tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25687191599085913152024-02-27T04:30:17.529-06:00 Don't Mess With My Tutus! Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-47761893088097366722014-04-23T14:58:00.000-05:002014-04-23T14:58:05.039-05:00Carrot Door Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope everyone had a blessed Easter - I know we did! We had the chance to celebrate with family on both sides, prep for Easter with our friends, join in not one but <i>TWO </i>local Easter egg hunts and celebrate Jesus' resurrection with our church family and family on Sunday back at our house.</div>
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Since we were hosting the family Easter lunch and egg hunt here, Speed and I have spent the last two weeks trying to get the house and yard in shape for Spring, which hasn't left me much time for anything else. But I did manage to squeeze in a project I had planned on completing <i><u>last</u></i> year! And as you can see, I'm still late to party posting Easter decor after the event. {Oh well.}</div>
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And I'm proud to say that the potted plant I used in this cute carrot planter has been alive since last Spring and still looks great I might add - so there!</div>
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I've seen these deco-mesh carrots several places, and it seems that people have used lots of different things for their base, but I really wanted mine to be able to hold an actual plant, so it took some savvy shopping to get the parts assembled. I ended up using a small collapsible easel from Michael's for by carrot, which allowed me to invert it and wedge a small plastic planter into the triangle it made. Otherwise, it's constructed like any other deco-mesh decor, by simply securing loops of the mesh to the planter at intervals until you're happy with it. I used orange pipe cleaners to accomplish this and it worked great!</div>
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Used a Command hook to hang on my glass front door and voila! Super easy, super cute and only about $12 for the whole project so super-cheap too! So pin it for next year - you'll be glad you did!</div>
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Happy Easter! Happy Spring!</div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-75628320650351271822014-02-27T12:18:00.000-06:002014-02-27T15:04:14.683-06:00Dr. Seuss Photo Props!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does your child's class celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday?</div>
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If so, here's a quick and easy craft that's sure to add some fun to this special day!</div>
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I made these 'phun' photo props in about 30 minutes using nothing more than some cardstock, sharpies, scissors, glue and chopsticks! And since you likely have most (if not all) of these supplies around your house, this project was not only quick and easy, it was also FREE!</div>
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I like that!</div>
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There are certainly lots of creative, crafty sellers on Etsy with downloadable photo props, but I decided to make my own, in part because I wanted my hair for Thing 1 and Thing 2 to be larger than a standard sheet of paper (8.5 X 11), and I figured I could freehand some crazy hair as well as the next person. I also wanted to make some green eggs and ham for my own little Sam I Am (aka Snacks) and I didn't see any of <i>those</i> on Etsy.</div>
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I will also say that while these photo props may not be professional, they are what I call 'preschool perfect.' In other words, they weren't made to last forever, but they are sturdy enough to get through a day of picture taking in pajamas - 'cause that's how we celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday in these parts!</div>
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<strike>Hopefully I will have</strike> Here are a few pictures of my little guy using the props for you <strike>later this afternoon, but for now,</strike> and here are a few tips for making your own 'preschool perfect' photo props!</div>
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<li>HAVE FUN! That's what Dr. Seuss is all about!</li>
<li>Don't stress if they aren't colored or cut perfectly - the kids will love them anyway! Personally, the bit of white around some of the cutouts just adds to the cartoon-ish nature of the Dr. Seuss props in my opinion!</li>
<li>If you're making something fairly tall or wide, double your cardstock to give it extra stability. I did this by simply gluing two pieces together before cutting them out.</li>
<li>Chopsticks are FREE and are the perfect length for kid-sized photo props. We used chopsticks at Sheep's Valentine's Party, and I swiped the extras thinking I would make photo props later. Who knew it would be so soon?!</li>
<li>In addition, glue a small strip of cardstock over the chopstick after securing it to the prop to give it more surface area and keep it from separating from the prop so easily.</li>
<li> Make sure to alternate which side to attach your chopsticks to on the props. For example, I attached the chopstick on the right side of the bow-tie and the left side of the hat so that the same child can hold both at once if they want to.</li>
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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH </i></a></span><span class="misspelled"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Glued to my Crafts</i></a>, </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/">Share Your Stuff Tuesdays</a></span></i></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-79526210674476432002014-02-17T15:01:00.000-06:002014-02-27T15:03:53.955-06:00Valentines Handprint Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope everyone Valentines as much as we did! It's one of my most favorite holidays, in part because it's (comparatively) so low-key. No costumes. No wish list. No God-forsaken elf, or any other mythical creature, to contend with for that matter.</div>
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Just Me+ You = LOVE!</div>
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{Simple}</div>
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But that doesn't mean I don't like to do a <u><i>few</i></u> sweet things in February.</div>
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Like this <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2009/02/handprint-valentines.html">quick hand-print valentine </a> from The Idea Room that I ran across while looking for class party ideas.</div>
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I used it in my CCE class last week, and with the exception of one little girl who appears to be allergic to the Crayola tempera paint we used for the hand-prints, it came out great!</div>
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But Sheep decided she wanted to make her valentine for Snacks ( I just love how my littlest two heart each other!) and I wanted one for myself to frame and put out each year.</div>
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Problem is, we don't have much space for display and even though their hands are small, the heart ends up bigger than you might think. I couldn't even get Snacks' on a 5 X 7 sheet of paper and he's not yet four. So I decided to combine their hand-prints into a single heart instead.</div>
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I just lined up their palms so the heart was straight and stamped away!</div>
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I love it!</div>
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After it dried, I added my own writing around the perimeter.</div>
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It took a couple of tries using very light pencil to get the spacing how I wanted it.</div>
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Then I went over it with a felt-tipped pen and erased my pencil.</div>
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I used thicker, art/watercolor paper for this project so it held up to the writing and erasing well.</div>
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I didn't find the saying anywhere - It came straight from my heart.</div>
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But feel free to use it if you'd like.</div>
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With the exception of the dollar store frame, we had everything else on hand for this project so it was really inexpensive. And I like it so much that I don't think I'll be taking it down any time soon!</div>
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XOXO - Jen<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH </i></a></span><span class="misspelled"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Glued to my Crafts</i></a>, </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/">Share Your Stuff Tuesdays</a></span></i></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-30882484692188650642014-02-13T07:50:00.000-06:002014-02-13T08:00:09.156-06:00Cupcake Valentines Box!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtK-0iEQLNMWTS1M9bR0OKnx04C-z6RTpW9tKm7sIXD3G6s8b0UTzH5nwvNyEpKgwOnqk7ySR_scLXFyYv444k4w57vtNm9Y14_lTTFiVgwbMsMDvW7GfZWtyWy_k2uRjzL0C0zwVi3M/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtK-0iEQLNMWTS1M9bR0OKnx04C-z6RTpW9tKm7sIXD3G6s8b0UTzH5nwvNyEpKgwOnqk7ySR_scLXFyYv444k4w57vtNm9Y14_lTTFiVgwbMsMDvW7GfZWtyWy_k2uRjzL0C0zwVi3M/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf120.JPG" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Well, it's been Valentine's central around here and I've been as busy as cupid himself getting everyone ready for the sweetest day of the year!</div>
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In case you didn't know . . . I HEART Valentine's Day!</div>
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And like most moms of school-age kiddos, we needed to make a box for Sheep's valentines at school. She always comes up with something clever, <i>usually</i> centered around puppies, for her box and this year was no exception. She wanted to make a cupcake valentine box and even had an idea of what she would use to make it - a flower pot on the bottom and an inverted bowl on top.</div>
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But mama thought she might try and use something a little less permanent since we don't keep these boxes (thank heavens) forever! I decided to Google some ideas and see what others had done. Google was actually very little help, but never fear - Pinterest is here!</div>
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(I should have started there first)</div>
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There were literally tons of pins for Cupcake Valentines boxes, but many turned out to be nothing more than a picture, rather than a how to, so I decided to share with you how we got ours done. Unfortunately, I didn't stop to take pictures along the way, but this project was so easy, you won't need them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NHN7CzvonB7ObAfZIkzWNI5Kih6VMGBxsIXfLzUaYOVLqWbgnJchuQJf3hWRWX2TcZuyv3VwvgzZSrbQj-F5fJf22wRgD0ptSaaHpL2G_-hkLsmtywEAjBpSdrqrGzc7JhC0mtrU19s/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NHN7CzvonB7ObAfZIkzWNI5Kih6VMGBxsIXfLzUaYOVLqWbgnJchuQJf3hWRWX2TcZuyv3VwvgzZSrbQj-F5fJf22wRgD0ptSaaHpL2G_-hkLsmtywEAjBpSdrqrGzc7JhC0mtrU19s/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf118.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Supplies:</b></u></div>
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Empty, clean 1/2 gallon Blue Bell (or other round) Ice Cream Carton</div>
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Paper bowl with rim so it's able to rest on the top of the carton</div>
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Duct tape</div>
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2 pieces of scrapbook paper cut into 5" strips</div>
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Roll of 6" wide tulle</div>
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LOTS and LOTS of hot glue</div>
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Embellishments (we used heart confetti and foam stickers)</div>
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<u><b>Instructions:</b></u></div>
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1. Start by discarding the lid of the ice cream carton and inverting the bowl on top of the carton.</div>
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2. Use several strips of duct tape on the outside and inside of the bowl to 'hinge' the lid to the carton. Alternatively, you could tape it all the way around and cut a slit in the top of the bowl to insert the valentines.</div>
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3. Accordion-fold your scrapbook paper strips, gluing the end of one strip to the beginning of the next, forming a circle at the end with all four.</div>
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4. Apply hot glue to the outside of the carton and hold open your paper 'cupcake liner' wide enough to insert the carton through the circle. This might take an extra set of hands. Sheep helped!</div>
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5. Push and hold the liner around the carton so the inside edges of the pleats become glued to the carton.</div>
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6. Starting at the center of the bowl, unroll some length of tulle, apply hot glue to the bowl and scrunch the tulle onto the bowl, holding in place (ouch - that's HOT!) until it stays.</div>
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7. Continue unrolling, gluing and scrunching tulle onto your bowl/lid until it is completely covered.</div>
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8. Embellish with confetti, buttons, foam stickers, pom-poms, etc. We used what we had on hand. The cherry on top was made from two glittery ladybug foam stickers and a piece of brown ribbon sandwiched in between. Once the ladybugs head was covered in glue and secured in the tulle it looked just like a cherry!</div>
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At this
point you might consider robbing a bank or your favorite store as you
will have no fingerprints left from the hot glue and will be untraceable
- ha!</div>
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This project reminded me so much of my mom because I was always coming up with these great ideas that she was then supposed to somehow make happen.</div>
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And she did.</div>
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And so shall I!</div>
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Having been on the other side of it now for a couple of years with my own little creative, all I can say is, "Thanks Mom!" </div>
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And Happy Valentine's Day Y'all!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH </i></a></span><span class="misspelled"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Glued to my Crafts</i></a>, </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/">Share Your Stuff Tuesdays</a></span></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-87076338243987109072014-02-10T17:41:00.000-06:002014-02-11T07:50:59.632-06:00Valentine Infinity Scarf!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOuJ29K12qnDuhZDBiZiIdA6568AHbJkTY9OgTRLhyphenhyphenJ425oF2JVVSS8Al89PzTgodF-wP-5Hp3gX0eviFnQ8qJhhHJORPSqUmHi4sGpxtoj6n_DTHVYuF2N_BOvtyJZ3GUaE4z4uOzdU/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOuJ29K12qnDuhZDBiZiIdA6568AHbJkTY9OgTRLhyphenhyphenJ425oF2JVVSS8Al89PzTgodF-wP-5Hp3gX0eviFnQ8qJhhHJORPSqUmHi4sGpxtoj6n_DTHVYuF2N_BOvtyJZ3GUaE4z4uOzdU/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf239.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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This super-simple infinity scarf in a valentine print fabric is like a hug for your neck!</div>
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I have had the idea to make my own infinity scarf for over a year.</div>
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I even bought some inexpensive winter scarves to give it a try, but never got around to it.</div>
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And then I ran across this super-cute valentine graphic fabric last week - two days before my annual girls weekend with some of my college besties - and was inspired!</div>
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We had something special to celebrate this year with our dear friend who has been battling breast cancer - and WINNING!! I hadn't seen her in person since the whole ordeal began, but what better way to remind her that I'm rooting for her (even if it is long distance) than a pretty PINK scarf?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVBjU3-0WdTnrd9m5K1CkWgKeQBNGHF0brL5P9gVrIO9dbb0yALEwFVPPXWkputmdncJ7EOB1lmli61EWUCMu7z_vGnvAq1W-joGUmuNyBo83AyYpmR71tuSjNUwJgPGI2XOMu4HhAlA/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVBjU3-0WdTnrd9m5K1CkWgKeQBNGHF0brL5P9gVrIO9dbb0yALEwFVPPXWkputmdncJ7EOB1lmli61EWUCMu7z_vGnvAq1W-joGUmuNyBo83AyYpmR71tuSjNUwJgPGI2XOMu4HhAlA/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf210.JPG" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
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She is just as beautiful (and fierce) as ever!!</div>
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I am so thankful for the time to reconnect with her, and all my friends.</div>
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There are literally tons of tutorials for making infinity scarves on the internet, but I used <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/t-how-to-sew-infinity-scarf.aspx">this one</a> from Simplicity, with only a few adjustments of my own.</div>
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1. I bought 60" fabric as recommended, but bought 2 yards and cut it lengthwise, instead of across, so my scarf would be longer than 60".</div>
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2. I cut my fabric into thirds vertically, so I was able to make 3 scarves out of two yards of fabric, each approximately 10" wide when finished.</div>
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3. I made sure to embroider my fabric <u><i>before </i></u>sewing up the seams, so that the underside of the monogram didn't show once it was completed.</div>
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4. Since I had 7 of these 'hugs' to crank out in 24 hours (what can I say?), I skipped the hand-stitching and used fusible webbing to close my opening after turning the scarf right-side out.</div>
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I love, love, love how they turned out!</div>
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A beautiful friendship, valentines, breast cancer (without being <u><i>too</i></u> breast cancer-y)goody all rolled into one!</div>
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The girls loved them too!</div>
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Unfortunately, all our group pictures were taken on someone else's camera Saturday night, but trust me - we looked fabulous! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCbC1-tTd6nSQWmD_lV4D2apVJCFkDr0Gw4BR_tEjutuzCQR3yGtnK7vZB8CzzO7kfPVr874NzA8lplkvpEjt0VLCmQdgVN2YsCkDNiT1vCkTxlmxD5F_7o434IoZM72u_kcLa_aBoRU/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCbC1-tTd6nSQWmD_lV4D2apVJCFkDr0Gw4BR_tEjutuzCQR3yGtnK7vZB8CzzO7kfPVr874NzA8lplkvpEjt0VLCmQdgVN2YsCkDNiT1vCkTxlmxD5F_7o434IoZM72u_kcLa_aBoRU/s1600/make+an+infinity+scarf335.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We'll all be wearing them on Thursday, and I'll be thinking of them every time I do.</div>
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Love y'all and Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH </i></a></span><span class="misspelled"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Glued to my Crafts</i></a>, </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/">Share Your Stuff Tuesdays</a></span></i></span><br />
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-88415310328619252022013-12-02T12:22:00.000-06:002013-12-02T12:22:11.300-06:00Sock Snowmen . . . and women!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEM49KgiO7Wy-V5zZbcX9tb0uKdL_oxtTO8DeVqfkBORJBA0KXbNA09LnkMLaWNX_8giDRljOcxy4aTYvVCk65t2Y2o6Z62wL5dTnFdwhFhS2n2MBg4CigVmpNzlV0OqBhjX004f2p3g/s1600/sock+snowmen+tutorial358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEM49KgiO7Wy-V5zZbcX9tb0uKdL_oxtTO8DeVqfkBORJBA0KXbNA09LnkMLaWNX_8giDRljOcxy4aTYvVCk65t2Y2o6Z62wL5dTnFdwhFhS2n2MBg4CigVmpNzlV0OqBhjX004f2p3g/s400/sock+snowmen+tutorial358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seems like FOR-EVAH since I've had a free minute for the computer - November totally got away from me somehow, but not because I haven't been getting my craft on! On the contrary, I stepped in to coordinate a craft booth for Sheep's newest activity . . . 4-H!</div>
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The Bay Area 4-H is a newly chartered (Read broke. Very, very broke!) chapter with three exciting "projects" for area youth: dog training, sewing and robotics. I wanted sewing of course, but Sheep chose dog training, so dog training it is for now. I guess she figures mama sews so she doesn't need to learn - ha!</div>
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Our dog training coordinator knows an awful lot about dogs, but didn't know diddly about prepping or participating in a craft show, and since this was supposed to be our big fundraiser . . . well, I am sure you know what happened next!</div>
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And thank heavens for Pinterest! As usual, I was able to find some easy and awesome projects for our sewers and non-sewers alike! These super sweet sock snowmen were just one of them!</div>
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<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mdFhUT3hAsg/TSzdZ6MaI6I/AAAAAAAAFnc/8QCyWn4JI-w/s400/snowman_pair2.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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These were showcased by Amy over at Then She Made . . . and you can get all the particulars on how-to by heading <a href="http://www.thenshemade.com/2011/01/sock-snowmen.html">here</a>. Aren't hers sweet?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU5P-y-fGclz2imbrh8TdjjWf-KP6JhBUxHvFrVtKTgoS41DHUQTC3j0tcNRtbgEBmBnMLlA5OtlkcHBKb8M-qCzQqb42Mwe3P4JJN8XDcdcUHMZUGWPVXNkoUOS3CVwlCOeIAfh83wg/s1600/sock+snowmen+tutorial337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU5P-y-fGclz2imbrh8TdjjWf-KP6JhBUxHvFrVtKTgoS41DHUQTC3j0tcNRtbgEBmBnMLlA5OtlkcHBKb8M-qCzQqb42Mwe3P4JJN8XDcdcUHMZUGWPVXNkoUOS3CVwlCOeIAfh83wg/s400/sock+snowmen+tutorial337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So we gathered our little elves at another mom's house to get crafty for a day. It was a <i>looong, </i>busy day, but everyone had fun and when we left on Saturday night, we had an army of little snowmen to spiff up and sell the show - the following Saturday. ACK!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJhkvLkBPaxNvCmrEMWZbbTxwRKQ4uInHu38m1vh9rt1VBEOME4LbylEU6gAAQi04n-9AI3V8kiVMB_cAQQWZNTz1AoeY20Z9CynR6pqxpXn2SVms-EdXh7_LvjmgoBqRix8azzpdCow/s1600/sock+snowmen+tutorial354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJhkvLkBPaxNvCmrEMWZbbTxwRKQ4uInHu38m1vh9rt1VBEOME4LbylEU6gAAQi04n-9AI3V8kiVMB_cAQQWZNTz1AoeY20Z9CynR6pqxpXn2SVms-EdXh7_LvjmgoBqRix8azzpdCow/s400/sock+snowmen+tutorial354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Luckily, the little 4-H elves had some fairy godmothers (in the form of my friend and my MIL) who were able step in and help finish the job!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08Q87UsbVKHe3GR8lQhXtyTEt62hBRueWUX-tJOEt7mfjvkBVQl5Gd-iarXOZ1u4NZrHblEHM1B-QSkbJtB3_zOjQ7b3Xn80KQRWIIg_DIA0a3n_D2GtdQgqZy1uoxZ0hK9A9A8-bMd4/s1600/sock+snowmen+tutorial355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08Q87UsbVKHe3GR8lQhXtyTEt62hBRueWUX-tJOEt7mfjvkBVQl5Gd-iarXOZ1u4NZrHblEHM1B-QSkbJtB3_zOjQ7b3Xn80KQRWIIg_DIA0a3n_D2GtdQgqZy1uoxZ0hK9A9A8-bMd4/s400/sock+snowmen+tutorial355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's what we learned along the way:</div>
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<li>Big Lots has cheap socks that are perfect for this project!</li>
<li>It takes more rice than you might think to fill up the socks so that your snowmen bodies are taut!</li>
<li>Tiny black buttons (like the ones on the pinspiration snowmen) are hard to find. If you look closely, you can see that our eyes ended up being somewhat bigger - but still adorable!</li>
<li>It helps everything stay in place better if you tie your twine over the sock at the neck and adding a second piece of twine at the waist really secures everything well. After all ,people want to pick these cuties up and squish 'em, which can make all their clothes get rumpled and that's no good!</li>
<li>Orange felt was an easy substitute for the toothpick noses in the pinspiration piece and it looks quite dashing if you ask me!</li>
<li>By the time you've made and dressed a snowman, it has taken on a personality of its own, which made them very hard to part with so be prepared!</li>
<li>These little guys make great paperweights, bookends, desktop friends and teacher gifts. We even added a place card with some tape to one and used them on a holiday table. You could just as easily attach a gift card for a super-special someone!</li>
<li>This was a great fundraiser craft. Although decking out all the snowmen took lots of time, it was fun, and cost us less than $1 each, so our profit margin was significant! </li>
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So, if you're looking for an economical Christmas gift idea, an easy craft for your kids over the holidays or a simple fundraiser - these sock snowmen fit the bill. And you know what they say . . . If the sock fits, make snowmen! (Or something like that!)</div>
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Stay tuned for more Christmas craft ideas you still have plenty of time to make and enjoy this season!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span>Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-63182858106006063612013-10-31T08:58:00.001-05:002013-10-31T09:13:30.853-05:00Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe FREE Printable!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9zWdFzzQS1WFm38V_-w7onWqrYZ5T7zveHtNcOUopEtyUwTHR7u8MdDhOPajmTg9MNso7VOWPdMfpkepaVnJbahMzbxlWVhGlhB1lIb6dpEF2bNjiITq6nbFdqItDH8VeoHA6IJ5vSU/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9zWdFzzQS1WFm38V_-w7onWqrYZ5T7zveHtNcOUopEtyUwTHR7u8MdDhOPajmTg9MNso7VOWPdMfpkepaVnJbahMzbxlWVhGlhB1lIb6dpEF2bNjiITq6nbFdqItDH8VeoHA6IJ5vSU/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well it's almost Halloween and that means we're gearing up for class parties and making last minute (ugh!) costume changes around here - even though the weatherman has predicted a rain-out this year for trick-or-treating (double ugh!).<br />
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This super-cute FREE PRINTABLE is nothing more than a quick change to the clip art and the poem from the <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/02/xoxo-valentines-tic-tac-toe.html">Valentine Tic-Tac-Toe Printable</a> I made earlier this year. But with both of the kiddos in new classes and (mostly) new classmates, I figured I could get away with it . . . and I love how it came out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68VvF4BdkyX2LfTtgb_vGjIl1zh0mDwrrOwEJ26UBF_1mzauSHYruQENwAEkmKIceZ1IYTbU1Bt8CbVDTC1OFWOi6pptj8prghkIQuWv6LWWOEg8EPHIUhZ4M1lzf00nW8SoHXffFOzU/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68VvF4BdkyX2LfTtgb_vGjIl1zh0mDwrrOwEJ26UBF_1mzauSHYruQENwAEkmKIceZ1IYTbU1Bt8CbVDTC1OFWOi6pptj8prghkIQuWv6LWWOEg8EPHIUhZ4M1lzf00nW8SoHXffFOzU/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm no graphic artist. I don't even play one on TV. So this <i>Boo</i>-tiful board was created using nothing more than what was available to me on Microsoft Office. But I have done all the figurin' for ya, so all you have to do is download it and print! Like the other, these little treats print up four to a page using cardstock and cut lines are included so that once they are trimmed, they will slide right into Wilton's small cellophane treat bags.<br />
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Grab it here! <a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/6681061/halloween-tictactoe-color-pdf-122k?da=y">Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe Free Printable PDF</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ4He0ATLAfNNemq60aGBNuu3boQ3wKmYT-Ef89BXi0Z8-kmRDFHu1OKyFrjgviyAsqrW9wsfcq7e37H3WLJlRPAeigUyhQwc5aJSjI8p4izAbGCLacdG5CDLs8DAUmJDfsLe2A60PPw/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ4He0ATLAfNNemq60aGBNuu3boQ3wKmYT-Ef89BXi0Z8-kmRDFHu1OKyFrjgviyAsqrW9wsfcq7e37H3WLJlRPAeigUyhQwc5aJSjI8p4izAbGCLacdG5CDLs8DAUmJDfsLe2A60PPw/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable107.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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In case you are wondering, two bags of Hershey Kisses made 17 treats, using 4 of each color in every bag. I might have used 5 each last time because 4 isn't enough to cover all nine squares if needed, but I can't remember, so do <i>witch</i>-ever your pocketbook can afford!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDLHV-o4WP4yWbiPG32brdXqFHVkFjRLAMvbX89d1vNoydc2piEDg8-dU1UTAmKofzJMDpGmCDQq0nsm8M6ibFC0IdcAVF10uYPmzvk8lObDuSrGS89SbemryR6LNUtYC6T-Hqpu-WhU/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDLHV-o4WP4yWbiPG32brdXqFHVkFjRLAMvbX89d1vNoydc2piEDg8-dU1UTAmKofzJMDpGmCDQq0nsm8M6ibFC0IdcAVF10uYPmzvk8lObDuSrGS89SbemryR6LNUtYC6T-Hqpu-WhU/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable108.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Speaking of witches . . . I couldn't let them out the door this time without something cute across the top, so I used more of my mad Microsoft skills to make these cute little labels that I stuck to some Halloween patterned paper that was 70% off yesterday at Joann's. Bonus!</div>
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I made witches for Sheep . . . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyXHhZlRfEE0fgZLDDk5OZBY5OWC_QeC2FDyhDCtjzpVPXwt-KvTADCVz59Hbw59uFHCQ8sTdheGBo6DbNwtLiOM2QznAEVcqSnBtNOusiJSOhA2bgQ56JLEICpfud4S93UEpLwlGk1E/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyXHhZlRfEE0fgZLDDk5OZBY5OWC_QeC2FDyhDCtjzpVPXwt-KvTADCVz59Hbw59uFHCQ8sTdheGBo6DbNwtLiOM2QznAEVcqSnBtNOusiJSOhA2bgQ56JLEICpfud4S93UEpLwlGk1E/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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. . . and devils for my own little devil's classroom!</div>
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Which is what led to the costume change for Snacks, but he's too hard to resist, so it looks like mama will be busy today reconfiguring his cat costume into a dragon instead!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUKbhD-h10vnYK6BMej0LJ-jnV8NbDLFqn3TJYDwA_JVaNbyPvWwHY_ZVQgUCNM2Nnu2-5P33uOmuoF4uvLkSdXWdOjPYSvs_Za6cIVvUI9Ut_bZnOv0M8aHD1qCdtQxPcBtuf_LU0lE/s1600/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUKbhD-h10vnYK6BMej0LJ-jnV8NbDLFqn3TJYDwA_JVaNbyPvWwHY_ZVQgUCNM2Nnu2-5P33uOmuoF4uvLkSdXWdOjPYSvs_Za6cIVvUI9Ut_bZnOv0M8aHD1qCdtQxPcBtuf_LU0lE/s400/halloween+tic+tac+toe+free+printable106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope everyone has a fun and safe night trick-or-treating and here's to hoping the weatherman is wrong!</div>
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Happy Halloween y'all!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span>Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-32128770120482581902013-10-28T13:35:00.000-05:002013-10-28T14:27:00.502-05:00Itty Bitty Baby Hat Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6F5zAk_CJUKqdto6VKYVtqefx9ctk1btsk1T0YQWTxTvDA406XWBsLRhBhVuC1FD6G_E0J9pNnMwHf9VciKn-fMjrMsCck8iXjFc3gBHSNWIu5MTDaNvhzGJ066GcqQlHsxTdgvnj14/s1600/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6F5zAk_CJUKqdto6VKYVtqefx9ctk1btsk1T0YQWTxTvDA406XWBsLRhBhVuC1FD6G_E0J9pNnMwHf9VciKn-fMjrMsCck8iXjFc3gBHSNWIu5MTDaNvhzGJ066GcqQlHsxTdgvnj14/s400/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was all set to fill you in on my class goody bag idea today, but over the weekend my Girl Scouts and some of their moms spent time working on our service project, and it was just too special not to share!</div>
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Last Spring, my co-leader and I asked the girls to brainstorm ideas for a service project that we could do with a portion of the money we raised for our troop through cookie sales. We told them to look around our community, talk to their parents and teachers and come back with some suggestions. They originally settled on fleece blankets for residents at one of the local nursing homes, but after surveying the price of fleece, we knew our money wouldn't make very many adult-sized blankets, so we thought about blankets for babies in the hospital instead.</div>
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We are very blessed to live in an area where the vast majority of babies in our local community are born into families who can more than adequately provide for their little ones, so the NICU staff felt that although the blankets would be appreciated by the families, they weren't really <i><u>needed</u></i>.<br />
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And that got me thinking back to a
very special set of parents and babies I used to work with before having
my second child - families who have experienced a fetal or early infant
loss. For five years, I worked side-by-side with these families, helping coordinate the largest clinical research
trial in the country (and perhaps the world) investigating the causes
of stillbirth. As a clinical research coordinator for the <a href="https://scrn.rti.org/">Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network</a>,
I had a chance to work with so many amazing couples and families who
were unbelievably courageous in the face of such terrible and unexpected
loss. I knew these families were much more likely to <i><u>need</u></i> the blankets and hats my girls could make.</div>
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In our local hospital, like most hospitals, the memory boxes, blankets and other mementos given to the parents after a stillbirth or early infant loss are provided solely through donations. Frequently these donations come straight from the nursing staff who care for these families during and after loss, so I knew that whatever we could help with be appreciated by the staff as well as the families.</div>
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It was challenging to discuss such a sad reality with my girl scouts, but I found that the girls and their parents had such open minds and loving hearts for these families. After talking with them I also learned that one of our scouts had a twin that did not survive. Several of our other girls already knew something about the NICU and special care nurseries because they or their siblings had been patients there themselves and had heard the stories of their births from their families. It was awesome to witness their understanding and simple acceptance of something I thought might be a very foreign and possibly frightening matter.</div>
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And I am proud to say that my troop of 3rd graders already has such a heart for service! By the end of our discussion, the girls had decided that they wanted to make blankets AND hats AND memory boxes for these babies and their families, so I set about figuring out a way to make that happen.<br />
This 'Itty Bitty Baby Hat Tutorial' is the result!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcdl5cZq_AZjscEM4REFZgmW7vjHlQYwVbj1SH3vHHsWWAbhokl19_F9zOf_7wCQHbg0c5rMK2BPVMydLyQBveNGDjZ7cQ4Fr_8UMFl5McOb2X8olC-i6TiwenaT5SiA68pYiuyjxYUI/s1600/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcdl5cZq_AZjscEM4REFZgmW7vjHlQYwVbj1SH3vHHsWWAbhokl19_F9zOf_7wCQHbg0c5rMK2BPVMydLyQBveNGDjZ7cQ4Fr_8UMFl5McOb2X8olC-i6TiwenaT5SiA68pYiuyjxYUI/s400/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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Patterned knit fabric</div>
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Fabric glue</div>
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Scissors</div>
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We chose knit fabric for its stretchiness and the fact that it doesn't ravel, so it wouldn't need to be sewn or have the edges finished in any way. And after confirming with the Perinatal Bereavement Coordinator at our local hospital that the majority of their fetal and infant losses occur before 26 weeks in pregnancy, we decided on sizes for our hats, using small oranges and limes as guides.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcdl5cZq_AZjscEM4REFZgmW7vjHlQYwVbj1SH3vHHsWWAbhokl19_F9zOf_7wCQHbg0c5rMK2BPVMydLyQBveNGDjZ7cQ4Fr_8UMFl5McOb2X8olC-i6TiwenaT5SiA68pYiuyjxYUI/s1600/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFNFqaew1tRcn6H6xWnE3PZ6w2Sc8iRrEnohH2BRQ5QDAXAwZHUYZXxZqoyJKANpVXNv0YLxrAFTJ9v-Hmt_GAMUy2zqXdTrbpYi5b7uPSHLWzEC3Ftm67sJ-yfCTP7DY7RGscXNEb_8/s1600/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFNFqaew1tRcn6H6xWnE3PZ6w2Sc8iRrEnohH2BRQ5QDAXAwZHUYZXxZqoyJKANpVXNv0YLxrAFTJ9v-Hmt_GAMUy2zqXdTrbpYi5b7uPSHLWzEC3Ftm67sJ-yfCTP7DY7RGscXNEb_8/s400/itty+bitty+hat+tutorial151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Cut a width of fabric approximately 11" long. Our fabric was 45" wide, so we simply cut our fabric widths into thirds (15") for our larger hats. Our smaller hats were about 7" wide and we cut the length into quarters (about 11" long).</li>
<li>Fold your swatch of fabric in half with right sides together the long way, to keep the length at 15". Turn back the top side slightly and run a thin bead of fabric glue along the edge. Fold top side back, gluing right sides together and forming a tube with the fabric. Allow to dry 2-3 hours or overnight.</li>
<li>Once the glue has dried, fold your tube of fabric in half long way again, bringing the folded edge of the fabric to the <u><i>inside</i></u> edge of the glued seam. it will be slightly offset.</li>
<li>Cut a triangle of fabric from the top edge of the folded tube to form a point. We started our cuts about 3-4" down on the length, but you may have to play with your fabric to figure out how much you need to take out to make a clean knot. Some of our fabrics were stretchier than others, so we adjusted as went went along.</li>
<li>Turn your cut fabric tube right side out. Now you have two options for forming the top knot of the hat. You can either open up your tube, bringing the seamed edge to the folded edge to form two points on the sides <u><i>or</i></u> you can simply unfold so that the point is in the middle, with the seamed edge on one side and the folded edge is on the other.</li>
<li>If your are tying the two points together, bring them to the center and tie in a knot. This forms tiny 'ears' at the end of the knot. The bunny ears seemed to be easier for some of my girls to tie and the stretchiness of the fabric seemed to make a difference as well. Bunny ears worked better on the less stretchy knits. Use a simple, single knot on itself if you leave the points together.</li>
<li>Adjust your knot so that it leaves as much fabric as possible below the knot. This will make the hats more adjustable and able to fit a larger range of babies.</li>
<li>Fold about 3" of fabric back under to the inside of the hat.</li>
<li>Turn up a cuff on the outside. Your cuff now should have the right side of the fabric showing.</li>
<li>Make as many as you can and present them to your local community hospital too!</li>
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We made about 36 of the 'large' hats and 23 of the 'small' hats using about 3 yards of fabric. We made these 'itty bitty baby hats' for the tiniest of babies, but you could certainly add some length and width and use the tutorial to make simple hats and receiving blankets for full-term babies as well. The fabric glue says its washable after 48 hours, but if I were making these as a shower gift, I would probably sew my seam instead. Otherwise, the rest can be done the same way!</div>
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The girls also cut 18" square blankets from flannel (again because it doesn't ravel) and glued ribbon around the lids of 13 photo storage boxes to be used as memory boxes for these families. The nurses typically bath and 'dress' the baby in a hat and blanket before presenting them to the parents, and these items will be placed in the memory box as a keepsake, along with pictures, footprints and other things, when the family leaves the hospital.<br />
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We will be putting everything together and plan on presenting it to the labor and delivery staff next month. This has been a fun and rewarding service project already and I know it will mean even more to the girls when they present their handiwork to the hospital. I am humbled by their compassion for families that hold a special place in my heart as well and honored to work with such a great group of girl scouts!<br />
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If you are interested in understanding more about stillbirth and infant loss and what you can do to help, visit <a href="http://www.firstcandle.org/">First Candle</a>, <a href="https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/">Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep</a> and <a href="http://www.nationalshare.org/support-resources.html">National Share</a>.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this special project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-37483201515083495342013-10-14T15:01:00.000-05:002013-10-14T15:15:31.727-05:00Dryer Vent Pumpkins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhC1PiZoB84b4GHQNTZvr2jdeKOH0cc6gurDt9lqKVGdZ2SCw3pND-XeOLLgBvPAy2m0Umi-9ocxn8Pjidxl0cZ1ei5r9-c0ND83dBuOUKjjXU5zMmlPmYDYry2rjUyX_BXr029mfw7M/s1600/dryer+vent+pumpkins328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhC1PiZoB84b4GHQNTZvr2jdeKOH0cc6gurDt9lqKVGdZ2SCw3pND-XeOLLgBvPAy2m0Umi-9ocxn8Pjidxl0cZ1ei5r9-c0ND83dBuOUKjjXU5zMmlPmYDYry2rjUyX_BXr029mfw7M/s400/dryer+vent+pumpkins328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My BFF was in town this weekend and you know when she's around there's going to be some crafting going on! She brought this totally fabulous project with her, courtesy of some of her crafty relatives (I just wanna make sure I am giving credit where credit is due here!) and we went to work making a peck of our own!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XhK1ePSKudaVXXlaOU4rTQU5NIsT7qH0ixPzgCdncoU6oyg5S9LozjFP_yt4lm81ONnG7OoxjPGiViVBLn5BPDDKba917Vgd502_hjjtFfoujPtS9zzQTCBRGlTEEfZMqjmtFlpbqTU/s1600/dryer+vent+pumpkins300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XhK1ePSKudaVXXlaOU4rTQU5NIsT7qH0ixPzgCdncoU6oyg5S9LozjFP_yt4lm81ONnG7OoxjPGiViVBLn5BPDDKba917Vgd502_hjjtFfoujPtS9zzQTCBRGlTEEfZMqjmtFlpbqTU/s400/dryer+vent+pumpkins300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, that's the burlap candy corn bunting Sheep and I made a couple of years ago. If you're interested, you can get all the details <span id="goog_1788853275"></span><a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/10/easy-halloween-bunting.html">here<span id="goog_1788853276"></span></a>, but let's get back to pumpkins, shall we?<br />
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Here's what you will need:<br />
Dryer vent<br />
Wire cutters<br />
Scissors <br />
Glue gun and/or flexible wire<br />
Stems<br />
Spray paint<br />
BLING!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hU5yqKmccFVbrzYOigYtfS9ek4kKibhcc92hd6WKrBQ8UixcxDkOMpYxFM08A3XaxJUcP98WfatiMJfbxBtFVnO5sYIR74632v7XtCkvyXEFyu3fiwQZUZQnjYLoG-ulhs5MIw_To44/s1600/dryer+vent+pumpkins008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hU5yqKmccFVbrzYOigYtfS9ek4kKibhcc92hd6WKrBQ8UixcxDkOMpYxFM08A3XaxJUcP98WfatiMJfbxBtFVnO5sYIR74632v7XtCkvyXEFyu3fiwQZUZQnjYLoG-ulhs5MIw_To44/s400/dryer+vent+pumpkins008.JPG" width="377" /></a></div>
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Dryer vents come in different sizes, but the standard vent will make approximately 7 medium pumpkins. Our medium pumpkins measure about 9" in diameter. We cut our dryer vents every 32 rings, using scissors to slice through the aluminum and wire cutters to snip the wire form. They are very Slinky-esque, so just imagine cutting a Slinky every so often and you've got the idea.<br />
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I wired some together, threading a fine gauge wire through a large needle (needs to have a large eye) and just whip stitching it closed around the wires on both ends. My BFF preferred the glue gun method, and although I think it might have burned her fingerprints off, it did seem to go faster, so I switched to glue too. But take your pick, it will work either way.<br />
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Once your glue is dry, they are ready to paint! We started with a can of bright orange and a can of harvest orange, but we quickly decided to raid the paint shelf and did some other fun colors as well! The bright orange seems more Halloween-y to me while the fall orange seems like it would work well all the way through to Christmas, but having both is even better!<br />
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I started out pretty simple on my decorations, and tried to stick to decorations that I already had in my craft room - but we both knew it wouldn't last!<br />
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What can I say? I am a chronic over-embellisher!<br />
But aren't they adorable?!?!<br />
I am sooo happy with how they turned out!<br />
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Most of the bright orange I decided looked best with Halloween decorations. By this time, my BFF was getting upset with her pumpkin decorating skills and it was threatening to start raining again,so she decided to leave me to it and go paint the rest in hopes that we could make a little moo-lah for the holidays!<br />
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Simple or deluxe, I think they look great! And I must say they are even cuter in person!<br />
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And I am working on more this afternoon! Leave me a note and tell me which one is your favorite. I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span><br />
<br />
If you enjoyed this pumpkin decorating idea, check out these other great Halloween idea posts!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTZAHXj9pLEngFhqmlkz4JiRX7QIlvK7kNuGXQ_aI9p9iGl8jgPnH6ET-_egiJ0Lp48RmFsVJumHTB66JDHm9OniD3MFXAvRUmmPI2bxTVOzEt9gRMBFJ9hrCfTHyYt69ykQDYmYJV4WZ/s200/halloween2012012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/10/our-annual-pumpkin-primp.html">Pumpkin Primpin'</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAljbl4pwIFngbeykXUxZKyeRaD2l8d5LzfuXuQScCr-T4GsHzuy7vLGUdA0ytH13QdqV9KKXeADNtmjX3J4rU-NzynQZtEUcQvnaonR9vqSizeBFMhprcAfXmR5GicJCbl7fiMsQ2bI1/s200/mumkin2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/09/well-its-definitely-that-time-of-year.html">Meet Mumpkin!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-78245962491560474472013-10-09T06:35:00.000-05:002013-10-09T06:36:34.512-05:00Witch's Feet Teacher Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMST5ZdRohqdS2hjt8OcL4FYfQoEvg2blk69n2trgJMOL5-7popOsMTgR03Y3OogjRi6a3Ej4_PjOebTvyRXzg9Sm5TCYFKba5OkByIo9kLc2v6TUrKE4Hv6DKeSvquudKoBHw__CzDCY/s1600/witchs+boot+treatsHow+to+assemble+boot+collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG-nEws_x5OalvuMOU9zpzhnv-mypZzjaV8-VF6awjBbKxxB7zlWvOuFYFJJI2yOeYBurJBX7JwHH3qtJEDGNSLUtexzRdBqLuj4OW0qcwaqYKtizv1zYRZ_a68QjtiSAQqwNQERpHM8/s1600/witchs+boot+treats356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG-nEws_x5OalvuMOU9zpzhnv-mypZzjaV8-VF6awjBbKxxB7zlWvOuFYFJJI2yOeYBurJBX7JwHH3qtJEDGNSLUtexzRdBqLuj4OW0qcwaqYKtizv1zYRZ_a68QjtiSAQqwNQERpHM8/s400/witchs+boot+treats356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I came across these cute little feet on Pinterest <a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/2013/09/witch-feet-oreo-treats.html">here</a> and just knew I would be making these for Halloween someday - 'witch' turned out to be sooner rather than later because our teacher appreciation gift rotation at Snack's school started this month and I swiped October for myself!</div>
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Of course I did make a few changes from the original. Mainly because I was scrolling through the idea on my phone at the scrapbook store and couldn't get the link to the tutorial to load {Groan} so I had to get creative on some of the particulars - but they turned out really well I think!</div>
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And once you get the hang of it, these go together pretty quickly. So here's what you'll need:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpXlihyNZ9V6G3LbebmLQj6GIRF0rAGW0vNv4IKrDvelSnC9h4DMKmyHKu3MHtJ6Iv7NfISvg6FFA7PNJzdnfPTtNwrEnhSNXbQ6kZ8ePK2jAjsIw9Mj8AmT1GV2zWh7YLZluVJYx0XY/s1600/witchs+boot+treats353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpXlihyNZ9V6G3LbebmLQj6GIRF0rAGW0vNv4IKrDvelSnC9h4DMKmyHKu3MHtJ6Iv7NfISvg6FFA7PNJzdnfPTtNwrEnhSNXbQ6kZ8ePK2jAjsIw9Mj8AmT1GV2zWh7YLZluVJYx0XY/s400/witchs+boot+treats353.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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The boots were made from a piece of 4" x 12" black cardstock, so you can get three boots from a single sheet of scrapbook paper. I made my own template for these by simply drawing a boot, cutting it out and then flipping it over so that it would be a single boot wrapped around my Oreos. Afterwards, I discovered that the link that wouldn't load eventually takes you to a printable template, so I didn't include mine here. But this is a simple shape, so you could certainly do this yourself too!</div>
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Once you have all of your boots cut, assembly is pretty simple too!</div>
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1. Start with your cut out boot wrap.<br />
2. Wrap (don't fold) your boot so that the fronts come together and hold in place.<br />
3. Punch two holes in your boot where laces might normally go. Make sure to punch them fairly deeply into the boot so the holes don't tear through when you thread the ribbon.<br />
4. Thread a 11-12" piece of ribbon through the bottom two holes, going from outside to inside.<br />
5. Cross ribbon over inside boot and pull out top tow holes to lace up the boot.<br />
6. Tie a loop in your ribbon on the outside. Fill loop with tulle or more ribbon if desired (I did of course!)<br />
7. Once you have laced up your boot, glue the toe of your boot together. You will now have a hole at the back of the boot to slide in your sleeve of Oreos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAz6G4HRjMhE34eLS_WOIUx2GgtjWD9_ZiGotYPjl7MVjMhcwUXoHjYHbkeDd8wFA2FVWojtCgKxPRT0JI1vKQWsJSEKsq6e_25mYDFI_iDMspbtxwAANR0i-AJxlgY_sQ943r7lHtuQ/s1600/witchs+boot+treats360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAz6G4HRjMhE34eLS_WOIUx2GgtjWD9_ZiGotYPjl7MVjMhcwUXoHjYHbkeDd8wFA2FVWojtCgKxPRT0JI1vKQWsJSEKsq6e_25mYDFI_iDMspbtxwAANR0i-AJxlgY_sQ943r7lHtuQ/s400/witchs+boot+treats360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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FYI - One package of Halloween Oreos will make three Witch's Feet Teacher Treats - one row per boot, so you can plan accordingly. I also recommend buying extra cookies so your <strike>children</strike> flying monkeys have some to eat while you assemble them!</div>
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I tied tags (made with the die-cut machine at the scrapbook store) to the tops of the sleeves of Oreos that simply said "You're Spook-tacular!" These went out to 23 teachers last week (Whew!) and my teacher appreciation committee duty is DONE!</div>
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I already had ribbon in my craft stash, so I only needed to buy paper for the boots and tags. The most expensive part of this craft is definitely the Oreos. They worked out to about $2.50 per boot and the teachers loved them! What a great way to say Thank You to some great ladies at a truly great school!</div>
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Let me know if you have any questions when you try them, and . . .</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy sussie at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-85624949334419682852013-09-26T12:59:00.002-05:002013-09-26T13:00:17.840-05:00Game Day Goodness!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCJIM3ZwrMnlQUcj2tANKRMNXqXhda2pNF-QlyLIP0c0_TSAVyyyo5iALnhu-zTKTPXENcm-QOvCfbPogvE_xOjPLjrmcogYzxNpq7q09_uw70bOlsdiqEEGdhzimLsyliv7SPGBO5X4/s1600/banana+pudding101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCJIM3ZwrMnlQUcj2tANKRMNXqXhda2pNF-QlyLIP0c0_TSAVyyyo5iALnhu-zTKTPXENcm-QOvCfbPogvE_xOjPLjrmcogYzxNpq7q09_uw70bOlsdiqEEGdhzimLsyliv7SPGBO5X4/s400/banana+pudding101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unbelievable that it's already been TWO WEEKS since by beloved Aggies ran out of time against our new SEC rival Alabama. September has absolutely flown by this year! Luckily, there are still 8 games left this season and hey - 'Bama still won a national championship last year with a loss.</div>
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WHOOP!!</div>
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Football and tailgating go hand-in-hand around here, so I thought I would share some game day goodness with you just in time for Saturday's game!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The. Best. Banana Pudding. <i><u>Ever</u></i>.</b></span></div>
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2 small packages instant vanilla pudding mix</div>
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1 1/2 C milk</div>
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1 can sweetened, condensed milk</div>
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8 oz. sour cram</div>
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8 oz. whipped cream (I like to use the real thing but the freezer stuff works great too)</div>
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2 tsp. vanilla</div>
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6 bananas, sliced</div>
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1/2 box Nilla Wafers (I'm a brand snob here and prefer the minis too!)</div>
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In a large bowl, dissolve pudding mix in milk. Stir in condensed milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in sour cream and whipped cream, then bananas. Cover the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan with a layer of Nilla wafers. Spread pudding over wafers. Top with any leftover (what?!) whipped cream and some crushed cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Alternately, layer cookies and pudding mixture in a large trifle dish or other glass bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1sIWYBctJBgov9EVMI7jOQOTqbzQyQ7QWxJb-yj0w3ElgX2q_i0ZNWziSoGSGtzNmqXSAlI81C2lLYeYdi7lS25lq3hyMajD4M0-EvhWnwCaUvKBlWY0OTXywsRGd8b3aBnKCCWEb4s/s1600/banana+pudding102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1sIWYBctJBgov9EVMI7jOQOTqbzQyQ7QWxJb-yj0w3ElgX2q_i0ZNWziSoGSGtzNmqXSAlI81C2lLYeYdi7lS25lq3hyMajD4M0-EvhWnwCaUvKBlWY0OTXywsRGd8b3aBnKCCWEb4s/s400/banana+pudding102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sheep helped me put this together and she got fancy with the cookies around the side! This is actually a great recipe for getting in the kitchen with kids because there's no stove or oven involved!</div>
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My Aggies will be at it again this Saturday, this time in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the Southwest Classic! So happy game day y'all and BTHO Arkansas!!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy sweet at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span> </div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-33078222039715035822013-09-17T09:31:00.001-05:002013-09-17T09:31:42.376-05:00Fun Family Photo Idea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OMG!! I am so excited to finally share my awesome family photo idea with you!</div>
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We took these FAMILY TEAM JERSEY photos <em><u>last</u></em> fall to use on our Christmas cards, but I didn't want to blog about it until after the Christmas so I wouldn't ruin the surprise for those of you on my list, and then it seemed out of season. Ugh! Needless to say, I've been sitting on these babies FOR-EVAH it seems!</div>
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And it's been really hard to wait because they came out even better than I had imagined! Don't 'cha just love it when an idea works out!</div>
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It's funny - I don't even remember what gave me the idea for the jerseys now, but I know that KerryAnne at <a href="http://www.kablampromotions.com/">Kablam Promotions</a> gave me an great price on the 'Team Rollins' jerseys and gets high marks for friendly, fast customer service as well!</div>
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And with so many kids to keep up with, who couldn't use a number system for them anyway?!</div>
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"Hey! One! Can you take 4 and go get diapers for 5 while I start dinner?"</div>
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Or how about?</div>
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Me: Hi honey! How was your day?</div>
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Speed: Pretty good. Where is everyone?</div>
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Me: 1 and 2 are working until 6. 3 needs you to call him about his car. 4 is at a friend's until supper and 5 is still napping.</div>
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See how easy that is!</div>
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We've actually started making them where their jerseys all the time now - ha!</div>
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Now you know that there was a collective groan from the varsity squad (especially the boys) when I told them that we going to be wearing matching shirts for our Christmas cards. But when picture day arrived, they were pleasantly surprised by the 'lack of dorkiness'. So there! Sometimes mama does know what she's doin'!</div>
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And <a href="http://www.capturedbynicole.net/">Captured by Nicole</a> did an awesome job on the photos too! If you're in my neck of the woods and are looking for a great photographer - Nicole is your gal!</div>
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I mean seriously! Could they get any cuter? And she did such a great job capturing the relationships between them.</div>
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Such sweet siblings, I could not have wished for more for our 'blended' family. Though after more than a decade together, it seems like it's always been this way now. I love it!</div>
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In keeping with my football theme, we took pictures beneath the high school stadium as well.</div>
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We were trying hard to get a picture where you could easily read the 2012 on mine and Speed's jerseys - that's the year BTW. Just sayin' cause a few of our Christmas card recipients 'didn't get it'. Sometimes I am too clever for my own good I guess!</div>
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I love that Snacks is doing his own thing in this one! That's #5 for ya!</div>
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We ended up with this one at the center of our Christmas Card collage.</div>
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But there were so many good ones, it was almost impossible to decide! So, if you're thinking about Christmas cards (I know I am already) or just something fun to do for family photos this fall - here's a great idea!</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy story at some or all of these great parties: </span></em><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></em><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></em><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></em></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></em></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span> </div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-75717151275258063752013-09-11T16:40:00.000-05:002013-09-11T16:40:18.632-05:00Grrreat Teacher Gift Idea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know we're midway through our second week of school around here, but meet-the-teacher was just last night and the truth is, teachers appreciate a thank you anytime of year, not just on the first day!</div>
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I came across these cute little panda staplers after Christmas and thought they would make a sweet sussie for Sheep's teachers this year. And though we didn't manage to get our package together on the first day, they have gotten them by now!</div>
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This was a quick and easy idea I put together using Chinese takeout boxes that I had leftover from another event. I made all the stickers using only the free clipart on Microsoft, Powerpoint and my 2" punch! </div>
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Then I stuffed in a few fortune cookies from my local Asian restaurant (Yum) and some red tissue paper to tie it all together. I had also thought about adding a gift card to the restaurant as well, but decided it was enough.</div>
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Sheep and I worked on clever little card to attach with some ribbon and voila!</div>
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Teacher gifts? Check!</div>
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Happy Back-to-School Y'all!</div>
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P.S. I haven't loaded these labels as a free printable yet because I made
them very quickly and the printable would be pretty rough, but if you're
interested in them, leave me a comment and I can get them to you! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy sussie at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>,
</i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>,
<span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH
</i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A
Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things,
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour
</a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></i></span></span></div>
<br />Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-63927982845304542472013-09-10T16:25:00.000-05:002013-09-10T16:25:35.486-05:00New (School) Year's Resolutions 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe, but we've already been 'back-to-school' for two weeks! And while I <em>should</em> (at least theoretically, right?) be getting <strong><u>TONS</u></strong> of stuff done now that I have an uninterrupted block of time each day, I already feel like I am falling behind.<br />
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Ugh!</div>
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Fall is such a fun/busy time of year for us, as I'm sure it is for everyone with school-aged kiddos. But those weeks leading up to class are always a time of reflection and preparation for me. So last year I decided to take some time to write down a few of my <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-school-years-resolutions.html">New (School) Year's Resolutions</a> to make me more accountable and help keep me on track. Like most resolutions though, I found myself having to look back at my post to even remember what they were. {Sigh.}<br />
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Well, I nailed 1 and 5 - not a single tardy in 2nd grade and I did NOT sign up for any more volunteer activities - so there! I was at least averaging 50% on 2, 3 and 6, so there's definitely some room for improvement - but at least I was moving in the right direction.<br />
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Sadly, 4 and 7 were total fails last year. And of course in retrospect they do seem to be the most important (after the tardies - ha!). Physical and spiritual well being for myself and my family deserve to be a priority, so consistent prayer and exercise will be returning to the list this year. Hopefully I can build on my success from last year and move closer to the balanced life I, really we, are all striving for as moms.<br />
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So hear goes:<br />
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1. I will exercise at least three of the 4 days each week that both littles are out of the house. Exercise will resume its place of prominence in my life. It is good for me and for everyone around me. Like they say, 'When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!' To that end, I did carve out some time to reintroduce myself to our gym (ugh) today. We'll probably never be BFFs, but at least we're back on track for a working relationship this school year!<br />
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2. More than a blessing at breakfast continues to be hard for us, but it shouldn't mean that I don't spend some time with the Lord in the morning, even if (and perhaps better if) it's by myself. I have been shopping posts about prayer journals recently and I think that's the way to go for me. Since coming to this conclusion, almost every day I have been faced with a situation that I can do nothing about . . . other than pray. Such a humbling reminder of God's grace and the power of prayer. I bought a notebook on Sunday. It turned out to be a planner rather than a journal, but I will not be deterred so I am grabbing an old journal and getting started. Who knows, I could be praying for you by the end of the (school) year!<br />
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3. I will devote more time to sewing for my daughter while she still appreciates it. I have more patterns and fabric than I could possibly ever use and will need grandchildren for some of them now (too many, maybe next years I'm afraid), but sewing has always been a pleasure of mine and I want to do it while I can. And so I will.<br />
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4. I will do more to prep for my volunteer activities and my evening meals in advance. Enough said.<br />
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I would like to add something related to my bloggy life, like I will commit to two blog posts each week, but my heart is telling me that blogging may not top the list this year. So, despite wanting to grow my readership, jazz up my layout and otherwise become a bloggess extraordinaire ( I mean who doesn't want that title?!), blogging may have to remain my musings for a while longer because I am 'busy' enough. A friend of mine shared with me the definition of BUSY - have you heard it before? BUSY stands for Being Under Satan's Yoke - that's pretty powerful stuff and something to think about this year.<br />
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I hope everyone has a great back-to school! Slow down in those school zones and try not to get too busy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy story at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH </i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></i></span></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-44234474293604282582013-08-25T17:57:00.004-05:002013-08-25T17:57:51.615-05:00Biscuit Beignets!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT928M0G1a9kES27n1FUqRmtHYE5gXZnE69X2y_Egqw80qhmg_zYYWNeHYkOWKpv_Hqu_iosNLWWxfsWrpAoXnovJqEXfzy9D4IJ9NNVOvX_pUjuDs5nWbaxgCTrBk6KID4OM2Z1EZ0I/s1600/biscuit+beignets111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT928M0G1a9kES27n1FUqRmtHYE5gXZnE69X2y_Egqw80qhmg_zYYWNeHYkOWKpv_Hqu_iosNLWWxfsWrpAoXnovJqEXfzy9D4IJ9NNVOvX_pUjuDs5nWbaxgCTrBk6KID4OM2Z1EZ0I/s400/biscuit+beignets111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for back-to-school?</div>
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These tasty treats are our <u><i>favorite</i></u> way to celebrate.</div>
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And once you try them you will be hooked!</div>
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Biscuit beignets (or donuts as we call them in our house) have been a family tradition since I was a little girl myself, so regardless of how sinful these bitty bites of heaven might be, they are really nothing more than pure comfort food!</div>
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Growing up we loved cooking biscuit beignets with mom and they really are fun to make.</div>
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Messy . . . but FUN! So let's get started!</div>
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You will need:</div>
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1 can of 'exploding biscuits'</div>
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powdered sugar</div>
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cooking oil</div>
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1. Grab your assistants and open your can of biscuits. We prefer buttermilk or butter tastin' but not the flaky layers kind. They don't seem to work as well, but will certainly do in a pinch! My assistant is so stinking cute this morning with his little bed head - mmmwah!</div>
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2. Cut your biscuits into thirds and poke a hole through the middle of your slices. Kids can help with this part.</div>
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3. Meanwhile, heat 1-2" of cooking oil (I use canola) in a pan. Make sure it's good and hot when you place the donuts in to fry. They should bubble and rise to the top immediately when you drop them in. Like all recipes that include frying, don't overcrowd your oil to keep the temperature constant. I fry mine on a medium-medium low heat, but you will soon figure out what works for you. Often, this depends on how many helpers you have for the next steps - ha! Since I don't use a deep fryer, you need to flip 'em to cook both sides!</div>
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4. Remove from the oil when they are golden brown and let drain/cool on paper towels. They look wonderful already, don't they?</div>
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5. Drop into a bag of powdered sugar and Shake! Shake! Shake! This is another great step for kids to help with - see?!</div>
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6. Remove from powdered sugar and place in your serving bowl . . .</div>
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Aa-Aa-Aa!</div>
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There is always a HUGE problem with my sous chefs eating the beignets as soon as they come out of the bag - so watch out! One can of biscuits <i>should</i> make 36 beignets, but that many never, ever make it to the table. So if you're feeding a crowd at breakfast, you might want to go ahead and grab another can.</div>
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7. And a toast to back-to-school or whatever the occasion may be! Enjoy!!</div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-3881497333579625562013-08-18T16:20:00.000-05:002013-09-10T16:16:00.679-05:00Spend a Day with Chickadoo Suz!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well summer is almost 'officially' over around here (though no one's told the weather -whew it's been HOT) and some kids have already started back, so we spent last week trying to squeeze in a few more adventures and make a few more memories before the first bell rings.</div>
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Which led us out to Manvel with some friends for a visit with Chickadoo Suz, owner and operator of My Chicken Diaries, and you can read all about her and how she became 'Chickadoo Suz' by heading <a href="http://www.mychickendiaries.com/">here</a>!</div>
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Our adventure began with a greeting from Chickadoo Suz, who was dressed the part with her feathered headpiece and bedazzled boots! Before we could go any further, everyone was asked to scrub their shoes to help keep germs out of the chicken coop! Then we stepped into her garage-turned-classroom for an introduction to the rules on the farm - Safety, Respect, Choice and FUN! We also spent time in the classroom learning about chickens <u><i>and</i></u> where they come from. </div>
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Then we headed out to see for ourselves what My Chicken Diaries is all about!</div>
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Turns out Chickadoo Suz could be keeping diaries on more than just chickens, because there were geese, ducks, turkeys and guineas too! She's even got a donkey and a goat, though 'Billy' was making himself scarce during our visit.</div>
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We did get to meet Lenny though! In fact, ALL the animals on the farm have names and somehow Suz keeps track of them all!</div>
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Sheep and Snacks both (hesitantly) held a young chicken, but they <i><u>really</u></i> enjoyed visiting and holding the newborn chicks!</div>
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This little fella was only one day old - so new that he didn't even have a name until we came along - now he goes by 'Maverick' because he seemed to have an independent, adventurous spirit already . . . not unlike the the little fella holding him as well!</div>
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We we lucky enough to have some cloud cover that morning, but toward the end of the tour, things had started really heating up, so we stopped in a shady spot for a swing . . .</div>
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. . . and a chance to feed the chickens!</div>
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Suz has learned a lot about chickens since she moved out to Manvel and started My Chicken Diaries, and she was an expert at sharing her knowledge (and love) of the animals in an educational <u><i>and</i></u> entertaining way! The kids and I had lots of questions and she patiently answered every. single. one. {Smile} Accounting may have been her career, but teaching is definitely her vocation!</div>
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Then we headed back for some (bring your own) snacks and water before starting on a craft! Chickadoo Suz has a wall FULL of recycled materials and donated supplies for making bookmarks, headbands and your very own chicken. Sheep thought about a bookmark until Suz mentioned that everyone was welcome to make up a story about their very own chicken and tell it to the rest of the group. Well, that got my little storyteller's attention and soon <i>everybody</i> wanted to make chickens.</div>
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After all, it is a chicken farm!</div>
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I didn't get a picture of Sheep telling her story because I had switched to video (duh!) by then, but they were both wonderful and I was one proud mama hen!</div>
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Sheep was even able to earn a Girl Scout 'Egg-ceptional Observations' Patch for her visit to the farm. If you're interested in earning this patch for your scout or your troop, here's a link to the <a href="http://resources.gssjc.org/Resources/Forms/F-177.pdf">GSSJC requirements</a>!</div>
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While we settled up, the kids relaxed in the shade on the swings.</div>
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Ahhh . . . Summer!</div>
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There is just no substitute for experiential learning in my opinion, and it seems to be in short supply in public school these days. So if you're looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids, your class or your troop, check out <a href="http://www.mychickendiaries.com/">My Chicken Diaries</a> and say hello to Chickadoo Suz.</div>
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You'll be glad you did!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sharing this sassy summer at some or all of these great parties: </i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i>Under the Table and Dreaming</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i>Classy Cutter</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i>Serenity You</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i>Skip to my Lou</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i>LadyBug Blessings</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i>Nap Time Creations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i>The Style Sisters</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></i></a><i>,
</i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</i></a><i>,</i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i>Not Just a Housewife</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i>Domestically Speaking</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i>The Shabby Creek Cottage</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i>Gingersnap Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i>Southern Lovely</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i>Someday Crafts</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i>The DIY Dreamer</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i>The Blackberry Vine</i></a><i>,
<span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i>The Rustic Pig</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i>Cornerstone Confessions</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i>House on the Way</i></a><i>, </i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>PJH
</i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i>Desgin</i></a><i>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A
Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things,
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour
</a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></i></span></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-90093871623502999572013-08-09T13:02:00.000-05:002013-08-09T13:02:02.782-05:00My Melted Ice Cream Cake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy1En92TtawIb6wPA8UX6-fJ0noSRmVx4xDNuKw_kWJsmMj3Qr2K1rmXmdsEf5Dr-J6BiUN5ai_v5NWZOBnIzAmsUNJn5aFEuNhU4BtNfX_B_sceFHX5l9dAtrPh7bdmI8wyFgrBAnDk/s1600/melted+ice+cream+cakeIMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy1En92TtawIb6wPA8UX6-fJ0noSRmVx4xDNuKw_kWJsmMj3Qr2K1rmXmdsEf5Dr-J6BiUN5ai_v5NWZOBnIzAmsUNJn5aFEuNhU4BtNfX_B_sceFHX5l9dAtrPh7bdmI8wyFgrBAnDk/s400/melted+ice+cream+cakeIMG_1790.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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That's right! It's cake AND ice cream in one yummy place!</div>
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And nothing sounds better on a HOT August day!</div>
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I came across this quick twist on a traditional bundt cake on Pinterest (Don't 'cha just love Pinterest?!) from <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/melted-ice-cream-cake/">Cookies & Cups</a> and knew I had to try it for myself because it sounded so simple and I already had the ingredients!</div>
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Like my <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/03/16/white-wedding-cake-cupcakes/">favorite cupcake recipe</a> from Recipe Girl, this recipe begins with a box mix, which makes it even simpler to whip up for guests - or just yourself for that matter!</div>
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It only has three ingredients:</div>
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1 box cake mix - ANY flavor</div>
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1 pint ice cream, room temperature - ANY flavor</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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You can't get much easier than that! And think of all the flavor combinations {drool} For complete instructions, please visit Shelly's blog by following the link above. You'll be so glad you did - lots and lots of yumminess there to try!</div>
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She topped her cake with whipped cream, but I have fallen in love with the cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and they top all their delicious bundts with cream cheese frosting so I did too. So tasty!</div>
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Cream cheese Frosting:</div>
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1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened</div>
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powdered sugar</div>
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cream to thin to consistency</div>
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I made sure to cool my cake completely before frosting, then squeezed it through a piping bag.</div>
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Finally, I topped it with a diy <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/05/crepe-paper-magnolias.html">crepe paper magnolia</a> leftover from our <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-belles-and-beaus-ball.html">Belles and Beaus Ball</a>.</div>
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Check out Shelly's instructions (super simple) and give this one a try!</div>
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Happy Summering Y'all!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Sharing this sassy recipe at some or all of these great parties: </em><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><em>Under the Table and Dreaming</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><em>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><em>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><em>Classy Cutter</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><em>Serenity You</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><em>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><em>Skip to my Lou</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><em>LadyBug Blessings</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><em>Nap Time Creations</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><em>The Style Sisters</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></em></a><em>,
</em><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</em></a><em>,</em><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><em>Not Just a Housewife</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><em>Domestically Speaking</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><em>The Shabby Creek Cottage</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><em>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><em>Gingersnap Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><em>Southern Lovely</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em>Someday Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><em>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><em>The DIY Dreamer</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><em>The Blackberry Vine</em></a><em>,
<span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </em><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><em>The Rustic Pig</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><em>Cornerstone Confessions</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><em>House on the Way</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>PJH
</em></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>Desgin</em></a><em>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A
Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things,
<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour
</a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></em></span></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-22985310704513788262013-07-11T15:39:00.000-05:002013-07-11T15:39:09.083-05:00Bacon Broccoli Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope y'all have been having as much fun this month as we have! Since the 4th of July I have had family in town all the way from Seattle and we have been busy soaking up all Texas has to offer this summer - whew! They're on their way back today {sniff} so I thought I would sit down and share a recipe with you that I made over the holiday because it was a Texas-sized hit at our gathering this year!<br />
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I became a fan of broccoli salad several years ago when I tried a sample at a tea room in town known for its lunch fare with a Texas twist. Sadly, our local eatery closed last year and I have been dreaming of somehow re-creating that delicious flavor combination ever since!<br />
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I decided to give it a try for our family's 4th of July celebration, and with help from a little 'insider information' from a former employee <em><u>and</u></em> some guidance from the gals at the cooking counter in our local grocery, I think I've come pretty close! So, here's my ode to The Texas Tea Room (may she rest in peace) and all it's tasty goodness!<br />
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<strong>Bacon Broccoli Salad</strong><br />
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3 broccoli crowns, chopped<br />
1 medium red onion, chopped<br />
12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />
1 1/2 C roasted sunflower seeds<br />
1 1/2 C sharp cheddar cheese, shredded<br />
1 (14 oz) bottle bacon vinaigrette dressing<br />
1 C mayo<br />
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Combine broccoli, bacon, onion, sunflower seeds and cheese in large mixing bowl. Mix dressing and mayo together in separate bowl. Pour dressing mix over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 12 cups.<br />
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This is a Texas-sized recipe for sure, so you may want to cut it in half if you're not trying to feed a crowd. The red onion and sharp cheddar cheese give this salad a real 'Texas' flavor, but you could substitute your favorite flavor of onion, cheese and seeds or nuts to give it your own twist!</div>
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This salad is <em><strong>dee-licious</strong></em>, and super simple to make. And once you do, you'll be hooked!</div>
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Happy summer y'all!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy recipe at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Parade</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-31072826590858687732013-07-04T09:25:00.000-05:002013-07-11T15:39:23.567-05:00Patriotic Pinwheel Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxG6UBgnj_k-qJ4dJbmFPx-yQ8GJfzi9OpUKubmZF2z_dp9fPUybqoKMLn8GaFqFfb8JZzlSv_0zQhnv7X-7RX4RaL6YDNzKcrPuaXsacKfmNouIz21BOznye237C4uan52rL7gbH4LY/s600/patriotic+pinwheel+cookies100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxG6UBgnj_k-qJ4dJbmFPx-yQ8GJfzi9OpUKubmZF2z_dp9fPUybqoKMLn8GaFqFfb8JZzlSv_0zQhnv7X-7RX4RaL6YDNzKcrPuaXsacKfmNouIz21BOznye237C4uan52rL7gbH4LY/s400/patriotic+pinwheel+cookies100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy 4th of July y'all!</div>
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We are heading over to my brother's to celebrate with family and a few close friends today! It's a potluck affair and for some reason I have been <strike>spending way too much time</strike> considering what to bring all week.</div>
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Since I still have littles at my house (a.k.a. picky eaters), I always try to bring at least one thing that I know they will eat. And because it's summer <em><u>and</u></em> a holiday today, I decided that something would be cookies!</div>
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These pinwheel cookies are actually a Christmas tradition around our house and were featured in my 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Series, so you can grab this recipe (and others - yum!) <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-first-day-of-christmas-cookies.html">here</a>.</div>
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To turn these 'Christmas Swirls' into 'Patriotic Pinwheels' I simply substituted blue food coloring for green in one of the layers and revved up the red while I was at it. We also decided to roll a portion of the cookie log in red,white and blue sprinkles we had left over from the <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/02/texas-chocolate-crackles.html">Texas Chocolate Crackles</a> made for Girl Scout Thinking Day. It was actually less messy than I expected and look pretty cute too!</div>
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Sheep wanted to add popsicle sticks to make them look like lollipops, which would have been super, duper cute by the way, but I decided it would be easier to serve (and faster to make) as is. She's so creative though and it's got me thinking about what other colors and occasions we could bake them for . . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j4QaXuxZ3IBm15M7HLymYn3DVpapUoP4mh12IbZc3F3_jtQ2PMKqvwljsNvQ7EUIK73uA5Z4bwS1kX83eS6aE02B8UK_sfsGcoB55kL_thvmog5YFHkb1-c1CvSG7FqJlVO0yJcr9cg/s600/patriotic+pinwheel+cookies100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j4QaXuxZ3IBm15M7HLymYn3DVpapUoP4mh12IbZc3F3_jtQ2PMKqvwljsNvQ7EUIK73uA5Z4bwS1kX83eS6aE02B8UK_sfsGcoB55kL_thvmog5YFHkb1-c1CvSG7FqJlVO0yJcr9cg/s400/patriotic+pinwheel+cookies100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that we've broken with tradition and pulled them out for the 4th of July, who knows how often these yummy sugar cookies will be showing up!</div>
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Wishing you a safe and fun-filled fourth today!</div>
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God Bless the U.S.A.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Parade</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-47568039957842918412013-06-27T12:27:00.001-05:002013-06-27T12:27:51.428-05:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3528330/?claim=xmvuq47akve">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-17619376686016244042013-06-26T09:34:00.000-05:002013-06-26T11:41:36.245-05:00Copycat Pottery Barn Buffet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfjDN5i0AVAiwLIJ5RMTn0LLbusGNsiylJKd2bBlK_AagkFJmPPBBlnmIe23pwEnrvGms4nkJv94C1xFllBZNyM1hv4R1Qr8IUOWs-3_MEYtvDp6g4k9B-KTz6EZtc2nSr4CtbbhB0No/s1600/pottery+barn+buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBPSNqmL5ao42_Nho7q4yOs8MUf_UNSAECLQholkfAPeMYx6YXKpf0VRu3Pw-kiYBQ-qFOaTsOTBM18F3Aoqnegq4_z17qOjrFOhk-HPuz1t7BNdjjO5c9aQbwVHUkqNovmdIn7WzBSE/s1600/copycat+PB+buffetBuffet+title.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBPSNqmL5ao42_Nho7q4yOs8MUf_UNSAECLQholkfAPeMYx6YXKpf0VRu3Pw-kiYBQ-qFOaTsOTBM18F3Aoqnegq4_z17qOjrFOhk-HPuz1t7BNdjjO5c9aQbwVHUkqNovmdIn7WzBSE/s400/copycat+PB+buffetBuffet+title.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This project began as an amazing find by my bestie, who just so happens to work at an apartment complex and is in a position to <strike>grab</strike> see all the 'stuff' people leave behind when they move! She knew that I had been looking for something small to use as a buffet for my back porch transformation and when she saw THIS:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZigREFC_EkRaxliTSDfKrbRE3SNjK_zSy1Jf4AhvKu0K-5CwOtUfXNEuy66U-LhSzSjc_NMMjHvt0PKZzwXaEEBWZPFxeFn4QvZwW-owrCzA1jRfwIMF8Iy6s8YcU9UnyvlspmlMQo/s1600/copycat+PB+buffet2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZigREFC_EkRaxliTSDfKrbRE3SNjK_zSy1Jf4AhvKu0K-5CwOtUfXNEuy66U-LhSzSjc_NMMjHvt0PKZzwXaEEBWZPFxeFn4QvZwW-owrCzA1jRfwIMF8Iy6s8YcU9UnyvlspmlMQo/s400/copycat+PB+buffet2906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, she knew that it was just what I needed!</div>
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With her help, I initially sanded it down and painted it white, but I wasn't really happy about how it looked against the brick on the house. It sort of just blended in and the <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/04/beach-cottage-beauty.html">cottage-style table</a> I had refinished for the dining area was also white. Ugh - boring!</div>
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Here's the only picture I can find of it in white, but you can get a feel for what I'm talking about. At this point, I was also still trying to figure out what to do with the missing drawer front . . .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich2ijUpwwX9mRmzE6yTudjMQPhYHfoUgK65H2Kk0XwNcg53ItiYY1emyIntCboucfkTZvw6HAXlDkqPECTpscSruzyTcyYKBoP9XIVDHv4GKItnucIBYEh4wQUmmZO7PbYf_S3uUpgeM/s1600/copycat+PB+buffet001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich2ijUpwwX9mRmzE6yTudjMQPhYHfoUgK65H2Kk0XwNcg53ItiYY1emyIntCboucfkTZvw6HAXlDkqPECTpscSruzyTcyYKBoP9XIVDHv4GKItnucIBYEh4wQUmmZO7PbYf_S3uUpgeM/s400/copycat+PB+buffet001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I spotted THIS beauty in the Pottery Barn catalog last summer and was inspired!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dMHbvT6rmeyCUZFB05XOEC1ffhjfJbRs2I01VABzRg4HImrXvuhAZtQBNk9Fu1RVr7R0cg0Ed4k9NN39kl7z5YzbTAOatXw6r8jmA-e9QcvliNXzXI34quBzlju2bfRZE1NL89olQaM/s1600/pottery+barn+buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dMHbvT6rmeyCUZFB05XOEC1ffhjfJbRs2I01VABzRg4HImrXvuhAZtQBNk9Fu1RVr7R0cg0Ed4k9NN39kl7z5YzbTAOatXw6r8jmA-e9QcvliNXzXI34quBzlju2bfRZE1NL89olQaM/s400/pottery+barn+buffet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So . . . I stripped off the white on the top and stained it a dark walnut. Then I painted a coat of ochre on the doors and sides before covering everything but the inset panels of the doors with a bright green.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrhcr2_Ys2w0dTNSDytWcCsi9wUOykza2GpvjeV02QYfLN3QiapDyQ9DdmYdoNa8LuxK5xdHuJ9cZqDCF5RwtULUxNo3HCpKMsAFsK12jSpoECBlyS-HE6SbpW6Z1T6_0kXVIHXq2vpo/s1600/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrhcr2_Ys2w0dTNSDytWcCsi9wUOykza2GpvjeV02QYfLN3QiapDyQ9DdmYdoNa8LuxK5xdHuJ9cZqDCF5RwtULUxNo3HCpKMsAFsK12jSpoECBlyS-HE6SbpW6Z1T6_0kXVIHXq2vpo/s400/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0444.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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I distressed the whole thing with my sander so that the various colors would show through and rubbed the whole piece down with the leftover stain, to give it a more aged/weathered appearance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7-VcMrBh8f4UELUKZdd8zs6tY7KhmZmEUXVbV7xDFjJM729IpZq6-HstLN5EaydaViPQjJQ2YkfxscUX99A9j80RlCtGo47LfIxtd2qTSST30kBE2u-ZNrU4LYpXtCJjkYDmJyssSDU/s1600/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7-VcMrBh8f4UELUKZdd8zs6tY7KhmZmEUXVbV7xDFjJM729IpZq6-HstLN5EaydaViPQjJQ2YkfxscUX99A9j80RlCtGo47LfIxtd2qTSST30kBE2u-ZNrU4LYpXtCJjkYDmJyssSDU/s400/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0453.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
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Just like <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-grand-old-flag-project.html">my flag project</a>, I was able to use paint samples (and already had the white), so this project cost me very little to complete. Certainly much less than the $999 price tag on the PB inspiration piece! Here they are side by side. What do you think?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBvPCkQU7IsBRZ6MuLxxsTpayw_yGjayFlJS5Gl-BChA_x5fpVkkl0NKnVNOqhxT_e3Er5fMSIGzqScGctOhRJ-ca4WRQMrUyNq5OrT9A5Zvkm48OZp2c4ohluUVSepzuFIgzfLTik9U/s1600/buffet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBvPCkQU7IsBRZ6MuLxxsTpayw_yGjayFlJS5Gl-BChA_x5fpVkkl0NKnVNOqhxT_e3Er5fMSIGzqScGctOhRJ-ca4WRQMrUyNq5OrT9A5Zvkm48OZp2c4ohluUVSepzuFIgzfLTik9U/s400/buffet+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I solved the drawer problem by removing the drawer altogether, painting the inside and using two wicker baskets on the inside instead! They work great and I didn't lose any functionality of the space! The baskets were about $7 each.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITjNajUDfledlCXcs42bA8NnccUKQ2lNDU_T8gdzdC8WxKj8LVmmB-c4sstmJUe3DzOetDu_C21w61fI9RFZtYvGMQmrGBuxeYa1JN8ZvMSoxYLOo8DA2XVKoPDK9yiZUgriyBcYaPP8/s1600/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITjNajUDfledlCXcs42bA8NnccUKQ2lNDU_T8gdzdC8WxKj8LVmmB-c4sstmJUe3DzOetDu_C21w61fI9RFZtYvGMQmrGBuxeYa1JN8ZvMSoxYLOo8DA2XVKoPDK9yiZUgriyBcYaPP8/s400/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0454.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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I did change the handles on the piece as well, which were regularly $5 each at Hobby Lobby, but since I waited for a sale - I got them <u><em>both</em></u> for $5 instead!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOkVAQ8q8IlF41BJa6R6SDBj7ydHnBz6gGiydObNfpZiODad65aMDiY7C2PQ0U_vJ-_GDA9gQDPeT7nXxENLcThU3bO2t5XbUyZLhH9Qs_Upw47HQ1GurlCvLgutKR7dxizY2g0MIOfg/s1600/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOkVAQ8q8IlF41BJa6R6SDBj7ydHnBz6gGiydObNfpZiODad65aMDiY7C2PQ0U_vJ-_GDA9gQDPeT7nXxENLcThU3bO2t5XbUyZLhH9Qs_Upw47HQ1GurlCvLgutKR7dxizY2g0MIOfg/s400/copycat+PB+buffetIMG_0444.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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It's turned out to be such a cute and serviceable piece that I just love it! And with 100 degree weather predicted this weekend, we'll be spending all our time out back (in the pool) enjoying it too!</div>
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Happy summering y'all!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Parade</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-43027851092774546842013-06-13T19:36:00.002-05:002013-06-26T12:12:22.386-05:00A Grand 'Old' Flag Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfDt7tzUuzRvSvxY6Y11srKJ6ld2YLA2kZiDGsSXEBr3ijVdBpIz03ypu_PrTTuATtrZUnHQ13ZOyzm0HRlNIqfFX-3-DOV4cDX2gnuiCu7NV521YWzyU5c7kcvIl3HviMN8oSNanN04/s1600/400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfDt7tzUuzRvSvxY6Y11srKJ6ld2YLA2kZiDGsSXEBr3ijVdBpIz03ypu_PrTTuATtrZUnHQ13ZOyzm0HRlNIqfFX-3-DOV4cDX2gnuiCu7NV521YWzyU5c7kcvIl3HviMN8oSNanN04/s400/400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We've done A LOT of fence building in the 10 years we have lived in this little corner of paradise (Texas), which has left me with a lot of old fence boards that I just couldn't bear to part with, just in case I found something wonderful to do with them. It's one of the things Speed <strike>endures</strike> loves about me! I swear! </div>
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Anyhoo, these particular fence boards have been waiting for their new destiny since Hurricane Ike blew through in 2008. And needless to say, they were getting a little anxious! Until last summer, when I spotted this amazing flag in the Pottery Barn catalog and knew it was time to get to work!</div>
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<img alt="Painted American Flag" class="viewLargerHero" height="360" id="viewLargerHero" src="http://ab.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201319/0071/img100o.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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So <u><i>last year</i></u> I figured out how many boards I would need and dug through my stash to find 8 that were even and relatively flat that I could piece together to make my flag form. Eight seemed like the perfect number to get my overall dimensions right for a flag, even though I knew it was going to make 13 stripes a bit problematic, but we'll get to that soon enough!</div>
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For the construction, I simply took two other fence boards, cut to fit (by me) and screwed them into the boards on the back. Incidentally, I did take pictures of this <i><u>last year</u></i>, but I haven't been able to find them. No matter, it was super simple!</div>
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Now for most people, painting would be the easy part, but for some reason I spent <u><i>way too long</i></u> just trying to decide whether or not to put fifty stars on my flag. So long, that one day I arrived home to discover my project moved off the porch and put back into 'storage.' Well, for those of you with too many kids and too little craft space, you know what that can mean. Putting an unfinished project away can be the kiss of death! At at that point last year, July 4th had already come and gone without a finished flag, so I wasn't feeling any real pressure to finish it either.</div>
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My how time does fly . . . and another 4th is fast approaching. It was past time to get this old girl finished! So here's what I (finally!!) did:</div>
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1. I taped off my blue section using Frog Tape. LOVE this tape by the way. It was the first time I'd used it and it really did prevent bleeding under the tape. Highly recommend this stuff!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS216ISbkUhvyUWKMXsjxlv6AEvfC0DK6_aN1lYEHi1JnlGBHXPzIGTfvIo-Kaghc3f1w4A6XEIHr04OCZkMyh1PR66lXLtRAAAaepLuhTkVT1wCXuC9vWRBuGD5lXubrkNKotQZj0IA/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS216ISbkUhvyUWKMXsjxlv6AEvfC0DK6_aN1lYEHi1JnlGBHXPzIGTfvIo-Kaghc3f1w4A6XEIHr04OCZkMyh1PR66lXLtRAAAaepLuhTkVT1wCXuC9vWRBuGD5lXubrkNKotQZj0IA/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Painted my blue section using a color sample of Behr paint in 'Signature Blue.' Super cheap way to get paint for projects like this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wADpT8QrQqaC_Pef9xR2LTdola5iG6oVyTlFVl8rTLBpxiKTu8_kTr991kfeVxXZPEf7RfL234WK_NC-0QTJHY5Ty85JR9966UQrwXNHIFQjitQ8T9jmG8U3qnybYninIEtOz77EiRI/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wADpT8QrQqaC_Pef9xR2LTdola5iG6oVyTlFVl8rTLBpxiKTu8_kTr991kfeVxXZPEf7RfL234WK_NC-0QTJHY5Ty85JR9966UQrwXNHIFQjitQ8T9jmG8U3qnybYninIEtOz77EiRI/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Used my 1" star punch and some cardstock to see about the stars. Wasn't sold on the stars and wasn't at all sure how I was going to get them painted anyway, so used a Cricut to cut some larger stars from cardstock for a potential stencil. Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9ExOIjc3SiExZh9-2w_mni1KcYQPY5Z5_-Y69pIK0JSyzQuax_t6_3hn2g1IHPGc2tsv-cW808AwfHI-E8mqNWpC2m55wCfsH6UYY0E4lxt-p62Q-mFhK5V48_nhKyuY4CxHeGps7RA/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9ExOIjc3SiExZh9-2w_mni1KcYQPY5Z5_-Y69pIK0JSyzQuax_t6_3hn2g1IHPGc2tsv-cW808AwfHI-E8mqNWpC2m55wCfsH6UYY0E4lxt-p62Q-mFhK5V48_nhKyuY4CxHeGps7RA/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Used the Frog Tape again to mask off first my white stripes and then my red stripes, allowing the paint to dry in between. With eight boards, I simply couldn't make 13 stripes work, so I forced myself to settle on 12 and keep going. Those of you who know me, this was a feat in itself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGMUnzR3OFeZ0a7b-3rC_RJ8feVeqoZi_7ceZzf8VxCU5UzC8_t1unEO13cmpyYDd7i7ej6Brzi6BRtxr_nc2oPGpMnwRnWV6EH1GmloBvdr369JrZB6J4V_Tml6qaOvGhP4rBtz4TCE/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGMUnzR3OFeZ0a7b-3rC_RJ8feVeqoZi_7ceZzf8VxCU5UzC8_t1unEO13cmpyYDd7i7ej6Brzi6BRtxr_nc2oPGpMnwRnWV6EH1GmloBvdr369JrZB6J4V_Tml6qaOvGhP4rBtz4TCE/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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5. Ultimately, I just couldn't do it unless I went with the 50, so 50 it would have to be. First, I experimented with cutting out a star from a sponge and seeing if I liked it enough to use for my flag because I really wasn't looking forward to painting 50 of those babies - nah! Too sloppy for my taste. Especially with my crisp lines on the stripes. The barn red I used is actually Behr 'Geranium' by the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jdl3He2-RBqbhCStnmZPz6PhvbI5E55wIUgm0P3RLEPcOOa2xAotLeXiUPp8_jfh2NJTGYQkQDgLF9tygew5YOuf12dUY4f7Q2Tvns2c_2UnmUFz8sB4ln55Q7de3T_KbsZObNVMAS0/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jdl3He2-RBqbhCStnmZPz6PhvbI5E55wIUgm0P3RLEPcOOa2xAotLeXiUPp8_jfh2NJTGYQkQDgLF9tygew5YOuf12dUY4f7Q2Tvns2c_2UnmUFz8sB4ln55Q7de3T_KbsZObNVMAS0/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. The Frog Tape was working so well that I tried to cut a stencil out of it by sticking it to some slick card stock and using my punch to get some really sharp stars. But after peeling it off the cardstock and trying to stick my stencil in a straight line on uneven fence boards, that was a no-go as well. I still think it would work, just not for this project - ugh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPJzNIDUUf2oTpvJ3zcGPKUBvitySvs5gVEVIqxsuE6lT5FAHvL-IbmvTLNfuw5RhrGX_E1SAg0UAAEcG1GCfFjJnPeJANCeNd32MGhHAlWBwG4uDDwsivuEF9AEk3XcFOtqAM3Qsv8U/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPJzNIDUUf2oTpvJ3zcGPKUBvitySvs5gVEVIqxsuE6lT5FAHvL-IbmvTLNfuw5RhrGX_E1SAg0UAAEcG1GCfFjJnPeJANCeNd32MGhHAlWBwG4uDDwsivuEF9AEk3XcFOtqAM3Qsv8U/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Because I am a master re-purposer (or is it repurposeur?!), I was able to use my tape covered cardstock as stencils instead. Ultimately, a stencil and a small paintbrush seemed to work the best and didn't take me nearly as long as I was afraid it would, so don't be scared!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yZHOCZiN4MFZKw6LsDsxt-pqHAspWUDDNVEVJ9ov_k_l0FlgtMldwdxSxqzPQvULIe4V_A0FrpQLbnQNwDffGa9sRcdRKQ-uhsd3zEmEpqVIfO5xWrXcn_df_FtItyna8zeOyjk3LPU/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yZHOCZiN4MFZKw6LsDsxt-pqHAspWUDDNVEVJ9ov_k_l0FlgtMldwdxSxqzPQvULIe4V_A0FrpQLbnQNwDffGa9sRcdRKQ-uhsd3zEmEpqVIfO5xWrXcn_df_FtItyna8zeOyjk3LPU/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's my beauty, drying on the porch! It occurred to me afterward that I already had a white Sharpie paint pen upstairs that probably would have worked even better, but it still looks pretty darn good to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXOH0_UzbCWTXaNSMU8g657eHGIBoinJcm6SZXngNP-J8x0Y2kJL21l0_eDszRiQ5Rquv2OHxflr0L3FjalD2gLu7Hji0-zCzR_d7fKETQdmKHxie87jjtABMjVMPpr3ZLze7XWhMHGc/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXOH0_UzbCWTXaNSMU8g657eHGIBoinJcm6SZXngNP-J8x0Y2kJL21l0_eDszRiQ5Rquv2OHxflr0L3FjalD2gLu7Hji0-zCzR_d7fKETQdmKHxie87jjtABMjVMPpr3ZLze7XWhMHGc/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My original plan was to distress the whole thing once it dried, but my sander seems to be MIA at the moment, so I will have to post an update when (and if - ha) that ever happens. In the mean time, I already love, love love how it looks along the side of our garage, facing the pool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsVDPr0B-OZ-RgTUpo8MMtzAtvPi-ByIre4T1MUwn8K5L1IwrfXaO5qP16o1YMKui-wikQQ-YUH0qXoj5r526r8-H1-xRd1Tl5spY7P5QTvoffOgnVsvI0MNdppKe36s81wWlxwei5-Y/s1600/wooden+flag+tutorial100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsVDPr0B-OZ-RgTUpo8MMtzAtvPi-ByIre4T1MUwn8K5L1IwrfXaO5qP16o1YMKui-wikQQ-YUH0qXoj5r526r8-H1-xRd1Tl5spY7P5QTvoffOgnVsvI0MNdppKe36s81wWlxwei5-Y/s400/wooden+flag+tutorial100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Only five years and one baby later, my fence boards have found a new lease on life as 'Old' Glory and I must say they are lovin' it!</div>
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And I am too!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy project at some or all of these great parties: </span></i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></i><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></i></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></i></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><i><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></i></span></div>
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<div align="left"><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWPLHBipEyojH7b5EVgyPVEoIlB5VBqdgNZ_tshkngfacvNEBPjhuOBCJBPZbH45sPL6DhavtHrOW_y2QcJ4GpcI3cVIYnhFobljiPW9nzz4QB3wRuUsFZf7DYA8VD1jWuXFSEW0x0ATb/s1600/FeaturedButton.jpg" alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" style="border:none;" /></a></div><div align="right"><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com" title="nap-time creations"><img src="http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy168/thompsone1/button5_zps2dcf37cd.jpg" alt="nap-time creations" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
<a href=" http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/jsikes2163/starfish6.jpg" border="0" alt=" http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" /></a>
Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-90620066523678541352013-06-05T08:52:00.001-05:002013-06-15T15:32:21.077-05:00Lemonade Cupcakes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC-u_8-bDmBztY6n2hiiuslX1FiKh4GcQN9zfMsNlA3yrNs6TnpPWfWC9-N_KeRDPEv3J3c8IQ4mXTn_X4uqHJLhCJI4nxB5TTVwR0BemBpds85uw6Qs1t9eMFzxNfGyL_pm48G3XLT4/s1600/lemonade+cupcakes200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC-u_8-bDmBztY6n2hiiuslX1FiKh4GcQN9zfMsNlA3yrNs6TnpPWfWC9-N_KeRDPEv3J3c8IQ4mXTn_X4uqHJLhCJI4nxB5TTVwR0BemBpds85uw6Qs1t9eMFzxNfGyL_pm48G3XLT4/s400/lemonade+cupcakes200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for a taste of summer?</div>
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Well these tasty treats will certainly do the trick!</div>
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Friday was our last day of school {hooray!} and to celebrate we invited the whole class over for an end-of-year pool party! It was two hours of total <strike>chaos</strike> FUN! In addition to watermelon and lemonade, we needed something sweet, and cupcakes have been my go-to crowd-pleaser for a while.</div>
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The hands-down bestest cupcake recipe ever can be found at Recipegirl and I simply made a couple of changes to turn her <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/03/16/white-wedding-cake-cupcakes/">White Wedding Cake Cupcakes</a> into lemonade delights. First, I omitted the vanilla. Second, I substituted frozen lemonade concentrate for the water in the cupcake recipe and for part of the milk in the buttercream frosting. I was able to use one 12-ounce can of Minute Maid for both. Third, I added a few drops of yellow food coloring to both the batter and the icing just to jazz up the color a bit more.</div>
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After Frosting with a large star piping tip, we 'tarted up' our lemonade cupcakes with sprinkled yellow sanding sugar on top and a section of striped paper straw for decoration! Incidentally, Target is now carrying these cute paper straws in their party section and I was able to cut them into thirds for the cupcakes - darling!</div>
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And delicious!</div>
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The best part about this recipe is that it makes 3 dozen cupcakes, so it really is fit for a crowd. And everyone liked them so much that we will no doubt be making them again, all summer long!</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing this sassy sweet at some or all of these great parties: </span></em><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally Overflowing with Creativity</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy Cutter</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serenity You</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip to my Lou</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">LadyBug Blessings</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nap Time Creations</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Style Sisters</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></em><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Just a Housewife</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestically Speaking</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Lovely</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday Crafts</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The DIY Dreamer</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Blackberry Vine</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </span></em><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rustic Pig</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornerstone Confessions</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">House on the Way</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">PJH </span></em></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Desgin</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glued to my Crafts</span></em></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><em><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Live Laugh and Love</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, A Creative Place, </span><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Home and Gardens, </span><a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It Happens In a Blink</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Domestic Super Hero</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, All Pretty Things, </span><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Twinkle in the Eye, </span><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Hour </span></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Projects</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six Sisters Stuff</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mop It Up Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Show and Tell</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonlight and Mason Jars</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Scoop</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays,</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take-A-Look Tuesday</span></a></em></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-43121979178249625702013-05-28T16:15:00.000-05:002013-05-29T09:06:23.482-05:00Simple Spring Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look what I made!</div>
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This simple spring wreath came together literally in minutes, using only the leftover crepe paper flowers I had on hand after the <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-belles-and-beaus-ball.html">'Belles and Beaus Ball'</a> and a grapevine wreath I had dismantled after Thanksgiving last year. We made these amazing blooms ourselves (how clever are we?) and you can read all about how to make them <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/05/crepe-paper-magnolias.html">here</a> too, but you could certainly do the same with store-bought silk flowers. I think what really makes this wreath stand out is the use of a single color/flower on the entire wreath. I have been looking for something to take me from Spring through the first part of summer and I thihk this is it!</div>
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Since these flowers were made on floral picks, I didn't even have to secure them with hot glue. I simply stuck them into the grapevine wreath and hung it up outside. Super cinchy as Sheep would say!</div>
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I have a new banner out flont on my tree and a planter box stake, both with a butterfly on them, so i am considering adding a single butterfly to the wreath just to tie it all together.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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It's already the last week of school around here for us, so I'll be welcoming summer as well as my houseguests with this little number!</div>
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Well, Hello!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Sharing this sassy idea at </em><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><em>Under the Table and Dreaming</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><em>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><em>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><em>Classy Cutter</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><em>Serenity You</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><em>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><em>Skip to my Lou</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><em>LadyBug Blessings</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><em>Nap Time Creations</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><em>The Style Sisters</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</em></a><em>,</em><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><em>Not Just a Housewife</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><em>Domestically Speaking</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><em>The Shabby Creek Cottage</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><em>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><em>Gingersnap Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><em>Southern Lovely</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em>Someday Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><em>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><em>The DIY Dreamer</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><em>The Blackberry Vine</em></a><em>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </em><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><em>The Rustic Pig</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><em>Cornerstone Confessions</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><em>House on the Way</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>PJH </em></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>Desgin</em></a><em>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></em></span></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568719159908591315.post-41719665868180842212013-05-26T14:46:00.001-05:002013-05-29T09:05:54.555-05:00Lo-Cost Cardboard Column Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith8EaIWo35xkyXNMYGWIUOXr-roFTCAptaG59KZxa-jc2EXPdkOpp-NXuKLN_6PwYYaBxmL4bvx0p5efHUX9282zVo-NkceBcwRtkPreiiZSvwUy_1OAzeLWinFjOUEsJPfz6yCAiY_0/s1600/columnsStage+Set+Up+with+Columns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith8EaIWo35xkyXNMYGWIUOXr-roFTCAptaG59KZxa-jc2EXPdkOpp-NXuKLN_6PwYYaBxmL4bvx0p5efHUX9282zVo-NkceBcwRtkPreiiZSvwUy_1OAzeLWinFjOUEsJPfz6yCAiY_0/s400/columnsStage+Set+Up+with+Columns.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you know, I recently coordinated an Old South-themed <a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-belles-and-beaus-ball.html">'Belles and Beaus Ball'</a> for our Girl Scout service unit! And one of the projects our committee came up with to help transform our event space (a large metal building that was once used as an airplane hangar) into a southern plantation for our soiree was a set of columns to flank the stage.</div>
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Now if you have ever shopped for columns or priced column rentals then you know that these babies can be very pricey and a rental would have to be returned. Any way we sliced it, ready-made columns were just not going to be 'using our resources wisely,' so we had to come up with something else!</div>
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Luckily, I have a very dear friend in the construction business that I knew might be able to help and I was right! Yippee!</div>
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He suggested I take a look at these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP40t92WwLp8LHGkoHsc9sYZRcPgEuhyphenhyphenEe3CxUGjVr7vnm3l18ccZiBXUjnGxragPzG85yCe7bWGY-ruKHgH7KMDmrY-590t_6vPY1rHRB55k8inHhU4T5D5dSH4x45oit0VOOaKCRwsA/s1600/columns029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP40t92WwLp8LHGkoHsc9sYZRcPgEuhyphenhyphenEe3CxUGjVr7vnm3l18ccZiBXUjnGxragPzG85yCe7bWGY-ruKHgH7KMDmrY-590t_6vPY1rHRB55k8inHhU4T5D5dSH4x45oit0VOOaKCRwsA/s400/columns029.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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These are cardboard concrete forms that are <em><u>approximately</u></em> (I emphasize it because it turned out to be quite important) 8" in diameter and 4' high. Just for reference, a similar sized column around here would rent for about $25.00 each (ouch!) and they'd be ours for only one night!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw37Rp4EELkfyGl-ByXb94tonxdhSIg60JoxjBTOZMNMkaVpZfr-tHGmwqz-4WZk6UgjQhU6keegZUlcas0ZB6TSqQqbv5-FR3aGTjcw7DXsWckVcDi5-Jgt_eDuMGpmCwoWJKvo_RW0/s1600/columns030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw37Rp4EELkfyGl-ByXb94tonxdhSIg60JoxjBTOZMNMkaVpZfr-tHGmwqz-4WZk6UgjQhU6keegZUlcas0ZB6TSqQqbv5-FR3aGTjcw7DXsWckVcDi5-Jgt_eDuMGpmCwoWJKvo_RW0/s400/columns030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cardboard forms were a mere $7.00 each, so here's where I went with it:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSEJNMxnzR8x_mYOSNTnc88WWXj06rRtcWIskwwl6iJZdoxR3X6YQIEr0i7qq3wA4Lb1ipz78xG4GUJ7aoYA34l5pcvKZFFR5hzM_PfkQDSZrfdlgt_nchN36GhUmp6h7lKtJ_-C9Ko/s1600/columns036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSEJNMxnzR8x_mYOSNTnc88WWXj06rRtcWIskwwl6iJZdoxR3X6YQIEr0i7qq3wA4Lb1ipz78xG4GUJ7aoYA34l5pcvKZFFR5hzM_PfkQDSZrfdlgt_nchN36GhUmp6h7lKtJ_-C9Ko/s400/columns036.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
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Using inexpensive plastic pots for the top and the bottom, I was able to mimic the look of a roman column with the turned rim. I envisioned screwing the pot rims to small wooden bases to make them more sturdy and allow us to fill/weight the bottoms of the columns with sand to prevent tipping.</div>
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And here's the mock-up at Home Depot, who was kind enough to donate all the supplies for this project (including the ferns on top), so it ended up being 'no-cost' columns for us!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdUOaaVuZ5TeLBwdLB0dbMWhiCKQ3-oZX59sAtt0ufH6Ovs_2aAiJBggto2xA8jhS9q6JK6KO65nphHBpR1-LOO5emDCJx8sLVVnH196nksvU0PjHIO1yndLbhyYk0DBpEFasHTltyg4/s1600/columns040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdUOaaVuZ5TeLBwdLB0dbMWhiCKQ3-oZX59sAtt0ufH6Ovs_2aAiJBggto2xA8jhS9q6JK6KO65nphHBpR1-LOO5emDCJx8sLVVnH196nksvU0PjHIO1yndLbhyYk0DBpEFasHTltyg4/s400/columns040.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the first picture, we simply painted all the pieces white and them assembled them at the event center! They were lightweight for transporting and have already been used again at our service unit bridging ceremony!</div>
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I mentioned earlier that the diameter of these cardboard forms was an issue - because when choosing your pot, the diameter of the column will determine how far down your pot will seat in the form. it turns out that the two we originally had were not actually the same diameter, which would have made one of the finished columns noticeably taller than the other. We solved the problem by exchanging one for another at a different store to get two that were closer in diameter, but afterwards I realized that it could have been solved by getting a smaller diameter pot instead and that might have been even easier. I found the best plastic pots for this project at Dollar Tree because they ended up being very forgiving on the column diameter and had a larger rounded lip that looked better on the column than the one in the mock up in my opinion. Also, the least expensive HD pot in the size and configuration that we needed was about $2.50 and the ones at Dollar Tree were obviously only a dollar!</div>
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These were a great addition to our 'Plantation Party' but could be put to use for lots of other things as well, so I'm really happy that they worked out!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Sharing this sassy idea at </em><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><em>Under the Table and Dreaming</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/"><em>Totally Overflowing with Creativity</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/"><em>Three <span class="misspelled">Mango</span> Seeds</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/"><em>Classy Cutter</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.serenityyou.com/"><em>Serenity You</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><em>House of <span class="misspelled">Hepworth</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><em>Skip to my Lou</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/"><em>LadyBug Blessings</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.nap-timecreations.com/"><em>Nap Time Creations</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/"><em>The Style Sisters</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Polkadots</span> on <span class="misspelled">Pararde</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Rae</span> Gun Ramblings</em></a><em>,</em><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Costal</span> Charm</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/"><em>Not Just a Housewife</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/"><em>Domestically Speaking</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><em>The Shabby Creek Cottage</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Sumos</span> Sweet Stuff</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/"><em>The <span class="misspelled">Gunny</span> Sack</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/"><em>Gingersnap Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/"><em>Southern Lovely</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://lilluna.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Lil</span> <span class="misspelled">Luna</span></em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><em>Someday Crafts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/"><em>The NY <span class="misspelled">Melrose</span> Family</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/"><em>The DIY Dreamer</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><em>The Blackberry Vine</em></a><em>, <span class="misspelled">Homeworks</span>, </em><a href="http://www.therusticpig.com/"><em>The Rustic Pig</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/"><em>Cornerstone Confessions</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/"><em><span class="misspelled">Kathe</span> with an E</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/"><em>House on the Way</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>PJH </em></a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/"><em>Desgin</em></a><em>, <a href="http://gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com/">Glued to my Crafts</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/">The Crafty <span class="misspelled">Blog</span> Stalker</a>, <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/"><span class="misspelled">Seven</span> Alive</a>, <a href="http://madeinaday.com/">Made in a Day</a>, <a href="http://www.heatherhelvey.com/">Live Laugh and Love</a>, A Creative Place, <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Have a <span class="misspelled">Daily Cup</span> of Mrs. <span class="misspelled">Olson</span></a>, Home and Gardens, <a href="http://ithappensinablink.com/">It Happens In a Blink</a>, <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/">I <span class="misspelled">Gotta</span> Create</a>, <a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/">Domestic Super Hero</a>, All Pretty Things, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/"><span class="misspelled">Katie's</span> Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/">52 Mantels</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/"><span class="misspelled">Truly</span> Lovely</a>, Twinkle in the Eye, <a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Happy Hour </a><span class="misspelled"><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/">Projects</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/"><span class="misspelled">Tutus</span> and <span class="misspelled">Tea Parties</span></a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/">Mop It Up Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/">Saturday Show and Tell</a>, <a href="http://www.itstaylormade.com/">Moonlight and Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/">The Scoop</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesdays,</a> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Take-A-Look Tuesday</a></em></span></span></div>
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Jen Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808786049111407181noreply@blogger.com11