tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22924335274103588052024-03-13T15:26:20.041-04:00My Life As MomI'm a lucky mama, with an amazing husband that lets me stay at home with our little boy. I have found that the internet has really helped with everyday life. I wanted to start my own blog to share with other busy women ways to make life just a little easier! From DIY tips to tricks of raising the little ones, from decorating ideas to that Friday night cocktail we deserve. I look forward to sharing & hearing from you!Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-20043675800758051972018-04-04T11:51:00.001-04:002018-04-04T11:51:41.921-04:00The Emotional Rollercoaster of Buying a House<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been 29 days since we put in our offer </div>
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for our very first house. </div>
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It has been the LONGEST 29 days of my life!</div>
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The only thing almost as bad as your offer not being accepted, is your appraisal not coming in where you need it. After getting over many hurdles, the house is ours. That being said, I am still not sure when we are going to get those keys in our hands. <br />
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Those that know me know that I have little patience & can be a bit of a loose cannon when I lose my crap! I am not a fan of the unknown, I am a planner. My notebook is never far with my many lists to attempt to keep it together. So not knowing what day we can get the carpets cleaned or what day to get the moving truck, is making Mel a little crazy to say the least. Much to my surprise, I am hanging in there quite well.<br />
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All I can do is keep on packing & purging.</div>
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But not today. I decided today I am going to spend some much needed Pinterest time. I am gonna enjoy my greek salad & ONE soup while I surf the web for decorating ideas & ways to make moving easier. My brain needs a break!<br />
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-89466262629133771182018-03-22T13:37:00.001-04:002018-03-22T13:37:26.531-04:00Almost Home Sweet Home<div style="text-align: center;">
We are finally making the biggest purchase of our lives</div>
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<u>Our very first home!</u></div>
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Boy did I forget how much work it is to pack up ALL of your belongings and move them into somewhere new. </div>
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From the time I turned 22, I moved A LOT! </div>
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At first I lived with my mom & that was great. I still got home cooked meals and I could come & go as I wanted. We were like roommates. That may sound great in theory until you come home & your mom has "company". And her friend has ran to the wrong bedroom! We can all laugh about this now. To this day, all I have to say is "tighty blackies" and she turns beet red. </div>
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I am awful, I know this</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hee Hee...</span></div>
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Once I started dating my husband, we lived together on & off for the first 3 years we were together. My hubby lived with the motto "If it can't fit in my car, I'm not taking it". I am the exact opposite. I still have a tote of stuff from grade school & high school. </div>
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It's funny how we ended up in our current apartment that we are leaving. My husbands friends from his 20's just rotated here. Finally he moved in with 2 other guys before we moved down the street. A year & a half later the roommates were gone. The landlords had fixed the destroyed "Frat House" and we moved in. </div>
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That was 13 years ago, almost to the day that we will be leaving.</div>
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We have accumulated lots of stuff. </div>
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More importantly we have accumulated many more memories here in our sweet 3 bedroom, second floor apartment. </div>
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We've celebrated Birthdays, grieved loss & welcomed life.</div>
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The end of an Era</div>
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The beginning of suburban life</div>
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Now back to shredding I will go</div>
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Before I start to cry, lol !!!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-36987851774595257352018-03-22T13:04:00.002-04:002018-03-22T13:04:37.570-04:00We All Need A Break Sometimes....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's my favorite time of year.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">GIRLS WEEKEND!!!!</span></div>
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That 1 weekend can relieve a whole year of stress. </div>
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Someone should have been a little more honest about this </div>
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"Adulting" thing!</div>
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Don't get me wrong, I love my family. </div>
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There's just NOTHING like being with your girlfriends </div>
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enjoying each other's company. </div>
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No agendas for the weekend. Let's be honest, most of us spend our day running around. Whether it's work, the grocery store, carting kids around, it's nice to sit still for a bit. There are no kids, husbands or bosses demanding a snack or a report due by the end of the day. Our weekend is mostly spent at our house enjoying doing nothing. Read a book, unwind in the hot tub, watch a movie. As usual, Magic Mike will be on repeat for our viewing pleasure! It's our time, we should do what we want.<br />
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Two years ago we decided to add a craft. </div>
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We bedazzled wine glasses. </div>
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It was nice to just sit down for an hour </div>
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& make your own glass. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Plus it was a cute keepsake to remember our weekend.</span></div>
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Time is no object at Girls Weekend. Naps are encouraged & sometimes necessary. Especially if you are used to waking up early. If it's noon & you are sleepy, find a cozy spot & snooze away. Dreams are so much better on vacation. And it's 5 o'clock somewhere so if you want a bloody mary or mimosa for breakfast, DO IT! </div>
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You deserve it!</div>
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Everyone brings a dish so no cooking if you choose. Eating is a big part of our weekend. The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. Even if it's just your home for a weekend. We usually have a nice kitchen so some girls enjoy actually having the time to make that dish that they may not have the time for at home. </div>
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No designated drivers needed for Girls Weekend! Shots, drinks & even a boozy dessert.</div>
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As long as you can get to your designated sleeping spot, </div>
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you've done enough! </div>
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Need to crawl? No judgement here! </div>
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We just ask that if you "party" too much, </div>
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make it to the trash or the toilet! </div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-3436518635651327752017-02-20T10:19:00.000-05:002017-02-20T10:19:10.365-05:00Checked that 40+ boxI've been 40 for less than 2 weeks. Do I feel different? Maybe a little, but in a good way.<br />
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I had an amazing Birthday week! Even though I DO have to share it with my son, his is the day before mine. We had a quick snow storm which ended in a snow day. Watching my kiddo sled ride was great, but I learned he is not good at sharing our Birthday week, lol.<br />
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A group of my friends & family went out Saturday night. You know you are old when you have to drive to another county just to listen to music you WANT to hear! Started our evening at that place with those sammiches with fries & coleslaw. Then we went to a casino with a "club" in the middle. They played music from my 20's & I was in heaven! I had a lot of special guests that surprised me. I felt extremely blessed. Some people I haven't seen in a long time. <br />
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This made me start to think about turning 40 & my friendships. Over the years some have been strained, I have become closer with people that I wasn't expecting & some I haven't skipped a beat with. Hopefully some of those strained friendships can be repaired. Life happens & everyone goes through different things. We just need to learn how to be there for each other!<br />
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And today as I made my "To Do" list for the week, I made sure that planning our Girls Weekend 2017 was at the top of my list. We all need a break from real life & lucky for me, I get to plan it! <br />
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Time to enjoy the day....right after some Pilates!<br />
Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-86561130247760850612017-01-13T10:14:00.002-05:002017-01-13T10:14:51.216-05:00The Big 40......$h!t Just Got Real.2017 is here, the year I turn 40. Who the hell let that happen??? Sorry for the cussing, but SERIOUSLY??? I can still remember the year my MOM turned 40, the same year I turned 21. That is a story for another day. Hee, hee.<br />
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My best friend & I have been making plans for this year since our 30th Birthdays. We went through it all the last 10 years. From divorce to weddings & from babies to graduations, we have definitely done some growing in our 30's. Our life lessons may have been very different, but we survived & are both in happy places. I married an amazing man who has let me quit my job & raise our soon to be 6 year old son. And my BF is re-married to a man she has been crushing on for 20+ years & between them they have quite a few kids & even grand-babies. Their family has so much love & many years of memories. We feel very lucky!<br />
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Yesterday was a real kick start to my 40's. Started out with a 3 hour drive around a 10 mile radius looking for houses. Talk about "Shit getting real"!!! (Sorry again. It's one of those days.) We did manage to look at one we liked. A few things I'd change, but it would be ours! After renting since I moved out of my parents, I am looking forward to having our own house.<br />
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Later on I went to pick out eye glasses. After wearing the same super glued glasses for the last 10 years, I finally got some super cute ones. And from the sounds of it, I got one heck of a deal! I was choosing those glasses like I would never get another pair in my life. Kinda how I was feeling while looking at houses. Ugh....adulting!<br />
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Each new decade that creeps up on us, Charity (my BF) and I try to come up with sort of a "motto" for the next 10 years. Our 30's we didn't care about keeping quiet. Yeah...that ended in some estranged friendships, but who knows what our 40's shall bring. I am hopeful!<br />
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I think that in my 40's I will try to relax & not let the little things get to me. With all the sadness in the world right now, I need to care more about my life & those in it. I need to stop letting the little things get to me. Like my next door neighbors who keep messing up the grass in front of my apartment building with their cars. Or the idiot riding my bumper because they are obviously in a hurry. Or me not blogging because I don't have any cool recipes or something I crafted to share. <br />
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I think my 40's motto shall be "Who Cares" Oddly enough that is also a band my dad & his buddies made up in the teens. And yes, they still jam out to some Classic Rock in my dad's basement, lol.<br />
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So no New Years Resolutions for me. I am going to just try to be a better, calmer ME in my 40's. Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-64833676675497840492016-09-01T10:36:00.000-04:002016-09-01T10:36:04.242-04:001st Day of Kindergarten. What do I do now???The last 5 & a half years with my little dude have been great. There were times when I wondered if being a stay at home mom (SAHM) was the right thing. It all comes down to this. Fingers crossed I did OK!<br />
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Here is my little guy's picture from this morning.</div>
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(Hope he's doing good!!!)</div>
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Being a SAHM has been great. I feel like I got to know my son & spend a lot of time with him. I was very lucky because most parents don't have the opportunity to do that these days. Trust me, we had to give up a lot & not do everything we wanted, but I wouldn't trade my time with him for anything. But now what?<br />
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Today is the first day of a whole new chapter for my family. I am excited to see what is next. I am looking forward to getting a part-time job & having some ME time. And some ME money, lol. Blogging more is another thing I am excited about. Trying to think with a 5 year old running around is hard enough. Then try to put your thoughts into words? HA! I cannot even finish a sentence half the time without being on to the next thing!<br />
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Starting today I will start figuring out our "New" normal is. Even more importantly, what is next for me? I have so many projects that went off to the side so I could be there for my kiddo. Everyday little things that got forgotten about. It's always something. But today is a new day!!!<br />
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With that being said, I am signing off to attempt at least one of those things on a very long "To Do" list! <br />
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Have a great day!Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-78153148048821090772016-03-29T14:04:00.000-04:002016-03-29T14:04:28.295-04:00Electronic Restrictions...for both of usMy son was over the moon when Santa brought him the Wii U he was dreaming of. Luckily "Santa" got it used for an amazing deal. Little did I know that he would have a total obsession with Super Mario Bros Smash Brothers. It has opened a whole new world of Donkey Kong & Pokemon that I was not prepared for. And don't get me started on YouTube. This kid has been looking up videos for everything.<br />
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This being said, I am guilty of being on social media on my phone entirely too much. I can use the excuse that I am using it for promoting my Party Lite business or sharing pictures of wreaths & bouquets that I made. Or maybe even looking for a recipe for dinner. But we all know that I am just scrolling down looking at nonsense that people are plastering all over their walls. <br />
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An old friend from High School took a hiatus from social media for Lent. Such a good idea! Not sure I could go cold turkey, but something she said really stuck with me. She felt like she was being a bad influence on her niece with her phone always in her hand. It mad me think about all the times I have been just sitting on my phone when I could be being present with the people around me. I also thought about the fact that we know far more about people than we need to. It's great to see pictures of folks & how they and their families have grown. But fights & personal business need to stay between the people it involves. <br />
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In the next few months I am going to make an effort to cut our time on electronics.<br />
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For me, less time on Social Media & more blogging. And for my son, we will be cutting his time on video games & YouTube videos. This means more crafts & books. Luckily my son loves crafting as much as his momma. I try to have craft time at least once a week. For Christmas I stocked him up with paints, wooden sticks, paper, glue. <br />
All the essentials for a good craft. <br />
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Summer is just around the corner. </div>
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We are going to make a little bucket list of all the adventures we will go on. </div>
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I am looking forward to it!</div>
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Enjoy your day!</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-25986067853362136712016-02-18T11:32:00.001-05:002016-02-18T11:32:55.030-05:00Salmon TacosYesterday I posted about my Salmon Tacos we had for dinner the other night. We had some salmon we hadn't cooked from our Valentine's Day dinner. My husband manages a restaurant, so we opt for eating at home most of the time. And I don't mind one bit! He's a great cook & he enjoys doing it.<br />
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<li>Salmon (no bones or skin)</li>
<li>Blacken seasoning</li>
<li>Tortilla shells</li>
<li>Toppings</li>
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<li>Pico De Gallo</li>
<li>Salsa</li>
<li>Lettuce</li>
<li>Tomato</li>
<li>Slaw</li>
<li>Cheese</li>
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Really, the possibilities are endless with toppings for tacos!</div>
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Grill the salmon over medium heat to medium or to your liking. </div>
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It should just flake apart. </div>
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We had shrimp & rice with our tacos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIVyWmNRBNbYdJMDtMZEtTs2kbgth2Ivg40iPpcSGfNjnJbCWs3flBKwpQfKSDf3JnnDKRf6SNF8Rx-umK852ZYHz2Tj6iBmov3lpAszYLZK9oh0AAMyvuHxDs9_yyiJMu1Jh97TcNzY/s1600/IMG_5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIVyWmNRBNbYdJMDtMZEtTs2kbgth2Ivg40iPpcSGfNjnJbCWs3flBKwpQfKSDf3JnnDKRf6SNF8Rx-umK852ZYHz2Tj6iBmov3lpAszYLZK9oh0AAMyvuHxDs9_yyiJMu1Jh97TcNzY/s320/IMG_5775.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This seasoning is AWESOME on shrimp!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWadRwwV1X2iwwizX3FECbsyl2KVt2y81k8zzHq3_8SUcvVZBHdGrNBNFU7ObXwWkz8_OUY8mJJh9SLOo2fOi2TF1N4lQOz-eDOPVaSjgaEq8dd8Eqyh43MGhrYHSxHUvpC-1h4VrDZ4/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWadRwwV1X2iwwizX3FECbsyl2KVt2y81k8zzHq3_8SUcvVZBHdGrNBNFU7ObXwWkz8_OUY8mJJh9SLOo2fOi2TF1N4lQOz-eDOPVaSjgaEq8dd8Eqyh43MGhrYHSxHUvpC-1h4VrDZ4/s320/IMG_5758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> My hubby decided to do his taco UP! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">There is salmon under all of those fixings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y5MKx8y-TzFAcuBRoAt-nD-0up3WZ0qVPZSwXxJWS9I_9aMmLSbX7S7GAfa9hplpcweg9-Wm_kRoHvoNXRXtIufY-rOGliKTad4Sxwoz1BEJhUjzp_U9LxZlBpPnN8KbqQDixEt8iu8/s1600/IMG_5759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y5MKx8y-TzFAcuBRoAt-nD-0up3WZ0qVPZSwXxJWS9I_9aMmLSbX7S7GAfa9hplpcweg9-Wm_kRoHvoNXRXtIufY-rOGliKTad4Sxwoz1BEJhUjzp_U9LxZlBpPnN8KbqQDixEt8iu8/s320/IMG_5759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I went simple. </div>
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I made fresh pico de gallo that day. </div>
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My favorite topping for any kind of fish taco!</div>
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I am off to make my Pineapple Salsa now. </div>
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I have some ripe avocados....I'm thinking guac too!</div>
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Enjoy the day!</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-33454582337217886012016-02-17T16:16:00.000-05:002016-02-17T16:23:48.500-05:00Silence is Golden & Seafood is Delicious<div style="text-align: center;">
Shhhhhh.....hear that? </div>
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NOPE me neither!</div>
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It's been three years since my kiddo has had a nap on the regular. Let's just say, it's been a long 3 years. Since starting pre-school 3 days a week for a few hours, they seem to be happening a bit more. Some weeks its 1 day, some it's 3 days. I will take what I can get. Today was an early day so somehow I convinced him to lay down on the air mattress while I enjoy some computer time. It took about 2 songs in & he was out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJgQb2CSbkxsbn_uAwR2JWvOp7qgKY9gJiGgXcPgqMGoJBrUZtIf732Uh3mMYKCY_d5y5gDP6H515Y47lQGlvWV7QeBGkD80AZ58YDqjcq07AlEPWr1Syp0_kHMgaZOftCeZ-rU-CV5M/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJgQb2CSbkxsbn_uAwR2JWvOp7qgKY9gJiGgXcPgqMGoJBrUZtIf732Uh3mMYKCY_d5y5gDP6H515Y47lQGlvWV7QeBGkD80AZ58YDqjcq07AlEPWr1Syp0_kHMgaZOftCeZ-rU-CV5M/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So instead of folding the towels I just brought up from the dryer, I will take a few minutes to myself & write. I am sitting here listening to Imogen Heap radio on Pandora with the soft, soothing voices, dreaming of the beach.<br />
Ahhhh, I am in my happy place.</div>
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Back to the my reality...<br />
The day after my 39th Birthday (that was hard to type, lol) the Lenten Season began. My hubby & I have been trying to make better eating choices. Personally, I cannot eat chicken & veggies EVERY day. Seafood & fish seem to be a happy medium My husband works in the Strip District of Pittsburgh & is a block away from an awesome fish market called Wholey's. It's something to see, let me tell ya. Lots of whole fish looking at ya, live lobsters and fish & lots of other seafood. Plus a whole meat department. <span style="text-align: center;">A foodies heaven! If you are ever in Pittsburgh, you gotta check it out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitS-RBEfcoFvuFmGkYHfm_oeLMWSo5ZCcKYlPM7Q2ehVoZBP_mikPpnQ7p6uRXxhpVG68zditsifIKX1OcA6Pk1kvf39x_yKziTl3nkuvN0ZFRnNWJG7-SzyuoQZ_BpVXpWANtdyJhIo/s1600/207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitS-RBEfcoFvuFmGkYHfm_oeLMWSo5ZCcKYlPM7Q2ehVoZBP_mikPpnQ7p6uRXxhpVG68zditsifIKX1OcA6Pk1kvf39x_yKziTl3nkuvN0ZFRnNWJG7-SzyuoQZ_BpVXpWANtdyJhIo/s320/207.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For Ash Wednesday, </div>
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We had Cajun Seafood Alfredo with shrimp & crab meat </div>
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(Don't tell anyone, it was the imitation stuff & still yummy)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCEDu6wPqWsTyUN7CgRXLycybntXyG1unTSOt3_ONDVCmJlBxS46aq2M5XbA9oC-sPrRGevajoaPmIi1MZGkbWVvrL2EIjTSCN5TWMhyEtyucAg3T6vvKboD25Wb4cXwTd7WllXIpLwo/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCEDu6wPqWsTyUN7CgRXLycybntXyG1unTSOt3_ONDVCmJlBxS46aq2M5XbA9oC-sPrRGevajoaPmIi1MZGkbWVvrL2EIjTSCN5TWMhyEtyucAg3T6vvKboD25Wb4cXwTd7WllXIpLwo/s320/IMG_5728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This past Friday was the first Friday of Lent & we were pretty boring. Cheese pizza from Costco. Delicious, but boring & not the best thing when trying to watch what you eat. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Now Valentines Day was a different story! We had some great blackened Salmon I grabbed from Costco. We had already had steak for dinner that week so more fish it was & I wasn't mad at all. I thought I took a picture but I didn't.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Apparently I was too hungry to Instagram my food for once. </span></div>
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My husbands taco My taco</div>
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That was not the case on Monday! </div>
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We had salmon that we hadn't cooked yet & some thawed out shrimp so tacos seemed perfect. </div>
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I stocked up on veggies that weekend & planned on making some pineapple salsa. (I will share that recipe next time. It's amazing!) Unfortunately the pineapple needed another day so I made some homemade pico de gallo. I don't know about you, but I would much rather have fresh anything!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qomO33mviFUz0G1mjYUDZ1x9sT4yv2tS50C610zWv80oyoR_htjzUB8hOh9pxBT3y2utycIj1T9Bfa7qI_mIsTeIrLAaOlm6op-KjnoHH3Hjpebk5pvDiOhAjazE5WabNiziekXWFGg/s1600/IMG_5768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qomO33mviFUz0G1mjYUDZ1x9sT4yv2tS50C610zWv80oyoR_htjzUB8hOh9pxBT3y2utycIj1T9Bfa7qI_mIsTeIrLAaOlm6op-KjnoHH3Hjpebk5pvDiOhAjazE5WabNiziekXWFGg/s320/IMG_5768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And today's lunch was brought to me by left over shrimp. </div>
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This Shrimp Caesar Salad was unexpectedly awesome!</div>
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Now that I have bored you long enough with my food intake, </div>
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time to get back to those towels that aren't gonna fold themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmGkLpmEQBmMmZEiFzQyKZmGRb0HFxA74ZbxeJJyV7MvTeqx0mHH5SOIHIpZZ0vRpU-OKsCxo0lM-u3HkuUUCvuTDgY8mUeGG8KmrX_aod_7mWh_AsOIvyldPKOxiVh7OzkrBlYzetR0/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmGkLpmEQBmMmZEiFzQyKZmGRb0HFxA74ZbxeJJyV7MvTeqx0mHH5SOIHIpZZ0vRpU-OKsCxo0lM-u3HkuUUCvuTDgY8mUeGG8KmrX_aod_7mWh_AsOIvyldPKOxiVh7OzkrBlYzetR0/s320/IMG_5773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember to give seafood a try this Lenten Season</div>
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and</div>
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Enjoy the day!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-41268486384486397342016-01-04T10:57:00.002-05:002016-02-17T16:17:55.637-05:00Here's to 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
With 2015 behind us (thank goodness) </div>
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I am looking forward to a year of change!</div>
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My husband has recently gotten a well deserved promotion & my best friend of 35 years got engaged over the holidays. And I am looking to start a new business venture that I am very excited about. So needless to say, we have lots to look forward to. <br />
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At the beginning of 2015 I vowed to myself that I would blog EVERY week. </div>
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HA! Easier said than done.</div>
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This year I am going to just concentrate on taking time for myself. With my almost 5 year old in pre-school 3 days a week for a few hours, I should be able to find a few minutes to myself. Whether I am writing a blog or taking a walk, I need some time for me. </div>
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I also am going to attempt to have better eating habits for my family. My husband schedule has always been all over the place. Now we will actually be able to sit down & have dinner together by 6 o'clock. I have started to make a list of things that I would like to make & good ol Pinterest is there to help.</div>
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My best friends wedding is something I am EXTREMELY excited about! </div>
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We have been friends almost as long as we've been alive. Charity lived 6 doors down from me growing up. We are closing in on our 40's & still like sisters! She is marring her childhood crush and it is the cutest thing in the world. After being married before & having 2 kids that are now almost adults, it's finally HER time. </div>
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I couldn't be happier for her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispm4RG0x-OzS8ppog2k_mre8EZWHNOr_SM8gvS1YJJ1w8pyyyXUDJdLjaJhHyhpmnfok74My4DBt-Z-87_hctfQpy1UW_ed0CgRIZ6LO6Oj_OUzXW-SO61PTrA8H7qHETmY_3q4c2JHI/s1600/1373_49270664594_7928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispm4RG0x-OzS8ppog2k_mre8EZWHNOr_SM8gvS1YJJ1w8pyyyXUDJdLjaJhHyhpmnfok74My4DBt-Z-87_hctfQpy1UW_ed0CgRIZ6LO6Oj_OUzXW-SO61PTrA8H7qHETmY_3q4c2JHI/s320/1373_49270664594_7928_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsYxQGEcs3c_j2XTU0JsqxCvV4EjGr5kDX9mGQzWdqU57EvA2D_ZvZBQ_9rSr4itsF4uuTH04lI-7lBvjejs6jHleBH6js1BavUEcNDZbnwnjNYau04K7OIKJESQloMc2R-B92P45NAg/s1600/21975_249303789594_1876957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsYxQGEcs3c_j2XTU0JsqxCvV4EjGr5kDX9mGQzWdqU57EvA2D_ZvZBQ_9rSr4itsF4uuTH04lI-7lBvjejs6jHleBH6js1BavUEcNDZbnwnjNYau04K7OIKJESQloMc2R-B92P45NAg/s320/21975_249303789594_1876957_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMonmfWIIbG91nVh_S22kdzlf9FrJm-kY-xP1R_6paL5soN7UBjr4GaXt0xIZMajyALE4-qF0vp8CJszYoqq12xeF0bjz7RhVxKHPAZgm_gTDZ8YOPk3XNUplWNPk1ZAGE9HZGeKulny8/s1600/1927916_45225009594_5737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMonmfWIIbG91nVh_S22kdzlf9FrJm-kY-xP1R_6paL5soN7UBjr4GaXt0xIZMajyALE4-qF0vp8CJszYoqq12xeF0bjz7RhVxKHPAZgm_gTDZ8YOPk3XNUplWNPk1ZAGE9HZGeKulny8/s320/1927916_45225009594_5737_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are a few pictures of us over the years</div>
on vacation.<br />
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(Luckily I my scanner broke & I couldn't find the really embarrassing ones, lol)</div>
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And now I will go have some real fun...laundry & dishes.</div>
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Happy New Year & here is to 2016 being awesome!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-51275969820550123462015-11-19T10:19:00.000-05:002015-11-19T10:19:10.922-05:00Surviving my life as Mom...It has been waaaaaay too long since I have taken the time to sit down & unload my brain a bit.<br />
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Real life has a times become quite real the last few months. Being a stay-at-home mom already makes me very happy, but it has put my family on a very fixed income the last few years. But through all of this we have gotten ourselves in a much better position for the upcoming year. My husband works very hard to accomplish this for us & we are hoping to see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon. We have been riding the struggle bus so long, but we always make it through. Having the support of friends & family definitely helps!<br />
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Ok, enough about my struggles...</div>
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We all have them!</div>
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The last 6 months have been quite busy. LOTS of weddings...<br />
(I will be posting pictures in upcoming posts)<br />
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<li>A good friend got married & had a destination wedding. (At the same beach I did 2 years ago. What can I say, we love Sandbridge) I did her flowers & decor for the wedding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>My brother-in-law got married to an awesome gal I am honored to call my sister. I spent a week in Ohio helping them get ready before the wedding. All hands on deck & the brides vision came together beautifully.</li>
<li>I also got to do my first order for artificial wedding bouquets! I was VERY excited & loved doing it. More importantly, the bride loved them.</li>
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I have also started to do some custom decorations. </div>
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Here are a few of my creations</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWstVDIeQzLvAvy3mQwHJjaA7BQUzLHsEb34vUpR559rerTpiF-MPk0r1ADzW3fwlBMMSeU6BMLnnTXfnPq0D7kP9FqxZAUSLAkaN5Whi0hekWleMUDfDYf8TXzAdRf6F3QYS5jbacR8/s1600/Missy+centerpiece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWstVDIeQzLvAvy3mQwHJjaA7BQUzLHsEb34vUpR559rerTpiF-MPk0r1ADzW3fwlBMMSeU6BMLnnTXfnPq0D7kP9FqxZAUSLAkaN5Whi0hekWleMUDfDYf8TXzAdRf6F3QYS5jbacR8/s320/Missy+centerpiece.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fall Centerpiece</div>
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I couldn't resist that cute little Scarecrow</div>
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Door Wreath</div>
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I must say, I am loving that sprig of orange & red!</div>
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I have a few orders for Christmas that will keep me busy the next couple weeks. I really enjoy decorating. I am OBSESSED with re-using jars right now! Feeling very ambitious this holiday season, so stay tuned for some DIY ideas to get your home ready for the holidays. <br />
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Have a super day!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-29947225277470775132015-04-09T17:09:00.000-04:002015-11-19T10:20:22.320-05:00Quick Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, Basil & Mozzarella A few weeks ago I pulled out chicken on a Tuesday & by Thursday I was still trying to figure out what to do with it. Everything I wanted to do, I was missing some key ingredient.<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Peanut Butter, No Jelly</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cereal, No Milk</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ham, No Burger</li>
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I know you feel my pain. We've all been there. </div>
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Time for fridge inventory!</div>
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Besides the already thawed out chicken, I found</div>
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* Mozzarella</div>
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* Basil </div>
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* Roasted Red Peppers</div>
You will also need:<br />
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* Italian Seasoning</div>
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* Olive Oil</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW1-ooq9Xrr1K8YeauJx2xWtPlEvWOhqgZ27XDTANVHB2YiBKu7-hj1VqBRcqJazZ_iqBwcFiK2-UGPJCxUH7r4-Li3hxm8nPq0W0PgcvLlddkUBowFJItIcRrL-HER252Nuz-Eh9JWU/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW1-ooq9Xrr1K8YeauJx2xWtPlEvWOhqgZ27XDTANVHB2YiBKu7-hj1VqBRcqJazZ_iqBwcFiK2-UGPJCxUH7r4-Li3hxm8nPq0W0PgcvLlddkUBowFJItIcRrL-HER252Nuz-Eh9JWU/s1600/032.JPG" width="271" /></a></div>
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First I cooked the C<b>hicken</b></div>
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I put some <b>Olive Oil</b> in the pan</div>
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Seasoned the Chicken with <b>Italian Seasoning</b></div>
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Cook on <b>Medium heat</b> for about 10 minutes or until cooked</div>
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(Mine were cut pretty thin so it didn't take long)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ2Co1yK6N6Qyy5JA20td5PJKKMf1e8rjynXwq9Lems17JzSTpq9Nn-h9p4W20jIAa84XwnO1G5LZcM1sP1h1hXEvpUCL_ZATsdAVaDz5G0jCOvf6toQNtSkQVmYIzTCrTJdBBgpCYRY/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ2Co1yK6N6Qyy5JA20td5PJKKMf1e8rjynXwq9Lems17JzSTpq9Nn-h9p4W20jIAa84XwnO1G5LZcM1sP1h1hXEvpUCL_ZATsdAVaDz5G0jCOvf6toQNtSkQVmYIzTCrTJdBBgpCYRY/s1600/034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I put the cooked chicken on a cookie sheet</div>
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Then put the <b>Roasted Red Peppers</b> on</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87kqBjDzEhItanan_H-Nc230RDaAbwg8kzBEcfXZBtgbvTad14ikWL9HAKIC3V7bskNKAUg8GPMkm86Dgfe9tSIqjaruJ-dhzBmamtPH5TUKw3t053IPIXgt8m_iDPGRbp9OQm4vE3dI/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87kqBjDzEhItanan_H-Nc230RDaAbwg8kzBEcfXZBtgbvTad14ikWL9HAKIC3V7bskNKAUg8GPMkm86Dgfe9tSIqjaruJ-dhzBmamtPH5TUKw3t053IPIXgt8m_iDPGRbp9OQm4vE3dI/s1600/035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next I put on the <b>Basil</b>, but only on 3 pieces. </div>
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My son is not a fan of Basil, AKA-Green Feathers </div>
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LOL...kids</div>
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Finally I top it with <b>Mozzarella</b></div>
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I would have preferred fresh, but all I had was shredded</div>
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Cook at <b>350 degrees</b> until the cheese is melted</div>
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Wah La!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyjmPpVUdOO3ZCNFqYhdR8ggrP-4E76hcEBkhTDH_sshtrb6MLDI6lkjN7q2_NvePvISEJBF7sFaVzIQ0pWQB5dhmRF1oxoj4P5xP5W0gmDdB6blDea8ZbqgNLOyMprwZR9zeKYa5iVQ/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyjmPpVUdOO3ZCNFqYhdR8ggrP-4E76hcEBkhTDH_sshtrb6MLDI6lkjN7q2_NvePvISEJBF7sFaVzIQ0pWQB5dhmRF1oxoj4P5xP5W0gmDdB6blDea8ZbqgNLOyMprwZR9zeKYa5iVQ/s1600/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I served it with a side of </div>
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<b>Butter Garlic Pesto Angel Hair pasta</b></div>
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The meal probably took about 30-40 minues</div>
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Perfect meal for those hectic days</div>
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When you are doing the most.</div>
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Enjoy & have a great weekend!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-67449681907328218482015-01-06T12:24:00.000-05:002015-11-19T10:21:21.234-05:002015 WeddingsWedding season will be here before we know it. This year I have 2 weddings. One is a really good friend of mine that loved the idea of my wedding so much, she is having her own beach wedding! The second wedding is my Brother In Law & his wonderful fiance. Me, being the lover of all things party related, is helping out in both weddings.<br />
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My friend Missy, who is getting married at the beach is not one for crafting & she is quite frugal when it comes to certain things. Spending money on things like fresh flowers that will be dead in a few days is one thing she is not interested in. So I will be making her bouquets for her wedding. I have been making "Throw Away" bouquets for about a year now & quite enjoy it. <br />
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Here is one that I made awhile back. </div>
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Her's will have different flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5qzRBCftXTIjfqLj8GTKYga7qgG6j3fgRIcQkGaJs3Te019fpXZVEth7sTybpVdB2wFXYSUz1jC3Q_5zWZPvY1E0liqg-tQ5I_M-qW1MePu7A52i9MfjQMi1wJ5uLo8Lq4GAUoBY2qU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5qzRBCftXTIjfqLj8GTKYga7qgG6j3fgRIcQkGaJs3Te019fpXZVEth7sTybpVdB2wFXYSUz1jC3Q_5zWZPvY1E0liqg-tQ5I_M-qW1MePu7A52i9MfjQMi1wJ5uLo8Lq4GAUoBY2qU/s1600/011.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAiF4ZWThR14EucBWqGKPuE24hMiFA1ukgrzHRrP5WRDltosvlk_qVNotAVn8lG23rmuybgNpIMrxlB9Iq13rBkioIEVciCDBMfLU6qPibh70Ct9OjSjKo2DXwgyrqvEkI3UOIFXiI98/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAiF4ZWThR14EucBWqGKPuE24hMiFA1ukgrzHRrP5WRDltosvlk_qVNotAVn8lG23rmuybgNpIMrxlB9Iq13rBkioIEVciCDBMfLU6qPibh70Ct9OjSjKo2DXwgyrqvEkI3UOIFXiI98/s1600/012.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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I will also be making a lot of her decorations for the reception dinner, which will be catered at her rental home. We've been brainstorming to come up with ways to cut corners. Recycling & re-using everyday household items is something I always try to do. We came up with a great way to re-use jars & empty oatmeal containers. </div>
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Luckily Missy's BF owns a daycare center </div>
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& has been saving us baby food jars. </div>
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They are PERFECT tealight holders. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bwKfkhGuiHQLAxvP_324CDGElUhmTWcEcsZa2aJ94IUCl25JsWI_x4e0BHNbnmq1CQek19smaJjoRbdaynRxqmdARhJYnDMVnOPeix1UPquz_4RNIzxb8tLN5PCa-9pO3TYTucKg5QY/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bwKfkhGuiHQLAxvP_324CDGElUhmTWcEcsZa2aJ94IUCl25JsWI_x4e0BHNbnmq1CQek19smaJjoRbdaynRxqmdARhJYnDMVnOPeix1UPquz_4RNIzxb8tLN5PCa-9pO3TYTucKg5QY/s1600/131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had a few packs of stencils left from</div>
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mine & Grace's weddings</div>
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*Note my awesome "Craft"tote from Thirty-One</div>
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Think I am going to need a bigger one, lol.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiKS6Z45y7SjeDtT4bGtI8ystPAHi4lDFH2v7CqPqCCzYBbJp9PzQOZnrhTG97AdEkAU2U36sh9m3Hb3WkjW0JqzH1PEy6qvC5pH0mdyzfRJNr28ss1_7C5xAZHSGapGRNbvf5inokWQ/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiKS6Z45y7SjeDtT4bGtI8ystPAHi4lDFH2v7CqPqCCzYBbJp9PzQOZnrhTG97AdEkAU2U36sh9m3Hb3WkjW0JqzH1PEy6qvC5pH0mdyzfRJNr28ss1_7C5xAZHSGapGRNbvf5inokWQ/s1600/133.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I took the heart stencil traced it on extra large labels that my Mother In Law gave me. <br />
I knew I would find something to do with them.</div>
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I used a paint brush & applied the Mod Podge.</div>
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(Oops, forgot to take a picture of that step. Sorry!)</div>
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Last week I made some myself </div>
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by mixing regular old glue & water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1kGKFRiHpLYwoYo6IE3q7dtzWtU_S7471mvEZCVdKUJjfF4aelKE5zdVnmvgoRe7sqhS-aibrseFXcUb0YaDmFT0nQpRUKgK8r0535EaPA2CL8VWIVDIAavAr9wjq6mw4ew6TBdlevk/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1kGKFRiHpLYwoYo6IE3q7dtzWtU_S7471mvEZCVdKUJjfF4aelKE5zdVnmvgoRe7sqhS-aibrseFXcUb0YaDmFT0nQpRUKgK8r0535EaPA2CL8VWIVDIAavAr9wjq6mw4ew6TBdlevk/s1600/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I took sand & sprinkled it on to the glue on the jar.</div>
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Once I peeled the sticker off, I noticed the heart needed reshaped a bit.</div>
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I just simply used the end of my paint brush to fix it. </div>
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It was really easy since the glue was still wet.</div>
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They turned out adorable!</div>
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And even better, the Bride loved them!</div>
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For future jars, I am going to make the heart a bit smaller so you can see the top of the hearts a little better. </div>
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My next project will be covering more jars & few very large oatmeal containers. Only next time I will be using twine.</div>
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Stay tuned!
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-75392742037809877202014-12-31T18:47:00.000-05:002014-12-31T18:47:45.932-05:00This ChristmasWe had a bit of an odd Christmas this year. <br />
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We kept our tradition of breakfast, gifts & Bloody Mary's. My best friend & her 2 teenagers have been coming here 3 years now for Christmas morning. Teenagers can take innocence out of Christmas, so they come here to enjoy my, almost 4 year old, son open presents. Of course each year, we have more people join us. We were up to 8 of us this year!<br />
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We had an awesome breakfast casserole I found on Pinterest! My hubby made his modifications, of course more meat. Everyone loved it, despite all their faces when I made it in front of them. It's perfect for a crowd. I am planning on making this in Deep Creek next month.<br />
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Here is the link to the recipe</div>
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My first time putting someone else's recipe on my page. </div>
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Hope I did it right :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Sausage-Breakfast-Casserole-2-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Sausage-Breakfast-Casserole-2-682x1024.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2014/11/cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-recipe/" target="_blank">http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2014/11/cheesy-sausage-breakfast-casserole-recipe/</a><br />
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As for rest of our Christmas day, it was just odd. My mom was the only one of my family members to come over. She works retail & had to be a work super early so she didn't stay super long. Not that we had a bad Christmas, it was just not the norm.<br />
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I think next year I need to go away for the holiday. <br />
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-32689248604455069172014-12-30T12:03:00.001-05:002014-12-30T12:03:34.089-05:00Bring on 2015!2014 has been a roller coaster, lots of highs & lows. <br />
And a lot of self realization. <br />
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I have realized that life has turned out to be a lot differently than I thought it would be 10 years ago. <br />
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<li>Friends you thought you would have forever, have become acquaintances. And making new friendships that are "less complicated".</li>
<li>Living in the same place for years, dreaming of owning our own home with a yard & no more neighbors below us. </li>
<li>Not being as financially stable as I had hoped, although we are close to the light at the end of that tunnel.</li>
<li>After 16 years of working, becoming a stay at home mom & not making a real paycheck. Something I would never change. Being a part of my child growing up is priceless.</li>
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Life is a learning experience. </div>
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2015 will be different! I know, everyone says that every year. But I feel that next year will be filled with change...hopefully good change. I better hurry & get a New Years Pretzel!<br />
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-6077787412528136262014-10-04T13:32:00.000-04:002015-11-19T10:25:40.163-05:00My Burlap ObsessionEver since my wedding last September, I have a growing obsession for burlap. <br />
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Every time I go to a craft store, I look for it on sale. Burlap can be a bit pricey at times, so any deal I can find I make sure I grab it up! And I am not picky about the color. I am more drawn to the light brown burlap, but any color will do.<br />
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My wedding was beach themed & burlap fit in quite well!</div>
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My sister, the thriftiest shopper I know, found some great colored burlap for my shower centerpieces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltRV0Eu0w6PvLgZh9MsmNQLH8uXAerYqdd9mrabn8QKfZbHmkSpyvrASogT2bRRNj4gpY79Dop70zoN9w3oHC2UmystSMGm7ulcF97gAED8_rbVYcIC3VWT8EcIKaqgDiNA6jWxGti9Y/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltRV0Eu0w6PvLgZh9MsmNQLH8uXAerYqdd9mrabn8QKfZbHmkSpyvrASogT2bRRNj4gpY79Dop70zoN9w3oHC2UmystSMGm7ulcF97gAED8_rbVYcIC3VWT8EcIKaqgDiNA6jWxGti9Y/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They were so cute</div>
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We ended up using them for the wedding reception too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHWFQXIsmr-MLtWvBlv9BrPoeTZ9HXjUtDGwRyTytm93-fAm7ned0j4u6B7Ua68jXN5HPIZHpY4iaX-s38EUMJNf7KGyLWdVJjeu6d8mvwLtWXFj16m2HJ1co2MuPUT0B-4XzbftAGhs/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHWFQXIsmr-MLtWvBlv9BrPoeTZ9HXjUtDGwRyTytm93-fAm7ned0j4u6B7Ua68jXN5HPIZHpY4iaX-s38EUMJNf7KGyLWdVJjeu6d8mvwLtWXFj16m2HJ1co2MuPUT0B-4XzbftAGhs/s1600/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please don't mind my "before" the party picutres. </div>
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Somehow we didn't get too many pictures from our reception party.</div>
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And these were our favor</div>
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They were filled with salt water taffy from the beach</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jetkBKYnsbh51uJAldFfAFinuY4Hv8uYXPapcVA0y96odlhP1I0phZb1HhH9nj1hYnNS1_7dQ1K4RV-rdrRVvGFga0qrMCoLI-WoW6BzSoghlZhyphenhyphenv8fbSf2tSxqdH3vxeUXdE0ZKx5k/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jetkBKYnsbh51uJAldFfAFinuY4Hv8uYXPapcVA0y96odlhP1I0phZb1HhH9nj1hYnNS1_7dQ1K4RV-rdrRVvGFga0qrMCoLI-WoW6BzSoghlZhyphenhyphenv8fbSf2tSxqdH3vxeUXdE0ZKx5k/s1600/042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I bought them from a shipping supply company called Uline.</div>
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I got 200 bags for $70, such an amazing deal!</div>
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I had quite a bit left over so I decided that </div>
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I can re-use them for party of my friends wedding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4TjMxBg7Gg0X0vUUYk40OMO-k9dcAy3yJssxslEctFp4OzXOrZ6rOiDo542cPNU2w7hfZ2ISqS99s67mBoxdWbzrVo8LyPH-2equYY1Dp6m-18k-GiAtRO-gZFZkE1mi5n0fsJHY_7o/s1600/cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4TjMxBg7Gg0X0vUUYk40OMO-k9dcAy3yJssxslEctFp4OzXOrZ6rOiDo542cPNU2w7hfZ2ISqS99s67mBoxdWbzrVo8LyPH-2equYY1Dp6m-18k-GiAtRO-gZFZkE1mi5n0fsJHY_7o/s1600/cards.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I took the seams out of the bags and cut the "P" off.</div>
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Then I painted on the blank side</div>
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and created a cute banner for their card box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcxOQ0Sry0Jfq_mm5QiGeKY91SXRrqDNH-2oXRabiGkHpNlJ0KYEoWYj83ZjECY9V6Ufx-Sx_Y_IjcOufyc21VCezq1QQMrladZyh8OpqyUAyVMVAAvTDZPONH6UjONDLsyNdOxsH3So/s1600/222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcxOQ0Sry0Jfq_mm5QiGeKY91SXRrqDNH-2oXRabiGkHpNlJ0KYEoWYj83ZjECY9V6Ufx-Sx_Y_IjcOufyc21VCezq1QQMrladZyh8OpqyUAyVMVAAvTDZPONH6UjONDLsyNdOxsH3So/s1600/222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I totally love how this turned out!</div>
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My love of burlap showed a bit more in the planning & creating of the Thomas Wedding. </div>
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I covered 2 bulletin boards for the seating/name chart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT_b1zsQ_cQ5Gb6vp_3F5A5APaqJfPKgEWxEhDUIN6pLyP6pmnbBg-RH_EZwWLVrtOCB6xd7_QGtYmhqQaJZ9jOsG_ynPgnq0UROT7ODhCAA7-6XDolYLt4Y5IcHHRWs4OGgUGTbdsjY/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT_b1zsQ_cQ5Gb6vp_3F5A5APaqJfPKgEWxEhDUIN6pLyP6pmnbBg-RH_EZwWLVrtOCB6xd7_QGtYmhqQaJZ9jOsG_ynPgnq0UROT7ODhCAA7-6XDolYLt4Y5IcHHRWs4OGgUGTbdsjY/s1600/048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Til this day, mine is still covered & I actually just re-used it for a collage for an Anniversary party we threw for my In-Laws. It's amazing how some burlap & thumbtacks can make a regular old cork board really stand out!</div>
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So next time your are out at the craft store, check out the clearance. </div>
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You never know what great little treasure of burlap you can find!</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-29171981508750877822014-09-24T11:09:00.000-04:002014-09-24T11:09:41.213-04:00Fall has arrived!<div style="text-align: center;">
Where did the summer go? </div>
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I feel like once July got here, I blinked my eyes & it was back to school & pumpkins. </div>
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This is the first year that I actually decorated for Fall on the first day of Fall! The weather made it easy. Here in the 'Burgh the weather has felt like fall most of the summer. My son wanted to help me decorate...so we had our own DIY party!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViZFuy0F4hCztDDg7_9sPsNbPBVxN8x_lAi_QGNcyemYrwKELf4Coz4xUBO1zCvm9EzMxXremCVi6exv51KpwRwfQ6_wDmesouzd9jvX-fabzT7i-CYJVnRbN8YwysE6x2nb8LlEC0Ps/s1600/076+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViZFuy0F4hCztDDg7_9sPsNbPBVxN8x_lAi_QGNcyemYrwKELf4Coz4xUBO1zCvm9EzMxXremCVi6exv51KpwRwfQ6_wDmesouzd9jvX-fabzT7i-CYJVnRbN8YwysE6x2nb8LlEC0Ps/s1600/076+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are 2 pieces of Party Lite's retired Apothecary line. </div>
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I love the short wide one! </div>
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Now it' time to figure out what my little guy is going to be for Halloween. This year he decided he wanted to be an Angry Bird. I was extremely glad when he decided he didn't want to be "Lightning McQueen" again! I made his Lightning McQueen costume last year. It was a bit challenging & took a little time. But the look on his face was totally worth every minute. I will have to post my creation next week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h4jzHGXFE-lSQTrNa9tig6d4xydMxkARPZe1PWEDPWR6qiopqitPHHQNsYPh6N3ZAdKwghKVDj3F-mK8iDgT5h2aT9sy02-Fys76rStE8hQM6ijUg4nVcwdxV_u5vjpbOsMwEMur0ug/s1600/DSCF3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h4jzHGXFE-lSQTrNa9tig6d4xydMxkARPZe1PWEDPWR6qiopqitPHHQNsYPh6N3ZAdKwghKVDj3F-mK8iDgT5h2aT9sy02-Fys76rStE8hQM6ijUg4nVcwdxV_u5vjpbOsMwEMur0ug/s1600/DSCF3027.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Here's a little preview of my lil McQueen</div>
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He was tired of pictures & just really wanted to go get some candy!</div>
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One of my favorite parts about the fall/winter is the beers. </div>
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*Note to self - Not the best time to be pregnant! </div>
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6 years ago I worked at a bar with a large beer selection, which helped develop my palate for craft beers. One of my absolute favorite beers is Southern Tier Pumking. When I worked at the bar, no one else knew about it. And now that is all everyone talks about on Facebook, lol. Glad everyone else discovered it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnefmvX28E8LAGCMfIW44FTL7GjlTX_lQA8uqIthQD835NJjTmMzEbiAa2s6bJfM56O7VvjVVB8JjI3xUBHNIsAXFV8FNufjqOm8FmiNJpPNdtLvwZiJeLoIVcleswUNoIKRhHSVyvwNo/s1600/ind_bp_pumking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnefmvX28E8LAGCMfIW44FTL7GjlTX_lQA8uqIthQD835NJjTmMzEbiAa2s6bJfM56O7VvjVVB8JjI3xUBHNIsAXFV8FNufjqOm8FmiNJpPNdtLvwZiJeLoIVcleswUNoIKRhHSVyvwNo/s1600/ind_bp_pumking1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another part of fall I love, Leaves! I am not a huge fan of raking them. There never seems to be an end to them. But I cannot resist to jump into a pile of leaves! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A1lp0j_u8OVVdrYeBRXPwlFUR8sQewzLs5pD8SWC4f4JlFlq0Lux-p6Wuj54C5MZHO7y3jJCqx5D1O1WaXgRhB49XauiSCW7yLYL22tYMGfFnQ_7HVAMHcgfs-w-aMWOjf7C_X4XGnQ/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A1lp0j_u8OVVdrYeBRXPwlFUR8sQewzLs5pD8SWC4f4JlFlq0Lux-p6Wuj54C5MZHO7y3jJCqx5D1O1WaXgRhB49XauiSCW7yLYL22tYMGfFnQ_7HVAMHcgfs-w-aMWOjf7C_X4XGnQ/s1600/065.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Winter will be here before we know it. </div>
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So take the time to enjoy fall & play in the leaves!</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-11853871397202469152014-07-11T17:02:00.002-04:002014-07-11T17:38:38.076-04:00Momma needs a Cocktail!It's been a long week. We went camping, had to cancel a trip & deal with grown-up problems. Needless to say, I need a vacation. But I suppose I will have to settle with a nice, enjoyable, adult beverage. <br />
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I am a huge fan of vodka...there, I said it. Fortunately for me, it likes me too. I have become a fan of Pinnacle vodka when it comes to getting creative. They have lots of great flavors to choose from. Sometimes it can be a bad thing when decision making time comes along & you want everything! To be honest, I usually buy which ever Pinnacle or Smirnoff is on sale and sounds good at the moment. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Stoli Raspberry</span> will always have a special place in my heart. It is my favorite!<br />
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My friends and I like to use Sherbet in our blender drinks. It is especially nice in the summer time on a hot day. A special shout out to my boy Luke who sold me his very expensive blender for $5 when he decided to sell everything & cycle across the country. I had NO idea how powerful and pricey it was. I've assured him it went to a great home, lol!<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><u>Tropical Freeze</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm8cBGmEsnsXJqznHDtQxQZTnrpWwwH0GyBijS-6wRaT55F8aQXPl84UoaAbnc0RyRuef9d4fsaYlP9Z_RIEmEz53DO_7pfebuoS7n7zyTdfDQ26LZhzw5OG771Dd0eybC_iVgeZh2Kw/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm8cBGmEsnsXJqznHDtQxQZTnrpWwwH0GyBijS-6wRaT55F8aQXPl84UoaAbnc0RyRuef9d4fsaYlP9Z_RIEmEz53DO_7pfebuoS7n7zyTdfDQ26LZhzw5OG771Dd0eybC_iVgeZh2Kw/s1600/059.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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1 Cup of Vodka </div>
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(I used Smirnoff's Pineapple Coconut Sorbet)</div>
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1/2 container of Lime Sherbert</div>
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Fill blender with ice</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Waaaaaa Laaaaaa</b></span></div>
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A tasty & refreshing beverage as a reward </div>
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for making through the day!</div>
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(Please pay no attention to the grape bombs in the background, hee hee. This is an older picture from the last time we made it.)</div>
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TGIF</div>
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Enjoy your weekend!</div>
Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-80677813536390087802014-07-11T14:15:00.000-04:002014-07-11T17:09:39.455-04:00A Camping We Will GoMost folks had big plans for the 4th of July. Not me. The hubby was working (as usual) & our Independence celebration didn't kick off til Sunday when we went camping with my Brother In Law, his fiance & most of their kiddos (his 2, their 1 & minus her 2....got that?).<br />
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I don't mind camping, especially when I am prepared. Growing up we didn't have a lot of money. Our parents would take us to the "beach", AKA Lake Erie. We would go camping on the beach on Lake Erie right before the peninsula. It was a blast. There is something about waking up on a beach with miles of water in front of you. We did this for years, until my parents split. For a few years after, this was still our vacation spot. We even cleared our name of being trouble makers, lol. So much that the owner actually had my brother take pictures for him. 10 years later & our tents are still on their website.<br />
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Camping takes a lot of preparation. Especially when going to a new place. I try to do most of my cooking & food prep before we get there. Something about cooking with dirt & bugs around is not fun to me. <br />
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<b><u>My Camping Essentials</u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Tent</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Tarp</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sleeping bags, pillows & blankets</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Towels (depending on where we go, I take beach towels & bath towels)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">At least 1 outfit per day & a sweatshirt</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Paper products (plates, paper towels, toilet paper)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Trash bags, recycle bags, zip lock bags</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Utensils - I took some wraps left over from our wedding</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">First Aid kit</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bug spray</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Candles</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Flash light</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cards</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bottled water</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Camping chairs</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Some type of cooking apparatus </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Matches or lighter</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cups with lids</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Can koozies</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Extension cord</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cooler full of food & drinks</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Tote packed with camping supplies</li>
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It doesn't look like a lot, but it sure adds up fast. My BIL loves camping, so he always has the cool gadgets. Last year he brought his smaller deep fryer & we made Deep Fried Oreos<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T38oRblBowC96FKtaK8cTGwIrk5n-t-8hVDEZmQTeEMUXvEkwqSm9bFh2MWeLhwAO9zx5u9qwjSH9Hm13gwztFKWPTSbpb2gaLBAFNUtUo_6dPIsklmhZPanUAFEg0isPjpPnXFtqbc/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T38oRblBowC96FKtaK8cTGwIrk5n-t-8hVDEZmQTeEMUXvEkwqSm9bFh2MWeLhwAO9zx5u9qwjSH9Hm13gwztFKWPTSbpb2gaLBAFNUtUo_6dPIsklmhZPanUAFEg0isPjpPnXFtqbc/s1600/108.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> </span><a href="http://smelwank.blogspot.com/2013/07/deep-fried-oreos.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Deep Fried Oreos</a></div>
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We have one more camping trip to go on this summer & it's actually back to Lake Erie! We are staying at <a href="http://sarascampground.com/" target="_blank">Sara Coyne Campground</a> It is a great place to take the family. Check it out sometime. It's a great location for all that the town of Erie has to offer. I am looking forward to taking my little dude there for the first time. He is going to have the time of his life. <br />
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Summer is flying by so be sure to enjoy it!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-39677661002057835602014-06-26T13:09:00.001-04:002014-06-26T13:11:42.244-04:00Enchilada Skillet, on the menu for lunch todayLunch is the most consistent meal of the day around here. My hubby works mostly nights, so I like to make sure he's eaten before he goes to feed everyone else.<br />
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On the menu for today, Enchilada Skillet! It was super easy & even better, I had everything here at the house to make it. The longer I stay at home, the more resourceful I have become. No doubt, the internet has gave me great ideas. Most of all, I am inspired by others creative cooking. <br />
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Growing up my dad was incredibly picky. Needless to say, our dinners were not so flavorful & there wasn't much variety. My mom probably felt so free in the kitchen once they split up, lol. But seriously, I noticed a huge difference in her chili, for instance. Finally, she could kick it up a bit on the seasonings.<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><b><u>Enchilada Skillet</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLD1g445F_d-kwS8VdOS4jGFt2esslFiNSMFbAYvg_eNxjL3yYQw820xlbrnIlSefZT9g6UHs5zGn04ahyphenhyphenSxXD5kJgDo1XyPKT6OMeyR4pKxgX4XtMm4Slvitqd5aUABqwD6fAmHtDk0/s1600/Enchilada+Skillet+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLD1g445F_d-kwS8VdOS4jGFt2esslFiNSMFbAYvg_eNxjL3yYQw820xlbrnIlSefZT9g6UHs5zGn04ahyphenhyphenSxXD5kJgDo1XyPKT6OMeyR4pKxgX4XtMm4Slvitqd5aUABqwD6fAmHtDk0/s1600/Enchilada+Skillet+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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1 Pound Ground Beef</div>
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2 Tablespoons of Taco Seasoning</div>
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1/2 can of Red Enchilada Sauce</div>
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1/2 can of Green Chiles</div>
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1 packet of Velveeta Toppers Queso Blanco Sauce</div>
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2-3 Cups Egg Noodles</div>
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First brown the Ground Beef. Season the meat with the Taco Seasoning. Drain any grease from the pan.</div>
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Next stir in the Enchilada sauce, green chiles & the cheese sauce. Stir until blended.</div>
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Add the cooked egg noodles. </div>
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I didn't measure it. I used the rest of an opened bag.</div>
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Top with what ever feels right.</div>
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As you can see here I used crushed corn chips, taco sauce, cheese & sour cream for the hubby.</div>
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I made mine a little lighter with some crushed corn chips & salsa.</div>
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Either way you top it, it's a quick lunch time meal that took less than a half an hour to whip up. I wanted to make sure I shared this since the weekend is almost here. It would be a quick meal before or after the pool. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-286346055463985092014-06-25T18:27:00.000-04:002014-07-11T17:11:20.164-04:00Where did the last year go?Seems like the last year has really gone by fast. I realized this as I was downloading pictures so I could use my Shutterfly gift certificate, yes, I am only now getting around to printing off wedding pictures. Last year at this time I was a frantic Bride-to-Be trying to get everything ready for my beach destination wedding. Everything did not go quite as I had envisioned, but all of the important things fell into place. <br />
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We had a reception party back home after our nuptials. I wouldn't say I regret it. Having a destination wedding makes it hard to celebrate your union with everyone. At our reception, we got to have a great time will all of our friends & family that were not at the wedding. It was worth every penny & all the hard work.<br />
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We did so much of our wedding at the beach. We were on a tight budget & I love to be creative. I'm sharing some of the DIY projects that I did for my "Big Day". That was probably one of my favorite parts. Party planning is my passion after all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSvxHZWjpkwl3rAqLzulONoZ0hLhig3WeP39TEdapTTjz_4e54_rzVw3ga8IEh8bOCzyzLMUkgLVv-PbNwB0oxX7JKLdHgbCfIOQL4nu3W9yko9bUHfwFOo5KToWJnRf-8FvGKfEH8uk/s1600/Shower+Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSvxHZWjpkwl3rAqLzulONoZ0hLhig3WeP39TEdapTTjz_4e54_rzVw3ga8IEh8bOCzyzLMUkgLVv-PbNwB0oxX7JKLdHgbCfIOQL4nu3W9yko9bUHfwFOo5KToWJnRf-8FvGKfEH8uk/s1600/Shower+Centerpiece.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Centerpieces from my Bridal Shower were </div>
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recycled from my sister's Wedding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C5wWzIkRQx5_u04Jn2zIHX7p1pMayXkPUOTUhyphenhyphenb01ebGE9ARnVMhiip3HRomhGiWVDAN5vc9ioAyCD4x23rzDHbqhuH0Y2ZqqMX848W-nT1RobkaBAfv6YT2Zv-RWTWmI75hjffhPSc/s1600/Beach+centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C5wWzIkRQx5_u04Jn2zIHX7p1pMayXkPUOTUhyphenhyphenb01ebGE9ARnVMhiip3HRomhGiWVDAN5vc9ioAyCD4x23rzDHbqhuH0Y2ZqqMX848W-nT1RobkaBAfv6YT2Zv-RWTWmI75hjffhPSc/s1600/Beach+centerpiece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then used for our Beach Wedding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW24GU7EYF_y5SH6pwJtuV_sTIQfbE2BxS_f-O-771X1RwmGBzBAXnKYpJOc5SQUKDGRTTeY3ZcfgahBn0hRR3qDg2s-pmXrkJ0MTDmYeK0U10YH_3QLLbNA3pXDrRolfvLP1eZk3Ttsc/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW24GU7EYF_y5SH6pwJtuV_sTIQfbE2BxS_f-O-771X1RwmGBzBAXnKYpJOc5SQUKDGRTTeY3ZcfgahBn0hRR3qDg2s-pmXrkJ0MTDmYeK0U10YH_3QLLbNA3pXDrRolfvLP1eZk3Ttsc/s1600/131.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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And ended up being the centerpiece at our reception at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RZMViS69FITR4omSJ1cVzuNlx76w383EQ3YtgKNUrtZSvBov4Zc4DhMYTfV4u_MnsqUAS6cLEgfbOd6RKpjzfacZKTUjDfZ9yBPZDbtKpWbaBGDgbOPkETNSosZlU03OLuJDHsMyIB0/s1600/centerpiece+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RZMViS69FITR4omSJ1cVzuNlx76w383EQ3YtgKNUrtZSvBov4Zc4DhMYTfV4u_MnsqUAS6cLEgfbOd6RKpjzfacZKTUjDfZ9yBPZDbtKpWbaBGDgbOPkETNSosZlU03OLuJDHsMyIB0/s1600/centerpiece+wedding.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Talk about getting your money's worth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsf-7JtAof6Alj7-sCyWwDFa6KbrtlpRZJucV7s_68VebktPJSvYmy2-fP6-VyvPdI-fgpau-CCe6nIYXX59W764EMmpzuGFzJPcq2Ha9yWmV7a8xd4hopn99kgHcqPQh6uhGwZMnM8c/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsf-7JtAof6Alj7-sCyWwDFa6KbrtlpRZJucV7s_68VebktPJSvYmy2-fP6-VyvPdI-fgpau-CCe6nIYXX59W764EMmpzuGFzJPcq2Ha9yWmV7a8xd4hopn99kgHcqPQh6uhGwZMnM8c/s1600/130.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Found this great idea on Pinterest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoncRhzt5UkP6YqEVp42e2XqFG-oRaWqvZajBjMf0gjPPiUNf5_aHkI-T7LkbtQ1upDmWn0_hKpv5I2eLPGRVX24h0sW-Ge5MhVnIGUq71YwC2iV5038_UwKmOn0N6e3g6ZwvvFNObH4/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoncRhzt5UkP6YqEVp42e2XqFG-oRaWqvZajBjMf0gjPPiUNf5_aHkI-T7LkbtQ1upDmWn0_hKpv5I2eLPGRVX24h0sW-Ge5MhVnIGUq71YwC2iV5038_UwKmOn0N6e3g6ZwvvFNObH4/s1600/040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looks like a Life Preserver</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_zqLjNeLya_XYY7lyVWckYU5yUXDO0CgHvg-NdpuxulxvR1GLKpH5PMlDtjx5tfA-TUE5biCosUPdWeP-S3MRlou7EPC7uogspEsw3vY4cI1P1h-EFArvDCVLvg2oWzxlFm6mNU3hZI/s1600/Roll+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_zqLjNeLya_XYY7lyVWckYU5yUXDO0CgHvg-NdpuxulxvR1GLKpH5PMlDtjx5tfA-TUE5biCosUPdWeP-S3MRlou7EPC7uogspEsw3vY4cI1P1h-EFArvDCVLvg2oWzxlFm6mNU3hZI/s1600/Roll+ups.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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But it's really there to freshen your breath!</div>
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What's more "beachy" than </div>
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Salt Water Taffy?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA_FU1CWo_ekH18XISqTSUbiSYCGU-psGvgm2bxUbgPQGG2ruZmqJiwuEjLAyYZ0Wk5o0TxbzfT5o-q86rk3PiOX1PaxZ3IiNwu_o2d6zF7bfmGHspv1qw94kmkrvj0MzjnhLy29Jel0/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA_FU1CWo_ekH18XISqTSUbiSYCGU-psGvgm2bxUbgPQGG2ruZmqJiwuEjLAyYZ0Wk5o0TxbzfT5o-q86rk3PiOX1PaxZ3IiNwu_o2d6zF7bfmGHspv1qw94kmkrvj0MzjnhLy29Jel0/s1600/043.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I monogrammed bags that I purchased</div>
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from Uline & filled them with taffy</div>
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BTW-I got those for a steal,</div>
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200 burlap bags (with shipping) for under $70!</div>
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We aren't huge fans of cake, </div>
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so it wasn't the most important thing to us.</div>
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I bought a regular round store cake for us to cut & decorated it ourselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOF7o2t4apHxEf68gxOCmdo4bjjx9k9i6nDoEi3BtLpsL9lq0I8k5pI8tWu3you3dVsPs31MseEbMMo-IyzhkyrFC1prPZKDu8kWHJfKwspyfrPITaRCX-n8b-YG8ayXtRtluPytt0Sk/s1600/Cake+va.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOF7o2t4apHxEf68gxOCmdo4bjjx9k9i6nDoEi3BtLpsL9lq0I8k5pI8tWu3you3dVsPs31MseEbMMo-IyzhkyrFC1prPZKDu8kWHJfKwspyfrPITaRCX-n8b-YG8ayXtRtluPytt0Sk/s1600/Cake+va.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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My best friends cousin is a baker in Richmond, VA</div>
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so we asked her to make cupcakes for us. </div>
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Unfortunately, her cupcakes looked more like a Pinterest Fail.</div>
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(We were too upset to even take pictures)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bD46ObdHFUIEF1n8noGGZjIhYr63xivfYfiWEA8Bdco_1hJPsB0POunv1KCAr4aMeG3rPyymwcFslwb19Io7qNjpkpSyi_Svda5R_VXEz01uFhDjOj0nPJ8PHBxoiSydj7Dg2drAleo/s1600/DSCF2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bD46ObdHFUIEF1n8noGGZjIhYr63xivfYfiWEA8Bdco_1hJPsB0POunv1KCAr4aMeG3rPyymwcFslwb19Io7qNjpkpSyi_Svda5R_VXEz01uFhDjOj0nPJ8PHBxoiSydj7Dg2drAleo/s1600/DSCF2604.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So my future Sister In Law worked her magic on the existing cupcakes. I loved the way our cake table turned out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_JRUttc2EZXJvtjdfzWY5TkQ-tRWLvS4m5yusjDBsHy3h4v7_LRXGfmY_d0oGi_asK7_r_Tp7muczgYgnMuuACGE-2um5WYts_jWoWeF4fQRH9RrCwl27QtPAfJfIf12aATDB9bcfXk/s1600/DSCF2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_JRUttc2EZXJvtjdfzWY5TkQ-tRWLvS4m5yusjDBsHy3h4v7_LRXGfmY_d0oGi_asK7_r_Tp7muczgYgnMuuACGE-2um5WYts_jWoWeF4fQRH9RrCwl27QtPAfJfIf12aATDB9bcfXk/s1600/DSCF2602.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dining area was inside as well as on the deck.</div>
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The table cloths were a last minute purchase & matched perfectly</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_TqqaVykACIPxVvOxk-HHiRcG63eJgW4L3HuFVJhyphenhyphenj7xSZqdAFOM2lToI3O0et1gYpEcMjzyOQ8V4gffiWyCr7BVb3LoGcfhyphenhyphenZS3blWWKg7voar9ovkTylDUMU2FNuI8z88hShJYb84/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_TqqaVykACIPxVvOxk-HHiRcG63eJgW4L3HuFVJhyphenhyphenj7xSZqdAFOM2lToI3O0et1gYpEcMjzyOQ8V4gffiWyCr7BVb3LoGcfhyphenhyphenZS3blWWKg7voar9ovkTylDUMU2FNuI8z88hShJYb84/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Appetizers for Cocktail Hour</u></b></div>
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-Caprice Salad Bites</div>
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-Veggies & dip cups</div>
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-Taco Dip Cups</div>
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-Cheese & Cracker Tray</div>
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-Pickle & Olive Tray</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8ffEsznJnXEfk9WSyCUqNSXbdeaBVeg6N4ZVWL4XZ9AGBO6dMfVU0M12nRRzqjethcwoc0qdj7LAvDPVGK3BXkhCnKXPuPicbd7h3DdyM7R8eZIyT_oKTbgOgB3OOyZjXv1KVeU8daI/s1600/DSCF2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8ffEsznJnXEfk9WSyCUqNSXbdeaBVeg6N4ZVWL4XZ9AGBO6dMfVU0M12nRRzqjethcwoc0qdj7LAvDPVGK3BXkhCnKXPuPicbd7h3DdyM7R8eZIyT_oKTbgOgB3OOyZjXv1KVeU8daI/s1600/DSCF2601.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Dinner Menu</b></u></div>
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-Chicken Marsala</div>
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-Brown Sugar & Garlic Chicken</div>
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-Tortellini & Marinara</div>
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-Red Skinned Potatoes w/Parsley</div>
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-Green Beans</div>
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-Salad Bar</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9cTSc_Ra5lVQ5lsqViA-WW0jEPh5o6BFquoRR1z0uD216CU5Y79E0jWg8VJh1a96RSkNm9oxdLOjbEaUjcdiy13Q28DnHZRP22OC1aqsP4M8TeqkyXjUd_ow4ZNTQp2Acu90RNiK2x8/s1600/sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9cTSc_Ra5lVQ5lsqViA-WW0jEPh5o6BFquoRR1z0uD216CU5Y79E0jWg8VJh1a96RSkNm9oxdLOjbEaUjcdiy13Q28DnHZRP22OC1aqsP4M8TeqkyXjUd_ow4ZNTQp2Acu90RNiK2x8/s1600/sand.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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Since we have our son, we wanted to incorporate him into the Unity Sand part of our ceremony. When I started to look for bottles for the sand, I couldn't believe the prices. I wasn't overly concerned about what the sand was in, so I didn't need something super fancy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYDMeUHgZ4pqPpPhCJnQI0-872oDKupDYmwFPKqTa_bUikSifclU24i7CmjXA1FXBZilRZr89p1GS-BPXmAFiWjz2eHWConx6uB4IRIdlrdxZOFF7GNC2WbbI0PiKAaDlQi8IXsmiU7s/s1600/Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYDMeUHgZ4pqPpPhCJnQI0-872oDKupDYmwFPKqTa_bUikSifclU24i7CmjXA1FXBZilRZr89p1GS-BPXmAFiWjz2eHWConx6uB4IRIdlrdxZOFF7GNC2WbbI0PiKAaDlQi8IXsmiU7s/s1600/Bottle.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-2EfdMDJO-ePpgJx-8mfNGM7RhQ0qKvTmlIKjHcK4QIfx-vNyseH5wszikF2wmSKJcbeNTwsdWWkeXtk33jf52NwcNBNN8egdx0F0gYm_CIL1016OS8uxGkBQrscEk-KT7HPN38sE3Y/s1600/Oil+Pourer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-2EfdMDJO-ePpgJx-8mfNGM7RhQ0qKvTmlIKjHcK4QIfx-vNyseH5wszikF2wmSKJcbeNTwsdWWkeXtk33jf52NwcNBNN8egdx0F0gYm_CIL1016OS8uxGkBQrscEk-KT7HPN38sE3Y/s1600/Oil+Pourer.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I went to my favorite local craft store, Pat Catans.</div>
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I bought 3 Oil Pourers & a Bottle with a cork.</div>
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We put 3 differnt colors of sand in each one, representing each one of us.</div>
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Including the 3 bags of sand, our Unity Sand cost under $20.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXCm8sTEQM78Nsjj_VXFeDLjBbwjj_0MMdwTfnMJAPJ3AE2VzYdzCEfAZiwiFJ9yOaQ9aRdaGSPyNJgvLsLZ_ZEsyeh_NyRxz7XqP8ju3NXrPiRLihRmMf5Efay0OOP589RAG9hF6uu0/s1600/DSCF2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXCm8sTEQM78Nsjj_VXFeDLjBbwjj_0MMdwTfnMJAPJ3AE2VzYdzCEfAZiwiFJ9yOaQ9aRdaGSPyNJgvLsLZ_ZEsyeh_NyRxz7XqP8ju3NXrPiRLihRmMf5Efay0OOP589RAG9hF6uu0/s1600/DSCF2600.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We put sand from the beach at the bottom & eventually filled it the rest of the way with more sand from the beach. I loved the way it turned out. I have it with a picture from our wedding on a shelf.</div>
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I had a few more projects that I, honestly, just forgot to take the time to take pictures. I re-used a bouquet that I caught at a friend's wedding. It was artificial Jasmine flowers. I just simply changed the ribbon to match our wedding colors. I have since made a similar one for another friend's wedding. I like being able to keep it. It was my something "old" at my reception.</div>
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Your special day is what you make of it. At the end of the day, as long as me & my hubby were married, that was all that really mattered!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrLUIxhf0pJAb1pKV1mAPg_rKZF56dCvzus7YkFzf_oapCB6RxYPJIsl_MmqGPe_YlxvQjwdM7iI7XE7mRUtxOC5XIMX2uGKgEoi2EW_Vw7XQ417-KdGe2BRwBrSzDoNicnuJM3-dqqU/s1600/3+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrLUIxhf0pJAb1pKV1mAPg_rKZF56dCvzus7YkFzf_oapCB6RxYPJIsl_MmqGPe_YlxvQjwdM7iI7XE7mRUtxOC5XIMX2uGKgEoi2EW_Vw7XQ417-KdGe2BRwBrSzDoNicnuJM3-dqqU/s1600/3+us.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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I had a lot of great advice from people. From my friends from school to my close girlfriends, from old neighbors & even guys chimed in, everyone has great tips.<br />
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The biggest debate was small potty or the grown up potty. Being that I was trying to teach my son how to pee standing up like his dad, I felt the big potty with the little seat was perfect. I thought for sure I could entice him with a Lightning McQueen potty seat & stool. Not so much. He was having difficulty going #1 on the little potty (pee everywhere) so I told him it was broken. He eventually warmed up to it.<br />
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One classmate from grade school suggested having him play target practice with Cheerios. While this worked for the first day, the novelty of hosing down one of his favorite breakfast cereals faded quickly. Guess my big hungry boy figured that he'd rather eat them. Luckily he took to standing up peeing with out much hesitation. Unfortunately, he has some real issues with going #2 on the royal throne.<br />
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This is where bribery came into play. I am not sure that is even worked either. I hung a Matchbox or Hot Wheels car from the bathroom door. I thought of it as inspiration. My little guy wasn't fully convinced that he really wanted the cars THAT much to just go poop. As terrible as this may sound, it was actually kind of funny. He would sound like he was giving birth trying to go. There wasn't anything wrong, he was just simply terrified!</div>
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After a few weeks of this, Mason had to stay with his Grandparents for the night. Funny how he had NO problems going up there. And he didn't need anyone there for moral support while he went. I am very thankful that now he goes to the bathroom on his own. We still have the Night Time Pull-ups for bedtime. Even though most of the time he wakes up dry. I will take those off of him once I get the proper mattress pad for his bed. </div>
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Every kid is different & one thing may not work that worked for someone else. Patience was the key for both of us. We both would get frustrated, but we survived! And here I thought boys would be easier, lol!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-87139289578185925472014-06-01T15:37:00.003-04:002014-06-01T15:39:16.279-04:00Home Sweet HomeIt's always nice to be home. I LOVE my in-laws house & being up there. But there is nothing like being in your own home. For me, I greatly miss my computer. My 3 year old couldn't wait to get home to play his Cars game. Needless to say, we are both happy campers!<br />
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We had a nice break in the country. My husband was working hard at landscaping the back yard for a surprise Anniversary party for his parents this September...shhhhh. <br />
(Good thing I know they don't ever read my blog. Who am I kidding, they probably have no idea I even have it, lol.)<br />
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Here is a little preview of his work.</div>
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While my honey was showing that back yard who was boss, I relaxed. I got to catch up on my recipe reading & did lots of cooking. My hubby's parents have the best kitchen! I LOVE to cook when I am there. My MIL knows this. When ever I am coming up, she buys groceries for me to cook.<br />
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This weeks menu included the MIL's picks, lasagna, ribs & vegetable pizza. I was thrilled to make lasagna. We have been talking about me making it for months, since I was staying up there helping with my FIL. I decided that some pasta salad was the perfect quick side for the ribs. I was floored when they had never had pasta salad the way I make it. I think they liked it though!<br />
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Cooking while I am there gives me something to do & it gives someone else a break. Plus it's fun for me! They have all the fun gadgets to make cooking & baking a little easier.<br />
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Like this little helper. An actual Lasagna Pan.</div>
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At first, I thought, I don't need one of these. </div>
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After using it I am a believer....I NEED one!</div>
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I also made Mojitos. </div>
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It's always a good thing when your mother in law suggests a great summer time drink! </div>
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For the first time, I made simple syrup. </div>
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<b><u>Simple Syrup Recipe</u></b></div>
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Combine equal parts Sugar & Water (I did 1 cup of each)</div>
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Heat on Low </div>
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Stirring often. </div>
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Once it's all liquid, remove from heat & let it cool down.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It really is simple. I will NEVER buy it again. </span></div>
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I will however, be purchasing some squeeze bottles to put it in though. </div>
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For now I have mine in my old reliable, a Mason Jar. </div>
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(I am obsessed with Mason Jars, BTW! </div>
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We will save that confession for another day)</div>
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I came home from the In-Laws and made sure I bought a bottle of Bacardi Rum for my summer time adult beverages. The big guy was on sale & I couldn't pass that up. I love mojitos, they are so refreshing. Looks like I need to experiment with different fruits & find a friend who is growing mint in their garden. We can trade mint for simple syrup! </div>
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Hope you find time this summer to enjoy a cool, refreshing Mojito!</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-44278422424636252682014-05-25T15:59:00.001-04:002014-05-25T15:59:29.142-04:00The Calm After the StormTo say the last few weeks has been crazy would be an understatement. I have had 2 weddings, one of which I helped plan & had my in-laws stay with us while my FIL went to the Dr. here. Now I am looking forward to heading North to my in-laws for some R&R this week before my weeks get busy again. <br />
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My June calendar is booking up with Party Lite shows & I am NOT complaining. Summer is always such a great time to get friends together & catch up. It's also a great time to switch up the decor to make your home bright & cheerful. <br />
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Here are a few ideas to make your home look</div>
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ready for the sunny weather!</div>
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Keeping it short & sweet today so I can finish packing for my weekday getaway!</div>
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Have a safe & Happy Memorial Day </div>
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and don't forget why this day exists.</div>
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<br />Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2292433527410358805.post-55885982463154629222014-05-25T15:35:00.001-04:002015-11-19T12:01:34.464-05:00I love weddingsParty planning is my passion. I always seem to be planning some kind of party or helping with one. My most recent project was helping my "sister from another mister" plan her wedding.<br />
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My 2 best friends are sisters. Their youngest sister tied the knot in a "Destination Wedding" here it Pittsburgh. Having had my own wedding away, I tried to help her make the wedding as painless as possible.<br />
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The theme of the wedding was "Travel".</div>
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Each table had a theme of places </div>
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they have been together & their home towns.</div>
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<b>Los Angeles</b></div>
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<b>Pittsburgh</b></div>
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<b>Antigua</b></div>
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<b>Las Vegas</b></div>
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<b>San Diego</b></div>
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<b>Wine Country</b><br />
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We did floral centerpieces & the tables had "hints" of each destination on the table. I used artificial flowers to do the centerpieces, hoping she wouldn't be able to tell. Obviously the shredded paper was a dead giveaway, but there weren't any on the head table. She had no idea they were artificial until she picked it up. </div>
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Operation "Fake Flowers" was a success!</div>
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I got the flowers from Garden Ridge. Why I never stepped foot in that store until now is beyond me. I always thought it was like Home Depot or Lowes. Boy was I wrong! I was pleasantly surprised at all of the beautiful things they had. Their flower selection was great. They had flowers for any budget.<br />
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It's been fun & a bit challenging. </div>
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The Bride gave suggestions & I went with it. <br />
She was so excited when I told her I wasn't telling her anymore about the wedding. </div>
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It was great, I got to play "David Tuturo" for her. </div>
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Mr. & Mrs. Thomas</div>
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Unfortunately, playing wedding planner did not give me time to go around & take pictures of each table theme. The photographer gladly took pictures for me & is going to send them to me when she is done editing. I will be sharing those & the rest of the Travel themed creations I made.</div>
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Mel77http://www.blogger.com/profile/04607307016681720386noreply@blogger.com0