tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356641832024-02-18T20:32:15.582-06:00tailor-madeTaylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-18543793514404517342012-11-01T13:49:00.001-05:002012-11-01T13:51:24.360-05:00I've moved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey followers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check me out at my new blog: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sufficient Grace</b>!</span></div>
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<a href="http://his-sufficientgrace.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaHlnvLpdL_nvmrfOqb4E85XNxWND_qIZgn2-556yFHVKHQghgtBbDHL21WgrFwWBy-L6Fh_RoOTa-PX7rxSVcxfht6-KncUQWwEvR-wpu4MdvjYS_TfEUtJbrjzqqU8IOUwuGg/s1600/mybutton.png" /></a></div>
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It's been a fun run for the past two-and-a-half years here at Tailor-Made.</div>
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I hope you'll continue to follow and support me at my new place.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">-Taylor</span></div>
Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-29797430014176863632012-10-05T11:34:00.000-05:002012-10-05T11:34:55.218-05:00Going ForwardLately, I've been sensing a need to write. It's something that God has laid on my heart and one that I keep getting away from in the busyness of life. Every time I hit any momentum, something big happens (i.e. getting pregnant or having a baby) to draw my attention away.<br />
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The first step I'll be taking is returning this blog to a more writing-based outlet, rather than crafts. I'm still going to craft, and I'll still (hopefully) share them on here occasionally. But it honestly overwhelmed me, trying to remember to take pictures and everything. Once I finished a project, the last thing I felt like doing was editing pictures and writing about it! Hence the reason I haven't posted in a million years.<br />
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In any case... I will be writing more: sharing more family anecdotes and giving voice to my thoughts going forward. Ideally, I'd like to get back to posting once (or more) a week as I have time, but we'll see where that goes!<br />
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Thanks, all, for sticking with me!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-69866679412480901112012-07-17T21:43:00.002-05:002012-10-05T10:42:20.985-05:00Beach VacationLast week, my little family drove eight hours in the car to Dauphin Island, Alabama, to spend the week with my husband's family. <br />
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While the week was anything but relaxing (apparently my kids think "beach vacation" is code for "wake up two hours earlier than usual"), it was refreshing to have no responsibilities for a little while. <br />
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Wait, who am I kidding?? No responsibilities?? I took my two biggest responsibilities with me, haha! But I digress. It was, nevertheless, refreshing to spend time with family and read, and sit on the beach and read, and take pictures...<br />
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Yeah. I took pictures. Shocking, I know.<br />
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So here are some of the highlights from our first family vacation!<br />
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1. Cousins. 2. Beach baby. 3. Typical picture of my kids (Hallie loved the beach, if you can't tell). 4. Hallie kissing her cousin. This happened all week. </div>
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1. Daddy coaxing Gabriel into the surf. 2. Sand castle that hubby and I built together. I call it Cair Paravel. -nerd- 3. Daddy bringing the sand to Gabriel who, up until this point, hated it. Look at that smile! Way to go, Dad! 4. Gabriel witnessed (and tasted) the huge speckled trout that Daddy caught. It was delicious!</div>
Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-91439325442665791092012-06-28T18:26:00.000-05:002012-07-17T21:44:46.163-05:00My MantleThe past few <strike>weeks</strike> months, I've been working on getting my living room decorated. I'm one of those people who has a hard time getting abstract, theoretical ideas into concrete results. And when it comes to decorating, I'm even worse than usual. I don't know why.<br />
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Confession: I never had a nursery ready for <i>either</i> of my kids. <i>Am I a terrible mom or WHAT?!</i><br />
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Just to give you an idea of how slow I am, I've been working at decorating this 1750 sq. foot <i>apartment</i> for almost a year. Yes. A <i>year</i>. I started with the easy projects: the bathrooms. Both kids' rooms are far from finished and the same is true for my room. But hey, all three bathrooms look great. :|<br />
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Anyway, the living room is finally coming together. YAY! I'm so proud of the work I did, even if it wasn't very much.<br />
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Let's start with the mantle, shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGITzTmM6vM02zEp-KpPKwGxnzkQTx4s-eA8uoOnn8veai58cQzXErD_ap5dxunCJc_-ms7qPCYhX6UYcuWlfiJIJffMpAvLlsmvHmyZid_W4sbuTctT3tV8UPxrCgKzUWlF5gug/s1600/mantle1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGITzTmM6vM02zEp-KpPKwGxnzkQTx4s-eA8uoOnn8veai58cQzXErD_ap5dxunCJc_-ms7qPCYhX6UYcuWlfiJIJffMpAvLlsmvHmyZid_W4sbuTctT3tV8UPxrCgKzUWlF5gug/s640/mantle1.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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We didn't have a fireplace in either of the first two places we lived, so finding stuff to go on a mantle was totally foreign to me. <br />
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I had been seeing DIY hurricane vases around the blogosphere and Pinterest, so I decided to try it. I bought the stems from Dollar Tree and the vases from Walmart (DT had ones that were cheaper, but they were SO narrow). I really like how they turned out.<br />
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So a week or two went by with those two hurricane vases sitting alone with the picture. <br />
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Then I decided I needed some framed printables. I found a quote on iShare Printables and loved the design, so I went with it, changing the color to match my awesome blue couch. I designed the second, smaller printable myself, making it match the first one and using one of my favorite literature quotes.<br />
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To complete the mantle, I got that super cute L as a hostess gift from my sister-in-law's baby shower. I thought it went perfectly. I'd still like to see some greenery, but I suck at arranging things, so I don't think I'll try it.<br />
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Stay tuned to see my gallery wall -- the most amazing Pinterest-inspired thing I've ever attempted!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-54663963443093011852012-06-25T16:48:00.001-05:002012-06-26T11:42:45.281-05:00Onesie Projects<i>So... this has been sitting in my drafts folder since, like, </i>April<i>. I finally got around to taking pictures. :|</i><br />
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I've been playing around with some of Hallie's onesies and my Silhouette machine lately. The main reason I haven't posted any of the crafts I've done is because somehow my mom brain forgot to take any and all pictures.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder how I remember to eat. Oh wait, I occasionally forget that, too.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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Here are some pictures of the finished onesies. I don't have the processes laid out for you, but they're pretty simple.<br />
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The first one is using smooth heat transfer. I received the starter set from my dear MIL for my birthday. This was the first thing I attempted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb0VBUOUT7PfnF0NiOiCPfkB5W8rUXdRXFzOGuf1mEX04-C4khqn8Ri2NVszk-PhGHVqAHjKF1VEyxoM62hVDT-wg56nZ0EsWrj86pyA5LvmxD1XQQ0Le53bYZCvnkbwg2d4hhw/s1600/H1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb0VBUOUT7PfnF0NiOiCPfkB5W8rUXdRXFzOGuf1mEX04-C4khqn8Ri2NVszk-PhGHVqAHjKF1VEyxoM62hVDT-wg56nZ0EsWrj86pyA5LvmxD1XQQ0Le53bYZCvnkbwg2d4hhw/s400/H1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously had to cut it out like 50 times (or three) before I was able to actually get it to <i>work</i>. Apparently something is wrong with my blade; every time I cut stuff out, I always have to adjust the blade to one sharper than the default. It's been like that since I got the machine, but for some reason I didn't remember (shocker).<br />
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<i>Edit two months later: it PEELS! :( I'm highly disappointed! I'm not sure it's the product--I'm more than willing to admit user error--but it seems that every thing I make with the heat transfer material ends up partly coming off. Am I doing something wrong??</i><br />
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Anyway. I made the shirt to match the CUTEST skirt that Hallie got for Christmas. Here she is wearing it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's a thumb sucker!</td></tr>
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The second project I made was also with the heat transfer, only with the flocked this time. I adjusted my blade before making the first cut, so everything came out the first time. Yay!<br />
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This onesie came in a set, but it looked so plain to me. So I bought this little birdie to go on it. Adorablee!<br />
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Hallie quite likes it, too. ^_^<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpd0kFXUgK2fR22gtxiHJ4smHW-3bkkP30svOfS_JqUVunNvbmWdvY-R-3p51MJ-o5JTYNIS7lwc-_kqbHYzSqGBXgtvz2_ORq1lEHaMjd5G3fKDL7k8KP-lFIzg1BgeZZdHc0w/s1600/bird2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpd0kFXUgK2fR22gtxiHJ4smHW-3bkkP30svOfS_JqUVunNvbmWdvY-R-3p51MJ-o5JTYNIS7lwc-_kqbHYzSqGBXgtvz2_ORq1lEHaMjd5G3fKDL7k8KP-lFIzg1BgeZZdHc0w/s640/bird2.png" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She doesn't like sitting still; apologies for the blurry pic.</td></tr>
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I also made some personalized onesies for a friend who just had a little boy, but I forgot to get pictures. I'm bummed about it, because they were <i>really</i> cute. I used one of my hubby's old dress shirts that had torn and did one onesie with an initial 'B' and the other with a pickup truck with black button wheels. Whew. Sewing buttons on is hard work. It may or may not have been my first time to attempt it. I put liquid stitch over the thread, just to be safe. Ha!<br />
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I got the rhinestone starter set for my birthday, as well, so hopefully I'll be breaking that out soon... when I next have time!<br />
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Lastly, I finally got around to making a ruffle butt onesie for Hallie. It's supposed to match one of the ones I made for my niece, which, unfortunately doesn't fit her anymore. Darn babies grow so fast! So much for matching cousins. Oh well, it isn't like they don't have any other matching clothes! ;)<br />
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Here's a picture of the front and <strike>butt</strike> back.<br />
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And, because I love this pic...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUps02n1xilPnskhzUBF2sqGqtM4sjs_CQcK_WY7F4sXetgLvo1-fhlQo7bI1IZItGiLpsMt2SUQ0HtpR9AnX5sJ7JGzcFrwFqSJCs_j4YHqiNfcNU4k11Jr1tWO1heClfFGTDmw/s1600/ruffles2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUps02n1xilPnskhzUBF2sqGqtM4sjs_CQcK_WY7F4sXetgLvo1-fhlQo7bI1IZItGiLpsMt2SUQ0HtpR9AnX5sJ7JGzcFrwFqSJCs_j4YHqiNfcNU4k11Jr1tWO1heClfFGTDmw/s640/ruffles2.png" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeking around the camera to see mommy!</td></tr>
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More updates coming soon!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-7978589180532472252012-06-18T16:17:00.002-05:002012-06-25T16:54:30.027-05:00A failed blogger...That's me. What?<br />
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My life has been the definition of crazy for the past month and a half. I actually <i>did</i> start -- and finish! -- some projects, but I have not had chance to blog to save my life. Between having family in town, traveling, more family, more traveling, and <i>more family</i>, I haven't had a spare moment to myself. And we travel again in a few weeks! -<i>sigh</i>-</div>
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In any case, I'm going to attempt to update with the few projects I've completed over the last few weeks. I've had one post sitting in my drafts since like April because I keep forgetting to take pictures. Go figure.</div>
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Stay tuned to check out what I've been up to!</div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-19290030907023005792012-05-01T14:44:00.001-05:002012-05-01T14:45:21.275-05:00My 'Poo Free ExperienceWell, friends, after two months of attempting using baking soda to cleanse my hair, I have all but decided to go back to using the evil shampoo bottle.<br />
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The first month, I loved it. My hair was a little more oily than I was used to, but it didn't really bother me, because it still felt <i>clean</i>. But once I got into the second month, my hair just felt <i>dirty</i>. I washed it more frequently. I used more baking soda. I used less of the lemon juice "conditioner." <br />
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Nothing helped. It got to where I couldn't even wear my hair down. (Not that I do that very often; it's hard enough to find time to shower with two kids, much less actually <i>do</i> my hair.)<br />
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Saturday, I washed my hair with shampoo. My hair feels clean again! Ahhh!<br />
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SO... if anyone has any advice on what I should do, I would welcome it! <br />
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Otherwise... I'm putting 'poo in my hair again. :p<br />
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<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-13505985491723385052012-04-20T12:20:00.000-05:002012-04-20T12:24:17.173-05:00New look!One thing about me: I love Photoshop.<br />
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As a result, my blog look will probably change frequently, so you might want to get used to it. ;)<br />
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This layout features my two favorite colors: dark red and tiffany blue. It's also clean and simple, which I love. And the fonts... I'm kind of obsessed with fonts. I had fun with these!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Still working on fixing little bugs here and there, so bear with me! :)</span>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-43973284365634239922012-04-18T13:06:00.000-05:002012-04-18T14:23:43.921-05:00Bippity Boppity BUTTER!<br />
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Apologies for the lack of posts the last few weeks! We've been battling diarrhea and RSV in our house. Fun. I've started like five different projects, but haven't finished them. Obviously I can't post an unfinished project. LOL.</div>
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But anyway. Today I made butter.</div>
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Yes, butter.</div>
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And no, I don't have a churn. But I <i>do</i> have a KitchenAid mixer!</div>
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I got the idea from my brother-in-law who made some over Easter week. When he told me how easy it was, I knew I just had to try it. It's not cheaper than buying butter from the store, but it's more about the fun of making it, I think. ;)<br />
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All you need is heavy whipping cream... and salt, if desired (I didn't use any).</div>
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Pour the cream into the mixer and let it go on 'whipping' speed. It'll make whipped cream pretty quickly, but let it keep going. </div>
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Pretty soon (maybe like 8-10 minutes in), you'll hear the mixture start sloshing around and you'll see the has butter separated from the buttermilk. And here is where I failed with the picture-taking. :|</div>
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Drain off the buttermilk. You can save it, but I didn't. I should have, but I just didn't. Another fail, I guess. Knead the butter to get rid of the rest of the buttermilk. Then I rinsed the butter, kneaded some more, and repeated a few times.<br />
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See how pretty and yellow it is? After it was finished being kneaded to death, I stuck it in the fridge. And washed my hands. So greasy!</div>
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-sigh- I wish I had some fresh homemade bread to slather it on... but I don't. :/ Guess I'll have to settle for the store-bought type.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Post title is an inside joke in my hubby's family, adapted from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaK9bjLy3v4" target="_blank">Jim Gaffigan</a>.)</span></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-61213428460424654432012-03-13T18:44:00.000-05:002012-03-13T18:51:41.951-05:00SoverM WeekSoverM. Sisters over Misters.<br />
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That was the theme of the week I spent with my three sisters. Poor hubby! ;)<br />
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Don't worry, we had lots of fun with him, too, getting my sisters hooked on Downton Abbey (his idea)!<br />
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Here's a quick post about our week together.<br />
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We made scarves following <a href="http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2011/08/diy-fringe-scarf">this tutorial</a> found -- where else? -- via Pinterest. We didn't use old t-shirts, but purchased some cute tanks from Wal-Mart for less than $4 a piece!<br />
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We did Bible studies. One of my sisters taught a little bit about what she'd learned in a lesson from Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs study on the book of James. We told her that she was going to be the next Beth Moore.<br />
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We <strike>did</strike> watched this one do crazy things like hoola hooping in Wal-Mart.<br />
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We cooked. A lot.<br />
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We made awesome SoverM t-shirts using my Silhouette and freezer paper. They turned out awesome, as you can see! (Also found these shirts at Wal-Mart for around $5 each.)</div>
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My son got a much-needed haircut from his hairdresser auntie.<br />
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The same auntie made something special for Hallie-girl's room. :)<br />
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And, of course, we hung out. Talked. Listened to music. Watched Downton Abbey. Instagram-ed (obviously). Talked some more.<br />
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And Gabriel and Hallie got to know their aunties better. <3Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-71698841945687681982012-03-02T18:44:00.000-06:002012-03-02T18:45:07.753-06:00Happy March!Happy March, y'all!<br />
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March is my favorite month -- birthday <i>and</i> wedding anniversary!<br />
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Yesterday, I made chocolate chip banana bread.<br />
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Gabriel and I ate about half a loaf together after it cooled a bit. Oops!<br />
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On Sunday night, three of my sisters are flying in for a girls week. I couldn't be more excited! The last time we did this was like four years ago!<br />
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Look how young we are! :O<br />
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I've got lots of fun crafts planned for this month... so stay tuned! :)Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-85809345113580339492012-02-24T17:05:00.000-06:002012-02-24T17:05:23.303-06:00Car Love ShirtI've been searching for something cute to make for my little man that would be easy and fun and Dad-approved. (Ha!)<br />
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When I came across the <a href="http://helpinglittlehands.blogspot.com/2011/02/car-love-shirt-distressed-freezer-paper.html">Car Love Shirt</a> by Polly at <a href="http://helpinglittlehands.blogspot.com/">Helping Little Hands</a>, I knew I'd found it! Plus, I'd been wanting to try out freezer paper stenciling for a long time.<br />
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I wanted to make the shirt in time for Valentine's day, but I had trouble finding a plain shirt. Finally, I had to buy one at Walmart that had a pocket on it and make use of my handy seam ripper to take it off. I freaking love that little tool!<br />
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Oh well, it's not really that Valentine-y of a shirt -- one of the reasons it's Dad-approved! (I did get the shirt a size bigger in hopes that he can wear it <i>next</i> V-day, though!)<br />
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Polly provides stencils to cut out with her tutorial, but I really wanted to use my Silhouette, so I imported her heart shape and bought some of Echo Park's adorable car shapes from the Silhouette store. I had a lot of fun designing it. :D<br />
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Then I cut the shapes out separately (the heart, then the cars) and ironed them on.<br />
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The freezer paper was curling, but it still stuck beautifully.<br />
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I thought I would be saving myself some work by using the Silhouette to cut out the car shapes... and I suppose I did, but only a little. It took <i>forever</i> to pull all the little wheels off! <br />
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Finally I got them all ironed on. Looks pretty cute already, doesn't it?<br />
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I picked up some acrylic paint from Walmart to do this project, which is what Polly used in order to get the distressed look. I liked how hers turned out, so thought I'd try it, too (although I did use two coats).<br />
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Then I let it dry overnight, just to be safe. The next morning, I washed and dried it and it was ready to wear!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGe4W3lVlEl5_JTqrjxbUkA-Ym_CKdH5QgqN3jtDyW2aMHMmE__B02AJ3zwV_EPs12TyNdGF47t6k9zWAS9h5u-YJLJNh8mbXCzP6xlnLIBm-_sMwiVdBL2c9YH13MKwLQZTTkA/s1600/carlove6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGe4W3lVlEl5_JTqrjxbUkA-Ym_CKdH5QgqN3jtDyW2aMHMmE__B02AJ3zwV_EPs12TyNdGF47t6k9zWAS9h5u-YJLJNh8mbXCzP6xlnLIBm-_sMwiVdBL2c9YH13MKwLQZTTkA/s400/carlove6.png" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bribing him to take pictures by <br />letting him hold trucks. Fitting.</td></tr>
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I think he likes it! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienvbJb0flw1hSAfx6n267FtQowxvkHaha859XdXZh_xBodueY2HXIlrBlFDoWPHnLjkZ74kDkYTfN6HjUrUReN5Nf_J0hSqklXrW_qP03N_7DSdHjWDFGw3_HmMyGVFVOYqo-bw/s1600/carlove7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienvbJb0flw1hSAfx6n267FtQowxvkHaha859XdXZh_xBodueY2HXIlrBlFDoWPHnLjkZ74kDkYTfN6HjUrUReN5Nf_J0hSqklXrW_qP03N_7DSdHjWDFGw3_HmMyGVFVOYqo-bw/s400/carlove7.png" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His favorites: "Een" (Lightning McQueen),<br />"Da Da" (Chuck), and "Moo Moo" (Boomer)</td></tr>
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Guess it won't be fitting him next February. Who knew that my 21-month-old could fit into a 3T?? Big boy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOeCIVJOeNzrN2cmMHtBIyYsFzSnUF6i2U_RbTl3W6CK2lGuGXkJxYY_KF_HhdR88PUyGCAa940CG3hUXYX4woAQgl7Ru5QpQcyuMGFzIb__Nrv8Mtc4yvCloQfA1O-aXkbdWNg/s1600/carlove8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOeCIVJOeNzrN2cmMHtBIyYsFzSnUF6i2U_RbTl3W6CK2lGuGXkJxYY_KF_HhdR88PUyGCAa940CG3hUXYX4woAQgl7Ru5QpQcyuMGFzIb__Nrv8Mtc4yvCloQfA1O-aXkbdWNg/s400/carlove8.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to try it on.</td></tr>
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As you can see, "Mama's" SUV is strategically placed... as is "Daddy's" pickup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNR68VpG_V0_3txLpxsR2I7xcMGoUR_FCT8sFmoYPXIo4rHYyj9QwdsnxuCyNNIVODTPmYDAGRnSUkOiIMX0jw0KItGbjQfJHB5K6LszpmzPBwmqp4wWgY9dkeG7LN6SNIQBUgQ/s1600/carlove6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNR68VpG_V0_3txLpxsR2I7xcMGoUR_FCT8sFmoYPXIo4rHYyj9QwdsnxuCyNNIVODTPmYDAGRnSUkOiIMX0jw0KItGbjQfJHB5K6LszpmzPBwmqp4wWgY9dkeG7LN6SNIQBUgQ/s400/carlove6.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And up close.</td></tr>
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The only thing I wish I'd done differently was white paint. Oh well, guess I'll just have to make him another one! ;)<br />
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Yeah... I'm pretty much obsessed with these shapes. My mind is spinning with all sorts of projects including them... in every medium. :/ I also downloaded Echo Park's cute train shape (which Gabriel also loves).<br />
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Uh oh.<br />
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<b><a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html">Click here to see where I link up!</a></b></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-52224116347229093272012-02-14T11:33:00.001-06:002012-02-14T11:33:26.535-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!Some of the most beautiful words to describe love:<br />
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<b>Sonnet 116</b><br />
<i>Let me not to the marriage of true minds</i><br />
<i>Admit impediments. Love is not love</i><br />
<i>Which alters when it alteration finds,</i><br />
<i>Or bends with the remover to remove.</i><br />
<i>O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark</i><br />
<i>That looks on tempests and is never shaken;</i><br />
<i>It is the star to every wand'ring bark,</i><br />
<i>Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.</i><br />
<i>Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks</i><br />
<i>Within his bending sickle's compass come;</i><br />
<i>Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,</i><br />
<i>But bears it out even to the edge of doom.</i><br />
<i>If this be error and upon me proved,</i><br />
<i>I never writ, nor no man ever loved.</i><br />
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- William Shakespeare<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-4071443590088190902012-02-13T09:20:00.000-06:002012-02-13T09:30:47.833-06:00The Pinterest ChallengeI'm participating in The Pinterest Challenge with my <a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/2012/02/ruffle-butt-onesies.html">Ruffle Butt Onesies</a>!<br />
Be awesome followers and vote for me? Thanks! :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterestchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Pinterest Challenge" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vlq8MLbcmI/TvP4Dszq61I/AAAAAAAABWs/Ds9KNjOirC4/s1600/Do+you+pin+button.jpg" /></a><br />
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(To vote, click the star above my entry. Use CMMD-F or CTRL-F to search for the title "Ruffle Butt Onesies.")</div>
</div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-39082297235334688552012-02-09T13:30:00.001-06:002012-02-09T13:57:55.223-06:00Cranberry MuffinsI posted on Facebook a while ago about making cranberry muffins. I got requests for the recipe and fully intended to post it before Christmas (because cranberries are kind of Christmas-y), but then Hallie Lou made her appearance and I... kind of fell off the blogosphere.<br />
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SO... I decided to share them again for Valentine's Day, since they're, you know... <i>red </i>and all. ;) I even baked them in heart-shaped muffin tins. How cute and Valentine-y!</div>
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You can use fresh or frozen cranberries but, since fresh ones aren't in season, I'd recommend the frozen ones. I found my frozen berries at Central Market; my local grocery didn't have them. Seriously couldn't tell the difference!</div>
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(Actually, the recipe calls for partridgeberries [lingonberries], so if you're lucky and live in Canada, you should definitely use them rather than cranberries if you can find them!)</div>
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Start by creaming the butter and sugar. This is my favorite part of baking. I always like to sample... yum!</div>
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Add egg, vanilla, milk, baking powder, and salt to your buttery-sugary blend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZ06rTle0BUUfqX3Al1YveULX8rzK9uFl4bDZdS-qc8ustyOGEVkrIbSghi8cPgUsX80-lfgDzzkjhmTSfoR9LFHy3227AG6-9qiOu8RekB3UGNanxlytkOWLGXEF2qQfgRLGIw/s1600/mixed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZ06rTle0BUUfqX3Al1YveULX8rzK9uFl4bDZdS-qc8ustyOGEVkrIbSghi8cPgUsX80-lfgDzzkjhmTSfoR9LFHy3227AG6-9qiOu8RekB3UGNanxlytkOWLGXEF2qQfgRLGIw/s400/mixed.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With flour mixed in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Then, mix in the flour. My mom always did two parts white flour and one part whole wheat, but you can use all white (or all wheat) if you like.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX4cI8Eq2wxAOkebPmF5hjYr-1GpUBDB6BeBCnzbU2-Nfg2jF3md53HGNiERCgeeRekzUrFUyGM6gmMtut2uAHte_n2cXVZ8f4befMCRt_F4bYUG48ImWXiNGPwmnzm-ow2LTOQ/s1600/berries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX4cI8Eq2wxAOkebPmF5hjYr-1GpUBDB6BeBCnzbU2-Nfg2jF3md53HGNiERCgeeRekzUrFUyGM6gmMtut2uAHte_n2cXVZ8f4befMCRt_F4bYUG48ImWXiNGPwmnzm-ow2LTOQ/s400/berries.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pour in the berries and fold until incorporated.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEeo7Dqg3eA1EFTXKZafA5KO1sY6QfYFaT4T6ezVQuitOCWUt-wusXYS-9vXgscQ5uVmxtUWWpHc_M6x-Fai2Mk6MRNkLE3xGAHooAK2La79IDRgVZWR9OJ_fWovrFq5yr9OdNw/s1600/ready.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEeo7Dqg3eA1EFTXKZafA5KO1sY6QfYFaT4T6ezVQuitOCWUt-wusXYS-9vXgscQ5uVmxtUWWpHc_M6x-Fai2Mk6MRNkLE3xGAHooAK2La79IDRgVZWR9OJ_fWovrFq5yr9OdNw/s400/ready.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>
Mmm!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddbxxmwAcoY1YrBMwymf7mXRNW0LPhlF_kav9cJ4GPTl7gNVZa1_yRaFUyG30UgwNPCCF1jFVv90ptnA2hyZdjr5hQSGAZoYqiP-F7FBIPFnmImG0LxZd4NJSd7NHV-SZjiCjVQ/s1600/muffins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddbxxmwAcoY1YrBMwymf7mXRNW0LPhlF_kav9cJ4GPTl7gNVZa1_yRaFUyG30UgwNPCCF1jFVv90ptnA2hyZdjr5hQSGAZoYqiP-F7FBIPFnmImG0LxZd4NJSd7NHV-SZjiCjVQ/s400/muffins.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the finished product. Look how cute they are! And yummy, too. I am not ashamed to say that I could eat a whole batch of these babies in a few days.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hey, cranberries are healthy... and they're made with a little wheat flour, right? ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html">Click here to see where I link up!</a></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cranberry Muffins Recipe</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/3 cup butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 cup milk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups white flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 cup wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Mix in egg vanilla, milk, baking powder, and salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Stir in flour until blended.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Fold in berries until incorporated.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Fill muffin tins 2/3 of the way. Bake for 20 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tip: reserve some berries to add in once you start getting to the bottom of the bowl. If you don't, you might end up with some berry-less muffins!</div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-31398482778109357952012-02-04T21:52:00.000-06:002012-02-13T09:21:43.532-06:00Ruffle Butt Onesies!So I'm <i>FINALLY</i> getting around to revealing the project I've been working on. Three cheers for me!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made these absolutely <i><b>adorable</b></i> personalized onesies!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTHekE34_UpdpZh8wZspr0RpJ3m00HCoRl-f-HTTdzhAWMsU4kCYoKr9TDEOMAGlq43XrNsRkSgokuS4WHKbu1vdAkqIDnh-G3zzkFqeJ8yDnTX5-b3ZGSVAan3wsbY-PhDxpNg/s1600/onesies1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTHekE34_UpdpZh8wZspr0RpJ3m00HCoRl-f-HTTdzhAWMsU4kCYoKr9TDEOMAGlq43XrNsRkSgokuS4WHKbu1vdAkqIDnh-G3zzkFqeJ8yDnTX5-b3ZGSVAan3wsbY-PhDxpNg/s400/onesies1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Side note: my autocorrect keeps wanting to change "onesies" to "onuses." What the heck are onuses? Do I even want to know??</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Anyway</i>...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was a hostess for my sister-in-law's baby shower this past weekend. One of my favorite items from my son's baby shower was a set of personalized onesies, so I decided to make some for my little niece, Faith. (Ahh! I can't believe I'm going to be an auntie!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had planned everything out how I wanted them to look, following <a href="http://jensownroad.blogspot.com/2011/08/king-of-sandcastle-shirt-silhouette.html">this</a> Silhouette/appliqué tutorial from Jen @ <a href="http://jensownroad.blogspot.com/">My Own Road</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then, I came across the <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2009/05/ruffle-butt-onesie-tutorial.html">ruffle butt onesies</a> on Pinterest.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Can we say "OH. MY. GOODNESS"?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Immediately, I was obsessed!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I had planned on doing four, but they took me a lot longer to finish than I'd originally anticipated. So I just did three. I don't think they could have turned out better!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfZMBZNoJMR53_tZuJy3KT7lnkocOde0XVDvpdVphl3ygsTNJn_TX7_Dlq9UvjSjIS2aRvvVvqqqGhxji2fDiL8Udu4x7zDgV94sBD7ePfyCLK-YVwwFDQ2_NLLzxo_I1cpRRuw/s1600/onesies2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfZMBZNoJMR53_tZuJy3KT7lnkocOde0XVDvpdVphl3ygsTNJn_TX7_Dlq9UvjSjIS2aRvvVvqqqGhxji2fDiL8Udu4x7zDgV94sBD7ePfyCLK-YVwwFDQ2_NLLzxo_I1cpRRuw/s400/onesies2.png" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies for the weird angled pics. I forgot to snap <br />
pictures of them until they were already hanging up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used my Silhouette to cut out the appliqués from fabric, which already had fusible interfacing ironed on. Then I ironed the cutouts to the onesies.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
After I had them on, I applied some fray check, just to cut down on the fraying and then I straight-stitched them on. I wanted them to fray a little (my sister-in-law likes the shabby-chic stuff), but I didn't want <i>too </i>much!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHnAogeYMd3zw6bK16BbhuAxkonfuygHai6tRtG7JYciSwjLtEYpA-PlHpxJ1SQSYS7-jShyRyNqgE5_hUneUOTtkyBxd54sZiJrA7B2EzqdqhGSyVmyvP4ucGDv5z39dD1S5ag/s1600/onesies3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHnAogeYMd3zw6bK16BbhuAxkonfuygHai6tRtG7JYciSwjLtEYpA-PlHpxJ1SQSYS7-jShyRyNqgE5_hUneUOTtkyBxd54sZiJrA7B2EzqdqhGSyVmyvP4ucGDv5z39dD1S5ag/s400/onesies3.png" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note to self (and anyone else who cares): <br />
Gingham frays like nobody's business!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I cut out my ruffles with pinking shears and applied fray check to the edges. Then I followed the tutorial for sewing them on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After washing the onesies, two of the ruffles started coming off. GASP. I guess my backstitching wasn't holding too well, even though I used a very gentle cycle! SO... I re-sewed them and then went off to Walmart to get some liquid stitch, which was applied to the undersides of the ruffles for added support.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also added a bit of the liquid stitch to the undersides of the appliqués for the same reason (and I used it to put the button on the last one... the needle wouldn't go through all the layers of ribbon). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvyqWeFzUZGHOEfsdlN1gTQdO9lDtb-Ct6Ey6qEc63P9lYGhZl18Y9i4YZ7aP1IdXMmHSIkInVc4OiQDGXU3CiG_iiLDvFH8nWf9wgpEVthyVB3-ULNHVAx5UVpXcybMM4QfnSg/s1600/onesies4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvyqWeFzUZGHOEfsdlN1gTQdO9lDtb-Ct6Ey6qEc63P9lYGhZl18Y9i4YZ7aP1IdXMmHSIkInVc4OiQDGXU3CiG_iiLDvFH8nWf9wgpEVthyVB3-ULNHVAx5UVpXcybMM4QfnSg/s400/onesies4.png" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know the ruffles are in the wrong order on this one.<br />
It was the last one and I was sewing around midnight. :|</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Anyway! I<i> </i>just <i style="font-weight: bold;">love</i> how they turned out! Apparently everyone else did, too, because I was asked numerous times if I had an Etsy shop or if I would take orders. Ha!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
First things first: I need to make some for Hallie! :)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html">Click here to see where I link up!</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterestchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Pinterest Challenge" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vlq8MLbcmI/TvP4Dszq61I/AAAAAAAABWs/Ds9KNjOirC4/s1600/Do+you+pin+button.jpg" /><br />
</a></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-58700280472588676272012-01-26T21:45:00.003-06:002012-01-26T21:53:40.116-06:00Sneaky PeekyI've been a busy mama working on my first Silhouette/sewing machine project.<br />
<br />
I think I'm obsessed. ;)<br />
<br />
The project isn't finished yet. I've had to figure out my machines as I go... which has been fun, but time consuming.<br />
<br />
Additionally, I keep forgetting to get things. Like pinking shears. I thought to myself, "I don't need those for <i>this </i>project; I'll get them later." You know, to avoid spending a bunch of money right off the bat.<br />
<br />
Well, as it turns out, I <b>do</b> need them. :|<br />
<br />
So, I'll be going out tomorrow to get them and hopefully finishing my project over the weekend.<br />
<br />
I'm so excited to share it with you guys... but for now, I'll leave you with this sneak peek!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pUQW-ji0PP8yGIgPNfTBl7SPG7dOlttD3IQqj7Oh3-BYXVix1UL6SZwoTiyrfm7qFx49yT3KJOwbmVVcauZJllVW-YuuL147oBBLNNDrsecDjm1fSRsjF4Pn7q339srqMfpcpw/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pUQW-ji0PP8yGIgPNfTBl7SPG7dOlttD3IQqj7Oh3-BYXVix1UL6SZwoTiyrfm7qFx49yT3KJOwbmVVcauZJllVW-YuuL147oBBLNNDrsecDjm1fSRsjF4Pn7q339srqMfpcpw/s400/IMG_0845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-45442288686253683452012-01-17T12:29:00.000-06:002012-04-20T14:52:14.073-05:00Shampoo FreeI have to say that I am intrigued by the idea of not using shampoo.<br />
<br />
Enough so to want to try it.<br />
<br />
I came across this idea while browsing Pinterest one day. Actually, I found a link to <a href="http://simplemom.net/oil-cleansing-method/">natural face cleansing</a>, which I've started (and LOVE). Linked from <i>that</i> post was the one about going off shampoo.<br />
<br />
The idea is that shampoo gets rid of the oil that your scalp makes. And now you're thinking, "Well, <i>duh</i>!" BUT... that oil is good for you. It protects your skin and keeps it from drying out.<br />
<br />
It's like a never-ending cycle: you wash your hair to get rid of the oil, but your scalp responds by creating <i>more</i> oil. The more you wash, the more oil is produced. I'm simplifying it a lot, but if you're interested in more information, read Tsh's original blog about it <a href="http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theluxuryspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/baking_soda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.theluxuryspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/baking_soda.jpg" width="132" /></a>With this natural shampoo-free method, you use baking soda and water to cleanse your scalp. <br />
<br />
Baking soda!<br />
<br />
Instead of stripping your scalp of the oil it works so hard to create, baking soda only removes the dirt and sweat. It takes a few weeks, but gradually your scalp will get used to not having to produce as much oil and it'll only make what is needed.<br />
<br />
Tsh actually has some other great suggestions for all natural beauty products. Like using lanolin as lip balm? Who knew?? And coconut oil as lotion or moisturizer? I'm in awe.<br />
<br />
I'm all about all-natural stuff. Ask anyone! And when you can do all natural <i>and</i> save money?! Count me in!!<br />
<br />
Anyway. I'm way excited about trying out this new method of hair care. I would have already switched over, but for the fact that I had just bought a new bottle of shampoo before I found the idea. :| Lame, right? And when you consider that I only wash my hair 2-ish times a week, this stuff is lasting for.ev.er! <br />
<br />
I'm contemplating giving my shampoo to Drew when he runs out so that I can switch. Then when we're <i>completely</i> out of shampoo, I'm going to see if he'll switch with me. <br />
<br />
We'll see. ;)<br />
<br />
I'll keep y'all updated as the year progresses!<br />
<br />
<br />Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-61678173514205495472012-01-13T11:52:00.002-06:002012-04-20T14:51:48.652-05:00Goals for the New YearSo my post is two weeks late. I was out of town for Christmas/New Year's and am just now getting back into the swing of life at home. Don't judge. ;)<br />
<br />
Last year, my only resolution was a reading list. I read most of the books on it, so I'm quite proud of myself. I think the only one I haven't finished is Jane Eyre... mostly because we moved when I was half-way through and I just kept forgetting to pick it back up. :/ It will get finished eventually...<br />
<br />
But Drew and I made a couples' resolution apart from any personal resolution that we might make on our own. <a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html">Stop arguing</a>. And I like to think we did a pretty good job with it. <br />
<br />
We still have fights and, yes, even the occasional argument. However, I like to think we've banished the argumentative spirit from our home. It's been a process that hasn't been perfected yet, but we're still working on it.<br />
<br />
We still disagree. A lot. But we have learned that there are better, more productive ways of resolving our conflicts. We talk. We try not to get upset or angry when we do. <br />
<br />
I won't lie. It's still hard. We are argumentative people. I know that I still get in moods where I disagree with everything that Drew says. (Drew calls them "contrary moods.") But we are working, striving.<br />
<br />
And we are succeeding, slowly but surely. :)<br />
<br />
This year, I've decided to set some goals for myself. Not resolutions, mind you. <i>Goals. </i>The difference? Resolutions are vague and usually too lofty to achieve. Goals... well, they're:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgf75z3oIgKidcd5E6Jwwc_HMXsILRlpKseqLRsa1010qW2wFyQN835AnuWNsJ4NCd9Ak68Pf7rsMBbu63Uf0g-UTtxiRks-nf2OLmtXYpXs7vq88V-H6uVYflCGJajeZGEuwVQ/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgf75z3oIgKidcd5E6Jwwc_HMXsILRlpKseqLRsa1010qW2wFyQN835AnuWNsJ4NCd9Ak68Pf7rsMBbu63Uf0g-UTtxiRks-nf2OLmtXYpXs7vq88V-H6uVYflCGJajeZGEuwVQ/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
SO. Here are a few of my 2012 Goals:<br />
- Go <a href="http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/">'poo free</a>... for so many reasons.<br />
- Read a daily devotional book for moms.<br />
- Fully decorate my house.<br />
- Blog more, starting with once a week!- Craft (with my new <a href="http://i44.tinypic.com/16h97cn.jpg">sewing machine</a> and <a href="http://i43.tinypic.com/2e1ud90.jpg">Silhouette Cameo</a>)! This is broken down into more specific goals in my head... like make clothes for my kids, make gifts for my family, make custom decor for my house, et cetera.<br />
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I probably have more, but I'm running out of time. There is lunch to be made for my hungry boy! More details on these goals and more to follow soon! :)Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-38695746310377954602011-12-19T16:17:00.001-06:002011-12-19T16:17:40.252-06:00ChristmasWell, I'm alive... adjusting to having two little babies slowly but surely! :) I've been so blessed to have two very easygoing babies (although Gabriel is becoming less so as he gets older). Hallie is already sleeping 7-8 hours at night! I can't complain!<br />
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Gabriel loves his baby sister. At first, he didn't really know what to think of her, so he basically ignored her. But now he loves to give her hugs and kisses. He also loves to steal her blankets and pacifiers. :| He tries to share everything with her, including his food and drink. I've tried telling him repeatedly that she's too little or that she doesn't like it, but it hasn't sunk in yet.<br />
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When I'm not busy with one (or both) of my little munchkins, I've been attempting to get my house ready for Christmas. I'm going for simple this year, mainly because of Hallie, but also because this is my first Christmas to actually be at home! Drew and I have been traveling every Christmas. So yeah, I practically have NO decorations. I'm compiling ideas for next year, though!<br />
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This is our first year to put up a tree. I'm quite pleased with the finished product, although it definitely needs more lights and ornaments before it's <i>perfect</i>. Somehow I let Drew talk me into getting only two boxes of lights instead of the four that were in my cart. And, wouldn't you know, I ordered on Amazon, so it wasn't like I could just go out and buy more. :|<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabriel "helping" decorate. I'm so glad I didn't buy glass ornaments!</td></tr>
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I actually did almost all of my shopping online this year. Whoever thought up Amazon is my HERO. I'd much rather shop in my jammies from the comfort of my home than brave the crowds with two babies. In addition, everything is delivered to my front door, rather than me having to lug it up three flights of stairs. Win win!<br />
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Most of the gifts were delivered today... which means I get to start wrapping! Yay! Christmas wrapping is one of my favorite things to do!Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-80544712163243173112011-11-20T10:58:00.001-06:002011-11-20T11:51:21.801-06:00Baby GirlLittle Miss Hallie Ruth is here! Yay!<br />
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When my due date (November 4) passed with no excitement, I convinced myself that my baby girl would be a week late and would make her appearance on 11-11-11!<br />
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Thus, I was pretty surprised when I started having contractions <i>at church on Sunday morning! </i>I didn't say anything to Drew until after the service because I didn't want to freak him out. He's the type that would get all worried and be all, "Do we need to leave? I think we should leave!" :)<br />
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After church, I told him that I was having contractions, but for some reason it didn't register with him that I meant <i>real</i> ones (I'd been having regular Braxton Hicks for weeks). Guess I shouldn't have worried! When he finally realized that I thought labor had started, he reacted predictably.<br />
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Although my contractions were pretty irregular, we went ahead and called the midwife who recommended we come on in to the birth center. Apparently with second babies, labor can pick up pretty quickly. We arrived at the birth center around 3:30pm and Hallie was born that night at 10:48.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmrhvQiHN8o514iFLTLZLztQZ-7W8DBv9mRr5t-Fp3hzbdK0tP9doGkcCFaQjArHraAuh69Ptr7gjMo3lnAzlZ1GoSKbe1FEH_JOVeDFnNnSS9VIy3Iiyu3GtryoWb5S6-nxIoQ/s1600/birth1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmrhvQiHN8o514iFLTLZLztQZ-7W8DBv9mRr5t-Fp3hzbdK0tP9doGkcCFaQjArHraAuh69Ptr7gjMo3lnAzlZ1GoSKbe1FEH_JOVeDFnNnSS9VIy3Iiyu3GtryoWb5S6-nxIoQ/s400/birth1.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few minutes old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF2wgqQi3gwSiNbI4KO37wBM3rYARyx4gHyuvYRRAUGy_5q4K0KKDy8dp-eLgp2yIFNoK04VUQUVmcLwPuFrW6mjwC94c33JJPVrabCUPgSyho5UGwcAk3uTL61HJwYIfTIoa_w/s1600/birth2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF2wgqQi3gwSiNbI4KO37wBM3rYARyx4gHyuvYRRAUGy_5q4K0KKDy8dp-eLgp2yIFNoK04VUQUVmcLwPuFrW6mjwC94c33JJPVrabCUPgSyho5UGwcAk3uTL61HJwYIfTIoa_w/s400/birth2.png" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJLlBiO9FTtqxFJeWwGYtFJh_-ez1smTDbyVRjRrKFQZwapjD_91Gr7fgUYB3XMqyyHVlKzedn5r6GJ0Zy7fyonAahFLDOIv0EnfhnjWvR6ifMMR0UMmxtAvMIsoE3q9Bf4wBSg/s1600/birth3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJLlBiO9FTtqxFJeWwGYtFJh_-ez1smTDbyVRjRrKFQZwapjD_91Gr7fgUYB3XMqyyHVlKzedn5r6GJ0Zy7fyonAahFLDOIv0EnfhnjWvR6ifMMR0UMmxtAvMIsoE3q9Bf4wBSg/s400/birth3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleven days old.</td></tr>
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So now, I'm a happy, busy, tired mommy of two precious munchkins. <3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrYGVtsXyG-TBlA5GHosiceNPQClcL34vF17jGIwjep_4Y6jqf8QGRLld6oNKSU-Lm1m-0c7H3VC3qKfnv_yKDfRqFcD2ceow6Ektqrr95X-PT-ZLxK-2TXiBf6hvxTXBndJyrA/s1600/birth4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrYGVtsXyG-TBlA5GHosiceNPQClcL34vF17jGIwjep_4Y6jqf8QGRLld6oNKSU-Lm1m-0c7H3VC3qKfnv_yKDfRqFcD2ceow6Ektqrr95X-PT-ZLxK-2TXiBf6hvxTXBndJyrA/s320/birth4.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabriel loves his sister!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-68389394974650766912011-11-03T13:43:00.001-05:002011-11-03T13:43:55.765-05:00Little LionWe never celebrated Halloween growing up. Oh, we'd buy the candy and hand it out to our neighborhood friends, but as for trick-or-treating and decorating our own home? Nope.<br />
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I never felt deprived, though, as our church always had a harvest festival where dressing up was encouraged and tons of candy was given out. Personally, I find that celebrating the harvest is much more to my taste than the creepy, spooky stuff. But that's just me. ;)<br />
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Anyway, Drew and I haven't decided one way or the other if we're going to take our kids trick-or-treating. He grew up doing it. I didn't. There has to be a compromise, right?<br />
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It hasn't been an issue yet, as both years Gabriel has been too young, so we've just taken him to our church's fall festival. Dressed up, of course!<br />
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Last year, he was a monkey, and the <i>cutest</i>, <b>cheekiest</b> little monkey you ever did see!<br />
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This year, I knew I had to get him a lion suit. After dogs, lions were the first animal he started recognizing. One day last April, we were reading Dr. Seuss' ABC book and he happened to have a lion on his pajamas. When we got to the L page -- "lion with a lollipop" -- he was all excited and pointed to the page, then to his jammies. I was shocked that he'd made the connection.<br />
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Needless to say, when it came time to purchase the pillow pet, we got him a lion. He LOVED it.<br />
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During the last few weeks, we've also been working on animal noises. Shocker... after dog, lion was the first sound he made. Out of the blue, he pointed to the lion on his high chair and said "rawr!" (After at least a week of me making roaring noises whenever we saw pictures of lions.) He was so obviously pleased with himself.<br />
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Now he will do puppy, lion, monkey, horse, and dinosaur. Everything else just says "rawr."<br />
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Knowing that Halloween was coming up, I started looking for a little lion suit. How ecstatic was I when I found one at Target?! I had Gabriel with me and when he saw the picture of the little boy in the costume, he happily exclaimed, "rawr!" Yay!<br />
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At first he wasn't too sure about actually wearing the costume, but after I put him in it a few times, he loved it. Now whenever he sees it, he points and says "rawr!" (Then he tries to cuddle it like his blankie, hehe!)<br />
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So here's a picture of my ferocious but lovable lion. ♥<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wish I could say I took this picture, but I'd be lying.</td></tr>
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This picture is currently the background of my phone and my desktop. Every time Gabriel catches sight of it, guess what he does?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Rawr!"</span></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-87723349776649235702011-11-01T17:29:00.001-05:002012-04-20T12:22:05.418-05:00Crafty GirlHappy November, everyone! It's hard to believe it's finally here -- the month I've been looking forward to since March! Hallie Ruth is due in just THREE days.<br />
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Last week, I promised to share more crafts with you, so here they are! My sister liked her <a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/2011/09/tailor-made.html">birthday gift</a> so much that I decided to make some for two more of my sisters who just celebrated their birthdays last week. I've been itching to post about them, but once again had to wait until they were received! Only downside to having your sisters read your blog. ;)<br />
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First up is for my baby sister, who turned 13 on October 24 (eek; still can't believe she's that old). <br />
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Kenzie is probably my most "Anne-ish" sister -- definitely a kindred spirit! I couldn't resist using this quote. Anyway, Kenzie has a cool zebra-themed room with purple and green accents, which inspired the color scheme. I couldn't choose between the purple or green, so I went with both and I LOVE how it turned out! I also picked a <a href="http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/pea-hannah-vanilla/">fun font</a> that suited my sister's personality. Yay for customizations!<br />
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Next up is for my oldest younger sister, who turned 22 on the 29th. <br />
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I have to admit that this is my favorite one I've made. I didn't have a specific color scheme to follow, so I just went with what fit Destiny. Her favorite color is purple, so I spent some time browsing in Michael's to find the perfect paper. Everything just came together really nicely with this one. :)<br />
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I like these so much that I'm probably going to make myself some! Gabriel and Hallie are probably going to be getting something with their names/meanings... as soon as I find the time to design them!<br />
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<b><a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html">Click here to see where I link up!</a></b></div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-13026894480582111672011-10-28T14:19:00.000-05:002012-04-18T13:09:20.699-05:00Favorite Cool Weather DishI stepped outside today to head to my prenatal appointment and actually <i>shivered</i>! Little Man and I were both wearing shorts and t-shirts. A glance at my weather app confirmed that it was <i>55 degrees</i>! Woohoo! I quickly went back inside to get Gabriel a jacket and change into some jeans.<br />
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In honor of this special day--the coldest we've had yet here--I've decided to share one of my family's favorite slow cooker recipes: <b>Beef Stroganoff</b>. Besides <a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/2010/03/easy-roast-beef.html">roast beef</a>, this is probably the meal that Drew requests the most. It's just perfect for a cold (or cool) day, although I shamelessly make this even in the hot summer months because it's just that good. ;)<br />
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Start with some basic beef stroganoff ingredients: beef, mushrooms, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sour cream.<br />
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My recipe calls for actual steak, but I've found that stewing meat works just as well<i>. </i>It's cheap and you don't have to spend time cutting it up. Just dump it in the slow cooker and there you go!<br />
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Mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl then dump it over the meat in the crock pot.<br />
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Now here's the fun part: coating the meat in the flour mixture! I'm probably the only one who actually enjoys handling raw beef or chicken (but don't get me started on pork--that's enough to make me want to turn vegetarian). I just use my fingers to toss everything, but feel free to use some sort of utensil. ;)<br />
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All done! Now wash your hands, regardless of whether you used them or a utensil. :)<br />
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Next, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and some water in a bowl. I usually just use the same one; I'm all about cutting down on dishes! <br />
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Pour it over the beef and add the mushrooms, stirring to combine. I don't use my hands here!<br />
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Set your crockpot timer (or kitchen timer) for 3.5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Then sit back, relax, and wait! I always cook it on high, because I usually make it while Gabriel's sleeping.<br />
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About 15 minutes before the stroganoff is done, add the sour cream. It'll turn into this creamy beefy color. Yum! (I always like to sample it a little here, too... just to make sure it turned out!)<br />
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Serve it over rice with a side of asparagus and you can't go wrong! Just look at it! (You're welcome to serve it over the egg noodles, which I did the very first time I made it. My recipe calls for rice, however, so I tried it that way the second time and have never gone back. So yummy!)<br />
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Hope you all enjoy! And here's to hoping I can put my shorts away for good!<br />
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<b><a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html">Click here to see where I link up!</a></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beef Stroganoff Recipe</b></div>
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2 tablespoons flour</div>
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon pepper</div>
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1/4 teaspoon paprika</div>
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1 3/4 pounds boneless beef steak (or stew meat)</div>
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10 3/4 ounce can cream of mushroom soup</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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1 envelope onion soup mix</div>
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1 package of mushrooms, washed</div>
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1/2 cup sour cream</div>
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1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)</div>
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1. Combine flour, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.</div>
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2. Cut meat into strips (or use stew meat). Place in slow cooker and toss in flour mixture.</div>
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3. Combine mushroom soup, water, and onion soup mix in a small bowl. Stir until well blended. Pour over meat.</div>
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4. Add mushrooms and toss until mixed.</div>
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5. Cover and cook on High 3-3.5 hours or Low 6-7 hours.</div>
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6. Stir in sour cream and parsley. Cook on high 10-15 minutes.</div>
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7. Serve over rice.</div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35664183.post-16844358553934944852011-10-25T14:25:00.000-05:002011-10-25T14:25:08.009-05:00Fingers CrossedI'm BEYOND excited for the <a href="http://silhouetteamerica.com/">Silhouette Cameo</a>. Like I mentioned <a href="http://tljournal.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">here</a>, it's number one on my Christmas list this year. Just looking at all the different stuff one can do with this amazing piece of machinery makes me go crazy!<div>
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So... I entered two giveaways for it today! I know I'll probably be getting it for Christmas if I don't win, but I'd absolutely <i>love</i> to have it <i>before</i> Christmas. I have so many gift ideas to make with it that will have to wait for next year's birthdays. I'd love to make some for this year!</div>
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I've never won anything before, so I'm trying not to get <i>too</i> excited. Both giveaways I entered already had over 2,000 entries. -sigh- Still... there's always the chance, right? :)</div>
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Anyway... I have more crafts to share, so expect another blog soon! </div>Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14110774918545593653noreply@blogger.com2