tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197540727027050332024-03-08T03:33:48.339-08:00One Busy Lady and Six Great KidsLiving frugally, loving much, laughing often, and discovering that life can be good again despite widowhood...Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-66829817285061107052014-02-11T14:40:00.004-08:002014-02-11T21:33:39.948-08:00Dresser Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUtPZJUAVmPEqIexvTwNvOOWfH-tqrRx945nDcVBYOy65L9Id1uYwSAEv4TiqAGpCEa2rog5tmG2IuxTdT4rSJOPiWzxWvfI-TrPzLVQBI-3gUS7OWeoBREPUYTJiNioMGrsi5F2U29O3/s1600/painted+black+dresser+with+white+numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUtPZJUAVmPEqIexvTwNvOOWfH-tqrRx945nDcVBYOy65L9Id1uYwSAEv4TiqAGpCEa2rog5tmG2IuxTdT4rSJOPiWzxWvfI-TrPzLVQBI-3gUS7OWeoBREPUYTJiNioMGrsi5F2U29O3/s1600/painted+black+dresser+with+white+numbers.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I've had a dresser sitting on my back porch for the last few months. I was itching to paint it, but wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do, and to be honest, I'm not very experienced with furniture refinishing.<span style="color: orange;"> </span><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/01/pottery-barn-black.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">(You can see my last experiment here.)</span></a><br />
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And I didn't have a lot of money to spend on it.<br />
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And the person who gave it to me dropped it out of the back of his truck when he drove it over, and broke a few of the drawers. Seriously. What is it with men who don't think they need to tie things down? <br />
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My late husband lost an antique piano out of the back of his truck once. He looked in the rear view mirror and saw it sliding, upside down, behind him on the freeway. This was 23 years ago. Some things just don't get forgotten.<br />
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With that said, I think it turned out well, and it was EASY.<br />
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SUPPLIES:<br />
2 cans Rust-oleum Ultra Cover Flat Black Primer spray paint<br />
2 cans Rust-oleum Satin Black spray paint<br />
220 grit sandpaper<br />
Sanding sponge<br />
Howard - Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax (Walnut)<br />
2 junk rags (one for application and one to remove)<br />
Jute cording from Hobby Lobby<br />
Newspapers or drop cloth to protect the ground<br />
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Here's the mess of a dresser. I started taking out drawers before I remembered to grab the camera, and I was too lazy to put them back in for a picture. When I get started on a project, I really dislike having to back up and undo what I've done. I'm always a little afraid I'll put it all off and decide to start again another day.<br />
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Lots of broken drawer pulls on this beast, and after pricing hardware, I decided I needed to come up with a different option.<br />
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I gave the whole thing a light sanding with a directional sander and a little foam sanding block, then hit it with black primer spray paint.<br />
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Once it was well covered, I painted again with two coats of Rust-Oleum black satin spray paint. Then I roughed up the edges with a small piece of sand paper. I also lightly sanded the front of the dresser. This step made me nervous, because it left little scratch marks in the finish. It worked out, though, by the time I was done.<br />
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This is where it got fun. I found a font I liked, and blew up the numbers to the size I wanted, and printed it on some old scratch paper. Then I used the side of a piece of chalk to cover the back side of the image I wanted to transfer. <br />
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Then I positioned the image where I wanted it, and traced it with a pencil.<br />
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Wa-lah!<br />
Then I painted in the number with a white acrylic paint from the craft store. It took two coats and looked pretty splotchy, but I didn't worry about it since I was going to sand it anyway.<br />
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Once it was dry, I sanded lightly, again going with the grain of wood. I wiped off the chalk and paint dust with a damp rag.<br />
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Once everything was painted, I waxed it with Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax. This was important, as it reduced the milky looking sanding marks all over the piece, lightly stained the exposed wood to a rich brown, and gave the whole piece a glowing, rich look.<br />
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I had plans for a heavier rope drawer pull, but couldn't find what I wanted. I ended up using this twine instead, and like it. Tied a knot, threaded it through the holes, and tied the other end. Cheap. Done. Kind of old fashioned.<br />
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A couple of months ago, I visited Quiltique in Las Vegas, and fell in love with a gorgeous quilt on the wall. It was beautifully done, and I spent forever trying to find fabrics that somewhat matched the ones used. One of the fabrics had a solid background with a white alphabet on it. It was a little old fashioned looking, and it pretty much was the inspiration for this dresser.<br />
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On a side note, after I finished the dresser and posted pictures on Facebook (and confessed to the quilt envy inspiration), I found out that a friend of mine MADE that display quilt. I had to laugh. I drove 500 miles, visited several quilt shops that I've never been to before, saw dozens of gorgeous quilts on display, and hers was the one that caught my eye.<br />
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<a href="http://www.enchanteddesertquilter.com/index.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tami's quilt..." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHwf55huqSpuOdmVAZT5bT_4cLFhqNpbWgL51wltfwXVfeC3t4LjYl8GOrIT2fqZ5oAVdvqSjeKDwqdh6aZYMjbiO4cOr_GjKpKrXbosPfwd0dNSumrx0uZYHr7vX9-Qhb-x9tdmz7m4d/s1600/Tamis+Quilt.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Tami's quilt...Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-60156690425979683882013-11-11T10:07:00.000-08:002013-11-11T10:17:19.297-08:00The Shop at Pooh Corner<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I met Francesca on Etsy, and </span><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://babygiveaways.blogspot.com/2013/08/featured-seller-erin-from-this-ones.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">she featured me on her blog</span></a> </span>a few months ago.<span style="color: #333333;"> Pretty nifty, eh?! It was my first feature ever, and I felt pretty special. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Francesca's blog is a fun mix of insights on motherhood, give-aways, recipes, money saving tips, and more. It's named after a beautiful poem by William Ross Wallace,</span><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://babygiveaways.blogspot.com/p/title-poem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"> "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Hand That Rules the World"</span></a>.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"> I fell in love with that poem. I'd heard it before, but never read it in full.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I asked Francesca if she'd share a little about herself and her Etsy store, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShopatPoohCorner" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Shop at Pooh Corner</span></a><span style="color: #333333;">...and f</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;">or those of you with kids, keep your eyes open for her puzzle, soon to be published in Hilights Magazine!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.984375px;"><i>I decided to open a shop selling vintage items after hosting a giveaway on my blog for another children's vintage shop. I thought, "I can do that!" since I love thrift store shopping and I'm not very crafty.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116402826/vintage-alvin-and-the-chipmunks-doll?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittefRHcrAJ-TikN8s8BXSeoJspifP9XQUQPQZjtx54fV3MClSV1iK-SPTCeEu0Lr8bxK6UPFdx6ULjLKCypkZZwqIGvqWp-NjgCZvz5_syiL09v-8LIZ8n7aH5w5uvNoSmE2MYvHToUt8/s320/il_570xN.477557074_dfu7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.984375px;"><i>I also wanted to sell paper crafts, since my mother-in-law got me a Cricut and I've always loved working with paper. So I make confetti and gift tags, too, which is more the focus of my shop since we no longer have two cars and I can't go vintage shopping as much.</i></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The name of my shop is a play on the second Winnie-the-Pooh book by A. A. Milne: "The House at Pooh Corner." I chose it because Classic Pooh represents imagination innocence childhood, and a past era - all of which I hope you find in my shop.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Unfortunately I will be closing my shop after Valentine's Day to focus on my kids (I just had a baby!) and writing. Perhaps some day I will return to Etsy!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thanks, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Francesca</i></span><br />
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<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-8731462016251295852013-10-25T23:03:00.001-07:002013-11-18T21:16:14.591-08:00Apple Turnover Knit Sweater Design<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">I met Trudy on ETSY. She needed apple buttons for a children's sweater she was designing, and had ordered </span><span style="color: orange;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164993025/set-of-10-country-apple-sewing-buttons?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">some of mine</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">. I had no idea at the time that she was such an amazingly talented knitter. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333;">This is a sneak peek at Trudy's latest design, </span>Apple Turnover. You can find her pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/apple-turnover" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>, at Raverlry.<span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I think I'm in love. I need to learn how to knit, just so I can make this. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Really.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;">See those buttons? Yep, I made them. Pretty exciting, huh?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;">I was so excited when she sent me the picture, I had to call all my kids in to look at it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;">I asked Trudy if she'd share some information about herself, how she got started in knitting and designing, and a few tips for those of us (ahem...yes, me) who might need a few words of encouragement before taking the plunge into knitting. She was sweet enough to say yes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Without further ado...here's Trudy! =]</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, the artsy type who loved to draw and write stories, and wound up majoring in music.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">During my freshman year of college, I saw a classmate knitting scarves. I thought it was bizarre yet fascinating. I had a lighter class load my junior year, and despite a lifelong</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> lukewarm feeling towards crafts of any stripe, I inexplicably felt drawn to knitting.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLJLkWeb-TdW1D5bacLIwIhKd63qwJPtZBE0asrgRKAOEvGpFA1-J8ml-k8eMfFuPPo83qwIcBEwnW2PWAX-_QzKsxdxhO9ydCAmUiwaOl1rZiQ01oA4USIUekCLswckt5EVYgdeIUUEx/s1600/Apple+Turnover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLJLkWeb-TdW1D5bacLIwIhKd63qwJPtZBE0asrgRKAOEvGpFA1-J8ml-k8eMfFuPPo83qwIcBEwnW2PWAX-_QzKsxdxhO9ydCAmUiwaOl1rZiQ01oA4USIUekCLswckt5EVYgdeIUUEx/s320/Apple+Turnover+2.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>I picked up a beginner's book and taught myself. I thought it would be a passing thing, but it stuck immediately! I made five scarves, followed by a pair of sweatpants, a coat, and a sweater, as I knit off an on over the next three years.</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XuQXua1kICA_q0CH8uSlhk4LZNy_92zIBYBomu4vaVZvKBwLVnsJh3bdCRCFdZrBohhwGKHINe8Z3BmfDno_pt8xDLxoHNmcS5gZw00KW9bODi-whkASOtF0K_ahTlUrJysI_1xajpAC/s1600/Apple+Turnover+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XuQXua1kICA_q0CH8uSlhk4LZNy_92zIBYBomu4vaVZvKBwLVnsJh3bdCRCFdZrBohhwGKHINe8Z3BmfDno_pt8xDLxoHNmcS5gZw00KW9bODi-whkASOtF0K_ahTlUrJysI_1xajpAC/s320/Apple+Turnover+3.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>A cross-country move inspired me to start a knitting group in Albuquerque, and the wonderful friends I made there encouraged me to try new things. Kim, aka "The Sock Lady", taught me to knit socks, and I fell in love with sock knitting!</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4N-5mkjQ92BjhOBUj73ywG6kDkgmwjTIGYIRkIXbV_EwIxXnTZhNGfZXDK4zKsLIw67DMb5-kG6upNj_7TWqopEImyY8p77Hv8GoG2loA7GR772EjCbWkw-qcpmrQjGVRxWzkJVYm2Zy/s1600/socks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4N-5mkjQ92BjhOBUj73ywG6kDkgmwjTIGYIRkIXbV_EwIxXnTZhNGfZXDK4zKsLIw67DMb5-kG6upNj_7TWqopEImyY8p77Hv8GoG2loA7GR772EjCbWkw-qcpmrQjGVRxWzkJVYm2Zy/s320/socks+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">My fiance's job began taking us all over the Midwest, and I had to quit teaching music for a while. I began knitting like a woman obsessed! I also began designing, and released </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/parfait-girl" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">my first three designs</span></a><span style="color: #333333;"> on Ravelry at this time.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN9Qgww3zKXpR1oV7uFzWfkJCYcnwSPWOR-EF_SDnkBlLZAaXfUR2prqck0IPrVd1Yf9EkkNgGfIYcAAM0xmkNuiBSCaInsHjX-OlL7cJ1jMlPZL5bnuJk9CK3wXuA4ctf-44N-RqwiyI/s1600/Apple+Turnover+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN9Qgww3zKXpR1oV7uFzWfkJCYcnwSPWOR-EF_SDnkBlLZAaXfUR2prqck0IPrVd1Yf9EkkNgGfIYcAAM0xmkNuiBSCaInsHjX-OlL7cJ1jMlPZL5bnuJk9CK3wXuA4ctf-44N-RqwiyI/s320/Apple+Turnover+1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">After becoming a mother in 2010, my children have been a source of constant inspiration for me. I began to get serious about designing in the past year, and have many designs in the works right now. What</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> inspires my designs most are nature, the seasons, my children, and mythological figures. I have many future designs I'm planning based on gods and goddesses from Greek, Roman, and Celtic traditions.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5401Y6oxIw1jVYJmo6BUUIlIhgwsqfezdSWEyhWyEV5k6s4Cp1n3dXxo7YuIyEpex6UbE2uz-pF8jX521ZVnmlrp2DQ9IoMBYeTChyphenhyphenCnwwTPBPcjl2yhh70kOiPFBzBX8mOSamTqK7w7h/s1600/Apple+Turnover+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5401Y6oxIw1jVYJmo6BUUIlIhgwsqfezdSWEyhWyEV5k6s4Cp1n3dXxo7YuIyEpex6UbE2uz-pF8jX521ZVnmlrp2DQ9IoMBYeTChyphenhyphenCnwwTPBPcjl2yhh70kOiPFBzBX8mOSamTqK7w7h/s320/Apple+Turnover+9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">This latest release,</span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/apple-turnover" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"> Apple Turnover</span></a></i><span style="color: #333333;"><i>, is the second in my Just Desserts series, a collection of whimsically dessert-themed garments for babies and children from 6 months to 6 years of age. Apple Turnover is a reversible, double knit coat with A-line shaping. The pattern comes with many tips and links to tutorials, as well as basic tips for making it a one-sided coat without double knitting, if you're not quite ready for that yet</i>.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfkfdNipRGxobBo7uwsSrAGJ3rvx-uKiqcTvqQphYgs5Vczn9Df2CMRGMtge2xXK1BKr4UdPk_m2PFSs6tEl4Oie4xjs5vM9PXVdVQ_vnTunPnHOo9JY4GUajpVb0RYfcq6to-IwPi10h/s1600/Apple+Turnover+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfkfdNipRGxobBo7uwsSrAGJ3rvx-uKiqcTvqQphYgs5Vczn9Df2CMRGMtge2xXK1BKr4UdPk_m2PFSs6tEl4Oie4xjs5vM9PXVdVQ_vnTunPnHOo9JY4GUajpVb0RYfcq6to-IwPi10h/s320/Apple+Turnover+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Being a self-employed private music teacher and a hopeful future home schooler, teaching and encouraging new knitter is something I love.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>My best advice for those of you just beginning is to jump in with both feet and try the myriad of resources available to us in the Information Age. Be intimidated by nothing. No one is going to die if you mess up your knitting! I made plenty of mistakes when I first began. In fact, my very first practice swatch earned the name "Circular Rhombus".</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">The wonderful thing about knitting is that it's always one stitch at a time, and every single one gets easier.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>Happy knitting!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><i>- Trudy</i></span></span></div>
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Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-90870043576733742362013-03-05T23:18:00.003-08:002013-04-27T18:26:03.433-07:00When You Think Things are Bad, Focus on Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been feeling sorry for myself lately. </div>
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You know, when you get sick and feel awful, </div>
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then suddenly everything gets to you....that kind of sorry.</div>
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I've been grouchy.</div>
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Cuss words grouchy.</div>
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It hasn't been a pretty sight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft4RJYiMDhR6jFL3i9tZphBhMJNcz83CVQdBle8v0OuGJo_xkdUYAnSnwMSbxLngQrbynMU0-L_K3M0BwBK4IvvRdH29eupQ29xQPtszc8wG1INf_CsR1XuJONdWt0qXUb9dsjurOKKR6/s1600/When-you-think-things-are-bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft4RJYiMDhR6jFL3i9tZphBhMJNcz83CVQdBle8v0OuGJo_xkdUYAnSnwMSbxLngQrbynMU0-L_K3M0BwBK4IvvRdH29eupQ29xQPtszc8wG1INf_CsR1XuJONdWt0qXUb9dsjurOKKR6/s320/When-you-think-things-are-bad.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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I feel like I'm being pulled in a dozen different directions. </div>
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I'm a full time nursing student, a single mom, the only driver in the household, and so, so tired...</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/lift-up-your-head-princessfinding-fun.html" target=""><span style="color: orange;">I remember when I first became a widow</span></a>, </span></i></div>
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I got through the days by thinking of all the people that had things worse than I did.</div>
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It probably wasn't the most positive way to deal, </div>
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but it <span style="font-size: large;"><i>helped me to feel grateful</i></span> for my circumstances, such as they were. </div>
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It worked then.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I needed a dose of that today.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I got it tonight</span></i>, in reverse.</div>
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My 15 year old daughter said her prayers with me.</div>
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It was a good, healthy reminder of what I have that's going right...and it put things in perspective.</div>
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I have <i><span style="font-size: large;">so many blessings</span></i>, and I have been focusing on the negative </div>
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to the point that I have dismissed the positive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZSVXX28krbWDtAEnC1dWYdJIjWtC4LRykYeX684LafAZKw6QGk4tJdmP2qn3lgsFmmIV5niSM0DjLlySBHquwxowwhzqa488N1JwxatoT91kCvTo_9fLSzMmZ2irlxFvZlj-Vp4SLkS7/s1600/happiness+is+an+attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZSVXX28krbWDtAEnC1dWYdJIjWtC4LRykYeX684LafAZKw6QGk4tJdmP2qn3lgsFmmIV5niSM0DjLlySBHquwxowwhzqa488N1JwxatoT91kCvTo_9fLSzMmZ2irlxFvZlj-Vp4SLkS7/s320/happiness+is+an+attitude.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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It was a bit humbling to realize.</div>
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I cried.</div>
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In the grand scheme of things, our families are what are important.</div>
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The things we teach our children are important.</div>
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The time we spend with them is important.</div>
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And our attitudes are important...</div>
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Here's hoping that we all can see things just a little bit differently. </div>
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With gratitude.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-34056413827036387702013-03-01T21:58:00.000-08:002013-03-05T23:40:05.414-08:00Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
I made these today and they were FANTASTIC. If you like Starbuck's Pumpkin Scones, you will love this recipe.</div>
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Truth be told, these are so easy, my kids make them without me. </div>
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Another truth. I ate three of them by myself. </div>
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They're dangerous.</div>
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You've been warned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMUg6j-kv7fgRtzyNwJW7OqocN0Rk1wjiOJo9xwCUKgtIvVglZ5k3RgAARrhpWj1DrMV9DaPGBkhlYGrPjx5EQF4A1PwqcVyoJqfzGOJnSH2kiWY0QIvPwwACC2DeCSLdBFFKIQqRglXT/s1600/Homemade+pumpkin+scones+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMUg6j-kv7fgRtzyNwJW7OqocN0Rk1wjiOJo9xwCUKgtIvVglZ5k3RgAARrhpWj1DrMV9DaPGBkhlYGrPjx5EQF4A1PwqcVyoJqfzGOJnSH2kiWY0QIvPwwACC2DeCSLdBFFKIQqRglXT/s400/Homemade+pumpkin+scones+recipe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starbucks Pumpkin Scones</span><br />
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/Starbucks-Pumpkin-Scones-214051" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Food.com</span></a></div>
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SCONES:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
7 tablespoons sugar <br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">1 tablespoon baking powder <br /> 1/2 teaspoon salt <br /> 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br /> 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br /> 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves <br /> 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger <br /> 6 tablespoons cold butter <br /> 1/2 cup canned pumpkin <br /> 3 tablespoons half-and-half (I used evaporated milk, because I had it, but non-fat milk works fine)<br /> 1 large egg<br /><br /> POWDERED SUGAR GLAZE (painted on)<br /> 1 cup powdered sugar <br /> 1 tablespoon powdered sugar <br /> 2 tablespoons whole milk (I used evaporated milk)<br /><br /> SPICED GLAZE (the drizzle)<br /> 1 cup powdered sugar <br /> 3 tablespoons powdered sugar<br /> 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br /> 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br /> 1 pinch ginger <br /> 1 pinch ground cloves </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Orange food coloring if you want the darker, pumpkin-y color </span></div>
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.</div>
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Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.<br />
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In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half or canned milk, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.<br />
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Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. <br />
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Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 14-16 minutes. Scones should be a light brown. Cool on wire rack.<br />
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PLAIN GLAZE:</div>
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Mix powdered sugar and 2 T canned milk til smooth. When scones cool, brush on glaze to cover tops and sides.<br />
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SPICED ICING:</div>
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This gives your scones a little extra kick, and looks neat, so don't leave it out.</div>
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Combine all ingredients for spiced glaze. Add orange food coloring, a tiny bit at a time, til you get your desired color. <br />
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Drizzle icing over scone. You can do this off the end of a spoon, or make your own decorator bag by placing the glaze in a small baggie and snipping the corner off the bag.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-30354594174819463672013-02-24T14:58:00.000-08:002013-02-25T08:44:56.966-08:00 Top 10 Easter Egg Tutorials This Spring<div style="text-align: center;">
There are so many amazingly talented people out there. </div>
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After hours of gleaning Pinterest, blogs, and google, </div>
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I compiled ten of my favorite Easter egg tutorials.<br />
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Yes, I know they're not all new this year. Some are just too cute to archive yet.<br />
These are not in order of amazingness, by the way.<br />
They are <i>ALL </i>knock your socks off fantastic in their own ways.</div>
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The goal with this post was to find tutorials that were not so far beyond the abilities </div>
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of mere mortals I would never be able to reproduce 'em.</div>
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For the most part, I felt like I succeeded, </div>
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but some of these were just so darn neat that I couldn't help </div>
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but throw them into the mix for the daring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZvcfPGnrRTJoVbV7F_9krVOtq8-RBdhLSXaBCbb6QYngyUiL0REei5DpiD18xR5mjO1KZjqeC001bIq795sjll68zX_1wjuw4CuA-99g172mnR6MqFYzvL2f10fHe68Q6ojHAo3Am75U/s1600/collage+easter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZvcfPGnrRTJoVbV7F_9krVOtq8-RBdhLSXaBCbb6QYngyUiL0REei5DpiD18xR5mjO1KZjqeC001bIq795sjll68zX_1wjuw4CuA-99g172mnR6MqFYzvL2f10fHe68Q6ojHAo3Am75U/s640/collage+easter+2.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Just to start you off right....baked eggs??? </div>
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I've never tried this, but it looks like a great idea.</div>
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<a href="http://wildinkpress.com/blog/2012/04/06/a-little-egg-fun/#" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Wild Ink </span></a>says that the eggs never crack (hate it when that happens!) </div>
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and the yolks stay centered when they're done this way. </div>
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Umm...smart. I'm definitely going to try this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9DhwnMoG1EVfzGVHe-DeIONEd81mx7nv3ZNJpnmadKtG-O0fJnF4Zw9sm5djWh-X1ALJJ5TzSBvGAvkhmYk60-9a0eHOZd5djoF4lqN5MswQ_-0YI_wirEYlCCS4NS37gkpEmh1gFUOy/s1600/baked+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9DhwnMoG1EVfzGVHe-DeIONEd81mx7nv3ZNJpnmadKtG-O0fJnF4Zw9sm5djWh-X1ALJJ5TzSBvGAvkhmYk60-9a0eHOZd5djoF4lqN5MswQ_-0YI_wirEYlCCS4NS37gkpEmh1gFUOy/s320/baked+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are amazing. The eggs are hollowed out, then painted with watercolors and watercolor pencils. They remind me of beautiful, fabric wrapped treasures. </div>
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The neat part is that you don't have to be exact with the painting - the detail is all in the pencil. Check out <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2011/04/watercolor-easter-eggs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Alisa Burke's</span></a> page for details (and just keep looking!!!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_501VEFmlDtONQ3ynfu3pgyiAIxJKiij35GZfkoWf5yrVxXcL4kSuFPWZQrR91nLeQFi07XfOcailXRd3ZpID_VtXQz0Kf0Qm1qKpCB2h8Q6qD1aSPr97NWI6AMhUSufMBEiZx1bo8P5/s1600/alisa+burke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_501VEFmlDtONQ3ynfu3pgyiAIxJKiij35GZfkoWf5yrVxXcL4kSuFPWZQrR91nLeQFi07XfOcailXRd3ZpID_VtXQz0Kf0Qm1qKpCB2h8Q6qD1aSPr97NWI6AMhUSufMBEiZx1bo8P5/s400/alisa+burke.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I have to brag on one more by <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2011/04/doodle-easter-eggs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Alisa Burke</span></a> </span>because they are so unique </div>
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and I can't get them out of my head. </div>
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Check out these eggs that are decorated with a Sharpie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTSbS8YqFGIJaqAGoAxaQAUDbIllHg8IDU_J7BKH3fsal6Ho4RFkBzWYCNPCV82FBVSnBxA3PgwzN8YI9Thu82u6kYlCGu6cCh2ufXUZA6O3wo0NiNlZTBxAv3dKswt-HCemQoDekql16/s1600/sharpie+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTSbS8YqFGIJaqAGoAxaQAUDbIllHg8IDU_J7BKH3fsal6Ho4RFkBzWYCNPCV82FBVSnBxA3PgwzN8YI9Thu82u6kYlCGu6cCh2ufXUZA6O3wo0NiNlZTBxAv3dKswt-HCemQoDekql16/s320/sharpie+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a side note, I went to make breakfast and found the ones in the picture below in my fridge, courtesy of my teenage son. Teen boys should not be allowed on Pinterest. It gives 'em ideas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFFee4fP4A8C1XSIEDykm-ieEAkgU-kKe1LOJAKlZzIJLmKFOT1qoIG2XCFLDRO6CYgNhGDDoMpX8qA4MXrbtxFw9dWS_RaYcQRXVa_ULylgioMIJGNLOa4XsbnW4KZiLCzh2dAvl2OQI/s1600/Dallas+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFFee4fP4A8C1XSIEDykm-ieEAkgU-kKe1LOJAKlZzIJLmKFOT1qoIG2XCFLDRO6CYgNhGDDoMpX8qA4MXrbtxFw9dWS_RaYcQRXVa_ULylgioMIJGNLOa4XsbnW4KZiLCzh2dAvl2OQI/s320/Dallas+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love these...I can just picture my kids erasing and drawing again and again. </div>
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Paint eggs with calkboard paint and draw away.<span style="color: orange;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-us/crafts/pages/not-your-average-eggs.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">HomeMadeSimple</span></a></span> has the tutorial on view 9 of 18.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQekUMjP3czmSk4K0vKts9wP3myo6x0lzUWFTNMcCoA0hFG6XquNiBo2AOFtJ3puMH6vFnMkz06pz3x3ReTNupGWinH9qbijWRhVnQTVjfyWbdaVkWC_YjLWrZgDXShv_v2SsRsEH_5yv/s1600/chalkboard-eggs-ss.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQekUMjP3czmSk4K0vKts9wP3myo6x0lzUWFTNMcCoA0hFG6XquNiBo2AOFtJ3puMH6vFnMkz06pz3x3ReTNupGWinH9qbijWRhVnQTVjfyWbdaVkWC_YjLWrZgDXShv_v2SsRsEH_5yv/s320/chalkboard-eggs-ss.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lilluna.com/subway-art-painted-easter-eggs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Lil' Luna</span></a> is always coming up with cute ideas. </div>
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How about these subway art eggs made with vinyl stickers and acrylic paint? </div>
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She used hard boiled eggs, but these turned out so nicely that </div>
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I'd be tempted to use hollowed eggs and keep them around for a few years!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqeoXy6T0s_D_xY44phAtfM56U1lZMjFVffspuLs461cEnlJgCSIPhyphenhyphenERxXTVSyhq43T30dXvou5FQOg8KshhFxqF56qjIRmDDrj65tlyeTwXRr3gTXTmHaPCeDfqiwqA9yvAaVeIyxoH/s1600/subway-art-easter-eggs-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqeoXy6T0s_D_xY44phAtfM56U1lZMjFVffspuLs461cEnlJgCSIPhyphenhyphenERxXTVSyhq43T30dXvou5FQOg8KshhFxqF56qjIRmDDrj65tlyeTwXRr3gTXTmHaPCeDfqiwqA9yvAaVeIyxoH/s320/subway-art-easter-eggs-final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love these beauties below from <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://brownpaperpackagesep.blogspot.com/2012/03/decoupaged-springtime-eggs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Brown Paper Packages</span></a>. </span></div>
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Each egg has been hollowed out and colorful napkins<br />
were Mod Podged to the shell. </div>
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The colors just say spring!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSnqkS87oQFq3DxKVj-eiy_QTtd2tE9YzxDIVBmP6t5HFE38q5q7YyhIvuT85V6r8LxU7L6bsINzinSOf-PK8NF0vkYEe1hzDnnaY-BZLNyI_sNSgnatLAl9d6GWxcXJjTUa1eANK_wjn/s1600/easter+eggs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSnqkS87oQFq3DxKVj-eiy_QTtd2tE9YzxDIVBmP6t5HFE38q5q7YyhIvuT85V6r8LxU7L6bsINzinSOf-PK8NF0vkYEe1hzDnnaY-BZLNyI_sNSgnatLAl9d6GWxcXJjTUa1eANK_wjn/s320/easter+eggs+1.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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I love the colors you can get with natural dies. </div>
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These have been colored with cabbage, onion skins, turmeric beets, and other natural goodies. </div>
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<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/vibrant-easter-eggs-dyed-natur-112957" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Kitchn</span></a> has the tutorial if you want to try a la natural.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufLmLz3tops1-eNayuPj1yLhhg7Q_0357MBCQAc7eeJiAZlqPMue9QrrHv0g5_Oyzl8C4vcrLt12H2VnB1iGeJKyhHBfbg9gK0WTddlJ-Jh5OBoLXq4NyRvwDgUAqiCutuBQiXc-o_Nc2/s1600/natural+died+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufLmLz3tops1-eNayuPj1yLhhg7Q_0357MBCQAc7eeJiAZlqPMue9QrrHv0g5_Oyzl8C4vcrLt12H2VnB1iGeJKyhHBfbg9gK0WTddlJ-Jh5OBoLXq4NyRvwDgUAqiCutuBQiXc-o_Nc2/s320/natural+died+eggs.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I thought these looked simple enough for the kidlets to make. </div>
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<a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/2010/03/30/bright-ideas-creative-easter-eggs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">BrightBoldAndBeautiful</span></a> posted the original link to instructions. </div>
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Since it's no longer accessible, here's my best guess.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Submerge your egg with one side up and exposed to create the white window. </div>
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Frame it with some simple dots of acrylic paint or sharpie marker. </div>
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Print out a name or Eastery word, trim close to the edge of the ink, and Mod Podge it in place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxHeyg0Ris_16yiJmHG9hQfbb_JI9u8lAI3GXAfp0wPb6rGAtTwEYckyRkVrzce5-Q0h2vXj2ADO8W0a4uJBVmr23yonrV2S8IogB2xMqCK9x8iTxXtXvTQl6TPJWB_2SyD81eGdUz3Jm/s1600/unique-egg-decorating-ideas-you-name-it-eggs-05-ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxHeyg0Ris_16yiJmHG9hQfbb_JI9u8lAI3GXAfp0wPb6rGAtTwEYckyRkVrzce5-Q0h2vXj2ADO8W0a4uJBVmr23yonrV2S8IogB2xMqCK9x8iTxXtXvTQl6TPJWB_2SyD81eGdUz3Jm/s320/unique-egg-decorating-ideas-you-name-it-eggs-05-ss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kind of a gold leaf look. I like the effect. </div>
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Rich, elegant, simplistic. </div>
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Amazing what you can do with a little masking tape and gold paint! </div>
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Check out the tutorial at <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/easy-to-make-gilded-easter-eggs" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">So Crafty.</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKKHZNAFbZ_ljyGIBQIC6Zk_JJk2DYMysaqhOoQhGJR7XqEaVjeF_kNzd4PXGeBGK8fs-zisJvIH00Vb8yMBO0EWQUZ5feZKmKkCyUM3_97U8ZSOs5W7vbN722LPN-5NWc36hyejQ5kM9/s1600/draft_lens20603107module165962919photo_1360543195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKKHZNAFbZ_ljyGIBQIC6Zk_JJk2DYMysaqhOoQhGJR7XqEaVjeF_kNzd4PXGeBGK8fs-zisJvIH00Vb8yMBO0EWQUZ5feZKmKkCyUM3_97U8ZSOs5W7vbN722LPN-5NWc36hyejQ5kM9/s320/draft_lens20603107module165962919photo_1360543195.JPG" width="309" /></a></div>
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This woman is genius! </div>
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She used a paper punch on contact paper! </div>
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You could do this with whatever punch shapes you have. </div>
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I like this one a bunch....simple. </div>
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Now to sepatate the backs off of those little circles....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abbie Living has the tutorial <a href="http://abbieliving.blogspot.com/2012/03/polka-dot-dyed-easter-eggs-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4esiIEbf8yarwoiWbO2hJxxyOcBxdYuFMLgfm9XhLaavVobmU-bspE8-UxjIca1tvgGvj_R5fu-ECNmlz1LEiLMP_LJgspFiWe6JikOpeOgHsgmn7cHUkENYZVCqIPMUqzebEcBKDdu5W/s1600/abbie+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4esiIEbf8yarwoiWbO2hJxxyOcBxdYuFMLgfm9XhLaavVobmU-bspE8-UxjIca1tvgGvj_R5fu-ECNmlz1LEiLMP_LJgspFiWe6JikOpeOgHsgmn7cHUkENYZVCqIPMUqzebEcBKDdu5W/s320/abbie+living.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crafts by Amanda has tutorials on <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.craftsbyamanda.com/2011/03/7-cool-ways-to-decorate-easter-eggs.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">7 Cool Ways to Dye Easter Eggs</span></a>. </span></div>
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These are called Chinese tea eggs, though I've seen them called dinosaur eggs on other pages. </div>
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I STILL remember the deviled egg sandwiches my mom made </div>
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with the shattered eggs when I was a kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1puASAbHz71u5If08_8R9w9nonSsKTI_59UhAR75KeyYqFXu753t8QftIidsZdW39N0pAJiybx97rGW4MqiBMKH0gWlv81svmrpNOKko1dGVBGr1Eq9eGKeAIDBUjOzHWo0IbgKICUcyX/s1600/tea1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1puASAbHz71u5If08_8R9w9nonSsKTI_59UhAR75KeyYqFXu753t8QftIidsZdW39N0pAJiybx97rGW4MqiBMKH0gWlv81svmrpNOKko1dGVBGr1Eq9eGKeAIDBUjOzHWo0IbgKICUcyX/s320/tea1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're feeling really ambitious......check out the tutorial for these beauties. </div>
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A hollowed egg gets a design made with 3-D paint, then a coat of acrylic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The rose is a piece of a napkin and a little Mod Podge.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The page is in Polish, but google translate works wonders, and the pictures show </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
everything you need to know. Beautiful work by <span style="color: orange;"> </span><a href="http://sylwiaserwin.pl/2012/pisanka-shabby-chic-krok-po-kroku" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Sylvia Serwin</span>.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And while you're there, check out her cut ostrich eggs. Wow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-hOwSo_tmG2Ul5NceJlYV9qECy550IHRrikyhn0XNnBxeqRsxKed3U798NUEDx-En-sjc0nQwD4xPEOaeiyzbjQTf_BQ2fOOJQE1wKPZiYgnpkIBopXFH9pr3tIMB46LhnwWZo5dIQJh/s1600/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-hOwSo_tmG2Ul5NceJlYV9qECy550IHRrikyhn0XNnBxeqRsxKed3U798NUEDx-En-sjc0nQwD4xPEOaeiyzbjQTf_BQ2fOOJQE1wKPZiYgnpkIBopXFH9pr3tIMB46LhnwWZo5dIQJh/s320/rose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A tisket a tasket, I need to make this basket. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moda Bake Shop has the tutorial <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/fabric-easter-basket.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know you need it for all the beautiful eggs you are going to make....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHqJFitxsV6O-ycuBIecXuf5qH6F_bqk570B3h9-iGVvf3Xj3koR1Kci9gvtO_QVSUNXq7ShEHT4dAeRwkJguX75NM3P6hAeGPs4NtftgpTfqVsZgIiE0krNAfSGcr2DPR3zlDhf40FN8/s1600/basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHqJFitxsV6O-ycuBIecXuf5qH6F_bqk570B3h9-iGVvf3Xj3koR1Kci9gvtO_QVSUNXq7ShEHT4dAeRwkJguX75NM3P6hAeGPs4NtftgpTfqVsZgIiE0krNAfSGcr2DPR3zlDhf40FN8/s320/basket.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Easter!!!</h2>
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Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-79848936672468296052012-10-08T09:27:00.002-07:002015-10-11T08:30:37.529-07:00And I Simply Decided to be Happy Again<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was just thinking today about my
decision to be happy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8tQ2LwKj66z28EDlpihgT_rWi-Jg1tVt8AMN7hNHdrmhas86aXSFdnAMLEUO_9exTX8osLWBV11yN9pXzxkgGG5_XgiZFIIhtreo6E3iUsVQ_xR70L0giGJN9Z5lfDkEBFwF0FIRJzi8/s1600/happy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8tQ2LwKj66z28EDlpihgT_rWi-Jg1tVt8AMN7hNHdrmhas86aXSFdnAMLEUO_9exTX8osLWBV11yN9pXzxkgGG5_XgiZFIIhtreo6E3iUsVQ_xR70L0giGJN9Z5lfDkEBFwF0FIRJzi8/s320/happy1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband had passed away and I
was determined that I would be one of those widows who always wore black and
had the air of dignified, brokenhearted sadness about her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really, I was never going to smile
again. Then the Big Guy would know just how much I loved him and missed him. So would
the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahhh… how noble it would be to go
through life and never again experience joy because of my loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A plastic grocery bag blew across
the street in front of me and I started crying. It was pretty pathetic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then one day, I caught myself
smiling and laughing at something.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cried all over again, because
really, was I supposed to be happy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I decided then that this sad life was
not the life I wanted. I </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> want to be a martyr. I wanted joy again. I
wanted my kids to see me laughing. I wanted them to be happy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so I decided to be happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> an automatic switch. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It still took time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still cried when I answered the
phone and someone asked for my husband.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still cried at night when I said my prayers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the decision was there and
happiness followed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so glad that I made that
decision. My big guy would have wanted me happy. </span></div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-63549801143910345332012-09-26T19:49:00.002-07:002012-09-26T19:49:12.877-07:00Idaho Baked Potato Soup
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Idaho Baked Potato Soup is one of my all time favorite soups for fall. Imagine a big baked potato smothered in butter, bacon, cheese, and sour cream. Now imagine it hot and ready on your stove all day long! </div>
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This soup smells wonderful and is so filling. It lasts pretty well in the fridge and heats up nicely for lunch. It's probably not a good cantidate for freezing, but we never got that far. For more family favorites, clicky <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">here.</span></a> </div>
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This recipe is from my sister-in-law. She's an Idaho girl. =]</div>
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<strong>Idaho Baked Potato Soup</strong></div>
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½ c butter</div>
½ c flour<br />
7 c milk<br />
4 lg potatoes, baked, cubed, and peeled<br />
4 green onions, sliced<br />
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />
2 c shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1 c sour cream<br />
1 t salt<br />
½ t pepper<br />
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Melt butter in a large soup pot. Stir in flour. Heat and
stir until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. If you pour it
all in at once, it takes forever to heat and doesn’t seem to thicken. The dump
it all together method does not save time on this one. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Add potatoes and onion. Bring to a boil, stirring
constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Stir
until cheese is melted. Makes 2 ½ quarts.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-28982267264603887792012-09-26T19:37:00.000-07:002012-09-26T19:38:48.785-07:00Navajo Tacos / AKA Almost Copycat Taco Bell ChalupasHave you ever tried Taco Bell's chalupas? I know it's probably uncool, but I have to confess that I love 'em. That's why they're here in the <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">30 Days of Family Favorite Recipes</span></a>.<br />
<br />
These babies, Navajo Tacos, remind me of them. They're a special treat and we don't have them often, but when we do....ahhhh....bliss!<br />
<br />
They're pretty simple to make - so simple in fact, that my kids can make them, and often do when I need to study. If your kids are young you should probably do the cooking, but my youngest has been mixing and rolling these since she was six or seven. <b><br /></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Navajo Tacos</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 c small uncooked red beans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lb lean ground beef</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 – 8 oz can tomato sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 pkg chili seasoning mix</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Chopped lettuce</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Chopped tomato</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Chopped onion</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Grated cheddar cheese</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Salsa or taco sauce</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
Soak beans in cold water for at
least two hours or overnight. Drain beans and place them in a large pot with 5
cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover and cook, boiling steadily for one hour.
Reduce heat and cook, covered, for two more hours. Beans are done when the skin peels back when you blow on them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
While beans are cooking, brown beef
and crumble, about 20 minutes. Drain grease. Add tomato sauce and chili
seasoning and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
While mixture is simmering, prepare a <i>double batch</i> of fry bread. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
To serve, spoon bean mixture onto hot fry bread and top with any combination of lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and salsa.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Indian Fry Bread</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 c flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T baking powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T melted butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 t salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 c milk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oil for frying</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix dry ingredients. Stir in milk and butter a little at a
time. Mix into soft dough but do not knead. Divide into golf ball sized
portions and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heat oil to medium heat. Oil will be up to temp when a small piece of bread dough sizzles when placed in oil. Fry til golden brown. Flip and fry on other side. Drain on paper towels. These can be kept hot in a 170 degree oven til ready to serve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-77490642571630191202012-09-23T18:05:00.004-07:002012-09-26T16:26:30.221-07:00Show Your Kids How Much You Love ThemI fell off the wagon. I was going to post <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">thirty recipes in thirty days</span></a><span style="color: orange;">,</span> then life got busy and I stopped. Now it's been....awhile...and I'm almost embarrassed to come back. Aaarg.<br />
<br />
So much for goals.<br />
<br />
Here's a better one, at least for the moment, that I found on Amy Lynn Andrews' wonderful Facebook page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU2niw43c4_Ds5UZ_tEZ6bQnXDzXEgQkU4qRM9Q7DWM8PTuPAgP_9156eRkRRG9KajYEuQVt6qxBV2ivRfcLJdzZNIgHtw82tuwqPo50OLgcduNoKuFLTstsTi0TA9ZnMNdQFaKnCUgz4/s1600/598887_431036573598129_460778402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU2niw43c4_Ds5UZ_tEZ6bQnXDzXEgQkU4qRM9Q7DWM8PTuPAgP_9156eRkRRG9KajYEuQVt6qxBV2ivRfcLJdzZNIgHtw82tuwqPo50OLgcduNoKuFLTstsTi0TA9ZnMNdQFaKnCUgz4/s320/598887_431036573598129_460778402_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/This-Ones-Mine-Ceramic-Design/172482509430973?ref=hl#!/photo.php?fbid=431036573598129&set=a.186340498067739.33300.125732080795248&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
I decided to put this one to the test.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">I hugged my 13 year old daughter goodnight and didn't let go.</span></em><br />
<br />
She hugged me back and didn't let go.<br />
<br />
For a long time.<br />
<br />
And then we both started giggling.<br />
<br />
For a long time.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>It made me wonder how many times I pull away first</em></span> because important things need to get done - and how much my kids want to hold on just a little longer. <br />
<br />
It's sometimes hard as a single mom, and a widow at that, to find the time to do everything (which is why my kitchen floor is <em>still</em> a mess, but that's another story). <em><span style="font-size: large;">Yet when the day comes to an end, they are most important in my life....and they need to know it</span></em>.<br />
<br />
Try an experiment. Hug your kids tonight and wait for them to pull back first. See if they notice a difference. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. =]Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-87206586418400037722012-09-11T16:06:00.001-07:002012-09-12T05:43:14.205-07:00The Lightest, Crispiest Waffles EverMy kids were astounded one day to see frozen waffles in the grocery store. We've always made them. Not from a mix, mind you, and not because I'm a waffle snob. I'm cheap.<br />
<br />
After years of making waffles from scratch, I splurged and bought a mix. Know what I discovered? Scratch is better! And the bonus? They really don't take much more time than making them with a mix.<br />
<br />
This recipe is the one we have used for years and have always had great results. The waffles are light and crisp. Top them with a little butter, yeah, the real stuff, and drizzle them with syrup and you're good to go.<br />
<br />
This post is one of 30 in a series of Family Favorite Recipes. To see the rest, <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">check here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3lttLwq4pjQsBW0bmzcVZthuHVc9h_jFZgH7GGk53D9JMk-o90ynTTf3dbMky3L-GO-0vL4yJUQHrwRP7c12YQBPmtqJfTheqUsqztLujiNK2uN4yrFJYJlLGG4NHEvmIlb3r5jI3LRM/s1600/Waffles-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3lttLwq4pjQsBW0bmzcVZthuHVc9h_jFZgH7GGk53D9JMk-o90ynTTf3dbMky3L-GO-0vL4yJUQHrwRP7c12YQBPmtqJfTheqUsqztLujiNK2uN4yrFJYJlLGG4NHEvmIlb3r5jI3LRM/s320/Waffles-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/forums/just-for-fun/topics/14498-do-you-like-waffles">Image source</a></div>
As a mom with a wild schedule, I have been known to cook up a bunch of these at once and freeze them in Ziplock baggies.<br />
<br />
If you decide to try this, undercook slightly so you can pop them in the toaster later without burning them to a crisp. Let them cool on a wire rack before bagging or they stick together. To reheat, the toaster is the best option I have found to retain some crispness. If you're doing a bunch, put them on a cookie sheet and stick them under the broiler. Just keep an eye on them or they'll burn.The microwave will work in a pinch and are a great option for kids, just don't expect them to be crisp this way.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Waffles</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 ¾ c flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T baking soda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ t salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 eggs, separated</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 ¾ c milk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ c oil<br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In a large mixing bowl, stir
together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a small mixing bowl,
beat egg yolks with a fork. Beat in milk and oil. Add to flour mixture all at
once. Stir til blended but still slightly lumpy.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In a small mixer bowl, beat egg
whites ‘til stiff peaks form. Gently fold beaten egg whites into flour/milk
mixture, leaving a few fluffs of egg white. Do not over mix. The egg white is
what makes your waffles light and crispy. Cook on a lightly greased waffle iron
as usual.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I have used up to ½ whole wheat
flour with good results.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-65701702562898695602012-09-10T20:35:00.002-07:002013-02-24T17:07:39.903-08:00Recipe for DisasterNot every day is perfect. Some need serious work. The newest recipe for the month of <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">Family Favorite Recipes</span></a> is <i>not </i>one that I'm fond of....sorry. If I could have skipped it, I would have. Really.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Recipe for Disaster</b><br />
<br />
1 busy lady running full tilt<br />
1 handful children<br />
8 expected dinner guests<br />
1 messy house<br />
1 very solid and immovable couch<br />
1 medical insurance policy that can't be used because the deductible is through the roof<br />
<br />
Mix all together and watch the poor lady laugh and cry on the floor while she holds her foot. Groan in sympathy as she attempts to put her dislocated pinky toe back in place (it worked) as the kids look on in fascination. Serve with sympathy and dash of compassion as she hobbles around the house for the next week.<br />
<br />
May you never find yourself serving this meal.<br />
<br />
~ Erin =]Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-92174181897250598512012-09-09T20:18:00.001-07:002012-09-10T20:30:29.173-07:00Tortilla Stew<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you like Taco Soup, you'll love this. It has a similar flavor but is thick and hearty and feels more substantial. My kids are not real soup fans. but they like this one. Maybe because it's not real soupy? For more kids friendly meals, check out <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">30 Family Favorite Recipes</span></a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Savory chicken in a thick, slightly spicy stew, and garnished with tortillas, cheese, and cilantro, this dish is perfect for a cold winter night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The recipe is easy to double and freezes well. Portion out
the soup to freeze before you add the tortillas. Package the tortillas separately in a Ziploc bag and add to the soup after reheating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><b>Tortilla Stew</b>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 qt chicken broth*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ c taco seasoning</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 c shredded chicken*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 can corn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 can Piquinto beans (small pink beans in a mild sauce) or
any other variety</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 pt salsa</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 c flour mixed with 1 ½ c water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 can black olives. Sliced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 tortillas, cut or torn into 1-inch squares (I prefer
flour, but corn is good, too)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grated cheddar cheese to garnish</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cilantro, chopped (optional – but really, really good)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Combine broth, taco seasoning,
chicken, corn, beans, and salsa. Bring to a boil. Stir in flour mixture to
thicken like a stew. Add olives and stir. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If serving everything, then add
tortilla pieces and stir as well. If there will be leftovers, offer tortillas
as a topping. This keeps them from becoming a soggy mess the next day. Garnish
with cheddar cheese and cilantro if desired.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-78394594595224838302012-09-09T05:30:00.000-07:002012-09-09T10:42:26.269-07:00Toilet Paper from Heaven<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Sometimes blessings come from the most unlikely places. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I had an experience several years ago that will stay with me. It confirmed to me that our Heavenly Father hears us, He know our needs, and He will help us.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Once upon a time, I was sick as a dog. I couldn't do anything. It was bad. My husband had died the previous year and not one of my six kids was old enough to drive. And then the worst happened. We were on our last roll of toilet paper.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq23zbZj54druf_3Ux5HFUvdiD_cineOz0HjNeewQlv6lCyoTme0EFADA9c9wFG4GgdtCGTPDgZD6vNCVsZQtdSDf9iANyFNmy618kB331GUpaRFVtO4ISL9EYOe5TVbNDaucvWgyDxjx/s1600/TP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq23zbZj54druf_3Ux5HFUvdiD_cineOz0HjNeewQlv6lCyoTme0EFADA9c9wFG4GgdtCGTPDgZD6vNCVsZQtdSDf9iANyFNmy618kB331GUpaRFVtO4ISL9EYOe5TVbNDaucvWgyDxjx/s320/TP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source unknown</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; widows: 2;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Low and behold, at about 11 PM that night, my boys got all excited and came </span><span style="line-height: 17.999998092651367px;">running</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> into my room. "Mom! Someone </span>TP'd<span style="line-height: 18px;"> our house!"</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My reply? "Oh, thank you Heavenly Father for answering prayers! Boys, go roll it up. We're gonna make it. " </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">We have a big tree in our yard. Those kids didn't skimp, let me tell you. They used rolls and rolls and they must not have been pros because they left several of those rolls only half used. And it was the good stuff. I felt spoiled.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Lessons learned?</strong> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Heavenly Father answers prayers.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">He has a sense of humor. Really.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Blessings can come from unlikely sources.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Sometime you have to look for those blessings in the gifts that are given.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">What you do today may be the answer to somebody's prayer.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">May we give of our best! =]</span></li>
</ul>
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-19579528233330900262012-09-08T19:53:00.002-07:002012-09-08T19:56:29.457-07:00Sloppy JoesSloppy Joes are awesome. They're messy and full of flavor and give you an excuse to lick your fingers at the dinner table. Those qualities alone should gain them a place on the <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">30 Family Favorites</span></a> list.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mother-in-law made this meal for her eight kids for years. I talked her out of the recipe. The rest is history.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These joes are the perfect balance of tangy with a touch of sweet, inexpensive to make, can be made ahead of time, can be frozen, and can hide healthy things. I've substituted cracked wheat cereal or 9-grain cereal for up to half of the meat without getting caught.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did make some changes to her original recipe to fit my family's needs. I believe in the <i>make it in a hurry method</i> whenever possible. Life is busy. Kids have sports. Sometimes I forget to start dinner....sigh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sloppy Joes</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 lb hamburger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 c catsup</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T lemon juice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ c chopped celery</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ c chopped green pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 onion, chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T vinegar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¾ T Worcestershire sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T brown sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ c water</div>
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½ T dry mustard (or less)</div>
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Brown meat and drain. Add all
ingredients and let cook on low heat for one hour or longer until sauce becomes
thick.</div>
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<b>My In a Hurry Method</b>: Brown and drain the hamburger. While meat is cooking, sauté the
celery, peppers, and onion in 1 T butter until tender, then add to the meat. Add all remaining ingredients, but omit the water. Simmer for 10 -15 minutes.</div>
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<b>Healthy variation:</b> I have also
substituted up to 2 cups of cooked 9-grain or cracked wheat cereal for half of
the hamburger. This was usually left-overs from breakfast. Kids never knew the
difference.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-20248925095252034562012-09-07T13:40:00.004-07:002012-09-07T13:43:18.949-07:00Sweet and Sour Salad<br />
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Soooo...to be honest, my kids can live without this recipe. It has green stuff in it. With that said, tough luck. It's my pick. I win.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To see the other recipes in my 30 Family Favorite Recipe series, clicky <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>.</div>
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I love a good salad, and this one is one of my favorites. My cousin gave me this recipe years ago and I had the sense to hold onto it. You'll want to, too.</div>
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The lettuce is crispy and the dressing has a sweet/tangy flavor. What makes it fantastic, though, is the addition of buttery, toasted Ramen noodles and walnuts. Oh. My.</div>
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I'll post a picture when I can actually find my camera. =]</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Sweet and Sour Salad</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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1 c vegetable oil</div>
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¾ c sugar</div>
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½ c red wine vinegar (or regular)</div>
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3 t soy sauce</div>
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1 c chopped walnuts</div>
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1 – 3oz pkg Ramen noodles, dry and broken into small pieces</div>
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4 T butter</div>
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1 head romaine lettuce – rinsed, dried, and chopped</div>
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1 head fresh broccoli, chopped</div>
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1 bunch green onions, chopped</div>
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<br /></div>
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Whisk together oil, sugar, vinegar,
and soy sauce. Best to make a day ahead but it’s not the end of the world if
you don’t. It’ll be delicious anyway.</div>
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Melt butter in a frying pan over
medium heat. Add crushed ramen noodles and walnuts; toast til golden brown.</div>
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Combine the Romaine, broccoli, and
green onions. Add the dressing and toss. Sprinkle with ramen mixture before
serving.</div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-12669199295895312932012-09-06T08:38:00.000-07:002012-09-08T23:11:13.114-07:00Ultimate Grilled CheeseKeeping to the <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">30 Family Favorite Recipes</span></a> theme...<br />
<br />
I'm posting one of my favorite simple recipes today because I have a million things to get done. I'm working on getting <i>my first ever</i> passport today!<br />
<br />
As some of you know, I am a nursing student. This semester, over winter break, actually, I have the chance to travel to Ecuador for nearly a month as part of a cultural nursing course. I am excited and a bit nervous, but mostly in a panic to get the paperwork in order.<br />
<br />
Sooooo...with that said, Ultimate Grilled Cheese it is. Probably for dinner tonight, too.<br />
<br />
We all pretty much know how to make grilled cheese, right? Butter the outside of the bread and slap a piece of cheese inside, then fry it up.<br />
<br />
What makes it really good is....drumroll, please...shredded Parmesan cheese toasted up to golden, crispy deliciousness on the outside.<br />
<br />
The Parmesan can make even standard American cheese slices taste amazing.<br />
<br />
Think Sizzler's Cheese Toast made into a sandwich.<br />
<br />
For the record, the stuff in the plastic container will work in a pinch, but it tends to be saltier and isn't nearly as good.<br />
<br />
Step it up and try Swiss cheese slices (yep, Kraft, in the wrapper).<br />
<br />
Wanna get wild?<br />
<br />
Use pepperjack cheese. On sourdough bread. With Parmesan on the outside.<br />
<br />
Or slice a big, fat loaf of sweet French bread into a two-inch thick slice, from the bottom, cut a little pocket into the center of it (almost like you're trying to cut it into two slices but leaving the sides intact), stuff it with a slice of mozzarella cheese, and dip the outside in shredded Parmesan.<br />
<br />
Notice how everything comes back to Parmesan?<br />
<br />
Try it. You'll thank me. =]<br />
<br />
<b>Ultimate Grilled Cheese</b><br />
<br />
2 slices bread of choice<br />
1 slice cheese of choice to cover bread<br />
Butter<br />
Shredded Parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
Butter one side of each piece of bread. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on a small plate. Press bread, buttered side down on the Parmesan. This makes the cheese stick a bit better than if you just sprinkled directly onto the bread. Place cheese between non buttered sides of bread.<br />
Grill in a non-stick pan at medium heat, flipping when the first side becomes golden brown. You know the routine. Don't wander away to be efficient and do something else, because it can burn fast. Especially if you think you have a minute to go check Facebook. I know.<br />
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-32550151703576996342012-09-05T15:04:00.000-07:002012-09-05T18:04:43.927-07:00Brown Sugar Sausage-Bacon AppetizersI think I've told you that my mother-in-law is a fantastic cook. She has a recipe stash to envy. She makes everything, and lots of it. She revels in family parties, and food has always been a central part of those parties.<br />
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>This is one of her recipes. The first time I saw these babies one Christmas morning, I thought <i>yuck</i>. Bacon and sugar?</o:p></div>
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<o:p>But it was Christmas and I was a new addition to the family, so I was brave and tried them anyway. And then I tried another, and another. Little pieces of sausage, wrapped in bacon, coated with caramelized brown sugar, hot and sweet and salty...I about died.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>This is one of those recipes that I recommend making infrequently. It does <i>not </i>go in the healthy section. It goes in the spoil me silly section and should be used accordingly. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>Christmas morning is a good time. Preferably when you have lots of company and have to share. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>I can't remember if this recipe was on my list of <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">30 Family Favorites</span></a> to share with you guys. If it wasn't, it is now. There's no way I could pass on it. I'd feel like I was hoarding a family treasure, and I <i>did </i>promise to share.</o:p><br />
<o:p><br /></o:p>
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<o:p>I know my picture is dorky. Bear with me.</o:p></div>
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<b>Brown Sugar
Sausage-Bacon Appetizers<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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24 links uncooked sausage,
cut in half <o:p></o:p></div>
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1 lb bacon, cut in half <o:p></o:p></div>
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1/2-1 lb lt brown sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
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toothpicks <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wrap each sausage piece with
a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Arrange in a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle
sausage with brown sugar. You can make these up the night before, cover and stick in the fridge at this point.</div>
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Bake at 350° for 1 to 1-1/2 hours to desired doneness. Baste occasionally with drippings and break up any lumps in the sugar. Sugar will caramelize while cooking.</div>
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Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-16862407125032683442012-09-05T13:00:00.001-07:002012-09-05T15:07:03.200-07:00A Variation on TacosFor the record, I made this for dinner tonight.<br />
<br />
I burnt the hamburger while helping my daughter google primary sources of those who were aboard the Mayflower.<br />
<br />
Then I dropped a glass bottle of jalepeno peppers while getting the cheese out of the fridge.<br />
<br />
Then I got the whole blasted thing together and couldn't find the camera for your viewing pleasure.<br />
<br />
Then I typed it all up and forgot to post it. So much for a post a day.<br />
<br />
Move over Pioneer Woman. I am obviously stiff competition.<br />
<br />
It still got devoured, by the way. I left to pick up daughter number two and came home to a pan that had been scraped clean. Just sayin', burnt and all.<br />
<br />
My mom gave me this recipe several years ago. It's one of the few recipes that ALL of my kids eat without complaint, which puts it right up there in the solid gold department as far as I am concerned.<br />
<br />
This is another recipe in the 30 Days of Family Friendly Recipes series. To see the rest, click <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html">here</a>.</span><br />
<br />
This one is pretty simple, can be made up ahead of time and baked just before dinner, and can easily be augmented to feed extra bodies that happen to stop by.<br />
<br />
It's called Chili Stack - maybe because taco seasoning is made with chili powder? I contemplated changing the name to Taco Stack, but really, I couldn't do that to my kids. Chili Stack is family.<br />
<br />
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<b>Chili Stack</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 lb hamburger</div>
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1/2 c onion, chopped fine (or 4 T dehydrated onion - I usually cheat and use dehydrated)</div>
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2/3 c taco seasoning (about 3 pkgs)</div>
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4 c water</div>
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8-16 oz shredded cheese </div>
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8-10 flour tortillas</div>
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Brown hamburger and onion and drain grease. Add water and taco seasoning and simmer 10 minutes. Layer meat, cheese, tortilla, six times in a deep casserole dish. Top with meat and cheese. Pour any leftover sauce over the top. The sauce is juicy and soaks into the tortillas.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you double the recipe, you can use a 9x13 pan. I often use extra tortillas and spread the meat and cheese a little thinner.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Cover and bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Let set for 5 minutes for juice to soak in. Cut in squares to serve.</div>
</div>
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<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-73562655383599010742012-09-03T18:57:00.001-07:002012-09-04T17:19:42.822-07:00Swedish Pancakes - American StyleThis is part of my 30 Days of Family Favorite Recipes challenge. To see the rest, clicky <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html"><span style="color: orange;">here.</span></a><br />
<br />
This is probably THE most requested breakfast meal in our home. If it's a birthday, this is what they want on their day. If we have company, this is what they want to make to show off. <br />
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<a href="http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/todays-recipe-peaches-cream-crepes/" target="_blank">Image source</a></div>
The kids love these and tend to eat several, so I taught them how to make them. Makes them appreciate the work that goes into them, you know? These are fast for a small family, so don't let me scare you.<br />
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Swedish pancakes are basically a crepe, and we fill them, usually, with butter and powdered sugar that melt into deliciousness. Sometimes we'll use syrup instead, but powdered sugar is the regular go-to topping. Fresh strawberries are good if they're in season and we didn't eat them all the day before, or fresh peaches as pictured above. Not likely, but it COULD happen.<br />
<br />
The trick to these is in the wrist and a good, non-stick pan.<br />
<br />
Eventually I'll add pictures to this, but for now, use your imagination.<br />
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<b>Swedish Pancakes</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
Ingredients:<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 c milk<br />
2 c flour<br />
1/8 c sugar<br />
butter<br />
powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Beat together eggs, milk, flour, and sugar until batter is smooth. It will be thin. If you have a blender, it'll do a great job. You want it as smooth as possible because all your little lumps will show up when you pour the batter out. <br />
<br />
Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan to coat. Pour a 3-4 inch circle of batter in the center of the pan, remove from heat, and tilt the pan in a circular motion to make the batter spread out to cover the bottom of the pan. Batter should be 1/8 -1/16 of an inch thick. <br />
<br />
When edges appear lightly brown, flip and cook on the other side. These babies cook pretty fast, which is a good thing because kids eat them prety fast.<br />
<br />
Remove from pan and top with a sliver of butter, then roll up or fold in half. At this point, I usually have a cookie sheet in the warm oven and I stockpile pancakes so everyone can eat at once. Just as easy to feed each person in rounds, serving up another hot one as it is done.<br />
<br />
Now this is the important part. Open these guys up and sprinkle the powdered sugar inside. Not outside. It looks pretty outside, but the deliciousness is the butter/sugar melty center. Eat with a fork, or if you're like us, pick it up burrito style and have at it.<br />
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-25632596199544826452012-09-03T10:25:00.001-07:002012-09-26T19:50:36.299-07:0030 Days of Family Favorite RecipesI missed day one and two. I'm going to cheat from the start and post those later today.<br />
<br />
For now though, the goal is to post a one of my family's favorite recipes each day for the month of September.<br />
<br />
This is a challenge for me as<br />
<br />
1) It's hard for everyone to agree 100% on a favorite ~ I have a child that doesn't like melted cheese and another that doesn't like chocolate. Excuse me? They won't have a say here. Six against one. Majority rules.<br />
<br />
2) I don't think I've ever done anything for 31 days straight. Not even make my bed. Maybe I should add bed making to my goals instead.<br />
<br />
Just as a heads up, we're pretty basic around here. You won't find the fancy stuff that takes hours to make and minutes to devour. If I want to impress someone, that's another story, but we're talking efficiency now, and as a single mom with a busy schedule, efficiency rules the day <i>and </i>the dinner table.<br />
<br />
All of the recipes in this series are ones that we have made many, many times. They are tried and true. The kids have given them the thumbs up review.<br />
<br />
We gravitate towards foods that are fast, easy, use everyday ingredients that I have on hand, and use minimal prepackaged mixes. I like to cook from scratch because I know what's in my food that way and yeah, it's cheaper.<br />
<br />
This morning I posted a recipe for homemade ice cream. I can't think of a better way to start.<br />
<br />
I'll be adding to this list as I go along, but to give you an idea of what we consider favorites:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-best-ever-homemade-ice-cream.html"><span style="color: orange;">Jeanette's Basic Ice Cream</span></a><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/swedish-pancakes-american-style.html"><span style="color: orange;">Swedish Pancakes</span></a><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/ultimate-grilled-cheese.html"><span style="color: orange;">Ultimate Grilled Cheese</span></a> - <em>Basic with a twist that makes it great</em><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/idaho-baked-potato-soup.html"><span style="color: orange;">Idaho Baked Potato Soup</span></a> - <em>From one of my Idaho sisters-in-law</em><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/brown-sugar-sausage-bacon-appetizers.html"><span style="color: orange;">Brown Sugar Sausage-Bacon Appetizers</span></a> - <em>Oh. My. Gosh.</em><br />
Party Punch<br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/tortilla-stew.html"><span style="color: orange;">Tortilla Stew</span></a><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/sloppy-joes.html"><span style="color: orange;">Sloppy Joes</span></a><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-and-sour-salad.html"><span style="color: orange;">Sweet and Sour Salad</span></a> </span>- <em>I don't care what the kids say. This is fantastic!</em><br />
Stafford Breakfast<br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-variation-on-tacos.html"><span style="color: orange;">Chili Stack</span></a><br />
Pizza<br />
Chicken Dressing Casserole<br />
Chicken Poppy Casserole<br />
Hot Chicken Salad - <em>another mother-in-law recipe - yumm</em><br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/navajo-tacos-aka-almost-copycat-taco.html"><span style="color: orange;">Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread</span></a> - C<em>ourtesy of my sister-in-law - my kids love it!</em><br />
Chicken Roll Ups - A <em>mother-in-law recipe, which means it's delicious</em><br />
Sweet and Sour Chicken - R<em>eminds me of Panda's orange chicken</em><br />
Chili - <em>Make a bunch and freeze it for later</em><br />
Biscuits Supreme - <em>A definite must have recipe</em><br />
Basic Muffins and Favorite Variations - <em>A breakfast favorite</em><br />
Flour Tortillas - <em>All the kids help make these - simple and great</em><br />
Pumpkin Streusel Bread - <em>A favorite for fall</em><br />
Braden's Famous Focaccia - <em>My son has been making this since he was eight and it's great</em><br />
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls - <em>Yep, start to finish in an hour</em><br />
Puffy French Toast - <em>You know those crispy, puffy french toast sticks you can get at restaurants?</em><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-lightest-crispiest-waffles-ever.html"><span style="color: orange;">Waffles</span></a> </span>- light and crisp and perfect<br />
Super Simple Smoothies<br />
Oatmeal Cake<br />
<a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/recipe-for-disaster.html"><span style="color: orange;">A Recipe for Disaster</span></a><br />
<br />
...and a little space for last minute picks...<br />
<br />
If you have a family favorite, feel free to share! ~ Erin<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-58826851991217380722012-09-03T07:46:00.002-07:002012-09-03T15:29:14.760-07:00The Best Ever Homemade Ice CreamIn honor of Labor Day and many, many family parties with homemade ice cream...the day just wouldn't be the same without it.<br />
<br />
This is the first in my attempt to post a recipe a day of our family's favorite recipes. To see the rest, clicky <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-days-of-family-favorite-recipes.html">here</a>. For the record, this is a work in progress until the end of the month. =]<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">My husband was one of eight kids, seven of whom were boys. When we all lived close together, family get-togethers were a blast. OK, yes, I muttered at the time, but our kids loved hanging out with their cousins, and of course, there was the food... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">When it came to family parties, we were all assigned to bring something. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">Most of us daughters-in-law got assigned homemade ice cream to go along with whatever else we brought, but no one could compete with my mother-in-law when it came to the ice cream. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.channelingcontessa.com/2012/04/24/oreos-lovers-cookies-and-cream-ice-cream/" target="_blank">image source</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">Believe me. I tried. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">One time, in desperation, I bought a couple cartons of Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip (my favorite brand because it </span><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">tastes </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">homemade), plopped it in a bowl, used the mixer to soften it up, then stuck it in the ice cream maker and called it mine. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">I </span><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">did </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">get rave reviews at that family party, but couldn't keep a straight face when asked for the recipe. I confessed and got a couple of high-fives from my sisters-in-law. My kids still tease me about it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">This is my mother-in-law's recipe and she is famous for it. It's pretty much a given for Labor Day, Memorial Day, family birthdays, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">She has a basic base and then adds what she wants to it. A few of the favorite alterations are below. </span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #333333;">Jeanette's Basic Ice Cream</span></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">4 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">4-1/2 t vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1/2 t salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">2-1/4 c sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">4 c whipping cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">4 c half and half<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1 c milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">Beat eggs ‘til slightly thickened. Add vanilla and salt. Slowly add sugar and beat til mixed. Mix in whipping cream and 2 c half and half. Pour into one gallon ice cream container and add remaining half and half. Add milk to fill line. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">Freeze according to ice cream maker instructions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">For our favorite variations, add the following to the base as directed:</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Cookies and Cream</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1 sm pkg Oreo cookies - 2/3 broken and 1/3 finely smashed/crushed. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">To be fair, my mother-in-law scrapes the filling off the this last third before crushing, but I can never bring myself to do that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">When mostly frozen, after about 10-15 minutes, add cookies. Letting it set up a bit keeps everything from settling on the bottom.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Toasted Almond</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1/2 c Nestle Quik<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1/4-1/2 t almond extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1-1/4 c toasted almonds </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 12pt;">For toasted almonds, heat oven to 350. Place almonds on a cookie sheet. Stir after 10 minutes. Cook for 3-5 minutes longer. Watch carefully as once they start to brown, they go from toasty to burnt quickly. Cool before adding to ice cream. These are soft when warm, but as they cool, they get crunchy.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Chocolate Chip:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1/2 c grated dark chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">1/2 c grated milk chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">I like to add peppermint extract, but I couldn't tell you how much. Maybe I'll experiment today. =]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">For <strong>Chocolate/Chocolate Chip</strong>, add 1/2 c Nestle Quik as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-91451658616713537172012-09-02T09:39:00.002-07:002013-11-17T18:46:12.563-08:00Lift up Your Head, Princess...Finding the Fun in Adversity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How true. I don't know who said this originally, but I loved the thought. We need to remember who we are, for we are daughters of a King.<br />
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Along that general theme, I stumbled across the picture below awhile ago, and it's stuck with me. The quote is from President Uchtdorf and the sweet graphic can be found at<span style="color: orange;"> <a href="http://www.holyhandouts.com/2011/10/handout-is-for-young-women-manual-3.html" target="_blank">Holy Handouts</a>.</span><br />
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I lost my husband to cancer eight years ago and was left to raise six children on my own. I can remember sitting down one night after a very ordinary day was done and feeling so frustrated. I pulled out my journal and started to write. Woe is me. Oh, the troubles I had faced!<br />
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"I am feeling very stressed. The house is such a mess. We have piles in every room and tools everywhere. Kids keep getting out of bed and it is after 10:00PM. I started school today but missed half of the first class. We are out of bread. Boys missed the bus <i><u>again</u></i>. Emily wet her pants at school (kindergarten - just sayin' for her sake, lol). Kate called home in tears. Courtney doesn't know her times tables...The bank closed too early. Braden has a health "sex" class that I need to preview materials for right now. I don't have time. I have a test tomorrow and only made one out of the four hours of class today. I just want to cry. I am not up to this and sometimes feel like I just can't do it."<br />
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I think I did cry that night. The next night brought a different journal entry. I listed the things that had gone wrong in the month since my husband had died, and followed by...well, I'll get to that.<br />
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"Since Rick died, our oven died, the computer quit working, the dishwasher broke, and now my dryer's not working. Also, one of the circuit breakers blew out, the A/C isn't working, a window broke, I ran into an angle iron trailer parked on our street and cut open the side of our car, and the phone quit working."<br />
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Not bad for a month, eh? And it was just the tip of the iceberg. The fun part, though, came after my sob story, because that's when I thought back to all of the things I had LEARNED. I started writing, and the amazingness of it overwhelmed me.<br />
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I learned how:<br />
To install a ceiling fan (yep, it broke, too)<br />
To wire a light fixture<br />
To pull and replace a circuit breaker<br />
To take the front off a dryer and look for a heating element<br />
To remove an oven (the wires melted inside the wall so the whole thing had to go)<br />
To remove cabinets/counter/tile (went with the lovely oven fiasco)<br />
To install baseboards and doors (we were in the middle of a project when my husband died)<br />
To ask for help (probably the hardest lesson)<br />
To program the heater (it's a man's job, you know)<br />
To test a phone line (in an attic full of yucky spiders)<br />
To repair a phone line in said attic<br />
To find the humor is a frustrating situation (the car vs the trailer, but that's another story)<br />
To grout tile<br />
....and the list went on...<br />
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Two pages! I filled two whole pages with lessons and blessings that came from those trials. This was a turning point for me. Oh, the difference it made to <i>look </i>for the blessings and lessons! What a blessing in and of itself to have written them down!<br />
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I've heard of gratitude journals before, but this was my first experience with the healing and comfort that they can bring. Now when things are difficult, I can look back and remember that the times I struggle are often the times I grow the most. I believe I really did become stronger, wiser, and more joyful because of those trials.<br />
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We <em>all</em> have our trials and adversities. It's how we chose to look at them that is important. The lessons and blessings are there for us if we chose to see them.<br />
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If you like inspirational quotes, I've got a bunch on <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/onecrazylady/inspire-me/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Pinterest.</span></a> </span>They'll make you smile. ~ ErinErin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-72901389026411840472012-08-31T10:16:00.000-07:002013-04-27T07:32:17.746-07:00Top 20 Apple Recipes This FallI love fall. I love the cooler weather and the leaves turning on the trees. I love the fact that I can BAKE without heating us out of house and home. And the smell of freshly baked goodies....!!! Last time I got on a kick, it was for pumpkin. If you're a pumpkin fan like I am, you can check out my posts <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-love-october.html"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a> and <a href="http://claybabies.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-tried-my-very-first-starbucks-scone.html"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a><span style="color: orange;">.</span><br />
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I kind of got on a food frenzy the other day, as I contemplated the change in seasons. Thought I'd share some of the favorites that I came across. Enjoy!<br />
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****UPDATE**** </div>
I just opened an Etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThisOnesMineDesigns?ref=si_shop" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">ThisOnesMineDesigns</span></a>, and I am so excited! My kids and I make ceramic buttons and badge reels.<br />
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Just to keep in the spirit of the post, these are my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123626546/country-apple-buttons-set-of-6-sewing?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">country apple buttons</span></a>. I'd love it if you popped over and took a look around, and clicked the "favorite" button on the top right part of the page if you like them.<br />
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If you want to come back here and give me some honest feedback, I'd absolutely love that as well. =]<br />
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Back to apple recipe wonderfulness...<br />
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I have an apple thing. They look so fresh and country and wholesome. And just like my kindergarten teacher wrote in my very first report card, "when they're good, they're really, really good, and when they're bad, they're horrid." Maybe that's why I like 'em.<br />
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Make sure you get some good ones! Sweet, juicy, crisp. I love Fuji for all around use, and Granny Smith for baking and canning.</div>
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<a href="http://blogs.yankeemagazine.com/best-of-new-england/new-englands-best-apple-orchards/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from Yankee New England</span></a></div>
Once upon a time I purchased a bin of apples, yep, one of those huge boxes, and made applesauce and apple pie filling to my heart's content. If you have access to something like this but don't want them all, consider splitting a bin with friends. <br />
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If you decide to go it alone, the apples last pretty well on the back porch in cooler weather if you don't want to process all of them. Just pick up some apple boxes from the grocery store to keep them in and be sure to sort out any bad ones before storage.<br />
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A recipe for Homemade Canned Apple Pie Filling an be found at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/10/05/homemade-canned-apple-pie-filling/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Skip to my Lou.</span></a> I've canned lots of apple pie filling and it is a wonderful thing to have on hand for a last minute baking splurge. There's a recipe for cobbler on the same page that looks delish.</div>
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If you're really ambitious, it makes beautiful gifts at Christmas time. Just make sure you give it to someone who appreciates the difference between a can from the store and the real deal. =]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYmPBDgNBQ87JgRY0bdcMSjiXePBw90kiZgAtSp26EEvnHDTl7ymilxHsEEGQMzQxx_IxLHfu_a51wU_xAVrmfu9xOwyXQMI7Zcj0TCAIDVw_tzs1-eVBebLQ6myKpDq34HS3sTC_x4Dp/s1600/crockpot+apple+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYmPBDgNBQ87JgRY0bdcMSjiXePBw90kiZgAtSp26EEvnHDTl7ymilxHsEEGQMzQxx_IxLHfu_a51wU_xAVrmfu9xOwyXQMI7Zcj0TCAIDVw_tzs1-eVBebLQ6myKpDq34HS3sTC_x4Dp/s320/crockpot+apple+butter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along those ambitious lines is something I've never tried but have always wanted to attempt. Apple Butter. I've made apricot butter before, which was intense and one of the best jam type things I've ever made. It seems like it took hours of stirring over a boiling pot, but it was worth it. Really. I imagine this would be wonderful. The cool part? This Apple Butter is made in the crock pot. The recipe is at <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://changingmydestiny.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/crockpot-apple-butter/" target="_blank">Changing My Destiny.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHEwrMztC8_t1PX2I1mrG1Uqb0UXlbtD22ILV2Oh1Rph7LJiTP8e-dg7eGkSq55IU4v4boeNLW-uScU_mTLCszcjhTv5WIQhmjCuHuz_4h3v7mho18r-ba1Pfz5xa0yY0uozLqAfBtI4Y/s1600/DSC_5658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHEwrMztC8_t1PX2I1mrG1Uqb0UXlbtD22ILV2Oh1Rph7LJiTP8e-dg7eGkSq55IU4v4boeNLW-uScU_mTLCszcjhTv5WIQhmjCuHuz_4h3v7mho18r-ba1Pfz5xa0yY0uozLqAfBtI4Y/s320/DSC_5658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These sweet-tart apple cookies are fully of soft, melty caramel. It uses an instant apple cider mix rather than real apples, but ohhh, doesn't it look divine? You can find the recipe for Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies at <a href="http://scrambledhenfruit.blogspot.com/2010/11/caramel-stuffed-apple-cider-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Scrambled Henfruit</span></a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZnsLH5c6mWt8dX37lfpFvkKVbJAzymVrkOZXAOZkSaRFa__K0onLvjFnJrXXHmJZPMVMiJfP-qUB2q7l5s3lVZDS83gwaq-TrSzUabUcfnyTjmJ_7Um2rkajKlGs_OfpTYEdHm1ysH9/s1600/apple_friiter_bite+1+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZnsLH5c6mWt8dX37lfpFvkKVbJAzymVrkOZXAOZkSaRFa__K0onLvjFnJrXXHmJZPMVMiJfP-qUB2q7l5s3lVZDS83gwaq-TrSzUabUcfnyTjmJ_7Um2rkajKlGs_OfpTYEdHm1ysH9/s320/apple_friiter_bite+1+3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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These babies look fantastic. Little mini apple fritters. Because sometimes you want the taste without the whole 10,000 calories, you know? Check out <a href="http://seeminglygreek.com/2011/09/apple-fritters/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Seemingly Greek</span></a> for the recipe. This young lady has a fun story about how she ended up in Greece. =]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshlY50XCo1iRUqOIx762fK4XhGmsmeCEP3TcsOpi7CUgQlF6fuo_ERH0rzKXlVTdyQNmvhv1jSaflwCc0vEgDdA2ogWY0ccmg9bG9HF0-KCH6jq4bl6PZGSRO4oCKmnlSjvhFDvztkxOi/s1600/Apple+Fritter+Bread+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshlY50XCo1iRUqOIx762fK4XhGmsmeCEP3TcsOpi7CUgQlF6fuo_ERH0rzKXlVTdyQNmvhv1jSaflwCc0vEgDdA2ogWY0ccmg9bG9HF0-KCH6jq4bl6PZGSRO4oCKmnlSjvhFDvztkxOi/s320/Apple+Fritter+Bread+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you want some serious volume, check out this Apple Fritter Bread found at <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2011/07/apple-fritter-bread.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Flour Me with Love.</span></a> The dough gets rolled out thin, then covered with apple-y-cinnamon-y goodness, cut in squares, then stacked together in a loaf pan to bake. The result? Bread that comes apart in layers. My apple fritter loving son was begging for this one. =]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj026aPx1SnmW4b2_4aPJkKaNF1Rg_W6UJb9Sg2vXpU9huk52JfO8yptFj5DrtksCUN1irpPAc9kgmyi3H1hUPF5UTEV1esae_T2Xaxzzj0vOCcGhk_kqJBWHPKtMSJabD4F4SXiPgNFsf/s1600/Apple+Loaf15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj026aPx1SnmW4b2_4aPJkKaNF1Rg_W6UJb9Sg2vXpU9huk52JfO8yptFj5DrtksCUN1irpPAc9kgmyi3H1hUPF5UTEV1esae_T2Xaxzzj0vOCcGhk_kqJBWHPKtMSJabD4F4SXiPgNFsf/s320/Apple+Loaf15.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Kind of along those lines is this beauty. The dough is made, then wrapped around little bundles of apple filling. Oh. My. The Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Loaf recipe can be found at <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://cookingwithchopin.blogspot.com/2011/11/apple-cinnamon-pull-apart-loaf.html" target="_blank">Cooking with Chopin.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5HjPjnq3jn-WO7IU56XDEobrjO3PrzVY-jhsFmHzVZ72xXGH4ndQ923byxvNNntkTmyztBLu0ExXhVCH7cB3YmOXSp0oPbjSYq-tD7-h6uVNry_CKFHKBDbhL9FjBMV6yCmG26gYlFz1/s1600/apple+cider+pancakes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5HjPjnq3jn-WO7IU56XDEobrjO3PrzVY-jhsFmHzVZ72xXGH4ndQ923byxvNNntkTmyztBLu0ExXhVCH7cB3YmOXSp0oPbjSYq-tD7-h6uVNry_CKFHKBDbhL9FjBMV6yCmG26gYlFz1/s320/apple+cider+pancakes" width="320" /></a></div>
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This. Oh, yes. This is my kind of breakfast! Apple Cider Buttermilk Pancakes with Apple Caramel Syrup. Aren't you just dying to make breakfast right now? And breakfast for dinner is always good, right? The recipe is at <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.cherryteacakes.com/2011/01/apple-cider-buttermilk-pancakes-with.html" target="_blank">Cherry Tea Cakes.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqh276GqhTLW03fjz3hbQnyP0ZsUOnsEztnebkgWd66fT8mVBjt20AFhloKwgV2yGNpJS1DlHtCivVHnBS0lRoeoKBuyKXlvLAZlSCuYzkpCHEYvjvgonF0GlrNtSQOHaylOExRPVtjMV/s1600/AppleOatmealMain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqh276GqhTLW03fjz3hbQnyP0ZsUOnsEztnebkgWd66fT8mVBjt20AFhloKwgV2yGNpJS1DlHtCivVHnBS0lRoeoKBuyKXlvLAZlSCuYzkpCHEYvjvgonF0GlrNtSQOHaylOExRPVtjMV/s320/AppleOatmealMain2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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To be fair, here's a recipe for Apple Pie Oatmeal. I am not a fan of oatmeal for the most part, but I think this recipe could change that. Who could pass up the taste of pie for breakfast? And healthy pie at that! <a href="http://www.familyfeedbag.com/2011/04/apple-pie-oatmeal.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Family Feedbag</span></a> has the recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2gu7pmkLiRG4wnHFiD70c-rC-uE8Bw3yEhGI3i_3hmd6m8I1NtKuRizCrAfvqnMwIOprR7VXDGMiUBUQsUGE0G12wjIvsh3I69YyWvoFXlDOV_HXIropjffi6m-vq4PN2az9mi355wCj/s1600/low+fat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2gu7pmkLiRG4wnHFiD70c-rC-uE8Bw3yEhGI3i_3hmd6m8I1NtKuRizCrAfvqnMwIOprR7VXDGMiUBUQsUGE0G12wjIvsh3I69YyWvoFXlDOV_HXIropjffi6m-vq4PN2az9mi355wCj/s1600/low+fat.jpg" /></a></div>
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These muffins are low fat and low cal. Just thought I'd sneak 'em in here. I love hot muffins on a cold morning and the crumbly top should add a touch of the sweetness I crave. I haven't tried these yet, but I will. Muffins are a mainstay here. The recipe is from <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/breakfast/lighten-up-healthy-apple-streusel-muffins/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Fitness</span></a><span style="color: orange;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLqDFcu4TbZYAhFJqTxR2ORw3uGDxK3NABga6wA9FbvJ2zkUA6pCxottYnVBIqBmpFOfcDF6GgUroHKWVpzo41TNQsF4kqD37PqWSnP6jvJH0-7jQ12W2IfDy9QT_qCeahPOWOpRAl26q/s1600/apple+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLqDFcu4TbZYAhFJqTxR2ORw3uGDxK3NABga6wA9FbvJ2zkUA6pCxottYnVBIqBmpFOfcDF6GgUroHKWVpzo41TNQsF4kqD37PqWSnP6jvJH0-7jQ12W2IfDy9QT_qCeahPOWOpRAl26q/s320/apple+chips.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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Are these gorgeous or what! Apple chips are one of my favorites. I think I'd use Fuji instead of Red Delicious, just because I like the sweet/tart favor better, but you've got to admit that the red contrast here makes them as fun to look at as I'm sure they are to eat. <a href="http://vittlesandbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/apple-chips.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Vittles and Bits</span></a> has the recipe and beautiful photo..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaR0bB2WD4qlyuG1sT75jSmmTbWQbLjKdMhYlOg00MB-k9VM6LLXERjYEJiIAulNruLYzns8yu3Xdvimmant91DlegQWhDdkBzjI89FB0phoyHga4hTqSrjbIvtWjS3B634ByJZY09obA/s1600/apple+enchilada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaR0bB2WD4qlyuG1sT75jSmmTbWQbLjKdMhYlOg00MB-k9VM6LLXERjYEJiIAulNruLYzns8yu3Xdvimmant91DlegQWhDdkBzjI89FB0phoyHga4hTqSrjbIvtWjS3B634ByJZY09obA/s1600/apple+enchilada.jpg" /></a></div>
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Apple Enchiladas? Flour tortillas stuffed with apple pie filling and covered with a syrupy sauce, then baked 'til golden? A definite yes. My kids are all for this one because, well, they're a BIG treat, you know? And what an easy and fun way to do it. The recipe is at <a href="http://cornfedmomma.blogspot.com/2011/04/apple-enchiladas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Cornfed Mama</span></a><span style="color: orange;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz1LU-G1p2hwGKvXcNi6JZnOIxkFwn42M-fi3y6HxvIpjz7XRFRYCZSu3Bauh-doVaP6-5gq4bmVEeDrqv0QU1eq-0WxJpoQUaHRxpT_px4XmFyTCFxOCiiqAoZXB6w1HRlngooyG_QiW/s1600/bite+sized+apple+pies" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz1LU-G1p2hwGKvXcNi6JZnOIxkFwn42M-fi3y6HxvIpjz7XRFRYCZSu3Bauh-doVaP6-5gq4bmVEeDrqv0QU1eq-0WxJpoQUaHRxpT_px4XmFyTCFxOCiiqAoZXB6w1HRlngooyG_QiW/s320/bite+sized+apple+pies" width="206" /></a></div>
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Bite Sized Apple Pies are a fast and easy treat since they use refrigerated pie crust. If you're a stickler, you can make your own. I absolutely love pie crust baked with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over the top. Add the apples and mmmm.... <a href="http://cookinupnorth.blogspot.com/2011/09/bite-size-apple-pies-from-taste-of-home.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Cookin up North</span></a> has the recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTcxy5bZQMD1o56LW2UgtkD_PnTd2RkH1Wz7RBimdQ3USgM8gycBSP4dER5T5RmVUPPpRmz-yzuNsymEv_YlJDNo6h5D0e-dCR2Pg6_sTOvQH-cXyEdVGi3AvgsQvIap_9hRwqXX_eD9z/s1600/Upside-Down-Cinnamon-Apple-Coffee-Cake-1-590x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTcxy5bZQMD1o56LW2UgtkD_PnTd2RkH1Wz7RBimdQ3USgM8gycBSP4dER5T5RmVUPPpRmz-yzuNsymEv_YlJDNo6h5D0e-dCR2Pg6_sTOvQH-cXyEdVGi3AvgsQvIap_9hRwqXX_eD9z/s320/Upside-Down-Cinnamon-Apple-Coffee-Cake-1-590x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another quickie, Upside-Down Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake uses canned cinnamon rolls for a base. She had me at cinnamon rolls. The recipe can be found at <span style="color: orange;">L</span><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/upside-down-cinnamon-apple-coffee-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">ady Behind the Curtain.</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IciN7LyiWLAV_mIKvQ9LmIY3jfkeNgVOzffJqrq9_WhQc2WqnoS9ZGKUpXEKaCrT-tRifUDecR0FklLlgDVHjgifsvuPzxIiiEeU1dM-8I5vEgFzdtPhp5VZwfsDEIZAo42Ey57mQGBp/s1600/apple-crumb-bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IciN7LyiWLAV_mIKvQ9LmIY3jfkeNgVOzffJqrq9_WhQc2WqnoS9ZGKUpXEKaCrT-tRifUDecR0FklLlgDVHjgifsvuPzxIiiEeU1dM-8I5vEgFzdtPhp5VZwfsDEIZAo42Ey57mQGBp/s320/apple-crumb-bars.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IciN7LyiWLAV_mIKvQ9LmIY3jfkeNgVOzffJqrq9_WhQc2WqnoS9ZGKUpXEKaCrT-tRifUDecR0FklLlgDVHjgifsvuPzxIiiEeU1dM-8I5vEgFzdtPhp5VZwfsDEIZAo42Ey57mQGBp/s1600/apple-crumb-bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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This baby is like a quick and easy version of apple pie. Can you see it now, served up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? And did I mention easy? With six kids, desserts go fast here, so quick, easy, and delicious are the prerequisites. <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2008/10/06/apple-crumble-bars/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Annie's Eats</span></a> has the recipe for Apple Crumble Bars.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB9gHdJD5ppr0TgwrD-ugBl7DYd9InGmLy_1Zuh2QkUmbQMGDJRMwrnka7l-Sb1OjJn9XOIeP_L_7t-U0anw9vYUa69jr3VwCseU2w1b_fVM2jLJLTZXoh5W-bjvo0VjbjajEJ8mvOFIM/s1600/top+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB9gHdJD5ppr0TgwrD-ugBl7DYd9InGmLy_1Zuh2QkUmbQMGDJRMwrnka7l-Sb1OjJn9XOIeP_L_7t-U0anw9vYUa69jr3VwCseU2w1b_fVM2jLJLTZXoh5W-bjvo0VjbjajEJ8mvOFIM/s320/top+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And if you want to get fancy, Apple Pie in a Jar......from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-a-jar/#" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Our Best Bites</span></a><span style="color: orange;">.</span> You could use your home canned apple pie filling for these. I love how these are decorated. Wouldn't these be neat for gifts or dessert at a party? Can you imagine a table lined with your choice of apple, or cherry, or peach, or apricot...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bgJQ-kzd8rhSyFgqtAbzsCoFqFRrUOaVnzMg58vXYYioyL6lMKQbXJpxx1bqdG8sQKsYWuPbrexZ0mfWoYOGt1Oez5UkmF7zR9b6VsPymn3oyNJsOS9JyWZNtj7DGJVGIub6_X-fcpoV/s1600/caramels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bgJQ-kzd8rhSyFgqtAbzsCoFqFRrUOaVnzMg58vXYYioyL6lMKQbXJpxx1bqdG8sQKsYWuPbrexZ0mfWoYOGt1Oez5UkmF7zR9b6VsPymn3oyNJsOS9JyWZNtj7DGJVGIub6_X-fcpoV/s320/caramels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apple Cider Caramels??? Mmmmm...yes, please. I have a thing for taffies and caramels. I think it goes back to years of wearing braces and feeling deprived. I think, as an adult, I should make up for that deprivation. <a href="http://bourbonnatrixbakes.blogspot.com/2011/09/apple-cider-caramels.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Bourbonnatrix Bakes</span></a> has this recipe, and no, there isn't any bourbon in them. =P<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk-Bwy5wjmQkzW-bfVa2awfA0hsJ1wHDLsNRjeOGnByo4VSc7bpNBwB1rwNV7i0Vsec8iFsIQVOLcD1qHRwCFCqsCjwSJM3ZaEtCzYU6DoAejxDW90f14TOb3AgKCN6_OhMEalL6raBRb/s1600/baked+apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk-Bwy5wjmQkzW-bfVa2awfA0hsJ1wHDLsNRjeOGnByo4VSc7bpNBwB1rwNV7i0Vsec8iFsIQVOLcD1qHRwCFCqsCjwSJM3ZaEtCzYU6DoAejxDW90f14TOb3AgKCN6_OhMEalL6raBRb/s320/baked+apple.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This is a baked apple, filled with vanilla ice cream, then drizzled with caramel sauce. I'm thinking it would make a fun Family Home Evening treat. Can you just smell those apples baking? The recipe calls for brandy in the sauce, but another liquid could easily be substituted. <a href="http://timeforalittlesomething.com/2011/10/02/apple-ice-creams-with-brandy-caramel/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Time for a Little Something</span></a> has the recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1r_rd08NaPw_Umxd4sHChWPuSthTGSNX7jSHdwTpSraRZcoMOHXTdZDxSOsuAJoq3iGXlfykpSqU_VTPCgLV8v4BYNjlNkVgMt-LuCGhydBiCNxk8R5K_HGhbD9Qi_6_JgldZuKIkBer/s1600/candy+apple+pie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1r_rd08NaPw_Umxd4sHChWPuSthTGSNX7jSHdwTpSraRZcoMOHXTdZDxSOsuAJoq3iGXlfykpSqU_VTPCgLV8v4BYNjlNkVgMt-LuCGhydBiCNxk8R5K_HGhbD9Qi_6_JgldZuKIkBer/s320/candy+apple+pie" width="239" /></a></div>
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This one is special. I'm thinking Thanksgiving, maybe, because my sister always makes something spectacular and I'm the just get it done girl. LOL. Candy Apple Pie...a graham cracker crust filled with cheesecake and apple pie filling, then topped with whipped cream, caramel, and pecans. I already have that Thanksgiving feeling of being unable to eat another bite. Clicky here, at <a href="http://www.doughmesstic.net/2008/09/30/tuesdays-with-dorieno-creme-brulee-here/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Doughmesstic</span></a>, for the recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7mJm7bi4AmySy6KwshWDfPvXIZbKDKlPK_KcmX7CIbyqJy8gQ8bFY92WnDnHaPR7iBYs5WBPNnu1iTo7M0PJfk_o0Egbx3ASbQz9yBS4ScKkgp8UklOeGbnDXRCdgv_QzhhTwhosmYBW/s1600/wassail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7mJm7bi4AmySy6KwshWDfPvXIZbKDKlPK_KcmX7CIbyqJy8gQ8bFY92WnDnHaPR7iBYs5WBPNnu1iTo7M0PJfk_o0Egbx3ASbQz9yBS4ScKkgp8UklOeGbnDXRCdgv_QzhhTwhosmYBW/s320/wassail.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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And to go with all of that deliciousness, wassail. I love wassail. It makes me smile. A hot cup, a good book, a warm fire, a rainy day, and life is at its best. <a href="http://gatherroundourtable.blogspot.com/2009/10/recipes-for-spiced-cider-wassail.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Gathered Round Our Table</span></a> has a recipes for wassail and spiced cider. I've made a couple, and the pineapple juice in the wassail makes all the difference. Don't skimp or substitute on it. They're worth writing down and tucking away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QjubDMf4x0lqLbwxh54TS_fJjbapyt2TxjmYX3WB20t405k3-PqYS4gdSM9JL7UaskZD3hVr2zpOODHLvhL9lwPlH2jMf-RWAhlSYpnGqqdNvsH-kVBCriXuNfpoQ7nghhxVCaj6dEw4/s1600/Bowl-BLOG2-450x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QjubDMf4x0lqLbwxh54TS_fJjbapyt2TxjmYX3WB20t405k3-PqYS4gdSM9JL7UaskZD3hVr2zpOODHLvhL9lwPlH2jMf-RWAhlSYpnGqqdNvsH-kVBCriXuNfpoQ7nghhxVCaj6dEw4/s320/Bowl-BLOG2-450x350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just to get you started, and to give you a bit of energy while you bake up a storm, try this Toffee Apple Dip. It's cream cheese blended with brown sugar and Heath Toffee Bits. Everybody I know who has tried it has absolutely loved it. When I make it, I add a little splash of vanilla, and I like to serve it with sliced Granny Smith apples since their tart flavor balances out the sweet. You can find this recipe at <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/12/toffee-apple-dip.html" target="_blank">Mel's Kitchen Cafe.</a></span><br />
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Unfortunately, I don't have a link for this picture, and no it's not a recipe, just a bonus. If you know where it comes from, let me know and I'll post the link. <br />
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I love how these were used for candles, though. If I made them, I'd bust out the drill with a bit that was votive size and bore the hole just deep enough to insert the candle. If you don't have a drill, then a paring knife would do the trick, with a little skill. =]<br />
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Get some apples and have fun!<br />
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<!--3-->Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519754072702705033.post-81062599444486638182012-08-17T17:50:00.001-07:002013-03-02T08:09:48.588-08:00Friday Night Date IdeaIt's Friday night. When my husband was alive, that meant movie night. Usually it consisted of the kids going to bed early and the Big Guy, he was 6'6", and I watching a video on the couch. I usually ended up getting a really great shoulder massage out of it, so it worked for me. We had our together time, but with six kids, a dating night out wasn't always the easiest option. <br />
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One of my all time favorite dates was the night we bought a big bag of M&M's and sat outside our town's tiny airport and watched the planes land. A little chocolate, a little cuddling, quiet time to just talk without a TV in sight...after 15 years of marriage, that date still stands out.<br />
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I wish we had done more.<br />
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I think now that he's gone, I wish that the most.<br />
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So with that said, what have I learned? Time together is precious. Dates don't have to be expensive to be fun. Dates don't even have to be away from the house, though the mental break is nice. Dates, quality times, are often the quiet moments talking and learning about each other...whether you're in the "new" dating stage or after years of marriage.<br />
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I found a cute blog list of <strong><a href="http://cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.com/2012/01/30-things.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">30 Things</span></a></strong> to talk about. One topic a day...for 30 days. Here are a few of the questions:<br />
1. List 20 random things about yourself.<br />
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears and how they became fears.<br />
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?<br />
30. What are 10 things you would hope to be remembered for?<br />
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Maybe a fun idea to start on a Friday night date?<br />
<br />Erin @ One Crazy Lady and Six Great Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216727004106701165noreply@blogger.com13