efforts to use what we had. We found a half of a bag of frozen berries just waiting for us. The result...super delicious Pro-biotic Frozen Pops!! In total I had to spend $3.50 on the Greek yogurt because I already had everything else I needed to make them!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717014525432016146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ZX-ejsEQwZ_G8ziVGtd08CfrKMVvZpzZAINlOuiHDQ5YdXAYChSM4f5tAsJkX6KZAtTtnUWcs1FOYiPbUxZFpbsRY_Wt-PU9HKF-6eBCRSmsOEF7gn4g9VBcsXeypfUA0D5_qnx2RJU/s400/3.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Pro-Biotic Mixed Berry Pops</u></strong></span></div><br /><div><u>Ingredients:</u></div><br /><div><u></u></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Frozen Berries (I had half a bag in my freezer)</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">2 Tbsp sugar</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">3Tbsp of lemon juice</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">3 Tbsp honey</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 Container of Strawberry Greek Yogurt</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left"><u>Instructions:</u></div><br /><div align="left"><u></u></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mix the frozen berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir together well and let sit for about an hour.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Put the berry mixture and honey into your blender or food processor and mix until completely blended.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Pour mix back into bowl and then add the container of Greek yogurt.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Pour this mix into some popsicle moulds or whatever you would like. Put into freezer for at least 4 hours.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Enjoy!</span></div><br /><div align="center">**I was able to make 8 pops out of this recipe. With the brand of yogurt I used, each pop works out to <strong>150 cals</strong>.</div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-63596772327657053152012-01-30T19:18:00.000-08:002012-01-30T21:18:50.184-08:00Handy Crafts<div align="center">One of my <strong>favorite</strong> things to do with my three year old is to make all sorts of different crafts. Today our theme was <span style="font-size:180%;">hand prints</span> - partially inspired by Pinterest and partially inspired by my daughter's favorite show, Out of the Box. We had a few things on our <u>to-do list</u> that I thought we could incorporate into our craft time today and below is what we came up with:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtjpQ0M-QKBbE6M1by02sr3_jj9sm0ueHTItYm5bmayKl4WAdt-UKd5BVKXBCDKU8A5lSrctop3olhcK_4X9k44VopcfZcPBscUFVh2xlALI6ZYcSICWb-j1MtDfm_XNcyqqnz9y7cyGl/s1600/main+pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703643127413638306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtjpQ0M-QKBbE6M1by02sr3_jj9sm0ueHTItYm5bmayKl4WAdt-UKd5BVKXBCDKU8A5lSrctop3olhcK_4X9k44VopcfZcPBscUFVh2xlALI6ZYcSICWb-j1MtDfm_XNcyqqnz9y7cyGl/s400/main+pic.jpg" /></a> Our first step was to start out with tracing a bunch of hand prints. The plan was to do a few thumbprints and footprints too but we didn't get too far with that plan! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxJO5lLLtYd-P5XXtsrbTr1kb65ZznrE9SXnKleUNBx9YbvSbwnSf_3fjKZWl_aerhcwqDRNN03OMD7e_jQFrk-fR3Z9F769cmp8yQ2ct2X_R7oOAqf9VixY9Ey9Z55f3wMI-6Zpenxd/s1600/starting+out.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 340px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703643014500092962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxJO5lLLtYd-P5XXtsrbTr1kb65ZznrE9SXnKleUNBx9YbvSbwnSf_3fjKZWl_aerhcwqDRNN03OMD7e_jQFrk-fR3Z9F769cmp8yQ2ct2X_R7oOAqf9VixY9Ey9Z55f3wMI-6Zpenxd/s400/starting+out.jpg" /></a> Next job was to colour and decorate up the prints (before cutting!). I tried to convince her to try a few different colours but, come on mom....that's <span style="font-size:130%;">crazy talk</span>!! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSFFtdJuXeAw9EokSWK4ae9saE4cwnwlVjltYhQa7Li1NqYRKhT9YqSDtPLOn-c2diXzG27MBzXHco_5IdYKcfaXeAZ3BpXUI0OYJ1V48WApLSS0x8L9iU29pjjGqudAzDwhZ_fF9EK5h/s1600/decorating.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703642893640248018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSFFtdJuXeAw9EokSWK4ae9saE4cwnwlVjltYhQa7Li1NqYRKhT9YqSDtPLOn-c2diXzG27MBzXHco_5IdYKcfaXeAZ3BpXUI0OYJ1V48WApLSS0x8L9iU29pjjGqudAzDwhZ_fF9EK5h/s400/decorating.jpg" /></a> In addition to tracing out the hand print and colouring them, we also made some prints by covering her hands with some acrylic paint and stamping it down on some paper.<br />This one was my favorite of the day. I had seen this on Pinterest and it originated from a blog called <a href="http://tiffkeetch.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-much-card-and-kid-canvas.html">A day in my Life</a>. We needed to make a thank you card for my aunt so I thought this would be perfect. We glued hearts on each hand, one saying "<em>i love you...</em>" and the other holding our note of thanks. The middle section, of course, completes the message with <em>"i love you...</em>this much!".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTLk4Sbps3mEyMVyT5ZHD9yA4gkiU6vUIHY0KAp1AJrOWybpyyQkTs_eB2z8-mh44haxY-VR-bvRm7Qgi5r3ZbC-BlEMGoJ4G4Enb1AElamOMLdV9NKO5nSRac4yWsLkur_qWiXEm_buv/s1600/i+love+you+this+much.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703642800318203170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTLk4Sbps3mEyMVyT5ZHD9yA4gkiU6vUIHY0KAp1AJrOWybpyyQkTs_eB2z8-mh44haxY-VR-bvRm7Qgi5r3ZbC-BlEMGoJ4G4Enb1AElamOMLdV9NKO5nSRac4yWsLkur_qWiXEm_buv/s400/i+love+you+this+much.jpg" /></a> Next on our list was to make some hugs to mail to some out-of-the-country family. We made these ones out of the hand prints we had cut out. Then we measured my daughter's arm length and cut out a piece of ribbon to that measurement. And voila! A <span style="font-size:130%;">hug</span>, just her size!<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJzAOBYYothNNunYQDqFbBHwAJwCpK3eEzAf6B7SmV80TkCiS_iy18f-hDWGUJBaHT93xhbJZg6ifMJ0zyNvOaTeuoK4PGVBVXsnj5Im5H2Ni-MeLeWZMxj1nsEm9gaKg5Wv2XrJ3OtZ5/s1600/hug1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703642638877242754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJzAOBYYothNNunYQDqFbBHwAJwCpK3eEzAf6B7SmV80TkCiS_iy18f-hDWGUJBaHT93xhbJZg6ifMJ0zyNvOaTeuoK4PGVBVXsnj5Im5H2Ni-MeLeWZMxj1nsEm9gaKg5Wv2XrJ3OtZ5/s400/hug1.jpg" /></a> For the top one we had cut out a matching hand print and wrote out our message on it. Below, both sides of the hand prints were decorated so we just cut out some more hearts, pasted them on and wrote out a small message.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAhVYRDCbxeWQ0B8-8nGBNYPU7759SbnCmxicamJ3EA94VytI3ok5Jv09SCmih0elQvS9TbgHb_SX8xJMpGWgM_VaRYj96da3wlvfjqbZchUvnPvojje5-YXke2AnTAN577OhyImOKDBu/s1600/hugs2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703642520575711490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAhVYRDCbxeWQ0B8-8nGBNYPU7759SbnCmxicamJ3EA94VytI3ok5Jv09SCmih0elQvS9TbgHb_SX8xJMpGWgM_VaRYj96da3wlvfjqbZchUvnPvojje5-YXke2AnTAN577OhyImOKDBu/s400/hugs2.jpg" /></a> And finally, my daughter made a card for her to give to my husband. We made a few thumbprints, using the acrylic paint, and a set of hand prints to make a cute face. I just hand wrote a message on the card but you could also print off a message and paste inside. This card reads "<em><strong>I love you the most</strong>..." </em>on the front and then on the inside I wrote, <em>"<strong>hands down</strong></em>!".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMgkRB4ANGfIGHN0fTWWvrCcrOWCrxenhlDs8Pm4QCQ8mWcPMadXxVqiHFYWuHH_3tLe5h5f1lmuivGXdPHvIaVpVPWkCExy1NkkTQM_x1rSI2gi14gys_BfW4tWILOVr7ZVN7C-nhImE/s1600/card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703642328667892770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMgkRB4ANGfIGHN0fTWWvrCcrOWCrxenhlDs8Pm4QCQ8mWcPMadXxVqiHFYWuHH_3tLe5h5f1lmuivGXdPHvIaVpVPWkCExy1NkkTQM_x1rSI2gi14gys_BfW4tWILOVr7ZVN7C-nhImE/s400/card.jpg" /></a> I love making little projects with my daughter and I can hardly wait until my youngest is old enough to join in. It's <span style="font-size:180%;">so much fun</span> to see them <u>experience</u> and <u>explore</u> different types of crafting, especially when it crosses a few things off of my very, verrrrry long to-do list!</div><br /><div>Happy Crafting! :0) </div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-55487066260460826252012-01-25T14:06:00.000-08:002012-01-25T14:21:18.984-08:00Wish List WednesdayI would like to introduce my second <strong>Wishlist Wednesday</strong> item...I think it's one of the very first items I "<em>hearted</em>" on etsy when I joined <u>waaaaaay</u> back when.<br /><br /><div>Right now, there seems to be a huge demand for fun, funky aprons. I love the sweet '50s style ones that are very popular right now because they are an excellent combination of fun and flirty. I also love the aprons that are the half style, covering you from your waist down. I think I would be more comfortable, however, wearing one of these types of apron (as opposed to the full out sexy '50s style ones) while actually cooking/baking in the kitchen and especially if I was entertaining at the same time; the aprons from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.snappyshop.etsy.com">Snappy Shop </a>appeal to me in particular because they offer such fun, memorable, and original designs (in the form of the apron's pocket).<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36123060/matryoshka-pocket"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 399px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701695980963324450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWpDFQZk7lkK3nVDqggp_u-epHyeAVO29YPvSnOoPuNCHYjOUppOUAQ5kuGY0ApGToq4j-ZNN2W8srUfpv8U4SfvEg5VPe81pH2IPScGzzujrIZ_lgQmZeB6OA9nd_XysfV1Z2NBPQc65/s400/il_570xN_107939139.jpg" /></a></div><br />My favorite part of this apron in particular is the matryoshka pocket, of course, but I also love the fun, bright pink of the cotton/poly fabric, in combination with the polka dot tie. This apron will set you back $45 USD (plus shipping) - very worth it in my mind for all the great memories you'll have when wearing it and baking up a storm in <em>style</em>!The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-82359631358911324462012-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:02:07.323-08:00DIY Handmade GiftsSo every year around Christmas time I kick myself for not starting my handmade Christmas gifts a little earlier. I love the idea of giving someone special something I've made with my own two hands.<br />Keeping in mind that there are so many other things to think about over the year (and other holidays to craft for - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">omg</span>, Valentines day is coming up already!!) I thought I would make a mental note of some items that would be great to make. When some free time pops up (does that actually <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">happen</span>?) I can go back to my mental list and maybe start a project or two!<a href="http://livingwithlindsay.com/2011/04/the-updated-7-burlap-table-runner.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699780078244752402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lVqH9-XCovrxfOEp5SYzA2OOORN_0v6H63bPdLeE4P0uDE_CfTYYryWXxp4As21Oqms9j1rNnHQGJc_AH8gMYIXvd7iIt_25PgSylzRfBVhiEfsm7lO1DZWgYKK3VwCIz3aN7aVtpbNV/s400/5-+table+runner.jpg" /></a> 1. <strong>Burlap Table Runner</strong><br /><u>Who</u>: This would make a great hostess gift. Every year, without fail, my family celebrates Christmas Eve at my aunties house and I would love to present her with this gorgeous runner. From the <a href="http://livingwithlindsay.com/2011/04/the-updated-7-burlap-table-runner.html">Living with Lindsay</a> blog, this piece is a beautiful mix of the textures and, who isn't in love with ruffles.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/03/dont-look-kristyn.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699780031394163234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcHjZY6u8LudRPNUOCYShXlmaPGult7w3_6WZXlHZwtfZSkMNUb8be3yUtV_IZSOrnj4oore_vhBIeAVNpwlUqF0XQajtKalTDyikm7p7XUc1Cllwggxp3Pmo3QVoMaNsh8h6dShYKsM1/s400/4+-+baby+toy.jpg" /></a> 2.<strong>Lion <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taggie</span> Toy</strong><br /></div><br /><div><u>Who:</u> Super fun gift for stocking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">stuffers</span> or as a small gift for family friends who have babies. I love this so much because you can play around with textures and colours. It doesn't have to be a lion, I'm sure you could easier convert it into a puppy, a cat, or whatever your imagination can come up with. <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/02/tutorial-and-pattern-rainbow-sunshine.html"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chez</span></a> Beeper Bebe blog has a tutorial for all your crafting needs on this one!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/309518/customizable-cross-stitch-projects"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699779919133920274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzN-ajSDgB97urlri0N9hyphenhyphenCEj1406_dlpeT8eVZTmjrVdnN-BWyAqf9ypOcZPwHBn1K_MSLRgMw-Sppd2ZVQvvUi6ZdY74vkUjrfXfDeRFtJGSVvmwurTeq0wHkuiWvC0VRyMNK-McK5R/s400/3+-+family+xstitch.jpg" /></a> 3. <strong>Family Portrait Cross Stitch</strong></div><br /><div><u>Who:</u> Perfect for parents, newly married couple, or anybody! I'm pretty sure I almost <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">pee'd</span> my pants when I saw this. What, a cool cross stitch pattern? What <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">personalized</span>? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span>! I love absolutely every thing about this (tutorial at <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/309518/customizable-cross-stitch-projects">Martha Steward.com</a>) and I can't wait to make one for my own home!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://simple-serendipities.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-heart-bookmarks.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699779845816003074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbC6Oi1kRnq92xvH1yNYQA-BFdYvJzX1TjMVlMcBhHk0sR0QeVnrBE528Jd82QfSSNVZCWfLqIVR_zZ9vZ4W40HsQLLlnoMuYILBumvYUKMSQ3xK8jdM3ao4tkWu0m6Q0ECzh3ntNjbrs/s400/2+-+co-workers.jpg" /></a> <strong>4. Heart "Felt" Bookmarks</strong><br /><u>Who:</u> In my case, this is SO perfect for co-workers. Easy to make, inexpensive, and full of thought these would be so great for the 10 people in my office (tutorial from <a href="http://simple-serendipities.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-heart-bookmarks.html">Simple <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Serendipities</span></a>). Maybe I could even monogram each persons first initial on them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7hfr71dLkl_VErctxRRbZk6HF2PCdd_-gdrxDN5rHUFSKSz2K_ClBVBekXEC_hJK5JrtgEZ4uCIgHkiX5MsHsTODIGIBlQ0EMkNFwl2BuCx8FBokcF6ySuI_2HPjPMWLxOIhyphenhyphenEDJ9_De/s1600/1+-family+tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699779747566570994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7hfr71dLkl_VErctxRRbZk6HF2PCdd_-gdrxDN5rHUFSKSz2K_ClBVBekXEC_hJK5JrtgEZ4uCIgHkiX5MsHsTODIGIBlQ0EMkNFwl2BuCx8FBokcF6ySuI_2HPjPMWLxOIhyphenhyphenEDJ9_De/s400/1+-family+tree.jpg" /></a> <strong>5. Family Tree Embroidery</strong></div><br /><div><u>Who:</u> Grandparents, in-laws or parents. This is such a lovely thoughtful gift and for me, I know my mother-in-law would love this. You can framed or not, it can be personalized to reflect things that are important to individual members of your family, and it can include whatever your heart desires! Love it. There was no tutorial for this one, but the picture can act as a source of inspiration for your own creation!</div><br /><div>So now the easy part is done...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">choosing</span> some handmade lovelies. The real work start soon....I HOPE! :)</div></div></div></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-24942613869655634642012-01-18T07:54:00.001-08:002012-01-18T08:31:16.822-08:00My new Pinterest Interest...well, okay, obsession!Okay, so I finally broke down and figured out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a>. If you don't know what this is, it's an <u>AMAZING</u> website that allows you to make virtual pin boards for any theme you can imagine. You take a link and upload it onto your "pin board", you then select an image from that link and voila...you have started to create a board! Now, I didn't fully realize how absolutely awesome this website was until I started playing around and, omg, I can tell you - it's flippin' life changing!! Every craft, DIY project, hair style, home decor idea, fashion guide, inspirational quotation, <em>etc</em>. that you could ever want and or imagine is there! <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I love love <u>love</u> it.</span></strong> <br />Although I have only been a member for a short time I have created 21 boards (and counting) which range in topic from: Fashion Fabulosity, Home Decor, My 2012, Birthday Party Ideas, Super Suppers, Free Printables, and so much more! I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless! Just imagine how helpful this website would be to someone who is planning a wedding, redecorating their home, throwing a baby shower, and really just about everyone! ;)<br />Below I've listed 5 of my current favorite pins from 5 different boards, just to give you an example of how great Pinterest is!<a href="http://www.pbjstories.com/2011/08/kitchen-pantry-reveal.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699001741818097954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG6SioBOs9eZ4Mo6YUEE5tCEGhmZDgKlqbu1BSMD_73SjFH1hfR61no0SKzll4dkyLnEie7lDr_6voStcwIJYje0vKd-8LAyoSJppoSHxp_zuMuWX8RDuWH1QiQGLwM7OSE7hYL4Y00Ck/s400/5+-+can+org.jpg" /></a> 1. I re-pinned this from another member and the link brings you back to a website called <a href="http://www.pbjstories.com/2011/08/kitchen-pantry-reveal.html">PB & J Stories</a>. I pinned it to my "Organization" board and i love it because it's brilliant!! I love the idea of re-purposing an every day item like this to organize your life. Even if you only had an old ugly magazine holder laying around you could totally jazz it up with a little spray paint and imagination!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73307243/black-white-denim-handbag?show_panel=true"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699001683934233282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Md-UUAulMO9N7sIkZKUDEuuQKOidhyphenhyphenRTIj_qHXUfHGIUc_Mg8HUJaKj88CMIMqdiV7ZoyK2vCmHxEev11kpC4ncS4TqC96iys2jVKN9od9gntWLlGKDrsoBW6G_FVfCrTkV2KtH01vOG/s400/4-+purse.jpg" /></a> 2. I re-pinned this absolutely gorgeous bag to my "Fashion Fabulosity" board and it links back to an Etsy shop called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.crazyboy.etsy.com">Crazy Boy</a>. It's $45 USD and I would love it as part of my wardrobe! The stripes are absolutely lovely!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://witandwhistle.com/2011/12/21/diy-chalkboard-serving-platter/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699001519504706706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnbkhA5fUiuU8fylZY2xUAWsjTXfOjxRfIiEofDHELTp5AvtPWzV3yVg_F4wB1CtJ9IP7aOnf0ILYN_QU6wqetO2VcmdEoZNEDnST6ocM583fvUY-QmLBCqpcPLrHe5XqgzT_KMCKxNHb/s400/3-+cheese+platter.jpg" /></a> 3. This third pin links back to a blog called <a href="http://witandwhistle.com/2011/12/21/diy-chalkboard-serving-platter/">Wit and Whistle</a>. It's so smart, simple, and looks great! A few years back I was on a mission to find a perfect cheese platter and I never did find one that I loved. Well, now I can just make my own using a white dish and some chalk paint! I put this bad boy in my "Projects" board.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y6zUIoXMPpSaSCahxq5vhC94jxXmLj4sO64EC12KrXhqdtjjhzDWD7fS1X5lVFd_ane_HwPTXX4gdR0HyBSRz7e_K5fdCj7OO0vktkRRy-5O84W8RjS_moiHM395NnAotYWHHrpnrt9Q/s1600/2-+bunkbeds.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699001157854597074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y6zUIoXMPpSaSCahxq5vhC94jxXmLj4sO64EC12KrXhqdtjjhzDWD7fS1X5lVFd_ane_HwPTXX4gdR0HyBSRz7e_K5fdCj7OO0vktkRRy-5O84W8RjS_moiHM395NnAotYWHHrpnrt9Q/s400/2-+bunkbeds.jpg" /></a> 4. Now this one I re-pinned but it doesn't link back to a webpage. It was uploaded by a member so I'm not sure if it was there own photo or taken from a website. I found it by searching "bunk beds" (my 3 year old is constantly asking for bunk beds!). I pinned it into my "Home Decor" board - something to come back to in a few years for inspiration perhaps!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/polka-dots-stencils-nursery.html?category_id=9"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699001068078231010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuv0IVx_ZVCtbkMApkzPm4qYfsMXDSjLFPisw7M2irxplPW0V6zGz2t1Z72CStEWVzSYzMoZnLqJyxEUFX6zxAPHjdMJWh2PXv9KWQSk5axD1ziBZbPd6KqkCH4KUBtwzzUT2mdpjYf5o/s400/1+-+stencil.jpg" /></a> 5. And finally, I pinned this one, grabbing the link directly from a <a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/polka-dots-stencils-nursery.html?category_id=9">Stencil website </a>. I'm obsessed with many things....two of them being polka dots and the idea of re-finishing old furniture. I LOVE the look of this nightstand and think it would go so perfectly in my baby's nursery. I pinned this one to my "Re-purposed/Re-finished Furniture" board for inspiration.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, this is obviously a super small sampling of what sort of ideas you can get from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a>. I am in absolute love with this website and am so excited for all the possibilities it brings! If you are on pinterest my user name is: <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>mrslavaj</strong></span> . I would love for you to drop by and check out my boards! Leave you username in the comments sections of this post and I'll come and check out yours too!! Happy pinning! :)</div></div></div></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-64339693199024454532012-01-01T11:00:00.000-08:002012-01-01T11:33:42.801-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR<div align="left">Happy 2012 to all you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span> and blog-readers out there!! I hope you all had an amazing night and a super fun holiday season! I know my family and I did and I am so looking forward to the year that awaits us ahead. We were <strong>so</strong> blessed in 2011 and have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> much to be excited for in 2012!<br /><br />The big question everyone asks now that it's a new start in the new year is, "what's your new years resolution?!". Well, I usually don't make a resolution, per say, but this year I have decided that it is going to be an awesome 12 months and I'm going to make some new policies to live by! Here are a few things that I plan to focus on:<br /><br /><u>1) Be more <strong>f*&($#@</strong> fabulous!</u><br /><br />This year I will be turning 30. This doesn't bother me at all, but what DOES bother me is how much in a rut I've gotten lately especially when it comes to my wardrobe! So, this year, I vow to be a <em>BIT</em> more adventurous in my attire. I've always wanted to try out new things but at the last minute chicken out and resort to my old reliable <strong>safe</strong> jeans and t-shirt. As proof of my commitment to my new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">fabulosity</span>, I wore a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spectacular</span> dress last night that I love. When I first put it on and looked in my wardrobe mirror, I'm not going to lie, I had a strong urge to rip through my dresser drawers for my yoga pants. I stayed strong though and rocked it all night long in my dress. Here's a link to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> shop, Heart my Closet, were I purchased my new lovely: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartmycloset?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartmycloset?ref=seller_info</a><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692744103622812898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c9zWAQcYPEGTApgg0G2x8-JB-nj2Z_dtJf5MmjN58XOAP1cz952QH0K-QmuNXpsuC0oKBIX68NNfsJj9PLXw84hzbg-PrAra1QA4UlvdXc6P_3Mgcoaj6Sf0dh8aJBqfK3wgoDl437np/s320/JKL+%2526+AK.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">My sister(right) and I </span><br /></p><br /><p align="left"><u>2) Be more organized</u><br /></p><br /><p>With two little girls, life can get hectic! Not to mention we are going on some pretty awesome trips this year, I'm going back to work, AND I will be in a wedding this summer...this all means, I need to stay more organized!! This month I'm hoping to set up a designated crafting area - as opposed to my kitchen table, which always end up taking over our whole house like one giant crafting monster mess -, clean out my closets, organize my kids activities (yes a 3 year old and an 8 month old and I'm already busy busy busy with their activities), and organize how my life will look when I get back to work (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">dayhomes</span>, work schedules, <em>etc.</em>)!</p><br /><p><u>3) Cherish every single second I get in my wonderful life!</u></p><br /><p>As I mentioned before, this past year was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> good to us. We are so blessed and I absolutely recognize it. However, many important people in our life hadn't been so lucky in 2011 and it really makes me realize that we have to be thankful for every second. I know I sometimes complain about long line ups, bad sleeps, and all those little annoying things in life but when it comes down to it I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> very thankful for all that my family and I have and I will remember this every day! I hope you do too!! :)</p><br /><p>SO....Happy New Year to you all and I wish you a safe, prosperous, wonderful 2012!!</p><br /><br /><p>p.s. Do you have any new years resolutions? If not, I suggest the one about being f$#@*(&^ fabulous! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>!</p>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-91563993257754180752011-12-16T09:49:00.001-08:002011-12-16T10:21:45.995-08:00Kid's Christmas!I'm excited this Christmas because my oldest daughter is finally old enough to start doing some of those fun holiday activities I remember doing as a kid! We went to a Christmas carol sing-a-long, we've been baking together, wathcing old classic Christmas movies on t.v., and doing crafts!<br /><br />One of my favorite activities we have done together so far this month has been making some awesome, <strong>DELICIOUS </strong>smelling Christmas tree ornaments (seriously, these things smell like Christmas!!)! I love these because they are simple to make, so much fun for kids (I think you could even do this craft with a 2 year old...as long as you were giving them some supervision), and they smell awesome. Also, I love that because it is my 3 year old decorating them, they turned out so perfectly gaudy, something to look back on 20 years from now and smile!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-jXrx4m6-jmqymgN5xBjcvnTLTgxH1na19kSnQI08tmdOcJvVK00z51CxlM73BbcSdg-z03Hn6jr3xdRp2aI_IhlI_8nTUr2IPN4iGa49VbMQtGQCtGomTF8soRhSrMkO07HuswVXkoR/s1600/cutouts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686786448004248402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-jXrx4m6-jmqymgN5xBjcvnTLTgxH1na19kSnQI08tmdOcJvVK00z51CxlM73BbcSdg-z03Hn6jr3xdRp2aI_IhlI_8nTUr2IPN4iGa49VbMQtGQCtGomTF8soRhSrMkO07HuswVXkoR/s400/cutouts.jpg" /></a> The ingredient list for these babies is short! All you will require is the following:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><u><strong>Apple-Cinnamon Christmas Tree Ornaments</strong></u></div><br /><p align="center">1 cup of cinnamon</p><br /><p align="center">3/4 cup of applesauce (any kind)</p><br /><p align="center">2 TBSP white craft glue</p><br /><div align="center">Combine all the ingredients together to form dough (should make consistency you see below).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeFZJ9lPonAHpHSApMTXwtokmRajNP9Jf9ftjJgGy-wwntc1rvZIy0gUfAKYa7psHfwCiBhopPYllLQeeN0s3hXVDHAlw7dICCNtYVKYQTdVaXIzuH0K-xYCuelXA8HXkxXAbPg-S_3_T/s1600/craftiness+017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686786295073426898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeFZJ9lPonAHpHSApMTXwtokmRajNP9Jf9ftjJgGy-wwntc1rvZIy0gUfAKYa7psHfwCiBhopPYllLQeeN0s3hXVDHAlw7dICCNtYVKYQTdVaXIzuH0K-xYCuelXA8HXkxXAbPg-S_3_T/s400/craftiness+017.jpg" /></a> Roll out dough on a piece of wax paper, slightly thicker than you would a pie crust.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHI_kiSnF3dlT8k8HFGIaw-n07PBujjDMmQZXhRMW5sP5Hmq84S-NYbtUAPWs5LqALlU9qBmfQvokXBAtZssz1lFzD0CnkbJXBELWjqYlLrNIi4l5dALi2Evvdz2tW8TVPJVurfoeHfPG/s1600/rolled+out.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785902005477794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHI_kiSnF3dlT8k8HFGIaw-n07PBujjDMmQZXhRMW5sP5Hmq84S-NYbtUAPWs5LqALlU9qBmfQvokXBAtZssz1lFzD0CnkbJXBELWjqYlLrNIi4l5dALi2Evvdz2tW8TVPJVurfoeHfPG/s400/rolled+out.jpg" /></a> Cut out your desired shapes and place on a cookie sheet, lined with wax paper (we did Christmas trees, gingerbread people, hearts, and three little wiener dogs!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB1ukIDXoOae2NUcBKr479paDUGs3GEn32AsB7NfltmBL390Jl66StcP8LRnq2qAOob3cax17XyOZwEt8wPUf6F2ZpEUPBs_l1T3dfFBzU-tkjvBGXffi7Mw_9laVx7_NtZGY9XbhIYzz/s1600/cutouts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785721255628786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB1ukIDXoOae2NUcBKr479paDUGs3GEn32AsB7NfltmBL390Jl66StcP8LRnq2qAOob3cax17XyOZwEt8wPUf6F2ZpEUPBs_l1T3dfFBzU-tkjvBGXffi7Mw_9laVx7_NtZGY9XbhIYzz/s400/cutouts.jpg" /></a>At this point you can either let your ornaments dry by leaving them on the cookie sheet for about 2 days, flipping them over every once in a while.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisunAwXUv61SYBa84nqIEtkm77Z0CR74XNBHiI7ol2eHwTFlcobvRfP45p6Lj269xm_bHV7Mqs8gZLjT0PfnCdLCJHIfCsuH3Cp3YCGsYBt-5gde-1qMY0VpO_AkZbCZgAZZBGDfn7MVqS/s1600/decorate.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785598426484674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisunAwXUv61SYBa84nqIEtkm77Z0CR74XNBHiI7ol2eHwTFlcobvRfP45p6Lj269xm_bHV7Mqs8gZLjT0PfnCdLCJHIfCsuH3Cp3YCGsYBt-5gde-1qMY0VpO_AkZbCZgAZZBGDfn7MVqS/s400/decorate.jpg" /></a>We decorated ours right away, however, using pompoms, "gems", and googly eyes from the dollar store. You really could use whatever you wish to give your ornaments some style!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9pdkaBDUHsxdzzIKogxBA1YxPE5sZBncaJNJGcebVaYeyUcsiP6uPxngQHow1jEpvO0fwyPPzOffd_LIf7bi-znaCMLdCSiqMJ2qRSyBzpDN6U60IQebtjmSz-YtJ0jUjfFtAbYh2uyt/s1600/waiting+to+dry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785336014721202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9pdkaBDUHsxdzzIKogxBA1YxPE5sZBncaJNJGcebVaYeyUcsiP6uPxngQHow1jEpvO0fwyPPzOffd_LIf7bi-znaCMLdCSiqMJ2qRSyBzpDN6U60IQebtjmSz-YtJ0jUjfFtAbYh2uyt/s400/waiting+to+dry.jpg" /></a> After we decorated the ornaments, because ours were still wet, I used a straw to poke out a hole wherever I wanted my ribbon to go through. <strong>Don't forget this step, otherwise you won't be able to hang your ornaments!</strong><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IX9ACvPgq5-2n8qyJo9sJkkbK7f2VlznQ9Qb6t7xGlLXY2lf1Nx_maSsWsSCaIGb1z-o1Q4YRl64fkZYRVb63G5rxwuCKH3fzioRLLFhk8umxibZ8ScjjlFCHyQj6L8U4XssYJmXdg8C/s1600/ribbons.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785204474940498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IX9ACvPgq5-2n8qyJo9sJkkbK7f2VlznQ9Qb6t7xGlLXY2lf1Nx_maSsWsSCaIGb1z-o1Q4YRl64fkZYRVb63G5rxwuCKH3fzioRLLFhk8umxibZ8ScjjlFCHyQj6L8U4XssYJmXdg8C/s400/ribbons.jpg" /></a> After 2 days our ornaments were completely dry. I used some satin ribbon as the ornament hangers and sealed the ends by running a flame, from a lighter, over them for about a second or so.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaThHLwmlEnZbogBPdK2taKQa1WtjTAZlH-ZZ_3NjrWLZObFZ_jt6FeF9liPWiLbYUtl8AmXLzO5gsiAKCwyLRv0HNJZe9IryEzIpyiOzDWg3uLQrUzvRhuRVatEaxK4QWKJm6hcbxHdyo/s1600/finished.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686785095941848146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaThHLwmlEnZbogBPdK2taKQa1WtjTAZlH-ZZ_3NjrWLZObFZ_jt6FeF9liPWiLbYUtl8AmXLzO5gsiAKCwyLRv0HNJZe9IryEzIpyiOzDWg3uLQrUzvRhuRVatEaxK4QWKJm6hcbxHdyo/s400/finished.jpg" /></a> And there you go...you are done! These ornaments smell just like their ingredients (cinnamon and apple) and they are so much fun for a little one to make. Obviously, just remember, because they have glue in them: <u>do not eat</u>!!! </div><br /><div>If you don't have any little ones, you could still make them and put them into some potpourri or in a drawer to make everything smell like Christmas! <br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0wxqiP8pLJ6E4CoP7ickTlQ5ozCEcSi-DS4qv-K1e-DTOD-YmJWYDplhPIxDFJ_9qM9OErAEiHa5s0I5mFEL9xIKw9yOn9CrDI4xB44sk7XJipznCwebLiXtlY2VyskPCLoV_ZUkkqqr/s1600/basket.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686784901155234338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0wxqiP8pLJ6E4CoP7ickTlQ5ozCEcSi-DS4qv-K1e-DTOD-YmJWYDplhPIxDFJ_9qM9OErAEiHa5s0I5mFEL9xIKw9yOn9CrDI4xB44sk7XJipznCwebLiXtlY2VyskPCLoV_ZUkkqqr/s400/basket.jpg" /></a> Since we had made so many, we saved one for our tree (you can write on the backs of them with a jiffy marker to note the year and which child made them) and then wrapped up all the rest in some festive paper, topped off with some tags I printed off on-line. We put them all in a basket under the tree and my daughter is <strong>SO EXCITED</strong> because she actually has gifts, just from her, to hand out to people she loves on Christmas eve!</div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382339017183837789.post-77765871503203665642011-12-14T10:27:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:31:50.571-08:00It's in the bag!<div><br /><div>This year, like every year at Christmas time, I kick myself for not starting some homemade gifts a little earlier in the season. I would love to serve up some awesome sewn, stamped, or baked goodies to <strong>ALL </strong>my friends and family but there simply isn't enough time in the day/month/year!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>With that said, however, I have managed to prepare a few handmade goodies for some special people in my life. I came across some awesome fabric on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> (of course) for my sister who loves the colour orange (do you know people like this? People who like orange REALLY like orange...it's a strange obsession!!). I decided that I wanted to make her a bag to go along with some of the other items I had already gotten for her. Below is a picture <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">of what</span> I came up with for her! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 427px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686052901049753298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ-KzwQYdQ_G3vCN1Ie65B3p7MfXG4ZWzDx2P92llf0X0R-bexNbz_D2nqXiq1WqAswiN5hyphenhyphensumIuTIEAt6i-AUAgbiot3TUaLOeYS5fRD8akSeF-hU3sBntYGmT3clVwDefwHuwucXzw/s400/finished+bag.jpg" /></div><br /><div>I found a tutorial on-line (who buys patterns these days?!) and used it as my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inspiration</span> for the bag I ended up with. If you want to check out the actual full tutorial, I found it on a blog called Thimble <a href="http://www.thimble.ca/?p=2903">here</a>. </div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I started by cutting out 2 large pieces for my outer shell, 2 large pieces for my inner lining, 2 outer shell and 2 inner lining U-shaped pieces (for the top of the bag), 2 different shapes for inside pockets (which are also lined) and then one long rectangular piece for the handle. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dimensions</span> that I used were the same as the tutorials but you could really use any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dimensions</span> you want - depending on how you want to shape your bag!</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686053105057037250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaXgR_gP1U5G4u1PpkSgf5Exl8PZueJuTz6_2cHSnkrN7zLFDFuQ5-8TnZMcTegasC1cgWuNDVsOm9HUwTE1eqZRT9DCizfpaBl0RFruS5Ywx5DdjulmsC0oc1aa0__1fVu6SZOqDgQMQ/s400/material.jpg" /></p><br /><div>The first step to start with on your sewing machine is to create the pleated look for the outer fabric. On the wrong side of the material, measure and mark a small line at 3",4", 7",8", 11",12", 15",16", <em>etc.</em> until you reach the end of you material. Once you have them marked, pin your fabric (as shown below) and then stitch down about one inch.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686062258135769426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUlZFnwhW7RpTj-ddU7D88pyyCcDEux-bjCXEmaGT3wl4-kB65u3KES1YjwfpjPjcXY_RtLoNSOfJICGpwg75M-mp4HFWt77ugImgt7CzuDQOnxiTV8KvVEmugodA7EV4ZJM2Hmr8DpEE/s400/pleats.jpg" />Next I took my U-shaped pieces and applied some medium weight interfacing, which is sandwiched between the outer and inner fabrics (I used the polka dots material as the outer fabric in this case to act as a contrast to the larger part of the bag). The very bottom part of the U-shaped section will be hidden when the bag is complete so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span>' worry about how perfect it looks right now.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686053820217752386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PmzPPJ9HMtfaEdIUyE7q7gdNm_Cc_UFRMicaQ2BQIbDAcMk7kSIh6QZnSdk0A37uO229xLTlnpor1-tdidj7N9xcrGy7_N32R5shrdEaZ1b35rG3cFoHRGRMNjmPt2EFPnUnvkJixj74/s400/interfacing.jpg" /> Next, I sewed the U-shape section to the top of the larger bottom piece. <br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686057353966044530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ8VAV3H5n__N7TI-7sAD-aYsSUC2UL4fadoepl-F-SU0gAxNb0GVXoat_AjHp1IB9G1UlizxOmVQlCd8wUk5Mu3EOXvMxZcIX1LiM9WNpES3-OGYmpqGnEFeGHLBwn0sRoCYImREKuKG/s400/attachingtop.jpg" /> After this, you are nearly done! I stitched two pockets (a square that closes with a button and a large pocket that could hold a water bottle) on the inside lining pieces. Sew those two pieces together along the sides and bottom <strong>but make sure to leave a hole in the very bottom of this piece that is big enough to pull the outer shell through later.</strong> Next place the inside lining inside and the outer shell piece (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">with</span> the right sides facing each other) <strong>- the U-shaped piece should be facing down, sandwiched between the outer fabric and the lining fabric. </strong>Sew along the top raw edges. Once that is done you can pull the outer fabric through the hole you left in the inner lining fabric. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hand stitch</span> the hole close to finish! <br /><br />And finally, I took my long rectangular handle piece and finished all the raw edges. Then I stitched it to the top part of the U-shaped piece and voila, done!<br /><br />Like I said, I just winged most of my project, based on the original tutorial. The instructions that I have provided are only a guideline so if you would like a bit more instruction, please check out the tutorial link I have provided above!<br /><br />This is a great bag because it is large and can be used for some many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">different</span> things! I love matching up contrasting materials too so I really loved the design. If you happen to make this bag, please attach a link because I would LOVE to see what you came up with! :)<br /><br />p.s. Only 11 more days of crafting until Christmas is here!!! Good luck! :)The Hand Crafted Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12272119112888464998noreply@blogger.com3