tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20059327131348184782024-03-16T13:53:11.907-05:00Smart-Bottom EnterprisesWhere home life and crafting collide.Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-44008007316002546112012-12-11T00:16:00.002-06:002012-12-11T21:17:16.149-06:00Holiday EyeBot Box Craft Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So... <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">EyeBots.</a></div>
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You never knew you needed them, I'm sure, but could you really ever live without them after seeing this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX6yZJVU3XDAfyKqAaprwludMoDPbpxdxTBWottZKWSZhZP7Qalm9bb_9Y4RARnczv877TjzskjCRuswrsU4tCZFsEc43zsDd1WGEmoJ7tkwQVdw6t4AIVGQiIJkdfowD-XTF32yOYufW/s1600/11-12-12+Eyebots+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX6yZJVU3XDAfyKqAaprwludMoDPbpxdxTBWottZKWSZhZP7Qalm9bb_9Y4RARnczv877TjzskjCRuswrsU4tCZFsEc43zsDd1WGEmoJ7tkwQVdw6t4AIVGQiIJkdfowD-XTF32yOYufW/s640/11-12-12+Eyebots+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp3_0p1ba8v60sTxoUB8Uo4q9xWnqTljQNA27tHY6IqUG3avM2amPuzK3FFICtJm4Z23DRImfmFEPm9kk9FPy8e_9Gf_vkq6SzRKQFM92ACq3KzVy2299m6rjz4pZ3qNiGdY9v0yWetUe/s1600/11-12-12+Eyebots+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp3_0p1ba8v60sTxoUB8Uo4q9xWnqTljQNA27tHY6IqUG3avM2amPuzK3FFICtJm4Z23DRImfmFEPm9kk9FPy8e_9Gf_vkq6SzRKQFM92ACq3KzVy2299m6rjz4pZ3qNiGdY9v0yWetUe/s640/11-12-12+Eyebots+4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And, hey! Why not? This...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPRqnpUjAKkavruR0xjS2hKSR6a-zDMb9c8Tf9prc0-uUfJM3sGE-6sM3x4AVFto9-texqbJwpaTAQ-CC3acUu-25PojFq2tGCrRgIfQVq4ZoTcLslkXhTzJk2eNdrJ7m34qUTkKJ9_sM/s1600/11-12-12+Eyebots+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPRqnpUjAKkavruR0xjS2hKSR6a-zDMb9c8Tf9prc0-uUfJM3sGE-6sM3x4AVFto9-texqbJwpaTAQ-CC3acUu-25PojFq2tGCrRgIfQVq4ZoTcLslkXhTzJk2eNdrJ7m34qUTkKJ9_sM/s640/11-12-12+Eyebots+3.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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Exactly.<br />
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And if that all that EyeBot adorableness isn't enough, check this out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou5l1zgzA9Heda6wGv4rV0agD5HAknE-kDpIqJotvZ7dwp7dQkR_EHQjTaUvAZgpKngYpAP8eFtdZWcV23xC1yTcf9dxllVrwOsrHh7Teg9qEm_wbY9G-EE59qs2onKG3AqVVQOmfrNTK/s1600/11-12-12+Eyebots+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou5l1zgzA9Heda6wGv4rV0agD5HAknE-kDpIqJotvZ7dwp7dQkR_EHQjTaUvAZgpKngYpAP8eFtdZWcV23xC1yTcf9dxllVrwOsrHh7Teg9qEm_wbY9G-EE59qs2onKG3AqVVQOmfrNTK/s640/11-12-12+Eyebots+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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THE THING IS A BOX! I know! It's awesome. </div>
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Just imagine all the sweet treasures your little one will keep safe and sound in there. </div>
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(True story: I recently had a table at a local Holiday Boutique. A little boy came along and was looking at all the craft kits and samples I had set up. He had some money to spend and was planning on buying himself a craft kit. I picked up the sample EyeBot that he had been eyeing, and opened it up to show him it was a box. His eyes LIT UP! It was fantastic. The kit makes two EyeBots? Perfect, because this little sweetie wants to make one for his 1-year-old sister's room, too. My heart just about melted.)</div>
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So here's the situation! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117611052/holiday-eyebot-box-craft-kit" target="_blank">This craft kit</a> makes 2 awesome little EyeBots - Minion-style AND Robot-style - so you can make one of each style or two of the same. And it comes with paint and paper and craft foam and lots of mix-and-match decorations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_WzFnzZn7BQk4IWos_qw1ANeO96jzh4WYBvRvP9nw7jC59dUXM6vyldBy1k4I79R4WZ0m3WWTTqTukaBDX9Wu7E_g8XkCOmgHwxfJ9zzuOxOeUyzL7uHNKBsBGBLUMBxwonpZDwtRt_/s1600/11-12-12+Eyebots+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_WzFnzZn7BQk4IWos_qw1ANeO96jzh4WYBvRvP9nw7jC59dUXM6vyldBy1k4I79R4WZ0m3WWTTqTukaBDX9Wu7E_g8XkCOmgHwxfJ9zzuOxOeUyzL7uHNKBsBGBLUMBxwonpZDwtRt_/s640/11-12-12+Eyebots+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And look how cute the packaging is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0ErcYqAM3ksXvAEsu-2Ty8SroXBxfNkRPBQnNHdoJo2ubTKzbt3kvLEokkGFrrQXekbh2YeFOzLXj_jEweUD95SqxbfF6Op7UrG1r7kOHD-0CkHFqLTIZF_kxlOhARJmer8P0haswB4B/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0ErcYqAM3ksXvAEsu-2Ty8SroXBxfNkRPBQnNHdoJo2ubTKzbt3kvLEokkGFrrQXekbh2YeFOzLXj_jEweUD95SqxbfF6Op7UrG1r7kOHD-0CkHFqLTIZF_kxlOhARJmer8P0haswB4B/s640/IMG_6884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Want to know EXACTLY what comes in the kit? Just look on the back of the box! I know! There's a lot of crafty goodness in there!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PKEfFRgSrKsgJOCz3iiunn2rDfkfW9dMcUyYbqMv-fTkQpTl4t1xKlTn2CN7gRqKgI0CVQwpvzheKIvrDzXyiBkRgSNYycY8xFrv7DKKNoAZsf2FKKl8nMfcNGMq2N0sw4HN13CDhI0p/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PKEfFRgSrKsgJOCz3iiunn2rDfkfW9dMcUyYbqMv-fTkQpTl4t1xKlTn2CN7gRqKgI0CVQwpvzheKIvrDzXyiBkRgSNYycY8xFrv7DKKNoAZsf2FKKl8nMfcNGMq2N0sw4HN13CDhI0p/s640/IMG_6867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Holiday Crafting!</div>
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Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-88943003300904729712012-11-21T02:26:00.000-06:002012-11-21T02:38:32.251-06:00Art Wall!So I had this idea that I wanted to make a big gallery-style wall of my kids' artwork.<br />
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I started by spray painting a bunch of frames white. I had them already, and they are kind of mismatched in style, but that's the way I like it. I like how the white unifies the entire situation. What I don't like is how, whenever I think about the word Situation, I think of Jersey Shore, and I've never even seen that show. It's bothersome, really.<br />
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Oh! Hey! Want to know how many holes are behind each and every frame in my house? I'm going to take a guess and say there are at least a good, solid, five holes behind each one. And, yes, I know how some people lay their pictures out on the floor first or do that paper taped to the wall thing so that they don't have five holes per frame. I envy those people. I am not those people.<br />
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I wanted to have some pieces of art that I would keep in the frames for a very long time and some that I could change out with the seasons. Which is a ridiculously lofty goal.<br />
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True story: When Peyton and Ella were very, very little I framed two pieces of their artwork for each of their rooms. "How cute this will be!" I thought. They will be glorious, fresh, mini art displays! I will switch out the old art as they make new art and it will all just be so lovely and I will be the best, most decoratively-saavy mom ever. Is that even a THING? It doesn't matter, because do you know how many times I switched out their artwork? In a two year period? Zero.<br />
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Anyway! So, the two big orange leaves will be switched out (HA!), as will the little Halloween pictures in the big white frame (HA! HA!). It should be a Smart-Bottom Enterprises drinking game. Every time that crazy-ass crack-head Darcy thinks she can ever ever ever stay on top of things, we all drink! Wish me luck. And, yes, I KNOW it's already the end of November and mini pumpkins and ghosts and witches<i> probably</i> belong in October. I'M WORKING ON IT.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5azuz0nfFYatUdsVBO3rDXHk4U1HqV8w_IWF3S6aGCgklRmtJ0k3_sShKvS65Ap26r_Z2dQMGPaAC5pxv3rIl556X5F8rYtkqxAOZqtEpJ8gAQczEb7BzmdODwSap7ahAsE1KeUOernrl/s1600/IMG_6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5azuz0nfFYatUdsVBO3rDXHk4U1HqV8w_IWF3S6aGCgklRmtJ0k3_sShKvS65Ap26r_Z2dQMGPaAC5pxv3rIl556X5F8rYtkqxAOZqtEpJ8gAQczEb7BzmdODwSap7ahAsE1KeUOernrl/s640/IMG_6263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The only things up there that are not made by my kids are the silhouettes. Ella's teacher made the one of Ella last year. Can you imagine cutting out 30+ of these suckers for an entire kindergarten class? I could barely do ONE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8wyKO0L_RVZ8f4rwS_hRWyoT4Ohyphenhyphen-As3mlhCnyiudRqCCj9pcOg6CxEO0beFppeOEbO5wx9moHXMBs26daVQVzUWJo4qVQPIW24mXXrwMUikMxwE3mNQLFFYnBufYRURzobWtwdRLtyu/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8wyKO0L_RVZ8f4rwS_hRWyoT4Ohyphenhyphen-As3mlhCnyiudRqCCj9pcOg6CxEO0beFppeOEbO5wx9moHXMBs26daVQVzUWJo4qVQPIW24mXXrwMUikMxwE3mNQLFFYnBufYRURzobWtwdRLtyu/s640/IMG_6300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I loved Ella's so much that I made the one for Peyton. It took me three tries, and by the time I was finished I was seeing rainbowed unicorns jumping across my living room, but it was totally worth it.<br />
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There are lots of great silhouette tutorials out there, but here's what I did:<br />
I took a picture of Peyton standing sideways.<br />
Then I contrasted it as much as I could on my computer and printed it out in black and white.<br />
I cut that out with an X-Acto knife, then I put it on top of black card stock to use as a template.<br />
I cut out the black card stock with the X-Acto knife.<br />
Then I backed it with white paper and then with Peyton's favorite color, blue. I backed Ella's with purple, because that's her favorite.<br />
The burlap looking stuff behind the silhouettes is actually paper. Cool, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMLZwS0SHuIG_o_WIp0ow7GkNRLJu1i0xpL0MecGuogO8c-_j7CQMWBv4CFGscWz9s0jnoRXTHA49Qs2dY_m03t0wW6z5hmthH-UcycgUL9TfBHjeVpEKwpYZ1CtvWSHkum7BCs2afkKq/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMLZwS0SHuIG_o_WIp0ow7GkNRLJu1i0xpL0MecGuogO8c-_j7CQMWBv4CFGscWz9s0jnoRXTHA49Qs2dY_m03t0wW6z5hmthH-UcycgUL9TfBHjeVpEKwpYZ1CtvWSHkum7BCs2afkKq/s640/IMG_6299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of the art pieces were already on perfect pieces of paper, like Ella's portrait of Penny down there (and Peyton's rocket and surfboards drawing). Other things, like Ella's robot (and the big orange leaves) were already cut out, so I stuck them on white card stock. And Ella's painting of our family on the swings (it says 2021 because she was trying to date it 2012), she painted especially for this art wall on a canvas I already had.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlPontc3cdHz5oqMGZsqZNIiqZhbDyL_jDCe-QpV8RS-u_oNRG-JfaxaL58jQc-HaJShydwvXW4FtFPNh0GQespBl5kGugDsNwIyf60NeChfI1KNA8yu4kn-sJ6C6fth1YyAovp8OuJT6/s1600/IMG_6735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlPontc3cdHz5oqMGZsqZNIiqZhbDyL_jDCe-QpV8RS-u_oNRG-JfaxaL58jQc-HaJShydwvXW4FtFPNh0GQespBl5kGugDsNwIyf60NeChfI1KNA8yu4kn-sJ6C6fth1YyAovp8OuJT6/s640/IMG_6735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I was taking out the glass to spray paint all the frames white, the glass on the largest frame broke. Or, rather, the little clips in the back (that hold the glass in place) were really hard to bend, and I was getting irritated, so thought that maybe I could just wiggle the glass out. Hey! Guess what? I couldn't. </div>
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So, I hung some jute twine across the back and taped it in place with blue painter's tape. Then I hot glued on some burlap (the real kind this time, not paper). Then I clipped on little, tiny clothespins, thinking it would be easier to switch out art this way. (DRINK!) </div>
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What's that? Are you noticing the pretty gold ribbon that I painstakingly glued to the inside of the frame? Because I'm so into detail? Are you also noticing that I didn't take the time to iron the folds out of the burlap? Because sometimes I'm not so into detail? Yeah, that also happened.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdSZEXS0XurYGKToQpJPC58GIGr0v23pzjdCahcEVIoJVV4wjZHvBbCu2lDACZRj9U_ffpQdCLMbR7YewDsvfmBc1UGMVB2uIysSlzAXaKyRDSgco8vtyDeoPP-Mcfxs3f3xVPEXD88As/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdSZEXS0XurYGKToQpJPC58GIGr0v23pzjdCahcEVIoJVV4wjZHvBbCu2lDACZRj9U_ffpQdCLMbR7YewDsvfmBc1UGMVB2uIysSlzAXaKyRDSgco8vtyDeoPP-Mcfxs3f3xVPEXD88As/s640/IMG_6741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These little art pieces, as well as the small black and white house and leaf, were originally much, much larger. That little pumpkin on the left started off a good 18" high. I took pictures of the originals and printed them up small enough to fit where I wanted them. Easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb1TJ6f8ZQYQ56UkbhyL1K6D7yBjxNzQcYKCNjoMB4JrpeM55THkgIOlz9QVKTZ4D8frGU4PC7T6zXAbffJ42-4GvrhqiLVjL4PQUidqTAPYB_EpZxKzN5Wy3qaahwLV33nxTtM9_1ob-/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb1TJ6f8ZQYQ56UkbhyL1K6D7yBjxNzQcYKCNjoMB4JrpeM55THkgIOlz9QVKTZ4D8frGU4PC7T6zXAbffJ42-4GvrhqiLVjL4PQUidqTAPYB_EpZxKzN5Wy3qaahwLV33nxTtM9_1ob-/s640/IMG_6292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cannot tell you how happy this wall makes me. I LOVE how bright and colorful it is. I LOVE seeing my babies' artwork every day. And I LOVE seeing their sweet, sweet silhouettes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ic5ZTr2y5qTiPRqYbEUa2xoNv89pvnkEbBiWw162g_u_vcr4mPuWTJGoO7i3xASs_hVIjiBplb-nJ1uyl2xehea_wzrMJhkZE7vC7EC0DvHAQYkchU_Xjx04mCbC5k93RgWQ94SjSrAd/s1600/IMG_6281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ic5ZTr2y5qTiPRqYbEUa2xoNv89pvnkEbBiWw162g_u_vcr4mPuWTJGoO7i3xASs_hVIjiBplb-nJ1uyl2xehea_wzrMJhkZE7vC7EC0DvHAQYkchU_Xjx04mCbC5k93RgWQ94SjSrAd/s640/IMG_6281.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Art wall!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(and....DRINK!)</span></div>
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Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-77225120086225545142012-11-02T23:49:00.003-05:002012-11-03T12:53:16.931-05:00Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I worked at Cheesecake Factory a zillion years ago, I tried every single item on their 40 page menu. And, yes, it was all delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorites, though, was their Roasted Vegetable Quesadilla. It's one of those dishes that messed with my head a little. I mean, it's a quesadilla, but then it has smoky gouda cheese and roasted vegetables. So, it's a little different. But then! You drizzle ancho-chile mayo and bbq sauce on the top and oh, man! It's a crazy combination of flavors. Trust me, I really don't even like mayonnaise. But here it just works. It does!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Roasted vegetable quesadillas are really, really good. And really, really easy to make at home. You should probably make them. No pressure or anything, but you probably should.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't remember where I originally found this recipe, and I'm pretty sure I changed it a little over the years, but it's very close to the quesadillas they used to serve at the ol' CCF. I hope you like them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Quesadillas:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 8-inch flour tortillas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 oz can of diced green chiles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 eggplant, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 zucchini, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 red bell pepper, diced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 red onion, diced (I skipped it on this one)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz mushrooms, sliced (not in CCF's recipe at all - but really good)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz Gouda cheese, grated</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 T olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toppings:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ancho-chile sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BBQ sauce (any kind)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Garnishes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Guacamole</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salsa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sour Cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ancho-Chili Sauce:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 T sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 ancho-chili, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 t white vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 t granulated sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 t paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 t garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 t onion powder<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pinch salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine in
a small bowl. Cover and chill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make the quesadillas:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arrange vegetables on a baking sheet (lined with foil for easy clean up). Toss in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until tender.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lay two tortillas on cutting board.
Place an equal amount of cheese over each tortilla. Be sure to leave a 1/2-inch
open border around the edge of the tortilla so the cheese doesn’t drip out
while cooking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sprinkle equal amounts of chiles, eggplant, zucchini, roasted pepper, red onions, and mushrooms evenly over each tortilla.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G238dJcBJEAzNkCHzdbVffEWrtC-ugTvNZ8TomdczShKbQ615mwmeMjGZxp6q0_bUkYZUc8wsQ3XDx2J99N-JycZsnLDqX1J9WtOz5Qr27PQDyN7qQIPan-974-yBh2cQ4usCBtqvPIc/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G238dJcBJEAzNkCHzdbVffEWrtC-ugTvNZ8TomdczShKbQ615mwmeMjGZxp6q0_bUkYZUc8wsQ3XDx2J99N-JycZsnLDqX1J9WtOz5Qr27PQDyN7qQIPan-974-yBh2cQ4usCBtqvPIc/s640/IMG_3740.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sprinkle on more Gouda, because, really, why wouldn't you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">mmm.... Goooouda...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRtvhoHMaFPiFqPzeBoiVZJIAjMPP3MyiXt_UoWLAy31FO9DR8tGrSDqw48uMg3krX0jlIY6MairR0JFwUbmRPadlh-3fuKQx2ocja2qarS-Xd5I34Rx6z0v-Tp_E35nG9ML9Oaf2ADu2/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRtvhoHMaFPiFqPzeBoiVZJIAjMPP3MyiXt_UoWLAy31FO9DR8tGrSDqw48uMg3krX0jlIY6MairR0JFwUbmRPadlh-3fuKQx2ocja2qarS-Xd5I34Rx6z0v-Tp_E35nG9ML9Oaf2ADu2/s640/IMG_3742.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cover with a second tortilla and place onto a lightly oiled nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until
the tortillas have turned a crispy golden brown and the cheese has melted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remove them from the skillet and place onto the cutting board. Cut in quarters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Drizzle the ancho-chile sauce and bbq sauce over the quesadilla. I do mine in a spiral, because I think it's fannnnncy! Oh! You've probably heard this trick before, but just in case you haven't, pour the ancho-chile sauce in a ziplock, seal it, cut a little tiny corner off the bottom, and squeeze the sauce out through the hole. If you want it fancy. Or you can smear it all over the top with a spoon, whatever makes you happy.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. </span></span></div>
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Enjoy!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></span>Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-84988254582239523712012-10-20T22:20:00.001-05:002012-10-22T14:06:38.432-05:00Spooky Banner Craft KitIt's a new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop"><span style="color: magenta;">Halloween Spooky Banner</span></a>! I don't think I've ever had a banner with so many different things going on at once...<br />
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We have a boy Jack-O'-Lantern, Bride of Frankenstein, Skull and Crossbones (this one happens to be a girl, but you can make a boy as well), </div>
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A Ghostie, Frankenstein's Monster, And Candy Corn (it's spooky because it will rot your teeth! Ha!)...</div>
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And a Spider (okay, this one's also a girl - I can't help it! - girls are more fun to accessorize - but any of these can be made into boys), a Mummy, and a girl Jack-O'-Lantern...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T16GXorgmo3KAIS4Y7GuIt643RZY06ExUkrmQTyZkrOsaX-oa1Ww1qnYAi9tT99iRIITr5dHn25BliYwJ6gmg_d_s-HuVRZSETIkaSNSLb27YhyphenhyphenAYfOwEICSb2mnfL_zuMAW0GY8deaX/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T16GXorgmo3KAIS4Y7GuIt643RZY06ExUkrmQTyZkrOsaX-oa1Ww1qnYAi9tT99iRIITr5dHn25BliYwJ6gmg_d_s-HuVRZSETIkaSNSLb27YhyphenhyphenAYfOwEICSb2mnfL_zuMAW0GY8deaX/s640/IMG_5638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a Witch, and a Bat, and Dracula!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs7njoktlEdCM-2CF-umxz-IJx9Pmp5OHsuVs9f9cJJsP8pHKS_QRA3nBSy1OSdghygb14MK5ugyIVUGH37fO5M0CS9xasL2tk9TvoKzo8eRTiNcbSyuZ5RKUOokbFW1QzCiC7v5IggU6/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs7njoktlEdCM-2CF-umxz-IJx9Pmp5OHsuVs9f9cJJsP8pHKS_QRA3nBSy1OSdghygb14MK5ugyIVUGH37fO5M0CS9xasL2tk9TvoKzo8eRTiNcbSyuZ5RKUOokbFW1QzCiC7v5IggU6/s640/IMG_5641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I KNOW! It's a lot. Are you overwhelmed with all the possibilities? </div>
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Well. It gets better. </div>
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Each little scrapbook paper decoration you see - Pumpkin stems, Bride of Frankenstein's hair, Frankenstein's Monster's hair, Dracula's hair, Witch's hat and hat band, Spider legs, Skull and Crossbones' bones, and Bat wings - comes in 3 different paper variations in the kit. So, not only are there lots and lots of paper choices, if you decide you want to skip the Skull and Crossbones and Bat and make 3 spooky Spiders instead, go for it! The paper supplies are there. And they are awesome.</div>
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And then. It gets even better.</div>
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This kit has tons of decorative ribbon (I mean, I didn't actually weigh it, but I'm pretty sure it's about a ton), and crushed tulle for the Ghost...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeqeVoPtjzePuP2Giv8dbrE785grtvj0dYN5LiAYQyII6CZ8PR2-3DWESRj_Jdi-7QgFsWdClbQnpSRAkeXHwPB7JHqVOq0hoN0DuMG8vfzmT7kYYr98iVSiZ6Chku14efTiMX-V4D2Vp/s1600/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeqeVoPtjzePuP2Giv8dbrE785grtvj0dYN5LiAYQyII6CZ8PR2-3DWESRj_Jdi-7QgFsWdClbQnpSRAkeXHwPB7JHqVOq0hoN0DuMG8vfzmT7kYYr98iVSiZ6Chku14efTiMX-V4D2Vp/s640/IMG_5622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And muslin Mummy wrap, orange flowers, hand-punched rosy cheeks and eyelashes and curls and ghost eyes (I hand-punched each and every one!)... </div>
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And wiggly eyes and colorful sequins and black buttons! Oh, and I even include a pencil so your little one(s) can draw sweet or spooky little mouths onto the faces. It does not get any cuter than child-drawn mouths!</div>
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Oooooh.....Spoooooooky!</div>
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And it all comes packaged in a cute little box...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzFj3g2v2SBr-KYGtoYU9NhojM_HreKsykeTtuQTQbA4T3HFTiN3DGOTvwEoH2Uec8fwE_npS84B8N8OBwZhaKuFWzPErG1y8QTnDZq6Os8UO63lwosN4f40hewHfGJjAvnbgZfIB6S0g/s1600/IMG_5917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzFj3g2v2SBr-KYGtoYU9NhojM_HreKsykeTtuQTQbA4T3HFTiN3DGOTvwEoH2Uec8fwE_npS84B8N8OBwZhaKuFWzPErG1y8QTnDZq6Os8UO63lwosN4f40hewHfGJjAvnbgZfIB6S0g/s640/IMG_5917.JPG" width="588" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween Crafting!</div>
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Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-54092817551144953082012-10-11T00:36:00.000-05:002012-10-11T00:36:30.107-05:003D Hand Drawings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw this cool <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/140806208981390/">3D Illusion Hand Drawing</a> on pinterest. The actual pin doesn't even have written directions, just step by step pictures, but don't worry, that's all you'll need! </div>
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So my kids and I sat down with some paper, a pencil, and some markers and got to work.</div>
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It was awesome. And by IT, I mean the quiet that consumed the dining room as my kids worked for a good half hour creating their 3D hand drawings. The hand art turned out great, sure, whatever, but it was The Quiet that was MAGNIFICENT. And, therefore, I strongly recommend this art project.</div>
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Peyton is 8. He ran out of steam before he could color the bottom two rows, but still it looks pretty darn cool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWunNaGbqq_6l5nmDCFJ5cCNRxZcUb_W7G36OMfMu176xpgLeQJyRsUhkZoO3zA-3p31fT_T2va-XGUre_UIJjoiiRGuvl3bNAWMJU84KyEQ3GdCJPKvISswjelp3bbRPJ-prIE8YMkAe/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWunNaGbqq_6l5nmDCFJ5cCNRxZcUb_W7G36OMfMu176xpgLeQJyRsUhkZoO3zA-3p31fT_T2va-XGUre_UIJjoiiRGuvl3bNAWMJU84KyEQ3GdCJPKvISswjelp3bbRPJ-prIE8YMkAe/s640/IMG_5699.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
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Ella is 6. She colored her fingers different colors, "So they'll stand out more!" Geez. Maybe it's not as strong of a 3D effect, but we'll pretend it is anyway because we love her. For only being 6 years old, I'm still pretty impressed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH6SPNZdJ9WfyB44S8rSHxSUD4RoeWQkGOCs9NkfgSk1stE9Ii-FRsrgF47-1OnHeOfQc38sguE5LtZHjff0yEOE4DkClfBdyvUmFao3ROKNy3RDNzk1AzthVvsoGQ0Nt6qNorXyzsw_q/s1600/IMG_5697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH6SPNZdJ9WfyB44S8rSHxSUD4RoeWQkGOCs9NkfgSk1stE9Ii-FRsrgF47-1OnHeOfQc38sguE5LtZHjff0yEOE4DkClfBdyvUmFao3ROKNy3RDNzk1AzthVvsoGQ0Nt6qNorXyzsw_q/s640/IMG_5697.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
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Both Peyton and Ella LOVE their 3D hands. They are totally proud and amazed at what they accomplished. It was a simple project with only few supplies and no mess at all. And the QUIET! Did I mention the quiet?</div>
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This next one is mine. I think it looks so cool! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBDhx8uWahrClwMX0TNQXtbxqXYKEHo6ulk9QMNemEGp5_DjjPcT5Yv0P6k-0he7ravZNC7SME6WpNNMX8Tptc5Mjq_B3m_9qjhWBsJL9-u_CcMlfbA79O88EpDgT4Cj1NmEa45ooKznI/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBDhx8uWahrClwMX0TNQXtbxqXYKEHo6ulk9QMNemEGp5_DjjPcT5Yv0P6k-0he7ravZNC7SME6WpNNMX8Tptc5Mjq_B3m_9qjhWBsJL9-u_CcMlfbA79O88EpDgT4Cj1NmEa45ooKznI/s640/IMG_5698.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
Art project success!<br />
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Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-8265110524911633742012-10-02T00:16:00.000-05:002012-10-02T00:16:36.190-05:00I'm Back!A little bit. I'm trying to back into the swing of my blog. I know I was never really in full-force before. I mean, c'mon! Once a week blogging? It's for blogging wimps.<br />
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I am a blogging wimp.<br />
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I love my blog, I love sharing things with you, and I LOVE reading your comments, but sometimes blogging is a little bit of a labor of love. I kind of enjoyed my summer off. I may do it again. Watch out!<br />
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Anyway! Let me start off with a super short post about what we've been doing a lot of lately:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hTPVLa99MvGP_jO4GOHJzo7Y8kcxoj8mc33FY9Pwi9O6jd-jZ4Q3X-UVCQYU9bBtxssDxG2zvZsfq5hFBP3yzZW3bW78BX74PaD5fRnDc7sgoF_vE4eao2ugJivmxivVEuvYq9_2fHlR/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hTPVLa99MvGP_jO4GOHJzo7Y8kcxoj8mc33FY9Pwi9O6jd-jZ4Q3X-UVCQYU9bBtxssDxG2zvZsfq5hFBP3yzZW3bW78BX74PaD5fRnDc7sgoF_vE4eao2ugJivmxivVEuvYq9_2fHlR/s640/IMG_5573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which is, mostly, laying around this house in different places, trying to find the coolest place possible in this UN-RE-LENTING HEAT.<br />
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Because we moved! Yay! But we have no air conditioning! Boooo!<br />
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Today was ONE HUNDRED. AND THREE. Because just one hundred degrees is just not enough. So nature threw in an extra bonus three degrees. Damn you, nature.<br />
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Anyway, Penny has found her perfect spot. On the cool stone next to Norman the Meditating Gnome. I may kick her off soon because that most definitely looks cooler than my place on the couch.<br />
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Tomorrow is only supposed to be 94 degrees. Don't be jealous.<br />
<br />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-30708079041127989382012-08-04T22:05:00.000-05:002012-08-04T22:05:12.559-05:00Stained-Glass Butterfly Craft Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/94768498/stained-glass-butterfly-craft-kit">Stained-Glass Butterfly Craft Kit</a> got revamped! Oh, the colorful sparkliness of it all!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6aFTy8hH0KRhSNE-7zBdys6OcCl3LZC2tarJwXenLxoo3i3voyTFzmsjOEHW7sfW2aJs2fxQJ8ykwK2hAhcHOS8CtpJBBAnHw_lx2SCbcDk-narKD2bOfuBQBs0hmVhsDyCnvuLTNQ_-/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6aFTy8hH0KRhSNE-7zBdys6OcCl3LZC2tarJwXenLxoo3i3voyTFzmsjOEHW7sfW2aJs2fxQJ8ykwK2hAhcHOS8CtpJBBAnHw_lx2SCbcDk-narKD2bOfuBQBs0hmVhsDyCnvuLTNQ_-/s400/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So now the craft kit makes even more butterflies! It contains supplies to create FIVE butterflies with lots of mix and match decorations - colorful tissue paper for the wings, preprinted decorative paper butterfly bodies, iridescent chenille stem antennae, and lots of sparkly sequins!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjG8MZBIp35DEBbCasfxjH2CLCOcKrfCxYSRUQY23KAvh9YICZ7D0vBMGNm_nbiNxr_U4j11GwoMMl3kozdxhT-uZOozEp5zDJqvjI7KE7gy3-_KQapEsfHAdH_Tk-0mTBp0eVFWZpoJ2/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjG8MZBIp35DEBbCasfxjH2CLCOcKrfCxYSRUQY23KAvh9YICZ7D0vBMGNm_nbiNxr_U4j11GwoMMl3kozdxhT-uZOozEp5zDJqvjI7KE7gy3-_KQapEsfHAdH_Tk-0mTBp0eVFWZpoJ2/s640/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+2.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty proud of that rainbow butterfly. I ripped the tissue paper into long strips and just went for it. Then I matched the sequins going down his body so he's extra, extra rainbow-y. I love him so much that I made him my etsy shop avatar. And then I was inspired to change my shop banner, too. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Go look!</a> He's my own little fluttering muse. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoGBKSA1-8tosB5jvRUfBz4889CvBGJEpv2oqgN5ciXAF923QLt8VqdnI1bM7O_-aKe2HLCEsRpH9p5sXANuh0p2G5-TemJOEbz97VbsVDQ0WksSm0ooqVN5oqVJ8_PhtHzcWs_2ZDOux/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoGBKSA1-8tosB5jvRUfBz4889CvBGJEpv2oqgN5ciXAF923QLt8VqdnI1bM7O_-aKe2HLCEsRpH9p5sXANuh0p2G5-TemJOEbz97VbsVDQ0WksSm0ooqVN5oqVJ8_PhtHzcWs_2ZDOux/s400/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+3.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Ready for some behind-the-scenes glamour? Now, I'm not a professional photographer. But I'm pretty sure any professional photographer would have taken the butterfly pictures EXACTLY like I did. </div>
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Which is by lying on my back on the dirty cement while giggly, squirmy kids held a backless, glass-is-taped-to-the-wood-and-it-might-fall-out-and-shatter-at-any-moment frame above my head so I could take pictures.</div>
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They could not, for the life of them, hold that frame level.</div>
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Do you see what I go through? It's a very dangerous line of work I'm in. </div>
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Oh, look! That kid there thinks holding the frame with his 8 year old thumbs is perfectly safe.</div>
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I could not get out from under there fast enough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnp1xKI7kr95S_r23Zr9R1csVFpyVPI4sKfeUue6VNj2l9dKVgk9Ep8YoK-21UP7DLwzxNl7xHAQRe34jU1hsf6ayEUOElhlEgl86vUYL11PhFBzQVdp9I6hwahDkoRxUUiGD-Cjv1VfQ/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnp1xKI7kr95S_r23Zr9R1csVFpyVPI4sKfeUue6VNj2l9dKVgk9Ep8YoK-21UP7DLwzxNl7xHAQRe34jU1hsf6ayEUOElhlEgl86vUYL11PhFBzQVdp9I6hwahDkoRxUUiGD-Cjv1VfQ/s640/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+1.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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But anyway!</div>
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Big news! I've changed my craft kit packaging! Slowly but surely, I'm going to be switching over from the bags to these extra fancy looking things:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOhAtlaEbGIMrc-j6kjvW0XMfFkRz6CVE4bzkMTY8isXfnE_5uKbKF9cGDy59UtR-oaSPR3C10odSFekRLr2bunmxcKzfOn-KSudeXTkZv499hXujyWQi7qB0K8U3XBHJw54drCibPh3B/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOhAtlaEbGIMrc-j6kjvW0XMfFkRz6CVE4bzkMTY8isXfnE_5uKbKF9cGDy59UtR-oaSPR3C10odSFekRLr2bunmxcKzfOn-KSudeXTkZv499hXujyWQi7qB0K8U3XBHJw54drCibPh3B/s640/IMG_5172.JPG" width="588" /></a></div>
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I loved the bags, but boxes are much more sturdy. </div>
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It also might have something to do with the fact that when I had a booth at an outdoor craft fair recently, the craft kit bags kept blowing over and it was really driving me bananas. BANANAS! I just don't need any extra crazy in my life.</div>
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And, seriously, this box is a gift giver's dream! It's colorful and pretty enough to give as is, or you could easily wrap it up in decorative paper, or you could just slap a bow on the top and call it a day.</div>
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Anyway. Look how cute the back is! Why, yes, I do feel a little extra professional right about now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rBgbkM7xdknaVy3stEgEfb6lVLYv__zA1iygcQSqgtri3_D84gx1mrWlOJBkEQdVlFWh5YtBMFtzbbHbMsn_-3tViuYOjx-4ttQgqe6k_2B8E4WcylHWi-lA-Z8PbpZw0ojBo3nPiEsX/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rBgbkM7xdknaVy3stEgEfb6lVLYv__zA1iygcQSqgtri3_D84gx1mrWlOJBkEQdVlFWh5YtBMFtzbbHbMsn_-3tViuYOjx-4ttQgqe6k_2B8E4WcylHWi-lA-Z8PbpZw0ojBo3nPiEsX/s640/IMG_5169.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
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Did you notice how the rainbow-colored blocks on the packaging match the banner in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">my etsy shop</a>? I'm pretty excited about all the changes going on around here.<br />
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The butterflies look best taped to a window, but you could also hang them up on your child's wall, like so...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOafExC33V_ejJkaaRilhuth0-h3L4Q9QFhv5of6hPKpoUFrEHrV93C6oQP7QSEkmHWUiNXVkwr7ajK0PJD3gsCgB0VR1XyTJosJuhpQUpTe35tdWt6yLYb2zj07F6QMNMjD2vU2vSYhS/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOafExC33V_ejJkaaRilhuth0-h3L4Q9QFhv5of6hPKpoUFrEHrV93C6oQP7QSEkmHWUiNXVkwr7ajK0PJD3gsCgB0VR1XyTJosJuhpQUpTe35tdWt6yLYb2zj07F6QMNMjD2vU2vSYhS/s640/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or go for a simple framed look...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IH-PtYnIJbxvpx3PWfJyf9K9V0M6toe1mgjpaZt9gtXc8AZBAlMdN7O6xo5Z_C-mlkq8eE3XvdwPlRu0tDWPYP5vvMTcSQt5HSOCWtL1iU3Kf1q0Iipp_Y2mpfGuOo6-US3zTAfhaMpq/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IH-PtYnIJbxvpx3PWfJyf9K9V0M6toe1mgjpaZt9gtXc8AZBAlMdN7O6xo5Z_C-mlkq8eE3XvdwPlRu0tDWPYP5vvMTcSQt5HSOCWtL1iU3Kf1q0Iipp_Y2mpfGuOo6-US3zTAfhaMpq/s640/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="578" /></a></div>
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Cute! Cute! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe34jU-8QkKWlWyEESy87Dx07g4GkBPmCL_hNR8nGd_qZvRPFWBtvawVM0DMn9Wj2CAQF43ajW6ku7XAGrfn-39awo46lyQPnCbLM9lsimth44We_B3zxdjuHXdMkzn-ehbW6p8uw207D/s1600/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe34jU-8QkKWlWyEESy87Dx07g4GkBPmCL_hNR8nGd_qZvRPFWBtvawVM0DMn9Wj2CAQF43ajW6ku7XAGrfn-39awo46lyQPnCbLM9lsimth44We_B3zxdjuHXdMkzn-ehbW6p8uw207D/s400/7-24-12+Stained-Glass+Butterfly+Picture+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-89239205592149283902012-07-16T02:50:00.002-05:002012-07-16T02:58:35.714-05:002012 Summer To Do ListYeah. So I'm thinking this summer might be a little blog-lite. Because I've made myself quite a list of stuff to do, yo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi_9YL9XjuRTEAFR2xPqyDY60jU4CpWJ0TfifX8os5pm5xLkB0_djCvOP0gD-18hmJMub3JVorWAYuupgVGJdZqFi0cunKRqPLp5tK9j8HPreO3wA5Wq_zscv6vQvF-0iqFsb_s2fWxDy/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi_9YL9XjuRTEAFR2xPqyDY60jU4CpWJ0TfifX8os5pm5xLkB0_djCvOP0gD-18hmJMub3JVorWAYuupgVGJdZqFi0cunKRqPLp5tK9j8HPreO3wA5Wq_zscv6vQvF-0iqFsb_s2fWxDy/s640/IMG_5023.JPG" width="602" /></a></div>
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And that's just the Family List. My personal list could fill another 2 pages. But that one is full of really dumb things, like clean the freakin' refrigerator. Which I happened to do today and let me just tell you! It is BREATHTAKINGLY SPARKLING in there! </div>
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This list is much, much more fun! Places to go, people to see, kid crafts to make that I saw on Pinterest and Lord help me I WILL NOT continue to add to my Kids <a href="http://pinterest.com/smartbottom/">pinboard</a> without doing something about it.</div>
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Making the list was easy. I just made a Word table, filled it with stuff, changed the font to something cute (Shadows Into Light from dafont.com - my favorite font site), printed it, stuck it on some cute paper and displayed it on the fridge for the world to see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69AbWC3ItYXeoOoV8vmr35OVRR4FhDavFfjlQQKVWnk7CBHfKVQtTt-ng89y0hvP9DYYAO6b5NKOrYzy-3gUe_Vf7A7H5wk68DYsQEakGGLNlAre3lCyL7iORg_SWJM6XOpcsXPCryvIt/s1600/IMG_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69AbWC3ItYXeoOoV8vmr35OVRR4FhDavFfjlQQKVWnk7CBHfKVQtTt-ng89y0hvP9DYYAO6b5NKOrYzy-3gUe_Vf7A7H5wk68DYsQEakGGLNlAre3lCyL7iORg_SWJM6XOpcsXPCryvIt/s640/IMG_5022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I even left a few spots open for things we forgot to add, like make some more "delicious" baked goods with Ella's Easy Bake Oven. </div>
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I'm not going to lie. I had an Easy Bake Oven when I was a little older than Ella is. Even then I knew <i>that</i> shiznit WAS NOT what baked goods should be. But I love Ella, and there you go. She bought that Easy Bake Oven with her allowance and she is just the sweetest little girl ever in the world when she is in the kitchen with me. So, I'll eat anything that comes out of that little oven and I'll gush on and on about how amazingly yummy it is. Because good mothers lie to their children. I'm pretty sure that's in the mothering manual. Where it SHOULD BE is in the Easy Bake Oven manual. Just sayin'. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-NGrTDeOdTa-qEsCeEgpArWphUEv_LqwJfeYon7XgVEwfIyFvU6xpO0XJqvax55_VIx9zvCCEzlmV8-RvC4e2kMmA7TOYDfnJTcxqGv1Va9rAQ89KZUvpki0lb9MsC9ulTOEpCg4N64/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-NGrTDeOdTa-qEsCeEgpArWphUEv_LqwJfeYon7XgVEwfIyFvU6xpO0XJqvax55_VIx9zvCCEzlmV8-RvC4e2kMmA7TOYDfnJTcxqGv1Va9rAQ89KZUvpki0lb9MsC9ulTOEpCg4N64/s640/IMG_5028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've been busy!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGzm9pP2rwPCevXd_jy0rpLthatc3d8v8YGp26LyBheYDjI3-38glZS3IgizrSlnMJ7qWIb7oBEPE-JTKgNVbsCiTuzntHlqfmJckqtQ9dZBRSsFX7RJd6SrQguj9NVfkT-bSK_xuiOeV/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGzm9pP2rwPCevXd_jy0rpLthatc3d8v8YGp26LyBheYDjI3-38glZS3IgizrSlnMJ7qWIb7oBEPE-JTKgNVbsCiTuzntHlqfmJckqtQ9dZBRSsFX7RJd6SrQguj9NVfkT-bSK_xuiOeV/s640/IMG_5026.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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And, seriously, how cute are those magnets? My mom got them for the kids - you know, for artwork on the fridge purposes. Adorable!<br />
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Soon I'll show you some of the cool things we've done. And by soon, I have no idea what I'm talking about. I can't be making any summertime promises. I like my summers open and schedule free and obviously full of lists. I can never give up my lists.<br />
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Happy Summer To Do Listing!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-61122438699613327372012-07-06T14:50:00.000-05:002012-07-06T14:50:10.124-05:00Garden Caterpillar Classroom Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know you've probably seen this cute little guy before. You can find him <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?section_id=6449750">here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfynLrbqHAKjsUOXbrmHYJNz60vNjckG1uUQZXkK3sQK04SdRs-MUxtlUFXy4H0O4CXImrWJ7tPutqMUGSppqs320J29HG8iwg13F0BJr4Dyl35EV-OUG5OpPEGi-Kz8w34oP7c-zDCxO/s1600/4-6-09+Caterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfynLrbqHAKjsUOXbrmHYJNz60vNjckG1uUQZXkK3sQK04SdRs-MUxtlUFXy4H0O4CXImrWJ7tPutqMUGSppqs320J29HG8iwg13F0BJr4Dyl35EV-OUG5OpPEGi-Kz8w34oP7c-zDCxO/s640/4-6-09+Caterpillar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But you've definitely never seen him like this! Getting all mass produced in a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?section_id=10594358">classroom kit!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjMLEwuwphQ5h29q0Np5HvS2GgfnDa_98rvlYM3ssO2gPJAO-cltvLfRVmXI0k7afHdOSRclEthuhyUlcmfKVwoYrvTet9z8VTeZjraDAjerqD9BhA63kZgisg8j8QUQ6Ru7jgPAJ0KB/s1600/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit+-+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjMLEwuwphQ5h29q0Np5HvS2GgfnDa_98rvlYM3ssO2gPJAO-cltvLfRVmXI0k7afHdOSRclEthuhyUlcmfKVwoYrvTet9z8VTeZjraDAjerqD9BhA63kZgisg8j8QUQ6Ru7jgPAJ0KB/s640/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit+-+Box.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This classroom kit is for 10 kids, but you can also order a classroom kit for 20 or 30 or 10,000! Although the standard 3-5 business day turnaround may not apply to that last number.</div>
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Here's what you get! Styrofoam balls that craftily become caterpillar heads and tails. And bright yellow paint and colorful chenille stems and crayons and lots of other goodness. Like colored toothpicks. For grown-up use only! You'll poke your eye out, kid!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudAy87VvYkD9YBuWj8SnjoeKEljdJrddseydZVZ06YGyZEayL0rCqg7M7h9Pyn8XlCcPr-iDBElPfrdUyVBlcV1iKcQpI-YZ_tkFiWCbjvT6Zi8lcxSN-W1Q1Q43EbS1JWzD5cStijTNR/s1600/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit-+Supplies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudAy87VvYkD9YBuWj8SnjoeKEljdJrddseydZVZ06YGyZEayL0rCqg7M7h9Pyn8XlCcPr-iDBElPfrdUyVBlcV1iKcQpI-YZ_tkFiWCbjvT6Zi8lcxSN-W1Q1Q43EbS1JWzD5cStijTNR/s640/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit-+Supplies+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And lots of rainbowlicious craft foam and circle templates to make the caterpillar bodies. Mix and match style! All packaged so you can easily pass out the materials and create garden caterpillars with ease. Because I care. Oh, and also, because I care, I always include extra craft foam color pieces. You don't want the last kid in line to be stuck with zero options. That would suck. We've all been <i>that</i> kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW5-MBbeOpQBKbyglC3gpNSYSOzFGbrQ1EVTqSkcsoWN4WnvMJbhXXMnvtxvIMuQZzsj_osUKEl3y0u1J4m6X5Y12h0qDpFE-sGVvIUNitvBmfrV1anE-nA9HS5Myg4VCXZ4yRdvr0jZw/s1600/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit-+Supplies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW5-MBbeOpQBKbyglC3gpNSYSOzFGbrQ1EVTqSkcsoWN4WnvMJbhXXMnvtxvIMuQZzsj_osUKEl3y0u1J4m6X5Y12h0qDpFE-sGVvIUNitvBmfrV1anE-nA9HS5Myg4VCXZ4yRdvr0jZw/s640/6-26-12+Garden+Caterpillar+Classroom+Kit-+Supplies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though this is called a classroom kit, it can most definitely also be used to create party favors or for play dates or summer camps or to decorate your neighborhood! Because, c'mon! Adorable! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY1RLuvQBbazG1-kF-wdSzowa0LVQmx8MtNgnl6CJnhU6Lxfrfwj3pX_SKeF1_hy1eYgWGV8VxR5LjaM2MDm3Qr-lE0V01fFqWehHxgsBv0fXslBR5bk_mAiY09zemTzmRknflpBrP3hJ/s1600/4-4-09+Caterpillar+Stake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY1RLuvQBbazG1-kF-wdSzowa0LVQmx8MtNgnl6CJnhU6Lxfrfwj3pX_SKeF1_hy1eYgWGV8VxR5LjaM2MDm3Qr-lE0V01fFqWehHxgsBv0fXslBR5bk_mAiY09zemTzmRknflpBrP3hJ/s640/4-4-09+Caterpillar+Stake.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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Happy Classroom Crafting!</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-54270969173961166012012-06-27T00:49:00.001-05:002012-06-27T00:49:35.676-05:00Lemon Blueberry Rainbow CakeSo last year, on the last day of school, I made <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/rainbow-cake.html">The Rainbow Cake</a>. And then my kids and my husband and I all decided that Rainbow Cake should be a new Last Day of School tradition.<br />
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The end of this school year was amazingly busy. School was busy, my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">craft kit business</a> was busy, we were all busy busy busy.<br />
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And then the last day of school came. And went. And no Rainbow Cake magically appeared.<br />
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Fail.<br />
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But! We're an easy-going tradition kind of family. And since we had planned on a day of camping this weekend, we decided to Rainbow Cake It Up.<br />
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Rainbow Cake is made with yellow cake mix. I used it for last year's <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/rainbow-cake.html">Last Day of School Cake</a>,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfaiIotA9etjt3XXx4OorTVUndhR0l_ZC_fHIVtuVtghaj0zx9axFbhiILjveYW9vYkYWRVtLATDEsLZgOfMcMpPT8yuAOOE4sV1u6Z2pLSyUo8bCgr3gLstIXPDukqoA9Twk4vTLySyw/s1600/IMG_5043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfaiIotA9etjt3XXx4OorTVUndhR0l_ZC_fHIVtuVtghaj0zx9axFbhiILjveYW9vYkYWRVtLATDEsLZgOfMcMpPT8yuAOOE4sV1u6Z2pLSyUo8bCgr3gLstIXPDukqoA9Twk4vTLySyw/s640/IMG_5043.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/01/3-things.html">Peyton's Birthday Cake</a>,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcKijjnrNQyZ5O-aSClBBUbx45fnzO6tHAC7N5Gkf0GdLHb_AtSwua_vdteys6MUGu6pZcua0C4VLaMzTLD2TY5yuQQ05FNFI7nOWY6wSPFKUeS_pnQkm9p_o36fGd3TMm_TkAb9CIDVz/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcKijjnrNQyZ5O-aSClBBUbx45fnzO6tHAC7N5Gkf0GdLHb_AtSwua_vdteys6MUGu6pZcua0C4VLaMzTLD2TY5yuQQ05FNFI7nOWY6wSPFKUeS_pnQkm9p_o36fGd3TMm_TkAb9CIDVz/s640/IMG_0232.jpg" width="610" /></a><br />
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and <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/01/3-things.html">Ella's Birthday Cake</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ogDjAWVBhkvPIcS7i_oEbRZEg3ykxw6_7bYih4kD3bFdLm4JaaCkdt_TEMzizP8btyzl6rr3t8kv9FqOaZ4R4MpDFnidJ5v1mgPlpFr-EXXzpkMD17rQYzXgA4qs57X8oCHUu6ZuO5DV/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ogDjAWVBhkvPIcS7i_oEbRZEg3ykxw6_7bYih4kD3bFdLm4JaaCkdt_TEMzizP8btyzl6rr3t8kv9FqOaZ4R4MpDFnidJ5v1mgPlpFr-EXXzpkMD17rQYzXgA4qs57X8oCHUu6ZuO5DV/s640/IMG_1073.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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You know what? I don't love yellow cake mix. And since I'm the one making all these dang cakes all over the place, I think I can make a decision every once in a while.<br />
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I'm a'gonna make a lemon cake! And blueberries were on sale, so... why not? But when I say lemon cake, don't be thinking that I'm making it from scratch - forget it - this kind of cake takes enough time as it is - I'm box-caking it all the way.<br />
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Also, and I've mentioned this before, two tubs of frosting is not enough. I'm okay with that. I could use three, but really! Three tubs of frosting? It might make my cake look awesome, but that is a lot of freakin' frosting. I'm not going to do it. I'm going to use two and call my cake "rustic" instead. </div>
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Why, yes, that is a fire pit in the background. Why, no, I don't think this is an acceptable dessert for camping. For the record, I've never brought a cake camping before, but just this once, I think it's okay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwle9-IctXKNLnQyuOt_GtDuqT11KLSVAjBLUl_JLFBsPvBaQsG1VOL9pzT4gT_FqaYbfQDgKtAE4WikuuAdmotGa6sSfMmpOmWfT-VfAvgrns1SIfx6hgWA37rqdMyrmsEVraZDmRUh0x/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwle9-IctXKNLnQyuOt_GtDuqT11KLSVAjBLUl_JLFBsPvBaQsG1VOL9pzT4gT_FqaYbfQDgKtAE4WikuuAdmotGa6sSfMmpOmWfT-VfAvgrns1SIfx6hgWA37rqdMyrmsEVraZDmRUh0x/s640/IMG_4415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here's what I did, I followed the regular directions that you can find <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/rainbow-cake.html">here</a>, except, of course, I used lemon cake mix and frosting.<br />
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I don't use food coloring drops, I use food coloring gel, but imagine adding one drop of blue to one layer, then two drops to the next layer, then three... you get the idea. Except they're not really drops, because it's gel, so... one glop, then two glops, then three... Totally sexy. Glop.<br />
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Fire pit in the background!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdvHyXVXFiuAo1eGe048r4FdATLZocvPPlgOrSuSBKRlJcc0L48BjUnw9EY4sWa8qQNj9ICrBDuC-5j9GZUIW7jLwMghMKLgH8D1ZflMQtZSxdv7SAN_PURNVkndLlPJEZUFb0Snzzys/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdvHyXVXFiuAo1eGe048r4FdATLZocvPPlgOrSuSBKRlJcc0L48BjUnw9EY4sWa8qQNj9ICrBDuC-5j9GZUIW7jLwMghMKLgH8D1ZflMQtZSxdv7SAN_PURNVkndLlPJEZUFb0Snzzys/s640/IMG_4419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did you notice how nicely the original Rainbow Cake and this Lemon Blueberry Cake is sliced? I mean, compared to the crazy-Birthday-Party-oh-my-Lord-feed-the-hungry-masses-of-party-children-before-they-attack-Cakes. </div>
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I'm only totally afraid of my children some of the time.</div>
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Anyway, after I had come up with the idea of the lemon blueberry rainbow cake, and before I actually made it, I pinterested (as that should totally be a verb by now) blue rainbow cake to see if anyone had done something similar. If you want to see something REALLY beautiful, go see <a href="http://www.thecakeblog.com/2011/08/blueberry-rainbow-cake.html">what I found</a><a href="http://www.thecakeblog.com/2011/08/blueberry-rainbow-cake.html">.</a> Aim for that one, end up with this one...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27WW4t4QHdybqvOUiL5kTPQ-0q41LmYWSQrXBb2IZIdl9cF50qRUSo3ot2OmKBByaJpS_gZPqAAz7daWqMZrbfrhoMwZyuR25JmV-K05OwIkZj90wIN4wAJURywQSTO-cXvuJU_7LsoPQ/s1600/IMG_4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27WW4t4QHdybqvOUiL5kTPQ-0q41LmYWSQrXBb2IZIdl9cF50qRUSo3ot2OmKBByaJpS_gZPqAAz7daWqMZrbfrhoMwZyuR25JmV-K05OwIkZj90wIN4wAJURywQSTO-cXvuJU_7LsoPQ/s640/IMG_4429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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be happy.</div>
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It was delicious! Tradition crisis averted.</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-14985499394331727182012-06-17T01:32:00.002-05:002012-06-17T01:37:56.802-05:00Father's Day Frame 2012It's Father's Day Frames Time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLJ7AXGittrWXLLef0Buf_XajxhaSyK06Ozd5xeFyC9zsBKngXFWNFt8Ie_-7srRpiJPCIkSyyYLKTylU184fjcbRjwaoAf-1QwgAh3Vz_QtVuVP_eCGc3Q33SiBeejjBAbYTd5egs81J/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLJ7AXGittrWXLLef0Buf_XajxhaSyK06Ozd5xeFyC9zsBKngXFWNFt8Ie_-7srRpiJPCIkSyyYLKTylU184fjcbRjwaoAf-1QwgAh3Vz_QtVuVP_eCGc3Q33SiBeejjBAbYTd5egs81J/s640/IMG_4259.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5yJM_688lcf4TfCH2E3dE-5eG7qv4ufwYrLOsCEFBg41g7vDnOsdcAtS1cVmU-fMLeFgBu4XHUh0HAmg7nV7NXSA0Yn3M66hFbJfbSbBW5kBjtbLP-vhvzGGyi0uU_bqibebTjEx4sDn/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5yJM_688lcf4TfCH2E3dE-5eG7qv4ufwYrLOsCEFBg41g7vDnOsdcAtS1cVmU-fMLeFgBu4XHUh0HAmg7nV7NXSA0Yn3M66hFbJfbSbBW5kBjtbLP-vhvzGGyi0uU_bqibebTjEx4sDn/s640/IMG_4254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've done these for 4 years in a row! You can see the other years AND the How To <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-frame.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-frame-2011.html">here.</a><br />
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I really, really recommend this craft. It doesn't take all that much time, or effort, or money. It's super personal and my kids love making them every year.<br />
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I think they mostly love it because I leave all the major decision making up to them.<br />
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I drag a bunch of photos from the current year into a folder (about 15-20 per kid). Then I let them each choose 10. Not all pictures will work because of the placement of people in the picture and the shapes of the letters, so 10 seems to give us enough good options. BOTH kids wanted to keep all their leftover pictures. I'm telling you, they love this stuff!<br />
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This time, Ella decided that she didn't want any black lines of the letters showing. When we cut the letters without the black lines, we had a little bit of extra space inside the letters. So she decided to pack two pictures into each of the D's. I love it! They look really cute! She also decided to back each letter with colored paper, just like she did <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-frame-2011.html">last year.</a><br />
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Check out the bottom of the second D - Happy F-Day. "It stands for Father's Day!" she told me. Obviously.<br />
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Although... when I see Happy F-Day, it's possible I think something else. AM I THE ONLY ONE?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP51d17b-SqGKRywYO9ZrbGF48f3VFpDWKlVKuQpZtkR9WIbyuFA-yaZTagSaFl2H6PNtLhfvHG-3FhsQ8qTwe_2izTbBzYMpGvpeTJsaRdcQawt6YLuIK9UQgzUVtBH4uWilzutxdd3T/s1600/IMG_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP51d17b-SqGKRywYO9ZrbGF48f3VFpDWKlVKuQpZtkR9WIbyuFA-yaZTagSaFl2H6PNtLhfvHG-3FhsQ8qTwe_2izTbBzYMpGvpeTJsaRdcQawt6YLuIK9UQgzUVtBH4uWilzutxdd3T/s640/IMG_4261.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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Peyton wanted the black lines of the letters showing, but he liked Ella's two-photo idea, too, so he did some of that. He did not want colored paper on the back, just like <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-frame-2011.html">last year,</a> so I backed the letters with some light cardboard to give them more stability. It's funny, I didn't even show them last year's frames, but they both still picked the same backing as they did last year. I wonder if they remember, or if it's just their personal aesthetics coming through? It's adorable either way.<br />
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Check out the Y - To: James. You know he did that just because this is really important to him and he wanted to be very serious and proper. So sweet. Oh, and the third D. He wrote Peyton J W Jr. He's not a junior, obviously, his dad's name is James. I guess because he is his father's son? I didn't want to call him on it because he was just so proud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDBy8JZkk2sBbvBjGVTSY-wC5bkQCyOPSXSYtqpyxnN5aScDTjbFUj-aStT659Bgurdoxs7CvOtM-pj24cFs8doM1P1X-TBBdrNgliaMP84UWaIDfYp7DQf1CJNE0hz_JTpBGUbMpHfjv/s1600/IMG_4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDBy8JZkk2sBbvBjGVTSY-wC5bkQCyOPSXSYtqpyxnN5aScDTjbFUj-aStT659Bgurdoxs7CvOtM-pj24cFs8doM1P1X-TBBdrNgliaMP84UWaIDfYp7DQf1CJNE0hz_JTpBGUbMpHfjv/s640/IMG_4256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just LOVE these! Simple traditions are the best!<br />
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Happy Father's Day!</div>
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<br />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-83237415823443522132012-06-14T16:06:00.000-05:002012-06-14T16:07:51.484-05:00My Memories Suite Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I do love a giveaway!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">So, MyMemories contacted me and they offered a free copy of their <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">MyMemories Suite Scrapbook Software</a> to me and one of my readers. For free! You know how I love the Free.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Plus they provided a Share the Memories code (STMMMS21147) that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software, if you don’t win, and a $10 coupon for the <a href="http://mymemories.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">MyMemories.com</a> store - $20 value!</span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.mymemories.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.mymemories.com/images/stm/MyMemories-giveaway-550x145.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Ummm... Yes, please!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">This is how much I know about digital scrapbooking: Zero point zero zero. Even with all that lack of knowledge, their program was really easy to use. And there are a ton of options - layouts, background papers, texts, calendars, and on and on....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I was playing around with the software and look what I made! I can make stuff! Digital stuff!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Adorable, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHiwKFKwse2jRc2Efhq2BCJPfA8fHrhaNz11zJ3eLmWCAp7GCXw1FKrMKT1u1NLl2uqU3p17-Q-UtDl6lbTwTVpUveL8zg_jMzZpcQDmUSzeZ5Dz88lYYdegJufmCizauLjHxWvxXiJDa/s1600/Smart-Bottom-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHiwKFKwse2jRc2Efhq2BCJPfA8fHrhaNz11zJ3eLmWCAp7GCXw1FKrMKT1u1NLl2uqU3p17-Q-UtDl6lbTwTVpUveL8zg_jMzZpcQDmUSzeZ5Dz88lYYdegJufmCizauLjHxWvxXiJDa/s640/Smart-Bottom-001.jpg" width="494" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Do you see those two pictures of me? My friend <a href="http://www.lauraschmidtphotography.com/" target="_blank">Laura Schmidt</a> took them while I was trying to be my own little craft fair at a local carnival. She's a wonderful photographer and a really, really sweet person. You can go see more of her beautiful work <a href="http://www.lauraschmidtphotography.com/">here.</a> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Back to the giveaway! Would you like a chance to win? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Here are the Fancy Rules:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">* Make sure to leave separate comment for each entry; otherwise it won't count! DANG! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">* In your comment, please include an email address if it is not visible in your profile so I can reach you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">* The giveaway ends on Friday, June 22 at 11:59 pm CST. One winner will be selected using random.org. Or maybe I'll write all the entries on pieces of paper and throw them up in the air. The one my dog eats last wins. Nah. I'll probably stick with random.org.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">* The winner has 48 hours to answer my email or new winner will be drawn. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Here’s How to Enter:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>*</b><b> </b><b>Mandatory Entry:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Visit <a href="http://mymemories.com/">mymemories.com</a> and let me know in a comment which digital scrapbooking kit or template is your favorite.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">* Additional Extra Entries:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">- 1 Extra Entry each - Follow My Memories on:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Their Blog - <a href="http://blog.mymemories.com/">http://blog.mymemories.com/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Facebook - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MyMemoriesFans">http://www.facebook.com/MyMemoriesFans</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite">http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">- 1 Extra Entry each - Follow my blog or sign up for email updates.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">- 1 Extra Entry - Add me to your blogroll because I want to be popular. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">- 1 Extra Entry - Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Smart-Bottom Kids</a> and tell me which craft kit is your favorite.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please make sure that each entry is its own comment!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">GOOD LUCK!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></span>Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-43532200282004334022012-06-08T01:04:00.000-05:002012-06-08T01:04:44.569-05:00Patriotic Stars Banner Craft KitIt's new craft kit time! Happy red, white, and blue! It's a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Patriotic Stars Banner Craft Kit!</a><br />
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Perfect for 4th of July decorating, parties, family reunions... go ahead... have everyone in your family make a star... you happy little American family, you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFij6Gya9tmSlO1MyZCh-D_JvCoQGW0At_fp4e8Rfmu5G84Ph78b-dLwx21vlPD5WCLKoyPf0kMUwRXLWNMXCexcIPYjUyku8OjeKi-PXhkAwHv4QSJk2Oj-HrmTYbpDhi0XH4kEK7QRip/s1600/IMG_4064+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFij6Gya9tmSlO1MyZCh-D_JvCoQGW0At_fp4e8Rfmu5G84Ph78b-dLwx21vlPD5WCLKoyPf0kMUwRXLWNMXCexcIPYjUyku8OjeKi-PXhkAwHv4QSJk2Oj-HrmTYbpDhi0XH4kEK7QRip/s640/IMG_4064+-+Version+3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's what you get!<br />
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12 large stars - 6 red and 6 blue. You and your kid will cut them out - don't worry! They're preprinted. And it's great scissor practice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNioZMIIJr6IrT9R5iTHyH1KAjiH7jPfAnc2TTm1C-yxQ71X87NwxQqMBuMV9sswtOVMsws_eKq5uvk9liCVnL-cFSaRn3MQzX2NzqtQ8PHUGh7_Ntrh-YQPeS6Rr5VCX6TjXli9BftoX/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNioZMIIJr6IrT9R5iTHyH1KAjiH7jPfAnc2TTm1C-yxQ71X87NwxQqMBuMV9sswtOVMsws_eKq5uvk9liCVnL-cFSaRn3MQzX2NzqtQ8PHUGh7_Ntrh-YQPeS6Rr5VCX6TjXli9BftoX/s640/IMG_4056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Red, white, and blue!... and burlap! (I love the burlap!).... solid and patterned!... medium and small paper stars. So you can layer colors and patterns to your heart's content. Oh, you'll be cutting those stars out, too. Hey! Don't be whiny. A little star cutting never hurt anyone. Except me. It would probably hurt me if I had to cut out all the stars from the millions of Star Banner Kits I'm planning on selling. I have big dreams. BIG DREAMS!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheELwkIBDHoUvDJs7oPpAyAyVrvWbcZySWekU5erHMa4-K7XyzgZcEXp-iKQ_z-EOPMUjUE3kl0n8UmMkNbM0SCwSw3eioN9lEKXhMj-oEXyjrQl3E7_cI2UpwYIRQn5gk13Rcv2wYY4e5/s1600/IMG_4062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheELwkIBDHoUvDJs7oPpAyAyVrvWbcZySWekU5erHMa4-K7XyzgZcEXp-iKQ_z-EOPMUjUE3kl0n8UmMkNbM0SCwSw3eioN9lEKXhMj-oEXyjrQl3E7_cI2UpwYIRQn5gk13Rcv2wYY4e5/s640/IMG_4062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sparkly rhinestones and shiny sequins and sweet buttons...oh! and stickers, too! </div>
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Seriously. How cute is that little red heart button? SO CUTE! Dude. This banner is all rockin' the Americana Sweetness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilYNthIz-0t10lDcfw2lZWtGnKooq-_Ac1ZRgAnFlZ_iaofSsGrrj84TDDl2yNjWLaAuiTNes9xC0-8Brtufmi3C0B6TO5pdU6-ZQ3IO3Dn1kwq204KSZTnK8TFfJK7HK7oYamHOZCvzE/s1600/IMG_4064+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilYNthIz-0t10lDcfw2lZWtGnKooq-_Ac1ZRgAnFlZ_iaofSsGrrj84TDDl2yNjWLaAuiTNes9xC0-8Brtufmi3C0B6TO5pdU6-ZQ3IO3Dn1kwq204KSZTnK8TFfJK7HK7oYamHOZCvzE/s640/IMG_4064+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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7 feet of jute - twice! - so you can double up your banner. It's extra fancy that way. And lots of colorful decorative ribbon...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdbkKIk3JPJTy1mhaOVLY9CJxMsEmPCCu54YcPcKDMnLsrtyajf-2_e_cmDUpkBbUm9kkoZSc1jbSZHCdhUP3jFpXI7x-kX0lobvYdzzJ7YmCMQTRoG-fR7dNm1PNcW-_pPCl2tS5cQuk/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdbkKIk3JPJTy1mhaOVLY9CJxMsEmPCCu54YcPcKDMnLsrtyajf-2_e_cmDUpkBbUm9kkoZSc1jbSZHCdhUP3jFpXI7x-kX0lobvYdzzJ7YmCMQTRoG-fR7dNm1PNcW-_pPCl2tS5cQuk/s640/IMG_4064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love it!<br />
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All packaged up like so...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg657BIMqp_hetTsHleDT-wefL4P_vVRuJreH-eK_4wdL2lox2Az3mPkw59dBgj69YVFHZLfYfnb-J4WMUQuJvFGKq04m8AJEvTVNb7NBWywdcIoNoDVL9wSoO-GQ3po-sIMQTfFFeRriP2/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg657BIMqp_hetTsHleDT-wefL4P_vVRuJreH-eK_4wdL2lox2Az3mPkw59dBgj69YVFHZLfYfnb-J4WMUQuJvFGKq04m8AJEvTVNb7NBWywdcIoNoDVL9wSoO-GQ3po-sIMQTfFFeRriP2/s640/IMG_4144.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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Cute! Cute!</div>
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Ella and Peyton wanted to make one before I even finished creating the kit. Holy Crafting Pride, Batman! I love those kids!</div>
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Ella's is the red, Peyton's is the blue.</div>
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Ella broke all the rules. Trouble maker. You see that eyeball? Yeah. You won't be getting that in your kit. But she made up for all the troublemaking with what she wrote on her star...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P3JF5JVci1OBkEOFcQRFGFt8Umgi5nxraZfxEYOZKBYgAmbLZ72l9INZDGJb5JWzq9i9av0D7flM9BQhTSn41BHHCxosTeHnrUCi7wHoj_Nc6K2i0S82eauuYVwQHlXR60pgnkNsW8U1/s1600/IMG_4175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P3JF5JVci1OBkEOFcQRFGFt8Umgi5nxraZfxEYOZKBYgAmbLZ72l9INZDGJb5JWzq9i9av0D7flM9BQhTSn41BHHCxosTeHnrUCi7wHoj_Nc6K2i0S82eauuYVwQHlXR60pgnkNsW8U1/s640/IMG_4175.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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Family. With a heart. By Ella.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz_HRBM7dxAZLxln6Op-rA23Nov00hP8Kpj1sruuU4Dp24aqs8H95asdoIxAoK0y30p0RTegqqUip8s_uLsuRJs5Dj59_98bIB4b4vciO2WhALAedp0YZ8OXuLI85ozk14ytjcDIrxheG/s1600/IMG_4175+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz_HRBM7dxAZLxln6Op-rA23Nov00hP8Kpj1sruuU4Dp24aqs8H95asdoIxAoK0y30p0RTegqqUip8s_uLsuRJs5Dj59_98bIB4b4vciO2WhALAedp0YZ8OXuLI85ozk14ytjcDIrxheG/s640/IMG_4175+-+Version+2.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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Lordy. That's sweet.</div>
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Eyeball.</div>
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Happy 4th of July!</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-41820686943967588662012-05-31T01:21:00.000-05:002012-05-31T01:49:16.299-05:00And I Was Kung Fu "Pin"spiiiiring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I have 3 "Pin"spired projects(-ish) I just completed, wanna see?</div>
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1. Hanging Jars</div>
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So I pinned <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/purple-easter-crafts-5#slide-5">these</a>, knowing full well that I would never make them exactly like Good Housekeeping did. Because I currently have no babies in my house, and therefor no baby food jars, and there was no way I would buy baby food just for this project. And I would have to attach wire and I really, really dislike working with wire. </div>
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And then I saw the cutest little hanging jars in the Target Dollar Bins. $2.50 for 3! They're sweet, right? All rocking the Fleur de lis, and colorful, and already equipped with hanging wire. I bought 6. I should have bought many, many more. But when I went back to Target they were sold out and I haven't seen them since. 6 will have to do! I filled them with super colorful springtime flowers from my garden that I grew myself (read: I went to Michael's, bought some cheap fake flowers and added them to some Dollar Tree fake flowers I already had). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSJEXrUr0sU0Rch-lIFo9QCyI1SRhOUeCweTQi8scvD5I6_88THha6l9XShKW2yF08aqQtZHCn_B3gMkUUnZBLASpPO-flQ9hHak180UiQkOoMNhJZWohgqckP-L1PhGEPlXRC1qFdlkE/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSJEXrUr0sU0Rch-lIFo9QCyI1SRhOUeCweTQi8scvD5I6_88THha6l9XShKW2yF08aqQtZHCn_B3gMkUUnZBLASpPO-flQ9hHak180UiQkOoMNhJZWohgqckP-L1PhGEPlXRC1qFdlkE/s640/IMG_4003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I strung them with ribbon and hung them from white hooks. I did not hang them from the bright green tack you can see on the right hand side down there. Because the jars were too heavy. What!?! Doesn't everyone leave their bright green tacks stuck into the wall randomly around their homes? Well, they should.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_J8idQdO3lFOCmq2SGlMP1yFomWBAN72fgYCmyjWYDShsIf0HwUkHKttX98kCh3gzmdeful4SF_x40ytbVbkSgS7_u2g9c03yLxE1mORvSf9_gna55KFgyEFfqFwh11TNdwFnNyRWfJc/s1600/IMG_3980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_J8idQdO3lFOCmq2SGlMP1yFomWBAN72fgYCmyjWYDShsIf0HwUkHKttX98kCh3gzmdeful4SF_x40ytbVbkSgS7_u2g9c03yLxE1mORvSf9_gna55KFgyEFfqFwh11TNdwFnNyRWfJc/s640/IMG_3980.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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I hung them in my dining area. Because you KNOW I like to hang crap there. Like <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/02/stained-glass-window-hearts.html">these</a> Stained-Glass Hearts and <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/02/paper-heart-window-treatments.html">these</a> Snowflakes and Paper Hearts. I'm a sucker for crafty, inexpensive window treatments. They catch the light and they're so happy and Spring-y. I love them! And they don't die and I don't have to replace the water when it gets old and nasty and has little tiny bugs floating it it like I would have to do if they were real flowers. So there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-kXPVHi1tL4pxZWWbbqMV3DyX61W4IVJUYM8dCpHC3VEDsSwy_H5HhTAAN2PxTsVs62gugFInn-kigclJimxZ36WH0xxYFkX7G1Aiz147OqU3ft33k-NoLT6NwsHHEz_Wfp082O4lgDD/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-kXPVHi1tL4pxZWWbbqMV3DyX61W4IVJUYM8dCpHC3VEDsSwy_H5HhTAAN2PxTsVs62gugFInn-kigclJimxZ36WH0xxYFkX7G1Aiz147OqU3ft33k-NoLT6NwsHHEz_Wfp082O4lgDD/s640/IMG_3978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Makeup Vases</div>
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I pinned this cute little <a href="http://jengrantmorris.blogspot.com/2010/10/dressing-table.html">makeup brush holder</a>. I used dollar vases from the Dollar Tree and dollar rocks from the Dollar Tree. And now I'm fancy as All Get Out - not like the Dollar Tree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ2UGXJoRTRPNmhLWIu1kAcg9WbabG3l2HpbfncoHwKRKJ1zatVWRU9KdQG8yn113IZoW6UT2bQBkZq3uIhMb8zaIMf74TmEDp59xSRfEzITdmiPX0T006gnWZAZNwlQO-dRbuxFwkmfq/s1600/IMG_4013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ2UGXJoRTRPNmhLWIu1kAcg9WbabG3l2HpbfncoHwKRKJ1zatVWRU9KdQG8yn113IZoW6UT2bQBkZq3uIhMb8zaIMf74TmEDp59xSRfEzITdmiPX0T006gnWZAZNwlQO-dRbuxFwkmfq/s640/IMG_4013.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The vases in the back are a little taller than the front vases. I really like that they are not all the same. The back vase on the left holds face makeup. The back vase on the right holds eyeshadow. The front vase on the left holds mascara and eyeshadow brushes. The front vase on the right holds foundation and blush brushes. I don't feel like I have a lot of make-up supplies. Do you have more? Less? I don't even store my lipstick here because I own exactly 3 shades and I keep them all in my purse. So I guess I'm not all that fancy, but when I look at this, I feel very glamorous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbRFNExYeJ5BKSTkQuR7C-NvhKL-oY4xFlFlm1k06dZIOUiUU7y8uuz8YrY-LgCJVUtPeklXQyoQsXzdVmItRhQN8he5EzLYv7f3Yl0jLbf0i37Wh8_Ha_RyM4Yw3_8ofBLht3GRhENOq/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbRFNExYeJ5BKSTkQuR7C-NvhKL-oY4xFlFlm1k06dZIOUiUU7y8uuz8YrY-LgCJVUtPeklXQyoQsXzdVmItRhQN8he5EzLYv7f3Yl0jLbf0i37Wh8_Ha_RyM4Yw3_8ofBLht3GRhENOq/s640/IMG_3772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put all the vases on a mosaic tray I made long, long ago. Along with some Ikea bamboo, my favorite body spray of all time - Cucumber Melon, and a gold bird from Hobby Lobby.</div>
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I'm slowly redoing my master bath in a spa-like theme - white, black, bamboo-light-brown, green, and gold. The rocks and clear vases are perfect. And the tray makes it all seem more deliberate. </div>
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I love this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoidC3g0vGRUtnLwiDFSulY6-nGwot8Nm3PARSDhEYX9m5lJHH-jLHz2OwqA3TvdbTURzOPXc8vRC9AiYVm6BDhNsB8qxNPDI02dLrYHqCXLsGmcmx2bd1yZ_f2EhiQt6TL3HFk9MtALx7/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoidC3g0vGRUtnLwiDFSulY6-nGwot8Nm3PARSDhEYX9m5lJHH-jLHz2OwqA3TvdbTURzOPXc8vRC9AiYVm6BDhNsB8qxNPDI02dLrYHqCXLsGmcmx2bd1yZ_f2EhiQt6TL3HFk9MtALx7/s640/IMG_3774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Enchilada Casserole</div>
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I pinned <a href="http://www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com/?p=3352">this recipe</a> because I love All Things Mexican Food. I changed only a couple of things. I used ground turkey instead of ground beef. I hate doing that, but I do it anyway because it's more healthful. And boring. But the casserole was still yum yum delicious! Oh, and I also used corn tortillas instead of flour because I disagree with flour tortillas in casseroles. That's right. I said it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gVdqXhjlEcrGqe9_aO_cj6SISaXASEhKKn8NrPzw9vtmZEklAYR3LGb3CF7doVXIMj8V-Hb_L94tgl7YSR6AEvYrD3hUKQmQjTsRSFu7QiwC3LhWlECFT4tvIk4Pb69R8GbGuGv490MZ/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gVdqXhjlEcrGqe9_aO_cj6SISaXASEhKKn8NrPzw9vtmZEklAYR3LGb3CF7doVXIMj8V-Hb_L94tgl7YSR6AEvYrD3hUKQmQjTsRSFu7QiwC3LhWlECFT4tvIk4Pb69R8GbGuGv490MZ/s640/IMG_3778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and it definitely isn't in the directions, but having a <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/star-wars-storm-trooper-flexible-spatula/?catalogId=38&cm_src=AutoRel">Storm Trooper spatula</a> definitely adds to the happiness factor while serving the casserole. I know. He's awesome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM30nRVD015jESMUTYnPsmBE2WMa-XEUvlVRrB1pDVbh0kVyeI_IFiH5A7gq62Y9GoYygoHtWqu2QFRkrUYT0yuMWYpYGMIF7zu-45YSiYQjJOTtFml6F9A-a9WOSZH9nr3SokaknD6mzK/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM30nRVD015jESMUTYnPsmBE2WMa-XEUvlVRrB1pDVbh0kVyeI_IFiH5A7gq62Y9GoYygoHtWqu2QFRkrUYT0yuMWYpYGMIF7zu-45YSiYQjJOTtFml6F9A-a9WOSZH9nr3SokaknD6mzK/s640/IMG_3781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Serve away, Storm Trooper. Serve away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyW-XaF0QYleKwgldRoS63oW8Grp0tNQN5jP67vyR3zuxkHScDpY-ycEv8XV4k8b_MGnvyCohRNbi97scPtn4kgchmvh2t9XsCMj6qdo7GbX5PENJlZVxJIU_uzzzD-IZv-1ieosTX8O/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyW-XaF0QYleKwgldRoS63oW8Grp0tNQN5jP67vyR3zuxkHScDpY-ycEv8XV4k8b_MGnvyCohRNbi97scPtn4kgchmvh2t9XsCMj6qdo7GbX5PENJlZVxJIU_uzzzD-IZv-1ieosTX8O/s640/IMG_3784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then I had to smother that thing with all my favorite Mexican Food toppings - cilantro, shredded lettuce, green onions, avocado, tomatoes, sour cream, and Tapatio! I like the extra freshness and texture it all adds. Plus, this way I don't have to serve a salad or vegetable on the side. As if I would ever do that anyway. </div>
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And, just as a side note, you can't just say Tapatio in my house, you have to yell it. Like this: TAP A TIOOO! Do it. You'll like it. It's totally fun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T2lHPDuhEH1LuO6WkvxYq7nPjlZ5AQ1-XtKwDUfqzZL36BOkONvyDo4Q31AznI5qaMHxGkgtoIsGLwYsQUPROCsuDQuj26MnXeNPENJAFb1QIspw41GtI1waSkSRTLGqRZWKe7xXfUXC/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T2lHPDuhEH1LuO6WkvxYq7nPjlZ5AQ1-XtKwDUfqzZL36BOkONvyDo4Q31AznI5qaMHxGkgtoIsGLwYsQUPROCsuDQuj26MnXeNPENJAFb1QIspw41GtI1waSkSRTLGqRZWKe7xXfUXC/s640/IMG_3786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Don't forget the jalapeños!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WIEKqm2ybDBsu3eXdMC45Qcr24N9pNSgo76_lbGVXF8XFde-gRzf0KXNQQyH6XJNtQ4C1-b8KVRlXKNxJa6p4WwRo57_Td53BKQUMWMn4EkzAOsUAcyZTBDUMjY_KrKOaJxoSUgJvOGj/s1600/IMG_3788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WIEKqm2ybDBsu3eXdMC45Qcr24N9pNSgo76_lbGVXF8XFde-gRzf0KXNQQyH6XJNtQ4C1-b8KVRlXKNxJa6p4WwRo57_Td53BKQUMWMn4EkzAOsUAcyZTBDUMjY_KrKOaJxoSUgJvOGj/s640/IMG_3788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seriously delicious.</div>
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3 projects down, 5,000 to go. Take that! And that! And that! Yes, I do still have the karate skills from the class I took when I was 5 years old.</div>
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Way to go, Pinterest. I love you.</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-28991477531789008662012-05-22T01:01:00.002-05:002012-05-22T01:05:31.828-05:00Fish Aquarium Classroom Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanna rock right now</div>
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I'm a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Fish Aquarium</a> and I came to get down</div>
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I'm not internationally known</div>
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But I'm known to rock the cool classroom.</div>
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That totally does not rhyme.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IBRbzf3Fws&feature=related">Hit it!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAygu6KZfI4qUEYFsLM-fFi8nHRe9ToXriLBvCeo33SHmjlqpkcDjuD4gt3qEqe07Z0pB6Rm8YwRh5sztkEndSI3PiP8em-eq-9X5b_IoRLnYhlrkwmac7QZTs13kl4W3h93e2wAnT3lF/s1600/il_fullxfull.195876900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAygu6KZfI4qUEYFsLM-fFi8nHRe9ToXriLBvCeo33SHmjlqpkcDjuD4gt3qEqe07Z0pB6Rm8YwRh5sztkEndSI3PiP8em-eq-9X5b_IoRLnYhlrkwmac7QZTs13kl4W3h93e2wAnT3lF/s640/il_fullxfull.195876900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That song NEVER gets old. Picture me dancing like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY_DF2Af3LM">Elaine on Seinfeld</a> while I rock it out and you've got yourself the real life visual.</div>
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Except when I said I'm not internationally known, I really meant that the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Fish Aquarium Classroom Kit</a> is NOW OFFICIALLY INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN. As in there is a classroom full of kids on an American Army base in SOUTH KOREA who are currently creating 14 Fish Aquariums using the supplies of this super awesome classroom kit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiZ7z9wxWzDzjmOWOZj7dxeCCtUeTmo96wlsJSOnLXBEbSI4xgYpaK_HlEJzWp_fTT3_YdNUoknPdBknyyyaoWdB0ihzaIsUFKRKlRU6VIwE0gJuu9X88DntpE74h-bO8ePUsskAWgMpM/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiZ7z9wxWzDzjmOWOZj7dxeCCtUeTmo96wlsJSOnLXBEbSI4xgYpaK_HlEJzWp_fTT3_YdNUoknPdBknyyyaoWdB0ihzaIsUFKRKlRU6VIwE0gJuu9X88DntpE74h-bO8ePUsskAWgMpM/s640/IMG_3531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This teacher only has 14 students in her classroom, but I can make a classroom kit for as many students as you have.</div>
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All the supplies are packed up in this reusable scrapbook paper box. You can use it again and again. Store your leftover art supplies in it. Or your calming aromatherapy oils. Or your candy and cookie stash. I used to be a teacher. I don't judge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKlY5z4wDr2NdRxRrTBZY1-nOqW0ctvyBG6UkpgDkHM6oQ8FCHVlUVp-FSwFKbLS3YdlmW61C2UbzNeR6MoOThTUelHKR7BpH80xnn-oWpIcMCyWrI2wgT9sre5JWEauQykS7aY0B4oK2/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKlY5z4wDr2NdRxRrTBZY1-nOqW0ctvyBG6UkpgDkHM6oQ8FCHVlUVp-FSwFKbLS3YdlmW61C2UbzNeR6MoOThTUelHKR7BpH80xnn-oWpIcMCyWrI2wgT9sre5JWEauQykS7aY0B4oK2/s640/IMG_3529.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Want to see inside?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ9oahteNzrx7-Zj57cpIGXBz6j-UYUnWXUnrZKMRxIs4whOKQPRAVC-BcJCQNm-OFH_2qgVBXKNR4wl1f4Ia-lNEia7PNTuQmp7Osah0g5TiXwtpcFoXdThJvCJe6CL4rcboG8vxvHBA/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ9oahteNzrx7-Zj57cpIGXBz6j-UYUnWXUnrZKMRxIs4whOKQPRAVC-BcJCQNm-OFH_2qgVBXKNR4wl1f4Ia-lNEia7PNTuQmp7Osah0g5TiXwtpcFoXdThJvCJe6CL4rcboG8vxvHBA/s640/IMG_3511.JPG" width="562" /></a></div>
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Ooh wee T-Shane! That's a lot of stuff! </div>
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Paint and glue and paper plates and preprinted fish parts (that the students will cut - it's great scissor practice!) and sand and shells and crushed shells and seaweed and the list goes on and on! All you need to supply is scissors. Easy peasy!</div>
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Hey parents! You know what? Even though this is a classroom kit, you could also use it for a party craft. Super fun. Super cute. I do all the work. You get all the credit. Superstaaaa! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCtedHbNWnYPiEECpqPoQgi2pwnTa0VNV2i-0R7Ng0n_zngVe0YDN7xgE21eBfihhgRhA9_UQLgbqe_msdCzEdLE0iIseAv6t9Q-OYywvLIKRq6hp_n3gggpK9RnCcsNn_BijyaY-jDcl/s1600/IMG_3498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCtedHbNWnYPiEECpqPoQgi2pwnTa0VNV2i-0R7Ng0n_zngVe0YDN7xgE21eBfihhgRhA9_UQLgbqe_msdCzEdLE0iIseAv6t9Q-OYywvLIKRq6hp_n3gggpK9RnCcsNn_BijyaY-jDcl/s640/IMG_3498.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And see how those little bags tell you how much of each supply to give each kid? You could do this in your sleep! Which is good, because if you're a teacher, you're probably not getting much sleep anyway.<br />
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Bonus! I've included lots of extra scrapbook paper fish parts so that the kids will have a variety of colors and patterns to choose from. If you want to actually let them choose, well, that's up to you. :)<br />
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Did I forget to mention that I wrap it all up with some yarn? Eh? I KNOW! Totally amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJyGuqjQ9ukAecqQevo-9HPERtXuhhO7ispYA7Lwndi-rGQWuynSQkXAGdGOzdODe2Z_t5QbqDmgb6Ow950xtoE_HDPwMyaq5ngt9Fsp2udWoZAzGWMSRHae9yEtFl-77VBIDIbh9nBDb/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJyGuqjQ9ukAecqQevo-9HPERtXuhhO7ispYA7Lwndi-rGQWuynSQkXAGdGOzdODe2Z_t5QbqDmgb6Ow950xtoE_HDPwMyaq5ngt9Fsp2udWoZAzGWMSRHae9yEtFl-77VBIDIbh9nBDb/s640/IMG_3713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy classroom crafting!</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-13486079998493347802012-05-14T23:33:00.002-05:002012-05-14T23:33:29.142-05:00You Totally Want To See My Vacation Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here's what we did.</div>
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We drove a gazillion hours:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlbpGjkKbZe1Cp4J7zKblbbPxL540ariy4b51Yft0xLwdPjkojMsiw34xBWpDlv_FzJyYO_BBwfJxYg5WHSIFMHmAKh3zNIOx8kNS4aNRvTbI2Vrdv70keE4i54C3Zq3hS5g4Wzobe_H/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlbpGjkKbZe1Cp4J7zKblbbPxL540ariy4b51Yft0xLwdPjkojMsiw34xBWpDlv_FzJyYO_BBwfJxYg5WHSIFMHmAKh3zNIOx8kNS4aNRvTbI2Vrdv70keE4i54C3Zq3hS5g4Wzobe_H/s640/IMG_3319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then we went through this tunnel:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa9NuAygLxEQ0FlAYwTnCKZBCRd3ofjlAlolxUVzqVbJVk98bP8pRTGlcbq88g8YVUlpHlqToaiuYASyA9mYYhR3R6mOvvvZXBbTtuXofK0BLYQCw6k1TYFCYKtITkxRXOwS175oH0UiU/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa9NuAygLxEQ0FlAYwTnCKZBCRd3ofjlAlolxUVzqVbJVk98bP8pRTGlcbq88g8YVUlpHlqToaiuYASyA9mYYhR3R6mOvvvZXBbTtuXofK0BLYQCw6k1TYFCYKtITkxRXOwS175oH0UiU/s640/IMG_3328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then we saw this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXIoGlAKZ3xlR99YktQNtyNEXb4RAU5DARHtBsKmbiXr7nxOTQ9bTQxWWDqGHix411nMWnR6h_NNt_5EqAi3RKiG37FZ2ITMDUN4TLRKTvRrA7pnUm67XTkujyWFd32zbhPPLjU06jkd7/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXIoGlAKZ3xlR99YktQNtyNEXb4RAU5DARHtBsKmbiXr7nxOTQ9bTQxWWDqGHix411nMWnR6h_NNt_5EqAi3RKiG37FZ2ITMDUN4TLRKTvRrA7pnUm67XTkujyWFd32zbhPPLjU06jkd7/s640/IMG_3002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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YOSEMITE!</div>
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Half Dome:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mMGr-lJZzj-kP2WkNIMQIOg95LMWlz0FCrWl_6Hi06x7YXqpgoGvJ7oCp6GlqLCxQHoub29LcYLeKdtLFCkgf6B4mb_ASrock4UfqGVMMvwwG9F1fqti2PNcoy_iqOtFv5DbtUVLytfM/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mMGr-lJZzj-kP2WkNIMQIOg95LMWlz0FCrWl_6Hi06x7YXqpgoGvJ7oCp6GlqLCxQHoub29LcYLeKdtLFCkgf6B4mb_ASrock4UfqGVMMvwwG9F1fqti2PNcoy_iqOtFv5DbtUVLytfM/s640/IMG_3015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dogwood flowers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBQC1vbySJV-mfgtAXsqG6l9bWLDxUnXyYRLhEcaNvQcCn0IaMhFs2GTF2ZZ7DsPBGtlFhjWZQjRqboLtS7MF0ZEhLW9HyYKbtDIfrW1pnrgaSllgNR8-r1UUzHrJti54pgYyughYEsyh/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBQC1vbySJV-mfgtAXsqG6l9bWLDxUnXyYRLhEcaNvQcCn0IaMhFs2GTF2ZZ7DsPBGtlFhjWZQjRqboLtS7MF0ZEhLW9HyYKbtDIfrW1pnrgaSllgNR8-r1UUzHrJti54pgYyughYEsyh/s640/IMG_3163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They're so pretty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlg-m2md_bMAq6jEj-y52jJD0AWBf2r0vJxYEEHeW72C4-SllIu6xlOTWY9xFf6BcDDNp4mwMpJD7mzLRerI0M9rC07Wsvk2hv-LLrH_5rWq0MXpRZpUeqaYFREp34DMuPRrxEN3wRynx/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlg-m2md_bMAq6jEj-y52jJD0AWBf2r0vJxYEEHeW72C4-SllIu6xlOTWY9xFf6BcDDNp4mwMpJD7mzLRerI0M9rC07Wsvk2hv-LLrH_5rWq0MXpRZpUeqaYFREp34DMuPRrxEN3wRynx/s640/IMG_3017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMeh_x5MaXeOHS7SZAJqPS8CyxteR_57z7tgecd9fOikzl1Lw9R0pQLSR_JWwGKuUeocT3Xuib44m6aKP5D22R-6cvnrkC-3I4kSx901K0We7D5VyqrNWqgHi_rCq5jh9HJYp4HzvXSs5/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMeh_x5MaXeOHS7SZAJqPS8CyxteR_57z7tgecd9fOikzl1Lw9R0pQLSR_JWwGKuUeocT3Xuib44m6aKP5D22R-6cvnrkC-3I4kSx901K0We7D5VyqrNWqgHi_rCq5jh9HJYp4HzvXSs5/s640/IMG_3062.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lower Yosemite Falls:</div>
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The Merced River:</div>
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Happy Isles:</div>
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Bridal Veil Fall:</div>
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Where you can get soaking wet!</div>
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And you'll never believe it, but this is where we camped:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeeocd8KAH5GLXSV003mY0HmRPUTLJHnE6xQTqxUPpjTSDC5h7Nn3jcVG3zwpKd_igbHk2OCE47PwfJNIJkcRgFxpAsnSNkxMiL9SNpC2gzaI-DWQQ-Jrv932ySZrIoFOuouAeKEuu-NQ/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeeocd8KAH5GLXSV003mY0HmRPUTLJHnE6xQTqxUPpjTSDC5h7Nn3jcVG3zwpKd_igbHk2OCE47PwfJNIJkcRgFxpAsnSNkxMiL9SNpC2gzaI-DWQQ-Jrv932ySZrIoFOuouAeKEuu-NQ/s640/IMG_3287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, so beautiful!</div>
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I've never been the biggest fan of camping (or a fan AT ALL for that matter), but this... </div>
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This I love.</div>
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Especially since I got to be there with my family. </div>
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But not just my little family. </div>
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My family AND my mom and her husband, my brother, <a href="http://mythirdtruelove.blogspot.com/">sister-in-law</a>, and their kids. </div>
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It was a big, fun group!</div>
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Bonus! We even got to see this little sweetie as we began to drive home:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIG-2WTSfh5hYvlGUaCMsPrM8MoWip4MMGbZuZ9Bb171yraxdFkID-sb_ZEEuDs95bl-by4_ZHz_6n3MjqitV3qu9LnxISWUitVfYYg7W8sEjJ4pxQiiHH5QKdMoIsg0pH-kQLX78ZSG_/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIG-2WTSfh5hYvlGUaCMsPrM8MoWip4MMGbZuZ9Bb171yraxdFkID-sb_ZEEuDs95bl-by4_ZHz_6n3MjqitV3qu9LnxISWUitVfYYg7W8sEjJ4pxQiiHH5QKdMoIsg0pH-kQLX78ZSG_/s640/IMG_3308.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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The perfect ending to a wonderful camping trip! </div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-7188398386869898522012-05-03T22:42:00.002-05:002012-05-03T22:42:59.771-05:00Morning Glory MuffinsYeah. So ummmm... Morning Glory Muffins.<br />
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Have you heard of these things? Because I saw them on pinterest and when I googled them to investigate a little further it turns out that everyone AND their grandmothers have been making these muffins since the dawn of time. How have I never heard of them?<i> I</i> like muffins!<i> I</i> want to eat muffins! Why am I not in the MORNING GLORY FREAKIN' MUFFIN LOOP? WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HERE? I guess I'm a gonna have to find my own way around from now on. I feel so ALOOONE! That's okay. I don't need anything! Except this! All I need is this ashtray. And this paddle game. And this remote control... That's all I need! Not one other thing! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbI5zcB8Ac">Not one...I need this!</a><br />
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And I need these these carrots. And this apple. And this crushed pineapple. And this coconut. And these walnuts.<br />
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Anyway. Morning Glory Muffins. I made them. I loved them. I changed the recipe a bit to make them a little more healthful. I STILL loved them. And there you go.<br />
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<b>Morning Glory Muffins</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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1 cup all-purpose flour</div>
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1 cup whole wheat flour</div>
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1 1/4 cups white sugar</div>
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</div>
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2 teaspoons baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/2 cup shredded, sweetened coconut</div>
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1 large apple, cored and chopped (peel it or not, who cares?)</div>
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1 cup (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained</div>
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2 cups grated carrots</div>
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1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup vegetable oil</div>
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1/2 cup applesauce</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract </div>
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A note about the ingredients:</div>
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If you don't like something, leave it out. They'll still be really good! Unless you don't like flour. Or eggs. You kind of need those things. Or baking soda. Or...</div>
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You get the point. Most of the Morning Glory recipes I found had raisins. I don't like raisins. Mine don't have raisins because I like to boss my muffins around.</div>
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Maybe this is why no one ever told me about Morning Glory muffins. Because I'd start messing with stuff. </div>
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Oh, and I ran out of vanilla last time I made these, so I subbed in rum extract instead. Delicious. </div>
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Hand grating carrots takes FOREVER. So if you decide take the trouble to bring out your food processor with the grater attachment to speed up the grating, you might as well use it to grate the apples, too. No one will know!</div>
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<b>Make It:</b></div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pans with paper liners and set aside.</div>
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In a large bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.</div>
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Stir in coconut, apple, pineapple, carrots, and walnuts. </div>
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In a small bowl whisk together eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix well.</div>
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Spoon batter into muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.</div>
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Makes 18 muffins.</div>
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Seriously. How cute are those cupcake liners? I KNOW! I got them at Michael's. For cheap. </div>
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Ooh! Do you want to see the inside? See that huge walnut piece? Fantastic!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR1rWQY0lr6W8nNrpQj169gtUL_WyOmlOmCVMOE0cJj9QFIQG1LSMAT4HqrpeSEj0y1HbDRjUYVvZsIYX28LPFKgE_5pfXTXQFhJfWGxXpQN9XXNUogqgMctrEGnyKaUwKqW2MSyUA6dx/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR1rWQY0lr6W8nNrpQj169gtUL_WyOmlOmCVMOE0cJj9QFIQG1LSMAT4HqrpeSEj0y1HbDRjUYVvZsIYX28LPFKgE_5pfXTXQFhJfWGxXpQN9XXNUogqgMctrEGnyKaUwKqW2MSyUA6dx/s640/IMG_2903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Might as well do it the right way. </div>
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With butter.</div>
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OH TO THE YUM.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJx1qtYxENYmIxDivj_Obf7OvKQ3f0QxqLBzzu201EP7dpblwf743BoHRHYOSQAB1wfammu_6R75bZb5H52q9CQ-SNKlQrM6XhD8d5ej7ZE-hx-gXeSdqboISN2FNtn2ZaJ0lcqtaV_tO/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJx1qtYxENYmIxDivj_Obf7OvKQ3f0QxqLBzzu201EP7dpblwf743BoHRHYOSQAB1wfammu_6R75bZb5H52q9CQ-SNKlQrM6XhD8d5ej7ZE-hx-gXeSdqboISN2FNtn2ZaJ0lcqtaV_tO/s640/IMG_2917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-34208627949099172992012-04-26T01:09:00.000-05:002012-04-26T01:19:26.269-05:00So...I Painted Something.But I'm not quite sure what it is.<br />
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When <a href="http://mythirdtruelove.blogspot.com/">Ali</a> took me to the Long Beach Flea Market a few weekends ago, I saw this layered wood / relief art / 3D thing. It was broken. That arch piece laying on its side is supposed to be layered on top of the other two arches. An easy fix, so I wasn't really bothered by it. And, because it was broken, I was able to buy it for only $5!<br />
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Would anyone else would have wanted it anyway? Probably not. It's quite an odd piece.<br />
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But there is just something about it that I love. I'm sure it's because it looks like some kind of cathedral town / market square type of scene. Ever since I read <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/02/im-paint-distressing-wimp.html">The Pillars of the Earth</a>, I have special kind of love for cathedrals and arches and monks.<br />
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It's a beautiful, quiet, peaceful, and calming scene.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v1c98oWFDrEWPWshD3RwpO0dXtYQNWB893VDjPXE_UqifIRl6cQIxuHkYaj6sijn8sfwrrDKPY2YT4F8Ctf_7Xn_2Shd6vM3KtP8CrsGB-M0C2frWSu3C440-1PidudLVrS7iv81cJWV/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v1c98oWFDrEWPWshD3RwpO0dXtYQNWB893VDjPXE_UqifIRl6cQIxuHkYaj6sijn8sfwrrDKPY2YT4F8Ctf_7Xn_2Shd6vM3KtP8CrsGB-M0C2frWSu3C440-1PidudLVrS7iv81cJWV/s640/IMG_2784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But who are they? Maybe Muslim priests? What do you think?<br />
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Anyway, it's definitely not some fancy heirloom piece. The wood is thin and cheap. When I tried to clean up all that dust, this guy's ankle totally broke. It was a clean break and it popped right back into place. Phew! These priests are tough!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjbmWpqdat-PFHMsfd7cGvWORAvzvcBcfY3QphTpqFAr0UAIo1i1onyyyj3NOFr2PpatzmE6MQcPI1whjiooRkQBUAOFEhrVpBkzLtDMnaNxAIVy8Lo9d4E5aNOgvnBgAhl_ljtLHipAv/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjbmWpqdat-PFHMsfd7cGvWORAvzvcBcfY3QphTpqFAr0UAIo1i1onyyyj3NOFr2PpatzmE6MQcPI1whjiooRkQBUAOFEhrVpBkzLtDMnaNxAIVy8Lo9d4E5aNOgvnBgAhl_ljtLHipAv/s640/IMG_2788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the scene, I never said I loved the wood. Time to paint!</div>
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I started by spray painting the whole thing white.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwppZzyesMZdVpIYpCdKssZsr3nKcu0LwX_WZ2BVhv_Ax5HXQ4cYt0-XP3z1AVgLnVDtZ1naz_TptMP9edcXPvOF8cZWhIIVMmRmTOXAEvcI8qLOCr1g1abzJy5oU8HA_Fp6C_aO3wPYS/s1600/IMG_2791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwppZzyesMZdVpIYpCdKssZsr3nKcu0LwX_WZ2BVhv_Ax5HXQ4cYt0-XP3z1AVgLnVDtZ1naz_TptMP9edcXPvOF8cZWhIIVMmRmTOXAEvcI8qLOCr1g1abzJy5oU8HA_Fp6C_aO3wPYS/s640/IMG_2791.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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Then I added a little color. Or a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJAWTu46-d88wDYb_uTd4D8Ntz_Pj6u6RS4a5tcoPAuTrazf3_Kbqvchsz9yeJdtoPq70y1SZdaXU-mJOgrf5-t9Y-R3lvEO35EE2tPGV-sZrRHiuIgw6FFE3HlVT0TDavygoSC6YAZI/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJAWTu46-d88wDYb_uTd4D8Ntz_Pj6u6RS4a5tcoPAuTrazf3_Kbqvchsz9yeJdtoPq70y1SZdaXU-mJOgrf5-t9Y-R3lvEO35EE2tPGV-sZrRHiuIgw6FFE3HlVT0TDavygoSC6YAZI/s640/IMG_2828.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now it's still beautiful and quiet and peaceful...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YEKo5xmvIMM8fxpznEHKGugs8eWmex1ABNaJ860_3KC9A3C9X3CX1dG7mDCRqQco8uZrNDLLWYkm7_BksYXI-T8QKF6j4vEAYepQjivXvKLXv7ZLYXv2lwNe-78pqlkIei4sdq6JN9WX/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YEKo5xmvIMM8fxpznEHKGugs8eWmex1ABNaJ860_3KC9A3C9X3CX1dG7mDCRqQco8uZrNDLLWYkm7_BksYXI-T8QKF6j4vEAYepQjivXvKLXv7ZLYXv2lwNe-78pqlkIei4sdq6JN9WX/s640/IMG_2827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Only now it's a little extra colorful and happy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikd5ktIEGeUC-KKpqdxeEvleP4i801nFOvppm9DkgAVj0gFb5HHxOOOEX6I0DHH0rch6MmcCYMtHujkOjluQBTkjho-L2UixkTFRPf6WI-zkkgpshh1ALdzjKrXvg9PykRPntDwbV58y29/s1600/IMG_2822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikd5ktIEGeUC-KKpqdxeEvleP4i801nFOvppm9DkgAVj0gFb5HHxOOOEX6I0DHH0rch6MmcCYMtHujkOjluQBTkjho-L2UixkTFRPf6WI-zkkgpshh1ALdzjKrXvg9PykRPntDwbV58y29/s640/IMG_2822.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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I love it!!!</div>
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<br />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-77459834970471397762012-04-18T23:53:00.002-05:002012-04-19T00:39:49.263-05:00Gnome and Mushroom Banner Craft Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
YAY! I just created a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">brand spanking new craft kit</a>! It's about time, I know!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmMY8FN5p0IboU3C_6v4yMnggBu7cYof99zxDqvFEhRJCvDhiradKoA9Hs7E2EusBggNhJ97M12E7C8hybV_utwBOp-wvxYqe-zZXye06O0QFwnpMKsUAoIkGzP0aKutdnq-x1Eu6JjbI/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmMY8FN5p0IboU3C_6v4yMnggBu7cYof99zxDqvFEhRJCvDhiradKoA9Hs7E2EusBggNhJ97M12E7C8hybV_utwBOp-wvxYqe-zZXye06O0QFwnpMKsUAoIkGzP0aKutdnq-x1Eu6JjbI/s640/IMG_2403.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's how it all started. I lived in California. I didn't care about gnomes. It's sad, but true. I'm a little ashamed.<br />
I moved to Iowa and I went to Reiman Gardens where they had <a href="http://smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2010/04/gnomes-are-coming.html">this traveling exhibit.</a> And I fell in love with gnomes.<br />
Then I moved back to California. I seriously needed some gnomes in my life so I created this gnome kit. It only took me two years. Because I'm really speedy like that. The end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Gnomies!</a> And mushroom homes for shelter, of course!<br />
Here's what you get!<br />
3 boy gnomes!<br />
3 girl gnomes!<br />
6 mushrooms!<br />
And enough jute twine to string them all together to make the sweetest dang banner you ever did see!<br />
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And I'll even send you a page full of exclamation points if you didn't get enough just now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq09BaW19RxJU0HfKW2rY36a24V4idHhLbgNqeCJFyKzNzAjq4R5L2DHcmm8TmPYpTLEvvBgf1zPT2DTAGBFwM6eLuczQjulUiXUrHKklu9OdDr8K9NyhmSpYLqSOGiC6VSo3PDZx4nb8K/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq09BaW19RxJU0HfKW2rY36a24V4idHhLbgNqeCJFyKzNzAjq4R5L2DHcmm8TmPYpTLEvvBgf1zPT2DTAGBFwM6eLuczQjulUiXUrHKklu9OdDr8K9NyhmSpYLqSOGiC6VSo3PDZx4nb8K/s640/IMG_2461.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The boy gnomes come with lots of choices of fancy scrapbook paper shirts and pants and beards. And bling just in case your gnome wants a sparkle beard. It might just give him the boost he needs to pick up some gnome chicks. Who knows? Help a gnomie out!</div>
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The girl gnomes come with lots of choices of fancy scrapbook paper dresses and aprons and curly rick rack ribbon hair. And bling just in case your gnome wants sparkly hair. And, really, what girl gnome doesn't want sparkly hair? It brings the magic I tell you!</div>
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The mushrooms come with lots of choices of fancy scrapbook paper mushroom caps and stems and wide fancy stripes. And cute little doors and windows that don't even open and are way too small for the gnomes to actually use. Whatever! Maybe they can use their magic or something. Don't give me any grief, gnomes! Make it work!</div>
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You will only need scissors for this kit. It's great scissor practice for kids to cut out the preprinted, colorful, and simple scrapbook paper and cardstock shapes. And, besides, cutting the shapes is relaxing, easy, and it provides great quality time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE0t5seKbTZL9odlCxHemcjm52-ZabGyHf5YpE4KkkvVrOFi_dJ0k6SqZxRynk-1hB7eNAT-eiOZ_Zj9hyphenhyphenj4YGErJsKbTxD24lworZum97XT6_UbtMnuieYo2T0HNcF5-Xwhtxw0yAdzX/s1600/IMG_2436+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE0t5seKbTZL9odlCxHemcjm52-ZabGyHf5YpE4KkkvVrOFi_dJ0k6SqZxRynk-1hB7eNAT-eiOZ_Zj9hyphenhyphenj4YGErJsKbTxD24lworZum97XT6_UbtMnuieYo2T0HNcF5-Xwhtxw0yAdzX/s640/IMG_2436+-+Version+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And! I've also included <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">decorative ribbons, hand-punched paper flowers and butterflies, sparkly sequins, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">colorful buttons, and scrapbook paper shapes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Oh! And rosy cheeks! I almost forgot about the rosy cheeks!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qolxvbeLrOD1OfiT3WZ_Ru3-kCQPcrIPZR0hkIC6Q8hDtZvX5DzvPiF4JzwnXFZkFmzRQ_UyMDrpI3IoVFaCsbe-sMZUvlkde34UCOMkQgUA_5nV4EGHzZWxciYghaa8VVQhf4pOG5qx/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qolxvbeLrOD1OfiT3WZ_Ru3-kCQPcrIPZR0hkIC6Q8hDtZvX5DzvPiF4JzwnXFZkFmzRQ_UyMDrpI3IoVFaCsbe-sMZUvlkde34UCOMkQgUA_5nV4EGHzZWxciYghaa8VVQhf4pOG5qx/s640/IMG_2435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is a lot of cuteness.<br />
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Not that you need an excuse to bring gnomes into your life, they do bring magic and good fortune, after all.<br />
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BUT!<br />
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This kit would also be perfect to decorate a woodland-themed party. Or you could have the party guests create their own gnomes to take home as a party favors.<br />
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Or you could make your own gnome family. Have each member of your family make a gnome and a mushroom house - how cute would that be!!!<br />
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I don't know. I might just make a bunch to hang from the ceiling in my closet. So that they can greet me every morning with their magical adorableness. And maybe they can do some cleaning up in there. I mean, if they're just going to be standing around all day. They might as well do something. Get to work, gnomes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw_Z618K3wwHc7Iu-1hjRon_VGdUQgLJjoQiZpVWAwjP8DWxgTitqU4Mhq_9c9fCBQKAXjoWhyphenhyphenP35o9SghM31pWCMLAGXMyG3gf0Rb0uwIdoyV4tFLm8iVaWkKfWbal_DD1GAIUjjxgSO/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw_Z618K3wwHc7Iu-1hjRon_VGdUQgLJjoQiZpVWAwjP8DWxgTitqU4Mhq_9c9fCBQKAXjoWhyphenhyphenP35o9SghM31pWCMLAGXMyG3gf0Rb0uwIdoyV4tFLm8iVaWkKfWbal_DD1GAIUjjxgSO/s640/IMG_2445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway. They come all packaged up in this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjYa4cpUrs0URlI6FJscCBmtASj7AHrg_R2IfYZLl8QpMCx5T17D7EHKvDOB2SkYrz0Uj2tfA-2sgNh-z7nzeERDC1DGA60xVEkkyvShTEmQ9QoMvjvjl12tf9keWXRPlGbOAQVNZ7zaQ/s1600/il_fullxfull.328545833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjYa4cpUrs0URlI6FJscCBmtASj7AHrg_R2IfYZLl8QpMCx5T17D7EHKvDOB2SkYrz0Uj2tfA-2sgNh-z7nzeERDC1DGA60xVEkkyvShTEmQ9QoMvjvjl12tf9keWXRPlGbOAQVNZ7zaQ/s640/il_fullxfull.328545833.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
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Cute, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml2UBUQSiJkqChgtkfhl2afCXRqinYkjqr1EB-hzxg3F0XQzvIVRyX4cHQkijgeAU5sF0GhCOFDuB9OgRYimIeFnSu1kTgprNatW1OisWmz6zAlxQ3bnT0sPp1F1rh_enC0PyjJIFdQZ-/s1600/IMG_2465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml2UBUQSiJkqChgtkfhl2afCXRqinYkjqr1EB-hzxg3F0XQzvIVRyX4cHQkijgeAU5sF0GhCOFDuB9OgRYimIeFnSu1kTgprNatW1OisWmz6zAlxQ3bnT0sPp1F1rh_enC0PyjJIFdQZ-/s640/IMG_2465.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Happy Gnoming!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-82554157708649545892012-04-10T01:07:00.000-05:002012-04-10T01:07:39.837-05:00Clipboards!You knew that I used to be an elementary school teacher, right? I taught 3rd and 5th grades for a few years. Then I had Kid One, and then Kid Two, and then I was outta there. I did love teaching, I did! But you never ever feel like you're doing enough and... Anyway, a story for another day.<br />
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Teaching taught me a zillion bazillion things, one of which is that kids love clipboards. It's a fact. We didn't use them every day, but man oh man, when we did - happy students! And we're not even talking about fancy clipboards. Nope. Just plain, old, boring, cut-off-your-finger if you clip it by accident, survival of the fittest kind.<br />
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Like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAWsEB7-Z3T6ANTOLB7xY13BYSS7VSjhOQJhPlUfInRV8_x9sWngc1K26a-wZaw-1sFQXDXtCfdWMYVAa4caDvWy4b71G6JLQTGLEEDYRaJuu2mAP1RrCVwttwYvqy-3N3e99yoqH-TH8/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAWsEB7-Z3T6ANTOLB7xY13BYSS7VSjhOQJhPlUfInRV8_x9sWngc1K26a-wZaw-1sFQXDXtCfdWMYVAa4caDvWy4b71G6JLQTGLEEDYRaJuu2mAP1RrCVwttwYvqy-3N3e99yoqH-TH8/s640/IMG_2564.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
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So I decided to make some clipboards for the kids in our family for Easter. The kind that are a little less dangerous are also much more expensive, soooo.... It's back to the survival of the fittest kind. Because I'm cheap. So let's hope our kids are of the fittest group.<br />
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Anyway - super easy! I painted just the outside edge of each clipboard, front and back, in each child's favorite color. I didn't want much of the standard clipboard color to show and the clipboards are a little bit taller than the 12 x 12 inch paper I had picked out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWR-xC1B2qkovmJh9ssvPBiRtVG2_AAX9AAx-6ooRDx_xZ67gsWbdyvdaJyZSxC3nocL4vjMjw3bqSZ5XvLDI6dT9HMtxEaljHnwIl3p6NU1Np4lywqTCkgZw_rwEQqLX7HshdU95_bc-/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWR-xC1B2qkovmJh9ssvPBiRtVG2_AAX9AAx-6ooRDx_xZ67gsWbdyvdaJyZSxC3nocL4vjMjw3bqSZ5XvLDI6dT9HMtxEaljHnwIl3p6NU1Np4lywqTCkgZw_rwEQqLX7HshdU95_bc-/s640/IMG_2329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I Mod Podged on the scrapbook papers that I had cut to size. Peyton and Ella wanted to decorate theirs with marker first, so you might see some extra fancy artwork on a couple of the clipboards in the next few pictures. Peyton decorated the back of his with all of our names written in his version of cursive. Adorable. Ella decorated the front of hers with our names and then wrote I LOVE PENNY all over it.<br />
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You may also want to make a template if you want your paper to fit well. But don't take that one single template too seriously. You may need to make several. Because those clips at the top aren't necessarily in the same place on each clipboard. Stupid clips. </div>
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I made one single template, traced all the paper, cut all the paper, began to Mod Podge the paper onto the clipboards, and then! What the What!?! Why is this piece hanging off the clipboard by 1/2 an inch when the others fit perfectly? Cue profanities. I had to recut the piece - see the top left clipboard - so it would fit. It still looks good - maybe even better than the others - but it's the principal of the matter! They should all be the same!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9EeINlqclT1DTGJVv4HhKE-0Bn2LZ1-j-oqlvBG2fDLRxLT1-LuOpl3rCY3ATBcbdmMq051ARXI-7YIIJWOxZmtPiU9o8KDx71ERFC_w4mv_1ldw3CK2SSu8ERNBkBWxB6rSXibBudvb/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9EeINlqclT1DTGJVv4HhKE-0Bn2LZ1-j-oqlvBG2fDLRxLT1-LuOpl3rCY3ATBcbdmMq051ARXI-7YIIJWOxZmtPiU9o8KDx71ERFC_w4mv_1ldw3CK2SSu8ERNBkBWxB6rSXibBudvb/s640/IMG_2348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You will need to find a way to keep the clip open while the Mod Podge dries. I cut in half and twisted up some chenille stems that I had lying around. They worked perfectly. (I took all of these pictures when the Mod Podge was still drying, so if the paper looks a little weird toward the top, that's why.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJTlAdCxIu7R1_zvmSGd9w5HZdcmQ7bPZ6HU59hFkDTmyrGpxMuwrwm9rqtPCog_VNdG09MzpUcwfiwns3a1HPk0C2kAzUxEdB4_1Ftkm-5CdTt8YGEwDY1nHTmefGwqMOj4-G6OBzQU1/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJTlAdCxIu7R1_zvmSGd9w5HZdcmQ7bPZ6HU59hFkDTmyrGpxMuwrwm9rqtPCog_VNdG09MzpUcwfiwns3a1HPk0C2kAzUxEdB4_1Ftkm-5CdTt8YGEwDY1nHTmefGwqMOj4-G6OBzQU1/s640/IMG_2350.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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Ella and Peyton chose their own letter stickers...<br />
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But I got to be the boss of the others.<br />
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And we have one little cousin who isn't in school yet. Since she has yet to learn how to NOT cut off her fingers by using a clipboard, I layered 5 or 6 pieces of pink adhesive-backed felt on hers to protect her sweet little fingers. Just in case.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoLzRzD-Nx_F_RnOKcec4BBx1n1L0SWHnRZP2abDStGxXLAQSLNGVqv_FmrJhXGzW0rleplt3LN7_FNMs9HdE072kkggw5KvDGOmMsMeFsqxdN4byGXKdfu78E_0Eetzd6xpAZTA-s-uB/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoLzRzD-Nx_F_RnOKcec4BBx1n1L0SWHnRZP2abDStGxXLAQSLNGVqv_FmrJhXGzW0rleplt3LN7_FNMs9HdE072kkggw5KvDGOmMsMeFsqxdN4byGXKdfu78E_0Eetzd6xpAZTA-s-uB/s640/IMG_2363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You know what else would have been nice? Spraying each one with a clear glossy finish to protect it. You know what didn't get done because I ran out of time? Spraying each one with a clear glossy finish to protect it.<br />
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But! I did clip some Easter mazes and word searches and little pencil pouches stuffed with Easter pencils and cute erasers and little toys and candy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb5-hCML1OLKeejUaIAKCjBN4d3J1dmVEnqL79V3WNryQEePBHJ9oBrfej2O4sR34LlIJRx8auS41ciZFbG7gCJ3poziW8yxx0FdeZsetPtCAq8MwDacevsoSQClV5-TSDQ2TqPgrNDSR/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb5-hCML1OLKeejUaIAKCjBN4d3J1dmVEnqL79V3WNryQEePBHJ9oBrfej2O4sR34LlIJRx8auS41ciZFbG7gCJ3poziW8yxx0FdeZsetPtCAq8MwDacevsoSQClV5-TSDQ2TqPgrNDSR/s640/IMG_2369.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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Success! My kids use them in their room, on the table, on the floor, in the car and as a MAJOR BONUS, they still have all their fingers intact and it's already been two days!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-81097540915930072202012-04-02T00:45:00.000-05:002012-04-02T00:45:44.263-05:00Spring Canvas - Easter StyleIt was finally time to change up the <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/01/spring-canvas-valentines-day-style.html">Spring Canvas.</a> One week before Easter because I'm super on top of things this year. Judge away.<br />
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So I stripped off the hearts...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbjfd2z9w-lr3F8Wn_E9hek-4f66BLzIEfNtutFUaqV0Vv9687-5pbUTIvriWDCBN0K1VzAIICnwzdJPn9FcQeu-tBwyVKv3kC0K3UnSQVO8-xRMwWPWfk5Cfm-p9HucCWfY-gye_oGfO/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbjfd2z9w-lr3F8Wn_E9hek-4f66BLzIEfNtutFUaqV0Vv9687-5pbUTIvriWDCBN0K1VzAIICnwzdJPn9FcQeu-tBwyVKv3kC0K3UnSQVO8-xRMwWPWfk5Cfm-p9HucCWfY-gye_oGfO/s640/IMG_0986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And got out some eggs...<br />
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And rainbowed them up...</div>
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Who's making all that noise because I'm not paying any attention to her while I take pictures? Oh yeah, this one...</div>
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Oh, Penny. Stretch away, Cuteness.<br />
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Then I threw the canvas back up above the mantel. Ha! I'm so cavalier about it. Let's pretend like that's reality. Like I didn't string and restring fifty different combinations of eggs across that thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVgoIYGn9zHlJkf1iFIOB1bk6AhoSEZIOlYy4h7t4oiXerA5xs45WJtsHcDzme7oMiIaw80KoHI3xTDrKyQtMXZbh1VW4A75W5OyLNtPuQBv03XVp8fy0r818AFVe2ybO09MVavfqwNJT/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVgoIYGn9zHlJkf1iFIOB1bk6AhoSEZIOlYy4h7t4oiXerA5xs45WJtsHcDzme7oMiIaw80KoHI3xTDrKyQtMXZbh1VW4A75W5OyLNtPuQBv03XVp8fy0r818AFVe2ybO09MVavfqwNJT/s640/IMG_2276.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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What's that? You really love that Easter Egg Banner that's strung across my mantel? You really wish you had one for your very own? Hmmm.... I REALLY wish I could help you out. Oh, wait, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">I can</a>! ShaBam!</div>
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Anyway. Back to not plugging my own stuff. You KNOW I have a hard time buying holiday things that are not on after-the-holiday clearance or that I don't have a coupon for. But! Just look at that little lamby! He came from Pier One. This year. Before Easter. Without a coupon. I did exchange something for him, but still! This is a big deal for me. He's totally top-heavy and falls over at least once a day. Totally worth it. I love him.</div>
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Those little eggs in the vase are from The Dollar Tree. I got them today. Because I wanted to take pictures of my canvas and my mantel and I really just needed a bit more color. So I ran down there, spent two bucks on eggs, and ran back (or maybe I drove - it's all a blur). For you! Because that's how much I care! I just cut off the little hanging loops that they came with. And then I piled them into a Dollar Tree vase that I had Gorilla Glued onto a Dollar Tree candlestick holder. Super easy and cheap and I love the color! </div>
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Cute Cute Cute! Good little eggs all lined up. At least something is neat and orderly around here. It's okay. I'll take what I can get.</div>
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Happy Easter!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-80652611759879480342012-03-25T22:32:00.001-05:002012-03-25T23:10:44.398-05:00Easter Egg Banner Craft KitMy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=si_shop">Easter Egg Banner Craft Kit</a> just got a remake! Now it's extra, extra fancy just like we always knew it could be - putting forth its best effort and living up to its potential and all that.<br />
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Kids love it, grown-ups love it, I love it, and I know for certain that the Easter Bunny will leave more presents in your basket if he sees this thing Easterfying your house. It's a known fact. Or, at least, it is in my house. Although our Easter Bunny brings things like <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter.html">paint,</a> so that might not be what you're going for. I just want you to be able to make an informed decision on such an important matter.<br />
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But LOOK!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXHp2PPRy3Wawm19l8RWbJrQWc1R9EmTOaUaaCFDYDL2PyvrAflq38plmVpTKAvuiNR5dW3PXspU0fQyNZ_s36rQ4aJao9rq6NzbozurUN3JqYLUxAz_wxJUgdeRZ-mVa_uq-1Jjt77d0/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXHp2PPRy3Wawm19l8RWbJrQWc1R9EmTOaUaaCFDYDL2PyvrAflq38plmVpTKAvuiNR5dW3PXspU0fQyNZ_s36rQ4aJao9rq6NzbozurUN3JqYLUxAz_wxJUgdeRZ-mVa_uq-1Jjt77d0/s640/IMG_2178.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Look how pretty!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dqr-AV86rB2mt_akGXWjBCDVFRrJCa_-j_7PJlrYU3Ftl3ASa2F2Tp6UNaI2PzWTG7_DvhbZ3UkdiUFkqb5CXjOTzTs8k_xvFJg8ZHxagIpEI2JlAtZjqfa7UlOZRMnR-zXRj_IFMV33/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dqr-AV86rB2mt_akGXWjBCDVFRrJCa_-j_7PJlrYU3Ftl3ASa2F2Tp6UNaI2PzWTG7_DvhbZ3UkdiUFkqb5CXjOTzTs8k_xvFJg8ZHxagIpEI2JlAtZjqfa7UlOZRMnR-zXRj_IFMV33/s640/IMG_2183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Would you like to know about the supplies that come in this kit?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GE3xJaQxjQXa5hRIfnYW2POGb6Q-0-FIDh3104H3D2AmOwVrP7wnErC7OPhJ_VR3NqXnvcUzljHAHXW2ORH1SQdZbfzSkLK5rKbY15CcbfWKvvmWMvbE-dolm7aH4ouyrnrJOnGOIKFT/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GE3xJaQxjQXa5hRIfnYW2POGb6Q-0-FIDh3104H3D2AmOwVrP7wnErC7OPhJ_VR3NqXnvcUzljHAHXW2ORH1SQdZbfzSkLK5rKbY15CcbfWKvvmWMvbE-dolm7aH4ouyrnrJOnGOIKFT/s640/IMG_2182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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WELL! You get:<br />
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12 brightly colored card stock eggs (egg templates, actually. A little extra scissor practice is good for you and your kid!)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W9RSU90_BGm6ILqUeilU3lLFSqABGYd9tA3s3SlOO20QHwrfMbgWUCmS8nvXKZJyfmyYWuywQtS-PLN8tVf-z0wP4AF1YTo4erlgDWCwl6f4Ni0ajkCINapuEscw7_Rf9ZHz7WU6YUr_/s1600/IMG_2173+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W9RSU90_BGm6ILqUeilU3lLFSqABGYd9tA3s3SlOO20QHwrfMbgWUCmS8nvXKZJyfmyYWuywQtS-PLN8tVf-z0wP4AF1YTo4erlgDWCwl6f4Ni0ajkCINapuEscw7_Rf9ZHz7WU6YUr_/s640/IMG_2173+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And lots of fancy paper strips...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUsTpfgDzMEGW3CtjeZ9qeK6i5Q5XILpV9mJKGXFBeQtKksfS_m-AiNfXBKXXRue1Q0UgvEPoi7jMy4FZs7jwRqiSE5t_GpNpIGfqGIhqbzRDj8iPJGrZPGnMxFlhhbCOsCeBGXBLyAzX/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUsTpfgDzMEGW3CtjeZ9qeK6i5Q5XILpV9mJKGXFBeQtKksfS_m-AiNfXBKXXRue1Q0UgvEPoi7jMy4FZs7jwRqiSE5t_GpNpIGfqGIhqbzRDj8iPJGrZPGnMxFlhhbCOsCeBGXBLyAzX/s640/IMG_2156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And rick rack and skinny decorative ribbon...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60KRk74h-YAlV84hMRUL48ljBA3mKipRPU6aLZcx9HDWuEasCKEiFkLPet5W2cEIzuMsVVBbcsL0OjctE__xQcuYboPIpYZzjHVhEkkfqWYleZS4lzyw67NlGwERFoshingnJWpH1KlqU/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60KRk74h-YAlV84hMRUL48ljBA3mKipRPU6aLZcx9HDWuEasCKEiFkLPet5W2cEIzuMsVVBbcsL0OjctE__xQcuYboPIpYZzjHVhEkkfqWYleZS4lzyw67NlGwERFoshingnJWpH1KlqU/s640/IMG_2157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And buttons and sequins...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DXhM0OiRilx62pmCuigbgW7F-qAwDluQgeheTxFnion-9TastzhjD3njZPaE1Eh7fp8CCyEne0Btwafux-BzEZC4eG7jME1lTk6IMwaYjPaiGrLcygZE1Y_V5CHXH-RtIr_7jyTOt-2y/s1600/IMG_2161+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DXhM0OiRilx62pmCuigbgW7F-qAwDluQgeheTxFnion-9TastzhjD3njZPaE1Eh7fp8CCyEne0Btwafux-BzEZC4eG7jME1lTk6IMwaYjPaiGrLcygZE1Y_V5CHXH-RtIr_7jyTOt-2y/s640/IMG_2161+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And rhinestones and hand-punched paper flowers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpqCniBe9oGX517GjYTOAOF1JfYksMgQkwuN1yUSCqy1gfnac-8f9vPXgmEQNQrjoRLq7TF53sHjKOT297O8p8ufc9LAtMkuxi0ehe5vLvvvI8CIc1Vj0IKm0Kg_rDSb6iEC3jagXDHJ/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpqCniBe9oGX517GjYTOAOF1JfYksMgQkwuN1yUSCqy1gfnac-8f9vPXgmEQNQrjoRLq7TF53sHjKOT297O8p8ufc9LAtMkuxi0ehe5vLvvvI8CIc1Vj0IKm0Kg_rDSb6iEC3jagXDHJ/s640/IMG_2169.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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And, of course, enough tacky glue to stick on all the fanciness...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmkw4RKJpSxrZXHqQ7Hn2n0-N6F2qkNKjV8XICrXq6qTznMV1AIhrzWbOrvzhVVvXMZMoMszOqJAUOU9WNGI4mJwCCZnBYHyDa5solU6_f99C31VL6oG947F7DT-Frxmo4FSb6_sLviy5/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmkw4RKJpSxrZXHqQ7Hn2n0-N6F2qkNKjV8XICrXq6qTznMV1AIhrzWbOrvzhVVvXMZMoMszOqJAUOU9WNGI4mJwCCZnBYHyDa5solU6_f99C31VL6oG947F7DT-Frxmo4FSb6_sLviy5/s640/IMG_2161.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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And lots and lots of banner ribbon to string up your eggs in a happy manner. Like so...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH4aFMZ5j9nNLhWAdfKU9jF20U_PclF3t2-RpHLqndkEf4e8Ibd2AQCs7dbaLaDYGo24p9nXgxyZVH-ehFCVuNCGEKV1n26zZUkdS21lhi0pO7M5WEAsn1c47sHmqu3wMEPOBpNPGCk-4/s1600/IMG_2180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH4aFMZ5j9nNLhWAdfKU9jF20U_PclF3t2-RpHLqndkEf4e8Ibd2AQCs7dbaLaDYGo24p9nXgxyZVH-ehFCVuNCGEKV1n26zZUkdS21lhi0pO7M5WEAsn1c47sHmqu3wMEPOBpNPGCk-4/s640/IMG_2180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All packaged in this cuteness...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg8zB22a4ynoS_uILSEvqiLMaqFIAUrxvYWAsHDHJt2Uc38YKO1ABYvitCVIn30pK56nFhPdBzsDzC7H5LJZCsA6tIEsRAHO-MKfihNpVLZJmZHUfYT9fBm5HfsmWQyiIU5SWKiBtEWDj/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg8zB22a4ynoS_uILSEvqiLMaqFIAUrxvYWAsHDHJt2Uc38YKO1ABYvitCVIn30pK56nFhPdBzsDzC7H5LJZCsA6tIEsRAHO-MKfihNpVLZJmZHUfYT9fBm5HfsmWQyiIU5SWKiBtEWDj/s640/IMG_2202.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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Potential achieved!<br />
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Happy Easter Crafting!!!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-48705906635099280062012-03-17T16:00:00.004-05:002012-03-17T16:01:07.965-05:00Vegetable and Goat Cheese SandwichesI LOVE these sandwiches. They're super easy, really flavorful, and you can change them up however you wish.<br />
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Oh, Giada, you had me at goat cheese. The original recipe is <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetable-herb-and-goat-cheese-sandwiches-recipe/index.html">here</a>, but, as usual, I changed it to make my life easier. And I think my version is just as tasty! Go over to her recipe if you want to be all proper and exact with the ingredients. But, c'mon! It is just a sandwich. Put on what you like, however much you like, top it with bread, eat it, done. Delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNSfcCA979X521JqicOA4zMzcyo7-S0aERTSBaK2YOXJc9ExoTKLUIKMlF0fpabbC8zNqArsu7DAi-V2b2SMEV1JwlcBZ2InQpdT3ssIizNm3hkfvuc0Xii2m4HqKRAcccoHMqB8Db6c/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNSfcCA979X521JqicOA4zMzcyo7-S0aERTSBaK2YOXJc9ExoTKLUIKMlF0fpabbC8zNqArsu7DAi-V2b2SMEV1JwlcBZ2InQpdT3ssIizNm3hkfvuc0Xii2m4HqKRAcccoHMqB8Db6c/s640/IMG_2195.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Vegetable and Goat Cheese Sandwiches</div>
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Ingredients:<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Ciabatta - or baguette - or whatever other kind of bread you like</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 cup goat cheese, at room temperature (I buy a little extra for Snacking Step One)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped</div>
Olive oil<br />
2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces<br />
1 eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces<br />
1 10 oz package sliced mushrooms<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Some herbs - fresh or dried - whatever kind you like</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Salt and pepper</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 cups baby spinach</div>
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Make it:<br />
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Toast the ciabatta lightly in the oven. Slice it open lengthwise.<br />
(Snacking: Scoop out some of the warm ciabatta bread from the top layer and help yourself to a goat cheese and ciabatta snack with a glass of wine while you assemble the sandwich. You work hard. You deserve it.)<br />
Spread the goat cheese on the bottom layer of ciabatta. Add the sun-dried tomatoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWXX56fjZWB1ZCOGNQZm3bWZhMZKrlnOuKm8rcpwtqhuC7bEtFkRwM_hpnzdFDbjfWygBCED4gdMvU6x_tdXb6iPDgL8k0h_bK944ul2lF28E2gDCPDgfQLjudo3Z0vm1Mnc8-FGkiLsT/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWXX56fjZWB1ZCOGNQZm3bWZhMZKrlnOuKm8rcpwtqhuC7bEtFkRwM_hpnzdFDbjfWygBCED4gdMvU6x_tdXb6iPDgL8k0h_bK944ul2lF28E2gDCPDgfQLjudo3Z0vm1Mnc8-FGkiLsT/s640/IMG_2190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cook some veggies. Giada grills hers, but I don't have a grill pan, so I sauté mine with a little olive oil. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the garlic and herbs and salt and pepper. Layer the vegetables on top of the sun-dried tomatoes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1-qW6vxgoKt9w68n0WA6bdY4QOxYWhRtXnxzT-MDG3fkYXaOMZY1q0BGx45SjbOp0yt9-tMKOhY3F3er5TvrzL-FafTEehC1HvlKhXsJ_7ghKaNvaCp-4s_jnGh1lG6z7zj6VxAKlyXJ/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1-qW6vxgoKt9w68n0WA6bdY4QOxYWhRtXnxzT-MDG3fkYXaOMZY1q0BGx45SjbOp0yt9-tMKOhY3F3er5TvrzL-FafTEehC1HvlKhXsJ_7ghKaNvaCp-4s_jnGh1lG6z7zj6VxAKlyXJ/s640/IMG_2192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Top with baby spinach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtAkG2SnSVfV89J9XcE47JvjFhPbRNy1YtMWJi5dyVefXH-Pm28vuMumexnZUu47tb_CQ0RDtVzhHT_MWcbGQZUWp9Y-geNcqdlhFOriflX49FwoW1UMS81hWpjhyphenhyphenkVXlIdZY28S-yRRH/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtAkG2SnSVfV89J9XcE47JvjFhPbRNy1YtMWJi5dyVefXH-Pm28vuMumexnZUu47tb_CQ0RDtVzhHT_MWcbGQZUWp9Y-geNcqdlhFOriflX49FwoW1UMS81hWpjhyphenhyphenkVXlIdZY28S-yRRH/s640/IMG_2194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Top with the top half of the ciabatta. Cut into four or six or eight pieces. I make mine into four huge sandwiches. We always have some left over, but they taste great cold the next day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNSfcCA979X521JqicOA4zMzcyo7-S0aERTSBaK2YOXJc9ExoTKLUIKMlF0fpabbC8zNqArsu7DAi-V2b2SMEV1JwlcBZ2InQpdT3ssIizNm3hkfvuc0Xii2m4HqKRAcccoHMqB8Db6c/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNSfcCA979X521JqicOA4zMzcyo7-S0aERTSBaK2YOXJc9ExoTKLUIKMlF0fpabbC8zNqArsu7DAi-V2b2SMEV1JwlcBZ2InQpdT3ssIizNm3hkfvuc0Xii2m4HqKRAcccoHMqB8Db6c/s640/IMG_2195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just had these last night, but looking at these pictures makes me want them all over again! They are SOOOO YUMMY! Too bad the hubs already ate all our leftovers. For breakfast.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-5305296349302360742012-03-09T01:24:00.002-06:002012-03-09T02:10:49.806-06:00My Thrift Store Coffee Table and A Surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's what happened. We had just moved back to California. We had ditched our old coffee table before the move, because it had been demolished by years of kid abuse.</div>
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So I see this little thrift store, and outside this little thrift store is this little square coffee table that would fit perfectly in my little apartment. I loved the size and I loved the double decker look and I loved the lines of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY7_a0kna1sDfWVx2eSNKFerD3_a4-AJYyIhHlNQg0OWcLMVXwT-L-aCVkbrEq3jAwN1uOPFYTalwQvTXXGss51gNaR_5_wup_vY2T_WRfA00QmvhcK6RhjJ5pocosLEfRbdioNsLs_1G/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY7_a0kna1sDfWVx2eSNKFerD3_a4-AJYyIhHlNQg0OWcLMVXwT-L-aCVkbrEq3jAwN1uOPFYTalwQvTXXGss51gNaR_5_wup_vY2T_WRfA00QmvhcK6RhjJ5pocosLEfRbdioNsLs_1G/s640/IMG_2690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I said I loved the lines! Not the scratches! Didn't matter, it would look like that within one week after entering the kid zone anyway. But, wait, what does that little white price tag say?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48o2lpwcsoJhv0WxjmJ4ZqfOHFBK26hpz6vWaEeSOzJ_XWJG-sKoJ56rtMfW-j00BQBVXDF1ZgT6kBMKheVEIeqP_TrHHeLWoFet4i7rUeiYtj7wlRhhfhW70Cwe-DVu0ZIaKhX8spoqq/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48o2lpwcsoJhv0WxjmJ4ZqfOHFBK26hpz6vWaEeSOzJ_XWJG-sKoJ56rtMfW-j00BQBVXDF1ZgT6kBMKheVEIeqP_TrHHeLWoFet4i7rUeiYtj7wlRhhfhW70Cwe-DVu0ZIaKhX8spoqq/s640/IMG_2691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you freakin' kidding me??? I sprinted into the store with my crazy eyes and my cash and demanded that it be mine. </div>
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The owner looked at me like I was nuts. </div>
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Maybe because it was one hundred-ish (or eighty) degrees outside and so that little mad dash into the store had turned me into a sweaty-haired disaster, or maybe because I had looked that way anyway. No, couldn't be that. I'm awesome ALL THE TIME. </div>
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"I really want that square table!" I yelled with all my excitement.</div>
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"Really? That thing's been out there for months." </div>
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"Oh really? Then then town must be full of ... Never mind. If I try to look extra cute and flirty, with my sweaty, whacked-out hair and crazy eyes, will you load it into my car for me?" Or maybe I didn't say that out loud, but I did it, and it worked. Maybe because I was super cute. More likely because he wanted to get me the hell out of his store.</div>
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And I cannot tell you how filthy that thing was! I scrubbed with all sorts of toxic and non-toxic solutions and still, the layers of dirt impressed even me. And I once lived in an apartment in which cockroaches greeted me on my pillow on a nightly basis. With song. Ah... to be 19 again. The glamour of it all.</div>
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Anyway! Are you so proud that I scored that table for $10? Will you lose all that pride for me if I tell you that I didn't do anything with that table for A YEAR? Meh. I wanted to, I swear! I just... didn't.</div>
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And one night, I did.</div>
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Get your mind out of the gutter!</div>
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I sanded and painted. Oh - see the drawer! It perfectly fits all our remotes for the TV and Wii. It's all kinds of wonderful, this table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuy-kfoXe1uXyawVxy0Puc11eAajyJKT6P9hqCwlVn5EGwBR5-PFuVCP-XH6SOdeYRN8t2oke7-XKcRoQGQIm8wvnFV8L9Xd_1lR8-_vJf9uuZ1WUVmWfyCF2unHOMIB4qV3yvcGgjKh1/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuy-kfoXe1uXyawVxy0Puc11eAajyJKT6P9hqCwlVn5EGwBR5-PFuVCP-XH6SOdeYRN8t2oke7-XKcRoQGQIm8wvnFV8L9Xd_1lR8-_vJf9uuZ1WUVmWfyCF2unHOMIB4qV3yvcGgjKh1/s640/IMG_1365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I stained (the same color as <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/01/fancying-up-dining-table.html">the dining table</a>, since it's all basically in the same room) ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq9drrrltFYMEOsrSG0Dd5m15TVHeq3f5_d_JaSSIndCcbKIMbkZTiK2ZUv6kVfmdiJU8ZcHV-khLcXev-6KVNhFoQWkznEpYd2EJi7VCk2lBNuVI21IDevZ7LuO5oDiWfQGcZoz9bym6/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq9drrrltFYMEOsrSG0Dd5m15TVHeq3f5_d_JaSSIndCcbKIMbkZTiK2ZUv6kVfmdiJU8ZcHV-khLcXev-6KVNhFoQWkznEpYd2EJi7VCk2lBNuVI21IDevZ7LuO5oDiWfQGcZoz9bym6/s640/IMG_1368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I still haven't polyurethaned it. And I'm not at all hanging my head in shame about it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTy3Tf5Jgwkz-1E8gr4B9J113ZnAGqIFBRKSKnUFuKE0vfZV8RMqQmEQp1i-_NQrsabcXPLPWnuNVASTFj6PdZ_duGzL7ProUN4joI5Y9P9bzKWRKcvYS8StQ4MLzE72GE-RFmWzKXqF/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTy3Tf5Jgwkz-1E8gr4B9J113ZnAGqIFBRKSKnUFuKE0vfZV8RMqQmEQp1i-_NQrsabcXPLPWnuNVASTFj6PdZ_duGzL7ProUN4joI5Y9P9bzKWRKcvYS8StQ4MLzE72GE-RFmWzKXqF/s640/IMG_1376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll get around to it sooner or later. </div>
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(We have a kindergarten groundhog on a craft stick that has lived in our flowers since Groundhog Day. Ella put him there. I think he's adorable.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYdWuJpNBvB41I1hdPuHNKtPoZbPrUNDt-2RdBrAh_1NUU173leKWpP3xy3EuAT1BHpk7-vME5Ee-LjBDacED_AtFr9F7asOAd2079xt-SIqAgFLGjsPhaConPbE2gwV4HeTRPZAa9Dhb/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYdWuJpNBvB41I1hdPuHNKtPoZbPrUNDt-2RdBrAh_1NUU173leKWpP3xy3EuAT1BHpk7-vME5Ee-LjBDacED_AtFr9F7asOAd2079xt-SIqAgFLGjsPhaConPbE2gwV4HeTRPZAa9Dhb/s640/IMG_1943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The table's good, right?<br />
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BECAUSE I LOVE IT!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIu1HaSXL3HDvBs8AbKREFy3SmZVOdrG6dtNOtywCBhyta5NHIqf8tfeRPCOOp_ry7yRGyBGRgWM1i78Yt7hWbTMarAXQQuLzPFtVpHKWPNYRnGkLZdgyaNhK1Ji6VPTLh8z7yPXci-NT/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIu1HaSXL3HDvBs8AbKREFy3SmZVOdrG6dtNOtywCBhyta5NHIqf8tfeRPCOOp_ry7yRGyBGRgWM1i78Yt7hWbTMarAXQQuLzPFtVpHKWPNYRnGkLZdgyaNhK1Ji6VPTLh8z7yPXci-NT/s640/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and it is still decorated for Valentine's Day. Because I put A LOT of effort into my Valentine's Day decorating. Before this year I had zero Valentine's Day decorations and now I have: <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/01/spring-canvas-valentines-day-style.html">These</a> and <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/02/paper-heart-window-treatments.html">these</a> and <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/02/stained-glass-window-hearts.html">these</a> and <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/2012/02/hardware-valentine-art.html">these</a>! I'm thinking I'm going straight from Valentine's Day decor to Easter decor. I never said I wasn't lazy. In fact, I do believe I've admitted it quite often on this blog. Oh, and I got <a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendo/2011/01/doilies-hearts-tied-on-jars-with-strings-tutorial-diy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JennyDoh+%28Jenny+Doh%27s+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">this cute candle</a> idea from pinterest!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtXZYsnwUvllH0Sdo0SkZJt_53dLCDMmcT_jsxowDK25Cj2Xf7FCGo4VXSJu9YhmWwiZU8E5Zqdaq51ChxhzWvgFZ8yf9WhYBVzPv5-zoWwj_udZ4R7Gqv4p4R600u1H6L-Eal13qzr50/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtXZYsnwUvllH0Sdo0SkZJt_53dLCDMmcT_jsxowDK25Cj2Xf7FCGo4VXSJu9YhmWwiZU8E5Zqdaq51ChxhzWvgFZ8yf9WhYBVzPv5-zoWwj_udZ4R7Gqv4p4R600u1H6L-Eal13qzr50/s640/IMG_1972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You know who makes me feel better about not following through with the poly? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lrf4RTDGfMB-DbBFst3iu2ouOmR4excCs8j71yEL1x8ScrYYVBaHSeS2DXaxqes2owkrlgGLIRm5jEwDVCJArawvyxgnHRE_jolNVm2kQmdQl9wQlNn6qzlARB1fYlDs3kFehiOD3Yo2/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lrf4RTDGfMB-DbBFst3iu2ouOmR4excCs8j71yEL1x8ScrYYVBaHSeS2DXaxqes2owkrlgGLIRm5jEwDVCJArawvyxgnHRE_jolNVm2kQmdQl9wQlNn6qzlARB1fYlDs3kFehiOD3Yo2/s640/IMG_1941.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's kind of a big deal around here.</div>
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HER NAME IS PENNY! AND SHE'S 10 WEEKS OLD!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJEKFZNuYKcArCeAenx-TTgq7i0dJEnTlnj5yAA8hl-AJV0ZBtT4fAJveihwhGe8RA5AnRskrX4sui2IRIRFbLCNbQKRmsyUjktwMe3j7e68cqNVYKsZyw_IWhgAE91aVziWO0kTJA3ky/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJEKFZNuYKcArCeAenx-TTgq7i0dJEnTlnj5yAA8hl-AJV0ZBtT4fAJveihwhGe8RA5AnRskrX4sui2IRIRFbLCNbQKRmsyUjktwMe3j7e68cqNVYKsZyw_IWhgAE91aVziWO0kTJA3ky/s640/IMG_2003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and I distressed the table, too. That should count for something. Penny especially likes the way this table leg is distressed. It saves her the trouble of doing it for me. Or maybe it still needs a little more. I'm sure she'll decide later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ExEm_opfr1VgAgKQ814pasIYTtFTq3cLwAdd8BF__F1tf0smnGgjhBQbwDRhgIioudRSB91kUUYy8m7nayobyIIPPgZAOprGg_bo4P-UzamDJGFxIlBKae8tSTjsjLuE-w3WZzZWUXzD/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ExEm_opfr1VgAgKQ814pasIYTtFTq3cLwAdd8BF__F1tf0smnGgjhBQbwDRhgIioudRSB91kUUYy8m7nayobyIIPPgZAOprGg_bo4P-UzamDJGFxIlBKae8tSTjsjLuE-w3WZzZWUXzD/s640/IMG_1985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She totally deserves her own blog post. Coming soon!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPehnHw2WV67BH0xvpoYHj7aew9pk5C-Rxb_lFVmbd6guRgfgyi0ONYf7zJpQuPrx2K7z9bOEJwNFq0UEcl0IMxLDNTTnthGBnRzm1-0zoe1lGjIv-MOmXlFwboYbzj-TEvPuZb2VE3xmv/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPehnHw2WV67BH0xvpoYHj7aew9pk5C-Rxb_lFVmbd6guRgfgyi0ONYf7zJpQuPrx2K7z9bOEJwNFq0UEcl0IMxLDNTTnthGBnRzm1-0zoe1lGjIv-MOmXlFwboYbzj-TEvPuZb2VE3xmv/s640/IMG_2006.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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$10 Coffee Table!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_MBOjRfmUwlIJNpr7e1qLfvbF7I5au-XvWgfyGaCC1dcJZYan4JlPkOSwuOc5a3EFQ4Jdzi9br20EjPfqTg3im-mlChyphenhyphenPplOX8X4N7tebLyfFKnwTymcaFiDCZuEeErn0NXKbULll8tp/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_MBOjRfmUwlIJNpr7e1qLfvbF7I5au-XvWgfyGaCC1dcJZYan4JlPkOSwuOc5a3EFQ4Jdzi9br20EjPfqTg3im-mlChyphenhyphenPplOX8X4N7tebLyfFKnwTymcaFiDCZuEeErn0NXKbULll8tp/s640/IMG_1970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a Happy Day!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005932713134818478.post-55067560552181845802012-03-01T14:10:00.000-06:002012-03-01T14:10:07.375-06:00Oatcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * BREAKING NEWS * * * * * * *</div>
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I just found out that a Hobby Lobby is going to be opening LESS THAN 10 MILES from my house!!! In May. Which happens to be my birthday month. I have to believe this is no coincidence. Happy Birthday to me! YAAAAAY!!!</div>
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(When I lived in Iowa, I discovered Hobby Lobby, and really, it helped me start <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmartBottomKids?ref=em">Smart-Bottom Kids</a>. I spent hours wandering the aisles, brainstorming, planning, decorating - it became my happy place. It's like Michael's. Only One Thousand Times bigger and better (okay, maybe not One Thousand Times, but I'm just so excited, I can't help it!). And then I moved back to California. And I've had to have a private moment of silence and mourning every time I need a craft supply or home decoration or fabric or party supply or jewelry supply or train set or religious cross or .... I don't actually ever need a religious cross, as I'm not all that religious, but let me tell you! If you ever find yourself in need of a decorative cross, Hobby Lobby is the place to go! They have a hilariously exorbitant amount of crosses.)</div>
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I cannot tell you how seriously excited I am about this. Happy Happy Happy!</div>
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* * * * * * * END BREAKING NEWS * * * * * * *</div>
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OATCAKES!</div>
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They're like oatmeal cookies, except not so sweet and much more healthful. And they are really good!<br />
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I use <a href="http://onegoldenapple.blogspot.com/2009/09/oatcakes.html">this recipe</a> from One Golden Apple. I had never even heard of oatcakes before discovering them on her blog. When I googled them - oh man! - turns out there are bunches and bunches of ways to make them and lots of different countries have their own version. Now I feel like such a culinary smarty pants! Oh, internet, you have so much to teach me.<br />
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The only change I make from the original recipe that I don't use cookie cutters to shape mine. But only because I'm really lazy and flouring, rolling, cutting, and repeating is a series of steps that I have never loved. I hand roll and flatten mine old school style.<br />
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No matter how you shape 'em - they're yummy and easy! You can eat them plain, or serve them with sliced cheese and apples to fancy the situation up a bit. Rustic deliciousness!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
2 cups rolled oats<br />
1 cup raw almonds (I like sliced)<br />
3 tablespoons butter<br />
1/8 to 1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)<br />
1/8 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Grind the oats and almonds in a food processor or immersion blender until it looks like coarse meal (or even a little chunkier - it's up to you). Add butter and blend to incorporate. You can also use your fingers to mash the butter in until it is incorporated. Blend in salt, baking soda, and brown sugar. Add water and pulse until you get a dough ball.<br />
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Roll into balls and flatten into 1/4" to 1/2" thickness. Place on ungreased baking sheet.<br />
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Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<img src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j407/vlvtemplates/Smart%20Bottom/sig-2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />Darcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596699590923259976noreply@blogger.com3