tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60044177030630741062024-03-12T16:18:45.759-07:00A Pinterest A Day...Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-7350008861290001722011-11-29T12:36:00.000-08:002011-11-29T12:36:00.209-08:00Just for Fun/Upgrade MeJust for fun I did a Lily Pulitzer colored chevron bracelet! It looks more red in this picture, but I promise-- pink, green, and white!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE_DmxLldUA/TqD2_BqEIEI/AAAAAAAADYU/wheOzsEkg_8/s1600/IMAG0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE_DmxLldUA/TqD2_BqEIEI/AAAAAAAADYU/wheOzsEkg_8/s320/IMAG0270.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Rd7juRXQk/TqD3BVWoerI/AAAAAAAADYc/LqjiyNIlTAw/s1600/IMAG0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Rd7juRXQk/TqD3BVWoerI/AAAAAAAADYc/LqjiyNIlTAw/s320/IMAG0271.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I decided to go back to <a href="http://apinterestaday.blogspot.com/2011/10/failure-is-option.html">what I'd originally wanted to do</a> and add a clasp on! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9AkNrxqJ-k/TqYY7byg5CI/AAAAAAAADdE/uMbPtvRI4C0/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9AkNrxqJ-k/TqYY7byg5CI/AAAAAAAADdE/uMbPtvRI4C0/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ribbon clamps in multiple sizes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdeCfqKDfuw/TqYZJ3EyzjI/AAAAAAAADdM/Oewv1DmjcQ0/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdeCfqKDfuw/TqYZJ3EyzjI/AAAAAAAADdM/Oewv1DmjcQ0/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't have any glue, so I improvised with tape!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAaYkB2yogc/TqYZUsySLPI/AAAAAAAADdU/CcZyo4Nh3UY/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAaYkB2yogc/TqYZUsySLPI/AAAAAAAADdU/CcZyo4Nh3UY/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snipped off the end just past the tape</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXBBozroDXI/TqYZfX5R4SI/AAAAAAAADdc/Kkqw8es1Z70/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXBBozroDXI/TqYZfX5R4SI/AAAAAAAADdc/Kkqw8es1Z70/s320/IMG_1184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">found the right size clamp</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Fh70dHwh4/TqYZqUq_myI/AAAAAAAADdk/BIr5nDhWCBA/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Fh70dHwh4/TqYZqUq_myI/AAAAAAAADdk/BIr5nDhWCBA/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and, well, clamped it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvG9cDc95uQ/TqYZ8gZMr3I/AAAAAAAADd0/2czFmniNTfw/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvG9cDc95uQ/TqYZ8gZMr3I/AAAAAAAADd0/2czFmniNTfw/s320/IMG_1187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This side was a little bit bigger... not something I'd anticipated!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ8G4N765H4/TqYaGRPrD3I/AAAAAAAADd8/O_Q4SXCuA94/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ8G4N765H4/TqYaGRPrD3I/AAAAAAAADd8/O_Q4SXCuA94/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but the next size up was too big...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeeFpKshTm8/TqYaTV4R8JI/AAAAAAAADeE/8XHVRewpqFA/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeeFpKshTm8/TqYaTV4R8JI/AAAAAAAADeE/8XHVRewpqFA/s320/IMG_1189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ended up squeezing that end in to the slightly smaller one and clamping it nice and tight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_WrsIrUUnE/Ts7xdh45CDI/AAAAAAAAEG0/iwOuruDA9gc/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_WrsIrUUnE/Ts7xdh45CDI/AAAAAAAAEG0/iwOuruDA9gc/s320/IMG_1284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So now I have my bracelet with clamps, jump rings, a lobster clasp, and a small pair of pliers to finish the job!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nG6ThDE9sA/Ts7yWVgtqrI/AAAAAAAAEG8/xeLbXtmbIaU/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nG6ThDE9sA/Ts7yWVgtqrI/AAAAAAAAEG8/xeLbXtmbIaU/s320/IMG_1290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since my pliers were small, I put them inside the ring and gently opened it up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCR8hBE5l1M/Ts72cAGZm0I/AAAAAAAAEHE/5m9gobeGjsQ/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCR8hBE5l1M/Ts72cAGZm0I/AAAAAAAAEHE/5m9gobeGjsQ/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because the bracelet was long enough to go around my wrist, I only put a couple of jump rings on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0eRyRu3L2w/Ts73ov_-gCI/AAAAAAAAEHM/xDNlkhsakaQ/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0eRyRu3L2w/Ts73ov_-gCI/AAAAAAAAEHM/xDNlkhsakaQ/s320/IMG_1291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I used one jump ring to put the lobster clasp on and...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnvUS4lyUys/Ts74Z5xCcxI/AAAAAAAAEHU/XB0OIwtxWMA/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnvUS4lyUys/Ts74Z5xCcxI/AAAAAAAAEHU/XB0OIwtxWMA/s320/IMG_1292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Voila! Removable friendship bracelet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-34509906732276274562011-11-27T12:50:00.000-08:002011-11-27T12:50:00.252-08:00Pretty in PinkI love seeing all the vintage style jewelry floating around Pinterest, and when I saw this Swarovski elements piece at Michael's a couple of weeks ago I knew I had to do something with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUCGyBuxCdw/Ts3O3vEn_hI/AAAAAAAAEFA/aZaP6b5qTpg/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUCGyBuxCdw/Ts3O3vEn_hI/AAAAAAAAEFA/aZaP6b5qTpg/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So I decided to do a necklace! Now, when I took a closer look at it last night, I noticed something strange-- there are three holes on one side and one hole on the other. Decisions, decisions... should I just use one strand to hook up? Should I do something to dangle down? Then it hit me-- the pink pearls! I love the faux pearls at Michael's because they come in so many different shades and they LOOK fantastic! I don't honestly know where the idea came from to do a three to one pearl necklace, but the pink pearls looked absolutely stunning with this piece, and all I could see in my head was three strands of pearls going in to the pendant, slightly off center, with one strand leading out.. So, without further ado, I give you the three to one necklace!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryFi7L14Q6M/Ts3QG8xyiCI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Rtw0D1SkOjI/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryFi7L14Q6M/Ts3QG8xyiCI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Rtw0D1SkOjI/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three strand necklace clasps, pearls, Dandyline, needle, and pendant-- I figured out later that the lobster clasp would be the best way to go for the one strand side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-CbLkkaHKA/Ts3QnCGdsbI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/V1BbEGUUZ4Y/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-CbLkkaHKA/Ts3QnCGdsbI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/V1BbEGUUZ4Y/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, I like using the needle to thread the pearls on-- just makes it so much easier!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUY3Rsa0qH0/Ts3RPUh-w3I/AAAAAAAAEFY/gLPTxOmsDO4/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUY3Rsa0qH0/Ts3RPUh-w3I/AAAAAAAAEFY/gLPTxOmsDO4/s320/IMG_1241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I got to the end (about 39 pearls on this strand), I wound the thread through the loop several times without tying it, that way I could give it a good tug and get the strand nice and tight against the pendant before tying it off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT69_6qlnfc/Ts3RzD1TwoI/AAAAAAAAEFg/XB42whEhtd8/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT69_6qlnfc/Ts3RzD1TwoI/AAAAAAAAEFg/XB42whEhtd8/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, I just tied the knot a few times around the loop and gave it a few good tugs with no bad results!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9uZbe8grw/Ts3SSVYWqbI/AAAAAAAAEFo/9Q3x28-I7qk/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9uZbe8grw/Ts3SSVYWqbI/AAAAAAAAEFo/9Q3x28-I7qk/s320/IMG_1243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three side is done! I used 39 pearls for the top strand, 42 for the second, and 44 for the third.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8mFW4qvBM8/Ts3S1x2Y1hI/AAAAAAAAEFw/sJzQT2pq_zc/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8mFW4qvBM8/Ts3S1x2Y1hI/AAAAAAAAEFw/sJzQT2pq_zc/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, so I just liked this picture and wanted to put it up. Keep reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao0FleBJfyA/Ts3T5BqyI_I/AAAAAAAAEGA/FN2k26o_QNU/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao0FleBJfyA/Ts3T5BqyI_I/AAAAAAAAEGA/FN2k26o_QNU/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As previously mentioned, I'm not great at forethought, and it was at this point I decided to use the lobster clasp to finish out this end rather than have two empty hoops hanging out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gpxkHbnrxc/Ts3TRwBpTlI/AAAAAAAAEF4/kH1o3i7GWlg/s1600/IMAG0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gpxkHbnrxc/Ts3TRwBpTlI/AAAAAAAAEF4/kH1o3i7GWlg/s320/IMAG0435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to do the one strand shorter than the three side so the pendant was off center, so I put about 30 pearls on and then looped the thread through without tying it off so that I could test it-- it looked just like I wanted so I tied it off and finished the project!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmwXiw1wHXw/Ts3UlDyQ71I/AAAAAAAAEGI/IM1hpvKtkSE/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmwXiw1wHXw/Ts3UlDyQ71I/AAAAAAAAEGI/IM1hpvKtkSE/s320/IMG_1260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now the only question is... do I keep it or sell it?!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-72759469651304232792011-11-25T12:30:00.000-08:002011-11-25T12:30:00.635-08:00A Rose Ever Blooming<a href="http://www.littlethingsbringsmiles.com/2010/12/felt-fun.html">Little Things Bring Smiles</a> had a great tutorial on felt flowers that I've become obsessed with! I won't re-do the whole long boring thing for you here, but here are the highlights and modifications from the Meg point of vew!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYoeuOpW5gY/Ts3JZBvCunI/AAAAAAAAEEA/AtZ6o1Qm49w/s1600/IMAG0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYoeuOpW5gY/Ts3JZBvCunI/AAAAAAAAEEA/AtZ6o1Qm49w/s320/IMAG0309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm hoping to do a whole garland of roses, so I pre-cut a LOT of things while watching a movie one night...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TykWEKw-cd4/Ts3JkY7drJI/AAAAAAAAEEI/AIDlu0s0qws/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TykWEKw-cd4/Ts3JkY7drJI/AAAAAAAAEEI/AIDlu0s0qws/s320/IMAG0312.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead of hot gluing while I go, I just roll the whole thing up and make sure I like how it looks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kw0obqPO4Zc/Ts3JtzzohsI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/F7PQT0L3Uz4/s1600/IMAG0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kw0obqPO4Zc/Ts3JtzzohsI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/F7PQT0L3Uz4/s320/IMAG0313.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(which I do)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N70r4WzufM/Ts3JzoxKn8I/AAAAAAAAEEY/5l1kf3kMV10/s1600/IMAG0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N70r4WzufM/Ts3JzoxKn8I/AAAAAAAAEEY/5l1kf3kMV10/s320/IMAG0315.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then insert a needle with knotted thread in to the very center, and aim for one side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifagQIY7gzM/Ts3J8pKxR7I/AAAAAAAAEEg/cYmRfAailfA/s1600/IMAG0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifagQIY7gzM/Ts3J8pKxR7I/AAAAAAAAEEg/cYmRfAailfA/s320/IMAG0317.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pull the needle and thread through, then make a quick loop back towards the center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR-L8slzHWk/Ts3KEFFOcSI/AAAAAAAAEEo/7psEUJGRQ7I/s1600/IMAG0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR-L8slzHWk/Ts3KEFFOcSI/AAAAAAAAEEo/7psEUJGRQ7I/s320/IMAG0318.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then come back out the middle and do it all over again to another side of the rose</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ1YAfop-A/Ts3KMtwrroI/AAAAAAAAEEw/ZHSNy6bTDPs/s1600/IMAG0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ1YAfop-A/Ts3KMtwrroI/AAAAAAAAEEw/ZHSNy6bTDPs/s320/IMAG0319.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, when you're comfortable with the number of stitches (I've been doing four and it works out well), just come back to the center and make a little knot in the middle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've always had a bit of bad luck with hot glue, but a needle and thread are my best friend! Since these will have something on the backs, the knots won't be visible or matter, and the same will hold true if you're doing hair pins like Little Things Bring Smiles showed you how to do. Of course, hot glue will probably be best if you're attaching it to something like a headband, but the sewing trick works great and I think is just as quick and easier to do if you're not going to be in one place for a while. I do my crafting at home, on the road, and in the office when I have spare time (during pickup I can't start any work projects, but I can usually get a flower sewn up pretty quickly) and a hot glue gun isn't exactly portable! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise I'll share the garland when it's finished, but since I have until spring (it's for a friend's wedding) it may be a few weeks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-75148061717051409742011-11-24T20:28:00.000-08:002011-11-24T20:28:33.010-08:00How To-- GreensFor Karen, over at <a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/">The Art of Doing Stuff</a> (possibly my favoritest blog evar next to <a href="http://www.thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a>), a picture tutorial to cooking greens for when my seeds make it through customs!<br />
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You will need:<br />
*10q stock pot<br />
*3lb greens (aka, "a mess")<br />
*Siracha sauce to taste<br />
*Salt to taste<br />
*Ham hocks, turkey necks, etc.-- whatever's handy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AhjxKQPYS4/Ts8GNWaE0CI/AAAAAAAAEHk/uZKpISd4SF4/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AhjxKQPYS4/Ts8GNWaE0CI/AAAAAAAAEHk/uZKpISd4SF4/s320/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I only had a 7.5q stock pot, but I filled it about 3/4 the way full-- you can do 3/4 full on your 10q</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4N8UEB4Sxk/Ts8HEA_rjYI/AAAAAAAAEHs/wm3_TQSNUrc/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4N8UEB4Sxk/Ts8HEA_rjYI/AAAAAAAAEHs/wm3_TQSNUrc/s320/IMG_1264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check your greens to make sure they're not looking wilted or icky (technical term)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7OSshjrzyg/Ts8HyQFqSzI/AAAAAAAAEH0/z-lNbH2tc-Q/s1600/IMG_1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7OSshjrzyg/Ts8HyQFqSzI/AAAAAAAAEH0/z-lNbH2tc-Q/s320/IMG_1265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you end up using something like, oh, jowl bacon just slice it up in to strips and cut that down in to chunks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqc1WBfvoEc/Ts8IbsmnFdI/AAAAAAAAEH8/tGWe7Rgcbmk/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqc1WBfvoEc/Ts8IbsmnFdI/AAAAAAAAEH8/tGWe7Rgcbmk/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(these chunks are a lot more appetizing than you thought they'd be, right?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUd6dAAlvA8/Ts8I6i3XLII/AAAAAAAAEIE/iLJvj-q_bSA/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUd6dAAlvA8/Ts8I6i3XLII/AAAAAAAAEIE/iLJvj-q_bSA/s320/IMG_1268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the water has reached a rolling boil, put the first pound in-- pat it down and throw in your chopped up bacon or turkey neck or what have you. If you have a larger pot, you should be able to slowly add in the entire 3lb of greens. Since I had a smaller pot, I put the lid on and let them boil down for about five minutes, then added the rest in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3NRyqZhJyM/Ts8KQDDCEAI/AAAAAAAAEIM/pH6n3HhY1Qo/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3NRyqZhJyM/Ts8KQDDCEAI/AAAAAAAAEIM/pH6n3HhY1Qo/s320/IMG_1274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the last pound, the pot was getting pretty full, so I started siphoning off some of the extra stock; if you have to do this, you'll want to reserve some of it to freeze any leftovers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9f4rLpYLjew/Ts8N_vMuLhI/AAAAAAAAEIU/ZElMUaRUobQ/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9f4rLpYLjew/Ts8N_vMuLhI/AAAAAAAAEIU/ZElMUaRUobQ/s320/IMG_1275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now for my favorite part-- Siracha!! If you like it spicy, put a good helping on top and mix it in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ5evtFYdGk/Ts8X1hTVw3I/AAAAAAAAEIc/7Z28jn10VCw/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ5evtFYdGk/Ts8X1hTVw3I/AAAAAAAAEIc/7Z28jn10VCw/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Throw in a couple palm fulls of salt (yeah, again, technical) to get everything nice and tender</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNEiAiw1vBU/Ts8YzQFYJFI/AAAAAAAAEIk/UI8re1tehqo/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNEiAiw1vBU/Ts8YzQFYJFI/AAAAAAAAEIk/UI8re1tehqo/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're anything like me, you'll add a little more Siracha before putting the lid on and then let it cook for about another 20 minutes on medium. The great thing about greens is that you can let them cook to your desired tenderness-- I usually get them to fairly tender with just a hint of crunch, a little like broccoli!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have leftovers (which, honestly, you will with three pounds!) you can take some of that broth you set aside, put it in ziploc bags with your greens and put it in the freezer. To defrost, pop in the microwave or a pot, or just put in the fridge to melt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-86122807499472741672011-11-23T20:27:00.000-08:002011-11-23T20:27:10.364-08:00Pinspiration NailsBeing sick takes a lot out of me, so I'm excited to get back to some little projects here and there that I love so much! This week, I went with some more nails-- I found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156289049538121059/">this pin</a> a while back and I've wanted to try it out, and when I sat down to try it I of course decided to make it snazzy!<br />
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I chose the orange and blue because they were nice, vibrant colors but I didn't want too much of one or the other. So, here goes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic0fUvT7Pec/Ts3FL6F_omI/AAAAAAAAECo/P4iDslFU3YQ/s1600/IMAG0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic0fUvT7Pec/Ts3FL6F_omI/AAAAAAAAECo/P4iDslFU3YQ/s320/IMAG0413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sheet of hole protectors, your polish colors, and since I lost my top coat I just used the base coat twice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFspqhPHQN8/Ts3FW369CvI/AAAAAAAAECw/vFmUdUey0Is/s1600/IMAG0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFspqhPHQN8/Ts3FW369CvI/AAAAAAAAECw/vFmUdUey0Is/s320/IMAG0414.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut your hole protectors in half</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0zxSU98Bc/Ts3GYnWQJJI/AAAAAAAAEDY/K7wqDZMWAvg/s1600/IMAG0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0zxSU98Bc/Ts3GYnWQJJI/AAAAAAAAEDY/K7wqDZMWAvg/s320/IMAG0415.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXu06jrgz5o/Ts3FjIoWAlI/AAAAAAAAEDA/bAdhy5o_mFk/s1600/IMAG0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXu06jrgz5o/Ts3FjIoWAlI/AAAAAAAAEDA/bAdhy5o_mFk/s320/IMAG0411.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paint your base color on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziv0SsVfwrg/Ts3GGs5iSWI/AAAAAAAAEDI/X7tiGTfDQR8/s1600/IMAG0412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziv0SsVfwrg/Ts3GGs5iSWI/AAAAAAAAEDI/X7tiGTfDQR8/s320/IMAG0412.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used Caliente Coral from Sephora by OPI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFpu8HXSRaU/Ts3GPkj8QGI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/9Wh-o9jvnw4/s1600/IMAG0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFpu8HXSRaU/Ts3GPkj8QGI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/9Wh-o9jvnw4/s320/IMAG0419.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the look I wanted, I put the stickers on about halfway up my nails</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkiuwD5O7tQ/Ts3Gfr3q3JI/AAAAAAAAEDg/4SLtAmrunjk/s1600/IMAG0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkiuwD5O7tQ/Ts3Gfr3q3JI/AAAAAAAAEDg/4SLtAmrunjk/s320/IMAG0420.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paint over the entire nail with your contrast color (I used "Teal We Meet Again" from the same Sephora by OPI Collection)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWJ9yue7V54/Ts3GtKEREjI/AAAAAAAAEDo/uj_mVbnLZCU/s1600/IMAG0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWJ9yue7V54/Ts3GtKEREjI/AAAAAAAAEDo/uj_mVbnLZCU/s320/IMAG0421.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found it was easier to pull the stickers off immediately after painting-- unlike scotch tape, the paper on the hole protectors got a little soggy and messed up the bottom coat a bit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM2mADDTdsQ/Ts3G6Nu2UaI/AAAAAAAAEDw/fkR8MBUjbw8/s1600/IMAG0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM2mADDTdsQ/Ts3G6Nu2UaI/AAAAAAAAEDw/fkR8MBUjbw8/s320/IMAG0422.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you look at the thumb and pointer here, you'll see why it's important to push the stickers down all the way so you get a nice even edge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These looked great and I got a LOT of compliments on them! The only funny thing was that the blue paint over the orange turned out greenish!! I'll definitely try the original Pinspiration soon, especially since I have some beautiful green shades to try and some time to kill with surgery coming up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-45767551422208553132011-11-07T19:31:00.000-08:002011-11-07T19:31:29.078-08:00Candle In the Microwave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It just doesn't have the same ring as "Candle in the Wind" does it? Well, either way, here we are... I'm going to warn you in advance that I don't have a picture of the finished product. Because I left it at my in-laws. Because I am special... We'll see them again at Thanksgiving, so I'll update with a picture and a new addition to my expanding repertoire of awesomeness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had a growing fondness for the <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156289049538154483/">tea-lights</a> that I've seen around Pinterest, so I dove right in and decided to try my hand. Without reading the directions, of course... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Down to business! You will need... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrKfm3EX50c/TqYdijby1AI/AAAAAAAADec/O8DwUMG1UJ4/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="238" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;">An awesome something to hold your candle-- I picked this one out for my aunt!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxosjMZeTSI/TqYdZAjSRyI/AAAAAAAADeU/Ly2URoNyWqM/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxosjMZeTSI/TqYdZAjSRyI/AAAAAAAADeU/Ly2URoNyWqM/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>A big bunch of microwaveable wax, dye bricks, and scent if you like-- plus wicks so you can, you know, burn your candle..</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHpv8qZ3dKU/TqYduJg_P-I/AAAAAAAADek/vRvd3IU991k/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHpv8qZ3dKU/TqYduJg_P-I/AAAAAAAADek/vRvd3IU991k/s320/IMG_1193.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div>First, you'll fill the wax up to the desired level </div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXZgHjPw2JU/TqYd5Hvi7AI/AAAAAAAADes/eU39FNSib24/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXZgHjPw2JU/TqYd5Hvi7AI/AAAAAAAADes/eU39FNSib24/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>I went with about halfway up the seashell to start, but...</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uao8CC1r8lQ/TqYeFHMDrvI/AAAAAAAADe0/Asavm-fuZyA/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uao8CC1r8lQ/TqYeFHMDrvI/AAAAAAAADe0/Asavm-fuZyA/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>After a suggested 60 seconds in the microwave (the container IS microwave safe!), it was still chunky...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SX3wyrwX9Q/TqYePIUu9iI/AAAAAAAADe8/nWMATQQUqvU/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SX3wyrwX9Q/TqYePIUu9iI/AAAAAAAADe8/nWMATQQUqvU/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>And had melted down juuust a tad. </div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XCWeJOdWQ/TqYeZmt91hI/AAAAAAAADfE/NsVXvewBuL8/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XCWeJOdWQ/TqYeZmt91hI/AAAAAAAADfE/NsVXvewBuL8/s320/IMG_1198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>So I threw in another handful of wax, plus this palm full of dye (which I didn't think would work, but it did!) and kept on microwaving until I got this:</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo25d4ZIgZc/TqYek9K5PtI/AAAAAAAADfM/hVPebpGyWLA/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo25d4ZIgZc/TqYek9K5PtI/AAAAAAAADfM/hVPebpGyWLA/s320/IMG_1200.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div>But then I noticed the wick was kind of floating off to the side... I know people have some super fancy ways of stabilizing and centralizing wicks, but as we all know I make a habit of being unprepared for these things, I feel it keeps me sharp. Anyways, I MacGuyvered this little contraption together:</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2LtCgdGWaQ/TqYdL-N4CcI/AAAAAAAADeM/pVuy7dutLCE/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2LtCgdGWaQ/TqYdL-N4CcI/AAAAAAAADeM/pVuy7dutLCE/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why yes, my dental floss DOES make the difference!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until Thanksgiving you'll have to take my word that it turned out alright, just a little bit shorter than I'd hoped. The small amount of dye shavings made me skeptical like woah but it turned out nice and white! I'll probably add a little more wax to see if I can get the level up and then gift it to my Beachy Keen Aunt!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-9142896252145650712011-11-02T06:37:00.000-07:002011-11-04T16:54:09.488-07:00Pretty Pearls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I volunteer with a chapter of my sorority as an adviser-- I love making little things for my gals when they do a phenomenal job and a set of pearls always does the trick! Of course, pearls are muy out of my budget so I decided to make her a necklace-- way easier than I thought!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixC0G0oQ5Js/To0stN75SAI/AAAAAAAADJA/9DN-UTnVnOA/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixC0G0oQ5Js/To0stN75SAI/AAAAAAAADJA/9DN-UTnVnOA/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DandyLine thread, which was really easy to use and the perfect tension!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmY1JJVr6zo/To0tVJ8aW9I/AAAAAAAADJQ/gatGseIoaV8/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmY1JJVr6zo/To0tVJ8aW9I/AAAAAAAADJQ/gatGseIoaV8/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charms to represent some of the symbols this chapter uses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AvHd36fVE4/To0tC5VMY9I/AAAAAAAADJI/DZ9Fd8liRf0/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AvHd36fVE4/To0tC5VMY9I/AAAAAAAADJI/DZ9Fd8liRf0/s320/IMG_1086.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clasps-- because a necklace that doesn't stay on just isn't worth it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLTe67ojYF8/To0rlfWUHtI/AAAAAAAADIg/kQoaMy2OZXY/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLTe67ojYF8/To0rlfWUHtI/AAAAAAAADIg/kQoaMy2OZXY/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A needle to thread the DandyLine through</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpcgJyVYwm4/To0sLo2bQcI/AAAAAAAADIw/2KM91gOIo64/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpcgJyVYwm4/To0sLo2bQcI/AAAAAAAADIw/2KM91gOIo64/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqVIDIZUaGU/To0r6dAErKI/AAAAAAAADIo/nO9HoVlGXQ0/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqVIDIZUaGU/To0r6dAErKI/AAAAAAAADIo/nO9HoVlGXQ0/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crystazzi Pearls, on sale but cheap anyway-- over 150 of these guys in a pack!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWjwXqBpXzw/To0rO0VlAVI/AAAAAAAADIU/rxOyyRhlRQY/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWjwXqBpXzw/To0rO0VlAVI/AAAAAAAADIU/rxOyyRhlRQY/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I strung the pearls on using the needle and thread, about 30 to start with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjWrzEQ_qdw/To0trgWt9aI/AAAAAAAADJY/GtKmdYGmFz8/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjWrzEQ_qdw/To0trgWt9aI/AAAAAAAADJY/GtKmdYGmFz8/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I separated the charms with one pearl apiece, then strung another 30 on the other side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh2tUaqNHxg/To0q794IppI/AAAAAAAADIQ/EEx3VmzppYw/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh2tUaqNHxg/To0q794IppI/AAAAAAAADIQ/EEx3VmzppYw/s320/IMG_1096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finished the other end at the clasp point and here's the finished product! I have to admit I lost my ruler, so I don't know how long the necklace is, but it rests just below my clavicle and is very comfortable! I can't wait to try my hand at some more jewelry. </div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-64074040806707076402011-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:002011-10-26T18:31:00.303-07:00Frittatas MiniI like the idea of bite sized anything-- firstly, I think it's adorable, and secondly I think it makes me feel better about eating any number of things! Of course, it always helps to have kids around, so I tried out the <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/mini-frittatas-687877/">FamilyFun recipe for mini frittatas</a> when our goddaughter was over last weekend...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqCkAKJZFg4/TqYSIwJuvUI/AAAAAAAADcE/wQ6qrV3PKHM/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqCkAKJZFg4/TqYSIwJuvUI/AAAAAAAADcE/wQ6qrV3PKHM/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We didn't have a lot in the fridge because I'd neglected to defrost... everything! So, I had my four eggs, some cheese, red and green bell peppers, and salt and pepper. Of course, when I went to cook, I discovered that my husband had put the bell peppers in the freezer without bagging them first...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dukmgnINV3w/TqYTK7qLd-I/AAAAAAAADcM/Y-avdWYhtWo/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dukmgnINV3w/TqYTK7qLd-I/AAAAAAAADcM/Y-avdWYhtWo/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I decided to let them thaw a little bit and go ahead and use them-- good news, they still tasted alright!<br />
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First, I whisked the eggs with some 2% milk, then added the salt and pepper:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTMlvbZTZpA/TqYTlKEqinI/AAAAAAAADcU/2Ad2cD3B7TA/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTMlvbZTZpA/TqYTlKEqinI/AAAAAAAADcU/2Ad2cD3B7TA/s320/IMG_1170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0jgI_XxKe8/TqYTxPNzvaI/AAAAAAAADcc/hN10r4B4AB4/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0jgI_XxKe8/TqYTxPNzvaI/AAAAAAAADcc/hN10r4B4AB4/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I poured it in to the molds-- we got about 8 frittatas out of four eggs-- you can see in the first one that I over poured, so the rest got filled up to about half way full before toppings got added in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vSCh9u69fM/TqYT93C0YVI/AAAAAAAADck/FpAyupxyH5s/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vSCh9u69fM/TqYT93C0YVI/AAAAAAAADck/FpAyupxyH5s/s320/IMG_1173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I broke the cheese up in to bits since we didn't have shredded cheese, but it wasn't nearly as cheesy as I thought it was going to be-- next time, loads of cheese! CHEESE!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F2GGJRmgGo/TqYUn9JtmoI/AAAAAAAADcs/jKpcOtTKIlc/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F2GGJRmgGo/TqYUn9JtmoI/AAAAAAAADcs/jKpcOtTKIlc/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fresh from the oven, they're lookin' good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-149NSfeSRsI/TqYUz3PPeBI/AAAAAAAADc0/RHfGALdmGdA/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-149NSfeSRsI/TqYUz3PPeBI/AAAAAAAADc0/RHfGALdmGdA/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
I was really pleased with the way this turned out-- the FamilyFun site didn't show a finished picture, which I think was pretty nice of them, but I'd like to think this is a little what it looks like when done properly! They were a hit with our goddaughter, and even with my husband (who mocks my love of bite sized food) in spite of the fact that they were "just a tease" in the breakfast department. Not my fault you ran 8 miles!<br />
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Of course, because if y'all know nothing else about me it's that I don't plan ahead!, I didn't read the step where you're supposed to spray the muffin tins so the end result was...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FodcXb3fUY/TqYVzhLfsNI/AAAAAAAADc8/2sBIuFbSoZo/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FodcXb3fUY/TqYVzhLfsNI/AAAAAAAADc8/2sBIuFbSoZo/s320/IMG_1177.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Well, just in case you didn't believe that eggs are used as a binding agent, it's true.<br />
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<b>Materials Used: </b>eggs, peppers, cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and PAM or BUTTER. You know, depending on how fat you're feeling that day...<br />
<b>Cost: </b>inexpensive-- you get a lot of bang for your buck with this one<br />
<b>Conclusion: </b>Super easy, totally worth it, and I'm hoping to use this at a brunch we're doing soonish and add in things like bacon, chicken sausage, and fresh hot peppers in addition to the sweet ones!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-76582348368523010682011-10-24T18:13:00.000-07:002011-10-24T18:13:21.391-07:00Emma Frost NailsOK, this is an easy one, and was inspired by Emma Frost, first lady of the Hellfire Club (for my fellow geeks out there) and the sexy chick from "X-Men: First Class" (for my non-geeks out there) with the Diamond skin.<br />
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I was at CVS the other day and they had a sale and I had a coupon, so I thought this combination would be awesome!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyo-kLq7zk4/TqYKm97REDI/AAAAAAAADbk/1sRzCPArA1Q/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyo-kLq7zk4/TqYKm97REDI/AAAAAAAADbk/1sRzCPArA1Q/s320/IMG_1164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The extremely white Sally Hansen InstaDry "White Out"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3p526CugQw/TqYK47LAFWI/AAAAAAAADbs/7pMGHsShS18/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3p526CugQw/TqYK47LAFWI/AAAAAAAADbs/7pMGHsShS18/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like this one because it puts on a smooth coat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PypVNlxVXU/TqYLHioxzZI/AAAAAAAADb0/-3sZ10KZO1Y/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PypVNlxVXU/TqYLHioxzZI/AAAAAAAADb0/-3sZ10KZO1Y/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it's easy to clean up the edges since the polish legitimately InstaDries!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I covered it with Sally Hansen "Diamonds" which is why I decided these were Emma Frost nails :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvvt6ETW1RA/TqYMDkFAjaI/AAAAAAAADb8/WsDZExpYEn4/s1600/IMAG0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvvt6ETW1RA/TqYMDkFAjaI/AAAAAAAADb8/WsDZExpYEn4/s320/IMAG0257.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been really hard to take a picture of this and get the full effect, but they were SHINY! I'm definitely using this one again for winter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Materials Used: </b>Sally Hansen InstaDry in "White Out" and Sally Hansen "Diamonds"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cost: </b>Generally inexpensive, but I did get everything on sale...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Time: </b>30 minutes all told-- the InstaDry is definitely my new favorite product!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion? </b>I'd definitely do this again! I didn't have a bottom coat handy, so I'm going to try that next time since I think the "Diamonds" coat made things a little brittle, but it's definitely effective :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-25223996512499191082011-10-20T21:40:00.000-07:002011-10-20T21:40:21.003-07:00Travel Day!New updates this weekend-- today was travel to Memphis for homecoming at Rhodes! I plan on being extremely crafty this weekend, so keep an eye out for DIY coasters, <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/File:Emma_Frost_(First_Class).JPG">Emma Frost</a> nails, teacup candles, and many others!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-46720729481849832542011-10-18T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T17:00:04.130-07:00Improvement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, so I wrapped up that bracelet from the other day and wanted to give you an update-- I basically went in and re-started the whole thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWUe5mP_Pc/TpkK8NwaJlI/AAAAAAAADWQ/laEinCgyvEU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWUe5mP_Pc/TpkK8NwaJlI/AAAAAAAADWQ/laEinCgyvEU/s320/1.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The knot in the middle there? That's where I decided to forget about it and start all over. Towards the end of the second orange/blue round there's a hole-- that's what happens when you don't knot the strands together in the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QinyUyaXewQ/TpkKrZ5gY3I/AAAAAAAADVo/GCcnDGUVzg0/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QinyUyaXewQ/TpkKrZ5gY3I/AAAAAAAADVo/GCcnDGUVzg0/s320/6.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the problems I had was that the strings were too loose, so after I did a little more, I taped the second section and it turned out MUCH better, much more consistent!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vYkdy2vTow/TpkKvDlzKCI/AAAAAAAADVw/TMahwiZcPNc/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vYkdy2vTow/TpkKvDlzKCI/AAAAAAAADVw/TMahwiZcPNc/s320/5.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the finished product-- still looks a little like macrame, but overall much better!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UdCvY_RT9E/TpzAl5n472I/AAAAAAAADXU/tR_Y6Mz9n7w/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UdCvY_RT9E/TpzAl5n472I/AAAAAAAADXU/tR_Y6Mz9n7w/s320/1.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I did keep having this issue where the strands didn't come out the same order they went in-- this probably had to do with too much flex in the line, but I liked it so much...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeLmWkPXXcc/TpkKw7ksLhI/AAAAAAAADV4/x1ufvPRUPXs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeLmWkPXXcc/TpkKw7ksLhI/AAAAAAAADV4/x1ufvPRUPXs/s320/4.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started forcing the strands out to different places to get a new pattern!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1C1TrB6z3TA/TpkK17h3e8I/AAAAAAAADWA/pUyD7Ig-g4I/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1C1TrB6z3TA/TpkK17h3e8I/AAAAAAAADWA/pUyD7Ig-g4I/s320/3.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BTwticjVAo/TpkK5CmPbHI/AAAAAAAADWI/GP_W3TF8_U0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BTwticjVAo/TpkK5CmPbHI/AAAAAAAADWI/GP_W3TF8_U0/s320/2.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Materials Used: </b>Embroidery Floss</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cost: </b>Very inexpensive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Time: </b>Pretty time consuming-- it got a little better after I got used to it, but it also helped that I wasn't concerned about the colors staying in a particular pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion? </b>I'd definitely try this again, but I think it would be helpful to have MORE strands available-- I think that's why it looks more like macrame than the original pinned piece. I'll give it a go and let y'all know!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-54108923344977177312011-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:002011-10-19T11:34:15.728-07:00Failure is an OptionI had a post for yesterday, but it was a present I made and I haven't gifted it yet so on to other things...<br />
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I'm posting this up a) because I failed to post something yesterday, therefore crushing my hopes of an every-other-day update and b) because I'm failing MISERABLY at this friendship bracelet thing!!<br />
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I saw<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/278080179/"> this pin</a> for a Friendship Bracelet tutorial and since I never learned how to do the chevron style as a kid, I figured now's as good a time as any! <a href="http://johannainman.blogspot.com/2011/10/craft-project-friendship-bracelet-with.html">Whirly Bird</a>, the blog with the actual craft, linked me over to <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/">HonestlyWTF</a> for a tutorial on how to make this oh-so-fashionable bracelet. Now, I'd already failed at an eight strand braid, but surely this would be easier? No doubt mine would come out smooth and sassy like this one, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvENNoeouYk/Tpc--e7hLSI/AAAAAAAADQ4/z4KpjZr0d5g/s1600/friendship7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvENNoeouYk/Tpc--e7hLSI/AAAAAAAADQ4/z4KpjZr0d5g/s320/friendship7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
WRONG!<br />
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This is currently the state of my chevron friendship bracelet trial run...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DFmAA3bF3c/TpdArIRCduI/AAAAAAAADRU/o4EARPbGJtA/s1600/bracelt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DFmAA3bF3c/TpdArIRCduI/AAAAAAAADRU/o4EARPbGJtA/s320/bracelt2.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MS2lKtPgLN0/TpdAscaB3tI/AAAAAAAADRc/30OjEjhyxN8/s1600/braclet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MS2lKtPgLN0/TpdAscaB3tI/AAAAAAAADRc/30OjEjhyxN8/s320/braclet1.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
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Normally, I would give up and throw the rest of this god-awful embroidery floss in the trash-- really, you have no idea the headaches it's given me! I started out wanting to use that orange with grey for a nice, chic look but the grey would NOT come untangled and I've had almost the same problem with the yellow and blue here!<br />
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But, I am going to follow my favorite advice, I am going to Keep Calm and Carry On. Updates to come, no doubt, and hopefully I'll perfect the pattern on these fall colors before my special surprise...Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-42432832247549404702011-10-10T17:59:00.000-07:002011-10-10T17:59:00.939-07:00Ana's A<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My niece Ana is the girliest tomboy I know-- she's all about running around and finding new things to get in to, but if you ask her to dress herself, chances are she's going to come out in pink and purple! Her birthday was a few weeks ago, and I really wanted to see if I could re-make this "wreath" but in a more kid-friendly way (she's Pre-K) and on a slightly smaller scale since it would have to travel across the Pacific Ocean:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKST3EgkvW8/To2yA3wVWrI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IOUATUmVHvg/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKST3EgkvW8/To2yA3wVWrI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IOUATUmVHvg/s320/wreath.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<a href="http://violetpaperwings.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-summer-wreath.html">via</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the final version of mine-- I did forget to put something up there to hang it with, buuuut they'll figure it out. I would suggest using the coke top trick or wrapping the yarn like the inspiration piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1WC9hI3K-0/To0qQlvWSrI/AAAAAAAADIA/PJBwULvJNuQ/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1WC9hI3K-0/To0qQlvWSrI/AAAAAAAADIA/PJBwULvJNuQ/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It turned out pretty well, I think, for winging it, and a step by step tutorial is below!<br />
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<b>Materials: </b>Yarn, wooden frame, wooden letter, embellishments, scissors.<br />
<b>Cost: </b>About $15, which includes the yarn and glue that I'll use again.<br />
<b>Time: </b>Wow. Wrapping things in yarn is really involved-- it probably took me three hours, maybe even four. It was stop and go, so I don't want to include the down time, but it was pretty involved!<br />
<b>Conclusion: </b>Yeah, it was involved, but I'll totally do this again. I didn't have the time to paint the frame like the inspiration piece, but depending on the person it may be just as well to wrap it in yarn-- everyone at work wanted one!<br />
<b>Tips and tricks: </b>I purchased a smaller wooden frame and a smaller letter at Michael's for about $1 each-- you could go with a bigger one like the inspiration piece, but you'll just spend more time on it! (and probably more money unless you have leftover frames lying around!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8C0pgJhHGI/To0qZcC5ixI/AAAAAAAADIE/lnCGlaLbMKc/s1600/IMAG0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8C0pgJhHGI/To0qZcC5ixI/AAAAAAAADIE/lnCGlaLbMKc/s320/IMAG0183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gather all your materials-- I'm not very good at this yet, so that's why the A already has yarn attached to it...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UEVHQwHOcY/To0qmj3tNkI/AAAAAAAADII/L0UkD_cPn70/s1600/IMAG0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UEVHQwHOcY/To0qmj3tNkI/AAAAAAAADII/L0UkD_cPn70/s320/IMAG0186.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pink yarn, to be specific</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nR1nyfggVLs/To0q7XTrQdI/AAAAAAAADIM/S_-skds1vk4/s1600/IMAG0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nR1nyfggVLs/To0q7XTrQdI/AAAAAAAADIM/S_-skds1vk4/s320/IMAG0190.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of my yarn wrapping involved healthy doses of glue-- it dries clear and makes ya look super crafty and talented!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LG_I0kTK9-I/To0rPMuJibI/AAAAAAAADIY/6u6A1sDi4WI/s1600/IMAG0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LG_I0kTK9-I/To0rPMuJibI/AAAAAAAADIY/6u6A1sDi4WI/s320/IMAG0191.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front of the A fully wrapped</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sc2bYUXvL4M/To0reFcQDdI/AAAAAAAADIc/Zi-a82tyd6g/s1600/IMAG0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sc2bYUXvL4M/To0reFcQDdI/AAAAAAAADIc/Zi-a82tyd6g/s320/IMAG0192.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back of the A fully wrapped</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNydkzs6qkk/To0rvlrHwbI/AAAAAAAADIk/hIRpiYreFQE/s1600/IMAG0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNydkzs6qkk/To0rvlrHwbI/AAAAAAAADIk/hIRpiYreFQE/s320/IMAG0193.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tail of the A-- it won't look perfect because it's super awkward, but you just have to play around with it to get the right look</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfG0FtwcHOY/To0r7fKJljI/AAAAAAAADIs/LuT7VWLDuVM/s1600/IMAG0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfG0FtwcHOY/To0r7fKJljI/AAAAAAAADIs/LuT7VWLDuVM/s320/IMAG0194.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And on the tip, we have lots of glue and layered yarn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5ofvFjq-VM/To0sNmm_YlI/AAAAAAAADI0/brI9_32Rv3Y/s1600/IMAG0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5ofvFjq-VM/To0sNmm_YlI/AAAAAAAADI0/brI9_32Rv3Y/s320/IMAG0195.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To start on the frame? Dot of glue. Totally dot of glue.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu1JmVG-Zv0/To0sahpQEFI/AAAAAAAADI4/wixUKdb4SX4/s1600/IMAG0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu1JmVG-Zv0/To0sahpQEFI/AAAAAAAADI4/wixUKdb4SX4/s320/IMAG0196.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First side wrapped-- I thought the detail on the corners added a little flair to it. There was glue involved in this as well...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsHUUSHzW00/To0slb0JXmI/AAAAAAAADI8/NZoT3XqVrc0/s1600/IMAG0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsHUUSHzW00/To0slb0JXmI/AAAAAAAADI8/NZoT3XqVrc0/s320/IMAG0197.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dark spots are the brackets that used to hold the frame back in place-- I bent them all the way back using the handle on my scissors to push them all the way down. They stuck out a little, but after they were covered in yarn, they didn't pose a threat by design or by poking.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5OgfWjnf18/To0s5GZwRII/AAAAAAAADJE/8aBG_mEhhBI/s1600/IMAG0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5OgfWjnf18/To0s5GZwRII/AAAAAAAADJE/8aBG_mEhhBI/s320/IMAG0198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I left the bottom corner open so that I could add the flowers in...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ueBhSWoEQ/To0tR6SdMDI/AAAAAAAADJM/oqjS77SRiKc/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ueBhSWoEQ/To0tR6SdMDI/AAAAAAAADJM/oqjS77SRiKc/s320/IMAG0199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A in the middle</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhrtUKL4X4M/To0tqqsztmI/AAAAAAAADJU/1a_p0KaNM8A/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhrtUKL4X4M/To0tqqsztmI/AAAAAAAADJU/1a_p0KaNM8A/s320/IMG_1069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to get fancy and try to "suspend" the A in the middle-- this took a lot of playing around to get the tension right and the color on color right.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxLNOh5xbqA/To0t2Ton-mI/AAAAAAAADJc/XWjBGLfGLzE/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxLNOh5xbqA/To0t2Ton-mI/AAAAAAAADJc/XWjBGLfGLzE/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up of the wrapping-- you want to know what there's a lot of in this picture? Glue.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-EjuJp4h-o/To0uFHR8LcI/AAAAAAAADJg/chJuS-hIVR8/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-EjuJp4h-o/To0uFHR8LcI/AAAAAAAADJg/chJuS-hIVR8/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flower one... these are bigger than I thought!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgCRN8cl6YY/To0uPBBxqxI/AAAAAAAADJk/2NJeDGeWXic/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgCRN8cl6YY/To0uPBBxqxI/AAAAAAAADJk/2NJeDGeWXic/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tie off on the second half of the tension string. I had to run it through the top and then back through to the bottom corner to make sure the letter had enough tension and support.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SuHBsg8n6U/To0ucG7JB9I/AAAAAAAADJo/ihxPkvaRP0Y/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SuHBsg8n6U/To0ucG7JB9I/AAAAAAAADJo/ihxPkvaRP0Y/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back of the frame at the end</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-5er7qt7Ko/To0unardRyI/AAAAAAAADJs/H9B0HOgilzg/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-5er7qt7Ko/To0unardRyI/AAAAAAAADJs/H9B0HOgilzg/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still had another flower, and the good thing about making a present for a little girl is that they love everything over the top!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gb17LPbKvm8/To0uy6xtHnI/AAAAAAAADJw/txLjAOcmpFU/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gb17LPbKvm8/To0uy6xtHnI/AAAAAAAADJw/txLjAOcmpFU/s320/IMG_1077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final product without the flash-- does a good job of emphasizing the tension strings!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-9897599054274745772011-10-08T17:42:00.000-07:002011-10-08T17:42:00.765-07:00Dinosaur Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sP_0dwCNh4/To0p0juv-lI/AAAAAAAADH8/w6EanrK83lE/s1600/pinspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sP_0dwCNh4/To0p0juv-lI/AAAAAAAADH8/w6EanrK83lE/s320/pinspiration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<a href="http://pennylanevintage.tumblr.com/post/8870553813/missmonarch-polka-dot-nails">via</a>)</div><br />
I wanted to do these red and white nails sooooo bad but no such luck-- instead, I went for dino eggs! OK, so I know that dino eggs don't look anything like they did on the TV show <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinosaurs_(TV_series)">Dinosaurs </a>(yeeeeaaah 90's throwback whaaat!) but these nails remind me of dino eggs!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRp-cD551sw/To0mfAjk70I/AAAAAAAADHc/A8nuUW-MwkQ/s1600/IMAG0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRp-cD551sw/To0mfAjk70I/AAAAAAAADHc/A8nuUW-MwkQ/s320/IMAG0174.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wraps base that I put on was a little wrinkly, so instead of doing the matte coat I decided to make it polka-dotty!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aocrYpEEehQ/To0mvK7jUZI/AAAAAAAADHk/sFTUCuWw04o/s1600/IMAG0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aocrYpEEehQ/To0mvK7jUZI/AAAAAAAADHk/sFTUCuWw04o/s320/IMAG0175.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDvq5HBXqzU/To0m2KQtoUI/AAAAAAAADHo/pM-LRfeKo_w/s1600/IMAG0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDvq5HBXqzU/To0m2KQtoUI/AAAAAAAADHo/pM-LRfeKo_w/s320/IMAG0176.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd wanted to do smaller polka dots, but since I didn't have a fine paint brush, I went with a q-tip </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkP-4CLI4oM/To0m8BlBfkI/AAAAAAAADHs/0JGPdLAz2Cg/s1600/IMAG0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkP-4CLI4oM/To0m8BlBfkI/AAAAAAAADHs/0JGPdLAz2Cg/s320/IMAG0177.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too shabby!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TZABD2fMfo/To0nE3O4dII/AAAAAAAADHw/jY6_2Oy41OM/s1600/IMAG0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TZABD2fMfo/To0nE3O4dII/AAAAAAAADHw/jY6_2Oy41OM/s320/IMAG0178.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first dab will be light on paint in the middle, so just dab some more on after a second</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-hZHvtKLrI/To0nMajo2RI/AAAAAAAADH0/Xh4zpnm_Ac0/s1600/IMAG0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-hZHvtKLrI/To0nMajo2RI/AAAAAAAADH0/Xh4zpnm_Ac0/s320/IMAG0179.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, it will take a few tries to get it looking right...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4JnQzWf-Ns/To0nTkmCgbI/AAAAAAAADH4/aqxQJA4xt9g/s1600/IMAG0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4JnQzWf-Ns/To0nTkmCgbI/AAAAAAAADH4/aqxQJA4xt9g/s320/IMAG0180.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished product! Only one hand this time, a table managed to break half the nails off the other...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've heard from a lot of reviewers that the matte coat will really show the flaws in your brush strokes, so since the base coat made mine majorly flawed I decided to do something fun! It is pretty funky and makes me smile, so I'll definitely do this again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Products Used: </b>Sally Hansen InstaDry Mint Sprint and Sephora coffee in NY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Time: </b>About a half hour, all told. The Sephora paint went on a little thin so I had to do multiple layers. The InstaDry polish was PERFECT for this project with the dots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cost: </b>I already had the InstaDry from the last project, and the Sephora teensy bottle was $1 on clearance, plus a q-tip which was probably worth about a penny and I had them laying around. Definitely a low-cost project!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-78406761358994667902011-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:51:00.768-07:00Word of warning...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those awesome blue nails that just went up? Yeah, this isn't really a real-time blog of any sort and so when I went to take the polish off a week later, I found this... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHxdDbAOmns/To0mIzJJtWI/AAAAAAAADHU/XGkwXJplIUM/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHxdDbAOmns/To0mIzJJtWI/AAAAAAAADHU/XGkwXJplIUM/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Onajw5h8liA/To0mXQStF0I/AAAAAAAADHY/BMBQ2tGpfI4/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Onajw5h8liA/To0mXQStF0I/AAAAAAAADHY/BMBQ2tGpfI4/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(don't ask about the yellow, I STILL haven't figured that out!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhyP8nPx1k/To0mm0jzfWI/AAAAAAAADHg/m-EE8AbqeTQ/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhyP8nPx1k/To0mm0jzfWI/AAAAAAAADHg/m-EE8AbqeTQ/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
It may not be immediately evident, but my nails are stained blue... I'm going to try and be like Rick Astley and not give up on this, so that last picture is Sally Hansen's Hard As Wraps which is going on as my base coat this time around since I'm using another dark color. I'll keep you updated on that!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-47108018213514966892011-10-04T22:13:00.000-07:002011-10-05T21:06:09.727-07:00I'm Blue Dadadeedadada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I swear I'm going to go to Michael's soon and start doing some Pinterest stuff that ISN'T just nails and food! But, for now, you get my "I wish it were summer so I could actually be at the beach seeing these colors" nail job as inspired by the Candy Cane Stripes I found via Pinterest from <a href="http://chloesnails.blogspot.com/2010/12/peppermint-mani.html">Chloe's Nails</a>! I took Chloe's advice and tried Scotch tape to do the edging, and I have a few thoughts on that I'll share at the end-- for now, enjoy the process!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFy91gYDmVA/Tof048AWOhI/AAAAAAAADDM/mhdQYSMw0Jc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFy91gYDmVA/Tof048AWOhI/AAAAAAAADDM/mhdQYSMw0Jc/s320/1.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Scotch Tape rips up half the base polish on my thumb... it also leaves wavy lines. Perhaps I should cut it with scissors instead?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_5zpM8YO8o/Tof1AtJoRTI/AAAAAAAADDQ/fJG-7YxY9qg/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_5zpM8YO8o/Tof1AtJoRTI/AAAAAAAADDQ/fJG-7YxY9qg/s320/2.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. OK, put all the tape on at once so I don't have to fuss with doing each nail while another is wet</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4k9w6OCAkgE/Tof1KooGUBI/AAAAAAAADDU/E3pT5CDBidY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4k9w6OCAkgE/Tof1KooGUBI/AAAAAAAADDU/E3pT5CDBidY/s320/3.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. I cut all the tape with scissors and decided to use different kinds of stripes on each nail to see if I could get the barber pole effect-- make them look like the stripes were moving from nail to nail!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPpYkFO2pBQ/Tof1ZevEj_I/AAAAAAAADDY/q6WI2pAKiHs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPpYkFO2pBQ/Tof1ZevEj_I/AAAAAAAADDY/q6WI2pAKiHs/s320/4.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Oh, hey, look. I pulled off more...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbvrltZ73yA/Tof1tKUmtTI/AAAAAAAADDc/QK-mDuxskx4/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbvrltZ73yA/Tof1tKUmtTI/AAAAAAAADDc/QK-mDuxskx4/s320/5.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. But this time I tried pulling it off with tweezers and it worked a little better! The base coat was pulled but not all the way off and I was able to smooth it back down.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RrOGxvEApQ/Tof13qI_StI/AAAAAAAADDg/9EE4UtB3QcA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RrOGxvEApQ/Tof13qI_StI/AAAAAAAADDg/9EE4UtB3QcA/s320/6.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. I did have a lot of problems with the tape stripping off itself and leaving small chunks behind; the tweezers came in handy here as well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeXHo-xKtX4/Tof2Kvomm_I/AAAAAAAADDo/2R7ZcxsvxBA/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeXHo-xKtX4/Tof2Kvomm_I/AAAAAAAADDo/2R7ZcxsvxBA/s320/8.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. Here's what the first round looked like before fixes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iudeFjS7dL4/Tof2UCvsI7I/AAAAAAAADDs/pZa4hE8t8kw/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iudeFjS7dL4/Tof2UCvsI7I/AAAAAAAADDs/pZa4hE8t8kw/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8. A little bit sad, but not too shabby for a first go, right?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3NzE1zewYk/Tof2aix1vzI/AAAAAAAADDw/PRUymDbZRcM/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3NzE1zewYk/Tof2aix1vzI/AAAAAAAADDw/PRUymDbZRcM/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the first hand finished product including a clear coat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-173rr818WU8/Tof2iB0NOmI/AAAAAAAADD0/9sRYRJuS1Qs/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-173rr818WU8/Tof2iB0NOmI/AAAAAAAADD0/9sRYRJuS1Qs/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the second hand, finished product including top coat. </div><br />
As noted above, I think tweezers are a definite must have for this type of project-- the amount of fixing I had to do was insane! I did the bottom coat (Sally Hansen Capri Blue) on Sunday afternoon and had to do several layers-- probably four --to get the depth of color I wanted and I noticed a lot of that coming off on the scotch tape. The stripes coat was a Sally Hansen InstaDry type and I will be interested to see how "regular" polish behaves.<br />
<br />
For next time, I think I will probably put a clear coat on over the base to keep that layer of color (no matter how small) from coming up and potentially protecting me from fixes. I'll also have fine tipped tweezers for those pesky left behind bits of tape.<br />
<br />
All that being said, people were still blown away-- I actually held up the line at my hair salon because everyone wanted to see! Needless to add, the 5th grade girls at my after school program were ALSO impressed and stomped off pouting about how their mothers never let them do anything cool like that. I highly doubt that they have ever asked their mothers for scotch tape and nail polish!<br />
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I'm also considering doing something like this with those same girls at work, and to do so it would be much easier to have a stencil, so I'm going to work on making one out of index cards and I'll let you know how that goes!<br />
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<b>Products Used</b>: Sally Hansen Capri Blue, Sally Hansen InstaDry in Mint Sprint<br />
<b>Time</b>: About a day all told-- I spent about four hours on the base coat to make sure I had the color I wanted and waited overnight to make sure it was dry enough, then cut up all the Scotch tape, painted them all again, then did the fixes, then did the clear coat... you get the point. BUT, I think in the future it will take less time!<br />
<b>Cost: </b>Under $10 for both of them on sale. I'm all over the cheap polish, and I think I paid $4/ea or less. Plus, I'm definitely using them again!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_h8-2jBqJ0Q/To0jZdqPuCI/AAAAAAAADHQ/-BzgA96QFpE/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_h8-2jBqJ0Q/To0jZdqPuCI/AAAAAAAADHQ/-BzgA96QFpE/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-12941989123707909902011-10-02T18:36:00.000-07:002011-10-02T18:36:00.253-07:00Sesame Noodles with Beef and BroccoliThis is an example of when you see a perfect looking recipe and it turns out completely delicious but perhaps a little bit different looking. I feel a little less badly about how my version below turned out compared to Sandra's over at <a href="http://jazzieandtahlia.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/09/sesame-noodles-with-beaf-and-broccoli-.html">The Daily Grind</a>... she seems somehow less [insert favorite derogatory comment about MS here] than Martha Stewart AND she has adorable daughters!<br />
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Here is Sandra's noodle dish, as circulated on Pinterest:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQT-dgqNuY0/Tofrf5TcujI/AAAAAAAADCY/dXdKhFtiT_8/s1600/sandras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQT-dgqNuY0/Tofrf5TcujI/AAAAAAAADCY/dXdKhFtiT_8/s320/sandras.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here is the end version of mine:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUe0aVwzAAY/Tofr0YHtK1I/AAAAAAAADCc/tBXQGKVQIgI/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUe0aVwzAAY/Tofr0YHtK1I/AAAAAAAADCc/tBXQGKVQIgI/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Granted, I didn't bother to set mine up in a pretty bowl and then use a decent camera to shoot it, however mine's a bit... dark. On to the recipe, though, and I think you'll see why mine turned out so differently!<br />
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You will need a box of linguine, a bag of steam in the bag broccoli, about a half pound of stew/stir fry sirloin and fixin's for the sauce...<br />
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For the sauce, you will need:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkD8QMS3ygI/Tofs6h62b_I/AAAAAAAADCg/pzfVTBk2e3M/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkD8QMS3ygI/Tofs6h62b_I/AAAAAAAADCg/pzfVTBk2e3M/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(you should ignore the rice wine vinegar... it just stuck its nose in)</div><br />
1/2 cup of soy sauce (this is the major difference-- I used a half cup of dark soy sauce as opposed to 1/4 cup of low sodium)<br />
1.5 tbs sesame oil<br />
4 cloves minced garlic*<br />
1 tbs minced ginger*<br />
1 tbs brown sugar<br />
1 tbs agave nectar<br />
Juice of half a lime*<br />
Siracha (or other chili paste) to taste<br />
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Of course, I made a few adjustments for ease and ability to store things in my kitchen...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSmsMD01Ctk/ToftztYfzRI/AAAAAAAADCk/RA5Ow5XYJ14/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSmsMD01Ctk/ToftztYfzRI/AAAAAAAADCk/RA5Ow5XYJ14/s320/IMG_1053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is minced garlic from the farmer's market-- I also used powdered ginger and, in the right hand corner there, is a jar of lime juice... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>* So, since I made these changes, here is my estimate of what I ended up using:<br />
1 tbs minced garlic<br />
1 tbs powdered ginger<br />
1 tbs lime juice<br />
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Clearly I can't tell you how it fares against the original recipe, but it ended up quite yummy!<br />
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Now, down to business!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXQb0-6BhsA/TofuqCKu9BI/AAAAAAAADCo/yU5vFfgK98g/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXQb0-6BhsA/TofuqCKu9BI/AAAAAAAADCo/yU5vFfgK98g/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooked up a box of linguine (yes, that was the only clean pot, don't judge me!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-My9KMMb3sfU/Tofu4mFCYMI/AAAAAAAADCs/nPau4fi_O10/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-My9KMMb3sfU/Tofu4mFCYMI/AAAAAAAADCs/nPau4fi_O10/s320/IMG_1052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour all sauce ingredients in to a bowl for whisking together (discipline the white wine vinegar for sneaking out of the cupboard in the first place)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK4sNn-Wyd0/TofvFcJDB9I/AAAAAAAADCw/RILUZU5wJ6o/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK4sNn-Wyd0/TofvFcJDB9I/AAAAAAAADCw/RILUZU5wJ6o/s320/IMG_1056.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do as the bag says</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K97Bo9GoFhM/TofvQdvlmzI/AAAAAAAADC0/IeGRAyrLGnA/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K97Bo9GoFhM/TofvQdvlmzI/AAAAAAAADC0/IeGRAyrLGnA/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had stew beef for ours, so I sliced it up a little thinner to cook without oil in a pan</div><br />
When all of that was done, I tossed the pasta in a bowl, tonged out the broccoli (because nobody likes broccoli water in their pasta), and tossed the beef in...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4THjTnqjJ2I/TofwplSgqYI/AAAAAAAADC4/ThSZ_eF86c0/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4THjTnqjJ2I/TofwplSgqYI/AAAAAAAADC4/ThSZ_eF86c0/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yonqLkIzsYI/Tofw2e6Qw8I/AAAAAAAADC8/Ejzu0H3hni8/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yonqLkIzsYI/Tofw2e6Qw8I/AAAAAAAADC8/Ejzu0H3hni8/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then I whisked the sauce one more time, poured it in, and mixed it all up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyRV2O7YOuI/TofxNtSX0EI/AAAAAAAADDA/K3vNSWJb730/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyRV2O7YOuI/TofxNtSX0EI/AAAAAAAADDA/K3vNSWJb730/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qMVsEKSrvY/TofxZ04bk0I/AAAAAAAADDE/UYMzpgzZo5M/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qMVsEKSrvY/TofxZ04bk0I/AAAAAAAADDE/UYMzpgzZo5M/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
And VOILA!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2hhl4Oxk8U/TofxoCLO-cI/AAAAAAAADDI/QUBSt614gUQ/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2hhl4Oxk8U/TofxoCLO-cI/AAAAAAAADDI/QUBSt614gUQ/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DINNER!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Rating</b>: Definitely easy, as long as you're not likely to catch things on fire when you cook</div><b>Cost</b>: Inexpensive, but not cheap-- if you don't already have some of the sauces in your cabinet they can be a few dollars a bottle to stock up on, BUT worth it because you'll use them again! Plus, there are tons of leftovers, we've made at least three meals out of this!<br />
<b>Time: </b>About 30 minutes<br />
<b>Conclusion</b>: We will DEFINITELY be eating this again. It's healthy, yummy, and if you brown the beef ahead of time the only thing you have to spend time on is the pasta. Great weeknight dinner!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-60668601383097921902011-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:37:23.658-07:00Snap, CRACKLE, PopOK, let's be fair, really I just wanted to use the Rice Krispy slogan because nothing about this paint job reminds me of breakfast cereal and I didn't snap OR pop when I was done.<br />
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One of the great things about Pinterest, as you'll find out with this short post and the next (much more involved) post is that I feel a little more confident to try things I haven't tried before. I've never thought of myself as a "smokey eyes" gal or a "nail art" gal and when I saw a staff member with the crackle/shatter top coat last year I was blown away-- it looked SO COOL! But, Sam was a much more chic person-- she's several years younger (literally only several, though, I kind of sequester myself to old-ladydom since I'm married and run a child care center) and way more fashion forward than myself so I didn't think about it until I saw it on Pinterest again.<br />
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Then I saw this one:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEeGhVFd83c/ToON4NsUncI/AAAAAAAADCA/8q2igLrogHA/s1600/halloweennails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEeGhVFd83c/ToON4NsUncI/AAAAAAAADCA/8q2igLrogHA/s320/halloweennails.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.parizhouse.com/product/96/806/OPI-Happy-Halloweenies-Duo-Pack/?o=default#/image-product/img806-1311824136.jpg">via</a>)</div><br />
And thought, "You know what, I run a child care center and it would be AWESOME to do this for Halloween!"<br />
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So, to start things out, I thought I'd go sorority-tastic and do a red and white combo since I thought it would be the least loud combination I could come up with to start myself out. I happen to think it turned out alright!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q7XqEA1v-U/ToOP35rYv9I/AAAAAAAADCE/2pwz9_c_Qlk/s1600/RedWhiteCrackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q7XqEA1v-U/ToOP35rYv9I/AAAAAAAADCE/2pwz9_c_Qlk/s320/RedWhiteCrackle.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
Of course, for the next week I was craving peppermint bark, but my cool points went up infinitely with the 2-5th grade girls!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvR6ibDMzxg/To0iXPP-pOI/AAAAAAAADHM/9m0H7e9fl9E/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvR6ibDMzxg/To0iXPP-pOI/AAAAAAAADHM/9m0H7e9fl9E/s320/IMG_1063.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Products Used</b>: Sally Hansen Snow Blast Crackle Overcoat, Sinful Colors Professional in Ruby Ruby<br />
<b>Time</b>: Minimal-- an hour or two, which is long for nails but not for nail ART! (ha) I do suggest letting the bottom coat dry for a while if it's significantly darker. I noticed a little red coming off on my white, so I waited an hour and didn't have that problem.<br />
<b>Cost:</b> About a $10 up front investment since I got them both on sale, but I'll definitely use both colors again, probably at Christmas :)Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-86087102596773541662011-09-28T15:45:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:45:22.261-07:00Caprese BreakdownWe still had some tomatoes and mozzarella left (the basil decided to peace out, the little twerp!) after those caprese bowls/balls/bakes and I love that caprese salad so I thought to myself, "Now that you have some balsamic vinegar, you could make a REAL variation on caprese!"<br />
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Yeah, anyone notice something wrong with this picture?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsL0djnO2dg/TnvfYFY81lI/AAAAAAAAC-w/ucs_o38PEsw/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsL0djnO2dg/TnvfYFY81lI/AAAAAAAAC-w/ucs_o38PEsw/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Correctamundo, dear reader, the Red Wine Vinegar and the Balsamic Vinegar have a nearly identical label and I did not manage to notice this until AFTER I'd started dashing a decidedly NOT dark substance on my deconstructed caprese!<br />
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Before that, I chopped up the tomato...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PQ5L-z93zM/TnvgIssQg2I/AAAAAAAAC-0/w3IQlrEFby8/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PQ5L-z93zM/TnvgIssQg2I/AAAAAAAAC-0/w3IQlrEFby8/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And pulled out some mozarella balls to be quartered...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOg_6JHr3wM/TnvgoD5nyjI/AAAAAAAAC-4/XJpKhvIejqI/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOg_6JHr3wM/TnvgoD5nyjI/AAAAAAAAC-4/XJpKhvIejqI/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-vkJV1IGeA/Tnvg0Ft6sjI/AAAAAAAAC-8/DOFOmaEMCCg/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-vkJV1IGeA/Tnvg0Ft6sjI/AAAAAAAAC-8/DOFOmaEMCCg/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aef0CmoMqcA/TnvhCbzo2HI/AAAAAAAAC_A/n_3fx782soo/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aef0CmoMqcA/TnvhCbzo2HI/AAAAAAAAC_A/n_3fx782soo/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then tossed it all together with the salt, olive oil, and red wine vinegar...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf2EwiLcaug/TnvhlpQZF7I/AAAAAAAAC_E/5N0aPsfA-pI/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf2EwiLcaug/TnvhlpQZF7I/AAAAAAAAC_E/5N0aPsfA-pI/s320/IMG_1005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gotta love the glow of olive oil on mozarella! And the red wine vinegar actually wasn't a bad addition-- you have to super like sour stuff, though, because it was on the tart side. Thankfully, I adore sour/acid so it was right up my alley. I ate the tomatoes first and let the cheese soak up some of the liquid... superb!<br />
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Rating: Easy Peasy<br />
Cost: Cheap-- it's leftovers!<br />
Conclusion: Delish! Definitely a great "re-hashed" leftovers sort of dealMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-55687269700988223842011-09-25T11:54:00.000-07:002011-09-25T11:54:07.288-07:00Bacon Chipotle PoppersOh, wow, y'all-- if I've learned nothing else from Pinterest, it's that you can make anything with crescent rolls. ANYTHING. And those of you who know me know that I would DIE for bacon. Or because of it. I haven't figured out which yet...<br />
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I saw this on Pinterest, a recipe from Lindsay over at "<a href="http://aisletoaloha.blogspot.com/2011/01/pop-em-like-theyre-hot.html">From the Aisle to Aloha</a>"-- it had bacon and a title that referenced one of my favorite rap songs, what wasn't to like?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7zzN9nYN0/TnvQQ6xP8GI/AAAAAAAAC-I/axenVO3m2sU/s1600/poppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7zzN9nYN0/TnvQQ6xP8GI/AAAAAAAAC-I/axenVO3m2sU/s320/poppers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I bought my husband as an only semi gag gift a product called "Chipotle Toppers" from our local Marshall's which is just pre-chopped chipotles in adobo sauce ready to squeeze on to unsuspecting and bland sandwiches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lb_-EEfjNKE/TnvROhTVBTI/AAAAAAAAC-M/mtCnuqK8P6s/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lb_-EEfjNKE/TnvROhTVBTI/AAAAAAAAC-M/mtCnuqK8P6s/s320/IMG_0986.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Since we love chipotle almost as much as we love bacon, I decided to use that instead of the jalapenos. I then raced to the store and promptly bought BACON and CREAM CHEESE! Wait, I'm missing something... oh, right, crescent rolls.<br />
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Two days later...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CouSCXfWyEs/TnvRomirCUI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/NOdsOu-V1oY/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CouSCXfWyEs/TnvRomirCUI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/NOdsOu-V1oY/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cook-a the bacon-- I chopped it up first so it didn't get over-cooked and so I didn't have to worry about evenly sized pieces in the poppers.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fgj25z9GCM0/TnvRzrHU8eI/AAAAAAAAC-U/aRIJkR2HdPk/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fgj25z9GCM0/TnvRzrHU8eI/AAAAAAAAC-U/aRIJkR2HdPk/s320/IMG_0985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took Lindsay's advice and cut the crescent rolls in half-- I'd say that if you're a little clumsy like me, your first time around it wouldn't hurt to try it just with the regular crescent rolls.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApEXnlJqu08/TnvR837wTqI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/7wTt1xW4UK8/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApEXnlJqu08/TnvR837wTqI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/7wTt1xW4UK8/s320/IMG_0987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chopped off a small block of cream cheese and then cut the ends off to fill the pastry</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PGAy6vfbiM/TnvSJJTNcLI/AAAAAAAAC-c/6CpgArFKVC4/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PGAy6vfbiM/TnvSJJTNcLI/AAAAAAAAC-c/6CpgArFKVC4/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add cream cheese</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jE14EWZaD4/TnvSVZclZII/AAAAAAAAC-g/yduSdo2Bg08/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jE14EWZaD4/TnvSVZclZII/AAAAAAAAC-g/yduSdo2Bg08/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add chipotle </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbWH48pIe9k/TnvShIXZatI/AAAAAAAAC-k/7Tb-e3QO_ys/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbWH48pIe9k/TnvShIXZatI/AAAAAAAAC-k/7Tb-e3QO_ys/s320/IMG_0991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add bacon</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0IshAsEftY/TnvStCRV7cI/AAAAAAAAC-o/ek_efy-mIcE/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0IshAsEftY/TnvStCRV7cI/AAAAAAAAC-o/ek_efy-mIcE/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could just eat that now, right?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QKv54FpKw/TnvS68GTU5I/AAAAAAAAC-s/72nwrPm5Qpw/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QKv54FpKw/TnvS68GTU5I/AAAAAAAAC-s/72nwrPm5Qpw/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After about 10-15 minutes in the oven at 350 they were ready to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only change I made was that instead of twisting the tops up, I sort of went for the diaper/swaddle fold with the three-sided pastry. and didn't have any problems with the filling busting out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Rating: Easy<br />
Cost: Cheap<br />
Conclusion: There were no leftovers. Need I say more?Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-81554324794850239752011-09-22T17:09:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:31:23.789-07:00Baked Caprese, Caprese Bowls, Caprese Balls...OK, so I'm not starting this off right since this one didn't originate from a specific Pin, but there were so many awesome Caprese salad variations I just went for this one on a whim! I was still INSPIRED by Pinterest, so it counts, right? OK, fine, I'll get around it by pinning it myself!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywUfHfdRMfg/TnvMfcjNxmI/AAAAAAAAC98/8XKb1Xo_qvI/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywUfHfdRMfg/TnvMfcjNxmI/AAAAAAAAC98/8XKb1Xo_qvI/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All you need is a few fresh tomatoes with the top half scooped out, some mozarella (I used mozarella balls from the farmer's market) and some basil! I topped it off with a little kosher salt and some olive oil, then popped them in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes. Next time, however, I will poke some holes in the bottom of the tomatoes because the juice almost got in the way of enjoyment. I didn't have any balsamic vinaigrette, but I picked some up the other day and will be adding it to round 2: deconstructed caprese! </div><br />
Rating: Easy Peasy<br />
Cost: Cheap<br />
Conclusion: Delicious-- if you like caprese salad, you have to give this a try! People will think you're super fancy!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6004417703063074106.post-56454645746842721832011-09-22T16:14:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:20:38.073-07:00A Pinterest A Week Makes me Kind of a Geek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCb1dVsGUys/TnvCtKS3UMI/AAAAAAAAC94/A_BL0Fih5MA/s1600/pint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCb1dVsGUys/TnvCtKS3UMI/AAAAAAAAC94/A_BL0Fih5MA/s320/pint.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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If you asked me what my most favorite thing on the internet was two weeks ago, I would have gone between Jenny Lawson at <a href="http://www.thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a> and Karen at <a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/">The Art of Doing Stuff</a>-- those women are AWESOME! Jenny is just flat out funny and Karen... man, if I had half of Karen's get-up-and-go I could no longer quote Aerosmith.<br />
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</div><div>So where do I find my middle ground? Where do I find my space on the internet? I tried being snobby and private-collegey and that just didn't work; I have friends who are snobbier than I am so I just looked stupid all over again! I have my own business, <a href="http://www.agapeevents.blogspot.com/">Agape Events</a>, but I felt like some of my posts over there were a little too much for an events blog-- I get so carried away when I find something that inspires me I can't contain myself and self editing has ALWAYS been a thing for me...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Along comes <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. Oh, Pinterest, my love for thee is unending! Every time I thought about a website I wish I could have designed, it's Pinterest. I come across so many things and bookmarking just doesn't do it for me-- I'm way more visual than "Pearl Necklace Tutorial" and I forget about it, which I DON'T want to do!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Pinterest has changed this, and I'm hoping I don't jinx myself by making this blog, but my goal isn't a Pinterest a Day, but at least a Pinterest a week-- A Pinterest a Week just doesn't sound very cute and I couldn't think of a sweet little rhyme. Meek? Beak? Leak? Deke? Geek? Oh, wait... A Pinterest a Week Makes me Kind of a Geek? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Oh, well, the name is here so let's get some real posts up!</div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05725377560719527793noreply@blogger.com0