tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359314093640985582024-02-06T22:15:49.099-08:00Pink and PeaceTeaching my daugher that "If it rains on your parade, break out the slipe-n-slide!"Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-17622075507184494832013-11-03T07:16:00.004-08:002013-11-03T07:17:14.567-08:00Juice Detox<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like to detox from time to time when I start feeling sluggish. (or if I've had too much Halloween candy) We bought a juicer this past summer and I really like using it. You can also buy smoothie machines but I am not sure I want to choke down a thick, veggie smoothie yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is my favorite combination:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A big plate of Kale.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">....an apple, celery (about 4 stalks), 1 beet and baby carrots. I had barely any carrots left but I typically juice a big handful of these.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You put these in the juicer. The apples and celery produce the most juice so put those in with kale and beets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You now have a nutrient packed juice that will help flush your body. I also make sure to drink lots and lots of water. Sometimes I do this once a day and other times I will do this for breakfast and lunch. </span></div>
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-73322814074100268592013-10-28T13:00:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:00:13.412-07:00Kids Halloween PartyThis past Saturday I hosted a Halloween party for L and her friends. It was a lot of fun and I managed to pull it all together in a few days. <br />
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The party was from 1:30 - 4pm so I had some finger foods and cupcakes ready. I spent about an hour one afternoon printing out the food labels. I searched online for "old looking paper" and found a picture I liked. I copied it onto Word, sized it, copied it several times until I had about 6, and inserted text boxes to create the labels. I added a small picture with each one also. I printed these off and laminated them (so I can use them next year).<br />
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I used a cookie cutter to make the cheese ghosts.</div>
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I used whole black olives and cheese cubes for the skewers. I meant to use mozzarella but only had cheddar on hand.</div>
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I used Rice Krispy treats cut into various shapes for the zombie brains.</div>
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I used a cookie cutter to makes ham/cheese and turkey/cheese sandwiches into coffins. </div>
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I had a Candy Guessing Game for the kids to do. I had three jars of candy and they had to write down their guess of how many were in there. This was a big hit! Next year I will have more jars. <br />
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The weather was perfect so we spent most of the time outside. The kids jumped on our trampoline, laid in the hammock and enjoyed a game of Mummy Wrap. Each time had to use 3 entire rolls of toilet paper to roll up their friend. The winning team won small prizes.</div>
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I had a craft table set up inside for Halloween necklace and bracelet making. Outside I had a pumpkin decorating station. On the table was glue, googly eyes, glitter and markers. </div>
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I am glad I did not have things planned back to back because the kids spent a lot of time just playing outside and having fun in each others company. It was a very simple party but it was a lot of fun!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-17205464774123272482013-08-31T13:03:00.001-07:002013-08-31T13:03:04.147-07:00Soup recipe.....Yum!I am so ready for some cooler weather so I can start cooking hearty meals again. Found this one today and it looks really good!<br />
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<a href="http://plainolfood.blogspot.com/2008/09/beef-barley-and-vegetable-soup.html">Plain Ol' Food: Beef, Barley, and Vegetable Soup</a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-16063476503722975832013-02-09T12:40:00.000-08:002013-02-09T12:40:08.195-08:00Charlie, our Elf on the ShelfHands down, this is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I know not everyone loves the little face of the elf or the idea of creating places for him to hide but I thrive on this type of creativity. The look of joy and excitement on my daughters face is worth it every time!<br />
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Here is what Charlie did this year. He started out leaving poems with hints of where he can be found. After a couple of weeks, it was up to my daughter to search and find him without hints.<br />
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He announced his arrival by sitting on a wreath on my daughter's bedroom door.</div>
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He left a note for her. That is indeed a hair you see taped with the note. </div>
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I have several more pictures but trying to get them upload is a big 'ole pain right now. I will update this post as soon as I can. I have way too much fun with this tradition!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-56890977751863201932012-09-07T13:47:00.000-07:002012-09-07T13:47:36.541-07:00I am running and not because I'm being chasedI am a runner. <br />
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I never, ever thought I would be able to say that. I have always hated running. I hated my heart pounding and gasping for air as I tried to make my legs go. I never flowed with me. <br />
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Flash back to April of this year. Stepping on the scale I saw a higher number from last summer. I guess I indulged a bit more this past winter. I wanted to lose those 10 lbs. Of course, I wanted to lost it all in one week. Ha! Don't we all? So I started counting calories and drinking lots and lots of water. I started seeing the scale go back a few lbs. but then it stopped. Ugh. Ok, just counting calories is not working. <br />
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Now during this time of calorie counting I was seeing a friend on facebook post updates from a running program she was participating in. It was called <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml" target="_blank">Couch-to-5K</a>. I was intrigued seeing her progress and how many pounds she was losing. So this hater of running decided to give it a try. <br />
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I used the app <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml" target="_blank">Couch-to-5K</a> (under RunDouble on my Android) which was great! You put your earbuds in and it tells you when you walk and when to run. Awesome!<br />
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Each session took about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week. You space out the days so you are not running back to back. So if you think you can't be a runner, I highly recommend you give it a try!<br />
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-89035842282447237782012-05-19T15:45:00.002-07:002012-05-19T15:45:57.359-07:00Weekend Trip + Transmission = A funny story to tellI have a newly rebuilt transmission in my car. I don't know what it looks like (I am not mechanical in any way and would have no idea where it is located in my car) but I'm sure it's nice and shiny. So how did I come about getting this gem? <br />
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First of all, I love the mountains. The beauty you see and find is breathtaking. You cannot help but feel peaceful and I did. <br />
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Our journey to the mountains was a surprise trip for our daughter. She woke up Friday morning and was given a book that my husbands slaved over for many weekends. Inside she read that she was not going to school but going on a Mountain Weekend Adventure ( it was given the code acronym MAW when we discussed anything around L). We were going to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC and then heading to Gatlinburg, TN for a fun weekend. And off we went!<br />
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Our first stop was the Biltmore House. Such a stunning place with the most beautiful scenery. L loved seeing the big mansion and it was excited for us that she was being exposed to the history of the house.<br />
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My sweet family:<br />
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L taking in the view:<br />
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Part One of the trip is a success!<br />
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Now to part two....drive to Gatlinburg. <br />
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We noticed as we started our journey that the transmission was slipping getting into certain gears so David drove the car in manual. We babied that thing the entire drive. We made it to Gatlinburg! Sweet!<br />
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We spend the rest of that day walking up and down the main road taking in the sights, enjoying some food, went through the hall of mirrors, etc. Just a nice end to the day.<br />
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The next day we go to the Aquarium, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, etc.. Just lots to do there. The grand finale was going to be the Dixie Stampede (a country fried version of Medieval Times). I was so excited and so was baby girl.<br />
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BUT.......<br />
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before we could even drive off the main strip, the car stops. AND WILL NOT GO. This street was bumper to bumper (A Santa parade had just ended. Seriously, who puts on a Santa parade in March?!) We were a bit panicked because we were right in the middle of this 4 lane road and we had no where to go. Luckily, a few locals saw us with our hazards on and helped push the car into a nearby parking lot. <br />
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Long story short, our car got a ride to Knoxville where it stayed a week and had it's transmission rebuilt. <br />
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And we missed the Dixie Stampede. *sigh*<br />
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-17213755098412626842012-03-06T10:45:00.001-08:002012-03-06T10:48:19.536-08:00Growing and building my coupon binderOh, the power of organization and couponing. With my new system I can already see the benefits and the savings. I love just writing the date, hole punching the coupon flyer and putting them into my binder. When I jump on <a href="http://couponmom.com/" target="_blank">CouponMom</a>, I can put together a list of the items I want to buy and easily find the flyer by date and clip the coupons. So far this system is working for me.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
Another great way to find coupons is online. I have found lots of great coupons that I can just print here at home. The problem was that they were all over the place and I needed to get them organized. <br />
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It is well known in the coupon world that baseball card holders are great for coupons. So I went to Walmart today to seek them out. I was pleasantly surprised to see this gem in the baseball card section.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7076.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7076.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
How fab is that? Yes, there were plain baseball card holders I could have bought for a few bucks cheaper but this packet has FOUR different sizes for coupons. Not all coupons are created equal in size and this was perfect!<br />
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Let me show you:<br />
<br />
Almost all the coupons I print online are long....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7077.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7077.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And look how neatly they go into the coupon holder.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7079.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7079.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Beautiful!<br />
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And then there is this size....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7082.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7082.jpg" /></a></div><br />
and this size....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7083.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7083.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There is another smaller size that holds coupons that are about baseball card size. I did not need to use that one yet. <br />
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So, see why I bought this packet instead?<br />
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I am putting these in the front of my binder so I can scan these first.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7085.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7085.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There are lots of couponers who cut out the coupons and organize them into categories using these inserts. The upside to that is that you do not need a huge binder and you can carry it with you to the store. This might be something I do in the future but the downside is that when I go to <a href="http://www.couponmom.com/">Couponmom</a> and find all the deals with the corresponding coupon, they will not be organized by date and flyer. I would be flipping from category to category hunting down that particular coupon. <br />
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Each method has it's pros and cons.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-30042449569544988482012-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:002012-02-28T08:36:57.567-08:00The best pasta sauce!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have discovered the best pasta sauce for lasagna, spaghetti, etc.! I came across it while searching for lasagna recipes and it is my magical sauce now. The best part is that I can make a big batch of it and freeze the serving sizes for future meals. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ok, let's get down to the details on how to make this yummy recipe:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You will need - </span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound sweet Italian sausage</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 3/4 pound lean ground beef</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1/2 to 1 cup minced onion</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 cloves garlic, crushed</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1/2 cup water</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 tablespoons white sugar</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1 tablespoon salt</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></ul><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ In a dutch oven or whatever big pot you have, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7050.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7050.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I used a big onion which probably ended up being a bit more than 1 cup. I kept the garlic at two cloves but since we love garlic, I think I will up that a bit next time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have cooked ground beef in our freeze and I forgot to let it sit out before I started cooking so , yes, that is a big hunk of ground beef you see in there.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7052.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7052.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It smells so good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I thought I had a big can of crushed tomatoes but I only had diced. Nothing the blender cannot solve.</span></div><br />
<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7053-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7053-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You want to know what sucks? This can opener. It took some serious muscle to get these cans opened enough to pour out the contents. Look at how jacked up the lids are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We bought a new one.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7056.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7056.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7057.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7057.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_7061.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_7061.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your house is going to smell so good after this is done! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I am going to freeze the batch, I let it cool completely then measure out the serving sizes into Ziplock Freezer bags.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Awesome, awesome, awesome!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-44547574649707877762012-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:002012-02-13T13:56:14.186-08:00A Valentine's Day Window Box BouquetOh, Valentine's Day - a day of sharing your love and affection to those close to you, flowers, candy......... and classroom Valentine's for your child(ren). This year I had a nifty idea that was a lot of fun for me and Leah to put together. Ok, ok so it was mostly me but it was such a cute idea! You'll see......<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I found the templates for the flower and leaf at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/02/08/how-does-your-garden-grow/" target="_blank">Skip to my Lou</a>. I took colored card stock, printed the templates and cut them out. Make a tiny hold in the center of the flower and push the lollipop through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmh5wDLI0mM6U2_Jk3zjJyDwi8v0WZjd_Z3Vu_gr3Oy_GtZpJ3l7_jH8Jyzat7imCnxrfIxCt6k2Ddq2LMyiKzk2WsxKt-R2d2lAsKpH2M1bXDVuez_tjuQBJlrmMiEhtdKJic8i0z34f/s1600/SAM_7021_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmh5wDLI0mM6U2_Jk3zjJyDwi8v0WZjd_Z3Vu_gr3Oy_GtZpJ3l7_jH8Jyzat7imCnxrfIxCt6k2Ddq2LMyiKzk2WsxKt-R2d2lAsKpH2M1bXDVuez_tjuQBJlrmMiEhtdKJic8i0z34f/s620/SAM_7021_1.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I bought Valentine Blow Pops for this project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSaYuSSDeMuFWITiom6wOY8jR5J1imFpjzdoIq17Zbu1C-cvL0rsIfpGJQe2AlQ2KpnS3IFO_r450oPGwD8-GRsqIw42JSCLqIGaGBZjXRoKqLMm4cKvabcxRrNI_MGTJuhv38SDVXARP/s1600/SAM_7023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSaYuSSDeMuFWITiom6wOY8jR5J1imFpjzdoIq17Zbu1C-cvL0rsIfpGJQe2AlQ2KpnS3IFO_r450oPGwD8-GRsqIw42JSCLqIGaGBZjXRoKqLMm4cKvabcxRrNI_MGTJuhv38SDVXARP/s640/SAM_7023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I taped the leaf around the stem and there you have it folks. Seriously, easy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zPXI7QeeMMtp7vVtz_jyFDpvjTmSw8AukH441YzZTqBZZ4EDO3eNyrpV1XA4W10Cj5jrbuq7xV16hDHhqZyuVXXLvPrkMBtod2yyUzYsHN1sDMjvZAcx_tOYAL2z4BON-xlPoCPPvupW/s1600/SAM_7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zPXI7QeeMMtp7vVtz_jyFDpvjTmSw8AukH441YzZTqBZZ4EDO3eNyrpV1XA4W10Cj5jrbuq7xV16hDHhqZyuVXXLvPrkMBtod2yyUzYsHN1sDMjvZAcx_tOYAL2z4BON-xlPoCPPvupW/s640/SAM_7016.JPG" width="612" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Earlier in the day I bought an 18 inch Coco lined window box and a 16x5 styrofoam piece. The styrofoam fit perfectly in the window box. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I stuck the 'stem' into the styrofoam. Then I did it with 19 more 'flowers'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTMgkoAQ-G3FlNKj9_4I0B0SESbJUzqdMZhAtrsbHNXnxA_w3Rm2beTeKF-qdnSq_mg-BXix093wO31Jn1t0NMdeSYqii-iiaH3I0dEmF-CJOoixXveyUtSESm_DxawecKxyxTPmMRT_t/s1600/SAM_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTMgkoAQ-G3FlNKj9_4I0B0SESbJUzqdMZhAtrsbHNXnxA_w3Rm2beTeKF-qdnSq_mg-BXix093wO31Jn1t0NMdeSYqii-iiaH3I0dEmF-CJOoixXveyUtSESm_DxawecKxyxTPmMRT_t/s640/SAM_7017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And here is the finished product! Is it just the cutest?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7SwF0A6VTWRvgPivx1yaxrThDbW9XDznFFeh4OSEqJ9qr35RFcgvoNsahJa4nDQjWlFDKSPHxIBc7MBhbg_IJ-zc2bLFgbRDV61EXn_fBo9md-4XoGgxOlnD2rktEVEPAFItTGTFZWdE/s1600/SAM_7030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7SwF0A6VTWRvgPivx1yaxrThDbW9XDznFFeh4OSEqJ9qr35RFcgvoNsahJa4nDQjWlFDKSPHxIBc7MBhbg_IJ-zc2bLFgbRDV61EXn_fBo9md-4XoGgxOlnD2rktEVEPAFItTGTFZWdE/s640/SAM_7030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9vrnLppk3jppk1B6L7RPdg-iKebDVpjL7FO5SNVNJfNE6UzC5w4Md3MqUGbTlkI8yIMyh282vRJwR_oP9TeP6lCq-5_tRuyf7V2W0UFKKnEly_vTN2wGvenk8PBO415lcdyPx4gUjqar/s1600/SAM_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9vrnLppk3jppk1B6L7RPdg-iKebDVpjL7FO5SNVNJfNE6UzC5w4Md3MqUGbTlkI8yIMyh282vRJwR_oP9TeP6lCq-5_tRuyf7V2W0UFKKnEly_vTN2wGvenk8PBO415lcdyPx4gUjqar/s640/SAM_7039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Once again I have fullfilled my motherly duty by provided Valentine's for my daughter's class. Woot!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-66202721240041098152012-02-06T07:53:00.000-08:002012-02-06T07:56:07.549-08:00Coupons: My first "big" savings weekendEarlier in the blog I posted how I was going to do the coupon thing again and I am happy to report that I am seeing results. Woot! I have been collecting coupon flyer's from the Sunday paper (I am buying 2 papers) and we get coupons in our free Thursday paper that gets tossed in the driveway. In other words, I have a lot of coupon flyer's. <br />
<br />
This week I shopped at Publix. Every week they have lots of BOGO free items and this time they had some good ones. I circled all the items I wanted and jumped on <a href="http://couponmom.com/" target="_blank">Couponmom</a> to search the database of all the Publix deals and the coupons that correspond. Again, this site is a huge time saver. <br />
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I also had some target coupons that I printed because my friend, Jennifer, told me that they accept competitors coupons and I was able to stack those with coupons I had. I got those items for just pennies!<br />
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**In total, I had $42.44 in coupons (Publix automatically doubles coupons up to $.50) and if I did not have a coupon for an item it was BOGO so it was half price. They also had good sales on several items I frequently buy (and I had coupons for them) so my 'special price savings' came up to $55.86.<br />
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In all I saved $98.30! I was able to get almost every item on my list at Publix and I got a deal on each item!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_61XtZl6Lo3MsNeCSUQ32ompjY7dRCXyBAZSCV8dtEy-13rzfiRtiTmjVl-n6m7QG7l2PWt38YjY3q-GOcOh6h54HrLWS_6lQtXch9D3tqB0v5hAI-DI_Tr_vHYmqXj578u2o-WWdq-d/s1600/SAM_6907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_61XtZl6Lo3MsNeCSUQ32ompjY7dRCXyBAZSCV8dtEy-13rzfiRtiTmjVl-n6m7QG7l2PWt38YjY3q-GOcOh6h54HrLWS_6lQtXch9D3tqB0v5hAI-DI_Tr_vHYmqXj578u2o-WWdq-d/s640/SAM_6907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Presto, indeed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugWhXKWRrrt0eZzaNWdlzNHbqd3W4pPPRjGQUEF6Cznv6GKiNyl3DgndqQIMhrZHRlx9NEDJR9slbK8Fj6GjV5lVRGE_pGkK9kJ3Mcj5XBVxNKxOI0BwuWV3dpm_EOJURC_c3x5RYldwN/s1600/SAM_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugWhXKWRrrt0eZzaNWdlzNHbqd3W4pPPRjGQUEF6Cznv6GKiNyl3DgndqQIMhrZHRlx9NEDJR9slbK8Fj6GjV5lVRGE_pGkK9kJ3Mcj5XBVxNKxOI0BwuWV3dpm_EOJURC_c3x5RYldwN/s640/SAM_6908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Also, if you spent $100 they gave you a $10 Publix gift card so I have that to put towards next weeks list. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every item I bought was<em><strong> an item we use</strong></em>. I did not buy any items that we would not use just because I was going to get it for dirt cheap. I don't have the storage room for that....yet. LOL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-76386368714671885072012-01-25T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:42:31.859-08:00Making the connection - A preschool storyI love my job! I love working with children! I work in the early morning drop off program (Rooster club), the after school lunch program (Lunch Bunch) and I sub frequently for the teachers. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a big kid at heart which is why this is such a perfect fit for me. <br />
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This year there has been one little girl who I frequently "butted heads" with. She has a lot of sass, which is fine by me because I have a lot of sass too, but I got this feeling that she did not like me very much. I cannot tell you how much this has bothered me! I get along with every child that goes to the preschool so I just didn't understand what was going on. I finally resigned myself to the fact that maybe we were never going to have a connection.<br />
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On Monday this week I worked the Lunch Bunch shift. We had a very small group and that little girl was there. We have a train table but I have been itching to spread out the track on the floor and see how big we can make it. I proposed the idea and the kids were all for it. So we dumped all the tracks and pieces on the floor and built a nifty train track. The kids had fun with it, especially the little girl. She loved it! It was cute to hear the "conversations" her train was having with the other trains. <br />
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It was time for the parents to pick them up but she did not want to leave. She wanted to keep playing with the trains. I promised her that we would built it again when she and I met up again at Lunch Bunch. Even with reassurance she was reluctant to leave. As she and her dad walked out she ran up to the window to see the track again. <br />
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<strong>The next day:</strong><br />
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I did not think much more about the track and trains until I saw her on the playground. I was subbing for the Pre-K class and the class she was in was outside at the same time. She saw me and ran over and gave me a HUGE hug! I could not believe it! I was in shock at first but I saw her beautiful smile beaming at me and I realized that we had finally made that connection. <br />
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I cannot tell you how happy that made me and how it taught me that for some it takes time and some wooden train tracks to make that connection.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-14594058294150699552012-01-23T15:17:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:10:18.505-08:00No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There we were, 4 p.m. and into our after school ritual. Leah had finished her homework and was in the middle of practicing her violin when a sudden meltdown crept up on us. She was having difficulty with one song and I guess it was enough to break the dam because the tears started falling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her frustration grew and she claimed that she never would practice again. She was ready for a play date but I told her that she knew the rules: homework has to be done and violin practiced. Oh Nelly! She did not want to hear that and she proceeded to fall to the floor and cry louder and louder. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, I learned long ago that raising my voice does nothing but cause her to get more upset so I kept a calm tone and explained that it was her choice if she had a play date. She knew the rules and time was ticking by. I picked up the broom and started sweeping the kitchen floor. Maybe it was the rhythmic sweeping of the broom or the cracking fire in the fireplace but Leah got quiet. And stayed quiet, which is odd. I peeked over at her in the family room and this is what I saw.......</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17pjSr_4Ufo4-0sZeZfD9MJZKbMbQI7yzBwo0eb30Cy2IDk7bsxmUnc1hwBMmo4AtNdpluOI7NILijsSP9WotN9pxxeolsLE42KLy0EqvjFULzI88uqiqW3oVxAwUJiQvrFzKK3PcNutH/s1600/SAM_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17pjSr_4Ufo4-0sZeZfD9MJZKbMbQI7yzBwo0eb30Cy2IDk7bsxmUnc1hwBMmo4AtNdpluOI7NILijsSP9WotN9pxxeolsLE42KLy0EqvjFULzI88uqiqW3oVxAwUJiQvrFzKK3PcNutH/s640/SAM_6735.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The child had fallen asleep with her legs propped up and her arms out to the side! I could not believe it! She never naps during the day! I was so amazed I called my friend up the street and she could not believe it either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, here is where my Mom alarm goes off. Was she getting sick? Did she faint from her frustration? Or could it be that she was so exhausted from her day that she just needed a cat nap? Turns out she was tired and all that crying had worn her out to the point that she literally passed out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She did not sleep very long but it was all her body needed to push through the rest of the day. She swears up and down that she did not fall asleep but I got proof. She giggled when I showed her the picture!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-76605688141012816662012-01-20T11:24:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:27:48.328-08:00Doing the Coupon Thing(takes a deep breath) I am going to do the coupon thing again. Just saying that gives me a feeling of being overwhelmed. What is it about couponing that seems impossible? Is it the sight of tiny coupons jammed into an organizer or is it watching Extreme Couponing that makes it seem so daunting?<br />
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I did the coupon thing once before but looking back I realized I was doing it all wrong which resulted in me giving up on the whole thing. Here are some things that I learned:<br />
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<ol><li><strong><em>Do not cut all the coupons and put them into a coupon organizer to keep in my purse.</em></strong> I am not doing this again because (1) it made things more confusing and (2) I like my small purse. I do not want to have to buy a bigger one for the sake of toting around coupons that end up expiring before I notice. </li>
<li><strong><em>Do not become obsessed with coupons and savings.</em></strong> Ok, that may sound weird, right? The point of using coupons is to save money so why would I not devote a huge chunk of time for it? Simple. I got burned out. I was so into it that I started to resent the time it took to scour the flyers and find the coupons. </li>
<li><strong><em>Do not expect gigantic savings right away or all the time.</em></strong> I <em>will</em> save money with coupons but that does not mean I am going to cut my grocery bill in half right away. Nor does it mean I am going to have huge savings every time I buy groceries. Some weeks will be awesome and some weeks will be so so. </li>
</ol>This time around I am taking a more laid back approach to couponing. I am starting slowly, being more organized and not eating, breathing, sleeping coupons. I want to succeed in saving money and I want to prove to myself that I can do it and stay sane. So here is my plan of attack this time around:<br />
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<ul><li>Ok, so instead of clipping the coupons and keeping them in an organizer I am keeping the coupon flyers in a three ring binder. As soon as I get them I punch the holes and put it right in. The oldest on top, the newest at the bottom - this way I can make sure that the ones about to expire get seen first.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQIHZ2lmds_kkrYBwJpigfpvTBHtFZaqMrNO76X-Prq1H4VlUeVmxoN-SSlNZUCFPwnWGIe6i5pimzViwinjlS_-BZcc_GMYS5aedqWajXCf74QeDGxraf9Ii2TJuRltyvMAtsuElXBYo/s1600/SAM_6693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQIHZ2lmds_kkrYBwJpigfpvTBHtFZaqMrNO76X-Prq1H4VlUeVmxoN-SSlNZUCFPwnWGIe6i5pimzViwinjlS_-BZcc_GMYS5aedqWajXCf74QeDGxraf9Ii2TJuRltyvMAtsuElXBYo/s320/SAM_6693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Using the binder also keeps them from just falling apart. I can just flip through easily.</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09f2CH-0zafGCniYLHgxFFxlZrQ4fqJBwJYb3Uls2VZUfnjpZzsO6WVpXMq7B4tJbmsOXYHmAtBVTAjKGa52HF7HSYvK-EvFWtLpWokjYv1wUkQI612AGMCWEmVvlAn7PjzZ49IJJogMt/s1600/SAM_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09f2CH-0zafGCniYLHgxFFxlZrQ4fqJBwJYb3Uls2VZUfnjpZzsO6WVpXMq7B4tJbmsOXYHmAtBVTAjKGa52HF7HSYvK-EvFWtLpWokjYv1wUkQI612AGMCWEmVvlAn7PjzZ49IJJogMt/s320/SAM_6698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>I write the date that I recieved the flyer at the top. Why do I do this? I use <a href="http://couponmom.com/" target="_blank">CouponMom</a> to help find the deals at the stores I shop the most. Each item listed will have the flyer name and date so you can easily find the coupon. A time saver! </li>
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<a href="http://couponmom.com/" target="_blank">CouponMom</a> is a great site for those wanting to start couponing! Just be warned that if you sign up for the emails you will get bombarded. Some folks might be ok with that but it stressed me out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcSGLBSybTRUj1JfojRq-O8Gr0c04B_9M4dEeHT7sOQeOwqb39x5hc_pCq_2KL4lYv5Y2XkPEdgRGw3PtD5YdudY4oWGUcaV21fMo8T7erMcFA9-MjVIZH7x3ZHB9oBNPX8STxLTwzVVW/s1600/SAM_6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcSGLBSybTRUj1JfojRq-O8Gr0c04B_9M4dEeHT7sOQeOwqb39x5hc_pCq_2KL4lYv5Y2XkPEdgRGw3PtD5YdudY4oWGUcaV21fMo8T7erMcFA9-MjVIZH7x3ZHB9oBNPX8STxLTwzVVW/s320/SAM_6696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Now that I'm organized I can go through the store flyers, circle items we use, go to <a href="http://couponmom/" target="_blank">CouponMom</a> and check the stores I shop for their weekly deals and what coupons to use. </li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvupX3yduf1NkUMVY2f-WJA8PUDrVFoGQRJiCxLTvhPpftZeVd4cukZGON5kT1WnX2qu57F4Cn7SRevWQcW6WhKa7Jd9ZmfEC4h5eKpodq_9p7hIEmHrm-3Qtbszfs-fMXkbNoMQ8rgzW3/s1600/SAM_6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvupX3yduf1NkUMVY2f-WJA8PUDrVFoGQRJiCxLTvhPpftZeVd4cukZGON5kT1WnX2qu57F4Cn7SRevWQcW6WhKa7Jd9ZmfEC4h5eKpodq_9p7hIEmHrm-3Qtbszfs-fMXkbNoMQ8rgzW3/s320/SAM_6694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That seems simple enough, right? Like I said before I am taking things slow this time. Once I get a good rhythm then I'll venture into other areas of couponing. Who knows maybe you'll see me on Extreme Couponing one day. Ha!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-77790173146513411802012-01-11T13:21:00.000-08:002012-01-11T13:22:32.674-08:00Wash. Dry. Fold.<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I was looking for an easy way to "decorate" my laundry room (aka laundry closet). There is very little space but I was tired of the same 'blah' look. I decided to have the words Wash Dry Fold up on the walls. Here is what I did to add a bit of personality:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>1.</strong> I used thick cardboard coasters (I found them at Michael's craft store) to put the letters on. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Jxz307Qy0Jc_Bi4j57zEmbZHixPq0rMOjWjcgwzJMq1teMkHkMD6FLEzKN2gHWdCItm1JbdNhRreUgYLOLdowvMU7aVsKpPs-LLnxcvp7jw04u2XVWhLDC3fUZDFKqk9wbTLA5gskmv/s1600/SAM_6633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Jxz307Qy0Jc_Bi4j57zEmbZHixPq0rMOjWjcgwzJMq1teMkHkMD6FLEzKN2gHWdCItm1JbdNhRreUgYLOLdowvMU7aVsKpPs-LLnxcvp7jw04u2XVWhLDC3fUZDFKqk9wbTLA5gskmv/s320/SAM_6633.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>2.</strong> Using my daughter's brown Crayola paint, I painted the sides of the coasters.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcy6iwi_oIddXxemefT3n-kq-2vpvZpmTQmUeWqdYkRx9n37RwrsTB_1AWhXFRtWY9gyQ4vrXM8y25w9T4riFHV-r1sYlgQNMgisWhJf_lujlhSaGGpfsKXIzGMspQpunC7LWmA_dBG1C/s1600/SAM_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcy6iwi_oIddXxemefT3n-kq-2vpvZpmTQmUeWqdYkRx9n37RwrsTB_1AWhXFRtWY9gyQ4vrXM8y25w9T4riFHV-r1sYlgQNMgisWhJf_lujlhSaGGpfsKXIzGMspQpunC7LWmA_dBG1C/s320/SAM_6630.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>3.</strong> At Micheal's I found a big pack of while cardboard letters for only $1.99. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbcOmaFqsb9vLFOGx80dT5VISLik5bASH1cQ_cVdiUn-qaXbHPbeb2B7FctwnRpoYKY4gaepvTL6aT2vF8zDYMWItbLJ_zXiUlSbC6k3IBNn9FyfL9vyji3BebLZlD3jViNDSbftLuh73/s1600/SAM_6634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbcOmaFqsb9vLFOGx80dT5VISLik5bASH1cQ_cVdiUn-qaXbHPbeb2B7FctwnRpoYKY4gaepvTL6aT2vF8zDYMWItbLJ_zXiUlSbC6k3IBNn9FyfL9vyji3BebLZlD3jViNDSbftLuh73/s320/SAM_6634.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>4.</strong> Using the technique from my other project, </span><a href="http://pinkandpeace.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-first-diy-wall-decoration-idea-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">click here to see</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, I picked out scrapbook paper and glued a piece to each square. After they were dried I used my X-acto knife and trimmed the edges. I used Distress Ink on the edges of the paper too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">**To keep the letters flush with each other I cut a strip of thin cardboard and hot glued it to the back of each word. This keeps them from separating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I glued each letter on with plain Elmer's glue and let that dry.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzNdspcbjX4pA8nPlq8dx9BmEddKyEOrY25mPox0LuJmBksd5_43w7Whwh77dkbI5D7NEFgOhwYgTrua9sENFvX7VoINcBrPaJ2xey0yAtsMEun4TLPD9td48UAUljHbFCHMdciPhtTA1/s1600/SAM_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzNdspcbjX4pA8nPlq8dx9BmEddKyEOrY25mPox0LuJmBksd5_43w7Whwh77dkbI5D7NEFgOhwYgTrua9sENFvX7VoINcBrPaJ2xey0yAtsMEun4TLPD9td48UAUljHbFCHMdciPhtTA1/s320/SAM_6620.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>5.</strong> Since the laundry closet tends to get a bit humid at times, I brushed on a coat of Mod Podge. I used the Matte Mod Podge because I did not want a shiny reflection.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0bE2PyDsqJtRDH-bYwMEtBUq3a3p4B7Wk-zrm-ElHPWzALGAaG1I1HC1FrF2z2yvvFwJh_-QWZsTbuJps6vaLyH9gsOWqmY8bMzUwyxWZmiRiUyzHZt9z4nEj8GPoSbIzCTb4rTPel54/s1600/SAM_6622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0bE2PyDsqJtRDH-bYwMEtBUq3a3p4B7Wk-zrm-ElHPWzALGAaG1I1HC1FrF2z2yvvFwJh_-QWZsTbuJps6vaLyH9gsOWqmY8bMzUwyxWZmiRiUyzHZt9z4nEj8GPoSbIzCTb4rTPel54/s320/SAM_6622.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>6.</strong> After the Mod Podge dried I used 3M velcro command strips to mount them on the wall. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWgDYQsJSyk8eAka4-C9INNCJxs5VV1kExYxM5ZSD2O6yeCisK0WiAPP16NMf6ISqQFZFrQzSfkTUasdpMRqCvDXxilJkO6ZGXSg0euWjMIRKLA5hJASf0YuQQM0wLA0Uy2sAUMFgJ8U7/s1600/SAM_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWgDYQsJSyk8eAka4-C9INNCJxs5VV1kExYxM5ZSD2O6yeCisK0WiAPP16NMf6ISqQFZFrQzSfkTUasdpMRqCvDXxilJkO6ZGXSg0euWjMIRKLA5hJASf0YuQQM0wLA0Uy2sAUMFgJ8U7/s320/SAM_6625.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Ta da!</span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-80506798860782691062012-01-09T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-09T15:10:33.849-08:00Another take on my earlier craft<span style="font-size: large;">I love the concept of using 12x12 pieces of thin wood and paring it with scrapbook paper. So easy yet so many options for decorating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took that same concept and made a piece for the foyer entrance:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wood was left over from my dining room project. I found (with help) paper from my stash. I bought the wooden E at Michaels for $3 and painted it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Easy, peasy.</span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-78839096773254998062012-01-05T08:39:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:27:22.767-08:00My first DIY wall decoration (idea from Pinterest)<span style="font-size: large;">First of all let me say that I am addicted to </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest!</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> There are so many fabulous ideas! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, here is my step-by-step process to making these awesome yet very inexpensive wall decor:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1.</strong> I went to Lowe's and found a thin piece of board (shelving board) and had them cut it into 12x12 pieces. This was the exact size to get 8 pieces. (I only used 6 for this project)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2</strong>. Then I picked out 6 sheets of scrapbooking paper that I wanted to use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>3.</strong> I took a piece of sand paper and smoothed all four sides of each square.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4.</strong> I then painted the edges of the boards. As you can see I am using some of my daughters Crayola paint so don't think you have to go out and buy expensive paint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>5.</strong> After the edges dried I took some watered down glue and then coated the side where the paper would be going. Make sure you have a good coat on there. It helps to prevent air bubbles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6.</strong> After you get your paper on, immediately place a weight on top of it. I used my thick packs of scrapbook paper and random other things that completely covered the surface and pressed it down good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After 5 minutes you can take the weight off and them let them air dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After they were dry I took an X-Acto knife and trimmed off any paper that was over hanging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>7.</strong> I used Distress Ink to smudge the edges of the paper. This softens the edges and gives them that cool vintage look.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>8.</strong> Time to hang them! I used the 3M velcro picture hanging strips so that they would be not completely flush with the wall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I love the distressed look!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only two things I paid for was the wood and the distress ink. Only $15 for this entire project!!</span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-12143494793950547072011-12-07T05:20:00.001-08:002011-12-07T06:03:35.247-08:00Here's Charlie!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love, love, love Christmas time and having a little one helps to make this time magical again just like when I was a kid! Like many families we have a very special elf sent from Santa to keep tabs on Leah during the month. This tradition is just as fun for me as it is her!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meet Charlie:</span></u></div>
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He's been finding places to hang out all over the house. So far he has been a good elf but I have a feeling he is going to get more creative (aka messy). <br />
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So far he has been spotted in these places:<br />
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Above the kitchen window.</div>
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In Leah's room on her decorations.</div>
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For some reason I could not get this picture to rotate! Frustrating but just cock </div>
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your head to the side and the problem is solved.</div>
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He TP'd her bathroom and left her a new shirt to wear to school.</div>
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Chillin' on the wreath.</div>
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He made himself a swing out of a candy cane and was swinging in the kitchen.</div>
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Charming Barbie with his mad driving skills.</div>
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Riding an American Girl pet in the China cabinet.</div>
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He had a craving for Nilla Wafers. </div>
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Fun, fun, fun! I love this tradition!<br />
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-84107668866450474662011-11-06T12:46:00.000-08:002011-11-07T03:09:49.722-08:00Summer at a GlanceOk, so I really thought I would be better at this blogging thing but apparently I'm not. Time goes by too quickly and I never have time to sit down and 'chat' about the going ons of my life. So to feel caught up I am doing a quick review of summer:<br />
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<b> Karate kid - Baby girl took a karate class.</b><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5070.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5070.jpg" /></a><br />
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<strong>I am a super warrior!</strong><br />
<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5072.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5072.jpg" /></a><br />
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<strong>What did you say to me?</strong><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5071.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5071.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! So long 1st grade!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5221.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5221.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Playing Papparazzi with mommy stalking me!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5277.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5277.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5280.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5280.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5292.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5292.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Pool time at The Bright's House!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5361.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5361.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5368.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5368.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>On the farm at Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5433-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5433-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5446.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5446.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5442.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5442.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Visiting friends in NC!</b><br />
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<b><i>Leah would have taken the baby home if we had said yes. LOL!</i><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5463.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5463.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5466.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5466.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5475.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5475.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>At Nana and Poppy's house!</b><br />
<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5548.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5548.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>First day of 2nd grade!</b><br />
<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/?action=view&current=SAM_5574.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/SAM_5574.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lots of traveling, swimming, hanging out with friends............a great summer!<br />
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Ciao!<br />
<i></i>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-69458294449801192272011-08-20T07:13:00.000-07:002011-08-20T07:15:08.174-07:00I miss my mommy!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope that Leah always adores and cherishes me the way I do my mom. Being around my mom brings such comfort and love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This summer Leah and I stayed a week with my parents. They have a beautiful farm in North Carolina and it was such a relaxing week. Leah was able to spend lots of time with her cousins and I was able to enjoy the company of my parents as well as catch up with friends and family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was hard to leave after that week but I'm planning on Leah and I going back up in October. Here are some pictures of our lovely week on the farm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My parents have blackberry and grape vines that are just beautiful! </span><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5434.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5434.jpg" /></a><br />
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Leah has so much fun helping to pick blackberries!<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5441.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5441.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5443.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5443.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Leah and her cousin, Abby, are two peas in a pod! They had so much fun hanging out. <br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5454.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5454.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5456.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5456.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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*There were beetles flying all around the vines and Leah and I would scream out every time one would whiz by us. My mom got a good laugh watching us freak out!<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5433-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5433-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5439-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5439-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=SAM_5429-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/SAM_5429-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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My parents have cows, pigs and chickens on their farm. Leah enjoyed feeding them and helping Mawmaw collect the eggs from the hen house every day.<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-04_18-37-37_930.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-04_18-37-37_930.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-06_14-28-11_683.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-06_14-28-11_683.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Leah and her cousins Abby and Hannah.<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-05_09-05-23_753.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-05_09-05-23_753.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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The scenery was incredible!<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-05_10-20-56_456.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-05_10-20-56_456.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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One of the highlights......driving Pawpaw's tractor!<br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-07_15-08-29_453.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-07_15-08-29_453.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/?action=view&current=2011-07-07_15-09-15_975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f33/momtoleah/blog/2011-07-07_15-09-15_975.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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We can't wait to go back!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-44746015325095415632011-08-16T15:47:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:47:02.215-07:00First day of school/Room Mom again<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I knew that I would end up signing up to be room mom. There was no way I could pass by that piece of paper and not put my name on it which means this will be another busy but fun year. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My daughter is in the second grade this year. She is so excited and I am so nervous! What is homework going to be like this year? Are her new classmates nice or is there a mean one in there? (long story from last year which I'm sure I'll get around the telling) What is her teacher going to be like in the classroom?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You get the idea. Leah's worries consist of what cool outfit will she wear each morning and what I am making for breakfast. At least one of us is calm and collected. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First day pictures!</span></strong><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Me and my sweet girl.</span></strong></div><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think she is excited. What do you think?</span></strong></center><strong><center><br />
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</tbody></table></center><center> </center><center> </center><div align="left">I will end this post with one of Leah's great one liners: "Mom, I may not wave at you from the bus because I need a break from you." LOL!</div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750275535904720315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835931409364098558.post-76824145380769636042011-08-09T11:02:00.000-07:002011-08-09T11:06:57.574-07:00Issues with old blogHere I am with another blog. I can't seem to get access to my other blog so...ta da!.....here is my new one. Posts to come soon. Just have to get organized again.
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<br />Peace.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0