tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90198021384106790892024-03-18T19:19:11.171-05:00craft whatevercraft ideas, DIY, tutorials, and some whatever...Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-4394747973414348322012-05-07T21:52:00.001-05:002012-05-07T21:52:28.489-05:00Balance on my Brain (oh, and where I have been!)<div>
Wow! I am seriously wondering how I have been able to stay away from my blog for so many days! I know, it has actually been a couple of weeks. Or three.<br />
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So here's what happened:<br />
I was <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-grateful-for-family.html" target="_blank">getting ready</a> for my mother-in-law to visit. I had several posts half-written and a couple ready to publish. My intention was to schedule out a bunch of posts and I imagined I would have all.this.extra.time to write/craft/blog/etc. during her 2-week visit. Welllllll.....not exactly the case. Remember I also <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-grateful-for-family.html" target="_blank">said</a> how I stack our schedule FULL when we get family to come visit (aka help)? And that is what happened. It was constant. <br />
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Got a haircut (the big one, with cut and color and all). Got to attend our kids' school auction night with my husband! Volunteered my turn in the church nursery. Went on my daughter's field trip (which is a big deal because you can't bring along siblings), Did TONS of yard work- trimmed the hedges in front and back; landscaped the back corner from a huge mess to a bricked-in mulch covered area and planted a little shrub; planted flowers and re-mulched the front flowerbeds, etc. Basically, a lot of work! (I know a many of you have husbands who are savvy in the landscaping dept. but in this house, a few roles are reversed...maybe you <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/04/handy-woman-tip-simple-toilet-repair.html" target="_blank">already knew that</a>!) Then there were...Baseball games and practices. Gymnastics lessons. Forgot all about piano lessons. Prepared and tagged a bunch of clothing and toys for a big children's consignment sale that I do every fall and spring. Then brought my items to the sale and checked them all in. Got away for a whole weekend of yoga and drove 3.5 hrs to Dallas area for that. Then worked a shift at the consignment sale (which earned me a higher commission) right after I got back. And finally, the husband and I had a date night at PF Changs!<br />
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Aside from being busy. And tired. (both valid reasons to keep me away from the blog!) I also had some time to reflect during my kid-free-yoga-filled weekend. </div>
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Do you do yoga? I have been doing yoga for over 10 years! I have practiced many different styles in many different settings. When I first started it was a challenge to do the poses, though I was desperately seeking the benefits of a restful mind! Today, I struggle finding my restful mind. It is so hard to be present in this moment. Typically, my mind is racing all.day.long. One thing I think a lot about is my blog- what I have to do next, comments I need to reply to, ideas for posts, photos to edit, link parties, stats, on and on and on. </div>
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BUT the weekend that I was away, with my thoughts and my yoga, I did not worry about everything I had to do at home (and with my blog). And I realized on my 3 hour drive home that my head did not race once that weekend. Hmmm. Still not sure what it was, or is. But stepping back from my blog has calmed my head. Look, I am not a blogger who makes even one cent from blogging. That is a LOT of time spent thinking, planning, staying up late, forgoing couch/TV time with my husband, etc. to not be compensated. For right now, I don't want to seek out sponsors. I would be a horrible blogger if I did. I can't tell sponsors that I can guarantee some kick ass posts and ground-breaking tutorials. Summer is coming and the kids will be home all day, every day. You think I will get some good blogging done then?! HA! </div>
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Long story short...I don't know yet if it is the blog that makes my head crazy or if it is just me. I do want to think about how much time is spent blogging and what else I could be doing- like getting to bed at a decent hour!! I don't have that much un-obligated time during my days (and less when my husband is out of town). I still LOVE making things and SHARING them here! I get so pumped when I get a comment on my blog! That has been my reward for my time! But I am just in a state of review right now. I am just re-evaluating every aspect of my life right now and the blog is included. </div>
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Trying to achieve balance.</div>
</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-51055985260153060912012-04-23T14:30:00.000-05:002012-04-24T08:32:47.486-05:00{Tutorial} Sew a Skort from 2 Tshirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRQh8O5ZfS2DPL6s6LyhozfiKS7tCpwWxwMZIlmQN-wkSXWiW-2EOw98vhNGlS_3MiFbgiH5gsgSfiZFeXZ6Pmos4tbFoIlIlykj9aepC7kr3Kbw_eLirr-znAvs67t7CkqWidxsJ55bG/s1600/skortheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRQh8O5ZfS2DPL6s6LyhozfiKS7tCpwWxwMZIlmQN-wkSXWiW-2EOw98vhNGlS_3MiFbgiH5gsgSfiZFeXZ6Pmos4tbFoIlIlykj9aepC7kr3Kbw_eLirr-znAvs67t7CkqWidxsJ55bG/s1600/skortheader.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My daughter is a "skirt girl" through and through! But she is always doing non-skirt activities. Like being upside down, for instance. Leggings will work now, when it is cooler out. We all know though, that "cooler" weather doesn't last long here in Oklahoma and in just weeks it will be permanent shorts, or for Stella, skorts weather! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz_7CCT1vSYIhS1iAq2XztzR_f3lHoKpX0uwICgB1LlVTtLp_QKbO5tWgluLkZfeF7diA6rCbf4GOxgrI-hvxNFKuYpuooxtcyrn_AQTU1leje04bXLTLWb0nMJ0cXKQ7lVx-DDddg1Zc/s1600/skort201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz_7CCT1vSYIhS1iAq2XztzR_f3lHoKpX0uwICgB1LlVTtLp_QKbO5tWgluLkZfeF7diA6rCbf4GOxgrI-hvxNFKuYpuooxtcyrn_AQTU1leje04bXLTLWb0nMJ0cXKQ7lVx-DDddg1Zc/s400/skort201.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Yes, I know, skirts are just so dang easy to make! I suppose I could always make her wear shorts under them. OR I could just sew in shorts and not have to worry about her flashing her panties everywhere. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">{Tutorial} The 2 T-shirt SKORT</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">You need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">2 T-shirts and elastic for the waistband</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">AND as a template, a skirt and pair of leggings that currently fit</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxAWUNQdpvCelQGU2yQdtb5z7b_0LQ9w4FtjM6-QGbbYO15Er_8bh8anZvkqvbgTVUq3PUs9yoR5BlRQ8t02oKyTUHURdcbdz5rIW_jnVUhC847wxLo-sgd45L31tsknE_nWSt3ko9bBg/s1600/skortneed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxAWUNQdpvCelQGU2yQdtb5z7b_0LQ9w4FtjM6-QGbbYO15Er_8bh8anZvkqvbgTVUq3PUs9yoR5BlRQ8t02oKyTUHURdcbdz5rIW_jnVUhC847wxLo-sgd45L31tsknE_nWSt3ko9bBg/s400/skortneed.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">START WITH THE SHORTS</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQmWkFnVWtZBi2XpLVmRFC85aH6ygqN7to8AZ-9Vs7NPjUh9dZ-yi4HWINx1zNyyO71k-WhEaktE18l5Im6ZXdKXvir4xAVb5P-c8rinqiuDjiLOcGgkfLyMuX7POvX_jZj-6C1dybb9X/s1600/Skort+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQmWkFnVWtZBi2XpLVmRFC85aH6ygqN7to8AZ-9Vs7NPjUh9dZ-yi4HWINx1zNyyO71k-WhEaktE18l5Im6ZXdKXvir4xAVb5P-c8rinqiuDjiLOcGgkfLyMuX7POvX_jZj-6C1dybb9X/s640/Skort+Collage1.jpg" width="632" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">1. Lay folded leggings on side fold of shirt. Position so you have enough but not too much in seam. I used 2 1/4” - 2 1/2” inseam (approx size 4/5). The hem of the shirt will be the hem of the shorts! Trace leggings on the shirt and add a seam allowance. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2. Cut 2 of these</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">3. Sew short edges together on each piece, right sides together. These = legs</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">4. Turn one leg right side out and slip inside the other leg. Align inseams. Pin. Sew inseam in one go. Turn right side out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">NOW MAKE THE SKIRT</span></div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Lay out skirt on top of T-shirt; align the bottoms</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Add for elastic and seam allowance (I added 3/4” for elastic + 1/2”)</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Cut shirt straight across. <i>The wider the shirt, the fuller the skirt.</i></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Pt9iTsKFw5wtKDWEtyOJr0BwGhCj42Pk134s1CzqSh1v_TP8DhRyMN4xNcoCxpsnLSjGKjpAVUOQKo65-oNQ7rq54sWFCMBtNVkFYecGsPOKXrlQd9yfkYDKtAbxayeaW36lBDEOIns/s1600/skortskirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Pt9iTsKFw5wtKDWEtyOJr0BwGhCj42Pk134s1CzqSh1v_TP8DhRyMN4xNcoCxpsnLSjGKjpAVUOQKo65-oNQ7rq54sWFCMBtNVkFYecGsPOKXrlQd9yfkYDKtAbxayeaW36lBDEOIns/s640/skortskirt1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">6. Optional: Turn inside out. BUT I want to use the inside of the shirt as my skirt to hide the logo design. So I am leaving mine Right Side Out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">7. Cut elastic and sew ends together</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">{TIP} Mark elastic with two lines- the other end and the cut line (about 1” from end line). These two lines tell you where to overlap and sew. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheb2z1UYkZL-WNOKm_gNooI6hvbW2RMDvF1eSgQS5CaOhIundw_xQ-QbKku96qFqDO2aHU-xvJDu3MRvk_2CTVlQKSjnZKxpvC-iN1a6T-0hu-SEPtAD2esBlHe-aLMLMnnu3mbeVOECMA/s1600/skortelastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheb2z1UYkZL-WNOKm_gNooI6hvbW2RMDvF1eSgQS5CaOhIundw_xQ-QbKku96qFqDO2aHU-xvJDu3MRvk_2CTVlQKSjnZKxpvC-iN1a6T-0hu-SEPtAD2esBlHe-aLMLMnnu3mbeVOECMA/s400/skortelastic.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">8. {TIP} Sew a straight stitch as a guideline 1/2” from top edge. I used a serger here as my guideline</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">9. Mark quarters/quadrants/fourths on both elastic and top of skirt. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB3VIO6fGgOxMU-Rj5wdLtbRGcVQ3YI0oWbIO1mtOT3SuSDqH506HKK2baa6-wi2q5vYFte-QxdLY3oEjNe8wnuO78N6BpT8el2h7cDg4qXJ9zojG6vEF4y4m86D_M8tjoJm-izULQnf4/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB3VIO6fGgOxMU-Rj5wdLtbRGcVQ3YI0oWbIO1mtOT3SuSDqH506HKK2baa6-wi2q5vYFte-QxdLY3oEjNe8wnuO78N6BpT8el2h7cDg4qXJ9zojG6vEF4y4m86D_M8tjoJm-izULQnf4/s400/IMG_8973.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I marked the elastic with pen and the skirt with pins.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">10. Pin skirt and elastic together at each quarter mark. Align top edge of elastic with your guide stitch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfPkDPYJtruP8VyfLemne6K2NyViAoTwl0GjV7b7qqGxp15pALzEj0qNKzsK52OtR9v6jsNcsD0tMynf0qh16ZFgDzAQJEedCoio2qT6OarRqP2A48ilD20RuxIZtDk9X7kfv65QXIm2Q/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfPkDPYJtruP8VyfLemne6K2NyViAoTwl0GjV7b7qqGxp15pALzEj0qNKzsK52OtR9v6jsNcsD0tMynf0qh16ZFgDzAQJEedCoio2qT6OarRqP2A48ilD20RuxIZtDk9X7kfv65QXIm2Q/s320/IMG_8974.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">11. Sew together by stretching elastic from pin to pin. {TIP} Start with a good backtack and keep needle down between sections. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X42rhf4S14wMLNUC7_6SIfqlFo3NYXr5lu3T4opc7JJLqITp4zLscmVvE-ZC_4h14wLyLH74mKir9ZBjWnpWpgGa04txZojo2-biDP85txpESSiOhyicargULL682D27gWWF3ck41DDz/s1600/skortstretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X42rhf4S14wMLNUC7_6SIfqlFo3NYXr5lu3T4opc7JJLqITp4zLscmVvE-ZC_4h14wLyLH74mKir9ZBjWnpWpgGa04txZojo2-biDP85txpESSiOhyicargULL682D27gWWF3ck41DDz/s400/skortstretch.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> {TIP} To keep the gathering even-ish I like to stretch out the quarter section and then move my hold to the midpoint. I then sew each quarter section in two parts. Stretch elastic with one hand and pull through the machine with the other. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">12. Mark the top of the shorts at the quadrants (2 seams & 2 sides). Align the quad-marks of the shorts with the quad marks of the elastic. Pin at the 4 quad-points. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSX6QgBhJY2mD_Fe_Jk63uJzUOXwq5kA8wRBqqCiDNAWFbIMTf1afURyOR2vgBfANZT3RyZKkpY8lmGQLBe5sbaJdGpSwDqAfYr0xg7yabKHx5DEdvvMuUdU4DSurURnsy88lOK8evHUq/s1600/IMG_8976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSX6QgBhJY2mD_Fe_Jk63uJzUOXwq5kA8wRBqqCiDNAWFbIMTf1afURyOR2vgBfANZT3RyZKkpY8lmGQLBe5sbaJdGpSwDqAfYr0xg7yabKHx5DEdvvMuUdU4DSurURnsy88lOK8evHUq/s320/IMG_8976.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>I did switch my thread at this point to match the skirt. Probably should have done that from the start, yes. </i></span></div>
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13. Fold elastic down over shorts and in the same way in step 11, stretch and sew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">{TIP} Hold the quad mark and pull. Then rehold at the midpoint, pinching all layers together. THEN I reach inside the skirt and pull the shorts down to about the center of the elastic, THEN tug the skirt to get a nice fold over the elastic.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh26lNysi6XnCAcRxRihcAAaFvvFqdr8nhr8oWZk0KPLLRg8rsht7IUgoGOsuDzwPZQ1rNIBY3KYOY_0qVS5w41aL0Y71i3Ut6bVQNmWwB4USgxlRD7GvH1m_Tmo5oN6ranIyU2eV4SVrY/s1600/IMG_8979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh26lNysi6XnCAcRxRihcAAaFvvFqdr8nhr8oWZk0KPLLRg8rsht7IUgoGOsuDzwPZQ1rNIBY3KYOY_0qVS5w41aL0Y71i3Ut6bVQNmWwB4USgxlRD7GvH1m_Tmo5oN6ranIyU2eV4SVrY/s320/IMG_8979.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">14. Add a tag or slip a piece of ribbon in as you finish sewing the waistband to help your kids know the back of the skort. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I used a printed ribbon as a tag this time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTBtyO0GfxcZHXnzGL-o5E3vKQNf5MX-GcRo-lzTnwYFZQXjw-sqKRq_P62hWEFjOzSQW2Bq6pFRNyLrH13TJoa4vftLN1PX0-T_o8YNbl3lHLc5BGpOoHH6iH1RE8YapIFU4huaWVNFQ/s1600/IMG_8983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTBtyO0GfxcZHXnzGL-o5E3vKQNf5MX-GcRo-lzTnwYFZQXjw-sqKRq_P62hWEFjOzSQW2Bq6pFRNyLrH13TJoa4vftLN1PX0-T_o8YNbl3lHLc5BGpOoHH6iH1RE8YapIFU4huaWVNFQ/s320/IMG_8983.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Linking to these *fabulous* parties!<br />
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<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Todays Creative Blog"><img alt="Todays Creative Blog" border="0" height="75" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Todays Creative Blog" width="75" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" height="75" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.HopeStudios.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ht03yla_h4cdARcI0WCZbNgPEw7xrGR0psNTMQQWNm06w9DUY6MHIixfNkpqM1Zx6LcN360m5w41YWVYRAMNK_2raj5Cg3cYRUtYVU_CR07zOTbCqkugeZzjkTjnweh_y_1_EdLryt00/s800/takealookbutton.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://notjustahousewife.net/" target="blank"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" width="75" /></a>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-41455920732722818112012-04-19T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-19T07:00:07.775-05:00So Grateful for Family...<div>
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Can I just say how much I appreciate all the ideas I got this week about new <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/04/friday-5-running-songs.html" target="_blank">running songs</a>! I can't wait to download some new tunes! In the meantime, I had to settle for the same mix this morning. But I started the playlist in the middle and it seemed to be better. But I do need a new playlist. So thanks for all the help!</div>
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Right now, I am typing up drafts of posts for the next couple of weeks. I feel like I have been making and doing...but dragging my feet on the posting part. </div>
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Today Grandma is coming to visit!!! Which is very good thing!! When family comes, we try and get caught up with stuff around the house (crash-course style). </div>
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It also means I will have to pack up my sewing stuff and craft junk to make room for an air mattress. Our office <strike>my sewing room</strike> is used for many things- including a guest bedroom when we have guests visiting! And when we have family visiting it usually means there are some big things going on and we just don't have enough grown ups around to accomplish them. By that I mean we need kid-watchers! We also try to ramp up our home projects while we have help with the kids. We have a lot of yard work that we are hoping to get done. I have a consignment sale that I need to get ready for. I have to go out of town. I need a haircut and color. School fundraiser this weekend. And hopefully we can squeeze a date night in there somewhere between gymnastics lessons and baseball games and piano lessons.<br />
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Do you have family who live nearby? How does that work? I always wonder what it would be like to live near family. Do they help with watching the kids on a regular basis or just when it is something big? Our neighbors watch their grandkids every weekend so the parents can have a night off. I'll admit, it would be nice to have help nearby since my husband is traveling so much. If I had a day/night off, I don't know what I would do first - schedule a haircut, grocery shop, clean the house, nap, sew, see a real movie, dinner date, go for a long run? </div>
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</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-91766429360969609472012-04-18T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-18T07:00:06.409-05:00Coming Soon...a Skort Tutorial<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherZsFskXzeVWhauVxCqlgIgXJDkXy89sGQ8DB_sndUlifFxx-4JrV2ua1UoAUBuXBBHb4ucLf141sy6xNfn3x3dcLaDfWfe0b-IkvCn_bBlJcgQHGKmIuTxv2FRTsDLY9oRdvcWFNo8R8/s1600/skort101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherZsFskXzeVWhauVxCqlgIgXJDkXy89sGQ8DB_sndUlifFxx-4JrV2ua1UoAUBuXBBHb4ucLf141sy6xNfn3x3dcLaDfWfe0b-IkvCn_bBlJcgQHGKmIuTxv2FRTsDLY9oRdvcWFNo8R8/s640/skort101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My daughter is a "skirt girl" through and through! But she is always doing non-skirt activities. Like being upside down, for instance. Leggings will work now, when it is cooler out. We all know though, that "cooler" weather doesn't last long here in Oklahoma and in just weeks it will be permanent shorts, or for Stella, SKORTS weather! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">So I made her a couple of new SKORTS. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius9tvItTSRZRWv8as_eRlpJBIsBA8Necw8ookc2XAVDeQrgY72NLf7dU2AQjlKRmbgikdBRe5QVPabVgw1q44skaKOI-Vkhd_UzPKTSiS-RK7MKVmbmakiJLUrO1Gvq8vzkp-y5pW0HWJ/s1600/skort201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius9tvItTSRZRWv8as_eRlpJBIsBA8Necw8ookc2XAVDeQrgY72NLf7dU2AQjlKRmbgikdBRe5QVPabVgw1q44skaKOI-Vkhd_UzPKTSiS-RK7MKVmbmakiJLUrO1Gvq8vzkp-y5pW0HWJ/s640/skort201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> I know skirts are so simple, but for just a bit more effort (just a bit) I could sew a skort and not have to worry about her flashing her panties everywhere. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">They are so dang easy to make, too!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Oh and there's those <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/02/spray-painted-girls-shoes.html" target="_blank">blue shoes</a> again!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ATCz-kc51rNiDVusx8kkqKHf8_MBItAuxctJUA7E4P_zsoMsMXg_eHCBzYffiWp-lM6YJ1XBHyksaGFuUCHLUNnSto6gIfZ7wXUSGs8Y1v80f0vAmFSbC947F8VRYNl1667_4nvf0aO/s1600/skort202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ATCz-kc51rNiDVusx8kkqKHf8_MBItAuxctJUA7E4P_zsoMsMXg_eHCBzYffiWp-lM6YJ1XBHyksaGFuUCHLUNnSto6gIfZ7wXUSGs8Y1v80f0vAmFSbC947F8VRYNl1667_4nvf0aO/s640/skort202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am working on a couple tutorials for you. There isn't much out there in the area of skorts. Making one is easier than you think.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>If you subscribe by email then you may have already seen my outline for the tutorial post! UGH. I copied and pasted text and accidentally hit post. I took it off immediately, but how embarrassing. </i></span></div>
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Check back for the TWO tutorials I am putting together. In the meantime, gather up some old t-shirts, cotton and knit fabrics, some elastic, and a good fitting pair of leggings!<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-84740990577245727282012-04-16T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-18T08:08:34.452-05:00{Handy-Woman Tip} A Simple Toilet Repair<div>
It is a pretty odd handy-woman skill that I know but wanted to share with you because I have done this one a bunch of times and feel pretty confident about it. <br />
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First, please trust me when I say, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">toilets are not complicated</span>. Gross, yes, so I always give mine a good cleaning before I have to get this personal with it. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><u>Problem:</u></span> A few weeks ago, I noticed the grout was darker around my toilet. I cleaned it. My first thought was that the boys were going and missing in my bathroom. But that wasn't the case. I knew it was the other problem- water under my toilet. And the answer was most likely, and most cheaply, a new wax ring. This repair is going to cost somewhere between $1-$6. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>{Handy-woman} Solution: Replace Wax Ring on Toilet</u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">1.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> If your toilet is caulked around the bottom (and it probably is) remove all the caulk. I just scrape it off with a metal putty knife. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">2.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> Turn off water at the wall. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">3.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> Flush toilet until won't flush anymore. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">4.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> Remove water from tank and bowl. I use a cup to scoop out the water. When that isn't efficient anymore, I use a towel or sponge to soak up the water and wring it into a bucket. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5.</span> Now detach water line from tank. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I had a bit of a problem with the waterline this time. Even though I felt like it was turned all the way off, water was still dripping out. I used a cup and towels to catch the water vs. tightening it more. I am just overcautious after breaking one of those before (different house). </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6.</span> Remove the nuts from the toilet bolts. They are under those white caps, which just pop off. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**If the bolts look rusted out you will need to replace them as well. You can buy the repair kit that includes the bolts or get them separately. Only problem with the bolts is that sometimes they are too long and will need cut.</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/c55840f2-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/c55840f2-1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before you move on, you are going to need some wadded up newspaper, a spot to put your toilet (against a wall works well), and probably a helper. A toilet is pretty heavy and you don't want to put any pressure on the back tank! Lift from the bowl so the tank doesn't crack. Remember to handle the toilet carefully in the next steps so you don't crack any porcelain. </div>
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At this point, I call for my helper- who was folding laundry. That's right. My husband did the laundry while I fixed the toilet. We laugh pretty good about that! Just like on Saturday, I fixed the gutters and he watched the kids. <br />
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OK back to business...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. </span>Give your toilet a side-to-side jiggle to make sure it is loose and lift it STRAIGHT UP over the bolts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Now stuff some paper in that hole! Keeps gross air out. **Remind yourself to REMOVE that paper before you put the toilet back!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/66ec1e06-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/66ec1e06-1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we will replace the wax ring. Funny, my husband bought it, but I did the whole repair. He chooses the jumbo size because in our first house we needed that one due to the floor being uneven under the toilet. Back then, we used two regulars stacked together. However, in this house we really don't need the jumbo. It just means more squishing on (see below). <br />
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<a href="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/e632b06a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd488/craftwhateverKate/MISC/e632b06a-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. </span> Remove the old wax ring. I use the putty knife. Sometimes the ring might be on your floor but usually it is stuck under the toilet- where it should be. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9.</span> Take the new wax ring and squish it right on the bottom of the toilet. Center on the hole as much as possible. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">(There is also the "cheater way" where you put the ring over the hole and squish the toilet on.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10.</span> Put the toilet back where it goes. **Remove that paper!** CAREFULLY align directly over the bolts and press down super slowly and very evenly. Stand over the toilet and press straight down to squish the wax.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Test it first.</span> TRUST ME. I have done this repair before only to have water seeping out from the bottom on the first flush! <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> TEST your work:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">a. reconnect waterline to the tank and fill the tank about half way.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">b. flush and look around the bottom</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">c. let the tank fill completely and flush again. and again. and maybe once more for good measure.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">d. if you don't see water on your floor, you are in good shape! If you do, I am so sorry, but you are going to have to turn off the water and start over. You may or may not need a new ring. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Tighten your toilet bolts- do not over tighten! Do a couple turns on the right then a couple on the left, alternating until it is tightened.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">13. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> Recaulk when floor is dry...I like to wait a few days before I recaulk. Just to be sure! Again, speaking from experience. </span><br />
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And yes, I am linking up a post about toilets to these fabulous parties:<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20Skills%20Party/"><img alt="BWS tips button" height="75" src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s186/jeslman/madskillsbutton.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/"><img alt="craft" border="0" height="75" src="http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/serendipity629/gray_zigzag-2.png" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" height="75" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/plain-button.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" border="0" height="75" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/grab_button_JSIWUaug2011.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" height="75" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhBaNhuF2GvQIQDt9WEB9ARKVz817mbDbJXPE3LVnW9-iJoTYtzZGwFJKMiXxXOjWP_YIUSrA7ZNuP_m5WpMDpB1BY5ZQlDtTMI8W73hrRiqYGDbVqgeKdTY0DqH2rrK7mp3I6x5K9lEQ/s320/mwlove.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><img height="75" src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank"><img height="75" src="http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz94/iblarswaconia/GunnySackStuffed400x300-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtLFUUYWGH8XKZzT2ZO6xqkISSpvSv8-F5cNamSSpEawlV4liNOzY5sLjW06KYNxqyzrI09LwARr2C8_O99xhNttqhfu-GEI9Nls4k3Scv0Xl9UGhG90N8CAu5B_KsVZtuR2LKfuPOJU/s320/wgw+button.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" width="75" /><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLdb1fMQlzq_pXhQmh9lNTseguS2RXajSc6QRJSX73_zfm1Eh2UeMiKG88XcmQK657mXUoLFUd7KREvqJ_UY0om3Z6ZfcuwtEaseYmErd-EjDu1B3IJhjvl6PtzzSPsf7UkB8uEJuoUOo/s1600/wow-me.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src=" http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BCD-round-button-show-and-tell-2-copy-300x300.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
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</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-3896364629298280442012-04-13T22:03:00.000-05:002012-04-13T22:03:00.273-05:00{Friday 5} Running Songs<div>
...and some random running pictures!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY7zkQ2xJakAia8_MX_kIZ7mCQEzieBz9yDWTeF3DukB2NeDkidU1N9gKWzWBY7ziL6u53xGNeat_T1pDvrAo250UuuoJnwIG53YYLx78C_wJmEWUZ1_k7htDbiDnwF1kXcYlBpJ6u76B/s1600/TT+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY7zkQ2xJakAia8_MX_kIZ7mCQEzieBz9yDWTeF3DukB2NeDkidU1N9gKWzWBY7ziL6u53xGNeat_T1pDvrAo250UuuoJnwIG53YYLx78C_wJmEWUZ1_k7htDbiDnwF1kXcYlBpJ6u76B/s320/TT+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my sister, Martha, who organizes our family to run the "turkey trot" every Thanksgiving morning! This photo is from 2009.</td></tr>
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I realized this week that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I need new running songs</span>. Badly. Mine are just not doing anything for me lately. Yes, maybe the problem is that I have been listening to the same music for, oh, I don't know... 3 years!!! I am not kidding.<br />
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Despite their "oldness" these are presently <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my {5} favorite running songs</span>:<br />
1. <a href="http://www.justintimberlake.com/songs/sexyback" target="_blank">Sexy Back- Justin Timberlake</a><br />
2. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-dance/id294084085?i=294084097&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">Poker Face- Lady Gaga</a><br />
3. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/telephone-feat.-beyonce/id350699166?i=350699273&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">Telephone- Lady Gaga</a><br />
4. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/e.n.d.-energy-never-dies/id318390146" target="_blank">I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas</a><br />
5. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/femme-fatale-deluxe-version/id424333794" target="_blank">I Wanna Go- Britney Spears </a><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(My shuffle also includes Take Me on the Floor- Veronicas, more Britney, and some Katy Perry. I just added the Britney Spears in October so those still sound like new to me.)</span></i><br />
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See a trend? Or rather, the problem? So I am trying to come up with some new songs that are totally *now* so I can listen to them for the next three years! I don't really listen to the radio but last weekend I was on Pandora while I did the taxes (which are now done! thankyouverymuch) and I only wrote down one song that I really wanted to add to my mix. It was <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cannibal/id402410451" target="_blank">Blow by Ke$ha</a>. <i>Hey, don't judge. I don't even know who these people are...I just like to run to the songs! </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorwmK3eoZ6Bas4BAe_1ze09oJ29tBN17GNG3MAWTlYAMECNAq6BpL9jSh_gpLgNKHdR6V1YpeeKHKXF4AJim9X_VP2STXEvqfrqtNIJIQ-5ZrDMEiYmiV8ll6vy4JuftR0DO0mhLJrAm8/s1600/PA160358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorwmK3eoZ6Bas4BAe_1ze09oJ29tBN17GNG3MAWTlYAMECNAq6BpL9jSh_gpLgNKHdR6V1YpeeKHKXF4AJim9X_VP2STXEvqfrqtNIJIQ-5ZrDMEiYmiV8ll6vy4JuftR0DO0mhLJrAm8/s320/PA160358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2004<br />I was SO 8 1/2 months pregnant here!</td></tr>
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So DID I get your attention with that photo? Ha!</div>
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Please,</div>
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I desperately need some fun new songs that make me feel like kicking ass! </div>
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Any suggestions?</div>
</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-22584265870829378602012-04-11T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-18T08:01:14.933-05:00{Tutorial} Glittery Shoes<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80IvJp-R3aLoKVy-BeViKUPrEe5kWv130Rhqc_nPzesum5LzWrazCqEJYPhTm9bdkRcbFL66OdtK11hKfWLcoI-5cNDfdJawXHIi-eYdQ8Nx7FYlEkD29KzFFjqX9fUyFA-CzUsLTH2NU/s1600/glittershoemain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80IvJp-R3aLoKVy-BeViKUPrEe5kWv130Rhqc_nPzesum5LzWrazCqEJYPhTm9bdkRcbFL66OdtK11hKfWLcoI-5cNDfdJawXHIi-eYdQ8Nx7FYlEkD29KzFFjqX9fUyFA-CzUsLTH2NU/s640/glittershoemain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter's shoes were getting a bit roughed up and I really had to stop filling in the scuffs with my Sharpie as she left for school in the morning. I had two ideas: <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/02/spray-painted-girls-shoes.html" target="_blank">spray paint</a> and glitter!<br />
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Oh did she looooove both ideas as much as I did!<br />
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I had seen glitter shoe tutorials before, and I knew the basics: Mod Podge and glitter. But I wasn't sure about the order in which to apply them and what do I do about things like straps and buckles and cute flowers on the shoes? I mean do I mix the Mod Podge and glitter together and paint it on? Or should I paint on the Mod Podge and sprinkle the glitter on? Here is what I found that worked best for me!<br />
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I started with these...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFQ7onSxyNtvFwd3sWAuvYrGhIdxm5QArYwO7DEiDl0hMFE55hMhA3RdLSO-2Jag9a2TZqO7fmxewI0QeAfuBCczeymaTk8uc80AD2nA3apzJ3wErzPPPqV8D33Z5EgfnJxzyIUO8KxK7/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFQ7onSxyNtvFwd3sWAuvYrGhIdxm5QArYwO7DEiDl0hMFE55hMhA3RdLSO-2Jag9a2TZqO7fmxewI0QeAfuBCczeymaTk8uc80AD2nA3apzJ3wErzPPPqV8D33Z5EgfnJxzyIUO8KxK7/s320/IMG_8543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and turned them into these...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOtRt8Qo-4Ymp1xMyum3wnC_V3HWHC4WIomEUtmjH5G-35k25N8v_e2wsRfWwJZgurDl_3EvuhUJmZfMBnh2IGqonlXPIijUo-L2gUXE9oggBvft05DqD8n7KU2FgaYRVFSKlJiwTmMri/s1600/glitter+shoes003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOtRt8Qo-4Ymp1xMyum3wnC_V3HWHC4WIomEUtmjH5G-35k25N8v_e2wsRfWwJZgurDl_3EvuhUJmZfMBnh2IGqonlXPIijUo-L2gUXE9oggBvft05DqD8n7KU2FgaYRVFSKlJiwTmMri/s400/glitter+shoes003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and it was pretty easy!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">{Tutorial} for Glittery Shoes </span>(with straps and stuff)<br />
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<b>1. Prep your shoes</b> by stuffing with plastic bags and taping off parts you don't want glittered. I unbuckled the strap and let it hang out. I taped off the velcro on the straps, too!<br />
<b>2. Put about a tablespoon of glitter in a plastic cup</b> or something you can pitch when you are done. <i>I mixed three colors of glitter here- all Martha Stewart glitters.</i><br />
<b>3. </b> <b>Add a blob of Mod Podge to the glitter</b> and mix with paint brush until is it a thick mixture of the two. At first it will be dry but keep adding small blobs of the glue until it is a paintable glitter. When you paint it on the shoe, work in small areas at a time. **<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I found this works better than adding the glitter to the glue because I couldn't estimate the glue and had to dump a ton of glitter in or paint on a bunch of coats to get it as glittery as I wanted. And I wasted a lot of glitter by painting Mod Podge on first then sprinkling glitter on it.</span></i><br />
I started at the toe and worked back. I glittered the strap last. And don't get any glue on the flower, if you have one.<br />
<b>4. As they are drying you can add more glitter to any spots you missed. </b> For touch ups on the toes, I painted on only Mod Podge and then sprinkled glitter to really get them sparkly! Repeat the layers until they look glittery enough for you.<br />
<b>5. When the main color was dry, I smothered the flower with Mod Podge and poured silver glitter in every nook and cranny. </b>I let it set up just a minute then shook off the glitter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHJUN3KwdCtRf8wZW6g-mds9mGE8fLbc2kCw1vZlWOwZDCPfu1Rb5P6J0B3-ER0QohNvbtmQQrFUyL-GvzGEN5OWfc3VN2RDgl7tXeUJ4fxBT6Hm4-OsK7gEiM-Zk4-GC4pZNFKB2zU2m/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHJUN3KwdCtRf8wZW6g-mds9mGE8fLbc2kCw1vZlWOwZDCPfu1Rb5P6J0B3-ER0QohNvbtmQQrFUyL-GvzGEN5OWfc3VN2RDgl7tXeUJ4fxBT6Hm4-OsK7gEiM-Zk4-GC4pZNFKB2zU2m/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>6. After they are dry...Lastly, I added two <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">thin</span> coats of just Mod Podge</b> over the entire shoe.<br />
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When they are completely dry (patience...) carefully remove the stuffing and the tape. I had to use my fingernail to keep the tape from pulling off the good stuff. Just go slowly. Trust me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE6btrmYVJLGkZA6W4W2O6-7MSw8k6OTLE-UpEVwvi0pZSVhUJE8_HkP875oU8_tLQ7o-w4TULxvwUXXzkZqSeg7tKQf0Wo6WKVkz046jFayJxcj7shs0n742tpydA_uBZfARs5xq8-mW/s1600/glitter+shoes001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE6btrmYVJLGkZA6W4W2O6-7MSw8k6OTLE-UpEVwvi0pZSVhUJE8_HkP875oU8_tLQ7o-w4TULxvwUXXzkZqSeg7tKQf0Wo6WKVkz046jFayJxcj7shs0n742tpydA_uBZfARs5xq8-mW/s400/glitter+shoes001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think these shoes are pretty durable. The Mod Podge kept them flexible enough for a five-year old to run around in them. I think the thin layers of the glue helped also. <br />
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Have you glittered any shoes for yourself or kids? I would like some glitter just on the toes of shoes for me.</div>
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ALSO, this is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">My entry into</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/" style="color: #f25063; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Thrifty Thursday</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">is sponsored by Appliances Online and the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/l/washing_machines/1/1#!/washing_machines-bosch/1-6/1/itemsperpagesize=12" style="color: #f25063; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Bosch Washing Machines</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6d6d6d; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', 'Gill Sans', Calibri, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">.</span></div>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
Linking to these fabulous parties:<br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" border="0" height="75" src="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2000/01/125-button1.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss229/krystalwinn/thrifty%20decorating/thrifty-decorating-000-Page-1-3.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src=" http://hotbliggityblog.com/custom/terri/terributton3.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.momnivoresdilemma.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="75" src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/momnivoresdilemma/RecentlyUpdated.jpg" width="75" /></a><a _mce_href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.typepad.com/" href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><img _mce_src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/YesterdayonTuesdaypendantcopy.jpg" alt="A Crafty Soiree" border="0" height="75" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/YesterdayonTuesdaypendantcopy.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Transformation Thursday" border="0" height="75" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/TTsmall.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/"><img alt="ThriftyThursdayModernButton1 SBLC Buttons" height="75" src="http://savedbylovecreations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ThriftyThursdayModernButton1.png" title="SBLC Buttons" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" title="The 36th AVENUE"><img alt="The 36th AVENUE" height="75" src="http://www.the36thavenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/New-Button-party.jpg" style="border: none;" width="75" /></a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Catch a Glimpse Button" border="0" height="75" src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/allimarie17/Blog%20Design/catch_glimpse.png" width="75" /></a><a _mce_href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/make-it-wear-it" href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/make-it-wear-it" target="_blank"><img _mce_src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab308/thetraintocrazy/buttonstripemakeitwearit.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="75" src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab308/thetraintocrazy/buttonstripemakeitwearit.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20Skills%20Party/"><img alt="BWS tips button" height="75" src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s186/jeslman/madskillsbutton.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/"><img alt="craft" border="0" height="75" src="http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/serendipity629/gray_zigzag-2.png" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" height="75" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/plain-button.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" border="0" height="75" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/grab_button_JSIWUaug2011.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" height="75" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
<a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhBaNhuF2GvQIQDt9WEB9ARKVz817mbDbJXPE3LVnW9-iJoTYtzZGwFJKMiXxXOjWP_YIUSrA7ZNuP_m5WpMDpB1BY5ZQlDtTMI8W73hrRiqYGDbVqgeKdTY0DqH2rrK7mp3I6x5K9lEQ/s320/mwlove.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><img height="75" src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank"><img height="75" src="http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz94/iblarswaconia/GunnySackStuffed400x300-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtLFUUYWGH8XKZzT2ZO6xqkISSpvSv8-F5cNamSSpEawlV4liNOzY5sLjW06KYNxqyzrI09LwARr2C8_O99xhNttqhfu-GEI9Nls4k3Scv0Xl9UGhG90N8CAu5B_KsVZtuR2LKfuPOJU/s320/wgw+button.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" width="75" /><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLdb1fMQlzq_pXhQmh9lNTseguS2RXajSc6QRJSX73_zfm1Eh2UeMiKG88XcmQK657mXUoLFUd7KREvqJ_UY0om3Z6ZfcuwtEaseYmErd-EjDu1B3IJhjvl6PtzzSPsf7UkB8uEJuoUOo/s1600/wow-me.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="75" src=" http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BCD-round-button-show-and-tell-2-copy-300x300.jpg" width="75" /></a>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-8782859694092724052012-04-09T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-09T07:00:00.597-05:00Happy Easter and Weekend Wrap Up<div>
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Hope you all had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wonderful</span> Easter weekend! We definitely DID! Yesterday afternoon we got together with friends and had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">very delicious meal</span>! Every year I am responsible for making this dessert called <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cherry-berries-on-a-cloud/50182567-06d0-40de-bbf4-489472351255" target="_blank">Cherry-Berries on a Cloud</a>. I only make this once a year for Easter because it is quite involved. Once I get to eat a bite of it, I remember why I am asked to make this every.single.year. It is so good that it is worth all the fuss to make it! I promise!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cherry-berries-on-a-cloud/50182567-06d0-40de-bbf4-489472351255" target="_blank">Here</a> is the recipe. It is from Betty Crocker. Only thing I do differently (because I am lazy) is I use a whole 8oz package of cream cheese vs. the 6oz the recipe calls for. It is a recipe that I start making on Saturday morning for an Easter supper!<br />
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In addition to making this fabulous dessert and some other side dishes to bring to the dinner I was also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">busy working on my front porch area.</span>..<br />
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<b>Friday </b>I started<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>laying pavers to solve my nothing-grows-here-so-my-kids-are-always-digging-up-my-front-yard problem. <br />
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It took me a while to dig the area up, a good 5-7 inches deep. And my kids were off school so you know I got *so* much help! <i>They did think they were helping. </i>The rest of my <b>Friday </b>looked like this: a trip to the hardware store, a quick dinner, baseball practice, then I totally forgot that I volunteered to work the nursery at church (it worked out that no kids came...but still! I was so embarrassed.), more paver work, quick shower, and then off to the grocery store at 9pm to do the shopping for Easter and the week. My back is still aching from shoveling the heavy mud. I got one side laid out and I still have to cut the pavers for the other side. <br />
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Earlier on <b>Friday</b> I went to yoga, finished up <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a little sewing</span>...<br />
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I have been working on a few sewing projects for my daughter, Stella. <i>This one is a cute skort. I will be putting a tutorial together for you real soon. I made a couple different skorts last week!</i><br />
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<b>Saturday</b> I did our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">taxes</span> all.day.long. Except for the parts where I made that fabulous dessert! Our taxes aren't hard to do. I do them every year. But our paperwork was a mess and I had a lot to update in our accounts before I could make much progress. Do you do your own taxes? Am I the only one?? <br />
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Oh, then of course I had to get ready for Easter morning! Putting candy and little toys in baskets because the kids love this on <b>Sunday</b> morning!<br />
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The rest of <b>Sunday </b>was church, finishing up food, and snapping some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pictures of the kids </span>in the backyard. I totally wish I knew how to edit these to look awesome! <br />
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Things we didn't get done and are on my to-do list this week: fix leaking toilet, fix leaking gutter, finish pavers, finish and file the taxes, get oil changed in van and alignment fixed, cleaning, & drop off recycling. Not sure what I will get done with three baseball games this week for Nicholas and a gymnastics lesson for Stella. <br />
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The kids don't have school today so I am not sure what we will get into! I really want to see if the new library is open. Or maybe we will hang out here and they can help me split pavers!</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-3109769588807852602012-04-03T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-03T08:19:02.874-05:00Pinterest and Blogging- ideas to be better at both<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EuIQ-gAsIgC-cq6vc2s5mrV5o9xoweaJjLf6aHOFzw3v2dLiZ77PasBLMWkCJQIdPKml59TCifSL1bpQSDJ4ywKkGuQVhjSCMqL0TLrgnAIFqGBK3cNvcqoGvUh4GJT-fRirpJZ0ZW-V/s1600/pintandblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EuIQ-gAsIgC-cq6vc2s5mrV5o9xoweaJjLf6aHOFzw3v2dLiZ77PasBLMWkCJQIdPKml59TCifSL1bpQSDJ4ywKkGuQVhjSCMqL0TLrgnAIFqGBK3cNvcqoGvUh4GJT-fRirpJZ0ZW-V/s400/pintandblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First, a short while back I read t<a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2012/02/pinterest-changing-blog/" target="_blank">his</a> post at Living Locurto and <a href="http://www.stitchedsimplicity.com/simple/2012/02/pinterest-the-issue-of-legality.html" target="_blank">this</a> one at Stitched Simplicity. <br />
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Really got me thinking...<br />
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Next, I discovered, after looking at my blog stats, that there were some "pins" linked to my blog with images I had used (and CLEARLY and PROPERLY sourced) from another blog. That's when I KNEW it was time that I rethink this Pinterest thing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Like <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/02/pinned-it-did-it-homemade-stain-remover.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, for instance.</span><br />
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Don't get me wrong. I {heart} Pinterest in so many ways! I really do. I am not ditching Pinterest.<br />
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I have devised a "new" way to pin. I thought I would share it with you. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Here's my new way to pin images in Pinterest:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1. Pin from the original source. As a courtesy, I do this. But Pinterest does maintain the original source on repins, too. It takes two more seconds to go to the source site. I have the Pin It Bookmarklet installed in my web browser toolbar which makes it very easy to do this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">2. I type the blog's name in the description of the pin. Such as, "Awesome craft ideas from Someone Else's Awesome Blog". A couple examples <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149181806376693145/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149181806376652317/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149181806376596061/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's how I source images on my blog:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1. Text explanation and/or reference. Such as "Source: Someone Else's Awesome Blog" or "I saw this awesome craft at Someone Else's Awesome Blog"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">2. Links to their blog. Where I have typed the blog's name, I hyper-link to that blog. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3. Link the image. In Blogger it is easy to link the image to a website. I always make sure that the image links to their blog. (vs. to my Pinterest boards or the generic Picasa Web Album that you get with Blogger)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">4. I will be more inclined to use another person's image if it is watermarked. I will most likely opt for a text link only unless I can't avoid it. In that case, I will ask that the image be pinned from it's original source.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Another step I am making a better effort with is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">watermarking my images</span>. If I even think it has the potential of being pinned, I am watermarking it. </span></div>
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<i>Now I *just* started doing this. And I won't always be 100%. But I am certainly trying my hardest to be Pinterest friendly with my blog.</i><br />
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I just *never* want to give the appearance that I am being careless with crediting images on my blog, pinning awesome ideas, or intentionally using someone else's awesome photo to gain pins/repins/page hits. Because I am not. <br />
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And let me be honest here- a good portion of my blog's traffic comes from Pinterest. Love that! So please, pin away! But I feel my stomach sink when I see that an image has been pinned in which I clearly stated was not mine. I start worrying that the other blogger is going to be mad or think "why should she get traffic from my picture? I should be getting the traffic!" And she would be right. I am just trying to do<br />
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By the way, if you should decide you don't want any of your images pinned, you can add <a href="http://support.pinterest.com/entries/21063792-what-if-i-don-t-want-images-from-my-site-to-be-pinned" target="_blank">this code</a> that Pinterest has provided. <br />
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I hope this is helpful or gets you thinking...<br />
Have you tried any new ways to pin or credit photos on your blog? I'd love to know. <i>I'm trying to stay "friendly" on both fronts- Pinterest and Blogging : )</i><br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br />
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Linking here:<br />
~ <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/creative-projects/" target="_blank">Today's Creative</a> ~ <a href="http://www.mommybydaycrafterbynight.com/" target="_blank">Mommy by Day Crafter by Night</a> ~ <a href="http://www.jillifyit.com/" target="_blank">Jillify It</a> ~</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-41104127844907729292012-04-01T20:45:00.001-05:002012-04-01T20:45:45.763-05:00Sunshine Award for moi!<div>
What a nice surprise to get the <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/02/sunshine-award.html?showComment=1331061579467#c4294656469064086029" target="_blank">Sunshine Award from Randee</a> at <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a>. I just love that girl! I learned that she lives a few hours away from me. I will be checking on her throughout tornado season!! <br />
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This is the award:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tQiA1ia8UwzNgkGBqHBOB7wMdpzvYJQGVZuujxDNNaCV1Z83xLPVcpt-O4b7TsDYpPB7Z-HeQ-yE4yRkKdLALr4sJ99WQTSH1gKNiCJcavuXMrntbHcNWK10trfCKakL3gBcC4OrVvM0/s1600/sunshine-blog-award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tQiA1ia8UwzNgkGBqHBOB7wMdpzvYJQGVZuujxDNNaCV1Z83xLPVcpt-O4b7TsDYpPB7Z-HeQ-yE4yRkKdLALr4sJ99WQTSH1gKNiCJcavuXMrntbHcNWK10trfCKakL3gBcC4OrVvM0/s1600/sunshine-blog-award.jpg" /></a></div>
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And now, as a recipient of this delightful award, I have a few rules to follow:<br />
<ul>
<li>Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog. See above.</li>
<li>Answer 10 questions about yourself. See below.</li>
<li>Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers. See my list below.</li>
<li>Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated. So happy to share the love!</li>
<li>Share the love and link the person who nominated you.</li>
</ul>
1. Favorite color?.....Blue<br />
2. Favorite animal?.....probably a dog<br />
3. Favorite number?.....4<br />
4. Favorite non-alcoholic drink?.....sweet tea<br />
5. Prefer Facebook or Twitter?.....neither really, but I don't do Twitter (yet)<br />
6. My passion?.....Honestly don't know what my "passion" is. I have a LOT of interests. Too many, I'm sure. Perhaps I have a passion for learning new things.<br />
7. Prefer giving or getting presents?.....Oh, giving them! (and I swear am not just saying that so you think I am super sweet!) Especially if I make the gift! I love shopping for gifts, too. I try really hard to choose a thoughtful gift. <br />
8. Favorite pattern?.....Quatrefoil, at the moment. <br />
9. Favorite day of the week?.....FRIDAY, Friday, friday!<br />
10. Favorite flower?.....<a href="http://craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2011/09/tutorial-stemmed-fabric-lotus-flowers.html" target="_blank">Fabric flowers</a> : )<br />
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I wanted to highlight some "newer" (That term is all relative, I suppose.) blogs that I have run across in the recent weeks and months and are now in my "gotta read" list. I like to check in with these gals as often as I can and see all they are up to. Thought I would share my new reads with you and share this Sunshine Award with them today!<br />
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<a href="http://binksandbubble.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Momma to Binks and Bubble</a><br />
<a href="http://becado.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Crafty Bee</a><br />
<a href="http://glennfamily3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Goings On at the Glens</a><br />
<a href="http://bymishshell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mishshell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glitterandgrungestudio.com/" target="_blank">Glitter and Grunge</a><br />
<a href="http://acontentedcommonlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Contented, Common Life</a><br />
<a href="http://tori-ohcraft.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Craft!</a><br />
<a href="http://sherrysbeesnest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Among Other Things...</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dottedlinecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Dotted Line Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://seweasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Easy Being Green</a><br />
<br /></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-65207585529281452972012-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:002012-04-02T09:50:31.349-05:00{Printable} Kids Thank You Notes<div>Well the <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/and-then-there-was-party.html" target="_blank">party</a> is over. The <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/party-favors-crafty-treat-bag.html" target="_blank">presents</a> are being played with. <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/today-is-big-girl-day.html" target="_blank">Cake</a> is looong gone. Now we "write" thank you cards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dbhNmovyQTW8RrDp-trI5_qdRzv96cJcT8Xib4C7IH3bJ_aCplppnd9MISWeK8Ist9sYDRHKUZTkvvpv8y5H-TNXhYN-16yVprlmy8O8kGBJu3zu2BMwEUff3vaushaVMB7mIyWMiu4T/s1600/ThankYouCardblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dbhNmovyQTW8RrDp-trI5_qdRzv96cJcT8Xib4C7IH3bJ_aCplppnd9MISWeK8Ist9sYDRHKUZTkvvpv8y5H-TNXhYN-16yVprlmy8O8kGBJu3zu2BMwEUff3vaushaVMB7mIyWMiu4T/s640/ThankYouCardblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I wasn't sure how many of the blanks my daughter would fill in but she actually enjoyed writing her letters and hand wrote all of them! We broke it up over three days tackling a few at a each time. I wanted to mail them out by two weeks after her party. (Isn't that the etiquette?) <br />
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So cute! It says: Dear (blank) Thank you for the (blank). I love it because (blank). From (blank). <br />
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I just helped her spell the words that she wanted to put in the blanks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOXY5-YLy-PjHJ9DbKm869xcrUpquw8W0-Biqh5YSPaCrfekDxkxiACK7NH_Vl47L1ZflDFQJz-lrtczisa67YqG0F3WG2sa7agNsyvu1iKGwQJI-NBxkj3tQiLHIVKbbVh5nAvmQY9Ly/s1600/IMG_8800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOXY5-YLy-PjHJ9DbKm869xcrUpquw8W0-Biqh5YSPaCrfekDxkxiACK7NH_Vl47L1ZflDFQJz-lrtczisa67YqG0F3WG2sa7agNsyvu1iKGwQJI-NBxkj3tQiLHIVKbbVh5nAvmQY9Ly/s320/IMG_8800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Her "blanks" were pretty cute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zs3e7am5cjFkRrK4ICVk4KmHDEXHRciPH8p9FILUNThCbyWmW8ZjsDND3W3caD8PWx6WdMSvuoYaBcLy6Z8QAOgcAcP3F9aIWwjQQ2H_P7fE5KhRjrrZ9qW8ekhMyRFeNPOfge2UIlU_/s1600/IMG_8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zs3e7am5cjFkRrK4ICVk4KmHDEXHRciPH8p9FILUNThCbyWmW8ZjsDND3W3caD8PWx6WdMSvuoYaBcLy6Z8QAOgcAcP3F9aIWwjQQ2H_P7fE5KhRjrrZ9qW8ekhMyRFeNPOfge2UIlU_/s320/IMG_8801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Click these images for your own printable KIDS THANK YOU CARDS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w4szYs3SRAXUXA8Jtjl44WmqKjcDs4JIWbQtVKcoem3gJoxQmMdDvbJr4PkflpAEnqoyIk1EEAxgh-hXOaoiZ3_B-IIH2yYztcp4vquDKNWR92aKwDz5DvSOqSlpswas6QhtOssgtyXk/s1600/Thank+You+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w4szYs3SRAXUXA8Jtjl44WmqKjcDs4JIWbQtVKcoem3gJoxQmMdDvbJr4PkflpAEnqoyIk1EEAxgh-hXOaoiZ3_B-IIH2yYztcp4vquDKNWR92aKwDz5DvSOqSlpswas6QhtOssgtyXk/s320/Thank+You+Pink.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
I made one with boyish colors for you, too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01AOyqdj8fxAeABbeQAo2zebkd8yTGpJOrApVy3mfGVlbnD_MBNmiA0BoFslGi41jCvo5PYy1nOhopHbC7MNjMijXabzs56UPX6qldlXOy9wKnzg2rU6Q1g4Q263UYk-rlwZpyg6eRcTo/s1600/Thank+You+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01AOyqdj8fxAeABbeQAo2zebkd8yTGpJOrApVy3mfGVlbnD_MBNmiA0BoFslGi41jCvo5PYy1nOhopHbC7MNjMijXabzs56UPX6qldlXOy9wKnzg2rU6Q1g4Q263UYk-rlwZpyg6eRcTo/s320/Thank+You+Orange.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLwv9WXTUPaOaqH5nol1v1cPoStiHAmf3eX26cIPsImoddE2Dd5paMNrzsEzETYgcn9aG3YgzxSkQgsQ-aSGXh7VhizzJ66ip68at2MBpcXn1bBi8oW042w76KPZ3Q5Yx2Hb_XZ5_X4zC/s1600/Thank+You+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></div><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you have trouble downloading these let me know.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Linking here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">~ <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Ado</a> ~ <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Ginger Snap Crafts</a> ~<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a> ~ <a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decorating</a> ~ <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Creative Princess</a> ~ <a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/" target="_blank">Momnivore’s Dilemma</a> ~ <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/" target="_blank">Yesterday on Tuesday</a> ~ <a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/" target="_blank">Saved by Love Creations</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank">Shabby Creek Cottage</a> ~ <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">The 36<sup>th</sup> Avenue</a> ~ <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/" target="_blank">A Glimpse Inside</a> ~ <a href="http://www.betweenuandmeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Between U and Me</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/" target="_blank">Train to Crazy</a> ~ <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" target="_blank">Skip to My Lou</a> ~ <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank">Mad in Crafts</a> ~ <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">C.R.A.F.T.</a> ~ <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/" target="_blank">Making the World Cuter</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">The Girl Creative</a> ~ <a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keeping it Simple</a> ~ <a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a> ~ <a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Gunny Sack</a> ~</span></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-88943547500018406132012-03-26T07:00:00.000-05:002012-03-26T07:00:00.781-05:00Sea World and San Antonio {Spring Break 2012}<div>
We went to Sea World in San Antonio, TX!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ7zI3a_ZB1shDIVj8yHCSGB5bOcPQbpKdpkHI0wo3xeJRhocfbmTPdn66oihfNOza-QpOdUatHBYYVprqKnPChI9FIzRjFHw1xcTXQU-TzbO5EUtKs285p_svGOBSTvUAQmvMyB4N07d/s1600/IMG_8842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ7zI3a_ZB1shDIVj8yHCSGB5bOcPQbpKdpkHI0wo3xeJRhocfbmTPdn66oihfNOza-QpOdUatHBYYVprqKnPChI9FIzRjFHw1xcTXQU-TzbO5EUtKs285p_svGOBSTvUAQmvMyB4N07d/s640/IMG_8842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I must share...this was the trip of DEALS!<br />
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It was a lot of fun! We all really enjoyed the shows. And no, we didn't sit in any of the "soak zone" seats! It was such a great trip to take with the kids at their ages. We rented a double stroller for the day and it was the best $18 decision we made all day. We got a DEAL on the admission to the park (as in free...military members can get free admission one day per year!) so I figured I could splurge on the stroller. <br />
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After Sea World, we changed hotels and stayed on the San Antonio Riverwalk. I don't know if the kids enjoyed it as much as I did. It is really a good thing my husband and I have been to San Antonio tons of times before because the kids were mostly interested in the hotel pool! We didn't even take them inside the Alamo. Just a picture out front is all we could manage.<br />
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Have you been to San Antonio? You know the little boat tour that goes up and down the river? We hyped it up to the kids and took them on it the first afternoon we were there. I don't think they appreciated it as much as we did though.<br />
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Since the fall, my husband has been traveling so much for work that he is already a "gold" member at Marriott hotels...I was so surprised to learn that he earned us an upgraded room, free breakfasts, free wi-fi, and free appetizers-in-the-evenings-that-we-totally-made-into-our-dinner. So that was the DEAL with the hotel on the river.<br />
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The night before we left home, I saw a Groupon for a double decker bus tour around the city and snatched that DEAL right up! We took that on Friday morning. <br />
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We were able to hop on and off to see some sights and there was even free bottled water on the buses. <br />
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While we were in San Antonio there was a DEAL on Urban Dealights (similar to Groupon) for a restaurant on the Riverwalk! I made sure we ate lunch there for half price.<br />
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OH and I almost forgot this DEAL: I checked with the Denny's near our hotel at SeaWorld and kids eat free on Tuesdays! <i>Found out about this <a href="http://www.mykidseatfree.com/Select_A_City.asp" target="_blank">here</a> - a website that has lists of places where kids eat free!</i><br />
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Now we are back home to a leaking toilet, a yard full of weeds, piles of laundry, and an empty fridge. It will probably take me all week to get back into a routine here! </div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-63881449414234403222012-03-20T13:20:00.001-05:002012-03-20T13:20:01.140-05:00Spring Break Baby!Now:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/8878752@N06/6854521576/'><img src='http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/6854521576_acb8896651.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I really thought I was going to schedule some posts for this week while we are on spring break. I changed my mind. I wrote out a couple last night but now I have decided to hold onto them for when we get back. You can wait a week, right? <br /><br />Thing is, after I post here, I like sharing on several great link parties...and checking out other bloggers' ideas from the parties...and replying to comments...and, well, honestly I just won't have time to do that this week. And that is ok! At the last minute, my husband had his trip canceled for this week so we are getting out of Dodge and looking for some fun family time! <br /><br />But first we must endure a 7-8 hour car ride. Isn't there "fun" closer to home??<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/8878752@N06/6854522028/'><img src='http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6224/6854522028_1bd91be59d.jpg' border='0' width='450' height='450' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I will try and check in again this week. Happy Spring Break!!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-90540846061114541442012-03-16T07:00:00.000-05:002012-03-16T07:00:06.284-05:00Been there!<div>
Have you all seen this map floating around Pinterest lately? It is currently on my travel <a href="http://pinterest.com/craftwhatever/awesome-places-i-have-been/" target="_blank">board</a>. Well, this one is mine!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149181806376700854/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://media-cdn2.pinterest.com/upload/149181806376700854_x6geJhLJ_c.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.visitedstatesmap.com/view-map.html?visited%255B%255D=1&visited%255B%255D=2&visited%255B%255D=3&visited%255B%255D=5&visited%255B%255D=6&visited%255B%255D=7&visited%255B%255D=10&visited%255B%255D=11&visited%255B%255D=12&visited%255B%255D=13&visited%255B%255D=14&visited%255B%255D=15&visited%255B%255D=17&visited%255B%255D=18&visited%255B%255D=19&visited%255B%255D=21&visited%255B%255D=22&visited%255B%255D=23&visited%255B%255D=24&visited%255B%255D=26&visited%255B%255D=29&visited%255B%255D=31&visited%255B%255D=32&visited%255B%255D=33&visited%255B%255D=34&visited%255B%255D=36&visited%255B%255D=37&visited%255B%255D=38&visited%255B%255D=39&visited%255B%255D=40&visited%255B%255D=41&visited%255B%255D=43&visited%255B%255D=44&visited%255B%255D=45&visited%255B%255D=47&visited%255B%255D=48&visited%255B%255D=49&visited%255B%255D=50&visited%255B%255D=51&mapcolors=1&imagesize=3&draw_map=Draw+Map" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">visitedstatesmap.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/craftwhatever/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kate@</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I will tell you what- this makes it SO much easier for my husband and I to play this game! Last summer we had a short <a href="http://craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2011/06/oh-who-am-i-kiddingi-am-on-vacation.html" target="_blank">getaway</a> (sans kids) and in the car I finally wrote our list on paper. Which I also thought was fun to do because I made myself write all 50 states in alphabetical order. <i>I think I just lost a few readers with that dorky statement! </i>Anyway...I saw this map earlier this week on Pinterest and took a go at it. (Don't think I am some kind of road trip queen, most of this is probably thanks to the military!)<br />
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Now, according to the map's rules you mark any state you have been in for any reason. <br />
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My husband and I play this game with the rule you can't just land in the airport/drive through you must DO something in that state to qualify. And getting gas does not count. So if those were the rules then I would have to take Rhode Island and Connecticut off the list because I only drove through and got gas on my way from NJ to Boston once. And Tennessee, too. I have only driven through TN.<br />
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If you are curious what I was doing in your state...just ask : )<br />
<br /></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-16820645337276310962012-03-15T07:00:00.000-05:002012-03-28T21:53:17.802-05:00{Recipe} No Measuring Healthy Taco Filling and Seasoning<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2zhp3EWUw9sRqGpWDgf2lQfNaM-Nc0tg1zxSNz6kiU7eioOGTsmcacIpHT3J_dQkb29UNv24K-VTzjkp771HhcXNyh3nIIPWAryYSXJxUpkzLc8-LE6kIRdUOTMC0iwWjwILZSEGhiNl/s1600/tacopic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2zhp3EWUw9sRqGpWDgf2lQfNaM-Nc0tg1zxSNz6kiU7eioOGTsmcacIpHT3J_dQkb29UNv24K-VTzjkp771HhcXNyh3nIIPWAryYSXJxUpkzLc8-LE6kIRdUOTMC0iwWjwILZSEGhiNl/s640/tacopic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Funny, my kids aren't real crazy about meat but they love tacos! Love tacos! So this is my chance to feed them healthy ingredients since they will eat well when it's "taco night". <br />
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<b>The two things I do:</b><br />
<b>1. Add a can of black beans.</b><br />
<b>2. Homemade taco seasoning</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 reasons for adding black beans: </span> it almost doubles my quantity of filling, it adds good protein and fiber, and it reduces the cost. <i>(My kids prefer ground turkey but sometimes I use a good ground beef and they eat it all the same.)</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 reasons for using homemade taco seasoning:</span> I already have the ingredients on hand, waaaay less salt, and I know exactly what is in it.<br />
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I need to preface this recipe by saying the amounts of seasonings I use give the meat/beans a mild flavor and is not spicy. My kids don't like spicy. This is for a pound-ish of meat plus one can of beans...obviously add more seasoning if you use more meat or want a stronger flavor!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">No-measuring Homemade Taco Filling:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FADJc9tQ-TiKtm9IWfbE1sWvJzLajL2QMNo5ve6H6xAD1VtFhTP7LMRZKK2ztqWhyphenhyphen5FnJ7N05EF8LbsoRsFNTai5qg2RItfkBpPMi4QawvBAy4sl1Q51HjCxeUPmilTwuk6Ty3dF0Usz/s1600/taco+seasoning+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FADJc9tQ-TiKtm9IWfbE1sWvJzLajL2QMNo5ve6H6xAD1VtFhTP7LMRZKK2ztqWhyphenhyphen5FnJ7N05EF8LbsoRsFNTai5qg2RItfkBpPMi4QawvBAy4sl1Q51HjCxeUPmilTwuk6Ty3dF0Usz/s1600/taco+seasoning+collage.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9019802138410679089"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Ingredients:</u> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">OH, and I don't measure! (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Because you don't have to unless it must be exactly the same every.single.time you make it.) </span></i><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A BIG palmful of chili powder...</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Medium size palmfuls of the cumin, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just a small amount of salt (unless you prefer more). I give it a good sprinkle around the pan and use sea salt with large granules. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am using ground oregano because I bought it for something and am (still) trying to get rid of it. Also, sometimes I increase the cumin to a big palmful if I feel like it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Directions:</u></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add everything to meat either during or after it is browned. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>I tend to add seasoning to the partly cooked meat and then the beans to the fully cooked meat- in case you were wondering!</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If the meat is getting dry (maybe because it is lighter fat), add some water. About 1/4 cup. This will help everything mix.</span></li>
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{KITCHEN TIP}<br />
Now with the doubled the amount of filling needed to feed my family, I put the rest in freezer bags once cooled. And VERY often, I cook up 2 pounds of meat and 2-3 cans of beans. It is just as easy to cook 2 or 3 pounds of meat as it is to cook one. I just have to pull out the bigger skillet, that's all!<br />
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I cook once and have dinners in the freezer for later!!<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br />
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I am entering a contest to win a $75 Amazon.com gift card here: My entry into Just Something I Whipped Up sponsored by Appliances Online and the <a href="http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk /l/washing_machines/1/1#!/washing_machines-bosch/1-6/1/itemsperpagesize=12">Bosch Washing Machines</a>, .<br />
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Linking here:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">~ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/" target="_blank">Simple Home Life</a> ~ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Shabby Nest</a> ~ <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2012/03/friday-flair-link-party-15.html" target="_blank">Whipperberry</a> ~ <a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's A Hodgepodge Life</a> ~ <a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/" target="_blank">Finding Fabulous</a> ~ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chic on a Shoestring Budget</a> ~ <a href="http://lovelycraftyhome.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Crafty Home</a> ~ <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/2012/03/mad-skills-link-party-95.html" target="_blank">Mad in Crafts </a>~ <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">C.R.A.F.T</a>. ~ <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">The Girl Creative</a> ~ <a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keeping it Simple</a> ~ <a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a> ~ <a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a> ~ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a> ~ <a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decorating</a> ~ <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Creative Princess</a> ~ <a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/" target="_blank">Momnivore’s Dilemma</a> ~ <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/" target="_blank">Yesterday on Tuesday</a> ~ <a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/" target="_blank">Saved by Love Creations</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank">Shabby Creek Cottage</a> ~ <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">The 36<sup>th</sup> Avenue</a> ~ <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/" target="_blank">A Glimpse Inside</a> ~ <a href="http://www.betweenuandmeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Between U and Me</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/" target="_blank">Train to Crazy</a></span></div>
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<br />Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-7004476210785279222012-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:002012-03-13T07:00:01.761-05:00Operation Smile and CampusBookRentals.com<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Recently I was contacted by CampusBookRentals.com and wanted to write this post to tell you more about their company and their affiliation with a good cause. I have been compensated for this post by Campus Book Rentals, but the opinions are 100% mine. </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pCdetDpMl31BHPoiXZ4bL68po7uRveNTfs7hyL0f9IL7tXSxTnNaCORd4zJ6urLxd0p0fzZ4YUSmx-0I1GbMgCX3Lsaz8SKUWAvJp6Da-h5vzE7FWXS0aZAiSAa8kfqsJMC_GoKvboML/s400/logo.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Come on, you've heard of <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/" target="_blank">Operation Smile</a>, right!? Please tell me you know of them. Operation Smile is an international charity that has made its mission to offer free cleft palate and cleft lip surgeries to young children all over the world. It is sad, but in some countries children are just hidden away if they are born with a cleft lip or palate because of the facial deformity. But it is not just an aesthetic problem. These children have difficulty communicating and eating, which is vital. Ear and dental problems are also likely.</div>
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A staggering stat from Operation Smile's website:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #787878; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Nearly every 3 minutes a child somewhere in the world is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. 1 in 10 children born with a cleft condition will die before they reach their first birthday.</span></blockquote>
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Staggering. But if they can't eat. They can't live. </div>
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Operation Smile has performed over 160,000 surgeries in over 60 countries through the help of volunteering medical professionals and generous citizens and organizations. Today, they are also working to build self-sufficient centers in several different countries. </div>
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So why am I talking about Operation Smile? Well, Campus Book Rentals, a genius and generous company has pledged to fund 1,000 surgeries for Operation Smile! A portion of each book rental, will go toward this goal. Isn't that something! </div>
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<a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJFvpJrKhtLhcddXYQVhmBRnOdhci3xy6PuDtZMnEURG_LN0mGqrZ_F7DMZBnVZTvRWPVpYWCL3XII2SCk8X_77-XCI5CPX56yrwPsSWSsSNiWbmz8FY7xipT00D-hmYENeaLZwkRqFAF/s400/logo-1.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Benefits of renting books from <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" target="_blank">Campus Book Rentals</a> are:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">save 40-90% off of bookstore prices</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">free shipping both ways</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">highlighting is allowed in the textbooks</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">flexible renting periods</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented!</span></li>
</ul>
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Wouldn't it have been GREAT to rent textbooks in college instead of buying them? Campus Book Rentals would have been <b>so awesome!</b> That's why I'm telling you about it. You will want to remember this one day...for you or your kids or somebody who wants to save money on college textbooks!</div>
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But is it really that simple?........YES!</div>
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With Campus Book Rentals, you just order the books you want to rent and then return them in the prepaid envelope when you are done. Easy-peasy. They rent on whatever semester/quarter/term you need, too. If you need it longer, just use your manners and call them. They market themselves as very lenient and understanding. See <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/book/0470223553/Physics/John-D.-Cutnell,-Kenneth-W.-Johnson/9780470223550/" target="_blank">here</a> for one example of the possible cost savings.</div>
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<a href="http://www.CampusBookRentals.com/rent.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVD0VnvYFstKdW6pI0QhlW0BZvlVy4DKFJsCFkuWL0vjsd6y_irHFMbGRSTevUF8esdI7wBSV7HM6iS7y1SJ3F9rJpYu61Kf-ebVqxcz3sfIaCGJt0qZQGJj7Vz-oCwRJ6Ddoa5ueWIwU/s640/hp_center2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted to share what I know about Campus Book Rentals- a company that can help you save money while going to school also supports Operation Smile to transform lives! This is something to feel good about!</div>
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Want to help Operation Smile? <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/get_involved/community-volunteers/service-projects.html" target="_blank">Here</a> are a bunch of sewing and no-sew items that you can make and donate to Operation Smile. <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/ways_to_give/" target="_blank">Here</a> are other ways to give.</div>
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<br /></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-76936751020439450852012-03-12T07:00:00.000-05:002012-03-12T07:00:10.300-05:00What I Did About Nicks in Wood Trim Around Our House<div>
You are going to think that this is a product plug, but I can assure you, it is not. I was not asked to, no did I receive any sort of compensation for writing this post. Just sharing a "duh, why didn't I know this sooner" moment with you!<br />
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I know that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one day</span> in the next year or so we will have to move. It's the military's way. In the past, I have always had a good idea of when we would be moving. Then we knew approximately when we should put the house up for sale. This time, however, I really don't know! Which drives us crazy at times because we are big planners. Huge planners! I do know whenever it is, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it will be a lot of work to get this house in shape to sell.</span> I know some things that have helped in the past to make our house(s) look their best. One thing we did that had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">big impact was clean the wood cabinets in our kitchen. </span>A product like these is good for cleaning wood cabinets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colgate.com/MurphyOilSoap/products/spray" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwop3MTF8dbm33sjaRSdLqqA4Cfv3zTxtKN6ahxLqCRDsQG1SqFsLhje2c5E6A-KifRr3GekqLLSXbiX9HCIQMLqpw9komGwepVTeX10JDXlTVI-JD5vXbR9LY23jW9bMX6CCGABoi0mA/s200/Wood-Cleaner-with-Orange-Oil.png" width="104" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pledge.com/en-US/Products/Pages/revitalizing-oil.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE1FU3vWvfjncexml_Rjq3kCmvC8P1VD_eKHftHjlNGXoXugk0eenWyVfJewzeunR0tPzzEHZ9qD16Fpw44PLu6g1X62nEYSWNV6_FIWn9E4omVBoibw9Zc1BoeG7jVGhDHQalQMSEYuL/s200/RevitalizingOil_L.jpg" width="92" /></a></td></tr>
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So I decided to get a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> jump start on our current house </span>and thought I'd start with the kitchen cabinets. (I mean why not- that's what huge planners do, right?) In the past, I used Murphy's Oil Soap and it worked great! Our 15yr-old kitchen looked brand new! I didn't see it at the store (it was probably there) so I picked up some Pledge Revitalizing Oil. It has an orange scent that I can tolerate. Well, after I wiped down cabinets, I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> thought I would take it to some areas that are really beaten up</span>...the kids room! Just to see what might happen. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check out these before and afters!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4N_hrRw0fqaTRgpk32epEOXm-RVEIDiXE4VgCj9xXpVGDHNY2idexDiEEicD4xGlzZ3UeVm7OHfC8mixfYs9R7DlnhPnM7GrJ4jiElFP1ee3scU2iMMmFrGpklFphn4V3BVA7vlbOQAU/s1600/baseboard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4N_hrRw0fqaTRgpk32epEOXm-RVEIDiXE4VgCj9xXpVGDHNY2idexDiEEicD4xGlzZ3UeVm7OHfC8mixfYs9R7DlnhPnM7GrJ4jiElFP1ee3scU2iMMmFrGpklFphn4V3BVA7vlbOQAU/s640/baseboard+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We seriously thought we would have to replace this window sill...guess not! </span>Whew! A little Pledge oil did the trick!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_jelqS7lrW-CQgxB0yEGv6hp4qA4KSAS_BdCuJwyZRoN7J6AnC5rIIaQpEkgsvGfkl9zKY2hOPzCMGUagFbfYiJB7Q897ws1bUKSJv7Pk321U_WupuAb4M-1ZeOzuwyxoMhAVuocvPY2/s1600/window+sill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_jelqS7lrW-CQgxB0yEGv6hp4qA4KSAS_BdCuJwyZRoN7J6AnC5rIIaQpEkgsvGfkl9zKY2hOPzCMGUagFbfYiJB7Q897ws1bUKSJv7Pk321U_WupuAb4M-1ZeOzuwyxoMhAVuocvPY2/s640/window+sill+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I can't believe it's the same wood!</span> I love you Pledge oil!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadHgtXzeFGYn21vh1CG6a8-zc-xwaZ2EOWRoezmTYE6WAfxLYb-CNIVESSKLA7pyIJgxB9ReA2wLw6lHeNz2iquzwpKZT6Ml3GV0OsEQPGAfVOMmJfIxkM8ySEIEBYWKWeWhGmNkY0cCr/s1600/trim+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadHgtXzeFGYn21vh1CG6a8-zc-xwaZ2EOWRoezmTYE6WAfxLYb-CNIVESSKLA7pyIJgxB9ReA2wLw6lHeNz2iquzwpKZT6Ml3GV0OsEQPGAfVOMmJfIxkM8ySEIEBYWKWeWhGmNkY0cCr/s640/trim+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really had no idea that a product like this was capable of results like this! And that is why I am sharing this info with you. (Plus I got nothing else to yap about today- ha!) I just thought this stuff was only good for cleaning my cabinets. Well, it just saved us a lot of money because we were planning to sand and restain all the wood. OK, we would have paid someone to do it (like chumps) so we wouldn't screw it up. You probably already knew about this stuff, huh? (You're like "duh, Kate!") <br />
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Well... that crosses "Repair Wood Trim" off our list! </div>
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<br /></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-48520095360792378552012-03-09T07:00:00.000-06:002012-03-09T07:00:06.690-06:00Friday {5}:: Awe-inspiring Places I Have Been<div>
I started a new Pinterest board a few weeks ago. It is called <a href="http://pinterest.com/craftwhatever/awesome-places-i-have-been/" target="_blank">Awesome Places I've Been</a>. I like to spend my Fridays sharing fun or random bits of info. Today, it's a bit about me that you otherwise wouldn't learn via me talking about crafts and stuff. <br />
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I don't know...it's a way that we might find some commonalities between us!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/craftwhatever/awesome-places-i-have-been/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oRMKwoafCmUytYXfhNnbtRd4oJ1W9gZS_j14PIFTWAW9gYBwnsoMX2gEVfoNwAYvlZiM3t-2ARpqpuh3AWWRnmuA2WZhT6Oj9WE_CBmxUntAwXKhEuxLgyvctZHY2QNV9ZgVskkCuAsr/s1600/travel+collage.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various Sources on my Pinterest board. Click photo to go to board.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are {5} (international) places I have been that have made lasting impressions.</span> <br />
For me, this list is more about the "experience" I had from visiting each place that you just cannot get from a picture or staying at a nice resort.<br />
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1. Tahiti<br />
I truly felt like I was on the edge of the earth. Incredible beauty and an island lifestyle that I found most intriguing. Heaven on earth!<br />
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2. Thailand<br />
Bangkok was wow. Chaing Mai was mystical. But I think what was the best part of the trip was when my friend and I brought food to the monks on the first dawn we were in the country. <br />
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3. Boracay, Philippines<br />
I was young and adventurous. I traveled with a backpack and no reservations. It took two planes, a filthy 2-hr van ride, and a outrigger boat ride to get to the island. There we walked up the beach and chose a hotel that luxuriously offered a/c and running water and we paid extra for hot water. No phones. No TV. It was like $35 a night or something crazy! My friends and I were there for simple relaxation but we left with memories that we can't forget. Leaving out so many incredible details here...We met a family at a neighboring island. It was life changing. It was moving. Special. Eventful. Their children sang to us. We ate mangoes that were freshly whacked down (with a machete) from their tree in front of their house. And we were lucky they shared an afternoon of their life with us outsiders. <br />
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4. South Korea<br />
I spent a year here. It was all an awesome adventure- the food, the smells, the language, the customs! But what stands out the most is a trip to the DMZ in South Korea (De-Militarized Zone is also the border with North Korea). <br />
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5. The Great Wall of China<br />
Still amazes me that people built that. With their hands.<br />
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Do you have any places you have been that made you FEEL something? Made you realize how lucky your life is or how small we really are? Any awesome experiences you have burned into memory? You know I would LOVE to hear about it!</div>
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</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-18353386971805398602012-03-07T21:54:00.000-06:002012-03-14T08:32:11.030-05:00Party Favors: A Crafty Treat Bag<div>
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I thought I would do one last post about <a href="http://craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/and-then-there-was-party.html" target="_blank">Stella's 5th birthday</a>. 'Cuz these <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">little party favors </span>were pretty neat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtb1TicGuT8qk9ozCPpRsw4YlbuLjvn5fOlm4-CbH3vsOgM81kiELGwAxoz1-GBZQTx8e2FHz39T6IjiNqo2r6azxS4CgH99QjKBtIuMXR7Lc2mTl2ChBsM43jbpw-xPCvoofyerpo4aC/s1600/Favor+Craft3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtb1TicGuT8qk9ozCPpRsw4YlbuLjvn5fOlm4-CbH3vsOgM81kiELGwAxoz1-GBZQTx8e2FHz39T6IjiNqo2r6azxS4CgH99QjKBtIuMXR7Lc2mTl2ChBsM43jbpw-xPCvoofyerpo4aC/s640/Favor+Craft3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each partygoer got a treat bag that had a pack of fruit chews, some M&M cookies and a blank canvas & bag of craft supplies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtI-23fcZWIzT89Hs8KxxUDLk9ogWdwQdsKPVyetbGwn7v1Y0eRHqwE6U8Xko8MHF1UpiX_NM6WYvWJPM1gft38TdN6QiAOJtbN-dnD515gHhyphenhyphen7EifcIuXXsZv5NFFy8vjBLy2n4tErHA/s1600/Favor+Craft1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtI-23fcZWIzT89Hs8KxxUDLk9ogWdwQdsKPVyetbGwn7v1Y0eRHqwE6U8Xko8MHF1UpiX_NM6WYvWJPM1gft38TdN6QiAOJtbN-dnD515gHhyphenhyphen7EifcIuXXsZv5NFFy8vjBLy2n4tErHA/s400/Favor+Craft1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought the 4x4 canvases from Michael's in a 9-pack with my 40% coupon (twice! I needed two packs). That made each canvas about $1.33 each. Then the craft supplies, well, it was part Wal-Mart craft aisle and part Kate's de-stash! </div>
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There were sequins, beads, feathers, papers, ribbons, gems, buttons, felt, and a glue stick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCHJD_uLn0GRfD68ksod-78E3Cm7r16243yiqOKAXrLM2KjVK1gWl_o7GcTjdL075XgA0GKgJOgBqxepoGvnQ6eN-Of64ivrRUCgRdgGtMwGyK_GrtalPDIXxVv7hxeF0myBladmIMqi7/s1600/Favor+Craft4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCHJD_uLn0GRfD68ksod-78E3Cm7r16243yiqOKAXrLM2KjVK1gWl_o7GcTjdL075XgA0GKgJOgBqxepoGvnQ6eN-Of64ivrRUCgRdgGtMwGyK_GrtalPDIXxVv7hxeF0myBladmIMqi7/s640/Favor+Craft4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I printed a little note for each bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVodmWhyphenhyphenoM8f_B5w9sZy3gjRgDp0L6QZ8Kt9qYZMsgj59ad2jaHJ6-ozQafmnC9z0QOjh21ugERFX3R7yrQrg7uY9q5BZAPKTyIzWhEH2rNdRJk4vNjZXMpMxMHcPjqD4Bfqi60xxyFcQl/s1600/Favor+Craft2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVodmWhyphenhyphenoM8f_B5w9sZy3gjRgDp0L6QZ8Kt9qYZMsgj59ad2jaHJ6-ozQafmnC9z0QOjh21ugERFX3R7yrQrg7uY9q5BZAPKTyIzWhEH2rNdRJk4vNjZXMpMxMHcPjqD4Bfqi60xxyFcQl/s640/Favor+Craft2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought this party favor was quite representative of <a href="http://craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2011/09/tutorial-kid-craft-stella-cuff-bracelet.html" target="_blank">Stella, my crafter</a>. And then by giving the kids the canvases, I thought they might have a chance of staying out of the garbage can at least a little longer than the typical party favor. </div>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
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Linking Up Here:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a> ~ <a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decorating</a> ~ <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Creative Princess</a> ~ <a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/" target="_blank">Momnivore’s Dilemma</a> ~ <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/" target="_blank">Yesterday on Tuesday</a> ~ <a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/2012/03/thrifty-thursday-week-65.html" target="_blank">Saved by Love Creations</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank">Shabby Creek Cottage</a> ~ <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">The 36<sup>th</sup> Avenue</a> ~ <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/" target="_blank">A Glimpse Inside</a> ~ <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Ginger Snap Crafts</a> ~<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"> Blue Cricket Designs</a> ~ <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Ado</a> ~ <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a></span></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-2387733123439752322012-03-06T07:00:00.000-06:002012-03-14T22:45:54.521-05:00And Then, There Was the Party..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IAgHCSmhS7cOhFUF2a0531RaNzUu1z-WupxhNK12cSkHQRhmGTdnOalt-1EQttfCRgCsM3VO7arbPmkWX_vJWkKrmUbVp7C2f5clBwa5F_Vsmvtqm1p0zT-S-nir9124U5i8cZzsVMru/s1600/BDayStella007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IAgHCSmhS7cOhFUF2a0531RaNzUu1z-WupxhNK12cSkHQRhmGTdnOalt-1EQttfCRgCsM3VO7arbPmkWX_vJWkKrmUbVp7C2f5clBwa5F_Vsmvtqm1p0zT-S-nir9124U5i8cZzsVMru/s640/BDayStella007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As if that sad <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/today-is-big-girl-day.html" target="_blank">attempt at a rose cake</a> wasn't enough!!</div>
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WE had to have a party. This was really our first big party that we have thrown for any of our kids. By that I mean, inviting the classmates- typically we celebrate birthdays with us and our "immediate friends". We don't have family parties because we don't have family here. Just friends. And some good ones at that! They are our "immediate friends"!</div>
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But I had to make these and mail them out in time...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5psQ4cgIGGWJdLRU13AYoCau6HA4BFXOCoDHnsYdG0X3KQ4VnjVimmt_Oq0KDpkWENoEufc0l_qXcavy_l6NEGYqqNBb8Q7IbVJEEQNkvKOw3GRdqtYitNavgNFr8dIO0oONpSMB_KVd/s1600/BDayStella007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5psQ4cgIGGWJdLRU13AYoCau6HA4BFXOCoDHnsYdG0X3KQ4VnjVimmt_Oq0KDpkWENoEufc0l_qXcavy_l6NEGYqqNBb8Q7IbVJEEQNkvKOw3GRdqtYitNavgNFr8dIO0oONpSMB_KVd/s320/BDayStella007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I had to figure out what to serve. We opted for donuts instead of cake. Stella is a donut girl anyway! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf3rGHJoKrEmQfaUcLRdQ7vqmpyymrlzMSLCNSEjKXGNfL0-MNjmH39_OuKxw9MtG0yZkvyF4iccnA2KVAxkwm2QedzQDrskjY0xZJEMtuW062jch_6KqcG3dSdh_bLNi7KWwMh9skHZI/s1600/BDayStella005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf3rGHJoKrEmQfaUcLRdQ7vqmpyymrlzMSLCNSEjKXGNfL0-MNjmH39_OuKxw9MtG0yZkvyF4iccnA2KVAxkwm2QedzQDrskjY0xZJEMtuW062jch_6KqcG3dSdh_bLNi7KWwMh9skHZI/s640/BDayStella005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/jell-o-rainbow-popcorn-54804.aspxhttp://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/jell-o-rainbow-popcorn-54804.aspx" target="_blank">Jello popcorn</a>. It is becoming a birthday tradition around our house! I like it because I can make it the colors of the party.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8qkD7FHhQxEv38jHit-CykVH2qzBBKFVVhGv5mo69LhTiqDc7T7vfP-mq5x72523STKva3_XGdjy-3Zdic1RVxcOr8DpkJF7XIVVxBCxYygFUHOykkqlw535DifEGGP6ImJ4RdVCHjBg/s1600/BDayStella002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8qkD7FHhQxEv38jHit-CykVH2qzBBKFVVhGv5mo69LhTiqDc7T7vfP-mq5x72523STKva3_XGdjy-3Zdic1RVxcOr8DpkJF7XIVVxBCxYygFUHOykkqlw535DifEGGP6ImJ4RdVCHjBg/s640/BDayStella002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bunting is the same paper bunting I <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/03/today-is-big-girl-day.html" target="_blank">made </a>for our house. Just paper sewn to a ribbon.</div>
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I had to come up with a "special" donut on the spot. This is the best I could do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTCEeYrRMuHuRNGEWIx_UywX3Dio053WoAGIqElhE1J-DYoRNaV-gSONIAKo_2G5uKkoCeB5yHldBuOs6h_S6Byhf5BBTIkXMYp3QxCg9Z0LVKcMyX0Jl-e7Dmdj59MWJsLf9f_GNMES/s1600/BDayStella006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgTCEeYrRMuHuRNGEWIx_UywX3Dio053WoAGIqElhE1J-DYoRNaV-gSONIAKo_2G5uKkoCeB5yHldBuOs6h_S6Byhf5BBTIkXMYp3QxCg9Z0LVKcMyX0Jl-e7Dmdj59MWJsLf9f_GNMES/s400/BDayStella006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Milks to drink. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0-ox5udK_5s0pz_sOMWmM63nkc3uQvdKd5mp7PT63nO-Ltzn3btwtTrbD9E19IJly8CgIQiKdUWZ54KO2_NqQjHWs8SL7tQbz-lZJQnYhu4tKltIVcXVfdMCaAmTbBaP_dbr2nehJUp/s1600/BDayStella003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0-ox5udK_5s0pz_sOMWmM63nkc3uQvdKd5mp7PT63nO-Ltzn3btwtTrbD9E19IJly8CgIQiKdUWZ54KO2_NqQjHWs8SL7tQbz-lZJQnYhu4tKltIVcXVfdMCaAmTbBaP_dbr2nehJUp/s640/BDayStella003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Favor bags with a couple goodies and a small bag of the popcorn to say "thanks for coming"!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PYo03kgEqkXXaIIOlglyxOqQ1S5DxJFcRdwYFe6BzXovyhJbiWx6ecLfM7j4rTyn0QTlGDV-lEAr749xqkfBw8xMeSHS5fzPzByavSZ1uYAZWYDcI_rd1s083GFmaRy9998_KTQiPT_e/s1600/BDayStella004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PYo03kgEqkXXaIIOlglyxOqQ1S5DxJFcRdwYFe6BzXovyhJbiWx6ecLfM7j4rTyn0QTlGDV-lEAr749xqkfBw8xMeSHS5fzPzByavSZ1uYAZWYDcI_rd1s083GFmaRy9998_KTQiPT_e/s640/BDayStella004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I used the circle garland (from my last post) as table decorations. I just laid it down the center of the tables, the way a table runner would go. It was cute. I was surprised how much it brightened an otherwise dull and generic room. I really wasn't sure what to expect either. Truthfully, I just brought a bunch of stuff and hoped it was going to work. And well, it did! It probably took me 5 times longer than the party even lasted to make everything...but I don't care! It's my kid!<br />
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Linking here:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Ginger Snap Crafts</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">~</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"> Blue Cricket Designs</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">~ <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Ado</a> ~ <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a> ~ <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/" target="_blank">Yesterday On Tuesday</a> ~<a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/2012/03/thrifty-thursday-51.html" target="_blank"> Thrifty Decorating</a> ~ <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Creative Princess</a> ~ <a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/" target="_blank">Momnivore's Dilemma</a> ~ <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-birthday-ideas/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a></span></div>
</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-17169893344789614122012-03-01T12:53:00.000-06:002012-03-01T12:53:32.297-06:00Today is a Big Girl Day!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLO-IzUmHKy-3_d2AAtBaiMiQR5vSy2BbYFrCz9GTcrF0v2zqOYEfKXP2hb1SGOAJAtQq4ttUbgrxJEuLtTK8zqQyd062KQIROIvTkx5mhRtGaXNDZgmz4ynZGEBW2a1IY3Wrmvf6zBuT/s1600/BDayStella003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLO-IzUmHKy-3_d2AAtBaiMiQR5vSy2BbYFrCz9GTcrF0v2zqOYEfKXP2hb1SGOAJAtQq4ttUbgrxJEuLtTK8zqQyd062KQIROIvTkx5mhRtGaXNDZgmz4ynZGEBW2a1IY3Wrmvf6zBuT/s640/BDayStella003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My little girl is 5 today! Where has the time gone?! We all say that, don't we?<br />
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I have had so many half-done crafts and half-written posts to put here this week, but, birthdays come first! So instead of showing you my t-shirt embellishing projects, the glitter shoes, the beaded necklace I made, a top for me I am working on, and all the other goodies in pause-mode right now. I will show you what I HAVE been doing this week:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paper Bunting:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM0EoFHKPaElCNcZ4NZdmf1OyRcIaMAgyFyHSXkgRglh4Fa8GUo28dFc49X623l2WNHaak6DYH6bqHMgvvbxDo0hpO8rVh-fm4Pb7Wcf8AHNBNVNEYt_fken2vit2mij0pWSnCKdfbWjK/s1600/BDayStella002.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM0EoFHKPaElCNcZ4NZdmf1OyRcIaMAgyFyHSXkgRglh4Fa8GUo28dFc49X623l2WNHaak6DYH6bqHMgvvbxDo0hpO8rVh-fm4Pb7Wcf8AHNBNVNEYt_fken2vit2mij0pWSnCKdfbWjK/s640/BDayStella002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just sewed paper triangles to a ribbon using a zig zag stitch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QIm9P5lAfRc-ervKHyCNB_Mkz11jDOd3a2aAxzPZgLuMpA3_V-ZO_5GsC-Ft6zZ_MWYmoHXbunw2aEXAioRJVWB8-rcvIZ16C_qXoFwOsoRa2HTGjlpOu5sdXlrrziwkZVUjL0eHB_90/s1600/BDayStella004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QIm9P5lAfRc-ervKHyCNB_Mkz11jDOd3a2aAxzPZgLuMpA3_V-ZO_5GsC-Ft6zZ_MWYmoHXbunw2aEXAioRJVWB8-rcvIZ16C_qXoFwOsoRa2HTGjlpOu5sdXlrrziwkZVUjL0eHB_90/s320/BDayStella004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And Paper Garland:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJzM2hvx5cvjT6cC-qIB_-nhU7sS9lp8jOj2Q6QmifGT76lGN_J30i-_iKIlbQv_cTIGfCKrSVjqFm95B5Hn44JpCisCcJ9OiQagjZ5cI5GTUfH1vLytCrk7kak5cJqkInGcv-1dLGaDv/s1600/BDayStella005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJzM2hvx5cvjT6cC-qIB_-nhU7sS9lp8jOj2Q6QmifGT76lGN_J30i-_iKIlbQv_cTIGfCKrSVjqFm95B5Hn44JpCisCcJ9OiQagjZ5cI5GTUfH1vLytCrk7kak5cJqkInGcv-1dLGaDv/s640/BDayStella005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I broke down and bought a circle punch (I don't have a fancy paper cutter- just my scissors!). Then I stacked two circles so it would be pretty on both sides and sewed together with a straight stitch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E4glbtFUFk1l3PNO3YQBYLWfD5OVZvhxwXOwz-ag31p3kFV_VeEHazSFjnk7dBeZnUR74nli1r4Q02aZpa47eduGX6Ggtr0eQtlHzwNJmiIlyRYTuEHpFRaHG4yjSfLNy1eO07co6w30/s1600/BDayStella006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E4glbtFUFk1l3PNO3YQBYLWfD5OVZvhxwXOwz-ag31p3kFV_VeEHazSFjnk7dBeZnUR74nli1r4Q02aZpa47eduGX6Ggtr0eQtlHzwNJmiIlyRYTuEHpFRaHG4yjSfLNy1eO07co6w30/s320/BDayStella006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And cupcakes for school:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiabWIBnWwAtiKUV23sjq4cJX6NpM4X6iwp5ngJt9qs6UytNLB0XgaS_bVVfx1Ju9QhaB1Rn8Qy6cu07rqPJiXiwuSL6-85M8fOtYWZYz1SWPx9NrFnZCyonmcSV5w_LwpBD1U4bqcd9S/s1600/BDayStella008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiabWIBnWwAtiKUV23sjq4cJX6NpM4X6iwp5ngJt9qs6UytNLB0XgaS_bVVfx1Ju9QhaB1Rn8Qy6cu07rqPJiXiwuSL6-85M8fOtYWZYz1SWPx9NrFnZCyonmcSV5w_LwpBD1U4bqcd9S/s640/BDayStella008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just regular box mixes and my <a href="http://craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2011/03/cupcakes-with-homemade-buttercream.html" target="_blank">homemade buttercream frosting</a>.</div>
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Lots of it!</div>
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And yes, this is my attempt at the <a href="http://iambaker.net/rose-cake-tutorial" target="_blank">Rose Cake</a>...except when you realize at ten o'clock the night before that you don't actually have Wilton tip #1M!!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSnogfFOofFKfQuu4AwzLlMqKIudbBvWd6FymFlgH2wnIXqK75UL_dZbQNgyidMwV6iIDP5s9ta89itohrfLI5hfvuRWyd2EbzD9iahwXccmaNE4RO022Akjzad1cQVR-8EumtoEIgZO4/s1600/BDayStella001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSnogfFOofFKfQuu4AwzLlMqKIudbBvWd6FymFlgH2wnIXqK75UL_dZbQNgyidMwV6iIDP5s9ta89itohrfLI5hfvuRWyd2EbzD9iahwXccmaNE4RO022Akjzad1cQVR-8EumtoEIgZO4/s640/BDayStella001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In that case you do the next best thing...improvise with tip #30. </div>
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It is more like a swirly carnation cake!</div>
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<i>However, I told myself that if she didn't think they looked like "roses" then I would redo it in the morning. That is, if trying to convince her <strike>bribe her</strike> didn't work first.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqo5YI64VhRQmRqhK8dz0wAqPujB2EZX2eYSedB1OG8Nf7gLuVzUVMs8dUzTpt8bOsA77317_Myx3FqvOHSAeVFHgHKHGlbIhhVCJ5cvEZ_mG2HSizGhrZZQ1MnLFF02rsiPWYDecXHtD/s1600/BDayStella010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqo5YI64VhRQmRqhK8dz0wAqPujB2EZX2eYSedB1OG8Nf7gLuVzUVMs8dUzTpt8bOsA77317_Myx3FqvOHSAeVFHgHKHGlbIhhVCJ5cvEZ_mG2HSizGhrZZQ1MnLFF02rsiPWYDecXHtD/s640/BDayStella010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">What's up with the resolution of these pics anyway? I don't have time to fix 'em now...they aren't too bad, I hope.</span><br />
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Off to the school in about an hour. I am clearing off the video camera as we speak. I am still in PJs. Pizza and swirly carnation cake and chocolate ice cream tonight! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Happy 5th Birthday to our "Stella-Bella"!! </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(That's not really her middle name. Please don't think I give my kids rhyming names. )</span><br />
<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-26704225948947306322012-02-27T21:56:00.000-06:002012-02-27T21:56:58.237-06:00A busy week for me and Chicken Tips<div>
I really really really don't like to use my blog as a platform to complain (that's why I am hardly ever on facebook). And I really don't want to complain. More like, explain why I am not posting everyday right now. Which, I know, is a ridiculous expectation that I put on myself. I get that. And I don't like how it feels to be under (my own) pressure to crank out an awesome tutorial or awesome post SO I am just not going to put that pressure on myself. At least at the moment. I have too much going on at home- with my kids and family- that require my attention. In fact as I type this I am being badgered by my husband to review some movies that our daughter has been watching in school and says "scare" her. This is important. My Stella's birthday is this week, also important. My sleep is important. Showing you the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">adorable shoes that Stella and I glittered up this weekend</span>- well, important but it can wait. Yes? Today, I had great plans to go shopping for birthday presents but my oldest son needed to come home from school sick just as I was halfway to the store. Big wrench in my plans. So I had to go tonight, flying out the door after dinner. Not ideal. <br />
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<b>What I did get done today</b> was some cleaning and I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cut up about 10 lbs of chicken!</span> I hate cutting up chicken. It is disgusting to me. But it is a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> huge time saver</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and money saver</span> so I have to do it. <br />
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It took only took about 30 minutes to cut up all this chicken. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(plus about 5 min to set up and 5-10 to label bags and clean/disinfect everything)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span> I put about 3 pieces of chicken in a bag. Today I got 7 bags/meals from the 10 pounds- just depends on what I plan to make. Here's my <a href="http://www.craftwhatever.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicken-on-cheap.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on chicken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIuKY_fxsJu3ZsVjysmTVW9hhFYulPIibdV1qfZAyezpTOy-bN_z0sY35sEkfzr-gJ9WrdDOp_fg3DXNQ8bwkE1lfefjqhKsy3nodj5qr4vZVf7fWgjBn0cyyB-S9pKw5LBFj8ymE3Y4Q/s1600/IMG_8552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIuKY_fxsJu3ZsVjysmTVW9hhFYulPIibdV1qfZAyezpTOy-bN_z0sY35sEkfzr-gJ9WrdDOp_fg3DXNQ8bwkE1lfefjqhKsy3nodj5qr4vZVf7fWgjBn0cyyB-S9pKw5LBFj8ymE3Y4Q/s400/IMG_8552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> In about 30 minutes...it all looks like this!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-uqv6TIZeTtycNPwTWkBL687anjqEmxkaCzbk9UpEQBwKx-des_614HIP2L_6XiuUVnu8gP2c_0s_YxeqAUKoa_x_F_YISSHjnCKbvcb6MzxQ_d_aMgWULr6DrJHBj20yKn8QkmdGdbw/s1600/IMG_8553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-uqv6TIZeTtycNPwTWkBL687anjqEmxkaCzbk9UpEQBwKx-des_614HIP2L_6XiuUVnu8gP2c_0s_YxeqAUKoa_x_F_YISSHjnCKbvcb6MzxQ_d_aMgWULr6DrJHBj20yKn8QkmdGdbw/s400/IMG_8553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I flatten out the bags so they defrost quicker and stack nicely in the freezer. Ten pounds...cleaned and trimmed...cut into different size pieces...easy to pull out of the freezer...ready to cook in the coming weeks.<br />
<br /></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-47453634718599454492012-02-24T07:00:00.000-06:002012-02-24T11:35:36.632-06:00Spray Painted Girls Shoes<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1do0UX892v0l_BahL2146fOwdt4H-D2hbScsqeOJ0dE9qRz1O7pl1fmHftSvjMsh-Y4nzxJ7DTrSP7bEaUgEezNnKvjzgKZ_QPCxssb1KfhH_5N1SdwaE8kIsA-gxa9QyWa_6pRd9zkoX/s1600/Blue+Shoes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1do0UX892v0l_BahL2146fOwdt4H-D2hbScsqeOJ0dE9qRz1O7pl1fmHftSvjMsh-Y4nzxJ7DTrSP7bEaUgEezNnKvjzgKZ_QPCxssb1KfhH_5N1SdwaE8kIsA-gxa9QyWa_6pRd9zkoX/s640/Blue+Shoes+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I knew I had an opportunity to try spray painting shoes when my daughter's school shoes came home looking like this. <br />
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I mean, they were now pretty ugly. And I couldn't just "sharpie" them like I did to her black shoes. It's too bad, too because these <b><i>were</i></b> her favorites.<br />
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Until NOW! <br />
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Now THESE are her favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeeLaoEQ03X3io6EiLqhJ0BL-Y6VA5iCWTogGjX-QwdSUpMblH0jEwySU_Ka3Xgh4eAHJ9zqEc1lvHST11c2TbzOJvkENkI9aId9HZlcsv9k8fC49kpxGPWAhszyX3-6-qXAFElLesL1/s1600/Blue+Shoes001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMeeLaoEQ03X3io6EiLqhJ0BL-Y6VA5iCWTogGjX-QwdSUpMblH0jEwySU_Ka3Xgh4eAHJ9zqEc1lvHST11c2TbzOJvkENkI9aId9HZlcsv9k8fC49kpxGPWAhszyX3-6-qXAFElLesL1/s640/Blue+Shoes001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And mine, too. I really think mama needs a pair just like this!</div>
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All I did was tape off the soles and stuff a bag inside. I also had to tape off the velcro and the underside of the foot strap. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To be honest, I wasn't sure how to deal with all of the peeling vinyl.</span> I thought it would show so I wanted to peel it off a bit of the edges. One shoe did fine with this. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But when I started to peel the second shoe...the whole thing came up!</span> I was freaking out at this point. But really, it was too late to turn back now. So I just peeled until I thought it wouldn't be that noticeable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc7HpDsBChmCdINFOLCzAJmM0avfh-JTMgnCprMj6sF8U4iYrG6IdRLlDtJHUii83AzIujcugVakdOMBkRKiOsGM1K0D3MWxl8TA0it4vwTpaTnOzneCW64Bt9TAkGArWRhNhWlQ4qzWt/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc7HpDsBChmCdINFOLCzAJmM0avfh-JTMgnCprMj6sF8U4iYrG6IdRLlDtJHUii83AzIujcugVakdOMBkRKiOsGM1K0D3MWxl8TA0it4vwTpaTnOzneCW64Bt9TAkGArWRhNhWlQ4qzWt/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoJyA6aNCH1l9EBAaKX4k8gChyphenhyphenu5CVD_qhTQq6PXSYgo-1hfqOL9vfwLbiYPUQ1xBAxb7ZYRXvMaRQvTrc3SmHZcUmHVagh9noC6KPNKp5O6m9pFGAe_18kV28IAHldxkL62ZpzIbs2nh/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoJyA6aNCH1l9EBAaKX4k8gChyphenhyphenu5CVD_qhTQq6PXSYgo-1hfqOL9vfwLbiYPUQ1xBAxb7ZYRXvMaRQvTrc3SmHZcUmHVagh9noC6KPNKp5O6m9pFGAe_18kV28IAHldxkL62ZpzIbs2nh/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used a plastic primer spray paint <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(because I already had it)</span> on the unpeeled shoe. I am not sure if it was beneficial or necessary though. And I definitely <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">needed two coats of the blue on both shoes</span>. The peeled shoe soaked up a lot of the paint after the first coat and I didn't think they were going to match in finish. But after everything had dried, they seemed to match just fine! I was so excited about how these turned out! My daughter was too! <br />
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** I actually think the shoe that had the vinyl peeled off had a better result. These shoes have been worn around the house for two days now and so they already have some minor scuffing on the blue paint. But the peeled part was not scuffed at all. It was a pain on my fingers to peel the shoe, but for this type of surface (fake patent leather) it seemed to be worth it.<br />
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I still have blue paint left...I am really wanting blue shoes, too.<br />
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Linking here:<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It’s A Hodgpode Life</a> ~ </span><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/" target="_blank">Fingerprints on the Fridge</a> ~ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a> ~ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Shabby Nest</a> ~ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/" target="_blank">Simple Home Life</a> ~ <a href="http://lovelycraftyhome.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Crafty Home</a> ~ <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">Whipperberry</a></div>
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</div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-86562978733809956812012-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:002012-02-22T07:00:02.259-06:00{Pinned It, Did It} A Baby Bib<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhXgbm-dovktyezkydfE6ubed46QLtGjBwSaPos1ldPVNe9npnbQvifgYqM12hj2x0vHiRA9kqZf4giMVvAiZYk_A4k_6xYqMOU7ACkwk15W7IKba5zE3g99el0IH13xzu96GhuhfHc-k/s1600/bapron_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhXgbm-dovktyezkydfE6ubed46QLtGjBwSaPos1ldPVNe9npnbQvifgYqM12hj2x0vHiRA9kqZf4giMVvAiZYk_A4k_6xYqMOU7ACkwk15W7IKba5zE3g99el0IH13xzu96GhuhfHc-k/s640/bapron_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Oh I have had this one pinned for quite a while, just *waiting* for someone to have a baby girl so I could make it! Then it still took me a couple more months to actually make it, wrap it, send it...OH and ask my friend to send me pictures because I forgot to take them myself! <br />
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And...Isn't she a <b>cutie</b>?!<br />
In case you are wondering- this is my friend's baby! You can already tell by those fingers how adorable she is!!!!! The bib is still a little big, but she is only going to grow, right? The back of it was made with a soft pink flannel. I found both fabrics at Hobby Lobby.</div>
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<b>Here is the <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" target="_blank">original post</a> by Jess at Craftiness Is Not Optional. </b></div>
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She has a free pattern, too.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzk7h8Oj9b_v7upqKXHSA2bJB178ABCcwwD5UuRqRMNEioJL56RgTiZ1TP4Lb3wRIsQUUf77d9p3mts8ha4xg-VtUpJs5YOO2Jb8GMZcU721BLhmd7h-qgGH5pIN5tLC40q3o-6jqVcQ/s320/IMG_0601.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/05/bapron-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Craftiness Is Not Optional</a></td></tr>
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And, I just can't resist the chance to gush about one of my favorite blogs, too: <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/" target="_blank">Craftiness is Not Optional</a></div>
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If you think this is cute, you need to stop by her blog. Jess is very, very talented at sewing! Her little girl dresses make me wish that <i>I </i>was a size 2T so I could fit into them! I love every single thing that girl makes!</div>
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All I can say, is do NOT be surprised if you find me in a shirt like this one day! <br />
I will find a way to supersize it to fit me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/08/pleat-weeks-guest-post.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zwyz3DGOp3mV4zebj0477x0RB-YXhYyw2f-EmteF3vNdfK8eyMLA9aM9UivRxNfjgx-K6xO4jehTFHAOQyRdYyTIQJ0D10yGh3d4lsSHAZTGU1YqUMQxfUKLyb9eBJLswPKGF7fiWiy7/s320/IMG_5845.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/08/pleat-weeks-guest-post.html" target="_blank">Craftiness Is Not Optional</a></td></tr>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019802138410679089.post-59129221365887420062012-02-16T22:43:00.001-06:002012-02-16T22:43:38.804-06:00Sad Mac and happy FridayYou know when you spend all day baking all kinds of yummy cookies and then you really don't eat any because you filled up on so much dough?? <br /><br />Well I am kinda feeling like that tonight with my computer. <br /><br /> I have been working on it all afternoon and evening trying to fix a few "issues" and I just can't look at another photo on my computer tonight! In fact, I am blogging from my phone right now! I had a cute post about my past travels lined up but it's going to have to wait til next week. I just can't fuss anymore about my computer (or printer). Hopefully, Saturday we will work on our Mac and get these problems fixed. As for today, I am all headache about it! But I am still here. Just working behind the scenes and trying not to put my printer in the driveway and back over it a few hundred times!<br /><br />Happy Friday, friends! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kate @ craftwhateverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514573517152001143noreply@blogger.com4