tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27365746884197551442024-03-13T12:38:40.654-05:00Simple Things, Sweet LifeSimple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-88990974460453710362021-06-19T15:42:00.001-05:002021-06-19T15:42:06.093-05:00Simple Friday Night Fun<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFOshYRKto4/YM5TQchs9_I/AAAAAAAAUqk/r91W8ZjSoLMAhKKBB766S6XNFxyGN0vaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1F2334EE-214E-4529-A4C7-AD3CC72EFEEF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFOshYRKto4/YM5TQchs9_I/AAAAAAAAUqk/r91W8ZjSoLMAhKKBB766S6XNFxyGN0vaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1F2334EE-214E-4529-A4C7-AD3CC72EFEEF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One bag of salad split between 2 large bowls, topped with leftover roast chicken, chopped mangoes (frozen/thawed work great!), chopped cucumbers, sliced avocado, bacon pieces, fresh raspberries or blueberries (just picked from my garden), and sprinkled with feta cheese, walnuts or almonds, and pepper. A simple dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar (1 to 1 ratio) drizzled on top kept it heart healthy and made a lovely, refreshing, and filling Friday night dinner for my husband and I.</span></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35voirQdvwg/YM5S05cGGcI/AAAAAAAAUqY/iuYFzKVThyUcRPvdKiBnQkjZ9gWwUEdaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0BFBBEF8-65D4-47B2-8C78-98036A25A66E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35voirQdvwg/YM5S05cGGcI/AAAAAAAAUqY/iuYFzKVThyUcRPvdKiBnQkjZ9gWwUEdaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/0BFBBEF8-65D4-47B2-8C78-98036A25A66E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We eat at the dining room table 5-6 nights a week, but when Friday night is also old musical movie night, we take it to the living room. Living it up, simple style! :)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The simple pleasures are the best ones. Enjoy your weekend! What old musicals do you love to watch year after year?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Take care,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></p>Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-87927459294259539042021-03-11T12:11:00.000-06:002021-03-11T12:14:53.867-06:00Mini Frozen Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A morning of cooking ahead from items in my freezer, fridge, and pantry, allowed me to take some mini freezer meals to my aging parents this week! A whole cooked chicken (marked down and cooked in the slow cooker the day I bought it) and some precooked ground beef made this a much faster task. Less than 2 hours including clean up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">First I got all of my ingredients out and ready to use.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8vtCSXUexM/YEpW3Jy8aSI/AAAAAAAAUi8/qintFMLdFZsusJ6MW_egcXc6-fip706PACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9D6DD85E-2F57-4E24-9D4C-7FBE0531AE95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8vtCSXUexM/YEpW3Jy8aSI/AAAAAAAAUi8/qintFMLdFZsusJ6MW_egcXc6-fip706PACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/9D6DD85E-2F57-4E24-9D4C-7FBE0531AE95.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Secondly I chose my music to cook by. Being a child of the 70's usually makes me turn to my Pandora Carpenters Radio Station. :)</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_XFIlpCV1w/YEpW3Nvx-WI/AAAAAAAAUi4/U09UFYqx8kIQgd5HI3itfNMEzkpZ4Y-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/EE1D140F-7EE8-48B7-989C-BC188DF7B3DB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_XFIlpCV1w/YEpW3Nvx-WI/AAAAAAAAUi4/U09UFYqx8kIQgd5HI3itfNMEzkpZ4Y-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/EE1D140F-7EE8-48B7-989C-BC188DF7B3DB.png" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A muffin tin and a mini loaf pan worked great for this project. I lined the mini loaf pan with foil since I was unsure if the frozen pot pie would pop out well, but that wouldn't have been necessary. I also sprayed the pans with cooking spray which was a help.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiv2CyUYJyw/YEpW2PkUWJI/AAAAAAAAUis/Zm_mWNlQ9f0CoPgdqcZWFht59gTmOEaGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5D89114C-CD2D-4A32-A6D3-909B88744FDD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiv2CyUYJyw/YEpW2PkUWJI/AAAAAAAAUis/Zm_mWNlQ9f0CoPgdqcZWFht59gTmOEaGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/5D89114C-CD2D-4A32-A6D3-909B88744FDD.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I made Lasagne Soup using <a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/lasagna-soup/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> without the ricotta cheese topping..it is SO GOOD! I did add 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the soup at the end, and it was the crowning touch. Easy, too. And some instant Idahoan Baby Red mashed potatoes to which I added a large dollop of plain Greek yogurt and topped with grated cheese and bacon pieces. I also made an easy Chicken Pot Pie (using a can of cream of chicken soup and 1.5 cups of cooked/cut up chicken) and put in the mini loaf pan</span>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGdS7WRbZhU/YEpW2J3mZWI/AAAAAAAAUiw/Ovf-AMX4HVgvjfNTxtr4iMi2h1OVtiuDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/7CAEE0D0-B7A0-4BDD-A590-6EC47A614894.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGdS7WRbZhU/YEpW2J3mZWI/AAAAAAAAUiw/Ovf-AMX4HVgvjfNTxtr4iMi2h1OVtiuDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/7CAEE0D0-B7A0-4BDD-A590-6EC47A614894.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I flash froze everything in my freezers (uncovered) and when solid, I was able to pop them out quite easily with the tip of a knife. Into freezer bags they went, on which I had written the name of the dish and any instructions. I baked crescent roll dough that I cut into rectangles, and packaged them in a separate bag before adding to the pot pie bag.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbPtUKb6bJg/YEpW00BBNPI/AAAAAAAAUio/PkX71bIIgwA-zYoT1NOXP5gF6XpsVuW4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2F0CF59A-896A-450F-AC0C-16483AC9F9FF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbPtUKb6bJg/YEpW00BBNPI/AAAAAAAAUio/PkX71bIIgwA-zYoT1NOXP5gF6XpsVuW4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/2F0CF59A-896A-450F-AC0C-16483AC9F9FF.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The crescent roll rectangles are ready to crisp in the toaster oven and add to the top of the heated pot pies.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLzhmnNuWSI/YEpW0p5vTMI/AAAAAAAAUig/lF_5opdW8Ek-TI3H9SVyUWPa53hHK0WigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2385003E-AFE1-42AA-9F05-696197487800.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLzhmnNuWSI/YEpW0p5vTMI/AAAAAAAAUig/lF_5opdW8Ek-TI3H9SVyUWPa53hHK0WigCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/2385003E-AFE1-42AA-9F05-696197487800.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I thought it would be handy for my mom to have some mashed potatoes cooked and ready to add to a meal.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzYdTaEej6w/YEpW01tZ6uI/AAAAAAAAUik/6T5S_Q9S8wcVzmt_-EOK1zcv7_BmGXFpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/445ABC23-7A68-46A2-884F-075EE239FBFC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzYdTaEej6w/YEpW01tZ6uI/AAAAAAAAUik/6T5S_Q9S8wcVzmt_-EOK1zcv7_BmGXFpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/445ABC23-7A68-46A2-884F-075EE239FBFC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Last but not least, I baked up a package of peanut butter cookie mix with added mini chocolate chips. My Dad's eyes brightened when I carried these in the house. He loves chocolate and peanut butter together. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Osm5d-L6g/YEpW2YtDuUI/AAAAAAAAUi0/L-iENL7Sbj8kfva9uqXVCj49vw3xi6hNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/66C4114E-632D-4C67-92C7-F95693BF7CA0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Osm5d-L6g/YEpW2YtDuUI/AAAAAAAAUi0/L-iENL7Sbj8kfva9uqXVCj49vw3xi6hNACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/66C4114E-632D-4C67-92C7-F95693BF7CA0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><div style="text-align: center;">This technique would be easy to use to freeze some of your family leftovers, for individual meals for yourself, your family, or your favorite elderly folk. Give it a try and let us know in the comments below!</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Blessings!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-68786185251946909142018-08-20T20:07:00.000-05:002018-08-20T20:07:05.277-05:00The 15 Minute Project Girl<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hello friends! It is a quiet evening here, and we are waiting on a storm to arrive. I love storms during the day, but at night they can be a bit scary for both man and beast. Our little poodle/Italian greyhound mix dog is 13 and she gets scared when we even mention the word 'rain' or 'boom booms' (our silly talk for thunder.) So I hope they come and go before bedtime or I will have a little friend in my bed tonight. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">This post is about a little trick I'm using to help me get big projects started and sometimes even finished. A big project looms large to me...I'm really a quick project person. I like to see results right away and not spend hours on one thing. The trick I have learned is to spend 15 minutes at a time on something, unless I really want to spend more.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">For instance, gardening. I LOVE flowers. All the color and cheer and the little bouquets to bring in and the butterflies and...you get the picture. But by late July I am pretty much 'over' working on them in the humidity. I hate to sweat. That's a problem in the summer isn't it? Ha! But if I go outside and work on the garden and flower beds for just 15 minutes, I can get some things done and not get too hot. Tonight I tackled the spent Black Eyed Susans. In 15 minutes I got them cut back and thrown away, plus pulled weeds in another small bed. Ta Da! Then I came inside without feeling like I needed a shower, plus knowing that I got another part of the yard back into shape.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dq5aQyzvMUg/W3tdOKwEo5I/AAAAAAAADyY/MIujRkiEb8kizAT3z6756Ato7GDY7GDpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dq5aQyzvMUg/W3tdOKwEo5I/AAAAAAAADyY/MIujRkiEb8kizAT3z6756Ato7GDY7GDpwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4909.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">My little friend Gracie kept me company.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljPDtCMNGVo/W3tdSt-fh0I/AAAAAAAADyE/eHtpwkrsw3M5x-RePjGF1QIO8EQIzwLFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/0F4A587A-E201-4B84-9451-48B10520079C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljPDtCMNGVo/W3tdSt-fh0I/AAAAAAAADyE/eHtpwkrsw3M5x-RePjGF1QIO8EQIzwLFgCEwYBhgL/s640/0F4A587A-E201-4B84-9451-48B10520079C.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Another big project on my summer list was to clean the tile grout in our bathroom. Oh how I dreaded it. But one day I mixed up the potion (see the recipe above) and gave it 15 minutes. The success was unbelievable! This recipe really works! Leave it on for 5 minutes in each grout line before you scrub with a toothbrush and you'll be amazed at the difference as you can see in my photo above. I worked on this project 3 different times for 15 minutes, and it was all done. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgtNtoQkr-0/W3tdNa7J3RI/AAAAAAAADx4/-vAXyQ8g1JccN-M2SKrSU-cY28Wucs9aACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgtNtoQkr-0/W3tdNa7J3RI/AAAAAAAADx4/-vAXyQ8g1JccN-M2SKrSU-cY28Wucs9aACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I make handmade cards for my</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/perfectdarlings" target="_blank">Perfect Darlings </a></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">business (on </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/perfectdarlings" target="_blank">Etsy</a> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">and on Facebook </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/perfectdarlingshandmade/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">) Sometimes getting myself started on a new set of cards feels like a big job. But if I take 15 minutes to choose a design (here I was using vintage book pages) and papers to coordinate, then lay it all out on my ironing board (such a fancy work space!) then I feel like the job is 1/3 done! It's easy to come back later and get started with the fun part...creating! PS..if you 'like' my Perfect Darlings Facebook page, you'll be eligible to enter a drawing for free product very soon!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">In 15 minutes you can take a couple of photos of something you want to sell, list it on Facebook or Neighborhood Next Door, and wait for your sale. This sweet girl sold in 24 hours. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spJ05nTdEx8/W3tdSpYkStI/AAAAAAAADyM/B8anCKrWdn8YBFd0aKwDuBePPxS35HakwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spJ05nTdEx8/W3tdSpYkStI/AAAAAAAADyM/B8anCKrWdn8YBFd0aKwDuBePPxS35HakwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4312.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Redecorate your fireplace mantle for the season in 15 minutes. Especially if you took a photo of how you did it last year at this time and can refer back to it for quick inspiration. I have started a private Facebook photo album of my mantlescapes so I can quickly locate the pictures of previous designs and do them again.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Write a letter to your grandchild in 15 minutes. We have 2 little grands going back to school this week, so it was a good occasion for sending them a real letter in the mail. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">And even start decluttering your home in 15 minutes. This little pile came together on Sunday, and I plan to add to it before I take it all to the Evansville Rescue Mission Thrift Store for donating in a few days. I purge our house 2-4 times a year, but can always find more 'stuff' that we don't need or use any more.<br /><br />So there you have it! Are you a 15 minute project girl too? What kinds of things do you work on for 15 minutes at a time? Organize a drawer? Wipe down baseboards? Read a magazine? Dust the house? Order photos online? I am creating a Summer 2018 photo book online, just a few minutes at time so I don't go crazy. Those things are so tedious. :)<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! I have more posts planned...come back soon!<br /><br />Blessings,</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></span></td></tr>
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Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-22894967412218505832018-07-10T19:55:00.001-05:002018-07-10T19:59:03.759-05:00Snapdragons of Many Colors<span style="color: #38761d;">Long ago, I blogged about a form of miniature greenhouses made using milk jugs...you can read about that <a href="http://simplethingssweetlife.blogspot.com/2015/03/snow-and-seedscome-hither-spring.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I used that little trick again this winter to start seedlings! A sprinkle of tiny Snapdragon seeds in one of my outdoor milk jug greenhouses at the end of February, brought tons of little seedlings to transplant into my many flower beds by April/May. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The fun has been seeing how MANY different colors of Snapdragons I have! They are truly beautiful, vibrant, easy to grow, and will bloom til October.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Are you ready for a little visual tour of my Snapdragons of Many Colors. Some of the photos were taken after a big rain, so you'll see a few tiny splatters of dirt. Watch for the peach and yellow mixed ones...my favorite. "Cue the music...."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Ahhhh, wasn't that refreshing? They look so cool and vibrant in the heat of July. So glad the rabbits haven't been interested in munching on these little beauties and that they will keep me company far into the fall. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">What's growing well in your garden this summer?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Thank you for stopping by! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Donna</span></div>
Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-7367036020614848812018-06-25T20:55:00.000-05:002018-06-25T20:55:31.512-05:00Puppy Puppet...Made in Minutes<br /><div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Hello friends,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Good evening...I'm just sitting here in the living room relaxing with my husband, son, and puppy-girl, Gracie. She's 13 years old, but still very puppy-like for the most part. It's been a full day of housework, gardening, and alittle card making. By 8:00pm, I try to just 'sit' and relax.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Earlier this Spring, our 3 year old grandson, Sawyer, was sick with a virus for several days. I wanted to send him a Get Well card so he could get some fun mail. But I really don't like to send cards without something fun in it...either a letter or a small gift.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I remembered a paper puppet tutorial I had 'pinned' on Pinterest long ago, and gathered up the supplies to put one together to slip in his card, quickly before the mail lady came.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I found my tutorial at familyfun.com but since that website isn't working tonight, </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I'll post the tutorial from another website at the end of my post.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">You just need 1-2 pieces of paper, some glue, and a marker. I also punched some 1/2" white paper eyes and used a hole punch with black paper for the pupils. Here's how Sawyer's Puppy Puppet turned out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz8LbL-Zuuo/WzGY4Gj74QI/AAAAAAAADwI/L_6EnbV-RiwJfUkrl1Xovw2EjKHAs8GigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz8LbL-Zuuo/WzGY4Gj74QI/AAAAAAAADwI/L_6EnbV-RiwJfUkrl1Xovw2EjKHAs8GigCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">This little puppet can also be a frog with a change up in eyes (and no ears) as you'll see in the tutorial. It's easy to whip up a few to have on hand, for sending a little gift across the miles to a favorite child. These would also be fun to make with your grandchildren, kids you babysit, or your own kiddos.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Click here for the tutorial <a href="http://artxplorez.com/do-it-yourself-crafts/paper-hand-puppets" target="_blank">LINK.</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Thank you for stopping by! Here's hoping for a good night's sleep after last night's fiasco...Gracie is afraid of storms, and woke me up many times last night because of that. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Good night from Gracie and I in Southern Indiana,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></div>
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Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-19334553563874423742018-06-21T20:45:00.000-05:002018-06-21T20:45:29.080-05:00Tip Toe-ing Back Into My Blog...<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Hello Friends!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I've been gone from my blog for 2 years. I've been teaching preschool, and that took most of my time and creative energy. :) It was fun, rewarding, and exhausting. I love children. But since I've decided to just substitute teach at preschool next year, I'm having fun getting back into the creative pursuits I enjoyed before.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I have no idea if anyone will still see this and read it...if you do, I would soooo appreciate a tiny comment of "I'm here!" or something like that. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The pursuit I am enjoying most right now, is that I've re-opened my Etsy shop, Perfect Darlings. Instead of foraying back into the world of sewing travel organizers, I am creating with my first love...pretty papers and old books. Here are a few photos of the cards I've been making:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">There are more, involving darling old books, but I'll save them for another time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">In other news, we have 5 GrandDarlings now with a 6th on the way! Isn't our little 6 month old Emmett just darling?!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">He will have a sweet little boy cousin joining the family in July. Such adventures they will have!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by! I'll be back with flowers, crafts, recipes, cards, and life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Summer Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Donna </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-7086187436931913282016-07-18T20:48:00.001-05:002016-07-18T20:48:55.051-05:00Current Favorite Lunch + Happy Sunflowers = July 2016<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU9hAc_khCM/V42DNZepp3I/AAAAAAAADic/LthuEAtuBhIlax21BLJN733B6GnWS4O-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU9hAc_khCM/V42DNZepp3I/AAAAAAAADic/LthuEAtuBhIlax21BLJN733B6GnWS4O-gCLcB/s640/IMG_2939.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Howdy Ho, good neighbor! With fresh produce from the garden available daily plus my new low sugar/low carb eating plan, I am craving this fresh salad this summer. I can eat it 3 days in a row, and still be excited about it. Good crunch, zesty dressing, and tangy tuna.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used to mix these ingredients together in a big bowl for my lunch, but the visual lost it's appeal halfway through eating it. Ha ha! So now I make a little Cobb Salad type of arrangement, and it looks and tastes great til the very end. Pick 3-4 of your favorite raw veggies and cut them up into cubes. I personally love radishes, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Make a little pile of each on your plate. I also love cold, white beans for this salad. Rinse them out of the can, and use about 1/3 of the can for this plate. Next, add a tasty pile of tuna (in water) for a yummy protein. And last but not least....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like to drizzle on my favorite homemade salad dressing. I make this Italian dressing in a pint jar, and just stir and spoon it on to salads, cucumbers, or this favorite salad. Tastes so incredibly much better than store bought dressing. And it's simple, preservative free, and made with items from your pantry. This salad is especially nice because you can customize it to your liking. Use cooked chicken in place of the tuna. Add feta cheese for a tangy twist. Forget the beans and use cooked quinoa if you like. The possibilities are endless.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joanne Littlefield...if you somehow see this photo of your Italian dressing recipe, just know that I've been making it ever since you taught it to us in your cooking classes in the 1990s. Delish!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had some torrential rains today. In fact we've had ALOT of them this summer in southern Indiana. But even a rainy day view out our dining room door is a happy view thanks to this ONE Sunflower plant that is monsterously huge and full of sweet flowers. The Goldfinches are a big fan...they are picking the seeds out of the flowers one by one. :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by! Sleep Tight!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-32030876760274300292016-07-13T20:17:00.000-05:002016-07-13T20:17:50.508-05:00Last Day of our Summer Staycation...plus a dining adventure at O'Charley's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy July 13!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today was Day 3, our final day of our summer staycation. After going lots of places the past 2 days, we had a more leisurely day today. Even did alittle damage control at home, so I can start tomorrow feeling like the house is in shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First up, breakfast! One thing I've enjoyed this week is trying out the new ceramic skillet my mom-in-law recently bought me. It's dreamy for cooking eggs! Just a tiny spray of cooking oil, and the eggs cook perfectly with NO sticking. They say you can wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel when you are done...but I use hot water and soap. Love that the skillet is flat on the bottom, so there is a large flat area for cooking. Thanks Mom Hayden!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left home today about 11:30 to go to lunch. Eating out every day has been my favorite part of our staycation. :) Loved having a break from cooking. We decided to go to O'Charley's (it's free pie Wednesday, after all!) but we had quite a weird adventure there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We'd been seated and served ice water, when the 2 hostesses at front of the restaurant began coughing violently. It caught my attention and I watched and wondered. Then the table next to them began coughing. Right after that I smelled it...a strong, chemical smell wafted past my nose and immediately made me feel like coughing. I said,"Uh oh. There's something going on. Do you smell that?" My husband immediately got up and said, "Let's go!" Independent soul that I am, I sat there, because the smell seemed gone, and I hoped it was some kind of short lived episode. I watched as different tables of people began coughing, and others stopped coughing. The manager chatted with my husband up by the door, but didn't know what was going on and didn't call 911. Then the smell came back, and I actually tasted it. That's when I knew we wouldn't stay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our throats stung, we tasted a metallic taste, and my husband's asthma started to kick up. So we left! Honestly, we've continued to feel that sting in our throats today, and wonder what happened. Our neighbor, a fire chief, heard our story and thinks it was chlorine gas coming through the HVAC system. I sure do wonder if the restaurant had to evacuate or do anything to remedy it? He said they should have called the fire department, because they have equipment that can tell what gas is in the air. Maybe they did after we left. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plan B, turned out great! We went to Biaggi's, a fine Italian restaurant, and had an amazing lunch. Tanner loved his pasta with meatballs and Alfredo sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> John's baked ziti with seafood was terrific.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And my pasta dish and spinach salad was too. Their unsweetened raspberry iced tea is a t*r*e*a*t! Happy tummies! And tomorrow it's back to my low sugar and low carb eating plan...totally blown the past 2 days. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did some fun shopping, and I scored denim capris at Marshalls. Yippee! Then home to chill and do laundry til bedtime. The day ended with a literal bang. This severe T-storm blew in about suppertime. It was beautiful, and thankfully it was fast and furious with no harm done. A beautiful display of God's glory and power.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow we hit the ground running! An appointment at 8:15am, and then my first meeting/lunch for my new job. Yes, after being a stay at home mom and homeschooling for 23 years, this lady has a job teaching Preschool! It will be an adjustment, but so much fun. I'm thankful! And if I still have some energy after that, it's off to Ivy Tech to meet with an advisor to get Tanner set up with classes. This fall has so many changes ahead for us...but we know that the Lord will be our strength and help. A new chapter in life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading! Blessings and sweet dreams!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></div>
Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-61326378946608599552016-07-12T17:07:00.000-05:002016-07-12T17:10:14.904-05:00Our Summer Staycation Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is Day 2 of our Summer Staycation. To read about Day 1 and hear why we turned our summer vacation into a staycation, click <a href="http://simplethingssweetlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/staycation-southern-indiana-styleday-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had heavy rain today as we drove 45 minutes to spend the day in Owensboro, KY, but it didn't dampen our spirits...just my son's cell phone which (of course) fell out of his pocket as he exited the car, and landed in a small river gurgling beside the curb. Dry rice to the rescue, once we got home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But backing up a bit, we started our morning at home with coffee and Jesus. Something new that has been pumping up my prayer life, is to write my prayers in a journal each day. I get major ADD when praying, but writing my prayers has helped me focus and feel so much more in tune with God. I'm looking forward to seeing in print, how God moves in our hearts and lives over the months. Give it a try if you also have trouble focusing.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After breakfast and tidying up, we hit the road in the rain for the Kentucky border. Owensboro is a beautiful town on the Ohio River. We've enjoyed the gorgeous riverfront park in the past, but this was our first time to explore alittle deeper. We started out at the city's museum. $3 a person, or $10 per family is a reasonable entrance rate, and we enjoyed it very much. Lots of hands-on exhibits for kids, plus things for adults.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the first things we saw was a tiny little door in the wall by the floor. No sign..but we had to peek and see what it was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Awww, a little mouse house. A delightful tiny surprise. :) I always enjoyed reading little mouse stories to my kids, and used to make up stories about mice families living in our backyard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yes, we did enjoy most of the kid exhibits. :) This was a combination window/mirror. Tanner was on one side unseen, and we were on the other. But when you turn the light on to the right brightness, his face appeared as if looking through a mirror at us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ladies, can you IMAGINE wearing a corset sooo tight that your waist was the size of a 5 year old's? Oh my word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">John had a Go Kart simliar to this 1970s model as a boy. He eventually sold it when he was older. I'm now wearing it on my ring finger. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This exhibit let you feel wind up to 78 mph so you'd know what a tornado might feel like. The video I took of them is hilarious. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lunch time. Moonlite BBQ is pretty famous around these parts. The place was packed for their lunch time buffet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Round 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up we did a bit of fun browsing. The Preservation Station is a well loved antique/vendor place located in an old elementary school. It was so cute! Every room hosted a different antique or handmade vendor's shop. It was my first visit here, and I will be back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This coal miner's lunch box captured my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't buy it...but loved thinking of the stories it could tell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kentucky is coal and tobacco country. I don't like what tobacco does to people, but the farms were pretty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Darling old churches are my favorite. Dear husband pulled over so I could capture this one. My goal is to make my own calendar of darling old churches one day. Maybe for my birthday in December...sounds like a good goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As my and my son's energy was flagging, (my husband's energy does not fail him til 9pm...how does he do it?) we stopped at one last flea market. Aqua is one of the happiest, most peaceful colors ever. I would have loved buying just one of these cups and saucers, but they were sold in a set. I always come home from antique shops with a great desire to drink coffee from one of my vintage cups and saucers. Maybe tonight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This made-in-England tea set was darling and inviting too. I have no room for anymore pretties, so I satisfy myself by just taking photos of the eye candy instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But there is ALWAYS room for a few more old Golden Books for my collection. These were all pretty old and will be fun to read to my granddarlings. I'm calling them my souvenirs. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are home now, and recovering from our big day. I don't have to cook supper since we all ate more than our share at the BBQ buffet. I'm hoping we'll get out the old record player and vinyl albums we had as children, to enjoy this evening, plus a Christmas Hallmark movie and maybe some old family photos. This damp, rainy-ish evening will be cozily spent at the BEST hotel in town...home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></div>
<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-43566203216517651512016-07-11T21:14:00.002-05:002016-07-11T21:15:11.671-05:00Staycation Southern Indiana Style...Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello for the first time since last September! </div>
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Rather than post a bunch of photos on Facebook, I decided to chronicle our Staycation through my blog. Here's how it came to be...we had planned a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in TN for May. But my poor mama fell at a garage sale and broke her hip in late April! Our vacation was scheduled to take place during her first week back home after hospitalization, surgery, and a week in rehab. So our trip was just not meant to be, since we needed to help her and my Dad daily that week.</div>
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Fast forward to June, and we realized that our summer was now pretty much booked up with other trips and responsibilities. Trying to schedule a replacement vacation would be too hard. I read a magazine article about how to have a Staycation, and make it feel like a vacation. The idea sounded perfect for us, and my husband and son agreed! No hassle of packing, boarding our dog, or driving for 6 hours! So, we are taking the first 3 days of this week for our Staycation, and enjoying it very much.</div>
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The article suggested that you do the things that make a vacation special...eating out, no work, doing fun things, taking time to be a family. So these are the the ideas that we came up with for our Staycation in our Ohio River city in southwest Indiana.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg-PGwtQMhw/V4RJY643KZI/AAAAAAAADfc/nTmsz3rGRtcly99KDkXmG4xSW0Dl3v1qQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg-PGwtQMhw/V4RJY643KZI/AAAAAAAADfc/nTmsz3rGRtcly99KDkXmG4xSW0Dl3v1qQCLcB/s640/IMG_2845.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We won't have time to do ALL of these things, but it is fun to have choices. Some are touristy type things that we have not done during our 6 years living here. Others are just fun things we don't usually take time for. I have a feeling that the simple, homey activities will end up being my favorites. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What's a vacation without tasty treats? My son and I picked out some snacks and treats at the grocery store to have this week. And I baked some chocolate whole wheat zucchini bread with our garden zucchini, to have for a coffee/breakfast treat. So that's how our day started on Staycation Day 1.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For Day 1, we did something so fun for lunch. We went to Meijer and each chose some special lunch foods for a picnic lunch. It was quite fun to look at all the possibilities and everyone pick their favorite.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are so many individual serving sized drinks and food available these days. Don't these little bottles of Lemonade in the refrigerated section look good?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of meat and cheese packages in the deli.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was tempted to choose a fresh roll from the bakery.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For less than $14, we all got what we wanted!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FQAFXOnMHw/V4RJWLy3ZwI/AAAAAAAADfA/np5nP-1QCBYN56RvxJuv2v1o49CrffgGACKgB/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FQAFXOnMHw/V4RJWLy3ZwI/AAAAAAAADfA/np5nP-1QCBYN56RvxJuv2v1o49CrffgGACKgB/s640/IMG_2797.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along with a small cooler of fruit, we took off for the Ohio River front for our picnic. It's a beautiful place to sit and relax or to walk. Our picnic consisted of fresh popcorn chicken, jalepeno pretzel poppers (yum!), salad, fruit, drinks, and some chocolate for dessert.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqWVRrRyYCM/V4RJWDRbE7I/AAAAAAAADe4/hRkrYRsHVZUQHRIcAHZ4NbzjtVMdAOVwwCKgB/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqWVRrRyYCM/V4RJWDRbE7I/AAAAAAAADe4/hRkrYRsHVZUQHRIcAHZ4NbzjtVMdAOVwwCKgB/s640/IMG_2800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We went up on the rooftop patio of our visitor's center, and the Lord was so sweet to give us the ONE bench that was in the shade. Great lunch spot, with a cool river breeze blowing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After lunch, there was alittle football tossing between John and Tanner.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7s3EnAt1jg/V4RJXH1IGlI/AAAAAAAADfI/FzGtAHRfoEw4M1VqnpWM_R-v-VekFMn0wCKgB/s1600/IMG_2817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7s3EnAt1jg/V4RJXH1IGlI/AAAAAAAADfI/FzGtAHRfoEw4M1VqnpWM_R-v-VekFMn0wCKgB/s640/IMG_2817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beautiful riverfront.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loved the flowers around the visitor's center.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Si55ZJTOq9s/V4RJW8BbDQI/AAAAAAAADfE/sYz8R6c94TkQ3R0OVNXNiaPcaQ_wRDB7wCKgB/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Si55ZJTOq9s/V4RJW8BbDQI/AAAAAAAADfE/sYz8R6c94TkQ3R0OVNXNiaPcaQ_wRDB7wCKgB/s640/IMG_2826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next up, we went to see Finding Dory. Awwww, so cute. Baby Dory was darling!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the movie, we actually went laptop shopping for son. And then, a light supper at Freddy's.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIP0RVwF7k/V4RJYLe6ZNI/AAAAAAAADfY/0BhIXWLG_Koxaq9HZgCcFRcjKmDkXIPvgCKgB/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIP0RVwF7k/V4RJYLe6ZNI/AAAAAAAADfY/0BhIXWLG_Koxaq9HZgCcFRcjKmDkXIPvgCKgB/s640/IMG_2843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks, Freddy's, for doing lettuce wrap burgers! And wow, those skinny fries are my favorite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So...That is Day 1! We've enjoyed relaxing this evening and watching a Christmas movie on Hallmark. I just love Christmas movies in July...the snow looks so refreshing on a 90 degree day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And now tomorrow...we are headed to Owensboro, KY for a museum, flea market, lunch, and their gorgeous riverfront.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Night, night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-71069814485845223862015-09-10T21:22:00.001-05:002015-09-10T21:22:54.930-05:00Five Ideas on a September Eve<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsGYX8tVOJQ/VfI0o_aClHI/AAAAAAAADYw/Pg7hjHoXiqc/s1600/blog%2Ba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsGYX8tVOJQ/VfI0o_aClHI/AAAAAAAADYw/Pg7hjHoXiqc/s640/blog%2Ba.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Lazy Girl Iced Tea ~ I love to drink iced tea. So refreshing. But sometimes I get tired of brewing a pitcher full every few days. So I took a short cut one day, and found it works pretty decently. I put a tea bag in a glass of cold water and let it sit 20 minutes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLvKolkah2c/VfI0pAeP5pI/AAAAAAAADY0/sg1wx95aY6Y/s1600/blog%2Bb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLvKolkah2c/VfI0pAeP5pI/AAAAAAAADY0/sg1wx95aY6Y/s640/blog%2Bb.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Voila! My berry flavored green tea infused into the water, and was tasty, even if not quite as strong as if I'd brewed it. I leave that tea bag hanging out in my glass all day, and just refill it with water. The berry flavor infuses the water and gives me a tasty drink all day long. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUC3tcJGdXE/VfI0pGczLzI/AAAAAAAADY4/y3a5kA-H_hk/s1600/blog%2Bd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUC3tcJGdXE/VfI0pGczLzI/AAAAAAAADY4/y3a5kA-H_hk/s640/blog%2Bd.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Put people on your weekly To-Do list ~ I'm naturally very project oriented, so on my weekly to do list, I add chores, meals, errands, and projects. Lately I've been realizing that I have people I want to connect with, but they get lost so easily lost in the shuffle of my projects. So now I'm adding people to my list, and it's making a difference. People matter so much more than projects, so this is helping me to remember to build time into my week for letters, texts, emails, and visits.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_6WqMv7S9k/VfI0sPQoUPI/AAAAAAAADZI/uC9qelTFdhs/s1600/blog%2Be.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_6WqMv7S9k/VfI0sPQoUPI/AAAAAAAADZI/uC9qelTFdhs/s640/blog%2Be.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Crafting with cans ~ In November I will be having a booth in my very first craft show! I'm excited as well as anxious, hoping I can have plenty of items made and ready for the big day, along with filling Etsy orders. I'm experimenting with some new products for the show. These upcycled tin cans were fun to put together. I have quite a few decorated cans that I use in my crafting...they hold paint brushes, pens and scissors, etc. I'll be making lots of these to sell this fall, and some will even have their tin lids with little knobs on top and can function as a gift holder for wrapped candies and more!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmYn5H3Y6A0/VfI0ssKHP2I/AAAAAAAADZQ/Ku1P1-du_I4/s1600/blog%2Bf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmYn5H3Y6A0/VfI0ssKHP2I/AAAAAAAADZQ/Ku1P1-du_I4/s640/blog%2Bf.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Writing letters to my little Grands ~ Living long distance from my 3 (soon to be 4!) little grandgirl and grandboys means I have to be creative in finding ways to connect with them. We usually Face Time, which is GREAT! But one week I decided to mail them letters. I added pictures to the letters, so they could help Mom read it. Please forgive my amateur drawings...my grands certainly did. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMdZSw2Ewsc/VfI0syaM8YI/AAAAAAAADZU/fIqEV245-Wc/s1600/blog%2Bg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMdZSw2Ewsc/VfI0syaM8YI/AAAAAAAADZU/fIqEV245-Wc/s640/blog%2Bg.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hear that 3 year old Carson has his hanging on his bedroom wall, and wants to turn it over periodically so the pictures on the other side can be seen. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEcEpClG084/VfI0tyK8cSI/AAAAAAAADZg/Z19Ddi93R4g/s1600/blog%2Bh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEcEpClG084/VfI0tyK8cSI/AAAAAAAADZg/Z19Ddi93R4g/s640/blog%2Bh.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Notice I employed some Ed Emberley books to help me with some simple drawings. :) The internet also helped me with some simple drawings to copy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywFi_a9GCLw/VfI0uv7PwtI/AAAAAAAADZo/PAisLFgIw_0/s1600/blog%2Bi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywFi_a9GCLw/VfI0uv7PwtI/AAAAAAAADZo/PAisLFgIw_0/s640/blog%2Bi.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eloise loves my stuffed Charlie Brown, so he usually travels with me when I go to visit her. She's already put in her order of things Mimi should bring when baby brother is born. :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-11365417892569942642015-08-16T16:48:00.000-05:002015-08-16T16:48:45.529-05:00Two Things on a Sunday Afternoon<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDabhw9qOPc/VdD5yu533pI/AAAAAAAADXY/cr8cDAJOpRw/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDabhw9qOPc/VdD5yu533pI/AAAAAAAADXY/cr8cDAJOpRw/s640/IMG_7527.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Bran Muffins ~ Home Schooling starts back up for our son and me tomorrow. And it's my very. last. year. He is a Senior, the baby of the family, and this is my 23rd year of full time homeschooling...so I have very mixed feelings. Sad. But glad I get to do this for one more year. It's been a grand, wonderful, fulfilling journey.<br /><br />It's always nice to have muffins ready to go for the new school year, and these are my very favorite. Moist and easy, plus they make a ton. You can even keep the unbaked batter in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks, and have warm muffins in a snap.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aRhapVC9W4/VdD5vx_kkMI/AAAAAAAADW8/TTRdApCXDJg/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aRhapVC9W4/VdD5vx_kkMI/AAAAAAAADW8/TTRdApCXDJg/s640/IMG_7517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This recipe comes from my friend Debbie, and has been around for years. You can also make some substitutions with the recipe, which is always nice. Here are the ingredients I use:<br /><br />1 cup boiling water<br />1 cup Bran flakes (or Raisin Bran Flakes)<br />1/2 cup canola oil<br />1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup honey<br />2 eggs<br />2 cups buttermilk (or make sour milk by adding 2 Tablespoons white vinegar to 2 scant cups regular milk)<br />2 1/2 cups flour (I use 1 cup whole wheat flour in this mixture)<br />3 tsp soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />2 more cups of Bran Flakes (or Raisin Bran Flakes)<br />chocolate chips and/or nuts to top dress muffins<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCZvBeFxN9U/VdD5v2wpvtI/AAAAAAAADXA/w3tavS6MDK4/s1600/IMG_7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCZvBeFxN9U/VdD5v2wpvtI/AAAAAAAADXA/w3tavS6MDK4/s640/IMG_7519.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made the batter Saturday (use the directions in the original recipe) and refrigerated it. This afternoon I baked it after top dressing each with some mini chocolate chips and pecans, making a dozen nice muffins and 8 mini loaves. They rise up so nice and are sooooo moist and wonderful.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymEk9298zD4/VdD5ykG0fcI/AAAAAAAADXc/YHgOb5UpvSY/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymEk9298zD4/VdD5ykG0fcI/AAAAAAAADXc/YHgOb5UpvSY/s640/IMG_7523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I froze the mini loaves for next week. Husband and I love a little something sweet first thing in the morning with our coffee.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sW08eoCUIO4/VdD5xETBHxI/AAAAAAAADXI/wZyS5I9W4W0/s1600/IMG_7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sW08eoCUIO4/VdD5xETBHxI/AAAAAAAADXI/wZyS5I9W4W0/s640/IMG_7522.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="direction: rtl; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> .Warm right out of the oven</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So good I ate two! Shhhh.... :)</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJxBNVHySwk/VdD50dmBocI/AAAAAAAADXw/rLgORVewSDU/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJxBNVHySwk/VdD50dmBocI/AAAAAAAADXw/rLgORVewSDU/s640/IMG_7531.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Making Lesson Plans ~ Sat down today and wrote up the work we will accomplish the first day. Since it is still mid-August and hot, I lit a candle, drank some coffee with the fan blowing on me (haha!) and pretended it was Fall. That's when school should start, in my book. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zwOrAeGXG8/VdD50FclHgI/AAAAAAAADXs/8KsOT2p7tEw/s1600/IMG_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zwOrAeGXG8/VdD50FclHgI/AAAAAAAADXs/8KsOT2p7tEw/s640/IMG_7530.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Curriculum for this year, along with several classes at the local high school. How can this be the last time I will ever buy homeschool curriculum for my children?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Well, muffins and coffee will make my back-to-school morning pleasant and tasty. Hope you give them a try soon, too! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-19703717735549581452015-08-05T20:59:00.000-05:002015-08-05T20:59:33.141-05:00Five Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDqFDVsdHXU/VcK2_J8IgDI/AAAAAAAADVc/3RBOYyeFn1M/s1600/IMG_7785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDqFDVsdHXU/VcK2_J8IgDI/AAAAAAAADVc/3RBOYyeFn1M/s640/IMG_7785.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Sauteed Okra ~ I'm a southern girl who grew up eating fried okra. Delish! But alot of trouble and probably too greasy for me today. But after reading that you can grill okra and it's delicious and non-slimy, I decided to try sauteeing it. I left it whole, used minimal oil, and in just a couple of minutes it was done and soooo good! Looking forward to the next batch of okra I pick from my little garden!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-NxyJIKtYM/VcK2_ekOMtI/AAAAAAAADVk/1JOwZ1Su61E/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-NxyJIKtYM/VcK2_ekOMtI/AAAAAAAADVk/1JOwZ1Su61E/s640/IMG_7788.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. My evening walks include this little lake in the neighborhood. Loved the sky this particular night.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vP5nUTdgajM/VcK3baBx2JI/AAAAAAAADWU/ilGqLWSd1Oc/s1600/IMG_7659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vP5nUTdgajM/VcK3baBx2JI/AAAAAAAADWU/ilGqLWSd1Oc/s640/IMG_7659.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Boy Doll ~ Our only granddaughter, Eloise, is getting a baby brother this Fall! She is such a good mommy to her dollies, and spends lots of time tucking them in for naps, I asked her Mama if I could look for her a baby boy doll for her for when brother arrives. It took some doing, but I found this sweet, soft little boy doll...he's so huggable!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ce3-lJUBRQY/VcK2_U9pzNI/AAAAAAAADVg/ExflhA7kdmU/s1600/IMG_7796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ce3-lJUBRQY/VcK2_U9pzNI/AAAAAAAADVg/ExflhA7kdmU/s640/IMG_7796.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made him a knit blanket and put him in the mail this week. Her Mama will save him for when she goes to the hospital for the birth. I hope this little doll will help her with the adjustment of a new baby in the family. I know she will feed him, doctor him, and tuck him in for lots of naps while singing "You Are My Sunshine." I think she will love that he has a paci. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd4mm1Ae3bg/VcK3HwIwwLI/AAAAAAAADWE/SqW6DbVrrcc/s1600/IMG_7468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd4mm1Ae3bg/VcK3HwIwwLI/AAAAAAAADWE/SqW6DbVrrcc/s640/IMG_7468.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. New Paints ~ As I have taken some watercolor painting lessons, (and have tons of practicing to do to be able to not giggle at my attempts,) I decided to buy the paint set the teacher recommends. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psAuwHpxOds/VcK3Ho8vjZI/AAAAAAAADV8/eP6anBEfNO4/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psAuwHpxOds/VcK3Ho8vjZI/AAAAAAAADV8/eP6anBEfNO4/s640/IMG_7469.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winsor & Newton's student set of paints only set me back $15 with a coupon for the art store in town, and I'm already a big fan. Making the color chart above with the paints, I can already tell that the pigment is much richer than the set I was using. When these little paint cakes get used up, I can buy tubes of that color and refill the pans, which will dry into cakes. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cn53zHrGN_M/VcK3AiN7GbI/AAAAAAAADVs/3nyanDwbTG0/s1600/IMG_7800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cn53zHrGN_M/VcK3AiN7GbI/AAAAAAAADVs/3nyanDwbTG0/s640/IMG_7800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This little whimsical bird was my latest attempt, with my old paints. Yes, you can giggle at him. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33qvl4Xjd4s/VcK3H7q-W8I/AAAAAAAADWA/YIM0nBKEp1A/s1600/IMG_7472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33qvl4Xjd4s/VcK3H7q-W8I/AAAAAAAADWA/YIM0nBKEp1A/s640/IMG_7472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a treat when I have a quiet afternoon and can pull out my paints and play.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Face Timing with Granddarlings ~ All of our little grands live about 6 hours away, so I'm very thankful for Face Time and Skype. I like to have some fun stuff set out to use during our video chats, as they love to see things at Mimi's house. Face timing with Eloise yesterday was so fun as she loves my Charlie Brown. I wrapped him in a blanket (like her dolls), had him snack on play food, and then we looked at my old Eloise Wilkens book about the little girl who gets a new doll and a new baby brother. Ellie made playdoh cakes and cookies to feed Charlie through the screen. Sweet memories made over the distance. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by today! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy your last weeks of summer!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-68889934872730574342015-07-24T21:30:00.000-05:002015-07-24T21:48:46.225-05:00Seven Sweet Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, friends! So much has been happening around here the past month, so writing has been on the back burner. I'm done traveling for the summer now, so am catching my breath and regrouping before school starts. Here are a few fun blessings from the past few weeks. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8spUMleJnc/VbLmdxhVClI/AAAAAAAADRk/4qMgw5OrbBc/s1600/IMG_7022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8spUMleJnc/VbLmdxhVClI/AAAAAAAADRk/4qMgw5OrbBc/s640/IMG_7022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) Backing up a bit to June, I wanted to share the fun Father's Day cards I made for our Dads. I found a site online that will let you create a word search using words that you plug in. It arranges them all, and even lets you set if you want the words to only go forward, which I did. These words are all things to pertain to my father in law. I loved personalizing the cards with just the touch of a key.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPruI5BJ-XE/VbLmdQd-7gI/AAAAAAAADRg/MlsHQFSxt2w/s1600/IMG_7040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPruI5BJ-XE/VbLmdQd-7gI/AAAAAAAADRg/MlsHQFSxt2w/s640/IMG_7040.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) I love fresh grapefruit. But cutting between all the sections, the way our parents did it was too much trouble. So glad to figureout that you can just cut a grapefruit in slices, like an orange, and enjoy it immediately! Pink grapefruit is sweet and delicious. They are even good to cut up and add in a fruit salad. Give it a try.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7plmTwksDo/VbLmdxiGyQI/AAAAAAAADRs/01V-Ws8E4_k/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7plmTwksDo/VbLmdxiGyQI/AAAAAAAADRs/01V-Ws8E4_k/s640/IMG_7100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) June also allowed me to spend time with all 3 of our granddarlings. Little Eloise is getting a baby brother this Fall! And Carson and Sawyer are enjoying each other more and more as Sawyer is more mobile now. Love these girls and their darlings!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93KNcjYCb_Q/VbLmowC1SVI/AAAAAAAADR4/CQyW8F_82c0/s640/IMG_7166.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) After searching for a necklace to go with several new summer coral colored outfits, and coming up short for just the right thing, I decided to search for a pendant to go on my long sterling silver chain. Surprisingly, I found a great pendant with coral, cream, and turquoise in it for 50% off at JoAnns, of all places! For $5 I got a 'new' necklace. Going to be looking for more pendants to go with other outfits, too. Alot less expensive than buying multiple necklaces. And I can layer a shorter silver chain and smaller pendant with it, for a double look.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yqlfYb8IBM/VbLnASg6_CI/AAAAAAAADSA/q_IJuxQADQ0/s1600/IMG_7272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yqlfYb8IBM/VbLnASg6_CI/AAAAAAAADSA/q_IJuxQADQ0/s640/IMG_7272.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) In July, our daughter and family came for 3 wonderful days. This was the first time I had to baby proof the house for Sawyer! I love this sweet photo of him peeking at my Dad. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46P7nGZqMT0/VbLnQM-zccI/AAAAAAAADSI/dbaf-gaI_cc/s1600/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46P7nGZqMT0/VbLnQM-zccI/AAAAAAAADSI/dbaf-gaI_cc/s640/IMG_7344.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My darling grandboys. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLx1XduweA/VbLoX4yiBtI/AAAAAAAADS0/fq9PFb1gHqk/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jiLx1XduweA/VbLoX4yiBtI/AAAAAAAADS0/fq9PFb1gHqk/s640/IMG_7485.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">6) Walking in our country neighborhood has been one of my favorite parts of the summer. The minute I'm on my way, I feel like I can deep breathe...physically, spiritually, and mentally. I try to walk 2-3 miles a day, and find sunset to be the most enjoyable time of the day. There is usually a little breeze, and the hot sun has gone behind the houses. The farm fields are so beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ujt4gV60Nw/VbLoYMOxe8I/AAAAAAAADS4/a7fALa-3c6E/s1600/IMG_7486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ujt4gV60Nw/VbLoYMOxe8I/AAAAAAAADS4/a7fALa-3c6E/s640/IMG_7486.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The little neighborhood lakes often have mallards, herons, or geese nearby. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5-YTrc5fU/VbLoYO0PI-I/AAAAAAAADS8/ch4MajkSHnE/s1600/IMG_7487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5-YTrc5fU/VbLoYO0PI-I/AAAAAAAADS8/ch4MajkSHnE/s640/IMG_7487.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This lot is one of my favorites...the house has a farm field right behind their house and the corn is gorgeous this year. The sky at dusk is gorgeous here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1UeWtk8SLQ/VbLoZLkdHjI/AAAAAAAADTE/lOLgbEsuYT0/s1600/IMG_7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1UeWtk8SLQ/VbLoZLkdHjI/AAAAAAAADTE/lOLgbEsuYT0/s640/IMG_7519.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And counting baby bunnies along the way is part of my fun. Lots this year. Can you tell I love wildlife and nature? ;)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;">7) I've gotten to do something on my bucket list this summer...take some watercolor painting classes. I don't have a natural eye for painting, so I'm going to have to practice. Alot! But it's been fun to learn some techniques and I'm looking forward to learning more.<br /><br />There's more! But I'll save it for next time. <br />Thank you for stopping by!<br />Enjoy these last days of July, and take care....<br /><br />Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Donna</span><br />
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Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-69081927127358950662015-06-17T17:29:00.001-05:002015-06-18T11:17:42.020-05:00Two Sweet Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> ~ <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michigan Beach Town Vacation</span> ~ We took our family vacation in early June to southwest Michigan. We beat the crowds and heat (loved that part!) It was such a wonderful, pleasant trip...you can come along via some photos.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This cottage near Coloma, MI was our home for 3 days. It was clean, clean, clean...that means alot to me. You can find information on it at <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/3657018ha?utm_campaign=VRBO_TRV_INQ_HASC_replyBlank_PPB&utm_content=propid_text_o_lprop&utm_term=20150519&utm_source=SYS&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">this link</a>, if you are interested. Scott and Dawn were good hosts of this rental cottage. We had plenty of room and a full kitchen. We ate breakfast and dinner here, with a fun lunch out every day. The laundry room was a big help, with all those sandy clothes. :) And it was huge...you could easily sleep a couple of kids on air mattresses in there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a 10-15 minute walk through a wooded area to get to our own little beach ~ Hagar Shores, MI</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyHzM_ex0ck/VYHmWVdMCoI/AAAAAAAADNE/vfJnMJp9mdI/s1600/IMG_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyHzM_ex0ck/VYHmWVdMCoI/AAAAAAAADNE/vfJnMJp9mdI/s640/IMG_7253.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed walking down to it our first night there, just after a rain shower moved through. Beautiful clouds with a sunset peeking through.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3IPIVJZ-LQ/VYHm9FDV_1I/AAAAAAAADNQ/sMI56kSokgQ/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3IPIVJZ-LQ/VYHm9FDV_1I/AAAAAAAADNQ/sMI56kSokgQ/s640/IMG_6576.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1 ~ Saugatuck, MI<br />The historic chain ferry is a fun way to get to the town from the beach side of Saugatuck. It is a hand cranked ferry across the Kalamazoo River. The town is small enough that it is fun to walk and visit shops and sites.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtBWoqWjwxA/VYHwWxBSDQI/AAAAAAAADPs/V2N2itvyLYs/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtBWoqWjwxA/VYHwWxBSDQI/AAAAAAAADPs/V2N2itvyLYs/s640/IMG_6588.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An excellent lunch at The Mermaid Bar and Grill along the riverfront. Our son Tanner enjoyed his shrimp.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYtg707pZrU/VYHm9pL_dZI/AAAAAAAADNc/AGy-6EWgYXc/s1600/IMG_6628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYtg707pZrU/VYHm9pL_dZI/AAAAAAAADNc/AGy-6EWgYXc/s640/IMG_6628.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had read about Uncommon Roasters on TripAdvisor.com. And its charm and Carmel Latte lived up to the reviews. Trip Advisor is a great way to find good places to eat while traveling.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aP78G5XYHKc/VYHm9ekZupI/AAAAAAAADNY/ewcRGkslyEY/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aP78G5XYHKc/VYHm9ekZupI/AAAAAAAADNY/ewcRGkslyEY/s640/IMG_6695.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oval Beach, an award winning beach in Saugatuck, was our first real beach adventure of the trip. Feet are so happy in sand and water.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWDQMIE7aA/VYHnZwStnaI/AAAAAAAADN4/8KXsgZyPO-w/s1600/IMG_6824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWDQMIE7aA/VYHnZwStnaI/AAAAAAAADN4/8KXsgZyPO-w/s640/IMG_6824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 ~ St. Joseph, MI<br />Our daughter and grandboys drove an hour from their home and met us here for the day. Sweet Carson must have thought the beach was the world's best sandbox.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82DoTRQtLuA/VYHna9vQmyI/AAAAAAAADN8/jEWrCpMBgqk/s1600/IMG_6871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82DoTRQtLuA/VYHna9vQmyI/AAAAAAAADN8/jEWrCpMBgqk/s640/IMG_6871.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And baby Sawyer was all eyes and ears during his first beach visit. So fun to make this memory with them.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqtgnmiUVas/VYHnnLxEshI/AAAAAAAADOE/8-KoLxfFUsc/s1600/IMG_7313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqtgnmiUVas/VYHnnLxEshI/AAAAAAAADOE/8-KoLxfFUsc/s640/IMG_7313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We ended the evening with a fire in our cottage's fire pit, roasting hot dogs, making S'mores, and toasting our toes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPqe5Ccm0xI/VYHoMJfSr8I/AAAAAAAADOs/QGLQaIZ0RzM/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPqe5Ccm0xI/VYHoMJfSr8I/AAAAAAAADOs/QGLQaIZ0RzM/s640/IMG_6919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 ~ South Haven, MI<br />This might have been my favorite place. The white sands were clean, the light house was gorgeous, and the town was charming.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzUiiIyho9c/VYHoKoyr-FI/AAAAAAAADOU/SAhNjGJqKEU/s640/IMG_6933.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walking out on the pier to the lighthouse was a treat.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzUiiIyho9c/VYHoKoyr-FI/AAAAAAAADOU/SAhNjGJqKEU/s1600/IMG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utPsv5jGRP4/VYHoLKksWTI/AAAAAAAADOc/mYydF3iHEwY/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utPsv5jGRP4/VYHoLKksWTI/AAAAAAAADOc/mYydF3iHEwY/s640/IMG_6968.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The shops were fun, Clementines made us a tasty lunch, and the Lord was kind to make it only rain for a few minutes while we were warm and dry indoors at lunch. Murphy's Antique Mall was a huge treat...possibly the best/cutest antique mall I've ever visited. We all found a treasure to buy...even our 17 year old son. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cbFIT5agNQ/VYHoMMTCDaI/AAAAAAAADOo/OsBpyISvXMQ/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cbFIT5agNQ/VYHoMMTCDaI/AAAAAAAADOo/OsBpyISvXMQ/s640/IMG_6975.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The marina was a fun place to sit and relax...cool breezes and cool boats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFgyL_WaRTI/VYHnoUWc-6I/AAAAAAAADOM/At213I_oQfs/s1600/IMG_7351.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFgyL_WaRTI/VYHnoUWc-6I/AAAAAAAADOM/At213I_oQfs/s640/IMG_7351.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">North Beach in South Haven, one of seven beaches in this town. So clean. So peaceful. So beautiful. My favorite beach of the trip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMRaDDu_Syc/VYHoQw9jdEI/AAAAAAAADO0/PX_BOK0Zo0I/s1600/IMG_7352.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMRaDDu_Syc/VYHoQw9jdEI/AAAAAAAADO0/PX_BOK0Zo0I/s640/IMG_7352.PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they served Sherman's Ice Cream (a Trip Advisor favorite) at this beach. Completely delish. Who wouldn't want to eat ice cream perched atop these adorable vintage stools?<br />It was a wonderful, peaceful, relaxing trip...I'd highly recommend a Michigan Beach Town vacation.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. ~ A Handmade Card for our favorite new Medical School Graduate.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DZhP_K5n-4/VYHohf-vqrI/AAAAAAAADPE/KSi5XS3TT3g/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DZhP_K5n-4/VYHohf-vqrI/AAAAAAAADPE/KSi5XS3TT3g/s640/IMG_7013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our friend Jacob has wanted to be a doctor ever since we met him at age 9. And this past month, he achieved that dream at the early age of 24. I enjoyed making a card for his celebration, using the page of an old hymnal. Don't you think this song title is perfect?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZph322vqHE/VYHohTIAwVI/AAAAAAAADPM/lUxJjdaKJdg/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZph322vqHE/VYHohTIAwVI/AAAAAAAADPM/lUxJjdaKJdg/s640/IMG_7015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't have room for the 'refrain' on the front of the card, so added it inside the cover.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1eyClMpuzY/VYHohfDeI3I/AAAAAAAADPI/YBZrnbrZmYM/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1eyClMpuzY/VYHohfDeI3I/AAAAAAAADPI/YBZrnbrZmYM/s640/IMG_7016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jacob loves the Lord, and will be relying on Him as he begins his residency in Chicago. So proud of this fine, young man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Always enjoy your comments!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-12616129310919805462015-06-04T17:31:00.000-05:002015-06-04T18:19:21.339-05:00Five Fine Things<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alao6XOYVgc/VXDIrHmaY7I/AAAAAAAAC64/S3oDjbCWyIU/s1600/IMG_6475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alao6XOYVgc/VXDIrHmaY7I/AAAAAAAAC64/S3oDjbCWyIU/s640/IMG_6475.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Freezer Cooking Ahead ~ We got ground chuck on sale for $2.99 a pound. Score! So I spent one morning browning 3 pounds for the freezer (quick taco or spaghetti meals.) I made 2 lbs into meat balls which I froze on a cookie sheet, then put into a freezer bag so I can take out the number I want for a meal. And the last 1 1/2 lbs. became a favorite comfort food...Blue Plate Patties. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlR9UBR5r2I/VXDI2nY-oDI/AAAAAAAAC8M/ssIHUY7aJ2A/s1600/bp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlR9UBR5r2I/VXDI2nY-oDI/AAAAAAAAC8M/ssIHUY7aJ2A/s640/bp3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a Taste of Home recipe from 1999. And they are delicious! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1hKvLRtLw/VXDI2SJggkI/AAAAAAAAC8E/mbXlMOSfBD0/s1600/bp2%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1hKvLRtLw/VXDI2SJggkI/AAAAAAAAC8E/mbXlMOSfBD0/s640/bp2%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I fit the recipe to what I have on hand, which usually means a packet of brown gravy mix, canned mushrooms, and no horseradish. But they are so good with mashed potatoes. The men in your life will love you. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlp_I6B39Cg/VXDIq0KzknI/AAAAAAAAC68/puOdpBbtarg/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlp_I6B39Cg/VXDIq0KzknI/AAAAAAAAC68/puOdpBbtarg/s640/IMG_6484.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Things growing at my house ~ This Missouri Primrose perennial was given to me by my neighbor in Michigan back in 1999. It moved to Chicago with us where it grew and spread for 10 years. And when we moved to Southern Indiana 5 years ago, a chunk of it moved here with us too. It's now like a long-time friend. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9cDgBtMytc/VXDIq3_9zeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/1KHNOsFP5YE/s1600/IMG_6485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9cDgBtMytc/VXDIq3_9zeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/1KHNOsFP5YE/s640/IMG_6485.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My first Gerbera Daisy in a few years. My favorite color this year is 'coral' so that's why this pretty girl came home with me from Lowes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6YeEaWk2GU/VXDIuoIznwI/AAAAAAAAC7c/Wycbh-mFCyA/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6YeEaWk2GU/VXDIuoIznwI/AAAAAAAAC7c/Wycbh-mFCyA/s640/IMG_6502.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I call these Lindsey's Daisies. They moved here from Chicago with me too, and they always bloom in June, the birth month of our only daughter, Lindsey. <!--3--><!--3--></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2LZynhYFTk/VXDIyi__DKI/AAAAAAAAC74/_2Zjx6MbiUQ/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2LZynhYFTk/VXDIyi__DKI/AAAAAAAAC74/_2Zjx6MbiUQ/s640/IMG_6520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our little 4x8 raised vegetable garden is full. So in order to grow Bell Peppers, I had to plant them in this little plot of ground under our utility meter on the side of the house that only gets afternoon sun. I didn't know how they'd do...but they have grown 3X bigger than the Banana Pepper plants in my veggie garden in full sun. Go figure. Looking forward to yummy peppers in a few months!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mDCGeY3Fls/VXDIuZtAhfI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/Hj4meO7mAW8/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mDCGeY3Fls/VXDIuZtAhfI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/Hj4meO7mAW8/s640/IMG_6487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Semi-Homemade Salsa<br />John and I LOVE this salsa. We like it better than most name brands and we like it better than salsa made from fresh tomatoes and canned. So I am experimenting by making some ahead and freezing it. My cilantro will soon be going to seed, and since we love cilantro in our salsa, I knew I had to make some quick. I made four blender batches of salsa and have frozen them all. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Easy recipe...ready?<br />For one blender batch, add 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1/2 rough chopped onion, a spoon full of canned jalepenos, 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Process on the lowest you can, so you don't pulverize it. When it has a consistency you like, stop the blender. Bam! Tastes like restaurant style and is completely addictive. I've already unfrozen one batch to use, and if it ends up alittle juicy from the frozen tomatoes, then I'll just spoon alittle of the juice off of it. But I'm thrilled to have our favorite salsa in the freezer, ready for use. Will def. make more this summer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05BTESW_Hvo/VXDIxaopMmI/AAAAAAAAC7s/OKtkdM9o1SM/s1600/IMG_6522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05BTESW_Hvo/VXDIxaopMmI/AAAAAAAAC7s/OKtkdM9o1SM/s640/IMG_6522.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. The Give-Away-Garage-Sale ~ This morning on my morning walk, I came across a large garage sale being set up. The lady told me she'd open at 11am (!!) but that I could look around. She's cleaning out her mother's home of years of pack-rat-ing. I did pick out 2 things right off the bat, and she quoted me a price I couldn't believe (nothing was priced.) 25 cents each! I told her I'd be back with money around 11am. Of course, by waiting til 10:45am, alot of the good stuff was GONE! I guess I learned my lesson...those who obey garage sale start times miss out. :) But that's okay. The wind chime above was one of my finds. 25 cents. My back yard is making cheery music now, and I'm thrilled. Was hoping to buy one in Michigan on our vacation, and this find saved me $20 or more!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwhvA8Ihg78/VXDI1ypZHrI/AAAAAAAAC8I/ngrHtVVg1vA/s1600/bp5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwhvA8Ihg78/VXDI1ypZHrI/AAAAAAAAC8I/ngrHtVVg1vA/s640/bp5.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is one of my other finds. This adorable, 1950s cookie jar is exactly like the one my beloved Grandma had. I had purchased one like it for myself for $10 a few years ago at a garage sale, thinking that was a steal. But this little gal came home with me for $1. What?! They go on eBay for $70 and up. This sweetie will be offered to my daughter first, then to my neighbor whose Grandma also had one. I used to gaze at it as a girl and think how tasty all those decorative cookies looked.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Our little piece of Paradise ~ My John and I are yard people. So after living here 5 years, we've finally gotten the yard about how we want it. Cool mornings and evenings on the patio swing are the best. So is lunch on the swing. Enjoying the things that are blooming, and eagerly awaiting the Rose of Sharon and the Butterfly Bush to join in. There's a new climbing vine with orange flowers coming soon too...it's growing and starting to climb the fence, but is currently hidden by Bee's Balm and Daisies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for coming over today to share the fun of my week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-33571760520202512472015-05-28T14:41:00.001-05:002015-05-28T15:24:28.121-05:00Six Sweet Things<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLbEhjE-QRs/VWdp3QqFgGI/AAAAAAAAC44/3D4gjyRgtvM/s1600/how-to-cut-a-watermelon-600x313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLbEhjE-QRs/VWdp3QqFgGI/AAAAAAAAC44/3D4gjyRgtvM/s640/how-to-cut-a-watermelon-600x313.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Found this great tutorial last night on How Does She, and gave it a try today. It is brilliant! My son dubbed them Watermelon Pops. Give it a try soon...<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/fast-and-easy-way-to-cut-a-watermelon/" target="_blank">follow this link to her blog</a>. (photo credit How Does She.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. In the knick of time, I received my new Etsy shop labels in the mail. Bonnie at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OneEyedBee?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">One Eyed Bee</a> did a terrific job, and even the packaging is cute. I'm so happy they are precut and ready to sew into my purse organizers at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/perfectdarlings" target="_blank">Perfect Darlings</a>. Check out both of our shops...and be watching for new purse organizer fabrics in my shop soon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dG0uY32eWg/VWdqAn9xWyI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/_yXtJVBrpus/s1600/blog%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dG0uY32eWg/VWdqAn9xWyI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/_yXtJVBrpus/s640/blog%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. What a happy sight. Itsy bitsy yellow squashes are in my garden. Can hardly wait to saute them in olive oil and pop each 1/2" round into my mouth. Bliss.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cs3h1ed348/VWdqEGE3YkI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/75pUzlW8R_o/s1600/blog%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cs3h1ed348/VWdqEGE3YkI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/75pUzlW8R_o/s640/blog%2B4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Since I am done home schooling for this school year, I am so enjoying having time to do those little extra things that have been on hold. This week I made scripture cards of verses to pray for each of our sweet grandchildren. While I walk or bike, I enjoy praying these truths and blessings over them. When you pray God's Word, you know you are praying His will for them. (Sorry these 2 pics aren't as sharp.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. While sewing for my Etsy shop, I love to listen to audiobooks through Overdrive, an app that our library uses. Listening to Louisa May Alcott's Good Wives, which comes after Little Women, has been especially delightful this week.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKOY_nTv3fc/VWdqRhP61YI/AAAAAAAAC54/mqDVwQpRuH0/s1600/blog%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKOY_nTv3fc/VWdqRhP61YI/AAAAAAAAC54/mqDVwQpRuH0/s640/blog%2B8.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. While waiting for my son to finish his computer class recently, I went into an antique mall. These adorable tags decorated with vintage photographs were calling my name...loudly. They are so so sweet, and for just $1.50, they have added new stories to my home decor, which admittedly is very vintage. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5EHcxo17Tc/VWdqNb26L5I/AAAAAAAAC5w/PSbv5QljVUg/s1600/blog%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5EHcxo17Tc/VWdqNb26L5I/AAAAAAAAC5w/PSbv5QljVUg/s640/blog%2B7.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've spread them throughout my vignettes and am enjoying them immensely. Question? Why do husband 'toys' cost so much more than wife 'toys?' Some girlfriends and I were wondering that last night. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are so appreciated!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-16596107811368703342015-03-21T20:34:00.000-05:002015-03-21T20:34:20.808-05:00Welcome Sweet Spring Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunshine. Green Grass. Flowers. Walks in the neighborhood. Spring weather can't get here (and stay here!) fast enough. About 3 days a week, we have amazing weather and those walks can happen. But the other 4 days are still chilly, cloudy, and often wet. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But Spring did come to stay in my home today. Yippee! I redid the door decor, mantelscape, and my 2 drawer-scapes for Spring. So come on in, and enjoy the warmth and cheer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-JQ0OY0ESE/VQ4QfaPrELI/AAAAAAAACx8/KkimqDIRWdM/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-JQ0OY0ESE/VQ4QfaPrELI/AAAAAAAACx8/KkimqDIRWdM/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made a little spring bunting one day recently from vintage book pages and some Dollar Tree seed packets. Love it against my green front door.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyeCgrgEHNY/VQ4Qfk2mJbI/AAAAAAAACyA/RDiMPibNM1g/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyeCgrgEHNY/VQ4Qfk2mJbI/AAAAAAAACyA/RDiMPibNM1g/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mantle is dressed in pinks and greens, along with another handmade bunting, fashioned from journaling cards, vintage book pages, and various ephemera. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-br-wRfgV97w/VQ4Uxip5U4I/AAAAAAAACyg/PZzsopQUdEU/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-br-wRfgV97w/VQ4Uxip5U4I/AAAAAAAACyg/PZzsopQUdEU/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't seem to grow succulents, even though they say they are easy. So I bought one from the Hobby Lobby floral department and am excited to have it to enjoy. The china pieces are all from different people and places...Homer Laughlin Dogwood teacup from a favorite flea market, a sweet Bavarian creamer from my mom in law, and the beautiful teapot from England was a gift from my neighbor. The pink depression glass plates belonged to my best friend's mother, and the pink church plate came from the flea market. I love churches. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RriMG-WUc0/VQ4U9bkYRRI/AAAAAAAACyw/_FTnSQtOL7k/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RriMG-WUc0/VQ4U9bkYRRI/AAAAAAAACyw/_FTnSQtOL7k/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not sure what I love more in this drawer...the Fire King teacup, my handmade candle in a vintage jello mold, the lamb candle from my grandson's first birthday cake, or the photo of my darling granddaughter 2 years ago this weekend.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This drawer is not dressed as a showpiece, but I enjoy it by the door to the backyard. Each piece is either vintage or one of my favorite things. Even that tiny paper birdie is made from a vintage book page.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLJhQ1bA-lY/VQ4Z36wKuCI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Hla49Gj0y-8/s1600/bird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLJhQ1bA-lY/VQ4Z36wKuCI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Hla49Gj0y-8/s1600/bird.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So from birdie and I...Welcome sweet spring time!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-53393565978986562032015-03-06T15:14:00.003-06:002015-03-06T15:16:35.168-06:00Snow and Seeds...Come Hither, Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QX81cK1Hz5c/VPoR4O_J3sI/AAAAAAAACxE/i4UTrTReMSM/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QX81cK1Hz5c/VPoR4O_J3sI/AAAAAAAACxE/i4UTrTReMSM/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living in Southern Indiana these past 5 years, we've gotten used to Spring starting early. By the end of February, our 'cold' winter is usually done and things warm up to the 50s and beyond. This year, however, we've had 2 sizable snows...the last weeks of February and again on March 4th. We've had 8 snow days (public school) in the past 3 weeks, which is highly unusual! So my desire for Spring is getting really strong. I want to be OUTSIDE! And I want to start seeing things grow. <br />For several weeks I've had my eye on a little early gardening project that Kevin of Garden Design shared on his blog. You'll find his excellent step by step instructions <a href="http://www.gardendesign.com/seed-sowing-snow?pnid=122094#gallery-content" target="_blank">HERE</a>. So I saved some empty, clean milk jugs and bought some nice potting mix and a seed starter mix. As the sun shines bright on this 33 degree Friday, I took the time to make this project come to life. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I prepared my 3 milk jugs per his instructions, leaving a hinge connecting the milk jug top to the bottom, with drainage holes and added about 3 inches of potting mix in the bottom, and an inch of seed starter mix on top. I don't know if I needed the seed starter mix, so just go with a light, fluffy potting mix if that's all you have. His tip for heating a Philips head screwdriver for poking holes in the jugs for drainage, worked like a charm. I just used a lit candle for my heat source. (Here's hoping hubby doesn't mind his Craftsman screwdriver getting the heat treatment!) Then I put water over the dirt til it was well moistened and drained.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMbgUg8H_Q/VPoRwdafnEI/AAAAAAAACwk/aBru52tjM1Y/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMbgUg8H_Q/VPoRwdafnEI/AAAAAAAACwk/aBru52tjM1Y/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Next I got out my seeds. This is a handy little idea for storing your seed packets...just use a small photo album and put a seed packet in each page window. Works like a charm!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I chose these three seeds to plant, and followed Kevin's instructions.</span><br />
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Lastly, you close your little greenhouse using the hinge you left when you cut the jug. And add 1-2 strips of duct tape to keep it cold. Then, no matter how cold it is outside, you take your jugs outside and set them in a place where they will be able to get rain, snow, and sun. (There's my dog, Gracie, who seems to get in many of my photos when I'm not looking!) If there is a deluge of rain, you might want to put the caps back on the jugs temporarily. As the weather warms, you loosen the duct tape and open the jugs for a few hours each day to let the seedlings benefit from the sunshine and cool breezes. When your plants have sprouted, grown a bit, and it is safe weather-wise to move them into your garden, you cut a flap in the side of the base of the jug, and slide the dirt/plants square out. Using a knife, cut them like brownies into sections to plant right into the garden. They will already be 'hardened off' and ready for life in the great outdoors.</div>
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I'm hoping that before I even put these into the garden, I can pick a few leaves to put on my sandwich. That's the best part of gardening...walking out and picking something fresh for a meal, right when you need it. :)</div>
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Ready for Spring? Got snow and cold? No problem! Try this little seed sowing method and let the gardening season begin!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></div>
Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-72263110655169035592015-01-19T16:13:00.002-06:002015-01-19T16:16:36.987-06:00Energy Bars (Or in My Case, Coffee Treats)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently discovered an old recipe from a homemaking magazine, that has quickly become a favorite. Got 15 minutes? You've got time to make these from start to finish. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXSaBn6dqko/VL17ux_5GtI/AAAAAAAACtA/DHMWmBsjLb8/s1600/IMG_5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXSaBn6dqko/VL17ux_5GtI/AAAAAAAACtA/DHMWmBsjLb8/s1600/IMG_5729.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It all started when I pulled out some old magazines to peruse for new recipe ideas. This little sweet magazine used to feed the inner Caroline Ingalls in me, back when my kiddos were young. Happy sigh. Those were the BEST days. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvWwFCPumcc/VL17YeUqFKI/AAAAAAAACs4/LxMZuUWgShM/s1600/recipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvWwFCPumcc/VL17YeUqFKI/AAAAAAAACs4/LxMZuUWgShM/s1600/recipe.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This recipe for Energy Bars from a lady in Canada, caught my eye. Pretty healthy and quick. So I gave it a try that very day. We LOVED it! Super tasty, quick, and satisfying. Just 2 one-inch squares with coffee made me feel like I'd had a real treat. Today I made it again (just one week later.) So here's how it goes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw4A7C5T11s/VL17vVNxNDI/AAAAAAAACtE/tgCYhIC5g2g/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw4A7C5T11s/VL17vVNxNDI/AAAAAAAACtE/tgCYhIC5g2g/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since I like short cuts and saving energy (time and money), I didn't toast my oats in the oven, but rather 1) in a large skillet on medium-high heat for several minutes, stirring often, or 2) in the microwave for several 30-60 second cycles, stirring after each cycle.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsxNXJWsZk4/VL17uYJUUAI/AAAAAAAACtM/7f5Q4tizYyo/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsxNXJWsZk4/VL17uYJUUAI/AAAAAAAACtM/7f5Q4tizYyo/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next you melt the butter, honey, peanut butter, and marshmallows in the same skillet (put the toasted oats on a plate til you add them later) or in a saucepan. Stir often...it goes quickly. For those who have peanut allergies in the family, I'm sure you could just add more marshmallows and butter and skip the peanuts and peanut butter.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ22nT_yrCg/VL17zqbsrFI/AAAAAAAACtY/HCXYw498x18/s1600/IMG_5736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ22nT_yrCg/VL17zqbsrFI/AAAAAAAACtY/HCXYw498x18/s1600/IMG_5736.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instead of a cup of peanuts, I used these 2 bags.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the peanuts and stir, then add the oats and stir.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CNx_g2vZos/VL172rwzoeI/AAAAAAAACtg/ehgr990pos8/s1600/IMG_5741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CNx_g2vZos/VL172rwzoeI/AAAAAAAACtg/ehgr990pos8/s1600/IMG_5741.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looks like this.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKD_4m0u8Ak/VL174DaI2VI/AAAAAAAACtw/yY6ePmB7rD4/s1600/IMG_5742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKD_4m0u8Ak/VL174DaI2VI/AAAAAAAACtw/yY6ePmB7rD4/s1600/IMG_5742.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grease an 8x8 pan, and press the mixure in with a silicone spatula. The sticky mixture doesn't stick to the silicone, so it works great. If you don't have a silicone spatula, put a plastic sandwich bag on your hand, and press it in with that hand.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdS4PXNO-4g/VL1796zuLZI/AAAAAAAACt8/QHd7-6YyWow/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdS4PXNO-4g/VL1796zuLZI/AAAAAAAACt8/QHd7-6YyWow/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And my own little addition...add a few chocolate chips on top and press them in. Chocolate makes any sweet treat better.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnB2jJ7_GpE/VL179DY-eyI/AAAAAAAACt4/77Ek9ppd7Gk/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnB2jJ7_GpE/VL179DY-eyI/AAAAAAAACt4/77Ek9ppd7Gk/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And after they've had time to cool and set up a bit, cut and eat. I told my husband to cut them small, so we can eat some 2X a day without gaining weight. :) That worked last week, so I'm sticking to it!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_34Wp99TQs/VL17-1QyzaI/AAAAAAAACuI/RTFASugxa-4/s1600/IMG_5753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_34Wp99TQs/VL17-1QyzaI/AAAAAAAACuI/RTFASugxa-4/s1600/IMG_5753.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />They are sooooo good. The peanut butter, oats, and peanuts satisfy you with just a small serving. These can be gluten free if you use oats that are not cross contanimated with wheat. And other mixins would be good as well...such as sunflower seeds and coconut.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Blessed,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-65272097982584694262014-10-01T13:52:00.004-05:002014-10-03T12:08:49.321-05:00DIY Mini Pumpkin Decor<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/-I4UAPAiR550/VCxGk0yKKvI/AAAAAAAACoo/q3WIRhZetmY/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4UAPAiR550/VCxGk0yKKvI/AAAAAAAACoo/q3WIRhZetmY/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think God created miniature pumpkins to make us smile, and feel warm and fuzzy inside. :)<br />These sweet little embellished pumpkins are certainly doing that for me around my house.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Better Homes and Garden's October issue planted the idea in my mind. I didn't want to go out and buy the greenery and little berries that they used, although I loved them...so I used supplies I had at home. And I wanted to make personalized tags that said Autumn phrases that I like, so although you can find their printable tags online, I made my own.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So let's get started...buy miniature pumpkins at the grocery store. Round up some raffia, greenery, mini flowers, craft paper, a Fall punch, twine, little hole puncher, craft glue, and a hot glue gun. Now you are ready to roll.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was out of brown wrapping paper (like used for wrapping a box for mailing), so I got out a brown grocery bag, cut out an 8.5x11 piece, and fed it through my printer. Created a word doc of sweet Fall phrases including Harvest Moon, Thankful, Happy Harvest, Autumn Bliss, Blessed, and more, then printed them on the brown paper bag. Use a variety of fun fonts, for added interest. I have a leaf punch, so I added some orange print leaves to the tags, and punched a hole in the upper left corner of the tag.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tie a raffia bow around the little pumpkin stems, then thread some natural twine through the tag hole, and tie the tag to the stem as well. For this little pumpkin, I added green paper leaves to the back of the tag.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeCWXRrq-P0/VCxKUUfJJTI/AAAAAAAACo0/TZHk4fxR7EQ/s1600/photo%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeCWXRrq-P0/VCxKUUfJJTI/AAAAAAAACo0/TZHk4fxR7EQ/s1600/photo%2B(1).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">For this set of pumpkins, I hot glued a couple of vine leaves to the top for greenery. And for some of them, I hot glued some little yellow fall flowers from the craft store. You'll see one rogue tag in this photo...I printed out one tag I found online, but after that, I made my own. Do whatever suits you! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you are finished, you have the FUN of setting a few around your home. And gifting a few. And maybe even selling a few. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My $8 vintage sewing drawer with it's glass handle, is happy to be decked out for Autumn.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fireplace mantel is dressed for Autumn, as well. Lots of layers of like-colors, textures, and patinas make a nice mantle scape...be sure to have height in some areas...and off center height is even more interesting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMmP5xvjyxo/VCxGjV0IMmI/AAAAAAAACog/vjUzwaUdzcA/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMmP5xvjyxo/VCxGjV0IMmI/AAAAAAAACog/vjUzwaUdzcA/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for popping by to visit! Your comments and pins mean alot!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fall Blessings</span><span style="font-size: small;">,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Donna</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Linked To:</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2014/10/02/thrifty-thursday-week-80/" target="_blank">Thrifty Thursday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/10/cupcakes-and-my-new-kitchenaid-muffin.html" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-23317362760876165862014-07-12T20:46:00.000-05:002014-07-12T20:46:20.675-05:00Dried Beans + Low Plastic Bin = HOURS of Fun for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRtAaN6Pw_U/U8HenmVfceI/AAAAAAAACg8/H27YdW7h0L0/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRtAaN6Pw_U/U8HenmVfceI/AAAAAAAACg8/H27YdW7h0L0/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Long ago when I was a young mom, I learned of the idea of filling a plastic bin with dried beans as a sort of indoor sandbox for my children. They had many fun hours playing with the beans with spoons, dishes, trucks, and little figures.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IuH_n7JKalM/U8HemqMJTGI/AAAAAAAACg0/kvebShT7OUk/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IuH_n7JKalM/U8HemqMJTGI/AAAAAAAACg0/kvebShT7OUk/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, my daughter is a mother too, and she's continuing the tradition. Her precious little 2 year old son has his own bin of dried beans! It is easily his FAVORITE thing with which to play!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbCq541nrzA/U8HenveWQ1I/AAAAAAAAChA/v4EqPl_Mij0/s1600/IMG_5021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbCq541nrzA/U8HenveWQ1I/AAAAAAAAChA/v4EqPl_Mij0/s1600/IMG_5021.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carson loves using his toy cars, trucks, and digging machines with the beans. His toy animals are often in there as well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gMKlNzi2bE/U8Hep2tueQI/AAAAAAAAChM/9LBOLeMy-gk/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gMKlNzi2bE/U8Hep2tueQI/AAAAAAAAChM/9LBOLeMy-gk/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is no muss and no fuss as he uses his toy bulldozer to move a load of beans into his toy dump truck.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miQ0C3d8yFw/U8HevlJMnGI/AAAAAAAAChY/zTncyP6_J_c/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miQ0C3d8yFw/U8HevlJMnGI/AAAAAAAAChY/zTncyP6_J_c/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The old Fisher Price Pirate raft with the shark head was fed many, many beans while I was there visiting last week. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Lrn7nv2lg/U8HevQ1jizI/AAAAAAAAChU/IwQPyKJ2W2M/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Lrn7nv2lg/U8HevQ1jizI/AAAAAAAAChU/IwQPyKJ2W2M/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carson never has been one to put things in his mouth that might be a choking hazard, so he started playing with beans before age 2. Please use wise discretion with your own little one and little grands...make sure they are not prone to putting small items in their mouths.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX3XAmpS3-w/U8HexWIrk-I/AAAAAAAAChk/K1c3Vx6oUsA/s1600/IMG_5027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX3XAmpS3-w/U8HexWIrk-I/AAAAAAAAChk/K1c3Vx6oUsA/s1600/IMG_5027.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isn't this cute?! And see the little frog?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3E4SqX4Bg/U8HezkzznPI/AAAAAAAAChs/GQO_2ttjGDM/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3E4SqX4Bg/U8HezkzznPI/AAAAAAAAChs/GQO_2ttjGDM/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had fun hiding his little animals in the beans and letting him look for them. :) A real live I Spy! Using play dishes or mom's smallest saucepan, spoons, and measuring cups would also provide alot of kinesthetic learning and fun.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53GRhKCThmk/U8He2mqNvAI/AAAAAAAACh0/9ENtDpDnRxU/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53GRhKCThmk/U8He2mqNvAI/AAAAAAAACh0/9ENtDpDnRxU/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter uses this size of underbed box for the dried beans. When the lid is on, they can be stored under the bed. She put 2 large bags of dried pinto beans in the bin, and it is just the right amount. A vinyl tablecloth or a blanket under the bin will help to coral any stray beans that make it out of the bin.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a big believer in the notion that the simplest toys and joys are what kids enjoy the most! </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">So Mamas and Grandmas....give it a try!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-63684299320060185722014-06-24T16:41:00.001-05:002014-06-24T16:41:58.325-05:00Refrigerator Dilly Beans<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnH1ncX6c-g/U6ntSYhFC4I/AAAAAAAACgE/aAutmXJlRsM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnH1ncX6c-g/U6ntSYhFC4I/AAAAAAAACgE/aAutmXJlRsM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pickled vegetables...I'm a big fan. I was raised on homemade pickles, pickled beets, and pickled okra. So when I saw this easy, quick recipe in the June 2014 issue of Country Living magazine, I began waiting with anticipation for my Dad's garden to produce fresh green beans. I got my first 'mess' of perfect, fresh picked green beans on Monday, and today these Dilly Beans became a reality!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evQ-NaYUAWY/U6ntOCONaRI/AAAAAAAACfs/32kGh-KUHf8/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evQ-NaYUAWY/U6ntOCONaRI/AAAAAAAACfs/32kGh-KUHf8/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here is the easy, quick recipe straight out of the magazine. I did not have dill seeds, so I substituted dry dill weed...about 1/4 t. each jar. After tasting them, I don't think that was needed. The fresh dill picked from my herb garden would have been the perfect amount of dill flavoring.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tcF8MwZzsw/U6ntQLpsHYI/AAAAAAAACf0/AFmE7lzaS58/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tcF8MwZzsw/U6ntQLpsHYI/AAAAAAAACf0/AFmE7lzaS58/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used minced garlic as that is what I had on hand. Worked out great. And I used a tiny bit less cayenne pepper than it calls for. The rest of the ingredients were as stated in the recipe.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zuy188MDsbM/U6ntdSfvVrI/AAAAAAAACgM/64-jgiMqtUE/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zuy188MDsbM/U6ntdSfvVrI/AAAAAAAACgM/64-jgiMqtUE/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was exciting to boil my jars for 1-2 minutes in anticipation of their soon-to-be mission. Then I added the garlic, mustard seed, cayenne pepper, fresh dill, and the beautiful and slender fresh green beans to the jar. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vG2oen0wao/U6ntdxoJJVI/AAAAAAAACgQ/WBHK2_eA1A4/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vG2oen0wao/U6ntdxoJJVI/AAAAAAAACgQ/WBHK2_eA1A4/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I boiled the pickling mixture, then poured it into each jar. It made the perfect amount.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUdTlOSTfcE/U6ntP30QUkI/AAAAAAAACf4/SwccztY72H4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUdTlOSTfcE/U6ntP30QUkI/AAAAAAAACf4/SwccztY72H4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the lids and rings, and let the feeling of a great accomplishment wash over you like a gentle rain. My daughter called me Amish. And that's a compliment! :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Want some fresh pickled green beans? This took about 20 minutes, and after 2 days in the fridge, they will be ready to serve. Bon Appetit!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Be Blessed</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-17404042581517482812014-05-27T16:34:00.001-05:002014-05-27T16:42:01.242-05:00Saving Money on Canned Fruits and Veggies at Sam's Club<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELZrE1JPwvE/U4T7e6ng7lI/AAAAAAAACbI/YdXJASs_NfQ/s1600/Sam's+veggies+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELZrE1JPwvE/U4T7e6ng7lI/AAAAAAAACbI/YdXJASs_NfQ/s1600/Sam's+veggies+011.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the past few months, I've been saving time and money by buying some canned fruits and vegetables at Sam's Club. They come in 101-107 oz cans...so I had never given them a second glance except to think that this would be the way to go if I was feeding a small army. Then I read the idea of buying the large can for my small family, and repackaging it for meal sized portions. It REALLY does save time and money while giving us a nice name brand product to enjoy. Here's what we do: I like to buy the Del Monte Tropical Fruit Salad, Libby's Sliced Peaches, Red Gold Diced Tomatoes, and Del Monte Cut Green Beans. I'll open one of the fruit cans per week, and dish them up into clean deli meat containers that I've saved. This can of Tropical Fruit Salad made 5 containers of fruit for the refrigerator.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDyAkGJuaEQ/U4T7ey7iI7I/AAAAAAAACbM/xwMWkj13Cc0/s1600/Sam's+veggies+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDyAkGJuaEQ/U4T7ey7iI7I/AAAAAAAACbM/xwMWkj13Cc0/s1600/Sam's+veggies+012.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Passion Fruit juice in this salad gives it such a great flavor. And if there is cold, ready-to-eat fruit in the fridge that I don't have to wash or peel, I am much more apt to reach for it as a snack than the crackers and chips that are calling my name. :) With just three of us in the home these days, one of these containers will do us for a fruit salad with dinner. The price for this one can is </span><span style="font-size: large;">$5.58. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know if you have priced canned fruit at the regular grocery store recently, but I can't get 5 dinners of fruit salad for $5.58 anyplace else, except maybe Aldi. And the Aldi can's serving is much smaller than the servings I can put on the table from this container. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WEO_LuDG0vo/U4T7rShyaRI/AAAAAAAACcA/uW_Dw4pTebY/s1600/Sam's+veggies+019.JPG" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">24 servings per 107 ounce can. Fruit salad for a gang!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWegBhKQfCo/U4T7eiW0HAI/AAAAAAAACbE/1SoW5ZGkbhc/s1600/Sam's+veggies+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWegBhKQfCo/U4T7eiW0HAI/AAAAAAAACbE/1SoW5ZGkbhc/s1600/Sam's+veggies+013.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$5.58 for 5 nice sized containers of delicious tropical fruit.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WEO_LuDG0vo/U4T7rShyaRI/AAAAAAAACcA/uW_Dw4pTebY/s1600/Sam's+veggies+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krjRvv5ji9U/U4T7jzuztHI/AAAAAAAACbc/w-gCA0dehJU/s1600/Sam's+veggies+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krjRvv5ji9U/U4T7jzuztHI/AAAAAAAACbc/w-gCA0dehJU/s1600/Sam's+veggies+014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Del Monte Blue Lake Cut Green Beans dished up 6 containers. I have found that we just prefer a good canned green bean over frozen ones. These have excellent flavor and texture, and are so, so easy. I will put 2 of these in the fridge to use for meals this week, and freeze the other four. They thaw and heat up just fine. Yum! And are an easy, last minute addition to a meal or to add to soup.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NTjylE4IKo/U4T7ksXD5eI/AAAAAAAACbk/ZVTkyC66THw/s1600/Sam's+veggies+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NTjylE4IKo/U4T7ksXD5eI/AAAAAAAACbk/ZVTkyC66THw/s1600/Sam's+veggies+015.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 6.3 pound can of green beans costs </span><span style="font-size: large;">$3.48. </span><span style="font-size: small;">That's 6 meals of green beans for my family of three.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItMVRZl3noE/U4T7q-Fio-I/AAAAAAAACb8/5dp2vFc2RwA/s1600/Sam's+veggies+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItMVRZl3noE/U4T7q-Fio-I/AAAAAAAACb8/5dp2vFc2RwA/s1600/Sam's+veggies+018.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, this can provides 24 servings. Not bad, eh?<br /><br />I freeze the diced tomatoes in these same containers to use for soups, casseroles, and making homemade salsa. The peaches are terrific too, and also dish up into 5-6 containers for just </span><span style="font-size: large;">$4.98. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It only takes about 5 minutes to open the can, dish them up with a slotted spoon, then add a ladle of the juice to each container. Snap on the lids, and BAM! Done. :) I recycle the cans or save them for a project. I used one of these big cans to hold gardening supplies in my outdoor bench. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So keep this trick in mind the next time you are at Sam's Club or Costco. Maybe you'd like to buy their large containers of spaghetti sauce, corn, or tomato sauce to divide up and freeze. Aside from Aldi and places like it, this might be the best buy you'll find. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736574688419755144.post-64390761352646030142014-04-23T10:38:00.002-05:002014-04-23T10:46:54.461-05:00DIY Apron Mother's Day Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZQ/M8CfHFUpxp0/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZQ/M8CfHFUpxp0/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My mother's birthday was in early April, and as I flipped through one of my paper craft books, I found a darling idea for a card. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz1OB1LH9AE/U1fZJ1EmHWI/AAAAAAAACZ0/SCS4H_vm78w/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz1OB1LH9AE/U1fZJ1EmHWI/AAAAAAAACZ0/SCS4H_vm78w/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Putting my own twist on it, I created a little handmade apron for the front of her card, pictured above, and she was delighted with it. So were my friends. :) And so began my journey in making variations of these cards for sale to friends and in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/perfectdarlings?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. However, I won't keep all the fun to myself...so here is a DIY tutorial in case you want to make your own. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axhGZE5UGZE/U1fX6psNY9I/AAAAAAAACX4/7wVLCzbMhpI/s1600/blog+card+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axhGZE5UGZE/U1fX6psNY9I/AAAAAAAACX4/7wVLCzbMhpI/s1600/blog+card+005.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make a little cardstock pattern for your apron...4" x 3 1/4" and cut out your fabric.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nH9DAkBApo/U1fX7MkU4SI/AAAAAAAACX8/yEK5EAfrstw/s1600/blog+card+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nH9DAkBApo/U1fX7MkU4SI/AAAAAAAACX8/yEK5EAfrstw/s1600/blog+card+007.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Iron a 1/4" hem on the two short sides and one long side.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9vdVplmfro/U1fX5a2driI/AAAAAAAACXw/nUAPkTg9k8k/s1600/blog+card+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9vdVplmfro/U1fX5a2driI/AAAAAAAACXw/nUAPkTg9k8k/s1600/blog+card+009.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sew those 3 little ironed down hems.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsVWhQxAiWE/U1fX-wAju-I/AAAAAAAACYI/xf7VjqMPXNw/s1600/blog+card+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsVWhQxAiWE/U1fX-wAju-I/AAAAAAAACYI/xf7VjqMPXNw/s1600/blog+card+012.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along the unhemmed long edge, sew a basting stitch about 1/4" from the edge, for gathering. Leave long thread ends for pulling, as show.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRU3zoYZZI8/U1fYAvhuAiI/AAAAAAAACYU/-XdTK9Y3M3A/s1600/blog+card+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRU3zoYZZI8/U1fYAvhuAiI/AAAAAAAACYU/-XdTK9Y3M3A/s1600/blog+card+013.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gently pull the basting thread on top of the right side, to gather. And pull the basting thread underneath on the left side, to finish gathering. If you pull the top threads on both side or the bottom threads on both sides, your thread will lock up and not gather. Spread your gathers out evenly.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P61TyoVr068/U1fYAVY978I/AAAAAAAACYQ/h9-oXwXciTA/s1600/blog+card+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P61TyoVr068/U1fYAVY978I/AAAAAAAACYQ/h9-oXwXciTA/s1600/blog+card+015.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next take a coordinating piece of ribbon, about 5" long (give or take) and either pin it or spot glue it to the top of your apron, covering the basting thread and the top edge of the fabric. If either the top edge of the fabric or the basting shows after you stitch on your ribbon, you can trim them/remove the basting thread til it looks clean. I like to use a zig zag stitch to attach the ribbon to the top of the apron, to create it's waist band. The pinning or spot gluing just helps hold it in place while you sew.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWaWlC_xfP0/U1fYGOoJUpI/AAAAAAAACYk/-0XOrJnExs0/s1600/blog+card+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWaWlC_xfP0/U1fYGOoJUpI/AAAAAAAACYk/-0XOrJnExs0/s1600/blog+card+016.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope you can see the zig zag stitching which attached the ribbon to the apron's waist.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20kX2k25aUk/U1fYF19meII/AAAAAAAACYg/MCESNJZVAkI/s1600/blog+card+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20kX2k25aUk/U1fYF19meII/AAAAAAAACYg/MCESNJZVAkI/s1600/blog+card+018.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next you want to adorn the hemline of the apron with rick rack or some decorative stitching. I have fallen in love with the vintage look of the decorative stitching. #13 is my favorite pattern for this. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VijKmv90C0s/U1fYHQMq3DI/AAAAAAAACYw/LyxlE4mydSk/s1600/blog+card+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VijKmv90C0s/U1fYHQMq3DI/AAAAAAAACYw/LyxlE4mydSk/s1600/blog+card+019.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For best results, have your thread be a coordinating color that will show up well. I sew that stitch about 1/4" from the hem stitching at the bottom of the apron.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwikn1ZyJrI/U1fYLTYcjII/AAAAAAAACY4/kOrVBxTYp6g/s1600/blog+card+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwikn1ZyJrI/U1fYLTYcjII/AAAAAAAACY4/kOrVBxTYp6g/s1600/blog+card+022.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ta Daaa! Doesn't it just make you want to get out your childhood Barbies and try it on her?!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqPhERq6Nm8/U1fYML4maZI/AAAAAAAACZA/a4PcODxmYQQ/s1600/blog+card+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqPhERq6Nm8/U1fYML4maZI/AAAAAAAACZA/a4PcODxmYQQ/s1600/blog+card+024.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next, clip miniature clothespins to the top of your apron. Prepare your card with a pretty cardstock mat on the front and use a glue gun to attach the clothespins to the card. Angle your apron as seen in the finished photo.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VAemAtEM24/U1fYM7JOwuI/AAAAAAAACZE/Iv29xwungdU/s1600/blog+card+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VAemAtEM24/U1fYM7JOwuI/AAAAAAAACZE/Iv29xwungdU/s1600/blog+card+001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Type out some different sayings to go on the front of your card, and print them.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZQ/M8CfHFUpxp0/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZQ/M8CfHFUpxp0/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I glued my sentiment to a pretty coordinating cardstock, then matted that with a piece of a vintage book page. I attached it to the card with a foam block, to add dimension.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWo5EeIFSPc/U1fYUExR0MI/AAAAAAAACZY/XnmvnayZL78/s1600/apron+cards+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWo5EeIFSPc/U1fYUExR0MI/AAAAAAAACZY/XnmvnayZL78/s1600/apron+cards+009.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you in love yet? Want to wear the apron yourself?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDYFumotdkE/U1fYUfERRoI/AAAAAAAACZc/ZGtkzxnO9AQ/s1600/apron+cards+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDYFumotdkE/U1fYUfERRoI/AAAAAAAACZc/ZGtkzxnO9AQ/s1600/apron+cards+010.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELgNFDuV9lk/U1fYWsVU3TI/AAAAAAAACZo/JavYaT3H-l4/s1600/apron+cards+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELgNFDuV9lk/U1fYWsVU3TI/AAAAAAAACZo/JavYaT3H-l4/s1600/apron+cards+012.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish it off with a coordinating punched heart or flower attached to the back flap of the envelope. Pretty. Special. One of a kind. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZU/BF9gEfB9Xxo/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FLkCsDAySE/U1fYTE_3y0I/AAAAAAAACZU/BF9gEfB9Xxo/s1600/apron+cards+007.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">And you are finished! If you do not sew or have time to make these, please visit my Etsy shop called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/perfectdarlings?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Perfect Darlings</a> to purchase one from me. :) Or make your own and have a great time! As a courtesy, I would greatly appreciate it, however, if you would refrain from selling yours on Etsy...I'm sure you can appreciate that. :)<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day! <br />Your comments always brighten my day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be Blessed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Donna</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linked to:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/04/we-did-it-wednesday-201.html" target="_blank">We Did It Wednesday</a></span></td></tr>
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<br />Simple Things Sweet Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548331513560352812noreply@blogger.com1