tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17792240783107893392024-02-20T19:46:09.639-08:00A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-71181981044438622492014-03-14T14:03:00.001-07:002014-03-14T14:05:00.033-07:00Mimi and Wah - Etsy Shop - Photography Props<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Come check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimiandwah" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mimiandwah" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>! </div>
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I am so excited to open a photography prop shop with my best friend, a master of sewing and all things creative. We have a few things available now and many more to come. We'll have items for newborns through school-age children, plus destashes every now and again, as well as unique props that I find at estate sales, garage sales, antique stores, etc. We strive for unique, quality pieces that will help you stand out from your competition. Please come visit us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mimiandwah" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimiandwah" target="_blank">Etsy</a>! We would be so honored to have you use one of our pieces in your photography.<br />
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Here's a little bit about us:<br />
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We are Nicole & Michelle. We have been friends for 25 years and business partners more recently. Our shop stems from our shared love of creating. Most of our handmade pieces are one-of-a-kind and crafted with vintage materials. Each piece's materials are specially chosen for their uniqueness and distinctive look that they will bring to the final product.<br />
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Nicole's background is in costume design. She studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York and then the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, and has created countless costumes for the theater and unique pieces for the runway. She is a master designer and seamstress, and her creativity and quality are unmatched.<br />
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Michelle's background is in photography. She has a keen eye for props that will compliment her subjects and assist in bringing together a one-of-a-kind photograph. She loves to search for uncommon props in thrift stores and antique shops and use vintage materials to create a unique look.<br />
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Thank you for browsing our store! If there is something in particular that you are looking for, please ask! Chances are, if you can dream it, we can create it :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-75335852381741570032013-05-16T19:34:00.000-07:002015-10-21T13:50:52.758-07:00DIY Newborn Posing BeanbagI am starting to get into photography a lot more, and with that comes props and classes and lenses, all of which amount to spending money that's not in the budget right now. For the photographer on a budget, I highly recommend using what you have as far as props, as well as getting crafty and making your own. Some of my best ideas and projects have come from the fact that I can't spend a lot of money on something and have to come up with a creative way to make my own. And this is where the <b>DIY Newborn Posing Beanbag</b> comes from.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBisHzSAx8qyyilGxAENTNaHWaq4uF56pigXEu_pBShIYrC7LJbrLZTpcjRZuScSgCcHfxdfIz5-VElJcTqmfKf0yARAukhRrgQW_vj99IN4KmmVsuxSWmFYdo-YPvtnCAj0u9457Qqq2i/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBisHzSAx8qyyilGxAENTNaHWaq4uF56pigXEu_pBShIYrC7LJbrLZTpcjRZuScSgCcHfxdfIz5-VElJcTqmfKf0yARAukhRrgQW_vj99IN4KmmVsuxSWmFYdo-YPvtnCAj0u9457Qqq2i/s400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Most photographers know that these things are pretty pricey. Most of the bags go for $90 <i>unfilled</i>. You have to purchase the filling separately, which usually costs around $50. So you're looking at $140 minimum, <i>plus shipping. </i>The total cost of this project was $62.<br />
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After looking over a few tutorials online, I came to the conclusion that this would be pretty simple to make. I've included a lot of photos and details because while I was looking at other tutorials, I found that many just summarized how they made it, but didn't offer specifics or step-by-step photos. I think that many details and photos are important, especially for a novice sewer. So, without further ado....<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The DIY Newborn Posing Beanbag</span></b><br />
<b>42'' diameter x 12'' high</b><br />
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<i><u><b>Materials:</b></u></i><br />
<i><u>4 yards of flannel-backed vinyl fabric </u></i>(I was originally going to use tablecloth vinyl due to it's low price, however I decided to use a heavier vinyl instead. The tablecloth vinyl was too thin and would tear very easily which is definitely something you do not want.)<br />
<i><u>Heavy duty thread</u> </i>(I used Coats Extra Strong brand, made for upholstery)<br />
<i><u>Sewing needle made for heavy duty fabrics</u></i> (I used Singer brand, size 110/18)<br />
<i><u>Velcro</u></i><br />
<i><u>Measuring tape</u></i><br />
<i><u>yarn or string</u></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bag-of-Beads-Bean-Bag-Refill-3.5-Cubic-Feet/5691347" target="_blank">bean bag filling</a> </i>(Around 4 bags, but some prefer their beanbags filled more or less. I found it was less expensive at the Walmart store than online. <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/bag-of-beans-beanbag-refill/prod3770409.ip" target="_blank">Sam's Club</a> also has it at a good price.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeMhbQhISBLzcdAs3IjEGou9s34vxF0a5GSOu-RTPSt1LEb3unKgq_7sEIEh0EFFMMM26lzgUoIxn7eV9YIU1TOhk8snlb6U5ZWGp_50UTC5hklaNIRDeU2IP1rr6L9pxcK1aXipcFNl-/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeMhbQhISBLzcdAs3IjEGou9s34vxF0a5GSOu-RTPSt1LEb3unKgq_7sEIEh0EFFMMM26lzgUoIxn7eV9YIU1TOhk8snlb6U5ZWGp_50UTC5hklaNIRDeU2IP1rr6L9pxcK1aXipcFNl-/s320/IMG_6114.JPG" width="320" /></a>**Tips:<br />
-Do not use pins to hold the vinyl pieces together. Since vinyl doesn't have a weave, per say, using pins will leave holes in your fabric.<br />
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-Use flannel-backed vinyl. Since vinyl has sort of a grip to it (it's not "slippery" like cotton or say, satin), the sewing machine presser foot and feed dogs will not move the fabric along easily. Having the flannel side against the presser foot and feed dogs will allow the fabric to move through the machine easily.<br />
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<i><u>Instructions:</u></i><br />
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First we need to cut out our pieces. We will cut 2 circles with a diameter of 43'' each (this is factoring in 1/2'' seam allowances). We will also have one long rectangular piece that is 137" long and 13'' high (1/2'' seam allowance factored in), which will be made up of smaller rectangles sewn together.<br />
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To make the circles, I tied a piece of yarn to a pen to act as a giant compass. Of course, if you have something that is 43'' in diameter lying around, feel free to use that. I did not, so giant compass it is.<br />
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I tied each end of a 21.5'' long piece of yarn to a pen (21.5'' radius = 43'' diameter).<br />
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For this step it may help if you have one person assisting you. Hold one end of the pen on the fabric:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECiat5PsGKstYPu39RDdtIYIy3oCUv8ETLpJvOisbnDpUOfHrdTFmXezVECdtEsKUm5NnEp0vlS08_fcmmdphHTAzwLywqHL9u6wFVbTVtFPiUvbvKk5qiQ2eHsGxE7iQvVhdoUcXxhii/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECiat5PsGKstYPu39RDdtIYIy3oCUv8ETLpJvOisbnDpUOfHrdTFmXezVECdtEsKUm5NnEp0vlS08_fcmmdphHTAzwLywqHL9u6wFVbTVtFPiUvbvKk5qiQ2eHsGxE7iQvVhdoUcXxhii/s400/IMG_6143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hold the other end towards the edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AgbS5iciwU9ioBNqAoEsF65Emrfxeyswo8yq7SMUPK8wWz3xV6cLllHlmtcimXA0lhzKCZEJHBpcXWeSbPfVREA2wnazLTgHsLG248LMdJx0vEaO-pZbGfSjE15JZeezntmTLr3vQDyF/s1600/IMG_6144_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AgbS5iciwU9ioBNqAoEsF65Emrfxeyswo8yq7SMUPK8wWz3xV6cLllHlmtcimXA0lhzKCZEJHBpcXWeSbPfVREA2wnazLTgHsLG248LMdJx0vEaO-pZbGfSjE15JZeezntmTLr3vQDyF/s400/IMG_6144_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make sure you do not angle your pen. Inadvertently angling your pen either inward or outward will make your circle smaller or larger than you want, so to ensure an accurate circle, make sure that you hold your pens straight (like in the above photo), not slanted like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFccwOFohss0BadpYmFe578Gr6f_cUkdjvPjNoxlgv5aafVIzYxLgVAKfdkSl6dFcpoHH9B_PMHovNYe0fWxFXaEKfRw5xkNSElZTIxBEomTa82vlbr-fVTsA0QscWdDWIHL0iGmZui61i/s1600/IMG_6145_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFccwOFohss0BadpYmFe578Gr6f_cUkdjvPjNoxlgv5aafVIzYxLgVAKfdkSl6dFcpoHH9B_PMHovNYe0fWxFXaEKfRw5xkNSElZTIxBEomTa82vlbr-fVTsA0QscWdDWIHL0iGmZui61i/s400/IMG_6145_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make sure that you can draw a full circle without your pen coming off the edge of the fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_0a_SY90V6QRpVteiiON5W8AFgKpXxkGKUPjPVDJGp1sYdcBSGOPHvrzFwFgP0u8MgqY8bLXhXf6w-lRDdduSk9N0HtVfqIS-HFpbaiWz4rF8oq2pfgJB1H7-eyuUatcNpPh5ezE6oc7/s1600/IMG_6146_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_0a_SY90V6QRpVteiiON5W8AFgKpXxkGKUPjPVDJGp1sYdcBSGOPHvrzFwFgP0u8MgqY8bLXhXf6w-lRDdduSk9N0HtVfqIS-HFpbaiWz4rF8oq2pfgJB1H7-eyuUatcNpPh5ezE6oc7/s400/IMG_6146_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cut out your circle. Use that circle to trace another circle onto the fabric. Cut out your second traced circle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacom6jOVZPkdWAvmW8Sp9xwxo2veveA4hWgmhg-4FmusaWT78McJXwNrV5kfd_eeVMl32NvTL7Prjz82XaO-ZeQStP5lSkPG2G3f-qbc7XL8atdqdBpx7EVD18tpQtGG7q5_SSs2VpH9B/s1600/IMG_6147_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacom6jOVZPkdWAvmW8Sp9xwxo2veveA4hWgmhg-4FmusaWT78McJXwNrV5kfd_eeVMl32NvTL7Prjz82XaO-ZeQStP5lSkPG2G3f-qbc7XL8atdqdBpx7EVD18tpQtGG7q5_SSs2VpH9B/s400/IMG_6147_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next cut out as many rectangles that you need in order to make a final piece that is 137" long. Use a ruler or a quilter's ruler, or something else with a long straight edge. They should be 13'' high (accounting for 1/2'' seam allowance). (Don't mind the different colored vinyl. I got what was on sale. Some photogs recommend tan or white because dark colors can show through when using light blankets, but many put a bunch of blankets underneath anyhow.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRW3bS0d-ARYmDEwDbOvRsN_haw0jwDUhW-bRp9PAG3hsnAvXOMc4mXJa1NAOerwfnn8Sxfd2dWYyZEOqVo2dOqI9ujSmC4sTV4aE-rnTKVbiUfKEJB1ZUvvz0UYUrIoX1wztx7A_LnjM/s1600/IMG_6153_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRW3bS0d-ARYmDEwDbOvRsN_haw0jwDUhW-bRp9PAG3hsnAvXOMc4mXJa1NAOerwfnn8Sxfd2dWYyZEOqVo2dOqI9ujSmC4sTV4aE-rnTKVbiUfKEJB1ZUvvz0UYUrIoX1wztx7A_LnjM/s400/IMG_6153_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew them right sides together to make your 137'' rectangle.</div>
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Turn a bit of your fabric over to create a hem on the short side of the rectangle. Since vinyl doesn't pass through the machine easily, I turned flannel sides out so that it would sew easily. Stitch in place.<br />
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Stitch your velcro to the right side of one end of a rectangle. I held off stitching on the other piece of velcro until the beanbag was almost finished so that I could get the placing correct.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9eqY5uzOxiW0_Vmuhmj1bDcc84YUK_E1PEE-ItLnUT1Rg40xIUq9EFIoN3hXJzTA-aFBvdZdhHHQRv3nlzO1fiZSYydLMjFWaSveQjY2wGFyhuBYI9xU0FXQWsmV8rVCwnKB_gtOm_-6/s1600/IMG_6159_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9eqY5uzOxiW0_Vmuhmj1bDcc84YUK_E1PEE-ItLnUT1Rg40xIUq9EFIoN3hXJzTA-aFBvdZdhHHQRv3nlzO1fiZSYydLMjFWaSveQjY2wGFyhuBYI9xU0FXQWsmV8rVCwnKB_gtOm_-6/s400/IMG_6159_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew your rectangular piece to your circle, right sides together. Don't pin your fabric together, this will create tiny pinholes where your pins were. Just start at one end and ease your fabric along as you sew. There will be a bit of extra fabric at the end once you've sewn it all the way on, which will allow you to put the velcro exactly where you need it. Sew the other piece of velcro on the other end of the rectangular piece to make your closure. When finished, it will look like this:<br />
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Sew your other circle to the other side of the rectangular piece, right sides together, using the same method you used for the other circle.<br />
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Then, flip your beanbag right-sides-out, through the opening. It will look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5cgHVztslwW_EOpjwuWsYPruSikn2cGVVMd0nl9VFAFcDUKlE2dUvTTLoKRupG8QAsqK5RvkM-RxwsjPSocuIzkaA342Ss-nZqQFVibqpECxQR0GccRtH3B7v2MDKj23mBRuuCcXasvl/s1600/IMG_6164_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5cgHVztslwW_EOpjwuWsYPruSikn2cGVVMd0nl9VFAFcDUKlE2dUvTTLoKRupG8QAsqK5RvkM-RxwsjPSocuIzkaA342Ss-nZqQFVibqpECxQR0GccRtH3B7v2MDKj23mBRuuCcXasvl/s400/IMG_6164_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's it for sewing! Now for filling. I used the filling from a couple of beanbags I picked up at a garage sale to cut on cost. This got my bag about half full. I then picked up two bags of <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bag-of-Beads-Bean-Bag-Refill-3.5-Cubic-Feet/5691347" target="_blank">beanbag filling</a> at Walmart for $12 each (they're cheaper in store than online I guess). A lot of folks say that these are a pain to fill. If you do it carefully it's not that bad. The filling from the beanbags was more difficult than the bags from Walmart. I cut a hole in the used beanbags then cut the bottom off an oatmeal box to and taped it to the used beanbag opening to make a makeshift funnel. My husband held the used beanbag while I held the posing beanbag and we shook and shimmied the filling from one bag to the other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNPS4btUA5jyPOhf5pS_w4nu-q_9g1DPVeH2U7EdZldjXQGKqyEalTyf8kgD7DkW-Av1gjjsElJU3LfBL84P5vN6KWpPREPW2SuFd2-0IMm6isJ3GZMukWz25hvjOlJl6uC8gWLIEUhTy/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNPS4btUA5jyPOhf5pS_w4nu-q_9g1DPVeH2U7EdZldjXQGKqyEalTyf8kgD7DkW-Av1gjjsElJU3LfBL84P5vN6KWpPREPW2SuFd2-0IMm6isJ3GZMukWz25hvjOlJl6uC8gWLIEUhTy/s400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For the bags from Walmart, I snipped off a corner of the bag and dumped it in. I found that if I snipped off a bit of the other corner it allowed for airflow in the bag and the beans came out quicker.</div>
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Velcro that baby closed and you're done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfJDyhRoj4YSLxsUlN0Ja53IhTJDISDqO5GNUpdGWN1iTL0kaLKleuD_5HdTJqC0EgAyyn7fkrapsqgs_j3S7UmVV8jIlDcajkuIHRVIMABwaVsgfI_Wikj78_Tlt-91Lo7j6QsHcl6OX/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfJDyhRoj4YSLxsUlN0Ja53IhTJDISDqO5GNUpdGWN1iTL0kaLKleuD_5HdTJqC0EgAyyn7fkrapsqgs_j3S7UmVV8jIlDcajkuIHRVIMABwaVsgfI_Wikj78_Tlt-91Lo7j6QsHcl6OX/s400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i><u>COST:</u></i></b><br />
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<i>4 yards of flannel-backed vinyl fabric - $6/yd on sale at Hancock Fabrics = $24</i></div>
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<i>Heavy duty thread - $2.50</i></div>
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<i>Sewing needle made for heavy duty fabrics - $2</i></div>
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<i>beanbag filling - $3.50 at garage sale + $24 Walmart bags = $27.50</i></div>
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<i><b>GRAND TOTAL: $62 including tax</b></i></div>
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Not bad compared to $140 plus!<br />
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I am so happy with the way this turned out. It's big enough to pose multiples, and firm enough to (hopefully) leave blankets smooth and wrinkle-free. Of course, I have yet to actually pose a newborn on it, but I'm confident that I will be thrilled with the results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xdl-A7coApxv_Kb8iDgjL-CMTJ9tj0-fNdmRI7yufvjnTYKVRDHCREaS2iCqQc_0AtRKRqUKq1_iruqCPcICqh87ISBblJzxU1Vnw6xB_opyAE9PvjUQtlftIUISx1rLpdEQiq7umHMR/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xdl-A7coApxv_Kb8iDgjL-CMTJ9tj0-fNdmRI7yufvjnTYKVRDHCREaS2iCqQc_0AtRKRqUKq1_iruqCPcICqh87ISBblJzxU1Vnw6xB_opyAE9PvjUQtlftIUISx1rLpdEQiq7umHMR/s400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Please let me know if any directions are unclear or if you have any suggestions. I will try my best to clear up any confusion. If you made a beanbag using my tutorial, please leave a link to a photo in the comments so we can see how it turned out :)<br />
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**One thing to remember is that this doesn't have to look perfect. The sewing can be sloppy and it will still turn out. It will be covered by a blanket, after all. This project is very forgiving, so have fun!<br />
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***October 6, 2013 - EDITED TO ADD: I used the bag for my first newborn session! I'm glad I made it bigger because it was for a twins session. It is a larger sized bag, and I'm able to throw it in the bed of our pickup, however if you travel for sessions and have minimal space in your vehicle, you may want to make the dimensions smaller.<br />
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****October 10, 2015 - EDITED TO ADD:<br />
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This tutorial can be tailored to any size bag you want.<br />
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Just remember:<br />
~Diameter is the width of the bag<br />
~Radius is half the diameter<br />
~Circumference is the distance around the circle. To find the circumference of your circle, multiply 3.14 (pi) times the diameter.<br />
~The rectangular piece is the circumference plus about 6" for hem and velcro closure<br />
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FOR EXAMPLE: For a 30" travel bag:<br />
~Diameter (width) is 30"<br />
~Radius (string) is 15"<br />
~Circumference is about 94". Add 6" for hem and closure = 100" rectangular piece.<br />
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I hope this was explained well. My brain is mush right now :)<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-38311745795751824152013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-08T00:00:12.016-07:00Tips to Reduce Stress<br />
My husband and I are similar in so many ways, and soooo different in others. One of the ways we are vastly different is in regards to stress, or allowing things to bother and eat away at us. He will lose sleep over things that are beyond his control. He will hash and rehash a problem until it's dead in the ground, and then dig it up and rehash it some more until he's fraught with worry. I take a different approach. I typically let things roll off my back. I'm not quite sure how I got the free-bird mentality and he got the worry-wort personality, but perhaps that's why we compliment each other. Now, patience on the other hand... ha! Of that I have very little, although I'm getting better. My husband will likely beg to differ, but I really don't think anyone is blessed with the endless supply of patience that he has, except maybe my brother. Again, perhaps that's why we compliment each other. But, I digress.<br />
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As I stated, I typically will let things roll of my back. I am actually very good at being proactive about the things I can change, and dismissing the things I can't. It's of no use worrying over things you cannot change, or as the old adage goes, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." Worrying and stressing over things you cannot change will do nothing but give you anxiety and make you feel bad. It will gray your hair, age your face, take years off your life, do negative things for your health, and keep you awake at night. If you can change something then do it. If you can't, then LET. IT. GO. Then move forward. Worrying and stressing will only serve to keep you stagnant. There will be no progression. Taking action will at least move you in some direction. If you can't take action to change it, then letting it go will allow you to move forward. I understand that this is so difficult for some people, as it's just not in their blueprint as it is for others. I suppose for these people it takes a good amount of practice to master. <br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/stress-tips_b_3178949.html" target="_blank">This article</a> by Mark Hyman, MD is a great read on how to reduce stress. It explains better than I can how to reduce stress. I highly recommend it to everyone, and recommend that many revisit this article on occasion anytime they might need a reminder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4Sb16ioqs0OYzNzWuVWaxmr6QhUet3RixKUfB_Gg0laI8Upd1LMse_71GR-dwG-aAKtXR0M1Y7pcjXD3EOE2v-3qXjnWiOvmWlcx79HHucFIkxISHdFeIF7-AMC0Uzh-UZvbKkndPGTh/s1600/IMG_4525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4Sb16ioqs0OYzNzWuVWaxmr6QhUet3RixKUfB_Gg0laI8Upd1LMse_71GR-dwG-aAKtXR0M1Y7pcjXD3EOE2v-3qXjnWiOvmWlcx79HHucFIkxISHdFeIF7-AMC0Uzh-UZvbKkndPGTh/s400/IMG_4525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What are your thoughts on stress? Are you a person who stresses over things over which you have no control? If you let things roll off your back, is that your innate personalityTT or do you have to work hard at it?<br />
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Photo: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-35371302007213787612013-04-29T13:07:00.002-07:002013-04-29T13:07:57.871-07:00Homemade Finger Paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who doesn't love getting their hands dirty? I suppose some kids with sensory processing issues and another small percentage of "type A" kids don't, but for the most part the little ones love any chance to squish something with their hands. </div>
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My kiddos love using finger paint. I mean *LOVE*. They start the activity putting the paint on the paper with their fingers or paint brushes, then it somehow the activity turns into "hand-washing with finger paint". I'm okay with that. A little mess doesn't bother this mom.</div>
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<b>Homemade Finger Paint</b></div>
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flour</div>
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water</div>
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food coloring</div>
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There's really no recipe here. Just mix together the ingredients until it's to a consistency of your liking. I find that the lids of jars holds the paint really nicely.</div>
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I've also found that a heavy-duty canvas paper holds the thick paint a little better than regular paper, but we use both. A pad of canvas paper can be bought at Michael's pretty inexpensively, especially if you use one of their weekly 40% off coupons.</div>
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Now go whip up some paint and get creative!</div>
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Photo: A Musing Mamma</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-32401628119779883982013-04-28T23:06:00.000-07:002013-04-28T23:06:07.355-07:00Free Shipping on Diapers and Wipes!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did you know that <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/" target="_blank">Sam's Club</a> and <a href="http://www.costco.com/" target="_blank">Costco</a> offer free shipping on their baby diapers and wipes? That's pretty great, if you ask me. </div>
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There are so many times where I'll almost be out of diapers or wipes, and I can't tell you how convenient it is to be able to order them online in less than 10 minutes. Though I can't vouch for Costco, Sam's Club usually arrives 2-3 days after I place the order. Another plus!</div>
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If you're a Sam's Club or Costco member, I highly advise you to make your life a little easier and take advantage of this convenience.<br />
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Photo: www.samsclub.com</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-78911679810415538222013-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-18T00:00:08.272-07:00Gorgeous Children's Table & Chairs SetHow gorgeous is this children's table and chairs set?! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKZBqUPBTrxEhurl1n679OoB4IJLoUJH_GiPwOzO37X92Tkb_lUYBb7L-k76FV-_wuUKuEXjRyvSJ7fM0E6wOmvsbR4XXiH1lT_yxWWS-cnj64OxB3Ewv896xyJsvAGtOoNxKU5zHlB_i/s1600/IMG_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKZBqUPBTrxEhurl1n679OoB4IJLoUJH_GiPwOzO37X92Tkb_lUYBb7L-k76FV-_wuUKuEXjRyvSJ7fM0E6wOmvsbR4XXiH1lT_yxWWS-cnj64OxB3Ewv896xyJsvAGtOoNxKU5zHlB_i/s400/IMG_0183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This exquisite piece of furniture is available for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimiandwah" target="_blank">esty shop</a>, handcrafted by my brother-in-law.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj2fR6ZDwuch6GxTNmNP8H2tCEHPQL2YG16GRyIJvd0OvxtsAavKnLK0qyjdPOH5yY11Sx-onTRlY2LCFYkl6wgyCWIE6003CzLGnkX39ngZqnQN5vRDPgZT1rst7IvhTb7NMHdKU2W_r/s1600/IMG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj2fR6ZDwuch6GxTNmNP8H2tCEHPQL2YG16GRyIJvd0OvxtsAavKnLK0qyjdPOH5yY11Sx-onTRlY2LCFYkl6wgyCWIE6003CzLGnkX39ngZqnQN5vRDPgZT1rst7IvhTb7NMHdKU2W_r/s400/IMG_0151.jpg" width="378" /></a><br />
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This solid wood children's table and chairs set is created from Alder wood. No MDF or plywood used. This is heirloom quality furniture, something that can be passed from generation to generation and withstand the test of time and roughness of children's play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqFUx2SPg7t1sS3m59WX5qxuPinpJBJ7AopltKHT8CnNcBAV40WqWH4O6zOw6PGJBcM1DPMxxKbf_WjVqxnwEZ8IxonLGx3mjcDxJ4IPHVoVIGP_ocYuRO5uysYUB036HrZATbuLvFawY/s1600/0416130959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqFUx2SPg7t1sS3m59WX5qxuPinpJBJ7AopltKHT8CnNcBAV40WqWH4O6zOw6PGJBcM1DPMxxKbf_WjVqxnwEZ8IxonLGx3mjcDxJ4IPHVoVIGP_ocYuRO5uysYUB036HrZATbuLvFawY/s400/0416130959.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Available in any color of your choosing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG9yF28cbnijZ8M_V1XtgXM3TRisi1FPHquoXR55eadpsZwvauhN-PJcqSe97mOdbPJ5G0OG2405nWAwcIX25BQRXYH-95U3p6VyqQHIY85Fjgn-CEsMmnYA072qdQk_NBldlf5qmoFBA/s1600/0416130959ar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG9yF28cbnijZ8M_V1XtgXM3TRisi1FPHquoXR55eadpsZwvauhN-PJcqSe97mOdbPJ5G0OG2405nWAwcIX25BQRXYH-95U3p6VyqQHIY85Fjgn-CEsMmnYA072qdQk_NBldlf5qmoFBA/s400/0416130959ar.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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This stuff is built to last. None of this particle board stuff they sell in some shops. Good, solid, craftsmanship.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6xRWxphimyEJrYsrd-3aZHnALnZbm8ha41QSMtPzNEmYciGQYFLr6vXoZDV0d2IBYmL8hLl1G-ngxAS_mlWGd4s8M8a2riHSYwt1LTLsfFGRGrS4GbB3wZGUboM5IbB0RxoX9bfTGycO/s1600/IMG_0177_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6xRWxphimyEJrYsrd-3aZHnALnZbm8ha41QSMtPzNEmYciGQYFLr6vXoZDV0d2IBYmL8hLl1G-ngxAS_mlWGd4s8M8a2riHSYwt1LTLsfFGRGrS4GbB3wZGUboM5IbB0RxoX9bfTGycO/s400/IMG_0177_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photos: A Musing Mamma</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-28439561828339286292013-04-17T11:48:00.000-07:002013-04-17T11:55:50.394-07:00What Has My Attention On Etsy Right Now...<a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> is a fantastic place to find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for someone you know (or for yourself!). It's a great way to support local artists (there's a feature to only search artists local to you). Head on over and find something great today. While you're there, be sure to check out my shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimiandwah" target="_blank">MimiAndWah</a>. I have a couple amazing things I'm lining up that I can't wait to sell! Check back soon to see them.<br />
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Check out these super cute little girl hair clips and headbands from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlottesCorner2013?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">CharlottesCorner2013</a>. Very adorable and very affordable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlottesCorner2013?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JybpZYomKeuBWVHBANz8o3p79rufIRkOPfJk4ujVCRKEqWCrJCHN542dt5lLnJSSgZ0HtKpeqV2hTtpRyLjf8itRWV9I9o4LhYaV0xPwos6efexM2Fs16rh-scu7pD87tFYSRFI1cgoa/s400/il_570xN.447903141_b2ah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: CharlottesCorner2013 via www.etsy.com</div>
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How cute is this cowboy/girl hat and boot set from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104137853/baby-cowboy-or-cowgirl-set-includes-hat?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">sheepishhooker</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104137853/baby-cowboy-or-cowgirl-set-includes-hat?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGxGPaCVIIaiy52o4VgQiUgbGMQZSHVEhx6FHDrTeiCDH_0zUaR4d8EHQd0fCqhQikBuuiIZ2Xq5ZSQrxqLEOF1_34-tatb0-ILn7uTblmm-C9noIe6WP4nKrgbdedH3BH3HgprBzte6s/s400/il_570xN.378200827_olly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: sheepishhooker via www.etsy.com</div>
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Not from Etsy, but here's a less expensive cowgirl boot for a sweet little babe from <a href="https://handmadeartists.com/product-details/Crochet,%20Knitting,%20and%20Needlecraft/Baby/Cowgirl%20Booties%20Hand%20Knit%20in%20Pink%20and%20White/?pid=20130117142026cc509" target="_blank">iKnitQuiltSew</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://handmadeartists.com/product-details/Crochet,%20Knitting,%20and%20Needlecraft/Baby/Cowgirl%20Booties%20Hand%20Knit%20in%20Pink%20and%20White/?pid=20130117142026cc509" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjagnl3QLARb75fun46WwXRVkZAyBzZKCHTWVUvrDggTd-ZlchdmrH5_-Osjuw0GO7S2X6jPQVIJ4MwMBjppzVjo4iyvrgfB6WUBZ-mzfdunAytsNKx-eNFFr-Ce18oh5VsxHCVaC3Yieg/s400/front1_9a6f717012013022026.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
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Photo: iKnitQuiltSew via www.handmadeartists.com </div>
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Anyone who knows me well knows that I love <i>The Wizard of Oz. </i>Might have to buy this lot of 12 <i>Oz</i> fabric panels from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70303015/lot-of-12-wizard-of-oz-fabric-panel?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=quilt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">QuiltPanelsAndCrafts</a> and whip up a quilt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70303015/lot-of-12-wizard-of-oz-fabric-panel?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=quilt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKwIzWButVXaiNvuCFNv4rjXi_8BGa7mG4T8HT683Lwv__ijhtsjLPY1E-0GPRgcI8fNNwwHID753O_pYd_ln-ygy3EUGzHD8FzEy7_5AufL73md7pxGOMjzuEOfFHfBAqPLatrI_Z_Zy/s400/il_570xN.228247128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of <i>The Wizard of Oz</i>... how great is this bookmark from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79153215/the-original-wicked-witch-bookmark-ruby?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">kiranichols</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79153215/the-original-wicked-witch-bookmark-ruby?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBrybx_4OCcvmp-N0pCA9bW_5l1MvfREKK2pN-UJjBpSZhDy5OoIVk_ibZLRp6eYgIyHG1ZqY6sdygFsoaNHumuyglDXj4HH_I3RWoP97hi4XBL_7vIlBUUeprLjeprEyoSmdNjOfGyEo/s400/il_570xN.398611111_dbdc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have to bookmark these slippers from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82209545/crochet-owl-slippers-all-sizes-baby-gift?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=slippers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">FrancescasToyChest</a> when some of my nieces' and nephews' birthdays roll around. Adorbs!</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82209545/crochet-owl-slippers-all-sizes-baby-gift?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=slippers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRka872wWVPrwj30ze_9WVBb8QGfJ2O5ZlwgmT4evcRem3fTg8mOom_Oqx8Mz-cX6CAVIzRwI67jNegaf0Ik8j6RM2ywOMxbbl6Qgo2H37ep3DnJqWVmuk0JWCkzoVWlg-A14AwrdtZO5/s400/il_570xN.272460004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful dress and pretty affordable from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126413484/vintage-inspired-lace-bluetaffeta?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">wonderxue</a> (whose other dresses are amazing too). Now only if I had somewhere to wear it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126413484/vintage-inspired-lace-bluetaffeta?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb4b-voT45vNZvfyxmp7n2vdyPWvpjcS4n2-6HpnaUyJp6uQvD-hmFJE6ILddl-oSPzhHkvBvnqFAeLZ_OBSdlL4Wzm-8gdzDAKpviApTTOZZN24fEyHjLY2jDwt_vG3ujzrPIyVHUK6-/s400/il_570xN.437876898_9q20.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Photo: wonderxue via www.etsy.com</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-49472457372081713622013-04-12T10:50:00.000-07:002013-04-12T10:50:07.074-07:00Neely's BBQ Sauce + Slow Cooker Anything = Major Deliciousness!<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/neelys-bbq-sauce-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">The Neely's BBQ Sauce</a> from The Food Network is my go-to barbecue sauce. It is tangy, sweet, and has a bit of a kick. It's quite simple, and the flavors all blend together really nicely. <br />
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Now, what I absolutely love about this sauce is that you can put any meat in the slow cooker, dump the sauce ingredients on top, in a couple of hours you have a delicious barbecue meal. I've tried it with chicken, pork, and beef, and all turn out superb. I omit the white sugar (and sometimes even cut down the brown) and it still works. I will also omit the 1 cup of water if using in the slow cooker because the juices from the meat water it down enough for my taste. To make sure we get our veggies, I will usually toss in a diced onion, 3 carrots (cut in to chunks), and sometimes a couple of halved potatoes. So simple. So healthy. So delicious.<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
2 cups ketchup<br />
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
5 tablespoons light brown sugar<br />
1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper<br />
1/2 tablespoon onion powder<br />
1/2 tablespoon ground mustard<br />
1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
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Mix all ingredients in your slow cooker. Put meat in slow cooker. Cook for 5-7 hours.<br />
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Photo: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-7766781999861728412013-04-09T22:17:00.001-07:002013-04-09T22:17:23.136-07:00Homemade Paddles and Balloon GameI'm very cheap when it comes to my children's fun. If I don't buy their entertainment at a <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/buy-childrens-books-used.html" target="_blank">garage sale / thrift store / children's consignment event</a>, then I make it. Children are usually entertained by the simplest of things, so I generally believe that most <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/busy-jars.html" target="_blank">entertainment can be found in objects around the house</a>. Mine currently love watching the washing machine run through a cycle, for instance. When we're not watching our clothes being laundered, we are playing this game. It's simple, really, and the kids get a kick out of it. You make two paddles of sorts, then you hit the balloon(s) with them. So we have balloons, and we have hitting stuff. What's not to like?<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqJpcz_525HE5YtKcQ1ZAqTnp2tnMWuZ4zxBeEJ8U5PENsgUlDeZ3uPpj51ccq6DzJANdGjVbLegV1NttIHSoJXQ4iWHcPOuSB7EIjlH_l91V4hxmlKVErTVzqi-4H0SjOtEl88UuDZTC/s1600/IMG_6005_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqJpcz_525HE5YtKcQ1ZAqTnp2tnMWuZ4zxBeEJ8U5PENsgUlDeZ3uPpj51ccq6DzJANdGjVbLegV1NttIHSoJXQ4iWHcPOuSB7EIjlH_l91V4hxmlKVErTVzqi-4H0SjOtEl88UuDZTC/s400/IMG_6005_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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balloons</div>
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popsicle sticks</div>
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First, blow up your balloon(s)*. Now, I would have used paper plates for our hitting device, except that we didn't have any. Instead, I cut large squares from a moving box we had lying around. Next, use the duct tape to affix your popsicle sticks to the paper plate / cardboard. I couldn't find our duct tape so I used scotch tape instead, which I really don't recommend. It works in a pinch but doesn't stay taped like duct tape does. And that's it. Hit those balloons, and be entertained by the fact that you just created some cheap entertainment.</div>
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*Obviously you must be careful with latex balloons around small children, as they can pose a choking hazard if popped. Therefore, you must keep a close eye on youngsters playing this game.</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-18796415926029094682013-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-11T06:32:34.143-07:00Healthy Honey Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut CookiesI'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes, especially for dessert. I love a sugar-laden, buttery, chocolate chip cookie every now again, but for the most part I really do prefer the healthier option. I don't feel so sluggish after eating them, for one. I also feel better giving them to my kids.<br />
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They were asking for a cookie and we had just run out of our last batch (which we typically keep in the freezer to last us longer). The kids really enjoy cooking with me so I figured why not search for a new healthy cookie recipe to try out? I found <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/healthy-honey-oatmeal-cookies-147497" target="_blank">Healthy Honey Oatmeal Cookies</a> from <a href="http://www.Food.com/">www.Food.com</a> and made a few adjustments. To be a bit healthier, we used Greek yogurt instead of butter, and we cut the sugar from 1/2 cup to a scant 1/4 cup. They are still plenty sweet even with the reduction. You could probably use even less and they would still be tasty, especially if using chocolate chips or the other optional ingredients that provide sweetness. The chocolate sweetens them a lot, so I used a bit less than I normally do. There's a very subtle sweetness to the batter, which balances out the chocolate nicely. They are pleasantly chewy, which I wasn't expecting. They hold their shape rather nicely. Since butter is absent, they didn't spread, so they were perfect bite-size snacking cookies. We likely won't even have a chance to freeze these -- I'm certain they will be gone in the next couple of days!<br />
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<b>Healthy Honey Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
Makes about 20-25<br />
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3 tablespoons Greek yogurt<br />
scant 1/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup honey<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 1/2 cups rolled oats<br />
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<b>Optional Ingredients: </b>chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon, chopped nuts, chopped dates, chopped figs, currants, dried cranberries, dried cherries, white chocolate chips<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil cookie sheet or use parchment paper. Mix together yogurt, brown sugar, honey, egg and water. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add the optional ingredients, if using. Use a cookie scoop or drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the cookie sheet. (Since these don't spread at all, you can place them rather closely on the cookie sheet. I managed to put all of mine on one sheet.) Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.<br />
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Photos: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-39952352995586983582013-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-08T07:52:12.349-07:00Breakfast Ideas -- Smart Starts<i>This is an article I recently wrote for <a href="http://www.twiniversity.com/">www.twiniversity.com</a>. They are a terrific resource for parents of twins (or even parents of non-twins) and feature useful articles and advice, classes, forums, and more!</i><br />
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<b>Breakfast Ideas -- Smart Starts</b><br />
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Now that you’re a parent you understand the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. You strive to make sure your little ones eat a nutritious and healthy breakfast, but sometimes our little ones have other plans. Sometimes we get in a breakfast rut and need some inspiration to think outside the box and get excited about breakfast again. Sometimes we are short on time and need something that’s quick to prepare. Below you will find tips and ideas for getting your brood to eat a wholesome breakfast each day.<br />
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<b>1. Smoothies.</b> We are huge fans of smoothies in our house. I make them almost everyday, and not just for breakfast. They are a hit with little ones because they are naturally sweet (although you can sweeten them to taste with honey, dates, or prunes), and parents love them because they are nutrient dense, meaning you can really pack a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals and all things healthy into one little cup. The probiotics in the yogurt are great for kids’ tummies and a 1-cup serving of the 2% Fage Greek yogurt has 46% daily value of protein. Our favorite is <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/cocoa-peanut-butter-banana-smoothie.html" target="_blank">cocoa-peanut butter-banana</a>, but the great thing about smoothies is that anything goes. Milk (cow, almond, soy, coconut, etc.), yogurt, and any fruit you can think of (frozen or not) goes into a blender, and in seconds you have a healthy breakfast that kids love.
**Tip: Add a handful of spinach, avocado, or dry, uncooked oatmeal for more good-for-you stuff!<br />
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<b>2. Change your idea of what breakfast is.</b> Who hasn’t eaten leftover pizza for breakfast? Or breakfast for dinner? Well how about dinner for breakfast? Nobody says breakfast has to be strictly “breakfast foods”. Did your kids devour that meatloaf you served them for dinner last night? Go ahead and serve it for breakfast. As long as it’s healthy and your kids will eat it, I say why not? Many times my kids have loved the previous night’s dinner so much that I serve it for breakfast (ok, or I was too lazy to make something new). Do your kiddos love tuna sandwiches? While you may not sound thrilled at the prospect of eating fish first thing in the morning, this may be just the thing to get your little ones to be excited about their breakfast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food art -- Play with your food!</td></tr>
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<b>3. Be artistic.</b> Shape your kids’ banana slices into a <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-kids-recipes/fun-food-the-coral-snake-snack.php" target="_blank">snake</a> using peanut butter to hold it together and raisins for eyes. Make <a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/03/lucky-rainbow-breakfast.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KitchenFunWithMy3Sons+%28Kitchen+Fun+With+My+3+Sons%29" target="_blank">rainbows out of their fruit</a> or <a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/03/mr-pancake-head.html" target="_blank">silly faces with their pancakes</a>. Serve them <a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-scream-for-grilled-cheese.html" target="_blank">"ice cream"</a> for breakfast (using a waffle and peanut butter instead of grilled cheese). Ask them to get in on the fun and create something themselves. If you’re not the creative type, do a Google image search for <i>food art</i> to gain inspiration, or check out this great blog with lots of ideas, <a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons</a>.<br />
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<b>4. Make and freeze.</b> If being short on time is your breakfast dilemma, try baking or cooking a large batch and freezing the leftovers in individual sized portions. Then all you will have to do in the morning is pop your breakfast in the microwave and be on your way. Wondering what to freeze? Some of our favorites include <a href="http://www.texanerin.com/2011/11/100-whole-grain-cranberry-orange-oat.html" target="_blank">cranberry orange oat muffins</a>, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/breakfast-cookies-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">breakfast cookies</a>, <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/02/greek-yogurt-pancakes/" target="_blank">whole wheat pancakes</a>, <a href="http://www.motherthyme.com/2012/02/whole-wheat-banana-oatmeal-greek-yogurt.html" target="_blank">whole-wheat-banana-oatmeal-Greek-yogurt waffles</a>, <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/breakfast-sausage-casserole.html" target="_blank">sausage-egg casserole</a>, <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/freezer-breakfast-burritos/" target="_blank">breakfast burritos</a>, sliced <a href="http://www.sweetgirlconfections.com/2010/08/28/honey-zucchini-bread/" target="_blank">honey zucchini bread</a> or <a href="http://8weekstoabetteryourecipes.blogspot.com/2012/09/banana-bread-8-week-friendly.html" target="_blank">whole wheat banana bread</a>. There is an abundance of healthy recipes on Pinterest and the Web, so find one that your kids enjoy and get cookin’!<br />
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<b>5. Savory oatmeal.</b> This healthy little grain is so versatile and it has so much potential just waiting to be unleashed. We all are familiar with “sweet” oatmeals... cinnamon-raisin, apple-cinnamon, cocoa-peanut-butter-banana (YES!), but what about savory oatmeals? Just like it sounds, these oatmeals incorporate anything savory -- <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/332301/savory-oatmeal-and-soft-cooked-egg" target="_blank">eggs, cheese,</a> bacon, sausage, spices, cooked vegetables, salt & pepper. Once again, anything goes. Get creative and experiment to see what your kids like. Fortunately, kids really have no pre-conceptions about what oatmeal should be, unlike adults, and will take to savory oatmeal like any other yummy breakfast food.<br />
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<b>6. Experiment with different grains.</b> Oatmeal isn’t the only grain suitable for a breakfast porridge-of-sorts. Quinoa, bulgur wheat, and amaranth are all seriously nutritious grains that deserve some of our your family’s attention as well. Cooking directions differ for each, but they can all be treated like oatmeal -- a bland grain waiting to soak up whatever yumminess you decide to put in! One of our favorites: <a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/2011/06/chocolate-amaranth-pudding-thermador.html" target="_blank">amaranth pudding</a>. Delish!<br />
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Break away from your usual breakfast routine and try some of these tips. Get creative and think outside the box. I challenge you to try each of these tips, and I almost guarantee that you will keep them on your morning rotation.<br />
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Photo: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-9711591379577908802013-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-10T07:22:33.408-07:00Healthy Chocolate Pudding Using AvocadoThis chocolate pudding is ah-may-zing! <br />
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My kids wanted a smoothie for breakfast this morning. I <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/cocoa-peanut-butter-banana-smoothie.html" target="_blank">typically put in frozen bananas</a> but didn't have any, so I used room temp bananas. I added the rest of my ingredients and it turned out like <i>pudding</i>! <br />
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Rich, silky, smooth, chocolate-y, healthy, delicious pudding. My life is forever changed. I might have to make this every day. It's that good -- and good for you! The banana and honey add sweetness, and the avocado lends a silky, smooth texture (I swear you won't be able to taste it). The only change you might want to make is omitting the oatmeal. I am the kind of person who actually like the seeds in raspberry jam, so I personally don't mind flecks of oatmeal texturing my pudding, but some people may want a smoother texture and may choose to leave it out.<br />
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<b>Healthy Chocolate Pudding</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 C milk (cow, almond, soy, etc.)<br />
1 banana<br />
1/2 avocado<br />
2-3 Tbs peanut butter<br />
1-2 Tbs honey<br />
1/4 C dry, uncooked oatmeal<br />
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Blend all ingredients using a regular blender or immersion blender (my favorite shown below). I have also eaten this with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, acting as the "whipped cream". Some may wish to sweeten the yogurt with a bit of powdered sugar, but I enjoyed it without.<br />
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Photos: A Musing Mamma</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-39733381098041345652013-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-04T00:00:06.727-07:00My Favorite Cookbook<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutSJ8i0jP57aI84E2UykHNBFwtIY5MRg2hUSmoz1i18CLIbOtL63eJAgeaA2bjpVnwLYb6Gvm5oSHix8cNSmeeZwqf6jyHeynVRR1DkwtGZtcWBx4PPSoE-6n_2UUBGZm6fnSlumUcRYl/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutSJ8i0jP57aI84E2UykHNBFwtIY5MRg2hUSmoz1i18CLIbOtL63eJAgeaA2bjpVnwLYb6Gvm5oSHix8cNSmeeZwqf6jyHeynVRR1DkwtGZtcWBx4PPSoE-6n_2UUBGZm6fnSlumUcRYl/s400/IMG_4340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anguilla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My favorite cookbook so far has to be <i>At Blanchard's Table: A Trip to the Beach Cookbook</i>. Let me tell you the story of how this came to be.<br />
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In 2006 my parents moved to the Caribbean island of <a href="http://ivisitanguilla.com/" target="_blank">Anguilla</a>, the most beautiful place I've seen so far. My mom was a bit hesitant about leaving her family and friends and moving thousands of miles away, so I wanted to get her a little going-away present to cheer her up. I searched online for something Anguilla-related and came across this cookbook. I knew she could appreciate a cookbook that came from the tiny island where she was about to live. I sent it with her not expecting to hear much of it again, except that every time I would talk to her on the phone she would say "Michelle, I made another recipe from Blanchard's cookbook. It's awesome! I can't wait to make it for you when you come visit!" I ended up trying a bunch of the recipes each time I was there, and it quickly became my mom's -- and my -- favorite cookbook.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anguilla</td></tr>
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Why? The recipes are so simple, yet so delicious. The photographs feature bright and colorful food that leave your mouth watering, as well as the people and landscapes from the island that transport you to this amazing place. The recipes are intertwined with stories about Anguilla and the folks that run the restaurant (from which the recipes are based), and that makes it feel very personal. Moreover, the recipes are just plain <b>delicious</b>. I haven't made a bad recipe from it yet.<br />
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A sampling of what's inside:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blanchard's Corn Chowder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIhwlQuI_4CwBAVQJPEIIY7-YRpkutRn9MVV4xgg-_gMKWFG2H70z4SGFIpBFtp9DkYsgopV_JoGO-osNphdbvtZ8IkFvoaeomLulbZ0X6uKl8jqrf_7nPTLwMN0PwVpOLjVAOD8w_rky/s1600/seafood-dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIhwlQuI_4CwBAVQJPEIIY7-YRpkutRn9MVV4xgg-_gMKWFG2H70z4SGFIpBFtp9DkYsgopV_JoGO-osNphdbvtZ8IkFvoaeomLulbZ0X6uKl8jqrf_7nPTLwMN0PwVpOLjVAOD8w_rky/s1600/seafood-dish.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick Seafood Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate "Cracked Coconut" with Homemade Coconut Ice Cream<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>More recipes include...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Baguette Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Basil<br />Spicy Coconut and Sweet Potato Soup<br />Chicken and Green Bean Salad with Kalamata Olive Dressing<br />Potato Salad with Lime and Sun-Dried Tomatoes<br />Orzo Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, Feta, and Chili-Lime Vinaigrette<br />Sweet-and-Sour Swordfish with Onions, Raisins, and Tomatoes<br />Calypso Chicken with Lime<br />Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon, Olives, and Rosemary<br />Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Capers, and Olives<br />Island Rice with Cumin and Coconut<br />Light-as-a-Cloud Lemon Mousse<br />Coconut Cheesecake</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=amuma05-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0609610821&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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Bob & Melinda Blanchard decided to open <a href="http://www.blanchardsrestaurant.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Blanchard's Restaurant</a> in Anguilla after wanting to try something new. They sold almost everything in their hometown of Vermont and uprooted to Anguilla to live out their dream. Read more about their inspiring story <a href="http://www.blanchardsrestaurant.com/aboutus.html" target="_blank">here</a>, or read about it more in-depth in their inspirational book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402773765/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402773765&linkCode=as2&tag=amuma05-20">Live What You Love: Notes from a Passionate Life</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=amuma05-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1402773765" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkQGATsFJQfGP8_k7TK4ROmkAzJKosynjmhY-9WXUnb31jcLmYykZV3hLJ1PwXFBF7547L1NRlRYR2N6kIyxBPUSZzt2VVBq24G6Mb6V81BzXl1hydBleDLozZjqb6_smGcfS_BVksNFA/s1600/mel-bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkQGATsFJQfGP8_k7TK4ROmkAzJKosynjmhY-9WXUnb31jcLmYykZV3hLJ1PwXFBF7547L1NRlRYR2N6kIyxBPUSZzt2VVBq24G6Mb6V81BzXl1hydBleDLozZjqb6_smGcfS_BVksNFA/s200/mel-bob.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob & Melinda Blanchard<br />
Source: www.blanchardsrestaurant.com</td></tr>
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Anguilla Photos: A Musing Mamma<br />
Food Photos: Ben Fink via www.blanchardsrestaurant.comMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-37905699260059578782013-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T15:42:15.987-07:00Little Birdie Baby ShowerI threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law a couple of years ago and I thought I'd share with you all of the decorative touches. Her nursery theme is birds, so I went with that for the shower theme. This was before Pinterest and I always think of how much easier planning would have been if Pinterest was around then!<br />
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The sign that hung on the front door was made from a scrap piece of plywood my husband had lying in the garage. I used Mod Podge to adhere the decorative paper and the birds and flowers, then had hubby drill holes up top where I then secured the ribbon.<br />
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This is the food table (minus the food). The "tablecloth" is actually a sheet that I picked up at a garage sale for probably $0.50 (shhhh, don't tell anyone). I think it's much prettier (and cheaper and more multi-functional) than a paper or plastic tablecloth. The pink lantern was a $1 garage sale find as well, and it now serves as a nightlight in the kids' room. Topiary = garage sale. Ok, I was on a very tight budget when this was planned. BUT, just goes to show you that parties can be planned on the cheap, and the cheap can be found at garage sales :)<br />
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Decorative handmade sign that reads "girls are tweet".<br />
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Clothesline birds inspired by <a href="http://site.pinkpeppermintpaper.com/blog/2010/06/02/this-baby-shower-is-for-the-birds/" target="_blank">Pink Peppermint Blogger</a>. *Love* this idea. The clothes were ones that my little girl had grown out of.<br />
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The books were garage sale finds as well (I'm a big garage sale junkie), on morning of the party actually. The lady used to work for a publisher and they would send her home with books with her for her kids, so she had all of these books in perfect condition, and they were ridiculously inexpensive -- something like 10 for $1. I do think that children's books work very nicely as decorations for a kids birthday party or baby shower. Wondering where to find inexpensive, used children's books? See my post <a href="http://amusingmamma.blogspot.com/2013/03/buy-childrens-books-used.html" target="_blank">"The Best Places To Buy Used Children's Books"</a>.</div>
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The tissue paper pompons were inspired by <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265163/pom-poms-and-luminarias-how-to" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a>. I absolutely love them and hung them in the babies' room after the shower. <br />
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Labels for the food.<br />
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These great birdhouses were only $1 at Michael's craft store. They were unfinished wood that I then painted. The ceramic birds were a Michael's find too, and were ridiculously cheap with their weekly 40% off coupon. The knitted birds were made for my kiddos by my talented sister-in-law.<br />
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I got the idea for these adorable birdcage lanterns over at <a href="http://www.thebridescafe.com/?postID=663&diy-bird-cage-lanterns" target="_blank">The Bride's Cafe</a>. You can find directions and templates there.</div>
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I replaced photos on my fireplace mantel with cute bird art. Get the downloadable PDFs <a href="http://indiefixx.com/Feed_your_soul/downloads/2010/february/nanlawson_FYS.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://indiefixx.com/Feed_your_soul/downloads/August/AngelaVandenbogaard_FYS.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://indiefixx.com/Feed_your_soul/downloads/printspace_sing.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I'm not sure where I got the idea for this "wishing tree" but I really liked it. Guests could write advice or wishes for the baby on the birds (template <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/storage/bird.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>), then place them in the nests (another Michael's find) that I hot-glued to a real tree branch and stuck in a vase with some rocks that I... um, borrowed... from a house down the street.<br />
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Custom bird art for the baby. Love how this turned out. It actually says "Welcome Baby" and the baby's last name, but I've blurred the last name to protect the innocent :)<br />
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The straws were inspired by <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/273713/party-idea-wing-it" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a>.<br />
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The food table....yummmm.....<br />
Those yellow-ish crispy things in the corner of the first photo? Those were supposed to be <a href="http://www.cookincanuck.com/2010/04/crispy-parmesan-cheese-rosemary-cups/" target="_blank">parmesan "nests"</a> for guests to put their salad in. It didn't work out too well for me and ended up being parmesan crisps instead, but it's a totally cute idea that I'm sure would have worked if I didn't have two 7-month olds demanding my attention instead.<br />
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Love this custom bird art. Currently hangs in kiddos' room. I admire it every time I see it and it's probably my favorite piece from the shower. Thinking of selling some in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MimiAndWah" target="_blank">etsy store</a>... <strike>when I get an etsy store.</strike><br />
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Best thing ever to put on a baby shower cake, thought up by my co-planner. </div>
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Amazing cake. So yummy. If you're in the Denver area and need a cake, get it from <a href="http://www.danielsofparis.com/" target="_blank">Daniel's of Paris</a>.</div>
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I'm not much into party favors but did one anyway. Made puppy chow and put it in bags, because... who doesn't love <a href="http://www.chex.com/recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=45860" target="_blank">puppy chow</a>?! Sign idea from <a href="http://site.pinkpeppermintpaper.com/blog/2010/06/02/this-baby-shower-is-for-the-birds/" target="_blank">Pink Peppermint Blogger</a>.</div>
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Photos: A Musing Mamma<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-39018346400600090972013-04-02T00:00:00.001-07:002013-04-02T00:00:07.933-07:00Mother's Day Spring Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so excited to share this adorable kiddie craft. I mean how absolutely cute is this?! My nephew made one for my mom last year for Mother's Day and I knew I had to make one for the moms this year. My kids had so much fun doing this and it turned out great.</div>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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colored card stock </div>
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green pipe cleaners</div>
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tape + scissors</div>
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vase</div>
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paint + brushes</div>
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Trace the kiddos' hands on the paper. The amount of tracings you need depends on how many "flowers" you want. We used 6 (three per kid). We used colored card stock, but construction paper or even regular white paper that the kids have painted or colored would work too. Don't mind the blue staining on my kids' actual hands... they just ate blueberries.</div>
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Cut out the hands. At this point the kiddies could also embellish the hands with glitter, paint, crayons, markers, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQdBwFjKHmktGKl6IdKZAcqlJqWgjJ6CfRM3esWcQ0534hMu19hW-r3K2QEkUqDcX0sYHt0DfeJSwbAqdArCnbE_szPQE8Kstbb-ePSmdZaPHNw2fgIEch0dLX5mKTGaG2XuRIJqTd40P/s1600/IMG_5847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQdBwFjKHmktGKl6IdKZAcqlJqWgjJ6CfRM3esWcQ0534hMu19hW-r3K2QEkUqDcX0sYHt0DfeJSwbAqdArCnbE_szPQE8Kstbb-ePSmdZaPHNw2fgIEch0dLX5mKTGaG2XuRIJqTd40P/s400/IMG_5847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tape one pipe cleaner to the bottom of each hand. If you don't have pipe cleaners, wooden grilling skewers will work too (you could leave them as is or paint them green if you want to make them look more like stems.)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*My little girl was so cute in this picture, she saw that I was taking a photo and wanted to have her hand in it too.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPSIUIKQD8el15CLldVZ0IRA4YS6pV2CDa4Eq_9Bzg8rmM43IWfgb3XK1__6Usvlaytp47WbwtyT-ROztFd4RwWxSu86QNv3-WDjlxVNRXVR5Ngj4SVbjVqOYcp8RlU2fbYtmAdlJbsy_/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPSIUIKQD8el15CLldVZ0IRA4YS6pV2CDa4Eq_9Bzg8rmM43IWfgb3XK1__6Usvlaytp47WbwtyT-ROztFd4RwWxSu86QNv3-WDjlxVNRXVR5Ngj4SVbjVqOYcp8RlU2fbYtmAdlJbsy_/s400/IMG_5848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gently fold the outside of the hands inward toward the middle and tape closed. I suppose you could use glue instead if you don't like having the tape show, but it wasn't a big deal to me. Do this for all of your "flowers".<br />
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Paint the vase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmiI6K9O4Rqs21eqKZZEJ07z1kPNNppLq9vKnazzFL-szTaYLreHGLTuWSctRNN0677ZwaUBum5H8kl3xb3_jSswVGXZT5pl6D9-Ie0cwmZXuCOwU280DVanK1VYjWp2ExRdluRn0rcSN/s1600/IMG_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmiI6K9O4Rqs21eqKZZEJ07z1kPNNppLq9vKnazzFL-szTaYLreHGLTuWSctRNN0677ZwaUBum5H8kl3xb3_jSswVGXZT5pl6D9-Ie0cwmZXuCOwU280DVanK1VYjWp2ExRdluRn0rcSN/s400/IMG_5850.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFSsLLzRXiMAFToC5rb_GAkomJJwcc7obLdBpgDyIK5F-mfYIzoQdM0noYHy8CK3SfsZWcnLiHcw52VdrvgliNAc3IQ9-zPxEUL2STmz9QmlNMYb-gb_hvDq0QaivSx_Eg8o4YtVpf-lc/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFSsLLzRXiMAFToC5rb_GAkomJJwcc7obLdBpgDyIK5F-mfYIzoQdM0noYHy8CK3SfsZWcnLiHcw52VdrvgliNAc3IQ9-zPxEUL2STmz9QmlNMYb-gb_hvDq0QaivSx_Eg8o4YtVpf-lc/s400/IMG_5851.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! A beautiful spring bouquet. A perfect gift for a well-deserving mamma<br />
for Mother's Day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9cLJBJuEGcJevLZdM9ZaxNZ3o0D-lfv_6U1rYbUvQ8DaXrR7z_PXXdGC4RKf_GFSgIHzMmrFhCnY3UwKN0-EYSB4C2pF-FfnZx4wSK4lRCLyW9X3cO7ojKXX7YxymQ0w3B4wAWmfsBGM/s1600/IMG_5856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9cLJBJuEGcJevLZdM9ZaxNZ3o0D-lfv_6U1rYbUvQ8DaXrR7z_PXXdGC4RKf_GFSgIHzMmrFhCnY3UwKN0-EYSB4C2pF-FfnZx4wSK4lRCLyW9X3cO7ojKXX7YxymQ0w3B4wAWmfsBGM/s640/IMG_5856.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Photos: A Musing Mamma</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-40519797658229646932013-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-01T00:00:08.778-07:00Homemade Thank You Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of my favorite ways to do thank you cards for folks that have given the kids gifts. It works for other cards as well, obviously. We all have our kids' art lying around, so why not make it functional? It's a very inexpensive and personal way to make cards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8idWdECI85-efoH0xHzmcX6dand2oE3E8eOXZCrhUhCDZkJwAOLuaGw3jypS7QAWdoRpmIHuXtmu_0po0epYuxRzOjYOd3fJLmPSgYOXxSnIKuClm85OcdheqhS1Q8xGS-1SXPfcXCHj/s1600/IMG_5914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8idWdECI85-efoH0xHzmcX6dand2oE3E8eOXZCrhUhCDZkJwAOLuaGw3jypS7QAWdoRpmIHuXtmu_0po0epYuxRzOjYOd3fJLmPSgYOXxSnIKuClm85OcdheqhS1Q8xGS-1SXPfcXCHj/s400/IMG_5914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have your kiddos paint or draw on a blank piece of paper. They could use stickers, stamps, glitter, or other crafty stuff. My kids just stick to coloring and painting for now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP4pNphlVg4y0iOen5zM5F8N02ZeX3OEodhZa12m77Wcf4jJC7YjTTiyVSFenQIXIhgOY3xM-FzEXZu3LzgvLEjxYPLit5fuampRwuHQ-44VH5XjmjcXBWUWlfRr-LW0uM0_KlQyCvsTC/s1600/IMG_3053_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP4pNphlVg4y0iOen5zM5F8N02ZeX3OEodhZa12m77Wcf4jJC7YjTTiyVSFenQIXIhgOY3xM-FzEXZu3LzgvLEjxYPLit5fuampRwuHQ-44VH5XjmjcXBWUWlfRr-LW0uM0_KlQyCvsTC/s400/IMG_3053_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">works of art in progress</td></tr>
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Fold the paper into a card. Stamp or write "Thank You" on the front. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOsaJHZAAxQE5QwdbMvabI0nZiU2gUGLmEhc3rG_AJyN3CIFfCYxVGtml3XOFx5x6epbmdTJ_vWp9NEDJkPNzO3PL9SAgwx3ICkXmcC5pFU1_5FpGMv7FjB6IiPXQN-SRN8ZizdqKRSV/s1600/IMG_5918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNOsaJHZAAxQE5QwdbMvabI0nZiU2gUGLmEhc3rG_AJyN3CIFfCYxVGtml3XOFx5x6epbmdTJ_vWp9NEDJkPNzO3PL9SAgwx3ICkXmcC5pFU1_5FpGMv7FjB6IiPXQN-SRN8ZizdqKRSV/s400/IMG_5918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alternatively, you could cut out a portion of the paper and glue it to some card stock. Michael's has inexpensive card stock and many different sizes of blank envelopes. I usually have my kids decorative the envelopes too.<br />
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And that's it!<br />
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Photos: A Musing Mamma</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-2720026515101332892013-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-29T07:59:03.765-07:00Photo Frame Jewelry HolderI've seen this project many times on Pinterest. I'm not sure who the original creator of this idea is, but I love it. I don't like putting all of my jewelry in a box, where I have to dig through piles of tangles necklaces and bracelets to find anything. I don't wear jewelry that much, so I like it out where I can see it, then I'm more likely to put it on. It's so pretty when it's displayed, don't ya think? It's like a piece of functional art, and what's not to love about that? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7eEiR81XXY2ylGlJsVEgUeLDe_jeW-Xo0ds_wEl4xzFafAVGtP2MKRXl090lH8FYQrgIitjrHpvv2YMW4p7Y266k4gdRU5LpqQkxWmgHtoPqfM_efydoslmKLULVf0hobiUNXflSLkma/s1600/IMG_5859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7eEiR81XXY2ylGlJsVEgUeLDe_jeW-Xo0ds_wEl4xzFafAVGtP2MKRXl090lH8FYQrgIitjrHpvv2YMW4p7Y266k4gdRU5LpqQkxWmgHtoPqfM_efydoslmKLULVf0hobiUNXflSLkma/s640/IMG_5859.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
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I wanted to display all my jewelry (I don't wear it often so I don't have that much) and that includes earrings. The projects I saw on Pinterest didn't have anywhere to put stud earrings, so I created one. I added the ribbon across the top to push the earring through. It is only slightly a pain to try to put them on the ribbon without knocking anything else off, but for a person such as myself who uses it so rarely, it works. Perhaps if you need to access the studs everyday, a different option would be a better fit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zHcYfWV1RXq9wmB3Ifkha1dQq6lWDarR2iBWkV_wVXnGK947ALpkmUs1Jf1_TkNUSgeg72wn024zclN27BX585maZADuBWHycGeDkKJ37HQidlunsFDIStfOiT5WzGeMqwxFGh2zJdKE/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zHcYfWV1RXq9wmB3Ifkha1dQq6lWDarR2iBWkV_wVXnGK947ALpkmUs1Jf1_TkNUSgeg72wn024zclN27BX585maZADuBWHycGeDkKJ37HQidlunsFDIStfOiT5WzGeMqwxFGh2zJdKE/s400/IMG_5863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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photo frame without glass (The size is up to you and depends on how much jewelry you want it to hold. Mine is about 17''x14'' or so.)</div>
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paint (if you choose to paint your frame)</div>
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chicken wire (You can get this really cheap at the hardware store.)</div>
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hooks (I think I got mine at Target or the hardware store. Once again, really cheap.)</div>
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ribbon</div>
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staple gun</div>
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wire snips</div>
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drill</div>
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Take the glass out of your frame. Paint your frame if you desire. I picked up mine for free at a garage sale without the glass and already painted, so it was perfect. I didn't paint the hooks on this one, but I made one for a friend's daughter and painted them the same color as the frame. I think both look nice. It's up to you.</div>
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Measure the bottom of your frame and then divide it by how many hooks you want to use. Mine measures 14'' and I used 6 hooks, so put them every 2'' or so. Use a ruler and a pencil to mark where you want the hooks to go. </div>
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Using a drill with a small bit, drill holes where you want your hooks to go (I had my hubby do this part). The holes will help the hooks go in much more easily, otherwise it's near impossible to screw them in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSovWHP-CVhlfwZx6eIWk-FGM7nk8JUQCSR_pQ9YVGUN4xg9kMOJqNSRtcUEw637SCskRRphGbFEamDeiaPA55N-u7ZQaTLdZfepPujNy6Ot-2arvrRjPgmtuGn6hAl8cxeNBNQ1SHMrTj/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSovWHP-CVhlfwZx6eIWk-FGM7nk8JUQCSR_pQ9YVGUN4xg9kMOJqNSRtcUEw637SCskRRphGbFEamDeiaPA55N-u7ZQaTLdZfepPujNy6Ot-2arvrRjPgmtuGn6hAl8cxeNBNQ1SHMrTj/s400/IMG_5860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Using wire snips, cut your chicken wire just slightly larger than the frame opening. Staple the chicken wire to the back of the frame in a few places.</div>
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Next, cut your ribbon slightly larger than the frame opening and staple that to the back of the frame as well.</div>
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Leave as is or adorn with a lovely flower, as I did. Hang it on the wall, unload your jewelry, and admire your piece of functional art!</div>
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Photos: A Musing Mamma</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-46185614715578208432013-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-28T00:00:05.092-07:00Busy JarsI made these little "busy jars" for the little ones for a road trip last year, and I still bring them out every now and again to keep them entertained (for as long as a two-year old's attention can be held!). They are ridiculously easy and can be made with items you already have lying around the house.<br />
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Just add dry rice (or beans, lentils, cereal, oatmeal) to a plastic jar (peanut butter jars or something similar work well). Fill the jar about halfway to three-quarters of the way full, then add various small household items or toys. TIGHTLY screw on the lid (or use duct tape around the lid to secure). Shake and enjoy! I will usually ask my kids to name what they see, or ask them to find certain objects that I know are in there.<br />
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<b>Some ideas of items to include:</b><br />
paperclip<br />
pen cap<br />
screw or nail<br />
penny, nickel, dime, quarter<br />
rubberband<br />
thumbtack<br />
bottle cap<br />
small battery<br />
crayon<br />
dice<br />
a straw (cut a section off)<br />
puzzle piece<br />
items from Mr. Potato Head (eyes, nose, ear, etc.)<br />
shoes from a Barbie doll<br />
any little toy item will work!<br />
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Photo: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-43609140183101056422013-03-26T17:52:00.000-07:002013-03-26T17:52:18.696-07:00Breakfast Sausage CasseroleI *love* brunch. My family usually hosts brunches for Easter, Mother's & Father's Day, Christmas, or just because. Among the many delicious food items to devour there is usually this scrumptious breakfast sausage casserole. I can't believe that a recipe as simple as this could produce the flavor that it does. I think it comes from the sausage, but everything comes together really nicely. This is a great dish to make the night before and cook the next morning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an asparagus-potato casserole, which is similar and as equally delicious.</td></tr>
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<b>Breakfast Sausage Casserole</b><br />
Serves 6-9<br />
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1 1/2 lbs bulk breakfast sausage<br />
9 eggs, lightly beaten<br />
3 C milk<br />
1 1/2 C grated cheese (we use cheddar but anything similar will do)<br />
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
3 bread slices, cubed<br />
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Brown sausage and drain. Mix with remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight (if making the night before). Pour into a lightly greased 9''x13'' pan and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 1 hour, or until eggs are set.<br />
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Photo: A Musing Mamma<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-47388774532090741242013-03-26T00:00:00.001-07:002013-03-26T00:00:13.142-07:00The Best Place To Buy Vanilla Beans<br />
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Have you ever made homemade vanilla extract? It is amazing. I made some for my friends and family for Christmas gifts using <a href="http://www.seededatthetable.com/2011/12/01/homemade-vanilla-extract/" target="_blank">this recipe </a>. The fact that one bottle will last you a very long time has me hooked. Talk about saving a lot of money!</div>
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I needed a lot of vanilla beans so I scouted them on amazon.com and let me tell you... it is the best place to buy vanilla beans. If you have ever bought vanilla beans at the store then you are well aware of how expensive they are. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon for a very inexpensive price. I purchased mine (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MHHAUY/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Marky's Vanilla Beans</a>) for $18.63 and it had <b>70-80 beans</b> in it. That, my friends, is an AMAZING deal. I had so many that I ended up giving the leftovers to friends and family also as gifts (after I saved a bunch for myself, of course). The particular ones I bought aren't available at the time of this post, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Madagascar-Bourbon-Vanilla-Beans-Approx/dp/B009D4T0KU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1364011027&sr=8-7&keywords=vanilla+beans" target="_blank">here</a> is something similar, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Madagascar-Vanilla-JR-Mushrooms/dp/B000CR1ELU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364011027&sr=8-2&keywords=vanilla+beans" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Now, go make some vanilla extract or homemade vanilla ice cream!<br />
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Photo: Ruth Dombrowski for A Musing Mamma</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-23828591733681022782013-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-25T11:44:53.140-07:00Cocoa-Peanut-Butter-Banana SmoothieWe are on a smoothie kick at our house. This cocoa-peanut-butter-banana smoothie tops our list of favorites. It's sweet, chocolate-y, nutritious, and sooooo delicious! We use Greek yogurt because the nutritional content is higher than other typical styles of yogurt. Our favorite is Fage, but any brand will do. A 1-cup serving of the 2% version has 46% of a person's daily value of protein. That's amazing! (I don't get paid to promote Fage, I just love it that much. Seriously, this stuff is great. Look for a post in the future about all the awesome things you can do with it.)<br />
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This snack that is very nutritious for you, too. Just to name a few of the health benefits... the milk, yogurt, and peanut butter have some serious protein and vitamins, and the peanut butter has the good-for-you mono-saturated fat that will keep you satiated. We all know bananas are loaded good stuff like fiber, potassium, vitamins B-6 and C, and other vitamins. Even the cocoa has health benefits. Did you know that 1 Tbs of cocoa powder has 7% of your daily value of fiber? Not to mention the antioxidant properties of the cocoa, honey, and peanut butter. So here's a snack you can indulge in while being health-concious.<br />
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<b>Cocoa-Peanut-Butter-Banana Smoothie</b><br />
Serves 1-2<br />
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1/2 - 3/4 C Greek Yogurt<br />
1 C milk (any milk can be used... cow, almond, soy, etc.)<br />
2 Tbs honey<br />
2-3 Tbs cocoa powder<br />
2-3 Tbs peanut butter<br />
1-2 frozen bananas<br />
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Put all ingredients into a blender and blend. We actually use a large plastic cup or bowl and the stick blender (our favorite is the Cuisinart below, which is so versatile and amazing). <br />
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The great thing about this recipe (and smoothies in general) is that you can customize them to your own taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Want it thicker? Add more bananas and/or less milk. Not a fan of peanut-butter? Take it out. The options are endless!<br />
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*One tip is to slice the bananas before you freeze them. It's easier to blend this way, rather than trying to blend one whole frozen banana.<br />
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Photo: A Musing Mamma<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=amuma05-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0006G3JRO&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-73215810908626016292013-03-22T12:39:00.001-07:002013-04-03T08:22:43.087-07:00The Best Places To Buy Children's BooksUnless I'm looking for a specific title that I need ASAP, children's books are something in our house (along with many other items) that I almost never buy new. Most used children's books out there are actually in good condition and would do well in a second (or third or fourth!) home. Here are some great places to buy them, just to name a few:<br />
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-<b>Kids resale shops</b>: This is probably my least favorite, as they tend to be on the "pricier" side of the lot, which still isn't pricey considering you'll probably pay around $2.00 per book.<br />
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-<b>Kids resale events</b>: Most places have kids resale events a couple times per year. These tend to have a large selection and decent prices. Some events even have a half-price day. <a href="http://www.jbfsale.com/findevent" target="_blank">Just Between Friends </a>(with locations almost everywhere) usually puts on a good one. You can find other consignment shops & sales using <a href="http://consignmentmommies.com/" target="_blank">Consignment Mommies</a> or <a href="http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/" target="_blank">Kids Consignment Sales</a>.<br />
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-<b>Moms groups:</b> If you belong to a mom's group or have a group of moms that meet up every once in a while, why not organize a children's book swap within your group? Tell members to bring 5 or so books that their kids no longer want or read, and everyone can go home with 5 new ones.<br />
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-<b>Libraries</b>: Most libraries have a "used book store" where they place books that they no longer need in circulation. I've seen prices range from $0.25 - $1.00 per book.<br />
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-<b>Goodwill / Savers / any other thrift store</b>: These places are great because they tend to have a large selection for a very inexpensive price, with most around $0.25-$1.00 per book.<br />
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-<b>Garage / Estate Sales</b>: Another great place to find children's books. Most people sell them for $0.10 - $1.00 per book, and most sellers will bargain with you if you ask!<br />
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Where do you buy your children's books? </div>
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Photo: A Musing Mama</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-42747101017309725102013-03-21T12:00:00.001-07:002013-03-30T19:59:49.945-07:00Caribbean Corn Bread (The BEST Cornbread)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anguilla, home of the best cornbread recipe</td></tr>
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Pineapple in cornbread? Yes, pineapple. And cheddar cheese. Wait, what? I know what you're thinking. That's exactly what I was thinking before I had my first bite of this luscious goodness. But just wait. Just <i>wait </i>until you try it. You <i>too</i> will be a believer. This cornbread is...I'm grasping for the words here... moist, and sweet-without-being-too-sweet, and cake-y and corny and everything that cornbread should be. You can't directly taste the pineapple and cheese, but together it gives a certain ...<i>something</i>. The pineapple gives makes it moist and a bit sweet and the cheese lends a bit of a salty bite and it's just....<i>mmmmmmm</i>. Everyone I serve this to can't believe how delicious and <i>addicting</i> it is, and they demand the recipe ASAP because <i>it's that good</i>. And I am more than happy to divulge it because I believe that something this good needs to be shared. It <i>begs</i> to be shared. Recipes like this are born to spread the love and make mouths happy, and challenge people to try recipes with unusual ingredients. Anyway, enough with the cornbread praise and on to the recipe.<br />
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This is adapted from my favorite cookbook <a href="http://amzn.to/15ZDedM" target="_blank">"At Blanchard's Table: A Trip To The Beach Cookbook"</a>.<br />
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<b>Caribbean Corn Bread</b><br />
Serves 8<br />
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1 C all purpose flour<br />
1 C cornmeal<br />
2 Tbs baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
3/4 C sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 1/2 C canned cream-style corn<br />
1/2 C canned crushed pineapple, drained<br />
1 C shredded Monterey Jack or mild white Cheddar cheese<br />
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees.<br />
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Butter and flour a 9-inch square glass cake pan (or metal if you have it, but glass works best).<br />
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, corn meal, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.<br />
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In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar. While the mixer is running, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the corn, pineapple, and cheese, and mix to blend. Stop and deliberate over the fact that you just put corn, pineapple, and cheese into the same recipe. On a low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix until blended well.<br />
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake about one hour to and hour and fifteen minutes. It should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick stuck in the center will come out clean when it's done.<br />
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Now, go make some Caribbean cornbread and spread the love :)<br />
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Photo: A Musing MammaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-37292252464800243892013-03-20T12:29:00.005-07:002013-03-25T11:43:43.246-07:00Light-As-A-Cloud Lemon MousseI am a big fan of using lemon in my cooking and baking. This dessert gets an A+ from me. Very light, very lemony, and very delicious! Adapted from <a href="http://amzn.to/15ZDedM" target="_blank">Blanchard's cookbook</a> (one of my faves...more on that later).<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232374687324965986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmuUjvOVQYwKs6s81GxZcXahGqQBCZIaNxNIPEiN8PSy5ZzBlHf0WazC5LmHesYG0hazSSkm4c7E7J0AF9IfHThScsqa9ifL2QTXL7fEimoi9u1IUkwf_ktRVZQOU6cFhVLVphpiB5Ls/s400/lemon+mousse.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="339" /><b>Light-As-A-Cloud Lemon Mousse</b><br />
Serves 4-6</div>
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1 C. sugar</div>
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3/4 C. freshly squeezed lemon juice</div>
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6 large egg yolks</div>
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2 large eggs</div>
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1 Tbs. freshly grated lemon peel</div>
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1 1/2 C. heavy cream</div>
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assorted berries and whipped cream, for serving (optional)</div>
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On top of a double broiler over simmering water, combine the sugar, lemon juice, egg yolks, eggs, and lemon peel. Cook, whisking constantly so as not to get lumps, until a thermometer reads 160 degrees. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge until chilled. When the lemon mixture is cold, whip the cream until you get soft to medium peaks. Gently fold a quarter of the whipped cream into the lemon mixture to blend, and then fold in the remaining cream. Spoon into individual glasses or bowls. Garnish with berries and sweetened whipped cream.</div>
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Photo: Ben Fink via: At Blanchard's Table: ATrip To The Beach Cookbook</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779224078310789339.post-55995712479519630142013-03-19T23:49:00.001-07:002013-03-28T20:05:06.911-07:00Privacy Policy & Other<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The privacy of our visitors to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>amusingmamma.blogspot.com </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">is important to us.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">At</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>amusingmamma.blogspot.com</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Below is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use and visit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>amusingmamma.blogspot.com</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, and how we safeguard your information. We will</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>never</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">sell your personal information to third parties.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Log Files</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">As with most other websites, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Cookies and Web Beacons</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We do use cookies to store information, such as your personal preferences when you visit our site. This could include only showing you a popup once in your visit, or the ability to login to some of our features.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We also use third party advertisements on amusingmamma.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">blogspot.com to support our site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on our site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP , the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing New York real estate ads to someone in New York, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>DoubleClick DART Cookies</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We also may use DART cookies for ad serving through Google’s DoubleClick, which places a cookie on your computer when you are browsing the web and visit a site using DoubleClick advertising (including some Google AdSense advertisements). This cookie is used to serve ads specific to you and your interests (”interest based targeting”). The ads served will be targeted based on your previous browsing history (For example, if you have been viewing sites about visiting Las Vegas, you may see Las Vegas hotel advertisements when viewing a non-related site, such as on a site about hockey). DART uses “non personally identifiable information”. It does NOT track personal information about you, such as your name, email address, physical address, telephone number, social security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers. You can opt-out of this ad serving on all sites using this advertising by visiting http://www.doubleclick.com/privacy/dart_adserving.aspx</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You can choose to disable or selectively turn off our cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You may also manage cookies by visiting <a href="http://www.google.com/ads/preferences/" target="_blank">Google's Ad Preference Manager</a> or <a href="http://aboutads.info/">aboutads.info</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Deleting cookies does not mean you are permanently opted out of any advertising program. Unless you have settings that disallow cookies, the next time you visit a site running the advertisements, a new cookie will be added.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><b>Other</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">www.amusingmamma.blogspot.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com</span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444217993690128021noreply@blogger.com0