tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78201532100766700722024-03-18T23:33:34.601-05:00The Squishy LifeThe day to day doings of a craftista mommaSquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-63380314185677206232009-07-20T09:29:00.018-05:002009-07-23T09:57:59.420-05:00Roughing it<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWYpe799IxdNM9ZglBYi45VFIHTpnfkcidjY_Z7CQf1Zrh1uLaHbGjOaBrtjK3USt3501nQU1NeXx_Dszcws-tt0tbztlVjUyIxApw7tnX0xyvneswFL72ThpBggFVVuAOTICIBh9-sE/s1600-h/campinn+2009+024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360550145271826578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWYpe799IxdNM9ZglBYi45VFIHTpnfkcidjY_Z7CQf1Zrh1uLaHbGjOaBrtjK3USt3501nQU1NeXx_Dszcws-tt0tbztlVjUyIxApw7tnX0xyvneswFL72ThpBggFVVuAOTICIBh9-sE/s400/campinn+2009+024.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">As these beautiful, busy summer days pass, I am shocked to realize how long it has been since I blogged!! The warm weather has pushed us along in our many (outdoor) home improvement projects. I am happy to say that my *new* patio and driveway are soon coming! If the weather cooperates, the patio should be poured on Saturday ☺☺☺ I have been taking plenty of before/in progress/(and soon) after photos to share with you all.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">This past weekend was unseasonably cool for this time of year. Matt and I used to go camping often...but we have not been, even ONCE, since the girls were born. So, we decided to take a trip to a sweet little lake/camp ground only about 40 minutes from home. It was a nice opprotunity to get away from the stresses of home for a couple of days.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJssaK0JYha6pgoov6J6ZfmC8tMRsf0u1n-Qek1D58k_gRey9NzGzxksolx96gu8Nux5QAnb6MYDc8kTLohyQfC_XPJBJGdJJixjozjijSWZ8ffKqiNwft3578-Ar3KZxibPdpq2-aDwg/s1600-h/campinn+2009+052.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360714363991689058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJssaK0JYha6pgoov6J6ZfmC8tMRsf0u1n-Qek1D58k_gRey9NzGzxksolx96gu8Nux5QAnb6MYDc8kTLohyQfC_XPJBJGdJJixjozjijSWZ8ffKqiNwft3578-Ar3KZxibPdpq2-aDwg/s320/campinn+2009+052.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After we arrived Friday night, it became rather windy. That, combined with the slightly-not-dry-enough firewood, made firemaking a little difficult. Eventually we had enough to make something to eat.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lS111N-51aNYsFVmQ74IqLzgruhM23_2aCdjIv7-ymDnTug3J83Iwe0lRXs-XNs2k4d2u-w2u0rsBRsALkYmBTaIv3Q2ot1oCNtDbNmXFb2bF13sv7m0j430uYUZG7zoHSMrdxc_HlY/s1600-h/campinn+2009+059.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361659469551249170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lS111N-51aNYsFVmQ74IqLzgruhM23_2aCdjIv7-ymDnTug3J83Iwe0lRXs-XNs2k4d2u-w2u0rsBRsALkYmBTaIv3Q2ot1oCNtDbNmXFb2bF13sv7m0j430uYUZG7zoHSMrdxc_HlY/s400/campinn+2009+059.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A "cowboy meal", consisting of baked beans and brats over the open fire.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXa6egAYs9EUZZLd8PPudBmLyrQALXqnG4zSczMA3KLZI4weIcxIUIbeqCOfJ71ogated1OETwe1TuzHFK59svEvyh62gc-WYAHL7v5C6KCOKZqoqiwqyGw68l8oy1CqFLCK7pvd-RA/s1600-h/campinn+2009+013.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360551735512742978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXa6egAYs9EUZZLd8PPudBmLyrQALXqnG4zSczMA3KLZI4weIcxIUIbeqCOfJ71ogated1OETwe1TuzHFK59svEvyh62gc-WYAHL7v5C6KCOKZqoqiwqyGw68l8oy1CqFLCK7pvd-RA/s320/campinn+2009+013.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Matt's family has a tradition of making homemade potato chips when they camp. I sliced some thin-skinned potatoes very thinly and deep-fried them over the fire until they were golden brown.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggICcXq3s-bOpkgGahoWqxVL9nAqcB70eozwg_agggoxugRpqRiEY0hCbkPHrlvsb-HWMpkDVkBAcJE7RdBMODoSEdrr90DhshJV1Edz_o0TnIHEAaLhHXJ9e8MB96_DVkqtJHirOSQgc/s1600-h/campinn+2009+076.JPG"></a><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrYz5LRVWGavLQhvesdKHQL7UfYov7SkR2kurnQrCHzM5IQxmiM0IgRGOq71H2w7LHhyphenhyphenIvP0UBBeyf4LUNY7CzdI1LpSQACBBrwA0b1vMgC2yo7UzYA6ziIfIWw2HsxaKzsxzMzUy3Aw/s1600-h/campinn+2009+005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360568487419437426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrYz5LRVWGavLQhvesdKHQL7UfYov7SkR2kurnQrCHzM5IQxmiM0IgRGOq71H2w7LHhyphenhyphenIvP0UBBeyf4LUNY7CzdI1LpSQACBBrwA0b1vMgC2yo7UzYA6ziIfIWw2HsxaKzsxzMzUy3Aw/s320/campinn+2009+005.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />I think I made about 4 or 5 plate-fulls of chips, but they never lasted long at all! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZuSevyR2xEifXgswcOzMkadPuex0qYHJtmwVTldb8sTSKuK_YnaEsZBgqigfPxRqXHnlF3Gg-7y3zaws3w9WsWLpivKRm8ifW3xOC-y4pHGCk9EeRpzd5LjKEkzj0MKXh7KbgPhYZUM/s1600-h/campinn+2009+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361660519464007714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZuSevyR2xEifXgswcOzMkadPuex0qYHJtmwVTldb8sTSKuK_YnaEsZBgqigfPxRqXHnlF3Gg-7y3zaws3w9WsWLpivKRm8ifW3xOC-y4pHGCk9EeRpzd5LjKEkzj0MKXh7KbgPhYZUM/s200/campinn+2009+003.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFvpejpTfHJb2ebSua24UM5uKorodUf94INn4dS7mRmSlE180nGq8uKdYYsr-3RXQu9jcD4j2iI7f-ZsH4XqjmOycutL2l_JL9NYyoY26cpBQRgAAl9QNlpdtkI9sYwO1Q_zz-jaZSw4/s1600-h/campinn+2009+031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361660512661994338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFvpejpTfHJb2ebSua24UM5uKorodUf94INn4dS7mRmSlE180nGq8uKdYYsr-3RXQu9jcD4j2iI7f-ZsH4XqjmOycutL2l_JL9NYyoY26cpBQRgAAl9QNlpdtkI9sYwO1Q_zz-jaZSw4/s200/campinn+2009+031.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">I felt a bit like a Pioneer woman as I heated water over the fire to wash dishes. (Note to self: grab paper plates next time).<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1JDH19-18QEtnKVChgK7zZDuso2i_PsRCVN5KnYhvito8vhUpHziBbNivDyf-0gHnVwk-RnHM-dQAfbNd506OGq3XcI3GosGnZI59VImQCxUnH81eBD9GVEC-X_Lv_osAta_dE-Qd3I/s1600-h/campinn+2009+048.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360764799620068994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1JDH19-18QEtnKVChgK7zZDuso2i_PsRCVN5KnYhvito8vhUpHziBbNivDyf-0gHnVwk-RnHM-dQAfbNd506OGq3XcI3GosGnZI59VImQCxUnH81eBD9GVEC-X_Lv_osAta_dE-Qd3I/s200/campinn+2009+048.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cWC5SMrd09Qb5FnVvAmTOne0VobptYHyp-SYO7zI3BtlHaoCC6gSU72cPKsrR9d34HeMgXtHImq2Dg0HmIjvMTz_3LFsZJpwp-R7sXgcIOKiTOAsNwyjo6OgL-sj-YxyWyuhS_YkTwo/s1600-h/campinn+2009+051.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360764808603162834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cWC5SMrd09Qb5FnVvAmTOne0VobptYHyp-SYO7zI3BtlHaoCC6gSU72cPKsrR9d34HeMgXtHImq2Dg0HmIjvMTz_3LFsZJpwp-R7sXgcIOKiTOAsNwyjo6OgL-sj-YxyWyuhS_YkTwo/s200/campinn+2009+051.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">I brought some Jiffy Pop along, which the girls refer to as "magic popcorn". Bella tore into it! She didn't eat much for supper that night after all of that popcorn.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fG9TVducQG2hlXnIpYYZcmYCIQy_jMA4timIo8NAxwZDD9Z2XpX8cLCxyCXL76p6mhLY2Dy8RvK0TZXrDAOA-xyT5kiGh-7KkZ0C1k02dUjpf0yVfMX9yXB9wgEbJ9v7HyX-WGZa4Wk/s1600-h/campinn+2009+053.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360568496161585410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fG9TVducQG2hlXnIpYYZcmYCIQy_jMA4timIo8NAxwZDD9Z2XpX8cLCxyCXL76p6mhLY2Dy8RvK0TZXrDAOA-xyT5kiGh-7KkZ0C1k02dUjpf0yVfMX9yXB9wgEbJ9v7HyX-WGZa4Wk/s320/campinn+2009+053.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Someone had carved a heart into the tree that was right in the middle of our campsite. My husband took it upon himself to Sharpie our initials into it. How romantic ;-)<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYQGoy_YUOkSBgTNvzUJPpsKgu7lMKU37w4sRl7JpTImVr2J4OdeHj5E2XcE0innIXYJhnfFygdFy0XYzfHGRLDBeodVRU-P9QjSPpRUaFeXoYyor_81fj0w6W5MQI6LJth8DK-68V1Y/s1600-h/campinn+2009+027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360714358386205778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYQGoy_YUOkSBgTNvzUJPpsKgu7lMKU37w4sRl7JpTImVr2J4OdeHj5E2XcE0innIXYJhnfFygdFy0XYzfHGRLDBeodVRU-P9QjSPpRUaFeXoYyor_81fj0w6W5MQI6LJth8DK-68V1Y/s320/campinn+2009+027.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />Little Mr. Tiffin had an amazing time being outside with us (and sleeping in the tent with us). He is always a happy little boy, but this weekend he was just so relaxed. On Saturday evening, we decided to make the 2-mile trek around the lake. He was revved and ready to go! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9JvvIDEgZr4WB3y1RlabvTkdwIOSk5OnMST9vh0rasco_Syia6nSAWLumfW3DjScXpKvsRU-j0ysZurXG7SUMJ0RhbG3RhPDbo4tOwe58eLNRmvwyQg4c3ktmAC_RffQT9D6y4Liqls/s1600-h/campinn+2009+063.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360775018612297042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9JvvIDEgZr4WB3y1RlabvTkdwIOSk5OnMST9vh0rasco_Syia6nSAWLumfW3DjScXpKvsRU-j0ysZurXG7SUMJ0RhbG3RhPDbo4tOwe58eLNRmvwyQg4c3ktmAC_RffQT9D6y4Liqls/s400/campinn+2009+063.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />This photo is sort of an optical illusion. At first, it appears that you are looking up at the sky between the trees. ACTUALLY.... I was looking down a bluff and into the water, where the clouds and blue sky were perfectly reflected by the setting sun.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCJSM5u_7w5m6ju5LTQUFQXo6ISO70p4yUOrFekCyOViLZuwK2DfsEtWd3RUJ9RJGE1SeLrHmVuI6XYGFaomiQGE7lnZ2xVUA-17_ICaM6gjZtYjd2awglBRTEP5cLM5C4p2RoYqrKaY/s1600-h/campinn+2009+069.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360776643594814466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCJSM5u_7w5m6ju5LTQUFQXo6ISO70p4yUOrFekCyOViLZuwK2DfsEtWd3RUJ9RJGE1SeLrHmVuI6XYGFaomiQGE7lnZ2xVUA-17_ICaM6gjZtYjd2awglBRTEP5cLM5C4p2RoYqrKaY/s400/campinn+2009+069.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">It was such a nice evening. Many people were still on the lake fishing. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Nt44wpBVydr6QmakdwDaJD-y2yYVBgwlyN7rQnSVbQZ4uk2OcGnvzN-F3IVCeWrU1hv6dvUCYe2-RdMPQSrhMleT3flldiQF9MWl4xAMWI3iyXYz0xvUdRc9O9nr9vJtS4429eo1CxU/s1600-h/campinn+2009+076.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361659467127766738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Nt44wpBVydr6QmakdwDaJD-y2yYVBgwlyN7rQnSVbQZ4uk2OcGnvzN-F3IVCeWrU1hv6dvUCYe2-RdMPQSrhMleT3flldiQF9MWl4xAMWI3iyXYz0xvUdRc9O9nr9vJtS4429eo1CxU/s400/campinn+2009+076.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I didn't bring my "good camera" camping, so my picture quality isn't what I would have hoped. But I think this is a nice silhouette of Matt and the girls. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDykTpoKE5AJA9jl2cVduQDsZk087ijSwleSooihqAc2WLuSXQ_7wvYRBFMuuYotDz4S47S0tEjV_ybLKlgzC01ZLNnHwpNuL0aUr0aeFErYpKkeOqQK0aXehRd9QexFn9mmGd5SWnxw/s1600-h/campinn+2009+087.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360776012338046786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDykTpoKE5AJA9jl2cVduQDsZk087ijSwleSooihqAc2WLuSXQ_7wvYRBFMuuYotDz4S47S0tEjV_ybLKlgzC01ZLNnHwpNuL0aUr0aeFErYpKkeOqQK0aXehRd9QexFn9mmGd5SWnxw/s320/campinn+2009+087.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">We were up by 6 a.m. on Sunday. Matt started packing up our things as I cooked a campfire breakfast of bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Then we loaded everything up and went home, just in time to get ready for church and back to reality. The girls were asleep in their seats before we were too far down the road. Poor Tiffin! He always gets the headlock, but he doesn't seem to mind.</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-63111478717881325712009-06-04T14:33:00.008-05:002009-06-04T14:46:51.631-05:00Rock-star Friends + Getaways<div align="center"><a href="http://letsshare.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5515224688834011570b7584b970b-320wi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://letsshare.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5515224688834011570b7584b970b-320wi" /></a><br /><br />You, my amazing e-friends, helped to make my birthday wish a reality!! Pygmy marmoset won the vote and is the newest animal in the <a href="http://letsshare.typepad.com/berkley/2009/06/all-kinds-of-animals.html">Berkley menagerie </a>. Doesn't he look dapper? I really love his lapel button ☺<br /><br />I cannot believe it is June already. Wow, time really flies fast once the weather gets nice. We have had a lot of rain...a LOT.... and so I have been dealing with leaking-issues in my basement for the first time. Consequently, I am in currently taking a quick break from carpet shampooing. So many projects to do, so little time. I feel bad about neglecting the blog last week, but I have a feeling many of you all are in the same situation that I am!<br /><br />Last week, we decided to do a mini-getaway and go down to St. Louis with the girls. We did Chuck E. Cheese, The Mills mall, and the zoo. The most AMAZING thing was feeding the sting rays, which is a new exhibit called Caribbean Cove. I highly recommend doing this if you never have:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKqfh2NwhXU5Q-z8P6AowyMb1MlIZ3Fp2_FEj3HVdmkF1QdwhjIU5HBUp53bqvZ8r1ab0dZh5Crsh-eKi3BQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I hope to be back soon to share a really special handmade project I have in the works!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-88763829113780967132009-05-22T09:28:00.006-05:002009-05-22T10:23:40.099-05:00Bowl of comfort<div align="center">Hey, thanks for the doll-love! I posted her over on Craftster, and everyone over there was so warm and welcoming to this former "lurker." The pattern is just so versatile... I saw someone alter the head and actually make a horse doll with it! My next doll project will, hopefully, be based on "Coraline." There are some pretty amazing adaptations of her into doll-form on Craftster! I loved the book, and can't wait to see the movie when it comes out on DVD...but not until July!<br /></div><br /><p align="center">I am finally starting to feel better and get my energy back, thankfully. Yesterday was spent doing my LEAST favorite thing, which is switching the girls' summer/winter clothes out. Since they are so close in age, I have to decide what won't fit Brianna anymore and what WILL fit Bella. Then there is the putting away of old and new. I am not done yet! <br /></p><br /><p align="center">My e-friend, Rebecca, shared a delicious potato soup recipe with me, which she got from her sister. I made this about a week ago on a rainy, yucky day, and it was really good! The girls asked for 2nds and 3rds!</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-2dOkrXg7KCMjrxy9OWT1XVh0qZ8KUBlOFSQk5vE93Epy2lxCoCN9Lp5ekVuBB021hTwJtTZywJdo74sat5bW7VhpW2NiYvgAk65o1R8hz9_F_cRQaVN5v7b4kTJQpV6Ro-dStz1Ndw/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338658798099333682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-2dOkrXg7KCMjrxy9OWT1XVh0qZ8KUBlOFSQk5vE93Epy2lxCoCN9Lp5ekVuBB021hTwJtTZywJdo74sat5bW7VhpW2NiYvgAk65o1R8hz9_F_cRQaVN5v7b4kTJQpV6Ro-dStz1Ndw/s400/hummingbirds+etc+006.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>Baked Potato Soup</strong></p><br /><div align="center">-5 large baking potatoes, baked</div><div align="center">-1/4 cup butter</div><div align="center">-1 medium onion, chopped</div><div align="center">-1/3 cup flour</div><div align="center">-4 cups half-and-half</div><div align="center">-3 cups milk</div><div align="center">-1 tsp salt</div><div align="center">-dash pepper</div><div align="center">-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese</div><div align="center">-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Peel the baked potatoes and coarsely mash with a fork. Melt butter in soup pot and add onion. Saute until tender. Add flour, stirring until smooth. Stir in potatoes, milks, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until heated through. Top each serving with shredded cheese and bacon bits. Yield: 12 cups.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">(<em>Randi's Notes: </em>I only made a half-batch, like usual, and it was a lot of soup! I decided to mix half of the bacon and cheese directly into the soup, and it was good. If it gets too thick, just add some more milk to thin it out to your liking.)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I made <a href="http://www.oasisnewsfeatures.com/new/recipe/whole-wheat-batter-bread">The Amish Cook's Whole Wheat Batter Bread </a>to go along with it. Following my friend Jessica's advice, I increase the amount of honey to 3 Tbsp. It is perfect everytime, and NO kneading involved!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">☺☺☺</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I hope everyone has a nice, relaxing long weekend! The only planned thing we have is Brianna's dance recital tomorrow afternoon. HOPEFULLY we can get some things done around our house!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-69015344377893100732009-05-18T12:59:00.004-05:002009-05-18T13:48:05.505-05:00Sew me a friend<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD91rAXbDg8NlDPu7eexhdUE-Dxo116mKSNf-ybSb0oFGg0prQP_rev-8XE60jZ5Pm3jl2duHHwVT5VeJ2PPc8UXyV-Dkyvt2Dm3cJ2zbopp8H7-JaOTRvR8uGIvVS9h1h8hcN2bcCD2A/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337231246906093986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD91rAXbDg8NlDPu7eexhdUE-Dxo116mKSNf-ybSb0oFGg0prQP_rev-8XE60jZ5Pm3jl2duHHwVT5VeJ2PPc8UXyV-Dkyvt2Dm3cJ2zbopp8H7-JaOTRvR8uGIvVS9h1h8hcN2bcCD2A/s400/hummingbirds+etc+003.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Last weekend, Matt and I took a solo-journey to Quincy to run some errands and have a little alone time. I was convinced that I was going to make a Poppet, so I was on a mission to find the specific suede fabric that is called for in the pattern. Wow... apparently, Jo-Ann Fabrics considers anything "suede" to be a fall/seasonal fabric. Finally, I was able to find some in the clearance aisle, and it was the perfect peachy-brown shade of skin...the only caveat was that it had a subtle animal-stripe pattern in it. Due to the price (cheap!) I went ahead and bought it. It could be a practice piece, if nothing else.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am so glad that I did! I think that print gives it character and makes it look even more skin-like. Although the doll looks hard to make, it was actually very straight-forward...and dare I say... easy! I have been dealing with a nasty head cold and case of the "tireds" this last week. Didn't really feel like doing much. But I had the interest and the energy to work on this doll, and it was so fun!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3pshuY9kBTwVPq8q4SDH4A9lo3gc8AiQKOpiOQtNBmc_oVL1Br8TmtbHzzN3py3TvjXysT7mf331hKiaqICnT-7F734ZoR0C1KZVHFqq0wrJU5cwfddQx_Vf7jaK62pSyg73AfK1EW8/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226513127642354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3pshuY9kBTwVPq8q4SDH4A9lo3gc8AiQKOpiOQtNBmc_oVL1Br8TmtbHzzN3py3TvjXysT7mf331hKiaqICnT-7F734ZoR0C1KZVHFqq0wrJU5cwfddQx_Vf7jaK62pSyg73AfK1EW8/s400/hummingbirds+etc+010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center">This is the first time I have used freezer-paper to make an iron-on of a pattern. What a fantastic thing... much less cutting and pinning than usual. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8p8rgHQZ_3NpxClHqXOqzONottF9n-puoq0A6cPLJ3sWKeBQHLGfOVvirb453BgZ26xfzoCnWHcKIpIEgrlKrTaYMkIrHFz5rFdgKMUFwRUjcSdlWI01N7INO_isfyz857F8DXpnOxY/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226509137048706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8p8rgHQZ_3NpxClHqXOqzONottF9n-puoq0A6cPLJ3sWKeBQHLGfOVvirb453BgZ26xfzoCnWHcKIpIEgrlKrTaYMkIrHFz5rFdgKMUFwRUjcSdlWI01N7INO_isfyz857F8DXpnOxY/s400/hummingbirds+etc+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I followed the lead of other Poppet-makers and glued fake lashes (found in the cosmetic area) onto the eyes, as well as a scrap of fabric for the eyelid. These little touches were so easy and gave so much character and personality to the doll! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Another technique, which I would NEVER have done in a million years, was to place a bit of Sculpey clay into the tiny "nose nook" of the unfinished/unstuffed head and baked it in the oven! You just follow the directions (which is 275 degrees for 15 minutes for Sculpey), and then allow to cool. You do this BEFORE adding the eyes, or they would melt, and before stuffing. It really helped poof out such a hard-to-stuff area and give it definition. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-WoklsFF6IemclrW4arPjCCR4xPAoOhTqYf-fsopYX2RFVwL8oADGSLjTg3Tcd6rMv-A7oSQUsc5xO8Z36VT3neiVN8S_7o1F5QwSmdKkNSngIJRPhoBUVUWp8l_qk5ySwf4OPaxt2I/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226503131259570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-WoklsFF6IemclrW4arPjCCR4xPAoOhTqYf-fsopYX2RFVwL8oADGSLjTg3Tcd6rMv-A7oSQUsc5xO8Z36VT3neiVN8S_7o1F5QwSmdKkNSngIJRPhoBUVUWp8l_qk5ySwf4OPaxt2I/s400/hummingbirds+etc+001.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I made my Poppet a strapless dress with the dress pattern/tutorial, and I think it looks really good! I added some pearlized snaps in the back to help her get in/out better. The arms/legs are made with buttons inside, and then are jointed onto the body, so that they are fully movable. Luckily, I was able to track down the required doll-making needles to assist in the jointing, as well as the sculpting. The sculpting is what helped give the fingers and toes their definition.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So...while on the subject of sculpting, I decided to follow the directions in making my doll more <em>anatomically</em> correct. Being a nurse, this sort of stuff doesn't faze me, but I did feel a bit peculiar applying the principle's to doll-making ;-) Anyway, I thought I would forewarn you before showing you the following photos, which I originally took to better illustrate her jointedness:<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU_2bbIlQL8hd4ILSa8LL9pyATagcLy3wnhWav-0XLOCTLtkg7Bgm1cxYxce7tZY5UW_1bXHPzhQzM0uwOX-qC3s4nulPwJyqCCq8ExFD5joMzivpco5Vc5O2KjswqsMCAAA353LSujs/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+008.JPG"></a><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qLeorZEb0v1wDTdbvCYH4N7qXEfzBxTTeJU1pbFPjan6vr0pKMDcHve_QATByyZSRxLDKeWflZqXmPjmRWapj3hUtS0iAZiNbnY0RP00l1PIJIFmNZC_xj8oJuaqVyUCAZKPfE7zr3g/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337230306147934418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qLeorZEb0v1wDTdbvCYH4N7qXEfzBxTTeJU1pbFPjan6vr0pKMDcHve_QATByyZSRxLDKeWflZqXmPjmRWapj3hUtS0iAZiNbnY0RP00l1PIJIFmNZC_xj8oJuaqVyUCAZKPfE7zr3g/s320/hummingbirds+etc+005.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbSWOV0QyIA1tkFtlYZIBoamtiEWppxbUrf0Gm1tbV4WAAj_NrHPFkg1fYFGzdjHL1Fkxc3CfWPuYQagwK-K6FcPdWugp6QDwHcTMDtYdABaFV9C4B3jR0EzZd3BTRdsJ9JJ2NFmV0KA/s1600-h/hummingbirds+etc+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337230316737337058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbSWOV0QyIA1tkFtlYZIBoamtiEWppxbUrf0Gm1tbV4WAAj_NrHPFkg1fYFGzdjHL1Fkxc3CfWPuYQagwK-K6FcPdWugp6QDwHcTMDtYdABaFV9C4B3jR0EzZd3BTRdsJ9JJ2NFmV0KA/s320/hummingbirds+etc+008.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />I tried posing her a little, to show the movement of the joints, but it just looked too perverted... sorry! ☺<br /><br /></div><div align="center">This is such a great project to become familarized with many different techniques, as I mentioned, that you might never have tried. If you would like to try your hand at one of these fun dolls, check out the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=205341.0">Poppet thread </a>on Craftster. Just send pattern-creator, "ghilie" a private message with your email address, and she will email the pattern to you! Also, on this thread there are many links to tutorials on making clothing, jointing, hair wefting, etc. that I found very useful. Next on my list is to make her a proper pair of shoes ☺</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-39765211019098232132009-05-11T22:00:00.007-05:002009-05-11T23:41:05.078-05:00The birds in the trees<div align="center">Last Friday after lunch, Brianna and I were in the front yard playing with Tiffin. I heard a strange whistle coming from up in the tree. It didn't sound like anything I had ever heard. As I looked up, it swooped over my head and landed in another tree. This is what I saw:<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbC1IWs61MnTVepjivC6wYohjeumUVtEXdNgZFp8OmuJgxdR4xO7fiGnzzejOWCAXBNGMwie32IJgeZTaTTM9S1pHri_bHRiPVy7lx7No-CGhbqL9XzJUI9iw0WL4aKNxK4rWpRbSheI/s1600-h/111+025.JPG"></a><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMa3ut4cumyqb4FKdl_aeiU57TR7T2RzrU_4KaMJwGCCP_SlnMAiX08O4DcHKNM_FO8y0xq3zHBN7o4QEudO6hbV8gPlAven2pyIT8McQVCJ1iLVkCZj7YLbzTltEsh86j-6m_GtiItc/s1600-h/big+polly+c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334768581987788162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMa3ut4cumyqb4FKdl_aeiU57TR7T2RzrU_4KaMJwGCCP_SlnMAiX08O4DcHKNM_FO8y0xq3zHBN7o4QEudO6hbV8gPlAven2pyIT8McQVCJ1iLVkCZj7YLbzTltEsh86j-6m_GtiItc/s320/big+polly+c.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />I couldn't believe my eyes! A parrot, flying around here in Iowa??!! I just found out he is an Eastern Rosella, which is a native parrot to Australia. I assume he is a lost pet... he has been sticking around here pretty close since Friday. Anyone that sees him thinks they are hallucinating!<br /><br /></div><div align="center">On the morning of my birthday (Sunday), I went outside and found him singing for me:</div><div align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwC15PCb3wFVQcVgi1ZeUTxNYpJEPALuFfIYTfzOn8kreeZmal1XCHTAyRdZ0UYUiHqM3nnanpeRvOaDNjPQA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />(Pardon my horrible attempts to "talk" to him).</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I really wish we could try to catch him, especially before a hawk does. I may have to take a friend's advice and call the Conservation Agency...not sure if they can do anything to help him or not.</div><div align="center"><br />☺☺☺☺☺</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After 3 weeks of waiting, I finally received my huge, 8 ft tall tree wall-decal last week. (This was the first wonky transaction I ever had on Etsy... not impressed with the seller on so many levels.) </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC-KPfJ3G-DkJ2O03nR9BfB6oRGb-Olo-1-u3tcuIpi5FSV1p1447F_gEqMOC3MsxDD4MybIXuLm_dRM2D6AkZo4we9gary24gSbWecW2OsMMHdAcjDHBmzuZb95HyQN3-Zt1B-02WQk/s1600-h/111+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334768584415494402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC-KPfJ3G-DkJ2O03nR9BfB6oRGb-Olo-1-u3tcuIpi5FSV1p1447F_gEqMOC3MsxDD4MybIXuLm_dRM2D6AkZo4we9gary24gSbWecW2OsMMHdAcjDHBmzuZb95HyQN3-Zt1B-02WQk/s320/111+001.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The wall behind the dining room table before....</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6MD60hOhOfCY2xxtPEruoN5Soja6k0FbWQA_bypoQCuEaHCpEzW0xTerJrz_ESGT3BUIFo4ZI94vpgf72uGWCr5zv_eA7nonZGse5muCU81VkHFhOZwY23fL9ybLBVaT2RJMWYZ3_yE/s1600-h/111+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334768593869490642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6MD60hOhOfCY2xxtPEruoN5Soja6k0FbWQA_bypoQCuEaHCpEzW0xTerJrz_ESGT3BUIFo4ZI94vpgf72uGWCr5zv_eA7nonZGse5muCU81VkHFhOZwY23fL9ybLBVaT2RJMWYZ3_yE/s320/111+003.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Matt, helping me get the first of four parts centered....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQu6cktCl0d7umeO1J3WukzL_WdzJxT8BMwvzAw-dr7eoy3sHSVkDLIP7dFuDa7UaAJEUVYNYCaT0SVisjOV05M716zGpmuVNn-jfvNkiaByW6A1c1pHVH74mnUIdV0Zc5i3fTJ56rMQ/s1600-h/111+025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334780928456424658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQu6cktCl0d7umeO1J3WukzL_WdzJxT8BMwvzAw-dr7eoy3sHSVkDLIP7dFuDa7UaAJEUVYNYCaT0SVisjOV05M716zGpmuVNn-jfvNkiaByW6A1c1pHVH74mnUIdV0Zc5i3fTJ56rMQ/s400/111+025.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And here it is, after 2 days of rubbing/peeling, all done! I added the cardinal decals that I bought from a different seller, and I think it looks good ☺ I am definitely all about the birds in the trees, aren't I?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ps... Thanks to all of you who took the time to pop over to the Berkley's blog and cast a vote for the adorable pygmy marmoset. Last time I checked, there were 8 votes for him, which is amazing! If you would also like to give him you allegiance, you can vote through Thursday (I think) <a href="http://letsshare.typepad.com/berkley/2009/05/animal-vote-may/comments/page/1/#comments">HERE </a>.<br /></div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-83784692020164736022009-05-08T10:00:00.008-05:002009-05-08T10:41:52.033-05:00My Birthday Wish...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WP4MKOEmhyphenhyphenC9vDfXqzBHtsL5UTGzdk01NNqFNWG6juxBmDz818YAscbmJWljtdST0HMaufrYYLxAhBNJvEPflsLW6UOYzw8NMCDDTyoxWmqWe2lsWblPD_xT_BqE2BqW9ytqPDQsjOs/s1600-h/birds+042.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333472967443791698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WP4MKOEmhyphenhyphenC9vDfXqzBHtsL5UTGzdk01NNqFNWG6juxBmDz818YAscbmJWljtdST0HMaufrYYLxAhBNJvEPflsLW6UOYzw8NMCDDTyoxWmqWe2lsWblPD_xT_BqE2BqW9ytqPDQsjOs/s320/birds+042.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"> <em>(The fabulous Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal prints I gave to Matt for Valentines Day)</em> </div><div align="center"><br />This Sunday, something will happen for only the 2nd time that I can remember in my life... my birthday and Mother's Day fall on the same exact day. It is kind of neat in a way, but I also have to share my "special day" with 50 million other people. I suppose at 29, birthdays are getting over-rated anyway ☺ </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Today, I noticed that one of my favorite Etsy shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5404421">Berkley Illustration </a>, has their ballot-casting going on for a new animal to be drawn in May. Ryan Berkley draws these amazing, lifelike drawings of all kinds of different animals wearing clothes. There is usually a little back story that goes behind each one. They are hilarious and classy, all at the same time. (PLUS, they give amazing service to their customers...I was highly impressed!). </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For as long as I have known about these ballot-castings, I have voted for pygmy marmoset. It has been my favorite animal since I saw a little video on Sesame Street featuring them, back when I was just a sprout. I want one for a pet soooo bad, but they are around $3000. I think a full-grown one is about the size of a bird. The babies are just teeny-weeny:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://spaceandtime.files.wordpress.com/2006/05/marmoset.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 258px; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://spaceandtime.files.wordpress.com/2006/05/marmoset.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The thing is, try as I might, I cannot get anyone else to give up a vote for the regal little marmoset. As a last ditch effort, I am going to exploit my birthday situation and ask for help for my lovely blog-friends ☺ If you go to <a href="http://letsshare.typepad.com/berkley/2009/05/animal-vote-may.html#comments">THIS LINK </a>and leave a comment voting for the pygmy marmoset, I will love you forever and ever. (Okay, I will love you even if you don't...).</div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jOKbw_C8K5qImbT74-cd3MJOfQURwJ8D6cJbknC8JtSq95Ou4tRUEgaL44UtubSof_-IDrE_SV0lCG7yqLdNWmOrkj2Ea36gruXzyQdmMpLYjr0WCbBJCYR1WtfBwR1HvKUP7Hc0_-M/s1600-h/Pygmy_Marmoset-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333474181455011730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jOKbw_C8K5qImbT74-cd3MJOfQURwJ8D6cJbknC8JtSq95Ou4tRUEgaL44UtubSof_-IDrE_SV0lCG7yqLdNWmOrkj2Ea36gruXzyQdmMpLYjr0WCbBJCYR1WtfBwR1HvKUP7Hc0_-M/s320/Pygmy_Marmoset-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center">On that note, I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and Mother's Day. Tonight Matt and I are going to see one of my favorite comedians, who is often on the Bob & Tom Radio Show, Costaki Economopolous. I think it should be a good time, and I am sooo looking forward to it!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-59885163004293459172009-05-05T22:47:00.006-05:002009-05-05T23:26:23.353-05:00Poppet to me!<div align="center">I first heard about, and joined, Craftster about a year or so ago. It is an amazing site chock-full to the <em>max</em> with awesome crafty bits of this'n'that related to sewing, knitting/crocheting, and needlework. My intentions are always good, but I just haven't taken the time to sit down and really get involved. I do watch the Craftster blog in my sidebar, and their blog title caught my attention a couple of days ago: <a href="http://www.craftster.org/blog/?p=1426">Featured Craftalong: The Poppet-along! </a></div><div align="center"><div><br /></div><div>What the heck is a <em>Poppet</em>?? Is it some kind of puppet? Since I LOVE puppets and thought it might be some sort of tutorial aiming in that direction, I had to check it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, apparently <em>this </em>is a Poppet:</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/GhiliesPoppet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/GhiliesPoppet.jpg" /></a><br /><em>(photo borrowed from Craftster.org, posted by the creator of the pattern, "ghilie")</em><br /><br /><br /></div><div>...but so are these:</div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/BeardyMcPoppet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/BeardyMcPoppet.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/RockabillyPoppet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/RockabillyPoppet.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/SteampunkPoppet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/SteampunkPoppet.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/BellyDancerPoppet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/Craftalongs/Poppetalong/BellyDancerPoppet.jpg" /></a><br /><em>(photos borrowed from Craftster.org, posted there by the masters behind the sewing machines!)</em> </div><div><br />Poppets tend to look human, but they do have animal-like ears and tails. They sort of remind me of those little people off of "The Littles" cartoon I watched as a kid. Depending on the person making them, and the bounds of their imagination, a Poppet could really turn into anything!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great opportunity for any of us (me included!) who haven't tried making a jointed-doll to give it a go. It really is no wonder that this thread has been active on Craftster since November of 2007!! Check out <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=205341.0">The Poppet-Along Thread </a>for information how to get the pattern emailed to you ☺</div><div> </div><br /><div>This is one craft that, for once, I am going to make for me to keep. It might be slow-going, but I will document my progress here in the blog. If anyone of my blog-friends decide to join in, too, let me know!</div><br /></div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-23633044977450379442009-05-03T22:35:00.007-05:002009-05-04T08:57:37.454-05:00Mushrooming Around<div align="center"><a href="http://campinggearstop.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/morel2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 540px; HEIGHT: 357px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://campinggearstop.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/morel2.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />This past Friday, my husband and parents found their first morel mushrooms of the season. It is always right about now, when the lilac bushes start to bloom, that they start to pop up around dead trees and under "May Apple" plants in the deepest parts of the woods. People in other parts of the country enjoy wild ramps and fiddlehead ferns this time of year... in the MO/IA/IL area, we have morels! </div><p align="center"><br />Morel mushrooms are considered a delicacy in even the most high-end restaurants. But during the wet weather and warmer days of mid-Spring, they begin to pop up for the experienced or novice hunter to gather. The more moisture and heat there is, the better the find! They are usually only around for a few weeks every year, so it is almost as much sport as anything to look for them. They often favor the ground around long-dead Elm trees, and they often come back in the same spots, year after year. When you find a large patch, you keep the location secret so you can check it out again next year ☺ Many people will sell their finds to others, sometimes at up to $30/lb...or more! My BIL said yesterday he has heard of them selling at times for $80/lb...unreal.</p><p align="center"><br />Last night as my husband was mowing the new grass and I was getting ready to cook supper, I decided to try out my new net-sharing cam and make my first "blog video" to share with you. I hope it can be a bit informational to my net-friends who aren't familar with wild morel mushrooms ☺ </p><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyda0V45IB5eocoId4Clwj8KhNATKqp8yTQdSDL23JL1XJoD7De_T8lesofCFCuijRGa2_oMLoMjpKxcN0byg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><p align="center">Part One: Preparing the mushrooms for cooking. </p><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynygVvGDsmq7QohNE5rEVcvj71WiP6KQpQlTj7ZoKslJM8SJvnLr31XflGhPOYRZ0wv4icSbrMMUPDNSdZYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><p align="center">Part Two: Cooking the mushrooms.</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><em>I cannot stress enough that you should NEVER eat anything wild unless you are positively certain of what it is!!!</em></p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-39385976209101353372009-04-29T09:46:00.005-05:002009-04-29T10:32:19.940-05:00Membership drive!<div align="center"><a href="http://lifeinthenhs.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/spam-collection-2007-06.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 453px; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://lifeinthenhs.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/spam-collection-2007-06.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">There was a segment on the news a couple of weeks ago about Spam. Although the economy is pretty dismal right now, the workers at the Hormel plant are working overtime, churning out more Spam than ever before. A little research showed that on one day shift, nearly 150, 000 cans were produced!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://tangelos.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/vienna-sausage-in-can.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://tangelos.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/vienna-sausage-in-can.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">A high-school classmate of mine posted on FaceBook that he worked a total of nearly 90 hours last week! With all of the layoffs, cut-backs, etc., what company is that busy??? He works in the Armour-Dial plant outside of town...which makes such favorites as vienna sausages.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I have been thinking a lot about this in the last day or so. More and more people are cutting back and really making an effort to feed their families more economically-minded. Spam and vienna sausage-type products are cheap, meat-based replacements for more expensive lunch meats, etc. But you got to admit, they really aren't that good for you in terms of content and ingredients.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/images/weeklyadpages/20090429_321987/Version_12/thumbs/v12_Page_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 290px; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.hy-vee.com/images/weeklyadpages/20090429_321987/Version_12/thumbs/v12_Page_01.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">Every week, I wait for Tuesday afternoon for the grocery ads to come out. Then I check prices, review my coupons, and stock up. For instance, shredded cheese is 99 cents a bag this week at Hy-Vee... and shredded cheese freezes fantastically! I will probably buy at least 10 bags and throw in the freezer. Imagine all of the homemade pizzas, quesadillas, lasagna, casseroles, etc. that can benefit from a good cheese stash ☺ Being a one-income family, I am working hard and doing my part to feed these guys well!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So... what am I getting at?<br /><br />My idea is to start a separate, recipe-related blog. I would choose a category, such as "side dishes", each month. Then the members could post recipes related to that category. They could be family recipes, tried-and-true favorites, something you got out of a magazine, etc. Then, throughout the month, we could try the recipes that appealed to us, take photos of our results, and give our family's reaction or rating. The recipes should be family/kid friendly, with practical ingredients. With garden bounties right around the corner, that would be a bonus to incorporate into the recipe suggestions!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">At this point, I haven't quite decided on the blog format and the technicalities. First and foremost, I want to see if I have a group of people large enough to make this happen! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So... who's interested?<br /></div><a href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:9lKQL_xJ2IVDsM:http://www.notthatyouasked.org/images/spam2.jpg"></a>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-42587338353841941012009-04-26T12:17:00.005-05:002009-04-26T13:02:59.669-05:00Strawberry jam<div align="center">What a fantastic, Spring-y week this was! I was happy to spend time outside (with dirt on my hands) and inside, with the windows open. Even during the rainy times, it was just peaceful to hear the "tap-tap-tapping" on the windows and roof. </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This is the time, most every year, that I make homemade strawberry jam. You can get nice, fat red berries for 99 cents/lb or less at the grocery store quite consistently; the small, homegrown ones are REALLY good, but since you add so much sugar to them to make the jam, I prefer using the large, store-bought ones. They are just easier/faster to clean and prepare. </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ5F6Ony3mHr0GUy-_8S1ej2mG9O7wLqUiWkivSCYXRXWDIkRV1KXh2JGayoSuFVij4e3qPyzKBGC26hsj6gTzARlx3RWrPFMWgmcOXMhMCYM_CkA0cA4h8xnV3gBlnBBLmTdGQL6AU/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329054053398398146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ5F6Ony3mHr0GUy-_8S1ej2mG9O7wLqUiWkivSCYXRXWDIkRV1KXh2JGayoSuFVij4e3qPyzKBGC26hsj6gTzARlx3RWrPFMWgmcOXMhMCYM_CkA0cA4h8xnV3gBlnBBLmTdGQL6AU/s400/spring+concert+2009+001.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I started with a 4 lb. box of strawberries, which I cleaned in a sink-full of cold water. Then I simply cut off any bad/white spots and the stems.</div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ5F6Ony3mHr0GUy-_8S1ej2mG9O7wLqUiWkivSCYXRXWDIkRV1KXh2JGayoSuFVij4e3qPyzKBGC26hsj6gTzARlx3RWrPFMWgmcOXMhMCYM_CkA0cA4h8xnV3gBlnBBLmTdGQL6AU/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+001.JPG"></a></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxQMPd2QkMWFAQps4ykBw8qy9SuA6lIDKXpr1VOjLRERvPTV3U0xtRjGbA9NsV-MMOG6z1l1KE4hxbZm5fyGuMr3tRKXbi9EzBT7AwTdIsP3sB4BJ5A_mIuyEH1EH9IG8Wrw5S4pOEOA/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329052388105234626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxQMPd2QkMWFAQps4ykBw8qy9SuA6lIDKXpr1VOjLRERvPTV3U0xtRjGbA9NsV-MMOG6z1l1KE4hxbZm5fyGuMr3tRKXbi9EzBT7AwTdIsP3sB4BJ5A_mIuyEH1EH9IG8Wrw5S4pOEOA/s400/spring+concert+2009+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I decided to puree them in my new food processor instead of slicing them. If you like a slightly chunky jam, you can slice them or use a pastry cutter to crush them. As they cook, they will break down more.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQVs_haLBOU9eoCHzMGGPJQONwVCuA3eg-rsC-Wo71EwIP8xdL3aHqgnZ6vWiJLP0ULis4KpBPxka7JMsDYSlhrihE2CsVgaJ-_qsbpeCAeMORCF-FY_MIkwI0hPnErMfH54RuAbgyIM/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329052381017359122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQVs_haLBOU9eoCHzMGGPJQONwVCuA3eg-rsC-Wo71EwIP8xdL3aHqgnZ6vWiJLP0ULis4KpBPxka7JMsDYSlhrihE2CsVgaJ-_qsbpeCAeMORCF-FY_MIkwI0hPnErMfH54RuAbgyIM/s400/spring+concert+2009+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mmmm... and nice, smooth strawberry puree! What a time-saver!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4g45cIzqzKHc40ky5j1mDM6UjpfNCiR8YdtnScWNDSsrVRssM_NpmEgpmdmrRGWF24rVRpYs1Yrof5vZF4bgqv0zNgMt0BSr1uWyXZL5imXDdK6Qny8QgLtjj2v8yvlwPfGqTtmQHUY/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329052374595777506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4g45cIzqzKHc40ky5j1mDM6UjpfNCiR8YdtnScWNDSsrVRssM_NpmEgpmdmrRGWF24rVRpYs1Yrof5vZF4bgqv0zNgMt0BSr1uWyXZL5imXDdK6Qny8QgLtjj2v8yvlwPfGqTtmQHUY/s400/spring+concert+2009+006.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />I did a little bit of math and adapted the recipe found in my trusty Better Homes cookbook. To my largest stockpot, I added the strawberry puree (which was approx. 7 cups from the cleaned 4 lbs of berries), a 4 lb bag of white sugar, a Tbsp butter, and two 1.75 oz. boxes of Sure-Gel (pectin). Stirring pretty consistently, I brought it to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>(<em>Note: Make sure you use a large enough pot while cooking the jam, and continue to stir often. If you fail to do this, it will probably boil over...I had this happen ONCE and it is a horrible, sticky mess to clean up)</em><br /></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVLxhEus7UM2aa6a2rRLaxYPXx0hz4QYJpEwpBErn_HEakPTRMuS-t5Hqpp65LLnChUxXS9m_nDOs7lfAwPRf62bRunmj90TRha4GSeVAxm4vFXueXmB8mg2ng4upTl-LcPL6Q9YqQ2I/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+007.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329052372167440866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVLxhEus7UM2aa6a2rRLaxYPXx0hz4QYJpEwpBErn_HEakPTRMuS-t5Hqpp65LLnChUxXS9m_nDOs7lfAwPRf62bRunmj90TRha4GSeVAxm4vFXueXmB8mg2ng4upTl-LcPL6Q9YqQ2I/s400/spring+concert+2009+007.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Using a wide-mouth funnel (found with the canning supplies), fill your clean jars up to 1/4 inch of headspace. For jam, I prefer to use half-pint jars, but pints will work in a pinch. Wipe the rim of the jar clean, apply the lid/band. Process in a boiling hot water bath for 5 minutes, then remove and allow to cool. (<em>This is how I do it, following my trusty, 8-year-old cookbook. USDA guidelines for home-canners change, so check their website for the most recent recommendations).</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF_3d-scaCtng1jZrcpJg9dyg2o1MDM5b4D-H-foieezS7rE_CWQxSVleoTb2pg_UXEt8tftVS7MR_TBTSw6ptYKbxd4jyN3RqduE6V4rICAgPt6tQCN-ffTOukXeAQGKM5DJci3djRQ/s1600-h/spring+concert+2009+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329052368095455154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF_3d-scaCtng1jZrcpJg9dyg2o1MDM5b4D-H-foieezS7rE_CWQxSVleoTb2pg_UXEt8tftVS7MR_TBTSw6ptYKbxd4jyN3RqduE6V4rICAgPt6tQCN-ffTOukXeAQGKM5DJci3djRQ/s400/spring+concert+2009+008.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Whenever I can something, I always set the hot, processed jars on dishtowels, then cover with another dishtowel as they cool. (This is how my family did it ☺). There is nothing more exciting than hearing all of the little "pop"s as the jars seal themselves. From all of my berries, I think I made approximately 8 pints-worth of jam. I calculate it cost about $1.11 per pint to make ☺</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-7417430806073665882009-04-18T09:24:00.007-05:002009-04-18T09:45:52.115-05:00Hot (digital) dog!<div align="center">Etsy is an amazing place, isn't it? You never know what you might find. I was surfing around the internet one day, and came across a site that was spotlighting a really fantastic Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6822918">Hot Digital Dog </a>. This lady makes absolutely adorable, old-timey-looking portraits of animals. She sells prints, but will also make a custom portrait of your pet!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Later on in the day, I was posting in the forums...and as luck would have it, HotDigitalDog made a reply to one of my posts! What are the odds? We talked a bit, a convo was started, and we started scheming up a plan. She sent me the result via email last night...I think it speaks for itself:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiD1DtpAiiv2qlorS7jm_KvF41MOG4YgHEju-egJq2eQScr3D_VbNnYPbhNWEXz-vg_6viNrxvnJcoZ1tss_y24PhyphenhyphenbrjoOJii3ZXZuwnl11gJTArYbsDMeRhECeHtnOyt9DK57FjwJU/s1600-h/Tiffin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326039128994182946" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiD1DtpAiiv2qlorS7jm_KvF41MOG4YgHEju-egJq2eQScr3D_VbNnYPbhNWEXz-vg_6viNrxvnJcoZ1tss_y24PhyphenhyphenbrjoOJii3ZXZuwnl11gJTArYbsDMeRhECeHtnOyt9DK57FjwJU/s400/Tiffin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center">I'm sorry, but it DOES NOT get any cuter than that, so don't even try! My idea was for Tiffin to look like a old-time newsie, and her results were even better than I could have imagined ☺ I have always thought Tiffin looks like one of my favorite Muppet characters, Emmet from the 1977 <em>Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas:</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://emmetottersjugband.com/images/emmet.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px" alt="" src="http://emmetottersjugband.com/images/emmet.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center">With their similar little brimmed-hats, they could be "Brothers":</div><div align="center"><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNqfu6ajjg4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNqfu6ajjg4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6822918">HotDigitalDog </a>and be prepared to laugh your butt off at the adorability...hey, it's a word!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">☺☺☺</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-43093418003949105902009-04-16T16:29:00.007-05:002009-04-16T23:00:06.066-05:00Beady buddies<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrCHviS6Vzhe3-hHOw0x_11jOtPnvlt0rjmS549A8h40DSek4WiJqlpw9bsgSYyl73H3l_tmwoz_BCboqzKO5DwFT9Pk0V4zbse8377D9Ejn_exaejmjC6K8HtjozLuBau7OGHwwCPo4/s1600-h/1111+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325416898460632994" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrCHviS6Vzhe3-hHOw0x_11jOtPnvlt0rjmS549A8h40DSek4WiJqlpw9bsgSYyl73H3l_tmwoz_BCboqzKO5DwFT9Pk0V4zbse8377D9Ejn_exaejmjC6K8HtjozLuBau7OGHwwCPo4/s400/1111+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">(<em>My little bead-boy from Variation, who just made friend with my post-Easter find from today)</em></div><br /><br /><div align="center">A while back, I stumbled upon a new Etsy shop that I found extremely charming. Though open less than a month at the time, she was pushing 30 sales! I was impressed. Her creations are the type of unique, "why-didn't-I-think-of-that" sort of thing that all of us creators are constantly striving for. </div><div align="center"><br />Variation makes little bead-people out of vintage beads and findings. Almost as charming as the people themselves are the PHOTOS on her listings. I can't imagine the time she puts into them. I told her she really needs to start a side-business of selling prints of her images ☺</div><p align="center"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3333230981_3f85ec9590.jpg?v=0"><img style="WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3333230981_3f85ec9590.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">I LOVE this one in particular! Consequently, she purchased some of my chenille pups, and they seemed to get along very well with her own little bead-friends: </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt7Xo9I78umk99FpPUiXuvTYG8ATm_VGF_Sb-SxUdDPF9VBI8CbwYwaVRX1YNrcLX_rzOqgyo-IWvQGvaMXAzHy2SiVU1pHFWVRD_ByuZIZAGPSMKSWAYFIXc1TOD9eiyYWlQcOibg4I/s1600-h/bead+dog+friend.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325504365213874242" style="WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt7Xo9I78umk99FpPUiXuvTYG8ATm_VGF_Sb-SxUdDPF9VBI8CbwYwaVRX1YNrcLX_rzOqgyo-IWvQGvaMXAzHy2SiVU1pHFWVRD_ByuZIZAGPSMKSWAYFIXc1TOD9eiyYWlQcOibg4I/s320/bead+dog+friend.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">Check out Variation on <a href="http://www.variation.etsy.com/">Etsy </a>and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-critter/">Flickr </a>!<br /><br />♥♥♥♥♥♥</div><br /><br /><p align="center">In other goings-on, my husband is working diligently in painting/staining/varnishing and hanging trim for me. Can you believe that we have lived here for nearly 2 years and I have little to nothing hanging on my walls?? I can't wait for the big unveiling so that I can hang up some lovely artwork from my bloggy-friends <a href="http://bunnycreates.blogspot.com/">Bunzi, </a><a href="http://mushroommeadows.blogspot.com/">Mushy,</a> and <a href="http://missniff.blogspot.com/">Jenny </a>. Can't wait for the unveil? I am sure you can scour their blogs and find the trade-details ☺ For now, I must go make some more "balls in shells" for supper!</p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-1056766519340993292009-04-13T22:19:00.006-05:002009-04-13T22:59:36.958-05:00Balls in shells<div align="center">Brianna loves to sit up on the butcher block and watch me cook. Last week, I decided to make a big deal out of her cooking supper for everyone! Being 4 1/2, she looked at me nervously and said, "I think I'm going to need some help..."<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />My beloved <em>Taste of Home</em> magazine has changed it's format. Some changes (such as the ad-free magazine going more commercial) were a big difficult to adjust to. However, there are some new gems to be found in it, as well. There is now a section with a recipe targeted towards kids. The most recent issue had a delicious-sounding recipe that seemed like it would be a fun project for Brianna's first dinner-making experience:</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Easy Stuffed Shells</strong></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">*1 package (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">*1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">*36 frozen cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 oz. each), thawed</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">*2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdS4pwFuejxKe_KBQog64AlrtIwRaCvUyb7OVh76SfCyQXmJ1mUHZ1H4VJ7LXlLOi9Y9WTCjFp5VqINbBI7GceYqaQLm5XIDKe6mPNkXbGei7MQ0Vj77sA34aEZYI5qUNLfFLrXNYkx8/s1600-h/Easter+2009+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324389144879463346" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdS4pwFuejxKe_KBQog64AlrtIwRaCvUyb7OVh76SfCyQXmJ1mUHZ1H4VJ7LXlLOi9Y9WTCjFp5VqINbBI7GceYqaQLm5XIDKe6mPNkXbGei7MQ0Vj77sA34aEZYI5qUNLfFLrXNYkx8/s400/Easter+2009+018.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOiShOl6Urm2EXAZu2RDhdoZvC6BwUECsjUmPe53wke2gGechuYAevsBey1OSXUuApF4P4gMzko0swsflZVSxwJvejqutBcFFyylYuj7NLoDAaa1Ytqd3LRdGCSAOirpoWQuzQUwZ3rw/s1600-h/Easter+2009+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324388449462792226" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOiShOl6Urm2EXAZu2RDhdoZvC6BwUECsjUmPe53wke2gGechuYAevsBey1OSXUuApF4P4gMzko0swsflZVSxwJvejqutBcFFyylYuj7NLoDAaa1Ytqd3LRdGCSAOirpoWQuzQUwZ3rw/s400/Easter+2009+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Place 1/2 cup sauce in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. <em>(We halved the recipe, since we don't need to make that much food!). </em><br />Place a meatball in each shell.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81VbTD_tKALzDlc1UT4qWQJrhkH5IT6GWIh9un6hVzW5Z0pI4im3iRbEXPevo2VwmJmO7bTCABnZMgmzetJpURQGEKu-ZWP3Pn79Q7dlLb4LwDLnZNjjPmzG60kr6S9uKit3vzH_Blis/s1600-h/Easter+2009+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324387631355939794" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81VbTD_tKALzDlc1UT4qWQJrhkH5IT6GWIh9un6hVzW5Z0pI4im3iRbEXPevo2VwmJmO7bTCABnZMgmzetJpURQGEKu-ZWP3Pn79Q7dlLb4LwDLnZNjjPmzG60kr6S9uKit3vzH_Blis/s400/Easter+2009+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Transfer to prepared dish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAUwTDDhRYLmlWv3KwJXIkZgRfCiSLdi_FMY75S-u-L7vk2e4NlpRgmWv3XOMV3QsK4kfzDhh2zZvi8mJ66N6UqE_HsR0QM7MHg2rHWbYrIti6ymYo17Ioj4ZzBeLup7iPstwx3ZuU3g/s1600-h/Easter+2009+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324387626255933922" style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAUwTDDhRYLmlWv3KwJXIkZgRfCiSLdi_FMY75S-u-L7vk2e4NlpRgmWv3XOMV3QsK4kfzDhh2zZvi8mJ66N6UqE_HsR0QM7MHg2rHWbYrIti6ymYo17Ioj4ZzBeLup7iPstwx3ZuU3g/s400/Easter+2009+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJxKyaCrRds-NnIs_Wwo5vPTkCDCzVwyDt2w4gxMxecE4Bh-Ds99qtGVdJ6hBwe6DDZnOjbgUZ2I8Dqh1Ainf4srHJMR1Aqlsu2rDFvSbdYdfIdEzu4KV7N1guWqTej8Swlkwib1rscY/s1600-h/Easter+2009+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324387636240576850" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJxKyaCrRds-NnIs_Wwo5vPTkCDCzVwyDt2w4gxMxecE4Bh-Ds99qtGVdJ6hBwe6DDZnOjbgUZ2I8Dqh1Ainf4srHJMR1Aqlsu2rDFvSbdYdfIdEzu4KV7N1guWqTej8Swlkwib1rscY/s400/Easter+2009+004.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted.</div><div align="center"><br />Mmm... this recipe was fabulous!! It was a really simple cross between lasagna and ravioli. We ate it with garlic bread and salad. Since we only made half the recipe, we had a fun time counting out half the shells and meatballs. Great job, Brianna! This recipe is definitely a keeper ☺</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-14988405877981383062009-04-12T18:09:00.002-05:002009-04-12T18:24:11.657-05:00Sincerest wishes<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkC41ZmPTGHZFLuQRbz8mfMsBRtZ6yT3puhwdb2SQJbL9sT4nQCRgnqtJAz0g4sTSC3a5fJQGB9LrKQpKE8fvwczJBNkzV_9E4y6iz8NDLlI0QZcIqHL89MfaaSy2z4r6Edq4ZGSbV88/s1600-h/gnome+postcard.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323947144713046274" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkC41ZmPTGHZFLuQRbz8mfMsBRtZ6yT3puhwdb2SQJbL9sT4nQCRgnqtJAz0g4sTSC3a5fJQGB9LrKQpKE8fvwczJBNkzV_9E4y6iz8NDLlI0QZcIqHL89MfaaSy2z4r6Edq4ZGSbV88/s400/gnome+postcard.bmp" border="0" /></a><em></em></p><p align="center"><em>(My favorite vintage postcard, circa 1909)</em></p><p align="center">I hope everyone had a lovely, food + family-filled weekend!</p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-73973931032915473732009-04-08T13:27:00.009-05:002009-04-08T14:06:51.994-05:00Easter blessings<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgWmK0t0ons2CeZw19T_ea7ElY53CWIETdpOaOd5LwTj6uZd3vOR5Yx6QH0NZ3pXKC_pS4xXXIQ5VCK_hskS1uFinRNghG26R9na20sPoQDVLI4lcPXYfLKz-cZw1m00T2vfWnOzIYPs/s1600-h/chick+pics+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322390783027859586" style="WIDTH: 331px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgWmK0t0ons2CeZw19T_ea7ElY53CWIETdpOaOd5LwTj6uZd3vOR5Yx6QH0NZ3pXKC_pS4xXXIQ5VCK_hskS1uFinRNghG26R9na20sPoQDVLI4lcPXYfLKz-cZw1m00T2vfWnOzIYPs/s400/chick+pics+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Back in October, my dishwasher begame very loud while running the wash cycles. I called and found out that our 1 year warranty ran out in April...and with the holidays looming, I decided to put getting it fixed off a while. I mean, it was WORKING (for the most part), and since the warranty was expired, why pay for them to come fix it right away?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So yesterday, after consistent nagging from the husband, I finally got the Sears repairman here. Immediately, he knew what was wrong: the motor/pump was going out of it. The part alone was over $300!! My heart sank. The man told me to hold on a second, he needed to go out to his van to check on something...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">"The 700 Club" was on tv, and I sat down on the couch and started to pray. "God, please let there be something...ANYTHING... that he can do to fix it without such an expense. I don't want to pour money into this broken appliance, but we can't afford to go buy a new one, either."</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The man came back inside and had news for me. Since our dishwasher is a Kenmore Elite series, the warranty is a bit different. On this specific model, there is a 2 year warranty on the <strong>motor/pump</strong> <em>only</em>! And we had TWO WEEKS left on the warranty. Isn't God amazing?!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I think sometimes we tend to forget how God works in our lives. Not just at Easter and Christmas, but every single second of every day! I try to remember to thank Him over and over again for everything he has done for me. I hope all of you will, too ☺</div><div align="center">♥♥♥<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">As we prepare for the Easter celebration this weekend (and make our grocery runs), I thought I would share a recipe with you that my sister-in-law made with her kids a few years ago. The results are meringue cookies that are crispy and delicious!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://my.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/holiday/eastercookies.html">Easter Tomb Cookie Recipe to be made the evening before Easter</a></div><div align="left"><br />1 cup whole pecans</div><div align="left">1 tsp vinegar</div><div align="left">3 egg whites</div><div align="left">pinch salt</div><div align="left">1 cup sugar</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Ziploc baggie</div><div align="left">Wooden spoon</div><div align="left">Tape</div><div align="left">Bible</div><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><div align="left">*Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (this is important - don’t wait until you are half done with the recipe!) </div><div align="left"><br />*Place pecans in baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*Let child smell vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave us His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11 </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">*Sprinkle a little salt into child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into a bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27<br /><br /></div><div align="left">*Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60</div><div align="left"><br />*Put cookie sheet in oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">*Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.Read John 16:20 and 22</div><div align="left"><br />*On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice thecracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the firstEaster, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Read Matthew 28:1-9</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICReY-8eBIb7D-fGJv7bB6sg7xxXkBGwVfN76Ner01fmVgZ05D1OZ6zkQKs-plWdpoPdcvCiymi8GUKbaPFv2f2-1WJajuKAphBBQouREvwnTON1sT88XlCBy1iSatjVCx7790Fi_ko8/s1600-h/chick+pics.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322390771856508802" style="WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICReY-8eBIb7D-fGJv7bB6sg7xxXkBGwVfN76Ner01fmVgZ05D1OZ6zkQKs-plWdpoPdcvCiymi8GUKbaPFv2f2-1WJajuKAphBBQouREvwnTON1sT88XlCBy1iSatjVCx7790Fi_ko8/s400/chick+pics.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICReY-8eBIb7D-fGJv7bB6sg7xxXkBGwVfN76Ner01fmVgZ05D1OZ6zkQKs-plWdpoPdcvCiymi8GUKbaPFv2f2-1WJajuKAphBBQouREvwnTON1sT88XlCBy1iSatjVCx7790Fi_ko8/s1600-h/chick+pics.jpg"></a></p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-70328946035188576292009-04-04T15:26:00.014-05:002009-04-04T16:08:47.447-05:00Bunny Pieces<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgen2oTBYmWWsCxhPnsJoIQZlk3VosOvQTVYcw2ryX2Svp9tzq4mN6vj8Heb6cqDlrETScbtwRiq0BoQ_ic87xjXeik3lCxZ4GfyemfpDZ1HaIDm6MHaK4dJg1On8S6e5VQbc1YyGqBts/s1600-h/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320942202180895378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgen2oTBYmWWsCxhPnsJoIQZlk3VosOvQTVYcw2ryX2Svp9tzq4mN6vj8Heb6cqDlrETScbtwRiq0BoQ_ic87xjXeik3lCxZ4GfyemfpDZ1HaIDm6MHaK4dJg1On8S6e5VQbc1YyGqBts/s400/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+001.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">The days have been getting away from me. I had hoped to have a whole gaggle of bunny-kids in <a href="http://http//www.squishycutestuff.etsy.com">the shop </a>in time for Easter, and here we are nearly a week until E-day! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI7M77zg2DrrDRM68tue3kJlGOf74CTCmGCt06_NajrLIS-bhO1WcSX1o9MMqjUL7_J_j3esCROCd6M-RblXHJbfcdceaLW1o61ggRJaOoOhx-cKws-6UVyiKb8EwL2MIFqnYnrLL6pI/s1600-h/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320936296783452162" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI7M77zg2DrrDRM68tue3kJlGOf74CTCmGCt06_NajrLIS-bhO1WcSX1o9MMqjUL7_J_j3esCROCd6M-RblXHJbfcdceaLW1o61ggRJaOoOhx-cKws-6UVyiKb8EwL2MIFqnYnrLL6pI/s400/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+002.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">I did have enough time to get a handful of sweethearts done, and I hope to get them photographed and listed soon...hopefully by tomorrow! That should give me a couple days worth of sales that I can get them shipped out in time for Easter ♥ </p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320937704747812146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD49OR4aeYPHDHHrtYVQ4hNBOXS6Gwv5KI4HZRnozxo-odtHT90MLg8gXffZa8VgCfaB05Xrvdg67kasvsXZDV6kZT7ZbcM7-1kRZoyU2-d5k1e5kDEiGMll965gF7Mjp874yldfpIbP0/s320/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+011.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div align="center">Today we took the girls to the big egg hunt in our town. Bella's age group (1-2) was first, of course. She got upset and just plopped down on the ground, crying. The parent's aren't supposed to help, but we were kicking eggs her way and trying to convince her to pick them up and put in her basket. She ended up with 2 pieces of candy and vouchers for TWELVE oatmeal cream pies! LOL </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs0JKu79KqrrBBLm7C8et3ICMQWHoWGZysIXyEqbBnAKgenmUjzDGI4CohnFNk0K2q1AlN3oxLhoIG3qd8IYvsgDhiRZaqmW4lHAHEnGe5gJBis6Y0OgUudU-istCcFGucnzqeduVdoI/s1600-h/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320937698375954482" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs0JKu79KqrrBBLm7C8et3ICMQWHoWGZysIXyEqbBnAKgenmUjzDGI4CohnFNk0K2q1AlN3oxLhoIG3qd8IYvsgDhiRZaqmW4lHAHEnGe5gJBis6Y0OgUudU-istCcFGucnzqeduVdoI/s320/Easter+Egg+Hunt+2009+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Brianna, on the other hand, really got into the action this year. She was very focused and excitedly picked up so many eggs! She got quite a few little candy bars, plus vouchers for a small can of root bear, 4 cartons of chocolate milk, and two bags of chips. She also had a $1 in an egg, which she bought some gum with and shared with us. What a good little girl ♥<br /><br />We have so many free promotional pictures (plus a set of professional ones) of the girls with chicks, bunnies, and lambs from this year, I may end up doing a whole post dedicated to that soon!!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-8962802972839398762009-03-25T18:49:00.006-05:002009-03-25T19:38:41.120-05:00Fluffy Bites<div align="center">It is amazing how much a little bit of crafting got me so far behind last week. (And no, I have only watched <em>Twilight</em> once!). I find it hard to believe it is already Wednesday, yet there is still so much to be done still. Although it is mood-lifting to see the yard turning green again, I dread going though winter/spring clothes :P<br /><br />I really want to share with you all an insanely good recipe I tried this week. It comes from my beloved <em>Family Fun</em> magazine (March 09, page 94). This is the first time I have used puff pastry, and....wow. Imagine fancy, flaky, super-flavorful ham + cheese sandwiches.<br /><br /><strong>Argentian Ham and Cheese Empanadas</strong> </div><div align="center">-2 Tbsp olive oil</div><div align="center">-1 medium onion, finely chopped</div><div align="center">-2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley</div><div align="center">-8 oz cooked ham, chopped</div><div align="center">-2 Tbsp bread crumbs</div><div align="center">-8 oz mild Cheddar or Jarlsberg cheese, shredded</div><div align="center">-2 Tbsp sour cream</div><div align="center">-1 large egg, lightly beaten</div><div align="center">-pinch black pepper</div><div align="center">-1 package of empanada wrappers or 2 packages of Pepperidge Farms frozen puff pastry, thawed</div><div align="center">-egg wash made from 1 large egg beaten, combined with 1 Tbsp water</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwtEopJCv4iO6MVx2xIQxqLYC5XN6m3NffOYQ7511KByKMaYG-525Wjye2qkwwoLebsNMD6rAB6QKA1kxbzpmN7lsJWERmsXvwiR7O23LezFOUBMqzopSVOuokqeKlAzruHHd09nH8m4/s1600-h/empanadas+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317277658709147106" style="WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwtEopJCv4iO6MVx2xIQxqLYC5XN6m3NffOYQ7511KByKMaYG-525Wjye2qkwwoLebsNMD6rAB6QKA1kxbzpmN7lsJWERmsXvwiR7O23LezFOUBMqzopSVOuokqeKlAzruHHd09nH8m4/s400/empanadas+001.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and parsley and cook until onion is transparent (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat, transfer to medium-sized bowl, and allow to cool.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZVn7SfWrQ5Vu8M6Ka0YR351c-LJJgWNx1aZhPtVtqXCF0EjaTb0TGhbE9XZobQFFhL2VEQEDK1gNUvMuRpgeZYu9-WfRLe7QN_6lNQrgaG8DbVgIwCfvcNKrBAtbslwhmdFNYUg3Xl0/s1600-h/empanadas+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317277661257320274" style="WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZVn7SfWrQ5Vu8M6Ka0YR351c-LJJgWNx1aZhPtVtqXCF0EjaTb0TGhbE9XZobQFFhL2VEQEDK1gNUvMuRpgeZYu9-WfRLe7QN_6lNQrgaG8DbVgIwCfvcNKrBAtbslwhmdFNYUg3Xl0/s400/empanadas+002.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Add the ham, bread crumbs, cheese <em>(I used Cheddar Jack),</em> sour cream, egg, and pinch of black pepper to the bowl, and mix well. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqMVMuy5ff5QeGG_eDoJcDA1nvxSsGnfssVKjAGjgaRNsViVKH7oNkry-e9qTQyrZTeGFp_qJHR07Sj43E9y4CiTHWGCGtS-w_qA2mtm6to8OomMDAmPSPfkKhkNDnFivBYKR0WE8SxU/s1600-h/empanadas+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317278447366913010" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqMVMuy5ff5QeGG_eDoJcDA1nvxSsGnfssVKjAGjgaRNsViVKH7oNkry-e9qTQyrZTeGFp_qJHR07Sj43E9y4CiTHWGCGtS-w_qA2mtm6to8OomMDAmPSPfkKhkNDnFivBYKR0WE8SxU/s200/empanadas+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OFDb77LROrlzoX3mZ0P_XJxsbiTAfBCCljNx5po7lH5-VULfOSdmkGENzYSQqwohlgVZZPpNKmOofOdjbNy7oqoij5qcs8qEQzCZ5Xd1L-ocelBAsQidc7kkg81mxIhsToOlwVdcsfk/s1600-h/empanadas+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317278461031024258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OFDb77LROrlzoX3mZ0P_XJxsbiTAfBCCljNx5po7lH5-VULfOSdmkGENzYSQqwohlgVZZPpNKmOofOdjbNy7oqoij5qcs8qEQzCZ5Xd1L-ocelBAsQidc7kkg81mxIhsToOlwVdcsfk/s200/empanadas+004.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>(To make the empanada wrapper, I cut each sheet of Pepperidge Farm puff pasty dough into 4 equal squares)</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center">Place 2 heaping tablespoons of filling in center of wrapper and lightly moisten the edge with the egg wash. Fold the pastry in half and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork dipped in flour and pierce the top with fork to allow steam to escape. Repeat with remaining pastry/filling, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb5np1WZUvVeg9zT5S9oxipysE2RohyphenhyphenA2PR0vK_Fh7nlrBn9ZWpWr8AsyzmuT3La5fwD0xAZiW4v80kCZ2MmeQURYMp6ADP9fWMr5d-l_-XjwOXzi9SgIXMb6UC-CDuk8gbQP0ppG8nc/s1600-h/empanadas+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317279568950759874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb5np1WZUvVeg9zT5S9oxipysE2RohyphenhyphenA2PR0vK_Fh7nlrBn9ZWpWr8AsyzmuT3La5fwD0xAZiW4v80kCZ2MmeQURYMp6ADP9fWMr5d-l_-XjwOXzi9SgIXMb6UC-CDuk8gbQP0ppG8nc/s400/empanadas+006.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Heat oven to 375. Brush the empanadas with the remaining egg wash and bake them on a parchment-lined baking seet on the upper oven rack until golden (About 20-25 minutes). Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><em>Randi's Notes:</em></strong></div><ul><li><div align="left">-Although I purchased 2 boxes of the puff pastry as called for in the recipe, I decided to only make half the recipe. One box contains 2 sheets of pastry, and I cut each sheet into 4 squares...therefore, half the recipe yielded 8 empanadas. This was enough to feed my husband, myself, and both girls, with 2 1/2 left over, and we were stuffed!</div></li><li><div align="left">-According to the recipe, these can be frozen and baked later. Simply place the unbaked (and un-egg washed) empanadas on wax paper-lined baking sheets and freeze (then stack in sealable bags/containers in freezer). When you are ready to bake them, just egg wash and pop in the oven, increasing the baking time by 15 minutes.</div></li><li><div align="left">-Leftover filling is really yummy in omelets or scrambled eggs!!</div></li><li><div align="left">-There was so much "mmmm-ing" going on at the table, I couldn't hear anything else. -These would be insanely good for a party, especially since you can make them ahead and they look so darn fancy.</div></li></ul>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-37627949027312809452009-03-21T00:26:00.002-05:002009-03-21T00:39:09.085-05:00Be still, my heart<div align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/51/92/02/0002519202226_500X500.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Wow...I am such a dork. I just returned from the "Nerd Night Special" release of <em>Twilight</em> on DVD. There were waaaay too many little kids at Walmart, considering it was midnight. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now the dilemma: I just paid $17 for the single-disc DVD, but I see you can get the special edition 2-disc on Walmart.com for .97 more! I am torn because I don't feel like waiting 2 weeks for "Site to Store" delivery...I want to go watch it NOW. *sigh* Oh well, I own 3 different versions of "Rocky Horror Picture Show", so what's the difference? ☺</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Happy (extremely early) Saturday, everyone!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">ps...All of my chenille animals sold within a day of listing! WOOT!!</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-91180843315378121762009-03-18T15:34:00.003-05:002009-03-19T17:26:25.921-05:00Pom-pom Head<div align="center"><em>*Update* I have listed the Bunny-girl and white dog in <a href="http://www.squishycutestuff.etsy.com/">my Etsy shop </a> now! </em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguryaQzLFDy-s64gp4q8PmW8BSaBePn8oAktLmARCQQiDK-pKDkVxlzvKEWSUpcQPmXzYlZHakK8krT4cFVWrSKbJCWGJ2EZrbMjPoOciAqz3zBOODXL6oowsUIUbVe0t70jy9mI9pABw/s1600-h/bunny+pom+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314629377276746866" style="WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguryaQzLFDy-s64gp4q8PmW8BSaBePn8oAktLmARCQQiDK-pKDkVxlzvKEWSUpcQPmXzYlZHakK8krT4cFVWrSKbJCWGJ2EZrbMjPoOciAqz3zBOODXL6oowsUIUbVe0t70jy9mI9pABw/s400/bunny+pom+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Here is a little "Pom-pom Head" I made yesterday afternoon while watching <em>Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist</em>. This is another technique from the craft book, but I embellished it to make it "squishified." </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The body/ears are made from pipe-cleaners, and the head is a handmade pom-pom created from 100% cotton yarn. I think she turned out really cute!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It is my intention to get the dogs and puppies listed either tonight or tomorrow afternoon. I may go ahead and list this bunny, or I might make a handful of them and list next week. I haven't decided ☺</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We are off to my parent's new house soon so that my husband can with the finishing touches...I am bringing supper, so I better go check on the apple-crumb pie in the oven! </div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-73931924271018567052009-03-16T14:49:00.004-05:002009-03-16T15:04:55.885-05:00Jewel-tone Puppies<div align="center">My pipe-cleaner spree continues! This particular pattern of dog is my favorite to make, so I sat at my mom's one boring Sunday and cranked these "little puppies" out. I am crazy for these curly chenille stems, which don't really resemble normal pipe-cleaners at all! I think the results is very cute and somewhat vintage-inspired. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw28QZO_P3tQh3UnpCMFvGXJB0c0KnQo8w_64yfDnWT1UGeg0LH7BU92fvWLsfQllkurit5bH6ZA8k5OUNHAb0pz_P1_2SjPANY4bwdj-ljuwq7Ui8YTR6ppJKKdpTgXxH7R8sKLLEf4/s1600-h/dogs+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313875802765654034" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw28QZO_P3tQh3UnpCMFvGXJB0c0KnQo8w_64yfDnWT1UGeg0LH7BU92fvWLsfQllkurit5bH6ZA8k5OUNHAb0pz_P1_2SjPANY4bwdj-ljuwq7Ui8YTR6ppJKKdpTgXxH7R8sKLLEf4/s400/dogs+002.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here is a curly black dog (you decide the breed!). I made the collars out of vinyl fabric, and on these particular ones I attached a tiny little bell...so you can hear if he tries to scamper off.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeqkVxD1Je3v1N8wQgqeiR9BBvPgtSZXjBG5jJIYNC2NpTgORlq8gJnd9sqSjBxFv68je2Yfmi6GLSU9DPkQADecXVEN0EzOoxPdmMh3eZHbbuCGNT1tqHbKXkzEs2gsppiMauseFozA/s1600-h/dogs+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313875815886743362" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeqkVxD1Je3v1N8wQgqeiR9BBvPgtSZXjBG5jJIYNC2NpTgORlq8gJnd9sqSjBxFv68je2Yfmi6GLSU9DPkQADecXVEN0EzOoxPdmMh3eZHbbuCGNT1tqHbKXkzEs2gsppiMauseFozA/s400/dogs+009.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">...and here is the white version with a contrasting black collar. I added a little gold grommet for some detail.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf51wTJqlNWT22Lm1rX2mbwOUHwF-KbNmNIP1UapHRUbcxo1J1xRy8SuVHBXbwcE7JirM4toklyn88loDrqQ8xL9L8JqjmTyUxFjMUiaeOw44QrzryspVDTcR623X053EQvq07Vmwpbc/s1600-h/dogs+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313875789295399570" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf51wTJqlNWT22Lm1rX2mbwOUHwF-KbNmNIP1UapHRUbcxo1J1xRy8SuVHBXbwcE7JirM4toklyn88loDrqQ8xL9L8JqjmTyUxFjMUiaeOw44QrzryspVDTcR623X053EQvq07Vmwpbc/s400/dogs+023.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Last but not least, I made a litter of multi-colored puppies! Rumor has it that their mother only ate Jelly Belly's while she was expecting... They are somewhat smaller/shorter than the black/white dogs, but they make up for size with personality. Each has a little black collar with coordinating grommet details.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I think that these dogs (or any of the chenille animals) would make great little ornaments, shelf-sitters, or {adult} dollhouse decorations. You could stick them on a piece of dowel to make a floral pik, or just use as a gift package decoration. I have given a few away already, and people LOVE them! I need to work on photos, etc. and then I hope to have them in my etsy shop no later than Wednesday. What do you all think? </div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-12061772089288242592009-03-11T13:36:00.008-05:002009-03-11T14:53:10.915-05:00Sweet as pie<div align="center">On Friday, Brianna and I took a little "Mommy and Me" shopping trip to run multiple errands. On the way out of Burlington, we stopped at this grocery store called "Fareway." Is this a chain or just something local? Anyway, it seems to be a fairly old store, but in a way that was refreshing! The meat counter had actual butchers (about 5 or 6 of them) in aprons and paper hats taking orders. We just don't have that around here anymore. Plus, the strawberries that were on sale had been hand-wrapped in those cute little plastic berry-baskets (as opposed to the pre-weighed clamshells at my usual grocery stores.) I walked out with 20 lbs. of chicken leg-quarters, 3.5 lbs of strawberries, and a dozen eggs....and it all cost me $12!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYR3P6TQ8ATtXGyii2f_tvDE4uwGRaywE9jR27BO9c6TWzx8vmejSQocht0WbcqxTnWjewt5lyhBxiLYdo_A5Wzwar9wTU_b4TQcvfrgGPL1N-Di64uRrLVYi5Spxzqa5Bvv-sFZciGA/s1600-h/strawberries+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312014329781129074" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYR3P6TQ8ATtXGyii2f_tvDE4uwGRaywE9jR27BO9c6TWzx8vmejSQocht0WbcqxTnWjewt5lyhBxiLYdo_A5Wzwar9wTU_b4TQcvfrgGPL1N-Di64uRrLVYi5Spxzqa5Bvv-sFZciGA/s400/strawberries+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />With the hints of Spring-like weather inspiring me, I decided to make a favorite: strawberry pie! My husband's family's recipe is so super-simple.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lw1wNv5oLEzau1ySj0vmdwaa_gMSHZFW1noAKyF0Zwu_aAL_hVxWZ3Q4z6Z9DRUFY7XRhjiLasQ0lN0ROgDoXc9EBHl4hn1w7_fYhqYHamNdaGJ3N40oFQlsdS0fB_ARejAQ9uvoy8/s1600-h/pipecleaners+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312008901310647650" style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lw1wNv5oLEzau1ySj0vmdwaa_gMSHZFW1noAKyF0Zwu_aAL_hVxWZ3Q4z6Z9DRUFY7XRhjiLasQ0lN0ROgDoXc9EBHl4hn1w7_fYhqYHamNdaGJ3N40oFQlsdS0fB_ARejAQ9uvoy8/s400/pipecleaners+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />First, you will need to bake yourself a single pie crust. Homemade or store-bought, it doesn't really matter. I prefer Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pate-brisee-pie-dough?autonomy_kw=pate%20brisee&rsc=header_2">pate brisee </a>recipe because I can whirl it up pretty easily and fast in the food processor. (How do you like my f.p? It was the Christmas present from hubby, and in the special "Martha" color of my kitchen, just for Macy's!) In a pinch, you can also use a graham cracker crust.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2TJqHDvOLTc6Amx1BUeRVAFpvz-jEHoWG-B0esOWCKV-ts0BD_0al2NoTsgrk6Tuo5t2pOsrT_rToMGPI9VSycW7kEEgq_qkNnZpU2f4pbcV_SknvMuKYZaF6xk-GycXI040UXYKLJc/s1600-h/pipecleaners+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312011292340302530" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2TJqHDvOLTc6Amx1BUeRVAFpvz-jEHoWG-B0esOWCKV-ts0BD_0al2NoTsgrk6Tuo5t2pOsrT_rToMGPI9VSycW7kEEgq_qkNnZpU2f4pbcV_SknvMuKYZaF6xk-GycXI040UXYKLJc/s200/pipecleaners+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">For the filling, you combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 3 Tablespoons cornstarch in a saucepot. I like to make a "slurry" with the cornstarch and a little of the water and then add, which helps to decreased the lumpiness. Cook and stir over medium heat until it becomes clear, thick, and bubbly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1e8BLyMIKc80DX1Ot42EAwVSx0aLfuPlRWUjXwFnoci066rEi3UcgdUw37K0wO9uVzmgz4ZFCGK7IVK4lRe5Q8NwI-5O2zDfCT1m2pLIqdg9DdXJPIdgHXXUUGXauUOpBhpqNBOBAeU/s1600-h/pipecleaners+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312011298525731346" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1e8BLyMIKc80DX1Ot42EAwVSx0aLfuPlRWUjXwFnoci066rEi3UcgdUw37K0wO9uVzmgz4ZFCGK7IVK4lRe5Q8NwI-5O2zDfCT1m2pLIqdg9DdXJPIdgHXXUUGXauUOpBhpqNBOBAeU/s200/pipecleaners+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEh4-duU08lsFdQV91VBNaVSrWhXAkbJtTZS6SgOixM26-m-Y04E6GL8TE33x3-2EbyxrDj0dRSnJhRDIf4NXEjR9U2L2d6Fb6234b2ttjaZvrhRLhkcKRPmlwNrJutMYMCoVnYet770/s1600-h/pipecleaners+012.JPG"></a>Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup of strawberry jello powder. Allow to cool.<br /><em>( I believe this is a little bit less than one of the small boxes contains. Most of the time, I have a large box on hand that I measure from for the sole purpose of making pie. I found that you can also subsitute one small box of sugar-free jello in place of the 1/4 cup.)</em><a> </a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Add 1 quart of sliced strawberries to the cooled sauce, then pour filling into the cooled, baked crust. Cover and refrigerate until set, then enjoy!<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK6JAU3VYiUdED9u_bS8b9_URSJqzvU3g1R0A-0jsTnpKBZV-bYbOaDNegwMVCHcfGuQiKqjnTAvro36FxBaqcHNSX_32fVUTO4mnjLTrFOip2Ls2UU6nd9gAMvrAnRC4077KUnu9Nbo/s1600-h/pipecleaners+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312008897712739570" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK6JAU3VYiUdED9u_bS8b9_URSJqzvU3g1R0A-0jsTnpKBZV-bYbOaDNegwMVCHcfGuQiKqjnTAvro36FxBaqcHNSX_32fVUTO4mnjLTrFOip2Ls2UU6nd9gAMvrAnRC4077KUnu9Nbo/s400/pipecleaners+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><a><br /></a>This recipe is always a favorite in our house. We also make a killer raspberry pie by substituting raspberries and raspberry jello! Yum yum... where's the Cool Whip?</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-15301911636780893652009-03-06T20:55:00.008-06:002009-03-06T21:31:16.415-06:00Pipe Cleaning<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia361ieC0gH0gXqnDDjVlONfEAEWIqSU30RX0L8hKUmbqLpTahyphenhyphensJF4i2yrmVNrDVktIIMkTg-hGyUmkTiFCymRjB5MRekSMboz8y8q-MM2FhlSqmuBdp0pyECAyumC6RPH8oiPMmOb-I/s1600-h/puppy+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310278265040681762" style="WIDTH: 367px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia361ieC0gH0gXqnDDjVlONfEAEWIqSU30RX0L8hKUmbqLpTahyphenhyphensJF4i2yrmVNrDVktIIMkTg-hGyUmkTiFCymRjB5MRekSMboz8y8q-MM2FhlSqmuBdp0pyECAyumC6RPH8oiPMmOb-I/s400/puppy+008.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><em></em><p align="center"><em>(A little pipe cleaner teddy bear, which was the companion to the doll I sent to Bunzi in our trade)</em></p><p align="center">I am still tinkering with making my own "light tent" to help take better pictures of some small things. Have any of you ever done this? I am following <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent">this tutorial </a>. I played with it this week, and now I have a few photos to show of my addictive, fun new hobby!</p><p align="center">This Japanese craft book I purchased on eBay from Hong Kong has some of the coolest ideas in it you have ever seen. The best thing is, it basically teaches you a variety of techniques, and you can really use your imagination to customize and create new animals and other creatures. Since I cannot read Japanese (is there anyone here who can??), I just have to follow the photos/diagrams. Here is a smattering of what I have done:</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310276717107892562" style="WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0D6VUaOTREb4-U-dEqpcn1hLO2acwK7UWLufpyAtu92_Ky2baW6XRH8jWATHqsfaCHJS5_XEcS0Oa3G552_yRdO0sKg2aZwxUIn-9VebKNYMPkBxjrqUVIff33gztsazLA3_MoN97Tc/s400/pipecleaners+001.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center">Mr. Owl (which Brianna swears is an eagle). It is hard to see in the photo, but he (and all of the rest) are very much 3-D and has a tail.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW6_iqPPE7qN1nnG_TSTiPogSX6j75nantmYJmCILeN1wTwlomaQcllI_9MUQ3V-3K1ZXoBOibdyC8DT2qVBoV0LAXkMd7cq7EUROaMaV1rmisaU3amcrjsrSlq4UMH0o1sl5bLtCX8o/s1600-h/pipecleaners+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310276708453730946" style="WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW6_iqPPE7qN1nnG_TSTiPogSX6j75nantmYJmCILeN1wTwlomaQcllI_9MUQ3V-3K1ZXoBOibdyC8DT2qVBoV0LAXkMd7cq7EUROaMaV1rmisaU3amcrjsrSlq4UMH0o1sl5bLtCX8o/s400/pipecleaners+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are actually two different designs for "bear"; this one is supposed to be more of a real bear/animal, while the one I made Bunzi is a toy/teddy.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWHwiH3Swcja9X79Fz-fhpjiCCg_Xv_nfz8eNEVcCyBwWnLsPtZ1wK9bXRPgDgGyPRHssmoYn0tMzJo6ldWgECNm9-xdnFOh3TAtyARjC-tGdOiWM4KBwxFvI-o2JA_qJIZktgzH732Q/s1600-h/pipecleaners+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310276707041458306" style="WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWHwiH3Swcja9X79Fz-fhpjiCCg_Xv_nfz8eNEVcCyBwWnLsPtZ1wK9bXRPgDgGyPRHssmoYn0tMzJo6ldWgECNm9-xdnFOh3TAtyARjC-tGdOiWM4KBwxFvI-o2JA_qJIZktgzH732Q/s400/pipecleaners+004.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWHwiH3Swcja9X79Fz-fhpjiCCg_Xv_nfz8eNEVcCyBwWnLsPtZ1wK9bXRPgDgGyPRHssmoYn0tMzJo6ldWgECNm9-xdnFOh3TAtyARjC-tGdOiWM4KBwxFvI-o2JA_qJIZktgzH732Q/s1600-h/pipecleaners+004.JPG"></a><p align="center">Brianna was me for a chicken to go with the little Easter chenille chicks that I have, so this is what I did during naptime. Can you say bribe?? He is a little ratty-looking around the feathers, as he has been handled by small hands quite a bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7Snpo1VGZF9kp923YP9hmmz8aOck64fallnst4mFB2Ooi4eJNRM4yn0kAicys-zDKFhTQs60jPGEmwF8mAdh-LLcDNIW5fJXcHSerG30awNNu2kKoTwJ_7t5t7jtU0P-YfEH7FY5OqY/s1600-h/pipecleaners+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310276697559943378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7Snpo1VGZF9kp923YP9hmmz8aOck64fallnst4mFB2Ooi4eJNRM4yn0kAicys-zDKFhTQs60jPGEmwF8mAdh-LLcDNIW5fJXcHSerG30awNNu2kKoTwJ_7t5t7jtU0P-YfEH7FY5OqY/s400/pipecleaners+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mr. Fox is one that I definitely took some liberties with. In the example, he had a yellow stripe running down his tail! Now, we all know that <em>real </em>foxes have white (or black) tipped tails. As a side note, I had a pet arctic fox as a child from 6th grade until I was in college. I lived in Missouri, not Alaska ☺ I may have to do an all-white version and try to recreate him!<br /><br /> These are my practice ones. I have made about 15 different animals, so far. My favorites are the dogs, which I am getting quite good at. I need to take some photos of them, but I have given them all away! Good thing I stocked up on thousands of pipe cleaners from Hobby Lobby. I have been looking for a low-ticket item for my Etsy shop... do you think these would be something you, personally, would buy? I'd love the input!<br /><br />Have a great weekend, everyone!<br /></p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-3131110257987383972009-03-04T21:40:00.007-06:002009-03-04T22:07:57.634-06:00Cupcakes by candlelight<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZUMVI42I-1XXvrc-O16rWgfbZ5mNNoUEVVpfo_sdbfBXomdWLV9g4LYuQBlyb7hyphenhyphen9EkiQu1cpvDzkDa6GUIcaCKvBEonqBsytBnbqHPy425E5PvVm4NiYc3IuSjRhw9fFaNM5ETcwR4/s1600-h/cupcake+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309543903295296626" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZUMVI42I-1XXvrc-O16rWgfbZ5mNNoUEVVpfo_sdbfBXomdWLV9g4LYuQBlyb7hyphenhyphen9EkiQu1cpvDzkDa6GUIcaCKvBEonqBsytBnbqHPy425E5PvVm4NiYc3IuSjRhw9fFaNM5ETcwR4/s400/cupcake+001.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">When I go to get Brianna from preschool, I usually arrive about 10 minutes early. It is a great time to flip through a magazine or read a chapter for a few moments. If anyone is a cupcake lover, you better go grab the current issue of Martha Stewart Living before it gets replaced with the newest one! There are some really insanely-good recipes in there (and awesome decorating inspirations). I used up some ripe bananas and made these cupcakes from one of the recipes. They turned out so nice and round, and moist enough that I am not even going to bother with frosting. The candle... well, it was just a nice touch. It is "spring" scented, and lighting it made me a little happier.<br /><br />I really apologize because I am just feeling super-guilty about all of the things I have been meaning to post and haven't gotten around to doing. Heck, I just now updated my anti-virus software...only 247 days after expiration! I have participated in some fun trades (which you might have read about <a href="http://mushroommeadows.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-pick-you.html">here </a>and <a href="http://bunnycreates.blogspot.com/">here </a>. I also won a <a href="http://kirascraftylife.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-give-away-winner.html">giveaway </a>! That was really cool and unexpected. I will definitely speak more about those things later. And my Hong Kong eBay purchase? It was a special, rare craft book. So, let's just say I have to make a Hobby Lobby run tomorrow because PIPE CLEANERS are half off this week!! I have piles of little creations that I have been trying to photograph, for your viewing pleasure ☺</p><p align="center"><br />Again, I am trying to rearrange my time (and manage it a bit better) to get some stuff done and spend more quality time with the girls, puppy...AND Daddy, too. I have so much to do and so much that I want to do (ie. sew!!) that tends to get shoved to the side. Send me your prayers/good vibes/etc. to help me...because I need all the help I can get!</p><p align="center">♥♥♥<br /></p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-65398211501293747132009-02-27T13:45:00.003-06:002009-02-27T13:50:53.794-06:00Sweet Deal<p align="center"><a href="http://blog.dairyqueen.com/wp-content/images/sweet_deals2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px" alt="" src="http://blog.dairyqueen.com/wp-content/images/sweet_deals2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">If DQ would give me a free "Sweet Deal" meal, I would clean out their ice cream machines (...with my tongue...) for a week. They would be spotless, I promise!<br /><br />If you would like to participate in this fun little venture on your own blog, check out <a href="http://blog.dairyqueen.com/2009/02/25/dq-sweet-deals">the details here </a>.</p><p align="center">Happy Friday!<br /><br /><br /></p>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7820153210076670072.post-713412794247016902009-02-24T22:21:00.006-06:002009-02-25T10:02:33.112-06:00Paula's Chicken Cacciatore<div align="center">When I didn't think my life could get any nuttier, we go and throw a puppy in the mix! Don't get me wrong, it is a VERY good thing. It has been almost 13 years since Muffin died, and I forgot how nice it is to have a furry, adoring little buddy to cuddle with. Brianna's school, Bella's potty-training, home renovations, and puppy care have me so far behind at home. It is going to take me hours to get this laundry caught up! I wish there were more hours in the day because I have so many pics, etc. to share with you.<br /><br />On my <a href="http://ellasoldfashionedmomma.blogspot.com/">friend Paula's blog </a>, she posted a really easy and delicious recipe that I would like to share with you all. It is something I had never made before but always intended to. All the ingredients were in my pantry, and it took no time to throw together.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Chicken Cacciatore</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">3lb chicken pieces</div><div align="center">1 onion, chopped</div><div align="center">2 cloves garlic, minced </div><div align="center">salt & pepper, to taste</div><div align="center">28oz stewed tomatoes </div><div align="center">28 oz tomato sauce</div><div align="center">1/4 cup red wine (<em>I substituted beef stock)</em></div><div align="center">1/4 tsp thyme</div><div align="center">1 bay leaf</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsxpD-SPuNADnvs14-5IUcygLthVP-bBRjcC4WfronGxT1MalwuHV_2CXvByO07wycdfdAzT-3fo64A87f6G2cT3704nofm0h0GiS8goGKFnWC026dcTlcgVivXnxnmYDoQsU7zWks7A/s1600-h/puppy+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306588219546851874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsxpD-SPuNADnvs14-5IUcygLthVP-bBRjcC4WfronGxT1MalwuHV_2CXvByO07wycdfdAzT-3fo64A87f6G2cT3704nofm0h0GiS8goGKFnWC026dcTlcgVivXnxnmYDoQsU7zWks7A/s400/puppy+012.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">I happened to have 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs in my freezer that needed to be used up, so I only made half a recipe. I seasoned them up with s&p and browned them in a bit of olive oil in my enameled cast iron dutch oven. While the 2nd side was browning, I did go ahead and throw the onion and garlic in so they could carmelize a little bit.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG-wejVhqgyXEhcJmOS3qzlqcMRRI3Sj3bKJ0exZHFawsvbLeHThwxUjuantR8Q4a5gkNOkLQZgPGfajBZW96elIlgnXTC68kdPhr6uBGOPB4kF_pFnqQWinJuj2p6oCXMpdiDIFrl7s/s1600-h/puppy+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306588228525100930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG-wejVhqgyXEhcJmOS3qzlqcMRRI3Sj3bKJ0exZHFawsvbLeHThwxUjuantR8Q4a5gkNOkLQZgPGfajBZW96elIlgnXTC68kdPhr6uBGOPB4kF_pFnqQWinJuj2p6oCXMpdiDIFrl7s/s400/puppy+014.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">From that point on, you just throw in the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer away! Paula was so right... it smells AMAZING as it cooks.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOAirCKVF3BXnag44MqxFBb0VRXAAHMmSSmgCTsjOOEF3IT4Up09uSxNfQIg8QKufwMLo2nWZkoEkDGSujvWja-itJa1j2RODtgFqilLJK8FJRHH4eUK311g0Hahsi_RZWBeVNzcrdcE/s1600-h/puppy+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306588229992061234" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOAirCKVF3BXnag44MqxFBb0VRXAAHMmSSmgCTsjOOEF3IT4Up09uSxNfQIg8QKufwMLo2nWZkoEkDGSujvWja-itJa1j2RODtgFqilLJK8FJRHH4eUK311g0Hahsi_RZWBeVNzcrdcE/s400/puppy+018.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">I served it up they way she suggested, with some roasted potatoes and toasted French bread. I think it would be good on top of rice or noodles, also. There was leftover sauce after we ate all of the chicken, which I saved and tossed with some cooked shell pasta. The girls really loved that for their lunch (and so did I ☺).</div>SquishyCuteStuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689565790782982506noreply@blogger.com4