tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61284526689669039552024-03-13T00:34:51.958-04:00A Fuller DayA Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-90572832279121219252014-02-25T22:31:00.000-05:002014-02-25T23:28:33.866-05:00{CHICKEN} It's what's for dinner! How to cook a perfect roasted chicken. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love a perfectly roasted chicken. And in the dead of winter with snow and ice and wind chill, it tastes even better. I am longing for the days that we can throw some chicken on the grill...until then a roasted chicken will do just fine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's cut right to the chase. This is my recipe for awesome roasted chicken. It is perfect for cooks of all skill levels-as long as you can read. The best part, is that your house will smell amazing while its cooking, and it comes out looking so amazing, YOU will look like a rock star chef. Happy roasting!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqIiVVDBjK3TL6HUth8s8k1k4sPTq5N0gcgbab5Yoyu5SK5zBP2iJMZr92kcP6C4ItCC8ls0yG3GCummtHuaM3BKrhu3u79lTeL4f6zq34vXh1t63LnnH2bmfQNLKvBSAtf_R1dvmlyiK/s1600/roastchicken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqIiVVDBjK3TL6HUth8s8k1k4sPTq5N0gcgbab5Yoyu5SK5zBP2iJMZr92kcP6C4ItCC8ls0yG3GCummtHuaM3BKrhu3u79lTeL4f6zq34vXh1t63LnnH2bmfQNLKvBSAtf_R1dvmlyiK/s1600/roastchicken1.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Roasted Chicken </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cook time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preheat oven: 425 degrees</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 or 2 roaster chickens <i>(I like to buy the best quality chickens I can find-ideally on sale, and stock up-a good recipe starts with good ingredients)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">chicken broth<i style="font-size: small;"> </i><i>(if you don't have any, water can be substituted)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A piece of twine or string.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>(For butter rub)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 stick butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tsp garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp onion powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2-3 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1-2 tsp pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>(to stuff in chicken)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 small onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 head of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cooking Instructions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>*To start, if you are using 2 chickens, you can simply split the ingredients across the 2 birds, you don't need to double the recipe unless you are using huge chickens! However, most roaster chickens are not that big. I like to make 2, so that we can eat one, and have one for left overs. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Remove the giblet bag-if there is one in your chicken. Pat dry. This will help the rub to stick to the bird. So don't leave it wet with chicken juices or moisture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and place bird in roasting pan with sides. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Soften 1 stick of butter, until just soft. Do not melt all the way. Add all the of the spices (for butter rub) into the bowl of butter and mix together with a spoon until blended. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>*You may substitute half a cup of coconut oil melted for the butter-to make the rub, or just drizzle olive oil onto the chicken and add the spices as a dry rub, if you cannot have butter for dietary or allergy reasons.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. <i style="font-size: small;"> </i><i>S</i>lice the lemon and onion in half (peel outer layer of onion off). Slice garlic bulb in half horizontally-do not peel. Stuff the lemon, onion, and garlic into the chicken(s). Tie drum sticks together with twine/string. Tuck the wings under.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. Rub down chickens with buttered herb mixture. I like to wear a plastic bag on my hand, because who really wants to touch chicken? Once your chicken is fully buttered up, sprinkle a little more salt and pepper over the top, and add 1/4c-1/2c chicken broth (or water if you have none). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuGAvzMbVR4nk9chTSbRnl21rk1Pe7YNoosmrQq5E8XzKhOq_eG3RVlQjE6LyzMJS5kfM12Ex_JZm3FgGy2z4IkhjivkKAueET8mpH-s-GgrRPPLK8S084LMAWIylzi13B8XALxFAo7Lc/s1600/chickcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuGAvzMbVR4nk9chTSbRnl21rk1Pe7YNoosmrQq5E8XzKhOq_eG3RVlQjE6LyzMJS5kfM12Ex_JZm3FgGy2z4IkhjivkKAueET8mpH-s-GgrRPPLK8S084LMAWIylzi13B8XALxFAo7Lc/s1600/chickcollage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. Roast your chicken in the middle of the oven uncovered for 40 minutes at 425 degrees F. Then turn the oven down to 375 degrees F. Cook for approximately another hour. Check to see if your chicken is done. The juices should run clear, there should be no pink inside, and the internal temp should be at 165 degrees if you are using a meat thermometer. If you feel your chicken needs more time, give it another 20 minutes. This might be necessary if you are cooking more than one chicken at a time.<i> (A general rule of thumb for cooking a whole chicken, that is defrosted, is 20 minutes of cooking per pound.) </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Dltt7NpbnI0q3sFU72dx3SiONS5sNlhm2JC6CLnPcytYu4PEfXD3dQp9HWJsMfqd0dG-RczR3-uuxuOpf7qU8TkEYvEKNw4a-iJ08_cXZL3lR9p5l_gU_F9do1RK6jGfRqmOroGAe1p/s1600/chickroast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Dltt7NpbnI0q3sFU72dx3SiONS5sNlhm2JC6CLnPcytYu4PEfXD3dQp9HWJsMfqd0dG-RczR3-uuxuOpf7qU8TkEYvEKNw4a-iJ08_cXZL3lR9p5l_gU_F9do1RK6jGfRqmOroGAe1p/s1600/chickroast.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. When the chicken is done, transfer it to a cutting board or large platter, and let it set 15 minutes before cutting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. Eat up! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF8cz2J2vUQa2LQRd3dtvNTqlDYFsSEYn1k7B9ks9e-oYbBeo6I_QvarUCLYn40DbLRCuBc4tdU2xdElk_2nubWO99esVO2YyCQq9gKlVm-AvoqDZRqq8RqQ4HI1vtq_wivkfvbIOxdV6/s1600/chickroast22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF8cz2J2vUQa2LQRd3dtvNTqlDYFsSEYn1k7B9ks9e-oYbBeo6I_QvarUCLYn40DbLRCuBc4tdU2xdElk_2nubWO99esVO2YyCQq9gKlVm-AvoqDZRqq8RqQ4HI1vtq_wivkfvbIOxdV6/s1600/chickroast22.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-87817047563172429142014-02-15T22:10:00.000-05:002014-02-17T11:38:13.509-05:005 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE JUMPING INTO THE ETSY SELLER POOL<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FX5RzrkqrmWl_9Pp9stz9TyOIi4xZAuq3TXHUE2jOsyfIfakWJ11uqxhNYo5kp7aRmeWR81f0GpXAM8XtlubzgSm1PqV3-X1-AI4f4zVS95fZAi3DGyPJtI1Ogd1I7GF77qnx4iZRYMm/s1600/etsysellertips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FX5RzrkqrmWl_9Pp9stz9TyOIi4xZAuq3TXHUE2jOsyfIfakWJ11uqxhNYo5kp7aRmeWR81f0GpXAM8XtlubzgSm1PqV3-X1-AI4f4zVS95fZAi3DGyPJtI1Ogd1I7GF77qnx4iZRYMm/s1600/etsysellertips.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This month, I celebrated an anniversary with Etsy. It was our 4 year anniversary. Me as a seller, Etsy as my marketplace.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">I run 2 shops. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/superkidcapes">Superkid Capes™</a> has close to 4000 sales on Etsy-which amounts to nearly 10,000 actual capes and accessories being sold around the world. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/brookesdesignstudio">Elizabeth Brooke Designs</a> has near 700 sales-which equals 1000 patterns, baby items, and scarves having made their way around the county. In its 4 years of </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">existence</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">, </span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/superkidcapes">Superkid Capes™</a> has had the honor to be featured a number of times in "Etsy Finds", <a href="http://www.smallmagazine.net/index.asp?issue=16&page=118">magazines</a>, <a href="http://www.babble.com/toddler/the-best-green-gifts-for-toddlers/superhero-capes/?pid=1975">blogs</a>, on <a href="http://www.zulily.com/brand/superkidcapes.html?pos=11">Zulily</a>, and television shows.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In my time as an Etsy seller, I have had a variety of conversations with shop owners just starting out, makers of things who are toying with the idea of taking their products to Etsy, and people wanting to know, “Should I open an Etsy shop?” I have complied a list of questions to ask yourself if you are thinking of joining the Etsy community as a seller. Or maybe you already opened a shop, but could use some reevaluating to see success. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Here are 5 things to think about before you jump into the Etsy Seller pool.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>1. Do your research</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Whether you have an idea for something you’d</span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> like </i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">to make and sell, or you have been making something for a long time, research online is essential for creating an E-commerce business. Just because you list it on Etsy, does not necessarily mean buyers will come. If you don’t have a strategy behind your shop, you will not be successful. Do your research on the web, through google searches, image searches, and pinterest, and on Etsy itself. These are some of the questions you should answer during the research process. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is there a demand for what you are making? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Have you found items similar to yours for sale?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> If yes, what are your competitors selling their items for? Are their items selling? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If no, why don’t you think there are items similar to what you are making out there? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you don’t see anything like what you make, why do you think that is? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Would your items meet a need if they were available? If yes, who specifically would they meet a need for?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Would customers be able to imagine via a picture and description, what they would do with your item or use your item for? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do you know your product well? Meaning, do you know what it costs you to make it, how much time it takes, and what you would need to charge to make a profit? And the icing on the cake, would someone be willing to spend what you want to charge for that item?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The answers to the above questions are key in determining if you should move forward with your idea on Etsy. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>2. Originality </b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Originality is defined as, "a freshness of aspect, design or style</span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">.” While yours may not be the only item available in a specific genre, what differentiates your product from the rest of the crowd? You need to be able to answer the following questions to determine if your item can stand out:</span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What exactly makes your product stand out? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After doing some research, you might determine that you do have competition. If that’s the case, what would cause a customer to purchase your item over your competitor’s?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What do you offer that your competitor does not offer? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What makes your item one of a kind, what is the draw? Is it the style? Price? Quick turn around? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you determine there’s not something out there like what you are making, how will you draw in your customer?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Once you have done a sufficient amount of research and have a clear understanding of your product's draw, you need to think about who is going to buy this amazing creation. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>3. Target Market</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">All forms of business are targeting someone. Your target market should be who you envision being interested in your items, and who you imagine becoming your customers. If you don’t have a clear idea of who would buy your product, chances are, your product won’t be purchased. Identifying your target market, also helps you determine the direction to take your business and how to expand your product line someday. Think about the following:</span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Who do you envision as a customer? What is their age, sex, occupation, etc.?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Why would they purchase this item from you?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How will your target market find you? Will they be online? On social media? On Etsy? Will you spread the word via referrals and word of mouth?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is the nature of your product something that can create repeat customers within your market?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>4. Time is Money</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">What kind of time are you willing to devote to your shop? If you don’t have the time to devote to creating and maintaing a shop, you will not be successful. The most successful Etsy shops are maintained regularly, regardless of the amount of sales coming in. What does that mean exactly?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That means that a great deal of time and effort has gone into creating and choosing quality images to use to showcase the items for sale. The seller of a successful shop has a current and up to date shop announcement that is welcoming and informative. The seller has well written item descriptions and strategically chosen key tag words and phrases for each listing. Thought has gone into creating the shop banner and shop description. The seller has taken time to create policies, shipping guidelines, and an about page. This is what a well created shop looks like. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">But it doesn’t end there. Once a shop is created, there is the actual running of the shop. </span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">That means checking in on the shop regularly, answering conversations, making changes to listings, responding to sales, checking shop stats to see if people are visiting the shop. That means asking questions when viewing shop stats:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What do you notice about your traffic? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are people all viewing the same listing? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are people favoriting one item in particular? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What are the search terms people are using to arrive at your shop? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is there outside traffic coming from other locations? </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This kind of “feedback” can help determine what direction you go with the items in your shop. This is the kind of regular self evaluation that a successful Etsy seller engages in. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It also means that if nothing is selling, and you are getting very little traffic, its time to reevaluate things:</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is there <i>really</i> a demand for what you are making? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you believe there is a demand, are you having trouble being found? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is your pricing too high? Should you try running a special or sale? Would that be something your target market would be interested in? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are you promoting your shop elsewhere to drive traffic to your shop? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How are your competitors doing? </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">If it does not appear that there is a demand for what you are selling, do you need to reevaluate how or what you are selling?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some of the most successful entrepreneurs have tirelessly gone back to the drawing board many times before finding that winning idea. Just like most things in life, time is related to success. It is impossible to have a successful shop without investing time into it. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>5. "Etsy-style"</b></span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">There are all types of creations that people sell at craft fairs or to friends-that work great </span></span><i style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">off </i><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Etsy-that just don’t work </span></span><i style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">on</i><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Etsy. Along with doing research for your product, ask yourself how familiar you are with Etsy, the marketplace. Have you purchased anything from any Etsy sellers before? Take a good look around Etsy and get a feel for the place. Etsy is a handmade marketplace with its own style and vibe. Etsy is not Amazon. Etsy is not Ebay. And Etsy is not your local craft fair. In </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">answering all</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> the above questions, you should be able to determine more clearly if Etsy would be a good fit for you. Remember:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do your research and determine if your product is something people want or meets a need. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Know exactly how much time and money it takes to make your product and if you could make a profit. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ask yourself what would make someone </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">buy your</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> product over similar items out there. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Determine who your target market is, how they might find you, and if they would be willing to buy your product at the price you are wanting to sell it for. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Decide if what you are making is a hobby, or if it something you can make a business out of. If you want to make selling your items a real business, that means investing some serious time, commitment, late nights, and being consistent and constant in maintaining your shop. Are you willing to do that?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After analyzing your product, pricing, market, and potential buyer do you feel confident Etsy is the place for you to set up shop?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you answered no, take some time to reevaluate your goals and your products. What are you wanting to achieve? What are your goals?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If your answer is yes, Etsy is the place for you, welcome to the family! In addition to setting up and maintaining your shop, it is also your job to continue making yourself more knowledgeable on your product, market, the etsy community, and social media. A great place to start is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/the-seller-handbook-archive/">Etsy Seller Handbook</a>. Its hard work, but if you love what you are making and doing, and you do it well, opening a shop might just be one of the best decisions you ever made. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-22849669504520961742013-02-22T22:03:00.002-05:002013-02-22T23:04:11.883-05:00NEW NAME<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">FYI: www.stilllearninglife.com and www.stilllearninglife.blogspot.com, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">are now hosted at </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.afullerday.com/">www.afullerday.com</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lot's of links are broken at the moment...working on getting them fixed!</b></div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-39977195034232294892013-01-21T15:46:00.000-05:002013-01-21T16:35:15.051-05:00MLK DAY. I AM WONDERFULLY MADE. {FREE} 8x10 printables<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy MLK Day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take this truth to heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwCvx0D82qnpss21romJA82AFE6uqu9xGRwLEqzJwXllXOUNugJIJDO67RHrgZwOslNE0nFA0rjB2QBNaU8hHk7AzuKuQuE5wmcASwkV4Hxt6zAD91MeIdYnTWUbmReYgCYUdZNu2lXM/s1600/iamwonderfullymaderainbowchevron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwCvx0D82qnpss21romJA82AFE6uqu9xGRwLEqzJwXllXOUNugJIJDO67RHrgZwOslNE0nFA0rjB2QBNaU8hHk7AzuKuQuE5wmcASwkV4Hxt6zAD91MeIdYnTWUbmReYgCYUdZNu2lXM/s320/iamwonderfullymaderainbowchevron.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6siDh22XUjh6d6LzssaEiGf9R2TmV7fWXAbHRtKd06Jprs4B-2cO70gg22bNGU-638ZyZMNJ5thDpaAyiw86pVsAWJReROwyD3b5nyBKP9JOL0YQxeSHqv8tKMA0y11CgHCjduhoa70r/s1600/blackwhitewonderfullymade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6siDh22XUjh6d6LzssaEiGf9R2TmV7fWXAbHRtKd06Jprs4B-2cO70gg22bNGU-638ZyZMNJ5thDpaAyiw86pVsAWJReROwyD3b5nyBKP9JOL0YQxeSHqv8tKMA0y11CgHCjduhoa70r/s320/blackwhitewonderfullymade.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{You can download the above pics and do what you want with them :) }</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
PDF version of rainbow chevron 8x10 below<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/121518803/i-am-wonderfully-made-8x10-printable" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View i am wonderfully made 8x10 printable on Scribd">i am wonderfully made 8x10 printable</a> by Brooke Fuller<a href="http://www.blogger.com/undefined" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 's profile on Scribd"></a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_15748" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/121518803/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" width="100%"></iframe>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-90385374091919815842012-03-24T22:41:00.000-04:002012-03-24T22:41:46.353-04:00Grateful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOrfMcD-MzF3pGoDG1mWcATpJJTaknsigj0KMQ3sSEZhog92QYQXeVpm-24s-yKZKh1wBeIxqAMywMkiWk-8sWinQsrZoBYutCR-OTSMQSxSWqwB90HbI5YNziX6Hm13V72XTOYP0kz9s/s1600/ebbanner-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOrfMcD-MzF3pGoDG1mWcATpJJTaknsigj0KMQ3sSEZhog92QYQXeVpm-24s-yKZKh1wBeIxqAMywMkiWk-8sWinQsrZoBYutCR-OTSMQSxSWqwB90HbI5YNziX6Hm13V72XTOYP0kz9s/s400/ebbanner-002.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's all.</div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-426246787525180442012-02-27T10:50:00.000-05:002012-02-27T10:50:16.748-05:00Something SUPER.One of my many projects as a designer is <a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/">this</a>. And in honor of Spring or being hopeful Spring is <i>somewhere </i>around the corner, I am offering a GIVEAWAY!<br />
<br />
You can check it out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html">HERE</a>.</span> Basically you could seriously rock your child's world <span style="font-size: large;">by winning the cape of your choice, accompanied by 2 sweet hero accessories ($55 value).</span> You have until<u> Feb28h, Wed night at 9pm to enter!</u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7x6fc3XthRnu8hg8gZeLvxKO9Ux0LSpFrZELOf2dHXjntiUSnlQV9Q61FeyK1PnPaIu67l3XawY97o3dDY8LSveMezp2gzBmbPxQqgZc5kzY5QoSy1s40q0QDWjSgD7Wjok1s18EUgUk/s400/etsybanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You could win something like this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAayxhJh0IOWh4ntNhm1ASp1ucKeKbY4fSpW6CdDVyNF7bp_DcSvVgvsQoSo2GZYYDsf8R8ut0CRnK6PYQ2rSKUYJQFQ4lNP8sDABzU2T6Z_9EIafxcdNJxezlqL3BTlfIpkI0lgPU7dE/s1600/cape+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAayxhJh0IOWh4ntNhm1ASp1ucKeKbY4fSpW6CdDVyNF7bp_DcSvVgvsQoSo2GZYYDsf8R8ut0CRnK6PYQ2rSKUYJQFQ4lNP8sDABzU2T6Z_9EIafxcdNJxezlqL3BTlfIpkI0lgPU7dE/s400/cape+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmspBK5lu0gAbIVfqx_EdoEPNU2n3xRm2KsavESJH5ZvmOghFohUUdn4Iw5jEzAr47qtBpOS0TCbJsdq3tuJETTX497K4YVZ8yaeU6-9jy0XnnG-uFll8TKlmRvKNafbPrm2vU_Zc2Mvr/s320/crowncapecollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsE85KsaJadDQPFLXoKHF-N59sBg3oTNxuDaODRRSDARN1injDLtyJ6UZ3H9DmAgh6Cf4pMzffU9Wk_CFQQ-mPV0HKO212L3rSyeB_jBpwzLe2D3peuZPIBe6Kh0G7LFrduIN5MDGfMVr/s320/030ed.jpg" width="274" /></a></span><a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQgxPX427XqVuCHutTJazct3ZTckCGVv3RWKKdzmakjGqoaCydFhMZ71nydmWn17gqcT7GqlrGXhHm2jMG6Aqxssu8aGcKW1LKGvLHS__3adeW6nGAPlor9AiLxoRJWtBMp9AEMELDsPW/s320/cuffs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.superkidcapesstore.com/2012/02/spring-reopen-with-super-new_26.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx-OkwjuMHGj5yeff0MI0-0ot2bzYfEISXFJaQmMJcbWJxhWpPkxeKKmLx1Kgu5V9Pv0FBekeDuqTcRsXap22-eum_t7soPdYER7gZhJjL2vLvqbsGeUk6g_lMmb22Wb3RUMSHY8C9m15/s320/batsets3.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-15222565616276433902012-02-26T00:10:00.000-05:002012-02-26T20:32:12.319-05:00I couldn't resist. I pinned Ryan Gosling.OK.<br />
I fully admit this has no concrete value. I dedicate this to evening coffee, Pinterest, and crafty women.<br />
<br />
It might just be because it is late on a Saturday night, but I just couldn't resist creating my own Ryan Gosling image to pin to Pinterest. For some reason, these images keep floating around with a variety of silly sayings. I realize I am perpetuating the problem, and for that I apologize.<br />
<br />
Sorry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurPoUhcROdTF1Z6mzlnHXed78FYrgM36wWy0cyAuokCyzUdXkuofBWdDQBefz0tEe7Ws6vl7NXqq9HuzVoQpGUAM8oIZei_E9GzKlRDNZ1oATc5WOOWL2Ay84B4agXpPrgHXqEJkGyF_3/s1600/ryan+joke+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurPoUhcROdTF1Z6mzlnHXed78FYrgM36wWy0cyAuokCyzUdXkuofBWdDQBefz0tEe7Ws6vl7NXqq9HuzVoQpGUAM8oIZei_E9GzKlRDNZ1oATc5WOOWL2Ay84B4agXpPrgHXqEJkGyF_3/s400/ryan+joke+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-81122561684067846642012-02-22T21:08:00.002-05:002012-02-22T21:14:55.890-05:00Well-behaved women seldom make history {free printable}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I swam through a lava tunnel in Hawaii and</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
climbed on the closed off part of The Great Wall of China </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and brought a piece of the wall home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Add that to the 200 additional ways I might have slightly misbehaved</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I think I just might make history. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMs82JlCH-2aBqo4XMXBlold5fiw3JIqhUTR93b19vs7sIMyE3J9C2T1cZ4TEBp27tMq68AVnlFL8Nh0yePALYgcek_YTCQCr5gv9dMNa8qdNkqIjyfQs90wRXsY3mEdwM4dlDMCsXTMC/s1600/well+behaved+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMs82JlCH-2aBqo4XMXBlold5fiw3JIqhUTR93b19vs7sIMyE3J9C2T1cZ4TEBp27tMq68AVnlFL8Nh0yePALYgcek_YTCQCr5gv9dMNa8qdNkqIjyfQs90wRXsY3mEdwM4dlDMCsXTMC/s400/well+behaved+5x7.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{Free download below} Happy hump day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/82508792/Well-Behaved-Women-5x7" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Well Behaved Women 5x7 on Scribd">Well Behaved Women 5x7</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_72703" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/82508792/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-932nfynfy2tn305sk0w" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-46150453508757093542012-02-08T22:19:00.002-05:002012-02-08T22:19:12.085-05:00Anyone who has brought a new baby into the mix and had a less than thrilled first child. This one's for you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhAnf1qldxE0AaiHm3cmsxtkl2dcvgAmBeZh_z-ZrB5q1RI4X4GZ1SKJcqZ54jSZHp5v57hwLEJxO0Of5oF5_NDGg5QtiyzftDBjUs3iSHF8T6ksd3_wCFTlwMUxGJb6vvHUrh0oBQ9dA/s1600/aislynnislefirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhAnf1qldxE0AaiHm3cmsxtkl2dcvgAmBeZh_z-ZrB5q1RI4X4GZ1SKJcqZ54jSZHp5v57hwLEJxO0Of5oF5_NDGg5QtiyzftDBjUs3iSHF8T6ksd3_wCFTlwMUxGJb6vvHUrh0oBQ9dA/s320/aislynnislefirst.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the first pics we were able to get of the two sisters...<br />only by coaxing Aislynn to sit by her daddy and look at a fish.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still remember bringing home my middle daughter from the hospital. I scooped Isla out of her infant seat and laid her in a "Moses" basket in our living room. She looked so tiny, adorable, sweet, asleep. We anxiously awaited my parents return with our oldest, Aislynn who was 2 years old at the time. Aislynn had not met her new baby sister in the hospital and I was feeling nervous. I still remember everyone saying to me when I was pregnant, "Is Aislynn getting excited to be a big sister?" I always thought that was a stupid question. How does a child know what it means to be a "big sister" when that child has been the only child for 2 years? And how could I answer, "No, I don't think she is excited, or will be excited. In fact I think she will be very unexcited to have a baby join our family. She seems to be somewhat afraid of babies and sobs when babies cry, so no, I don't think she's excited to be a big sister."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxzQv930BFE9MPj1ARCxSMmtcSWQVM08vJ4JlbzUzIVq-fjLwg88slD9PN7LLQVVxSxb9TT_nELDqJPZ2lk5cKDeXh11NjGt4ighgryyoG4l8wikzliZGVbtbklE899UQZtPTr_s7NTsi/s1600/anad+1first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxzQv930BFE9MPj1ARCxSMmtcSWQVM08vJ4JlbzUzIVq-fjLwg88slD9PN7LLQVVxSxb9TT_nELDqJPZ2lk5cKDeXh11NjGt4ighgryyoG4l8wikzliZGVbtbklE899UQZtPTr_s7NTsi/s200/anad+1first.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">In those first few months <br />this was the best picture I could get</span>.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My parents arrived. I remember them opening the door and Aislynn running in. She looked so big, like she had aged 2 additional years in the last 2 days we were apart, especially compared to my 6 lb. 7 oz. little girl. We hugged, she looked at me, she looked at her daddy, then she looked at the moses basket and her new baby sister. Aislynn started sobbing and crumpled down to the ground and refused to look at her new baby sister. Then Aislynn escaped to her room, a safe, baby free zone. Although this response was about what I expected, it didn't make it any easier. A million things raced through my head, fears, thoughts, concerns. I knew in my heart some day, my little girl would love my even littler girl, but I was not feeling very optimistic at the moment.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4br29HP_cpcb_b8OBSzKf75ZfOq1NP6yp91mbGJUNKQRK6twuTdWeAQMc1ACmV1n-3oE30dKh4MuQxqPGXL1cPTMviAU5SpmENRKiFTmn9BqIesHWU8c7-e-_dr7gHj41Pgn1kNsLnhZ/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4br29HP_cpcb_b8OBSzKf75ZfOq1NP6yp91mbGJUNKQRK6twuTdWeAQMc1ACmV1n-3oE30dKh4MuQxqPGXL1cPTMviAU5SpmENRKiFTmn9BqIesHWU8c7-e-_dr7gHj41Pgn1kNsLnhZ/s200/download+%25283%2529.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone starts to come around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The following next few days were filled with me running to the other room, out of sight from Aislynn when I needed to nurse her little sister, Isla. Aislynn did not want to have anything to do with the baby at all. If anyone tried to get her to interact with the baby she would run to her "baby free" bedroom and peek around the door. Sometimes she would even say, "Baby all gone." Excellent! One morning she crept into my room and peeked carefully into the moses basket next to my side of the bed. Normally Isla would be laying there and so Aislynn would run back to her room as though she had spotted a preditor and needed to escape. On this particular morning, Isla was in my bed. When Aislynn saw the empty basket she perked up shouting, "We did it, we did it!" Which I could only take to mean, "We got rid of the baby finally." She victoriously ran out of the room and back only to notice the tiny baby that had not disappeared, laying swaddled on my bed. She was clearly disappointed.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9hnMhucoZQk3Wf6DWrpveTer1roUgDEqJBF4du9pNu6teksBee9nha2nkZlCNvRCzhmCkU3rsHWH_5mjVCuczagN4iMhmcchcKFX6OPkiPJO7YYcf4_9zDZZXutlRJ0ygl8p_UvzbdU2/s1600/003ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9hnMhucoZQk3Wf6DWrpveTer1roUgDEqJBF4du9pNu6teksBee9nha2nkZlCNvRCzhmCkU3rsHWH_5mjVCuczagN4iMhmcchcKFX6OPkiPJO7YYcf4_9zDZZXutlRJ0ygl8p_UvzbdU2/s200/003ee.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sleep overs"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Days past, weeks past, and slowly Aislynn moved from intolerance, to tolerance, to acknowledgement, to interaction, and it continued to get more positive. Slowly but surely, Aislynn grew to <i>love</i> her little sister. Now Aislynn is 6 and Isla is 4. Last night they both <i>begged </i>me to have a "sleepover" as they do every night now. They both already sleep in the same room, but a "sleepover" means Isla climbs into Aislynn's bed and Aislynn reads them books for 10-15 minutes. After I ended the sleepover, they both gave eachother a tight squeeze.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtoTdSwiynv4G3O1PgTB9Q1yrvc5Vo9bJvp-vuOD_NRrfVYC0WOzG_ZvwObOPXvDmcdp0dI7yvdPSPzkpGgX1d3TnkRc8yyF-yDXH_xnzY2KHkdtbEqi1RpAA02utWod6yM-jan8gv84W/s1600/050edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtoTdSwiynv4G3O1PgTB9Q1yrvc5Vo9bJvp-vuOD_NRrfVYC0WOzG_ZvwObOPXvDmcdp0dI7yvdPSPzkpGgX1d3TnkRc8yyF-yDXH_xnzY2KHkdtbEqi1RpAA02utWod6yM-jan8gv84W/s200/050edit.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
"You are my best friend Aislynn!" Isla said.<br />
<br />
"And you are my best little slumbering buddy Isla. Sisters forever!" Aislynn replied.<br />
<br />
It was like a scene out of a family movie. They both laughed. And 6 years flew through my mind and I truly felt grateful to see how far we have come.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJMPGCpG9XYPppN4RwOkiI071eFNI1pA8-xPUUKjVCfzOSZBwVgMO3Ey3CrBk1AnD2gTNRduvlH6oLCWuUvK_SvtV5jji2rikbCN7Mw_dhgqfVRRhn9eBeV2g1iUqGffdlrQbHe4CpQlb/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJMPGCpG9XYPppN4RwOkiI071eFNI1pA8-xPUUKjVCfzOSZBwVgMO3Ey3CrBk1AnD2gTNRduvlH6oLCWuUvK_SvtV5jji2rikbCN7Mw_dhgqfVRRhn9eBeV2g1iUqGffdlrQbHe4CpQlb/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgbFEGd-Tj80r8EKFW4dFv8wVMhP1oUBXhzdxp2BHFMMk_hxcWS7pgyKlkGHalns0KmsuvHaxPEj9LfMuaBBluUoj2AcdVgr-uF_ts2QcMXn01lo7U7-udMvjA1SghzxHjWV84fqL4TCw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgbFEGd-Tj80r8EKFW4dFv8wVMhP1oUBXhzdxp2BHFMMk_hxcWS7pgyKlkGHalns0KmsuvHaxPEj9LfMuaBBluUoj2AcdVgr-uF_ts2QcMXn01lo7U7-udMvjA1SghzxHjWV84fqL4TCw/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEJ_hd7SXG-vAdAV1Am2InYdRQdBbA9K9O0x13tGzoLnIZ-cqE5NlVDPB8yShaNpVkQywWpWW4nQWV2rR8swfNyzic_2pbyZDQIPkKgQmlRmR-p0N4EPjNZxhVHkmIkMkmH5ztYScWabU/s1600/eeeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEJ_hd7SXG-vAdAV1Am2InYdRQdBbA9K9O0x13tGzoLnIZ-cqE5NlVDPB8yShaNpVkQywWpWW4nQWV2rR8swfNyzic_2pbyZDQIPkKgQmlRmR-p0N4EPjNZxhVHkmIkMkmH5ztYScWabU/s320/eeeee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-44730069935313455432012-02-08T00:29:00.000-05:002012-02-10T23:57:15.213-05:0013 Days.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got on the computer to google "Can I freeze shredded zucchini?" and then my mind wandered and I thought <b><i>13 days</i></b>. I keep thinking, <i>13 days sober, </i>and then I remind myself I am NOT an alcoholic sobering up, but that this might be what it feels like if I was one. After the first day, then the third day, then the first week, I wanted to share something about this journey I am on but it's hard to get<b> </b><b><i>really</i> real</b>. It's hard to be the kind of "real" that invites judgement. Nobody likes to be misunderstood. I feel like I am experiencing a life changing event, a self mandated "wellness revolution." Some people hear that and think, <i>Are you on a diet...you look fine.</i> But sometimes "looking fine" or "OK" doesn't mean you are "fine" or "OK" inside. It might be a physical struggle, an emotional one, a spiritual one you are going through. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But all the time people say "I'm fine" or "OK" when nothing is "fine" or "OK" at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its hard to condense a 7 year journey into a meaningful "blog post." I challenged myself a <a href="http://www.stilllearninglife.com/2012/01/something-real.html">few weeks ago</a> to ask this question about my life: <i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Where do I want to see changes, and where do I want to look back 4 years from now and be amazed by God's grace and provision? The</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> specific areas were my health and spiritual life. I vaguely referenced that I have dealt with stomach problems for nearly 7 years with no real answers from doctors. The struggle has been emotionally, spiritually, and physically draining. Those close to me have an idea of what I have dealt with, but for the most part I feel like no one has known what I really have been dealing with because I did not want anyone to know what I was dealing with. Isn't that how it is sometimes? You want to be understood. You want people to know what you are going through and at the same time you do not want anyone to know what you are going through. I didn't want to have to explain myself, be diagnosed by everyone, open myself up for judgement and misunderstanding. While I wanted someone to ask me, "How are you doing?" I did not want anyone to ask me, "How are you doing?" </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">In "Cliff's Notes" style, I started having stomach problems 7 years ago unexplanably when I was pregnant for my 6 year old. I started feeling sick after eating, like my food was sitting in my stomach and going nowhere. Then I would feel worse, like the food was actually rotting in my stomach, eventually I would end up throwing up because I would feel <i>that</i> sick. It didn't happen all the time at first, but I definitely didn't feel "normal" anymore. Then I started feeling that way everyday. I had every test imaginable done from my neck down to my intestines. I swallowed a pill with a camera, had stomach biopsies, upper GIs, esophagus biopsies, swallowing studies, scans. I visited an osteopath, allergists, had blood work done. I changed doctors and tried a bigger city, Indy. Then I moved and did it all over again at UIC in Chicago. I </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">tried drug therapies and </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">went to a nutritionist. No real answers, mostly "guesstimations." Everything came back "fine," but I felt far from it. I desperately scoured the internet for answers or someone out there like me. It was like a roller coaster-peaks of hope, followed by feelings of hopelessness, then numbness and acceptance and denial mixed together and I unwillingly accepted that the way I felt was my new "normal."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">7 years flew by and passed slowly all at once. A few weeks ago I thought to myself, <i>I have been throwing up almost every day for 7 years. </i>For at least 95% of the past 2555 days I have become physically ill at least once in a day and felt sick every day. When I say "stomach problems" most people think heart burn, or acid reflux and I let people think the best. Everyone hates throwing up. I do to. But over time I accepted the sad realty that I would passionately love food, love to make it for others and myself, but that it would make me feel sick maybe forever. I was either in crusader mode desperately obsessed with finding an answer, or processing my reality emotionless, like a robot. When I couldn't find answers the latter was the only way I felt like I could deal with the situation. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I remember the time I vaguely shared my realty with some friends and someone asked, "Are you sure its not in your head?" I remember the time someone (not a doctor) suggested I had an eating disorder. And I remember the time someone said, "You need to choose to not throw up," like it was cut and dry and that simple. That's why I held on to this struggle so privately, and why most everyone that knows me would be shocked to know that this was going on. I became very good at appearing "well."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">But now its been 13 days in a row of eating food and not thrown up. For 13 days I have felt like I am on the start of a journey that is going somewhere. And so I decided to open myself up here for judgement. How could I not share this journey? For the first time in 7 years I feel like there might be an end to this struggle. I came across a book a few weeks ago called </span><i style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Body-Ecology-Diet-Recovering-Rebuilding/dp/0963845837">The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering your health and rebuilding your immunity</a> </i><span style="line-height: 18px;">by <a href="http://bodyecology.com/aboutbed.php">Donna Gates</a></span><i style="line-height: 18px;">. A</i><span style="line-height: 18px;">nd for the first time ever, I felt like everything in the book applied to me. I will definitely write more at some point, but the book addresses the issue of an extreme candida infection, an internal yeast overgrowth infection, and all the repercussions this kind of infection can have if left to grow inside the body and if untreated. The book also addressed clearly how to recover and heal from this type of infection, information I had never seen before, and definitely nothing that had ever been addressed in my many doctors appointments. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so 13 days ago I decided to take a deep breath, trust God, open myself up to possible disappointment, start to really feel the emotional magnitude of this situation, and begin a plan that will hopefully result in healing. Right now I am sugar free, gluten free, and mostly dairy free (the first phase of this plan) in an effort to kill the candida infection so that I might begin to recover my digestive system. Some people might say, "I could never do that...go without sugar, even most fruit, no carbs or dairy!" But I say, "If you threw up every day for 7 years and doing this for even 5 months meant you might stop throwing up, I think you might be able to find a way." For me its all about trusting in God and remembering how He has sustained me until this point, being determined, choosing to be intentional, and staying committed to this goal. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I will wake up and it will be the beginning of day 14. 2 weeks ago that I took action and started to see results, started to feel confirmation that this was the right track. Every day that I eat all my meals and everything stays down feels like a gift. I don't care how "restricted" my diet is right now. I feel joyful. I feel free. I feel hopeful. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;">2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for <sup class="xref" style="vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29015O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>my power is made perfect in weakness. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that </span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="xref" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29015P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;">the power of Christ may rest upon me. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-29016" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="xref" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29016Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;">For the sake of Christ, then, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="xref" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29016R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;">I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For </span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="xref" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29016S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;">when I am weak, then I am strong."</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thingsicantsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pouryourheart1.png" /></a></div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-8496605998719482292012-02-02T14:32:00.001-05:002012-02-02T14:38:06.602-05:00Doll Makeover. Because even a doll sometimes needs a makeover.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Apart of the "PINTEREST TRIED AND APPROVED" series.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfkqOCTEnZrn5FAO4qq9QtFdU04UWDcy1P0vDbRcTKFuly8wJLKKYrP8PzGBqnkbgMj-7Ul011bZmNND_6BHLlWUWtYQDqvlFZqGfFPUW5_WEzTS0tXy5Aw4UnX6iGCIb40auRxy_xAC7/s1600/2012-01-161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfkqOCTEnZrn5FAO4qq9QtFdU04UWDcy1P0vDbRcTKFuly8wJLKKYrP8PzGBqnkbgMj-7Ul011bZmNND_6BHLlWUWtYQDqvlFZqGfFPUW5_WEzTS0tXy5Aw4UnX6iGCIb40auRxy_xAC7/s640/2012-01-161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I myself could use a hair "makeover." I last had my hair cut and colored in JULY. Yes, July, roughly 2 seasons ago. Thankfully I will be getting my hair makeover this Saturday. Don't sit on the edge of your seats, but maybe I'll take a picture...<br />
<br />
On to more <strike> or less</strike> important matters, like doll makeovers. Now I found this hot mess via pinterest <a href="http://cookieandclaire.blogspot.com/2011/11/rapunzel-rapunzel-let-down-yourgirl.html" style="text-align: center;">Here</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The claim was that Rapunzel, who looks like she enjoyed getting out of that tower a little <i>too much,</i> </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
could go from this to this with some fabric softener and water:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cookieandclaire.blogspot.com/2011/11/rapunzel-rapunzel-let-down-yourgirl.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLYz91AsgRY4LfxfH03zWh3p6E_jE2k_sAsZVpw0B8Q26amkZ-Qe_-W8qog4tDQs0-a-JZiqT56JirUg4_573F5lpiY3fu9ZPMRsYbl4ed4_5nR6jwgp_cFOK5vb6uLpBJDoHw1968Jtc/s640/IMG_3943.JPG" width="424" /></a><a href="http://cookieandclaire.blogspot.com/2011/11/rapunzel-rapunzel-let-down-yourgirl.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGbxtymqaYFUgXn7AIYpVJ7TJJeaBzKffxrG0akd2Bk_3Ni67CphATNpkOIkv13JBbGYjMTy8lSI2EH_EsuTGBxoddEjvuPbnSYy9ljVtQ5BXZgeAy7xS_zsPa61ca98epM-zJdPginsr/s640/IMG_3953.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I was slightly intrigued as a mother of 3 girls and LOTS of dolls. I don't particularly like children alive or fake to have hair that is NOT completely out of control. I thought that we should give this <a href="http://cookieandclaire.blogspot.com/2011/11/rapunzel-rapunzel-let-down-yourgirl.html">"pin"</a> a whirl.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is our test subject. We'll call her "Emma." Clearly she is a hot mess. She claims she got this wild hair at "ballet practice." Yeah...I don't buy that, but we'll see if we can help her with some fabric softener & water. </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/AVvXsEhlP4hL8-8FxRgchPM-aX45ocu44M1_3LiNZHCsZGHQfCc_Y9qB45-E4T78ZP4jygh06QUs_oQ7747dzkuZq8klzl71TyKdVPCNJ9mRdE4hOXaFEmz6CEPWKn5o4Jurlkjw7RYi7oYisZyx/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP4hL8-8FxRgchPM-aX45ocu44M1_3LiNZHCsZGHQfCc_Y9qB45-E4T78ZP4jygh06QUs_oQ7747dzkuZq8klzl71TyKdVPCNJ9mRdE4hOXaFEmz6CEPWKn5o4Jurlkjw7RYi7oYisZyx/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mixed a few TBSP of fabric softener with about 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. You are supposed to acquire a wire bristle brush, I had a plastic one that didn't have little balls on the end-the next best thing. I wasn't looking to invest to heavily in this project. Then I started spraying and brushing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Quite the arm workout. We started to make progress...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJMXJBWHozRnSJ_gKiqDfoFsBAIqYieY3Q-Ini69lh1_HsZS2B7jzazF1nVByEcJ3JbMQiC7zYJWEXxosPS8jxVD9ccD1epkbzV3kEYNfJ9N-CQvm_3bHbMVxow3FtFERgUzx9S8lmdgg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJMXJBWHozRnSJ_gKiqDfoFsBAIqYieY3Q-Ini69lh1_HsZS2B7jzazF1nVByEcJ3JbMQiC7zYJWEXxosPS8jxVD9ccD1epkbzV3kEYNfJ9N-CQvm_3bHbMVxow3FtFERgUzx9S8lmdgg/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made it through all the hair, but Emma had a bit of a "fro" situation at the bottom of her hair, so I gave her a slight hair cut. Be careful NOT to do this in front of your children </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
unless you want them to start cutting all the hair they can find!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd1QHGlFMpknQNy0Fu1iEjjAy3jOjHaNTU0_-ACFMsvIntf1-nbHEVRWs-dUuEU4Bv-xoFp5-i3ZWo700evPpF4dShcNXAJQ3qoMUxkxHBh19QxvTcrcbg2tIMtLN4PbK8R6ecayzv9DM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd1QHGlFMpknQNy0Fu1iEjjAy3jOjHaNTU0_-ACFMsvIntf1-nbHEVRWs-dUuEU4Bv-xoFp5-i3ZWo700evPpF4dShcNXAJQ3qoMUxkxHBh19QxvTcrcbg2tIMtLN4PbK8R6ecayzv9DM/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then some slight styling in the front with some braids to hopefully avoid further CRAZY hair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiM1MJi_8QbR7g1qUl7sJYtQH9a5w1WgZF0I6f1uyHRVdgd7Arog54oSf0Z_NnNfwAwGL9AUIKgPnQOOChEtnMKjj1dHBJeU0G_MQOzbslZn_BnJQQdovy_Iab4-JD5pWXLyr7R-CkMkU/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiM1MJi_8QbR7g1qUl7sJYtQH9a5w1WgZF0I6f1uyHRVdgd7Arog54oSf0Z_NnNfwAwGL9AUIKgPnQOOChEtnMKjj1dHBJeU0G_MQOzbslZn_BnJQQdovy_Iab4-JD5pWXLyr7R-CkMkU/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here she is. A new girl: Emma. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mzpiTbxxxrWv7u16HrV_3-mF_TIw7h1RqRBIJrQ2D8TYVRyp6y_hBhflYlxbEWnMEDBmysgjiR-ma4oeYFLMqmb83Vy1jCQ9zdmtZ2xxpOSN4Vhj3w8L4Zr14_oPgItXdtEt6dj77DeO/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mzpiTbxxxrWv7u16HrV_3-mF_TIw7h1RqRBIJrQ2D8TYVRyp6y_hBhflYlxbEWnMEDBmysgjiR-ma4oeYFLMqmb83Vy1jCQ9zdmtZ2xxpOSN4Vhj3w8L4Zr14_oPgItXdtEt6dj77DeO/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hopefully the next few "ballet practices" will be a bit tamer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-44301205687101789532012-01-28T18:46:00.000-05:002012-02-03T01:14:44.030-05:00Shout out for my g-free and allergy friends. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I82Nt1Ha-jCpoJxTT7fN8OSCbMQmSdVQ78xalRAbLI0f5HxkxN4qTbw9UBI4xuXjVadEpl9copFnaFzuU594ukzgKnOvDbQ_wtCKGHwIwnrEv8ZCU_YFZi3kkoWTTYr9oKjfNKr3NL3m/s1600/DSC00288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I82Nt1Ha-jCpoJxTT7fN8OSCbMQmSdVQ78xalRAbLI0f5HxkxN4qTbw9UBI4xuXjVadEpl9copFnaFzuU594ukzgKnOvDbQ_wtCKGHwIwnrEv8ZCU_YFZi3kkoWTTYr9oKjfNKr3NL3m/s400/DSC00288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I do not claim to be a miracle worker, but this "healthier, allergen free" chocolate chip banana bread is pretty darn good. I just (as in 3 days ago) starting following the body ecology program in hopes of healing some of my digestion issues by eliminating sugar, bread, most dairy, and gluten from my diet for a few months to start. Please keep in mind that 4 days ago and for the last few years I have been consuming LOTS of starches and breads, so the claim that the following banana bread tastes like bread is a solid claim coming from me. I believe there are a variety of ways you could tweek this depending on what you are trying to eliminate (dairy/lactose, gluten, soy/nut, etc.) In my case, I was looking to eliminate gluten, soy, nut, and sugar...mostly. And here's what I did:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All my gluten free friends out there are probably familiar with "Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix." This was my "flour" component. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>G-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (optionally nut free, soy free, sugar free)</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>4 TBSP butter softened</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(depending on your situation you could substitute a lactose free margarine like "Willow Run" or something like "Best Life Buttery Sticks" I tried it with the lactose free and buttery sticks and it was great!)</span></li>
<li><b>2 eggs beaten</b></li>
<li><b>3 ripe bananas mashed</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I used organic ones because I think they taste better)</span></li>
<li><b>1 1/2 tsp vanilla</b></li>
<li><b>1/2 cup <a href="http://truvia.com/about/qa/">truvia</a>-I used just under a half </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(this is a sugar free natural sweetener made from the stevia leaf extract-you could use granulated sugar if you don't care about making it sugar free).</span></li>
<li><b>1/2 to 1 tsp sea salt</b> (or regular salt)</li>
<li><b>1 cup + 3/4 cup</b> <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91RiRdsAZGS._AA1500_.jpg">Pamela baking and pancake mix</a> *this mix does contain buttermilk</li>
<li><b>2 tbsp to 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">-I used <a href="http://www.foodsforhealth.com/Grocery/images/Flours%20and%20Baking%20Ingredients/Semi-Sweet-Chocolate-Mini-Chips-Dairy-Nut-&-Soy-Free-10-oz.png">"Enjoy Dairy nut soy free Semi sweet mini chocolate chips"</a> When I did it I just added a couple tbsps. This added a bit of sugar. but not much and the sugar in these chips comes from cane juice.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhps80ctMnl4fIjSgdgXak2rsmVdz5KCO_WMv39V4jSqIlrv-WkKvPAeahYlr6W2eHnfBtyePN-2Iqw4r63m3xc_biUkU3bsH9uibAJd0fPTO36lXeSHnofHNFiEpYtN9ih2evfK8R0iQ/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhps80ctMnl4fIjSgdgXak2rsmVdz5KCO_WMv39V4jSqIlrv-WkKvPAeahYlr6W2eHnfBtyePN-2Iqw4r63m3xc_biUkU3bsH9uibAJd0fPTO36lXeSHnofHNFiEpYtN9ih2evfK8R0iQ/s200/DSC00291.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Instructions:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Beat truvia/sugar and butter with a mixer. Add mashed bananas until blended. Add in vanilla.</li>
<li>Add dry ingredients. Mix just until blended. Do not over mix.</li>
<li>Add mix to 3 mini loaf pans. You can make one large loaf if you want. </li>
<li>Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees. Check loafs at 35 mins. Then at 45 mins if not done. Loafs will be done when they are slightly golden, the tops have split slightly, and a toothpick comes out clean. </li>
<li>Enjoy! </li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-37307247472029310352012-01-23T09:47:00.002-05:002012-01-23T09:47:52.648-05:00Winter?What does a husband and wife do on a Sunday afternoon while their kids are napping? Make a video of course. Here's what my <a href="http://www.feelingfuller.com/">husband</a> and I did yesterday afternoon...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/XwY__fDUAPE/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XwY__fDUAPE&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XwY__fDUAPE&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-82609722814550401932012-01-20T14:34:00.000-05:002012-01-25T23:17:19.118-05:00Something Real.Lately I've been thinking a lot about what is "real." Someone said to me the other day, "You are just so creative. I just am amazed, I don't know how you find the time." While it's nice to receive compliments. My first thought was actually, <i>I am such a fake! I don't find time, I steal time from other things. I am really not that amazing. </i>And I thought of a list of reasons for my lack of amazingness. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I was reading all the links over at <a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/">Shell's</a> blog. She has a regular weekly feature where people can "spill" all "the things they can't say." Everyone links up their blogs to this post and shares their pieces. It was amazing how many of the posts had to do with issues of self worth, guilt, perspective and striving to be better moms.<br />
<br />
Then today I read a post by my friend<a href="http://www.findinglalaland.com/"> Lauren</a>, talking about how people seem to always put their best foot forward, even on facebook, and the feelings it can conjure up when you sometimes compare yourself or situation to what you assume is everyone else's more perfect "reality." I couldn't agree more. And I am 100% guilty of this. I'm not trying to make myself look amazing, but I would much rather share a fun project I am working on, or an awesome recipe I just made, or a pic of my cute girls than the massive laundry pile in my basement or my messy kitchen. I would much rather share about something sweet my daughter did, than that I was short tempered with her 3 times that morning because I stayed up too late the night before working on my "amazing" creations. I think it is only natural that we want to bring our best to the table. And I love looking at other people's pictures and projects and seeing the best of the best people share. But I think it is just as helpful, especially for moms, to hear about everyone's not so perfect days, messes, and feelings of inadequacy.<br />
<br />
I had a textversation (a text conversation) with my <a href="http://seekscoffeeandgrace.blogspot.com/">best friend</a> yesterday. In the midst of the conversation I was talking about being more real and open with people. She responded, "Honesty changes the world. I'm serious. Everyone lies and hides. When someone steps out and tells the truth it changes things."<br />
<br />
So here's some truth.<br />
<br />
I really needed to do laundry, LOTS of laundry last night, work on cleaning any number of rooms in my house, organize our file cabinet, mail, and bills, etc. But instead, last night I chose to "mod podge" some sweet pink fabric onto a tiny cabinet (thrift shop find) I am making over for my littlest girl's room. There is nothing wrong with having "me" time, but I definitely could have used some "clean" time. I stayed up 1.5 hrs past my New Year's Resolution" invoked bedtime of 11:30 pm working on this project while watching Grey's Anatomy. Not necessarily the best use of time. I was going to share this little project on my blog today because that's what feels comfortable. I still will at some point. Its too cute not too! Being creative makes me happy, making food is therapeutic to me and also makes me happy. I love teaching people how to make things as well as feeding them. This is easy sharing for me.There is nothing wrong with this. But for me, that is my "best foot forward."<br />
<br />
Then I remembered why I started writing this blog. I was feeling so burdened and overwhelmed 4 years ago when faced with the possibility my daughter might be autistic while at the same time caring for a very high maintenance fussy newborn. I just felt like I needed to share my real feelings, process them, and also have a written record to look back and see what God would do in my life. It is amazing to me to look back 4 years and see where I was at, where my daughter was at, and to truly see time after time where He answered my prayers. It amazes me to be reminded of the times she made huge strides in her development, was diagnosed as NOT autistic, and made a 180 degree turn in her social interactions. Most people that know my 6 year old little girl today, would not believe she was the same little girl I wrote about when she was 2 and 3 years old. I also look at how God provided for us in numerous ways when my husband was out of work and in him finding a new job that eventually led him and us to another job and place where we are now. So then I thought, <i>what am I going through now that is real, that I need to process, where I want to see changes, and where I want to look back 4 years from now and be amazed by God's grace and provision? </i><br />
<br />
I thought of 2 things specifically: My spiritual life and my health. I suck at doing devotions. I have no trouble finding time to make something crafty or tasty, but I seem to have an impossible time "fitting in" some God time. I have not read my Bible in a long time. I have opened it here and there. But I haven't sat down with full attention on the Word and just read the Bible in a really long time. Its hard to be honest about this, because I like people to "think well of me," and this definitely is not my best foot. But this needs to change so I can be the woman I want my daughter to emulate. The second thing for me is my health. I have been sick for 7 years with undiagnosed stomach problems that affect me every single day. This is a huge burden to me. It has been a long journey filled with tests, doctors visits, and more tests. I have settled for feeling sick most of the time as my new normal. Many people are surprised when they hear this because I have developed a great "poker face" for hiding how I am really feeling physically. I am tired of feeling this way. I know I need to proactively try some new things that are within my power to change to see if I can start to find some relief. I have just started this process, but I know it will be a challenging and emotional journey. Hopefully one that will end in a state of wellness.<br />
<br />
That's the REAL me, behind the pink decoupaged cabinet, tasty recipes, diy patterns, and cute little girls. I am not perfect, I am a work in progress. Its not as much fun to talk about my struggles, but hardship is a part of life and a part of who I am, and dealing with it will make me a stronger, more confident woman.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">I Peter 5:6-7 says, "</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."</span></span></div>
<br />
This is an important truth to be reminded of. Remember that everyone has something he or she is facing that hides behind that "best foot" forward. What is the thing you are facing? Why not ask yourself this question with me:<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>What am I going through now that is real, that I need to process, where I want to see changes, and where I want to look back and be amazed by God's grace and provision? </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-66957249947981231112012-01-18T22:09:00.002-05:002012-01-18T22:09:16.452-05:00The one where I finally paint a canvas and why I chose these words.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Xk6fFS2uudNLzjNLrDTKVKzmabIZ3KpOE-bw9zBXGuAg1kOYgdw8GKDa4jgoCfAaD3tEZ9r5vv1vuCkfbAPGdVYm_bRKuEDZ6IDr8Jyuwt4XM4W8ArzLZ0OWdckoJIu0Dpp1Ochecas/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Xk6fFS2uudNLzjNLrDTKVKzmabIZ3KpOE-bw9zBXGuAg1kOYgdw8GKDa4jgoCfAaD3tEZ9r5vv1vuCkfbAPGdVYm_bRKuEDZ6IDr8Jyuwt4XM4W8ArzLZ0OWdckoJIu0Dpp1Ochecas/s400/011.JPG" width="305" /></a>I think everyone needs to paint at least one canvas in her lifetime. You don't have to paint anything fancy. Even if you just paint the whole thing with your favorite colors, call it abstract art, and hang it in your bathroom. I by no means am an "artist." My mother is an art teacher and very talented which I attribute to my creativity, but she would still probably shake her head if she saw me sketch a person. I do better with abstract projects or things that I can make up my self and determine the rules!<br />
<br />
This canvas sat blank in my basement for 2 years. Finally I decided to actually attempt to paint something on it. I wanted to paint something for "<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmVjE1fqinytuV-yU4HssmsxfyASPDAXeiWMWljodKEspGDU2YvuE_hxtA0Py2mDlfxAFyadefEA9obEbkWzOXrCAQK3pcl0YDSwtCWSTgMCL2BBNeJZYsx3bIRa4gzWy1mrznq5_9OVZ/s200/008-2.JPG">Little Sister's</a>" room, that was dark pink, said something meaningful, and had tiny flags incorporated somehow. I don't know why I love tiny flags so much, but I do. I decided to take a line out of the <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/psalm+139/">Psalm 139 passage</a>. <b>I wanted my littlest girl to have something on her wall that spoke even in just a four word phrase of the amazing truth that the Creator of the whole world also created her, and did so wonderfully. </b>I also wanted it to be a visual for me when I go in to get her up every day, or put her down for a nap. No matter what my mood is, I will be reminded about this simple yet profound truth and I will be grateful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>PAINTING THE CANVAS</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's what I did in case you want to paint your own striped canvas!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82zGcG_et1_EEz2BaqCp9QtrJ9gkCucGc4TGRNV0eQg_YH9IJ9sGnKFos_vqDIsCy_sRjLZpWSAmBV7F819lL090lXINhRVxDmq2ClNskm0k4sLydfHDlCbX6NjRngNM__z1iS3ha_4x3/s1600/stilllearninglife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82zGcG_et1_EEz2BaqCp9QtrJ9gkCucGc4TGRNV0eQg_YH9IJ9sGnKFos_vqDIsCy_sRjLZpWSAmBV7F819lL090lXINhRVxDmq2ClNskm0k4sLydfHDlCbX6NjRngNM__z1iS3ha_4x3/s400/stilllearninglife.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I used some painters tape to measure out some hide stripes first. I painted them with dark pink, let them dry, and peeled the tape. Then I went back over part of a white spot and a pink stripe and created a new row of stripes. These I painted lighter pink. Then with the remaining small white stripes left, and over the rest of the canvas I painted some light pink "glitter luster" paint from Martha Stewart found at Home Depot. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">This </span><span style="text-align: left;">created a sparkly effect. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KPSE15Ttjq6594BETeEBNsCeJ_95GG6TLW6K3XgEnB80EbPBgHAlsXPDwFvHx6s-H3PH6sf9VyeYaH-wpv-jdfl2CbBeJ6JRZ_NRprSm48l9lm43zLtzoDbx_f4TR5m6ZjiXDdxamRXZ/s1600/stilllearninglife11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KPSE15Ttjq6594BETeEBNsCeJ_95GG6TLW6K3XgEnB80EbPBgHAlsXPDwFvHx6s-H3PH6sf9VyeYaH-wpv-jdfl2CbBeJ6JRZ_NRprSm48l9lm43zLtzoDbx_f4TR5m6ZjiXDdxamRXZ/s400/stilllearninglife11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I cut out tiny triangles uses a small template I made out of cardboard. I used crafters felt. I took a piece of double fold bias tape and hot glued the triangle flags into the bias tape. Then I glued the flag strip to the canvas. For the letters, I could have been more patient and waited to buy some or get some stencils. I didn't want to wait, so I printed off the message on a piece of paper in the fonts I wanted the message to resemble, then I sketched them lightly with a pencil and painted them slowly with a tiny brush. Then I put one more coat of luster paint over them to dull them a bit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The End.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's another freebie for you if you love these words as much as I do! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Read it and smile, or download it and let your creativity loose. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/78708995/I-Praise-You-Square-Art" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View I Praise You Square Art on Scribd">I Praise You Square Art</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_10758" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/78708995/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-27cl0rmfsvqs6k3wh6m8" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-17816998497712502382012-01-17T12:17:00.002-05:002012-01-17T12:18:02.911-05:00Free coffee printable. Because coffee deserves to be shared.<div>
I love coffee. All you coffee drinkers out there, this one's for you! Download it, print it, hang it, share it, enjoy! Or just read it, smile and go drink a cup of coffee.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/brookefuller0807/coffeeisgood8x10.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnTPCiksUcbnZIasGsDNuAVi1BDTaO8lNmIgGl24gJNkaMTmXBdjShWPupspPnp3YyTM08vfflGDduOIT1cCpFb1fk2j_df7kLgJgpC0Ia35qFoYaRyx59WK1-WXzpW_aIMLNXrEuvoZJ/s400/coffeeisgood8x10.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>COFFEE IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA 8 x 10 Sized PDF download below:</b></div>
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/78542261/coffeeisgood8x10" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View coffeeisgood8x10 on Scribd">coffeeisgood8x10</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_99615" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/78542261/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1hqrkuw5zgbt0fm77l3v" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-29429359177877646942012-01-16T20:24:00.000-05:002012-01-22T22:49:49.158-05:00Balsamic Glazed Chicken. A Fuller Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W_XECPW5j1bXht9w5bWwqZ20taijnTQC8RlmLKr_V84etbaUVPVvHkxXsJ1EYT23ancHwVQ4tzXQr4mr7ASchGCBHFNY14NyWSfAH8hPjYAz9zheIGFJI5xBup9pqKBIbTp9rEeiTb47/s1600/032e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W_XECPW5j1bXht9w5bWwqZ20taijnTQC8RlmLKr_V84etbaUVPVvHkxXsJ1EYT23ancHwVQ4tzXQr4mr7ASchGCBHFNY14NyWSfAH8hPjYAz9zheIGFJI5xBup9pqKBIbTp9rEeiTb47/s400/032e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In our house we LOVE balsamic vinegar. We probably go through more bottles in one season than some people will use in a lifetime. We love it in dressings, marinades, glazes, even desserts. Right now the "balsamic glazed chicken" makes an appearance at least once a week. This is a recipe I have adapted from Jessica Seinfeild's<i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Double-Delicious-Simple-Complicated-Lives/dp/0061659339/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2">Double Delicious</a></i>. You can really add whatever sides you want to this tasty skillet chicken. We usually do some sort of potato (baked, potato pancakes), pasta, or salad. You can even put it <i>on top</i> of a salad with a nice vinaigrette or on a sandwich, as Jessica's recipe calls for. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is one of those recipes that truly is simple and you can make with very few ingredients you can have on hand in the pantry. The sweet and tangy flavor of the chicken is also very kid friendly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Balsamic Glazed Chicken</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe adapted from Jessica Seinfield's "Balsamic Chicken Sandwich" in her cookbook, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Double-Delicious-Simple-Complicated-Lives/dp/0061659339/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2">Double Delicious</a></i></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div>
1-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken. Cut into pieces. I usually do about 3 pieces</div>
<div>
1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper</div>
<div>
1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div>
1/4 to 1/2 tsp garlic powder and onion powder (optional)</div>
<div>
A few tablespoons butter or olive oil to saute the chicken in, in the skillet</div>
<div>
5 tablespoons brown sugar</div>
<div>
1 cup chicken stock/broth</div>
<div>
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions:</div>
<div>
1. Put oil or butter in a warm skillet, heat at medium heat for 2 mins then add chicken. Add salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder. Cook chicken on medium heat until cooked through and not pink inside (about 8-10 mins).</div>
<div>
2. Add to the skillet the chicken broth, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low/simmering temp. It will appear very liquidy at first. Let cook in the skillet stirring on occasion until the liquid mixture has reduced down to a syrupy liquid (about 15-20 mins). Turn off heat and let cool slightly and serve with a side or even on top of rice or a salad. Eat any leftovers the next day on a sandwich. </div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-18810481524620574312012-01-13T21:32:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:31:28.138-05:00The X-Waitress Chicken tortilla soup<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gUtN4nCtpNu6DNeyraTG2f0jMkWDxRdqe2gn8E_b84Jgs93lDGtVadCfYWvJ2OCgPtYzOPT3JI_bxlk5_Azk2WNRXktFfTIZP6GlGRVf1DbHtfA6S3ly5aFoZ41TJB1w06y7j4fN4dM/s1600/100_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gUtN4nCtpNu6DNeyraTG2f0jMkWDxRdqe2gn8E_b84Jgs93lDGtVadCfYWvJ2OCgPtYzOPT3JI_bxlk5_Azk2WNRXktFfTIZP6GlGRVf1DbHtfA6S3ly5aFoZ41TJB1w06y7j4fN4dM/s320/100_8291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't get too excited, but I am sharing an original recipe. I have had a number of people ask me for the recipe for this soup and I have never actually shared it (they probably think I'm holding out), because I never had it written down, and never made it the same way twice! But the last time I made it, I paid attention and here you have it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The X-Waitress Chicken tortilla soup</span><br />
(makes about 8 servings-excellent leftovers!)<br />
<br />
(So a little clarification. I was a waitress, I'm sorry, "server," at Chilis for almost 7 years in high school and college. My favorite soup was the chicken enchilada soup and so here is my tribute to that soup!)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">You Need:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>3 chicken breasts cooked and cut into pieces (you can do the chicken in the skillet or the grill, seasoning it lightly with some of the seasonings you will use in the soup. You can even do the chicken the day before, or make extra chicken when you are doing another meal and cut it up for this soup and set it aside).</li>
<li>2 small onions</li>
<li>2 3/4 c tomato puree (canned) You can buy one large can and use about 2/3 of it.</li>
<li>1/4 c vegetable oil</li>
<li>3 c chicken broth (or 3 c water with 3 chicken bullion cubes)</li>
<li>12 oz velveta cheese (I get the big block)-You can substitute some other cheese if velveta offends you. This is the only recipe I use it in. Another cheese would just change the consistency. </li>
<li>1 cup of corn (frozen, canned, or 1 to 2 ears of fresh corn)</li>
<li>1 Tbsp chili powder</li>
<li>2 Tbsp cumin</li>
<li>2 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>3/4 c mixed cheese shredded (I get a mexican blend)</li>
<li>6 white corn tortilla shells and a few Tbsp of vegetable oil (or use tortilla chips)</li>
<li>Sour cream (optional for topping)</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Put that apron on, here we go!</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Dice onions (I usually do mine in the food processor because I don't like chunks).</li>
<li>In a large pot, heat oil and saute onions. Add chili powder, garlic, salt and 1 Tbsp cumin.</li>
<li>After a few mins add in the tomato puree. If you want a heavier tomato taste, you can add more. Stir and let simmer a couple mins.</li>
<li>Add the chicken broth. Let simmer a couple mins.</li>
<li>Cut the Velveeta cheese Whisk in the Velveeta cheese. Until it is melted completely. Now whisk in the shredded cheese. Add the rest of the cumin.</li>
<li>Add in the corn and chicken and stir.</li>
<li>Taste it! If you want a thicker soup, add some more cheese. If you want a spicier soup, add a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne powder. If you want a smokier taste, add some more cumin. You are the boss!</li>
<li>For tortilla strips: Fill about a 1/4-1/2 in of oil in a sauce pan. Heat the oil. Cut the tortillas into strips and place in hot oil until hard or slightly browned. Remove to some paper towel. Sprinkle with salt.</li>
<li>I like to put a dab of sour cream on top of the soup and sprinkle the tortilla strips on top. If you really want to get fancy, put some sour cream in a ziplock bag. Snip the tip of one of the corners, and drizzle the sour cream onto the soup (the the domestic entertainer mama).</li>
<li>Pair it will some yummy corn bread or french bread for added comfort.</li>
</ol>
*Optional: You could add in some black beans in place of chicken for those vegetarians or add some chopped tomatoes, peppers, and chiles. I am just not into chunks and like the cheesiness of the soup which is why I make it the way I do!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgx4ltqxoKRZ3vCHIzEaJNrGlBLdVEguBSJWj-KBxDRX8quzRfZWySsFZlDlsKFyGEhn_l4-vNeAzrwhCmjnpIG6gDNzpiS6K4szQQMFG47GVadzefdiKqB1GA3zOvnFCcSmwCs6I1fw/s1600/100_8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgx4ltqxoKRZ3vCHIzEaJNrGlBLdVEguBSJWj-KBxDRX8quzRfZWySsFZlDlsKFyGEhn_l4-vNeAzrwhCmjnpIG6gDNzpiS6K4szQQMFG47GVadzefdiKqB1GA3zOvnFCcSmwCs6I1fw/s320/100_8294.JPG" width="320" /></a>Here's how I store my extra "tort strips" as we called them in the Chilis days. In a plastic bag with some paper towel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(I previously posted this recipe on my mostly abandoned other blog "<a href="http://www.moderndomesticmama.blogspot.com/">Modern Domestic Mama</a>."A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-73139485172339669722012-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:31:56.707-05:00My Mini Kitchen Make Over. Long overdue.<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Find</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qzCwEIFznVUyZnnwnutF5MT72_oE-coKkFZU3GBbVgRJY4xbuKFYZhioCCX9qI7vcEc-F1nlUdcXTnrx0BBF0LdNjFLvqh4pTKAfzJJKjG4LMW8mZ9G3saxyrwi10VZSu90jvY9AcDSn/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qzCwEIFznVUyZnnwnutF5MT72_oE-coKkFZU3GBbVgRJY4xbuKFYZhioCCX9qI7vcEc-F1nlUdcXTnrx0BBF0LdNjFLvqh4pTKAfzJJKjG4LMW8mZ9G3saxyrwi10VZSu90jvY9AcDSn/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I never thought I'd say, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Look what I found! Just a little paint and a switch on the hardware."
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Cost including original set, paint, and nobs for all pieces: $40 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You know those amazing "old school" finds people discover at a garage sales, flee markets, and estate sales? Someone finds some quality piece of something and repurposes it, or finds a new use for it, end result = awesome. If you're like me you think, <i>What? Why doesn't my Goodwill have that stuff? The only garage sales I ever find have particle board furniture from Walmart and Big Lots, and Estate Sales...where?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
But then it happened. To me. In the summertime, I was driving down a random street a few blocks from my house cutting through and low and behold, a sign "Estate Sale today 11-4." Out of sheer curiosity I had to make the stop. The story sounds too cliche to even be real. An old lady had died who had lived in the house for a long time. She was into sewing and had traveled a lot when she was younger. Her house clearly reflected this, as it was filled with interesting, old, and very "vintage" type items. You vintage lovers out there would be swooning. Most of the really "cool" stuff had "sold" tags on it-furniture, antiques, dishes, awesomeness items, etc. But there were <i>still</i> some finds to be had.<br />
<br />
I ended up going home with 2 pieces of furniture I had a use in mind for, and a 3 piece solid wood child's kitchen set that was tucked away in the corner of the basement. My girls already had a <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Step2-Lifestyle-Custom-Kitchen/5903083">play kitchen</a>, but it was very tiny, plastic, and you could only fit 2 pieces of play food in the fridge if you were luck. I just couldn't pass this up. The fridge was roomy, it had a cute little oven/stovetop that you could actually fit pots and pans inside, set complete with an adorable mini hutch cabinet. It reminded me of the play kitchen my grandpa had built for me when I was a little girl. The nostalgia, mixed with the bargain hunter inside me made the deal.<br />
<br />
I can't remember where I had left home to go, but my husband was definitely "surprised" to say the least when I returned home with all my finds. I'll save the hutch makeover for another day, but I'll show you the kitchen make over...<br />
<br />
The kitchen was solid wood and painted with some sort of creamish colored semi gloss paint that had faded. I just washed everything out with soapy water, unscrewed the old hardware, and primed it with a white semi gloss paint and primer in one, from Lowes. Then I added a deep raspberry semi gloss to parts of the set, and bought some new hardware to go with the new look. The fridge was so roomy, we actually packed away some bins we had because we could fit all our play food and more inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR_jUwbVWOO1N2xcATGLyc6V7NWTEPPDJjitqsb8tB0tPWjAwEnBoSsDg50XsTYdLDDzcRk5LY17_VhVrYYAgCAkmgvkHn42-yywt6cKrVGyQg3DWI1zNDKei4vyCKbQrbPnhr4jK-ZQG/s1600/rehabcabnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR_jUwbVWOO1N2xcATGLyc6V7NWTEPPDJjitqsb8tB0tPWjAwEnBoSsDg50XsTYdLDDzcRk5LY17_VhVrYYAgCAkmgvkHn42-yywt6cKrVGyQg3DWI1zNDKei4vyCKbQrbPnhr4jK-ZQG/s400/rehabcabnet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My camera ran out of battery so you'll just have to dream about the oven and refrigerator for now! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll take a better pic later. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACJh3WFs0ahY897pP9oHfVy1KxA4caA_MtRUSIe5u7HE2kPfFmMkT1jlTQYdA_eMX1q4GuKwiZvxh-C5lvlTraz_-CLNabsdKgJgVPO5ZobTVZtH45V4rWZM9pEFNdTcB1tMFeK_mpoOI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACJh3WFs0ahY897pP9oHfVy1KxA4caA_MtRUSIe5u7HE2kPfFmMkT1jlTQYdA_eMX1q4GuKwiZvxh-C5lvlTraz_-CLNabsdKgJgVPO5ZobTVZtH45V4rWZM9pEFNdTcB1tMFeK_mpoOI/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sweet new little white nobs with flower and some white handles. 99cents a piece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqEw4N838EOtGgKqyqn4jGPZucrdFuC0aX_GT9CWA0BBdRaalynCRFH9bKUb4KI4Tvx2wAVZTQRPZI1xPK1ppQdKIiGiDCxrVuQOSwaPnxjmRm4k5wkdB7zATyLpjnujtieFaJuK2Opva/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqEw4N838EOtGgKqyqn4jGPZucrdFuC0aX_GT9CWA0BBdRaalynCRFH9bKUb4KI4Tvx2wAVZTQRPZI1xPK1ppQdKIiGiDCxrVuQOSwaPnxjmRm4k5wkdB7zATyLpjnujtieFaJuK2Opva/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For you vintage lovers, the little hutch even had some throw back play food mixes, the kind with a block inside. Pretty cute. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-64949233625561499212012-01-12T11:51:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:32:21.640-05:00Throat Punch Thursday.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tpunch_button.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had to link up with <a href="http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com/">Truthful Mommy</a> and her "Throat Punch Thursday, if not just for the fact that she has an image of a large kangaroo face checking a person. I can't stop laughing about this picture. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Check out other "throat punches" at the link below. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My contributed throat punch link of the day: 17 Facebook Crimes over at Mom Peeves: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mompeeves.blogspot.com/2012/01/mom-peeve-7-facebook-crimes.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVM21RoKxW-MlvET1_kwE3HeOFEsH78vgXuPVSBm88Q5-CV8bWnXb-PpofiWlPjKfrrhOee02tcRrFcoGv9bVPIXg_DcZj5gZKSd3CABEn-g1YxPXvt4LcGBYp4FGAiA6QzFLfAMqzos/s200/MP900439069-6.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mompeeves.blogspot.com/2012/01/mom-peeve-7-facebook-crimes.html">http://mompeeves.blogspot.com/2012/01/mom-peeve-7-facebook-crimes.html</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-58184452593179530492012-01-11T01:04:00.001-05:002012-01-16T20:32:38.117-05:00A cookie a day keeps the doctor away...These cookies are a triple threat. Don't worry, no one will get hurt, unless you eat all the cookies. Then you might have a problem. These cookies are chewy on the inside with just the right amount of tiny crunch on the edges. Born out of my love for cookies in general, these little babies unite 3 nations: Chocolate chip, Peanut Butter, and Toffee. All the ingredients get along well together, no one stands out too much. So if you are in the mood to try a new tasty treat, here's your girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16dQsZp6Xm7LX1z0pXQXZL0u_3ZtkVj-IvCBlssn7xMyWzS0D05xI90zCglHduEz2Y5ijzmFyc-AsE148wYvlFxUgpYgplq2QSxZUzxDuAqS5qj4OsDLXsaoOZoUxg9YbMN4nImWPRuE0/s1600/005-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16dQsZp6Xm7LX1z0pXQXZL0u_3ZtkVj-IvCBlssn7xMyWzS0D05xI90zCglHduEz2Y5ijzmFyc-AsE148wYvlFxUgpYgplq2QSxZUzxDuAqS5qj4OsDLXsaoOZoUxg9YbMN4nImWPRuE0/s400/005-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>Chewy Toffee Chocolate Chip Peanut butter Triple Cookies Recipe:</b><br />
<b>(2 dozen)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
You will need:<br />
1 stick of room temp butter<br />
1/4 cup peanut butter <i>(1st threat)</i><br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 egg (room temp you can always put it in a warm cup of water in the shell of course!)<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 1/4 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3305676966_36449067ef.jpg">toffee bits</a> (you can find in baking aisle by chocolate chips) <i>(2nd threat)</i><br />
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips <i>(triple threat!)</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<b>Steps:</b><br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars and mix for a few minutes. Add vanilla until mixed in, then egg until nicely incorporated.<br />
3. Mix together dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda. Now slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well. Add the toffee bits and chocolate chips.<br />
4. Drop tablespoon fulls of cookie dough onto your cookie sheet spaced out. If you have trouble with sticking try parchment paper. Bake about 8-11 mins. Cookies will be slightly turning light golden on the outside edges and cracking throughout the tops when they are done. They may seem a bit undone in the middle, but once they set for a couple mins to cool, they will be ready. Transfer cookies to wax paper of mat to cool.<br />
5. Eat!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-87330152434168698372012-01-10T12:55:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:33:07.540-05:00Melted Crayon Heart Wreath TutorialToday we embarked on a fun and messy project. Full disclosure, you probably don't want to start this one right before dinner or you'll all be eating crayon sprinkles as they seem to get everywhere. And if you think I am Maria Vontrapp and we make these kinds of projects everyday, we don't. This is more like making up for all the projects we don't make every day. Ha. You can definitely include your kids, as I have with this one. But there is no shame in a grown woman grating crayons and making her own wreath. Happy melting!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsizHFj0usO3nVAFtq2qZSa6_oubuXcEl9zZ5LocFhxeHiv1SplQeQiLNXInBzaTHK_SVMZ2c1AU4V8QPwa_0UbcyA9paul4iUP07c9HCUFCOlDtXDnGFEPuExeYfvCuNw60ZcVrkub3g/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsizHFj0usO3nVAFtq2qZSa6_oubuXcEl9zZ5LocFhxeHiv1SplQeQiLNXInBzaTHK_SVMZ2c1AU4V8QPwa_0UbcyA9paul4iUP07c9HCUFCOlDtXDnGFEPuExeYfvCuNw60ZcVrkub3g/s400/023.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You will need:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Reject crayons. We used broke old ones.</li>
<li>Wax paper</li>
<li>An iron</li>
<li>Cheese grater OR you can use a plastic bag and meat mallot or hammer to smash the crayons</li>
<li>Glue or tape</li>
<li>Piece of cardboard/recycling to make a circular shape on for wreath</li>
<li>A ribbon or something similar to hang it!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's Go:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Locate reject crayons. Peel the papers off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Grate crayons or hammer in a bag.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Lay an OLD towel you don't care about or a piece of cardboard down and lay a piece of wax paper on top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Sprinkle crayons over wax paper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Now layer a second sheet of wax paper on top and lay a thin OLD towel or something similar on top and iron until crayon flakes have melted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Let cool/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Make a small heart template out of cardstock/cardboard/recycling. And make a circle template for the wreath out of similar material. I traced one of my plates. Then cut a circle inside the circle, so it looks like a donut.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Cut strips of the wax paper and layer them and cut out hearts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. Use tape or glue and place the hearts around your circular/donut shaped wreath template until covered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Tie a ribbon and hang or gift away!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfhmr6Wn82SHkHN3AOABYgtanTHZwWLGZh7I-wuC4hx-QxSJfc_8gPB1JN8o0vk2G2OrNZDmvHtxHPvIaUfyn3zq2lBXFzMbkHXdVdKVnIYqwQ5zYaIDThgQwtoXcZ_unOPkdIcxZGSWU/s1600/2012-01-10e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfhmr6Wn82SHkHN3AOABYgtanTHZwWLGZh7I-wuC4hx-QxSJfc_8gPB1JN8o0vk2G2OrNZDmvHtxHPvIaUfyn3zq2lBXFzMbkHXdVdKVnIYqwQ5zYaIDThgQwtoXcZ_unOPkdIcxZGSWU/s400/2012-01-10e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Notes: I sliced the crayons which made peeling them much easier for Isla. We started with the grater (I let her help me) then ended up going with the mallet as the crayon sprinkles were getting everywhere and sticking to everything. You also don't need as many sprinkles as you might thing. I think we actually used too many which made it leak out the sides onto my towel and table. Yeah! A little goes a long way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqCBHA-r2KtipuDIzl4po0gxFmvdfLZ33xbGbt5d92lMNbn-Io-viDtNKxDicuc9APGTxukG0pwjbVKz_nLIvnGM_zD2LqbWPEUgWRzECkUAAP2fDFAVWVJVTKH-nxC_l3t5M_daC_mHL/s1600/2012-01-101e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqCBHA-r2KtipuDIzl4po0gxFmvdfLZ33xbGbt5d92lMNbn-Io-viDtNKxDicuc9APGTxukG0pwjbVKz_nLIvnGM_zD2LqbWPEUgWRzECkUAAP2fDFAVWVJVTKH-nxC_l3t5M_daC_mHL/s400/2012-01-101e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcUSwh__M-c87MI1v4auORhE_uyzyd_be9FuYRjPEYnOOYgXjwoU8cO2fVXmos4yXHDE_jcq_wna_V7cCRgFMI14yghwZfq8sOhFMiUBEIdH71maK7HXu81SViAYHqD-47WOd81tijGnK/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcUSwh__M-c87MI1v4auORhE_uyzyd_be9FuYRjPEYnOOYgXjwoU8cO2fVXmos4yXHDE_jcq_wna_V7cCRgFMI14yghwZfq8sOhFMiUBEIdH71maK7HXu81SViAYHqD-47WOd81tijGnK/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Create a template and cut out hearts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X5wvYYxbZjvb_TwsxGFWVUb80GP3EprR-xBslyLZffAQpqpqgogJjW_hnLLsnA61VBsCmCSJ8Gd8nZ_jNSv-6JilbEVnXLWKVgnenhflnwV75wsDcYgHXmddseQn9fFcIPqOcPrckLXw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X5wvYYxbZjvb_TwsxGFWVUb80GP3EprR-xBslyLZffAQpqpqgogJjW_hnLLsnA61VBsCmCSJ8Gd8nZ_jNSv-6JilbEVnXLWKVgnenhflnwV75wsDcYgHXmddseQn9fFcIPqOcPrckLXw/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cover your wreath template with the hearts using glue or tape.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzfTCOxd145pULDl1nALxISXfyak1aQuOE3Fb-rp3vDSxXXecYeaW7AzsdxaZ5VN1PUCZBcp_P1kO_kNtnohuAGn4ZP2F5tUZN3B2ajUmtjHgkajonuCK_5C9jb71BPquwbO5pi_bMnUz/s1600/2012-01-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzfTCOxd145pULDl1nALxISXfyak1aQuOE3Fb-rp3vDSxXXecYeaW7AzsdxaZ5VN1PUCZBcp_P1kO_kNtnohuAGn4ZP2F5tUZN3B2ajUmtjHgkajonuCK_5C9jb71BPquwbO5pi_bMnUz/s320/2012-01-102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tie a little ribbon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPWmFP2LXJ4OUtlV0IsQVsdD3n3ITZcO04KXvwm7th9XDJ-6heJfsUJcE6iKRNhlJ5-RM-VLvYfSqV1DA6KWOadK0KQF0gunhqdUgVlVr3oHfeIac7yv17cmivtJsvIHkKgR-Bdw2U_8c/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPWmFP2LXJ4OUtlV0IsQVsdD3n3ITZcO04KXvwm7th9XDJ-6heJfsUJcE6iKRNhlJ5-RM-VLvYfSqV1DA6KWOadK0KQF0gunhqdUgVlVr3oHfeIac7yv17cmivtJsvIHkKgR-Bdw2U_8c/s320/045.JPG" width="217" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now admire your work.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-63430443673633981972012-01-08T23:04:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:33:21.422-05:00DIY GRAB BUTTON Tutorial<div align="center">
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Want to make one of these to promote YOUR blog?</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stilllearninglife.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Still Learning Life" src=" http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/brookefuller0807/blogsample.jpg " /></a> </div>
<div align="center">
<form>
<textarea cols="15" rows="6"><center><a href="http://www.stilllearninglife.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Stil Learning Life" src=" http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/brookefuller0807/blogsample.jpg "/></a></center></textarea></form>
</div>
When I wanted to make a <b>"Grab Button Box"</b> I found it very difficult to find complete instructions on how to do it. I found bits and pieces here and there, but nothing completely coherent. I am hoping this tutorial will easy to follow with your own "Grab button" as an end result!<br />
<br />
<i>PLEASE</i> do not be alarmed by the length of these instructions. The length of these instructions is not a reflection of the difficulty of the tutorial. I have tried to be extremely thorough so there is no confusion.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First off, what IS a <b>"Grab Button Box?"</b> I am talking about that button (usually square) you see on a blog with a tiny box below it that has a bunch of code (as you can see above). If you cut and paste the code into your blog, that button and a link to that blog you cut and pasted it from will be apart of YOUR blog. In otherwords, the button allows YOU an opportunity to promote your blog with an image and direct link that can be hosted on your friends blogs, or by people that just like your blog.<br />
<br />
THIS tutorial teaches you how to make YOUR OWN button with the code. You can then feature it on your own blog for others to cut and paste and get the word out about your blog or website. </div>
<div>
<br />
OUTLINE:<br />
1. Edit and create a square 125 X 125 image to represent your blog.<br />
2. Upload the image to Photobucket to host and acquire a direct link.<br />
3. Replace your direct link, blog name and address into the code I have provided.<br />
4. Open an HTML page gadgets in blogger and copy your code.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Let's get to it!</b></div>
<div>
1. Decide what image you will use for your button. Keep in mind this button will be small, so tiny details won't show up. Using your own photo program choose an image, and add a title or your blogs name to your image if you wish and resize the image to 125x125 in size. <b>Skip to step 2 if you have completed this task. </b>IF you have never done this before follow the steps for PICNIK a free editing program online listed below.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________</div>
</div>
<div>
PICNIK Instructions:</div>
<div>
1. Go to <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">PICNIK</a>.</div>
<div>
2. Click <a href="http://www.picnik.com/app#/home/welcome">"upload a photo</a>."</div>
<div>
3. Choose the file from your computer that has your image and upload it. It will now open in picnik. Click <b>CROP</b>. Click <b>"no constraints"</b> and highlight/click <b>"square."</b> Now use the editing box that appears to pick what square portion of your photo will become the button. Now click <b>"apply."</b> Your photo will become a cropped square. </div>
<div>
4. If you wish to add text or your blog name, use the <b>"TEXT"</b> tab at the top and click on it. You will see a rectangular box that says <i>"type here and click add to place text"</i> Pretty self explanatory. You can play with the fonts and size and drag the text box you create around.</div>
<div>
5. Now go back to the tab at the upper left <b>"BASIC EDITS"</b> Click <b>"RESIZE"</b> and put the dimensions <b>125 X 125</b> in the boxes. Click <b>"APPLY"</b> </div>
<div>
6. Your image should become very tiny. Now click "<b>SAVE AND SHARE"</b> at the top. Click <b>"SAVE PHOTO"</b> and save to your computer (remember where you save it). </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
</div>
<div>
2. Go to <a href="http://www.photobucket.com/">PHOTOBUCKET</a>. Either sign in or create an account. You will need to use this site or one like it to house your image online to get a <u>direct link</u> to enter into the code coming up. Once open, click "<b>UPLOAD"</b> and then "<b>SELECT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS"</b>. Upload the photo you saved on your computer from PICNIK. When the photo loads, click "view album"<br />
3. Click on the box that says <b>"DIRECT LINK"</b><i> (as shown below)</i> You will cut and paste this code into a blank document like in the next image.
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1MwZgz_kXYOdWfWAh0zZdsI4P7hgRaFeq_d7PMLZXwmTBLI4y2g2a3L_tAs0428Sxexod-WjlN17ceZoVsybMXbUqpMk0IrCMgotEnI2kywB5v3iJMCY1_FXRRJqyVWwb1lwhtlxLnXe/s1600/IMAG0035-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1MwZgz_kXYOdWfWAh0zZdsI4P7hgRaFeq_d7PMLZXwmTBLI4y2g2a3L_tAs0428Sxexod-WjlN17ceZoVsybMXbUqpMk0IrCMgotEnI2kywB5v3iJMCY1_FXRRJqyVWwb1lwhtlxLnXe/s320/IMAG0035-1.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Then cut and paste the color-coded code found below in the <a href="http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/77603578?access_key=key-1maeyjydan5p8yxmz2bs">GRAB BUTTON TUTORIAL</a> into the document as well, a few lines below your DIRECT LINK code.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIp02DXgi91T8ALGho0VArJVrwoWip1XC3ZQEwWbJK2YbTtAwbA-2kBFYEbsLUCQbuE06rLv2gk1jCvGl0MV0_-mibAA9LO8y_TMpAwPCZ0THv3ykN_wOzch-cDg-UigF3lDQawNgEM_W/s1600/IMAG0038-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIp02DXgi91T8ALGho0VArJVrwoWip1XC3ZQEwWbJK2YbTtAwbA-2kBFYEbsLUCQbuE06rLv2gk1jCvGl0MV0_-mibAA9LO8y_TMpAwPCZ0THv3ykN_wOzch-cDg-UigF3lDQawNgEM_W/s400/IMAG0038-1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Continue with the instructions below. I had to place them in a SCRIBD doc so that the code wouldn't get jumbled up in this post! You are almost done!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/77603578/Grab-Button-Tutorial" style="display: inline !important; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 12px;" title="View Grab Button Tutorial on Scribd">Grab Button Tutorial</a></div>
</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_85324" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/77603578/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1maeyjydan5p8yxmz2bs" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-88052590273005120472012-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:34:50.759-05:00How to make the BEST rolls you've ever made: Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em;">Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting </span></h3>
<div class="post-header" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="post-header-line-1">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcS0OlhV5FLUhrXuNx-NXMeLQaHl9Q0DB6F45NwmRYEXYGsGC7HDG6lp6h31fLkXEW90lEwm8ux8pyU3Uhy4wOanVuVkC_GWhEKuvNcVnXbKekAHIdPTiT99QDKBHvG1j8dOyptDUWMc/s1600-h/DSCN7038edit.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333280979722621202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcS0OlhV5FLUhrXuNx-NXMeLQaHl9Q0DB6F45NwmRYEXYGsGC7HDG6lp6h31fLkXEW90lEwm8ux8pyU3Uhy4wOanVuVkC_GWhEKuvNcVnXbKekAHIdPTiT99QDKBHvG1j8dOyptDUWMc/s200/DSCN7038edit.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MEgCJ5H5PbnLDIHp0GRBNt5KJsIO86YoNCoqQlx-15UAoY-LZedSkmYLzGGBe6F77eSbZ1f4os9m7DEUyVzBoPJ9nEAX7TJQT4th7N_ubqvzeVKrqVMdc6b24Vsk9wPoPJedqBKZMwc/s1600-h/DSCN0254.JPG" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333280990330958370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MEgCJ5H5PbnLDIHp0GRBNt5KJsIO86YoNCoqQlx-15UAoY-LZedSkmYLzGGBe6F77eSbZ1f4os9m7DEUyVzBoPJ9nEAX7TJQT4th7N_ubqvzeVKrqVMdc6b24Vsk9wPoPJedqBKZMwc/s200/DSCN0254.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: 200px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7SSPrP5-XKEu46Y1WG2TYBMVrKbWjcymu92Q9yZqdmPWRTTMzEChEw2Ls5l3ycrYhmuc8xCTopMV5yUCJrAFG6bvbgoJmfHAdI99XispIn9oiRtnfH1enZQjp3J0kBazK1eaMGxTrIo/s1600-h/DSCN0269.JPG" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333280995313055906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7SSPrP5-XKEu46Y1WG2TYBMVrKbWjcymu92Q9yZqdmPWRTTMzEChEw2Ls5l3ycrYhmuc8xCTopMV5yUCJrAFG6bvbgoJmfHAdI99XispIn9oiRtnfH1enZQjp3J0kBazK1eaMGxTrIo/s200/DSCN0269.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's nothing like a <i>bad</i> cinnamon roll. Actually, there is nothing like a good cinnamon roll topped with bad frosting. Just so we are clear here, let's get all the crimes against a cinnamon roll out on the table:</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A roll that tastes like you are eating a pile of cinnamon with some roll on top.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A bad glaze.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dry rolls.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Overcooked edges and undercooked centers.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A monstrous pile of cinnamon in the center. Bad.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Burnt bottoms!</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now that we have the "What not to do" list covered, lets move on to the cinnamon roll that will change your life, or should I say the cinnamon roll FROSTING that will change your life. I consider myself somewhat of a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connoisseur" style="text-decoration: none;">"connoisseur"</a> of breakfast foods. I love a good brunch and truly have an appreciation for that amazing breakfast buffet you encounter at least once in your life. And lets give a round of applause for eggs. So much potential, versatility, a great contribution.<br /><br />My point is that when I tell you, "Make this frosting," I would never steer you wrong. I believe very strongly in the code of food ethics: </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL1_2FxdNDZP7DGmNU38-WEY_gcYPD2db3B5c_5sYl9umnejevxGkDlE3hLNMufI-Afv7YFL0BqvTw_fF4v63x7KMUQqh7N8ImnLzrfZJ6DZhiUcU35X5PA6jffoDtRF_R-pQOh9Bwc_9/s1600/j04390791-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL1_2FxdNDZP7DGmNU38-WEY_gcYPD2db3B5c_5sYl9umnejevxGkDlE3hLNMufI-Afv7YFL0BqvTw_fF4v63x7KMUQqh7N8ImnLzrfZJ6DZhiUcU35X5PA6jffoDtRF_R-pQOh9Bwc_9/s320/j04390791-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: left;">THE CINNAMON ROLL</span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.6em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You Need:</span></span><br />
<ul style="line-height: 1.6em;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoc-IquSSVuzYE3Q1WyUoASEU_0bgR-sruJsZzK42-F3w54CYxfyNHKe72TDcwUS0PNNhofPCAAXocU5HhxVzBlwYq91foM5pdPfTCw6zhYFvzgENinyHAdkOL5Y6-DSu6N9Obm0fAQ4/s1600-h/rolls.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249815438202134562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoc-IquSSVuzYE3Q1WyUoASEU_0bgR-sruJsZzK42-F3w54CYxfyNHKe72TDcwUS0PNNhofPCAAXocU5HhxVzBlwYq91foM5pdPfTCw6zhYFvzgENinyHAdkOL5Y6-DSu6N9Obm0fAQ4/s200/rolls.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(120, 183, 73); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; height: 149px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; width: 102px;" /></a><a href="http://www.pillsburybaking.com/assets/images/products/5150065330.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix</span> </a>(I use this or make a recipe for dough in my bread machine. If you have some secret family roll recipe to use, more power to you! But I do love the speed of the Pillsbury Rolls Mix, it only requires 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mins</span> to rise. You will follow the directions on the box and will need an egg and some water.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OR if you have a bread machine you can use the recipe at the bottom of this post. Keep in mind for the bread machine, the ingredients go into the machine in the exact order listed.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 c brown sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2-3 TBSP cinnamon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 sticks of butter softened-not melted (not margarine, not pretend butter. REAL BUTTER)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 oz cream cheese softened (Philly all the way)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 3/4c to 2 c of powdered sugar (Start with 1 3/4 c and if you want it sweeter, add some more sugar!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 TBSP Vanilla</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.6em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></span><br />
<ol style="line-height: 1.6em;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To make frosting</span>, Mix on high speed cream cheese and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ONE STICK</span> of butter for a good 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mins</span>. Yes 10. If you have a hand mixer, plan your day while you are mixing, if you have a standing mixer like a Kitchen Aid, you are probably smiling. The mixture should be very light and fluffy, and lighter in color. (But if you aren't in the mood to stand there for 10 mins, we can compromise at 5mins and call it a day and still have a decent frosting! It will still be fluffy, just not ultra, ultra fluffy.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add powdered sugar and mix until well blended.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slowly add the vanilla and blend for a minute.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Done! Put directly on rolls or keep refrigerated.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">For rolls</span>: Follow instructions on the roll mix. Try to roll the dough into a rectangle. Once you have rolled out your dough, spread the other one stick of butter on top. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture on top of dough. You can always add more cinnamon, but you can't take it away! You can also add more brown sugar for extra<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stickiness</span>!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Starting at the end closest to you, roll the dough away from you into a roll. Pinch the outer edge to itself to seal the roll.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now cut the rolls, about an inch thick. Lay them on a greased pan with a little space in between. Let rise according to the box instructions and bake.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Top warm rolls with yummy frosting and eat!</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6em;">Helpful tip:</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> Sometimes I will bake the rolls the night before I want to have them, and then just warm them in the oven and top with frosting the next day!</span><br /><br /><i><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">This is another one of those recipes that will increase your </span><span style="line-height: 25px;">likability</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">. When you make fresh baked cinnamon rolls with "better than </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" style="line-height: 1.6em;">cinnabon</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> frosting" for whatever occasion people will "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="line-height: 1.6em;">Oooo</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">" and "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" style="line-height: 1.6em;">Awww</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">" And just because the Pillsbury Dough Boy helped with the roll making does not take away from the domesticity. Any dough that has to rise is considered "made from scratch" in my book! So-Make. Eat. Serve. Enjoy. Become known for your cinnamon rolls :-)</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>Cinnamon roll Dough for bread machine:</b></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Large batch:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Dough:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2/3 cup lowfat milk, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3 large eggs, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">4 cups bread flour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2/3 cup cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2-1/4 teaspoons yeast, active dry, instant or bread machine (this is how much is in one of the yeast packets from the store)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Medium batch:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Dough:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">½ cup lowfat milk, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2 large eggs, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/3 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">¾ teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3 cups bread flour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/3 cup cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1-3/4 teaspoons yeast, active dry, instant or bread machine</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Small batch:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/3 cup lowfat milk, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 large eggs, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/4 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2 cups bread flour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/3 cup cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1-1/8 teaspoons yeast, active dry, instant or bread machine</span>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1272301010239364829" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6128452668966903955.post-9814629551097080842012-01-07T20:33:00.000-05:002014-03-03T09:48:36.934-05:00Brown Sugar Maple Granola (Includes Gluten Free Variation)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEow0l3CR8hIgFffJ9JaNXhK5DPjK38eD-TjfkprqErVnrN5nAHWzN5nX4m67AHLcvJonlhgWR0sc6aHDT8hNbnkUIcGwZ6kAkyrNdPnXgeRMopKQWCrJLQD8z3qezwQXEekTWPVnaJI1r/s1600/granola9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEow0l3CR8hIgFffJ9JaNXhK5DPjK38eD-TjfkprqErVnrN5nAHWzN5nX4m67AHLcvJonlhgWR0sc6aHDT8hNbnkUIcGwZ6kAkyrNdPnXgeRMopKQWCrJLQD8z3qezwQXEekTWPVnaJI1r/s400/granola9.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After trying a variety of granola recipes and making additions and omissions, we came up with the "Fuller Family Favorite Granola Recipe" This recipe makes easy and awesome granola, not that I'm biased. You can easily add additional ingredients like dried fruit, and nuts, as well as eliminate some of the items you don't like. I have even made a Gluten Free version of this for a friend using Gluten free oats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 summers ago, I made 50 lbs of granola for a friend's sister's wedding. I love a challenge. Ha! I was mixing it with huge spoons in huge bins. I felt like I was making granola for giants or something. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Fuller Favorite Granola</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">3 1/2 c oats (works better with regular oats not quick oats)</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/4 c wheat germ (optional)</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/2 c brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1 c almonds (sliced, slivered,
crushed, whatever)</span></b><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">*You can add other nuts or
raisins/dried fruit instead if you want in 1/2 c and 1 cup portions. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Mix the above ingredients
together than add the ingredients below:</span><br />
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/4 c olive oil</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">1/4 c maple syrup (you can
substitute honey but you might want to reduce brown sugar so its not too sweet
unless that's how you like it!)</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">2-4 tbsp water (more or less
if you want it more spread out or more clumpy)</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Add wet ingredients to dry
ingredients. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Bake on a sheet pan at 250
degrees for 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Mix granola once or twice while baking. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*To make a <b>GLUTEN FREE</b> version, use no wheat germ and gluten free oats that can be found at many organic/specialty store, whole foods, and Trader Joes. Also double check the other ingredients, but if you are using quality ingredients the rest should all be naturally gluten free. Note: Some gluten intolerant people still have difficulty with oats even gluten free ones. If you are making this version for someone who eats gluten free or has celiac disease check with them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Let cool and eat! Awesome on
yogurt with fruit. Keep in a container or bag so it stays crunchy.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/27951_401067649214_514709214_4264128_5703476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/27951_401067649214_514709214_4264128_5703476_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Get some cheap poly bags from the dollar store or craft store and give this granola as gifts!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWksm0xwDEy5k5g_dmf73VkygtlWJKQY2_XiOFJqc0DA2wkeqZdMaMk7K7L8AgCC1vXmhvooo9dD3Ml4nKAyg1dVuYX4c7pMnRdUPV-UBcaJkTp0X9qbyOVYFR8htjMGYfK-_TtO4pMq5B/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWksm0xwDEy5k5g_dmf73VkygtlWJKQY2_XiOFJqc0DA2wkeqZdMaMk7K7L8AgCC1vXmhvooo9dD3Ml4nKAyg1dVuYX4c7pMnRdUPV-UBcaJkTp0X9qbyOVYFR8htjMGYfK-_TtO4pMq5B/s320/006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />A Fuller Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247183302030035874noreply@blogger.com1