tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48502016352053290502024-02-02T09:33:22.032-08:00Pretty SimpleCreating a beautiful life through simplicity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-57972188467320912842014-05-02T14:22:00.000-07:002014-05-02T14:22:35.980-07:00Rag QuiltI was feeling creative this week so I raided my fabric stash. I had some gorgeous quilting fabric I got for my birthday last year I had planned to make a lap quilt out of. I also had been toying with the idea of making a rag quilt I saw on <a href="http://bloomandblossom.blogspot.com/2010/10/raw-edge-layer-cake-quilt-tutorial.html">this</a> website. I thought, why not combine the two projects and make the rag quilt out of the birthday fabric? So I went for it and this is the result...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeZEj_I515BTwuIt26iAr68tl_5lKZR79X6nzjpMccL7sRIO9AKxfZxkOdkwTX8fRUUBiRAmDuK9x96eaFXE6FqE-OOorkv3sb-zd4pQs4M_xFeG3OGVvOsvO-DNa_wl0WvQTgUDKWuI/s1600/DSCN6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeZEj_I515BTwuIt26iAr68tl_5lKZR79X6nzjpMccL7sRIO9AKxfZxkOdkwTX8fRUUBiRAmDuK9x96eaFXE6FqE-OOorkv3sb-zd4pQs4M_xFeG3OGVvOsvO-DNa_wl0WvQTgUDKWuI/s1600/DSCN6381.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">As you can see, I have to share my new quilt...<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kHfXoVLjbhwFKXnMxiZl-wEPE6WPdLbLXbC66Jc7-s4Q2ZQV3gyPkQ3nHgAjZb58hAzwfEKpjLAF4ECDwaMh1gSVhfcHDp8iEH7Wwn7eVvPnsEGKaaJp51uCJWXeroWYFKVc2Lbod38/s1600/DSCN6382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kHfXoVLjbhwFKXnMxiZl-wEPE6WPdLbLXbC66Jc7-s4Q2ZQV3gyPkQ3nHgAjZb58hAzwfEKpjLAF4ECDwaMh1gSVhfcHDp8iEH7Wwn7eVvPnsEGKaaJp51uCJWXeroWYFKVc2Lbod38/s1600/DSCN6382.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took me about 5 days and cost about $40. Not too bad, I think. This quilt was unusual in that instead of sewing together the top squares, then attaching them to a backing, you actually make little quilt "sandwiches", assembling top, batting, and back, sewing together, then sewing the sandwiches wrong sides together to make the seams on the front. Snip the seams and it toss in the washer and dryer and there you go!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgjtGBfoiZJo-DKoy8vkrdis9QTg-eI7WppLaHvmLkFfS0guB97KJeOWmKusfUkuyfO3o9wt3-mnv9OXFBrIybgbxb0ZTq7WkatW6zUGbT2aJI_BQuxvXV2Vfe-MRiY-Uu9PLRx_pbP0/s1600/DSCN6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgjtGBfoiZJo-DKoy8vkrdis9QTg-eI7WppLaHvmLkFfS0guB97KJeOWmKusfUkuyfO3o9wt3-mnv9OXFBrIybgbxb0ZTq7WkatW6zUGbT2aJI_BQuxvXV2Vfe-MRiY-Uu9PLRx_pbP0/s1600/DSCN6383.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I just love the finished look!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW1hXe97AHVL8tdSBjwsbMNPSkKq38MsMyPLvSyGMuHK5OuKu1b0jCeIKhi1hzx_UAk1tr6yxrqgYCdg7Yn__gDbZmuzRxtXJGcORi3kudWAsBW8hIySotEb0axLY1Cui6M_CXlRKLP8/s1600/DSCN6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW1hXe97AHVL8tdSBjwsbMNPSkKq38MsMyPLvSyGMuHK5OuKu1b0jCeIKhi1hzx_UAk1tr6yxrqgYCdg7Yn__gDbZmuzRxtXJGcORi3kudWAsBW8hIySotEb0axLY1Cui6M_CXlRKLP8/s1600/DSCN6385.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">And I'm not the only one! :)</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-48222859379004577612013-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:002013-01-03T13:33:51.180-08:00ForwardI'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions. I've been around enough to know that they don't last. I usually don't stick to much of anything for more than a week or so, if I'm lucky. I now know better than to use words like "always" and "never". But words like growing, improving, and striving are friends of mine. To be able to look back on the previous year and say, "I'm a better person now than I was then," whatever that means to you, is a huge achievement. I would like to be able to say that. To always be pressing forward, growing in grace, expanding in knowledge, bettering myself as a wife, mother, and friend. Not becoming stagnant, but reaching out and making a difference in my little corner of the world. I think that we can all do that. By making little changes every day, adding and subtracting what we need to from our lives to slowly mold ourselves into what we want to be. Knowing that we will inevitably fail, but not letting that stop us from getting back up and pressing forward again.<br />
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Here are some things I want to work on over this next year...<br />
<ul>
<li>spend less</li>
<li>give more</li>
<li>read more books</li>
<li>watch less TV</li>
<li>eat more veggies</li>
<li>eat less sugar</li>
<li>take more walks</li>
<li>be outside more</li>
<li>plant some flowers</li>
<li>plant some herbs </li>
<li>speak more softly</li>
<li>be less easily angered</li>
<li>repay evil with good</li>
<li>smile more often</li>
<li>give more hugs</li>
<li>talk to strangers</li>
<li>be thankful</li>
<li>complain less</li>
<li>go to bed a little earlier</li>
<li>get up a little earlier</li>
<li>write more</li>
<li>sing more</li>
<li>paint more</li>
<li>sew more</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-72573151127798915392012-11-21T14:56:00.000-08:002013-01-03T13:43:12.675-08:00Our Thankful Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeaqHuuy_flIJ50HUI8LD5C0bVrr5-c865jsVOr26bajPz3eulDlCqmk1T-aVrOamE52ylnj6mJ9H4sPYZOuLbdhenBbuIBbEKOFoTp-dfdL5cRrxTqKTLWi2kdSPxHO7qkA6boVIlec/s1600/DSCN0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeaqHuuy_flIJ50HUI8LD5C0bVrr5-c865jsVOr26bajPz3eulDlCqmk1T-aVrOamE52ylnj6mJ9H4sPYZOuLbdhenBbuIBbEKOFoTp-dfdL5cRrxTqKTLWi2kdSPxHO7qkA6boVIlec/s640/DSCN0307.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions is our Thankful Tree. We started this a few years back with the kids and it is always a lot of fun. We just used colored paper, scissors and tape. We cut the trunk in sections and taped it together on the hall closet door. Then we cut out lots of curvy branches and taped them on wherever we felt like it. This year we printed out leaves onto the colored paper using <a href="http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/coloring-pages/images/Fall/small/leaf-template.jpg">this</a> template. It turned out to be a little tricky cutting all the points and curves, but we managed. We made a little woven basket out of leftover paper strips and put the leaves, a marker and some tape in it and hung it on the door knob. As we think of things we are thankful for, we write them on the leaves and tape them to the tree. It's not the most perfect looking craft, but that's ok. It was made with lots of loving, thankful little hands and to me it's the most beautiful tree in the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-26984114530188332842012-11-16T11:52:00.001-08:002013-01-03T13:34:34.917-08:00Thankful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03-Zxt37OnV6tOGzyDOCB8E5-luYYME8w9pqs7vyJUkGxsfrncAQz0Vz2P8KsDzHSMbQXM8QP3EjYzReoia3eAACE0_Odo6iGuH8yC6qN1KDFaTgGiGIQTRAoV2eUCBJX1ACBSgMNiRA/s1600/thanksgiv-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03-Zxt37OnV6tOGzyDOCB8E5-luYYME8w9pqs7vyJUkGxsfrncAQz0Vz2P8KsDzHSMbQXM8QP3EjYzReoia3eAACE0_Odo6iGuH8yC6qN1KDFaTgGiGIQTRAoV2eUCBJX1ACBSgMNiRA/s640/thanksgiv-day.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from timeanddate.com</td></tr>
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I have always been bothered by the fact that everyone seems to skip straight from Halloween to Christmas. This year, the Christmas stuff was in the stores even before Halloween! Ridiculous. I never understood why. Then it struck me... a holiday that focuses on being thankful for what one has just doesn't fit into the modern excessive consumer mentality. There is nothing for the companies to market. No costumes, candy, lights, trees, presents, etc. It is the one holiday that doesn't revolve around spending a lot of money. It's about good, home cooked food, not buckets of candy. It's about spending time with your friends and family, not spending tons of money on gifts for everyone and their brother. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas... the <i>real</i> Christmas. Not the capitalistic, commercialized, consumer driven version it has evolved into. But Thanksgiving is simply this... giving thanks. So simple, so beautiful. In this country we live in where we are constantly being bombarded with messages that what we have is not good enough, big enough, or new enough, how important is it to have that one day to reflect. To choose to disregard all those lies and focus on what really matters. To realize how truly blessed we are. To realize we have all that we need and more. I hope that maybe some of us will slow down and really think about Thanksgiving this year. Maybe choose to have a different perspective of the coming Christmas season. And most of all, remember to be thankful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-41382852192858090982012-10-15T20:24:00.003-07:002013-01-03T14:30:59.892-08:00Sweet-n-Spicy PopcornPopcorn and movies are some of those things that were just meant to be together. But I've been getting tired of the plain old butter and salt version. I recently saw a cooking show with a girl making unusual flavored popcorn and it inspired me to create my own. I wanted something sweet with just a hint of spice. I came up with this, and it was just the twist the popcorn needed.<br />
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<b><u>Sweet-n-Spicy Popcorn</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM20sfc8MaskMAblglAZM0BHzafFa28xanJk0W6937gY0qwzuZoxc2DZ25PCUZl5GUBAHUzyGfd8xqhRayuLsEmhYPvx7YuaTMBLTqLjM01dINXkTP0s7R0O8VhTIIF7FVFPd4nzGrlw/s1600/DSCN0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM20sfc8MaskMAblglAZM0BHzafFa28xanJk0W6937gY0qwzuZoxc2DZ25PCUZl5GUBAHUzyGfd8xqhRayuLsEmhYPvx7YuaTMBLTqLjM01dINXkTP0s7R0O8VhTIIF7FVFPd4nzGrlw/s640/DSCN0175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What You Need:</div>
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1/4 c. unpopped kernels</div>
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2 T. butter</div>
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2 T. honey</div>
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1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
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1/16 tsp. cayenne powder </div>
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1/4 tsp. sea salt</div>
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What You Do:</div>
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Pop your popcorn, using either the kettle or air pop method. </div>
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Please don't use microwave popcorn, you will make me cry. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c0IJoNyE68gr9VEHjka6TBiarolKYQ8bULUNDK09HYMxUwjuyw_5C6dudXcv0aRvosAYY3YEAcLVS0TYjqcMKrhoIiYDLrw-plANAa-j68zGDFbMixvQraW8w3cGQ_X82JebtYitYhc/s1600/DSCN0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c0IJoNyE68gr9VEHjka6TBiarolKYQ8bULUNDK09HYMxUwjuyw_5C6dudXcv0aRvosAYY3YEAcLVS0TYjqcMKrhoIiYDLrw-plANAa-j68zGDFbMixvQraW8w3cGQ_X82JebtYitYhc/s640/DSCN0176.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We got this cool popcorn maker for Christmas last year, so that is what I use.</div>
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While your corn is popcorn, melt the butter and honey.</div>
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Ok, so I did cheat here and melt it in the microwave in a Pyrex measuring cup.</div>
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Hey, I'm not perfect.</div>
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Stir in the cinnamon and cayenne until completely mixed.</div>
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Trust me, you don't want to bite into any cayenne clumps.</div>
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I only used a pinch of cayenne, </div>
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but of course you can increase it if you like it hotter. </div>
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Now put your popcorn in your serving bowl and drizzle the </div>
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sweet and spicy mixture all over the popcorn and toss to coat. </div>
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Sprinkle with the sea salt and toss again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PMDbNgX-hlbwoOOiLPW12truaONU_dHfBo3v7wGsHO2XqVEwQpSPukz6jIRAUl_h-eGwtCz_GXEm2tmaXHPjAzA7Bzo8nI5Zicr9YycENesc3pNyyRZAdOREGatLVwMP5F4prPnQu7w/s1600/DSCN0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PMDbNgX-hlbwoOOiLPW12truaONU_dHfBo3v7wGsHO2XqVEwQpSPukz6jIRAUl_h-eGwtCz_GXEm2tmaXHPjAzA7Bzo8nI5Zicr9YycENesc3pNyyRZAdOREGatLVwMP5F4prPnQu7w/s640/DSCN0179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's it! So simple and really tasty.</div>
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It serves up to 4, if you're being reasonable. </div>
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Of course I'm never reasonable with popcorn and could easily eat it all myself :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-47623640265919336122012-09-07T16:53:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:38:40.857-08:00Cat in the Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2FPY9vF71eU5HkblsH66XfnHHuyLZPxGXyWYPCwjzYHjPWjNCj0R2zf7xVeTOYJnJ6m7NaXbxj_6zYzYhUgC4HF841vwqiJ_y3QOW4hnYZNlW9cK2cdNT0Gijt_eQ3ywFE7-fIUahZA/s1600/DSCN0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2FPY9vF71eU5HkblsH66XfnHHuyLZPxGXyWYPCwjzYHjPWjNCj0R2zf7xVeTOYJnJ6m7NaXbxj_6zYzYhUgC4HF841vwqiJ_y3QOW4hnYZNlW9cK2cdNT0Gijt_eQ3ywFE7-fIUahZA/s640/DSCN0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our darling girl, Pepper</div>
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So stinking cute!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-83370446710405698952012-09-07T14:01:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:54:59.190-08:00Crocheted Owl Hand Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXOb4xPmfRHxjPJHK7po3ER4nyMEtlMwaULsceV8IvMSShQnc7GrXhZDOgp7Muy0kM6nP0NhrZxppMATBIU4w9vZQgJuVeL7h0UxSJ6CmvCzbx5z8Mz3R3d6PVREUNQev6MV9AnMUWx4/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXOb4xPmfRHxjPJHK7po3ER4nyMEtlMwaULsceV8IvMSShQnc7GrXhZDOgp7Muy0kM6nP0NhrZxppMATBIU4w9vZQgJuVeL7h0UxSJ6CmvCzbx5z8Mz3R3d6PVREUNQev6MV9AnMUWx4/s640/DSCN0083.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Well, I was <i>trying</i> to use up some leftover yarn I had in cream, brown and blue. I decided to make a handbag. Then I thought how cute it would be to make an owl. Then, alas, too late I realized that the owl belonged on a <i>green</i> and cream handbag. So away to the store I went to buy some green yarn. *sigh* I think it's super cute, even if I did defeat the purpose of using up my yarn. Oh well, I will find a project for the blue, I'm sure...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-61614239120444850362012-09-06T15:15:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:55:13.056-08:00SmoothiesI have been trying to exercise (bleck!) so I've been walking to pick up the kids this week. Boy, is it hot out there! When we got home today, I decided to make some smoothies to cool us down. Smoothies are super simple to make, and very healthy if you don't add a lot of sugar, or even ice cream (that's a milkshake, IMO) like some recipes say. Now I would like to give you measurements on this, but I don't ever measure it. But it always turns out right in the end!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QYmHagO-IgsUujMOwKrk2nDRgmoMR7o0mYWe81Gtkuyd9gj4JbwFGhB8nJkWQTCzyUCA1-s2HDkR3bjsEnhtq09U_rtTDdxWdiud0i4Z9gjol3mNVtbl52P5mNxEyzfTOzUNHF8mB_I/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QYmHagO-IgsUujMOwKrk2nDRgmoMR7o0mYWe81Gtkuyd9gj4JbwFGhB8nJkWQTCzyUCA1-s2HDkR3bjsEnhtq09U_rtTDdxWdiud0i4Z9gjol3mNVtbl52P5mNxEyzfTOzUNHF8mB_I/s640/DSCN0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>What You Need</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a couple cups of frozen fruit-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I had strawberries and peaches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 or 2 bananas-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
depending on how much you like bananas...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup or so of yogurt- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just put a big blop of it in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty much any kind will do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like plain greek yogurt as it doesn't have any sweeteners or artificial nastiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
orange juice or milk-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just add a hefty splash to it, and if it's looking too thick while blending, I add a little more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prefer OJ in my smoothies because you're already getting a dose of dairy form the yogurt, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but today I didn't have any, so milk it was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
honey (optional)-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find if you use a pre-sweetened yogurt you don't need to add any sweetener. Today I used plain yogurt and it was a little tart so I added some honey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl5xOH5Q-UvT-8EzMpfzK6kN1Wg1fDAZc-_-wHxVAY1u2GS7FpTXe9IZg1vJNzx0Gn4xD8IIKqWpBFTkly4JpMVViIadtkfkzBBSiF7pWDP42ikHkSbCS5-gd9BEkLBJXf2fjwdG-dJ0/s1600/DSCN0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl5xOH5Q-UvT-8EzMpfzK6kN1Wg1fDAZc-_-wHxVAY1u2GS7FpTXe9IZg1vJNzx0Gn4xD8IIKqWpBFTkly4JpMVViIadtkfkzBBSiF7pWDP42ikHkSbCS5-gd9BEkLBJXf2fjwdG-dJ0/s640/DSCN0072.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>What You Do</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the super hard part- put it all in the blender and press the button!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to stir it around a bit to help the blender out, but it only takes a minute or two for it to all come together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuM0xUeZJD7SBNIr6T5jkTNt_WBW2AMp-x0CyKAcLs6PkqMjxtFgsxQF6SOCKFazUXmsgsaTPVN7tRbe0ACLRIWqv6ZKmpMiuJFIq_CUMAZGLcOTWLQ5eF3v-jdt6GIzdLWX1T0yC8Tw/s1600/DSCN0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuM0xUeZJD7SBNIr6T5jkTNt_WBW2AMp-x0CyKAcLs6PkqMjxtFgsxQF6SOCKFazUXmsgsaTPVN7tRbe0ACLRIWqv6ZKmpMiuJFIq_CUMAZGLcOTWLQ5eF3v-jdt6GIzdLWX1T0yC8Tw/s640/DSCN0073.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Delicious refreshing smoothies!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AVNJ2q1h4v8Ard7Qli3rDeeRH-tUqrSAqOgl9IPWsRRVF0EIiML94rhuwpwcZCKyY2zE8Jg1wfTGs2wPuFhT4BGjgvyjn3Xa42PKTOlWkyKhU6ufdtDYUspfc6N3IAfmG3ZeiCVNnww/s1600/DSCN0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AVNJ2q1h4v8Ard7Qli3rDeeRH-tUqrSAqOgl9IPWsRRVF0EIiML94rhuwpwcZCKyY2zE8Jg1wfTGs2wPuFhT4BGjgvyjn3Xa42PKTOlWkyKhU6ufdtDYUspfc6N3IAfmG3ZeiCVNnww/s640/DSCN0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And BTW, are these mugs not the cutest things ever?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-8440753258544383392012-08-17T11:43:00.002-07:002013-01-03T13:43:37.092-08:00Tomatoes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMfakcJN61egXRyiLi1UQ50CnZ-qAxhUyYxbLnloBpQTAWYjXVqti4Np7DHTDvFMvZ1iZIZeznpc3ZxuieIe1HQAcRjlSI3qSWBgTQiPAFXapm041cKCl3cc8-W_NX1IrPm6ZsklDCOY/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMfakcJN61egXRyiLi1UQ50CnZ-qAxhUyYxbLnloBpQTAWYjXVqti4Np7DHTDvFMvZ1iZIZeznpc3ZxuieIe1HQAcRjlSI3qSWBgTQiPAFXapm041cKCl3cc8-W_NX1IrPm6ZsklDCOY/s640/DSCN0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
After years of tomato failures we finally have success! Beautiful, luscious, juicy tomatoes! Okay, heirloom tomatoes never really look beautiful, but they taste it. I planted 6 Brandywines, thinking that was a modest amount. Well we now have 6 tomato "trees" with hundreds of fruits. Salsas and sauces and soups, oh my! At this point were just eating them straight off the vine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yay for homegrown tomatoes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-42670112337790749652012-07-17T13:09:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:30:33.510-08:00Mac & Cheese & Peas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrM2yK28NDIErWaPw4CgWeEVIXVf1KrHNWuAeHPJsQnFQ0_Tp82fM_TC6baICGgAAnO81CPrhgyMI-v7QfiZiEKyTzbMi9mww05szcNlzOK3neL2umgn0g1XtYUWqT125ih8bciNKi_g/s1600/DSCN5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrM2yK28NDIErWaPw4CgWeEVIXVf1KrHNWuAeHPJsQnFQ0_Tp82fM_TC6baICGgAAnO81CPrhgyMI-v7QfiZiEKyTzbMi9mww05szcNlzOK3neL2umgn0g1XtYUWqT125ih8bciNKi_g/s640/DSCN5320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mac & Cheese is a favorite here for Meatless Mondays. And of course it has to be homemade! I have experimented for years to get a good cheese sauce and by golly I think I've finally found it. Mmm, Cheese Sauce. Liquid gold, it's been called, and I must agree. Add pasta of any kind and it's called foodie heaven.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Mac & Cheese & Peas</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What you Need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 c. butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 c. flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 c. milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/8 tsp. white pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. cream cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 lb. elbow pasta</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 lb. frozen peas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Do:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill large pot with water and a handful of salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cover and bring to boil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While water is coming to a boil-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whisk in flour and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add milk slowly, whisking to combine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add salt and pepper. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cook over medium-high heat until thick and creamy, stirring frequently.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While sauce is thickening-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add pasta to boiling water and cook for one minute less than package directions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When sauce has thickened, remove saucepan from heat and add cream cheese.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir until cream cheese has melted, then add cheddar cheese in 4 batches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir until cheese has completely melted between each addition.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When pasta timer goes off, add frozen peas to pasta and water and boil for one more minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drain and dump back in pot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add all that glorious cheese sauce and stir until well combined.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If it's not Meatless Monday, add cooked crumbled bacon...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or add cubed ham and substitute broccoli for the peas...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
With cheese and pasta, the possibilities are endless...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-51869701579793119732012-05-16T12:46:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:57:04.985-08:00Easy Homemade Guacamole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gTI9HE425RaH_BcPuhJCetM_FfySWub_1y3-qYwFBKeFIFxNucToMyeWZQAexrhi-zmpNYg-xk9VZIhyphenhyphena4EcCc6h6YPdOcB_BFTv3Cqmv11a6VYPfb2n4NOl1invPQCWYYsy2ODbXy4/s1600/DSCN5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gTI9HE425RaH_BcPuhJCetM_FfySWub_1y3-qYwFBKeFIFxNucToMyeWZQAexrhi-zmpNYg-xk9VZIhyphenhyphena4EcCc6h6YPdOcB_BFTv3Cqmv11a6VYPfb2n4NOl1invPQCWYYsy2ODbXy4/s640/DSCN5247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never understood people who don't like avocados. Who could resist such cool creamy deliciousness? And of course, you can't talk about avocados without mentioning guacamole. Yum. I have to admit, it's my favorite part of eating Mexican food. Before I got into cooking from scratch, I always made guacamole with the packet of seasoning you get in the produce section right next to the avocados. That was homemade, right? I never even knew there was any other option. But real homemade guacamole is so easy and SO much tastier. Once you learn how to make it, you will never touch those packets again!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Guacamole</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 medium ripe avocados</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. garlic powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. onion powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp. pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp. chili powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp. lime or lemon juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Do:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put all ingredients in a bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mash them up thoroughly with a fork. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cover and chill for 30 min.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy with homemade tortilla chips!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's really that simple. And so delicious! The recipe can easily be doubled for more people. If you prefer a smoother texture, a stick blender works very well. Most of the time I'm too lazy to pull it out, so I just use a fork. Besides, the little chunks of avocado make it more rustic :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
This recipe freezes well, so when all those really ripe avocados go on sale, you can whip up a giant batch and freeze it in individual portions. I use the 8 oz. wide mouth mason jars. Just defrost in the fridge the day before you need it.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-22022941263939310272012-05-11T20:32:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:57:23.902-08:00Friday Night Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvC0GHAaM6CuAM2HmDVFzZ-tu1F_jF7Vz-5Emx6OcqMdmsbjpR7wAcbGeaj8Qu6VZVjhUM9bM9t6CUjQeF-TKKOeg00beAHl4uq1VGazBZQ_qj0iNO-NxrRDAxlPVn6Tk1CweIfGRuWI/s1600/DSCN5245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvC0GHAaM6CuAM2HmDVFzZ-tu1F_jF7Vz-5Emx6OcqMdmsbjpR7wAcbGeaj8Qu6VZVjhUM9bM9t6CUjQeF-TKKOeg00beAHl4uq1VGazBZQ_qj0iNO-NxrRDAxlPVn6Tk1CweIfGRuWI/s640/DSCN5245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just made these tonight and they are so good I had to share!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Apricot Spice Cookies</u></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 c. unbleached white flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 c. whole wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 c. rolled oats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. ground allspice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp. ground cloves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 t. salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp. baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 c. butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c. organic cane sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c. brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c. honey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp. vanilla extract</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 c. finely chopped dried apricots</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. </li>
<li>In a medium mixing bowl, combine flours, oats, spices, salt, baking soda and powder. Set aside.</li>
<li>In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.</li>
<li>Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. </li>
<li>Beat in vanilla.</li>
<li>Add flour mixture and beat until well combined.</li>
<li>Stir in apricots.</li>
<li>Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.</li>
<li>Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Let set on baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes about 4 dozen cookies, depending on how much dough you eat ;)</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-68004727279719186012012-02-05T19:20:00.003-08:002013-01-03T13:44:05.263-08:00Endings and BeginningsIt's funny how life can totally change. You think you know the future for miles ahead. Then suddenly everything's different. Last fall, due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to abandon our home of 9 years and move across town to a rental home. I admit, the extra space has been nice (900 sq ft to 2100 sq ft), but the cost- financially (the high rent), of losing property therefore garden space (1/3 acre to a postage size lot) and moving from county to city ( losing my chickens) has been very hard on me. Add in the stress of going to school full-time while managing the move and being mama to 3 boys, and I have pretty much been depleted, exhausted, depressed, stressed, etc. for the last 5-6 months. There were way too many days of unnecessary shopping, eating fast food, using paper plates and paper towels, and pretty much living and doing everything I stand against. It felt horrible and I knew I had to pull myself together. While coming to grips with my new living situation I've realized that I am going to have to master that old adage of being happy regardless of circumstances. I've figured that I can squeeze in some herbs here and there amongst the flower beds and maybe even try growing some veggies in pots on the deck. Meanwhile I can support my local farmers by shopping at the Farmer's Market and the Saturday Grower's Market when the season starts. I have scrounged together all the canvas bags I could find in a determination to stop using paper and plastic bags from the store. I'm getting back into shopping the sales and cooking from scratch as much as possible. Another blessing has been having the space to create my own sewing/craft room. I am hoping that I will be able to make many homemade projects and gifts when time allows. And hopefully I will have more time as well. After much consideration, I have dropped some of my classes and decided to spread my program out over 2 years instead of 1. While this will cost more, I think that I need to be able to focus more of my time and energy at home and on my kids. So, all in all, while this has been a very difficult season in my life, I think it will all work out for good. Though the growing and stretching may not always be pleasant, I trust that I will find many surprising moments of happiness and new opportunities along the way of this new journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-49729607443841792672011-06-21T13:17:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:57:49.117-08:00Spring CleaningI know it's been awhile, but I have been so busy with yard and house work. We have company staying right now, so for a couple weeks I was crazily cleaning. I'm not terribly fond of house cleaning. I'm much happier cooking or crocheting, but I love the end result. It's amazing how much a clean organized house can affect everyone's mood. Everybody just seems calmer and more relaxed and the day runs more smoothly. So, cleaning rags- check, cleaners- check, mop- check, loud music- check, and away we go.<br />
<br />
As with everything, I am always looking for cheaper, safer alternatives to commercial products. So naturally I have been looking into in learning about homemade cleaning products. I find it very interesting how complicated companies make their products. They have a million different products with a million different chemical ingredients for every different cleaning job you can imagine. Of course they want you to think that you need all these bottles- your house won't possibly be clean enough without them. And now on top of that they are making everything disposable! Instead of using a cleaning rag, there are tubs of pre-moistened wipes for the kitchen and bath. Instead of a toilet brush, you can use a toilet wand with disposable scrubbie pads. It just amazes me how many ways the corporations can come up with for us to throw away our money while at the same time consuming even more resources and overflowing the landfills. However, in researching the topic, I was pleased to discover how simple, safe and effective natural homemade cleaners are. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and good old-fashioned soap and water are a few of the things I came across. Here are a few links to some good sites with cleaning recipes. Experiment, have fun. Find what you like and what works for you. And be happy that you've taken one more step towards self-sufficiency and natural living :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm">http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://organizedhome.com/clean-house/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products">http://organizedhome.com/clean-house/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html">http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2007/08/various-recipes-for-green-cleaning.html">http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2007/08/various-recipes-for-green-cleaning.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-50393444251732852982011-06-03T12:16:00.000-07:002013-01-03T13:44:29.486-08:00Radishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSO0N-Fv9MZ3upoafT2urL9274vW-GsGjjwSWJ4JCCKNuwz8aFGYOyUhyphenhyphenT-Htx_71v9KPQp2_y1sKX5VacLuixiNBbC1S1IjzDhPmoVJsDG5JnoI4TGkfT83HIVnwv4kL2ZeSLRv2MEg/s1600/Radishes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSO0N-Fv9MZ3upoafT2urL9274vW-GsGjjwSWJ4JCCKNuwz8aFGYOyUhyphenhyphenT-Htx_71v9KPQp2_y1sKX5VacLuixiNBbC1S1IjzDhPmoVJsDG5JnoI4TGkfT83HIVnwv4kL2ZeSLRv2MEg/s640/Radishes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been neglecting my garden a bit lately, I must admit. We have had rain almost every day so I've not had to water for a while. But I went out today and was pleasantly surprised to see all the radishes popping their bright red heads out of the ground. I'm not a huge fan of eating radishes by themselves (they are too spicy for me!) but I do love growing them because they grow so darn fast and with minimal effort on my part. And they are so pretty, all shiny and red. I will put some in our salads for a nice crunch and a little zing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-26155060396506744892011-05-24T11:00:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:25:33.633-08:00Homemade Toothpaste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaVWJuhaC_saVQzMcyogzIRIajZ34hyphenhyphenxwfRcAC0M4lVE057NCUmA12YFd0KXpYZPrkYuan9rgAlM0IGutkM-i3jP2RbSb7-lG29xJSQHFidw8PsfNrybi234ECwQXqUjA8PhI8YWa4Ds/s1600/DSCN4950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaVWJuhaC_saVQzMcyogzIRIajZ34hyphenhyphenxwfRcAC0M4lVE057NCUmA12YFd0KXpYZPrkYuan9rgAlM0IGutkM-i3jP2RbSb7-lG29xJSQHFidw8PsfNrybi234ECwQXqUjA8PhI8YWa4Ds/s640/DSCN4950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So by now you've realized I am a huge DIY-er. It's not just about saving money, which is great, but a lot of the choices I make have to do with health. If I can make something myself and the result is healthier AND saves me money, then I'm a happy camper for sure. So when it came time to buy toothpaste a while back, I stopped and thought, "There's got to be a cheaper AND healthier way to clean teeth." So, as always, Google was my friend. After reading several different articles and trying a few different recipes, I came up with this one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Homemade Toothpaste</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Need:</div>
<br />
3 Tbls. Baking Soda (a natural antiseptic, mildly abrasive to remove build-up)<br />
2 Tbls. Coconut Oil (anti-bacterial, makes it paste-like)<br />
1 Tbl. Xylitol (a natural sweetener, prevents cavities)<br />
1 tsp. Hydrogen Peroxide (kills those bad breath germs)<br />
20 drops Essential Oil (for flavor, Peppermint and Mint are good, I use Tangerine for the kids)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Do:</div>
<br />
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl with a fork until a paste forms. (It takes a minute for the coconut oil to soften)<br />
Store in an airtight container.<br />
Use a pea-size amount for teeth-brushing for a super clean mouth!<br />
<br />
I have been using this for several months and have been very pleased with it. The baking soda taste was a little off-putting at first, but you get used to it after a while. The Xylitol you can find sold in bulk in most health food stores. I haven't priced this out yet, but I'm sure it is MUCH cheaper than commercial toothpaste.<br />
<br />
Why make your own toothpaste?<br />
<br />
Well, besides cost, the more I learn about the chemicals that are in almost every cleaning product like laundry soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, etc., the more concerned I become. Especially when you start to see the connection to the astounding rise in cancers and diseases like Alzheimer's. We are putting this stuff on and in our bodies every day. I know we can't protect ourselves from every single toxin out there, and yes, we are ALL going to die eventually, but there are some simple things that everyone can do to lessen the exposure and live a happier healthier life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-716871878582025052011-05-21T10:02:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:00:50.986-08:00Pumpkin-Cranberry-Pecan Granola Bars<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4mqiaWKZuCIdXX__UM0QSorGtV-Bi857kqjPNYiK19GVZyrXFvPY1zcamV4LkfiFhUEe7GPDgmM2mWIPtBgZENNvTNRl1-aAXw7D3MfvMOYWTmsGaFnawvuiJX-fcW_S4tCOCEkQ1io/s1600/Pumpkin+Cranberry+Pecan+Granola+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4mqiaWKZuCIdXX__UM0QSorGtV-Bi857kqjPNYiK19GVZyrXFvPY1zcamV4LkfiFhUEe7GPDgmM2mWIPtBgZENNvTNRl1-aAXw7D3MfvMOYWTmsGaFnawvuiJX-fcW_S4tCOCEkQ1io/s640/Pumpkin+Cranberry+Pecan+Granola+Bars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These granola bars actually started over a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a little seed, to be exact. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year we grew our first sugar-pie pumpkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was awesome to make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner from our own little pumpkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the pumpkin puree got used up in making pies and muffins and cookies, but one jar was tucked away in the freezer for a day such as this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was digging around in there and saw the frosty dark-orange jar and decided some pumpkin-y, spicy, chewy goodness was in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aha! Granola bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like making homemade granola bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very simple to make and so much healthier than store-bought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are also incredibly versatile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made all sorts of combos like Chocolate-Cranberry, Apricot-Almond-Coconut, and Apple Cinnamon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today was all about the pumpkin.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pumpkin-Cranberry-Pecan Granola Bars</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Need:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 cups regular rolled oats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup whole wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup chopped toasted pecans</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup dried cranberries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 tsp. salt </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp. ground cloves (I use 1 tsp. because I’m a clove freak)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp. ground ginger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 beaten egg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup packed brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup pumpkin puree (homegrown is best!)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Do:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spoon into a well-buttered 9x13 baking dish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Press evenly and firmly with buttered hands (because this stuff is sticky!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until all golden brown and puffy.</div>
<br />
Now the hard part- Wait! You must wait until they are cool to cut them. Otherwise they will crumble to pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that by experience, lol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the crumbs taste just as fabulous. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> So now that you’ve resisted the urge to mess with them, you can cut them up into bars or squares or whatever shape you like, and store them in the pantry in an airtight container.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell you how long they will keep because homemade granola bars are gone pretty fast around here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-72871583383612846702011-05-20T11:10:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:01:48.411-08:00Autumn Throw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I know it's spring, but I actually started this blanket last fall! It just took me a few seasons to finish it. I have this fabulous crochet book and it had the directions for this popcorn motif. I thought it would be really cute to make a bunch and sew them together and make a blanket. I have made baby blankets before, so I thought this wouldn't be that much more difficult. Well, it was actually pretty tricky. Part of the reason it took me so long to finish was that I gave up on it for a while. But I hate not finishing projects, so I pulled myself together and got through it. The yarn is Vanna's Choice in lovely fall colors of Cranberry, Olive, Mustard, Chocolate, and Rust, all sewn together in a random pattern with Beige. The final effect is pretty, and the popcorn motif is really fun, but I don't know that I would go through it all again. You never know though, maybe there will be a spring blanket finished by Christmas!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-25280301159476904382011-05-14T10:01:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:03:07.863-08:00Hamburger Buns<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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I tried my hand at homemade hamburger buns the other day using <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-hamburger-buns-bread-machine-80413">this</a> recipe. They came out surprisingly well. They were very tasty with a nice texture that held up to the burger's juiciness. Plus they were super easy since the dough was made in the bread machine. I increased the yeast to 2 tsp. and decreased the sugar to 2 T. I also substituted one cup of the white flour with whole wheat. I will definitely make these again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-48998116434454991002011-05-06T09:22:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:03:29.216-08:00Strawberry Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you see a theme of strawberries developing? Lol. They were on sale for 1.33/lb. That is a rockin' deal, especially when they were actually ripe and sweet. So hence the pie, syrup, and of course jam! I LOVE strawberry jam. It is my "favoritist" rivaled only by blueberry. But since I doubt I'll ever live to see a day when blueberries are 1.33/lb., (why <i>are</i> they so darned expensive anyway?) I mostly make strawberry jam in spring/summer and blackberry in fall. There is something so very fundamentally comforting about making jam. It's something people have done for generations, preserving all the goodness of summer to enjoy throughout the rest of the year. It is especially nice to be able to pop open a jar of strawberry heaven in the dead of winter and feel like you're eating a bit of sunshine. If you've never made jam before, you've got to try it. If you don't think you can manage it on your own, find an older women and ask her to teach you. Or get a group of friends together and have a "jam session". It may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. The taste is phenomenally better than store-bought and you will be "preserving" a tradition that you can pass down to your children :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-68403353752490902372011-05-04T09:52:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:04:59.928-08:00Let Them Eat Pie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As promised, here is the recipe for the Strawberry Pie I made for Easter. We had so many strawberries I actually made another one. It turned much out prettier because I remembered the egg wash!<br />
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<b>Strawberry-Balsamic Pie</b></div>
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What You Need:</div>
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double pie crust (I like <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/all_butter_crust_for_sweet_and_savory_pies_pate_brisee/">this</a> recipe from Simply Recipes)</div>
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2 lbs. of fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and thickly sliced</div>
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1 cup sugar</div>
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar</div>
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1/4 cup cornstarch</div>
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egg wash ( 1 egg + 1 T. water, beaten together)</div>
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What You Do:</div>
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In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar.</div>
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Mix until well coated.</div>
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Let sit for 1 hour.</div>
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Get your oven going at 350 degrees.</div>
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Strain the strawberries, reserving the liquid.</div>
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Return the berries to the bowl and sprinkle in the cornstarch, mixing thoroughly.</div>
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Line the pie plate with half of the pie crust.</div>
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Pour in the strawberries and top with the other half of the crust.</div>
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Crimp edges, then brush the top with egg wash.</div>
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Prick holes in the crust with a fork to allow steam to escape.</div>
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Bake on a sheet pan (to catch drips) in a 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes</div>
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Allow to cool for AT LEAST 2 hours before cutting, 4 is better.</div>
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I'm sure this would be delicious a la mode!</div>
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<b>Strawberry-Balsamic Syrup</b></div>
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Now you're asking, "What am I supposed to do with all this strawberry liquid?" Well, I certainly didn't want to throw it away, so I made pancake syrup out of it. Simply bring the liquid to boiling in a saucepan and boil for 3 minutes. Then reduce heat and allow to reduce until it is nice and thick. Bottle it up and you have a yummy new syrup to try. We had this on our pancakes on Saturday and it was really, really good. The Balsamic gives it a nice twist.<br />
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So there it is! If any of you make it I would love to get feedback or suggestions as this is a recipe I just made up as I went along.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-57384560738071135972011-05-02T17:34:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:29:07.581-08:00Homemade Laundry SoapI really don't mind doing laundry. I'm lucky to have a good washer and dryer that do all the work for me. What I do mind, however, is the ridiculous price of commercial laundry detergent. Yes, I know it works well and smells nice, but I just can't stomach paying $16 for chemical filled blue goo in an orange plastic bottle that will most likely end up in the landfill. Fortunately, I learned how to make my own laundry soap. I know you're thinking, "Isn't making soap all complicated and don't you have to use lye?" Nope, not laundry soap. It really is pretty simple, I promise. So let's get started!<br />
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<b>Homemade Laundry Soap</b></div>
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What You Need:</div>
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1 gallon water</div>
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1 ounce Fels Naptha Soap</div>
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1/4 cup Borax</div>
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1/4 cup Washing Soda</div>
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(I find the soap, Borax and washing soda all side by side in the laundry aisle at our Fred Meyer.)</div>
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20 drops Essential Oils (I use Lavender and Rosemary)</div>
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1 gallon container ( I saved an old laundry soap bottle)</div>
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What You Do:</div>
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In a large pot, heat 2 cups of the water.</div>
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Grate 1 ounce of the soap. (I know, it looks just like cheese!)</div>
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Add the soap to the water and stir until the soap is completely melted.</div>
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Add the borax...</div>
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then the washing soda, and stir until well disolved.</div>
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Remove from heat and add the rest of the water.</div>
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Using a stick blender, blend until well combined.</div>
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Add essential oils and blend again.</div>
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Pour into your container and let it cool. It will form into a sort of gel. </div>
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Now put a cute label on it and your done!</div>
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Use 1 cup per load. Shake well before each use. </div>
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That's it! It's that simple. And it only takes about 15 minutes to make. Still nervous? If I tell you that it only costs about 75 cents to make will it sway you a bit? Really. 75 cents. And it works pretty good. Granted, it's not as powerful as the store stuff. You might have to scrub out a few stubborn stains by hand, but that is a trade off I am happy to make for that kind of savings and peace of mind knowing what's on my clothes and therefore on my skin. Happy washing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-32330959027475441282011-04-26T09:02:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:05:20.056-08:00Gorgeous New Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went to a neat little yarn shop the other day, you know, the kind with amazing yarn in every color, thickness, and material in the world. Ah, if I had a million dollars... I did splurge and buy one skein I decided I couldn't live without. It's a brand called Mini Mochi made of 80% Merino and 20% Nylon. It was the color that stole my heart though. A beautiful varigation of greens, purples and blues, all my favorites. I'm not sure what this gorgeous new yarn will become, but I'm excited to find out :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-48018032373742653782011-04-25T10:31:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:05:55.150-08:00Easter Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Roasted Rosemary-Dijon Leg of Lamb </div>
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Roasted Rosemary-Garlic Red Potatoes</div>
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Creamed Peas</div>
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Strawberry Balsamic Pie</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850201635205329050.post-24672944656235808582011-04-23T20:51:00.000-07:002013-01-03T14:08:40.626-08:00Homemade Chocolate Syrup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been having a lot of fun lately experimenting with homemade syrups. Syrups from the store are usually loaded with High Fructose Corn Syrup, and the ones that aren't can cost a pretty penny. Making your own syrup is healthier, cheaper, and honestly it's just fun :) The basics of making syrups are super simple, in fact, the basic recipe is called "Simple Syrup". This is just equal parts sugar and water. This type of syrup is good for flavoring tea, or homemade soda. For thicker or "Heavy Syrup" the ratio is two parts sugar to one part water. This is what you would use as a base for fruit syrups for pancakes, or, as in this this recipe, for Chocolate Syrup. The first time I made this, I was hooked. It's so simple and so good. You will never want to buy the stuff in the brown plastic bottle again, trust me ;)<br />
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<b><u>Chocolate Syrup</u></b></div>
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What You Need:</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</div>
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1/8 tsp. salt</div>
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1 cup water</div>
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1/4 tsp. vanilla extract</div>
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What You Do:</div>
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In medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.<br />Add water and stir until combined.<br />Bring to a boil over medium heat.<br />Boil for 3 minutes stirring constantly. (Be careful not to let it boil over.)<br />Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.<br />Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.</div>
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Add 1 tablespoon of syrup to a glass of cold milk for the best chocolate milk in the world!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0