tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18474237933210127812024-03-13T21:27:56.823-05:00Lemonade and LollypopsA blog of Inspiration, Crafts, Projects,a little bit of food and everything else in between for moms by a mom!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-40625726716385601362012-09-20T14:33:00.002-05:002014-10-28T09:03:52.009-05:00Zucchini Bread<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was at my friend Jen's house yesterday having a little playdate with the kiddos and she offered me some zucchini bread that she had made. That's when it hit me- I LOVE ZUCCHINI BREAD- why have I not thought of making any (in many, many years?!) Maybe it's because it has been so long since I've had any (but I seriously doubt it) but this was the BEST I have EVER tried! I had to have more- now! We made these loaves this morning and one is already gone! <br />
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<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkentbrew%2F6851755809%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7027%2F6851755809_df5b2051c9_z.jpg&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4j3hL8h-ddI/UFtYwwMTO7I/AAAAAAAABM8/d-JKIXPgGqU/s1600/Zucchini+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4j3hL8h-ddI/UFtYwwMTO7I/AAAAAAAABM8/d-JKIXPgGqU/s640/Zucchini+Bread.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Zucchini Bread</u></div>
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<em>1-1/2 cups sugar</em></div>
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<em>2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce</em></div>
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<em>1/3 cup canola oil</em></div>
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<em>2 egg whites</em></div>
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<em>1 egg</em></div>
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<em>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</em></div>
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<em>3 cups all purpose flour</em></div>
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<em>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</em></div>
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<em>1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder</em></div>
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<em>1 teaspoon salt</em></div>
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<em>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</em></div>
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<em>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</em></div>
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<em>2 cups shredded zucchini</em></div>
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<em>1 can (8oz.) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained</em></div>
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<em>1/3 cup walnuts (optional)</em></div>
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In a large bowl, beat the sugar, applesauce, oil, egg whites, egg and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in the zucchini, pineapple, and walnuts.</div>
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Pour into two 8 large or 4 small loaf pans coated with cooking spray.</div>
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Bake at 350<strong>°</strong> for 50-60 minutes. Cool before serving.</div>
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Original recipe came from Taste of Home 2011.</div>
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Happy Baking!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-88727894319714841592012-07-27T14:39:00.000-05:002012-07-27T14:39:33.481-05:00Sponge Water Bombs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivzaU3dNjI/UBLmzhKDzyI/AAAAAAAABEo/h8nlwFqL4XM/s1600/Sponge+Bombs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivzaU3dNjI/UBLmzhKDzyI/AAAAAAAABEo/h8nlwFqL4XM/s640/Sponge+Bombs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am going to have to start a whole new section of my blog called Saw it on Pinterest! I'm sure I'm with almost all of you that I have become seriously hooked on it. The ideas coming off there crazy awesome. So from now on there is going to be a mix of my own creative ideas, some that are inspired by others but I add my own twist to and then ones like this that are too awesome to not just plain copy. </div>
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This idea originally came from <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/05/16/sponge-water-bombs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HouseOfHepworths+%28House+of+Hepworths%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">House of Hepworths.</a> I remembered seeing it on Pinterest and made these up and did the picture for them, THEN I looked back to her blog and saw that she called them the exact same thing. Oops- I really wasn't trying to copy that far but I'm not sure what else you would call them. So, in the end, thank you House of Hepworths for creating this summer fun- it really is a great replacement to water balloons which can be a pain to fill and clean up.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JlAcg1zTc/UBLm8GuTpWI/AAAAAAAABEw/fRJPfvrih6o/s1600/IMGP0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JlAcg1zTc/UBLm8GuTpWI/AAAAAAAABEw/fRJPfvrih6o/s400/IMGP0580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGd61nPOU3k/UBLnEcmv1LI/AAAAAAAABE4/pA1p9H0gQzg/s1600/IMGP0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGd61nPOU3k/UBLnEcmv1LI/AAAAAAAABE4/pA1p9H0gQzg/s640/IMGP0583.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I purchased two packages of large sponges, cut them into 3/4 inch strips (you could use scissors but the cutting mat is faster if you have one), lined up six strips with two layers of three and the tied fishing line super tight around the middle.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Es7Ht8ST6No/UBLsX4_sK3I/AAAAAAAABFM/eqh2ADwXRZY/s1600/IMGP0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Es7Ht8ST6No/UBLsX4_sK3I/AAAAAAAABFM/eqh2ADwXRZY/s400/IMGP0586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You seriously don't even need to be a "crafter" to make these- I whipped them up one morning before a play date. The kids even had fun helping me group the colored strips together!</div>
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Happy sponge bomb making!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-20284131454066845232012-03-22T18:14:00.007-05:002012-03-23T13:16:46.603-05:00Flower Applique Shirt Tutorial<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-ztXSxtXc/T2trLew-2-I/AAAAAAAABAw/pMIM2Vnzo7o/s1600/Flower+Applique+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-ztXSxtXc/T2trLew-2-I/AAAAAAAABAw/pMIM2Vnzo7o/s640/Flower+Applique+3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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This whole thing started off with these adorable jeans from Gap. I own two pairs for my daughter and needed something cute to go with them. My inspiration for the large applique was from<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Mini-Boden-Clothing.html#nav"> mini Boden</a>- I love their style- simple & cute. They regularly put a large applique off to the side of a shirt or dress like <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Girls-Dresses/33183-PNK/Girls-Lipstick_Flower-Stripy-Applique-Dress.html">THIS</a> and it so nicely adds to the garment without it becoming the center of attention. I added more stitching than they do but that was only in attempt to have the shirt more closely match that on the jeans.<br />
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Before I show you how to applique, let me show off a few pics of my daughter in the shirt:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--v1JH5LYtQk/T2uCUNNiUCI/AAAAAAAABBQ/_7h-K_3oY1Y/s1600/IMGP9844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--v1JH5LYtQk/T2uCUNNiUCI/AAAAAAAABBQ/_7h-K_3oY1Y/s400/IMGP9844.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUejJol_WL0/T2uCKcb8PEI/AAAAAAAABBI/Pc3oZHA1d8s/s1600/IMGP9819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUejJol_WL0/T2uCKcb8PEI/AAAAAAAABBI/Pc3oZHA1d8s/s400/IMGP9819.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvZcLhyUsnw/T2uCaN4GTGI/AAAAAAAABBY/ldfUAela1YE/s400/IMGP9821.JPG" width="267" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd4dqbYlKWI/T2uC5grxKPI/AAAAAAAABBg/QNPVPZcW_S8/s400/IMGP9818.JPG" width="248" /></div>
She's been watching me work on this for a bit and was super excited when I told her that she could finally wear it! And if you're wondering about the last picture- yes, she is part monkey!<br />
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OK- so appliqueing can be super easy! Let me show you how:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmSYDbIo74w/T2s57sakUOI/AAAAAAAAA_g/EIo77aJC5Zk/s1600/IMGP9549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmSYDbIo74w/T2s57sakUOI/AAAAAAAAA_g/EIo77aJC5Zk/s640/IMGP9549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start by creating the design. I am not an artist so I try to find something the right size to help me. In this case it was a hamburger piece from a Melissa & Doug build-a-sandwich set. It took me moving the circles a few times and erasing the old before I got it how I wanted it but this was <br />
the final shape. It's not perfectly in shape but that's OK- it gives it a little character!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj4ziEIC-Gc/T2s6agnAEKI/AAAAAAAAA_o/Nk2gZ16wFjQ/s1600/IMGP9553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj4ziEIC-Gc/T2s6agnAEKI/AAAAAAAAA_o/Nk2gZ16wFjQ/s640/IMGP9553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, place your pattern on the smooth, paper side of the wonder under. Then cut the shape out of the <a href="http://pellonideas.com/products/1001-805-wonder-under.aspx">wonder under</a> paper. <br />
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**<strong>If you are doing a doing a design that needs to be a certain direction, make sure that it is backwards when you trace it on the wonder under!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETxezfGZmXk/T2s6fln3X0I/AAAAAAAAA_w/xJHuRmvNGNs/s1600/IMGP9556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETxezfGZmXk/T2s6fln3X0I/AAAAAAAAA_w/xJHuRmvNGNs/s640/IMGP9556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place the rough side of the <a href="http://pellonideas.com/products/1001-805-wonder-under.aspx">wonder under</a> down on your applique fabric and iron, following the instructions on the wonder under which says to iron each section for 10 seconds. If you do not use the applique right away, I find that the paper peels off easier if you run the iron over it again just to warm it up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs92ixGnTOI/T2s6n8oiMUI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EqRBjVDY84g/s1600/IMGP9561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs92ixGnTOI/T2s6n8oiMUI/AAAAAAAAA_4/EqRBjVDY84g/s640/IMGP9561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the backside of the appliques. You can see here that I left a small margin of fabric around the <a href="http://pellonideas.com/products/1001-805-wonder-under.aspx">wonder under</a>- since this is knit and it won't fray, I wanted to have a tiny loose edge to give it more dimension.<br />
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Simply peel off the paper from the wonder under, place fabric side up on your project (so wonder under side down) and iron in place. Just to point out the obvious- in this case, iron down the white flower first and then the pink circle.<br />
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This is a good place to mention that this is NOT the steps that you would take if using cotton to applique- you would trace the shape onto the wonder under, cut a larger square with the shape in the middle, iron it onto your fabric and THEN cut out the shape and proceed to iron it onto your project.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMc_2sg63vE/T2s6vIjqe7I/AAAAAAAABAA/9SiPX6cUxRw/s1600/IMGP9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMc_2sg63vE/T2s6vIjqe7I/AAAAAAAABAA/9SiPX6cUxRw/s640/IMGP9569.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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So here's the shirt with the flower ironed on. Honestly, if you wanted to stop here you could- it's stuck down for good! <br />
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I decided to go on and embellish some though:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSJrosyRnAs/T2s7kJnF_PI/AAAAAAAABAQ/e9eBFHYyARs/s1600/IMGP9784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSJrosyRnAs/T2s7kJnF_PI/AAAAAAAABAQ/e9eBFHYyARs/s640/IMGP9784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is what you use to do the embroidery. It is a special "thread" called floss. The most commonly found at craft stores is a brand called DMC. It is the same "thread" that is used for cross stitch (which I used to LOVE doing- still do actually but now I don't have that much time.) You can pull the strand apart into six pieces- for this project I used three at a time- so three "threads" in one needle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37nM5-zPPYM/T2uA7Ob8fAI/AAAAAAAABA4/D8CHY-Hs_KM/s1600/IMGP9811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37nM5-zPPYM/T2uA7Ob8fAI/AAAAAAAABA4/D8CHY-Hs_KM/s640/IMGP9811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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From here on out it is just your own create expression on what you want to sew for decoration. It can be a super simple project if you just do the running stitch around the outside of each shape. Actually, I almost stopped there but again, I wanted to make the shirt match the jeans a little more so I did more in the middle.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANpDiBj7stA/T2s--h7eHUI/AAAAAAAABAY/oJkSr-CgDHE/s1600/IMGP9781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANpDiBj7stA/T2s--h7eHUI/AAAAAAAABAY/oJkSr-CgDHE/s640/IMGP9781.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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That's it! Pretty simple, huh? Just think- you don't even have to know how to sew to be able to applique on clothing! You can use this same technique spice up canvas shopping bags, baby onsies, decorative pillows and on and on. From here on out, the sky's the limit!<br />
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Happy Appliqueing!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-43141241839767159542012-03-20T13:18:00.002-05:002012-03-20T13:18:18.386-05:00Chicken Curry Pasta Salad<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cwQtj9GIYA/T2jJy7kCmsI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/o67eKddW-uk/s1600/Chicken+Curry+Pasta+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cwQtj9GIYA/T2jJy7kCmsI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/o67eKddW-uk/s640/Chicken+Curry+Pasta+Salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One day shortly after we moved here, I found a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> curry chicken salad at one of the high end grocery stores in our town and I just had to have some! It was amazing! Too bad the price wasn't- I don't remember the exact price but I know that it was high enough that I wasn't going to buy it again. I also wasn't going to live without having this pasta salad either so I created a close replica of the original so that I can indulge (financially) guilt free whenever I want! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can even usually get my kids to eat this- if your kids don't like any spiciness in foods then try to find a mild curry and you're set!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh, and by the way, this is makes an awesome picnic item. I like to make this often in the summer- just pack individual portions in containers and you have a ready to go meal for anywhere- I even take it to the pool!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicken Curry Pasta Salad</span></span></u></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2
large chicken breasts<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½
cup yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
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</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2
tsp. curry<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10-12
oz. pasta- I use Campanelle by Barilla<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 <span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Tbsp. olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2
Tbsp. curry<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½
cup yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½
cup mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1
medium red pepper</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5
oz. can sliced<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>water chestnuts<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½
cup golden raisins<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt
& pepper</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In a medium container, put 1/4 cup yogurt in the
bottom, top with 1 tsp. curry, lay the chicken breasts on the mixture, lightly
salt & pepper, top with another tsp. curry and 1/4 cup yogurt. Marinade in
fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sear chicken in a medium pan drizzled with olive oil
until cooked through. Place on a board to cool, cut and place in a large bowl.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Place 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a small pan, add 2
Tablespoons curry, warm on low-med for 2 minutes to release flavor & aroma.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cook pasta al
dente, drain, LIGHTLY rinse but do not cool it too much & place in bowl
with chicken. Add curry from pan, 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup mayonnaise, stir
well. Add red pepper, raisins & water chestnuts. Salt & pepper to taste.
Stir well. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Place in fridge overnight.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning,
take out pasta, stir, taste & add more yogurt if necessary to re-moisten.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Cooking!</span></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-26861907872631718482012-03-19T14:05:00.000-05:002012-03-19T14:36:46.332-05:00Carrot Cake Pancakes<div align="left">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB7I_UdDn9M/T2eCd6IvvrI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/3lhCEjeZtNI/s1600/Carrot+Cake+Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB7I_UdDn9M/T2eCd6IvvrI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/3lhCEjeZtNI/s640/Carrot+Cake+Pancakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I originally posted this a little less than a year ago but just finally got around to adding a picture which always helps- I rarely make a recipe without seeing a picture. Not to sound like a bully but TRY IT! You will NOT be disappointed! (If you're wondering where I got the carrot from, it's part of the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2011/11/kids-thanksgiving-stuffing.html">Thanksgiving Stuffing</a> set!)</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I LOVE this recipe because I can not only get my kids to eat it but they scarf it down! It has a whole pound of carrots to only a little over a cup of flour! In my opinion, it's a mother's dream come true- where else can you get your kids to eat so many vegetables in one sitting?! If you are still sceptical, just try it- it really tastes like carrot cake!</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carrot Cake Pancakes</span></u></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.6 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1-1/4 cups) I use a white whole wheat flour</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted- I sometimes leave this out if I'm being lazy and it still turns out great</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg- really? I don't know anyone who does this- nutmeg from the jar is fine</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">dash of ground cloves</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">dash of ground ginger</span></em></div>
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<em>1/4 cup brown sugar</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk</em></div>
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<em>1 tablespoon canola oil</em></div>
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<em>1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract- I've said this before- PLEASE don't use imitation</em></div>
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<em>2 large eggs, lightly beaten</em></div>
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<em>2 cups finely grated carrot (about 1 pound) If this step makes you not want to make this because of the time, just use a food processor- the carrots will be shredded and not ground but it still works</em></div>
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<em>cooking spray</em></div>
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<em>3 tablespoons butter, softened</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>2 tablespoons honey</em><br />
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Combine flour and next 7 ingredients (through ginger) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and next 4 ingredients (through eggs); add sugar mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Fold in 2 cups carrots.<br />
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Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spoon 4 (1/4 cup) batter mounds onto pan, spreading with a spatula. Personally, I use a large electric skillet to get more pancakes on at once and use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the mixture and then flatten in a bit.<br />
Cook for 2 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Carefully turn pancakes over; cook 1 minute or until bottoms are lightly browned. Repeat with remaining batter. Combine butter and honey in a small bowl; serve with pancakes. When feeding the kids, I usually just serve it with syrup.<br />
Yields: 12 pancakes<br />
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Recipe comes from Cooking Light Magazine (January/February 2010.) Originally from <strong>Snooze </strong>Restaurant<strong> </strong>in Denver (303-297-0700, snoozeeatery.com)<br />
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Happy Cooking!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-20412800076944635832012-03-11T14:30:00.002-05:002012-03-11T14:56:07.038-05:00Golden Book Baby Shower Copycat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgWgB7UtqTg/T0KrwVCg2TI/AAAAAAAAArk/ZJTE6cTs_MY/s1600/Golden+Book+Baby+Shower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgWgB7UtqTg/T0KrwVCg2TI/AAAAAAAAArk/ZJTE6cTs_MY/s640/Golden+Book+Baby+Shower+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After all the talk lately of the baby shower (which some of you may be getting sick of hearing about), here is the final Golden Book Baby Shower! I was so happy with how it all came together. It simple and small- which for me is the perfect shower!<br />
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My sister-in-law is a teacher so I was thinking that it would be fun to have a shower where everyone brought a copy of their favorite book to include with the gift so she can have a great start to her own collection. After looking around for some ideas I came across this blog which I now love- <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Aesthetic Nest</a>! She had done an entire shower with a<a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/01/party-golden-books-baby-shower.html"> Golden Book theme</a>. It was perfect and I just LOVED the classicness of those books that many of us grew up on!<br />
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If you haven't seen it yet, you can take a look at the invitation <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-book-baby-shower-invitation.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4YnDVk7rQ/T0Pm_DK8c2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/W7DLrE8Js60/s1600/IMGP9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4YnDVk7rQ/T0Pm_DK8c2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/W7DLrE8Js60/s640/IMGP9329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have my mother to thank for at least half of the decorations on the mantle. She kept all of these vintage Fisher Price toys from when my brothers and I were little. Let's just say that I had quite the selection to choose from. She even has the original record player- remember those? For those of you who are wondering, yes, the clown head on the color stacker is original (it was the most commented on at the shower so I asked my mom.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZRFPJ5bhMU/T0Pp7nrWDlI/AAAAAAAAAvU/CrqcOH6-kX4/s1600/IMGP9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZRFPJ5bhMU/T0Pp7nrWDlI/AAAAAAAAAvU/CrqcOH6-kX4/s640/IMGP9287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final look of the mantle included a <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/03/ribbon-board.html">pennant banner</a>, original Fisher Price toys, <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-flowers.html">paper flowers</a>, Little Golden Books and fabric bookends!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YglXLizRSDI/T06L1WsRK1I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/HP-JMH5oNlc/s1600/Fabric+Book+Ends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YglXLizRSDI/T06L1WsRK1I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/HP-JMH5oNlc/s640/Fabric+Book+Ends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These book ends were another "<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/177118197815023154/">saw it on Pinterest</a>" item. I needed some sort of bookends and couldn't find anything remotely as cute as the ones that Anneliese found for her shower so I made these quick and stole some rice from my kids' rice bin for filling.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7R33KDztQs/T0PnM_NSDaI/AAAAAAAAAuE/QYl8ptFKV4c/s1600/IMGP9284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7R33KDztQs/T0PnM_NSDaI/AAAAAAAAAuE/QYl8ptFKV4c/s640/IMGP9284.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-ipg0Qpiw/T0PpUl-Qw7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/A3DpazkwU_Y/s1600/IMGP9309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-ipg0Qpiw/T0PpUl-Qw7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/A3DpazkwU_Y/s640/IMGP9309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The center of the table was set very simple just to connect it in with the shower. I made this simple quilted yellow centerpiece and set it with a few blue<a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/03/paper-flowers.html"> paper flowers</a> (original idea also taken from <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Aesthetic Nest</a>)! I wish I had gotten a nice picture without the harsh sunlight coming in but I guess when you're setting up for a shower, there isn't time for a long photo shoot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ti8mnN-9Jp4/T1z_mgx-eUI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/IRaAjereCIE/s1600/Pennant+Banner+by+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ti8mnN-9Jp4/T1z_mgx-eUI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/IRaAjereCIE/s640/Pennant+Banner+by+food.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0u2NKcz2ns/T0PotQp2TXI/AAAAAAAAAu0/vDyAMuckncs/s1600/IMGP9385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0u2NKcz2ns/T0PotQp2TXI/AAAAAAAAAu0/vDyAMuckncs/s640/IMGP9385.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
This was my favorite Golden Book from when I was little (and this IS my book.) "Where Did the Baby Go?" is about a little girl who finds a picture of a baby and asks her mother who it is. Her mother keeps giving her clues to help her find the baby and you guessed it- she figures out in the end that SHE is the baby in the picture! After we already decided to do a game where guests had to guess baby pictures, I remembered this book and thought it would be a perfect name for the game!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu2Oe9fLK8c/T0PolNqPFgI/AAAAAAAAAus/33U9UnrSTB4/s1600/IMGP9372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu2Oe9fLK8c/T0PolNqPFgI/AAAAAAAAAus/33U9UnrSTB4/s640/IMGP9372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is where I used the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/03/ribbon-board.html">ribbon board</a>. I forgot to take a picture of it during the shower with all the pictures on it but we asked every guest to bring a baby picture of themselves and I arranged all the pictures on this board and attached a number next to each one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOcO8ESnDRY/T1qUhbKElzI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/gIwvIm5TD-k/s1600/Where+Did+the+Baby+Go+Game+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOcO8ESnDRY/T1qUhbKElzI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/gIwvIm5TD-k/s320/Where+Did+the+Baby+Go+Game+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know that you have the picture by now but everyone then filled out this card with their guesses. I was surprised that my husband's aunt actually got every single name right!<br />
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So, if you have looked at <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/01/party-golden-books-baby-shower.html">Aesthetic Nest</a> where I found all the printables and are wondering how I made this card from her pages, I'll tell you (I did ask her permission first.) I copy and pasted her page with the book labels (with four on a page) onto a Word document and used a text box to cover her words with the body of this card. I know this is common sense but if you do this, PLEASE give Anneliese credit for all her hard work creating these printables in the first place!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6OQJjTv3zY/T1yjaq_O_GI/AAAAAAAAA44/WLGsCk7Syn4/s1600/Jelly+Belly+Jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6OQJjTv3zY/T1yjaq_O_GI/AAAAAAAAA44/WLGsCk7Syn4/s640/Jelly+Belly+Jar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other game we played was super simple- Guess how many Jelly Bellys are in the jar! I have never been one to enjoy lengthy, mind challenging shower games. I believe showers should be a fun time to get together to "shower" the recipient with love, support and gifts to help them start their new life, either as a wife or mother! </div>
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So, take a guess, how many Jelly Bellys in this jar? The answer- 1617! I was asked many times and you are probably thinking this yourself- yes, I counted all of them!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIe3_aYUHY/T1yfz0Ev2WI/AAAAAAAAA4g/pof82PXQxmw/s1600/Jelly+Belly+Guess+Game+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIe3_aYUHY/T1yfz0Ev2WI/AAAAAAAAA4g/pof82PXQxmw/s320/Jelly+Belly+Guess+Game+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_jTxru_tx0/T1zwIAkFgAI/AAAAAAAAA5I/JJW9coEYqnM/s1600/Baby+Gift+Set+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_jTxru_tx0/T1zwIAkFgAI/AAAAAAAAA5I/JJW9coEYqnM/s640/Baby+Gift+Set+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Here is the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-shower-gift-set.html">gift set</a> that I created for my sister-in-law!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix89XJ-cjyo/T0PnG_dzXyI/AAAAAAAAAt8/ySSiWLh_wXM/s1600/IMGP9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix89XJ-cjyo/T0PnG_dzXyI/AAAAAAAAAt8/ySSiWLh_wXM/s640/IMGP9390.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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These cupcakes are a 100% copycat item- they are so cute AND Anneliese basically hands them to you on a platter with <a href="http://www.scribd.com/full/46780242?access_key=key-2erbnvxtq51f2nzznrrb">THESE</a> printouts so one would be silly to not just copy hers! She adds some really adorable paper cupcake holders to hers but after cutting out about three of them I decided that the yellow with polka dots were just fine for me!<br />
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In addition to the cupcakes, I saw these <a href="http://theitaliandishblog.com/imported-20090913150324/2011/8/17/cheesecakes-in-jars.html">Cheesecakes in a Jar </a>on Pinterest (originally from The Italian Dish) and just HAD to make these! I mean, come on, have you ever seen anything so cute (and delicious)?! They were a hit too! Only one left at the end (oh, and there were 12 cheesecakes and 10 people- you do the math.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POrC2g9ZJhM/T0PqVq9e65I/AAAAAAAAAvc/CuaXu0NdOic/s1600/Food+at+Shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POrC2g9ZJhM/T0PqVq9e65I/AAAAAAAAAvc/CuaXu0NdOic/s640/Food+at+Shower.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My Mother-in-law made the food-doesn't it look great?! Mini chicken salad croissants, fruit tray, pasta salad, cucumber sandwiches. It was simple and perfect (and delicious!)<br />
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One final last touch as the guests left was to hand out small "Thank You's" filled with Jelly Bellys. I thought who on earth needs four pounds of Jelly Bellys at their house? That is a sure way to end up WITH a jelly belly!<br />
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I would just like to thank Anneliese at <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Aesthetic Nest</a> one more time for all the time she put into all the printouts that she provides AND for being so generous as to share them! She has a number of cute printouts for all sorts of parties at her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AestheticNest">etsy site</a> too!<br />
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</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-82899677993803553442012-03-08T18:43:00.002-06:002012-03-08T18:43:50.678-06:00Baby Shower Gift Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1EAhP8NvuA/T0KqmFHbI1I/AAAAAAAAArc/7qFnBPt1sLk/s1600/Baby+Shower+Gift+Set+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="595" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1EAhP8NvuA/T0KqmFHbI1I/AAAAAAAAArc/7qFnBPt1sLk/s640/Baby+Shower+Gift+Set+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So- for those of you who may have been watching my obsessive baby gift sewing recently, here it is!</div>
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I don't know if I'm the only one who does this but with larger projects on a deadline I keep going back and forth between "I'm right on schedule" and "I'm never going to get this finished in time!" My fear of the second becoming reality gave me the incentive to keep diligently working on these gifts! I do have to admit, however, that I didn't get two receiving blankets done before the shower but she'll get them before the baby's born (which actually reminds me that I should do those today!)</div>
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Here's a final look at the collection I created:</div>
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A stack of adorable<a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/02/burp-cloths.html"> burp cloths</a> is an essential for any baby! The phrase "you can lay the baby in the dresser drawer if you need to" may possibly be true (and maybe disturbing) if you don't yet have a crib but you NEED burp clothes if you don't want your shirt to become one! OK- a little bit of exaggeration but who would WANT to have a baby without these?<br />
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Next on the list is the gift that I'm the most thrilled with the outcome- <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/02/burp-cloths.html">the stroller bag</a>! Man, do I wish I had one of these when my kids were still in a stroller instead of have to dig for five minutes any time I wanted anything from the bag shoved underneath!<br />
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Here are the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/01/pacifier-clips.html">pacifier clips</a> and the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/01/tag-blankie.html">tag blankie</a>! Hopefully both with help to keep my new niece happy as a lark! No fallen or lost pacifiers and a super cuddle blankie with tons of ribbons to keep her busy!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNlFDw-2zUU/T0QgZNY-K7I/AAAAAAAAAxs/LnjDW_hQG6g/s1600/IMGP9275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNlFDw-2zUU/T0QgZNY-K7I/AAAAAAAAAxs/LnjDW_hQG6g/s640/IMGP9275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And last but not least the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/02/baby-changing-pad-tutorial.html">quilted changing pad</a> and <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/02/nursing-cover.html">nursing cover</a>! I saw a mom at the zoo yesterday nursing her baby with a mildly nervous look on her face. I felt bad for her and wished I could just pull a cover out of my bag and give it to her. For those of us women who aren't comfortable with the thought of flashing the crowd, the nursing cover is probably the best non-essential gift ever! Actually, after having two kids, I WOULD put it in the essential category.</div>
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On to finish posting the rest of the shower!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-58411608753616901742012-03-08T17:42:00.001-06:002012-03-08T17:42:56.886-06:00Quilted Centerpiece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3np_mgpXmkI/T0PxIPnoSvI/AAAAAAAAAwU/gTkH-4FdzMg/s1600/Quilted+Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3np_mgpXmkI/T0PxIPnoSvI/AAAAAAAAAwU/gTkH-4FdzMg/s640/Quilted+Centerpiece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I just shared with you the paper flowers, I thought it was a good time to show how to make the quilted centerpiece that they are sitting on in this picture. When I was planning the decorations for the Golden Book Shower (I'll show you the finished shower soon), I wanted to have a simple but cute centerpiece that really felt like it belonged with the shower. Since the invitations were blue and yellow (thank you Anneliese from <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Aesthetic Nest</a>) and more of the shower was yellow than anything else, it seemed only logical to make the centerpiece yellow based. </div>
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I was seriously surprised when I ended up whipping this out in about a half an hour! It was definitely easy enough that I would make more in the future if I ever just need a little something extra in my house or a party for decoration.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zb6Nb-pfKYA/T0QjUSf4KMI/AAAAAAAAAx0/k1H2W6LWEzM/s1600/IMGP9149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zb6Nb-pfKYA/T0QjUSf4KMI/AAAAAAAAAx0/k1H2W6LWEzM/s640/IMGP9149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First off, I have to tell you that when I decided to whip this up, I didn't have super high expectations because although it seemed easy in theory, I hadn't done anything quilted before (I know that the fabric is not quilted together but the top stitching is quilted.)<br />
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I started by deciding on the size of the centerpiece and then cutting two pieces of fabric and one piece of Warm & Natural batting. Then layer the pieces with the batting down first and then laying the two pieces of fabric (right sides facing each other) on top of it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk2mTO6vwI4/T0Qk2Z9c_kI/AAAAAAAAAyU/wsXSQs4MTtU/s1600/IMGP9154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk2mTO6vwI4/T0Qk2Z9c_kI/AAAAAAAAAyU/wsXSQs4MTtU/s640/IMGP9154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a large bowl that would serve as a tracing tool for the ends and traced a curve on with a fadeout marker. Pin the fabrics together and sew around the edge with a 1/4 inch seam, leaving 3 inches open on one of the flat sides for turning.</div>
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Next, I trimmed the two edges with pinking shears (or you can just clip around the curve but I find the pinking shears a lot faster.) Turn right side out, iron flat and sew around the entire edge of the centerpiece making sure to sew the opening closed.</div>
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Personally, I have fallen IN LOVE with my walking foot and use it with anything that has ANY bulk to it to keep the fabrics from shifting. My sister-in-law would just tell me to pin it more but I have already confessed before that I can be a lazy sewer and find this much faster!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hFrbvWicr4/T0PvRE7bUjI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5kiaX76WQds/s1600/IMGP9163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hFrbvWicr4/T0PvRE7bUjI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5kiaX76WQds/s640/IMGP9163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This next part was really fun! With my walking foot still on, I started against the side and just started sewing in a crazy pattern. I thought that I would end up trapping myself somewhere in the pattern but it was easier than I thought to keep going and covering the entire piece in one long crazy line.</div>
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To finish, just wash and dry the centerpiece and it comes out with that really neat quilted look!</div>
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Happy Sewing!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-15959727117730036512012-03-06T14:29:00.001-06:002012-03-06T16:49:28.876-06:00Ribbon Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CoxhNqZpsM/T1UQr1upfbI/AAAAAAAAA24/hQxZq0_lQV8/s1600/Ribbon+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CoxhNqZpsM/T1UQr1upfbI/AAAAAAAAA24/hQxZq0_lQV8/s640/Ribbon+Board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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OK- by now some of you may be getting tired of me posting about things that I made for the baby shower. This WAS made for the shower BUT with the plan behind it to put it in my daughter's room after that. I have seen ribbon boards all over and especially in places like Pottery Barn Kids where they usually sell them with frames, which I personally prefer.<br />
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This is a fairly inexpensive and definitely easy project to put together. For those of you who swear you can't sew (which I don't believe:), this is a no sew fabric project!</div>
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First, I ran over to the thrift store in our town and grabbed a frame that I liked. I didn't take a picture of it with the embroidery still inside it before I disassembled it but I ended up using the old base for the fabric (which you will see when you continue on to pictures of the back.)<br />
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My husband sanded down the frame for me before I painted it. I know that it is always wise to prime wood before painting but I didn't have any and wanted this to be a cheap project, so I proceeded without it. My advice- DON'T SKIP THE PRIMER! It turned out alright in the end but if you see it in person, I wish that it was a little more even and smooth but that might just be the perfectionist in me.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zL8_J3n1Xc/T0PxpzY_MtI/AAAAAAAAAwk/vKQOsku6ipo/s1600/IMGP9203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zL8_J3n1Xc/T0PxpzY_MtI/AAAAAAAAAwk/vKQOsku6ipo/s640/IMGP9203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, it's time to make the push pins. There are soooo many places that show you how to make these, and they're soooo easy that I'm not going to go through how to make them. Honestly, if you buy the kit for fabric covered buttons, the instructions are so easy that you don't really need a tutorial on how to do them. So in the end, I'll just tell you to look <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2007/03/thumb-tack-tutorial.html">HERE</a> to find out how to make them if you want to see some pictures.</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4U7b9zgJJPc/T1UQ-laRPRI/AAAAAAAAA3A/KOGFjLIio5o/s1600/Back+of+Ribbon+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4U7b9zgJJPc/T1UQ-laRPRI/AAAAAAAAA3A/KOGFjLIio5o/s640/Back+of+Ribbon+Board.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I apologize that I was going so crazy when making everything before the shower that I got lazy about taking pictures for every step.<br />
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I cut a piece of <a href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-quilter-39-s-notions-quilt-batting-warm-natural-cotton-batting-craft-size.aspx">Warm & Natural</a> cotton batting to the exact size of the board (you can use foam board but I just used the board and cardboard that were already in the frame.) It is the exact size of the frame because you don't want the bulkiness of the batting to wrap around to the backside of the board. A thin batting of any sort would work but I personally just use Warm & Natural for almost everything. </div>
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For the next step, a staple gun would be ideal but seeing that I didn't have one and again, wanted to keep this cheap, I used thumbtacks instead and they worked just fine! Simply cut your fabric to be a few inches larger than your board on all sides. First lay down the fabric (right side down) on a table, lay the batting in the center, place the board on top, being careful to line up the board with the batting. <br />
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Start on one side and wrap the fabric tightly around to the back of the board. Every couple inches, put a tack firmly into board to secure fabric. Next, do the side exact opposite from the one where you started to make sure the fabric stays even. Then finish the last two sides. Check over whole backside (and look at the front) to make sure the fabric is even everywhere and add any tacks as necessary.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-77kWAOYQ/T1USbABv0YI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/14ImoIVBgqU/s1600/Ribbon+Board+without+Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-77kWAOYQ/T1USbABv0YI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/14ImoIVBgqU/s640/Ribbon+Board+without+Frame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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OK- not being computer savvy, I couldn't figure out how to put arrows on the picture to point at the areas so I will have to explain this. Take one strip of ribbon and secure it in on the backside of one corner. Pulling the ribbon tight, secure in the opposite corner. Repeat with the other two corners. Next, measure each side and make a small mark in the very middle of each side. Connect the middle of one side with the middle of the very next side, creating a triangle in the corner. Continue this on all corners until you have created a diamond shape on the board.</div>
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At each point where the ribbon intersects, firmly push a fabric covered push pins. Put your fabric board in the frame and you're done! I am planning to cover the back of mine somehow- just so that the pins and old frame aren't exposed but I'll get to that another day!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lt25v4RPjs/T1UVULidmkI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/r4rlIfVOetk/s1600/IMGP9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lt25v4RPjs/T1UVULidmkI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/r4rlIfVOetk/s640/IMGP9305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here it is! The ribbon board finished and used at the shower for a fun game of "Where Did the Baby Go?" which I will share more in a future post!</div>
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Happy pinning! (No pun intended for my fellow Pinterest lovers!)</div>
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</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-52106357721860645832012-03-02T14:32:00.001-06:002012-03-02T19:43:43.063-06:00Lemon Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X97Ph2jH56o/T1Ed_xNBISI/AAAAAAAAA2w/xFBovXjJ97I/s1600/Lemon+Muffins+Ultimate+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X97Ph2jH56o/T1Ed_xNBISI/AAAAAAAAA2w/xFBovXjJ97I/s640/Lemon+Muffins+Ultimate+Final.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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It's been a while since I've shared a recipe and this is a great one to break that streak! I wanted to find more muffin recipes to send muffins with my husband to work for breakfast and per his request for lemon poppy seed muffins I found <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2011/04/11/lemon-poppy-seed-muffins/">THIS</a> recipe at <a href="http://annies-eats.com/">Annie's Eats</a>. I have made enough changes that I thought it would be easiest to give you my altered recipe which is very close to the awesome original!</div>
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<u>Lemon Muffins</u></div>
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<em>2 cups all-purpose flour (I personally use white whole wheat flour)</em></div>
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<em>1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder</em></div>
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<em>1/4 teaspoon baking soda</em></div>
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<em>1/2 teaspoon salt</em></div>
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<em>8 tablespoons butter, at room temperature (1 stick)</em></div>
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<em>1 cup sugar (I use evaporated cane juice which doesn't work for all bakery but was OK for this) </em></div>
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<em>2 large eggs, at room temperature</em></div>
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<em>zest of 1 lemon</em></div>
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<em>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</em></div>
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<em>1 cup vanilla (or plain) yogurt- because I use white whole wheat flour, I add a few extra tablespoons</em></div>
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<em>**optional- add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the flour mixture to make Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins</em><em><br /></em></div>
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<em>Glaze:</em></div>
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<em>1/2 cup powdered sugar</em></div>
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<em>1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice</em></div>
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Preheat oven to 350<strong>°. </strong>Lightly grease the bottom of a muffin pan. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt (and poppy seeds if you choose) in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients in two additions alternating with the yogurt, beating each addition just until incorporated. This is where I determine how much extra yogurt to add; I want it to be thinner than dough but much thicker than let's say cake batter. I personally have never accidentally added too much yogurt but I have had dry muffins if I followed the original recipe, so you judge.</div>
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Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full. I usually fill one pan (12 muffins) and then have enough batter left for 3 more in a second batch (or use two pans.) Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, transfer to a wire rack.</div>
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Mix together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl with a fork. While the muffins are still warm, spread or drizzle a little glaze on top of each muffin. Let the glaze set before serving.</div>
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Makes 12-15 muffins.</div>
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<a href="http://annies-eats.com/">Annie's Eats</a> is a great food blog for those foodies out there. Her recipes are all "down to earth" where you don't have to drive to three specialty stores to recreate a recipe but at the same time the quality of culinary taste exceeds that of many food websites. I always figure that if a blogger finds a recipe good enough to share of her (or his) personal blog, then I have a much better chance of finding a winner!<br />
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Happy Baking!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy%2527s+Signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy%2527s+Signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-29498700574385891482012-03-01T08:09:00.000-06:002012-03-01T08:09:12.695-06:00Paper Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCadIT7R6yo/T0PtPYMBwbI/AAAAAAAAAvk/KslOxeijav0/s1600/Paper+Flowers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCadIT7R6yo/T0PtPYMBwbI/AAAAAAAAAvk/KslOxeijav0/s640/Paper+Flowers+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maybe it's just me but I think that these paper flowers are an awesome addition to any party! Since I was already taking so much from <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Aesthetic Nest</a> for this shower, I thought why not steal the idea for those neat <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2010/05/craft-flirty-fiesta-flower-bouquets.html">flowers </a>too! You can find the original <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-wallflowers.html">tutorial</a> for them at <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/">MADE</a>. I am telling you that you need only the teeniest, tiniest pinch of craftiness to make these. To top it all off, not only are these babies cute and easy but they are made from paper napkins so they are inexpensive (the best part of any project!) <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4YnDVk7rQ/T0Pm_DK8c2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/W7DLrE8Js60/s1600/IMGP9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY4YnDVk7rQ/T0Pm_DK8c2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/W7DLrE8Js60/s640/IMGP9329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just loved the extra color and height that they added to the different areas at the shower! On the post for the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/02/pennant-banners.html">pennant banner</a> I was saying that I would probably make those for every party from here on out. Well the same goes for these flowers. They can be made in any color, any combination, any shape and they just fill in everywhere so nice!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7R33KDztQs/T0PnM_NSDaI/AAAAAAAAAuE/QYl8ptFKV4c/s1600/IMGP9284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7R33KDztQs/T0PnM_NSDaI/AAAAAAAAAuE/QYl8ptFKV4c/s640/IMGP9284.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are such a fun, easy craft that I can just picture a small group of friends sitting around having a blast hanging out, talking, maybe a bottle of wine and having tons of fun making these for a party! They could even be a great "job" for younger crafters to be able to join in preparing for the festivities!<br />
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Happy flower making!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy%2527s+Signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy%2527s+Signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-26200177583242288542012-02-28T17:52:00.000-06:002012-03-01T07:27:16.684-06:00Pennant Banners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="403" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q71CTcQJPsg/T0vC6n3pvcI/AAAAAAAAAzg/r1kUGrFUSK4/s640/Pennant+Banner+2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the first event that I have made a pennant banner for and I am hooked! I remember seeing pennant banners on various blogs and wanted to make one for a baby shower so I looked around a bit and based mine off of the one on<a href="http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/fabric-pendant-banner-tutorial/"> Your Homebased Mom</a>. She had made these for all different occasions and I loved how she makes more than one for an event. I think that having one in each area really ties the look of the party together!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVmA_JgTGU/T0LF8FUimZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/UgoBXQv9YZg/s1600/IMGP9136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVmA_JgTGU/T0LF8FUimZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/UgoBXQv9YZg/s640/IMGP9136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a few of my tips for making the banners. I would love to create a whole collection of banners that can be whipped out for different occasions (how much fun for birthday mornings at home or welcome home from camp)! I wanted these banners to really hold up for a long time so I sandwiched a 9x21 inch piece of <a href="http://askthecrafter.blogspot.com/2007/05/pellon-wonder-under-instructions.html">Wonder Under</a> between the fabric so that it won't fray with repeated use.</div>
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I found it super easy to measure out right on a cutting mat- just place ruler in one corner and the other end on the 3-1/2 inch mark and cut.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ml0ee54fA/T0LGGLrmWgI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JP5JNKzk8XQ/s1600/IMGP9137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ml0ee54fA/T0LGGLrmWgI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JP5JNKzk8XQ/s640/IMGP9137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then count across seven inches on top and line up the other end on the spot where you cut the last line to create a point.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdPr-9JnGgA/T0LGP75KpmI/AAAAAAAAAtU/1RtZWVtPIXg/s1600/IMGP9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdPr-9JnGgA/T0LGP75KpmI/AAAAAAAAAtU/1RtZWVtPIXg/s640/IMGP9140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just keep counting the seven inches across the top until you have five pennants. Here is where this project could be super ridiculously easy- if you want, these can be no sew pennants since the fabric is already fused together! You of course would still need to attach it to the bias tape but that is easy peasy!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m41pXazrers/T0942LzpJXI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4EDjKdDEiKQ/s1600/Stitching+on+Pennants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m41pXazrers/T0942LzpJXI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4EDjKdDEiKQ/s640/Stitching+on+Pennants.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
I personally love the look of the pennants being sewn so I continued on to the rest of the regular tutorial.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbvp2LP3A6g/T0LGWrkdobI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ffnRuzRp8dU/s1600/IMGP9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbvp2LP3A6g/T0LGWrkdobI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ffnRuzRp8dU/s640/IMGP9287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />You can trust that you will be seeing more of these at parties in the future! I think my next one will be for my son's birthday party in late summer- we haven't nailed down a theme yet but I'm sure that I will find cute fabric for whatever it ends up to be!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy's+Signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqMmvwgdII/T00ZpS4bOlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K-q-lGgJ4Tc/s1600/Amy's+Signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-67150867533410318852012-02-27T13:28:00.000-06:002012-02-27T13:57:47.631-06:00A Godly Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>“I believe that a Godly home is a foretaste of heaven. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Our homes, imperfect as they are, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>must be a haven from the chaos outside. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>They should be a reflection of our eternal home, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>where troubled souls find peace, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>weary hearts find rest, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>hungry bodies find refreshment, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>lonely pilgrims find communion, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>and wounded spirits find compassion.” </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> - Jani Ortlund</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Those of you who follow my blog might know that I haven't done an Monday Inspiration for some time. I didn't want to force the issue and have to try to "find" something inspirational to share. I decided instead to just share when I came across something. I saw this posted on my friend's facebook page last week and it really stuck with me so I went back to her page and had to post this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether it be painted or stitched or something else, I <u>will</u> make something with this quote to be a reminder for me every day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to remember this when my children get older, when life for them gets rough, when friends disappoint and school is hard. I want to remember this every day when my husband is on his way home from a long day's work. And I want to remember this when I have visitors who may need a break from their own home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you Jackie for posting this on facebook, it made my day and I'm sure that it was meaningful for many of your friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have a great and peaceful day!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amy</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-5472426616155655582012-02-24T14:14:00.001-06:002012-02-24T14:14:36.196-06:00Stroller Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B__Egggz8M/T0Ku1804iqI/AAAAAAAAArs/NFh0eACqIlc/s1600/Stroller+Bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B__Egggz8M/T0Ku1804iqI/AAAAAAAAArs/NFh0eACqIlc/s640/Stroller+Bag+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't want to go overboard and really sound like I'm tooting my own horn but this project is one that I really loved how it turned out! I originally found this pattern from Simple Sewing for Babies from Lotta Jansdotter. When my kids were young enough to still sit in a stroller I often wished I had a bag that wasn't bulky and needed to be shoved under the stroller where you can never reach anything when you need it.</div>
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This started out as a super simple knock-it-out-in-one-nap deal. I loved the simplicity of the style and it was definitely cute but flat with a solid strap and no liner. I know that it was made like this to serve the purpose of "simple sewing for babies" but I started to think that it could be improved. My sister-in-law (the recipient of this bag) and I agreed that a liner would be nice. I also thought that an adjustable strap for different strollers would be beneficial. Then in the last hour of planning, I decided to add an panel and throw in a few extra pockets.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEqtrE6hSUg/T0KxhlaJ7cI/AAAAAAAAAr8/LjJfQf2DBJI/s1600/IMGP9166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEqtrE6hSUg/T0KxhlaJ7cI/AAAAAAAAAr8/LjJfQf2DBJI/s640/IMGP9166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we discussed adding an adjustable strap, it started with talk of using velcro. Feeling that it wouldn't be as reliable or aesthetically appealing, I chose to do a slide strap. OK, now thinking about it, I actually decided to go with the slide strap when I came across <a href="http://www.creativecutie.com/2009/11/tutorial-applying-slide-adjuster.html">THIS</a> tutorial on Pinterest. If you aren't interested in black plastic, then you will need to search somewhere like Etsy for the slide hardware. I found some<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75650449/20-sets-2-inch-moveable-sliders-and-2"> HERE</a> on Etsy and this woman sold me two sets (just convo her if you need a different quantity than listed) for less than $2 per set plus shipping. I thought that was definitely reasonable for my project.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1q5NFWlfvE/T0Kxx6YjdtI/AAAAAAAAAsM/fk8eSQxlikQ/s1600/IMGP9175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1q5NFWlfvE/T0Kxx6YjdtI/AAAAAAAAAsM/fk8eSQxlikQ/s640/IMGP9175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The original pattern called for ribbon for the bag closure. I layed out some different ribbon but chose to just make a quick, thin strap with matching fabric instead. Once the closure strap was made, I lined it up on the bag and stitched it to keep it laying flat.<br />
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Here I added a liner to the inside of the front pockets which was by far the easiest addition to the pattern!</div>
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When I was making the liner for the inside of the bag, I added a few extra pockets. For these pockets, I basically duplicated the pockets from the front of the bag. Now might be a good time to mention something that doesn't seem to fit anywhere else in the post. I kind of thought that with the pattern creating a two dimensional bag, items might get wedged into the corners. So, I added a two inch panel to both sides and the bottom and then reinforced the bottom with a strip of heavyweight interfacing. All of this definitely added a little pain-in-the-you-know-what aspect to the project but I'm happy with how it all turned out.</div>
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This last pocket was a little more tricky. Not to bore you with all the details but it took two separate pieces of fabric (and extra added inside top flap for extra sturdiness), reinforcement of the liner behind the flap and a small amount of wavering from standard sewing procedure (as you can see on the inside of the flap) to accomplish. I really wanted to add this pocket because I pictured all the times I was at the fair or zoo and wished I had a quick, safe place to stash my ID and money. </div>
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In the end, I had already put a considerable amount of time into the bag, liner and strap and was so afraid that the final assembly would not turn out as I was hoping that I actually stopped and prayed before each part was finished. You can judge for yourself how it was answered but I am certain that I had some help:) </div>
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For all those avid sewers out there I'm sure that my little project would be nothing to write home about but if I had to choose one word from my children's favorite books about feelings, I would have to say that this project really made me feel proud (here's where my daughter would add "like me when I go poopy!") Maybe an odd note to end on but hey, that's life as a mommy!</div>
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Amy<br /> </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-43844743955699214002012-02-22T13:45:00.000-06:002012-02-22T13:45:16.174-06:00Dinosaur Tails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8fZbjKxMps/T0U6lmw2T0I/AAAAAAAAAys/yBELDiv3P5A/s1600/Dinosaur+Tails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8fZbjKxMps/T0U6lmw2T0I/AAAAAAAAAys/yBELDiv3P5A/s640/Dinosaur+Tails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I originally posted these dinosaur tails last summer shortly after I started blogging. I just decided to go back and spruce up the picture and holy cow, I really didn't know a thing about writing a post (maybe I'm only slightly better now but it was bad!) So I decided to redo some of it and repost.</div>
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One day I stumbled across <a href="http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2011/03/dinosaur-tails.html">this tutorial from Running with Scissors</a> (which has become one of my favorite blogs to follow) for these adorable and fun <a href="http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2011/03/dinosaur-tails.html">dinosaur tails</a>! I knew that I just had to make some! I started with one for my friend's son's first birthday (I knew he would have to grow into it but couldn't help making him one.) Then I went on to make one for my son's birthday, then one for my daughter who just LOVED his, then for my nephew's birthday. This goes on and on as I have now made quite a few for gifts. I even keep a small stash of fabric for when I need to whip one up!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eAPXxhiqK0/TmZ0-SoIEtI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ToBNNhxRLIk/s1600/IMGP7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eAPXxhiqK0/TmZ0-SoIEtI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ToBNNhxRLIk/s640/IMGP7157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first time I made one of these I was a little intimidated by the circle on the back of the tail but once I made a couple of these, it became a breeze. Despite my intimidation, even the first tail turned out great, it just took a wee bit longer than once I really had it down.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1buiwio_-U/TmZ1jB2QceI/AAAAAAAAAKI/I5OQVBjvYmg/s1600/IMGP7150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1buiwio_-U/TmZ1jB2QceI/AAAAAAAAAKI/I5OQVBjvYmg/s640/IMGP7150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also added a liner of batting to the inside of the green tail since it was made out of a little thinner fabric and that helped the stuffing to not look "bumpy". From my experience making these tails, I recommend using bottomweight fabric. It isn't too heavy nor is it too thin where you have to even worry about a bumpy finish.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRisBa16shQ/TmZ2BF0WYkI/AAAAAAAAAKM/V7CiRQfmCFI/s1600/IMGP7169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRisBa16shQ/TmZ2BF0WYkI/AAAAAAAAAKM/V7CiRQfmCFI/s640/IMGP7169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gettin' sassy with the tail!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlumiU6mdg/TmZ0T16M61I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KhnxfPG9oIw/s1600/IMGP7164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlumiU6mdg/TmZ0T16M61I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KhnxfPG9oIw/s400/IMGP7164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the blog that I stumbled across that day. I thought that she had some cute things so I kept my eye on it. Since then she has blown me away by her talent and not to sound sappy but she really has inspired me in my own blogging and definitely in life to try new things. With as much as she gets accomplished (with children younger than mine!) I would love to see a picture of her kitchen to confirm whether she really is secretly wonder woman or if it's just as messy as mine:)</div>
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<a href="http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UH9YB5yqeFU/S4lGq2sYbLI/AAAAAAAAANo/bh9aro37hHg/s800/jessicabutton.jpg" /><br />
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Happy Sewing (and dino roaring!)</div>
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Amy</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-49333567707811682132012-02-22T09:23:00.000-06:002012-02-22T09:23:16.463-06:00Nursing Cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24biWHCJZ9Y/T0K6CHdgyWI/AAAAAAAAAss/lc0LRrSaKyo/s1600/Nursing+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24biWHCJZ9Y/T0K6CHdgyWI/AAAAAAAAAss/lc0LRrSaKyo/s640/Nursing+Cover.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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This is the nursing cover that I made for the upcoming baby shower. I first created this when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had seen some "high end" nursing covers when I had my first child but they were so expensive that I lived without. As I prepared for the arrival of my second, I knew I would have one of these and my need to be frugal led me to<a href="http://chicthreadsbyamy.blogspot.com/search/label/Nursing%20Covers"> create my own pattern</a>. I looked at all the features that I liked from the expensive covers and put them into my creation.</div>
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<a href="http://chicthreadsbyamy.blogspot.com/search/label/Nursing%20Covers">My nursing covers</a> are two sided (I personally don't like seeing the backside of the fabric), have nice wide straps with D rings for adjusting, flat boning to keep the top propped open for Mommy-baby contact and air flow (unfortunately this can not be purchased for personal use in stores anymore but let me know if you really want to get your hands on some) and extra wide coverage (36"!!) for more privacy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mng6A8IrHk/T0K6h1IUdeI/AAAAAAAAAs0/8HvF2CuLhRo/s1600/IMGP9237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mng6A8IrHk/T0K6h1IUdeI/AAAAAAAAAs0/8HvF2CuLhRo/s640/IMGP9237.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
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It's a little hard to tell from this picture but this is the inside of the nursing cover. Isn't it nice for Mommy to see the same pretty pattern? AND it creates very nice, clean seams!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOXDzchYIM/T0K6piHHNUI/AAAAAAAAAs8/KS_k6sAeNQg/s1600/IMGP9240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOXDzchYIM/T0K6piHHNUI/AAAAAAAAAs8/KS_k6sAeNQg/s640/IMGP9240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here you can see how nicely the strap tucks into the top seam and you don't end up with a layered "box" stitched on top of the cover!</div>
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Up until now I have made probably 60 some of these! I do sell them on in a number of retail locations and on my business blog <a href="http://chicthreadsbyamy.blogspot.com/">Chic Threads by Amy</a> so unfortunately I am not going to do a tutorial for these but feel free to contact me with any questions if you are trying to recreate!</div>
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Happy Sewing (and nursing!)</div>
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-86798969534035989902012-02-21T14:08:00.000-06:002012-02-21T16:03:31.969-06:00Burp Cloths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For my sister-in-law's shower I made this stack of super simple, super cute burp cloths! Everyone who is having a baby can use burp cloths and lots of them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">To begin, I purchased 1/3 yard of two coordinating flannels. I won't tell you that I made each burp cloth to be a certain dimension because I simply washed both fabrics, ironed them, layed them on top of each other and cut as large of a rectangle as I could get out of the two pieces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I realize that this means that not all the burp cloths will be exactly the same size but my sister-in-law and I agreed that it didn't really matter since they would all be close enough and we didn't want to have to have all of them be only be as large as the smallest piece that I had (you know that they never measure each piece to be exact at the store nor do they wash up the same.)</span></div>
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Next, I placed an appropriate sized glass in each corner and traced a curve in each corner.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2gR14-PMMo/T0PuHa0YXlI/AAAAAAAAAv0/VB8PbiChDe0/s1600/IMGP9135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2gR14-PMMo/T0PuHa0YXlI/AAAAAAAAAv0/VB8PbiChDe0/s640/IMGP9135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tend to be a lazy sewer and avoid using pins whenever possible. I found that two pins on each long side and one on each end (so, six total) was sufficient to hold the two layers in place. Sew around the entire piece, leaving about 2-3 inches open on one end. Cut around each corner with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zackenschere.jpg">pinking shears</a>, turn right side out, iron flat and sew around the entire edge making sure to carefully sew the opening closed. Personally, I used a <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/what-is-a-walking-foot-with-a-video/">walking foot</a> on this last step and I feel that it helps you get a more even, less wavy finish. Iron the finished burp cloth and that's it!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0__-Lja2co/T0PuOPylsAI/AAAAAAAAAv8/AnNeov1ESZ4/s1600/IMGP9214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0__-Lja2co/T0PuOPylsAI/AAAAAAAAAv8/AnNeov1ESZ4/s640/IMGP9214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">These burp cloths are a great way to use up extra flannel, they are super fast & easy and make a great go-to baby gift! Check out <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/gorgeous-designer-baby-burp-cloths">some other ideas</a> for mixing different types of fabric with the same technique to create a whole variety!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy Sewing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amy</span></div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-43624273599224911342012-02-06T09:45:00.000-06:002012-02-06T10:57:47.784-06:00Baby Changing Pad Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfYdX47UhD8/Ty_p1d0-TVI/AAAAAAAAAqw/BpuGEzeKj5s/s1600/IMGP9038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfYdX47UhD8/Ty_p1d0-TVI/AAAAAAAAAqw/BpuGEzeKj5s/s640/IMGP9038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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OK- so this isn't a baby but my daughter was kind enough to try it out for size before I give it to my sister-in-law for her baby shower!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txHPpMrZPZY/Ty6HghPz1hI/AAAAAAAAApg/5TyF6N5o6Uw/s1600/IMGP8994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txHPpMrZPZY/Ty6HghPz1hI/AAAAAAAAApg/5TyF6N5o6Uw/s640/IMGP8994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a pretty simple project. Start by deciding what size you would like the changing pad to be and then add 1 1/2 inches (for the seams and you lose a little when quilting.) Cut equal size pieces fabric for the outside, inside & batting. I cut mine to 18x25.</div>
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Next, the strap:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgLXjbonB6E/Ty_seccIt7I/AAAAAAAAAq4/Zaz7H37xa_8/s1600/IMGP8954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgLXjbonB6E/Ty_seccIt7I/AAAAAAAAAq4/Zaz7H37xa_8/s640/IMGP8954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut a piece out the same fabric that you are using as the outside of the changing pad to be 4x13 inches. Fold the fabric in half and iron a stiff crease, then fold each side in half one more time and iron again. Make sure to be careful that the outside egdes match up nicely.</div>
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Fold over one of the ends about 1/4 inch and iron. Fold the strap back together & iron again.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV57jx6DR84/Ty6Hn50fLMI/AAAAAAAAApo/EYNtjFsILR4/s1600/IMGP9018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV57jx6DR84/Ty6Hn50fLMI/AAAAAAAAApo/EYNtjFsILR4/s640/IMGP9018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitch a line along the entire edge of the strap. Next, sew on your two pieces of velcro. I sewed the "rough" side on the finished end. Then the other piece gets sewn on the OPPISITE SIDE of the strap about 1 1/2 inches from the raw end.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIXtVJOmYqA/Ty6HvmDMrTI/AAAAAAAAApw/LjPoiWXbFZU/s1600/IMGP9027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIXtVJOmYqA/Ty6HvmDMrTI/AAAAAAAAApw/LjPoiWXbFZU/s640/IMGP9027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then comes the quilting! I have to say that this was the most time consuming step but is super easy. First bast together the batting and the fabric you wish to be the inside of the changing pad by sewing a line around the whole edge at 1/4 inch seam. Then draw your lines with a fadeout marker on the fabric. I drew mine 2 inches apart and perpendicular to each other starting at a 45 degree angle from the corner. Sew all the lines.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hAepJictmA/Ty6IDoN41UI/AAAAAAAAAqI/vJrq-cSER9k/s1600/IMGP9044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hAepJictmA/Ty6IDoN41UI/AAAAAAAAAqI/vJrq-cSER9k/s640/IMGP9044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Assemble the changing pad by facing the two right sides together. Insert the strap by placing between the two pieces, exactly in the middle of the long side, making sure that the raw edge lines up with the edge of the pad AND the velcro piece closest to the raw edge is FACING THE QUILTED PIECE. Sew the changing pad with a 1/2 inch seam, leaving a 6 inch opening on one end and being careful to never cross the stitch line from when you basted the quilted pieces together. Trim the edge to 1/4 inch EXCEPT where you left the opening. Turn right side out, pin the opening and sew a finishing line around the outer edge.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6rcd11mm4U/Ty6H21zSaDI/AAAAAAAAAp4/_eXGrATcuvM/s1600/IMGP9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6rcd11mm4U/Ty6H21zSaDI/AAAAAAAAAp4/_eXGrATcuvM/s640/IMGP9029.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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To roll up the pad, fold in thirds toward the middle and roll towards the strap!</div>
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This is what it will look like when it's all rolled up:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2nhe0RSifE/Ty6IR8oVe2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/W0ahXruUNXQ/s1600/IMGP9051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2nhe0RSifE/Ty6IR8oVe2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/W0ahXruUNXQ/s640/IMGP9051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH7lo3Bz0Ow/Ty6IZJYfEYI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YxdOi_-4JH0/s1600/IMGP9056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH7lo3Bz0Ow/Ty6IZJYfEYI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YxdOi_-4JH0/s640/IMGP9056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Matching changing pads! One for my daughter's dolly & one for my sister-in-law! One last thing is that since my daughter's doll pad is smaller, I sewed the strap so that it only fold in half rather than thirds.</div>
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Happy Sewing!</div>
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-7260834826078505152012-02-02T15:36:00.000-06:002012-02-02T15:36:04.484-06:00Doll Changing Pad<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp1htMb3HmE/TxjcFpgXdzI/AAAAAAAAAkA/r2JFVuTFWtI/s1600/IMGP8730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp1htMb3HmE/TxjcFpgXdzI/AAAAAAAAAkA/r2JFVuTFWtI/s640/IMGP8730.JPG" width="640" /></a>This is a little changing pad for my little girl to change her <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/01/doll-diapers.html">little baby's diapers</a>!</div>
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It was a simple design from "Sewing For Babies" from Lotta Jansdotter. I made a few changes to the original. I simply changed the size to fit a dolly, made a strap instead of just using ribbon and changed the strap placement to have the pad fold in half instead of thirds to better fit the smaller size.</div>
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It fits so nicely ia a little bag with the <a href="http://lemonadeandlollypops.blogspot.com/2012/01/doll-diapers.html">diapers</a>!</div>
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Here is what it looks like open:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNBiOgdMV2o/Txjb4Y6mLBI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Hf0L23m_B9w/s1600/IMGP8731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNBiOgdMV2o/Txjb4Y6mLBI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Hf0L23m_B9w/s640/IMGP8731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh! Just in time! I guess baby is in need of a changing:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax4MtYJqD9M/TxjdGD2uUsI/AAAAAAAAAko/p7sYLa6qu_I/s1600/IMGP8718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax4MtYJqD9M/TxjdGD2uUsI/AAAAAAAAAko/p7sYLa6qu_I/s640/IMGP8718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ_bEZA93nk/Txjc505OF1I/AAAAAAAAAkg/n0hCQJtbvec/s1600/IMGP8726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ_bEZA93nk/Txjc505OF1I/AAAAAAAAAkg/n0hCQJtbvec/s640/IMGP8726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Look Mommy! I can do it all my myself!"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpoc8XzaCNE/TxjdSr0_jlI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Z0p5WcftI4U/s1600/IMGP8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpoc8XzaCNE/TxjdSr0_jlI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Z0p5WcftI4U/s640/IMGP8715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know that I didn't share much about the changing pad but I just finished the "real one" for my </div>
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sister-in-law's baby shower so I can show you more soon!</div>
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Amy</div>
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(As always, if you like it, pin it!)</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-34350757044992760972012-01-31T13:01:00.000-06:002012-02-21T20:39:39.119-06:00Pacifier Clips Mini Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyu9afmVPi8/T0RVP6dnteI/AAAAAAAAAyk/Zf08wQ3TJbk/s640/Pacifier+Clips.jpg" width="428" /></div>
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These pacifier clips are a great addition to an baby gift. This is a fast, simple gift to whip out if you need just a little something more to give or if you like them sooo much that you just have to have one, two or ten:) for your own munchkin. Just in case you like these but never dust off your sewing machine, you can find these paci clips <a href="http://chicthreadsbyamy.blogspot.com/search/label/Pacifier%20Clips">HERE</a> at my site.</div>
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Here you can see how the reversible ribbon looks, it's the exact pattern on the back with opposite colors:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lt_YJ3kCHA/Tm-S2hSKnxI/AAAAAAAAALM/QQJhZ2rwel0/s1600/IMGP7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lt_YJ3kCHA/Tm-S2hSKnxI/AAAAAAAAALM/QQJhZ2rwel0/s400/IMGP7364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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All you need is about 10 inches of 1-inch wide reversible jacquard ribbon (you can use other 1-inch ribbon if you like but jacquard is heavier and reversible so it just works better), 1/2 inch of velcro & a mitten clip. I have a small business where I sell some of my <a href="http://chicthreadsbyamy.blogspot.com/">handmade items</a> so I have a source for smooth, round top mitten but if you are just making a couple they sell these at Joann Fabric's:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxmGz7v3ziw/Tyg0VdcT0OI/AAAAAAAAApY/KuHohRtthbY/s1600/IMGP9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxmGz7v3ziw/Tyg0VdcT0OI/AAAAAAAAApY/KuHohRtthbY/s400/IMGP9016.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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At one end of the ribbon, fold over about 1/4 inch and iron down, fold over 1/4 inch again, iron and stitch down one piece of velcro making sure to overlap the fold. Sew the second piece of velcro about 2 inches away from the first piece. On the other end, fold over the ribbon about 1/4 inch, iron down, then fold over about 1/2 inch and iron down. Place the mitten clip under this fold and stitch a straight line across to secure all the layers of ribbon. </div>
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Folks, that's it! You're done! </div>
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OK, off to finish the next item on my sister-in-law's baby shower!</div>
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Amy</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-78849513662118021742012-01-27T12:43:00.000-06:002012-01-27T15:22:18.352-06:00Kids' Fishing Set Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lSsRiM9lsI/TyK5RFbayCI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Lw3Re8FI2jY/s1600/IMGP8959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lSsRiM9lsI/TyK5RFbayCI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Lw3Re8FI2jY/s640/IMGP8959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have seen these fishing sets ALL OVER the place on different blogs and have loved every one of them so I just had to make one for us too! Of all the blogs I looked at I liked the set from <a href="http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/2010/04/going-fishin.html">From an Igloo</a> the best so I started there!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqtBy_vaDng/TyK6xI2CCrI/AAAAAAAAAoI/jVvm7MgKk6k/s1600/IMGP8803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqtBy_vaDng/TyK6xI2CCrI/AAAAAAAAAoI/jVvm7MgKk6k/s400/IMGP8803.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psW1NUGBNS0/TyK6jvZ525I/AAAAAAAAAn4/6DqmNSCIRbU/s1600/IMGP8813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psW1NUGBNS0/TyK6jvZ525I/AAAAAAAAAn4/6DqmNSCIRbU/s400/IMGP8813.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
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I first made one practice fish and felt that I wanted the shape to be a little different so I kept working with the pattern until I really liked the shape of the fish. I am not as computer savvy as some and I could not for the life of me figure out how to give you a pdf to print but I can show you the shape:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-2dQYIAG5M/TyLAY76jo8I/AAAAAAAAAog/DqlMj9x1TWM/s1600/Fish+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-2dQYIAG5M/TyLAY76jo8I/AAAAAAAAAog/DqlMj9x1TWM/s400/Fish+Picture.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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My fish pattern was 6-7/8" long- you can print this and enlarge it to that size.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2QsMqN0kFQ/TyK5o26YUwI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Nq9EelPiZEo/s1600/IMGP8855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2QsMqN0kFQ/TyK5o26YUwI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Nq9EelPiZEo/s640/IMGP8855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start by sewing around the fish using 1/2" allowance, leaving 2" open on the bottom. Cut around the edge with a pinking shears (sewing scissors that cut a zig zag). If you don't have a pinking shears you can snip the fabric close to the seam all the way around but this just takes a little more time than pinking shears. Turn the fish right side out, stuff, hand stitch the opening closed. To finish, sew on button eyes and a washer on the mouth.<br />
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*Reminder: magnets if swallowed can be very dangerous! Please make sure all stitching is secure and keep away from young children!*</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxCqLEANHYQ/TyK5xRyNVNI/AAAAAAAAAnI/jHY5IAepmSk/s1600/IMGP8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxCqLEANHYQ/TyK5xRyNVNI/AAAAAAAAAnI/jHY5IAepmSk/s640/IMGP8841.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5593Kgtfvjo/TyK52FeEPeI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/RPt2pj6cFAQ/s1600/IMGP8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5593Kgtfvjo/TyK52FeEPeI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/RPt2pj6cFAQ/s640/IMGP8839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the fishing pole, simply take a wood dowel and drill a hole through it, lace one end of a heavy string/cotton twine through the hole and tie a knot real tight and then trim the end. For the "worm" end of the pole, take a pinking shears and cut a 2 1/2 inch circle. Then do a simple running stitch by hand about 1/2 from the edge, place a magnet in the middle and start to draw it closed. Just before you pull it tight, turn the raw edges inside the pouch and insert the other end of the string with another knot tied tight at the end of it. Pull the pouch tight and sew through the closure and string many times to make it very secure for safety reasons.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aX3ALUq-ec/TyK5JfTHgcI/AAAAAAAAAmw/pQ9DIbnDy10/s1600/IMGP8960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aX3ALUq-ec/TyK5JfTHgcI/AAAAAAAAAmw/pQ9DIbnDy10/s640/IMGP8960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAIQKQ-s-3I/TyK47rRqM2I/AAAAAAAAAmg/dgoscbtVJAI/s1600/IMGP8963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAIQKQ-s-3I/TyK47rRqM2I/AAAAAAAAAmg/dgoscbtVJAI/s640/IMGP8963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enough of all this jabbering- time for some serious fishing:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKKGr6DAPzw/TyK6GVhMXII/AAAAAAAAAng/r9wINW6Mfts/s1600/IMGP8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKKGr6DAPzw/TyK6GVhMXII/AAAAAAAAAng/r9wINW6Mfts/s400/IMGP8826.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R54_MqFwmM/TyK4zw-OgRI/AAAAAAAAAmY/dHTc_sy_-zo/s1600/IMGP8964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R54_MqFwmM/TyK4zw-OgRI/AAAAAAAAAmY/dHTc_sy_-zo/s400/IMGP8964.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bXLfzVUr-4/TyK4ugv8lZI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/5_LHOjEb8ew/s1600/IMGP8965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bXLfzVUr-4/TyK4ugv8lZI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/5_LHOjEb8ew/s400/IMGP8965.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEaClMVJthA/TyK4jbwOg9I/AAAAAAAAAmI/LxxXBLZYj8U/s1600/IMGP8966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEaClMVJthA/TyK4jbwOg9I/AAAAAAAAAmI/LxxXBLZYj8U/s400/IMGP8966.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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You can see that my fishing poles can hold many (all) the fish- I used high powered magnets and I do suggest finding some for this project since I heard on many blogs that they had to make the fish small so the the magnet could "catch" only one fish!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzCrYxIboz0/TyK6ATYfKmI/AAAAAAAAAnY/KbshqSlusuM/s1600/IMGP8837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzCrYxIboz0/TyK6ATYfKmI/AAAAAAAAAnY/KbshqSlusuM/s320/IMGP8837.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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"Whew- after all this fishing we're parched! Time to stop for a little refreshment!"</div>
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Happy Fishing!</div>
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Amy</div>
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(and if you like it- pin it!)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-45831436936928324072012-01-26T18:58:00.001-06:002012-01-26T20:29:07.680-06:00Tag Blankie!<div align="center">
I finally got a small start on my bundle of baby shower gifts for my sister-in-law!</div>
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Here is my first item on my gift list to make:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxXf9rTFWN0/TyHz1uLaUfI/AAAAAAAAAlo/5tvMzRnJFcw/s1600/IMGP8941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxXf9rTFWN0/TyHz1uLaUfI/AAAAAAAAAlo/5tvMzRnJFcw/s640/IMGP8941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This tag blankie was super simple! I found the "pattern" (you don't really need one) from "Simple Sewing for Baby" by Lotta Jansdotter. I was going to give a link to her site but for some reason this book isn't for sale there. It really has a ton of super-cute super-easy projects for baby items!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgOI7TRwrhE/TyHz8VkGkGI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pyvDcNb37g8/s1600/IMGP8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgOI7TRwrhE/TyHz8VkGkGI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pyvDcNb37g8/s640/IMGP8942.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXc-zAB4y8/TyH0J5ODwaI/AAAAAAAAAmA/f3Gc1lGBqNA/s1600/IMGP8949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXc-zAB4y8/TyH0J5ODwaI/AAAAAAAAAmA/f3Gc1lGBqNA/s640/IMGP8949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This tag blankie is basically two 13x13 pieces of fabric sandwiched right sides together. Then insert the ribbon (folded in half) between the two pieces. Pin, sew with 1/2 inch allowance, leaving 3 inches open. Turn right side out, trim seams to 1/4 inch (except at opening), iron flat & run a stitch around the edge. Wooala! A tag blankie! I will see how my niece likes this one but when I make more in the future I'm thinking that I might make the ribbon a little shorter.</div>
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Happy Sewing!</div>
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-47571173792075907042012-01-23T15:18:00.002-06:002012-01-23T15:18:53.388-06:00Golden Book Baby Shower Invitation<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the invitations for the upcoming baby shower for my sister-in-law:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uep-Q8SYqk/Tx3IdAXu2DI/AAAAAAAAAlY/oalMjL4qQiQ/s1600/Shower+Invite+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uep-Q8SYqk/Tx3IdAXu2DI/AAAAAAAAAlY/oalMjL4qQiQ/s640/Shower+Invite+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can only accept a tiny amount of credit for these adorable invitations. I knew that I wanted to do a book themed shower and found an entire shower based on Golden Books at <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/01/party-golden-books-baby-shower.html">Aesthetic Nest</a>. This woman is crazy talented. Check it out- she even "whipped out" a Little Tug Boat painting the night before which is awesome!!! Being slightly less creative than her I decided to pretty much copy her shower ideas and add just a few additions of my own!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-PWeVZ1yno/Tx3IYySPi0I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/GrCvpVg2a7c/s1600/Shower+Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-PWeVZ1yno/Tx3IYySPi0I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/GrCvpVg2a7c/s640/Shower+Invitation.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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The only change that I made to her invitation pdf that you can find <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/01/invites-golden-books-baby-shower.html">HERE</a> is that I assembled the invitations by printing out a sheet of the animals on yellow and then printing the invitation separate and a copy of the picture and sticking them together with scrapbook circles. This took a little finagling with copy and pasting her invite pieces to a word document but I got it to work in the end. I also printed a copy of the picture and added it to the back of the envelope. Her invitation pdf allows you to simply add your information if you don't want to make any changes. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDjJrb6wgsc/Tx28OGkGGoI/AAAAAAAAAk4/2o2mTtgB71w/s1600/IMGP8925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDjJrb6wgsc/Tx28OGkGGoI/AAAAAAAAAk4/2o2mTtgB71w/s640/IMGP8925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I plan to add a little more vintage flair with some of the original Fisher Price and other awesome wooden toys that my mom still has from when my brothers & I were little.</div>
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Stay tuned to see how it turns out!</div>
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-56179148147459547192012-01-22T14:21:00.000-06:002012-01-22T14:21:36.099-06:00Doll Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkoFAIwS5FM/TxdEs818qAI/AAAAAAAAAfM/WZiKrownm2o/s1600/IMGP8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkoFAIwS5FM/TxdEs818qAI/AAAAAAAAAfM/WZiKrownm2o/s640/IMGP8736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I discovered the world of blogs (which only took me until last spring- what's wrong with me?) I found <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/07/dolly-diapers.html">THIS</a> tutorial for dolly diapers and put it on my must-make list! Thankfully, my committing to giving them as Christmas gifts gave me the push to finally make some!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLu8FuP2wXw/TxdEDd1UgII/AAAAAAAAAe0/jgeHYWm3wzw/s1600/IMGP8733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLu8FuP2wXw/TxdEDd1UgII/AAAAAAAAAe0/jgeHYWm3wzw/s640/IMGP8733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34hvlU4JvC8/TxdESaLrCJI/AAAAAAAAAe8/n-e-je2wr4M/s1600/IMGP8734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34hvlU4JvC8/TxdESaLrCJI/AAAAAAAAAe8/n-e-je2wr4M/s640/IMGP8734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I will start by saying that I am soooo glad I found the tutorial for these diapers from <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/07/dolly-diapers.html">make it and love it</a>! My only issue with it is that the tutorial may be a little difficult for some to be able to create a pattern for their doll. My diapers actually look fairly different in shape than hers. I didn't have extra time before Christmas to document every step in the process but my mother would like diapers for a number of her dolls so I plan to do a small tutorial on these in the future! I will give you the tip of starting by measuring the baby's waist, crotch width and length you want the diaper to be from front to back and start to sketch with those measurements. Once you get a "rough draft", cut it out and put it on the doll and adjust what you need to from there!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ5cYDOvCfA/TxdEfoiw8JI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8dZMF2EU7zQ/s1600/IMGP8735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ5cYDOvCfA/TxdEfoiw8JI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8dZMF2EU7zQ/s640/IMGP8735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the doll that I gave to my daughter (which actually was mine from when I was little!) is a larger doll (I bought a Carter's 3 month outfit for her), I purchased special velro from JoAnn Fabrics in their new Babyville Boutique section. It comes in many different colors which is awesome but since I sent my husband to the store with no coupon (regular price is $3.50/package) I just bought the white. Oh and by the way, the package says "Boutique EZ Adjust Tape" instead of "velcro". My only complaint about it is that since it is sold to make real baby fabric diapers, the velcro is so strong that my daughter sometimes needs help getting it open which would be a great quality if you were purchasing this to make actual baby diapers!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndWfpw3wcQQ/TxdE4eOCeXI/AAAAAAAAAfU/_I9ko19YirU/s1600/IMGP8695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndWfpw3wcQQ/TxdE4eOCeXI/AAAAAAAAAfU/_I9ko19YirU/s640/IMGP8695.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I also made the changing pad that she has her doll laid on and I will do a post on it soon! It was out of a book called Simple Sewing for Baby. I love that it is so soft and how it rolls up so nice and small. Of course, I made it smaller than instructed since it was for a doll.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BllM0xD8eeA/TxdFDhqThLI/AAAAAAAAAfc/lnPYZ78jf_k/s1600/IMGP8688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BllM0xD8eeA/TxdFDhqThLI/AAAAAAAAAfc/lnPYZ78jf_k/s640/IMGP8688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcm1NDW18kY/TxdFOvKhUoI/AAAAAAAAAfk/ApvzCHR2vHA/s1600/IMGP8707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcm1NDW18kY/TxdFOvKhUoI/AAAAAAAAAfk/ApvzCHR2vHA/s640/IMGP8707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is amazing how often a doll can go potty or the other in her diaper in such a short period of time! You can see in the background that this is the third diaper she had to change in a row! I sure am glad real babies don't need changing that much- I'm exhausted just at the thought!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcnZrBpxJH4/TxdFa1qldII/AAAAAAAAAfs/j7rkRhcI3xs/s1600/IMGP8727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcnZrBpxJH4/TxdFa1qldII/AAAAAAAAAfs/j7rkRhcI3xs/s640/IMGP8727.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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"Look Mommy! I did it!"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf6WJaor04Y/TxdFlZzyYDI/AAAAAAAAAf0/GDg16-rJaus/s1600/IMGP8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf6WJaor04Y/TxdFlZzyYDI/AAAAAAAAAf0/GDg16-rJaus/s640/IMGP8729.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are a few much smaller diapers that I sent to my niece for Christmas:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWzSTFEh7ac/TxdGGkW_DuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/EGQGpGHEBOI/s1600/IMGP8331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWzSTFEh7ac/TxdGGkW_DuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/EGQGpGHEBOI/s640/IMGP8331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These diapers are much smaller so I used a regular one inch velcro but purchased the "soft & pliable" variety.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8VPRxuY9sc/TxdF18EEWzI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Co2Xf0EpH4g/s1600/IMGP8340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8VPRxuY9sc/TxdF18EEWzI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Co2Xf0EpH4g/s640/IMGP8340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am almost embarrassed to look at this picture as this was my first diaper that I made and the stitching is far from perfect but from what I hear, she loves them anyway:)<br />
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Happy diaper making!<br />
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847423793321012781.post-57633560567698970962012-01-21T10:24:00.000-06:002012-01-21T10:24:10.164-06:00Homemade Slime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OK, I know that after being gone for a while this is an odd first post but the kids had so much fun that I just had to share!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qwQdyZXA64/TxMrtE2mimI/AAAAAAAAAec/urkTIR7bcn4/s1600/IMGP8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qwQdyZXA64/TxMrtE2mimI/AAAAAAAAAec/urkTIR7bcn4/s640/IMGP8545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're kids love getting their hands dirty (we have many pictures of our playing with worms for fishing), seeing how stuff works or helping you measure out ingredients for recipes, they will LOVE making this homemade slime!</div>
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I found a kit for this at a <a href="http://generationsatplayinc.com/default.aspx">Generations at Play</a>, a wonderful indoor play area with coffee shop and gift store in Bayside, WI. It is my favorite spot for play dates during our long, cold winters in Wisconsin!</div>
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Here's what you do:</div>
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In a first bowl, stir together 1 medium size glue bottle (she said the cheaper the brand, the better) and 2/3 cup water. Then a few drops food coloring until desired color is attained.</div>
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In a second bowl, add one teaspoon borax to 2/3 cup warm water.</div>
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Slowly pour borax mixture into glue mixture and stir with hands and watch slime transform almost immediately! The longer you play with the slime, the more firm it becomes. </div>
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Enjoy your slime making!!!</div>
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Amy</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02652943076013463902noreply@blogger.com0