tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55100423107638164572024-03-12T15:03:48.520-07:00A Feathered NestHobbies & ProjectsAbbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.comBlogger476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-58576713443706824622016-03-07T05:00:00.000-07:002016-03-07T05:00:02.333-07:00Glitter Granny Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Glitter?! </span></div>
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Yes, yes, you heard me. It's true!!!! The dreamiest of all dream substances, the happy dust that makes my heart SO happy, GLITTER SPARKLE, is now in yarn. {GASP!!!!}</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is me, passed out on the ground after hearing about glitter yarn. Just kidding...but google images had the EXACT picture that I think most captures my true reaction.)</span></div>
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I just can't believe how pretty it is - photos can't capture it. I have no idea now if I'm going to make this a big blanket just for me?!!!....or put it in my growing stash of baby blankets. I'm leaning more towards keeping this one and making it big, but I'm already getting tired of stitching....I would have to quadruple (or more) the size of it now. Oy. Decisions. </div>
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The yarn is called "I Love This Yarn" from Hobby Lobby and it's Metallic Ivory and it's super soft even with the glittery threads.</div>
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The skeins are smaller, so you'll need to buy extra. But who cares, right?! GLITTERRRRRR!!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You're welcome.</span></div>
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Have a happy day!!!</div>
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-Abby</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-56365099017557513092016-03-04T10:16:00.001-07:002016-03-04T10:17:21.419-07:00Spring Is In the Air!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring is here in beautiful, sunny Arizona and it's <span style="font-size: large;">wonderful</span>!!!!! I have this inner body-clock tuned in to the arctic Michigan winters - it's in my bones and my brain is thinking about how cold it *should* be, but I go outside and look at the bright, blue skies and then I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming! </div>
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We took a spring jeep ride behind the hills and mountains of where we live - I hope you enjoy the Arizona springtime splendor! No poppies or wildflowers blooming yet, but it's coming. The cactus blossoms will be gorgeous soon!</div>
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I found your boyfriend.</div>
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I gave him your number & he seemed interested. (*he's a hottie!*) </div>
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Mama & baby. She's so beautiful!</div>
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I LOVE finding mamas and their spring calves! These babies don't like to get far from their mothers!</div>
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She told me to leave her man alone.</div>
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Those mountains! Oh how I love this place!</div>
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Time for spring decor in my house - loving these sweet bunnies from the Target dollar spot. </div>
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(runner from Pottery Barn, flowers from Hobby Lobby)</div>
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And....last but certainly <i><b>not</b></i> least...</div>
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My <i>favorite</i> part about spring in Arizona is <u>LEMONS</u>!!!! I have a friend who gets these from Mesa and they're HUGE, loaded with lemon juice, and oh so beautiful!! Guess what, kids?! LEMON EVERYTHING this month!!!! woohoo. (hands up)</div>
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(and you thought pumpkin everything was intense...lemon season is a thousand times better!! haha.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyisr6BEBtftc7vTSqpx_kUm4bPX7Z1IcJYY2mNq9sVtMzy4yltI7z16cbDygwzouutSmUsUBdxcouWFgOnGKqrGEX0zvukrLzM4kFY9IlOftZKDu8aU4lXKVAh2gL_l2W4HE2eXvZNQmx/s1600/Lemons+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyisr6BEBtftc7vTSqpx_kUm4bPX7Z1IcJYY2mNq9sVtMzy4yltI7z16cbDygwzouutSmUsUBdxcouWFgOnGKqrGEX0zvukrLzM4kFY9IlOftZKDu8aU4lXKVAh2gL_l2W4HE2eXvZNQmx/s640/Lemons+1a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And now I'm off to grate and juice these beautiful babies. Have a happy spring day - and if you're cold, just come on over to Arizona and bask in the sunshine! </div>
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--Abby</div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-89824437308196673732016-01-15T11:59:00.000-07:002016-01-15T12:03:05.668-07:00Easy Pizza with Lemon & Goat Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, so I have a new favorite lunch. I don't have this very often, but being that I live in a tiny, beautiful, cotton-farming, Mexican-food-loving town, sometimes I want something different, out of the ordinary, and even a little gourmet. Okay...I want something a LOT gourmet, but I'll settle for a little. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We don't even have a decent <u><i>sandwich</i></u> shop here, for crying out loud! </span>(...I know. Don't you feel bad for me?! It's a rough life but somehow I manage.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Va8r54PqqrlW4sAIEFhR1WkmseGn6_e5IbnSuzR8G0fwKk7QpstTQcnvhyphenhyphenxcM2Bazi6Wf1iTD3v6bX1f3imfaLNRc0kRHX1oDjKnpC2Kl9mLFX56sj-gSqEbh1x_Kzl0GxOGBedQvNw8/s1600/pizza+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Va8r54PqqrlW4sAIEFhR1WkmseGn6_e5IbnSuzR8G0fwKk7QpstTQcnvhyphenhyphenxcM2Bazi6Wf1iTD3v6bX1f3imfaLNRc0kRHX1oDjKnpC2Kl9mLFX56sj-gSqEbh1x_Kzl0GxOGBedQvNw8/s640/pizza+3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of gourmet, right?! I mean...boxed pizza. But hey - don't knock it 'till you try it. Trust me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcL0Y9Qdzit0HYF22U0lEZEUIELs7NJAVo_cqTPHRMUaFfi97jjcIN5ieoVILBVANAjikjiyQHAXwFRS8UfQBoBRG_vlMdIiuaa3lNrV7NoyGqmgt3SapEvOnezXywl_ZcZD46nnKcBQ/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcL0Y9Qdzit0HYF22U0lEZEUIELs7NJAVo_cqTPHRMUaFfi97jjcIN5ieoVILBVANAjikjiyQHAXwFRS8UfQBoBRG_vlMdIiuaa3lNrV7NoyGqmgt3SapEvOnezXywl_ZcZD46nnKcBQ/s400/IMG_6513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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3 pieces of this stuff (1/3 of the pizza) is 360 calories, so 1 1/2 pieces is only 180 calories!! Not bad for a low-cal lunch option. You can slice the pieces yourself, of course, so just be careful and make sure you have people over to share with.....otherwise you'll do what I do and wonder where on EARTH the whole thing went. oy. </div>
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All you need is some <span style="font-size: large;">shredded greens</span>, the healthier the better. (And "iceburg lettuce" doesn't count. It's lame. You'll need something that involves baby spinach and arugula.) <span style="font-size: large;">Parmesean cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and some lemon to squeeze</span>. That's it! Oh, and get a pizza or two. I like this particular brand, but get your favorite thin crust variety.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU4xEpaHirrpkAA6PZQWd-Fmt0tyPLZXvZpT6evyxj-c5binhwEH_aZXU4hyErq1T4O3f2E8UFnJwTgE2oITveSGfhBxqAAoX5PHobvFrYRgBE2P3KuKAn-nx_vtRUSqjqT0lonlLC2Ch/s1600/pizza+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU4xEpaHirrpkAA6PZQWd-Fmt0tyPLZXvZpT6evyxj-c5binhwEH_aZXU4hyErq1T4O3f2E8UFnJwTgE2oITveSGfhBxqAAoX5PHobvFrYRgBE2P3KuKAn-nx_vtRUSqjqT0lonlLC2Ch/s640/pizza+1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And about goat cheese......it's SO GOOD!!!!!! If you haven't joined the goat cheese camp, you should at least give it a try. If you genuinely despise it, well, I won't judge, but seriously..... This would be a great way to ease on in to the goat cheese camp without fully commiting. You could sprinkle a little bite with some crumbled goat cheese and see if you really want to live the rest of your life without it. But I am leaning towards the idea that you will like it. Just open your mind, open your pallette, and let the flavors work for you! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFPU2ouHzXvhpk3AJ2hHVpJ3A5YoqrcdN3t2I5A83ZE-uWlGbUHo7k8305DPP1HuJ4v5ePyFfsHhsV_fhILQeWpz2zxl3HAJXAvvqSzQFs6Y5YB1dBkF87iPQEUC3IDDo5POceJCoYdO9/s1600/pizza+4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFPU2ouHzXvhpk3AJ2hHVpJ3A5YoqrcdN3t2I5A83ZE-uWlGbUHo7k8305DPP1HuJ4v5ePyFfsHhsV_fhILQeWpz2zxl3HAJXAvvqSzQFs6Y5YB1dBkF87iPQEUC3IDDo5POceJCoYdO9/s640/pizza+4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let the pizza cool off a bit and then just pile it all on there and squeeze that lemon on top! </div>
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I like to start with the goat cheese because it gets all melty on top of the hot pizza and creates a little barrier so the greens don't wilt as quickly. They will wilt if you add them too quickly to the hot pizza.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApN8jyqR51ViKykxCAYzY2nbjswifwW-imX8PfcM56FCLTHR5exIjE4_hEeGRljUX0h2bFKaX1pXZJzy1Re_xp2ny-Z7Jp7ieD_4DHSdcGEMBlk8lUC0NOv4XZib7dleg7z13FKX2v2gA/s1600/pizza+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApN8jyqR51ViKykxCAYzY2nbjswifwW-imX8PfcM56FCLTHR5exIjE4_hEeGRljUX0h2bFKaX1pXZJzy1Re_xp2ny-Z7Jp7ieD_4DHSdcGEMBlk8lUC0NOv4XZib7dleg7z13FKX2v2gA/s640/pizza+2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Have a happy day!!! </div>
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(and let me know if you try and like this! )</div>
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-Abby</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-51891943587576670152015-09-17T14:42:00.004-07:002015-09-17T14:44:43.307-07:00Tieks. I love them.<div style="text-align: center;">
{gasp!!!} Look what came in the mail today! </div>
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It's NEVER too early to start thinking about Christmas, so add these to your list! <span style="font-size: large;">(Technically, we only have 10 more Saturdays before Christmas....eeek!!!)</span></div>
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I've read and studied and tried to figure out what the Tieks hype was all about and decided that I had enough proof to go ahead and see for myself. They're not cheap-o shoes, you definitely pay more for them than your standard flats, but you often get what you pay for and from the reviews I've seen, these shoes are amazing. <a href="http://tieks.com/" target="_blank">Here is their website</a>. I am not getting any kind of benefits from posting this - I just want to share my joy with all of you!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGYLN8tXQZ1gFS_3jnW-E_eg7w-tCCJV57lzL-jJqx3hobhGvlLyjF48yMQN1MTOVaCVkcn7KuicCbqVZKAZpZzqBMTmUtAIijAzmOPZ5w4nUffh8lNWk5z71CwAVPjLSC71BH9PiNqlE/s1600/tieks+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGYLN8tXQZ1gFS_3jnW-E_eg7w-tCCJV57lzL-jJqx3hobhGvlLyjF48yMQN1MTOVaCVkcn7KuicCbqVZKAZpZzqBMTmUtAIijAzmOPZ5w4nUffh8lNWk5z71CwAVPjLSC71BH9PiNqlE/s640/tieks+box.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Check out their packaging! How precious is that?! I love it that a company will make you feel pampered. Yes, the shoes are pricey, but you feel like you're being taken care of, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0y2JJ4TYd5y7eVe22KJN_g1ut_ACUbtQUQWNOXy5edPn2AWAgB6gLaU4ixclS-Cnd3jCH0HOPITyxBFZHOGSRaURIMI8m07ajAQNEyknqsDaoBf31W_RuuVjeYAC71gmFgbCR0rNFgUO/s1600/tieks+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0y2JJ4TYd5y7eVe22KJN_g1ut_ACUbtQUQWNOXy5edPn2AWAgB6gLaU4ixclS-Cnd3jCH0HOPITyxBFZHOGSRaURIMI8m07ajAQNEyknqsDaoBf31W_RuuVjeYAC71gmFgbCR0rNFgUO/s640/tieks+flower.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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...and a hand-written note. Seriously. I love it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0nyNQCYLPuwtC25vdBs_EArwuyey5QrqY5jeRCvpzdn4poddPl7_Z7wHOnMGJXdDlcMbD3leQ2FHFw6FIVm7rJ9ihxa2JI-6NwEl9t-f8XO02iZI-5dFc44EotxhGoR2AuUt006aNsJb/s1600/tieks+letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0nyNQCYLPuwtC25vdBs_EArwuyey5QrqY5jeRCvpzdn4poddPl7_Z7wHOnMGJXdDlcMbD3leQ2FHFw6FIVm7rJ9ihxa2JI-6NwEl9t-f8XO02iZI-5dFc44EotxhGoR2AuUt006aNsJb/s640/tieks+letter.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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They give you a couple of convenient goodies to go with the shoes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcavvuf53ThIhy1_0lE4a1_IjlAiVsTKZzosuBwA_NRnY-qH_HpxbTnWe1wzoroJxDaIW3DRodAxxbvdVJUjIzAVj8BfxNPbf2sO4lzzGVgIh0hTa0MrDzju4eC0f61GYK5cHSCeX6s6F/s1600/tieks+whole+package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcavvuf53ThIhy1_0lE4a1_IjlAiVsTKZzosuBwA_NRnY-qH_HpxbTnWe1wzoroJxDaIW3DRodAxxbvdVJUjIzAVj8BfxNPbf2sO4lzzGVgIh0hTa0MrDzju4eC0f61GYK5cHSCeX6s6F/s640/tieks+whole+package.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJTHyASwstyjeH8-7LW7vx4jMXyr8cKBxrxk-jyiE6bU7UMdlVjWyOYG5vViBlXhdmz-YXasgsTA6YEeIpOxiGIiWEjxClI7Fkqhr7BVV1t2qu4OnmBv1_Jp7EqkxjulejU6gQmX04Qqu/s1600/tieks+whole+package+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJTHyASwstyjeH8-7LW7vx4jMXyr8cKBxrxk-jyiE6bU7UMdlVjWyOYG5vViBlXhdmz-YXasgsTA6YEeIpOxiGIiWEjxClI7Fkqhr7BVV1t2qu4OnmBv1_Jp7EqkxjulejU6gQmX04Qqu/s640/tieks+whole+package+words.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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My pick - Cardinal Red! They go with just about everything I wear, they add a spalsh and pop of color to my feet, and they are OH SO COMFY!!! The Tieks website has photos of every shoe color in various outfits so you can decide if you really like a color or not - and they've got a RAINBOW of colors! For a color freak like me, it's truly like a candy store!!! </div>
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These shoes are immediately comfortable - no "breaking in" for these soft, buttery, leather beauties. It's too bad they don't come in half sizes because I'm a true 7.5, but a 7 would have been too snug, so I will enjoy my 8's. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeUGfIirX4pSlFSeWkxSVyf5Sj4h7XZcWiUgaatrKGexf53G3P_2yyRq1YlqrCOyCkjHgUfQQOjGZuXMJ6jPn050evwwE_zkogb-M-88h5pxrJIYH_FNZfWupwR44WJwkRkRhDAFZv1LE/s1600/tiekds+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeUGfIirX4pSlFSeWkxSVyf5Sj4h7XZcWiUgaatrKGexf53G3P_2yyRq1YlqrCOyCkjHgUfQQOjGZuXMJ6jPn050evwwE_zkogb-M-88h5pxrJIYH_FNZfWupwR44WJwkRkRhDAFZv1LE/s640/tiekds+shoes.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm a FIRM believer in treating yourself if it's possible...and this definitely qualifies as an excellent, worth-it, splurgy treat. Your feet will LOVE you! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDlRstLF0XTMOcTUp_yBDCppqTXfA_9S2KP2x8v5BVm88M4mm2Dsp7kmz_aglhaCijhV-UWrcBcTtzq8p4HJhXnrOuSVI1wGsVAr2Tldabtw4yqRB3B3f41QB45Tds7BXlBI2qbGQCRRj/s1600/tieks+shoes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDlRstLF0XTMOcTUp_yBDCppqTXfA_9S2KP2x8v5BVm88M4mm2Dsp7kmz_aglhaCijhV-UWrcBcTtzq8p4HJhXnrOuSVI1wGsVAr2Tldabtw4yqRB3B3f41QB45Tds7BXlBI2qbGQCRRj/s640/tieks+shoes+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Have a Happy Day!!!</div>
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-Abby</div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-58069515782619113972015-08-27T08:41:00.002-07:002015-08-27T08:51:32.209-07:00Grandma's Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baking Day at my house yesterday! Woohoo. </div>
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If you're an oatmeal cookie lover, then you're going to REALLY love these! They're soft, chewy, and so very comforting for some odd reason. The icing absolutely makes these cookies incredible. And if you stop for a moment to enjoy these cookies, you will be transported to a simpler, slower place in time, which is a welcome indulgence in our fast-paced world. (and they will make your house smell heavenly.) </div>
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PLUS, it's school-lunch-packing time and if you're going to give your kiddies a little treat, give them something GOOD. None of that prepackaged garbage...good quality ingredients inside something homemade is SO much better for them. </div>
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Oat flour is one of my all time favorites!! </div>
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This recipe makes a soft batter, which in turn makes these cookies soft and chewy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkhh2dqUXBNi4HTMTFG9-_xXXTG2B-tCO4wevs6MAZQ2XXd4SjuAJDpk6605QOyK96YO5mOx5BOQ4efsoF25cJDKrUtIx64UW8r0Zj3aY2U3z-9mDWnoIvqGC4OS17pCqZvSQww4nuLPN/s1600/oats+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkhh2dqUXBNi4HTMTFG9-_xXXTG2B-tCO4wevs6MAZQ2XXd4SjuAJDpk6605QOyK96YO5mOx5BOQ4efsoF25cJDKrUtIx64UW8r0Zj3aY2U3z-9mDWnoIvqGC4OS17pCqZvSQww4nuLPN/s640/oats+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Just like Grandma used to make. Wait a second... I don't remember my grandmother ever baking cookies. Weird, I know....but she would definitely LOVE these. {She was a serious oat lover.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnigW52hIXx9aydBfyFh3oNWMd0sk577MBldgxvqDyrp37BXVQR7F-UtwsvH6Z_DNF1YguNzAJftKnB8IoJN0TuShpju9Jeqj24xAio-r2-6sHQZIDtLWjP9pxI7ggDcGy6WJrC1G7ExH_/s1600/oatmeal+cookie+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnigW52hIXx9aydBfyFh3oNWMd0sk577MBldgxvqDyrp37BXVQR7F-UtwsvH6Z_DNF1YguNzAJftKnB8IoJN0TuShpju9Jeqj24xAio-r2-6sHQZIDtLWjP9pxI7ggDcGy6WJrC1G7ExH_/s640/oatmeal+cookie+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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GRANDMA'S CHEWY ICED OATMEAL COOKIES</div>
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(double the recipe if you're using a large cookie scoop) Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen standard scoop cookies.<br />
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1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats (use quick oats if you don't have a food processor)<br />
2 c. unbleached, all-purpose flour<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg<br />
1 c. butter, softened<br />
3/4 c. granulated sugar<br />
3/4 c. light-brown sugar, packed<br />
2 large eggs<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Icing:<br />
2 c. powdered sugar<br />
3 T. milk<br />
(whisk until combined completely)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put oats in a food processor and pulse until mostly ground, 15-20 seconds at least. <br />
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In a large mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until soft and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, mixing until combined. Stir in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, slowly add dry ingredients, scrape the bowl as you go, and mix until just combined. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes while you wash up. <br />
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Using a standard, medium-sized cookie scoop (about 2 T.), drop cookies onto a baking sheet, leaving plenty of space in between for spreading. (on a sheet pan, I usually scoop 4 rows of 3. If you're using a large scoop, do 3 rows of 2.) <br />
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Bake for 10-11 minutes or until edges start to turn a light golden brown color. If you like a crispier cookie, leave them in a minute longer or so. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transfering them to a wire rack to cool completely.<br />
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With completely cooled cookies on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath, or with cookies sitting on parchment paper, drizzle icing and allow it to set. **(your favorite little ones would LOVE this job!)** Store in airtight container. <br />
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And try not to eat the whole batch yourself....because...FIBER....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCyFGnlK4pdC1kxkuryp3fF5HQxlf0ZiqUcHd6a6F0ad8EBRsfOYiik20T72_LntaMKNhxYaKf4qpXzyZ1JukLQdxka6atV_EuuP5wwD8xbWQUr2EM7k5usuybt7J2VjSlOc9GhShC2eC/s1600/oatmeal+cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCyFGnlK4pdC1kxkuryp3fF5HQxlf0ZiqUcHd6a6F0ad8EBRsfOYiik20T72_LntaMKNhxYaKf4qpXzyZ1JukLQdxka6atV_EuuP5wwD8xbWQUr2EM7k5usuybt7J2VjSlOc9GhShC2eC/s640/oatmeal+cookies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! And have a Happy Day! </div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-85156514428680151522015-08-18T10:57:00.002-07:002015-08-18T11:00:26.991-07:00Bootie problems...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://projectsforyournest.blogspot.com/2010/01/baby-booties-masterpiece.html" target="_blank">Remember these</a>?! Made them about 5 1/2 years ago when I was expecting my baby girl. </div>
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{hold me}......why does time creep by slowly and then BAM! it's gone? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuRwbOK_Eeyex1OmKdp-VBv8B_PcY4vcWPuCsJuWcssD9IrpoeUF3wcFeIy3nD1srHun-B4w7phM1c52AfBoz-Qs0NzSvNh4Bs8VevelmfFyhCs3zwoKNHJqmgnOXDQpnJeVnBtrTXcED/s1600/baby+shoes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuRwbOK_Eeyex1OmKdp-VBv8B_PcY4vcWPuCsJuWcssD9IrpoeUF3wcFeIy3nD1srHun-B4w7phM1c52AfBoz-Qs0NzSvNh4Bs8VevelmfFyhCs3zwoKNHJqmgnOXDQpnJeVnBtrTXcED/s400/baby+shoes+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, for some reason, the link I posted way back in 2010 (can you believe that we're saying "way back in 2010" ?? I mean...seriously, it was 5 years ago but it seems like yesterday) ...anyhoo, the link wasn't working so here is an updated link for those of you who want a super easy baby project:</div>
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<a href="http://www.heatherbailey.com/FreePattern/HeatherBailey_BittyBooties.pdf" target="_blank">Heather Bailey Bitty Booties</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7Qna8IbDanXwGL0bzb6ebEDEvpCCsOX6xiFKcensJDyeQbr-HeT8tJpY7N9zp8pV0vAFqEq7PjiL9L9WkuV7huvYlHyNxXWf7z0hiOqeRAHo6wHxeyg2-kQI1214M21K30yEYyNxgbb-/s1600/Brooke+at+Beach+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7Qna8IbDanXwGL0bzb6ebEDEvpCCsOX6xiFKcensJDyeQbr-HeT8tJpY7N9zp8pV0vAFqEq7PjiL9L9WkuV7huvYlHyNxXWf7z0hiOqeRAHo6wHxeyg2-kQI1214M21K30yEYyNxgbb-/s400/Brooke+at+Beach+1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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That little FACE!!! I miss squeezing that baby. For the brief milliseconds that she let me squeeze her. She....was.....hard..... But adorable. </div>
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Have a HAPPY day!! </div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-9948471431685963292015-08-15T10:16:00.000-07:002015-08-15T10:16:23.720-07:00Raspberry White Chocolate Scones<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">What's not to love about Pinterest, right?! I mean, seriously, what did we DO before Pinterest?! We had to buy cookbooks (which I still still absolutely adore) but we were so lost out there on our own...stranded in the darkness... thank GOODNESS for Pinterest is all I can say. And thanks to Pinterest, I found the cutest food blog, <a href="http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/" target="_blank">Little Dairy on the Prairie</a>, which is loaded full of recipes and other fun things. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Being that we LOVE breakfast at my house, I saw this recipe and knew we had to try it. Of course, it was a huge hit, the whole family loved it, and paired with some eggs or a protein source, it made a fun addition to a busy school morning breakfast! I made it the night before, super quick & easy, and for me it tasted better the next day warmed up a little. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">It's part biscuit, part cake, super moist, and SO incredibly delicious! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/raspberry-white-chocolate-scones/" target="_blank">original recipe here</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxB2uyCiXWtpeqN11b7DzooZO6fRZSe6YjwScpE1lTD8adPmEOzTk49whem6bW_KpNI4c5QPN6m7LiMCfjm3l_Eb11KBUzUlLUOylYf6I-lgj5aTFs8wE88esu9kq01dVEObscGEBVhMr/s1600/raspberry+scone+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxB2uyCiXWtpeqN11b7DzooZO6fRZSe6YjwScpE1lTD8adPmEOzTk49whem6bW_KpNI4c5QPN6m7LiMCfjm3l_Eb11KBUzUlLUOylYf6I-lgj5aTFs8wE88esu9kq01dVEObscGEBVhMr/s640/raspberry+scone+1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAunVT97f1GGnZEv_kjt_3ujOja1IZGx7G2U2iD-dQujoWBciglJ3SfIFypIj0knwZi-1Q8pNAmIr8fPCMKsqFxOJh0YpvE0p98M8b-gEe7GX_SdQ-MAw5voVrA7NZmoahD8RCegVAjuLN/s1600/raspberry+scone+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAunVT97f1GGnZEv_kjt_3ujOja1IZGx7G2U2iD-dQujoWBciglJ3SfIFypIj0knwZi-1Q8pNAmIr8fPCMKsqFxOJh0YpvE0p98M8b-gEe7GX_SdQ-MAw5voVrA7NZmoahD8RCegVAjuLN/s640/raspberry+scone+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITo0_1HIidGkMlKKtek03Zun0JdKOZtAuVEctA_ZzMK_BHKPAuKqXWXQYNoOhrcbmcGjcPLh6SbRcctk-EWMwLC97fKIEZI4ELb3CA1JlCnD55lCjzOQlQgv9hoAeorUujSFMNlWNd9Td/s1600/raspberry+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITo0_1HIidGkMlKKtek03Zun0JdKOZtAuVEctA_ZzMK_BHKPAuKqXWXQYNoOhrcbmcGjcPLh6SbRcctk-EWMwLC97fKIEZI4ELb3CA1JlCnD55lCjzOQlQgv9hoAeorUujSFMNlWNd9Td/s640/raspberry+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Raspberry White Chocolate Scones</span></div>
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(I doubled the original recipe so that I would have leftovers, so this version is DOUBLED already)</div>
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Scones:</div>
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4 c. unbleached all-purpose flower</div>
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1/2 c. granulated sugar</div>
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4 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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12 Tbsp. butter, diced </div>
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1 c. half and half (plus a little more if you need)</div>
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2 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1 1/2 c. fresh raspberries</div>
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1 c. Ghirardelli's white chocolate chips (they just taste so much better than most)</div>
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coarse sugar for sprinkling on top</div>
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Glaze:</div>
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2 c. powdered sugar</div>
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about 3 Tbsp. canned milk (or whatever milk you have, whipping cream would work, too)</div>
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dash salt</div>
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Wash raspberries and set in a single layer on a plate or sheet. Freeze while preparing the rest of the recipe. Keep butter in the fridge until needed, as well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse until combined. Add butter and pulse until pea sized crumbs start to form. Add half and half and vanilla. Pulse only until the dough starts to come together. Add extra half and half if mixture is too crumbly.</div>
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Remove dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Gently incorporate the raspberries and chocolate chips into the dough without handing it too much. It's okay if the dough gets a little sticky from the moisture in the berries. Just press everything in together gently until it's evenly distributed. </div>
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Place the dough onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form into a round disk, about an inch thick. Sprinkle the coarse sugar all over and cut dough into 16 wedges. </div>
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Bake for 20-25 minutes. Make the glaze by combining all ingredients until you reach the desired consistency you want. For thick glaze, add less milk; for thinner glaze, add more milk. If you get it too thin, just at some more powdered sugar. I have found that my favorite glazes ever are made with heavy cream, but these scones are rich enough without it, so it's up to you on what you would like.</div>
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Glaze the scones when they are warm but not too hot. </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D994847143168596329%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IJA8vPQpq1A%2FVc5sm5u5TDI%2FAAAAAAAALVc%2FFgGqRP7vdko%2Fs640%2Fraspberry%252Bscone%252B1a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=r2SfAon5Y7Vc&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D994847143168596329%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IJA8vPQpq1A%2FVc5sm5u5TDI%2FAAAAAAAALVc%2FFgGqRP7vdko%2Fs640%2Fraspberry%252Bscone%252B1a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=r2SfAon5Y7Vc&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D994847143168596329%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IJA8vPQpq1A%2FVc5sm5u5TDI%2FAAAAAAAALVc%2FFgGqRP7vdko%2Fs640%2Fraspberry%252Bscone%252B1a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=r2SfAon5Y7Vc&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D994847143168596329%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IJA8vPQpq1A%2FVc5sm5u5TDI%2FAAAAAAAALVc%2FFgGqRP7vdko%2Fs640%2Fraspberry%252Bscone%252B1a.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=r2SfAon5Y7Vc&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-4222094682526496912015-06-16T09:54:00.004-07:002015-06-16T09:54:35.289-07:00Every 6 months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht61Bb30EJVc6kTPc_s4oBMhbEtcGq-qPCnlaSx_BPORefPCefOtSLVXNiJDm3dZ5GNeolrCKJ3VCi_YGVWBUXFnXhnPqp5UWGlRJNjbSR_6gkVEgxxDagaLIm8ao4anGWGuBQlhM-gDs8/s1600/temple+flowers+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht61Bb30EJVc6kTPc_s4oBMhbEtcGq-qPCnlaSx_BPORefPCefOtSLVXNiJDm3dZ5GNeolrCKJ3VCi_YGVWBUXFnXhnPqp5UWGlRJNjbSR_6gkVEgxxDagaLIm8ao4anGWGuBQlhM-gDs8/s640/temple+flowers+1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I'm on the every-6-months posting schedule. I'm okay with that. I don't have much time and when I do, there's nothing to post! HAHA. From my beginning days of blogging, my life has evolved into taking part in a few basic human tasks: I cook, I clean, I take pictures, and I crochet. Oh, and I read books and eat. Can't forget about those! I'm super good at eating. <br />
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So when I'm not cooking, cleaning, or eating (reading doesn't count because I can listen to a book and do all aforementioned activities), I have found that crochet is the easiest, cleanest activity for me. {I despise cleaning up a project...}<br />
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These particular blankets are for one of my favorite friends, Lisa. Her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/369856553211831/" target="_blank">story</a> is here if you want to read it - what a marvelous opportunity for us to serve our community. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN60dKQ8oJ6VeS3ADxx7a0YVyqzmGkB-uzba8x8UzJZA5i-hVBP4gPhZ2jVIpQ652YPQO3t31to6cVuV5z3ezVqw0Yr_o5ZJkggG6EhHPs-3R12sZEfmBw39LdXYN4VlYRwgpJddIHMx6/s1600/blankets+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN60dKQ8oJ6VeS3ADxx7a0YVyqzmGkB-uzba8x8UzJZA5i-hVBP4gPhZ2jVIpQ652YPQO3t31to6cVuV5z3ezVqw0Yr_o5ZJkggG6EhHPs-3R12sZEfmBw39LdXYN4VlYRwgpJddIHMx6/s640/blankets+1a.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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This little confetti blanket is my favorite out of this batch, I think! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR8RDQz2LCPj2XjIlHDd8qerjXqUfLHSKPb9U-nMSbX26tR4geO780rCPvRsYUpH-xSDwQflQq9VTjjEp31vvMtSmMz8QuN3-h0Ga9Juohb2UkVVFu2FVsnLT8edTUnJVdZJ58FNLa1Z2/s1600/blankets+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR8RDQz2LCPj2XjIlHDd8qerjXqUfLHSKPb9U-nMSbX26tR4geO780rCPvRsYUpH-xSDwQflQq9VTjjEp31vvMtSmMz8QuN3-h0Ga9Juohb2UkVVFu2FVsnLT8edTUnJVdZJ58FNLa1Z2/s640/blankets+2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also found a Youtube video and taught myself to make Hexi's! Being the bee lover that I am, it only makes sense that I make a hex blanket. I'm super excited to see how it turns out. I'm not too sure about the darker orange color - so I'll try out a bunch of different colors until I get it just right. And now....only 98 more hexi's to go! woohoo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5-SuPfxaTezIyBkcomusGCBeDf7JDiPTTEpCNf8yEBt3MDZRZZ-G0Q77GZhGV7L1X0ogp439E5Bxnj59pz8ZdNUZbwzao3XItlJdYYSWoMfOVGd21-3ffAe7oX4HgN6zFwLEMnylvtwE/s1600/blankets+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5-SuPfxaTezIyBkcomusGCBeDf7JDiPTTEpCNf8yEBt3MDZRZZ-G0Q77GZhGV7L1X0ogp439E5Bxnj59pz8ZdNUZbwzao3XItlJdYYSWoMfOVGd21-3ffAe7oX4HgN6zFwLEMnylvtwE/s640/blankets+3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a happy day, everyone!!!</div>
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--Abby</div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-67328022036682260872014-12-02T09:18:00.001-07:002014-12-02T09:19:10.040-07:00Overwhelmed....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I'm thinking that maybe I bit off more than I can chew. Anybody else do that?!! </div>
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I also make it a point to simplify when I'm feeling overwhelmed - or unbalanced. When there is too much of something taking over my life (in my case, I have too many projects awaiting my time), I simplify and let things go. My Love Nugget had knee reconstruction surgery in November and since then, I have fallen behind in everything. So it's time to simplify, let some things go, and take one thing at a time.</div>
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So that's what I'm doing! </div>
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My Craft-Along projects are at a standstill - but if you made any, I'd LOVE to see them. </div>
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Feel free to post your photos <a href="https://flic.kr/g/pMJcT" target="_blank">HERE on our Craft-Along Flickr Page</a>!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GG9As0Hp_FDtLnUxjwnuFZp7JCYAhSRst3wraiXNOSN4U3LcffP0Z06G4x-UEa9eG9JGLdznjWC_MoDjpWYiHfjTYS634ZVWtqG2Frq9GAiizJW_W6l_ilMrX_OtynzIXhVqnS-nZVBo/s1600/stitching+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GG9As0Hp_FDtLnUxjwnuFZp7JCYAhSRst3wraiXNOSN4U3LcffP0Z06G4x-UEa9eG9JGLdznjWC_MoDjpWYiHfjTYS634ZVWtqG2Frq9GAiizJW_W6l_ilMrX_OtynzIXhVqnS-nZVBo/s1600/stitching+1a.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a><br />
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I will finish my hoops and get them up on the wall for the final photo - I just LOVE these!! :)</div>
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And I can't help this new addiction - it's the Christmas Sampler from The Frosted Pumpkin and I'm way, way behind - so I've got a lot of catching up to do! Stitching on this fine-weave linen is harder than I expected, but I think I've got it figured out now and I really want to finish this before Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg8insdaOSXwO_Nn8fpCh2GPPyuEdECr9xyhSqH1YW1hEXfzN0fW17OWTSGvJWZ-TUgdist2b4wn3jpnC2uxiStkmj-GWIBBT6r6L9MNSkQ03qdDlEP7qgiEVYSxnRQi8q_l1yTJBEcs0/s1600/Stitching+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg8insdaOSXwO_Nn8fpCh2GPPyuEdECr9xyhSqH1YW1hEXfzN0fW17OWTSGvJWZ-TUgdist2b4wn3jpnC2uxiStkmj-GWIBBT6r6L9MNSkQ03qdDlEP7qgiEVYSxnRQi8q_l1yTJBEcs0/s1600/Stitching+2a.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Crafting, everyone!!! </div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-88897762153870490662014-11-05T13:14:00.001-07:002014-11-05T13:14:56.065-07:00Craft-Along Hoops...2 out of 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief_YGfQtQBHIosF2ZY9A073mlkORoXvH2pdXUrGgrSKJjoZ6B7sFSqIM6jGSTXEdFFiDj5W0-YquFADDY6Qm3hhL1wHOXp2F9JcjlLePRH_-3v2zw_rxVKR7587R8Q2JrHoOkwl4hSgYz/s1600/2+hoops+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief_YGfQtQBHIosF2ZY9A073mlkORoXvH2pdXUrGgrSKJjoZ6B7sFSqIM6jGSTXEdFFiDj5W0-YquFADDY6Qm3hhL1wHOXp2F9JcjlLePRH_-3v2zw_rxVKR7587R8Q2JrHoOkwl4hSgYz/s1600/2+hoops+1.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two down....one more to go! </div>
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I can't leave anything alone, either - I needed snow for my snowman and Cute Verlynne suggested jingle bells and I {gasped} because, YES, these needed jingle bells. Naturally. I love putting 3-dimensional elements onto stitchery, so this is exciting for me.</div>
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Below is an illustration of the stitches I used. Everything is mostly done in a backstitch, using 3 strands of DMC floss in a dark charcoal gray. (#3799)</div>
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If you need a <a href="http://projectsforyournest.blogspot.com/2009/10/stitch-101-basics.html" target="_blank">stitch guide</a>, I made one a while back with the birth of my beloved advent tree!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdom6ECqZrYaEnp5n5nmTS9LI4R1O8tkVuAvMbJJq7Y5wEj4SRxUDXUHTlYxbTLhFkD-AnuIPnjjzcLmrdnDRBd8iwqiNp0ehx7SKtAnMiNPdVfLIeOv3Md5fguZjWIOjkSCdKs4T-o18/s1600/2+hoops+1+arrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdom6ECqZrYaEnp5n5nmTS9LI4R1O8tkVuAvMbJJq7Y5wEj4SRxUDXUHTlYxbTLhFkD-AnuIPnjjzcLmrdnDRBd8iwqiNp0ehx7SKtAnMiNPdVfLIeOv3Md5fguZjWIOjkSCdKs4T-o18/s1600/2+hoops+1+arrows.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Um...so that snowdrift...looks like a blind, drunk person did that in the dark, but the reality is that it WAS done in the dark, though I'm not very blind and I don't drink. :/ However, I kind of like that it looks imperfect, so I'm going to leave it alone. Sometimes imperfection is perfect! :)</div>
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I also don't LOVE my snowman nose...I got a little artsy with turning it into a carrot and it doesn't look like I want it to...but I'm leaving it alone, as well. </div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-24741174047515910052014-11-03T13:20:00.004-07:002014-11-05T13:15:12.959-07:00Christmas Craft-Along - Hoops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOxe40-94FeZbJ6632ml5roDI86leNoekz4HcQL5L_ydWKciktCyRgIq9XLwzp0o0hR2bdgqLYWzPvwJjNcGFZmIIGSdzd_bO7IZVQ6W582HIN5jVkXQtaL30L2qU0Dly-nrKgLECCXlk/s1600/Christmas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOxe40-94FeZbJ6632ml5roDI86leNoekz4HcQL5L_ydWKciktCyRgIq9XLwzp0o0hR2bdgqLYWzPvwJjNcGFZmIIGSdzd_bO7IZVQ6W582HIN5jVkXQtaL30L2qU0Dly-nrKgLECCXlk/s1600/Christmas+1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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Okay, so since we're all crafting along together, here is what you have to do to start the hoops:<br />
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1.) Measure your linen fabric & cut it to size, giving yourself plenty of space around the hoop. My hoops are 8" around and I did the whole eyeball measure, snip, and tear technique.</div>
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If you're going to make a set of these, you might as well make two sets and give one away! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQI5KVf0hXBZFS4EDujrK2MWSRmUCrJeRvu-nQEuRTsRquylHfhffsmYeaji2k-uU2r1msWddLkFmkB1LdBV2syuXLh3-szFbzQx-6fW69wWWOCqbnAF41zTQHUrvh0XQe-UfnHHHdFb7/s1600/20141103_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQI5KVf0hXBZFS4EDujrK2MWSRmUCrJeRvu-nQEuRTsRquylHfhffsmYeaji2k-uU2r1msWddLkFmkB1LdBV2syuXLh3-szFbzQx-6fW69wWWOCqbnAF41zTQHUrvh0XQe-UfnHHHdFb7/s1600/20141103_1280.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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2.) Gather bits, pieces, and scraps of fabrics that you want to use. I found all of mine at Wal-Mart, so my options were limited, but I ended up with colors that will work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec_ECCUEiFvzpzc-HicwOtBgG45PgcaNijMqHGm3T3OEpNs8-b6fByvjAbSiml_-YbmdaZceMvAb56yiEJ5dwXpSdv5udXBxUqFnNXyPZLSa8dJa-wXa_RDrR-YX_-xwznJuyEUKHvZsc/s1600/20141103_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec_ECCUEiFvzpzc-HicwOtBgG45PgcaNijMqHGm3T3OEpNs8-b6fByvjAbSiml_-YbmdaZceMvAb56yiEJ5dwXpSdv5udXBxUqFnNXyPZLSa8dJa-wXa_RDrR-YX_-xwznJuyEUKHvZsc/s1600/20141103_1293.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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3.) Iron-on Heat & Bond - DOUBLE SIDED. You're going to want a paper lining on one side so you can iron one part onto your colored fabric and be able to iron the pieces onto your linen to secure them before stitching.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2wwTXsRJOOVMCwPAWtf-s966_GSmQX5Xy1ADbYBZk1br6-h0XYGd7ccfXsh-2njiGaA5SFey9pZytDl0a8U-ssHbKVr8XRYUqvz3tWio29s6-K7K79uQiZCalNDXC_g11N23ikixkRDJ/s1600/20141103_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2wwTXsRJOOVMCwPAWtf-s966_GSmQX5Xy1ADbYBZk1br6-h0XYGd7ccfXsh-2njiGaA5SFey9pZytDl0a8U-ssHbKVr8XRYUqvz3tWio29s6-K7K79uQiZCalNDXC_g11N23ikixkRDJ/s1600/20141103_1283.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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4.) Making my pattern pieces. (Links to downloadable PDFs below)</div>
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If you don't like my pattern pieces, feel free to freehand your own - it's super easy. Trace your hoop to get your dimensions and draw away, leaving yourself 2-3 inches on the edges to secure underneath the hoop when you're done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltyGf9nzCdBFBe3Hte8H8HsDbdG69LmpOSDTdVvnWHsDqXJ0wsnW7Qs_T6Opiuo9kUUbnOH7iRaoZKw2uBHN2Q4nMJzJU02L3u-_mxR0WDSFWzdwzytiX7zIkewOYQs3LTGjl5z3At20a/s1600/20141103_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltyGf9nzCdBFBe3Hte8H8HsDbdG69LmpOSDTdVvnWHsDqXJ0wsnW7Qs_T6Opiuo9kUUbnOH7iRaoZKw2uBHN2Q4nMJzJU02L3u-_mxR0WDSFWzdwzytiX7zIkewOYQs3LTGjl5z3At20a/s1600/20141103_1285.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I'm going to trace my pieces onto the paper side of my Heat & Bond, cut them out, and iron them onto my linen. Then I'll be ready to stitch them down and they'll be pretty much done! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make sure to print these on cardstock so they're easy to cut out and trace with. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/view/zl5a8mfr01mvd3l/Hoops_Page_1.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hoops Pattern Page 1</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/view/0q12ti3a2lyqbxl/Hoops_Page_2.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hoops Pattern Page 2</span></a><br />
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Make sure to trace your patterns IN REVERSE (right sides together). If not, no worries, your images will just be mirrored to what mine are, which is totally fine.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you're done tracing and cutting, make sure to remove the paper backing before you place them onto the linen.</span></div>
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So this is how I configured my pieces onto the fabric. I set the ring down in the center and built inside of it, ensuring I have enough on the outer edges like I need.</div>
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Once I got the pieces exactly where I needed them to be, I moved the hoop and pressed everything down. </div>
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Here is how the cutout images should be positioned: {sorry--didn't have time to edit these pics}</div>
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Notice that there is enough extra applique fabric beyond the borders of the hoop.</div>
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Have a Happy Day!! And Happy Crafting! </div>
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Let me know if you have any problems with the PDF patterns!!</div>
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-Abby</div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-70044223160389158172014-10-31T14:52:00.001-07:002014-10-31T14:52:09.949-07:00Not Ready Yet!!Sorry!! For the Craft-Along, I just won't be ready until Monday or Tuesday. My Love Nugget had the week off and we've been out and about, getting things done, and playing out in the desert with some good friends. We found a NEW friend, though. {yikes} Can you see it?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-yg1oK4Y-D48YxNFgYeqPKdX6TGSAJH9ck64E6s-QNHpt0jc9QFRfJ4kQQCZIe4iFC6J5x19Rdy0pi9YlJ7E1i3GQmjkjxecXvp1-sL0Aog99IxgOMxAt-2venPHQICJFDfbE7KBW-oh/s1600/Gilamonster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-yg1oK4Y-D48YxNFgYeqPKdX6TGSAJH9ck64E6s-QNHpt0jc9QFRfJ4kQQCZIe4iFC6J5x19Rdy0pi9YlJ7E1i3GQmjkjxecXvp1-sL0Aog99IxgOMxAt-2venPHQICJFDfbE7KBW-oh/s1600/Gilamonster.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> He's beautiful/frightening/creepy!!! {Not sure if it's a he or she...didn't get close enough to check. Something about "poison" and "lock-jaw" kept me at a safe distance!}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AP9kJeJKJ02AQH1Flu5Eka3ImbJUzH2KDwaDx2KgDTwIL6WtHXBbT7h2EdRirpOpnymW-0KGAFA5kArLKs-Ui0makf_phomZGUZ3hab380vLFPrfVzUsrzi-OYj2-jlf21pJKxdJZDEQ/s1600/Oliver+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AP9kJeJKJ02AQH1Flu5Eka3ImbJUzH2KDwaDx2KgDTwIL6WtHXBbT7h2EdRirpOpnymW-0KGAFA5kArLKs-Ui0makf_phomZGUZ3hab380vLFPrfVzUsrzi-OYj2-jlf21pJKxdJZDEQ/s1600/Oliver+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkXMGS-vyzc8B28nzUKHUGpVXZ3SL6dFn8TFRkxT0KEua8NMPUOTpvedSwznSFHScNtL1vOXTYZgOi_gmfml3k30SZMLfgcpAagqBBa4CcHSHyU7IqWcbaCdChvuAOiuvMAVmlHHc7c7v/s1600/Oliver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkXMGS-vyzc8B28nzUKHUGpVXZ3SL6dFn8TFRkxT0KEua8NMPUOTpvedSwznSFHScNtL1vOXTYZgOi_gmfml3k30SZMLfgcpAagqBBa4CcHSHyU7IqWcbaCdChvuAOiuvMAVmlHHc7c7v/s1600/Oliver+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween!!!</div>
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--Abby</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmmA5PI2DDtWjhvRbsviXT9ovdBOP91wbklgkCOIM1T8FX8kA_AECg7JjNb0ihxGxwBSs4q2a93wuUWps02uyypeyCb70lfI5DtUd3S5Nv6TajP50v69OXOX7beSsKtfRgu6n7OHKPXYX/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmmA5PI2DDtWjhvRbsviXT9ovdBOP91wbklgkCOIM1T8FX8kA_AECg7JjNb0ihxGxwBSs4q2a93wuUWps02uyypeyCb70lfI5DtUd3S5Nv6TajP50v69OXOX7beSsKtfRgu6n7OHKPXYX/s1600/halloween.jpg" height="372" width="400" /></a></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-57014874768387592522014-10-27T13:07:00.000-07:002014-10-27T13:07:01.100-07:00New Stitching Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I found a new addiction!! {GASP!} </div>
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My cute, beautiful, talented friend Verlynne has opened up a whole new world for me and I'm SO in love!!! {Thanks,Verlynne!}</div>
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So TWO things: </div>
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1.) <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> - and -</div>
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2.) hand-dyed "crystal" fabric from <a href="http://www.picturethisplus.com/store/products.php?cat=51" target="_blank">Picture This Plus</a></div>
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The cute patterns come from <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> and they have so many great patterns that I would actually <u>enjoy</u> putting up in my home. It is a rare thing for me to find a cross stitch pattern that I would want to spend the time/hours to make - but these are SO much fun!!! </div>
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I just bought this Christmas sampler - it's a stitch-along-club thing where they send you a piece of the sampler once per month. This one starts November 1st, so if you're a cross-stitcher and you want to join along, go to their website for purchase and information.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lqKqCK61JRTb26Y38uynShxh_hjZjtn8zOREJprQ19s8v7yVZLIQAlcbn9ekhQNFmc85xT8u8Y4t6O_plaM0Qw_g8n07MjOJko9Q9AlsRma-zts2O9W5ZXgRcVW2DxkHjQk_meWsGRk0/s1600/Christmas_Celebration_-_Sneak_Peek_pic_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lqKqCK61JRTb26Y38uynShxh_hjZjtn8zOREJprQ19s8v7yVZLIQAlcbn9ekhQNFmc85xT8u8Y4t6O_plaM0Qw_g8n07MjOJko9Q9AlsRma-zts2O9W5ZXgRcVW2DxkHjQk_meWsGRk0/s1600/Christmas_Celebration_-_Sneak_Peek_pic_1.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite part?! The *sparkly* fabric from <a href="http://www.picturethisplus.com/store/products.php?cat=51" target="_blank">Picture This Plus</a>. My girl, Verlynne, showed me her projects and I got to look at, touch, and fall in love with this beautiful stuff. It's GORGEOUS. You can see in these pictures how they weave crystal threads into the fabric and they all have a little sparkle magic in them. WHO DOESN'T LOVE SPARKLES?! </div>
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{The fabric is a <span style="font-size: x-small;">little</span> pricey, but totally worth it because you'll be spending hours of time and love on these cute projects that will become a treasure.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdhshET3IW0Jr8UuLRBsSPCPQvXovP6WXw7YTtCACIKigzadgV9GjixqdIo9HLRKiMxfdtBtDDNkCODvR5OXaEsmBwd4iAlonkVzUF42I6cbLPr15K8HiYOAz-wFalYoClI1yHIxB5rAi/s1600/halloweenfullchartcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdhshET3IW0Jr8UuLRBsSPCPQvXovP6WXw7YTtCACIKigzadgV9GjixqdIo9HLRKiMxfdtBtDDNkCODvR5OXaEsmBwd4iAlonkVzUF42I6cbLPr15K8HiYOAz-wFalYoClI1yHIxB5rAi/s1600/halloweenfullchartcover.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
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My daughter loves to cross stitch, so I got this pattern and some fabric for us to do this one together. {squeal!}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTmBv8UEAAn5kQN35fbjXQBDHirYlFprVsW2_NCsLDtTPIpafBsFA8MfGyrPhg1r8kJhkSQ-j6PQ0P15ML549eIFjhsKbrE2ZgDOjzWgPgSwuesTmhv3AAhEwdziPjBjxuy-tbbTIY9V/s1600/sugar_is_sweet_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTmBv8UEAAn5kQN35fbjXQBDHirYlFprVsW2_NCsLDtTPIpafBsFA8MfGyrPhg1r8kJhkSQ-j6PQ0P15ML549eIFjhsKbrE2ZgDOjzWgPgSwuesTmhv3AAhEwdziPjBjxuy-tbbTIY9V/s1600/sugar_is_sweet_2.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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And these below are Cute Verlynne's projects - I can't believe how much I love them!!! She has done some amazing work.</div>
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Fairy Tale Sampler - SO flippin' adorable.</div>
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SO in love with this cute Halloween one!! </div>
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If I could surround myself {tactfully} around glitter, I would. So when I find something that can incorporate stitching AND glitter, I'm going to be all over that. </div>
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Happy Crafting!! </div>
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--Abby</div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-69055657376710372502014-10-22T09:33:00.001-07:002014-10-22T13:23:49.510-07:00Craft-Along Gathering Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay!!! We have some interest, so let's make some cute stuff together!! For now, I think that the hoops, trees, and Photo Challenge will be plenty of work! : ) You can pick one, two, or all three - and we will have a new Flickr page to share our work together!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">START DATE: November 1st</span></div>
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This will allow everybody to gather the needed supplies. </div>
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I'm moving a little slow this week…it's crazy busy and I've got some nasty cold virus that has knocked me down, but so far I've been able to gather a few supplies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpatvNHjrHhVCCibIRmtQSD5WPWlqgd8CyQVmMLZvBFBDgoj6CqVOiVmerSuMOiW3mSIP7B8wPqgjjYD4av23vaY6MvXpJj6SLyAjoAExMOdvkbAb1Yted4JYf6jrnt736l7CocRa8aBr/s1600/supplies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpatvNHjrHhVCCibIRmtQSD5WPWlqgd8CyQVmMLZvBFBDgoj6CqVOiVmerSuMOiW3mSIP7B8wPqgjjYD4av23vaY6MvXpJj6SLyAjoAExMOdvkbAb1Yted4JYf6jrnt736l7CocRa8aBr/s1600/supplies+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have: six 8-inch wooden hoops</div>
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cream-colored fabric - from Wal-Mart. It was only about $3.00/yard and each is a little different. The lighter color is super sturdy, canvas-like, and would hold up well. The speckly fabric is a lightweight linen-type fabric, which is probably what I'll use for my project. </div>
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Felt from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetemmajean?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"> Sweet Emma Jean</a></div>
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I ordered a multi-pack, as well as 5 Moss, and 5 Grassy Meadows. I love this felt - it's good quality wool felt and will stitch up beautifully!! For my trees, I want to try a two-tone look, so I will experiment with both of these green colors.</div>
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The rest should be pretty easy. Some cute quilting cotton fabric for the figures on the hoops, some wood for our trees, foam cones for trees, and embroidery thread for both projects. </div>
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Also, I just ordered some wood slices from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlaceCardHolderShop?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Placecard Holder Shop</a></div>
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I submitted a "custom request" for three disks, 1.5 inches tall by 3 inches around</div>
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I have no idea what this will cost, but I will let you know when I hear back from them. Shouldn't be too pricey. If you have a way of cutting your own, feel free to do that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsFcoQ0VJAVadxotmUyuCtG7s9HsUWMsyO1vEdP_VrxE0cdgPenW1PjMIgPst0f3CS9Aia_Pc-Zf0B4WIHTP8NRhTszbuSJVwtZNOX-Te5PHTEdrS5maCsyuFf8JuLwVrmV4_40vJrD1u/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsFcoQ0VJAVadxotmUyuCtG7s9HsUWMsyO1vEdP_VrxE0cdgPenW1PjMIgPst0f3CS9Aia_Pc-Zf0B4WIHTP8NRhTszbuSJVwtZNOX-Te5PHTEdrS5maCsyuFf8JuLwVrmV4_40vJrD1u/s1600/wood.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go ahead and gather supplies, I will keep working on organizing this fun Craft-Along, and we will all get started!! </div>
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Have a happy day!! </div>
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--Abby</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-85317705405880358572014-10-15T13:09:00.002-07:002014-10-15T13:16:50.912-07:00Pumpkin Spice Waffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU1SJJvimQcne0XiiGO6tJv55KWbmYRlVgVFGvDRdISd3Ygc2ep9YLpEd75SoKj3JFrLeBuSyAKfyZTNX-75mcL5zuMK2WCz-JzMW_tuJ-CbKJZI8YHFQH_v2cZO6K6uH8lGxo6RXfO0E/s1600/pumpkin+waffles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU1SJJvimQcne0XiiGO6tJv55KWbmYRlVgVFGvDRdISd3Ygc2ep9YLpEd75SoKj3JFrLeBuSyAKfyZTNX-75mcL5zuMK2WCz-JzMW_tuJ-CbKJZI8YHFQH_v2cZO6K6uH8lGxo6RXfO0E/s1600/pumpkin+waffles+2.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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I happened to have some sauce left over from <a href="http://www.projectsforyournest.blogspot.com/2014/06/bread-pudding-with-pecan-praline-sauce.html" target="_blank">Bread Pudding</a>….so anyone could see that I had no choice, really, but to make pumpkin waffles. It only made sense. </div>
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**These would be good with an Apple Cider Syrup, as well, so below is a recipe for both & you can decide! Heck - throw in some maple syrup with any of these, as well. You just can't go wrong here!**</div>
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<u>PUMPKIN SPICE WAFFLES</u></div>
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WAFFLES:</div>
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2 c. buttermilk</div>
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1 c. pumpkin puree</div>
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1 egg</div>
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3 T. brown sugar</div>
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¼ c. oil</div>
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2 T. vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)</div>
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1 c. whole wheat flour</div>
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1 c. all purpose flour</div>
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4 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 tsp. baking soda</div>
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1 tsp. allspice</div>
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1 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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½ tsp. ground ginger</div>
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½ tsp. salt</div>
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In a bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: milk, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and vinegar.</div>
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In another bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.</div>
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Stir to combine all ingredients, thinning the batter with milk if it's too thick. Try not to over-stir - just get it to the right consistency you like.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><u>PRALINE SAUCE:</u> (makes about 4 cups)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 c. butter, cut into pieces</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">¾ c. chopped nuts</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3 ¼ c. brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">¾ c. heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">½ t. cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 ¼ c. sour cream (and don't get the light stuff…you're going all-out here)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 t. vanilla</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In a large saucepan, heat ½ c. of the butter until melted. Add pecans and mix well. Bring to a boil and cook for a couple of minutes, until pecans begin to brown slightly and become fragrant. Remove from heat and add remaining ½ c. butter and mix well. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon to the pan; mix well. Cook over medium-high heat until blended, stirring constantly. When mixture starts to boil vigorously, turn the heat down a little and boil rapidly for 2 minutes - keep stirring. Remove from heat and add sour cream and vanilla. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">**{Seriously…the sour cream MAKES this sauce!!}**</span></div>
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<u>APPLE CIDER SYRUP:</u></div>
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1 c. packed brown sugar</div>
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2 T. cornstarch</div>
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1 tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
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¼ tsp. allspice</div>
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¼ tsp. ground ginger</div>
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⅛ tsp. ground cloves</div>
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1 pinch salt</div>
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2 c. fresh apple cider (after a good shaking)</div>
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1 ½ T. apple cider vinegar</div>
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¼ c. butter, diced</div>
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves and salt until cornstarch is evenly mixed. Stir in apple cider and apple cider vinegar and turn the heat up to medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow to boil for about 1 ½ minutes while continuously stirring. Remove from heat, stir in butter and allow to cool a little.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-fiJyQLPDKw8%252FVD7QCv1CiuI%252FAAAAAAAALNY%252Fpr8bPOzactY%252Fs1600%252Fpumpkin%25252Bwaffles%25252B2.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5510042310763816457%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-fiJyQLPDKw8%252FVD7QCv1CiuI%252FAAAAAAAALNY%252Fpr8bPOzactY%252Fs1600%252Fpumpkin%25252Bwaffles%25252B2.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-17166503741449068602014-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:002014-10-15T13:15:08.480-07:00Christmas Craft-Along?!<div style="text-align: center;">
I miss doing things together…..remember the Apron Swap? The Fitness Challenge? Good times. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's do something together again! Anybody with me?! </span></div>
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<b><i>Sometimes I need a little nudge….sometimes a push...and mostly a SHOVE. </i></b></div>
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Let's make something adorable to add to our homemade collection for our future generations to enjoy. That's one of my favorite things about the things we make - our future generations will treasure it…usually. </div>
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I wish I had something beautiful made by my grandmother, but I don't because she had, like, a bazillion grandkids. I do have a beautiful crochet dress made by a great-grandmother and it's a TREASURE!</div>
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So…with that in mind…let's make some Christmas decor! I will jump ahead and walk you through it step-by-step and it will be something that ANYBODY can do. We can all post our pictures on a Flickr page that I'll set up later. </div>
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Here's what has inspired me lately…thinking about doing a craft-along with one or two of these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXu_JJJ5zycTySzT3XfKcT6uPe0kZx-VoedYDF4tLy1-34e-h_LWszAhFTQBEI82Gzk3bMO48Fa9ZuOD5UhJi43Dfyn574ox716OlJKbXx93jhjtYAjXp4NXMcDeoSoi-CbRfj7i0zMFv/s1600/Christmas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXu_JJJ5zycTySzT3XfKcT6uPe0kZx-VoedYDF4tLy1-34e-h_LWszAhFTQBEI82Gzk3bMO48Fa9ZuOD5UhJi43Dfyn574ox716OlJKbXx93jhjtYAjXp4NXMcDeoSoi-CbRfj7i0zMFv/s1600/Christmas+1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.countrykittyland.com/2012/01/embroidery-hoops-mania.html?m=1" target="_blank">Embroidery Hoop Christmas Applique from Coutrykitty</a>. These are adorable and would be cute up on the wall all together. I'll make up some templates and post it for everybody to use. This one looks fun!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveWiZnajZdTon2wFY-RfqOGeqNWO8nbGaKT5nBU16-6m1JdhZwhyyz95jYSTt99j0r_1Atie_65iCsYyE8fYqPr1uhHpflTkkUnGC8kUl-aD8J4NkJORvM7bj18-OAFVFQvQP2I1sTOfH/s1600/Christmas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveWiZnajZdTon2wFY-RfqOGeqNWO8nbGaKT5nBU16-6m1JdhZwhyyz95jYSTt99j0r_1Atie_65iCsYyE8fYqPr1uhHpflTkkUnGC8kUl-aD8J4NkJORvM7bj18-OAFVFQvQP2I1sTOfH/s1600/Christmas+2.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Felt trees from <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/green-felt-trees/" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Kids</a>. To buy a set of these, you're looking at $136 before tax & shipping. We can make these for MUCH less!! (and probably a little more detailed, too) Sometimes it's just easier to just spend the money on something really beautiful, but this time, I am thinking that this is a project I want to undertake. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Etx3RaD0PbNASreZKP8EUKGvRtuDU1DXrzi0RcPNofxs6MclyiCMbUJVfw3K8zdbJePdhsEYPBjFRaGZPt3bJ9KwBVTVAtrBdO8q7deXrCK-8ZXmYcs4haewxF0YeFUs7z20H7UizAjx/s1600/Christmas+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Etx3RaD0PbNASreZKP8EUKGvRtuDU1DXrzi0RcPNofxs6MclyiCMbUJVfw3K8zdbJePdhsEYPBjFRaGZPt3bJ9KwBVTVAtrBdO8q7deXrCK-8ZXmYcs4haewxF0YeFUs7z20H7UizAjx/s1600/Christmas+4.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photo came from Pinterest, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/martina_stashmania/6454238063/" target="_blank">via Flickr</a>.)</div>
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I LOVE this idea of creating a little felt tree for little ones to decorate. I've got a LOT of little people in my life that would love this! Trying to decide if it's something I want to undertake or not, but if I did, I'd probably do a bunch - which could get a little crazy! Not sure if I want to get TOTALLY crazy or not….but being that it comes naturally for me, I'm seriously contemplating it. …..??? </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And…finally….best for last….DEFINITELY a Photo Challenge! </span></div>
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You don't have to own a fancy camera - you just have to join the fun and get creative! I'll come up with a Holiday Photo Challenge list and we can all share together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMJjKaYC2Y94TnAWY3I3yHZkxSLub6iHmu29cNluJrUStuwW1uYy25mMunI0O74YbMuIK0PnaC9MFSzdfNll-6Ok9pgu8C11oRJCu5pnZ6WuUqPGvSCZ-vWjIaVGKxJiIFPNeQbM-K267/s1600/Christmas+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMJjKaYC2Y94TnAWY3I3yHZkxSLub6iHmu29cNluJrUStuwW1uYy25mMunI0O74YbMuIK0PnaC9MFSzdfNll-6Ok9pgu8C11oRJCu5pnZ6WuUqPGvSCZ-vWjIaVGKxJiIFPNeQbM-K267/s1600/Christmas+Love.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So get ready, get out your glue guns, embroidery needles, your cameras, and get ready to MAKE SOME MAGIC with me!! {scream!} </span>Sorry…screaming is sometimes unnecessary.</div>
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Have a Happy Day!!</div>
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-Abby</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-50036533279742795632014-10-13T09:18:00.003-07:002014-10-13T09:19:45.446-07:00Football, Outings & Photoshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What's happening?! </div>
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Busy life is happening for us, and it's a beautiful thing. </div>
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There are SO many things to love with the oncoming of each new season! I guess I just love it all!!! Just when I think spring is my favorite, I then decide summer is my favorite. But then back-to-school is my TOTAL favorite, and then October comes and I can't believe how much October is my FAVORITE. Then the weather starts to cool and I remember that Thanksgiving and Christmas are my <u><b>ultimate</b></u> favorite. I think I have a problem…</div>
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October marks the beginning of my favorites, though - General Conference, Halloween (only because my baby girl LOVES to dress up and my little guy is on the cusp of getting "too old" for Halloween…<i>whatever that means</i>…), Christmas crafting {squeal!}, and getting ready for the Thanksgiving & Christmas season. </div>
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Way to go, October - you rock. The fun just SNOWBALLS from here!! (might I add that snow is one thing I <u>seriously</u> don't miss…like, AT ALL.)</div>
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My {adorable} mom & daughter at the General Women's Meeting.</div>
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What an amazing time to feel united, uplifted, and strengthened!!! And with two of my favorite girls!!!</div>
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If you ever need a lift, regardless of your religious beliefs, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2014/10?cid=HPTH100914477&lang=eng" target="_blank">go check out the articles/videos of this meeting</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn5dNyb_qjcZTzHNftwdtyEcTxC-ryjr_XRlRnl1-UI2Ufl1p3M3ttLyW4u3qq6IUOP8CFSeDAOTm8lym1h6jSmv8NXJB8Dw7QxyrrCfix86T68Wfxia5_irvpa6M6P0vundim1HyC-L7/s1600/20140927_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn5dNyb_qjcZTzHNftwdtyEcTxC-ryjr_XRlRnl1-UI2Ufl1p3M3ttLyW4u3qq6IUOP8CFSeDAOTm8lym1h6jSmv8NXJB8Dw7QxyrrCfix86T68Wfxia5_irvpa6M6P0vundim1HyC-L7/s1600/20140927_9799.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Football Carpool! This little girl can rarely stay awake when we have to haul kids all over town after school. She plays SO HARD all day long!!! She can't even finish her snack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFqbNqC04X0V9Y538Wzyn_JRKIo_wDqLLTMU1giRVx5wsCSOWgDI4evNwh2Ycg9EeR3dFJGw2Iu8EA5kflhW-ZCARWfYWue9sGNja0gtl6EkXmmjljYGWhokRKxngaGx7NrwFo56xZaut/s1600/20141006_9773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFqbNqC04X0V9Y538Wzyn_JRKIo_wDqLLTMU1giRVx5wsCSOWgDI4evNwh2Ycg9EeR3dFJGw2Iu8EA5kflhW-ZCARWfYWue9sGNja0gtl6EkXmmjljYGWhokRKxngaGx7NrwFo56xZaut/s1600/20141006_9773.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Took the kids to their first ever Arizona Wildcats football game! Talk about FUN!!!</div>
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Sad, sad loss, though - the Cat's undefeated streak was broken….we might have cried a little.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMDj1TZPE27_EmPMlc7hXYxz21ZKsGWMMliFccK4XqsBcOJ3ExmeeTgGuTNCWhham3DuWbtRYgYx7jrVLyPERtJWyx-RA2_JA1Acs0l88M_owXWu2NQ0YOIPME8Qr3Lntqyz0jsG5kwB4/s1600/20141011_9748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMDj1TZPE27_EmPMlc7hXYxz21ZKsGWMMliFccK4XqsBcOJ3ExmeeTgGuTNCWhham3DuWbtRYgYx7jrVLyPERtJWyx-RA2_JA1Acs0l88M_owXWu2NQ0YOIPME8Qr3Lntqyz0jsG5kwB4/s1600/20141011_9748.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This sold-out stadium is starting to fill up - we are about 45 minutes before start-time. There was SO much excitement, energy, and noise! It was a good time!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNAcd_ylcKvfmx0_FFQiwyHXjVXTKrds2ezUgm3zu_4AN0_iBa5kFlir3CMcKQrcI5D_Z_uCowViiCHB3n0C2xG_2zAxQt-t04z3Gjb7LC3iYbGGuKwG_5nfMQJrDA3hrlXX6Cy7ouGD7/s1600/20141011_9751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNAcd_ylcKvfmx0_FFQiwyHXjVXTKrds2ezUgm3zu_4AN0_iBa5kFlir3CMcKQrcI5D_Z_uCowViiCHB3n0C2xG_2zAxQt-t04z3Gjb7LC3iYbGGuKwG_5nfMQJrDA3hrlXX6Cy7ouGD7/s1600/20141011_9751.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We still love our Cats!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKDgmFp-yXQiRteFZK-X29evqNxGg79AQtO3vJKFmtYaFsiQryk9NCWlzP73ruxakkOn0dOk135LBJ2SftSIdBTTNuKpFD3zCaAuZQixocoka7gzdqO_YMm9hxFo9RoSgRJtYnqvRKRvi/s1600/20141011_9755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKDgmFp-yXQiRteFZK-X29evqNxGg79AQtO3vJKFmtYaFsiQryk9NCWlzP73ruxakkOn0dOk135LBJ2SftSIdBTTNuKpFD3zCaAuZQixocoka7gzdqO_YMm9hxFo9RoSgRJtYnqvRKRvi/s1600/20141011_9755.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My baby girl continues to be the driving force in our family - she NEVER slows down! She's either making art, making me laugh, making me crazy, making messes, and always wearing something crazy. I love it. We just want to hold on to her and make the most of every second since she's the last one. </div>
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And…what would we do without cell phone cameras? We wouldn't be able to snap that random picture of a cactus blossom. Isn't it gorgeous?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BnD7j2DHBSf9x8FBQoDTSDr3snhH65hPSledyBupPXkJVe5xSDD1W3S5lmaqM0jBtwbuULv07E9bSkQGwoHyIbUw9X_7lRTvc135awLYq0UA_PrLI9zRARGKbl6JWjaoTW6ILOUTe0qt/s1600/20140924_9817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BnD7j2DHBSf9x8FBQoDTSDr3snhH65hPSledyBupPXkJVe5xSDD1W3S5lmaqM0jBtwbuULv07E9bSkQGwoHyIbUw9X_7lRTvc135awLYq0UA_PrLI9zRARGKbl6JWjaoTW6ILOUTe0qt/s1600/20140924_9817.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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…or that brief sunset…monsoon majesty right here. And that's our Gila Valley temple - isn't she grand?!</div>
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Coming along…slowly…piecing this beauty together. This was going to be for my daughter's birthday a long time ago, and now that it has taken me so long, I'm wondering if I just want to keep it on the couch!! Not sure…but I'm sad to discover that I don't love all of the colors anymore. At first I did, and then it's worn off…so much work for something I'm not madly in love with. Oh well. Must finish it!! </div>
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Another outing…can you believe that this is all in our backyard?! We just take a little drive and we're in different terrain. It's wonderful!</div>
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These beauties were NOT excited to have visitors. They wouldn't let me get too close. Simmer down, ladies. I just want a picture.</div>
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Sun setting below the hilltops. I LOVE this time of day when everything is drenched in that warm, golden light! </div>
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And…it's senior picture time! For family, I'll do picture freebies and I had SO much fun with these two. I've got one more girl to do. Photoshop has been my BFF lately. This takes up HOURS of my time, but it's SO worth it. I love creating beautiful pictures and showing these girls how gorgeous they are. It's a very fulfilling hobby - one that I love to share. :)</div>
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Have a Happy Day!!!! </div>
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--Abby</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-46906469801506775952014-09-19T10:30:00.001-07:002014-10-13T09:22:42.644-07:00Cooking 101 - White Corn Tortilla Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">BETTER than eating out. WHAT??!!</span></div>
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Soup season is upon us, however this soup has no season - it's a year-round gourmet delicacy.<br />
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I LOVE ordering soup at my favorite restaurants, sampling various flavors and combinations, but THIS soup is better than most restaurant options - and you can make it at home!! {air punch}</div>
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And I'm not joking - this soup can rival <span style="font-size: x-small;">*almost*</span> anything. Plus, it's super hearty so you don't need anything else besides a cheesey quesadilla. It's a one-pot wonder. And it's EASY! </div>
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It kind of looks tomatoey, but it's not - don't be fooled. That would be foolish. </div>
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It's got this deep, rich flavor that comes from the corn tortillas, roasted chilies, and all of those veggies.</div>
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Like I said, the best way to eat it is paired with a good 'ol cheese quesadilla. Buttered on one side, good cheddar cheese on the inside, cooked to a slight crisp on a seasoned cast iron griddle. Perfection.</div>
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These little guys are the secret ingredient to most of my soups. (and pasta sauce) <a href="http://www.hatchchilefest.com/" target="_blank">Hatch green chilies</a>. </div>
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I get them on the side of the road here in my hometown, where they're roasted in this huge roaster. They sit and sweat in a plastic bag and after <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">FOUR </span>excruciating<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> HOURS</span> of peeling the skin off chilies….</div>
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I have over 2 dozen baggies of chilies to put in the freezer. We put these in everything and NOTHING, and I mean <b><i><u>NOTHING</u></i></b> can come close to the deep, rich flavor that these roasted Hatch chilies have. (I get 'medium' because I'm not a fan of my mouth going numb, but they still have a lot of kick to them.)</div>
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This was my lunch….and I felt like I was eating at a gourmet restaurant. It's easy, delicious, and if you make a double-batch (might as well, right?), you will have dinner in the freezer for those busy days.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHITE CORN TORTILLA SOUP</span><br />
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Super easy - just a few steps and the work is done.<br />
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3 T. olive oil<br />
1 ½ 7-inch white corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch squares<br />
1 ½ T. minced garlic<br />
½ of a medium onion, minced<br />
2-3 roasted Hatch green chilies, diced (or two 4-oz. cans)<br />
1 ½ T. minced jalapeno pepper (optional - I don't use these)<br />
1 lb. white corn kernels, thawed or frozen - they both work<br />
1 ½ lbs. chopped, ripe red tomatoes or 28 oz. diced tomatoes<br />
⅓ c. tomato paste<br />
2 ½ t. ground cumin<br />
1 T. salt<br />
⅛ tsp. ground pepper<br />
½ t. chili powder<br />
1 ½ c. water<br />
1 qt. chicken stock (or 4 c. water and 4 tsp. chicken base)<br />
⅓ c. heavy cream<br />
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Garnish: crushed tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro<br />
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Cheese Quesadillas:<br />
Good flour tortillas, cheese, butter, and a griddle<br />
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Over medium high heat, fry tortilla squares in olive oil until they become crisp and turn a golden yellow. Add garlic, onion, jalapeno, and green chilies; cook 1-2 minutes until onion becomes translucent. Add half the corn along with all other ingredients (except garnishes), reserving the other half of the corn to be added at the end. Bring the soup to a low, even boil; cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until all veggies are cooked and tender. Remove soup from heat. Using an imersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (You can also use a blender and work in batches). Return the soup to the burner and add the reserved corn, bring to a boil, careful to avoid scorching. Add heavy cream and use chicken base and/or salt to season.<br />
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Garnish and serve. <br />
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**Note: If you're super busy and don't have time to babysit this soup, let it simmer on your lowest heat setting or put it all in the crockpot after you sautee your tortilla and veggies. When you're ready to eat, just puree it and add the remaining corn and heavy cream. <br />
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Enjoy!! Have a happy day!!</div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-71407182240495943012014-09-18T12:39:00.002-07:002014-09-18T12:39:41.804-07:00Organic Cloth Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I have this amazingly talented cousin, Tracy, and she can literally do anything. She showed me her latest, greatest project and I absolutely LOVE these!!!! They're built SO well and they'll last pretty much forever. I looked into cloth diapers when I was expecting #4, but I was too cowardly to try them, and they weren't this cute. Cost wise, it would have been cheaper for me to buy a few cloth diapers like these and reuse them over and over. I have friends who swear by cloth diapers and won't EVER go back to buying disposable diapers again. These are 100% reusable, organic, and easy to use. </div>
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SO….if you're looking for an awesome baby shower gift or something fun to try with your own baby, come visit Tracy at her Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TootSweetsDiapers?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Toot Sweets</a>. </div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-88542752304706382062014-08-12T08:41:00.002-07:002014-08-12T08:44:22.862-07:00Getting cozy with nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once a year my Love Nugget and I get this inexplicable itch to camp. In a tent. With no bathrooms. ???!!! …. I know…I'm just as confused as you are. </div>
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But...we have this killer-awesome tent and we like to pretend we're homeless for a couple of nights. {I can be super rugged when I have to be.}</div>
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We don't like to camp with other campers unless they're friends, which means we have to find a secluded spot, usually a good distance from a restroom, but who doesn't like to do their business in nature?! Nature has some pretty stunning restrooms with amazing views!!! {<i>It only gets awkward when a hiker wearing a red sweatshirt walks by with his dog. You just say 'hello' at that point and pretend you're just sitting for a minute, so happy the sniffing dog is on a leash...</i>}</div>
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I actually love camping, just not the setting-up and taking-down. I have a love/hate relationship with camping. I hate getting things ready and can never find any good reason why we're putting ourselves through this torture when we have perfectly good food and beds here at home. But then, when everything is all set up, and I get to wander around taking pictures of nature, I can't stop raving at how much I love camping and love nature and love our beautiful mountain! And then our homeless adventure is over and we have to pack up and head home to the reality that everything has to be cleaned off, aired out, and packed away again…. ugh!!! </div>
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Coming home to my beautiful photos reminds me again how much I love being in the great outdoors!</div>
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There was this golden evening light in our camp because the sun was setting and reflecting off some huge rain clouds coming. I LOVE evening light.</div>
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Evening light - the calm before the storm. Literally. We love rain, though, so it was fun. </div>
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Oh, how I love this place! It smells AMAZING, too - fresh mountain air, rain on the cusp, and that woodsy, earthy scent. I love it.</div>
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This cute little guy let me get up close and personal. I love all of his colors!! </div>
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I know that mushroooms are the body part of a fungus, basically woodland warts, and some are lethal, but they're ADORABLE!!! They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes! I love little woodland things.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn90G66MFOmavU3U7Xh5sOpkXO1ffF4b8SO9pUNkInBnai1pBPrOfT9HBRiBukcU_M1iofcisxcaMxD3BHiR_-u0WaVE3qubm2lkluVOpar17HsTG40KEHz8OgFBHaC46IpaAAH64Vvd4/s1600/mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn90G66MFOmavU3U7Xh5sOpkXO1ffF4b8SO9pUNkInBnai1pBPrOfT9HBRiBukcU_M1iofcisxcaMxD3BHiR_-u0WaVE3qubm2lkluVOpar17HsTG40KEHz8OgFBHaC46IpaAAH64Vvd4/s1600/mushroom.jpg" height="640" width="602" /></a></div>
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Our mountain is covered with thse beautiful red flowers called Hummingbird Plant. </div>
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I don't know what this plant is, but it's gorgeous!! It was growing along the rocks on a cliff-side. </div>
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Water is so scarce here, so it's always good to see a creek or stream. They're often dry, so I get excited when I see running water up on the mountain!</div>
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Probably a weed, but I love these sweet little white daisies!</div>
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And that's enough camping for one year. </div>
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Next year, when the aftermath of this campout has faded into pleasant memories, we will do this all over again. I wish I could say that I'm excited, but I'm not. If I'm going to be comfortable in the wilderness, I need a trailer with a shower, kitchen, Tempurpedic Cloud Luxe mattress, and flushing potty. :)</div>
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Have a Happy Day!!!</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 858px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 858px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-56577214658893221232014-08-07T09:53:00.002-07:002014-08-07T10:01:19.365-07:00Honey Whole Wheat Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
WOO{hoo!!} </div>
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Who <i><u>doesn't</u></i> get excited about <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">good</span></i> homemade bread?! </div>
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If you don't, something is sad and unbalanced in your life.</div>
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Bread is one of the oldest, earthiest staples of the human diet and thank GOODNESS for the addition of butter to that diet because the combination is….literally….a little slice of heaven.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ivmceSUQzDDXuLFEHJ-q1Uz99rI3EwHrGb_1oCwICMDbehRKxaUPFsSP063obi6MdjuTWg43wFeZdktUvd9pdB3GLvaVHxVG66rHzeoLu743XPRDyxMJuLj_MhHjQ3d2YXo9-00Wrl5L/s1600/wheat+bread+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ivmceSUQzDDXuLFEHJ-q1Uz99rI3EwHrGb_1oCwICMDbehRKxaUPFsSP063obi6MdjuTWg43wFeZdktUvd9pdB3GLvaVHxVG66rHzeoLu743XPRDyxMJuLj_MhHjQ3d2YXo9-00Wrl5L/s1600/wheat+bread+14.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, I'm not on the anti-grain, anti-gluten track right now….maybe I will be someday, but happily NOT today!!! (although I should be…my love of homemade bread isn't healthy) I got into the Paleo Diet thing and I definitely love aspects of it, but I really feel like God gave us all of the resources we need here on earth to be healthy, including grains, and I definitely believe in moderation in ALL things. </div>
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I try to eat healthy, I really, really do. My family eats SO much healthier than I ever did as a kid. I'm not a total health-nut, but I'm a huge fan of being mindful and making good choices. My new goal is to quit being lazy (<i>yeah, right</i>) and have healthy bread on hand to make school lunches with. </div>
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In trying to be careful of what wheat I use for my bread, and came upon this brand on Amazon, which is a Non-GMO, organic wheat berry. YES! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx41rc5KF7gPfyHuhjELTeG6NDmhsZ84XQEdQWgsJdPo0GcuPSUt-0qNNyL6bZnJhKdyXY9miEMr11JV2py8Wk_FUXZURmtiO1FeXOt5Fjx6OoxEg-b0LCsZVScZl3AEH39ocJQEcxN3g/s1600/wheat+bread+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx41rc5KF7gPfyHuhjELTeG6NDmhsZ84XQEdQWgsJdPo0GcuPSUt-0qNNyL6bZnJhKdyXY9miEMr11JV2py8Wk_FUXZURmtiO1FeXOt5Fjx6OoxEg-b0LCsZVScZl3AEH39ocJQEcxN3g/s1600/wheat+bread+1.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wheat has become controversial lately, but here are some of the researched health benefits to wheat:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*helps lower hazards of heart disease</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*helps diabetes patients regulate blood glucose levels</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*the nutrient value of wheat is maintained even after grinding it into flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*energy booster</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*controls obesity </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*improves body metabolism</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*helps reduce chronic inflammation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*anti-carcinogenic </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">well…the list goes on, but <a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/wheat.html" target="_blank">here is a great site</a> if you're interested.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJiHPrhFRK-dQQGlplCMGbqP56Fe3uLhno8Jf09nHUW73CTvNp0ErEAkTSm1a-tcgaP5cbQn5RSDS_LZXTaavo2zTLgJnAoqpkyDTE23Sl5Bic7exU6i45q8mqbCGxltJyoMf3XohfXZg/s1600/wheat+bread+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJiHPrhFRK-dQQGlplCMGbqP56Fe3uLhno8Jf09nHUW73CTvNp0ErEAkTSm1a-tcgaP5cbQn5RSDS_LZXTaavo2zTLgJnAoqpkyDTE23Sl5Bic7exU6i45q8mqbCGxltJyoMf3XohfXZg/s1600/wheat+bread+2.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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Obviously, making bread with butter, sugar, and other ingredients doesn't ensure a 'healthy' product, but overall, if you're going to eat bread, you might as well reap the benefits of whole wheat and grind some yourself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy16BL5y0eZKxBELSY0iYxELz8HHzSLt2PweJhXxXef4m4NZaPGFLfzEDrMppy3zaTg6tT84sFNVKG-9ZJACpRxlow89OnerEtdt4qZlIBlSpp8RSTsOwprthcJajyRtP0m7AAWnjqsV3_/s1600/wheat+bread+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy16BL5y0eZKxBELSY0iYxELz8HHzSLt2PweJhXxXef4m4NZaPGFLfzEDrMppy3zaTg6tT84sFNVKG-9ZJACpRxlow89OnerEtdt4qZlIBlSpp8RSTsOwprthcJajyRtP0m7AAWnjqsV3_/s1600/wheat+bread+3.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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I don't have a heavy-duty wheat grinder like most people, but I do have this handy little Kitchenaid attachment that was WAY cheaper! However, since I have experimented with this wheat and it's amazing flavor, I might have to get a better grinder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AO4VnB70g2E99qkB0Prakw1B_xBOZ3aaKsvXoN_n_luLfxs0zog1BL_TZ2ixZNY5_aOv-V_Qrj9hINRsNzW62M_PRiMe5YPHV4W2MfIis-gZ58qh2YJJhKHi5TTaqDy5be6v_Cy3DWzi/s1600/wheat+bread+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AO4VnB70g2E99qkB0Prakw1B_xBOZ3aaKsvXoN_n_luLfxs0zog1BL_TZ2ixZNY5_aOv-V_Qrj9hINRsNzW62M_PRiMe5YPHV4W2MfIis-gZ58qh2YJJhKHi5TTaqDy5be6v_Cy3DWzi/s1600/wheat+bread+5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Golly! I feel like the Little Red Hen…which means that I get to eat all of the bread myself.</div>
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Okay, so I'm NOT a bread whiz. I'm not that "Bread Queen" that everybody knows. I just like making my own bread and here is something I learned while doing it:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It needs to be MOIST.</span> This is what my bread dough looks like AFTER I am done adding flour. It's a little mushy, but after kneading it for 15 minutes (below)….</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK68twGSmmVFsdFd6YblKpb7XXesQ_zoo6-npR-kfaZSb9WMCa3Ye-oD0L7h3YxrosEiWyNZNLvz3CQ0cMbSD-qH1jsEZChvilvB9V_NOKoMUohdyhBzF4Tag_-_9oWkL19lclgRPER9b/s1600/wheat+bread+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK68twGSmmVFsdFd6YblKpb7XXesQ_zoo6-npR-kfaZSb9WMCa3Ye-oD0L7h3YxrosEiWyNZNLvz3CQ0cMbSD-qH1jsEZChvilvB9V_NOKoMUohdyhBzF4Tag_-_9oWkL19lclgRPER9b/s1600/wheat+bread+6.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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It starts to become more elastic and cling to the bowl a little more. This is the texture I'm after because it produces such a light, fluffy, moist bread. If you have too much flour to start with, your bread can get heavy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r0bT6dSZolSFRj0kQsCrfMNf5vICy_y1iUOXDIb52aYcn-Jb7ls0jcuB01h1sdeCNi2XwA0oTgoy-FQLNWygCWghCpU5zOv3IuNcvBfyUy0ruO95V2kvQgRTpQMsggHJ46MDcIotYXWe/s1600/wheat+bread+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r0bT6dSZolSFRj0kQsCrfMNf5vICy_y1iUOXDIb52aYcn-Jb7ls0jcuB01h1sdeCNi2XwA0oTgoy-FQLNWygCWghCpU5zOv3IuNcvBfyUy0ruO95V2kvQgRTpQMsggHJ46MDcIotYXWe/s1600/wheat+bread+7.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of kneading, roughly 15-20 minutes depending on your dough, It should be a little stretchy and sticky. Mine is particularly sticky because I used honey. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoX6ANNJDZJ1Wf60dZZRiPTrym-tSst8n93xnNzP9icINbadkaDNL8YEAXUxBfu_nukcRROoT_GKLYEQNlBi858gNzpE5xBjIl9FS8DZsv_1MzWFgFWHyUA5BkV65fWejIyvQ9r4mhsbH/s1600/wheat+bread+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoX6ANNJDZJ1Wf60dZZRiPTrym-tSst8n93xnNzP9icINbadkaDNL8YEAXUxBfu_nukcRROoT_GKLYEQNlBi858gNzpE5xBjIl9FS8DZsv_1MzWFgFWHyUA5BkV65fWejIyvQ9r4mhsbH/s1600/wheat+bread+8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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and now the waiting begins…..</div>
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recipe is below, but this is my bread rising…isn't it beautiful?! Even the dough tastes yummy - there is no bitter flavor from these wheat berries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMbzCQwvSqheMDOYIZYJuLLmIRIYSyE_VVnF0yRmDbRPmrw7mKQyJ2q1IwcKijMFQ2wielV5_F6krJBDLADUAmbaY4rOOl5sVy4lHCN72gLNbslAY9SGvZn2YhS1nhXUjg_HAW5kvvWtE/s1600/wheat+bread+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMbzCQwvSqheMDOYIZYJuLLmIRIYSyE_VVnF0yRmDbRPmrw7mKQyJ2q1IwcKijMFQ2wielV5_F6krJBDLADUAmbaY4rOOl5sVy4lHCN72gLNbslAY9SGvZn2YhS1nhXUjg_HAW5kvvWtE/s1600/wheat+bread+9.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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In the meantime…while I'm waiting…</div>
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check out my newest, most adorable little plant!!!!</div>
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{gasp!!} She's so tiny, beautiful, and I call her Flora.</div>
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It was love at first sight - I was at Safeway purchasing fruit and she was sitting all by herself on a plant stand. I really think she needed me. I had to do the right thing and bring her home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkRojYbK3hjub_QCAhtYdWNUFY4ndCOqc6kj892J92wyzM-Dq1FPKFJxU1zjAVQc7ab2_-xiK2hsB_xduncq9n803rE60Z-0WNFq4PszJzA7nMAaoK3m7KY3U7KR06i40Gya0gnuA5TOu/s1600/precious+pink+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkRojYbK3hjub_QCAhtYdWNUFY4ndCOqc6kj892J92wyzM-Dq1FPKFJxU1zjAVQc7ab2_-xiK2hsB_xduncq9n803rE60Z-0WNFq4PszJzA7nMAaoK3m7KY3U7KR06i40Gya0gnuA5TOu/s1600/precious+pink+flower.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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Flora likes her new home on my window sill. My teenage son tries to tell her mean things like how I'm horrible with plants, how nothing ever survives in my care, but I told her not to listen to that nonsense. We're going to be good friends, Flora and I. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9xiprviOHa9OCSpXgIs-MqgoN1hkIx0PtEQ17XHioUKe2rPduE_H5Jnjmsl8bYlIeXORQUiA_ljy59sBVHS0rpmLobE5fpRFvws7EIGdHl1DmKJZENxDy6cXVQAq7Ci49b8qaRzfKCe8/s1600/precious+pink+flower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9xiprviOHa9OCSpXgIs-MqgoN1hkIx0PtEQ17XHioUKe2rPduE_H5Jnjmsl8bYlIeXORQUiA_ljy59sBVHS0rpmLobE5fpRFvws7EIGdHl1DmKJZENxDy6cXVQAq7Ci49b8qaRzfKCe8/s1600/precious+pink+flower+2.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and while the Kitchenaid was just sitting there….on the counter doing nothing…the only natural thing to do while waiting for bread to rise was to make <a href="http://www.barefootandbaking.blogspot.com/2009/02/chocolate-chip-coconut-cookies.html" target="_blank">Kadie's coconut chocolate chip cookies</a>. Hey - it made sense.</div>
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Like I said, I'm not a health nut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85rESj7gQ9P3aszaCm30IL6RbZ8fwDmXv8BJc0-jKlD2onmpVphXDCLAmnWAdIWlD3wQEUoC7kMgO93ZVBQDd6AS26dfsv-0JEF_ykd03WJzEPdv-Pj4t1BOmMv-GFe50fDKJq6baUPSp/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85rESj7gQ9P3aszaCm30IL6RbZ8fwDmXv8BJc0-jKlD2onmpVphXDCLAmnWAdIWlD3wQEUoC7kMgO93ZVBQDd6AS26dfsv-0JEF_ykd03WJzEPdv-Pj4t1BOmMv-GFe50fDKJq6baUPSp/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay….imagine the most amazing homemade bread smell…</div>
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Everything seems right in the world when the house smells like fresh homemade bread that was JUST pulled out of the oven. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAFZsOgixTG-kzVw6hpR4nccZAQg2HbUwlchALLKOGoLc-ozgaLBsZDEaLmnT8cQ7WbWogfLJjPlNf_7CGk-ePAjQnhjxJQUi3KMEYnFLOnlZ0yqkJmWUfFyiGYSHXFKjGMdBCY4ALtrs/s1600/wheat+bread+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAFZsOgixTG-kzVw6hpR4nccZAQg2HbUwlchALLKOGoLc-ozgaLBsZDEaLmnT8cQ7WbWogfLJjPlNf_7CGk-ePAjQnhjxJQUi3KMEYnFLOnlZ0yqkJmWUfFyiGYSHXFKjGMdBCY4ALtrs/s1600/wheat+bread+10.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjnXahfI2X3s6NMSXW9izBbbu3Dzr22XNVDNwoCNq-VusB4-9ZufgU7ZFVQIi18XsTRiuGCcK5l8AXZhhKudbwBmvOYaXsIpRRVw_6_aC2ABoygmLIg8-vTRTICcbJUl4PD8mM2_gHdYc/s1600/wheat+bread+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjnXahfI2X3s6NMSXW9izBbbu3Dzr22XNVDNwoCNq-VusB4-9ZufgU7ZFVQIi18XsTRiuGCcK5l8AXZhhKudbwBmvOYaXsIpRRVw_6_aC2ABoygmLIg8-vTRTICcbJUl4PD8mM2_gHdYc/s1600/wheat+bread+11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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…and here come the little people. This poor bread sat and cooled for all of 5 minutes before my littles were hovering all over it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X1j_E3pLPDYLBqXN6K-QwQUk4RIsPc-k_TlpYXOhwyoJe44sshSRF77T9wN0LCnecfeTSr-ZI1N9MU2zyO5Ljc35dBa2CoXoYRO5K4_eI-qAX6MmttlTn0f_ylRTeKxtuXft8Y6w-TSf/s1600/wheat+bread+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X1j_E3pLPDYLBqXN6K-QwQUk4RIsPc-k_TlpYXOhwyoJe44sshSRF77T9wN0LCnecfeTSr-ZI1N9MU2zyO5Ljc35dBa2CoXoYRO5K4_eI-qAX6MmttlTn0f_ylRTeKxtuXft8Y6w-TSf/s1600/wheat+bread+12.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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This, friends, is evidence of a wonderful, happy childhood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rdkKUvwsBogE9f1PdvWCWZ7VZsquuozykIy7P0sSGwzYfOR0dlnY21Z_6PX5pbsHDrqJ285-zLk5Zd761w7i41ii56pKsX8_MMWbiy0O1orpxs_CPMw96zb6VMuAKOOqxIezbXplHq3K/s1600/wheat+bread+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rdkKUvwsBogE9f1PdvWCWZ7VZsquuozykIy7P0sSGwzYfOR0dlnY21Z_6PX5pbsHDrqJ285-zLk5Zd761w7i41ii56pKsX8_MMWbiy0O1orpxs_CPMw96zb6VMuAKOOqxIezbXplHq3K/s1600/wheat+bread+13.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This bread is so light, fluffy, moist, and OH SO GOOD!!!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honey Whole Wheat Bread</span></div>
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(makes 2 loaves)</div>
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1 c. warm water</div>
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4 ½ tsp. active dry yeast (2 packets)</div>
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1 c. scalded milk</div>
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½ c. good, local honey (we have mesquite honey and it's AMAZING)</div>
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⅓ c. melted butter</div>
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⅓ c. melted organic extra virgin coconut oil</div>
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2 tsp. salt</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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4 c. fine ground whole wheat flour</div>
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2 c. unbleached white flour (or fine white wheat flour)</div>
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*note: you could use 6 c. fine whole wheat flour, but I added a little bit of white flour in order to keep the bread from being too heavy. </div>
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside. In a large Kitchenaid mixing bowl with wire whisk attachment, mix milk, honey, butter, coconut oil, salt, and eggs. Add 2 c. flour and mix until smooth. Add the rest of the flour and mix until combined. Switch attachments to the bread kneading tool and knead dough for 15-20 minutes, or until it starts pulling away from the bowl and develops an elasticity.</div>
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Place in well-greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 ½ hours. </div>
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When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll into 2 loaves and place each loaf in a well greased bread pan. Set aside and let rise again for another hour or until it's doubled in size again. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. Bread is done when it is brown on top and hollow-sounding in the center when you tap on it, or reaches 200 degrees on a meat thermometer. The more you bake bread, the better you'll know when your bread is done. Have FUN and enjoy your amazing bread!!! </div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-12054738579537061912014-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-06T06:00:04.323-07:00Fun Summer Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay - some people call it "summer reading" but I'm <u>always</u> reading something, so I guess techinically I should call it "what I've been reading lately"</div>
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I'm not what you would call a SUPER book nerd, but I'm definitely a book nerd. For me, there is a special kind of magic that comes with getting lost inside a good book. I get to visit a place, often fantastical, and quite often, I'm so sad when the book is over. </div>
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Here's a list of my accomplished summer reading. For full reviews, feel free to go to my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/756268?shelf=read" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> page. I'll always let you know if there's bad language, inappropriate content for young readers, etc. </div>
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In order:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuewiQRmaQhCS1p6yNeK7JnwFvOrDbwTWsJHVKMTC2CVcFOyQjjuyHnEZ9zIfUKzhQoDFPf9HyqhEu4OYtbAhdyTh0sv8_lR3kh8-Y1CZDWSKXHcgnkB_j74qYYToQAvug2Qzk_FrFcA3/s1600/book6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuewiQRmaQhCS1p6yNeK7JnwFvOrDbwTWsJHVKMTC2CVcFOyQjjuyHnEZ9zIfUKzhQoDFPf9HyqhEu4OYtbAhdyTh0sv8_lR3kh8-Y1CZDWSKXHcgnkB_j74qYYToQAvug2Qzk_FrFcA3/s1600/book6.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Loved this story, love the author, and I'm looking foward to reading Book #2</div>
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I had to work around the whole cliche idea of falling for the boy next door, but for whatever reason, this one worked its magic and I couldn't put it down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd2ByusUYEAhlVT5dli8SsyP6lzFbzspNscu_psqeAgz4S5zYnF1SoAOuU3baOakoKSF6o5YTSgcxyT73f7NyBI-A9zhQPcDmLeX2vmPLkSf8ZKI18O67M8lVFDjJBu0hZYiM2n7CFY-i/s1600/book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd2ByusUYEAhlVT5dli8SsyP6lzFbzspNscu_psqeAgz4S5zYnF1SoAOuU3baOakoKSF6o5YTSgcxyT73f7NyBI-A9zhQPcDmLeX2vmPLkSf8ZKI18O67M8lVFDjJBu0hZYiM2n7CFY-i/s1600/book1.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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YEP! I know.</div>
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And I read it before the movie came out, which made it even more special. I was determined not to get caught up in it, but I couldn't help it. For me, it was just a good, sweet story with a tender heartbreak in it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUf-XzRRS28B888UlPqmNPT7ZGbqOs9jqmdKRo8AEoJMb2TMEOqhB9HVGFIMl7pNhXoqdzqQtNnOCP-Uix1G2krEIGX_hGYnrInSKNA3sctKTpALDypP5-0KtLSwEbjmQQaNN0fYtK-Oi/s1600/book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUf-XzRRS28B888UlPqmNPT7ZGbqOs9jqmdKRo8AEoJMb2TMEOqhB9HVGFIMl7pNhXoqdzqQtNnOCP-Uix1G2krEIGX_hGYnrInSKNA3sctKTpALDypP5-0KtLSwEbjmQQaNN0fYtK-Oi/s1600/book2.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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Ugh. One of my favorite authors….and I was completely let down with this book. I couldn't bring myself to finish it.</div>
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And now….The Gracelilng Series…</div>
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I was doubtful…but ended up LOVING it!! </div>
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{This is where I admit my total nerdiness, which is awkward because it conflicts with my 'cool' persona} </div>
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I'm super picky with my sci-fi/fantasy fiction, but when I find something I like, I totally get lost in it. {Harry Potter. Yep.} The places, characters, and situations become real to me and when the book is over, I get sad because reality hits me and somebody inevitably wants me to cook dinner. Or wash the crusty laundry that has accumulated over several weeks. Whatever.</div>
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SO…after reading Graceling #1, I couldn't wait for #2. There were some disappointing aspects for me, but overall, I LOVED reading this series!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j0fBC9uE1DZ5vXrjJvZhYNf6higA7Qw0_lHSA_IWbXTkeGAFuS2ehBGzSmEyhu-in4GQJxg3Sjia9BgE1ksVxhO-uUGhV7tTma39Ev3Gj7Nw0pnO3rz63oorG0_FUoYwPACv2xxtFwCP/s1600/book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j0fBC9uE1DZ5vXrjJvZhYNf6higA7Qw0_lHSA_IWbXTkeGAFuS2ehBGzSmEyhu-in4GQJxg3Sjia9BgE1ksVxhO-uUGhV7tTma39Ev3Gj7Nw0pnO3rz63oorG0_FUoYwPACv2xxtFwCP/s1600/book3.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgaMnmVRYeKMVKbSnvZCn-BtjOWWWcFVBet1t5EZ_su8-OGdRmh3WBTyBZ6n8axpoklpSxRPAvpp6_s806PkZ9BAyLmBdYhCe1ZvcmKevRMRi1ZOko1cYuIBXzvf9n2auGM75wrFp8S__/s1600/book4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgaMnmVRYeKMVKbSnvZCn-BtjOWWWcFVBet1t5EZ_su8-OGdRmh3WBTyBZ6n8axpoklpSxRPAvpp6_s806PkZ9BAyLmBdYhCe1ZvcmKevRMRi1ZOko1cYuIBXzvf9n2auGM75wrFp8S__/s1600/book4.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6DJ7YndHQPSRtcvWLz9c_5vxyljz7Kse0a3kVXDS8_WjWnhLLlF53z_tEqHL-F-xBXnYqoBD_oOmy5xw5-w0Pp6nZwBdJtAIReXchkPi_kIj3PKnEbZm70fQFwgjiCg2CzKfj4d7d4u7/s1600/book5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6DJ7YndHQPSRtcvWLz9c_5vxyljz7Kse0a3kVXDS8_WjWnhLLlF53z_tEqHL-F-xBXnYqoBD_oOmy5xw5-w0Pp6nZwBdJtAIReXchkPi_kIj3PKnEbZm70fQFwgjiCg2CzKfj4d7d4u7/s1600/book5.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Love Kristin Cashore. She's now one of my favorite authors. I hope she writes another fantastic series!</div>
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…Now to find something else to read…</div>
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It's so hard for me to switch gears when a series is over. It's like sending off a good friend after a fun time. It usually takes me a LONG time to find something else I can't put down. Most books are <u><i>just</i></u> okay and I feel like I have to finish them in order to find the next big thing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Comment below and share your favorite books!!! I'm always on the hunt!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OR come over to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/756268-abby-welker" target="_blank">Goodreads and be my friend</a> so we can swap book ideas!!</span></div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-69772664938419556592014-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:002014-08-04T09:42:43.717-07:00Summertime coming to a close...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
…but don't get me wrong, it's still going to be blistering hot.</div>
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As usual, we had a memorable summer - we definitely have our fair share of fun!! I'm just going to come right out and say it - my family is super rad. It's a good thing, too, because we've spent a load of time together. </div>
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The annual trip to Colorado didn't disappoint - more beautiful than ever!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92NH3jO28Wkj9e7U5k1aFlZxv24uT0rp5BXU5_3RabOteMESfWcrIrJkMk7jut_MkMSHk6Mx3RSZsJSEEwOKqRNq14BsqibKFYYeK-8LMhRNWjAyKUNkjw-7f7DwevCMv6YHySr3hcWv4/s1600/Colorado+flowers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92NH3jO28Wkj9e7U5k1aFlZxv24uT0rp5BXU5_3RabOteMESfWcrIrJkMk7jut_MkMSHk6Mx3RSZsJSEEwOKqRNq14BsqibKFYYeK-8LMhRNWjAyKUNkjw-7f7DwevCMv6YHySr3hcWv4/s1600/Colorado+flowers+1.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6k5_cE8k8oRslOwzOKTWVJxcJL0gi9C7V9fUAjk5nk1DjTf3_geSGZ0xFC1WT08wR6TUDnZFWE0zORbeaqno80wsa5vjbSFY_yc-Guld8q6_PVXV8ZU9Q3JV_IbgClO-Hv7Pdc8Wzhy1/s1600/Ouray+mountain+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6k5_cE8k8oRslOwzOKTWVJxcJL0gi9C7V9fUAjk5nk1DjTf3_geSGZ0xFC1WT08wR6TUDnZFWE0zORbeaqno80wsa5vjbSFY_yc-Guld8q6_PVXV8ZU9Q3JV_IbgClO-Hv7Pdc8Wzhy1/s1600/Ouray+mountain+view+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw3up4G78UfiK6OVvB2lC40_zV9mD-g-0bhvLGtgH8xx4MonVBPdJcApU2WPYkcqMbHQTqyi9KWFhbpLOX41V3opXsJ7VBQkn_OO-fRJKm8APDlEymMrcXqfB_NrbP_wP74aWWmvd5BfR/s1600/Ouray+mountains+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw3up4G78UfiK6OVvB2lC40_zV9mD-g-0bhvLGtgH8xx4MonVBPdJcApU2WPYkcqMbHQTqyi9KWFhbpLOX41V3opXsJ7VBQkn_OO-fRJKm8APDlEymMrcXqfB_NrbP_wP74aWWmvd5BfR/s1600/Ouray+mountains+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Made a pitstop in Moab and loved exploring this gorgeous desert terrain. AND…discovered Love Muffin Cafe. (best breakfast. EVER.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpCmqZLd6LbOEl7cUvRa0eViDhxiIIcvx0l2ETYCiftIHMxT1_RS9Y6ZPgNPlf_Mba6QQXQ3gj26a0E6Er8Ojf6dIfvaWwsGHxBjNS_Tal2vHlefQgYT1H3zwGaNp55y6Y60qC5C83BQ/s1600/Moab+family+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlpCmqZLd6LbOEl7cUvRa0eViDhxiIIcvx0l2ETYCiftIHMxT1_RS9Y6ZPgNPlf_Mba6QQXQ3gj26a0E6Er8Ojf6dIfvaWwsGHxBjNS_Tal2vHlefQgYT1H3zwGaNp55y6Y60qC5C83BQ/s1600/Moab+family+photo.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dinner at the Beaumont with the coolest people on the planet. Missing my soul-sister, Kristine, so technically this isn't the <i>complete</i> group of coolest people, but she was in our hearts and that's kind of like having her there, but without her beauty and perfectly inappropriate behavior. ;) I miss her on so many levels.</div>
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Six jeeps, twelve adults, 18 ½ children, hoards of food, and beautiful Colorado rockies. </div>
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Perfection!!!</div>
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Don't hate me, but this was our view every single day. We rented a house with panoramic views and it never got old. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Can't wait to do it again next year!!!</span></div>
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AND NOW SOME MORE SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS:</div>
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Our favorite summertime pastime. Life makes sense during the summer - that's all.</div>
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Good times - almost lost MY ENTIRE FINGER.</div>
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"Let's sharpen the knives!" they say…"cooking is safer with sharp knives", they say.</div>
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Yes. </div>
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**sorry so gross…but I want you to experience this with me…**</div>
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We played, "Let's Find Mommy's Finger In the Soup!" </div>
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Nobody found it….nobody won…</div>
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4th of July nail painting with my girlies</div>
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(notice that most of my nail is back….all is well)</div>
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Like the Little Red Hen, I ground my own wheat, made my own bread, and ate it all myself! It was SO blasted good!!! I'll post my recipe later. </div>
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My little girl wanted to make a skirt - here's the start of something great!! </div>
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Our school no longer offers Home Economics, so it's up to us moms to teach our girls how to sew. </div>
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It wasn't that bad! She's a natural!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_YcYi52FVLjVs3LB67qwQt8VLTHRhz2g9a-JnDiCLykn15NOiCa1XMSoFJgIRXwx0XdaxhD8hAUL5GXd6jPusI4nmzFiaEfmcrcW_Hvlj9ODiwkq1GdDiO0GNZ2fFrmvOmM7lrIi5Uya/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_YcYi52FVLjVs3LB67qwQt8VLTHRhz2g9a-JnDiCLykn15NOiCa1XMSoFJgIRXwx0XdaxhD8hAUL5GXd6jPusI4nmzFiaEfmcrcW_Hvlj9ODiwkq1GdDiO0GNZ2fFrmvOmM7lrIi5Uya/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+4.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, my mom was here to help teach her how to hand-hem a skirt. The skirt was adult-sized, the length was too long, and since we didn't want to do the sensible thing and cut the extra fabric off, we hand-hemmed it and learned a few fun tricks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Del1TjenzwYcNH5vCaC06AMxHw5gbdf4Y_FFyY-O5XqhOU5pnQDhocauO3dL-VdH6S2swZMkw3Vb3VPGzLx5McSrIEub6uYDEO3Qd68JaQYE4whaNU3Rn8_4Si0JbDOB4Abn1seD3Ut/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Del1TjenzwYcNH5vCaC06AMxHw5gbdf4Y_FFyY-O5XqhOU5pnQDhocauO3dL-VdH6S2swZMkw3Vb3VPGzLx5McSrIEub6uYDEO3Qd68JaQYE4whaNU3Rn8_4Si0JbDOB4Abn1seD3Ut/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I hope that she didn't get too freaked out by sewing. It can be pretty intense at times! She did GREAT!!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbZJlQKqbw8mlgzr65JliLb8nqoh0U7qg1Hi6CoeAGxleGx1NkTw6xw74J6VM1XHoDiYzNufU4qfQuYr931X0DZQHG_CSz6sn_JPgR0CiZNfjaFMpkK7vj-XHB13RPlSs-zhNqKngc26m/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbZJlQKqbw8mlgzr65JliLb8nqoh0U7qg1Hi6CoeAGxleGx1NkTw6xw74J6VM1XHoDiYzNufU4qfQuYr931X0DZQHG_CSz6sn_JPgR0CiZNfjaFMpkK7vj-XHB13RPlSs-zhNqKngc26m/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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AND now she has something adorable that she made herself!!!! </div>
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{woohooo!!!}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRbFV6SLZIahvwbJ-dRvCxYNWIu5SYbi037GnXDyHpcj4jOqpjpxtGiAGgF9IqgGMoea6WuSQcVT0_IeQWr2oy_UtGg2fpdYQoQl5KPCScrdVZTrCXoMC1lCiOwlAaN1jyBJysBdfjA1M/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRbFV6SLZIahvwbJ-dRvCxYNWIu5SYbi037GnXDyHpcj4jOqpjpxtGiAGgF9IqgGMoea6WuSQcVT0_IeQWr2oy_UtGg2fpdYQoQl5KPCScrdVZTrCXoMC1lCiOwlAaN1jyBJysBdfjA1M/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Complete with adorable matching flower clip….for skirt or hair.</div>
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Fun<a href="http://cherrystreetcottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/fabric-flower-tutorial-at-last.html" target="_blank"> tutorial here</a> for the rosette. Great little video!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7TaB9HdOawc7PFBjJ3BJlazTq1NPMZicalj1aG7JpEEI-FXo2hxeSy0rvnIdKe5cQFutWqkMjFGe9HW-EG6sWWIQanVaQhU9r08dqyqZuOG5nIi9n3up8QFdCi1M1yTuQrzCqvGRox5C/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7TaB9HdOawc7PFBjJ3BJlazTq1NPMZicalj1aG7JpEEI-FXo2hxeSy0rvnIdKe5cQFutWqkMjFGe9HW-EG6sWWIQanVaQhU9r08dqyqZuOG5nIi9n3up8QFdCi1M1yTuQrzCqvGRox5C/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqk9a1m5OUxDxBIrpdpMGBmIS9InRKdNzJJC0ywzx7Pd4fIJ8YnMy76fROY3WTNW2QDx792chaJZSV1XQ8M2erOkTqsc_tl8fs10X-yk2jewJrYx1_GcmjMGTu_XGpAjBj3bHKA1Ot-Ve/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqk9a1m5OUxDxBIrpdpMGBmIS9InRKdNzJJC0ywzx7Pd4fIJ8YnMy76fROY3WTNW2QDx792chaJZSV1XQ8M2erOkTqsc_tl8fs10X-yk2jewJrYx1_GcmjMGTu_XGpAjBj3bHKA1Ot-Ve/s1600/Kendra's+skirt+3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And this is what happens when the big girls are busy sewing….poor kid!!! At least she wasn't being destructive. Seriously, though, I think she's seen WAY too many Disney movies because….who sleeps like that?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9AxiEb_gg2uREKOh-hpaYZueqT1LJUl-tD90y0zJj8k_MgVULj2Ej1Lr-1o4L1CumLGf01Z_-6OjF8tjJU6GW_OC4ES5pNWK4kNZ52LMiM45AlL8zMk54ywqWiWd1YwrtTRs1LGa6nSw/s1600/Kenra's+skirt+Brooke+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9AxiEb_gg2uREKOh-hpaYZueqT1LJUl-tD90y0zJj8k_MgVULj2Ej1Lr-1o4L1CumLGf01Z_-6OjF8tjJU6GW_OC4ES5pNWK4kNZ52LMiM45AlL8zMk54ywqWiWd1YwrtTRs1LGa6nSw/s1600/Kenra's+skirt+Brooke+sleeping.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now….we are in our last week of summer before the waking up early, moaning, groaning, and the hatred of homework & routine starts back up. And that's just ME! The kids, on the other hand, are going to be giddy to start school in order to escape my never-ending thirst for assigning them housework. I think that they're at the point of welcoming homework over housework. </div>
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Until next time - have a HAPPY day!!! </div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-45944479648677398502014-06-16T13:49:00.002-07:002014-06-16T19:12:21.874-07:00Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Um….WOW. </span></div>
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It really is that good. </div>
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This was my husband's Father's Day treat. He's a lucky beast.</div>
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This dessert is now in our top 1% of all-time faves. We originally got hooked on bread pudding at our favorite BBQ joint, <a href="http://www.famousdaves.com/home" target="_blank">Famous Dave's</a>. I'm sure you've heard of them. I did NOT think that "bread pudding" sounded very appetizing until I tried it…and then couldn't imagine my life without it!!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband and I agree--if we could pick ONE DESSERT favorite <u><i>ever</i></u>, we would pick this one. </span>{crazy, I know…being that I'm a worshiper of chocolate…}</div>
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From then on, I've been on the hunt for a good bread pudding recipe that is perfect, you know, for those occasions when I desperately need unhealthy amounts of carbs and can't get to Famous Dave's.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>BREAD PUDDING with PECAN PRALINE SAUCE</u></span><br />
<a href="http://www.dealstomealsblog.com/2013/04/famous-daves-bread-pudding.html?m=1" target="_blank">original recipe found at Deals to Meals</a><br />
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For the bread, I used my <a href="http://www.barefootandbaking.blogspot.com/2010/06/no-fail-french-bread.html" target="_blank">BFF Kadie's No-Fail French Bread</a>. I always have some on hand. Otherwise, any loaf of French bread or white bread like Texas toast will work.<br />
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**ALSO** this recipe is even better the 2nd day, so you could make this a day ahead and reheat and serve. <br />
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1 loaf French Bread, cut into 1" cubes (about 1 ½ lbs.)<br />
⅔ c. golden raisins (I don't add the raisins…but most people like them.)<br />
1 ½ c. sugar<br />
4 c. milk<br />
1 c. heavy cream<br />
⅛ c. vanilla<br />
⅛ c. rum<br />
(little secret: I keep a bottle of half vanilla/half rum to use for occasions like this. Vanilla and rum are basically the same thing, complementing each other.)<br />
8 eggs, beaten<br />
1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
Whipped cream for garnish (not in photo)<br />
French Vanilla Bean ice cream. (not optional - a MUST)<br />
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat bottom and sides of 13 x 9" baking pan heavily with butter. Mix bread & raisins together, spread evenly in the pan. Make sure crusts are turned over so they don't brown too quickly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugar, milk, cream, vanilla, rum, eggs, and cinnamon until well blended. Pour evenly over bread mixture. Press down & make sure all of the bread is soaked. Lay a piece of foil over the top of the mixture, pressing down. Bake for about 1 hour, possibly longer, until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove foil for the last15-20 minutes so the top can brown up a little. Allow to cool for a little bit.<br />
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<i><b>Serve with warm Pecan Praline Sauce, a scoop of ice cream, and whipped cream. (not pictured)</b></i><br />
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PRALINE SAUCE: (makes about 4 cups)<br />
1 c. butter, cut into pieces<br />
¾ c. chopped nuts<br />
3 ¼ c. brown sugar<br />
¾ c. heavy cream<br />
½ t. cinnamon<br />
1 ¼ c. sour cream (and don't get the light stuff…you're going all-out here)<br />
1 t. vanilla<br />
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In a large saucepan, heat ½ c. of the butter until melted. Add pecans and mix well. Bring to a boil and cook for a couple of minutes, until pecans begin to brown slightly and become fragrant. Remove from heat and add remaining ½ c. butter and mix well. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon to the pan; mix well. Cook over medium-high heat until blended, stirring constantly. When mixture starts to boil vigorously, turn the heat down a little and boil rapidly for 2 minutes - keep stirring. Remove from heat and add sour cream and vanilla.<br />
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**{Seriously…the sour cream MAKES this sauce!!}**</div>
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Enjoy yourself a little piece of heaven!! ahhhhhh….</div>
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Bye for now!</div>
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-Abby</div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510042310763816457.post-5151283811016043352014-06-11T09:41:00.001-07:002014-06-11T09:45:50.515-07:00Cooking 101 - German Chocolate Cake from Scratch<div style="text-align: center;">
It's BIRTHDAY WEEK! Woohoo! </div>
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My oldest boy is the 4th, my younger boy is the 6th, and I am the 8th. We celebrate "Birthday Week" and usually nosh on the same cake all week long! Parrrtay.</div>
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**Nostalgic Back Story** </div>
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{<i>cue the beautiful orchestra music</i>}</div>
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Ever since I was a kid, I absolutely HAD to have German Chocolate cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting. I would look forward to it as much as, if not more so, than birthday gifts! { my foodie nerdiness started early!} My mom would ask what kind of cake I would want each year, knowing what the answer would be, but she would ask just in case. And for whatever reason, she would only make this cake one time per year - ONLY on my birthday - and I literally tried to savor every. bite. of my birthday cake. I would wonder with amazement how something so delicious could be made with human hands. (<i>My mom wasn't human, though, she was an angelic SuperMom!</i>)</div>
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And then my amazing BFF Kadie improved upon the German Chocolate Cake. {gasp!!} I know…I know what you're thinking…."you can't <u>mess</u> with the purity and perfection of the German Chocolate Cake thing"…however, with her love and reverence for all things dessert, <i><b>she did it</b></i> and it's now the ultimate beloved favorite in my house. </div>
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The secret? Kadie's chocolate buttercream frosting (recipe below or link to her blog). It ups the richness factor and adds some <u>serious</u> depth to this already-perfect pairing. You absolutely HAVE to try it! {{Thanks, Kadie!!!}}</div>
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<a href="http://www.barefootandbaking.blogspot.com/2012/01/german-chocolate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Kadie's German Chocolate Cupcakes link</a></div>
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{aren't they GORGEOUS?!}</div>
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GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE {<i>from scratch</i>}<br />
<i>with</i> CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM & COCONUT PECAN FROSTING<br />
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{that, my friend, is a mouthful…and so is the cake…}<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">CAKE:</span></div>
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1 pkg. (4 oz) Baker's German Sweet Chocolate</div>
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½ c. water</div>
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2 c. flour</div>
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1 tsp. baking soda</div>
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¼ tsp. salt</div>
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened</div>
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2 c. sugar</div>
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4 eggs, separated</div>
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1 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1 c. buttermilk</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & cover bottoms of two 8" or 9" cake pans with parchment paper. Butter the sides of the pans, as well. Microwave chocolate and water in large microwavable bowl until melted, stirring every 30 seconds or so.</div>
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Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one-at-a-time, beating well after each one. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go along. </div>
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Beat egg whites in a small bowl until stiff peaks form; gently fold into cake mixture. Pour evenly into cake pans. Bake 20-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Immediately run small metal spatula around cake. Let cool for a few minutes and remove cake from pans and let cool on a wire rack until completely cooled off before frosting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:</span></div>
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1 stick (1/ 2 c.) butter</div>
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3 c. powdered sugar</div>
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4 oz. semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled</div>
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2 heaping Tbsp. cocoa powder</div>
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1 t. vanilla</div>
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pinch of salt</div>
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3-4 T. of milk or heavy cream</div>
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Melt chocolate chips in microwave or in a double-broiler on the stove until melted. If using a microwave, stir every 15-30 seconds to avoid scorching. Let completely cool.</div>
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Beat together all ingredients until frosting is smooth and whipped. Start with the least amount of milk/cream and add more as needed to desired consistancy. (I usually use milk, but sometimes heavy cream adds more richness)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">COCONUT PECAN FROSTING:</span></div>
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1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk</div>
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1 c. sugar</div>
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3 egg yolks</div>
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1 stick (½ c.) butter</div>
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1 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1 ⅓ c. shredded, sweetened coconut flakes</div>
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1 c. (or more) chopped pecans</div>
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In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, yolks, butter, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. DO NOT BOIL. It should coat the back of a spoon. Set aside; add coconut and pecans and let cool for about 20-30 minutes.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TO ASSEMBLE LAYER CAKE:</span></div>
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First, scoop out some chocolate buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with whatever frosting tip you want. You only need about ½ c. - ¾ c. of frosting in your bag, depending on how much buttercream you want to pipe onto the cake. </div>
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Place one layer of cake on your cake plate and spread a layer of chocolate buttercream on top, make sure it's not too thick. Then carefully spread a thick layer of coconut pecan frosting on top of that. Place 2nd layer on top of cake; repeat with a layer of buttercream and coconut pecan frosting, coating the cake all the way around the sides, as well. </div>
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Pipe your buttercream frosting designs around the cake - have fun with it! And enjoy. I am positive that you are going to LOVE this.</div>
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Pure. Heaven. </div>
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Bye for now!!</div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09290986453784070369noreply@blogger.com1