tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19159619067563325732024-02-07T13:34:07.232-08:00The Little Cabbage CrewBlogging about DIY kid activities, life with kids, parenting tips, recipes, small business features, product recommendations and more!RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-50909885606555551812015-08-18T05:02:00.000-07:002015-08-18T05:02:35.755-07:00Buddha Fresh Hey everyone,<br />
It's been a while!! Did you know we moved across the E N T I R E country?! We did. So to say things have been a little crazy around here is a slight understatement. But, I'm super happy to bring you all a product review from Buddha Fresh!<br />
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Buddha Fresh is an all-natural air freshner/deodorizer and we are big fans. I'm really picky about what deodorizer I'll use in my house, and for the most part Febreeze makes me gag. More on that later. And after reading an article that Johnson & Johnson puts cancer-causing chemicals in their products (willingly) I'm over most retail available baby products. Buddha Fresh's products use bamboo to absorb smells and they are packaged in all-natural packaging that is recyclable! On our trip from Utah to Virginia I has one on my dash, because let's be real three kids in a car for four days is not the best experience smell-wise. It helped keep our fast food odors minimal, that's for sure! I love that they can be reused over and over again by reactivation them in the sunlight-- say what?! Yes. Stick them in the sun for an hour and they are like new!<br />
Right now they are kicking off their Kickstarter campaign, go check it out and grab some of these great new products. Your nose will thank you.<br />
www.bebuddhafresh.com<br />
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-91045852784439938312015-02-06T12:18:00.000-08:002015-04-29T08:35:21.332-07:00What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Getting ready to have a baby can be scary. You have prepped your home, but have you prepped yourself for the upcoming event? Take it from me, there were things I wish I would have had when I had my first in the hospital, including things I was completely oblivious to. Here is my list of things to take to the hospital with you and at the bottom are things the hospital will provide.<br />
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<li>Items for the baby--they will provide you with hospital onesies, which you don't keep, but on the day you go home you'll need an outfit of your own to take home your little one. And swaddling blankets for the ride home. You can see in the pic above that on the day we left we had our own items (the pink blanket is peaking out under the hospital's blanket).</li>
<li>Clothes for yourself-- you may not want to bring your favorite pieces, things are still messy after birth (imagine having the worst period of your life), but having your own clothes can definitely help you feel more comfortable. I definitely suggest lounge wear like yoga pants, maternity clothes, and anything loose fitting. And bring some granny panties you won't mind saying goodbye to if anything messy should happen. If you're a sock/slipper/robe person, don't forget those as well.</li>
<li>Chapstick--this was the weirdest thing I wished I had while giving birth to my first. I was so distracted by my need for chapstick that I was miserable. </li>
<li>Toiletries-- the hospital basically only has soap, so bring all your own toiletries.</li>
<li>Pillows-- your own pillow will feel divine when hanging out in your room. If you don't want to pack it ahead, put a sticky note on the door to remind you on your way out. You may also want to bring a nursing pillow, like a boppy, if you're in to that.</li>
<li>Nursing pads-- I was totally oblivious to this when I had my first. Luckily my mom brought me a box when I delivered my daughter. Even if you do not plan on nursing you will still leak...these will keep you dry! <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2013/05/nursing-pad-recommendations.html">Here </a>is my list of recommended nursing pads.</li>
<li>Lanolin-- if you plan on nursing, you will want this! Sometimes the hospital has little mini tubes you can sample, but having your own will be worth the investment.</li>
<li>Entertainment-- you will get bored in the hospital. Most rooms have tvs, but bring along your own dvds and other sources of entertainment. Bring some books or a tablet for the times when you can't sleep and baby isn't in the room with you.</li>
<li>Camera-- seriously, we ended up using our cell phones for my first two kids and I regret it. It was mostly from lack of knowing I'd be in the hospital that day, but having it ready (and charged) ahead of time will be a lifesaver.</li>
<li>Chargers-- whatever electronic you're bringing, have chargers ready to go. If you're like me and only have one for each item, add it to your sticky note on the door so you don't forget it. </li>
<li>Your ID/wallet-- if you didn't get the chance to pre-register, you will need your ID and insurance cards when you get there. Plus if you want anything special to eat from the cafeteria or vending machine, you'll need your own dough for that. You do get meals delivered, but let's be real about hospital food...</li>
<li>Snacks-- hospital food can be a bummer sometimes. Bring snacks that you enjoy, especially if you have dietary restrictions.</li>
<li>Essential oils--if you are an essential oil user, there are oils you can use during labor and postpartum to help with the entire process.</li>
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The hospital typically provides the following during your stay: hospital gowns, towels, tucks, pads, mesh underwear, diapers, wipes, a nasal aspirator, a binky, bottles/nipples, lanolin, swaddling blankets, formula, onesies, a water bottle, and food/drinks. The only things you do <u>not</u> keep are cloth items like the gowns, towels, blankets, etc. </div>
RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-41454095602391736292015-02-05T11:49:00.000-08:002015-02-05T11:49:40.582-08:00My Second Trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blocks c/o spanggangdesigns.etsy.com</div>
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This pic was too cute not to share!</div>
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My pregnancy is almost over, and while I have been <i>the worst</i> about keeping the blog updated, I wanted to make sure that I still shared my second trimester. If you read about my first trimester you will know that I was a sick, nauseous blog that never wanted to do anything. My second trimester was so much better and probably the best of the three kids. To keep my nausea at bay I did continue to use my sleeping pill/b6 regimen and other than that I was a happy camper. The nice thing about the second trimester is first, you feel more human; second, you start to show (the bottom pic was around 4 months) and look pregnant; and third, you get to find out the gender of the baby! We went in on my husband's birthday to find out, which was a fun way to celebrate. I was just 15 weeks and they were able to find out on the first scan that we were expecting another little girl! My daughter is thrilled about having a little sister on the way. That same week I also started to feel the butterfly kicks from my baby. A lot of first time moms may confuse it with digestion/gas, but I knew what it was when I felt it! It still took another couple of weeks for my husband to be able to feel the little flutters. I was lucky to spend most of the fall in my second trimester and I was able to fully participate in family activities like going to the pumpkin patch, "dressing up" for Halloween, and spending lots of time outside with the kiddos. I definitely can say that my second trimester was my favorite of the three and I look forward to seeing our unnamed baby girl any day!</div>
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Side note: if you have other children, the second trimester is a good time to get them ready for baby. You will have more energy and physical capability to show and teach them things like how to pick up, how to grab their own snacks, what indoor voices sound like, and how to have quiet time. Right now as I'm in the very end of my pregnancy they are nearly getting away with murder because I don't have the energy to stop them or chase them down anymore. But, a lot of the things we practiced earlier in my pregnancy are holding strong.</div>
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Second Trimester Favorites:</div>
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Kit Kats</div>
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Cooking again...well, really, eating again</div>
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Zero Water filter, go buy one now!</div>
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-75085154727760149482015-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:002015-02-01T11:59:27.752-08:00Guide to Buying Used Baby Gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having a baby can get expensive, so buying used baby gear can be a good choice if you're looking to save some bucks. But, buyer beware! Buying sight unseen (perhaps from an online site) or at a garage sale can cost you <i>more</i> money in the end if you get baby gear that is damaged, recalled, or expired. I, as well as others I know, have learned this lesson the hard way. Here is my guide to buying used baby gear, I hope it will help you save money and help you get excellent gear!</div>
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Pack 'N Plays</div>
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Inspect it first! Have the owner open it, show you that it fully opens and that no parts are broken. A full pack 'n play set will have a cover/carrying case, a frame, and a cushion-type pad. There should be no rips or tears in any of the fabric frame, the pad should fit properly into the bottom of the frame and all the bars should lock into place. If there are stains, it is possible to clean them, but that is up to your discretion. Don't be fooled into thinking you can jimmy rig a pack 'n play to "make it work" or that you will be able to fix it. </div>
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Car Seats</div>
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Did you know car seats have an expiration date? They do. If you show up to the hospital to take your baby home and your car seat is expired they will NOT let you take the baby home. The date depends on the model of car seat, but it is typically 6-10 years from the manufacture date. It is stamped on the car seat (the underside) and if it is missing it is <b>illegal</b> to sell them (as a retailer or private seller). A lot of people may have good intentions to give you a used car seat, or you may not realize (most people don't) that it is expired, but it could cost you lots of extra unnecessary money if you accidentally buy an expired car seat. Also, when buying a used car seat, make sure that all the straps are in good tact, there are no tears in the cover, and that there is no damage to the seat or base. WASHING TIP: if you are wanting to wash the car seat cover before using it, take a picture of where all the straps insert, connect, and where the cover attaches to the seat. That way when you go to put it back on it will be easier reassemble than playing the good ol' guessing game.</div>
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Cribs</div>
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Cribs is a tricky used buy. Drop rail cribs (where one side moves up and down) are now banned and are illegal to sell or re-sell. You may find people trying to sell them at garage sales or online ads, but buyer beware. Besides being illegal, there are more parts that come with drop rail cribs and if any are missing there is an increased risk of malfunction. Plus, you won't be able to buy replacement parts. I bought a drop rail crib from a garage sale as a toddler bed, meaning I completely did not use the drop rail, we took it off so my toddler could crawl in and out at her own ease. I felt comfortable doing so knowing that we would never use the 4th rail and for $20 (with a mattress) it worked out wonderfully. If you find a stationary crib, have the owner show you all of the screws/parts so that you don't get home and find out that there are missing pieces and can't assemble it. If it has a wire/spring base, check that none are broken or missing. It is not easy to find replacement parts for cribs, so this is crucial. If it is a metal crib check that all the bars are in tact and not damaged, for wooden cribs check that the wood has not been damaged or cracked. Safety first always with cribs. This applies to bassinets as well.</div>
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Strollers</div>
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The first tip I have is to research the type of stroller you're looking for before you go buy one. Some are universal and will fit any car seat into it, some are brand specific, and some don't fit car seats in them at all. There are so many kinds with so many functions that you want to buy what will best fit your needs. When looking at used strollers, make sure that it collapses and unfolds properly. There should be no broken or damaged pieces and wheels should be in tact and functioning. Our strollers are brand specific to our car seat model and only our brand will fit in them. Know your brands before buying! Also, make sure that when it is collapsed that it will fit in your trunk--our double stroller is the world's biggest hassle to fit in our small trunk. Check all of the fabric to make sure there are no rips or tears, missing snaps, or broken straps. </div>
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Changing Tables</div>
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Make sure there is no damage and that all the parts are there for assembly. Replacement changing table pads can be purchased separately, and rather conveniently, so if it is missing it is not a huge deal.</div>
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Swings & Bouncers</div>
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Make sure there is no damage to the swing/bouncer. If it is electric or battery operated, have the owner demonstrate how it works and that it does work. Push all the buttons to make sure all the features work. There should be no rips, tears, or other damages or missing parts. If there are safety harnesses, make sure there is no damage to the straps or clips.</div>
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Toys & Clothes</div>
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Check both for stains! There is a chance that these won't come out and won't be worth the money to buy them. Garage sales are notorious for having stained clothing and it will be up to your best judgement if you can get a stain out. Unfold clothes and open toys (if applicable) so you can get a good perspective on the item. This will also help you discover any hidden faults in the item. With toys, make sure everything is securely in place and won't be a choking hazard.</div>
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Electronics<br />
When it comes to accessories like monitors, white noise machines, bottle warmers, wipe warmers, etc...make sure that they work first! The seller needs to show you that it is in working condition and that there are no damages to the item. Don't be afraid to ask for a demonstration first before buying it! If they just want you to take their word for it...don't!<br />
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There are places like Toys R Us and Babies R Us that have trade-in events where you can bring in used baby gear for 25% off new gear. We paid $10 for a crib at a garage sale, found out later it was too faulty to use, then traded it in for a new one. The $10 we originally spent was made up by the $50 we saved on a new crib. Some women have "mommy-first" events where they will sell/trade their old baby gear to friends before trying to sell it online or at a garage sale. Baby consignment shops are another great place to look, just keep in mind the quality and safety of each item before purchasing it!RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-63224432979501858672015-01-14T14:12:00.000-08:002015-02-01T12:19:01.563-08:00Complete Teething Mitten GuideAll of this information has been swimming around in my head for a while and I decided it was time to present it all in a teething mitten guide to help out all the moms out there who may need our great product. Slowly this post will fade away into the queue, so all of the information will be divided accordingly amongst our pages at the top of our product website. Here we go...<br />
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Teething mittens are used in a variety of situations that you or your child may face. The great thing about them is that when babies are little they lack the coordination to hold anything and that's where the mittens come in.<br />
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For mom they can protect you while nursing from any scratching or pinching, similar to the function of a nursing necklace. The difference (and upside in my opinion) is that when used after nursing the mittens <u>absorb </u>drool whereas the necklace does not (in most cases, i.e. amber or rubber necklaces).<br />
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For baby they are multi-faceted. First, they keep your baby's hands warm and dry as they stick their cute little fingers in their mouth. Second, they provide protection to their face from scratching and fingers from biting. Third, they prevent chapping on your baby's skin. Fourth, they encourage texture exploration and hand discovery--great milestones in your baby's life. Fifth, they absorb drool-- up to two teaspoons per mitten.<br />
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Because keeping hands warm isn't always the goal (i.e. you live in warm climates) and because babies drool at different levels, we have created three different types of mittens to fit each baby better. So, which teething mittens are right for your baby?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyp1H55t8XEz_lNl1VDZDHUOqkxeqh0k6xi_noTb4GvB4ASNInYe3Nc0qYqR9WArECpMxGq0l9fQL6_Se0CkCSzfeQZgDsRcImB4N5L8PbnXZno2OCQ9di4lQAKw2j6BF2PUwh-DxgcM/s1600/Teething+Mitten+Guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyp1H55t8XEz_lNl1VDZDHUOqkxeqh0k6xi_noTb4GvB4ASNInYe3Nc0qYqR9WArECpMxGq0l9fQL6_Se0CkCSzfeQZgDsRcImB4N5L8PbnXZno2OCQ9di4lQAKw2j6BF2PUwh-DxgcM/s1600/Teething+Mitten+Guide.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
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Size. The reason we make mittens in different sizes is because babies grow. The sizes help the mittens fit and stay on properly as they are being used. If your baby is on the cusp of a size, I recommend going a size up. We can make them in a custom size as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WYCra8kTNsYUTo0SUy6zDsm3yJ42-l-pFh_0wynh2Y9XdQXYjsemguNpRn28w4CgSLBnS7Axl9CrUF6sCBQNhlMjZDY4y98mUGWvTzMdwSy9jrNu7nklmgq64Nmwjo-SUqBw9fdciJw/s1600/Size+Guide.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WYCra8kTNsYUTo0SUy6zDsm3yJ42-l-pFh_0wynh2Y9XdQXYjsemguNpRn28w4CgSLBnS7Axl9CrUF6sCBQNhlMjZDY4y98mUGWvTzMdwSy9jrNu7nklmgq64Nmwjo-SUqBw9fdciJw/s1600/Size+Guide.png" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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To better fit gift-giving needs we recently introduced mittens with a Velcro strap instead of an elastic wristband. The mitten is similar in design as our other three, but it is made in one size (OS) and can be adjusted as your baby grows. Our teething mittens with Velcro straps can be made from any fabric, not just the waterproof fabric shown below. Pictured is our fully waterproof-fabric mittens that were converted to have straps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIMznkgSQMKCVTv_GlarsWwlY8Xmxp5j1CLlzug9PZtfV2TWJ7lWCWHfgF-sUrp_04g27r_lTSI_iV6uDHWxzSZldl_D24qXLsrIjP_Hc1bqDU-9DtEuk1KuXnf8wlo6uCMk1EmsMws0/s1600/velcro+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIMznkgSQMKCVTv_GlarsWwlY8Xmxp5j1CLlzug9PZtfV2TWJ7lWCWHfgF-sUrp_04g27r_lTSI_iV6uDHWxzSZldl_D24qXLsrIjP_Hc1bqDU-9DtEuk1KuXnf8wlo6uCMk1EmsMws0/s1600/velcro+pic.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
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To purchase our teething mittens, go to littlecabbagebp.etsy.com or for more FAQ's visit our website <a href="http://www.littlecabbagebabyproducts.com/">www.littlecabbagebabyproducts.com</a><br />
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RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-12691303123400338922015-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:002015-01-14T13:25:15.810-08:00Naming Your Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Naming your baby is not always an easy task. With my first two we knew before we were even pregnant what we were going to name them. We had made a list of names we liked early in our marriage and we were so excited so excited to use those names. The nice thing about that was that we could address our child in the womb as soon as we found out the gender. Now that we are coming up on baby #3 we have NO idea what to name her. We don't like the names on our original list anymore and we are definitely struggling on making a list that we like and narrowing down those names. Here are some tips on naming your baby:<br />
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1. Make a list. This will help you from forgetting names that you hear and like and will also help you narrow down the names as you go throughout your pregnancy. We ultimately used two names from our original list and with our new list for baby #3 it has helped us to see them and think through each name. Put the list on the cloud so that you don't lose it. We published our baby names back in 2009 (before we were even pregnant) on our personal blog so that we wouldn't forget (and to claim dibs...). Don't be afraid to change the list over time or even start a new one all together.<br />
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2. Decide if you want public opinion. Asking friends and family what they think can be bittersweet. We were dead set on our first two names so there was no reason to ask people what they thought. We still got unsolicited opinions, but they didn't matter since we knew what we were naming our kids. If you're not sure and you want opinions, you can ask others what they think, but be prepared for lots of opinions and thoughts, maybe even some heartache. You also will need to find a way to politely turn down people's ideas. It can be nice to get ideas by others thinking outside of the box for you.<br />
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3. See how the name flows with your last name. You may really like a name, but once you say it out loud it may be cumbersome when said with the middle/last name or it may turn out as a sentence (ex Isabelle Bytheway-- Is a bell by the way?).<br />
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4. See how it fits in with the rest of the family's names. My husband and I have somewhat common names, and we decided to keep with that and do semi-common names for our kids. However, my sister-in-law chose to name all of her kids with really unique names and she stuck with that theme with all of her kids. Having one name come from left field while the rest are all the same may cause hurt feelings down the road.<br />
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5. Pick a theme. This ties in well with #4. Maybe you want all the names to start with a certain letter, or perhaps you want them all to have names from your favorite movie, book, cultural reference, or family names. We chose family names for all of our middle names, and despite our first two starting with J's we are not actually doing a J theme. It was happenstance.<br />
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6. Be patient. We really feel like we won't know our baby's name until she is born. Sometimes verbalizing the name too early can cause others to stick on it, even when you're not sure you will use it. My daughter has been calling our baby Abby and has been telling everyone that is her name. We don't know if it is and now various family members are attached to that name. I don't want to break my daughter's heart, but I also don't want to choose a name because my 3 year old said so. Sometimes keeping the names to yourself is the best idea and waiting it out to see your little one will pay off.<br />
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7. If you're still stuck, read through baby names online. If you just Google baby name lists you will have thousands to read through and pick as favorites. Then you can narrow down your favorites. You may run across names that you hadn't thought of before.RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-36567554378080509172014-11-04T20:43:00.000-08:002014-11-04T21:10:02.159-08:00Holiday Cards & Paying it Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeXAqkm60s-PZaqo3mOpBS9h36hBC7lBMXojOCGvr9FWlvrlrUEPRo-XkiEwAYifPaqs7o05kpKanYIKvTxCr8KxOcZYhY_mVqDbscf-zes37P4WSm16Ph5T4Mtg9gEMyUKSZGkhWhC7Z/s1600/WP_20141027_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeXAqkm60s-PZaqo3mOpBS9h36hBC7lBMXojOCGvr9FWlvrlrUEPRo-XkiEwAYifPaqs7o05kpKanYIKvTxCr8KxOcZYhY_mVqDbscf-zes37P4WSm16Ph5T4Mtg9gEMyUKSZGkhWhC7Z/s1600/WP_20141027_011.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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For one of my business classes this semester we have to start and run a business of our choosing. The neat thing about it is that all of our profits go to Kiva.org. I decided that since the holidays are usually a time of giving and helping others I would make and sell holiday cards. <a href="http://www.kiva.org/lend/781963">Here </a>is the man I am giving my profits to, he is seeking help to pay his tuition. Anyway, if you are looking to help out others this holiday season come pay it forward with some holiday cards :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.cardconcierge.blogspot.com/">Here</a> is the link to the card blog I set up-- prices range from $2-$4 each, each card comes with a stamp (can you imaging NOT running to the post office this holiday season?), and I offer discounts on multiples!<br />
<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-91893886416140912712014-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:002014-10-30T20:38:24.765-07:00Halloween Candy Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEFz21VNSjWlDvvgiERU-5kCgvtgC7lqx-CKyTJ1UpUORrcLXMaCsl5wzP813V1kaVj2vKmzja9C89pRnNtb1kC2JtUXkLJnwGmuLtiu8RysPm1Kc_BDtmXQWgy10_NEfBuzRnI4IpE8/s1600/Julia+pumpkin+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEFz21VNSjWlDvvgiERU-5kCgvtgC7lqx-CKyTJ1UpUORrcLXMaCsl5wzP813V1kaVj2vKmzja9C89pRnNtb1kC2JtUXkLJnwGmuLtiu8RysPm1Kc_BDtmXQWgy10_NEfBuzRnI4IpE8/s1600/Julia+pumpkin+patch.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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For our little family this is our first real year of trick or treating. We had a church party on Wednesday, a preschool party today (Thursday), and Halloween is tomorrow. Needless to say my daughter is up to her ears in candy. My son doesn't seem to mind though. With all of the extra treats about this year I thought it would be a good idea to not only set rules for pieces per day, but also have her work for her treats instead of eating them when she likes. The best part about this is that she can't open candy on her own, so I completely control how much she can eat (I know this won't last forever). The chart lists 10 things a kid can do to earn more Halloween candy (not that they need 10/day) and they are all jobs that toddlers on up can do!<br />
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwR-dcUgIaAoWUhySUhDeWh4Yzg/view?usp=sharing">here </a>to download the chart.<br />
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This is just a screenshot preview, the real PDF is just the chart ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfoEKqxQKsxXQ2YJYCzXsQGQnWhluVIY53mcEF86MI_WI2_si3wugkeMs5YhmS50UAPgFw9EZ1BukVruevAW1catNOpO9bZVrj4iylGGMYtQv_Uyvjumy1GMR4Y6z4ynmrfAR1b5QXI/s1600/halloween.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNfoEKqxQKsxXQ2YJYCzXsQGQnWhluVIY53mcEF86MI_WI2_si3wugkeMs5YhmS50UAPgFw9EZ1BukVruevAW1catNOpO9bZVrj4iylGGMYtQv_Uyvjumy1GMR4Y6z4ynmrfAR1b5QXI/s1600/halloween.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-64217794676378654472014-10-23T14:44:00.000-07:002014-10-23T14:51:07.094-07:00Tips for Family Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3LSDG30ADyolThzxewnyi2tZ_GamQfemjO-Hawb0yWrXhVyVRUoWLun706zWQSou6_RP2kpG-bLJCMaS1hPBfQGtnugRnPAi18idBT0ofsI8nchJqsXkA-7oI6fx7KUUh6-IArdQjtw/s1600/img_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3LSDG30ADyolThzxewnyi2tZ_GamQfemjO-Hawb0yWrXhVyVRUoWLun706zWQSou6_RP2kpG-bLJCMaS1hPBfQGtnugRnPAi18idBT0ofsI8nchJqsXkA-7oI6fx7KUUh6-IArdQjtw/s1600/img_0055.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We recently had family photos done. In our family I am the one that is super in to it so I take on a lot of the prep work ahead of time. If taking family photos makes you nervous, try out some of these tips to make the experience smooth sailing.</div>
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<li>Plan your outfits ahead of time. This will save you so much stress day of and you can lay out different options to see what will look best.</li>
<li>Try to stick to 2-3 colors. As you can see we did grey, yellow, and blue (jeans). Last year we did blue, green, and white. Too many colors can be distracting and too few colors can look too matchy-matchy. Also, if you use patterned prints mix them with solids so that they don't become distracting.</li>
<li>Bring distractions. If you're going to a studio (we went to Picture People) expect a quick session. We spent more time in the waiting area before/after than in the shoot itself which meant we had a lot of time to sit and sit and sit. Luckily they have a lot of activities there but if you are not going to a studio, bring something for the kids to do during the down time. </li>
<li>Bring snacks. Over Christmas we did a huge family photo shoot outdoors. It was cold and snowy so to keep the kids' spirits up the photographer had candy for the kids if they could smile and look at the camera. It worked. </li>
<li>Have a reward for when it is over. My daughter spotted the pretzel cart on the way in and we told her that we would get pretzels AFTER the shoot. We used this as a reminder when she got grumpy during the shoot and she perked right up and smiled for the camera. </li>
<li>Make sure everyone is well rested. Somehow for the last two years our kids did not have naps. I'm shocked that we got so many smiley shots this year. Well rested children means they will be less grumpy and more willing to participate.</li>
<li>Be flexible. Most little kids do not enjoy the picture process. If one ran off to play with the giant crayons, we just took shots of the other kid. If they really aren't in to it, give them some space and try some different poses.</li>
<li>Have poses in mind. We know that our little guy will only sit still with a bench or chair. He won't stand still on his own. This helped with their brother/sister shots and individual shots. If you want certain poses let the photographer know. I knew I wanted us standing in most of them since our shoes were all different and I didn't want that in the shots. </li>
<li>Have favorable lighting. Indoor studios should have all of the equipment for this. Doing shoots outdoors can be tricky...try and get as much natural light as possible and choose times of the day that will not cast harsh shadows (early morning or just before sunset).</li>
<li>Have fun! Sing songs, play with toys, use props...do whatever it takes to get smiles on those faces!</li>
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RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-27400576370275801262014-10-04T14:30:00.001-07:002014-10-23T14:50:36.216-07:00Pregnancy Style, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ4bYY-6x7vf9S9Ny3Q4ynqu9_ndSfugLoDNVuChgKg7dUtAW5ygjNZOxTmIxPcMD4FnhwiixHedFZ1KeczS8nX9jRvvtrsRocOgDUj8w8rzSVn0BWrSOGn9Nayn8xgiS_3j7F-DuCRw/s1600/6tag_151014-115502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ4bYY-6x7vf9S9Ny3Q4ynqu9_ndSfugLoDNVuChgKg7dUtAW5ygjNZOxTmIxPcMD4FnhwiixHedFZ1KeczS8nX9jRvvtrsRocOgDUj8w8rzSVn0BWrSOGn9Nayn8xgiS_3j7F-DuCRw/s1600/6tag_151014-115502.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blocks c/o <a href="http://spanggangdesigns.etsy.com/">Spang Gang Designs</a></div>
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Okay mommas, if you are pregnant your wardrobe is about to change. During the first trimester and even into the second you will notice that not everything will always fit the way you want it to. Here are some tips for transitioning your wardrobe from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Buy a belly band. This will help keep your pants on if they are too tight to fit on buttoned. I bought one white one and it has lasted me three pregnancies. I'm telling you it is a lifesaver and a great investment. They are also easy to make.</li>
<li>For those first few days/weeks that your pants get too tight you can use a rubberband to hold your button closed. Loop it through the button hole and fasten it on your button. It will give you an extra inch or so and you can keep wearing your favorite pants.</li>
<li>Utilize your loose-fitted or flowy shirts. On a regular non-pregnancy basis I do not wear tight fitted shirts and since moving to California I have transitioned to lightweight flowy tops. Remember, oversized tees (like your favorite T-shirt of your hubs) is not the same as a loose fitting tee. Your loose-fitted tees will help you still feel like you and you can keep your sense of style. The tee I'm wearing is one of the many shirts I own like that.</li>
<li>Wear any empire waist or drop waist tees. I have several items that were either of these and I could wear them through both pregnancies, almost entirely through them. Plus they are good for post-partum and everyday.</li>
<li>Pack away those fitted tees. If your fitted tees do not have stretch to them (check the fabrics for elastic-type materials such as spandex). Your growing belly, at some point, will stretch out your cotton tees and there is no going back once they are stretched out.</li>
<li>If you have any "fat" clothes, pull them out. I have non-maternity jeans that I kept even after I lost weight. They fit like a dream in the waist (they're still big in the thighs) since my baby belly is taking up the home of my prior chubby belly. The pants I have on are a size bigger than what I wear when I'm not pregnant. I'm glad I kept them!</li>
<li>Elastic waist (non maternity) skirts are your friend. They are meant to stretch and will most likely last you through your pregnancy and beyond. Maxi skirts are another good option since they tend to have some give to them.</li>
<li>Start prepping yourself to buy real maternity clothes. If you plan on having more than one child it is worth the investment to buy a few outfits. Old Navy, Gap, Motherhood Maternity, and consignment shops are great places to start your search. If you have friends that are your same size, don't be afraid to ask to borrow some pieces of theirs.</li>
</ul>
Here are links to some of my favorite transitional pieces:<br />
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5758&mlink=5151,8551007,Top_nav_Mat&clink=8551007">Old Navy Maternity</a><br />
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=85729#style=85732">Old Navy Rock Star Jeans</a> -- at 18 weeks I can still wear my regular Rock Stars. They have magnificent stretch.<br />
<a href="http://www.target.com/c/maternity-women/-/N-5ouvi#?lnk=ct_menu_01_5&intc=1865087|null">Target Maternity</a> --I bought my belly band at Target. It isn't online though so check stores in person...<br />
<a href="http://www.kohls.com/sale-event/oh-baby-by-motherhood-clothing.jsp">Kohl's Maternity</a> -- They have great sales, you can combine coupons, and they carry Motherhood Maternity items.<br />
<a href="http://www.motherhood.com/">Motherhood Maternity</a> -- the best place for maternity swimwear<br />
<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5997&mlink=39813,8073183,MainNav_Mat&clink=8073183">Gap Maternity</a><br />
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RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-24865828920307637712014-09-22T15:23:00.000-07:002014-09-22T15:25:59.697-07:00When Should Your Kids Stop Seeing You Naked<a class="img" href="http://blog.luckyvitamin.com/sexual-health/a-flood-of-embarrassment/"><img src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608038086598200373&pid=15.1&H=148&W=160" height="185" width="200" /></a><br />
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Now that I am a mom I find myself confronted with little peeping children always walking in on me in the bathroom. Toddlers know no bounds, at least mine don't. I have always considered myself a modest, private person but throughout pregnancies and now having two toddlers, there are no secrets. Doctors, nurses, my husband--they've seen it all. Blah. My kids run a close second. It is rare for me to use the bathroom without an intrusion. It struck me as my daughter, who is three, was asking me while I showered what my breasts were and I realized it is time for her to stop seeing me naked. So, up comes the age old question, when should my children stop seeing me naked?<br />
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First, I don't feel like there is a set age. I think it completely has to do with their development not some hard fast rule that 2 or 3 is the age. My three year old is old enough to understand privacy and modesty. We try very hard to explain to her that we keep covered up and don't flash our private parts to the world. She understands what her girl parts are and we have shifted the focus from calling them "girl" parts to "private" parts. My two year old, on the other hand, does not have that level of maturity yet. He is not as advanced as my daughter so he doesn't grasp the concept of his boy parts and not to touch it or show it off (a current issue, he's becoming a flasher). If he sees me naked he doesn't verbalize "what's that?" like my daughter does. This is why I say there is no specific age but rather their development. This will change with time and as your child gets older and can understand more you will be able to change the terminology and complexity of your answers.<br />
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Second, your family's attitude on modesty will affect when they should stop seeing mom/dad naked. My husband does not like intruders. He doesn't experience the level of intrusions that I do so he is not comfortable with it (not that I am...I'm just the parent home with them all day). We were raised with the same ideas on modesty and that is to generally say we stay covered up. Even now as adults we don't wear any shoulder revealing clothing, nothing deep cut, no short shorts, etc. Our tops are all tees and our bottoms are all knee length. I understand that we have a very conservative approach and that is not everyone's cup of tea. I heard a male celebrity in an interview tell the interviewer that his mom/sisters would walk around naked well through his teens and it was just a normal occurrence. Some people are comfortable with that, no problem, some are not. Determine what you want to teach your children and be prepared to explain it to them at their level. Your children will learn about it all eventually so it is best to hear it from you and in the way you want them to learn it.<br />
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Lastly, decide what your level of public humiliation you are willing to bear. Jennifer Garner recently said in an interview that Ben Affleck had taught their son all of the anatomically correct words for boy/girl parts and he would shout it out in public while directing his questions/statements to strangers. If you would be embarrassed to have your child tell the world what they saw, it's probably time they quit seeing you naked. On the flip side, even though it is not really appropriate, I would be much less embarrassed if my daughter asked a question using the verbage we have currently taught her.RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-85377232023322195382014-09-09T14:32:00.001-07:002014-09-09T14:32:51.036-07:00My First Trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBcm2hupkF9T3Bd_YV-yJifSxP15dXa1UClfr5nR7loFTf8vXI8IEft8qLsTmDLWvjZl9zv_OVWcMScNRAH7udQ53e4sSxbfx_5JzRBpje7oNMX0s6wFnmvBstfVpm5KTWTrgO9iZFX0/s1600/10661085_693208970760640_1332499722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBcm2hupkF9T3Bd_YV-yJifSxP15dXa1UClfr5nR7loFTf8vXI8IEft8qLsTmDLWvjZl9zv_OVWcMScNRAH7udQ53e4sSxbfx_5JzRBpje7oNMX0s6wFnmvBstfVpm5KTWTrgO9iZFX0/s1600/10661085_693208970760640_1332499722_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Heaven's rays shining down that my 1st trimester is over)</div>
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Milestone blocks c/o <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/spanggangdesigns">Spang Gang Designs</a></div>
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Last weekend I wrapped up my 13th week of pregnancy, i.e. my first trimester. I cannot properly convey how happy I am to be done with that period and to be moving on in my pregnancy. For me this is where it gets fun; showing off the baby bump, finding out the gender, feeling better, and being in the "safe" zone.<br />
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My first trimester was riddled with "morning" sickness and exhaustion. I struggled to eat most days but luckily with this pregnancy I had the <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/09/morning-sickness-tips-to-beat-it.html">proper remedy</a> for me to at least keep my food down most of the time. With my past two I do not remember being so tired, nay exhausted. Everyday when I put down my kids to nap I would easily nap for the 2-3 hours that they were asleep. I spent most of my days on the sofa, too unwell to get up and be active. We quit going swimming, no more park trips, no ice cream stops, and definitly no horse play. While I did feel like I had become a super lame mom overnight there were two things that comforted me during these weeks. The first was that I knew this period would pass (and now it has). The second was that my kids are too young to realize their life had become boring. They still played out on the patio, dad took up a lot of playtime when he could, and they really liked that I let them watch more tv than normal. Plus they got convenience food since I was too sick to make them all of their meals. They fell in love with capri suns and go-gurt (no children were harmed or malnourished in the making of this post).<br />
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To those of you who have not had children yet and are reading this, do not feel discouraged. You may not get this sick. You may not be tired all the time. You may be 4 months pregnant right now and not even know it. That just isnt me...my brightside is that I have 8 month pregnancies and one single one-inch stretch mark connected to my appendix scar. There are trade offs, plus you get a baby :)<br />
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My first trimester favorites:<br />
<a href="http://www.melaleuca.com/ProductStore/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=3600">Renew lotion</a><br />
"Lay it on Thick" by <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11161004">True Blue Spa</a><br />
Arrowhead sparkling water<br />
Sourdough toast<br />
Netflix<br />
<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-38027442201763644582014-09-02T11:49:00.002-07:002014-09-02T12:10:37.056-07:00Morning Sickness: tips to beat itMorning sickness in my first trimester kicked my butt. With my first pregnancy I was so sick that I lost 7 lbs my first trimester (not common) and had to use my maternity leave because I was too sick to work. With my second pregnancy I finally found the remedy that worked for me and I had a much more normal pregnancy. Now with my third I feel like I have been somewhere in between. Unlike most women I have had food aversions versus food cravings and during my first trimester nothing sounded good ever. Every meal and snack started with me standing in the kitchen trying to find the least objectionable food that I would be able to stomach. My morning sickness was all day every day and things like certain foods and movement made it worse. Here are my tips for surviving morning sickness during the first trimester:<br />
<ul>
<li>If your nausea is preventing you from eating and functioning (like me) talk to your doctor to discuss your options. Anti nausea medicine, such as Zofran, did not work for me at all and the side effects were awful. However, they may work for you.</li>
<li>Try natural remedies. I used Psi Bracelets (which can be found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Bands-by/dp/B000WGLR4K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409683180&sr=8-1&keywords=psi+band">here </a>on Amazon) which are accupressure bracelets that relieve nausea. They decreased my my morning sickness and worked well with the next tip. *A quick note on essential oils and pregnancy- not all oils are safe for pregnancy, including peppermint essential oil. It can cause premature contractions. Always check what natural remedies are safe for pregnancy before using them.</li>
<li>Try combining remedies. The winner for me was doxylamine (sleep aid) and vitamin b6. It made a huge difference and while I still had food aversions I was no longer as nauseous. And not to overstate how well it worked, but it saved me big time with my second and third pregnancies.</li>
<li>Eat several small meals throughout the day. As soon as my stomach felt empty my nausea would go crazy and I would feel too sick to eat even though I was technically hungry.</li>
<li>Don't drink conventional ginger ale. It has a ton of sugar and a low concentration of ginger. Try a natural ginger ale from a health food store, make your own (which is easier than you think) or try sparkling water instead of soda all together.</li>
<li>Eat what you can. Stock up on stomach settling foods and what I call least objectionable items. You may feel like all you're eating is bread, but once you pull through you can add all the healthy yummy fresh foods that you have been avoiding.</li>
<li>Don't overeat. If you fill up too quickly you may lose it. Even if it sounds so good, just eat normal portions. </li>
<li>Take your vitamins! Try as hard as you can to swallow those bad boys, or even try the chewable kind.</li>
<li>This is going to sound weird, but if you feel your food on its way up, drink some water before you lose it to aid in the return process. Diluting the food will make it easier to come up and will be less disgusting. Trust me on this one.</li>
<li>Rest! If you have the ability to lay down throughout the day it will help. A ton. </li>
<li>Don't overdue it. You may also be feeling tired and when that is combined with nausea you will feel like a hot mess. If you can only stand up and complete a task for one minute, the do your one minute task and then rest. You will have to reorganize your day but remember you're growing a baby and after the first trimester you should be feeling better.</li>
<li>Ask for help. Family, friends, neighbors, anyone. Morning sickness usually alleviates after the first trimester and people are more than willing to help during that brief period. Overdoing it can make you more sick than if you were able to get help.</li>
<li>Make your outings short and to the point. I had my husband take over a lot of the grocery shopping duties but there were times I just had to do it myself. Walking through a grocery store when nauseous can be your worst enemy. Make a list, stick to it, and get out of there. Gagging in public is not pretty and <i>losing it</i> in public is mortifying. Trust me, I've done both.</li>
<li>Buy convenience items such as frozen meals, premade meals, prepackaged snacks/drinks, paper plates, plastic silverware etc. If you're feeling too sick to do most things, chances are you're too sick to cook over a hot stove then do the dishes. While I am normally opposed to convenience food (from a budgetary and health standpoint) my family, especially my kids, had to eat. The good news is that no one starved during my first trimester.</li>
</ul>
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Hopefully these tips help. If you have any great tips for morning sickness, comment below, we love to hear from you!</div>
RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-56834399866070757372014-08-08T11:46:00.002-07:002014-08-08T13:19:24.880-07:00Sugar Cookie Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A little while back I posted some <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/03/lets-talk-cookie.html">tips for chocolate chip cookies</a> (some of our favorite) and here are our tips for sugar cookies! These cookies are absolutely amazing and are very versatile. We have used them for cut out cookies as well as snickerdoodles. If you have ever had Pillsbury or Subway sugar cookies, these are spot on. If those aren't your cup of tea, I still recommend the dough since it is so versatile.<br />
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I adapted the recipe from an allrecipes.com recipe that I found and the original can be found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-sugar-cookies/">here</a>. First I will share the tips so that when you see certain directions below they will make sense.<br />
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First tips are to use real butter and if you haven't yet, read our <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/03/lets-talk-cookie.html">tips on vanilla</a> in our other post. Since there are no flavors in these cookies besides the butter/sugar/vanilla flavor you want to make sure your vanilla is not overpowering.<br />
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These particular sugar cookies need to have extremely soft butter, meaning softer than room temperature but <b>not</b> melted. Don't melt the butter, see photo below (first photo is not my photo, it came from Instagram under #cookietips). You can see that the melted butter cookies look the least appetizing.<br />
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Your super soft butter should be almost a yogurt consistency, hopefully the pictures help. With this recipe in particular your sugar/butter mixture will be very soft, unlike with chocolate chip dough where the sugar/butter mixture is thick enough to hold. </div>
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With this recipe you do not need to mix your dry ingredients in a separate bowl. I have never done it and I've had no problems with the cookies baking properly. If you are nervous about that, you can most certainly mix them separately before adding the dry mixture to the wet mixture.</div>
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<b><u>Sugar Cookie Recipe</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 cup butter, extra soft<br />
1 1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
Preheat oven to 375<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix well. Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and slightly flatten before adding to a lined cookie sheet. Bake until edges are golden brown, approximately 8-10 minutes. We like our cookies to be soft and chewy, not crunchy, so we bake them on the 8 minute side. If you like 'em crunchy, keep them in longer!<br />
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To make roll out cookies: refrigerate for at least an hour so that the dough firms up. Roll it out on a floured surface and use a cookie cutter to cut out your shapes, then bake. Since the dough is thinner it will not need to bake as long, watch them around the 6-8 minute mark.<br />
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To make snickerdoodles: mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Roll a rounded teaspoon size ball of dough into the mix, then gently flatten it before putting it on the cookie sheet. Bake until edges are golden brown, 8-10 minutes.<br />
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To make fruit pizza: follow recipe <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/08/pizza-friday-part-5.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b><br /></b>RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-80673488436219397712014-08-08T11:10:00.002-07:002014-08-08T11:47:00.680-07:00Pizza Friday, Part 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We love fruit pizza around here and if you've never made it before it is the perfect summer dessert! You can use certain fruits to make it festive (4th of July anyone?) or you can use all of your favorite fruits to make it simply decadent. We just posted our favorite <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/08/sugar-cookie-tips.html">sugar cookie recipe</a>, with all the tips to make it perfect, and that same recipe is the one we use for fruit pizza. This is a great recipe to have your kiddos help with...they can help mix the dough and even help decorate the pizza!<br />
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<b>Cookie Crust</b><br />
Prepare your dough as described in our <a href="http://www.thelittlecabbagecrew.com/2014/08/sugar-cookie-tips.html">previous post</a> or use your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe.<br />
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<b>Filling</b><br />
1/2 cup flavored yogurt*<br />
1/2 cup whipped cream*<br />
4 oz cream cheese, softened*<br />
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<b>Fruit</b><br />
Choose 2-5 fruits and slice approximately 1/8" thick<br />
Black/rasp/blue berries do not need to be sliced<br />
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Roll out your cookie dough on a cookie sheet in whatever shape you desire, dough should be approx 1/4" thick. The cookie dough will need extra baking time since it is so large, but make sure you keep an eye on it.<br />
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While dough is baking mix together your filling and prep your fruits.<br />
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After dough is golden brown, remove from oven and let it cool completely. Your filling will fall flat and melt if you put it on too soon. Spoon on filling once cool, leaving a "crust" around the perimeter.<br />
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Add the fruit. Sometimes I do a single layer (as shown) but alternate rows of fruit. Or you can also stack the fruit so that every bite has every fruit (i.e. strawberry layer, then a banana layer, then a berry layer).<br />
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If you used a Silpat, remember not to use a sharp knife to cut the pizza! You will ruin your mat! Use a butter knife instead, or simple remove the pizza from the Silpat (I don't have a serving tray that is large enough to hold this size of pizza, hence its home on the Silpat). Slice and enjoy!</div>
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*For a healthier spread, use 1 cup plain greek yogurt, add a few drops of orange/lemon essential oil, and sweeten with Stevia or honey.</div>
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-41011747195138680262014-08-02T10:48:00.000-07:002014-08-02T10:48:18.465-07:00Spang Gang DesignsThis week's small business feature is on Spang Gang Designs!<br />
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This family-owned shop is run by Erica and her husband who live in Illinois with their three children Lexi, Brooke, and Luke and they started out in 2011 after making a set of wooden blocks for family members. It was such a hit with her family that more family members and friends started to request blocks for gifts as <span style="background-color: white;">well. The blocks are a nice personalized gift that can be shared with anyone. Currently they are specializing in pregnancy announcement gifts and baby milestone blocks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">All of the children in her family help out whenever possible because she wants them to learn the importance of working for their money. As a family they b<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">elieve in <span style="line-height: 21px;">God, honesty, and integrity and strive everyday to instill the those values in their children. Way to go mama! This family enjoys working together through the successes, failures, and hard work to live their version of the American dream.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">I absolutely love what this family stands for and was thrilled to get to model of a set of their gender neutral blocks. They are built nice and sturdy and are absolutely adorable. The milestones are set at weeks, months, years, and grade so that they can be used many times throughout your child's (or your) life. With a new one on the way I am excited to use the weeks/months to document my pregnancy journey (which I didn't do with the last two...bummer). As I do my children's birthday photo shoots these will definitely make a great addition. They have tons of block choices for all members of the family with lots of colors and designs to choose from.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">To see more from Spang Gang Designs:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Visit their Etsy page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpangGangDesigns">here</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Visit their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SpangGangDesigns">here</a></span></span><br />
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-28855936773828589362014-07-22T21:16:00.001-07:002014-07-22T21:25:57.058-07:00Boppy BottomsThis week we are featuring the small business Boppy Bottoms!<br />
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Boppy Bottoms is owned by Charli who is 20 years old and mom to Cambrie. She currently works a full-time job and goes to school full-time (high five mom!) while also running her Etsy business. She started making bows and cloth diapers when she found out she was pregnant and started selling them online, that is where Boppy "Bottoms" got its name. Just this year she started doing embroidery onesies and tops as well. She has a ton of prints, colors, and wording varieties and hopes to make Boppy Bottoms her full-time job some day!<br />
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We had the chance to try out a custom embroidered shirt for my little guy. This "Big Bro" shirt is so cute and I love that he was able to coordinate with his big sister. The shirt is well made and is absolutely adorable, I'm glad I could capture him doing all sorts of big brother things in it. We hope to get a lot of wear out of it since this little guy will be a big bro in February ;)<br />
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To see more from Boppy Bottoms:<br />
Visit their Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoppyBottoms">here</a><br />
Visit their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boppybottoms">here</a><br />
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<b>Yes, I am pregnant with baby #3.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post was sponsored by Boppy Bottoms, however all thoughts and opinions are that of the author.</span>RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-53083782151819651302014-07-11T13:28:00.000-07:002014-07-21T21:09:32.281-07:00Pizza Friday, Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm8baF-y5tLc-uLiyaacQ8-oYpSgLYe8aREw6hwWRjOkPk1ZfPZLQmy_AeO6jC64WEV2vEKEsbSR6cBq0Fdpme-nA6_Z_YXVGT0bD3haN9in2v81r5kHgb0cb1Ib28h07wGVrtyiBk3Y/s1600/pizza+friday+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm8baF-y5tLc-uLiyaacQ8-oYpSgLYe8aREw6hwWRjOkPk1ZfPZLQmy_AeO6jC64WEV2vEKEsbSR6cBq0Fdpme-nA6_Z_YXVGT0bD3haN9in2v81r5kHgb0cb1Ib28h07wGVrtyiBk3Y/s1600/pizza+friday+5.jpg" height="240" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of weeks ago my husband was out of town for the weekend, so I decided to change up our Pizza Friday routine. We decided to do a pizza picnic in the park (say that ten times fast!). I ordered our take out, and while waiting for it to be ready I got everything we'd need for a picnic. I brought a blanket, juice boxes, and the camera while Pizza Hut provided the meal, plates, and napkins. The kids had such a good time playing and the pizza was just an added bonus. If you haven't done a picnic in a while I definitely recommend getting some takeout and making a night of it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CMXXTIblNtIRZgBFd1ayhgujs-dH3bxLhc_jWEhPx_8GH6mH23wx4294MCQohysSJVTUuQpaVEnUccaQFy0rQ3REv86Qf2lv3k-c9AlcgF-9r2MGIRo5MHpTe9c6Gp2wS4u636IqHt8/s1600/pizza+friday+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CMXXTIblNtIRZgBFd1ayhgujs-dH3bxLhc_jWEhPx_8GH6mH23wx4294MCQohysSJVTUuQpaVEnUccaQFy0rQ3REv86Qf2lv3k-c9AlcgF-9r2MGIRo5MHpTe9c6Gp2wS4u636IqHt8/s1600/pizza+friday+8.jpg" height="240" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfI203nXdwFUFBVreHquoSRZl5nD4Ezitr7NBTqcSeCdFuJoXUB3Zxjz-ztFOJXJJzFsMwcHXlpfXXKw_684l1NBLFA2dygZGkHBsBa7JdvgdQgR-T45Vpjpse61PL2dBscJBd7H7MQ4/s1600/pizza+friday+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfI203nXdwFUFBVreHquoSRZl5nD4Ezitr7NBTqcSeCdFuJoXUB3Zxjz-ztFOJXJJzFsMwcHXlpfXXKw_684l1NBLFA2dygZGkHBsBa7JdvgdQgR-T45Vpjpse61PL2dBscJBd7H7MQ4/s1600/pizza+friday+7.jpg" height="320" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUQe_uNSnRSNxt9Xp-eZWIYDOZtWHo26zAtPD9tVvHnydhPLy38t7Gepao2cTtHf_3ioipsXPdb3xyFkQ-otBrGpSJU4X4_voafhqoXzUujcQZBGOombvolPXeeqoVoSZjchyphenhyphen3PiEpB4/s1600/pizza+friday+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUQe_uNSnRSNxt9Xp-eZWIYDOZtWHo26zAtPD9tVvHnydhPLy38t7Gepao2cTtHf_3ioipsXPdb3xyFkQ-otBrGpSJU4X4_voafhqoXzUujcQZBGOombvolPXeeqoVoSZjchyphenhyphen3PiEpB4/s1600/pizza+friday+6.jpg" height="240" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTST4NYocsGbMq9q6k3GmdahJ8H60bUlv3gRKFvwTYHn0Tyw_v_zqtZsajDoVWeyEr_b17YX5vCJ-qf1kVwYgGb1DEMfzsoEMqhfp0yLsJzRp6pS_9JN7xXu1_LLa7PpEvWEB2Hw5Ws0/s1600/pizza+friday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTST4NYocsGbMq9q6k3GmdahJ8H60bUlv3gRKFvwTYHn0Tyw_v_zqtZsajDoVWeyEr_b17YX5vCJ-qf1kVwYgGb1DEMfzsoEMqhfp0yLsJzRp6pS_9JN7xXu1_LLa7PpEvWEB2Hw5Ws0/s1600/pizza+friday+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQzifz0KjTSnxZs8nM-tw9KxXL1P3hXePk5wq2kYiMGSDRWAcAktal5TT-H1IJ6K8FasFk99rExMhC8x_Q4xf-9vaVcIcJCJq8lQ1sjCWXQEL7EtuTtKen_X4MWeDVghPeGCW_rkbZRY/s1600/pizza+friday+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQzifz0KjTSnxZs8nM-tw9KxXL1P3hXePk5wq2kYiMGSDRWAcAktal5TT-H1IJ6K8FasFk99rExMhC8x_Q4xf-9vaVcIcJCJq8lQ1sjCWXQEL7EtuTtKen_X4MWeDVghPeGCW_rkbZRY/s1600/pizza+friday+4.jpg" height="320" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryb_Rjz7ooyftfiSstrqKlw7JUWiAXKOX74i33O9rG_hQZWi2zoBAdek5ngaSTq8g634Uz8CYKKe0Q1QcAgoIsRIrY7pMwAIYi6j83WoWRKdMhTpjrzsyHauEejsALvfW9PnDS4Uy2uk/s1600/pizza+friday+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryb_Rjz7ooyftfiSstrqKlw7JUWiAXKOX74i33O9rG_hQZWi2zoBAdek5ngaSTq8g634Uz8CYKKe0Q1QcAgoIsRIrY7pMwAIYi6j83WoWRKdMhTpjrzsyHauEejsALvfW9PnDS4Uy2uk/s1600/pizza+friday+3.jpg" height="320" title="Pizza Friday part 4" width="240" /></a><br />
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RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-39935252971208008412014-07-09T21:15:00.000-07:002014-07-09T21:15:12.223-07:00Homemade Uncrustables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxoA_vRIMb-GcETumEl6KvTyrcbn0xkqEWnBilc6Z6Tys-r19xcjIXd2WM76rKfdtvQUtaWKgUeTGPA-3O1gZTty0PnBhw0rcqjHFF6-NA4ot0A2c0DzePo01xUJrPDYKExHwSnzEX1Q/s1600/homemade+uncrustables+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxoA_vRIMb-GcETumEl6KvTyrcbn0xkqEWnBilc6Z6Tys-r19xcjIXd2WM76rKfdtvQUtaWKgUeTGPA-3O1gZTty0PnBhw0rcqjHFF6-NA4ot0A2c0DzePo01xUJrPDYKExHwSnzEX1Q/s1600/homemade+uncrustables+5.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was recently shopping through Target and stumbled upon Uncrustables. They didn't exist when I was a kid, but I thought it might be fun to try them out. You know what wasn't fun? The price tag! Still, I bought one box to try them out. I really loved the convenience but I knew I could make them for cheaper and I could make them healthier*! Here is my version of Uncrustables.</div>
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<b>What you'll need</b></div>
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Peanut Butter</div>
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Jelly</div>
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Bread</div>
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Quart size mason jar</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OOVJyb0ogQUikJnsDZAbWDiVpZbYsw6qB_vWK_JcBqVjw3IP4Fu1-G5RoEdHbJck2td4lHRMr9eYfXx0f-fEmdlY_rfFKqaE4zqH2Kke1nzwgWI5G0-nBN7dnrHokPrb7mpymAFTBvE/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OOVJyb0ogQUikJnsDZAbWDiVpZbYsw6qB_vWK_JcBqVjw3IP4Fu1-G5RoEdHbJck2td4lHRMr9eYfXx0f-fEmdlY_rfFKqaE4zqH2Kke1nzwgWI5G0-nBN7dnrHokPrb7mpymAFTBvE/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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First, smother on the PB&J. Don't worry if it is goopy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGezknhqVKRYwJbFeJpxtZEVzYg6IdzunPoCVnZYPfs_CUAcvVtoA9_hUuuwEWxJCIqg_T1Yxcb0HBnSyZSe-qQ1de4S5mVA8yGZzogwEUOs9JK2qoLtinLP59l0KmTl6_Js4LuudxVgc/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGezknhqVKRYwJbFeJpxtZEVzYg6IdzunPoCVnZYPfs_CUAcvVtoA9_hUuuwEWxJCIqg_T1Yxcb0HBnSyZSe-qQ1de4S5mVA8yGZzogwEUOs9JK2qoLtinLP59l0KmTl6_Js4LuudxVgc/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGezknhqVKRYwJbFeJpxtZEVzYg6IdzunPoCVnZYPfs_CUAcvVtoA9_hUuuwEWxJCIqg_T1Yxcb0HBnSyZSe-qQ1de4S5mVA8yGZzogwEUOs9JK2qoLtinLP59l0KmTl6_Js4LuudxVgc/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Line up your mason jar on the center of the sandwich. Gently Press down so that you create a ring impression in the bread.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo1EbgBggKxbhaHDOnB-jN9_Bz1oQ_cmoSBHu8pKdfB42qaeh7QE9kxDG8jpje1MgyH-P_me4C5-I1ixDstkhyphenhyphenx2hH4p-A-H8P7gX3xROWWfFXmdAVTDQbsKWagB6Up3fIDiWAR_53Sk/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo1EbgBggKxbhaHDOnB-jN9_Bz1oQ_cmoSBHu8pKdfB42qaeh7QE9kxDG8jpje1MgyH-P_me4C5-I1ixDstkhyphenhyphenx2hH4p-A-H8P7gX3xROWWfFXmdAVTDQbsKWagB6Up3fIDiWAR_53Sk/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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See that ring? Beautiful. Then flip over the sandwich, line the jar back up with the indentation, and press down again, this time cutting completely through the bread.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlHutYif7im9Hkxsx6CT7sneSf-IW_gTWcSlwzQJPLJJHcVvx-2WTGC8vGDAJ1oE4UlmurcutLIx4ZkQJN4enBb8cFFhdBcq33e-zSomvfu97wmRvmPGoxvIvK4ruGO1Mwa_-nv53aXg/s1600/homemade+uncrustables+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlHutYif7im9Hkxsx6CT7sneSf-IW_gTWcSlwzQJPLJJHcVvx-2WTGC8vGDAJ1oE4UlmurcutLIx4ZkQJN4enBb8cFFhdBcq33e-zSomvfu97wmRvmPGoxvIvK4ruGO1Mwa_-nv53aXg/s1600/homemade+uncrustables+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! If you're not going to eat them right away you can wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them. It is an easy way to stock up a sandwich army in your freezer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj2FdkiA1Y0gcbwpmBrDawq54t0r3dh0fjcS51g5hqOoXL-xwb1ujlt7yWBKy8UvDBVbCieO0mdQdvRmT7AfYNczeCteBYmnm3D6haS4wkJoDzALB72GyG_vsVufMVuT_KHmY9FpT9l8/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj2FdkiA1Y0gcbwpmBrDawq54t0r3dh0fjcS51g5hqOoXL-xwb1ujlt7yWBKy8UvDBVbCieO0mdQdvRmT7AfYNczeCteBYmnm3D6haS4wkJoDzALB72GyG_vsVufMVuT_KHmY9FpT9l8/s1600/Homemade+uncrustables+6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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He may not be smiling, but he <i style="font-weight: bold;">downed</i> that sandwich...<br />
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*Whole wheat bread versus white bread and natural pb versus regular pb is what makes these babies healthier. If you have any allergies this is a great opportunity to swap out breads, butters, or jams to make a diet-friendly treat.RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-90737738234627028052014-07-05T11:38:00.000-07:002014-07-10T10:50:42.630-07:00Twist N Tie Co.This week our small business feature is on the Twist N Tie Co.<br />
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Twist N Tie is owned by Juliette who lives with her husband and two sons in Boring, Oregon (yes, that is the real name of the city). Her boys and husband are completely manly men and love to be outside, hunt, and do all things boy. Making head wraps and headbands gives her an escape from boyland into all things girly.<br />
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Juliette was inspired to make a product that moms could actually use. Moms don't always have time to get all done up, so her wraps and pony ties are a perfect way to spruce yourself up...quickly! When choosing fabrics, she is always on the hunt for patterns or colors that you don't see everywhere and that is what makes her designs unique from oth<span style="font-family: inherit;">er companies. As<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.940000534057617px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a mom simplicity is her goal in life.. And that's what these headbands and head wraps add, plus they don't mess up your hair while you're putting them in!</span></span><br />
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I had the chance to try one of each of her items, a head wrap, a headband, and a pony tie and let me tell you I am in love! I am totally a ponytail mom and spending forever on my hair is not an option. I've tried other elastic headbands before and they always fell off or shifted and they would drive me bonkers. These all stay in place and fit like a dream. The nice thing is that the wire headband can be worn with the twist on the top, side, or bottom to fit your personal style. The pony tie is a quick way to accessorize if headbands/head wraps aren't your thing. I used to wear one of my daughter's wide headbands to the pool (for real, I looked like a goober) but now I wear the coral head wrap and it holds back my bangs perfectly...plus it looks cute!<br />
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To see more from Twist N Tie Co. visit<br />
Their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twistntieco">here</a><br />
Their Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/twistNtieCo">here </a><br />
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Don't mind the cell phone selfies. I wore the pony twist all day yesterday and when I went to photo shoot it today I couldn't find it anywhere...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post was sponsored, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.</span></div>
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-38904316154202840202014-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:002014-07-01T21:12:55.210-07:00S'mores 3 ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj_OMBjx90jCp-O-Ya1AmcPBo8UZcwnUxLaMRyNBNTB4XIFYCACOtBjEB5Xbk5ZvaJAbXZAvw4zQXLTaVoRPGlFzSHL1AtDs6ouYmoUP2dCnlxFUv-lLCbFkBKsJym4FZpkg-kw7qOCY/s1600/smores+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj_OMBjx90jCp-O-Ya1AmcPBo8UZcwnUxLaMRyNBNTB4XIFYCACOtBjEB5Xbk5ZvaJAbXZAvw4zQXLTaVoRPGlFzSHL1AtDs6ouYmoUP2dCnlxFUv-lLCbFkBKsJym4FZpkg-kw7qOCY/s1600/smores+6.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
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S'mores three ways? You better believe it! One of the best things about s'mores is sitting around the campfire and roasting them. Unfortunately for us we will not be camping or having bonfires this summer. Sad, I know. To make sure that my kids still get their summer s'mores I decided to bring them indoors! Because I believe in s'mores and I believe in safety, s'mores the first way is indoor s'mores. And what party wouldn't rock with a plate of s'mores? That brings us to s'mores the second way: frozen and taken to-go! Lastly, as adults we know that while classic Hershey chocolate is delicious there are sometimes other (better) alternatives to plain milk chocolate, can you say candy bar minis?! Our third s'more is an upgraded s'more that will be sure to please.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Indoor S'mores</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY3LewymX0dYdDwLSuIAYgS57T18yyhiPC-B0tBPFlywRhQ7ax4VUbbgNubrSBLsDPw92zwUfVFypZVCBlKBOoL6HpSG5IldU0WPrezJkFpi7ZNXar03lYa2m-mYKxA8onoKPB6DxH0s/s1600/smore+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY3LewymX0dYdDwLSuIAYgS57T18yyhiPC-B0tBPFlywRhQ7ax4VUbbgNubrSBLsDPw92zwUfVFypZVCBlKBOoL6HpSG5IldU0WPrezJkFpi7ZNXar03lYa2m-mYKxA8onoKPB6DxH0s/s1600/smore+4.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
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<b>Items needed</b><br />
Marshmallows<br />
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Chocolate<br />
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Preheat oven's broiler on high<br />
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Break your graham crackers in half so that they are squares. Lay them out on your cookie sheet with at least an inch in between each cracker. Place a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6yi_EH8zGPqmV8X4u9_pRM_97QVY4Q8cIj2PWbFGIYO1ot5b2GlfrJJIW1tQTVnedAjwLTebnLM5MmR5639om9NPd22pVEMElQV_WHO7h5IevQ_znDq8qOIFfQpT9RE_iGnIM8Biwi4/s1600/smore+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6yi_EH8zGPqmV8X4u9_pRM_97QVY4Q8cIj2PWbFGIYO1ot5b2GlfrJJIW1tQTVnedAjwLTebnLM5MmR5639om9NPd22pVEMElQV_WHO7h5IevQ_znDq8qOIFfQpT9RE_iGnIM8Biwi4/s1600/smore+2.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVZuXRIb7yHYceHTCv3CFM7teiMMehNklIGZDEGYn87_04liUeMgGqyUlR9-7FVX1zq_Xv_oFrdXOLse77HPenKGVMMqqffjK6RUF9IvCVpVABV8iE-9XxyM2fz-DIbYjYN-6XO3u9Dc/s1600/smore+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVZuXRIb7yHYceHTCv3CFM7teiMMehNklIGZDEGYn87_04liUeMgGqyUlR9-7FVX1zq_Xv_oFrdXOLse77HPenKGVMMqqffjK6RUF9IvCVpVABV8iE-9XxyM2fz-DIbYjYN-6XO3u9Dc/s1600/smore+3.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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Put your cookie sheet in the oven on the middle rack and watch the tops of the marshmallows brown, it takes approximately 5 minutes but ovens will vary so watch it, watch it, watch it! Once the tops are browned to your desired color pull out the cookie sheet and place a graham cracker on top of each marshmallow. Let them cool for a minute and serve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRY1bNLe9ku6cpZKSbvCkZk8o86SEhYdLBUwOioiqwDN6AvBFrD1FWNyJZ4-nEKcpzUVRCR3K4miiMpJsvWoCSFVDJz2Z60XhZNDRMOVY81DOTHqQHkBVAi9zf9G7wxxIIERSNgAazBg/s1600/smore+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRY1bNLe9ku6cpZKSbvCkZk8o86SEhYdLBUwOioiqwDN6AvBFrD1FWNyJZ4-nEKcpzUVRCR3K4miiMpJsvWoCSFVDJz2Z60XhZNDRMOVY81DOTHqQHkBVAi9zf9G7wxxIIERSNgAazBg/s1600/smore+5.jpg" height="200" width="162" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">S'mores to go</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJctphyCHLlqXzK-3bjGVm0dZGbgp04Yzj_ehE2vrSqPIDk_m4Jgjclm0X_D5SAdR2K0CKPLFYxKQx222c-ue2VkHEpJy4Vs7v2zogZi3m4ov9LHwZuNtfWS2NHz-SJtsGi7MW3UnHzw/s1600/smore+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJctphyCHLlqXzK-3bjGVm0dZGbgp04Yzj_ehE2vrSqPIDk_m4Jgjclm0X_D5SAdR2K0CKPLFYxKQx222c-ue2VkHEpJy4Vs7v2zogZi3m4ov9LHwZuNtfWS2NHz-SJtsGi7MW3UnHzw/s1600/smore+8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Additional materials needed</b><br />
Foil or plastic wrap<br />
Plastic baggies<br />
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After your s'mores cool down, place them in the freezer for at least an hour. Once they are frozen, you can individually wrap them then stick them all in your plastic bag. You will see in the picture that I did not individually wrap them...if your trip is short you don't need to, but once they thaw they will become sticky again.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Upgraded S'mores</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr9dZJOKYocCzmBBy5C4CcGoCN7NHazrln56MBCURTDg5GrBk04XvAmHzauDwsZRHlrBrpXMfNVsEKGYsiTjirDPOSoLJ8iqz8Dk8HpX0o3UALszncv6Qpky8wNCLRE_IamkKqZysvBc/s1600/smores+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr9dZJOKYocCzmBBy5C4CcGoCN7NHazrln56MBCURTDg5GrBk04XvAmHzauDwsZRHlrBrpXMfNVsEKGYsiTjirDPOSoLJ8iqz8Dk8HpX0o3UALszncv6Qpky8wNCLRE_IamkKqZysvBc/s1600/smores+1.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
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<b>Additional items needed</b><br />
Mini chocolates, such as:<br />
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<li>Hershey minis (Mr. Goodbar, Krackle, Special Dark)</li>
<li>Herhey's Kisses (any flavor)</li>
<li>Mars miniatures (Snickers, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers)</li>
<li>Cadbury chocolate</li>
<li>Reese's Peanut Butter Cups </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6KEgFD4uf2FH3GhS9uK7KhXeDV_GbtJxNnEN3J29JfJgqrAKw-Q-MAALVYO3w4oJz9SNuOCFk6zvCzRhQpN0uoIGWJnQgmaFSd68xml2XbJWka_Q4uSS3YPaICBVwpYaEgMP00CwKYM/s1600/smore+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6KEgFD4uf2FH3GhS9uK7KhXeDV_GbtJxNnEN3J29JfJgqrAKw-Q-MAALVYO3w4oJz9SNuOCFk6zvCzRhQpN0uoIGWJnQgmaFSd68xml2XbJWka_Q4uSS3YPaICBVwpYaEgMP00CwKYM/s1600/smore+7.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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Substitute any of these for your regular Hershey's chocolate when you're making your s'mores. The minis will melt best in an oven versus at a campsite. This pictures is of Hershey's Hugs, my favorite.</div>
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-38529627886466263902014-06-28T10:32:00.000-07:002014-06-28T10:37:38.440-07:00Ready, Set, Mom!This week's small business feature is on Ready, Set, Mom!<br />
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Ready, Set, Mom is owned by Amie who lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, with baby #2 on the way. They also have two pugs that are their little fur babies. Amie enjoys organizing, creating, and decorating in addition to finding things that can simplify and enrich her role as a mother.<br />
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She opened shop because she was looking for a product to keep purse/diaper bag organized and all of her searching yielded nothing. Since she knew she wasn't alone in this search she started selling these super cute organizers. She chose these ones because they had just enough pockets in a variety of sizes and some with zippers and some without while also being easy to clean. The main focus of her shop is the organizers but she has other items as well that help moms stay organized in their day-to-day ventures.<br />
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We started using the organizer immediately and it was a good excuse to buy a new purse, too ;) Now that I only have one kid in diapers I didn't need to haul around a bag that was quite as large as what I had. Don't judge, but I included a pic of what my purse looked like before I used the organizer. That is honest to goodness what it looks like most of the time. With the organizer I can keep everything securely in place, nothing gets damaged from wandering in my purse, and if I need to switch purses it is easy to do so. I love the embellishments that are added on to make the organizer fun and trendy. It is really, <i>really</i> nice to have the kids' things separate from mine in the purse and makes shopping and going out and about much easier.<br />
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To see more from Amie at Ready, Set, Mom:<br />
Visit her Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReadySetMom?ref=pr_shop_more">here</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post was sponsored, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.</span>RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-21326920774045693932014-06-26T11:15:00.002-07:002014-06-26T11:15:53.912-07:00Pool SafetyCalling all parents! Did you know that when children drown they don't make noise? It's called being a silent sinker and when my brother was 7 he drowned. Fortunately enough for us we were able to resuscitate him, but not everyone is so lucky. I don't tell this story often and I still suffer from PTSD because of it, however everyone needs to know about this. I read <a href="http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25583480/investigators-drowning-is-silent#.U4PkrfQWL4u.facebook">this article</a> from a news station and it made me appreciate the efforts that they put forth to bring awareness to silent drownings. What you see on TV is not true. Drowning is not loud or raucous. People who know how to swim can drown. My brother's friend drowned when he was 17; he knew how to swim. My brother knew how to swim and there were others at the pool. Here is our story.<br />
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We were on vacation as a family for my senior trip. We stayed the night in Los Angeles before heading on to our cruise the next day. The morning of the cruise my brothers wanted to go swimming at the hotel's pool so they and my dad headed down. I got a phone call from my brother for my dad so I headed down to the pool to give him the phone. One of my dad's job sites had been robbed so he was calling to see what he should do. My dad was on the phone with him and turned sideways in his chair so he could hear better. I sat facing the pool while also listening to my dad. Kind of zoning in and out I remember seeing other kids get out of the pool and I remember talking to my brothers who were snorkeling. Then I looked over and my younger brother wasn't in the pool. I asked my other brother where he went and he said he didn't know, but maybe he had gone to the bathroom or was hiding in the greenery around the pool. I started yelling for him since it was time to go and he didn't answer. I had the strongest feeling (without a doubt divine inspiration) that I needed to get up and look for him. I stood up, walked around the right side of the pool and saw him at the bottom. I started yelling, my dad dove in the pool, my brother that was already in the pool went under to get him. I helped my dad pull him out of the pool and he was without a doubt dead. His body was white, no breathing, no pulse, and he was turning blue. My dad performed CPR and nothing happened. While he was doing that I yelled into the lobby for help (my phone landed in the hot tub when my dad chucked it to save my brother) and my brother ran for the emergency phone. After what felt like forever my little brother started to spit out water. My dad continued the CPR until he was responsive again. Finally the firetrucks and ambulances showed up and they whisked him off to the hospital. His oxygen-blood count was low, but other than that there was not permanent damage. Looking back at what happened, none of us heard a thing. Not me next to the pool or my brother who was in the pool. I was at the shallow end and I couldn't even see him at the bottom (he was at about the 5' mark).<br />
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Children who drown can also have what is called a second drowning. They will be in the hospital after an incident like this and their lungs will just fill up with liquid. If you ever have an issue with this, take your kid to the doctor/hospital asap!<br />
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Here is a <a href="http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240175_Pediatric_ready_reference.pdf">link</a> to CPR for children from the Red Cross. CPR on little kids <b>is different</b> than CPR on adults.<br />
Teach your children pool safety in addition to having swim lessons. This will keep you (like me) from being a neurotic basket case. This <a href="http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety">link</a>, again from the Red Cross, has tips for water safety, at home pool safety, beach safety, etc. PLEASE read it!<br />
<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-14797378587040004592014-06-25T15:10:00.000-07:002014-07-01T21:17:27.675-07:004th of July wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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4th of July is right around the corner and we are getting festive over here! I kind of have a love for baby hand prints so I decided that my daughter and I would make a hand print wreath for the fourth. If you have a young one like me you will need to supervise this activity; if your kiddo is older then they can do a lot of the work themselves. Either way, you will love putting this wreath on display!<br />
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<b>Materials needed</b><br />
Red, white, and blue paint (we used finger paint, but a water-based craft paint will work too)<br />
Q-tips<br />
4 sheets of paper<br />
Cardboard<br />
Glue<br />
Scissors<br />
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<b>Step one</b><br />
Cut out a 8" circle from your cardboard. I used my kitchenaid mixing bowl as a guide, but any bowl similar in size will work. Then mark 2" in from the edge at various point around the circle and cut out an inner circle. If your child's hand are large you may need to increase the size of the outer (original) circle before cutting.<br />
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<b>Step two</b><br />
Use the q-tip to spread paint on your little one's hand and stamp them on the paper. If they are older they can do this step themselves. Start with one color at a time. You will want at least 8 red hands, 2 blue, and 4 white. These are toddler size hand we're talking about, so if your child is older than a todd do a couple more to be safe.<br />
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<b>Step three</b><br />
After the paint dries cut out each hand print. Lay them out on the cardboard circle to get an idea of how you want it to look before you glue the hands down. Once you have decided on placement, glue the bottom half of each hand onto the cardboard. Start layering hands from the top, then work your way down to the bottom. Go through and glue down any floppy fingers if desired.<br />
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<b>Step four</b><br />
Before you hang it there is one last 1/2 step. Using a q-tip or finger add "stars" to the blue hands. Once it dries it is ready to hang. If you have a nail in your door already you can hang it on there. If not you can add tape or 3M removable adhesive (like from a 3M hook) to the back and hang it on your door.<br />
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Happy Fourth!
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<br />RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915961906756332573.post-29494431505999977452014-06-23T14:47:00.001-07:002014-06-23T14:47:21.325-07:00Summer Crepes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once upon a time I spent a summer abroad in Paris. Nothing says summer to me like fresh summer fruit and crepes, both of which were some of the best things I tried while there. Since it is officially summer (yea!) I had a nostalgic urge to whip up some crepes! The recipe is very simple and I will give you some pointers below to get thin, even crepes.<br />
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<b>Sweet Crepes</b><br />
Modified from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/crepes-recipe.html">Alton Brown, Food Network</a><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2 large eggs<br />
3/4 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1 cup flour<br />
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3 tablespoons melted butter<br />
2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar/stevia/honey/etc)<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
Butter or cooking spray for the pan<br />
(note: I always half my recipe since it is just me. A halved recipe makes approximately 4-5 crepes)<br />
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Patience is not my strong suite, but this step is important. Set out all of your ingredients so that they are room temperature prior to blending (besides the melted butter which will in fact be...melted).<br />
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Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse for 10 seconds. If bubbles form on top you can gently swirl your blender (by hand) so that they pop along the side, or use a fork to pop them. Bubbles=tearing. Bubbles=bad.<br />
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Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Once warm add your butter (or cooking spray) and pour approximately 1 ounce on to the center of the pan (how much is 1 oz? When I pour my batter the initial size is slightly smaller than an Eggo waffle, I'd say approximately 4" across). Immediately swirl the pan so that the batter spreads out evenly. If you wait it will cook like a pancake--not what you want. The bigger and quicker your swirling motion, the thinner and more even your crepe will be.<br />
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Let it cook for 30 seconds, then flip. You may have to gently push around the edges prior to flipping if they are sticking to the pan. Let them cook for another 30 seconds, then lay them flat and allow them to cool.<br />
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Fill with your favorite fruits (mine is white nectarines) and I like to add a healthy "sweet cream" sauce (recipe below) or if you're feeling indulgent bust out the Nutella! For your <u>little ones</u>, tuck in both ends when you roll it (like a burrito) to avoid spills.<br />
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<b>Sweet Cream Sauce</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1/2 cup plain yogurt (regular or greek)<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1-2 teaspoons sweetener, to preference (I use Stevia)<br />
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Mix together and spoon over the fruit before you fold or roll your crepes.<br />
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<b><br /></b>RColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971236364519111090noreply@blogger.com0