tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40577934880377119502024-03-13T23:51:39.586-07:00Cookie+CurlyMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-15928321183581848722014-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:002014-01-08T13:05:59.829-08:00A Solution for Your Munchies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She may have worked for the company, or maybe she was an angel, but this morning, when I was shopping at a local health food store, a woman stopped by my daughter and me to let us know that the product we were looking at was really good. That's all it took. With that, and the insistence of my daughter to play with the crinkly bag, we took home a bag of <a href="http://www.spectrumorganics.com/index.php">Spectrum</a>'s "Decadent Blend": Chia & Flax Seed with Coconut and Cocoa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love all of those ingredients - well, I'm warming to coconut - but I haven't had them all together before and usually anything with flax seed in it has them whole WHICH, btw, defeats the whole purpose as the seeds have to be cracked open for you to get any of the benefits of the seeds. {Remember that the next time you reach for any product because it has flax seeds in it - make sure it's ground/milled, otherwise you'll just poop the seeds out! Sorry for being graphic.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">True confessions: I get the munchies after lunch. Am I alone on that? I doubt it. Well, today I have found your truly guilt-free pleasure to calm your munchies. A cup of nonfat Greek yogurt and two tablespoons of this "Decadent Blend", and you're set!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPpgXLqM7o/Us26tI7X-kI/AAAAAAAABv8/t9WPZlbx1ss/s1600/spectrum1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPpgXLqM7o/Us26tI7X-kI/AAAAAAAABv8/t9WPZlbx1ss/s1600/spectrum1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Honestly, I thought it would have the texture of sawdust, but it didn't.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqqVX8Haxo/Us2603IwkXI/AAAAAAAABwE/hKkC7sPUMqI/s1600/spectrum2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqqVX8Haxo/Us2603IwkXI/AAAAAAAABwE/hKkC7sPUMqI/s1600/spectrum2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The little chia seeds add a nice crunch, but you don't in any way feel like you're eating ground flax. As much as I love the nutritional benefits of flax, I've been reaching for chia seeds more often as you can get the nutritional benefits from them without them being ground, they are more shelf stable, and you don't have to eat as much.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jVpyhtswO8/Us27N9wJo5I/AAAAAAAABwM/FWnD3JMdkVM/s1600/spectrum3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jVpyhtswO8/Us27N9wJo5I/AAAAAAAABwM/FWnD3JMdkVM/s1600/spectrum3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The texture might even get more creamy as you let it sit, but I couldn't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what you get out of two tablespoons of this stuff: 1600mg omega-3s {"100% DV"}, 3g fiber, 6g carbs {2g sugar - they add a smidge of organic evaporated cane juice}, 5g fat {lots of good fat!}, all in 70 calories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Disclaimer: I don't work for the company, but I would gladly be their spokesperson after tasting this product! {I also buy their plain chia seeds.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me know what you think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly </span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-44184088766225511362013-12-14T10:09:00.003-08:002013-12-14T10:09:36.212-08:00Christmas Sale Starts Today!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,lucida grande,lucida sans unicode,lucida sans,tahoma,sans-serif;"><a href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self"><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><span style="font-size: 32px;">Christmas Sale Starts Today</span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,lucida grande,lucida sans unicode,lucida sans,tahoma,sans-serif;">All your favorites are now on sale! Last day to order and guarantee delivery by Christmas is December 18th.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/necklaces-new-each-week" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Vintage flower necklaces</a> are 30% off and available in 28-inch length...<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-black-ruffled-rose-bronze-beads-vintage-style-antique-flower-necklace" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4667.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-vintage-purple-ruffled-rose-silvered-pine-beads-vintage-style-flower-necklace" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4327.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">adjustable rings</a> for women AND youth are now only $10,<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4596.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-youth-adjustable-rings-pinks" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4296.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br />
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and the new antique brass <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/earrings" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">earrings</a> that you all loved at <a href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">the Stitch Market</a> are now available on Cookie+Curly's <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">website</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/the-little-stud-in-antique-brass" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4748.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-antique-brass-dangle-with-spikes-small" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4992.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br />
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Cuff bracelets are drastically marked down - perfect stocking stuffers...<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/turquoise-dots-on-white-fabric-cuff-bracelet" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4365.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/green-geometrics-fabric-cuff-bracelet" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_4380.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br />
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And Cookie+Curly's flower earrings are a must...<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/chrysanthemum-earrings" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_1334_2.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/sweet-lotus-flower-earrings-they-re-back" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_1292.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br />
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Thank you for sharing this with friends, family, Facebook, instagram and the like!<br />
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Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas,<br />
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Molly</span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-44143034684604570802013-09-30T12:19:00.000-07:002013-09-30T12:21:44.161-07:00Tutorial: Little Girl Dress from Scratch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A few weeks back, I posted a picture of my little girl in her Fourth of July dress I made from scratch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwdu2JdwahY/UkiguGtDGEI/AAAAAAAABn4/IEXdTxaSBSI/s1600/IMG_4048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwdu2JdwahY/UkiguGtDGEI/AAAAAAAABn4/IEXdTxaSBSI/s400/IMG_4048.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As promised, here is the tutorial...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It all
started when a good friend gave me her daughter's favorite dress as a
hand-me-down and said, "I wish my daughter could still fit in this. It
is my absolute favorite dress of hers." Once my daughter tried on the
dress, I could see why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8hO7nPKZQw/UkiiCsXKE0I/AAAAAAAABoE/3kBLjCzW1pQ/s1600/IMG_4555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8hO7nPKZQw/UkiiCsXKE0I/AAAAAAAABoE/3kBLjCzW1pQ/s400/IMG_4555.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's super light-weight, stylish, and yet cozy. Okay, here's the first picture I captured of her. As cute as I think she is, she is a big goof when it comes to taking pictures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbrQaWFc2Ao/UkiiXVNW-3I/AAAAAAAABoM/c8R-Jh5ylAs/s1600/IMG_4557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbrQaWFc2Ao/UkiiXVNW-3I/AAAAAAAABoM/c8R-Jh5ylAs/s320/IMG_4557.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ANYway, I
decided to figure out how to make this dress, a} because I love it and I
wanted it in other fabric as well, and b} in hopes of making one for
my friend's daughter who is 4 years older than my daughter. {Now, let's
see if she reads my blog.} :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b>Disclaimer:</b></u>
I've never copied a dress from another dress, and I'm self-taught when
it comes to sewing, so for those of you reading this as pro sewers, feel
free to leave comments to help me and others who might make this in the future. Also, my daughter is a petite 4 1/2 year old; the
measurements I'll provide are for about a size 5 dress. As long as you know how to measure chest circumference and length, this is easy to adapt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you'll need: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 yards fabric of choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 yards liner fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">21" ribbon {1"-wide}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22" elastic {1/4"-wide}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/sewing/sewing-notions/thread/elastic-thread/gutermann-white-elastic-thread-.htm?cvsfa=2700&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=313130383439&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+-+%28Product+Listing+Ads%29&utm_term=pla&utm_content=2lIgfB2vd{device}|pcrid|24173969893|pkw|pla|pmt|e|">elastic thread</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">white thread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">thread of choice to match fabric for back bodice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 1:</u> I traced half of the bodice top of the dress and enlarged it a bit to fit about a 5 year old. {As you'll see later, there is elastic in the top in the back so this leaves some wiggle room on sizing.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrlDKKBcLv8/UkkVcLge_BI/AAAAAAAABts/afI8HPqSwLo/s1600/bodice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrlDKKBcLv8/UkkVcLge_BI/AAAAAAAABts/afI8HPqSwLo/s400/bodice.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I then laid out my fabric {$3/yard at Beverly's!},</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WmMpW8VfNY/UkjvIi1VfXI/AAAAAAAABp0/QNIKwBMm22Y/s1600/IMG_6579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WmMpW8VfNY/UkjvIi1VfXI/AAAAAAAABp0/QNIKwBMm22Y/s400/IMG_6579.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">found the center where I wanted the bodice to be {making sure I measured roughly from the bottom up so I wasn't cutting into the length/body of the dress}, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsfG6tWOwUQ/UkjvhVkVU9I/AAAAAAAABp4/Ruf6v1afSa0/s1600/IMG_6576.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsfG6tWOwUQ/UkjvhVkVU9I/AAAAAAAABp4/Ruf6v1afSa0/s400/IMG_6576.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">folded the fabric in half, and cut the fabric with a rotary blade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iB9rAsr33Yo/Ukjv3yhET4I/AAAAAAAABqE/Ia_hVvG6tHk/s1600/IMG_6575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iB9rAsr33Yo/Ukjv3yhET4I/AAAAAAAABqE/Ia_hVvG6tHk/s400/IMG_6575.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 2:</u> Cut the same pattern out of white cotton for a bodice liner. Put right sides together and sew 1/4" seam. <b>NOTE:</b> My fabric doesn't look right sides together as it's not regular printed cotton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ84XI0pKk/Ukiv1GWpzWI/AAAAAAAABpQ/WGT-7le_chY/s1600/IMG_6570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ84XI0pKk/Ukiv1GWpzWI/AAAAAAAABpQ/WGT-7le_chY/s400/IMG_6570.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Clip the seams along the curves to avoid the fabric wrinkling at the curves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHb8gtxBM8/UkjwogZ-3BI/AAAAAAAABqM/ZmGNsOurb5I/s1600/IMG_6568.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHb8gtxBM8/UkjwogZ-3BI/AAAAAAAABqM/ZmGNsOurb5I/s400/IMG_6568.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Turn fabric right-side out {optional: press with iron} and sew a 1/8" seam. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX2tpcjbmIo/UkiwL5H_u6I/AAAAAAAABpY/oTymDx0XzWs/s1600/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX2tpcjbmIo/UkiwL5H_u6I/AAAAAAAABpY/oTymDx0XzWs/s400/IMG_6567.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 3:</u> Cut two pieces of fabric for the body - one for the front, one for the back. For my daughter's dress, the measurements are as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAUKHoBhgp8/Ukj15Fth0CI/AAAAAAAABqc/WuKF8ZoIKc8/s1600/pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAUKHoBhgp8/Ukj15Fth0CI/AAAAAAAABqc/WuKF8ZoIKc8/s400/pattern.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm
not sure why the back of the dress is 1-inch less in width - that's
just how the original dress measured. Anyone know why this would be?
Perhaps it makes the dress poof out just right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 4:</u> Cut the same fabric for the <b>inner liner</b> <b>but shorten the length</b>
by an inch or two to avoid the liner coming out of the bottom of the
dress. For this dress, I measured the length of the liner to be 19.5"
instead of the 22.5" I used for the outside fabric.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 5:</u>
Hem the bottom seam of both the outer fabric and inner liner by folding
the bottom edge of the fabric over 1/4" once, and then again, and sew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPvaHxe_EOM/Ukj_BCb6MII/AAAAAAAABrM/x3whUf4o3jk/s1600/IMG_6572.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPvaHxe_EOM/Ukj_BCb6MII/AAAAAAAABrM/x3whUf4o3jk/s400/IMG_6572.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 6:</u> Set your stitch length to as long as it will go {basting stitch}. I have a "brother" sewing machine which means my settings look like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yLgQeWcKIU/Ukj4nU57xVI/AAAAAAAABqo/XG9_KSXXHA0/s1600/setting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yLgQeWcKIU/Ukj4nU57xVI/AAAAAAAABqo/XG9_KSXXHA0/s400/setting.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Quickly
sew each individual seam about 1/2" from the top on the edge that will
connect with the bodice. Pull the bobbin thread and gather the fabric
until they both measure the length of the bodice. If none of this makes
sense, check out this <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Gather-Fabric-into-Ruffles">basic tutorial</a> on how to gather fabric into ruffles or <a href="mailto:molly@cookieandcurly.com">email me</a>. Your final product should look like this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWhzsU12Ki0/Ukj5-f4etJI/AAAAAAAABq0/q5iSx1JJsaQ/s1600/IMG_6566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWhzsU12Ki0/Ukj5-f4etJI/AAAAAAAABq0/q5iSx1JJsaQ/s400/IMG_6566.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 7:</u> Pay attention here. I forgot to take a picture so this may seem confusing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mark/Place a pin at the middle of each piece of fabric and the bodice piece. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To
join these three pieces together, lay your fabrics out as I have above,
then flip the bodice horizontally and sandwich the bodice between the
inner liner and the outer fabric, putting the right sides together of
the bodice and the fabric body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pin the middle of all the pieces together, then pin the rest so that they end up the length of the bodice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sew a 1/2" seam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you have a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlock">serger</a>
{lucky dog}, use it here to close up the edges. If you are like me and
you don't have a serger, use a zig-zag stitch at a short length but wide
width {see below} or use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinking_shears">pinking shears</a> to trim the edges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6YK4l1zgnA/Ukj8_mOYF9I/AAAAAAAABrA/Vv5gHPiIK60/s1600/zig+zag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6YK4l1zgnA/Ukj8_mOYF9I/AAAAAAAABrA/Vv5gHPiIK60/s400/zig+zag.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then turn the fabric right-side out and admire the front of your dress! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Optional: At this point you can sew on a strip of ribbon across the seam between the bodice and the lower portion of the dress, as seen in the brown dress {see below}. I chose not to do this as I loved this fabric pattern and didn't want to cover it. Your choice! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4t-9UxQCyY/UknO_UVlM2I/AAAAAAAABvM/-2XS0c_UmyM/s1600/H+in+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4t-9UxQCyY/UknO_UVlM2I/AAAAAAAABvM/-2XS0c_UmyM/s400/H+in+brown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfc6xQ13rwg/UknGhIRa-HI/AAAAAAAABug/67uGoTEaVZk/s1600/H+in+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfc6xQ13rwg/UknGhIRa-HI/AAAAAAAABug/67uGoTEaVZk/s1600/H+in+brown.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 8:</u>
A little explaining... Jumping ahead for a second, I will use 1/2"
seams to sew the dress's back and front pieces together. This means the
front bodice will provide 12" and I'll need the back to provide about
10" for a final measurement of 22" to accommodate my daughter's 21"
chest circumference and to allow for a little room for growth. If you
are using your own measurements in making this dress, you'll have to
figure out the length of elastic you want to use here based on the
girl's chest circumference and the length of the front bodice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, grab an 11" piece of 1/4"-elastic
and find the middle of it. Pin it onto the middle of the liner fabric
about 1/2-inch from the top and then pin the ends of the elastic to the
edges of the liner. Fill in any additional pinning if you need it. {I
did!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rybe8sSSlsE/UkkEvZysthI/AAAAAAAABrc/3z_nX_1lLCg/s1600/elastic+liner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rybe8sSSlsE/UkkEvZysthI/AAAAAAAABrc/3z_nX_1lLCg/s400/elastic+liner.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
Sew the elastic onto the liner, being sure to stretch the elastic as you sew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqPad9tIV0w/UkkFCjpc_QI/AAAAAAAABro/AyZYSggzqXo/s1600/IMG_6551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqPad9tIV0w/UkkFCjpc_QI/AAAAAAAABro/AyZYSggzqXo/s400/IMG_6551.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 9:</u> Cut
a strip of fabric measuring 2.5" x 20" for the back of the bodice. Fold
in half, length-wise with wrong sides together {and iron flat}. Mark
the middle of the fabric at the bottom edge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This
part is kind of like Step 7. Mark/Pin the middle of the outer/back
fabric. Layer the back bodice strip between the liner that now has
elastic and the outer/back fabric, taking care to pin the middles of the
edges all together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFN_wgoEYEs/UkkFVPcl2JI/AAAAAAAABrs/lacXzc-wCus/s1600/IMG_6549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFN_wgoEYEs/UkkFVPcl2JI/AAAAAAAABrs/lacXzc-wCus/s400/IMG_6549.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stretch out the elastic liner layer and sew the fabrics together using a 1/2" seam. You'll be sewing on top of the elastic strip that you sewed onto the liner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtT43eaVGQg/UkkIrM3eM5I/AAAAAAAABr4/QAmXSErORQk/s1600/IMG_6547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtT43eaVGQg/UkkIrM3eM5I/AAAAAAAABr4/QAmXSErORQk/s400/IMG_6547.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Your final product should look like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlrE4l1KeBI/UkkI2e3bnhI/AAAAAAAABsA/Rmog_ueslb8/s1600/IMG_6546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlrE4l1KeBI/UkkI2e3bnhI/AAAAAAAABsA/Rmog_ueslb8/s400/IMG_6546.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again,
use your serger, a zig-zag stitch, or pinking shears to seal off the
edges. Turn your layers right-side out and enjoy the back of your dress!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Set 10:</u> Shirring. Ever heard of it? There are a <i>lot</i>
of tutorials out there for it. My first attempt was a disaster so
please play around with fabric scraps to make sure your settings are
accurate before you sew this portion of the dress. The tutorials I found
most helpful are from <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/11/sewing-tip-shirringsmocking-with-elastic-thread.html">Make It & Love It</a> {I don't adjust my bobbin tension but others swear by it} and <a href="http://gigglesmum-creativeheart.blogspot.com/2009/10/shirring-problems-i-cracked-it.html">Creative Heart</a>. {Pay particular attention to loading the elastic thread into the
bobbin without the needle plate cover. The elastic should feel like it's stuck in the bobbin holder.}. Again, nail this down before
attempting the next portion of the dress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Load the bobbin with elastic thread and the top thread with one you won't mind being seen on the back of the dress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIX7hcTLEjU/UkkMT2LU4QI/AAAAAAAABsM/lWH_oG04CR8/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIX7hcTLEjU/UkkMT2LU4QI/AAAAAAAABsM/lWH_oG04CR8/s400/IMG_6545.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sew your first strip of elastic 3/8"
from the top of the back of the bodice. We will thread 1/4" elastic
through this strip so be sure you don't sew to close to the top here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxdfSZS04HU/UkkMjtRm6WI/AAAAAAAABsU/zCgWA4pFMq0/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxdfSZS04HU/UkkMjtRm6WI/AAAAAAAABsU/zCgWA4pFMq0/s400/IMG_6544.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Continue
making strips of elastic until you reach the bottom of the back bodice,
making sure you pull the fabric straight as you sew additional rows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdHYKDTViQo/UkkNUmZZToI/AAAAAAAABsg/SojZH8Tjh-M/s1600/IMG_6543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdHYKDTViQo/UkkNUmZZToI/AAAAAAAABsg/SojZH8Tjh-M/s400/IMG_6543.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 11:</u>
Feed another 11" strip of 1/4"-wide elastic through the top hole of the
fabric, being sure you don't lose the elastic on either end of the
fabric.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1V6IzLkFCUQ/UknOk0t5O2I/AAAAAAAABvE/jhzsTZDOL64/s1600/IMG_6540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1V6IzLkFCUQ/UknOk0t5O2I/AAAAAAAABvE/jhzsTZDOL64/s400/IMG_6540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 12:</u> We're almost done.
Line up the front of the dress with the back of the dress, right-sides
together. Sew 1/2" seams up either side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E96Z1--JDR8/UkkTn_yC6eI/AAAAAAAABtU/dH2Y-b6fux4/s1600/IMG_6539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E96Z1--JDR8/UkkTn_yC6eI/AAAAAAAABtU/dH2Y-b6fux4/s400/IMG_6539.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again, serge, zig-zag or use pinking shears to close off the remaining edges. Now you're left with an almost-dress!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mACzLcLnisU/UknNNE7bRmI/AAAAAAAABu0/XdAeWdZ09Bk/s1600/ribbon+placement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mACzLcLnisU/UknNNE7bRmI/AAAAAAAABu0/XdAeWdZ09Bk/s400/ribbon+placement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Step 13:</u> Cut two 10.5" strips of 1"-wide coordinating ribbon. I chose to place the ribbons right before the downward slope of the front bodice. It's helpful to attach the ribbons in the back about 1/2-1" closer together to avoid the straps slipping down the shoulders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Holding the ribbon <b><i>down</i></b> the inside of the dress, sew one edge of ribbon about 1/2" down from the top edge. Make sure that the bobbin thread is one that will show minimally on the front.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErLeGOjsfrg/UkkShFidPUI/AAAAAAAABs4/YImB9Z5VpzM/s1600/IMG_6536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErLeGOjsfrg/UkkShFidPUI/AAAAAAAABs4/YImB9Z5VpzM/s400/IMG_6536.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then flip the ribbon upward and sew again, just along the edge, trying the follow the 1/8" seam you did in Step 2. The more ribbon you "hide" back here, the more you'll have to let out as the girl grows into the dress. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OVSjDZGfj4/UkkSvis0klI/AAAAAAAABtA/2dqRQn7o_Zk/s1600/IMG_6535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OVSjDZGfj4/UkkSvis0klI/AAAAAAAABtA/2dqRQn7o_Zk/s400/IMG_6535.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You're done! Last step is to present your cutie-pie with her new dress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you end up making this dress, I'd love to hear feedback and see pictures of the dresses! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next dress...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-59527292118372057832013-08-21T23:11:00.001-07:002013-08-21T23:11:52.569-07:00Getting the Green Out of Blonde<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Before and afters are my favorite...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LdU7hX5cBOY/UhWmkb2XmwI/AAAAAAAABnI/u6xUpUnRqEk/s640/blogger-image-1135996791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LdU7hX5cBOY/UhWmkb2XmwI/AAAAAAAABnI/u6xUpUnRqEk/s400/blogger-image-1135996791.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There
are times when being "green" is good, but not literally. My kids have
spent a lot of time in the pool this summer but we've been a bit relaxed
with making them shower afterward. Yesterday the kids went to their
last pool party of the summer and my daughter's hair was alarmingly
green when we got home! <br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9v9o2O752ag/UhWmpMbyENI/AAAAAAAABnQ/9ko2EFAD7LM/s640/blogger-image--1693558914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9v9o2O752ag/UhWmpMbyENI/AAAAAAAABnQ/9ko2EFAD7LM/s400/blogger-image--1693558914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had a pool growing up and I remember sitting outside for dinner with ketchup on my hair as a means of getting the green out. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did any of you deal with this when you were younger? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hadn't heard
of anyone doing the ketchup trick any time in the last three decades
{I'm dating myself here}, so I thought I'd check "the oracle", as my
brother calls it - Google. The first link led me to a <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/help-hair-turned-green-green-out-of-2984367.html">2009 post</a>
from a beautician who listed treatments from $20 shampoos to home
remedies. Well, I'm all about home remedies, especially if I already
have the ingredients.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I gave my
daughter the choice between dishwasher detergent and baking soda, or
vinegar and lemon juice. She chose the later. I poured two tablespoons
of vinegar into a mixing cup and squeezed two large lemons. We went
outside and I just dipped her ponytail in. </span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8RjAsM1ccPs/UhWmt7WCf5I/AAAAAAAABnY/XdrovsOwMgY/s640/blogger-image--23408481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8RjAsM1ccPs/UhWmt7WCf5I/AAAAAAAABnY/XdrovsOwMgY/s400/blogger-image--23408481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I pulled it out after
swooshing the hair around for about 10 seconds and the green looked to
be gone! I thought I might be seeing things so I did as the post
recommended and let the concoction sit in her hair - it ended up being
for about 15 minutes in a shower cap while we read.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8s9Q5Dt6XZo/UhWmZ0Np9fI/AAAAAAAABnA/vLG-SnNK1mw/s640/blogger-image--1862147291.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8s9Q5Dt6XZo/UhWmZ0Np9fI/AAAAAAAABnA/vLG-SnNK1mw/s400/blogger-image--1862147291.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Really, Mom?!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then she showered and check out the results!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HfuGUOOU8zc/UhWmzGG7S0I/AAAAAAAABng/Ig9EaJjRrtA/s640/blogger-image--1884934898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HfuGUOOU8zc/UhWmzGG7S0I/AAAAAAAABng/Ig9EaJjRrtA/s640/blogger-image--1884934898.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm absolutely
amazed that it not only took away the green completely, but restored her
hair to her natural, beautiful color. Anyone reaching for some lemons?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What do you do to get the green out?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-21937053648091470242013-08-12T14:25:00.000-07:002013-08-12T14:25:08.571-07:00Avocado Lime Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Coconut Crust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I read The Healthy Aperture blog post for an <a href="http://healthyaperture.com/blog/post/sweet-splurges-avocado-lime-ice-cream-pie-with-chocolate-coconut-crust">Avocado Lime Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Coconut Crust</a>, I thought I might be having a dream with all my favorite foods. Actually, I don't LOVE coconut, but with all those other ingredients I knew I had to try this out.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just a few days later, I got to try it out when my brother- and sister-in-law visited with their new baby, Lily. Isn't her smile the sweetest!</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBmiw4YauCk/UglRxcZY7II/AAAAAAAABmk/Al-b3V0k7co/s640/blogger-image-505394702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBmiw4YauCk/UglRxcZY7II/AAAAAAAABmk/Al-b3V0k7co/s400/blogger-image-505394702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bridget
was a little curious of who the new cutie-pie was, but she quickly
warmed up and started bringing the "ba" toys and love. </span><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dusbAkFVD-Y/UglR2gkSl5I/AAAAAAAABms/_p9v9-I2KQo/s640/blogger-image-2127195639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dusbAkFVD-Y/UglR2gkSl5I/AAAAAAAABms/_p9v9-I2KQo/s400/blogger-image-2127195639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ANYway, back to
the most amazing pie ever. The recipe is so simple: avocado, lime juice,
a little sugar, nonfat Greek yogurt, coconut, dark chocolate, and
coconut oil. It takes minutes to prepare, little clean-up, and the taste
is totally amazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YV0AtBXLFDA/UglPps6mW-I/AAAAAAAABmM/Q6IJZDx5iQ0/s640/blogger-image--1089719788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YV0AtBXLFDA/UglPps6mW-I/AAAAAAAABmM/Q6IJZDx5iQ0/s400/blogger-image--1089719788.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would highly
recommend making this delicious dessert some time very soon. Take
advantage of summer's wonderful avocados while you still can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span><br />
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-10922132001861653112013-08-08T00:06:00.003-07:002013-08-08T09:58:44.728-07:00Random Acts of Kindness - Join Us!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last Summer I found <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/light-em-up-2011/">this</a> post on Pinterest by Courtney DeFeo of "<a href="http://www.lillightomine.com/">lil light o mine</a>" and I was immediately inspired into action. But of course, because I'm slow on the blogging front, it took me until seeing <a href="http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358">Robyn's</a> post of a similar fashion to remind me of what a great experience it was and actually blog about it. So here goes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The two posts I refer to are from two women who chose to demonstrate random acts of kindness, the first around Christmas time, the next on her birthday. After reading all of the wonderful things they {and others} did, my family and I were inspired to do the same thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, in November of 2012, we set out to demonstrate a random act of kindness every day of the month. {It seems that many people get warm, fuzzy, and sweet around Christmastime. I like the idea of doing these things in March, or July, when it's not around a season of Thanksgiving. When will you be inspired?}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here we go...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Shipped Halloween candy via <a href="http://operationshoebox.com/">Operation Shoebox</a> to military overseas. An excellent way of getting rid of the Halloween candy, btw.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNsffJbn6Ew/UgM69UIj8xI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ZPmKfJs1kX0/s1600/IMG_2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNsffJbn6Ew/UgM69UIj8xI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ZPmKfJs1kX0/s320/IMG_2024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz_Pz_eOwJA/UgM6jEGob5I/AAAAAAAABkI/b_3A9MAiUcY/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz_Pz_eOwJA/UgM6jEGob5I/AAAAAAAABkI/b_3A9MAiUcY/s1600/photo+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Anonymously delivered homemade corn muffins to a friend. {Kids loved learning about the "ding-dong-ditch" technique!}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. We made cards for someone sick. Daddy had just had his no-more-babies surgery {the kids had no clue what was up} so we made cards for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Delivered ham & cheese croissants to some homeless people at a park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Made a <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-08-02T07:00:00-07:00&max-results=15">bird seed ornament</a> for the kid's school garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Anonymously chalked someone's driveway while they were out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPXIKzy4E-M/UgM7FJWEC7I/AAAAAAAABkY/LAtle4TkUxc/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPXIKzy4E-M/UgM7FJWEC7I/AAAAAAAABkY/LAtle4TkUxc/s400/photo+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wl0MxR5STj4/UgM7K7NcZRI/AAAAAAAABkg/rJpNQzhODMQ/s1600/photo+1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wl0MxR5STj4/UgM7K7NcZRI/AAAAAAAABkg/rJpNQzhODMQ/s320/photo+1_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Opened the doors for people at the grocery store. The kids used their "magic" to open the doors. Made lots of smiles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Went to the Dollar Tree and packaged up supplies for <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/">Operation Christmas Child</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCbQUfL4NLc/UgM9RpLqXgI/AAAAAAAABlU/-6e-xd9Ooyw/s1600/Operation+xmas+child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCbQUfL4NLc/UgM9RpLqXgI/AAAAAAAABlU/-6e-xd9Ooyw/s320/Operation+xmas+child.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. Snuck into a house and cleaned the oven. {I actually haven't done this yet - we missed a day - but I plan to. Watch out! You know who you are... I think.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Picked up trash at a local park. Very eye-opening for the kids to see where trash can end up if you don't throw it in a garbage can or recycle bin.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu7-LX-yY28/UgM7c9dkk-I/AAAAAAAABko/0j6x-na6egs/s1600/photo+3_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu7-LX-yY28/UgM7c9dkk-I/AAAAAAAABko/0j6x-na6egs/s320/photo+3_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">11. Thanked the Sunday school & Bible study teachers/childcare workers for all of the hard work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12. Brought our baby to visit an eldery couple in the neighborhood who do not get out much. It's amazing how many of our kids' everyday nuances can bring such joy to people.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx0Sr2DrYWE/UgM9jHzo1OI/AAAAAAAABlc/v14LC2VSluI/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx0Sr2DrYWE/UgM9jHzo1OI/AAAAAAAABlc/v14LC2VSluI/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">13. Babysat for a friend so she could run errands without her two kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">14. Cookies to a friend, ding-dong-ditch style... The kids get such a kick! So suspenseful!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aLgAheOaDU/UgM7leY7IZI/AAAAAAAABkw/rX5Km6wWE3w/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aLgAheOaDU/UgM7leY7IZI/AAAAAAAABkw/rX5Km6wWE3w/s320/cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">15. The kids showed extra love to our sweet dog who doesn't get much attention these days, now that we have three kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">16. Made pillowcase dresses </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> {<a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/pillow-case-pattern/">patterns</a> available} </span>for Little Dresses for Africa. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8KQ_wGliqg/UgM27ixvNfI/AAAAAAAABjw/f0pEav8GoxA/s1600/little+dresses+for+africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8KQ_wGliqg/UgM27ixvNfI/AAAAAAAABjw/f0pEav8GoxA/s400/little+dresses+for+africa.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The organization recently updated that they need donations of <a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/sani-panti-sewing-instructions/">Sani-Panties</a>. A huge problem in Africa is girls missing school because of their period. <b>Please consider making some Sani-Panties and sending them on.</b> They'd make a huge difference! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">17. Surprised a friend with a peach pie!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfoHQIR2wfY/UgM_4y9aIwI/AAAAAAAABl8/vtD6Jd_45ak/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfoHQIR2wfY/UgM_4y9aIwI/AAAAAAAABl8/vtD6Jd_45ak/s320/pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">18. Performed a puppet show for Daddy when he got home from work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">19. Kids wrote a letter to their Mimi telling her how much they love her.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRnowHYqO7g/UgM7xGOTJ7I/AAAAAAAABk4/yITlhVgJWl8/s1600/letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRnowHYqO7g/UgM7xGOTJ7I/AAAAAAAABk4/yITlhVgJWl8/s320/letter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Addresses blurred out on purpose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">20. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Left a dollar in a book at the library... Surprise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">21. Brought Ovaltine to an eldery neighbor who was ill and rapidly losing weight because he wouldn't eat anything but hot chocolate at the time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e_r-JBPIzQ/UgM_pT5tevI/AAAAAAAABl0/_GBJC2OtO1o/s1600/photo+5_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e_r-JBPIzQ/UgM_pT5tevI/AAAAAAAABl0/_GBJC2OtO1o/s320/photo+5_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22. Wrote a note of Thanks to my next-door neighbor who often comes over to "watch" the baby while she naps so I can run out and get the kids at school without having to wake the baby.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aveib6r0loM/UgM988y1FjI/AAAAAAAABlk/5Hn3ChdtQEQ/s1600/nona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aveib6r0loM/UgM988y1FjI/AAAAAAAABlk/5Hn3ChdtQEQ/s320/nona.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">23. We saw a military man in the grocery store and thanked him for protecting us. He gave the kids some cool Velcro patches!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">24. Kids drew cards for all family members present and left them outside their door for them to see Thanksgiving morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">25. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Returned grocery carts to the store from the parking lot.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">26. Delivered zucchini bread to a neighbor who just moved in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">27. Went through all our toys and clothes at home and made donations at the local <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/">Goodwill</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">28. Rang the bell for a Salvation Army volunteer.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS0KGdjOYU0/UgM8U7MOtoI/AAAAAAAABlE/G_DhQKhEpfM/s1600/photo+4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS0KGdjOYU0/UgM8U7MOtoI/AAAAAAAABlE/G_DhQKhEpfM/s320/photo+4_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">29. Brought a flower to our favorite grocery clerk at the grocery store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">30. Left oranges for our postman with drawings from the kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'd love to plan with the kids and pick a bunch more things to do, then pick one day out of the month, or week, and </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">spread some love! Will you join in??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-12654300525964138622013-08-05T14:01:00.003-07:002013-08-05T14:01:52.286-07:00Cookie+Curly on The Pleated Poppy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8h-H0qGu-k/UgASRlnyYuI/AAAAAAAABjg/hTVTxrpferg/s1600/pleated+poppy+blog+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8h-H0qGu-k/UgASRlnyYuI/AAAAAAAABjg/hTVTxrpferg/s1600/pleated+poppy+blog+post.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2013/08/whats-in-your-bag-meet-molly/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8h-H0qGu-k/UgASRlnyYuI/AAAAAAAABjk/vhcmhUYlalA/s640/pleated+poppy+blog+post.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come check me and my girls out on <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2013/08/whats-in-your-bag-meet-molly/">The Pleated Poppy blog</a>!</span></div>
</div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-86024471212499847892013-08-02T23:04:00.000-07:002013-08-02T23:04:19.670-07:00Little Girl Dress from Scratch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A friend of mine has a little girl a few years older than my 4 year old and she recently gave us a few favorite hand-me-downs for enjoyment. One was a dress she had gotten from Old Navy that is very well-loved and terribly cute. I loved the style so much and wanted to figure out how to make it so that I could make one for my friend's daughter, just in a bigger size. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since it was July, here it is in patriotic fabric...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1K-1N6f02Jo/UfycWsV0HdI/AAAAAAAABiw/uTCk8pLJybQ/s1600/IMG_4048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1K-1N6f02Jo/UfycWsV0HdI/AAAAAAAABiw/uTCk8pLJybQ/s400/IMG_4048.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQZNFRAMa2Q/UfycfHut7JI/AAAAAAAABi4/jIT1Dnbm52s/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQZNFRAMa2Q/UfycfHut7JI/AAAAAAAABi4/jIT1Dnbm52s/s400/IMG_4063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Au4eROEcmoA/Ufyc07b9izI/AAAAAAAABjQ/5wHUK3lBwoE/s1600/IMG_4057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Au4eROEcmoA/Ufyc07b9izI/AAAAAAAABjQ/5wHUK3lBwoE/s400/IMG_4057.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I finally figured out how to do shirring. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8nU1fLg3rw/UfyctciOmpI/AAAAAAAABjI/CliVdlM2JBs/s1600/IMG_4055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8nU1fLg3rw/UfyctciOmpI/AAAAAAAABjI/CliVdlM2JBs/s400/IMG_4055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yikes! Shirring was quite the learning curve! Now it's incredibly easy and I hope I can make it that way for you too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tutorial to follow next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-66269676676476493442013-07-31T14:29:00.002-07:002013-07-31T14:29:40.467-07:00Special Custom Mobile for Alzheimer's Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some people get Cookie+Curly <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/bird-mobiles">mobiles</a> for their child's room. Some, for their bathroom or playroom. Others, for their kitchen window.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last June {yes, it takes me forever to blog}, I got an email from a woman named Terri, whose mother was in the final stages of Alzheimer's. I'm not sure if she is still alive, but I'd like to think that she is - either happily here, or in heaven. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Terri and her siblings/in-laws wanted to give their mom {who is also a great grandmother}, something uniquely special for her to look at as she rested throughout the day. "Mom" always had a love for birds and flowers, and through <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/">The Pleated Poppy's blog</a>, Terri came across my bird mobiles. When she contacted me to make her mobile, I was honored.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She wanted bright colors, with birds perched as well as "flying" below. "Mom's" two favorite birds are goldfinches and cardinals<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460"> so those needed to be included, and she requested some greens and blues. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhAul_nijms/Ufl9urL78RI/AAAAAAAABiA/ukSEAP7bV7M/s1600/IMG_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhAul_nijms/Ufl9urL78RI/AAAAAAAABiA/ukSEAP7bV7M/s400/IMG_0376.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">They gave the mobile to Mom on a special half-birthday celebration with the whole family and extended family. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">"</span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3577" style="font-size: 11pt;">We know that our Mom will
<u>love</u> the bird mobile, even though she won’t be able to verbally
express this to us. When she looks up at her ceiling and sees the
colorful birds perched there, we just know it is sure to bring her joy! </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3577" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3547" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thanks again for working on our special and beautiful birds, Molly!</span>"</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">Most of the work I do is custom, and I love each and every one I do. Please let me know if I can make one for you! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">enjoy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">.molly</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375304515604_3460">p.s. That was the last custom mobile I made. That night I took this picture, and the next day our sweet pea #3 joined us! Yikes... A lot has gone on in a year!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRZ1LAGz9dA/UfmAn6mLQOI/AAAAAAAABiQ/8RZsxNdi7hQ/s1600/final+belly+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRZ1LAGz9dA/UfmAn6mLQOI/AAAAAAAABiQ/8RZsxNdi7hQ/s320/final+belly+shot.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-90247971276617615932013-07-30T22:54:00.000-07:002013-07-30T22:54:00.893-07:00Angry Birds Plushies for the Birthday Boy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My
precious baby turned six last month, and just like most six year olds,
he wanted all things Star Wars, Legos and Angry Birds for his birthday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We
did our now-traditional Elk's Lodge birthday party for him, only this
year, he insisted on picking his guests which meant omitting "all girls,
except my sisters" and "little kids". Through this process, I realized
that in the past, we've thrown birthday parties for <i>us</i> to have
fun too, with our friends, regardless of the age of their children. We
wanted to honor our big boy this year by honoring his guest list, even
if that meant not including our friends. At what age did you do this for
<i>your</i> kids?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband found a killer pinata of the Black Angry Bird:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_QWzOF9iKg/UfigSYWEhxI/AAAAAAAABgw/-NwgDwC9Cxc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_QWzOF9iKg/UfigSYWEhxI/AAAAAAAABgw/-NwgDwC9Cxc/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He scored with endless Lego sets: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56HS0WlELMs/UfigZMrEeqI/AAAAAAAABg4/sU4q98TD9qU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56HS0WlELMs/UfigZMrEeqI/AAAAAAAABg4/sU4q98TD9qU/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And
lastly, the party gifts. I am not, not, NOT a fan of giving cheap,
plastic stuff away at the end of a party as a means of saying "thank
you" to guests for sharing their day and love with my child. In years
past we've offered kids useful crafts and gardening supplies {shovel,
seeds, etc.}. This year, I wanted it to be something near and dear to
Calvin. So, what does any rational {ha!}, cheap, mom-of-three decide two
nights before a birthday party... Make Angry Birds Plush toys for all
the boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> I found <a href="http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2010/12/angry-birds-plush.html">this</a>
tutorial that made things look so easy at first. Looking deeper, I had
no idea what she was doing in the tutorial. Long story short, the first
one took forever and I decided to do a little shortcut... Rather than
sewing the eyes and eyebrows on, I glued them on with a hot glue gun.
Doesn't sound like much, but it is.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlWR8OB4duo/UfigklJkIhI/AAAAAAAABhE/kwLqgiZOhgQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlWR8OB4duo/UfigklJkIhI/AAAAAAAABhE/kwLqgiZOhgQ/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After
recruiting my mom and mother-in-law, we had a basket full of Angry
Birds for the kids which they shot around right and left with much
enjoyment. I hear they are played with regularly and are even sleep
buddies for some boys. Much better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'd highly recommend the tutorial </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{but glue the faces on}</span> - she has them for <i>all</i> the Angry Birds characters. You're bound to make someone very happy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What have been your favorite party favors from child birthday parties?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-71680457672374977932013-06-19T15:41:00.002-07:002013-06-19T15:41:41.929-07:00Grilled Lemon Chicken with Satay Dip, Barefoot Contessa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've chatted with a lot of you lately over email, Facebook, and in person, and you've been asking for more recipes. I need to just get over the fact that I have no idea how to take "Foodie shots", and just post recipes, even though I SO prefer seeing {good} pictures of recipes before doing them. You'll just have to trust me that whatever I post is worth making. I promise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Della, a friend of my mom's, gave me Ina Garten's "the barefoot contessa cookbook" for a wedding gift and it is still one of my go-to cookbooks. I actually don't have too many cookbooks anymore, but this one has lasted. One of my favorite recipes in that book is her "<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/grilled-lemon-chicken-skewers-with-satay-dip-recipe/index.html">grilled lemon chicken with satay dip</a>".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a8yKvmDP2U/UcIyHDLc8tI/AAAAAAAABgg/jy6Btj7J9kQ/s1600/lemon+chicken+satay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a8yKvmDP2U/UcIyHDLc8tI/AAAAAAAABgg/jy6Btj7J9kQ/s400/lemon+chicken+satay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last night we skipped the skewer portion of this recipe and left the breasts as-is to make it easier for our kids to enjoy. It's such a great recipe and super easy! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The marinade takes no time to make, and for us is especially delicious thanks to our neighbor's Meyer lemons. {Yum!} The satay dip really could be halved but I keep the proportions as is and just made extra chicken for future lunches. {I had it over spinach for lunch today... Delicious!} The dip is also great for veggies as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you have a favorite Barefoot Contessa recipe? Would love to hear which one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.enjoy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-59369787728838288042013-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:002013-07-03T13:58:10.183-07:00More, More, More Double Tango & Turquoise, and Rings!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">love how much you guys love the "Double Tango &Turquoise" Necklace!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/double-tango-orange-cabbage-rose-turquoise-opaque-beads-vintage-style-necklace"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQCiFm7X9go/UYvg2pdz6FI/AAAAAAAABdo/zlecjh318y8/s320/IMG_3611.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fear not! I'll have more next week. Please <a>href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/contact>email me</a> if you want to be on the "First Alert" list, and I'll email you as soon as they are available again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also, wanted to let you know I have some fun new styles and colors of rings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Soft, vintage colors:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfqfP51gxLs/UYvhfvlCGlI/AAAAAAAABdw/31bruLA9VZQ/s1600/IMG_3476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfqfP51gxLs/UYvhfvlCGlI/AAAAAAAABdw/31bruLA9VZQ/s320/IMG_3476.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-full-rose-adjustable-ring-3-colors"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Og_MZnoSvFc/UYviTgBrwUI/AAAAAAAABeI/FXJzivYznrE/s320/IMG_3483.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eY3Q6e4J4c/UYvhpDPlBoI/AAAAAAAABd4/fOy-eAIUM3I/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eY3Q6e4J4c/UYvhpDPlBoI/AAAAAAAABd4/fOy-eAIUM3I/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And fun, bright colors:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/off-white-large-carnation-adjustable-ring"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EenbNtove3c/UYvh2iZPxnI/AAAAAAAABeA/4bn4pntvySI/s320/IMG_3465.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eY3Q6e4J4c/UYvhpDPlBoI/AAAAAAAABd4/fOy-eAIUM3I/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eY3Q6e4J4c/UYvhpDPlBoI/AAAAAAAABd4/fOy-eAIUM3I/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-mini-chrysanthemum-adjustable-ring-4-colors"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHSqwYQ1tiM/UYviqrpwqtI/AAAAAAAABeQ/vYRx1fkxdQc/s320/IMG_3456.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/vintage-petite-rose-adjustable-ring"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJeDn8t2s6U/UYvi7KJaWjI/AAAAAAAABeY/xpoG5wBm-XM/s320/IMG_3475.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy day to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">p.s. What's are you having for dinner? I need help planning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-3112319456658783472013-04-26T20:22:00.000-07:002013-04-26T20:22:10.526-07:00Spring Stitch Market is Next Week!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.CookieandCurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><span style="font-size: 32px;">Spring Stitch Market is Next Week!</span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Now,
before you get ahead of yourself, remember that this is not meant to be
a secret. There are plenty of goodies for everyone, so when you're done
reading this, <b>share</b> the news on <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.facebook.com" href="http://www.facebook.com/" target="_self">Facebook</a>. Heck, print out <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/files/2013_Spring_Stitch_Market_5x7.pdf" href="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/files/2013_Spring_Stitch_Market_5x7.pdf" target="_self">this flier</a> and post it at work. We need your help spreading the word!<br /><br />On to the good stuff. Yes, it's here again... The Spring Stitch Market!<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Necklaces" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3197.jpg" height="266" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3197.jpg" style="height: 333px; width: 500px;" width="400" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><strong>Who/Where/When</strong>:<br />* <strong>25</strong> local <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com" href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com/" target="_self">vendors</a>, almost all handmade goodies<br />* Grace Church, 1350 Osos Street, SLO {across from Mitchell Park}<br />* May 2nd {Thursday} 4-10p; May 3rd {Friday} 9a-2p<br /><br /><strong>What's Cookie+Curly bringing, you ask?:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm so glad you all enjoyed my Flower Necklaces at the last Stitch Market!<br />This time, I'm coming prepared with a slew of new necklaces and super fun colors.<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Necklace Teaser" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3210.jpg" height="300" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3210.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I'll also have my Antiqued Bubble Necklaces, with new colors and<br />back-up this time {another fav of yours - thank you!}:<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-antiqued-bubble-necklace-6-colors" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-antiqued-bubble-necklace-6-colors"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Antiqued Bubble Necklaces" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3186.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3186.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-antiqued-bubble-necklace-6-colors" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-antiqued-bubble-necklace-6-colors"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Antiqued Bubble Necklaces" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3189.JPG" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3189.JPG" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />New colors and styles of Adjustable Rings:<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Adjustable Rings" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_1.jpg" height="300" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_1.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Including more Rings for the little girls out there {these have made </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">GREAT gifts for girls about 4 and up}:<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.CookieandCurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Adjustable Girl Rings - Heidi" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_2.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_2.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" alt="Little Girl Adjustable Rings" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_3.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/photo_3.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />Lots of bright colors and different shapes of Clips. These go quuuuiiick!<br />Now, upon request, in antiqued brass & coated bobby pins.<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Clips" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3224.jpg" height="300" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3224.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a><br /><br />A ton of fun Earrings in all sorts of shapes and sizes, for both casual and "dress-up":<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-little-dahlia-earrings-8-colors" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-little-dahlia-earrings-8-colors"><img align="none" alt="Cookie+Curly Little Dahlia Earrings" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_2867.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_2867.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-gold-wavy-disc-earrings" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-gold-wavy-disc-earrings"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_2236.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_2236.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />Fresh Mobiles and new takes:<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/bird-mobiles" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/bird-mobiles"><img align="none" alt="Two-Bird Mobile" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_0244.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_0244.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3185.jpg" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_3185.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />And that's just a taste of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" target="_blank">Cookie+Curly</a>'s stuff! There are 24 other vendors that are just amazing... Really, I can guarantee you'll find something you love!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So,
come and bring family {kids totally welcome}, friends {Girls' Night!},
neighbors and share some drinks, laughter, and shopping time with us!<br /><br />$1 at the door. Centralized checkout that accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.<br /><br />Like The Stitch Market on <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stitch-Market/112393472189653?ref=ts&fref=ts" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stitch-Market/112393472189653?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_self">Facebook</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/events/178325965654696/179398412214118/?notif_t=like" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/178325965654696/179398412214118/?notif_t=like" target="_self">RSVP</a> &/or visit our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com" href="http://thestitchmarket.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Blog</a> so you can be down with all the latest and greatest.<br /><br />I hope to see you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
</div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-71248567243913333882013-04-18T22:33:00.003-07:002013-04-18T22:33:24.810-07:00"It's Okay to Be Hungry!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My kids are constantly asking for food. Sometimes it's out of boredom. Sometimes it's because they are growing little weeds who actually NEED fuel for their bodies. Lately though, I've adopted a new line to respond to their look of horror when I say it's not time to eat again...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"It's okay to be hungry." </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was as if a shovel hit them over the head, the first time I said that. They were stunned. Confused. Concerned. But they come to meals and snack-time with true hunger and appreciation for what's in front of them. They are more inclined to eat the veggie snack when it's been 2 to 3 hours since they last ate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I loved a recent article titled "<a href="http://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/kids/the-snack-epidemic/?sssdmh=dm17.662713&esrc=nwpdbk041813">The Snack Epidemic</a>" posted on <a href="http://parents.com/">Parents.com</a> from another Registered Dietitian mom that was fed up with the constant bombardment of "treats" on her Kindergartener. Highlights below. Okay, more than "highlights" - You should just read the article, but here's what stuck with me {bold emphasis added by me}...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Every Saturday, I had watched quietly as a convenience store's worth of
junk food was handed out after my son's peewee soccer games: cookies,
chips, doughnuts, cheese-filled pretzels, fruity drinks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* The next season, I asked my son's coach if we could eliminate
junk-food snacks in favor of fruit -- and then I held my breath. To my
relief, his response was "I couldn't agree more!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* But not everyone liked my plan... The message: You can bring
fruit for your kid, but our kids deserve a treat after games -- and
after all, it's just once a week. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* My kids were being fed junk food everywhere: vanilla wafers at their <a href="http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/">preschool</a>
snacktime, lollipops for class rewards, gummy fruit snacks at
after-school clubs. And that was on top of the snacks I was already
giving them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Of course, snacks have long been billed as a healthy part of a child's
diet... Still, even if you're serving relatively benign snacks like
string cheese or graham crackers, <b>continually feeding children can have
negative consequences</b>. "When kids are allowed to eat all day, it robs
them of the chance to ever develop an appetite," says Dr. Rowell {a childhood feeding specialist
in St. Paul}. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* "Our children are being offered food at every turn," says Yoni
Freedhoff, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the University of
Ottawa. And adding just one extra snack each day can make a big impact.
In fact, <b>it's possible that </b><span style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://www.parents.com/kids/eating-disorders/childhood-obesity/">childhood obesity</a>
is driven by as little as 165 extra calories a day</b> for kids ages 2 to
7, say researchers at both Harvard and Columbia universities. That's
roughly the amount in a handful of potato chips.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* "One small sweet treat a day can help teach kids about balance and to
not see sweets as forbidden foods that become even more alluring," says
Kathy Isoldi, Ph.D., R.D., assistant professor of nutrition at LIU Post
in New York. The trouble is, there seems to be no balance, with every
gathering cause for a special snack. According to Dr. Isoldi's newest
research, kindergartners gobble up <b>more than 450 calories</b> -- 35 percent
of their daily calorie needs -- <b>during one typical classroom birthday
celebration</b>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* ...an 8-year-old burns about 150 calories in an average soccer game -- yet
the <b>typical postgame snack has between 300 and 500 calories</b>. "It's so
strange that sports have become associated with sweets," says researcher
Toben Nelson, Sc.D. "And parents are practically competing with each
other to see who can bring the 'best' snack."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/">Toddlers</a>
and preschoolers can go two to three hours between meals and snacks,
older kids three to four. As much as you can, avoid on-the-go snacks --
in the car and the <a href="http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/strollers/">stroller</a>, in the <a href="http://deals.parents.com/">shopping</a>
cart, or as you're going out the door. "Grazing this way makes it
harder for kids to eat the right amount because they're so distracted,"
says Dr. Rowell. <b>Mindless eaters don't have the chance to really savor
food or pay attention to their body's hunger or fullness signals</b>, so
they often end up over- or under eating. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">{My own note here: It takes 20 minutes for your tummy to communicate to your brain that it's full, and yet young kids aren't exactly the most patient eaters.}</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">* <b>The foods you serve as snacks should be just as nutritious as the ones
you serve at meals</b>, says David Katz, M.D., director of Yale University's
Prevention Research Center.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">* Start by bringing fruits and veggies when it's your turn to be snack
mom. If you think a gathering doesn't warrant a snack, suggest to the
organizer that you skip it entirely (most parents welcome the chance to
downsize their to-do list). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">* </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> All schools that receive government funding for school lunches must
have a wellness policy in place. Though preschools don't have the same
requirement, many at least have guidelines about nutrition. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">* </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Experts agree that the <b>only way to create real change is for moms and
dads to speak up -- both at school and at home</b>. "It's a lot easier to
just give in and let your children eat this junk," acknowledges Dr.
Popkin. "But <b>parents need to take on the battle</b> and either create
healthy snacks or get angry and not allow their kids to eat so
frequently between meals. They need to do something about it." </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It is okay to be hungry. Phew.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">.molly </span></span> </div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-16599899770448047462013-03-26T16:28:00.002-07:002013-03-26T16:28:57.910-07:00Cookie+Curly Necklace/Earring/Ring Package Reduced & Going Quick!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The clock is ticking and you've seriously only got a couple of hours to take advantage of a super deal on a Vintage Flower Necklace / earrings / ring combo AND support a great school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6S4BnWReJE/UVIth-N3HMI/AAAAAAAABc0/JxEw0r2JcoQ/s1600/IMG_2684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6S4BnWReJE/UVIth-N3HMI/AAAAAAAABc0/JxEw0r2JcoQ/s320/IMG_2684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">San Luis Obispo (SLO) Christian School is doing their annual fundraiser on<a href="http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=189899520"> BiddingForGood.com</a> and t</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">he current bid for the Cookie+Curly package above is only at $45 - Retail value is $55. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grab it, and support SLO Christian as they raise funds to improve the offerings at their school.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who's going to get it?!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly </span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-49086967843496452112013-03-20T22:03:00.001-07:002013-03-20T22:03:22.428-07:00San Francisco Sourdough Bread from Starter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Any of you just sitting around waiting, and waiting, and waiting to find out if the sourdough bread mentioned in my <a href="http://cookieandcurly.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-made-sourdough-bread.html">last post</a> turned out? :) Well, it did, and here's the recipe...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">AllRecipes.com</a>, for sharing a delicious <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/san-francisco-sourdough-bread/">San Francisco Sourdough Bread</a> recipe that includes chopped onions and gooey sourdough starter. I loved the onion addition! I also added chopped, fresh thyme that I sprinkled on top after adding the glaze. In hindsight, I should have added the fresh thyme in while I was kneading to incorporate it into the whole loaf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A highly recommend the recipe. <b>Not</b> intimidating, and super tasty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-42936860926197309722013-02-01T23:05:00.004-08:002013-02-01T23:05:48.616-08:00I Made Sourdough Bread!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love baking. Love it. But like sewing zippers, I've been intimidated to make sourdough bread. I've made lots of other breads, just like I've sown lots of other products. But sourdough and zippers... Scary!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well some sweet friends gave us some if their sourdough starter that's been alive for at least four generations, and sourdough bread became a little more doable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While these friends were able to teach me how to care for this new child of ours, they did not have a bread recipe to walk me through {yes, I was looking for hand-holding} as they only make sourdough pancakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, upon Googling {sorry Pinterest - not too many good looking recipes for this on ya} I discovered a fairly easy looking recipe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4ofQKS8EW1g/UQy0VYYAPYI/AAAAAAAABcQ/Q5nxJ7BgyHo/s400/blogger-image-40844114.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We'll have to wait until tomorrow night to find out how it tastes, but it sure looks good! If it tastes just as good, I'll share the recipe. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What's your favorite Sourdough Bread recipe?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.enjoy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly </span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-87592271013961487732013-01-28T21:48:00.003-08:002013-01-28T22:01:13.391-08:00Two-Bean Soup with Greens, Rosemary, and Thyme<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband laughs at me every time I take photos of my food, which is often, because I never actually take the time to share with you all of my delectable discoveries. Well, I'm trying to change that. This soup inspired me to change that. It's delicious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tasked to make soup for a school function, I found inspiration on none other than Pinterest, and took a liking to a "<a href="http://www.allfourburners.com/2013/01/24/creamy-two-bean-soup-with-spinach-rosemary-and-thyme/#">Creamy Two-Bean Soup with Spinach, Rosemary, and Thyme</a>" {yes, yes, and yes, please!} by <a href="http://www.allfourburners.com/">All Four Burners</a>, a fun blog all about yummy food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I made a few tweaks, as I do often, and then discovered a go-to soup that I foresee pleasing many o' belly in the near future...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First you chop up a bunch of shallots {I did eight large ones} and an onion, and saute them in olive oil in a medium-sized pot for about 15-20 minutes, until they are gorgeously golden. Then you add in some fresh rosemary and thyme {about 1 1/2 Tbsp each} that you've chopped nice and fine.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HRuQTFEKTfA/UQdYiF3CoMI/AAAAAAAABb8/UecN8b8xDyU/s640/blogger-image--653179144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HRuQTFEKTfA/UQdYiF3CoMI/AAAAAAAABb8/UecN8b8xDyU/s400/blogger-image--653179144.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After all those flavors have been blended together for a minute or two, you add two cans of rinsed garbanzo beans, two cans of rinsed white beans, and five cups of low-sodium broth.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AKwqVJzaNRs/UQdYY6KpTOI/AAAAAAAABbs/-6uPUVJU-18/s640/blogger-image-1970881292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AKwqVJzaNRs/UQdYY6KpTOI/AAAAAAAABbs/-6uPUVJU-18/s640/blogger-image-1970881292.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bring that to a boil and then simmer it for at least 30 minutes, if not an hour or three. Pull out half the soup and puree it, then dump it back in with the rest of the soup. {The original recipe suggested pureeing the whole soup - thus the "creamy" soup - but mine had a hummus consistency and I liked the idea of seeing the whole beans and shallots/onions, so I only did half. If serving to my kids, I might puree the whole thing. They aren't bean fans, yet.}</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just before serving, add in 6 to 12 ounces of chopped baby spinach {organic if you can - it's on the <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/more-shopping-storing/ten-organic-foods-worth-money-00000000011780/page9.html">FDA's Top 10</a>} or any other wiltable {not a word, but it should be} green. Season with a good pinchful {am I just making up words right and left?!} or two of sea salt and fresh ground pepper, and a long drizzle of olive oil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y69LM8o-14g/UQdYdU_hBaI/AAAAAAAABb0/_q-rMCfaLeg/s640/blogger-image--996352097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y69LM8o-14g/UQdYdU_hBaI/AAAAAAAABb0/_q-rMCfaLeg/s640/blogger-image--996352097.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This picture makes it look like it has turmeric in it or something - not sure what happened there - but it doesn't. You could serve it with shaved Parmesan though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So good. So. Good. Here are the specifics...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Two-Bean Soup with Greens, Rosemary, and Thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Servings: <span itemprop="recipeYield">6-8</span> </span><br />
<div class="zlmeta zlclear">
<div class="fl-l width-50">
<div id="zlrecipe-yield">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ingredients:<span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">2 tablespoons + 4 Tbsp olive oil</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">1 1/2 cups chopped shallots </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
</span></span>
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">1 large white onion, chopped </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">
1 1/2-2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">
1 1/2-2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">
5 cups low-salt vegetable or chicken broth
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">
2 15.5 ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed
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2 15.5 ounce cans garbanzo beans {chickpeas}, drained and rinsed
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6 to 12 ounce {6-8 large handfuls} baby spinach leaves, beet green, chard, kale, etc.
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<div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">
Sea salt and pepper to taste<br />
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What to do:</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list"></span></span><br />
<div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">Heat
2 Tbsp olive oil in medium pot over medium heat. Add shallots and onion and
sauté until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Add rosemary and thyme;
stir 1-2 minutes. Add broth and beans. Bring soup to boil; reduce and simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes, but up to 3 hours.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
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<div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
</span></span>
<div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">Pull out half the soup and puree until smooth. Return puree to the pot and stir in spinach/greens until wilted, about 1 minute. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining olive oil over each individual serving.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Adapted from All Four Burners, who adapted it from Bon Appetit</span><br />
<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-62498509506641030412013-01-24T14:22:00.001-08:002013-01-28T22:01:20.894-08:00The Mighty Beet Smoothie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've recently gotten "into" beets. My kids? Not so much. There's no way to "hide" beets, due to their vibrantly beautiful coloring, but there <i>are</i> ways to dress them up so they're irresistible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today we made a smoothie using beets. My son was resistant at first, but when he saw his little sister scarfing down her smoothie and asking for more, he couldn't help but be curious. Result: two happy kiddos with bellies full of mommy-pleasing foods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RecE8pKrZiY/UQGfSr8ufQI/AAAAAAAABbY/lVVTl3Fu0A4/s400/blogger-image-2139708685.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcookieandcurly.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fthe-mighty-beet-smoothie.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcookieandcurly.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fthe-mighty-beet-smoothie.html&description=Mighty%20Beet%20Smoothie" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mighty Beet Smoothie</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4-6 servings, depending on the belly size</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup plain Greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup non-fat milk, more if needed to make smoothie smooooth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 cup flaxmeal {or Chia seeds}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup frozen spinach </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1-2 whole beets*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and then any combination of fruits you'd like. Today we did:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">juice from 3 fresh oranges from our yard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 cups mixed berries/fruit, frozen</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place all ingredients in a blender and blend away until you've reached your desired consistency. Then, drink up!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*How are the beets prepared? Cut off their root and tips {save the greens for sauteing as a side, putting in a pasta sauce, or mixed in with roasted vegetables}, cut in half, and place in Pyrex with a little water. Cover with foil and roast in oven for 25-30 minutes around 350F, until soft when tested with a fork. Keep covered but let cool slightly. Peel the skin off and quarter. At this point you can put them in the shake, freeze them for later, or warm up some oil and garlic in a pan and saute them for utter yumminess! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My friend, Jessica, has a fantastic beet salad recipe using fresh orange juice and avocados. I'll have to get that for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How do you enjoy beets??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly</span>
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</div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-266744584176715492013-01-16T22:10:00.000-08:002013-01-28T22:01:33.098-08:00Final Days for Ring Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So fun to see so many of you taking advantage of the <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings-on-sale">Ring Sale</a> going on right now! {And wise of so many of you for getting that fav necklace to match!} :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looks like, after a long time in heading up the team, the <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-vintage-green-dalia-adjustable-ring-most-popular-color">Dahlia</a> might be tying up first place with the <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/vintage-petite-rose-adjustable-ring">Vintage Petite Rose</a> for your favorite! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are today's orders that went out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7qdMBzY_RMc/UPeUUjqLG9I/AAAAAAAABa8/BmIg-J2rV9k/s400/blogger-image-934667112.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sale ends Monday so get your shopping on while you can! And remember to Pin & Share where you can to spread the looove.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.enjoy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">P.S. I couldn't help but throw in a picture of my little one that's not so little anymore. She's quite the helper in the kitchen. My little bud... I love her so!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6GL9ZjRgeQ/UPeUiOMriII/AAAAAAAABbE/kSMXHfNs9Q0/s400/blogger-image--1238448813.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-15120885022897610362013-01-10T22:39:00.003-08:002013-01-28T22:01:33.097-08:00Ring Sale!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just added a bunch of new rings to my <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/">website</a> - Fun colors and new styles. And, for a limited time, <b>all rings are $10</b>! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please email or share this deal with your friends on Facebook, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pin</a> anything you enjoy from my website {follow me: Molly Trapp}, and shop away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/vintage-open-rose-adjustable-ring-5-colors"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMO6uSITyBU/UO-u32orhBI/AAAAAAAABZg/6baPDA6DxYw/s320/IMG_2273.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fvintage-open-rose-adjustable-ring-5-colors&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fvintage-open-rose-adjustable-ring-5-colors&description=Vintage%20Open%20Rose%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/over-sized-rose-adjustable-ring-3-colors" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVLsOA3wpKA/UO-vbeb65TI/AAAAAAAABZ4/06KZKf81p6Y/s320/IMG_2298.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/over-sized-rose-adjustable-ring-3-colors">{the skiny band to the left is my wedding band}</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fover-sized-rose-adjustable-ring-3-colors&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fover-sized-rose-adjustable-ring-3-colors&description=Over-sized%20Rose%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/vintage-petite-rose-adjustable-ring"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChcnAPg1xUY/UO-vqz94A6I/AAAAAAAABaI/tsolgBhs5UM/s320/IMG_2290.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fvintage-petite-rose-adjustable-ring&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fvintage-petite-rose-adjustable-ring&description=Vintage%20Petite%20Rose%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/off-white-large-carnation-adjustable-ring"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v9CnTbOV-o/UO-wnzQJ0WI/AAAAAAAABaY/FWKVQzdoyMk/s320/IMG_2300.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Foff-white-large-carnation-adjustable-ring&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Foff-white-large-carnation-adjustable-ring&description=Carnation%20Rose%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/fluffy-puffy-rose-adjustable-ring"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-8MmuNUxj0/UO-w59zI9DI/AAAAAAAABag/bt4FEmsfG-E/s320/IMG_2315.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Ffluffy-puffy-rose-adjustable-ring&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Ffluffy-puffy-rose-adjustable-ring&description=Fluffy%20Puffy%20Rose%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-vintage-green-dalia-adjustable-ring-most-popular-color"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxA7eQ6tiKI/UO-xJMCozWI/AAAAAAAABao/v0LXxoiQAUs/s320/IMG_2308.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fnew-vintage-green-dalia-adjustable-ring-most-popular-color&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cookieandcurly.com%2Fproduct%2Fnew-vintage-green-dalia-adjustable-ring-most-popular-color&description=Dahlia%20Adjustable%20Ring"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rings are usually $12-$16 so take advantage of the sale. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">P.S. Remind dear Hubby about <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/">Cookie+Curly's</a> rings, necklaces, and other goodies for Valentine's day. It's a go-to gift site for many!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.enjoy</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-60198456650505728972012-12-17T15:13:00.000-08:002012-12-30T16:56:25.178-08:00Christmas Cross Wreath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love Christmas wreaths on doors, but when I saw a cross made out of Christmas tree trimmings when we went to the Christmas tree farm, I knew I just had to make one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v974fM0fD_Y/UM-lLXB9o0I/AAAAAAAABZI/invLmThnO8M/s1600/christmas+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v974fM0fD_Y/UM-lLXB9o0I/AAAAAAAABZI/invLmThnO8M/s400/christmas+cross.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcookieandcurly.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fchristmas-cross-wreath.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcookieandcurly.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fchristmas-cross-wreath.html&description=Christmas%20Cross%20Wreath" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Super simple, but a lovely way of remembering {and reminding others} of the real reason for Christmas. It's easy to forget when we are surrounded by Santa and pressured to buy gifts {often just for the sake of quantity not quality} at every turn of the head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Merry CHRISTmas.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.molly </span></div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-6696127543518905072012-12-03T22:31:00.002-08:002012-12-03T22:31:39.184-08:00Holiday Stitch Market is This Week!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In case you didn't make it to the last
Stitch Market, it's now at Grace Church. Think: bigger venue... tons
more goodies to shop... munchies to eat... close to downtown so you can
come in after going out, or go out after coming in! Perfect for stopping
in on your break on Friday, too.<br /><br /><strong>Who/Where/When</strong></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">:<br />
* <strong>25</strong> local vendors, almost all handmade goodies<br />
* Grace Church, 1350 Osos Street, SLO {across from Mitchell Park}<br />
* December 6th {Thursday} 5-10p; December 7th {Friday} 9a-2p<br /><br /><strong>What's Cookie+Curly bringing, you ask?:</strong></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
The Ever-Popular Vintage Flower Necklaces:<br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/double-tango-orange-cabbage-rose-turquoise-opaque-beads-vintage-style-necklace" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Vintage Flower Tango with Turquoise" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_1880.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/new-ivory-ruffled-rose-with-aqua-teal-pears-vintage-style-necklace" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Vintage Flower Ivory with Clear Aqua" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_2011.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />
New Beaded & Stone Necklaces:</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Turquoise Beaded Necklace" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/Photo4.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
New Recycled Glass Adjustable Necklaces:</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Recycled Glass Adjustable Necklaces" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/Photo5.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
Fun Assortment of Rings, with new styles making their debut:</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/rings-more-soon" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Adjustable Antiqued Rings" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/Photo2.1.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
Pacifier Clips, upon request:</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/blankies" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Pacifier Clips" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/Photo3.1.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
Fresh mobiles and new takes:</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/product/custom-sea-life-mobiles" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Sea Life Mobile" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/Photo1.1.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/category/bird-mobiles" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><img align="none" alt="Two-Bird Mobile" height="250" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/1829e6d1d8dd2361eb7b8b761/images/IMG_0244.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a><br /><br />
And of course, clips, earrings, and fabric cuff bracelets. Oh, and some new gold and silver jewelry. And that's just </span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookieandcurly.com/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Cookie+Curly</a>'s stuff!<br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Come and bring family {kids totally welcome}, friends {Girls' Night!},
neighbors and share some drinks, laughter, and shopping time with us!
Heck, share this link with your friends now and start planning your time together.<br /><br />
$1 at the door. We now have centralized checkout and accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
Can you come?? I hope so! RSVP </span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stitch-Market/112393472189653" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;">here</a> or just show up. If you're receiving this, it means I truly do hope to see you!<br /><br />
Molly</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />
P.S. According to the </span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://madeinusachallenge.com/2012/take-the-made-in-america-holiday-challenge-gift-guide-sneak-peek/" style="color: #46727a; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Made in America Challenge</a>,
the average American spends over $700 annually on holiday shopping. If
just $64 of this was spent on gifts made in USA, the economic impact
would equate to the creation of 200,000 American jobs. Come shop with
us!</span></div>
</div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-74524986518607995192012-11-08T21:17:00.001-08:002012-12-03T22:29:42.489-08:00Crock Pot Beef & Yam Stew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mmmm... Isn't the chill in the air nice? It's about time! So how about a recipe for a beef stew to warm your tummy as the day ends...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />My son's </span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sloclassicalacademy.com/">school</a> asks us to contribute 15 hours of volunteer work every trimester, and since I don't have a lot of extra time to be at school, I've chosen to fulfill some hours at home. Every two weeks the staff has a meeting and parents bring them a home-cooked meal to go with the theme of what they are teaching the kids at that time. The other week, I was tasked with making beef stew for 12. Had a made beef stew before? No. And this excited me.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After scanning Pinterest for simple, tasty beef stew recipes I noticed they were all kind of the same with little twists here and there. This is my rendition, and it's delicious, if I'm allowed to say that. {No pics... See the note at the bottom.}</span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Beef & Yam Stew</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Serves: 6-8 for dinner; 10-12 for a side</span></span></span><br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1352433738755_110">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 <span style="font-size: small;">Tbsp.</span> unsalted butter</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1.5-2 lbs. beef stew meat, cubed</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">all-purpose flour</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">salt & pepper </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 large yellow onion, chopped</span></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 large yams, peeled and cubed</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4 Tbsp tomato paste</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">28 oz diced tomatoes, with juices</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bay leaf</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1-2 tsp cinnamon to taste</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 tsp all-spice</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 garlic cloves, minced</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce {optional}</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Beef broth, as needed</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Heat slow-cooker to "brown" setting, or heat large soup pan to medium-high heat, and melt butter.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Place meat in brown paper bag with flour, salt and pepper and toss to coat.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Brown meat on both sides, then set aside in a bowl.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4.
Cook onions in slow-cooker {or the same pan} with some olive oil for 2
minutes, then add yams and continue to cook until onions are
translucent.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{You can add other veggies here, like
peeled/cubed carrots, celery, etc. After onions are translucent, you can
also add sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes or so.}</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Stir in tomato paste
and stir to cover veggies.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Add beef back in.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7.
Add in diced tomatoes, bay leaf, cinnamon, all-spice, garlic cloves,
Worcestershire sauce {optional} and beef broth {if needed for moisture
or to make more soupy}.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8.
Cover and simmer on low for up to 2 hours, adding broth if necessary.
Consider making a day ahead to allow flavors to really mix together.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was really quite pleased with myself for making up a stew and showering all before 11am, and that the kids were all still intact, although I didn't think to take any pics of the final product. As I dashed to the school I ran my fingers through my hair and realized I never washed the conditioner out of my hair! Oh well. Can't do it all. :)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enjoy.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057793488037711950.post-65354318599295775562012-10-30T20:57:00.000-07:002012-10-30T20:57:07.723-07:00Warm Chicken Salad with Goodies - Quick & Easy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband and I have gotten into a rut lately. We do this from time to time with our food. We get in the habit of having a protein {chicken, pork, turkey, beef, fish - all lean/extra-lean}, a vegetable {usually roasted or a salad} and a complex carb {usually a grain of some sort}. We know how to do it. It tastes good. And we know it nourishes our body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While there's nothing wrong with the foods we eat, I get bored with it. And lately, I've been REALLY bored. So I turned to my new oracle... <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. {Follow me: "Molly Trapp"}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last week I found a simple chicken salad recipe from an awesome blog called "<a href="https://farmhousedelivery.com/blog/"><span id="goog_1442740747"></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="https://farmhousedelivery.com/blog/">farm + house + table</a><span id="goog_1442740748"></span>" that made it to my Top 3 Favorite Salads list. Here's a link to the recipe: <a href="http://farmhousetable.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/warm-chicken-salad-with-peppers-pears-toasted-pinenuts/">Warm Chicken Salad with Peppers, Pears, and Toasted Pinenuts</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Super simple dressing with {optional: store-bought} roasted chicken:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1RrYtzmLPk/UJCgd0Bqh9I/AAAAAAAABYk/cTKBDRrAxvs/s1600/chicken+salad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1RrYtzmLPk/UJCgd0Bqh9I/AAAAAAAABYk/cTKBDRrAxvs/s320/chicken+salad1.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fresh fruit and vegetables. Crisp, tasty arugula. And we paired it with leftover roasted yams, sweet potatoes, and onions. I wanted to lick the bowl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvJ2cmekciI/UJChOoYHFYI/AAAAAAAABYs/Rrmsrv_szKg/s1600/chicken+salad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvJ2cmekciI/UJChOoYHFYI/AAAAAAAABYs/Rrmsrv_szKg/s320/chicken+salad2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Took no time to make, and absolutely great. Try it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">molly</span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15589421624899968493noreply@blogger.com0