tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67258360727833473112024-03-04T23:40:23.336-08:00Simply Sweet PSamberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-49419396359061085492015-05-23T19:10:00.003-07:002015-05-23T19:11:44.192-07:00speechless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ16T60TZ67ds8M6NhhBh8o_vL6CXhK6L1UIGyjGjGxA0xY7I3cvefqOGLzV-NT_lDCSNKpWlTjpjMFvw_ndur4ZMbqJBUCsyrOVN-e3PqBoHNtYw5rmVse22YegfXBBp7zL40JqA6oN2/s1600/giving-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ16T60TZ67ds8M6NhhBh8o_vL6CXhK6L1UIGyjGjGxA0xY7I3cvefqOGLzV-NT_lDCSNKpWlTjpjMFvw_ndur4ZMbqJBUCsyrOVN-e3PqBoHNtYw5rmVse22YegfXBBp7zL40JqA6oN2/s320/giving-hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There have been very few times in my life where I have been speechless! I'm trying to think of words to say to describe what's happening...and no words seem adequate. But I'll try to explain where we're at! <br />
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A month or so ago we decided to try an online Facebook auction, where all the money raised would go toward the adoption. We started collecting stuff...asking friends, family and even strangers if they'd like to donate. Our friends, family and complete stranger friends came through for us and we had close to 70 items donated. I cried numerous times at the way people were giving. <br />
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A little over a week ago we put everything up, added descriptions and starting bids and held our breath. Would anyone even look in our auction, let alone bid? I was SO nervous that no one would bid. We would have all of this stuff donated and no one would want it. <br />
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Jason and I talked about what our hopes were for the auction. In my head $1000 would be awesome, but $2000 would just totally be God and I would be so thrilled with that! I was almost afraid to say it because it seemed like such a big amount. But I knew that God could totally bless this thing and I was excited to see Him move! So I told Jason I hoped for $2000. <br />
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We started the auction on Thursday afternoon. By Thursday night we were at $1400 and by Friday night we had passed $2000. We had PASSED my highest goal and we still had over a week to go on the auction. I have been in awe of what God is doing ever since. Complete awe! And that's where my speechlessness comes in. How do you describe what God is doing in your heart and family?! He is showing Himself to us in ways we've never seen.<br />
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We hoped for $2000...He was like, I'll show you what I can do!<br />
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We ended the auction on Monday night. At the end there was a frenzy of bids. and I just sat at the computer in shock. Our friends and stranger friends were GOING CRAZY bidding.<br />
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I totaled everything up and the total was staggering. We had raised $5845.<br />
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$5845.<br />
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Almost three times what my highest hope had been. I get choked up just thinking about it!<br />
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After we announced the totals we just sat there and read all the love pouring in. We saw a man in our church pledge $100 to everyone who would shave their head. We saw a group of friends pledge $100 over the next several months and challenge each other to give up their Starbucks if need be.<br />
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I sat at my computer and cried my eyes out! I have never felt such a sense of community and love in my life. Many of the people are from our church and MOPS group. These people have sacrificed for our family, for our boys to become a part of our family and we are forever grateful.<br />
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I wish there were some magic words that we could say that would adequately describe our thankfulness, our love for all of you. But I don't know what they are! Just know that we are thankful.<br />
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This adoption road is hard. There are fears and worries and struggles. But days like these make it so worth it! On those hard, doubting days, I'm going to look back on this day and remember how we saw God move, and how loved we felt be everyone. And we will carry on, because this road is so worth it!<br />
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-12928763330432437132015-05-18T08:37:00.000-07:002015-05-18T08:52:58.086-07:00just trust.So much has changed in our lives over the last couple of years, that this feels like a totally new blog! Jason and I are enjoying four jobs, homeschooling, church and probably the biggest thing in all of our lives right now....adoption. That's right, we're working on adding two more kids into our family!<br />
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The process all started last year when our friends headed out to get their two new kids. They kept sending pictures and updating us every step of the way. Our hearts were opened and we felt this pull. A pull to be a father to the fatherless. To give these kids a forever family, to teach them about the love of Jesus, not just through our words but through our actions. So we started the process.<br />
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Within a very small amount of time (and I mean, super small), we were given pictures and info on two little orphan boys. Jason and I were shocked, scared, excited, instantly in love. Terrified might just fit in that description too. =) But once we had those pictures....we were in!<br />
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So we started the looooooooong process of doing our Home Study. It took months. During that time we (and by "we" I mean mainly me) faced many fears. I have had many fears along the way. I'm a planner, and I like to know what's going to happen. I like to know exactly how long something is going to take, how much money it's going to cost, where that money is going to come from, what it's going to be like at the end, and the list goes on. But I'm finding that God doesn't always, or even usually, tell us those things. He just asks us to trust Him.<br />
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Hard! Just trusting is SO hard.<br />
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Once we remembered to just trust, and take one step at a time, it's almost as though God was like YES, this is where I want you!! And He began to move.<br />
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And that brings us to today.<br />
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We are in major fundraising mode. We have three HUGE amounts of money that will need to be raised, plus travel expenses, etc. So we're doing every fundraiser that we can think of. We had a fun fundraiser at a local boutique here in town, where friends got to shop and a portion of the sales was given to our adoption fund!<br />
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We are also in the middle of our biggest fundraiser so far, which is an online auction. I can't wait to share all the details of how this has worked out, but I'll wait until we have the final numbers to do that, which will be this evening. Let's just say, God has done some AMAZING things through this auction. I have cried more times than I can count in just utter thankfulness and awe.<br />
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We also have a rummage sale coming up and we got approved for our Both Hands project which hopefully will happen in the beginning of July!<br />
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We are just in awe of what God is doing through this process. I have seen Him in ways that I never have before, and it's simply from taking those small steps of faith and trusting Him with the details. We serve an amazing God! <br />
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-59936324478764637402013-12-02T08:59:00.001-08:002013-12-02T09:00:02.852-08:00easiest mac'n'cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My girls LOVE mac'n'cheese! I used to buy the boxed kind and would just ignore that nagging question in the back of my mind...."why is it SO unnaturally orange?!" Then I bought the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cook-This-Not-That-Survival/dp/160529442X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386003423&sr=8-2&keywords=cook+this+not+that" target="_blank">Cook This, Not That</a>, and there was a recipe for homemade mac'n'cheese. I decided to give it a whirl, and besides an occasional box of bright orange mac'n'cheese, I haven't looked back! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-T_k4mGVtjalcEmyGNXXMKR_nB3xhlhKq7EehxKRjfIaeTulFFw7q_ed11vOc_0JB4Sv5p1WYuMbHw1iLWt861R_io4yvKLApGmCHpLm06-EygydYO4f9tM6X_9KZ17uYL8pnbbBnYFT/s1600/mac+n+cheese+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-T_k4mGVtjalcEmyGNXXMKR_nB3xhlhKq7EehxKRjfIaeTulFFw7q_ed11vOc_0JB4Sv5p1WYuMbHw1iLWt861R_io4yvKLApGmCHpLm06-EygydYO4f9tM6X_9KZ17uYL8pnbbBnYFT/s320/mac+n+cheese+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This mac'n'cheese is so easy you guys! Not only is it much healthier than it's boxed cousin, but it also makes a ton more! This recipe makes three full meals for my four mac'n'cheese loving girls! If your kids are GIANT eaters, it might only last two meals, but still! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">EASIEST MAC'N'CHEESE</span></div>
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1 lb whole wheat elbows or shells</div>
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3 Tbsp butter</div>
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3 tbsp flour</div>
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1 tsp salt </div>
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2 1/2 milk</div>
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese </div>
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Boil pasta according to package directions. Don't forget to salt the water that you boil the pasta in, it helps the noodles be tastier. </div>
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While the pasta boils, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for a couple of minutes. Add salt. Add milk and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. As the sauce boils, it will thicken. Once it gets to the thickness you'd like, remove from heat and add the cheese and stir until completely melted. </div>
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Drain pasta once it's cooked. Put back in pasta pan and pour cheese sauce over the noodles. Stir until every noodle is drenched in cheesy goodness. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you want, though this is optional! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh68Cwulra3W13IRWZAcvCXAXmnfxa9gisBcFrsZEpN08psxp2W9fuQzAbCiahYQJhq50wRmHvuFmtyCsPM_Npi4iNGpTmiSgj6Ui0KuTod7F6Lwd4Lk-fPX-PiWGBRdAQ0AeHL47m0wkQ/s1600/mac+n+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh68Cwulra3W13IRWZAcvCXAXmnfxa9gisBcFrsZEpN08psxp2W9fuQzAbCiahYQJhq50wRmHvuFmtyCsPM_Npi4iNGpTmiSgj6Ui0KuTod7F6Lwd4Lk-fPX-PiWGBRdAQ0AeHL47m0wkQ/s320/mac+n+cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-53240080701342370802013-12-01T17:22:00.000-08:002013-12-01T17:23:09.416-08:00free printable christmas subway artHere is a sweet Christmas free printable for you! Please only use for personal use and do not re-sell. Click to enlarge!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-IKqiPOzxfY-_csWa-Mo59UWBVboaLU3CgJsGCtjTlSKcgLLc6OiA_Nng5KLCiJ10HWtyW9cmzeudhr9ZH7II_c2zXrq98ckeQhF6LWv4paTV7xiC3Xjklu6qBzkK7S4fY3u9pIJ-W7B/s1600/christmas+subway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-IKqiPOzxfY-_csWa-Mo59UWBVboaLU3CgJsGCtjTlSKcgLLc6OiA_Nng5KLCiJ10HWtyW9cmzeudhr9ZH7II_c2zXrq98ckeQhF6LWv4paTV7xiC3Xjklu6qBzkK7S4fY3u9pIJ-W7B/s320/christmas+subway.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-922025556872313162013-11-26T08:53:00.000-08:002013-11-26T08:55:42.234-08:00thanksgiving place settings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I know everyone is busy making plans and preparing for the biggest meal of the year! So here is a simple way to add a little beauty to your Thanksgiving table, do it yourself place settings. There are a couple ways to do them, either silverware holders like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMtkhlcqoO94zRePGblk9f1LZL7qyc6MVY9WHOyFCR_XChR1ZUuPwd8HFHWPf3FKz5PPlZ7hxA0r6JpabT5qW9SxZZS4jL6YZDmXgXVsrPAjthkyuscQ3iZjgVqPJ_9aOVmx-_be1-1Q4/s1600/thanksgiving+cards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMtkhlcqoO94zRePGblk9f1LZL7qyc6MVY9WHOyFCR_XChR1ZUuPwd8HFHWPf3FKz5PPlZ7hxA0r6JpabT5qW9SxZZS4jL6YZDmXgXVsrPAjthkyuscQ3iZjgVqPJ_9aOVmx-_be1-1Q4/s320/thanksgiving+cards+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or place cards like this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYnfuGbUTDzqTgLi7fCHuK8dYfPULZzfheCDBAdyuIcPdPf3ocqDsNbubR5P4vdymREZqsSTojxR-hFn4ICLjBvJEtVbAQ75wQC-vBPD6c8NPo7APH1VXwV7AnrD2E3YkcE_5jn2clej_/s1600/thanksgiving+cards+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYnfuGbUTDzqTgLi7fCHuK8dYfPULZzfheCDBAdyuIcPdPf3ocqDsNbubR5P4vdymREZqsSTojxR-hFn4ICLjBvJEtVbAQ75wQC-vBPD6c8NPo7APH1VXwV7AnrD2E3YkcE_5jn2clej_/s320/thanksgiving+cards+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both just require a few items that you probably already have around the house. Easy peasy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB7fYRAMFTFCr9KokbXI6uXJe19iK5f4ytSb3WQBMIhLJYIh5uQ_I-D13po4Wn1QXWFzl_wLtm798xD8y9lhnDUVsKkOxAu4v1AtGM2hplqQIfhjoUnuo9PWKq2Q-qHgcf-9P9eVBmcsW/s1600/thanksgiving+cards+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB7fYRAMFTFCr9KokbXI6uXJe19iK5f4ytSb3WQBMIhLJYIh5uQ_I-D13po4Wn1QXWFzl_wLtm798xD8y9lhnDUVsKkOxAu4v1AtGM2hplqQIfhjoUnuo9PWKq2Q-qHgcf-9P9eVBmcsW/s320/thanksgiving+cards+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You need some twine (or ribbon), some Thanksgiving-ish paper, plain colored paper would work too, some white cardstock and some Thanksgiving printables. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzQ7NwAC5PyfZHVnWHJJYXNRZTg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Here</a> is the free printable that I created for this project. Feel free to use it for your own personal use (please do not sell or distribute as your own). <br />
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For the silverware holders, you simply make a little pouch with the white cardstock, I used double sided tape to secure it, but you could also use a hot glue gun, or sew it. Then you tape on the Thanksgiving paper and then the printables. I punched two holes in the top and tied a twine bow, just to make it a little more cute! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E1WHHguqDCT7wachKSAbiAelLynuULI9c3n4w7UsbIMpEnEnvagM5TmcFN0Ud4z6L53O8MTgYBfj11Yj8Fxe8U4j2ROt5_5BVFa2N5nCtcycXYWqy0m47z9u7vC9RSrepKe3yvrR87xo/s1600/thanksgiving+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E1WHHguqDCT7wachKSAbiAelLynuULI9c3n4w7UsbIMpEnEnvagM5TmcFN0Ud4z6L53O8MTgYBfj11Yj8Fxe8U4j2ROt5_5BVFa2N5nCtcycXYWqy0m47z9u7vC9RSrepKe3yvrR87xo/s320/thanksgiving+cards.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the place cards, you do the same thing, except you flip it, so it makes a little tent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WQh7JFeF7Eg8qZHoHWPlscfYU5o-ap7BZDqTU-cRGnIaSOgv7aVEciP_puiVkXTFxx3f5zuVhdHkyx-30PV2HbFUgH8WOHmaSO6AP0p75GV-WBL72OFRNVhtgCjbejFcDIeZxw6qx99w/s1600/thanksgiving+cards+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WQh7JFeF7Eg8qZHoHWPlscfYU5o-ap7BZDqTU-cRGnIaSOgv7aVEciP_puiVkXTFxx3f5zuVhdHkyx-30PV2HbFUgH8WOHmaSO6AP0p75GV-WBL72OFRNVhtgCjbejFcDIeZxw6qx99w/s320/thanksgiving+cards+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So easy, but adds just a touch of special! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! <br />
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-48899554012018364362013-11-22T09:05:00.002-08:002013-11-22T09:06:35.610-08:00healthy baked oatmealThere are two things that I love to bake with. Cinnamon. And chocolate. This recipe has both, so it's delish!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGUVhdtne3yLYapt7-E8ehYjI6WKLjfbMc4TN9vMtr6oY_x1BFVYXJK51Aso_uNFZL04brlfgNHT5RXjhvnnooqdEhW2ByRP107WS983MgyzAfSNbaBGi_SMvwBannhaeHeQjR6nf5GS7/s1600/baked+oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGUVhdtne3yLYapt7-E8ehYjI6WKLjfbMc4TN9vMtr6oY_x1BFVYXJK51Aso_uNFZL04brlfgNHT5RXjhvnnooqdEhW2ByRP107WS983MgyzAfSNbaBGi_SMvwBannhaeHeQjR6nf5GS7/s320/baked+oatmeal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this recipe because it has no flour, just oats! You can tweak the amount of sugar also, I used to do it with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and it's just barely sweetened that way. This time I used 1/2 cup of brown sugar and I'll probably always do it that way now. It's just yummier, but not TOO yummy, if you know what I mean!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HEALTHY BAKED OATMEAL</span></b><br />
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1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 Tbsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
3 cups oats (I like Old Fashioned, they're more hearty, but quick oats would work too)<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I like mini)<br />
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Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x9 baking dish (or similar size). Whisk applesauce and eggs. Add cinnamon, salt, baking powder and vanilla and whisk together. Mix in sugar. Add oatmeal, then milk. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake for 30-35 minutes.<br />
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-88649412536448728722013-11-20T11:06:00.003-08:002013-11-20T16:42:59.966-08:00chocolate-glazed pumpkin donutsWhat is the perfect, chilly Fall morning breakfast you ask? <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was my first go at homemade donuts and they turned out just delicious! I love making things that we normally store buy, and having it work out! Not only are the ingredients all things that you already have in your pantry, but they're also BAKED which makes them *almost* healthy for you! Haha! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So with the coming of Fall, of course I've been pinning all sorts of pumpkin deliciousness! And I just happened across this recipe for pumpkin donuts.....pumpkin donuts?! Yes, pumpkin donuts! Yum-o!! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made big ones like this: </span></span></span></span></div>
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And little adorable mini ones like this:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHOCOLATE-GLAZED PUMPKIN DONUTS: </b></span><br />
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
3 eggs<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
2 tsp cinnamon (you can just do one, but I'm a little cinnamon crazy)<br />
1/2 tsp ginger<br />
1/8 tsp ground clove<br />
1 1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHOCOLATE GLAZE:</b></span><br />
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate ships<br />
1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream<br />
2 Tbsp salted butter<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray donut pan with cooking spray. Blend together applesauce, eggs, sugars, pumpkin and vanilla. Add in the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Now for the next part, I totally recommend doing it this way. The batter is very thick and would be hard to spoon into your pan, especially if you're doing mini donuts. So what you do is spoon the batter into a ziploc bag. Then cut off the corner of the bag with scissors. Now just squeeze your batter into your pans. I did it this way and it was a BREEZE! Bake for 9-11 minutes.<br />
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While the donuts are baking make your glaze. Get out a small saucepan, add all the glaze ingredients and melt together. You should have a shiny delicious pan of chocolate glaze. Try not to eat it all before the donuts come out of the oven. <br />
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Let the donuts cool when you take them out of the oven, if you're patient. If you're not, ahem, at least wait until you can pick them up without burning your fingers, and dip the tops into the warm chocolate glaze. Immediately sprinkle with toppings of your choice. Devour.<br />
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Original recipe found <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1716626499&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=458213&link=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRwcm94eS5nb29nbGUuY29tL35yL1ByZXNlbnRwYXN0Q29sbGVjdGlvbi9-My8yYngzalZEWmcxUS8&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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</left> amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-24181230575513369522012-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-26T11:22:59.828-07:007 steps to a pretty painted pumpkinSo I'm not the biggest fan of Jack-O-Lanterns. And to be honest Halloween is by far my least favorite holiday.<br />
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Don't hate me.<br />
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But I do love Fall! I love the nice, fresh, crisp weather! I love caramel apple cider! I love pumpkin: pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice creamer, pumpkin cake, YUM! <br />
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Needless to say, I don't like decorating for Halloween. The stuff is just too scary. And just not what I want surrounding my kids! BUT, decorating for fall...that's another story! It can be so beautiful! And simple! <br />
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I came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15058979975306970/" target="_blank">this</a> pin the other day and knew I wanted to try to make my own!! We went to the "pumpkin farm" as my kids like to call it, last week and we got to bring home four pretty little pumpkins! They were just BEGGING to be painted!! See? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2iSzZt7JIMSdSpAu_Avd4rz44DzW2e6GOkUaPW2w7pjPUFDoYssNRXSCD9eC2g3hyphenhyphenetkZgE9G8sj20x9rq_TKYJ-Sa33EEYMl-5P6mbVm6PismmifSDPJA_T5UAJwWo7YklT7xyFqaaX/s1600/pumpkin+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to paint pumpkins" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2iSzZt7JIMSdSpAu_Avd4rz44DzW2e6GOkUaPW2w7pjPUFDoYssNRXSCD9eC2g3hyphenhyphenetkZgE9G8sj20x9rq_TKYJ-Sa33EEYMl-5P6mbVm6PismmifSDPJA_T5UAJwWo7YklT7xyFqaaX/s320/pumpkin+paint.jpg" title="how to paint pumpkins" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was actually fairly simple! They didn't turn out perfect but I am definitely okay with that! Aren't these so much cuter than Jack-O-Lanterns?!<br />
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So here's what you do:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Step 1:</u> Gather your pumpkins!</b> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">See, I TOLD you this was easy!</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXRxI4nsFz0BkEMlk5D5J-6W_28Z53cF4wIUU5K8hBQ7nHo9l6Ztj_iZJmLSBOT18jhjOs8TuXaFNe3XQffAcz_8cyhtL949ATpb65nG2Hb74Nj74A5164EGkAkDgolUvUVg3bLmxOlP/s1600/pumpkin+paint+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXRxI4nsFz0BkEMlk5D5J-6W_28Z53cF4wIUU5K8hBQ7nHo9l6Ztj_iZJmLSBOT18jhjOs8TuXaFNe3XQffAcz_8cyhtL949ATpb65nG2Hb74Nj74A5164EGkAkDgolUvUVg3bLmxOlP/s320/pumpkin+paint+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2:</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> Gather your supplies!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you'll notice, I have a white, yellow and weird orange color. Let's just say the weird orange color was NOT what I was looking for, so I improvised (don't be afraid to improvise!) and used a light green instead! I also have a sponge brush in the picture, but I only used the regular paint brush, it just felt easier to me! Use whichever you like! </span></span><br />
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<b> <u><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3:</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> Grab a pencil and sketch the design you want!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you see the really light lines on the pumpkin (left picture)? I was doing the chevron stripe pumpkin here! I started at the top and just did a star pattern around (right picture), then continued down making more lines. It does NOT have to be perfect! And if you mess up, you're using a pencil, so you can just fix it! </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Step 4:</u> Now outline with pen!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I suppose this step is not necessary, but it's definitely helpful! The pencil was so light, that I figured it would be kind of hard to paint over it. Hence, the pen. I just used a regular ball point pen. It was kinda fun drawing on the pumpkins with the pen. It's all smooth, and just, different!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Step 5:</u> Paint!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't panic, you CAN do this!! Pour your acrylic paints onto a plate. I poured mine onto three little paper plates. Paint one color at a time. So do all your white paint first, on all your pumpkins. Then go back and do the next color. This allows some time for the paint to dry before you add the next color. And if you decide one of the colors is, um, UGLY as all get out, go ahead and change colors like I did. No biggie!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8P-fXmSURh2KOo2ldTOSgSuLRV3viR5CZ7FvGkvbGstgKzW4bKRTTDB5ouzvhaUemeVZIvoR6Fx_TAqS0HQQe_HXJnL5muuyApfqy4uWSL_FCk1uNolAluNDlHyMIDiYW9zn1LFaz2bB/s1600/pumpkin+paint+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="diy painted pumpkins" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8P-fXmSURh2KOo2ldTOSgSuLRV3viR5CZ7FvGkvbGstgKzW4bKRTTDB5ouzvhaUemeVZIvoR6Fx_TAqS0HQQe_HXJnL5muuyApfqy4uWSL_FCk1uNolAluNDlHyMIDiYW9zn1LFaz2bB/s320/pumpkin+paint+9.jpg" title="diy painted pumpkins" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> <u><span style="font-size: large;">Step 6:</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> Add finishing touches!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite pumpkin is the argyle one. I just love it!! And it actually turned out way easier than I was thinking it would! First you'll want to paint on your diamonds. I cut out a paper diamond, then I put the paper diamond on the pumpkin and put little dots all the way around, to make sure I had the right size diamond! Then I traced the diamonds onto the pumpkin! After you paint them, you need to let the paint dry! Now you're going to add your finishing touch! I suppose you could use black paint for this, but that seemed really hard and messy to me! So instead I grabbed a trusty Sharpie and used that for the little black lines! To help make sure my lines were straight, I put little dots in the shape of a diamond so I would know where my lines should go (see picture below). </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DgWDO2__TgqsAoB7S0OLJkVrrCTD_IQX-lgxsZe_T7LP1BZd4_ywi7u6gAATNuQYjqX9J05mRgmLpo3SJihamo3Syk4my8bJNTUOlksh-Eh-aJKozsAtPIqXidXzV2ZM5WlRTnEP0cng/s1600/pumpkin+paint+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DgWDO2__TgqsAoB7S0OLJkVrrCTD_IQX-lgxsZe_T7LP1BZd4_ywi7u6gAATNuQYjqX9J05mRgmLpo3SJihamo3Syk4my8bJNTUOlksh-Eh-aJKozsAtPIqXidXzV2ZM5WlRTnEP0cng/s320/pumpkin+paint+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Step 7:</u> Put pumpkins on your porch or mantle and just LOVE their pretty-ness! </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvzNyrRvmrNf9OMQdhps5B-oHpLdAkZfNvZtp8euCdlkntg5rINNcQanUQDYwAS4mZfKAi5HCZRc5TJ6ltleJacNnD5Itecg4TiKAbm_PkmJsJDyk-VcidlN_alpz2DyC04SYjHwBZWZX/s1600/pumpkin+paint+multi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvzNyrRvmrNf9OMQdhps5B-oHpLdAkZfNvZtp8euCdlkntg5rINNcQanUQDYwAS4mZfKAi5HCZRc5TJ6ltleJacNnD5Itecg4TiKAbm_PkmJsJDyk-VcidlN_alpz2DyC04SYjHwBZWZX/s640/pumpkin+paint+multi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<left> <a href="http://s690.photobucket.com/albums/vv270/tosaveapenny/?action=view&current=signatureambersmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv270/tosaveapenny/signatureambersmall.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2F7-steps-to-pretty-painted-pumpkin.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hMhvx2gf0JI%2FUH4JPG-JFCI%2FAAAAAAAADGU%2F5ZB7Nrb4WCo%2Fs320%2Fpumpkin%2Bpaint.jpg&description=DIY%20painted%20pumpkins!"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-60439199879582604962012-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:11:44.411-07:00weight loss & an outfitI hit a goal for my weight loss yesterday!!<br />
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Ready for this?<br />
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I'm down.....<br />
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30 POUNDS!!!<br />
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Who woulda thunk it?! Not me 30 pounds ago, that's for sure! It's taken me, well, what seems like forever but in reality it's been about a year. With some setbacks of course. The last 20 came off just in the last 6 months probably. It's exciting! And motivating! <br />
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Oh....this is an outfit post too, huh?! So here's how to take a really boring white tee, and make it feel fab!<br />
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A pretty red, flowery scarf!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9da5b0FgFDzotN9yHUsPrtO7dZ19BcFj4E8LJbVOZgVJvoJT4fAIfgQyX9L5zPbCE9E-ILyQ8DcJMPNDNma3LJ3dVvZlPKLKTogOmnV7rrLcbMZ5nYN3eH9K6ssVOFe52zT-N4UFpDS5/s1600/outfit+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colored jeans outfit" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9da5b0FgFDzotN9yHUsPrtO7dZ19BcFj4E8LJbVOZgVJvoJT4fAIfgQyX9L5zPbCE9E-ILyQ8DcJMPNDNma3LJ3dVvZlPKLKTogOmnV7rrLcbMZ5nYN3eH9K6ssVOFe52zT-N4UFpDS5/s320/outfit+e.jpg" title="colored jeans outfit" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easy peasy! And if you have a matching purse, even better. You guys like my red pants?! I've been searching high and low for some colored pants that were actually flattering and not nasty gross when I put them on, ya know, 'cuz I'm not a size 2! And I finally found them, so I bought two, of course! One in this pretty red! And one in a dark teal-ish color (that's right, teal-ish!). Love! They were at Kohl's and they're cords! Double love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSn_r3BbsCY3__TD9bPgd8MpOh68PA-ZVqLJQEgWcDupmjlCzAxktMId6ezsmyJQ_7vojHy69jumHATGEPOklFKzi-_66gt44UdOa4OQJ6GkvBL-GmppEx1Z61vPiI4nFn94Sh2YspZsh/s1600/outfit+e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to dress up a white tshirt" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSn_r3BbsCY3__TD9bPgd8MpOh68PA-ZVqLJQEgWcDupmjlCzAxktMId6ezsmyJQ_7vojHy69jumHATGEPOklFKzi-_66gt44UdOa4OQJ6GkvBL-GmppEx1Z61vPiI4nFn94Sh2YspZsh/s320/outfit+e4.jpg" title="how to dress up a white tshirt" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-o-woG5ytEMDcY5Bbg8wrXPrMT1VQ2EsqNij7Y90T0Hnwc43LiLl-0oHKN9b_7DmeyPYdMjNyEtimNxe9n9DYpFhPqOKPF171zb1NAtzW_8htF2Z0Hh-JJuWrVmntbwJ8bPnK0o-pUzy/s1600/outfit+e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to wear a scarf" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-o-woG5ytEMDcY5Bbg8wrXPrMT1VQ2EsqNij7Y90T0Hnwc43LiLl-0oHKN9b_7DmeyPYdMjNyEtimNxe9n9DYpFhPqOKPF171zb1NAtzW_8htF2Z0Hh-JJuWrVmntbwJ8bPnK0o-pUzy/s320/outfit+e7.jpg" title="how to wear a scarf" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNmYYaXqxjzxGc9WKZj7GBhjb-ojztCwIMilUaUCMbJiiqS4rrb0eFP1t6KvCLwuPMcm-CWG04lqBGA3KjKmFjEn2G_jKqF8BNyW6qaxT6M7I5Rp6cM2rr7pTKyoPk2fTtIHFeNXLZkyl/s1600/outfit+e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNmYYaXqxjzxGc9WKZj7GBhjb-ojztCwIMilUaUCMbJiiqS4rrb0eFP1t6KvCLwuPMcm-CWG04lqBGA3KjKmFjEn2G_jKqF8BNyW6qaxT6M7I5Rp6cM2rr7pTKyoPk2fTtIHFeNXLZkyl/s320/outfit+e2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg61jPcRQdn6DRun_NkxZukumpNPMdy-2vzmvfRJ38Hox4rWttHDYrOnQbTI8YiNX6NgU6YX9pYcqeP22_-erUNMr5Utd09NyWgKS6OfZ6gxcu7Y3hIIeRvb0_9SknqhEQrz9U7VDzNov/s1600/outfit+e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg61jPcRQdn6DRun_NkxZukumpNPMdy-2vzmvfRJ38Hox4rWttHDYrOnQbTI8YiNX6NgU6YX9pYcqeP22_-erUNMr5Utd09NyWgKS6OfZ6gxcu7Y3hIIeRvb0_9SknqhEQrz9U7VDzNov/s320/outfit+e5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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shirt ($5): old navy, scarf ($4.48): target, red pants ($19.72): kohl's, steve madden flats ($7): sam's (who knew?!)</div>
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fweight-loss-outfit.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8fLiAhru9j0%2FUHx1w81J0qI%2FAAAAAAAADEg%2FzdzmeZStM48%2Fs320%2Foutfit%2Be.jpg&description=making%20a%20white%20tshirt%20pretty!%20"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-28078634794831337052012-10-15T12:48:00.002-07:002012-10-15T13:08:10.351-07:00worries into thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m447/WarriorPrincess111/beach-silhouette.jpg" target="_blank">Photo credit</a></span></div>
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I've had a really hard, much dreaded week the last six days. My stomach has been in knots for most of the six days. My mind has been overrun with worry and anxiety. My patience has been short and my love small.<br />
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What could be causing such a stressful week you ask? Two words.<br />
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Stomach. Flu.<br />
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Wait, did she just say the stomach flu is causing knots in the tummy, worry, anxiety and a lack of patience and love?!<br />
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Yes. Yes I did.<br />
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I have come to recognize an idol in my life. I guess you could call the idol health. But it's even more specific than that. I don't mind coughs, sniffly noses, fevers....I can deal with those. The stomach flu, I cannot. I have an intense fear of it. You may even call it a phobia.<br />
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You see, a few months back, I got the stomach flu for the first time since I was a kid. Horrible stuff. This stomach flu lasted for over a week. And I haven't been the same since. Seriously, I haven't been the same. The flu changed something in me, so now I feel nauseous almost every evening. Food doesn't sit well in my stomach. I can't drink carbonated drinks anymore. A stomach bug did this, you guys. I didn't even know that was possible. <br />
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So now I have a phobia. Of getting the stomach flu again and having things get worse.<br />
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Six days ago, two of my daughters woke up with the bug. Then they were totally fine that afternoon. Then the next day, 36 hours later, my oldest threw up again. Freaked me out. What is this thing that leaves and then dares to come back?! It was pretty much a dreadful waiting game after that, just WAITING for the other two to get it. I knew they had to get it, though I always held on to the slim hope that maybe, somehow, they would escape.<br />
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They didn't.<br />
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First one fell. Then the other last night.<br />
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Why am I telling you all this?<br />
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I realize that some of you will think I'm crazy for "overreacting" to something as inevitable as a stomach bug. But we all have our "thing" don't we? That thing (or things) that drive us to insane worry. That thing that causes us to lash out at our kids and husband for no reason. For example, last night I caught the last standing healthy kid brushing her teeth with one of her sick sister's toothbrush. I freaked out. I caught myself yelling, "WHY are you doing that?! We don't do that!!!" Similar things came out of my mouth when catching them sharing cups. "NOOOOO!!!!" I'd shriek while telling them to switch their cups!! Don't you know that "YOU are the orange cup and YOU are the green cup?!" Then I would realize that I was talking to 2-year-olds. 2-year-old twins. They've shared everything since before birth. They ALWAYS share drinks, we used to only have one toothbrush for both of them to use when they were babies....I mean, come on. The poor things didn't know that mama turns into a nutcase when the stomach flu enters our house. <br />
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I was getting to the point of overwhelming worry. It was making me sick to my stomach (and still does sometimes). I decided I needed to quit trying to deal with this on my own (duh) and start doing what God tells me to do in His Word. So I went back to a favorite passage of mine:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Philippians 4:6-8 </b></span></div>
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<b><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NASB-29449"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NASB-29450"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-NASB-29451"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.</span></b> </div>
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The first thing we are called to do is "be anxious for NOTHING." I wish it was easy as reading it! God doesn't leave us there though. He tells us what to do INSTEAD of worrying. Pray!! Go to God with your worries and your requests. Oh and don't forget the thanksgiving. While you're talking to God, remember to be thankful. There are always things to give thanks for. </div>
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So I started doing that. And you know that peace it promises? It's real! My heart has calmed down, my stomach has lost most of its knots! I'm able to be thankful for the little things, like having a semi-calm and uneventful morning! </div>
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When I start to dwell on the what-ifs, WHAT IF I get this nasty thing and can't get out of bed and J is working? WHAT IF J gets it and can't go to work at all? What if, what if?! then I make myself think on the truth (verse 8) above. I ask myself questions (really I do!). Am I sick right now? Is J sick right now? And then I thank God that I'm feeling good and that J is feeling good. </div>
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I know the real trial will be if I get sick too. I will need to be thinking on the truth and trusting in God's grace to get me through. He always provides what we need. </div>
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Do you have a trial you're going through? Are you worried about something? Remember God's grace and mercy to us! And obey His word: Be anxious for NOTHING! Be thankful! </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fworries-into-thanks.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fi335.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm447%2FWarriorPrincess111%2Fbeach-silhouette.jpg&description=turning%20worries%20into%20thanks!" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-81696884333005144562012-10-12T09:09:00.001-07:002012-10-16T12:08:41.758-07:00it's time for a fall outfit!I love fall!! When you live in the southern part of the country like I do, Fall-ish weather is even more precious! You see, "fall" weather here means temps in the 80s, with maybe a few clouds in the sky!! If it rains....BLISS!!<br />
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So yesterday was a semi-overcast, looks like it MIGHT rain, kinda day! It didn't rain, but the boots and little jacket came out anyway! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCcqaVQhLCKVswzHmBqFHm-eHKq8kw2QsSacS_tIA7_X7vRWqjxjH9P5MgWt02u-SgXRjDHPnY9tWmnGCOlDQzirIE2I7hEcxfGxcGF3aT5-hIIGBdogugsN4vI6BBQuFmcKT-CWuuhM0/s1600/outfit+d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="striped fall outfit" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCcqaVQhLCKVswzHmBqFHm-eHKq8kw2QsSacS_tIA7_X7vRWqjxjH9P5MgWt02u-SgXRjDHPnY9tWmnGCOlDQzirIE2I7hEcxfGxcGF3aT5-hIIGBdogugsN4vI6BBQuFmcKT-CWuuhM0/s400/outfit+d2.jpg" title="striped fall outfit" width="400" /><span id="goog_1789315246"></span><span id="goog_1789315247"></span></a></div>
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This yellow skirt you guys! It's so my new fav! It's a cord skirt, and it's kinda stretchy, so it's super comfy! I just love yellow and I NEVER thought I'd hear myself say that! But it's the best! Kinda funky, kinda bright and definitely fun! <br />
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This jacket is great for our kind of weather too, it's lightweight, with 3/4 length sleeves, so it doesn't look completely ridiculous in 85 degree weather!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianBE8bAppH4ChRwp9QB564ypEaITe6FPqw1HSCFRHpu9ExFNPmr4HA2dVSDsyNQb8uhxSyAE_bioeHsJ4PovRyL7iI1vgcNYqCV_zGAJMG50RCjU3YhUVwu9pRMBB193o-dLN0Mv7mKdx/s1600/outfit+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="yellow pencil skirt outfit" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianBE8bAppH4ChRwp9QB564ypEaITe6FPqw1HSCFRHpu9ExFNPmr4HA2dVSDsyNQb8uhxSyAE_bioeHsJ4PovRyL7iI1vgcNYqCV_zGAJMG50RCjU3YhUVwu9pRMBB193o-dLN0Mv7mKdx/s400/outfit+d.jpg" title="yellow pencil skirt outfit" width="400" /></a></div>
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jacket--ross, striped shirt--<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=251870012" target="_blank">old navy</a>, yellow skirt--<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=85223&vid=1&pid=576047022" target="_blank">old navy</a>, boots--<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=569064012" target="_blank">old navy</a></div>
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</left> <a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fits-time-for-fall-outfit.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KDt54dgIyKY%2FUHg9UrCxuAI%2FAAAAAAAADD8%2FMzKjaOED2iQ%2Fs400%2Foutfit%2Bd.jpg&description=Fall%20outfit!"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-11404985086836040882012-10-10T18:28:00.001-07:002012-10-16T12:12:35.599-07:00free give thanks printable With Thanksgiving fast approaching, and Fall decorating in full swing, I thought it would be nice to do a little free Give Thanks printable! So, here ya go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa8MSqLDVUK4Txna24QwXNUNtuKC5pPcbilZBdAQOZVBjxGOFpj2UbzMTUeZltD_YGI2foHfg5f6L6jthXbhjEHUOwEvNuLWvRlFtYOBGK-SzQgrvh1t7pFLYEGQdAwgFnsHVqk04YuQZ/s1600/give+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="give thanks free printable" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa8MSqLDVUK4Txna24QwXNUNtuKC5pPcbilZBdAQOZVBjxGOFpj2UbzMTUeZltD_YGI2foHfg5f6L6jthXbhjEHUOwEvNuLWvRlFtYOBGK-SzQgrvh1t7pFLYEGQdAwgFnsHVqk04YuQZ/s400/give+thanks.jpg" title="give thanks free printable" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgkK5q_tg4T904pbmzM1ekhaLYHumd5b9Ir_rwJBwuG8LICOCHiShFiODlUuTbnjStKZLmgJh-S31Kp1tnpnnV8uWC5Xm25hNsszfcTPpwyMPnzGAdGI6gsAUmjNahu4US6Y60UUANAuh/s1600/give+thanks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thanksgiving free printable" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgkK5q_tg4T904pbmzM1ekhaLYHumd5b9Ir_rwJBwuG8LICOCHiShFiODlUuTbnjStKZLmgJh-S31Kp1tnpnnV8uWC5Xm25hNsszfcTPpwyMPnzGAdGI6gsAUmjNahu4US6Y60UUANAuh/s400/give+thanks+2.jpg" title="thanksgiving free printable" width="400" /></a></div>
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*Free printables are for personal use only! <br />
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<a href="http://s690.photobucket.com/albums/vv270/tosaveapenny/?action=view&current=signatureambersmall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv270/tosaveapenny/signatureambersmall.jpg" /></a> <left>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fgive-thanks-printable.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8imKP5Uxhlo%2FUHYgqm7vj_I%2FAAAAAAAADDc%2FTVQ3mP80y6I%2Fs400%2Fgive%2Bthanks.jpg&description=Give%20Thanks%20printable"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></left>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-4863457339473969862012-10-09T14:10:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:13:50.299-07:00pinterest loves--pumpkin bars to die forI found this recipe on Pinterest a few days ago. It was a life changing moment. Did you know that Pumpkin Bars can be life changing? I didn't either. Until I made these. <br />
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These pumpkin bars....are just heavenly! They are moist. And pumkin-y. And cinnamon-y. And just delicious. I have a feeling you're gonna love them! Oh and they're ridiculously easy, double score!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtwoWyBMoZ6NQ2LmSmFKd1MbvzGK0NOaExgeCejRP0vqgvWudr0LmItPEBE8_dIa-MXnDFdmGOh7QqUjkqCgIJkeqea_TSE9iYmzquctbW74Mj8Pt5MEz0L-8runeFfV3Z3fIqhC3zlRJ/s1600/pumpkin+bars+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pumpkin bars recipe" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtwoWyBMoZ6NQ2LmSmFKd1MbvzGK0NOaExgeCejRP0vqgvWudr0LmItPEBE8_dIa-MXnDFdmGOh7QqUjkqCgIJkeqea_TSE9iYmzquctbW74Mj8Pt5MEz0L-8runeFfV3Z3fIqhC3zlRJ/s320/pumpkin+bars+2.jpg" title="pumpkin bars recipe" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/simplysweetpsprintablerecipes/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting" target="_blank">print recipe</a>)</span></b><br />
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Original recipe found <a href="http://bakeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-bars.html" target="_blank">here</a>! I tweaked it slightly to match our likes!)<br />
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2 cups flour</div>
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2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
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4 teaspoons cinnamon (I'm a crazy cinnamon freak so I doubled the cinnamon from the original recipe, just use 2 teaspoons if you're not a cinnamon freak too!)</div>
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1 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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4 eggs</div>
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1 and 2/3 cups sugar</div>
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1 cup oil</div>
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1 can (15oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 15x11 baking dish (if you don't have this size, a 13x9 would probably work, you'll just have to bake it longer). </div>
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Mix the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin with an electric mixer or with your trusty KitchenAid. Slowly add baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and then flour. Mix well! </div>
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Pour into the 15x11 dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. </div>
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While the deliciousness is baking, make your frosting.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cream Cheese Frosting </span></b></div>
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1 8oz. package of cream cheese (I use Neufchatel to cut back on the calories a bit! I've tried fat free before and it's pretty nasty in comparison so we don't do that anymore!)</div>
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1/3 cup softened butter</div>
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4 cups powdered sugar</div>
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract</div>
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1 Tbsp milk</div>
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Mix together all ingredients with an electric mixer or KitchenAid. Beat until smooth and fluffy! Resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful. </div>
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Cut a piece of cake while it's still warm and slather the cream cheese frosting on it! Savor every mouthful and maybe go back for a second piece! </div>
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fpinterest-loves-pumpkin-bars-to-die-for.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xtju0J1_0MI%2FUHSP1tqPGeI%2FAAAAAAAADC4%2FsC-Zr-8sA70%2Fs320%2Fpumpkin%2Bbars%2B2.jpg&description=Pumpkin%20Bars%20to%20die%20for!%20%20So%20easy!!%20"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-32538372497428387122012-10-08T12:43:00.002-07:002012-10-16T12:14:37.502-07:00style loves--my first outfit postWell, here's my first <span style="font-family: Aerolinea, serif; font-size: small;">*gulp*</span>outfit post.<br />
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I'm thankful for the hubs, who has the ability to make me laugh, even in the most awkward situations, like, you know, when you're trying to "model" and not look like a complete idiot. <br />
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At least there was much laughter. And no tears! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ0I7fBoJuRspq5m-gQLm6yZUgQmhvxq-dPQ6e9WrLof4VHzSuwdCSZ-LoX8qrhSgg18hXTwoqlRS8T6ztyG4FIDt5fyto70gwTlvixDrxM8jr9n5Ji_cugxrKMGlmWeMFZl7-ViLrRbv/s1600/outfit+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ0I7fBoJuRspq5m-gQLm6yZUgQmhvxq-dPQ6e9WrLof4VHzSuwdCSZ-LoX8qrhSgg18hXTwoqlRS8T6ztyG4FIDt5fyto70gwTlvixDrxM8jr9n5Ji_cugxrKMGlmWeMFZl7-ViLrRbv/s400/outfit+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now I need to make a giant disclaimer here. I am so NOT a model. Or anywhere near it. I'm probably about the size of 10 models, no joke. I've had four kids, including twins, which pretty much ruined my body. I was one of those preggos who didn't really care what I ate....as long as it tasted good, I was in! And I am paying the price for those delicious decisions now! BUT, I am losing weight. Slowly, and I mean SLOOOOWLY, but surely, the weight is coming off! Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to share my actual weight, but for now, I'll just tell you that I've lost 28 pounds and I have about 25 to go. Gah. <br />
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Anyway, I love fashion. I love blogs about fashion. I love magazines about fashion. I love TV shows about fashion (You guys! Did you watch Fashion Star last year?! Best show, EVAH!). I love hair fashion, clothes fashion, accessory fashion, nail fashion......it's all just, so <span style="font-family: DJ Fancy, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">pretty</span>!</span><br />
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One of the best feelings in the world is going out and feeling nicely put together! Sometimes I fail miserably at this. I'll get home from my errands, look in the mirror again and go, "WHAT was I thinking?! How did this outfit look so much better two hours ago?!" Or I see a picture of myself and gag.<br />
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So you might see some of those outfit fails on here occasionally. That's okay though. I'm just a mom of four littles, rebelling against the idea of wearing sweats and a tshirt EVERY single day. I'm also just an almost "regular" sized girl who's trying to not be afraid of style, or of taking pictures! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPTwANdbqs4V3Y-DogH56qVpfubYfPRbzQnvte2Ae0LwV8BKDvVi6n-YrxT1XyGBtzLlY4u0EE2KmsOP4kZamusSadkigTVe2HFopkYQ8PyLqpf3slI2qKtItAwpUjzofUuOM1Ncnmue6/s1600/outfit+a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to belt a cardigan" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPTwANdbqs4V3Y-DogH56qVpfubYfPRbzQnvte2Ae0LwV8BKDvVi6n-YrxT1XyGBtzLlY4u0EE2KmsOP4kZamusSadkigTVe2HFopkYQ8PyLqpf3slI2qKtItAwpUjzofUuOM1Ncnmue6/s400/outfit+a1.jpg" title="how to belt a cardigan" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlcyzKUn7c7LtA3KtUQeOkOE3iLrYFJvmbT3xWfFm3WK5HoE_aFsjRCgmnNZZwo_oHDyEvyfqnxCtMnfS7pGVR73g9bnk7gdEhJRe8qULomf3SyiKPFdkMv2FfaBklmhckaoFVSyANTpN/s1600/outfit+a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlcyzKUn7c7LtA3KtUQeOkOE3iLrYFJvmbT3xWfFm3WK5HoE_aFsjRCgmnNZZwo_oHDyEvyfqnxCtMnfS7pGVR73g9bnk7gdEhJRe8qULomf3SyiKPFdkMv2FfaBklmhckaoFVSyANTpN/s400/outfit+a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBDbthdHEbJ0YiEnO2GIO4U0nis5hzPYvfga7AIoysRB-DkAGnDAu7lsOuHM_o_Fe61ocwt6az1JY-ylxZkibZeVOvb4kIPcM4-vgUvRsFnUXoVmMxLTAMjAycuiSOOuabz4JvR6_vcVg/s1600/outfit+a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="striped cardigan" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBDbthdHEbJ0YiEnO2GIO4U0nis5hzPYvfga7AIoysRB-DkAGnDAu7lsOuHM_o_Fe61ocwt6az1JY-ylxZkibZeVOvb4kIPcM4-vgUvRsFnUXoVmMxLTAMjAycuiSOOuabz4JvR6_vcVg/s400/outfit+a3.jpg" title="striped cardigan" width="400" /></a></div>
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cardigan--Old Navy (last season), white tank--Old Navy, skinny jeans--Kohl's (last season), necklace--handmade by my bff, sunglasses--Kohl's</div>
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fstyle-loves-my-first-outfit-post.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-eDSYhIrSpB0%2FUHMDGoWTjBI%2FAAAAAAAADCM%2FrR5DqUQk7z4%2Fs400%2Foutfit%2Ba.jpg&description=Outfit!"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-35747842053825306322012-10-05T10:17:00.002-07:002012-10-16T12:15:25.134-07:00pretty nails at home--dotted nailsI just love pretty nails! I love them so much that my toe nails haven't been unpainted since I was a kid.<br />
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No joke. <br />
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I love pedicures too. But looking back, the only times I've gotten pedicures is for my wedding and the three times I was 9 months preggo and ready to pop! Besides those few wonderful, blissful times, I've always done my nails at home. <br />
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Recently I came across a couple of blogs that talk a lot about doing pretty nails at home! My favorite is <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/" target="_blank">The Beauty Department</a>! I lo-OVE it! I could read it for hours, getting all kinds of pretty inspiration! <br />
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Anyway, I was in need of a toenail change, so I thought I'd see what I had and what I could come up with!<br />
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This is how they turned out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtR9mBiBUupu04C2ewQ6Bg8XmYMlSVJGKnCbFpGi55wbuhHAH2lLBTWtztee-jV-Ncsj5pDqyP-92QToeP74cmIw77UQVVwTf8ZX8_EuuO02uQUV1hClIblkH9smRt1WVE3y8AIjKNeFp/s1600/nails+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to do pretty nails at home" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtR9mBiBUupu04C2ewQ6Bg8XmYMlSVJGKnCbFpGi55wbuhHAH2lLBTWtztee-jV-Ncsj5pDqyP-92QToeP74cmIw77UQVVwTf8ZX8_EuuO02uQUV1hClIblkH9smRt1WVE3y8AIjKNeFp/s320/nails+2.jpg" title="how to do pretty nails at home" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pretty, no?!<br />
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And here are the simple little tools I used:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHel7ruUFnZ8ovuvzjzbNBuruUAGNKnNWF0OtcQ7_EtLiZRyQAQOHTp4f5LRVJCdglDtof1Pu5l1l5ixYs5nipHv8oPj_mV3GfPenAtTSWMPbsrYUQblbaH8bZkHuZYY0PfJguHkHF-olB/s1600/nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="at home pedicure" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHel7ruUFnZ8ovuvzjzbNBuruUAGNKnNWF0OtcQ7_EtLiZRyQAQOHTp4f5LRVJCdglDtof1Pu5l1l5ixYs5nipHv8oPj_mV3GfPenAtTSWMPbsrYUQblbaH8bZkHuZYY0PfJguHkHF-olB/s320/nails.jpg" title="at home pedicure" width="320" /></a></div>
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Simple right?! Three nail polishes: a darkish pink, a light pink and a white! I also used the little sharp wooden stick thing. Do those have a name?! And a Q-tip! You can use really whatever you have at home for your dots! This is just what I happened to have!<br />
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Step 1: Paint your toenails the base color, in this case the dark pink!<br />
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Step 2: Use your Q-tip to make some light pink dots. You can either pour out some light pink polish and dip the Q-tip into that, or just dip your Q-tip into the bottle, which is what I did! I also only did dots on one side of my nail. Just for fun!<br />
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Step 3: Use the pointy stick thing to make some smaller white dots. Again, pour it out or just dip in the bottle!<br />
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Step 4: Let dry and then cover with a Top Coat sealer!<br />
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Step 5: This step is a must! Wear pretty flip flops and show off your cool new toes! <br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fstyle-loves-dotted-nails.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hDxQl0_BwjY%2FUG8ROV6yl_I%2FAAAAAAAADBw%2FNYO8G-IUsIU%2Fs320%2Fnails%2B2.jpg&description=DIY%20dotted%20nails"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-51067383588371238852012-10-03T12:17:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:16:06.237-07:00busy bag ideasI have twin girls that are <span style="font-family: Abscissa, serif; font-size: large;">two years old.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Engagement;"> </span>
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Need I say more?<br />
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Really........there isn't much else to say! Ha!<br />
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Anyway. I find that when I'm trying to do school with their older sisters, they want to be involved too. Which usually means sneaky things like taking pencils or schoolbooks, scribbling on worksheets, etc etc. <br />
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SOOO, a solution! <span style="font-family: Abscissa, serif; font-size: large;">BUSY BAGS!</span> They are all over the blogosphere right now but for some reason I kinda balked at the idea for a while. No idea why. I'm just a little slow I guess! But now that the new school year has started, I've found the, uh, NEED to keep them busily entertained, preferably NOT getting into their sisters' schoolwork! So I created some busy bags! These are my two favs! And of course I found the first one online, searching through other people's ideas!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Puff Ball Containers</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpMtLqDjKLRgh5JIek9ZZBcOHIhbD0vUv7GAVNSVrweZeswVM4U3FJYoGX-YBVJqDiFnBT2VS3IAU6noi_op30Kjjt8G6hXcrE35tEpTfWmscWAoh4ecgcYQlkUl9db1k0_RgVTKTs8_w/s1600/busy+bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="busy bag puff balls" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpMtLqDjKLRgh5JIek9ZZBcOHIhbD0vUv7GAVNSVrweZeswVM4U3FJYoGX-YBVJqDiFnBT2VS3IAU6noi_op30Kjjt8G6hXcrE35tEpTfWmscWAoh4ecgcYQlkUl9db1k0_RgVTKTs8_w/s320/busy+bag+2.jpg" title="busy bag puff balls" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These little containers were way easier than I thought. I was wondering how in the world people cut those holes in the middle of the lids....did I need my husband to do this for me?! Am I going to need some sort of power tool-ish device?! First I tried a hole punch, NOT so power tool-ish! Which turned out to be a complete fail. Then I grabbed my handy dandy sewing scissors (because I WISH I sewed, not because I actually do) and just poked into the plastic and cut a little hole. Who knew it would be so easy?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I bought the puff balls at Hobby Lobby for about $1.47. </span>For 125 sweet little puff balls! I need to be honest here about something....I think I might like this activity more than the girls....there's just something about popping that little ball through the hole........you'll see!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty Ball Cups</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLeWCdYnFjoO8UMZqxKvSMT_9h1JcgNTiGrhRLIpZ2BW3zslRQALNNrXyJbp15QECzvVmIMaMHc_DCIl6BoPjBIjkBzOWgkEboFDbIHdDyrZcQDMMorQqHajeQv0R-THh4g5FrLuOtvtD/s1600/busy+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="busy bag ideas" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLeWCdYnFjoO8UMZqxKvSMT_9h1JcgNTiGrhRLIpZ2BW3zslRQALNNrXyJbp15QECzvVmIMaMHc_DCIl6BoPjBIjkBzOWgkEboFDbIHdDyrZcQDMMorQqHajeQv0R-THh4g5FrLuOtvtD/s320/busy+bag.jpg" title="busy bag ideas" width="320" /></a></div>
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You guys like my creative names? Five points to whoever can think of something better than Pretty Ball Cups!!<br />
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This one is just simply simple! And pretty! While walking through Hobby Lobby, I looked down one of the bazillion Christmas aisles and saw these little bags of sparkly, glittery balls! I walked in a trance down the aisle toward the white, silvery ones....then my eyes saw the beautiful pink, purple, blue and green ones and I just KNEW my girls would love them. They were $6.99 minus 40%! I bought a bag and then took them home, threw them in a bag with a couple styrofoam cups and "Voila!" another busy bag!!<br />
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So far the girls love the busy bags, even the big girls! I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with everyone having a different bag though, because of course that doesn't work....everyone wants what the other one has and then they want what the other has, and then they want what the other one has again. *sigh* One thing at a time I guess! <br />
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amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-9527824941398427412012-10-02T19:07:00.002-07:002012-10-16T12:17:11.632-07:00diy loves--chalkboard clipboardsHaving four little girls, our house produces a LOT of coloring pages! I mean, like, we probably go through about a tree a day in paper!<br />
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The problem is what to do with all the masterpieces?! I feel bad just tossing them in the trash! But let's be honest! There are only so many scribble sheets a Mama can keep!<br />
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So I saw this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to try it! It's so
simple! Go buy (or use one you already have) a clipboard (or 4 if
you're me!). I got the wood looking ones...you know, not the plastic
ones! Plastic might work too but I thought the wood (or whatever it is)
would work better! I got my clipboards for $1.99 at Target! Also buy a foamy brush and some chalkboard paint like this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX5ZaqeIWIA6OzaU2Z55VVBhLN70A1vjxfifT5x7HUhzoIZGLU-bOLU1dWxqmFi7zJ2iA6j3QNicKgXMrTgdKsePliaSG24lsCSU-PuZb7LJ7TIfk4w37caa41Y1KjuZZwr3x7hOaqLRj/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX5ZaqeIWIA6OzaU2Z55VVBhLN70A1vjxfifT5x7HUhzoIZGLU-bOLU1dWxqmFi7zJ2iA6j3QNicKgXMrTgdKsePliaSG24lsCSU-PuZb7LJ7TIfk4w37caa41Y1KjuZZwr3x7hOaqLRj/s400/IMG_1486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought my chalkboard paint at Hobby Lobby. It was $3.99 I think and I used my 40% off coupon on it! Cheap!! Then, spread something paintable on your surface. I used a Target bag. That's right, classy!! Then paint your clipboard. How easy is that? I just painted the front of the clipboard, I left the sides and back their pretty brown color.<br />
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Oh and I almost forgot!! Buy some pretty ribbon or fabric that matches the decor in your house! I bought an 1/8 of a yard of damask-y fabric and cut it into four strips. It adds a little pretty, see?<br />
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Now tell your kids to color to their heart's content! Each one has a clipboard, that doubles as a chalkboard, to hang their masterpieces from! My oldest love drew a picture of our family. An artist in the making: <br />
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You can also leave little notes on them! How fun is that? <br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fdiy-loves-chalkboard-clipboards.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-o7pg0KU-rtk%2FUGubvR-HFaI%2FAAAAAAAADAk%2FxRDMGbKod2U%2Fs320%2FIMG_1469.JPG&description=Chalkboard%20Clipboards"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-35843230465587156872012-09-30T18:54:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:19:07.863-07:00party loves--lemonade partyMy twin girls turned 2 in March! I love doing themed parties but at 2, they didn't really care what I did! So I picked a lemonade/lemon theme! One of my fav things to do is browse Pinterest for party ideas! There are just gazillions of ideas out there. Party planning heaven! <br />
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So once I FINALLY decided on the theme (which is by FAR the hardest part
of party planning!), I went crazy pinning and pinning wonderful ideas!
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I started with the invitations! And I saw this super cute lemonade stand on Pinterest! I thought, "Hey! We have pallets laying around outside, I bet the hubs and FIL can BUILD one of those for me!" So I asked. And they produced this loveliness:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lwOfcdeCg4CpWtCiXomcNOQ_AtBYy3ChA0U-UlGW4S-oTGlIqig_ZG6_3R6LAKrFtrKpUDl9ahVPcc_N-x3a1-MRzAUgK8noWIXFTnx-8Maps70aZWnlF2LoDp3QeN5pvcCO7NPWjoHz/s1600/t48+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="diy lemonade stand out of pallets" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lwOfcdeCg4CpWtCiXomcNOQ_AtBYy3ChA0U-UlGW4S-oTGlIqig_ZG6_3R6LAKrFtrKpUDl9ahVPcc_N-x3a1-MRzAUgK8noWIXFTnx-8Maps70aZWnlF2LoDp3QeN5pvcCO7NPWjoHz/s400/t48+(1+of+1).jpg" title="diy lemonade stand out of pallets" width="266" /></a></div>
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Isn't it just the best? It was perfect for the pictures on the invites and perfect for some decor at the party! My sweet friend Lezley is a <a href="http://lezleyalbaphotography.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">fabulous photographer</a> and took all the pictures for their invitations and at their party! <br />
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Then I started pinning foods to have. There are a TON of lemon sweets ideas! And yellow foods. It was so fun finding stuff! Here's what we wound up having:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Cake Balls </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">--with lovely yellow striped ribbon</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLoDxGBBIh8UBPq2vr_6M6zVYqWEZKwjLpcsmnzn0xKAsA2TbV8PdudVrxV7UKiVkjdrkjeO1mbS_nLzNp9ZMVAJ6stN87tqTI_nQGmpRUINx_1lMaX2sJosG8lhrNhIFRnvhQW0ftfg-/s1600/cake+pops+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lemon cake balls" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLoDxGBBIh8UBPq2vr_6M6zVYqWEZKwjLpcsmnzn0xKAsA2TbV8PdudVrxV7UKiVkjdrkjeO1mbS_nLzNp9ZMVAJ6stN87tqTI_nQGmpRUINx_1lMaX2sJosG8lhrNhIFRnvhQW0ftfg-/s400/cake+pops+(1+of+1).jpg" title="lemon cake balls " width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Burst Cookies</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recipe found <a href="http://tidymom.net/2010/lemon-burst-cake-mix-cookies/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Tea Cookies</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">These were tasty!! Recipe found <a href="http://i-like-lemons.blogspot.com/2008/06/lemon-tea-cookies.html" target="_blank">here</a>! You like those little name cards I made?! So easy! And adds such a sweet touch! </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Deviled Eggs!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one was just for the colors!</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The frosting on these was eaten by spoonfuls! Divine! Recipe found <a href="http://fromcupboardtocupboard.blogspot.com/2011/05/strawberry-lemonade-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just some decorations using the star of the party!</b></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Party Favors!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The twins got to give away little party bags with lemonade cooler drinks and bracelets!</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matching Flowers!</b></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Matching water bottle labels and pink stripe straws!</span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Um, she is SO my daughter!</b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lemonade stand, front and center!</b></span> </div>
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Overall, lemonade was a super fun theme for a party! The more ideas out there, the better! <br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimplysweetps.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fmy-twin-girls-turned-2-in-march-i-love.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-o8HVuI7x02g%2FUGjqYdoVKrI%2FAAAAAAAAC90%2FBGvJtCBJaBo%2Fs320%2Fcake%2Bpops%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994296326375171426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725836072783347311.post-35319833993403142452012-09-30T16:42:00.001-07:002012-10-16T12:19:46.728-07:00party love--purple wedding receptionWe love planning parties! Our favorite is to do white plates and clean, pretty lines! A few months ago my sweet MIL asked if we would do her best friend's wedding reception! So of course we said yes! Who wouldn't love making someone else's wedding reception just gorgeous?! The colors were dark purple and white! <br />
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We pretty much just did the food table, and we even made the food for it! Stress!!! Because while it's fun to make someone else's wedding pretty.....IT'S SOMEONE ELSE'S WEDDING! Scare-y!!<br />
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Anyway, we started out by laying all our white plates and platters out to see how we wanted to place everything! Like this: <br />
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Then we filled the plates with all our homemade goodies! We made Oreo truffle balls with pretty ribbon sticks! So sweet and definitely a hit with the kids! We also did wedding cookies with purple frosting and white pearl balls! Then we bought some already covered white yogurt pretzels and drizzled purple candy melts on them (see the bowl in the back full of them?). So tasty! And it looked so pretty!<br />
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The other two decorating things that I just LOVED, were the tall white sticks with little purple flowers that we glued on! We put a clear vase on each side of the table with those! Then the part that added the most pretty was the purple tulle! We hung it over some frames behind the table, but FIRST we strung pretty twinkly lights underneath! Isn't it just gorgeous! <br />
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So here is my recipe, tweaked slightly to fit my likes! Oh and of course I doubled the recipe--twice the muffins for practically half the work! Sweet! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins (<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/simplysweetpsprintablerecipes/blueberry-buttermilk-muffins" target="_blank">print recipe</a>)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(this is the doubled recipe, half it if you want!)</span></span><br />
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<b>Streusel Topping</b><br />
6 T white sugar<br />
6 T brown sugar<br />
2/3 cup flour<br />
1 stick hard butter, cut into pieces<br />
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<b>Muffins</b><br />
2 cups blueberries (I used frozen and also should've used 4 cups but only wanted 2)<br />
2 1/4 cups plus 1 teaspoon sugar<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour<br />
5 teaspoons baking powder<br />
2 teaspoon table salt<br />
4 large eggs<br />
8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, melted and cooled slightly<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 cup buttermilk<br />
4 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees! <br />
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Take about a cup to a cup and a half of the blueberries and put them in a small pan. Add the water and 1 tsp of water. Bring to a simmer for a few minutes until the blueberries reduce into a sticky, syrupy goodness! Set aside until you need them later on!<br />
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Mix together all the wet-ish ingredients! Add the dry ingredients, doing flour last. It's okay if there are some lumps! Lumps are good, it means you didn't over mix! Add the rest of your blueberries and if you used fresh, gently mix them in! If you used frozen blueberries like me, just have at it!<br />
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Next fill your muffin cups with the batter! About 2/3 full is good! If you don't have a muffin scoop, you should get one! They're great for muffins and cupcakes and even large cookies!! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Large-Cookie-Scoop/dp/B0000CCY1C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349023335&sr=8-2&keywords=muffin+scoop" target="_blank">Here</a> is the one I have! <br />
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Next comes the sorta tricky part. You're gonna need the blueberry syrupy stuff you made at the beginning! Put about a teaspoon on top of each unbaked muffin. Then take a knife or some pointy object and swirl it in with a figure eight motion! Most of mine stayed on top, which was fine with me! Still tasty!<br />
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Now you need to make your streusel topping. Combine all ingredients and use your fingers to combine until you have little pea size chunks of butter and sugar! Sprinkle it on the muffins!<br />
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Bake for about 15 minutes! <br />
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Take them out, wait about 10 minutes, then lick the streusel topping off the top....wait no, get a big glass of milk and enjoy the whole scrumptious muffin together! <br />
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Link to the original muffin recipe on <a href="http://acooksquest.blogspot.com/2011/04/102-blueberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">A Cook's Quest!</a><br />
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Chocolate chip cookies.</div>
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Cheesecake.</div>
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TOGETHER?!</div>
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Yes puh-LEASE!<br />
<img alt="Chocolate chip cookie cheesecake squares!" class="pinImage" height="240" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/60/e4/e6/60e4e65b7e10b46e91710f29ba2916b2.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
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<b>Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Squares!</b><br />
3/4 c. butter, softened<br />
3/4 c. sugar<br />
1/3 c. brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 t. vanilla<br />
1 1/2 c. flour<br />
1 t. salt<br />
3/4 t. baking soda<br />
1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips<br />
3/4 c. chopped pecans<br />
<b>FILLING:</b><br />
2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened<br />
3/4 c. sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 t. vanilla<br />
<br />
Cream
butter and sugars until light and fluffy! Beat in egg and vanilla.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to creamed mixture
until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Set aside 1/3 of
dough for topping. Press remaining dough into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake
at 350 degrees for 8 minutes!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and
sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Spoon over crust. Drop
spoonfuls of cookie dough over filling! Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40
minutes or until golden brown. Store in refrigerator! Makes 3 dozen
scrumptious bars!<br />
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