tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69765565484684051382024-03-14T01:48:23.134-04:00Hanging On By A Thread...and keeping it together one stitch at a time...Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.comBlogger544125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-35659296493608708952013-08-16T07:36:00.001-04:002013-08-16T07:36:25.777-04:00Taco Pizza<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our family love, love, LOVES Mexican food! We eat it at least once a week and whenever we go out to eat the girls ALWAYS choose Mexican. Tacos are a huge hit, I think being able to build them themselves adds to the appeal. </div>
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School starting means a flood of activities as well and less time to prepare dinner. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/16-minute-meal-4-mexican-flatbread-pizza/">PW's Mexican Flatbread Pizza</a>, or "Taco Pizza" as it's called in our house, is a great twist on the taco. It has all the delicious ingredients that we love and I think it's a bit healthier than tacos. When we make tacos each of us can eat 3 or 4...or 5 or 6...with the pizza we each eat one (less shells=less carbs) that is loaded with lots of fresh healthy veggies. My girls love to top them with tomatoes from our garden, avocado, cilantro and black or refried bean. The possibilities are endless. You can also make the taco meat ahead of time, (You can use leftovers too, but we never have any in our house!) to make it an even faster go-to meal that can be ready in under 20 minutes!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Taco Pizza</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Adapted from The Pioneer Woman</span></div>
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<h4 class="recipe-sub-head" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; font-weight: normal; font: normal normal bold 14px/normal Georgia; line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h4>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">1 can Large Biscuits (non Flaky, 8 per can)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">1 whole can refried beans (we sometime use black beans too)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Shredded cheese</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Pico De Gallo</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Taco Meat </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Shredded Iceberg lettuce (we like cilantro instead)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Sour Cream</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;">Any other toppings that you like!</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><b>Directions</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 12px;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Flour work surface and roll out each biscuit until very flat. Brush very lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8 minutes, or until starting to turn golden. Remove from oven and set aside.</span></div>
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Heat up (leftover) taco meat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 19px;">To assemble, spread refried beans over each flatbread. Top with plenty of meat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Return to oven for three minutes, or until melted and bubbly. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 19px;">Top with your favorite taco topping goodness.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 19px;">Cut into wedges and serve immediately.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; line-height: 19px;">ENJOY!!!</span></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-27683841747242693212013-08-15T07:41:00.001-04:002013-08-15T07:41:46.572-04:00The First Day of Kindergarten and 2nd Grade (WOO HOO!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer officially ended yesterday with the start of school and we were ALL ready! Lo was looking forward to seeing all her friends again and Noa just couldn't wait to be one of the big kids, riding the bus and being at school with all the neighborhood girls.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MATyOZXQ3Vw/UgwrjoUBCXI/AAAAAAAAIow/H5qXAKSpRWI/s1600/First+Day+of+School+2013_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MATyOZXQ3Vw/UgwrjoUBCXI/AAAAAAAAIow/H5qXAKSpRWI/s400/First+Day+of+School+2013_0010.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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First up is Feisty McFeisterson...oh my was she ready to go! It was painfully obvious the last few weeks of summer that I was not enough excitement or stimulation for her! She has the same teacher that Lo had for kindergarten so she was VERY happy!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4AZFbI1PcU/UgwrSrx-PuI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Eeadh221F8g/s1600/First+Day+of+School+2013_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4AZFbI1PcU/UgwrSrx-PuI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Eeadh221F8g/s400/First+Day+of+School+2013_0001.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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A few things about my monkey:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Loves to do hair (she changed her hair at least 5 times before we left for the bus)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Has a great memory</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Loves My Little Pony and will sing all the songs from the show and knows all the horses and their character traits</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Can tie her own shoes!!!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">She is madly in love with her little brother and the feeling is mutual. She can get his belly laughs going like no one else and when he sees her his eyes light up. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">She has a big heart. I think her feistiness sometimes overshadows this, but she is always thinking of others before herself. She will share toys, money, candy and herself without a second thought.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Thing she was most excited about for school? Using scissors! She lost hers early in the summer when I found a drawer full of doll and pony hair that she had cut. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Her favorite surprise is to get all ready "secretly" in her room. The other day she popped into my room at 6:45AM dressed, hair brushed and room cleaned. It's the best surprise ever!</li>
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Showing off her new (and enormous) backpack that she picked out.<br />
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Logan was looking forward to school so she could see her friends and have access to the school library! I think she spent most summer with her nose in a book! She is so like her mama! </div>
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A few things about Lo:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Loves to read!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Still loves everything art! I find little "projects" on my bedside table daily. Right now her drawing of choice is horses. I find horses of all shapes, sizes and colors all over the house!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">She is getting really good at piano! I LOVE to listen to her play and I am so impressed by the progress she has made in such a short time.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">She is growing out her hair for Lock Of Love. She saw a Facebook picture a friend of mine took of her daughter who had just donated. She thinks it would be really cool to help another girl and finds it pretty amazing that they can use her hair to make a wig for someone else.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">We're reading the Harry Potter series together. We finished the first book this summer and have started the second one. I'm pretty sure she's reading ahead when I'm not looking. She just can't stand not knowing what's going to happen next!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When making big decisions, she gives things lots of thought and consideration.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">She loves her friends! I hear lots about her friends, the silly things they did and the things they said. She really pays attention to what they say and do. Whenever she has a friend over she always plans activities and foods they love. It's very thoughtful!</li>
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Her new backpack has so many pockets and zipper pouches, it's a hoarders dream!<br />
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We decided that Miss Izzy was probably the only one in the family that was sad school was starting. I know she's going to miss Lo very much, but I promised to play with her so she doesn't get lonely.</div>
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GG wasn't too sure what was going on, but he had a fun day playing with his toys ALL BY HIMSELF! He also was happy to have a quiet house to nap in. He took a 3 hour nap! We were both happy about that!</div>
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One last kiss for daddy and they were off!<br />
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...and then GG and I were off too! Our plan is to get our run in right after the girls get on the bus. He LOVES his new stroller and so do I! It rides so smooth.<br />
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This is what I got when I asked them how their day was...despite the crazy faces I know they had a good day! Noa told me EVERYTHING she did while Lo granted me three questions with the promise of giving me more information after she had time to "relax."</div>
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Despite my exuberance over school starting I still worry about them while they are gone. I have so many hopes for them, but my greatest is that they see the endless potential they have and that they don't let anyone or anything stop them from being who they are. </div>
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Have a wonderful Thursday,</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-90047719750883344292013-08-14T14:16:00.000-04:002013-08-14T14:23:12.601-04:00The end of summer and the beginning of my sanity...<div style="text-align: justify;">
In some ways this summer flew by and in others it seemed to take FOREVER! Today I put both girls on the bus for their first day of school. It's hard to believe that I am the mom of a kindergartener and a second grader. While summer seemed to go on forever, the girls are growing up just way too fast! We took the obligatory 1st day pics on our porch and at the bus stop and we were all smiles this morning. I share those with you tomorrow. Today I'm sharing the last bit of summer fun we had.</div>
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A few weeks ago Noa got to go to her very first concert, BIG TIME RUSH. She was so excited! She loves her BTR CD and couldn't wait to hear them in person. </div>
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Lo opted not to join us this year so it was a special Mommy-Noa event.</div>
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Logan was very kind and offered Noa her BTR shirt to wear to the concert.<br />
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We were on the lawn again this year and it's really the best place for the kids. There were 3 opening acts!!! BTR didn't play for over 2 hours after the first band. That's like an eternity to a 5-year-old (and her mommy too!). Noa kept asking, "When are they going to sing a Big Time Rush song?!?!" At that point she didn't even care if BTR was singing their own song!</div>
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During the 3rd opening band she decided to take a short nap. You know, so she could power-up for BTR.</div>
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We had a great time and she loved the BTR performance. They always have trampolines on stage which she thought was pretty cool. She kept looking at me with a huge smile on her face saying, "I HAVE THIS SONG ON MY CD AT HOME!!!"</div>
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The state fair comes every August and we love to go and enjoy all the fun it has to offer! Daddy takes the day off and we spend the day eating, looking at animals, eating, exploring, eating, going on rides and eating! This year most of the local schools had already started so it was not the least bit crowded which was AWE-SOME! We even had great weather, it was a little hot and sticky but not one drop of rain hit our heads!</div>
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We love to eat so picking our fair food is a big process. The girls stayed with their traditional corn dog and chicken fingers, while the hubby and I happily treated ourselves to our favorite Wisconsin fried jalapeno cheese sticks-SO GOOD!</div>
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Of course the girls wanted to hit the Midway and go on some rides. This was Lo's first year going on the rides. Normally we give them a choice of a toy or rides. As you can imagine, our little stuffed animal hoarder Lo ALWAYS picked a toy. Thanks to our <a href="http://k-hangingonbyathread.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-bank-of-murray.html">new allowance system</a> the girls didn't have to choose. This year we happily bought ride tickets and if they wanted a toy they needed to use their own money. Both bought stuffed animals and Noa also purchased a slinky and a <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-lemon-shake-ups-at-92552">lemonade shake-up</a>.</div>
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Nothing but giggles on the rotating bear!</div>
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This girls sure does love her cotton candy! </div>
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GG was there too! He spent most of the day in his stroller and was such a good boy! He is so easy going and just happy to be with the family!</div>
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One of our favorite back-to-school traditions is haircuts, Five Guys and the all important first-day-of-school outfit selection! </div>
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First the girls got their hair cut. Lo is growing hers out for Lock of Love so she just got a trim. Noa surprised all of us by wanting to chop hers all off. She wanted to go shorter but our wonderful hairstylist Amy was worried she would look like a "<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xz3OGm_n-s/UUjtsWv3iDI/AAAAAAAAATI/v0nxGF8Chqo/s320/878297_1LOQJJY44S3X3P5QBRD7RTZ3QDGZM3_e-2012-09-sipa-justin-timberlake-young_H160815_L.jpg">young Justin Timberlake</a>"</div>
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<b>Before...</b></div>
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<b>After...</b></div>
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<b>Silly face after...</b></div>
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Lo INSISTED that Amy leave out the big piece of hair. I guess it was a fashion statement she wanted to make. Hmmmm not too sure that one is going to catch on...</div>
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They LOVED their braids!</div>
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Next stop was Five Guys for lunch! </div>
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This lil' guy is a HUGE fan of Five Guys. He ate an entire cheeseburger and lots of fries. I think he would have kept going if I hadn't cut him off. </div>
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We ended our day shopping. Both girls picked out a few outfits and hair clips and couldn't wait to get home to show Daddy what they picked out. I like seeing their different personalities come through with the clothes they pick. Lo's all about comfy and cozy while Noa's eyes go directly to sequins, sparkles and tulle. </div>
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Last, but not least, we visit Orange Leaf the day before school starts for a refreshing frozen yogurt filled with all our favorite toppings! It's a great way to end the summer!</div>
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Someone can't wait for his taste! </div>
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Phew. We have been BIZ-Y! Now that school has started I'm looking forward to quieter afternoons, organizing the house and getting to be crafty! Around Mid-June I gave up any hope of completing any projects on my list, but I am so ready to get back to a little "normalcy." Whatever that is! Of course our evenings are steadily becoming packed with after-school-activites but we have let go of a few so I'm hoping for one or two "relaxing" nights at home!</div>
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Thanks for checking in and thank you for being so patient with my sporadic blogging this summer!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-44854502584464304362013-07-22T06:54:00.000-04:002013-07-22T06:54:19.588-04:00Concert in the Park & Kid Friendly Pasta Salad<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the summer our town has concerts in the park each Tuesday night. They're a lot of fun and remind me of home. The kids get to run around and dance, while the parents catch up and try to relax. This year they took place in the new amphitheater and it's pretty amazing. </div>
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I finally got my act together and rallied the troops and we went to see my favorite local band, <a href="http://www.daveandrae.com/default.asp">Dave and Rae</a>. We got there pretty early to stake out our spot. Lucky for us we found a tiny sliver of shade.</div>
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Someone REALLY liked the pre-concert music...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLKv9cnH9-0/UeyHLi8uy3I/AAAAAAAAIhk/i_cMDWBImLU/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLKv9cnH9-0/UeyHLi8uy3I/AAAAAAAAIhk/i_cMDWBImLU/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and the cantaloupe...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrHjPeAG0Bw/UeyHVGXJg7I/AAAAAAAAIiE/uHvYuIzdg9c/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrHjPeAG0Bw/UeyHVGXJg7I/AAAAAAAAIiE/uHvYuIzdg9c/s400/IMG_1731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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GG LOVED the music and won the award for <i>The Best Behaved Murray Child</i>. He bobbed his head and danced the whole time. </div>
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Of course it was one of the hottest, humid-est days ever and the girls were pretty cranky AND Nate was traveling so I was flying solo, but I was determined to go! I decided that a cold pasta salad was the way to go. I literally googled "kid friendly pasta salad" and what do you know, my good friend <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">PW</a> had a recipe by that very name! It really was "kid friendly" too! Lo loved it all, minus the basil, and ate 3 helpings! Noa, who was extremely feisty and cranky, claimed she didn't like it but still ate two servings of the pasta she didn't like!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FK6oPKYkh-8/UeyHDn3VSvI/AAAAAAAAIhM/TXo_pc1boUc/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FK6oPKYkh-8/UeyHDn3VSvI/AAAAAAAAIhM/TXo_pc1boUc/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqffY27aij4/UeyHHPCtH5I/AAAAAAAAIhU/RpN9lIPEPoE/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqffY27aij4/UeyHHPCtH5I/AAAAAAAAIhU/RpN9lIPEPoE/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/kid-friendly-pasta-salad-recipe/index.html">Kid Friendly Pasta Salad</a> </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: The Food Network, The Pioneer Woman</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANeKoYRlitQ/UeyIbmwoh3I/AAAAAAAAIig/yGPSEQRJYZk/s1600/kid+friendly+pasta+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANeKoYRlitQ/UeyIbmwoh3I/AAAAAAAAIig/yGPSEQRJYZk/s400/kid+friendly+pasta+salad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>12oz fun-shaped pasta, such as radiator</li>
<li>8 slices thin bacon</li>
<li>1/2 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>1/2 cup whole milk</li>
<li>4 tablespoons white vinegar</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>Dash sugar, optional</li>
<li>1/2 cut grape tomatoes (yellow and red), halved lengthwise</li>
<li>1/2 pound Cheddar, cut into small cubes</li>
<li>3 green onions, thinly sliced</li>
<li>ground black pepper</li>
<li>24 whole basil leaves, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiffonade">chiffonade</a></li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions</b></div>
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Cook the pasta according to the instructions. Then drain and rinse in cold water until cool. Set aside.</div>
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Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and throw into a large skillet. Saute until slightly crisp, and then remove to a paper-towel-lined-plate.</div>
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For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt and sugar, if using, in a small bowl.</div>
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Stir together the pasta, dressing, tomatoes, bacon, Cheddar and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed.</div>
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Stir in the basil at the end.</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-30676391978946462022013-07-19T09:01:00.002-04:002013-07-19T09:01:31.505-04:00Friday Favorites-Dawn's Thumb Guards<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the past 2 1/2 years we have been waging war against thumb sucking and losing miserably. When I say we've tried everything I mean it. Rewarding good behavior, making the girls wear gloves, taping socks to their hands, finger splints, bandaids, taping their thumb to their pointer finger, constant reminders and this DISGUSTING stuff you paint on their fingers, but alas <b>NOTHING WORKED</b>! I have never felt so defeated!!! </div>
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At the girls last dentist appointment he sat them both down and had a heart-to-heart and told them they MUST stop sucking their thumbs. I always thought that the thumb sucking caused the teeth to stick out, which it does, but our dentist said long-term thumb sucking can also move the bone and when the bone is involved it can't be fixed. I don't know if it scared the girls, but it sure worked on me!!!</div>
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In a desperate Google search I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dawnsthumbguards?ref=seller_info">Dawn's Thumb Guards</a>. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how 2 scraps of fabric could stop my girls from sucking their thumbs when nail poish that tastes like paint thinner didn't slow them down one bit, but <b>OMG IT'S WORKING!!!</b></div>
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<i>(Oh my...she has been as feisty as ever this week and driving her Mama INSANE!)</i><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IDboVtbXOmM/UeibadQXq8I/AAAAAAAAIgQ/_mXjRpzqAz8/s640/blogger-image--282895952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IDboVtbXOmM/UeibadQXq8I/AAAAAAAAIgQ/_mXjRpzqAz8/s640/blogger-image--282895952.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The guards are custom made to fit your child and come in a variety of fabrics. They wrap around their wrists and attach with velcro. I let the girls pick their fabric. Lo chose horses (big surprise) and NoJo butterflies. They arrived in a few days and the girls were so excited to put them on! Our rule is that they stay on all the time. The only time they can come off is when they are bathing. I don't care if they get sticky with peanut butter or covered in glitter glue, they must stay one and yes, they even sleep with them on. We did end up ordering a second set so that we could have a back-up when one is in the wash .</span></i></div>
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The girl are really doing a great job keeping them on. We've had them for about 3 weeks and they still like to wear them. I thought they would be a little self-conscious when wearing them to camps and activities, but they're not. They see them as a fashion accessory and if someone asks what it is they happily tell them, "That's my thumb guard!"</div>
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I think there is a glimmer of light at the end of this long tunnel!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-74995774070849732582013-07-18T09:43:00.000-04:002013-07-18T09:43:07.534-04:00Keeping Basil Fresh<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fresh herbs in summer always make me smile! There's nothing better than picking them from your very own garden. They make any dish taste crisp, fresh and delicious!</div>
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One of my favorite herbs to grow is basil. It's so easy and it grows so well, almost too well sometimes! The thing with basil is that you have to <a href="http://bonnieplants.com/library/basil-insists-on-blooming-pinch-it/">"pinch"</a> it before it flowers or the leaves will start to taste bitter. But what do you do if you need to pick your basil and you're not ready for it? Of course you can make some wonderful <a href="http://k-hangingonbyathread.blogspot.com/2011/06/fresh-garden-pesto.html">pesto</a>, but I found a way to keep your picked basil "just picked fresh" for several days. </div>
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All you need is a cooling rack and Tupperware bowl filled with water.</div>
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Sure you can put your stems in a glass, but the cooling rack keeps just the ends in the water. No soggy leaves here! The key is to have them in the water right after you pick them. If that's not possible just trim the ends again before you put them in the water.</div>
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Here's what my basil looks like 6 days after it was picked. The leaves are still perky and crisp and look and feel like the leaves still in the garden. As an added bonus, my kitchen smells wonderful!</div>
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I haven't tried it with store bought herbs, but I think I'm going to give it a try. I hate when I buy them and then they go bad a day or two later. So frustrating!</div>
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Do you have any tips or tricks you use to keep your herbs just-picked-fresh? Shout them out! We'd love to hear them!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-89754963037726934372013-07-16T22:18:00.004-04:002013-07-16T22:18:59.627-04:00Firsts and Lasts-GG's First Birthday<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I'm wrapping up our "Firsts and Lasts" recap with a very special event...</div>
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Despite my best efforts to keep it from happening, last month our little GG turned one! (*sniff, sniff*) His smile melts my heart and I can listen to his giggles all day long. He is in love with his sisters (although he is starting to let them know when they invade his personal space) and doesn't like to be too far from Mommy and Daddy. He's walking all over the place and his new favorite game is "run away" and he giggles the entire time he is running away from you. Despite having lots of fun toys that make all sorts of noise, his favorite things to play with are the tupperware lids and he spends most of his days rearranging the two cupboards in our kitchen that are without child locks. He's not saying too much, but loves to wave at everyone, even himself in the mirror, and is starting to make some sounds that <i>could</i> be actual words..."da" for dog, "ha" for hat and "haaaaa" for hiiiiiiii. He's generally good natured, LOVES to eat (hard to believe he was a premie!) and is a pretty awesome sleeper. This year has flown way too fast, but I've really tried to enjoy every minute of it!</div>
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GG and I share a birthday. Most of you know how awful I am at sharing, but I REALLY tried to be good! I think I only whined once or twice...</div>
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At home we let GG have his very own cake, but he was just interested in the frosting. He kept dumping the cake part on the floor. I guess he takes after his Mama, I don't really like cake either!</div>
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I look forward to what the next year will bring. Both girls will be in school all day, every day so GG and I are going to have lots of time together and I can't think of anything better!</div>
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Happy birthday my lil' pterodactyl! Mama loves you VERY much!!! </div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-87567767925736260752013-07-15T07:52:00.001-04:002013-07-15T07:52:14.134-04:00Hoisin Chicken Legs<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last month after a year-long maternity-leave sabbatical, I went back to work part-time. While I was super excited that I could go back, it took us a while to get back into the swing of things. I had gotten used to having the afternoon to get dinner ready and we could eat at a reasonable hour. Going back to work meant digging out the crock pot and finding new fun recipes to try. The first place I looked was on <a href="http://kathiecooks.blogspot.com/">my friend Kathie's Blog</a>. She is a wonderful cook, and as a mom of two, she has lots of delicious recipes that don't require spending all day in the kitchen.<br />
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Her <a href="http://kathiecooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/hoisin-chicken-wings.html">Hoisin Chicken</a> was the first thing we tried and it didn't disappoint. The first time I made it I went for a run before dinner. I told Nate and the girls to start without me. When I got back there was one tiny leg left. To say it was a hit is putting it mildly. GG ate two whole chicken legs on his own and would have had more if we didn't cut him off! The girls have asked to have it added to the "Make Again" list and it will definitely be in our regular meal rotation.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><b>HOISIN CHICKEN</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">(Adapted from <a href="http://kathiecooks.blogspot.com/">Katie Cooks</a>)</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>2-3 chicken wings or drumettes </li>
<li>1/2c prepared Hoisin Sauce</li>
<li>1/4c honey</li>
<li>4 to 5 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped</li>
<li>1 (1-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated</li>
<li>1 T sesame oil</li>
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Put the chicken in a crock pot. Mix the Hoisin Sauce, honey, garlic, ginger and sesame oil together in a small bowl (I doubled the sauce ingredients since we had close to 4lbs of chicken). Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Stir before serving.</div>
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We served ours with rice and it was fab-u-lous!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-48591068196825021222013-07-13T07:45:00.000-04:002013-07-13T07:45:21.453-04:00Firsts and Lasts-Lo's Last Day of 1st Grade<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week we've been reminiscing the firsts and lasts our family experienced the past few months. Even though the start of school is about 4 weeks away, today I am sharing Lo's last day of first grade.</div>
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Her she is all ready to start first grade!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7V-5Rmbq-E/Ud3Md96XRII/AAAAAAAAIbQ/SGyRGHvpOEQ/s1600/Lo+1st+1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7V-5Rmbq-E/Ud3Md96XRII/AAAAAAAAIbQ/SGyRGHvpOEQ/s400/Lo+1st+1st.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
...and the last day of 1st grade...<br />
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Of course <a href="http://k-hangingonbyathread.blogspot.com/2013/07/firsts-and-last-los-first-pet.html">Izzy</a> was there too! She made a few trips to the bus stop before school got out this year!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KTPxAJKHDE/Ud3N2vGn7zI/AAAAAAAAIbk/E2nX5QsS5mQ/s1600/IMG_1503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KTPxAJKHDE/Ud3N2vGn7zI/AAAAAAAAIbk/E2nX5QsS5mQ/s400/IMG_1503.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's changed in so many ways! First she has just sprouted up! She grew 4 inches in the past year! No wonder all her pants are now capris! She can reached the sink so we have a future dishwasher (daddy is so excited!). She's also relaxed quite a bit on her attire. The girl who used to only wear dresses or skirts has moved on to T-shirts and jeans. She still love, love, LOVES art and reading and spends all her time doing one or the other. Most nights I find her sneaking her books way after bedtime! I love that she loves her books so much!</div>
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Before first grade I interviewed her, I asked her the same few questions the night before her last day. Her beginning of the year answers are in the ( )</div>
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Favorite color: Red (white)</div>
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Favorite TV show: My Little Pony (Doc McStuffins)</div>
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What do you want to be when you grow up: Vet (vet, zoo keeper)</div>
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Favorite Food: Spaghetti (Nutella with bread)</div>
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Best thing about 1st grade: Having a fun teacher</div>
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What are you looking forward to the most this summer: Family vacation in Cabo</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mysU6-K8yXQ/Ud3OBny9zQI/AAAAAAAAIbs/Bpx7SX1znMw/s1600/IMG_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mysU6-K8yXQ/Ud3OBny9zQI/AAAAAAAAIbs/Bpx7SX1znMw/s400/IMG_1500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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She has a full summer of fun planned. Swimming at the pool, a family vacation in Cabo, pottery camp, horseback riding camp, Girl Scout Camp and her most favorite thing ever, the summer reading program at the library! She is a self proclaimed book worm and most days you'll find her with a book in her face and Izzy on her lap! I love that she loves school and loves to learn. Leaving school for the summer was bittersweet for her, she was glad for the break, but sad to leave her teacher and her friends. Lucky for her the first day of 2nd grade will be here before she knows it!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-10762842483241628442013-07-11T08:02:00.000-04:002013-07-11T08:02:45.463-04:00Firsts and Last-Lo's First Pet<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you're 7 you spend most of your time wishing and dreaming for your own pet. Something that you can love, snuggle and call your very own.</div>
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You spend A LOT of time thinking about what kind of pet you'll get. Something small you can carry around? A big fluffy pet that you can take for a walk? Perhaps you want something that lives in an aquarium that you can watch all day. You ask a lot of people about their pets and read lots of books about different animals. You want to get the very best pet ever. So many choices make it so hard to decide! And don't even get me started on names. You can spend all night dreaming of the perfect name for your perfect pet!</div>
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You beg your parents. Write letters to Santa AND the Tooth Fairy. You promise you'll take care of it every day and you'll even use your own money to buy it. You simple CANNOT stop thinking about your "someday pet."</div>
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You may think it's NEVER going to happen so you make your own.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxT5VAXVM80/Ud3GHOhdxKI/AAAAAAAAIaA/2MLlyPxC9lU/s1600/guinea+paper+pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxT5VAXVM80/Ud3GHOhdxKI/AAAAAAAAIaA/2MLlyPxC9lU/s400/guinea+paper+pig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paper ones are so boring so you try other materials... old socks, fleece, fabric..whatever you can get your hands on. You even take your sock animals for walks around the house.</div>
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And then one day it happens. All your shooting star, dandelion and pennies-in-the-fountain wishes come true! Out of the blue your neighbor actually walks up to you, YOU, not your mom or dad, and asks you if you would like a guinea pig!!! You actually kind of laugh. Is she serious? Does she not know how badly you want a pet?!?! You must have been really extra good too, because to your surprise your parents actually say YES! </div>
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You love her so much! She's fluffy, smart, cuddly and yours! You are pretty much inseparable, you'd do everything with her by your side if your mom would let you. Even still, you can't believe she's yours! Your very own pet. WOW.</div>
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<i>Meet Izzy. The newest and sweetest member of our family. </i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BD6nBq45jig/Ud3KEo2yTXI/AAAAAAAAIaY/zPiEdSmPv5E/s1600/izzy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BD6nBq45jig/Ud3KEo2yTXI/AAAAAAAAIaY/zPiEdSmPv5E/s400/izzy3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS1gF3D-4dE/Ud3KE4n44cI/AAAAAAAAIag/EGx0LNPUnjM/s1600/izzy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS1gF3D-4dE/Ud3KE4n44cI/AAAAAAAAIag/EGx0LNPUnjM/s400/izzy5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-16573574598952745892013-07-09T06:54:00.000-04:002013-07-09T06:54:53.734-04:00Firsts and Lasts-Noa's Last Day of Pre-KIt's hard to believe in less than a year this sweet little baby face turned from this...<br />
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Into this...<br />
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It amazes me how they can grow up right before your eyes and you don't even realize it!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7XRVXF-nME/UdtxU655EYI/AAAAAAAAIYk/_Y_tlc2wJ68/s1600/IMG_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7XRVXF-nME/UdtxU655EYI/AAAAAAAAIYk/_Y_tlc2wJ68/s400/IMG_1499.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I am going to miss our days together very much next year, but there is no one more excited to start kindergarten than my little Monkey! I think being the younger sister she just appreciates and looks forward to things so much more than Lo. She cannot wait to meet her teacher, ride the bus and she has already decided that she is going to buy lunch on her very first day ("as long as it's something that I like."). She has such a positive outlook in life and is genuinely excited about all the little things that mean so much! I love seeing the world through her eyes. She is truly grateful for everything life has given her and reminds me daily to be thankful for all that we have.</div>
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For our very last Noa-Mommy Day I told her I'd take her out to lunch anywhere she wanted and she picked Costco. That's my girl! She doesn't need anything fancy, just a hot dog, berry sundae, all the samples she can carry and quality time with her Mama!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqRbepvPZok/Udtz0e57WmI/AAAAAAAAIY0/AoAmTW_QvKw/s1600/noa+mommy+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqRbepvPZok/Udtz0e57WmI/AAAAAAAAIY0/AoAmTW_QvKw/s400/noa+mommy+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This picture cost me $0.80. She was not loving the camera that day and refused to look at me. She told me it would be $0.50 for each picture of her, but a full $0.80 if I wanted her to smile and look at the camera! It was worth every penny!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxhzZHEKSiE/Udt01A0pu5I/AAAAAAAAIZE/dwDfLxLB21o/s1600/Noa+mommy+day2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxhzZHEKSiE/Udt01A0pu5I/AAAAAAAAIZE/dwDfLxLB21o/s400/Noa+mommy+day2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I look forward to all the fun she is going to have next year in kindergarten. She is more than ready!<br />
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Hopefully kindergarten is ready for her!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-12876456327457375052013-07-08T07:02:00.000-04:002013-07-08T07:02:21.053-04:00Firsts and Lasts- GG's First Haircut<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past month has been a little bit crazy. We experienced lots of "firsts" and "lasts" around here and I'll be sharing them with you this week. </div>
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First up is GG's FIRST haircut. Both girls were over the age of 2 before they had their first haircut. Boys are new to me. I had no idea when boys get their haircut. Apparently it's A LOT sooner than girls. </div>
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This picture is what put it all in motion...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TfXecZk6Pk/UdoNYF1q9yI/AAAAAAAAIWg/gEYqr_cZc5Y/s1600/needs+a+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TfXecZk6Pk/UdoNYF1q9yI/AAAAAAAAIWg/gEYqr_cZc5Y/s400/needs+a+haircut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(He kinda resembles Lloyd from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109686/">Dumb and Dumber</a>.)</div>
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It was clear GG need a new do! </div>
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I wasn't sure how he'd handle the whole experience, but he did fab-u-lous! He sat in the car chair without any fussing and was so cute and smiley the whole time!</div>
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Just look at that sweet little face!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISaZu7u92NU/UdoO1gpSXyI/AAAAAAAAIXs/HKQ7BdhAfm4/s1600/IMG_1510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISaZu7u92NU/UdoO1gpSXyI/AAAAAAAAIXs/HKQ7BdhAfm4/s400/IMG_1510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We love his new faux-hawk! We even bought him his first hair product, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/beauty/dp/B000H6AF66">Grape Hair Jam</a>. It smells SO good!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43UPlgPZBqM/UdoOSQch0uI/AAAAAAAAIW0/Tmk5FjqxMhk/s1600/IMG_1513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43UPlgPZBqM/UdoOSQch0uI/AAAAAAAAIW0/Tmk5FjqxMhk/s400/IMG_1513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He looks too grown up now! I can't believe how fast time has gone! I want to freeze him in time and keep him little forever!</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-11891197019536331652013-05-01T08:52:00.000-04:002013-05-01T08:52:20.427-04:00Makin' Your Own Sidewalk Chalk Paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKtv6dvrLrM/UYB1NlibyKI/AAAAAAAAIRo/bk-GiOUiDJw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKtv6dvrLrM/UYB1NlibyKI/AAAAAAAAIRo/bk-GiOUiDJw/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We've had some pretty fab-u-lous weather here in Indy and it's been beyond wonderful for everyone's moods. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do! Great weather means the girls are spending more time outside and I thought it would be fun to try out a new outside crafty project. There are several different versions of sidewalk chalk paint floating around <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and I thought I'd give it a try. It was the BEST IDEA EVER! The girls loved it and it's so cheap to make! Way more cost effective than buying actual sidewalk chalk that breaks and crumbles. Plus it's fun to make your own colors!</div>
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All you need is:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If3Aoy3DBJY/UYBv8Fkq6hI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/nLrEyZdkUwk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If3Aoy3DBJY/UYBv8Fkq6hI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/nLrEyZdkUwk/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>corn starch</li>
<li>water</li>
<li>food coloring</li>
<li>muffin tin (picked mine up from Goodwill for $2. The are great for all kinds of painting projects.)</li>
<li>paint brushes of various sizes </li>
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See? Super easy and you probably have everything at home already!</div>
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For my mix I used 1/2 cup of corn starch mixed with 1 cup of water. I've seen lots of "recipes" that are a 1:1 mix, but that was too thick for us. It didn't paint well and it didn't wash off our patio to great either.</div>
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Put the corn starch and water in a bowl (it's helpful if it's one that has a spout) and mix until there are no more lumps.</div>
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Divide the mix into the muffin tins.</div>
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Add a few drops of food coloring...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UK_mSHKj-RI/UYB1LJ6ZsrI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/GAwV44nUI14/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UK_mSHKj-RI/UYB1LJ6ZsrI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/GAwV44nUI14/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and stir</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0rLz7FljFs/UYB1LAeu7uI/AAAAAAAAIRM/tihfekbF8rc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0rLz7FljFs/UYB1LAeu7uI/AAAAAAAAIRM/tihfekbF8rc/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have fun inventing your own colors...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96asW5S8og/UYB1NkcprbI/AAAAAAAAIRk/pboW0oUyooo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96asW5S8og/UYB1NkcprbI/AAAAAAAAIRk/pboW0oUyooo/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and let the creativity flow!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sx2wFgFWwM/UYBwzzr0YsI/AAAAAAAAIQk/0MqKeIt7esY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sx2wFgFWwM/UYBwzzr0YsI/AAAAAAAAIQk/0MqKeIt7esY/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When it dries it looks just like chalk! Super cool huh?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjBgskrKtN0/UYBw0vW4dpI/AAAAAAAAIQs/CgTffy3Fymc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjBgskrKtN0/UYBw0vW4dpI/AAAAAAAAIQs/CgTffy3Fymc/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Happy painting!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-51739600390994227962013-04-26T08:30:00.000-04:002013-04-26T08:30:52.469-04:00Friday Favorites-The Run HomeIf it wasn't so big and heavy, I'd be toting this baby around my neck EVERY day!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXiyCAcCmV4/UXfwVDPt5MI/AAAAAAAAIK0/Hp0wwgrCkWg/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXiyCAcCmV4/UXfwVDPt5MI/AAAAAAAAIK0/Hp0wwgrCkWg/s400/medal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lucky for me I found<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRunHome"> The Run Home</a>. I'm in L-O-V-E, love with all their running bling! I came across this during my training and knew I HAD to have it!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozklLz9fx3I/UXneDRDdfVI/AAAAAAAAIPY/e2ipgAPAyFI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozklLz9fx3I/UXneDRDdfVI/AAAAAAAAIPY/e2ipgAPAyFI/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If I can't wear my pretty, shiny race medal, this is the next best thing!</div>
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I'm a little superstitious so I waited until I completed the race before ordering it. I placed my order on Sunday and it arrived a few days later. I was so excited!!!</div>
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I love that it was all wrapped up. It was like opening a present FROM me TO me!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOeqDAL3mSI/UXnd2HcJyyI/AAAAAAAAIPU/4JY9a6L2wck/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOeqDAL3mSI/UXnd2HcJyyI/AAAAAAAAIPU/4JY9a6L2wck/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw6jeynib4A/UXnd1W9FioI/AAAAAAAAIPI/8MTYD27FnV0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw6jeynib4A/UXnd1W9FioI/AAAAAAAAIPI/8MTYD27FnV0/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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It even came with a polishing cloth so I can make sure it's always beautiful!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA9uoeJvnr4/UXneEgixNuI/AAAAAAAAIPs/oqg5fgaV2dE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA9uoeJvnr4/UXneEgixNuI/AAAAAAAAIPs/oqg5fgaV2dE/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The length is adjustable so I can wear it with just about everything and you know I'll be wearing it ALL THE TIME! It went from the box to my neck in about 3 seconds!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yz8iCKdhnc/UXneEhgNSjI/AAAAAAAAIPo/tunOOHbnwOQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yz8iCKdhnc/UXneEhgNSjI/AAAAAAAAIPo/tunOOHbnwOQ/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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There are so many different charms to choose from so you can design the necklace that's perfect for you. In addition to running, biking, swimming, you'll find ones for yoga, inspiration and family too. Check out their Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRunHome">{HERE}</a> and like them on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Run-Home/107927542610546?ref=ts&fref=ts">{HERE}</a>...and then do a little shopping for yourself! </div>
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You totally deserve it!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9aQf0RxIC4/UXnj2o3KjCI/AAAAAAAAIP4/t_dtGbg7Lmg/s1600/K+for+blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9aQf0RxIC4/UXnj2o3KjCI/AAAAAAAAIP4/t_dtGbg7Lmg/s200/K+for+blogger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>*All opinions are completely mine. I was not asked to write about The Run Home or compensated in any way. I just love my new bling and wanted you all to see it!*</i></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-85323932288057190452013-04-25T08:39:00.001-04:002013-04-25T08:39:12.230-04:00The Nap-Time Maxi Dress<div>
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Since this week is a recovery week for running, I took advantage of some "down" time and brought out my long lost friend and did some sewing! A few months ago I bought some fabric to make the girls coordinating maxi dresses for our upcoming trip to Cabo. All you have to do is Google "maxi dress tutorial" and you'll get a ton of results. I looked at a few and took bits and pieces from a each to make up my own "pattern." Since I was kinda making it up as I went along I wanted to do a trial run first. It was super-duper quick to make, it only took about an hour from start to finish. </div>
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It's looking a little nightgown-esk for my taste, but with a few minor adjustments it's going to be the perfect maxi dress.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU5Ps2mzinE/UXiK6v3p3xI/AAAAAAAAIO0/IT7PEnib4s4/s1600/IMG_1473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU5Ps2mzinE/UXiK6v3p3xI/AAAAAAAAIO0/IT7PEnib4s4/s400/IMG_1473.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
In the tutorial below I will show what I did in <b>BLACK</b> text, the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">RED</span></b> text is any changes I plan to make on the dresses for Cabo. Feel free to shout out any suggestions or tips in the comment section yourself! <i>(I also want to appologize for the tutorial pictures! It was a dreary day and the lighting was just awful!)</i></div>
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Here's what you need:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Old T-shirt - The perfect shirt is one that fits in the arms and upper chest area but is too short. Of course you can go out a buy a new one, but's it's always nice to reuse one you already have. Knit is best. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Noa's shirt was more of an a-line/tunic style. Next time I would use a more straight-lined shirt. </span></li>
<li>Fabric - For my practice fabric I let Noa pick out her favorite from the crafty closet. For their dresses for our trip I bought a nice light-weight, flowy fabric. You just want to make sure it's not too heavy or it will just pull on the knit top. </li>
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First you want to cut off the bottom of your shirt. I measured from the under-arm area and left about 2 inches.</div>
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Then I measured the width of the shirt (from armpit to armpit) and multiplied it by 1.5. The length of the front of my shirt was a little over 12 inches. 12 x 1.5 = 18. This will be the width of your fabric panels. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">This was not enough fabric to give my dresses the flowy feel I was hoping for. Next time I will at least double the width.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPQEJva3Txk/UXhjj5viqpI/AAAAAAAAIMI/K5F5N5Iu178/s1600/IMG_1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPQEJva3Txk/UXhjj5viqpI/AAAAAAAAIMI/K5F5N5Iu178/s400/IMG_1460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After determine the width of each panel I needed to figure out how long I wanted it to be. I measured from Noa's armpit to where I wanted the dress to fall and subtracted the 2 inches that were left on her shirt. (I was planning on using the original edging of the fabric as the hem to avoid having to make a hem. If you are going to hem your dress just remember to add in about 1 1/2 inches to account for that adjustment.) Now you want to cut out TWO panels with the width and length you just calculated. Place them right sides together and sew up the sides.</div>
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I really wanted this to be a quick project so I didn't even bust out my serger. I just used the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine and "serged" the edges old school!</div>
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At this point you should have a tube of fabric. </div>
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Now you need to gather your fabric. For help with how to do a gathering stitch you can go <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/gathering-ruffles-made-easy">{HERE}</a>. Pull your threads until the fabric is the same circumference as your shirt.</div>
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Turn your shirt inside out and with right-sides facing, line up the edges.</div>
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Make sure to line up the seams on your shirt with the seams on your skirt.</div>
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Stitch all away around. Use a zig-zag stitch or serger to finish your edges. Turn right-side-out and bask in the glory of making a dress in under an hour!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8OGaIk2sVw/UXh-IgVTnJI/AAAAAAAAINY/gKdBhVp3kWU/s1600/IMG_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8OGaIk2sVw/UXh-IgVTnJI/AAAAAAAAINY/gKdBhVp3kWU/s400/IMG_1470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As soon as the last stitch was in, the Lil' Monkey was adamant that she get to try on her new dress!<br />
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It's good for playing in the garden...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrzT5eReqAE/UXiDiEOAKpI/AAAAAAAAINs/4QR-uko733I/s1600/IMG_1477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrzT5eReqAE/UXiDiEOAKpI/AAAAAAAAINs/4QR-uko733I/s400/IMG_1477.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
...and twirling...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-X6W-5V7sI/UXiDjmBq-QI/AAAAAAAAIOA/0CGTwu5aMtE/s1600/IMG_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-X6W-5V7sI/UXiDjmBq-QI/AAAAAAAAIOA/0CGTwu5aMtE/s400/IMG_1478.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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...and smelling the flowers along the way...</div>
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She has declared it her new favorite dress and is wearing it today! I love that she loves it so much! She's already going through her old shirts looking for more that I can turn into dresses. </div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-9139916840876460712013-04-24T11:37:00.000-04:002013-04-24T11:37:12.609-04:00The Long Run Diaries - Epilogue The Big Show<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a little over 3 days since The Big Show. I'm finally walking like a normal person and it's not taking me 15 minutes to get up and down (down is the worst) our stairs. I wasn't sure what to expect from my body post-race, but I'm surprised how little discomfort I experienced. </div>
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I still am in awe of my new bling! Isn't she purdy?!?!<br />
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Overall the race went fabulously. I don't know how runners that blog can remember every detail about their races. Most of it is a complete blur. I tried not to focus on one thing too much. Five hours is a long time be alone with your thoughts and having the same thought in your head the entire time can be maddening! </div>
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Not really knowing what to expect, I had 3 goals in mind:<br />
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<li>Primary Goal-Finish</li>
<li>Secondary Goal-Finish in under 5 hours</li>
<li>Tertiary Goal-Finish in under 4.5 hours</li>
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I achieved #1 and #2 and came SO CLOSE to #3, but I am so proud of how I did that there is no way I'm disappointed! It just gives me a goal for next time and I can guarantee that there will definitely be another marathon in my future!</div>
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<b>The stats</b></div>
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26.2 miles</div>
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4:32:10</div>
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10:24 pace</div>
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Overall Place: 528/738</div>
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Gender Place: 153/264</div>
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Division Place: 37/58</div>
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The start of the race was cold. Much colder than I would have liked. I couldn't feel my fingers or toes and had to wear gloves and my shell. None of that would have been a problem for a shorter race, but I knew it would warm up and I wouldn't need all those layers. Not what I was hoping for, but in the end it all worked out. I got up super early and went through my regular race-morning routine. Diet Coke, oatmeal, shower <i>(Yep, I always take a shower before races! It wakes me up and makes the event seem more special. You wouldn't just roll out of bed the morning of a big job interview would you?)</i>, feed the baby, get dressed and use the bathroom about 800 times. Traci and her hubby picked me up at 6am and we were off. We parked hit the restrooms a few more times and then got in line with our other running partner Christy S. It was a much smaller race than I was used to. They had pace signs up so that people could line-up accordingly, but before the start they just asked everyone to scoot up. The 4:50pace group was ahead of the 4:25 group and we were all mixed up. There was a moment of silence for Boston that brought tears to my eyes, our National Anthem was sung and with the sound of a blow horn, we were off!</div>
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The first few miles were VERY quiet. I guess we had finally ran out of things to say to each other! A marathon is a long race, Carmel is not a very long city so there were LOTS of twists and turns. I'm a more an out-and-back runner so the twisting was a little annoying to me, BUT it gave the hubby lots of opportunities to see me along the course. He first popped up at mile 3 which was a huge and welcoming surprise! We gave a little wave and continued on our way! We stuck with our plan of walking every 4 miles. It had worked well on our practice long runs so there was no way we were going to change a thing. The first break came up quickly and we all shed our gloves and outer layers. I don't remember much of miles 4-8 but I do remember that for some reason 8-12 was one of worst stretches of the entire race. Each mile seemed to crawl along and I couldn't wait until mile 12 for a break. It was around mile 12 that Traci started having some trouble and it seemed like she wouldn't be able to keep up. Her husband was there too and he agreed to stay with her. That's the thing with the Big Show, no matter how much you prepare there's a lot of time for unexpected things to occur! </div>
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By mile 13 I was feeling much better. My feet felt strong and my head was in the right place. Nate made another appearance and ran a tiny bit with me. We decided that I would need a little bit of company along the way so he went to his car to put on his running shoes and agreed to meet up with me around mile 18. I'm not sure when, but I started to pull away from Christy S too. I get like that sometimes. My feet takeover and my head is not really sure what is going on. I just know one minute she was next to me and the next she wasn't. At the mile 16 walking break I put in my earphones and Blink-182 was my running buddy for the next 10 miles. </div>
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Around mile 18 Nate found me again and he ran with me for another 4 miles. It was so nice to have him there. We didn't do a whole lot of talking but having company kept me from thinking about how much further I had to go or how achey my legs were. It was funny to hear everyone cheer him on too. He got a lot of "you are looking FANTASTIC" and "You've got this, you're doing awesome!!!" People were so amazed to see someone looking so "fresh" so far into the race. Miles 18-23 had a little bit of trail running which was a welcomed break from the looping through neighborhoods. Nate left me around mile 23 so he could sprint to the finish line and cheer me on as I crossed. The last 3.2 were my own.</div>
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It was around this time that my stomach started feeling a little barfy and my legs oh so heavy. Coming up on my final walking break at mile 24 I was a little torn. My main concern was not being able to start running again if I took a break, but if I didn't take a break I was concerned that I would need a break before the finish. I decided to take a short walking break. Just enough to get a reprieve, but not too long where my legs got comfortable. The last few miles were a little tough and it felt like forever before I could see the finish line, but there it was! </div>
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With the finish line in sight I got my last burst of energy and a HUGE smile on my face. It was a fabulous finish. The hubby on my right cheering me on and my good friend Christy B on my left screaming my name (Christy had finished at 4:04 and was waiting for me!). I finished strong and happy! I can't wait to see my finish-line photos, I'm sure I have a Cheshire-Cat grin on my face!</div>
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I think it's true what they say about marathons, that it's just as much a mental race and a physical one. I knew that physically I was ready. I had trained hard and my body was ready. There was no doubt in my mind that as long as I kept a clear head, I would finish. I looked at the race in 4 mile increments. I can run four mile, four miles is nothing. I tried not to think about how far I had left to run and rarely looked at my watch. As long as I only thought of the current four miles I was golden. Like many other runners, I have my own running mantras that I've been using for years to keep me motivated, but Boston was my true motivation last Saturday. I just kept thinking of all the runners that had trained and prepared so hard and were unable to finish. My little leg aches were nothing compared to their heartache and loss. The only thought in my mind as I crossed the finish was <b>BOSTON STRONG</b>.<br />
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So I crossed the line a happy girl! </div>
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I was crowned a marathon runner with my medal and my mylar wrap. I was rewarded with cookies, pizza, bananas, fruit snacks and hugs from Nate and Christy B. We headed back to the finish to wait for our friends. Traci's husband Eric came in shortly after I did. Traci finished in under 5 hours and earned herself a new PR. Christy S had some knee trouble along the course but she also finished in under 5 hours. One-by-one the day's goals were achieved. </div>
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The hubby and I had our traditional Five Guys post-race meal. I knew I'd regret it later, but it was SO worth it! At home I got a shower and a little nap. Then Nate put on my 26.2 sticker that I had definitely earned and that I am super proud of!</div>
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The celebration continued with a glass (or 2...or 3) of my favorite bubbly. The hubby knows me so well!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K43bJdB1hnI/UXfxFleo8YI/AAAAAAAAILI/ONn4GobotL0/s1600/bubbly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K43bJdB1hnI/UXfxFleo8YI/AAAAAAAAILI/ONn4GobotL0/s400/bubbly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That night I had so much trouble sleeping. My mind was going in a million different directions and I'm sure it was just way overestimated. I'm getting eager to start running again but my "coach" <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51152/Post-Marathon-Zero-Week-Training-Program">Hal</a> says I have to rest. Tomorrow I get to start running/walking again. It's nothing compared to what I had been doing, but on Sunday I can run 8 miles and I'm so looking forward to it!</div>
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The next race is Labor Day weekend. Traci is going for an under 2-hour half and I'm hoping to help her do it. Our training "officially" starts June 10th but there will be lots of running before then! The next marathon is The Flying Pig 4-way in 2014. It'll be a 5k, 10 and a full marathon in the same weekend. I'll get 4 medals!!! </div>
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BRING ON THE BLING!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-52034035386733844982013-04-23T08:50:00.002-04:002013-04-23T08:52:37.975-04:00Will Play Piano For Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDing2_2vGU/UXXqFclcn2I/AAAAAAAAII4/X1BNN1yHfX0/s1600/IMG_1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDing2_2vGU/UXXqFclcn2I/AAAAAAAAII4/X1BNN1yHfX0/s200/IMG_1424.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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A few months ago the girls were given a wonderful gift! Their great-grandmother gave them the gift of piano lessons. I am so amazed at how much they have learned in such a short time! They are really enjoying their lessons and are having a great time practicing and playing on the piano. The studio where they take their lessons has a showcase twice a year. The girls had only been taking lessons for a month when their teachers approached them and asked them to participate. I was surprised that they felt they were already ready to preform in front of an audience. Originally we only signed Lo up, but Lil' Sis doesn't like to be left out and was adamant that she participate too. Both girls practiced and practiced and practiced. Their performance pieces had to be memorized. Since their pieces were short each girl was allowed to play a few. Logan had 4 short songs and Noa had two. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF2g02XbGK0/UXXr-ed-ARI/AAAAAAAAIKA/s7gdJr-6CrM/s1600/IMG_1419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF2g02XbGK0/UXXr-ed-ARI/AAAAAAAAIKA/s7gdJr-6CrM/s400/IMG_1419.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The showcase was this weekend and the girls were so excited that Grandma was in town and could also watch them perform! The really cool thing about the showcase is that they have all sorts of performers. In addition to piano players, there were kids playing the violin and lots of singers too. There were quite a few families that had group performances as well. Not only was it a great experience for the girls to perform, but it also gave them the opportunity to see what the other students were practicing. Some of the kids were just amazing! </div>
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They started with the younger kids, so Noa was one of the first performers. She gets extremely nervous when she feels like everyone is focusing on her. Most of her previous performances involved her hanging her head and not performing. We were a little worried about how her showcase would go! We spent a lot of time practicing how her part would go. Each child had to come to the stage by themselves, bow, play their pieces, bow and leave the stage. I knew it would be difficult for her so I <strike>bribed her</strike> gave her a little incentive. I told her that if she did a great job and walked like a big girl to the stage she could have a special treat, just her and me. She wanted mac 'n cheese from Noodles and Co. and I was happy to agree (they have some fab-u-lous mac 'n cheese). She had to be walked out to the piano, but she bowed, played perfectly and walked off the stage all on her own. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2KdS2Cbpo0/UXXrc7fp57I/AAAAAAAAIJg/jIBYEGDbPtk/s1600/IMG_1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2KdS2Cbpo0/UXXrc7fp57I/AAAAAAAAIJg/jIBYEGDbPtk/s400/IMG_1430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She was so proud of herself!!! After the show she had the biggest smile on her face because she knew she had nailed it!</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Between her fair skin, white hair and the stage lighting it's like a little ghost was sitting at the piano...</span></i></div>
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Logan felt very comfortable with the whole process. She practiced hard and was ready! She also loved watching all the other performers. I was sure that after the show she'd ask me for voice lessons! She hasn't asked yet, but her favorite performances were the singing ones!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alq_C1UAFvk/UXXrUF97BRI/AAAAAAAAIJY/9JtdRJ92ph0/s1600/IMG_1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alq_C1UAFvk/UXXrUF97BRI/AAAAAAAAIJY/9JtdRJ92ph0/s400/IMG_1432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The refreshments were a huge hit too!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07xy__jAvX0/UXXryea8m1I/AAAAAAAAIJ0/Je6Ky6INbFs/s1600/IMG_1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07xy__jAvX0/UXXryea8m1I/AAAAAAAAIJ0/Je6Ky6INbFs/s400/IMG_1448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so proud of my little musicians! They worked so hard and did such a wonderful job! They're already talking about their next showcase so I guess they're hooked!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mgCfZL9Kw4/UXXsW_eiM_I/AAAAAAAAIKI/fTuR-A8Co-U/s1600/IMG_1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mgCfZL9Kw4/UXXsW_eiM_I/AAAAAAAAIKI/fTuR-A8Co-U/s400/IMG_1444.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As promised, Noa and I went to lunch at Noodles and Co. the next day. She definitely had earned her ooey gooey, delicious mac 'n cheese!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-73070995191870987472013-04-16T09:06:00.001-04:002013-04-16T09:06:08.915-04:00I ❤ Boston<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes there are no words...</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-61005439050696251732013-04-11T08:50:00.002-04:002013-04-11T08:51:29.146-04:00Pin-tastic or Pin-trosity Fixin' My Make-up<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago I made a purchase with Groupon Goods. It was a HUGE make-up kit for a very reasonable price. I'm not a big make-up-wearer, my main go-tos are concealer (I have 3 kids after all), a little bronzer, mascara and lipgloss. This kit had WAY more than I needed but the price was right and I have a few formal events coming up so I <i>may</i> need a little more fanciness. Besides, my girls will have a field day with all the different shades of eyeshadow!</div>
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I was so excited when it arrived yesterday! My bubble was instantly burst when I opened it and saw this:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PyIAzIR5W8/UWYPPTYVWnI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/jiyZ504BPp4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PyIAzIR5W8/UWYPPTYVWnI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/jiyZ504BPp4/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was bronzer EVERYWHERE. It was a huge powdery mess! I made a few quick emails to Groupon <i>(whose customer service was FAB-U-LOUS) </i>and was given a full return. Sadly because of limited stock, they couldn't replace the kit like I was hoping. I almost dumped out all the broken make-up, but then I remembered that I had seen <a href="http://www.katrinalomidze.com/2009/06/fix-your-broken-powder-makeup.html">{THIS} </a>pin on how to fix broken powder make-up and I thought I'd give it a try!</div>
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All you need is rubbing alcohol.<i> </i>Apparently the higher the percentage the faster it dries so I bought the one with the highest percentage I could find.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M2AaZNSH44/UWYQ5qdfN7I/AAAAAAAAIGk/13o5BiZ7Zbs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M2AaZNSH44/UWYQ5qdfN7I/AAAAAAAAIGk/13o5BiZ7Zbs/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I soaked a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol and squeezed it into the area where the broken makeup was. The instructions say all you need is a "few" drops of the rubbing alcohol, but I found that if you used too little it didn't work. Instead of sticking to itself, it just stuck to my finger so make sure you use a decent amount.</div>
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After I switched from "drops" to "drenching" the process went very quickly. The broken eyeshadows were super easy. I put a little of the rubbing alcohol on them and gently patted them down. They dried very quickly too. </div>
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The big bronzer took quite a bit of the rubbing alcohol, but once I had enough it smoothed out pretty nicely.</div>
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It took the longest to try, but in less than an hour it was ready for use. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cPlgeXj1_k/UWYRvIVNNFI/AAAAAAAAIHA/nnvQssoWIOU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cPlgeXj1_k/UWYRvIVNNFI/AAAAAAAAIHA/nnvQssoWIOU/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sure it's not as pretty as it was when it was brand new, but it's in much better condition than when it arrived! So glad I "pinned" this little trick! I'm sure I'll be using it again!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-2026137216850187762013-04-09T09:49:00.000-04:002013-04-09T09:49:27.664-04:00Magnetic Chalkboard Tutorial <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little by little our new family office is coming together. I just have a few key pieces to finish and then I'll be able to share the complete makeover with you!</div>
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One of the things I really wanted for me and the girls was a magnetic chalkboard. I am a huge list-maker and while I'm very organized, sometimes I need a visual reminder. The girls, especially Lo, do great with lists too. It really cuts down on me having to remind them over and over (...and over...). Initially thought I could use magnetic paint under chalkboard paint, but after a quick unofficial Facebook poll I found I needed a Plan-B (It was pretty much unanimous that the magnetic paint doesn't work). I decided to use sheet metal sprayed with chalkboard paint. In the end it was the perfect solution and I'm beyond pleased with the result!!! I used a combination of supplies I already had and a few purchased with coupons. In the end I spent under $10 to make both boards! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ANXPd2oluw/UWMFtDBFm6I/AAAAAAAAIF0/GOMBjMQTNqU/s1600/IMG_1401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ANXPd2oluw/UWMFtDBFm6I/AAAAAAAAIF0/GOMBjMQTNqU/s400/IMG_1401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's what you'll need:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Empty frame - You can usually get a good deal on frames without glass in them at Goodwill or at your local craft store. The one I used was from my <a href="http://k-hangingonbyathread.blogspot.com/2011/05/clothespin-photo-frame-tutorial.html">clothespin frame</a>. It was originally purchased at Michael's in their "mistake" frame bin. The one I put over my desk is huge, 24x30in. The girls' is 11x14in.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Chalkboard paint - I like Krylon spraypaint. In my experience the regular paint kind doesn't adhere to all surfaces well. They sell Krylon at Jo-Ann's so you can use a coupon. </li>
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Tin snips - Giant scissors for cutting metal. I borrowed mine from a friend.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYIhj2TPhaw/UWMDkncDHBI/AAAAAAAAIFY/kdId_K5H1To/s1600/snips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYIhj2TPhaw/UWMDkncDHBI/AAAAAAAAIFY/kdId_K5H1To/s200/snips.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Leather gloves - I used my gardening gloves. Once you cut the metal the edges are sharp and can cut you. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Sheet metal-I went to 2 different home improvement stores before I got smart. I guess the secret is out that people are using sheet metal for various crafty projects. When I asked for the sheet metal the sales people at both stores took me to a display of "decorative" metal. The sheets were in various sizes and the one that I needed for my large frame was marked $29.99. Um no thank you! There was no way I was going to pay that much for thin, flimsy metal! Instead I "borrowed" a magnet from the store and went in the plumbing aisle and basically stuck it on every piece of metal I could find to see which ones were magnetic. The one I purchased was 30"x36" and was only $7.99 a sheet (as an added bonus there was a $3 rebate on them too!). You could easily make two smaller boards with one sheet of metal. </li>
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Here's what my frame looked like before:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2mxcGu3yco/UWMA8YdBL4I/AAAAAAAAIFQ/rO5c_pY39mM/s1600/clothes+pin+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2mxcGu3yco/UWMA8YdBL4I/AAAAAAAAIFQ/rO5c_pY39mM/s320/clothes+pin+frame.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">I removed all the fabric, twine and pictures and painted it one of my favorite colors left over from <a href="http://k-hangingonbyathread.blogspot.com/2012/03/yellow-room-is-finally-finished.html">Noa's yellow room</a> (It was a mistake paint so I'm going to be so sad when it's all gone!). I did the same with the girls' frame.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Using the cardboard backing from the frames I traced the shape on the sheet metal. You really need to be exact. I found that it's hard to trim with the tin snips, instead of cutting it just bent the metal. One of my sheets was too big for the frame and it took a bit of work to get it to fit properly.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Follow the directions on the chalkboard paint and cover the sheet metal with several thin layers of paint. Let it dry according to the directions on the paint. Once it is completely dry you can put your metal into the frame, just be careful not to scratch the paint. The metal is fairly flimsy, so you'll want to make sure you have some support behind it. I found using the cardboard and backing from the original frame was enough. My mistake frame didn't have backing so I cut a piece of cardboard to fit it and then used duct tape to keep it in (no one is going to see the back). </li>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Before you can use your board it needs to be seasoned. Basically you cover the entire board with chalk. I usually let mine sit for a bit. I have no idea if that makes a difference, but that's how I roll! Once it's seasoned it's all ready to use. The more you use it, the more seasoned it becomes and the better it will wipe off</li>
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Ta-da!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3lnYWZmXO4/UWMFbMt5_VI/AAAAAAAAIFg/zqIuLLBr7bM/s1600/IMG_1398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3lnYWZmXO4/UWMFbMt5_VI/AAAAAAAAIFg/zqIuLLBr7bM/s400/IMG_1398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm in L-O-V-E love! Now I have a place for notes, reminders and pictures of the family. The girls love theirs too and keep asking me to write down homework for them, that NEVER happens!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMINVb-4hwQ/UWMFg3sOX6I/AAAAAAAAIFo/zx7IEDaElKg/s1600/IMG_1402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMINVb-4hwQ/UWMFg3sOX6I/AAAAAAAAIFo/zx7IEDaElKg/s400/IMG_1402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've got some cute ideas for magnets that I'll be sharing with you soon! You certainly can't have a cute board without cute magnets too!</div>
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Thanks for checking in!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-71373069139342868972013-04-08T08:34:00.000-04:002013-04-08T08:34:54.508-04:00Stay-cation 2013 Comes to a Close (sniff, sniff)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sadly our Spring Break Stay-cation has come to an end. We truly had a great time hanging around home and we were so lucky to end the week with some FAB-U-LUS weather-hello 70s!</div>
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The BIG event was a trip to Build-a-Bear (BAB). I had really wanted to do manicures and pedicures, but sadly I was out voted. The last thing we needed around here was 2 more stuffed animals, but I agreed to take the girls if they found 4 stuffed animals to donate. Noa was happy to oblige, but Lo of course, acted as if I asked her to donate her kidneys and both legs. It was a VERY dramatic scene and she easily would have won the Oscar for lead actress in a drama. We saved our trip for the end of the week, mainly so I could hold it over their heads and insure that they were on their best behavior for our other activities. Our deal was that we would give each of the girls a certain amount of money to spend and anything they wanted over that amount would have to come out of their own money. We gave them enough for a moderately priced animal and clothing if they wanted it. They recently upgraded our BAB with computerized everything so it was very exciting for the girls.</div>
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Choosing their animals was the hardest part. I think Logan tried every single animal they had! Noa originally wanted the My Little Pony horse, but changed her mind when she saw it would cost all of the money we were giving her to spend.</div>
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Noa finally chose a very colorful bunny and named her Ella. After much debate Lo chose a kitty cat and named it Cream Puff.</div>
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We helped GG pick a dog and he named him Da.</div>
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I give props to BAB for making each child feel special. Everyone was so happy and helpful and treated the girls like they were the only ones in the store. They do a very cute heart ceremony while stuffing the animals and they girls got to choose how stuffed they wanted their animal. My girls talk A LOT and ask A LOT of questions and the woman at the stuffing station was extremely patient and answered ALL of their questions. </div>
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All stuffed to perfection and ready for lots of hugs and snuggles!</div>
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A quick bath...</div>
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Then it was time for choosing outfits and filling out birth certificates. Logan is against animals dressed as humans so she just picked a microphone for her kitty. Noa ended up spending $20 of her own money on high heels, a fairy outfit and hair bows for Ella! We left "Da" without clothes, he is super soft and despite GG's tears by the end of the adventure, he likes snuggling with him!</div>
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When we were all done we took our new friends out to lunch. We hit Costco, the only place were 4 people can eat lunch, including ice cream, for under $10!</div>
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The last stop on our Stay-cation was Conner Prairie, a hands-on, interactive history museum. We got a great deal on a family pass so we have a whole year to enjoy all the fun.</div>
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The outdoor area was heaven for the girls. It was clear that they had been cooped up all winter long. It was like they were finally set free! They had a blast running around and exploring.</div>
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Lo's favorite area was the barn. It was full of animals and cute baby chicks and goats.</div>
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Prairietown is full of houses and buildings that the kids can walk through and explore. Some of them had Conner Prairie employees that were in costume and would tell the girls about themselves. They saw a blacksmith, a woman making clay pots and Civil War soldiers.</div>
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It was a great day and we're all looking forward to going back and exploring more!</div>
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We all had a great Stay-cation. The girls got to do lots of things that they wanted, we ate out a lot (which we don't normally do) and the hubby and I were really good about cutting back on our computer/phone/email/iPad time and really focused on family fun! It's back to our normal schedules today, but it was a nice preview of summer that's just around the corner!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-33912920579638416282013-04-05T08:37:00.000-04:002013-04-05T08:37:50.561-04:00GG loves ice cream?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-23920104882410426302013-04-04T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-04T10:00:05.390-04:00Spring Break Stay-cation 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
The girls are on spring break this week and since we have a big, fun family trip planned in June, we decided to stay here in Indy. Lo, my homebody, thought this was a terrific idea. I think she likes the thought of not having to be so scheduled. The plan was to do a few activities that we don't normally get to too often because of work, school and general craziness. </div>
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First up was miniature golf. The girls had never been before and they had a blast. It was a little hectic since neither wanted to actually wait for anyone else to have their turn. Noa actually tried to hit the ball and Lo was more a shuffle-boarder. We didn't keep score, but I'm sure we all unanimously agreed that I won! I even had a hole-in-one! YAY me!</div>
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This reminded me of Happy Gilmore<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">Just taaap it in... taaap it in... give it a little tappy... <span style="color: inherit; font-weight: bold;">tap</span>-<span style="color: inherit; font-weight: bold;">tap</span>-taperoo!)</span></span></i></div>
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Nate was the official Ball-getter-outta-the-water Guy <i>(Apparently he REALLY likes his job!)</i></div>
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Pouty Pouterson because we made her wait her turn...we're so unreasonable!</div>
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GG had a good time too...eating his shoes...losing his shoes... and wanting to be released from his stroller!</div>
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One day we'll get a picture where everyone is looking in the same general direction...</div>
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The next stop on Stay-cation 2013 was the movie theater, Noa's pick. We saw The Croods and it was very cute. We all thought it was funny. GG was there too and was such a good baby! I'm pretty sure he ate an entire canister of baby puffs, but it keep him<i> mostly</i> quiet and happy!</div>
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Lo's pick was the paint your own pottery store. She really wanted Mommy time so the two of us went together. Then when we got home Noa and Daddy went. It was nice to spend some one-on-one time with the girls, and they definitely liked the extra attention.</div>
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After much thought Lo picked this cute little kitty bank.</div>
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Lo found this owl bank for me-she knows her mommy so well!<br />
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This dog was about 18 in high (and $55!) and Lo REALLY wanted to paint it, but we decided we had nowhere to put it...phew!<br />
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She really took her time and did lots of "designs" on her kitty.<br />
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Our finished pieces. The hardest part is leaving them to be fired in the kiln and waiting a whole week for them to be done!</div>
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Before they went painting Daddy and Noa went to Panera for some broccoli cheese soup. She ate the entire bread bowl. She may be tiny, but she can sure eat!</div>
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Daddy picked an Angry Birds plate and Noa chose a fairy.<br />
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What a super-fun day! We have a few more days of Stay-cation 2013, and the weather is improving with each day so we're all very excited for the next few adventures!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-67515919546231824942013-04-02T15:43:00.000-04:002013-04-02T15:43:41.071-04:00The Long Run Diaries-The Final Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joYwF1PoOJE/UVslHNHPtVI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/m1tCbxq5b04/s1600/draw+a+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joYwF1PoOJE/UVslHNHPtVI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/m1tCbxq5b04/s400/draw+a+map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Easter Sunday was my last LONG long-run. It was the big one, the 20-miler. The last "test run" before the BIG SHOW in 3 weeks. It was the one I had initially been dreading, but you know what? It wasn't too bad. I never thought I call a 20 mile run "not bad" but that's exactly what it was. We were given a gift of great weather that day which definitely helped. One pair of pants, capris, a long-sleeve shirt and a vest was all I needed. It was such a joy to run without a hat or face mask and in only one pair of pants! It has been too long since we've had a long run that only required 1 pair of pants!</div>
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<b>Week 15</b></div>
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20.07 Miles</div>
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3:18:32 (only 4 minutes longer than our 19 mile run-we're getting faster!!!)</div>
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9:23 pace</div>
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The first 10 miles literally flew by. We were both feeling good and the conversation was flowing. The talking is definitely what keeps my mind off the task at hand. I like my music too, but it doesn't distract me as much as chatting does. My biggest problem was where to put all my waffle bars, electrolyte pills and GU. Since I wasn't wearing my running shell, I had less pockets (I might have to run with a fanny-pack on race day!!!). I remembered to take my Aleve before running and my electrolyte pills along the way. I consumed 5 waffle bars during our 3 hours of running. We listened to music on our way back and I was doing great until about mile 17. My right foot REALLY started hurting! I had jumped out of our van the night before in very flat shoes (not my brightest moment) and did something to my foot. I don't think I really injured it, I think it was more of the constant repetition that aggravated it. It's better now and I'm hoping it was just temporary because I don't think I could do 6 more miles with that type of pain. Anyways...I felt pretty strong at the end and didn't really "crash" until I got home. I felt pretty barfy and needed to sleep for a bit. A short nap helped a little, but I still felt pretty "off" for the rest of the day and headed to bed pretty early. The next morning I was back to myself so I'm sure it was just the stress and fatigue from running so far. I can only imagine how I'll feel after the BIG SHOW! I may just stay in bed for the whole weekend!</div>
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So the BIG SHOW (aka the marathon) is in less than 3 weeks. We taper down quite a bit so I won't be sharing my runs until after the race. I'm feeling very confident and strong. I've done every bit of my scheduled training which I personally find pretty impressive. I'm ready physically and emotionally. There really is nothing more I can do to prepare. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement and advice along the way. Seriously, you guys rock!</div>
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<b>A few fun facts:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>My March included 28 hours of running</li>
<li>...and over 150 miles <i>(just slightly under, running from my house in Indy to Chicago)</i></li>
<li>...that's around 15,000 calories burned in one month alone</li>
<li>To date I have run over 370 mile in 2013 </li>
<li>Over 3 dozen waffle bars have been consumed during training </li>
<li>I ALWAYS drink a Diet Coke before going out for my morning runs</li>
<li>I also eat a bowl of oatmeal <i>(to counteract the Diet Coke)</i></li>
<li>Pretzel bagels from Einstein Bagels are my favorite recovery food</li>
<li>I also ALWAYS have a Diet Coke after my long runs too </li>
<li>My favorite routes to run are out and back <i>(...mainly b/c I get lost otherwise)</i></li>
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So what's next? The great thing about running is that the journey is never truly over. I feel like I'm always in training for something and I like it that way. I've got a half-marathon in August with my running bestie Traci. She really wants to come in under 2 hours so I'm going to help her train and pace her on the race. We're also doing a 10K in Boston in October. I'm going for under 52 minutes which is about 2 minutes under my PR. Then June 2014 I really want to do the Cincinnati Flying Pig 4-Way which is a 5k, 10K and full marathon in the same weekend. See what I mean...the never ending journey.</div>
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Thanks again for all your motivation! I'll see you on the other side of the finish line! You won't be able to miss me. I'll be the one with the HUGE smile on my face!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976556548468405138.post-84496220234595011702013-04-01T19:10:00.000-04:002013-04-01T19:10:37.303-04:00Hoppy Easter<div style="text-align: justify;">
Logan was having so much fun wishing everyone a HOPPY EASTER! She thought she was so clever! </div>
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The girls couldn't wait to decorate their eggs! I thought 18 would be plenty but they could have decorated about 100 more! They loved using the "magic crayon" to decorate and leave secret messages on their eggs. Lo tried to make me one that said "I love to run" and when it came out of the dye it clearly said "I love to rum." Sure, that'll work too! It's so much fun to see how their decorating skills have evolved as they've gotten older. They took their time with each creation and planed out each egg carefully. It's always a family favorite and we all look forward to it each year!</div>
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The girls woke up at 6:30am on Easter morning! Both eager to start looking for hidden eggs and their baskets. E. Bunny hid 48 plastic eggs filled with jelly beans, chocolate eggs and money. They were so cute finding their eggs. They worked together as a team and made sure each one got the same amount of eggs. Most eggs weren't really "hidden" so that they could be found easily and decrease the possibility of little brothers and dogs getting them by mistake! E. Bunny gave each one a bag that they could use for our upcoming trip to Cabo and filled them with craft kits and little trinkets the girls liked. Lo's favorite was her peace-sign scissors and her hedgehog zip-lock bags. Noa loved her band-aids and personal tissues. GG was happy to find a Red Sock shirt and snacks in his cute little doggie back-pack!</div>
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I hope you had a HOPPY EASTER too!</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748257999614205462noreply@blogger.com0