tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30727383949308487022024-03-05T18:24:57.932-08:00Your Life: EmbellishedWhether it's your wardrobe, your home or your life...everything is better embellished!MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-11019987607404888052013-11-24T18:10:00.001-08:002013-11-24T18:10:38.876-08:00Elf On The Shelf<div style="text-align: center;">
This year, we decided to start the <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/">Elf On The Shelf</a> tradition in our home. Even though Graysen is only a little over 18 months, he understands so much and it will be fun for him to find his elf each morning. We adopted our elf on Saturday and named him Jingle McKringleberry. {My husband named him! It is fun to say, though!} He will make his appearance at our house the day after Thanksgiving. We want to do our Elf tradition a little different than the original Elf On The Shelf tradition. In the story that comes with the elf, it says that the children are not able to touch their elf or the Christmas Magic may run out. At our house, we #1. want to avoid as many tantrums as possible from wanting to touch him and not being able to #2. make it more about the Christmas Spirit, grace and forgiveness and #3. we want him to love his elf, hug him, talk to him and not be afraid of him. We also don't want to necessarily describe Santa as an old man that wears a red suit {he was a real man once, who wore a green suit}, but more of a spirit or presence that lives inside us all. We want to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas and the joy that it brings to others. When he asks about the man in the red suit, we will assure him that yes, there is a Santa, but like God, some people have a hard time believing in something they can't see, so they made up a character to fill that void. I as a child, did not believe in the Santa who rode in the sleigh for very long, but I still to this day believe in the Spirit of Christmas and it's my favorite time of year! I could live in the snow globe of a Christmas Village, with carols being played on the streets, all year long! </div>
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With that being said, we will be introducing Jingle on Friday and like we explained in the letter, he will be here until Christmas Eve watching over Graysen. We explained that Graysen will have to help teach Jingle manners, because elves tend to be mischievous, just like him. But...Santa, just like Jesus and Mommy and Daddy, forgive him, because everyone, including Santa makes mistakes. Here is a picture of Jingle. I cannot wait to post the fun antics that he gets into. Also below is the letter that he will be bringing with snow covered donuts on Friday. </div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-11873642063642725752013-10-20T18:25:00.000-07:002013-10-20T18:27:58.477-07:00Pumpkin Patch<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend, we ventured out to the pumpkin patch on what was, I'm afraid, the LAST nice day of the season. It turned out to be a gorgeous fall day, thankfully! We have an amazing pumpkin patch near our house that is also a greenhouse, landscaping company and bakery. Their cupcakes are to die for! Don't even get me started on the "Down on the Farm" cupcakes! {vanilla cupcakes with maple buttercream and candied bacon on top} They were out of those when we were there, but we can't leave without one or TWELVE of them! YES...12!!! I was planning on just getting a mix six of them, but Tim didn't think he would like any of the ones I chose, so he got his own mix six! Needless to say, there are only 2 left a week later! </div>
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They had a fabulous Corn Box. Graysen threw a huge shit fit when we had to get out. It's so awesome. I am seriously trying to figure out how to make one at our house. It is so much better than sand! There is no mess! The only thing we'd have to worry about is keeping squirrels and mice out. I think a cover would do the trick! He had so much fun scooping it and dumping it on his legs to bury them. </div>
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We went with a good friend of ours and her son, who is 6 weeks older than Graysen. It was so fun this year, because the boys could actually do the activities there and really enjoy it! They have animals that you can feed and watch, {The boys really liked the chickens.}, a ginormous jumping pillow {They are still a little too small for that.}, pumpkin chucking, a huge corn maze, hay rides, "musical" pots to bang on, kettle corn, tricycle races, tires to climb on...the list goes on!</div>
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How sweet is this photo??</div>
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They also have slides made out of jumbo, corrugated tubes. All of the kids were wizzing down to the runway landing at the bottom. Graysen wanted to go, so Tim took him to the top and let him go...</div>
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He just sat there. His pants were wet from dumping his water out into his lap in the car so he was stuck in the tunnel. It literally took him over 2 minutes to inch his way down the tube. It was quite comical. When he got to the bottom, he was ready to go again! Needless to say, we went on to something else so that they other kids could actually have a turn this season! </div>
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This is the best we could do for a family photo this year. Graysen was not going to sit still for anything! There were too many pumpkins to chuck, animals to feed and corn to shovel!</div>
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What a fabulous weekend it was though! It was the last nice day of the season I'm afraid! It was 32* and sleeting this morning! I'm so not ready for winter!</div>
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Happy Fall!</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-13652105366568341102013-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:002013-09-27T19:35:12.409-07:00Cheap Entertainment: Household Items Turned Toys<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know why we buy any toys! Actually, it's others that buy us the toys...but either way...my son only wants to play with household items like remotes, bottles etc. I thought I'd post a mini series called "Cheap Entertainment" to show some of the creative ways we entertain our one and a half year old. Right after school got out last year, we redid our guest room/craft room {Junk Room} and turned it into an amazing toy room! Graysen does love it, but the toys in there do not get played with as much as some other random things we find around the house. Here are some examples of the things we've done lately to entertain Graysen. </div>
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Fine motor is extremely important for little ones' development. I kept telling Tim that we need to get some lacing cards for Graysen and then it hit me...make my own! Duh! I cut Cookie Monster out of a cereal box so that it was sturdyish cardboard and then just punched holes around his head. I took an old shoelace out of a shoe that Tim never wears and Voila! Lacing Card!</div>
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While getting supper ready one night, all Graysen wanted to do what pull everything out of the cupboard. I saw the empty spaghetti holder sitting on the counter, so I grabbed a handful of skinny straws that we had in the cupboard. (We always have a MILLION straws at our house.) There are two different sized holes in the top of the spaghetti holder to measure one serving or two, so he had a blast sticking the straws in and then shaking them out. </div>
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Another game that turned into being absolutely pure genius, was a game that involved paper cups (we happened to have a sleeve of Sesame Street ones in the cupboard), a muffin tin and the umpteen hundred tennis balls we have around the house. First, the game started by me stacking cups for Graysen to knock over. He then stacked them, unstacked them, etc. The dog brought one of his mini balls over to play and Graysen stuck it under a cup. Shadow hit all the cups over until he found the ball. A new game was born that stimulated both of their minds! I then brought out a muffin tin and we put the cups and balls in the holes. We tried to throw the mini balls into the cups, hid treats under the balls for Shadow and had a blast mixing and matching the items in the cups. These simple things entertained him for SO LONG! I should have been productive during that time, but it was too much fun to watch him learn and explore!</div>
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Game On!</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-30294821893467684642013-09-27T19:01:00.001-07:002013-09-27T19:01:05.050-07:00Learning Through Movement: Sight Word Hop Scotch<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw a post on Pinterest, where someone had taped sight words to the floor in a hop scotch pattern. I instantly remembered how I used dry erase crayons to number the tile floor where they should line up last year. Instead of taping pieces of paper to the floor, I used dry erase crayons to drew a hop scotch pattern and then filled it with sight words and decodable words for my First Grade Tile 1 students. The Second and Third graders were jealous and wanted to do it too. I think I'll be making a second one with their sight words and possibly math facts! The kids love seeing if they can do it faster than they did yesterday. (fluency builder) The crayon comes right off with a little bit of rubbing and a tennis ball on the end of a broom handle takes it off really fast! </div>
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Happy Hopping!</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-40916885111908499682013-09-22T11:33:00.001-07:002013-09-27T18:49:42.618-07:00Painting Class<div>
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Yesterday my friend and I took an incredibly fun furniture painting class. We learned three different techniques. Distressed, Color Wash and Two Tone. I love distressing so I did it to all three sample boards. This picture is before the distressing. I chose a minty teal as my color to work with and Cassie chose coral.</div>
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We each brought a picture frame to paint as a mini project. My frame was black to start with and had goldenrod stars on it. (super country) I did nothing to it before painting it because it didn't really have a finish. I like how the black came out when I distressed it. I used my mint as a base then some emerald and coral accents. I love how it turned out! I can't wait to paint everything in our house! What an amazing DIY day that started with a painting class and ended with an auction. Check out the awesome accent moldings I scored. Those will be made over soon! </div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-61756068638342604192013-08-23T18:11:00.002-07:002013-08-23T18:11:32.999-07:00Easy DIY Crate Seats<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I finally got around to putting my crate seats together for my classroom. They were even easier than I had anticipated. They are all over Pinterest right now and so they should be! They are super easy, super cute, super functional seating for your classroom, playroom or any kid space! </div>
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Here's what you'll need: </div>
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<b>Crates</b> - I used <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-milk-crate-black/-/A-14089509#prodSlot=medium_1_43&term=crates">these</a> from Target. </div>
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I made 8 of them for my classroom @ $3 = $24</div>
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<b>Fabric </b> - I used <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/apt1-7-turquoise-and-white-chevron-stripe-fabric-562603/">this fabric</a> as well as other patterns from Hobby Lobby</div>
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I bought 5 yards because I wanted to use it for something else too. I probably used a little over 2 yards total @ <strike>$6.99 </strike> $4.99 a yard on sale = $10</div>
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<b>Foam </b>- I used a roll of upholstery foam, but a cheap foam mattress topper would work just fine, especially if you are making a lot. My foam roll was just enough<b> </b>to make 8 seats = $12</div>
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<b>Wood </b>- Lowes has PlyWood anywhere from $10-$40 for a 4' x 8' sheet and they cut it for <i>FREE!</i></div>
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My board was $16 and I only used 1/2 of it, which actually got my 12 pieces = $8</div>
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<b>Duct Tape </b>- Lowes had colored Duct Tape for like $2 a roll and I barely used any. </div>
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The total of this project was right around <b>$55 </b>for 8 seats.<b> </b></div>
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1. Lay the wood piece on top of the foam and cut the foam the same size or slightly smaller than the board.</div>
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2. Lay the fabric out on the floor wrong side up. (Be sure that your pattern is going in the direction you want it to when you lay your foam and wood on top.)</div>
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3. Lay foam down and then the board on top of that. </div>
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4. Cut your fabric about 3 inches larger on all sides so that you have some to wrap around. </div>
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5. Wrap the fabric, pulling tight, but not too taught so that it distorts the pattern and tape it to the back of the wood like you would when wrapping a package. I did the two long sides first and then the ends so that it made nice corners. </div>
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6. I don't have this yet, but I plan on adding a ribbon, or possibly loop made out of the fabric, to each one so they pull out of the crate easily. </div>
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It would have probably taken me right around an hour to put all 8 together, but I had a small "helper" at school with me today. I'm pretty sure my room was a son of a <i>MESS </i>when he got done! He basically took everything off the shelves and threw them all over the room! Here's a picture of Graysen's "productive" day as well! Needless to say, he passed out in the car on the way home, refused to lay in his crib when we got home, slept on me for a little while on the couch and refused to wake up for anything, which left him wearing ginormous crabby pants! </div>
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His shirt fits today I guess, "Back off! I'm crabby!"</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-79281160522373585762013-07-25T19:20:00.001-07:002013-07-25T19:21:41.126-07:002013 Classroom Preview<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok...so I know July is not over yet, but I have Summer School starting on Monday and my classroom had to be transformed from a Kindergarten Room to a Title 1 Resource Room. For the last five years, I have taught Kindergarten and am now embarking a new and exciting journey of being a Title 1 Teacher. I will have small groups of 1-4 students off and on all day as well as other testing, grant writing and paperwork duties and such. I wanted to do a total overhaul on my classroom since it will need to suit 1st graders, 2nd graders and 3rd graders. Our school colors at black, silver and teal, but I wanted it a little more fun than just school colors, so I decided to add a punch of lime! My classroom is not quite finished, but I thought I'd give you a sneak peak as to what has been going on in the chaos that is my classroom right now...</div>
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These are the fabrics that first inspired me! </div>
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I fell in love in the Fabric Section of Hobby Lobby! I plan on making them into padded seats for a bunch of crates that I have. </div>
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A quick {never cheap} trip to the school supply store left me with this wonderful loot! I get excited just looking at it! That jar has these really cool class rocks that have one flat side (floral section with the other glass jewels) that I'm going to be turning into coordinating magnets for my white board with heave duty magnets (also found at Hobby Lobby) and E6000 Glue. </div>
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Here is my <strike>helper</strike> supervisor for one of my work days! Needless to say...I didn't get very much work done that day! Good thing Mommy has a lot of manipulatives to keep little hands busy! That monster border was fun for a few years and the Kindergartners loved it, but it's time for something fresh and new!</div>
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That flower is also going to be turned into a magnet. I have a pair of the them that I found at Hobby Lobby as well and they match the fabric I bought! LOVE! One of my other favorite things is that bamboo print in the middle. It's fadeless paper with a bamboo pattern on it. I got that at the ABC Toy Zone. It was the perfect backdrop for my Boggle Board!</div>
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Here is a picture of the Boggle/Reading Corner and the crates that I'm going to be making seats for. The monster border is now gone and the bottom half of the black is covered with the bamboo paper. (I use black plastic for bulletin board backgrounds because it doesn't fade and holds up pretty well.) Those shelves in the bottom left picture hold our small group reading games and the Add It Up board has been revamped. That small black table will also be a small group activity center for summer school and possibly during the school year as well. </div>
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Here's a picture of the little bit of help I got while Graysen came to work with me!</div>
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This is a close up of each section on my giant bulletin board wall. (It's a "fake" partition wall that could be opened up to make one big classroom with the room next door, but we just use it as a big bulletin board.) Check out my post <a href="http://yourlifeembellished.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-bulletin-board-ribbon-boarder.html">here</a> to see how I made that ribbon border out of butcher paper. </div>
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Here is a shot of the back wall almost complete. The rest of the room is not quite done, but as soon as I finish, I will post final pictures of the room complete. </div>
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MB</div>
MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-8428590388030651922013-07-25T08:14:00.000-07:002013-07-25T19:21:00.938-07:00DIY Bulletin Board Ribbon Border<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry I have been MIA lately. I have been <strike>frantically</strike> busy getting my classroom ready. Summer School starts Monday! I decided to totally overhaul my classroom since I was switching it from the Kindergarten Room it has been for the last 5 years into a Title 1 Resource Room. The room had to fit students who range in age from 1st grade to 3rd grade this year and I decided on a teal and lime theme. (Our school colors are Black, Silver and Teal) I am LOVING it! Here's one quick and easy way I updated my bulletin boards. I cannot tell you how easy this is and how amazing it looks! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7wUk8Ni-5BVuqqdby7VDSttIs2TbbqH0JyBJZBhHOZQDuvDw7FQ3abZmMSOgGqNyo8VrmHU7OmERfDUWu8Mj_R9q2H2znBx9XNIXDv9CNTngvy4Zr_hnvajqig6gkU6FsEObgLzN_KAN/s1600/classroom+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7wUk8Ni-5BVuqqdby7VDSttIs2TbbqH0JyBJZBhHOZQDuvDw7FQ3abZmMSOgGqNyo8VrmHU7OmERfDUWu8Mj_R9q2H2znBx9XNIXDv9CNTngvy4Zr_hnvajqig6gkU6FsEObgLzN_KAN/s640/classroom+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First, I took a long piece of butcher paper (we have big rolls of it in several colors) and loosely <strike>folded</strike> rolled it up so I didn't have to cut long strips, I could make a short cut and it cut the whole length at once. (A major time saver)</div>
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I used a random piece of boarder that I had laying around so that I could make each strip the same size. </div>
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Once you have your strips, bunch them, scrunch, them and make them very wrinkly. The wrinklier, the better! (Is wrinklier a word???) </div>
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I then bunched and scrunched it on the board and stapled it in several places. Fluff it up and you're done! </div>
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I have a huge "fake" wall on one side of my room that is actually a divider between my room and the room next door. Technically, you could open the divider and have one huge room, but we just use it as a big bulletin board. I have it sectioned off, so that is why you see two boarders with the paper ribbon. Excuse the crooked photo. I took it with my phone. I have black plastic as the background instead of paper. It doesn't fade and holds up <strike>great</strike> fairly well...if you don't have a bunch of 5 year olds picking at it during Daily 5 Read to Self! :)<br />
I will be posting an update on how the classroom makeover is coming soon!<br />
MB</div>
MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-51373727523491760252013-07-13T13:11:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:11:54.032-07:00Tomorrow is a new day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyY4AEv5WSASLiFGti41TnJyYN9JT1Cvg5gTqZ1UhVnu3vh-Gr2tPi2hHuwLn5T2HzWmDHdKu90b4kvdPU3Xf7tJqi5eHQ0Ll2UbmU9LLFi_h-EmS8-vI0VtCkiEQwaeXC5aFND_1jjC/s1600/Tomorrow+is+a+new+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyY4AEv5WSASLiFGti41TnJyYN9JT1Cvg5gTqZ1UhVnu3vh-Gr2tPi2hHuwLn5T2HzWmDHdKu90b4kvdPU3Xf7tJqi5eHQ0Ll2UbmU9LLFi_h-EmS8-vI0VtCkiEQwaeXC5aFND_1jjC/s640/Tomorrow+is+a+new+day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Via http://cloud9and3quarters.tumblr.com/</span></div>
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Anne Shirley said it best when she said that. I think too many times, we worry about the past and forget that we get to start over every single morning. My goal for myself lately has been to not worry so much and let things go. I've never been one to hold a grudge, but I am very over-analytical! I'm hard on myself and I need to remember that yes, tomorrow is a new day and I can shake it off and start fresh! </div>
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What will your tomorrow bring?</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-79522050217143573472013-07-11T13:49:00.000-07:002013-07-11T13:49:08.953-07:00$10 Dollars + 10 Minutes = 3 Freezer Meals for the Grill<div style="text-align: center;">
I've mentioned before how much <a href="http://yourlifeembellished.blogspot.com/p/wildtree.html">Wildtree Products</a> can save you time and money in the kitchen. Well...today, our grocery store was having a huge sale on meat. {SCORE} Most people choose to pass on meat that needs to be used in a day or two, but when you put it in a freezer meal...it doesn't matter. You get the best deals this way! </div>
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So...for less than $10, I bought 4 center-cut loin pork chops and 2 ribeye steaks!</div>
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As soon as I got home, I got out a couple Wildtree ingredients from the cupboard, a couple gallon sized freezer bags and went to work. 10 minutes later, I had three meals {I'll have leftovers for sure.} ready to go in the freezer to marinate so we can just throw them on the grill later. </div>
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{Freezer meals have saved my life! I cannot tell you how fabulous it is to have a freezer full of meals ready to go at all time!}</div>
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Here's what I made!</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>LEMON ROSEMARY PORK CHOPS</i></span></div>
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2 Center Cut Loin Chops</div>
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1 Tbs <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10229">Natural Grapeseed Oil</a></div>
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1 Tbs <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10356">Lemon Rosemary Blend</a></div>
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Gallon Freezer Bag</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qzgQ_RDchLvGLlXEyy2PyB3dMd34mhXjTvB5-s6LFJsG6H0ZQ8DTbq_nCHv6cw07ew0vhX5JNfcWpxlJazptvU6XHJg8FCOxGxtKdc9HoMa1kTOdBlK6yn4X98cFJWLgODs7eURSgFmt/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qzgQ_RDchLvGLlXEyy2PyB3dMd34mhXjTvB5-s6LFJsG6H0ZQ8DTbq_nCHv6cw07ew0vhX5JNfcWpxlJazptvU6XHJg8FCOxGxtKdc9HoMa1kTOdBlK6yn4X98cFJWLgODs7eURSgFmt/s640/IMG_1543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCpPMsmsyy_z39xrLJIdwJKPlciwro2QpKgl2TQbQZYjBl9eEQiOoIdIlsr7O0xKRgoWY70tUDRhbf5RehKkCrHgSISgv5_IjrPrgwwVztpYulD8upMPD951GTxqItB1qA7ibXUWhmkOu/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCpPMsmsyy_z39xrLJIdwJKPlciwro2QpKgl2TQbQZYjBl9eEQiOoIdIlsr7O0xKRgoWY70tUDRhbf5RehKkCrHgSISgv5_IjrPrgwwVztpYulD8upMPD951GTxqItB1qA7ibXUWhmkOu/s640/IMG_1544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XrNQGAWShZ7ElXQLDpWhRRtOjW3omdSyFfzaY3Zkbq1ajN3AzkMGNPVn6NQSl9k8NvnnpuXCACdREUsNhA2qPGGnn6sgbPnG8q7fXdBn9EH5-IK4Mda9igB2TpzyylUOXsT0wiG1NrHK/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XrNQGAWShZ7ElXQLDpWhRRtOjW3omdSyFfzaY3Zkbq1ajN3AzkMGNPVn6NQSl9k8NvnnpuXCACdREUsNhA2qPGGnn6sgbPnG8q7fXdBn9EH5-IK4Mda9igB2TpzyylUOXsT0wiG1NrHK/s640/IMG_1545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I use the dump, squish, mush, freeze method of Freezer Meal making!</div>
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Dump all of the ingredients in the bag.</div>
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Mush and smush it all around to make sure that everything is coated well.</div>
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Squeeze all of the air out and freeze! </div>
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When you are ready to eat, you just take it out the night before and thaw in the fridge. </div>
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You can thaw in the microwave if you forget to take it out. {Like I usually do!}</div>
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I {try} to take out about 3 meals on Sundays and stick them in the fridge to thaw for the week. We always have leftovers and so 3 meals gets us at least 5 meals for the week and we can still eat out once and have something like frozen pizza one night as well. </div>
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Here are the other two meals for the week!</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>CHIPOTLE LIME PORK CHOPS</i></span></div>
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2 Center Cut Pork Chops</div>
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1 Tbs <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10229">Natural Grapeseed Oil</a></div>
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1 Tbs <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10736">Chipotle Lime Rub</a></div>
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Gallon Freezer Bag</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7ZTIgU6Qg6T_w52x3545Tq5MoSaRvU2AbTWyeImfea9TxcKf85Se037xtSDmmqZc-MX6x3IVnm88S-l0c6a_sLRGzaqk8Ldc8QnTtk34f8JADcRsYYcKT3Sm5I3Z6SYxtNX39v16qxDh/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7ZTIgU6Qg6T_w52x3545Tq5MoSaRvU2AbTWyeImfea9TxcKf85Se037xtSDmmqZc-MX6x3IVnm88S-l0c6a_sLRGzaqk8Ldc8QnTtk34f8JADcRsYYcKT3Sm5I3Z6SYxtNX39v16qxDh/s640/IMG_1547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZPoP3_bi5RrRU3FdMPrLTcZkKUcdV-kZ_Nfa699apnR4NPhxM1uee-7023UiRz9ycNwtncTTboQ9Dl2fKJpzaKBzqPge2JfLtzR5c0KK5dck7zEsa5eYHOxDsMkjffL3jgmEcn4HDfkn/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZPoP3_bi5RrRU3FdMPrLTcZkKUcdV-kZ_Nfa699apnR4NPhxM1uee-7023UiRz9ycNwtncTTboQ9Dl2fKJpzaKBzqPge2JfLtzR5c0KK5dck7zEsa5eYHOxDsMkjffL3jgmEcn4HDfkn/s640/IMG_1548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>RANCHER RIBEYES </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>w/Blue Cheese Crowns</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>{Hubby's Favorite}</i></span></div>
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1-2 Tbs. <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10229">Natural Grapeseed Oil</a> </div>
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1 Tbs. <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10416">Rancher Steak Rub</a></div>
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Gallon Freezer Bag</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuSRLx553GDDYfNErJ6NWjuApC-mZ6PKvj4oc0D-R7OfXVbmjujhhslj4X-hfKrVGLD2Qb9jvQUFR7imga7pjlxBxKYgfKXDIQYs2eWUfCXqWJ8YwkfT0LjfjFtuq8fkEB_dgFAseT1d-/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuSRLx553GDDYfNErJ6NWjuApC-mZ6PKvj4oc0D-R7OfXVbmjujhhslj4X-hfKrVGLD2Qb9jvQUFR7imga7pjlxBxKYgfKXDIQYs2eWUfCXqWJ8YwkfT0LjfjFtuq8fkEB_dgFAseT1d-/s640/IMG_1551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7Ie_hPe3-hbzJQti0NXT6bLQKfQ5f8b7jyCILtnkwLA-8haAVgyD0xQNx5jJSzJeiUC_lzAkMB4DQdFNT_ADp-5fosn-zq3BC7vjSV3Xw_T5LDI7AvVwTTXcxQM-NbXFsvcTrssvyF5p/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7Ie_hPe3-hbzJQti0NXT6bLQKfQ5f8b7jyCILtnkwLA-8haAVgyD0xQNx5jJSzJeiUC_lzAkMB4DQdFNT_ADp-5fosn-zq3BC7vjSV3Xw_T5LDI7AvVwTTXcxQM-NbXFsvcTrssvyF5p/s640/IMG_1553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure that you don't use too much Rancher or it will be very salty later. </div>
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I try to make sure a little is all over but it's not coated. </div>
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While you have the steaks on the grill, you can mix together the {crowns}.</div>
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You can do this before hand and freeze them, or just mix it up quick when grilling. </div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">BLUE CHEESE CROWNS</span></div>
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1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs</div>
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I use <a href="http://www.docksidefishmarket.com/catalog.php?item=38&catid=&ret=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.docksidefishmarket.com%2Fcatalog.php%3Fpage%3D1%26keyword%3Dbreading">Dockside Fish Market's Secret Breading</a></div>
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1/4 Blue Cheese Crumbles</div>
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3Tbs Melted Butter</div>
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Mix all of this together in a bowl to form a paste. </div>
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(Measurements are approx.)</div>
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Make the paste into small patties and place on the steak for the last couple minutes of grilling so that the cheese starts to melt and bread crumbs get crispy. </div>
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There you have it! </div>
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$10, 10 minutes and 3 meals ready to throw on the grill to stick in the freezer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelJzZUAIs2QWSkwjg4BJx1yQjYCLMxVe3uR35nzcd-m_b5l84S5JlXR5kqt5nROjfMl4qQgMP-ru3VvYDVtyqhdsF4t7xtG1rrx5imlbBXFlR4UWNxbFNVMhpR2BS2oeO0t1gxtrSlt8S/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelJzZUAIs2QWSkwjg4BJx1yQjYCLMxVe3uR35nzcd-m_b5l84S5JlXR5kqt5nROjfMl4qQgMP-ru3VvYDVtyqhdsF4t7xtG1rrx5imlbBXFlR4UWNxbFNVMhpR2BS2oeO0t1gxtrSlt8S/s640/IMG_1554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Grilling!</div>
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MB</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-76739587411360591532013-07-08T18:14:00.000-07:002013-07-09T13:37:05.513-07:00Wildtree Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs<div style="text-align: center;">
Since we had a bunch of sauce left over from last night's <a href="http://yourlifeembellished.blogspot.com/2013/07/wildtree-homemade-grilled-pizza.html">Grilled Pizza</a>, I decided to use it on spaghetti tonight and make some meatballs with the <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10132">Herb Grilling Marinade</a>. </div>
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For those of you that missed last night's post, here's the quick and easy recipe for homemade spaghetti or pizza sauce using <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=10197">Wildtree's Hearty Spaghetti Blend </a>. </div>
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Mix 2 Tablespoons of the Hearty Spaghetti Blend seasoning into a can of tomato sauce and Voila! </div>
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Healthy, homemade spaghetti sauce for around $1.00!</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">For the meatballs, I used: </span></div>
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1lb 97% lean ground beef</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 Cup of Breadcrumbs</div>
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<i>(I used the <a href="http://www.docksidefishmarket.com/catalog.php">Secret Breading</a> from Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais, MN.)</i></div>
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2-4 Tablespoons of the Herb Grilling Marinade</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350*</div>
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Mix all of the ingredients together well in a medium sized bowl with your hands.</div>
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Shape the meat into small ping pong ball sized meatballs.</div>
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Bake on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked thoroughly.</div>
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Serve sauce and meatballs over your favorite pasta.</div>
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Top with Italian Cheese and a side of garlic bread!</div>
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It must have been a great meal because Graysen looked like he thoroughly enjoyed himself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4gM21xJshkgRW5y2f4Itv5YqJ2B64-OHr_LoW7NI-6iJ5Tro6ZCVLNHogAUT5UA7zhJ7a07TGIPf8XmUamGV28yoSwVCNJmgGJX_Ofcee8SF40Unz7ntenFiJxHihBWtO5obB9Sc5JQx/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4gM21xJshkgRW5y2f4Itv5YqJ2B64-OHr_LoW7NI-6iJ5Tro6ZCVLNHogAUT5UA7zhJ7a07TGIPf8XmUamGV28yoSwVCNJmgGJX_Ofcee8SF40Unz7ntenFiJxHihBWtO5obB9Sc5JQx/s640/IMG_1534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Eating!</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-53886551414815355242013-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-09T07:54:28.606-07:00Monday Morning Meeting<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Monday morning is here and while I need to go into school to get my classroom ready for Summer School, which is starting in a couple weeks, I had an early morning meeting to attend first. I know, I know...Monday morning meetings SUCK right? Well...when your meeting involves chocolate combined with coffee on the front porch with the sun coming up, I won't complain!<br />
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After dropping Graysen off at daycare this morning, (I luckily get to walk him two blocks down the street.) I took a few minutes to myself with one of my loves (COFFEE) on the front porch, watching the world wake up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNtvGMqPAPbtlP0xI_eozs0KJNHVN3jzbRlQpIzf2HeojypOtOkw8R9zKTr8VQ72gSDQlI69fxklPgw79E9u6e02hCmndN2TWUH7CItHyk4tn287L_BIWOm7kmrhemh_xXExjRLuaH2FW/s1600/front+porch+sittin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNtvGMqPAPbtlP0xI_eozs0KJNHVN3jzbRlQpIzf2HeojypOtOkw8R9zKTr8VQ72gSDQlI69fxklPgw79E9u6e02hCmndN2TWUH7CItHyk4tn287L_BIWOm7kmrhemh_xXExjRLuaH2FW/s640/front+porch+sittin.jpg" title="" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/keurig-cafe-escapes-mocha-k-cups-16-count/-/A-13660595"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Cafe Escapes - Cafe Mocha for Keurig</span></i></a></div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-79831621006548277482013-07-07T18:42:00.000-07:002013-07-09T13:36:34.688-07:00Wildtree Homemade Grilled Pizza<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight for supper, Tim and I made homemade grilled pizzas with the <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/MARYBETHOSTROM">Wildtree</a> products that I sell. They were fabulous and here's how you can make them too!</div>
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It only takes a few ingredients plus whatever toppings you choose to put on it.<br />
<i>(You can purchase any of the products used by either emailing me or ordering from my website linked above.)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">For the dough, you will need:</span><br />
Wildtree Pizza Dough</div>
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Wildtree Grapeseed Oil in your choice of flavor </div>
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(I chose to use Roasted Garlic)</div>
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1/2 Cup warm water</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JYB_N3gkdbwGHwJxDm8rhWDz_5gzZQnJr9sC7JvPJYzBOEBdca6zWHpi5H4nh0nwShVhwcdj3PX9fDkpod_seXwZgDnJHRpOVGYqFPOuSefDi99su17EEmCw6fqnF0k64o8OgOHLnk3Q/s1600/IMG_1494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JYB_N3gkdbwGHwJxDm8rhWDz_5gzZQnJr9sC7JvPJYzBOEBdca6zWHpi5H4nh0nwShVhwcdj3PX9fDkpod_seXwZgDnJHRpOVGYqFPOuSefDi99su17EEmCw6fqnF0k64o8OgOHLnk3Q/s640/IMG_1494.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">For the sauce, you will need:</span> </div>
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Wildtree Hearty Spaghetti Blend Seasoning</div>
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Tomato Sauce</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i9912QY3rM3xlJ8wRZ43vqVRRKlF1W6i44cGpkBW_WjCUuAQ9jxAt50RjtdzBdB6SaXXmDVjAZZRunPui0VVDFn1cehu3kvTf37CN58QsSesnHDzCIzyprU_BV_XLpEOXQSZPk-6-eNz/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i9912QY3rM3xlJ8wRZ43vqVRRKlF1W6i44cGpkBW_WjCUuAQ9jxAt50RjtdzBdB6SaXXmDVjAZZRunPui0VVDFn1cehu3kvTf37CN58QsSesnHDzCIzyprU_BV_XLpEOXQSZPk-6-eNz/s640/IMG_1502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">To make the sauce: </span></div>
Mix 2 Tablespoons of Wildtree Spaghetti Blend into the tomato sauce and Voila!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDWgb1XdzPaHZNXw_qbPmBnhSDIIECGbQ3X9I8jj3kLzL4HJS160ksS4cvWYE48Dj8aXb8EY6r7JKlBRYjI3ytD8CS551JwzA5nVvS8tq9ga6Zh_DUhbRcTNzfSewAKwZfTIxpjdT3zOu/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDWgb1XdzPaHZNXw_qbPmBnhSDIIECGbQ3X9I8jj3kLzL4HJS160ksS4cvWYE48Dj8aXb8EY6r7JKlBRYjI3ytD8CS551JwzA5nVvS8tq9ga6Zh_DUhbRcTNzfSewAKwZfTIxpjdT3zOu/s640/IMG_1505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">To make the dough and pizzas:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN9_2sLqVut0EMXM8duEkb5OtrUVPWK1dQ9qU3aNPEVyR8CkyWTrNYnr65zZ3bSA_huKXo9_nWh0AsrITL_aujNAzUiDcDU2kdj57BbdHqIAotiDhe8FuoS0N-EToWYOHw-8HbeYP6zsa/s1600/Wildtree+Grilled+Pizza.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN9_2sLqVut0EMXM8duEkb5OtrUVPWK1dQ9qU3aNPEVyR8CkyWTrNYnr65zZ3bSA_huKXo9_nWh0AsrITL_aujNAzUiDcDU2kdj57BbdHqIAotiDhe8FuoS0N-EToWYOHw-8HbeYP6zsa/s640/Wildtree+Grilled+Pizza.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1: Whisk Wildtree dry ingredients, 2T GSO (grapeseed oil) and water together</div>
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2. Whisk until a ball forms</div>
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3. Knead dough for two minutes on a slightly floured surface until its stretchy and smooth. </div>
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Let dough sit on counter for 10 minutes to rest.</div>
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4. Press dough into either one 12-14in crust, or two 6-7in crusts.</div>
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5. Dough will look rustic...just the way you want it to!</div>
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6. Brush a small amount of GSO onto the crust and put oil side down on a hot grill.</div>
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7. After grilling for a couple minutes, take crusts off and top grilled side with sauce and toppings.</div>
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8. Make sure that you don't load up on toppings, or it will be soggy. </div>
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9. Put it back on the grill for a couple minutes to grill the other side of crust and cook the toppings. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> ENJOY!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC49ZeQ_5MXsRGG0QOSdLW_b6chjO8wm_WNPiBy86QdvuiSaxgbrO9Ohj_QzTjsBa0cdv1_DXd90i9g-sJUISShbXr-5Ah1L0_5uTHjoEMCU8XN9KoE4QSdA6pmUXyo2j2Z0EuDgnps3Q/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC49ZeQ_5MXsRGG0QOSdLW_b6chjO8wm_WNPiBy86QdvuiSaxgbrO9Ohj_QzTjsBa0cdv1_DXd90i9g-sJUISShbXr-5Ah1L0_5uTHjoEMCU8XN9KoE4QSdA6pmUXyo2j2Z0EuDgnps3Q/s640/IMG_1524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-47808285107760551262013-07-06T16:11:00.001-07:002013-07-09T13:36:07.827-07:00Easy Breezy DIY House Numbers<div style="text-align: center;">
So...our house numbers were really cheap and pretty ugly looking to start with. They were there when we moved in and right in the middle of a random pole on our front porch. We took them down when we painted the porch from an extremely awful periwinkle blue, to white and we never put them back up. <strike>We </strike> I had been debating on what to use instead. I saw <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/270145677620888296/">this post</a> on Pinterest and was inspired to make my own version. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsMQ7AFE7gjYR_Hx_G_KK5xgriWU0JCdFW72dKFdlKIazxK5bA8E4S_MhsfiqC_Tlmccgghw81-fkCoFkRtu-DAANB_ZTw1fCQ2PKWYE_JPYujmIQ91TqdYSnDFPGK2P37dE_4Z38foPp/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsMQ7AFE7gjYR_Hx_G_KK5xgriWU0JCdFW72dKFdlKIazxK5bA8E4S_MhsfiqC_Tlmccgghw81-fkCoFkRtu-DAANB_ZTw1fCQ2PKWYE_JPYujmIQ91TqdYSnDFPGK2P37dE_4Z38foPp/s640/IMG_1425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The numbers are from Menards and the wooden blocks were around $.50 each at Michaels. I already had the acrylic paint (Martha Stewart Brand from Michaels) and the foam brush. All together, this project cost right around $5.00 to make. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_scWJw-a3Zds-iGX4WV4U7HnjLC1peeuhNm8ZaxLj0lth4eC2fLIBDVV-IugHEHkm7A3w7Bx-edi3UYmpzzc2r5xVoVuMI_lt4jD9pSlw6YJHkIKJBPdc2kb9SyEPITSjOrAlWbgTCbP-/s1600/IMG_1490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_scWJw-a3Zds-iGX4WV4U7HnjLC1peeuhNm8ZaxLj0lth4eC2fLIBDVV-IugHEHkm7A3w7Bx-edi3UYmpzzc2r5xVoVuMI_lt4jD9pSlw6YJHkIKJBPdc2kb9SyEPITSjOrAlWbgTCbP-/s640/IMG_1490.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used my trusty E6000 glue to glue them to the bottom post of the front steps leading up to the porch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VUuBosyUutxGzvpeWDnpYp74ua08iTtx02CFPYBZ4j-8o1FYfh77YqRdu51DZ97YPD9gue1AzVmHVYK_rsYJr0BMs17FLrOGOIe-74zz6-DbsshtRNM06kmL_v07wD_RtBoaTPu8aZxx/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VUuBosyUutxGzvpeWDnpYp74ua08iTtx02CFPYBZ4j-8o1FYfh77YqRdu51DZ97YPD9gue1AzVmHVYK_rsYJr0BMs17FLrOGOIe-74zz6-DbsshtRNM06kmL_v07wD_RtBoaTPu8aZxx/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really like the way they turned out and they go great with our green shutters.</div>
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-1109658310693425892013-07-04T21:22:00.000-07:002013-07-09T13:35:33.256-07:004th of July Festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red, White & Blue and star spangled everything!</div>
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That was the theme of this year's 4th of July at our house.</div>
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(Isn't that the theme every year??) </div>
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This year, however, I went all out because we had family from out of town gathering at our house, which happens to be the house that my dad and his siblings grew up in. Plus...the town's festivities take place in the park across the street from my house. I grew up just a couple blocks down the road and fondly remember the same celebration as a child. Hello NOSTALGIA! Here's what our festive day(s) entailed. Did I mention that the 4th of July is my favorite holiday? But really...any reason to throw a theme party is ok with me!</div>
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I love finger foods at parties. It makes for less stress for guests when enjoying them and you don't need to worry about a lot of utensils etc. These Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs were a huge hit, especially with my nephew. I'm pretty sure he had 10! I found a loaf of Angel Food cake in the grocery store bakery section and used my handy dandy star-shaped cookie cutter to make the cake stars. Pop those on a skewer with some strawberries and blueberries and BAM...festive holiday dessert on a stick!</div>
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Aren't these lobster plates killer? The only thing to make it better is if we really were in New England having a lobster bake!<br />
Ok...I'm totally in love with festive straws. I have a whole cupboard bursting with themed straws, toothpicks and drink markers. Plus, everything looks better displayed in a mason jar! I LOVE mason jars! You will soon find that out. They have so many practical and adorable uses besides just housing jams and jellies. </div>
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Our 4th of July fun started on the 3rd. Graysen and I made sure that everyone going to the park and walking by during the day would get a great big hello from us!</div>
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I found these amazing light up balloons and was a little skeptical at first, but they were surprisingly cool. They have a tiny LED light inside and once it turns dark, they light up the yard and make it look so magical! Graysen thoroughly enjoyed them!</div>
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Here is my niece. Doesn't this look like the epitome of the 4th of July! She could be Lady Liberty! </div>
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Once it got dark, we lit off <strike>fireworks</strike> fountains of sparks. (The only kind that are legal in MN!)</div>
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Wow...check out how much Graysen has changed in a year! Last year, he was 6 weeks, and now this year, he's 13 1/2 months!! </div>
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Our 4th of July Day started out with a Pancake Breakfast at the fire hall. I secretly wanted to bring my star-shaped cookie cutter along to cut everyone's pancakes into stars, but I refrained! Gray also got to see all of the fire trucks! Seriously though people, those hoses are HUGE! I cannot even fathom <strike>controling </strike> holding that with water rushing through it. </div>
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Graysen was in the Kiddie Parade with two of his cousins and they won "Most Patriotic"! I may be a little biased, but...I have to agree! Here is his prize winning wagon. </div>
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Graysen even gave his princess rides in it during the Grand Parade. </div>
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After the parade, everyone came to our house to grill out. Check out our "Bomb Pops". They were a huge hit. (Notice my mason jars with fun lids for the straws. They are my new favorite party accessory!)</div>
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Here's how to make it. We made ours without alcohol since we had beer and other adult beverages, but you could totally add some vodka or rum to the fruit punch first.<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Ingredients: </span></div>
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Red Fruit Punch</div>
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Diet 7UP<br />
Blue Food Coloring</div>
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Ice</div>
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*Put a few drops of food coloring in the Diet 7UP to make it blue. </div>
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*Fill the glass 1/2 full with ice</div>
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*Add a small amount of Fruit Punch. </div>
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(If you add too much, it just ends up purple.)</div>
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*Fill the rest of the glass with ice</div>
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*Carefully pour Diet 7UP on top. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">*DO NOT STIR</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">*ENJOY!</span></div>
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They are sort of hard to see, but I also made Watermelon Appetizers and Firecracker Cupcakes along with the Strawberry Shortcake on a Stick. Take your handy dandy star-shaped cookie cutter and cut out watermelon stars. Top them with a piece of cubed feta and a blueberry. I would have really liked to add Pop Rocks to the top of the cupcakes to really give them some BANG in your mouth, but since we have a one year old, we thought we would save that for next year. I did find really neat firecracker cupcake toppers at Michaels' though. </div>
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We ended the day sitting on the front porch, watching the town's firework display. A perfect ending to a perfect holiday! Tomorrow, Tim and I are golfing in a Veteran's Tournament and then grilling out again with friends over the weekend to really finish off the holiday weekend right!<br />
What fun things did you do over the 4th??<br />
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MB<br />
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MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3072738394930848702.post-17205317149630871082013-07-02T18:41:00.001-07:002013-07-02T18:41:29.114-07:00Welcome!<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome all of you out there in Bloggerville! I am very excited to start this new blog. Some of you may remember my first blog, <a href="http://babyostrom.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Ostroms' Odyssey (formerly Baby Ostrom)</span></a>, where I blogged about my pregnancy and some random things afterwards. I fell in love with blogging then, but felt like I needed to branch out and focus on more than just pregnancy (seeing as I'm not pregnant anymore) and baby/children's things. I have a passion for fashion and all things DIY.<br />
You're Life: Embellished was born and I couldn't be more excited! I plan on posting everything from fashion tips to recipes to DIY projects and party planning. Of course, there will be some children's things mixed in, but it will mainly focus on ways to embellish your life. Adding that special little touch to everything you do!<br />
You can follow me on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9692797/?claim=d66z6hn25y5%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E" style="color: #674ea7;">Bloglovin</a><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span>to see my latest posts.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">" The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!" </span></div>
MaryBeth O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04918089402490056888noreply@blogger.com0