tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68883896623135666322024-03-05T17:33:12.445-06:00Saucepans & SuperheroesCourtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-79697631863062044292016-10-08T15:40:00.002-05:002016-10-08T15:50:48.497-05:00Ducks in a Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, <i>HEEELLLLLOOOOO! </i>Long time, no talk. <br />
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Let me start by apologizing for my extra long, super-extended, unintentional sabbatical. Last March, I promised myself I'd take a two week break from blogging. <br />
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Oops.<br />
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If I've learned anything in this new season, time gets away from me. Rather, it scampers like a cat with its tail on fire.<br />
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Let me take a moment to catch you up.<br />
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Super Hunk keeps getting hunkier...not fair.<br />
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Little Man is no longer all that little. He keeps stretching upwards, getting longer and leaner while eating every available calorie in the house...not fair.<br />
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I'm now wearing age-defying cosmetics and no amount of push-ups can keep my arm from continuing to wave after I've stopped...<i>all together now</i>...not fair!<br />
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Little Man started school and I went back to work, which was always the plan. I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role as Editor of a lifestyle publication but I'm beginning to think I should use the description "planner" loosely when describing myself. It's a harsh reality for this control freak.<br />
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My friend Lana always says, "My ducks aren't even remotely in a row but they're in the same pond, so I've got that going for me." This perfectly sums up my current "planned" season. In a frenzy, my ducks are circling. They're tired, hungry and have a hot mess of ruffled feathers. Not planned.<br />
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Having said that, here's what I'm learning. God is the perfect mathematician. He knows that adding blessings will force you to subtract distractions, things in your life that don't add up. All the madness, the things that cause these designer bags under my eyes are a beautiful equation! I'm allowing Him to stretch me, subtract things, and guide me to the busy that leads to abundance.<br />
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No matter how many ducks you have or how many directions they're swimming (planned or unplanned), let God place you in the right pond. The view is like no other!<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-1468491606442625772016-03-21T17:25:00.003-05:002016-03-21T17:25:52.213-05:00Sowing Good Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, how I love Super Hunk...let me count the ways. He truly is the handiest man I know and can conquer any project with ease. I'm not sure how he does it but I constantly marvel at his mad skills (and his super hunky biceps). </div>
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Another thing I adore about him is he keeps things forever. I mean, FOR-EVER. </div>
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Tools remain in their original cases. Ladders, spotted with paint, still stand proudly. Paintbrushes are a reminder of the many houses he's purchased sad and sold happy. Things are impeccable because when you take pride in your possessions, they remain. In many cases, FOR-EVER!</div>
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His beloved wheelbarrow is a perfect example. A DECADE and countless tasks later, it finally caved under the weight of an everyday chore and reluctantly conceded. </div>
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With a significant crack in the bucket and little TLC, Old Faithful remains...slightly worse for wear, a bit fatigued, and doubling as a little boy's light load hauler. Life is good!</div>
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Knowing Dad's soft spot for his old pal, Little Man suggested we paint it to add a little cheer and here's the result. (He also insisted "Dad will love this!" He was right!)</div>
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Our upcoming summer trip inspired this beach scene. Can you see it? Channel your inner little person...or just squint.</div>
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How about now?</div>
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Enough said!</div>
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Little Man was extremely proud of the wheels, they rival Picasso. </div>
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The first thing he said when I asked what we should paint was "a truck". <em>Hand to the forehead moment. </em>This was my attempt at bringing his request to life. Do you see it? Resume squinting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQk6OvUpWVKE5tAPFK4pOhK_RKkOIbjcdMzSv0LnfQl5ogvBv6sAN0NEAX6Cavmg6fEfRN1jDKp5acj0727-9DcaxR0nRJ0jm6lNMeRdGTKnye_MNKbRVNUzvhZSk5Z-jhPythow7lKpK/s1600/wheelbarrow5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQk6OvUpWVKE5tAPFK4pOhK_RKkOIbjcdMzSv0LnfQl5ogvBv6sAN0NEAX6Cavmg6fEfRN1jDKp5acj0727-9DcaxR0nRJ0jm6lNMeRdGTKnye_MNKbRVNUzvhZSk5Z-jhPythow7lKpK/s640/wheelbarrow5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This wheelbarrow has been guided by two very important guys in my life. One that makes my heart beat faster, makes my world significantly more beautiful, and makes me thankful to be chosen. The other makes birds chirp a little louder, flowers smell a little sweeter, and hugs last a little longer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgti3fV3Sm3W-u3xHp7f0P4cfaXAQbCMZjUP1VZAneahtZ8nGYInhLjmYOVHAZ3OhH4AaOxvNhOgO7XeZFmydM-6Xs_E3BLVE6vB9Fy54Owrvn50CloabupDqGlpRAMfAZcQtt7LonytN/s1600/wheelbarrow7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgti3fV3Sm3W-u3xHp7f0P4cfaXAQbCMZjUP1VZAneahtZ8nGYInhLjmYOVHAZ3OhH4AaOxvNhOgO7XeZFmydM-6Xs_E3BLVE6vB9Fy54Owrvn50CloabupDqGlpRAMfAZcQtt7LonytN/s640/wheelbarrow7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are continually sowing good seeds in my life. <br />
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Now we have a FOR-EVER colorful reminder. Its next chapter will be light duties and a bucket full of cars, balls and the occasional reluctant K-9.<br />
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So long...until we graffiti again!<br />
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-43952609559813979682016-03-10T16:45:00.000-06:002016-03-10T16:45:28.073-06:00Ranch Kid Counting PrintableA is for <u>A</u>pple.<br />
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B is for <u>B</u>oat.<br />
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C is for <u>C</u>at.<br />
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Since the beginning of time, this is how children have learned their ABC's. <br />
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Until now.<br />
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Until my son.<br />
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Children learn by doing, correct? Around our house, A is for <u>A</u>uger, B is for <u>B</u>arn, C is for <u>C</u>ow, D is for <u>D</u>irt, E is for <u>E</u>ating dirt, F is for <u>F</u>eedyard full of dirt...you get my drift.<br />
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Then, we count...<br />
(1) trailer, (2) trailers, (3) trailers, (4).<br />
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To make Little Man's learning a bit more relatable, I created these Counting Clip Cards.<br />
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A big "WOO HOO" from ranch kids everywhere!<br />
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Little Man was quiet for a solid forty-five minutes...a beautiful, wonderful, blissful forty-five minutes! <em>Success!</em><br />
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I hope your squirt enjoys them as much. Stay tuned for the Agriculture ABC's flashcards. <br />
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For your free printable, click <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fDbyE4IwyY9PljYX6J2ZOsdoIIOv9bXMXcquJCaAiuU/pub" target="_blank">here.</a> (Right click and select Print.)<br />
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-42814911122538461232016-03-04T16:00:00.000-06:002016-03-04T16:02:07.498-06:00Happy National Grammar Day, from me and my twitch!Today is National Grammar Day and my insides are giddy. All over the planet, my fellow lovers of words are rejoicing...breaking it down with a little comma shuffle.<br />
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I feel as if the mother ship has arrived and she's carrying all of my people <em>Where have you guys been? </em><br />
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Instead of making this a post about all things correct, I thought I'd share with you the inner spaces of my brain...the irony I find in the language I love...and the places it goes when I'm silently correcting your grammar. <br />
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In the spirit of full disclosure, I realize that I occasionally incorrectly use the ellipsis. I'm not perfect. There, I said it.<br />
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Are you sitting down?<br />
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Here goes.<br />
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- When people type "Your welcome", I envision a person handing a lost welcome sign to its recently located owner. <em>Thank you for returning it.</em><br />
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- There's always "To funny" where I see a man, waving his fist in the air, declaring a journey to funny. <em>Where is funny and how do I get there?</em><br />
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<em>- </em>Why does the word non-hyphenated have a hyphen?<br />
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- Every time someone uses an apostrophe to make something plural, I'm certain an angel loses its wings.<br />
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- When I see the word alot, I think about aporkchop.<br />
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- "Yes, I defiantly will." There's no need to be so aggressive, it was just a question.<br />
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- "Outrunning errands" does not mean you're out, making multiple stops. It means that your angry errands are chasing you and you're just barely getting away.<br />
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- "Be pacific." Seriously? I can't, it's an ocean.<br />
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- Lastly, my personal favorite...Superheroes do good, I'm doing well.<br />
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Do you see why I have a twitch? I can't turn it off. It's my mother's fault...HI, MOM! She and my English teachers have forever made me perpetually mortified when reading the internet.<br />
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Happy National Grammar Day! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYG4uVpNapfOWIuBeewu3AU7JzUz6Za4aBKt8OBvmPi9b6mzTp7dhJ-oJQd5PeBDbxjfoC6K1Ggf1i25NkVFYbTuPYidF8B4otWkZcFWEEw0SeNSOWh-CtKh9h5hZvZ3X7wiO-jWhBm8s/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYG4uVpNapfOWIuBeewu3AU7JzUz6Za4aBKt8OBvmPi9b6mzTp7dhJ-oJQd5PeBDbxjfoC6K1Ggf1i25NkVFYbTuPYidF8B4otWkZcFWEEw0SeNSOWh-CtKh9h5hZvZ3X7wiO-jWhBm8s/s320/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-76550031367159444382016-02-26T16:27:00.000-06:002016-02-26T16:29:31.453-06:00I tackled a quilt!The title above may lead you to believe I forcefully body-checked a big fluffy piece of bedding. Let me clarify, I figuratively tackled my first quilt...in the sewing sense. <br />
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Everything I know, I learned from my mother. In fact, I currently sew on the machine she used when I was born.<br />
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<em>Permission granted for an "Awwwwwwwwwwwwww".</em><br />
<em></em><br />
When it comes to stitching pillows or hemming a skirt, I'm fearless. Sewing a quilt? Completely outside of my wheelhouse.<br />
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However, with a friend's baby girl on the way, I was determined to conquer my fear...and absolutely prepared to fail.<br />
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If you don't expect anything, you're not disappointed...right?<br />
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With hours of due diligence (meaning, I was sucked into the Pinterest vortex), I finally settled on this pattern from <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/08/basic-baby-quilt-tutorial/" target="_blank">Thirty Handmade Days.</a><br />
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It proved to be the exact level of "easy" for this quilting beginner.<br />
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Here's a peek at the final product. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Flw69JvC4qI43cVzcYYsr-FhpwZfqPcVpMusQR_Y9Acs0T1UhzPXThfpq4_41p8jIfIKigcvhVs-CqJYhBGzLyLSpSRxWhswMhOEfV0CWVxQBhbWx9w50LRZ2cLTFMpwFv0d8SklW8Y/s1600/quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Flw69JvC4qI43cVzcYYsr-FhpwZfqPcVpMusQR_Y9Acs0T1UhzPXThfpq4_41p8jIfIKigcvhVs-CqJYhBGzLyLSpSRxWhswMhOEfV0CWVxQBhbWx9w50LRZ2cLTFMpwFv0d8SklW8Y/s640/quilt3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nursery colors are coral, navy and gold. Little Man and I had a great time picking out the various fabrics. It was definitely a "spread them all out on the floor" type of experience. We were both allowed one veto and I think we used them wisely. How about you?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIUHO2qTcs5B9jU-cpV8jYAupOQ38T7Egpzygfv44C5s7JvD10taZ7dwWJk_OC4HON1VnqAdjNSvEWPEI0ATUGQ-gZkboerc0S5vtUNnZLuMczJilf_HHyGk57O3b3473sHDfh3YqBuLp/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIUHO2qTcs5B9jU-cpV8jYAupOQ38T7Egpzygfv44C5s7JvD10taZ7dwWJk_OC4HON1VnqAdjNSvEWPEI0ATUGQ-gZkboerc0S5vtUNnZLuMczJilf_HHyGk57O3b3473sHDfh3YqBuLp/s640/quilt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While the overall project went pretty smoothly, I learned a few lessons the hard way. Including the tip to stay away from patterns that repeat in a line if you can't actually sew a straight line...or draw a straight line...or even walk a straight line.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rSh_WwatHH6Nxz2RHRqIU31ydAfvL360_TU7JgNYURcryAgEtoOSNGIXYmVuWzcKmmj7SF5Rg_cTl15Hk_IYrMFJjZwYHmrd-Qf09qQlpIWowh-NUQ2VAzNBsx3K1DGiuiTBoTmiBkHJ/s1600/quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rSh_WwatHH6Nxz2RHRqIU31ydAfvL360_TU7JgNYURcryAgEtoOSNGIXYmVuWzcKmmj7SF5Rg_cTl15Hk_IYrMFJjZwYHmrd-Qf09qQlpIWowh-NUQ2VAzNBsx3K1DGiuiTBoTmiBkHJ/s640/quilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pardon the wrinkles, I folded before photographing. Another lesson learned!</td></tr>
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I'm not sure I'll make my second quilt any time soon but I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern. Most of all, I love the thought of a sweet baby girl growing up with it.<br />
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No expectations turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Thanks, Mom! <br />
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<em>Accomplishment starts with the decision to try. </em><br />
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(Click here for the <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/08/basic-baby-quilt-tutorial/" target="_blank">pattern link</a>.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s320/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-17089197742025214592016-02-22T14:27:00.000-06:002016-02-22T14:27:26.145-06:00Light Fixture FaceliftWhen we purchased our fixer upper, home improvement stores (aka: boy malls) were similar to traveling to Mars for me. I was familiar with approximately 10% of the inventory (plants and paint) that stocked the shelves...the many, many, MANY shelves.<br />
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Six months later...<br />
<em>("You wanna go where people know, people are all the same, you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Norm...err, Courtney!")</em><br />
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I can now operate a caulk gun...without making a catastrophic mess.<br />
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I am surprisingly intrigued by spray texture in a can.<br />
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And I'm constantly mortified by the prices of light fixtures.<br />
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Hence, today's DIY post.<br />
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My front porch had these poor, pitiful, wretched light fixtures that were seriously pleading for a facelift. So, armed with an arsenal of cleaning products and a can of spray paint, they were brought back to life! Here's a quick step-by-step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHtNXUO5xQfy_rn8l-CLtaPVuvokS13bmfvvfgDhjiefzfQ4lS3pyAXVwVniG05QrHLiMncvOB_bkLa5XpM3uAJjwmZ1O6_mO352XaJ5heSAThsV-pNXlkJ1fOStfwWyLw1N0PSyBVi92/s1600/light11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHtNXUO5xQfy_rn8l-CLtaPVuvokS13bmfvvfgDhjiefzfQ4lS3pyAXVwVniG05QrHLiMncvOB_bkLa5XpM3uAJjwmZ1O6_mO352XaJ5heSAThsV-pNXlkJ1fOStfwWyLw1N0PSyBVi92/s640/light11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 1: Disassemble light fixture completely. (I think it had 15 years of dirt and dead bugs inside.) I've also seen these at thrift stores and garage sales so keep your eyes open, you never know when you'll find a bargain!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMBq6UBZ5YxbQjA31m1ngpsipqHSwaDbn8NZ0YHdfKEnOf8qtU6NIg0WXS3Np3ANFhqxsOjZ2OaFZ_exXI55pJh2sWQ5zcgh_sj3mzOraYO1kftzMpbIPbl2L4ihyphenhyphen5ExWjugoO8z78GlB/s1600/light3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMBq6UBZ5YxbQjA31m1ngpsipqHSwaDbn8NZ0YHdfKEnOf8qtU6NIg0WXS3Np3ANFhqxsOjZ2OaFZ_exXI55pJh2sWQ5zcgh_sj3mzOraYO1kftzMpbIPbl2L4ihyphenhyphen5ExWjugoO8z78GlB/s640/light3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 2: Insert paper towel inside where the bulb threads to keep paint out. (Step 2.2: Moisturize my working man hands while scheduling a manicure. Eek!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mo_L4JHhq2qFLSwBrhKBmo17CTzUnXxidHte6P8wQk6kw6LBS0gFMfws7ksQbtIFBKQNNeBuKOoOCnIJF4W1WHBznw8Mn-qIrl5TNQDFHBenVLaZmdkE32ldQ4M8LYG6q-hFXlnqCc5H/s1600/light9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mo_L4JHhq2qFLSwBrhKBmo17CTzUnXxidHte6P8wQk6kw6LBS0gFMfws7ksQbtIFBKQNNeBuKOoOCnIJF4W1WHBznw8Mn-qIrl5TNQDFHBenVLaZmdkE32ldQ4M8LYG6q-hFXlnqCc5H/s640/light9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 3: Use a small brush to remove loose dirt and plethora of insect carcasses...carci...hmmmmm...<br />
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Step 4: Spray with metal outdoor paint. I decided to go with a flat finish. Apply as many coats as needed to cover, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVpdbk5Hx0N9uoKlgJWR83KbS5bgFPADrvQ7ff2hADN6fDBMtdBSTheK3VPCUOtnrvC9ywJYrF_U6VWAW9YxUfGD_3-7Bcgcm13sbKxVCzcIl54i1FAdN954hOQw92hqfjNeTOUkac7E4/s1600/light8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVpdbk5Hx0N9uoKlgJWR83KbS5bgFPADrvQ7ff2hADN6fDBMtdBSTheK3VPCUOtnrvC9ywJYrF_U6VWAW9YxUfGD_3-7Bcgcm13sbKxVCzcIl54i1FAdN954hOQw92hqfjNeTOUkac7E4/s640/light8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 5: After giving the glass a warm bubble bath and finishing off with a spritz of Windex, place back in fixture.<br />
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Finish assembling fixture, while trying not to lose your mind because you can't remember which screws went in which holes. Oops!<br />
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All done and ready to be hung. I recruited Super Hunk to help because...well...he's super hunky when he's being handy (and every other time)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwRERl06HEbKI9a1pMyeUsCJ_2lJWorIh9JhQEpQH6qRntgccqDMZktJiW2fOaK4qx1KsJWdVaTQBqoKYprZP-cgolI0-1Fv0f3zuhLUgnzV1bfBFiUQCJF3CzJLwJteMBC8eBVO_f060/s1600/light5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwRERl06HEbKI9a1pMyeUsCJ_2lJWorIh9JhQEpQH6qRntgccqDMZktJiW2fOaK4qx1KsJWdVaTQBqoKYprZP-cgolI0-1Fv0f3zuhLUgnzV1bfBFiUQCJF3CzJLwJteMBC8eBVO_f060/s640/light5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tada! I added a vintage Edison bulb to give a little extra charm.<br />
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She's now ready for her close-up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqI5Y2nBJujohrE0lTJP0qxPvmL06mOcDlGfGk9PmUoLqNiRYzK2I72zoBia4p_pM50tLF9awiiBaxg9HhxZPTuLA-tKHtZK7hbl-2jPE2GOgp4V4rUAX-EBOAdhF89iXqOxKPRY0U6XY/s1600/light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqI5Y2nBJujohrE0lTJP0qxPvmL06mOcDlGfGk9PmUoLqNiRYzK2I72zoBia4p_pM50tLF9awiiBaxg9HhxZPTuLA-tKHtZK7hbl-2jPE2GOgp4V4rUAX-EBOAdhF89iXqOxKPRY0U6XY/s640/light2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took these photos back in the Fall so pardon the pumpkins!</td></tr>
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Another project done on a dime. You don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Am I right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s320/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-46354947361537968562016-02-14T15:38:00.001-06:002016-02-14T15:40:46.237-06:00Do we share too much?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYrUK6jLqfwgRwPhnwt6xCIVXcvHJ4OCJxyo2RW3nBhdoiK2CFkuUYjGqjF1rBvp84UM5OECx8wQU4Pc20MNovKF3mtItQr2B41SZzejgdfXjea-bUVdjLorfIaJEuYKLpjVvLjvmbZ3v/s1600/vday2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYrUK6jLqfwgRwPhnwt6xCIVXcvHJ4OCJxyo2RW3nBhdoiK2CFkuUYjGqjF1rBvp84UM5OECx8wQU4Pc20MNovKF3mtItQr2B41SZzejgdfXjea-bUVdjLorfIaJEuYKLpjVvLjvmbZ3v/s640/vday2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you ever wonder if we share too much on Facebook?<br />
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We post pics of our kids to keep the long distance family in the loop. We check in at our new favorite restaurant to help spread the word, while photographing our food to add that final stamp of approval. We even share our online shopping selections with the motivation to score a $20 friend referral credit on our next order.<br />
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Again I ask...do we share too much?<br />
<br />
Today, LOVE DAY, I ask myself this question once more.<br />
<br />
As my Facebok news feed is flooded with pictures of flowers from hubbies and sweets from sweeties, I can't help but notice silence from others.<br />
<br />
The single people who long for true love but have yet to find it.<br />
<br />
The widowers who long for the one that always made this day special but now feel a void like never before.<br />
<br />
The newly divorced who wonder if the pain will ever go away and if this day will ever be a happy one again.<br />
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The parents who recently lost a child and now cling to the finger-painted card from the year past.<br />
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I'm thankful for this day. I melt when my husband brings home flowers. My heart leaps when my son delivers a card full of crayon scratches. But I'll think twice before posting them for the world to see.<br />
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Because for all of us with hearts overflowing, there's that many more with hearts hurting. <br />
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Happy Valentine's Day, sweet friends. I celebrate LOVE with you and genuinely hope your day is full of unspeakable amounts. I'm simply challenging you, on behalf of heavy hearts everywhere, to think about the possibility that we occasionally share too much.<br />
<br />
<3<br />
<br />
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-33118595961836750892016-02-10T15:58:00.000-06:002016-02-10T16:02:58.611-06:00All You Need is Love & Pizza!If I had to rank the things I love, in order of importance, it would look a little something like this...<br />
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#1: God<br />
<br />
#2: Family<br />
<br />
#3: Pizza<br />
<br />
Breakfast pizza, traditional pizza, dessert pizza...warm pizza, hot pizza, cold pizza...I don't discriminate...I love them all.<br />
<br />
Naturally, when <a href="http://www.ntfronline.com/" target="_blank">North Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine</a> asked for a recipe for the February issue, Meat Lover's Pizza was Super Hunk's choice. Mainly because he's supportive like that but also because if he had to rank the things he loves, in order of importance, it would look something like this...<br />
<br />
#1: God<br />
<br />
#2: Family<br />
<br />
#3: Pizza...or tacos...but probably pizza...with a salad...and pie for dessert...you get the idea.<br />
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In honor of LOVE DAY, the people I love, and the food I love...here's a family favorite. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyKsxcN1U-MMtYs7SmEKOgwP_Xwhj_1yUz07VHZAq34sXW_bRbbhH7zjtSgMtwpu6VhVuwTbqIPXT4o9BbzdBNmmLUNI-81jCZQG4nYjLD8KZSD6N3ApcLrEfrueoz_hU3h265kZHSk1k/s1600/meat+pizza_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyKsxcN1U-MMtYs7SmEKOgwP_Xwhj_1yUz07VHZAq34sXW_bRbbhH7zjtSgMtwpu6VhVuwTbqIPXT4o9BbzdBNmmLUNI-81jCZQG4nYjLD8KZSD6N3ApcLrEfrueoz_hU3h265kZHSk1k/s640/meat+pizza_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
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1 Refrigerated pizza dough</div>
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(Homemade or store-bought)</div>
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1/2 cup marinara sauce</div>
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(Homemade or store-bought)</div>
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella</div>
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1/2 cup shredded parmesan</div>
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3-4 slices bacon, cooked & chopped</div>
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3/4 cup ham, diced</div>
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1 cup Italian sausage, cooked & drained</div>
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10-12 pepperoni slices, cut in heart shapes</div>
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Fresh chopped parsley, optional</div>
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<br />Roll out dough on slightly floured surface until desired thickness. (We're a crazy-about-thin-crust family so I roll until my arms hate me!) Spread marinara sauce evenly over crust. </div>
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</div>
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In small mixing bowl, combine both cheeses. Sprinkle half over sauce and top with sausage, bacon & ham. Layer the rest of the cheese and top with pepperoni slices (in festive heart shapes) as the grand finale! </div>
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</div>
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Bake according to crust instructions. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan. (Because let's face it, you can never have too much cheese, I need that on a t-shirt!) </div>
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Voila, a delicious way to spread the love! </div>
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Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK3Tv-ukOPA40aHBVov4-d2ObNatL9MyETJQSoqNyUwUXEqhKnbNKumsJsZ5jpcyFzqsmz0hOPFdmiqn5B-tFEwNuUah-q98gCg9B9IPb2NngoXc2EamdXhZfI9tyfo0AQA_i6vpbmCNO/s320/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-32850209828943103072016-02-04T16:08:00.000-06:002016-02-04T16:09:08.196-06:00Batty...Bonkers...Cuckoo!If you look up my name in the dictionary, you'll find a disheveled face and the following brief description appearing underneath..."A once lovely lady who went batty, bonkers, cuckoo...covered in a thin layer of construction dust."<br />
<br />
When we purchased our fixer upper, I knew the dust-free life I had grown accustomed to was about to change but I had no idea I'd be walking around with it in my hair for the next six months.<br />
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Our little slice of heaven is beginning to take shape (<em>sigh of relief</em>) but not without scrambling my brain in the process. Between normal life and the hordes of workmen, my blogging has been spasmodic at best (<em>that's my new favorite word, by the way</em>)<em>.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Spasmodic!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
With every intention of posting a delicious recipe (<em>Cheesy Burger Sliders, Valentine's Meat Lover's Pizza, Homemade Cookies & Cream Ice Cream to name a few), </em>all I can think is to share why my brain has been a real life <em>Inside Out</em> portrayal. <br />
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Last week alone was Crazytown, USA around here.<br />
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<em>Spasmodic!</em><br />
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New windows with men working at breakneck speeds. More like hypersonic. Two full days and I never saw them eat...maybe I need to take up hoisting hefty objects over my head all day. <br />
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It makes me hungry just thinking about it. (<em>Cheesy Burger Slider, anyone?</em>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuD0gykulH2Al1JAZ2sZkI-X6f4nQSngh-hc5NQiHZ8ye3mI4Mt4C9kPwX3ccAzePUXI-n9Ufz57_lSIUdJUd1hvL7qz0CqWkDIB_8bwdD1QpFT99q-bqGjuaA8QcqmI0BctmotPUYKgm/s1600/house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuD0gykulH2Al1JAZ2sZkI-X6f4nQSngh-hc5NQiHZ8ye3mI4Mt4C9kPwX3ccAzePUXI-n9Ufz57_lSIUdJUd1hvL7qz0CqWkDIB_8bwdD1QpFT99q-bqGjuaA8QcqmI0BctmotPUYKgm/s640/house1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Introducing, the new roof. All I can say, it takes serious cat-like reflexes to maneuver around an angle this steep. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXod0eTdmgHQN4KRdbUoopGbFJ8vfYiKn-D4N4JzZ1cprekQwN5RGGBTyNl6odPqDonMVFEjmRlKAzqjv9JIDaC4SRCXgZGwY7UIP2obTNc3_CXBCTMXFmOnpsSJWhw-envmFSGParj2r/s1600/house3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXod0eTdmgHQN4KRdbUoopGbFJ8vfYiKn-D4N4JzZ1cprekQwN5RGGBTyNl6odPqDonMVFEjmRlKAzqjv9JIDaC4SRCXgZGwY7UIP2obTNc3_CXBCTMXFmOnpsSJWhw-envmFSGParj2r/s640/house3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I actually saw one worker fall and land on his feet. (<em>Ice Cream, anyone?</em>)<br />
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<em>Spasmodic.!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
New solar panels finished out the week of pandemonium. Again, these boys have skills. I'd be face down on the ground in two seconds flat. (<em>Pizza, anyone?</em>) <br />
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<em>What? Producing energy makes me hungry.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpnl3yJGYq1kCA-i9Bk9NIUbYmuBU5PPKGPik8tfxjfyuyBh2rEsNQPcIlIoyJ4qQ4BWAo5BaH1mdj9pWdOBvW7VIk76s5CfGQ8D_B0q8G5CxAvg1kXOPQlcZyx8WFJImY7JWYBBMgm6O/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpnl3yJGYq1kCA-i9Bk9NIUbYmuBU5PPKGPik8tfxjfyuyBh2rEsNQPcIlIoyJ4qQ4BWAo5BaH1mdj9pWdOBvW7VIk76s5CfGQ8D_B0q8G5CxAvg1kXOPQlcZyx8WFJImY7JWYBBMgm6O/s640/house2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even with all the hustle and bustle, I've thought of you often. Thank you for sticking with me through life's topsy-turviness. <br />
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I hope to post regularly again soon. <br />
<br />
I hope to not dust the same surface three times again soon. <br />
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I hope to have uninterrupted morning coffee again soon. <br />
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Until then, check on me occasionally...I might be trapped under a ladder...hungry.<br />
<br />
<em>Spasmodic!</em><br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-68845604618339893612016-01-21T16:10:00.000-06:002016-01-21T16:11:07.375-06:00Cowboy Puppet to the Rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dr. Seuss once said "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild...to open a book and read to a child."</div>
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Around here, wacky and wild are always in the air. </div>
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Even when it comes to reading.</div>
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From the start, it's been important to us that Little Man become a lover of books. We frequent our local library (where the concept of whispering is still completely foreign...to us both) and this particular day, he selected a book called Cowboy Small. <em>Inspiration alert!</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LtTGAFAWRGYst93eZ7irylTNnD9Um2MZ1WPTwTiJjvgMuct7vN_jTGZ-Pb6QiU9U3rjSaOzEwkADLZ2AJzMosRAgY9EoINkPOCyITPLnPKm11jEUFi1USVKzXsaoOInjCVDKZpH9SBVy/s1600/cowboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LtTGAFAWRGYst93eZ7irylTNnD9Um2MZ1WPTwTiJjvgMuct7vN_jTGZ-Pb6QiU9U3rjSaOzEwkADLZ2AJzMosRAgY9EoINkPOCyITPLnPKm11jEUFi1USVKzXsaoOInjCVDKZpH9SBVy/s640/cowboy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's where the curtain rises on our Cowboy Puppet (as seen below). If a book is lengthy and exceeds ten pages, I completely lose my beloved boy's attention on page 11. <em>Squirrel!</em></div>
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With (2) paper lunch sacks, (2) mustaches, (2) yellow stars (slightly deformed), (2) cowboy hats, (4) squares cut like a vest, and (4) google eyes, we were ready to craft our very own Cowboy Small(when boys refuse to sit still, us Moms will craft to extreme lengths).</div>
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A little glue here and there transformed our menagerie of goods into a wild west masterpiece (to a three-year-old at least).</div>
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Today, Cowboy Puppet took the stage and did the storytelling. Much to my delight (and complete surprise) Little Man stay hooked for all 45 pages. <em>Yeeeehaaww!</em></div>
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Parenting is about small victories and today, I was triumphant. <em>Tomorrow is a different story.</em></div>
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Happy Trails and may your child be filled with focus!</div>
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-91667334117130135592016-01-20T18:12:00.000-06:002016-03-23T14:47:34.689-05:002016 Color of the YearI consider myself a fairly informed person but the older I get, the list of "things I didn't know" somehow continues to grow. <br />
<br />
For example...until recently, I had no idea you can curl your hair with a straightener.<br />
<br />
I'm still perplexed when people use the phrases "awfully pretty" or "an accurate estimate".<br />
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And I've been completely in the dark when it comes to revealing the Color of the Year (or even that one existed). <br />
<br />
This is why Guest Contributor, Fancy Nancy's presence in my life has been so fulfilling.<br />
<br />
She makes me better...and much more aware of the glamorous world around me!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>2016 Color of the Year (by: Fancy Nancy)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Every year around this time, the Pantone Color Institute
announces its “Color of the Year” for fashion and interior design. Those of us
in the industry hold our collective breaths to see what will be hip and hot for
the coming year. Selecting a Color of the Year is a process that is taken very
seriously. Companies send teams of color experts (exactly what does that look
like on a resume’?) far and wide to gather inspiration. Then they reconvene to
discuss what inspired them, what color trends they observed and even social
trends that influence color. From that, the “Color of the Year” is chosen.
Well…Pantone has spoken ; (drum roll, the envelope please) the trending color
for 2016 is not one, but TWO colors: Rose Quartz and Serenity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> E</span>rrrrccchhhh!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>My first impression was that they couldn’t decide if they
were having a boy or a girl! How could this combination possibly work beyond a
children’s bedroom? As it turns out, they are meant to inspire a sense of
connection, wellness and peace and balance warm and cool. Lord knows, we could all use a dose of that, so
let’s take a closer look.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>In the Pink: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rose
Quartz</b>. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>I’ll admit, my first thought was Shelby from Steel Magnolias
and her wedding colors, blush and bashful. I could just visualize a room that
looked like it had been sprayed down with Pepto Bismol! To my surprise, this is
a sweet, gentle pink with just the barest hit of peach which elevates it above
baby décor. Rose Quartz has a softness that creates a soothing ambience and a
peaceful feeling in this crazy, madcap world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of those last hues of a serene sunset, or the inside of a budding
pink rose. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Serenity</b> has a
calming effect, a very airy and clean color. Since Serenity has a hint of
purple, it looks surprisingly chic with a deep plum. It reminds me of blue sky
with just a hint of violet. In the 80’s we called this color Periwinkle!
Pantone describes it as a tranquil color that promotes peace. This is a great
color for a bedroom or bathroom, wherever you want a calming ambiance. What
about on the ceiling, like an expanse of blue sky, to provide a calming effect
to any room? In the South, we have a delightful tradition of painting our porch
ceilings blue for a variety of reasons. Whether you paint yours blue based on
superstition, getting back to nature, or just because you think it’s a lovely color,
blue porch ceilings are a wonderful way to add visual interest to your outdoor
space and make the space appear cooler. </em></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>If you are like me, you are having trouble with the idea of
painting your walls pale pink or blue? Call me commitment-phobic, but let’s not
rush into anything. I much prefer the idea of using these colors in small
doses, like accessories or maybe a small bit of upholstery. Lamps, rugs and
throw pillows are a good way to bring these colors into your rooms and add a
light touch for the eye. If you decide to use these two colors together, think
of beach house with pure white as a backdrop. Even if you don’t have any blue
in your home, you can add small touches like a vase of hydrangeas or a
beautiful painting. Individually, surprisingly, both colors work well with
gray, which continues to be the most popular neutral color and the gray
combines a masculine feel with the feminine, mixing the best of both worlds.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Well, the suspense is
over for another year. Expect to see these color choices cross over into
fashion, so you might want to start planning that Easter dress. As for me, I am
off to find towels for my 1960’s pink tile bathroom. Who knew, I would be so
fashion forward in 2016.</em></span> </span></div>
Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-49158142762988974802016-01-12T16:46:00.000-06:002016-01-12T16:46:14.189-06:00Sweet Corn Cake<div class="postmeta metabottom" style="background-image: url(http://www.simplyscratch.com/wp-content/themes/simplyscratch/images/sep.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 237, 236); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 9px 0px 0px;">
Have you ever encountered a dish you knew you were meant to love?</div>
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Yep, this is my soul dish. </div>
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It needs no additional introduction...this is for you, my dear friends.</div>
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Enjoy...every...bite!</div>
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature</div>
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2/3 cup Masa Harina (corn flour)</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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1 cup whole kernel corn, roughly chopped</div>
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1/2 cup yellow cornmeal</div>
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2/3 cup sugar</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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4 tablespoons whole milk</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a large bowl beat the two sticks of butter until fluffy. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Add the masa and water, mixing until combined.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcydW0jua7PV80DT19zjimy1giLOSfrm0lp3P0hbR3Odrdrm5_z23Bj1uDSjZ6Ja5hFDvqdVM6L_8ovIEF1X7_lC-NqCYZCdhQ8OqnSoFqjXgQkXJ5aXAewqK2G62ObCHKlZooRdRr70gl/s1600/corn+cake7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcydW0jua7PV80DT19zjimy1giLOSfrm0lp3P0hbR3Odrdrm5_z23Bj1uDSjZ6Ja5hFDvqdVM6L_8ovIEF1X7_lC-NqCYZCdhQ8OqnSoFqjXgQkXJ5aXAewqK2G62ObCHKlZooRdRr70gl/s640/corn+cake7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next, add the chopped corn, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Pour in the whole milk and mix until combined.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuTviBdazs9ZtHQ96oUlQ-8gKpCx0F1waUUn9u85PZvMk_w6EbyVq0Vg2Fa-c279YH70cdQh7i7W8ILyhEux_Y9QNBY1aO0Bgk2ILemqU3mCCbF2D4Pyf4u7qX9-Bj5YZ6QZ1un8YH4Jg/s1600/corn+cake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuTviBdazs9ZtHQ96oUlQ-8gKpCx0F1waUUn9u85PZvMk_w6EbyVq0Vg2Fa-c279YH70cdQh7i7W8ILyhEux_Y9QNBY1aO0Bgk2ILemqU3mCCbF2D4Pyf4u7qX9-Bj5YZ6QZ1un8YH4Jg/s640/corn+cake5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Scrape the bowl to incorporate any missed dry ingredients before pouring the batter into an ungreased 8xll glass baking dish.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Place the dish into a 9x13 baking dish and fill 1/3 of the way with water.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPT1OEJqh8ry_ANQgkvpFSe08BUcheGFge4lrCLu0D155_8Aq44fI5sWo-2q9ToXL4eJkP-LFubQN-jN6Xqh5jSyNDq-mrU2Jg3jJKR0WV2atH3oR4Av-k3qXNjKm9GWfSV3Jh2-A8Gr3/s1600/corn+cake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPT1OEJqh8ry_ANQgkvpFSe08BUcheGFge4lrCLu0D155_8Aq44fI5sWo-2q9ToXL4eJkP-LFubQN-jN6Xqh5jSyNDq-mrU2Jg3jJKR0WV2atH3oR4Av-k3qXNjKm9GWfSV3Jh2-A8Gr3/s640/corn+cake3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the water line. I know what you're thinking..."Water bath? I barely have time to bathe myself!" I understand but it makes the cake so evenly cooked...no brown edges here, folks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Place the corn cake into your 350 degree oven and bake for 50 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to dish and serve.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Enjoy! (If you missed the delicious and OH.SO.EASY taco soup recipe from yesterday, you can find it <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2016/01/taco-soup.html" target="_blank">here.)</a></span></div>
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-69738293992957864402016-01-11T19:28:00.000-06:002016-01-11T19:28:34.818-06:00Taco SoupMany years and a few pant sizes ago, I sat in the kitchen of a very dear friend and inhaled two bowls of this glorious soup. Soup that impacted my life in a big way (not to mention, the company).<br />
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You see, it was a time in my life that included wine and cheese for dinner (with a bowl of Cap n' Crunch chaser). Cooking was Figi to me...a thing I'd heard about but only dreamt of experiencing for myself.<br />
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Thank goodness for friends that can cook!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original recipe, in my sweet friend's handwriting. Using this card makes me smile every time I prepare it!</td></tr>
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This is absolutely the easiest pot of goodness you'll ever make and will consistently result in a family ready for seconds!<br />
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1 lb. ground beef<br />
1 large onion, chopped<br />
2 cans (16 oz.) mexi-style chili beans, with juice<br />
(Original recipe calls for 3 cans so use the amount you prefer.)<br />
1 can (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn, with juice<br />
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce<br />
1 can (4.5 oz.) chopped green chiles<br />
1 1/2 cups water<br />
1 package taco seasoning mix<br />
1 package ranch salad dressing mix<br />
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In medium stockpot, cook ground beef and onion until meat is cooked thoroughly. Drain any excess liquid. Add the next five ingredients to the pot, bring to a boil. Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix (which is the secret to this deliciousness) until combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.<br />
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Top with grated cheese...or a half-eaten slice from your little sticky man. <em>Muchas gracias!</em><br />
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You could also opt for a dollop of daisy or even a few avocado slices. The world is your oyster...err, taco!<br />
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To add a little extra bing bang to your bowl of BOOM (I seriously crack myself up), tomorrow I'll be posting a to-die-for Sweet Corn Cake recipe that makes for the perfect pairing. <br />
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Stay tuned...<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-38763341137014860882016-01-06T16:19:00.000-06:002016-01-06T16:19:10.665-06:002015 Year in ReviewLast week was full of "Most Popular Events of 2015". The news recapped historical events, tabloids hit the highlights of top celebrity scandals, and I did what I always do...wrote about it! <br />
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You see, in the midst of life's chaos, one thing at our house always remains...sharing. From a helpful DIY to my most favorite comfort food, we shared it all last year. <br />
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Here's ten of 2015's most popular posts, in case you missed them the first time or simply need a sweet reminder. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjfYPmTlBkO4Tz0ckYpuUWHy_Rvthi0WNPjN1bXuFJTPrvcWhuEn_lFVwR_uqM6Vf6JU1WfSunNaa63rB6E-StjAJIfg4U6xbhwq5FtbTgz-Hlfwqumf2SIBQMesTQitD-CJA0uY3sWhv/s1600/2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjfYPmTlBkO4Tz0ckYpuUWHy_Rvthi0WNPjN1bXuFJTPrvcWhuEn_lFVwR_uqM6Vf6JU1WfSunNaa63rB6E-StjAJIfg4U6xbhwq5FtbTgz-Hlfwqumf2SIBQMesTQitD-CJA0uY3sWhv/s640/2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In no particular order...<br />
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#1 ~ Starting things off with a BANG, July's <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/07/ambush-blog-makeover.html" target="_blank">Ambush Blog Makeover</a> post! According to the page views, you guys were as excited to see the "new & improved look" of S&S almost as much as I was to unveil it! What will happen in 2016? Stay tuned...<br />
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#2 ~ As always, this is an S&S favorite. Originally debuting in 2014 and reposted in 2015 (by popular demand), the blue ribbon winner for "Most Popular Post Infinity"! <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/05/baked-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">Baked Oatmeal</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CcYBFlApiy-7g1U2CMntcwKlMTLuXn00wE_w9oGfnPw3qS1aAwuuKs0efYOr3YFGSv-tt9RmxN9GX8xvmmcsKAKhBH4i1MznYQ8d8oyNNkVBHsh3FtZUoxzqCFGR5m0pYv9FUNQjnCrf/s1600/baked+oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CcYBFlApiy-7g1U2CMntcwKlMTLuXn00wE_w9oGfnPw3qS1aAwuuKs0efYOr3YFGSv-tt9RmxN9GX8xvmmcsKAKhBH4i1MznYQ8d8oyNNkVBHsh3FtZUoxzqCFGR5m0pYv9FUNQjnCrf/s640/baked+oatmeal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#3 ~ In 2015, I added a few elite Guest Contributors from various areas of interest. Our Delightful DIY Contributor, Leigh, has been a very popular addition to the S&S red carpet. Her <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/09/door-project.html" target="_blank">Personalized Door DIY</a> post was loved by many!<br />
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#4 ~ Many milestones occurred last year and none more heart-wrenching than the loss of our sweet Old Man. The popularity of this post shows your support of S&S and sincere love of life's four-legged friends. (PS. I miss his drool every...single...day!) <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/02/youre-never-prepared-for-goodbye.html" target="_blank">You're Never Prepared for Goodbye</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgZNPrN11oPZioOkpiEQsKRLUzyVYqZfJkZJ7P9P_LXSKTomvfOZpeaJl51bvyIycWFrtM-k8bnJbaph7jwngz-bBzVmh9E2wMl5jGiD-Ft-OghaTwltxlgwNCoD2KOOdDDSwwVokruSy/s1600/100_0975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgZNPrN11oPZioOkpiEQsKRLUzyVYqZfJkZJ7P9P_LXSKTomvfOZpeaJl51bvyIycWFrtM-k8bnJbaph7jwngz-bBzVmh9E2wMl5jGiD-Ft-OghaTwltxlgwNCoD2KOOdDDSwwVokruSy/s640/100_0975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#5 ~ I'm still uncertain if the popularity of this post was due to the food or the tribute to Mother's Day and the spectacular women who have sacrificed so much to make us fabulous. Either way, it's one of my favorites too! <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/04/mothers-day-brunch-menu.html" target="_blank">Mother's Day Brunch</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-5fOfNKOEngsASuXF9TuWIp6AYaS7XDbuGPbXYc53QT7xxfkjNt-jGR9ihDLHN6nn21-fdThphgoaxnBsgyOugeD8f-cDEj9a1-ZgAP530CBQa9APqTrIgHSUwlrOzPwVGlrIXDYRoTz/s1600/mothers+day_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-5fOfNKOEngsASuXF9TuWIp6AYaS7XDbuGPbXYc53QT7xxfkjNt-jGR9ihDLHN6nn21-fdThphgoaxnBsgyOugeD8f-cDEj9a1-ZgAP530CBQa9APqTrIgHSUwlrOzPwVGlrIXDYRoTz/s640/mothers+day_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#6 ~ I wondered if the title of this post would create a bit more buzz than normal. It turns out...yes...you are super excited about gestation (as am I)...bovines or otherwise! <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/09/congratulations-youre-expecting.html" target="_blank">Congratulations, You're Expecting!</a></div>
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#7 ~ This soup is the fairest of them all. It's no wonder it was the most popular of 2015. Yum, yum, give me some! <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/02/lasagna-soup.html" target="_blank">Lasagna Soup</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Rt3x74ysyh7KUvHWlN3MNak4cUMdc9vOiA1K34ZWJekJllZNap4MNnGy55gqae3y0a3FI0WkIuQRTQg7EbA-qQziPMNFGnIMODus-Rmskuqt697laP7W3rUic9qfI7bG8GoGXikt5mG/s1600/lasa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Rt3x74ysyh7KUvHWlN3MNak4cUMdc9vOiA1K34ZWJekJllZNap4MNnGy55gqae3y0a3FI0WkIuQRTQg7EbA-qQziPMNFGnIMODus-Rmskuqt697laP7W3rUic9qfI7bG8GoGXikt5mG/s640/lasa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#8 ~ There was more feedback regarding this DIY than any other. Maybe it's the simplicity, the versatility of design, or the complete cuteness...either way, you LOVED IT (but you already knew that)! <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/07/crayon-sandpaper-shirt.html" target="_blank">Crayon Sandpaper Shirt</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEJJ8oWimR_udE0AVY6zdpMCykzQvyXY9DnHimtY5Uxw4L7wcqvFuOE6D07o3ni0zbokzdzoveQV5OcJfsC3UJzPkvm_FSYvh0cC6pLfNiO4fkU7eHuCI3Ai_FhxeUh05no8MTh1YAT4L/s1600/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEJJ8oWimR_udE0AVY6zdpMCykzQvyXY9DnHimtY5Uxw4L7wcqvFuOE6D07o3ni0zbokzdzoveQV5OcJfsC3UJzPkvm_FSYvh0cC6pLfNiO4fkU7eHuCI3Ai_FhxeUh05no8MTh1YAT4L/s640/shirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#9 ~ The final DIY that had you talking were these sophisticated stripes. Super Hunk and I braved a new frontier with these cuties and had a blast doing it! You should tackle them this year, your space will thank you. <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/11/simply-stripes.html" target="_blank">Simple Stripes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2THGPva00zikK7vaNcePvY-HGjJd1yti_VTUiYHh6C7pgZ7kllIXPHNy4kabljAnuhdzqjUBgfu1IOS5vha4cUnrsTUKx2gTxXMnWtm4cIr44kV7D_nb-iA2h56cidXBWX-fcJF97PCO/s1600/stripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2THGPva00zikK7vaNcePvY-HGjJd1yti_VTUiYHh6C7pgZ7kllIXPHNy4kabljAnuhdzqjUBgfu1IOS5vha4cUnrsTUKx2gTxXMnWtm4cIr44kV7D_nb-iA2h56cidXBWX-fcJF97PCO/s640/stripes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#10 ~ Last, but definitely not least, you enthusiastically joined me in getting to know our new S&S family members. These four ladies have made this blog a MUCH BETTER place by sacrificing valuable time to share their tips and techniques as Guest Contributors. (Our beloved baker, Jessica, is seen below but click on the link to see all of their beautiful faces.) <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2015/09/when-i-grow-up-i-want-to-be-like-them.html" target="_blank">Getting To Know Our Guest Contributors</a><br />
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2015 was a wild ride! I learned more about what works, what pretty much flops, and all things in between. Thank you for your loyal support and I look forward to a fantastically fabulous 2016!<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-27607329791308867642016-01-02T18:20:00.001-06:002016-01-02T18:20:46.439-06:00New Year's Texas Caviar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a well-established southern New Year's tradition, the consumption of black-eyed peas as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the coming year.</div>
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I honor said tradition to...#1) To keep my southern ancestors from rolling over in their graves, while staying connected to my roots and...#2) Super Hunk has an almost unhealthy love of black-eyed peas and I have an almost unhealthy love of him. </div>
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This is a Texas spin on our favorite little bean...pea...whatever! They're not just for New Year's anymore! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQh7t3ZaX1UoQycPVO184rW5P_dZrBRFJT7Pa07RrITHHgBQ6qn0_6ERnF5zzmTJwGvUHiWpy0u9BmOrsFfwf8oF4fMO6xTKl6nXajdmvDvTW-THV9LzcjlUfeLmPwRJUDDI2zVU5RjDA/s1600/tx+caviar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQh7t3ZaX1UoQycPVO184rW5P_dZrBRFJT7Pa07RrITHHgBQ6qn0_6ERnF5zzmTJwGvUHiWpy0u9BmOrsFfwf8oF4fMO6xTKl6nXajdmvDvTW-THV9LzcjlUfeLmPwRJUDDI2zVU5RjDA/s640/tx+caviar2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;">Texas Caviar</span></u></em></strong><br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 (15 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed<br />
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained & rinsed<br />
2 cups whole kernel corn<br />
1 orange bell pepper, diced<br />
2 (4 oz.) cans green chiles, chopped<br />
4 green onions, sliced thin<br />
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped<br />
1/4 cup tomato, diced<br />
1 tablespoon onion powder<br />
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar<br />
Juice of one lime<br />
Salt & pepper to taste<br />
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<em>Have you ever noticed the bean...pea...whatever bubble bath that results from rinsing?</em> <em>No? Just me?</em><br />
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In a large mixing bowl, combine first eight ingredients.<br />
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Next, add remaining ingredients to pea...bean...whatever mixture.</div>
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Mix and pour in your favorite bowl. Add a little oomp by garnishing with extra cilantro and tomatoes.<br />
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You can dive in with chips or...</div>
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Add a little pizazz to your delectable burger!</div>
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Either way, it's a recipe you'll want to enjoy all year.</div>
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Happy 2016, friends! I hope it's filled with all things delicious!</div>
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<em>(The question of the year...Is it a pea? Is it a bean? Who really knows?!)</em></div>
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-79334349281503246932015-12-24T15:39:00.000-06:002015-12-24T15:47:01.075-06:00Feeding a little extra!My sweet Dad is here to spend Christmas with us! It warms my heart because...well, I super duper love him...and we haven't been together on this holiday in many years. <br />
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<em>Sad face...</em><br />
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With Little Man resting (because Grandpa Rudy is like catnip for a little guy) and my two favorite grown men off to feed cows, I'm reminded of growing up and the many Christmas traditions I treasure.<br />
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James Taylor playing the most beautiful version of Silent Night.<br />
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Mom's cornbread dressing (see recipe <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2014/11/green-chile-cornbread-dressing.html" target="_blank">here</a>), there's something about the smell of green chiles and toasted pecans that is heavenly.<br />
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The amaryllis that always knows when to bloom.<br />
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A stack of Christmas books on the coffee table, read only once a year.<br />
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Trying to decide which present with be the one I open on Christmas Eve (because there's only ONE).<br />
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And one of my favorites, my Dad's tradition of always feeding our livestock a little extra on Christmas.<br />
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As each year passes, I cling to these traditions a bit more than the year before. But the most cherished is the tradition of celebrating Jesus, the one who came to give us so much. My heart is thankful...for the years gone by and the years to come.<br />
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Merry Christmas and may your holiday be filled with many cherished traditions!<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-46738037429002708752015-12-22T18:03:00.000-06:002015-12-22T18:03:22.829-06:00Christmas Tree BrowniesIt's Christmas week. Can you believe it? <br />
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It seems like I just mastered writing "2015" and here we go again. There's a sneaky little elf somewhere that stole the last 12 months!<br />
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Time flies when you're having flan...err, fun! :-)<br />
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Any who...keeping with our Christmas tradition, Little Man and I delivered festive goodies around town yesterday to spread a little holiday cheer.<br />
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This year, I let him select the treat and Christmas Tree Brownies were at the top of his list.<br />
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For your gatherings this week, add a little cheer with these cuties right here...</div>
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Ingredients:<br />
1 box brownie mix<br />
1 green icing<br />
1 yellow icing<br />
Holiday sprinkles<br />
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Bake brownies according to instructions and let cool COMPLETELY. This was the hardest part for us because seriously...it's a big pan of brownies!<br />
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Cut brownies in triangles...circles would make for weird looking trees. :-)<br />
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Pipe green icing on each piece.<br />
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Adorn with your favorite holiday sprinkles.<br />
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Top with yellow icing because every tree needs a star and place them on your favorite platter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI2EfspMSkQl4zISMRUM_glH3191gimF0npS73F340ZKPGfjhc0OMlFl4lzxzK9jEPCkxDTLLV13B0tur5sf0AJpcwHxI3S7IsBKM4N9B2My7iuSBo4PvHGeAjZm1LSLnoCmlGp9mfCTw/s1600/tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI2EfspMSkQl4zISMRUM_glH3191gimF0npS73F340ZKPGfjhc0OMlFl4lzxzK9jEPCkxDTLLV13B0tur5sf0AJpcwHxI3S7IsBKM4N9B2My7iuSBo4PvHGeAjZm1LSLnoCmlGp9mfCTw/s640/tree2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A happy treat for your favorite peeps! <em>(Yes, I realize there's been a pattern of pathetic rhyming in this post but it's the holidays and I've read waaaaaaayyyyy too many children's books!)</em><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngscKzC_WeBjlhD5sF3F5JqylbyRWncR8RfPjmTKQTkJKcRKbcamEPaJbmp7PDqI25AP96FG2ud3I1GcLR-9ucMSGQDUqLr3qemg9sXJZ-Yv53h_vV_Fb36LsGxrQXtREC0dcE6OV8uGA/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngscKzC_WeBjlhD5sF3F5JqylbyRWncR8RfPjmTKQTkJKcRKbcamEPaJbmp7PDqI25AP96FG2ud3I1GcLR-9ucMSGQDUqLr3qemg9sXJZ-Yv53h_vV_Fb36LsGxrQXtREC0dcE6OV8uGA/s640/tree.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Merry Christmas, dear friends! May your week be filled with peace, love, and an overwhelming joy of the Lord!<br />
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-36169173203385300352015-12-10T16:16:00.000-06:002016-03-23T14:48:55.489-05:00Comfort & Joy<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Decking the halls is my favorite part about this time of year. In this post, from our beloved Interior Design Contributor, Fancy Nancy, she reminds us what's important and how to add that little extra sparkle while remaining merry and bright.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Comfort and Joy</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>I will admit, in the past I have been one of those OCD
Christmas decorators, hanging tinsel one strand at a time, measuring how much
slack was in the garland and how many feet between the bows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>This year is different; because of a new business
venture, life has been hectic and I think the Grinch stole about 6 hours out
of each day. So……this year’s decorating has been with a blessed nonchalance and
Christmas decorations now include a hastily decorated tree, a fire in the
fireplace and some fluffy throws on the couch to ward off the December
chill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>That got me thinking about how
things change from one year to the next, paradoxically, at a time of year that
embodies no change at all, but tradition, custom, ritual. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Isn’t that what we love about Christmas, the traditions that
help us hold onto the way things were? Our favorite foods, the smell of baking,
naps on the couch during halftime of the football game, card games, Scrabble,
and stacks of Christmas books are some of my favorites. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Your home is at its homiest in December. Whether you
approach decorating with a case of OCD, or with a blessed nonchalance, let us
embrace this season and all that is familiar. </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>One thing is certain, change is
going to come and things will be different, but for now, may you find comfort
and joy in the sameness of the season. Merry Christmas to all!</em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "times";"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "times";">Hope this blesses you and a big THANK YOU to Fancy Nancy!</span></div>
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-70104026500649459872015-12-07T15:26:00.001-06:002015-12-07T15:26:43.807-06:00Santa PancakesOver the weekend, I made an obscene amount of pancake batter. With two hungry guys and a growling stomach of my own, I must've thought a small army was joining us for breakfast.<br />
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With a plate stacked high (seriously, something close to 62 pancakes), I shut the griddle down and walked away from the spatula. <br />
<em></em><br />
<em>When is enough...enough?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>When your stretchy pants are no longer stretchy...that's when!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I was under the impression the pancake gluttony we experienced yesterday would've curbed our pancake cravings for a while...but when I asked Little Man what he wanted for breakfast this morning, he responded...<em>wait for it...</em><br />
<em></em><br />
"Pancakes, please."<br />
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Seriously, his stamina (and metabolism) is astounding. <br />
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Before you go thinking I'm the worst nutritional mom on the planet, let me reassure you...I packed the batter full of bananas and nuts. <em>I know, Mom of the Year...right?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Back at the ranch...the remaining dough (from yesterday's extravaganza) yielded one GIANT pancake. <br />
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And because we like to play with our food, we transformed it into a Santa pancake! <br />
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<em>Voila! </em>Here's an easy step-by-step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgupvwj-cfRk3W499-9xNKPob_G-Rok4MFQ_Kiz3kuECpBayWccdXxUk5SMLy2X3rmjsdvJ_IYnjUstRaAn86RGbN10M-p8zHqsuoCfCumilot6ros8pFuj_mWFYNriWoxbrz2gNehR3k/s1600/SANTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgupvwj-cfRk3W499-9xNKPob_G-Rok4MFQ_Kiz3kuECpBayWccdXxUk5SMLy2X3rmjsdvJ_IYnjUstRaAn86RGbN10M-p8zHqsuoCfCumilot6ros8pFuj_mWFYNriWoxbrz2gNehR3k/s640/SANTA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little Man checked the above referenced ginormocake, making sure it was cool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ektGt6eC19iBJvNFtlwYbT4jVDLTwXzTSHTtbj7QNy4tPOEnISaR6rzi0FaRBgr6RRENz3hRnPmZPI5bD7tSepswgWiElqObFy-jQnFveev_d_xEDJLNSkCPTCfwU4p95l87YpyWxrsX/s1600/SANTA8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ektGt6eC19iBJvNFtlwYbT4jVDLTwXzTSHTtbj7QNy4tPOEnISaR6rzi0FaRBgr6RRENz3hRnPmZPI5bD7tSepswgWiElqObFy-jQnFveev_d_xEDJLNSkCPTCfwU4p95l87YpyWxrsX/s640/SANTA8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once room temperature, we placed two milk chocolate chips on the pancake for the eyes and a slice of strawberry for the nose. Next, we used whipped cream (in the can...<em>GASP</em>) to make the beard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYqf1YKr32Ab-d3gfsg04ouLg8Xa59CXsyD1NJfifymVMZ1t_KdqDLfyef5CWTph4dK0hfKCgne7-4Y-LM-a-eImj8VsoPLy0Q-t_bsKxqMfyeaWeGfy5876l_iIW1IveYf2rqiXUTOHy/s1600/SANTA7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYqf1YKr32Ab-d3gfsg04ouLg8Xa59CXsyD1NJfifymVMZ1t_KdqDLfyef5CWTph4dK0hfKCgne7-4Y-LM-a-eImj8VsoPLy0Q-t_bsKxqMfyeaWeGfy5876l_iIW1IveYf2rqiXUTOHy/s640/SANTA7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We then dropped a thin line of chocolate syrup for the mouth. Caution: It runs so don't use very much. You can also substitute this for chocolate sprinkles or black licorice, get creative!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf85jjVaekgKxmfwvAd6eUIthJ8jMUTDZWPBtsA7kQEx5vMi-pWUTGssIgngRvd8VthW409st8ST14YAUKn5SaAr2e_qROgU5AMGoZ9LVcJWaIgtHdbi6QOcS0DE7hGsVDFKkKesfi_tDk/s1600/SANTA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf85jjVaekgKxmfwvAd6eUIthJ8jMUTDZWPBtsA7kQEx5vMi-pWUTGssIgngRvd8VthW409st8ST14YAUKn5SaAr2e_qROgU5AMGoZ9LVcJWaIgtHdbi6QOcS0DE7hGsVDFKkKesfi_tDk/s640/SANTA5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was Little Man saying Santa needed a tongue...which led to the Mommy speech, "It's not nice to stick out your tongue, even if you're Santa"...which led to the exaggerated eye roll!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VyVjO7M_C18lU8yei3kuqJRjbkto0MOUESuRcKBePdwua69i6TC3bd5QrxTfW-o9iAQsr9_AYnbk0gXiZyRg7Df4ImqsVGwVYOj6Iti9rLyNtAQVvzSH_4FqW4R_f1jBPWT60N-Eabmy/s1600/SANTA6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VyVjO7M_C18lU8yei3kuqJRjbkto0MOUESuRcKBePdwua69i6TC3bd5QrxTfW-o9iAQsr9_AYnbk0gXiZyRg7Df4ImqsVGwVYOj6Iti9rLyNtAQVvzSH_4FqW4R_f1jBPWT60N-Eabmy/s640/SANTA6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, we placed halved strawberries as the red on Santa's hat and used a bit more whipped cream for the white.</div>
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Tada! Another happy, festive dish!</div>
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UPDATE: Because, at first glance, this seems like a sugar high waiting to happen and my Mom of the Year crown is beginning to tarnish...I wanted to update you that Little Man only ate the hat! Strawberries, whipped cream, and 1/3 of the ginormocake.<br />
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And the nose.<br />
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And maybe one eye!<br />
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'Tis the season! :-)<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-56959529036936063202015-12-03T15:31:00.000-06:002015-12-03T15:31:47.837-06:00Feed Sack Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>It's time for another delightful DIY from our beloved, Leigh. </em></div>
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<em> </em></div>
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<em>She and I have many things in common...including, an abundance of feed sacks lying around. While mine fill the recycle bin, in contrast...Leigh has found creative ways to repurpose and give them new life...I want to be like her when I grow up!</em></div>
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<em>Here's a few game ideas to keep the kiddos occupied while you wait for Dad to call it a day...or just need a moment to wrap their Christmas presents...after locking yourself in the closet.</em> </div>
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<em>Sack Toss: Form a ball from torn sack and wrap with duct tape. Roll tops down of additional sacks and place in a line. See who can sink the first shot!</em><br />
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<em>Airplane Game, AKA: Flight School: Cut feed sack down sides, leaving it attached along bottom. Unfold and lay flat to cut various sizes of holes. Trim edges with duct tape (because you want it to last more than 2.5 seconds. Designate points to different holes and attach string to top edge (for hanging). Cut and fold an airplane (or three, in Leigh's case) and you're all done...hours of fun!</em><br />
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<em>Tic-Tac-Toe: Lay feed sack flat and crease the edges. Make a tic-tac-toe board on top with duct tape. Use rocks (or whatever else your kiddos can find) as game pieces.</em> I wonder who won? I'm going with the Beagle...I hear they have mad sack game skills!</div>
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<em>Along with games, there's a plethora of other good uses for feed sacks. </em><br />
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<em>Have you considered?</em><br />
<em>1. Cover your plants during the winter season.</em><br />
<em>2. Making a kid's smock during messy craft sessions.</em><br />
<em>3. Keeping a spare sack in your car for transporting plants or mud soaked tennis shoes.</em><br />
<em>4. Making your kids a snow sled.</em><br />
<em>5. Create a sewing pattern or costume.</em><br />
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Once again, I'm inspired and I will no longer deposit my sad sacks in the garbage can...at least not ALL of them! Hey, I have to be me!<br />
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Stay tuned for more Delightful DIY projects and a big thank you to our lovely Leigh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJmkCEj3tVpW7QysJPue4n5pG260coXF_tExYxmL9pRt_RLceIkixfNDyQKuB9W3M2vQl9mVKmWQ2_Q-hkkZmhOdIRxV43lN3g6shUVOc_Lb4_a0gfM_qEBBwnuGEtqcD-pmvjE2o6K-0/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJmkCEj3tVpW7QysJPue4n5pG260coXF_tExYxmL9pRt_RLceIkixfNDyQKuB9W3M2vQl9mVKmWQ2_Q-hkkZmhOdIRxV43lN3g6shUVOc_Lb4_a0gfM_qEBBwnuGEtqcD-pmvjE2o6K-0/s200/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-47991899418200124222015-12-02T17:16:00.000-06:002015-12-02T17:16:02.463-06:00Some say "cart", I say "buggy"!We strive to teach our children manners, morals, life lessons...preparing them for the big ol' world...hoping they'll grow up to be amazing human beings that contribute to society and...<br />
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Wait for it...<br />
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After use, return their shopping carts to the designated receptacle!<br />
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<em>(Some say "cart", we say "buggy"...who's with me?)</em><br />
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It may seem silly but around this homestead, ORDER is a necessity for continued sanity. Unless it's a buggy-littered parking lot. <br />
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It gives me a twitch.<br />
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Consequently, it now gives my son a twitch.<br />
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I love this little person and his joyful desire for everything to be in its correct place...except on days like today.<br />
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Days that are crammed full of obligations and rushing from point A to point B, pants ablaze.<br />
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Yes, these days don't allow for my sweet, methodical child to insist on returning EACH INDIVIDUAL cart within reach to the above referenced receptacle.<br />
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Proud, yet slightly annoyed, an attempt to explain (or bark, depending on how the day is going) our time constraints and obligation to return ONLY ONE CART is made.<br />
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Until the look...<br />
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The somber look that only comes when one questions something that on any other day would be of the utmost importance...and your child responds "But Mom, this cart will be sad without his friends". <br />
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<em>Pardon me for a moment while I sob uncontrollably...making the man passing by visibly uncomfortable.</em><br />
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You'd think this would be a lesson for me to slow down and smell the roses...and while this was a good reminder...more importantly, I learned #1: to be less "aghast" about my outrage because he's always watching...and #2: to stop attaching human emotions to inanimate objects because it backfires (usually when we're in a hurry).<br />
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Yes, in case you're wondering, TOGETHER, we returned eight carts to their "friends". All is well in the world.<br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-6370907278809102592015-11-25T15:29:00.000-06:002015-11-25T15:29:21.471-06:00Our Crazy Turkey Craft!Are you familiar with the blog, <a href="http://www.madefrompinterest.net/" target="_blank">Made From Pinterest?</a><br />
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It's one of my guilty pleasures for a couple of reasons. <br />
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#1: The writers are a group of sisters and they're oh-so-much-fun! <em>I love fun!</em><br />
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#2: I've spent hours searching the time-sucking vortex that we know as "Pinterest", only to find a recipe that looks amazing but ends up tasting like bourbon-soaked shoe leather. These lovely ladies save me the headache by reviewing things they've actually tried...successes and failures.<br />
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Here's my version of <em>Made From Pinterest, </em>crazy-turkey-craft-style.<br />
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I made a big batch of <a href="http://www.saucepansandsuperheroes.com/2014/06/nutella-pumpkin-yummies.html" target="_blank">Nutella Pumpkin Yummies</a> to deliver to Super Hunk's office today. Little Man wanted to make a little something to take along for everyone and I remembered seeing a paper plate turkey craft on Pinterest (via Facebook). <br />
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Even though our turkeys turned out nothing like the original, fun was had by all! Here's how our crazy-turkey-creating went down...<br />
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1. We started by coloring the paper plates with brown crayon.<br />
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2. I drew feathers and Little Man colored them as well, using various markers.<br />
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3. Once the feathers were colored, I cut them out while Little Man cheered me on with a "Good job, girl!" Next, he applied generous amounts of glue stick to the top of the paper plate (back side).</div>
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4. Then he glued the feathers, in no particular order (which gave my control freak self a twitch but I took a deep breathe and counted to ten...one day at a time).</div>
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5. Once the feathers dried, we applied the google eyes, beak, and snood. (He selected the monster google eyes left over from Halloween...poor, crazy turkey!)</div>
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6. Finally, I formed legs and feet with colorful pipe cleaners and attached them to the bottom of the paper plate with hot glue (back side).</div>
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<em>Taaaaddddaaaaaa, </em>with a little "Gobble, Gobble" our crazy turkeys were complete...giving all new meaning to the term "looney bird"!</div>
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A perfect project for a perfectly looney household!</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving, from our kooky flock to yours!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0xpyOPQqplfy02MSUK-B-In1CkIWqqFFmFF9EHjS5LxKhyxyYhCwZ8H49rW2dxmDu9wwvJTEudr-bfdBLNf_6dBf1LjDKwo4TQHnqrV-osK2sVhNzbyy62PdF7ujqLvaxjeEZvnCyDZ0/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0xpyOPQqplfy02MSUK-B-In1CkIWqqFFmFF9EHjS5LxKhyxyYhCwZ8H49rW2dxmDu9wwvJTEudr-bfdBLNf_6dBf1LjDKwo4TQHnqrV-osK2sVhNzbyy62PdF7ujqLvaxjeEZvnCyDZ0/s200/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-5633002340109697152015-11-24T16:38:00.001-06:002015-11-24T16:39:03.009-06:00Life is Loud!With over a week since my last post, I sit here...<br />
<br />
Fingers draped over the keyboard...<br />
<br />
Staring out the window...<br />
<br />
Finally experiencing this infamous thing called "writer's block". <br />
<br />
It's strange.<br />
<br />
In part, because life has been so crazy, I should have so many things to tell you. After all, blogging is intended to be a platform for sharing the ins and outs of everyday life. Right?<br />
<br />
<em>Where are you, ins and outs? Did you run away with my size 4 jeans?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
But also...because I'm rarely speechless...or typeless. Many can attest to this fact.<br />
<br />
I suppose it's a good opportunity to use this as a life lesson. <br />
<br />
<em>(Reflection moment ALERT!)</em><br />
<br />
Life is sometimes LOUD. <br />
<br />
The deafening volume of activities from a crowded calendar can leave our minds depleted. Our souls weary. Our creativity crippled. <br />
<br />
If we're not careful, "empty" can be all we're left with.<br />
<br />
This is why (with an always joyful heart...even when it's tired), I'm thankful for this week and all it represents.<br />
<br />
Christmas decorating...Black Friday...Cyber Monday...it's all noise compared to the immensity of Thanksgiving. A moment, in a world that's constantly moving, to be still...thankful.<br />
<br />
No matter if this holiday for you is family pandemonium or blissful solitude, take a moment to quiet the noise. Reflect on each individual note that makes up your life's symphony and be thankful for the people with you, making sweet music out of life's racket.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friends.<br />
<br />
<em>Take that...writer's block! BAM!</em><br />
<br />
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Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-52130939325569074702015-11-13T15:48:00.000-06:002015-11-13T15:48:53.851-06:00Foodie Friday ~ Catered!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36bWnwp6hOA0nCCh1TfVc__N_mpxK8eBa8uD3ls32wpg52ISxpxOFCTDa2PIkTuOaEkchj58kNco5ga9yPfOc9kGBr9CCw6lhhRhFtXATLM2B9S-8nG0134w7AtdLrALTwzim87-cjVjs/s1600/catered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36bWnwp6hOA0nCCh1TfVc__N_mpxK8eBa8uD3ls32wpg52ISxpxOFCTDa2PIkTuOaEkchj58kNco5ga9yPfOc9kGBr9CCw6lhhRhFtXATLM2B9S-8nG0134w7AtdLrALTwzim87-cjVjs/s640/catered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Cater: (verb) - to provide, help.<br />
<br />
By the general definition above, I would say "catering" is a huge part of my day-to-day life.<br />
<br />
By the culinary interpretation, I would say "catering" is as familiar to me as straddling a camel saddle while on a trek through the Sahara.<br />
<br />
Yep, pretty foreign...and I'm guessing, pretty uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
However, when Fancy Nancy requested my services for a recent dinner party she was hosting, I instantly agreed. <br />
<br />
<em>Hey, crazy...where's your meds?!</em><br />
<br />
Hindsight is always 20/20 and looking back, a few problems with my snap decision...<br />
<br />
1) I've never catered an event in my life...not intentionally, anyway.<br />
<br />
2) I really shouldn't wear my cape that tight, it decreases the amount of oxygen to my brain. <em>Noted.</em><br />
<br />
Being a girl of my word (regardless of my insecurities about poisoning perfect strangers), I drafted a menu (which Fancy Nancy enthusiastically approved) and got to work. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruwLnpZ92ilrHT2AyyUScWFrnhBafS2-64KtloF2ejOQQzaOJS0EVbveq_7KvKcXnCTjq8AGzoyba5WMUeF6phEi4hyphenhyphenjnY-ZYeHXN3PkOio6TUilviwAIgje9SzL4Xp_39YMFuJAPScEP/s1600/PARTY4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruwLnpZ92ilrHT2AyyUScWFrnhBafS2-64KtloF2ejOQQzaOJS0EVbveq_7KvKcXnCTjq8AGzoyba5WMUeF6phEi4hyphenhyphenjnY-ZYeHXN3PkOio6TUilviwAIgje9SzL4Xp_39YMFuJAPScEP/s640/PARTY4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<em></em><br />
Here are a few stars of the show...endorsed by sixteen hungry party guests (two lovely hosts and one unlikely caterer)!<br />
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~ Southwest Shrimp Skewers - southwest marinated shrimp, skewered with flour tortilla strips and pepper jack cheese squares.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJgaK5siZ_IHgKp1HOZRNCEAWl5Ire9IrnrJcC1H39Y7a8I4XkRj8pCPa3k-HHY-eJ1Ny0Lk-42hk3i6AWXXGm9-TEaEsBvY5mq8noYkn3WCWiu9AI1O-UyTUe-Yg9FHr-ts8AVao3MRl/s1600/PARTY7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJgaK5siZ_IHgKp1HOZRNCEAWl5Ire9IrnrJcC1H39Y7a8I4XkRj8pCPa3k-HHY-eJ1Ny0Lk-42hk3i6AWXXGm9-TEaEsBvY5mq8noYkn3WCWiu9AI1O-UyTUe-Yg9FHr-ts8AVao3MRl/s640/PARTY7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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~ Caprese Salad Skewers - cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and rolled prosciutto with fresh basil leaves.<br />
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~ Taquito Dippers - Guacamole with taquito halves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiCSRy0M4F7nI1IXVRp47uHpNCaHzgH2VxU3J6lQ_z5WBAOWiSQGqTJRw2_MvcMtMN3Ldeiz5JTpRuxxpfcxZFRYqO8XcWI2hr89LLaYKm79d8PGn39zkYKYJKZnj6GjEsirZWWUPcos/s1600/PARTY6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiCSRy0M4F7nI1IXVRp47uHpNCaHzgH2VxU3J6lQ_z5WBAOWiSQGqTJRw2_MvcMtMN3Ldeiz5JTpRuxxpfcxZFRYqO8XcWI2hr89LLaYKm79d8PGn39zkYKYJKZnj6GjEsirZWWUPcos/s640/PARTY6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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~ Spaghetti & Meatball Skewers - Meatballs skewered and wrapped with angel hair pasta, topped with black olives and placed in cups with marinara sauce. (Don't let their charm fool ya, these are pretty labor intensive!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjIWA9aO2ugsmZVeZ33ijdlQoG3od1FiiisvyQeH3GEnm88QYuuR3DhNUefaKYecQMiryDUDPb9MjKJTR7Szs-tYOqRAm-m8T60VCWAmJIckKNzMKj3Fk-rfHSk_PaCybsTYjOT3nM1QX/s1600/PARTY8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjIWA9aO2ugsmZVeZ33ijdlQoG3od1FiiisvyQeH3GEnm88QYuuR3DhNUefaKYecQMiryDUDPb9MjKJTR7Szs-tYOqRAm-m8T60VCWAmJIckKNzMKj3Fk-rfHSk_PaCybsTYjOT3nM1QX/s640/PARTY8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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~ Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Bites - Various types of cheesecake, sliced into squares, drizzled with white chocolate and topped with Ferrero Rocher chocolate (with a little extra drizzle).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQxU7Y4jS2IuvVRAg7PPFov3fj18z9qwCLBg75y9jLbfr6GfQi93pTgohynkJLqh32hj0VC7njfceJtEDrkPbM1RaNgaja85_bTLlQEg1eLTmT0K0Uyp1AIOAXD9Xe_XQMVCxfrRhWbAz/s1600/PARTY3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQxU7Y4jS2IuvVRAg7PPFov3fj18z9qwCLBg75y9jLbfr6GfQi93pTgohynkJLqh32hj0VC7njfceJtEDrkPbM1RaNgaja85_bTLlQEg1eLTmT0K0Uyp1AIOAXD9Xe_XQMVCxfrRhWbAz/s640/PARTY3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
~ Vanilla Mouse Cups - Vanilla Mouse in chocolate cups, adored with white and milk chocolate flower. (You can order the cups and various adornments <a href="http://www.qzina.com/" target="_blank">here.)</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaKG9QsOIgXf0ShPMl5GQKbOg131tQVQrL-HqURT7UrtRJKI_YqlAC8qSvAu9tn2wPWHvZ_2IWTpQOG3vwO124Ur9wmJq8OQNWj8GWdbFROCv6DqP2JvCITH8yFql0lNzr_pULRvYxC0j/s1600/PARTY5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaKG9QsOIgXf0ShPMl5GQKbOg131tQVQrL-HqURT7UrtRJKI_YqlAC8qSvAu9tn2wPWHvZ_2IWTpQOG3vwO124Ur9wmJq8OQNWj8GWdbFROCv6DqP2JvCITH8yFql0lNzr_pULRvYxC0j/s640/PARTY5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking back, we had a wonderful time...everyone survived (every.single.guest)...and I have a few new yummy favorites for my holiday festivities.<br />
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Thank you, Fancy Nancy, for allowing me to be part of your evening (and for all your help and encouragement)! xoxo<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjttzYDqzVkUZeRXjMBf0Tw0fDdaJdApfvTICUDCcgjvOzPXnQGBKMEWapnqahCgRaldDxcDs1UENk8-0QrMeZ7wC5kVOuUkHgBzXOvaL6XIqqSvkghseeLxYD1qLuOllqGtLkpZcjQdiU/s1600/PARTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjttzYDqzVkUZeRXjMBf0Tw0fDdaJdApfvTICUDCcgjvOzPXnQGBKMEWapnqahCgRaldDxcDs1UENk8-0QrMeZ7wC5kVOuUkHgBzXOvaL6XIqqSvkghseeLxYD1qLuOllqGtLkpZcjQdiU/s640/PARTY.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time, when I sprint outside of my comfort zone...<em>CHEERS!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
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<br />Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6888389662313566632.post-69454790074303414842015-11-02T17:12:00.000-06:002015-11-09T17:13:32.810-06:00Making A Room Lovely With Simple Stripes"I've never painted stripes on a wall in my life." <br />
<br />
Those were the words uttered by Super Hunk in <em>Phase Three: Master Bedroom Remodel </em>a few short weeks ago.<br />
<br />
I was genuinely surprised for two reasons...1) After seven years of marriage, we're still having "firsts". 2) He's been remodeling houses since his teen years and NEVER thought to include a sophisticated stripe?<br />
<br />
I arrived just in time!<br />
<br />
Let me take you to the beginning. Fancy Nancy (S&S Guest Contributor) always says to find an inspiration piece. Something you're drawn to that you can build the room around.<br />
<br />
With a cherished painting (as seen in photos) and an image of my "ideal room", inspiration was the theme of the day!<br />
<br />
My goal was clean lines and an uncluttered feel, while including Super Hunk's love of earth tones. <br />
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Stripes seemed like the perfect accent. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypcPBQqLl_VFW53BxHqqecW8zs_seQgtdgMa4POZXxY9UJLixlqi_I1nfxdDZ_zUTo0R7jbbkIAiL2oA-0rFnkFSU7qAS8DP80TyM397K99LPzMl6JCFNmxHnyoztCcF-AOlaJ7-cmHCR/s1600/stripes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypcPBQqLl_VFW53BxHqqecW8zs_seQgtdgMa4POZXxY9UJLixlqi_I1nfxdDZ_zUTo0R7jbbkIAiL2oA-0rFnkFSU7qAS8DP80TyM397K99LPzMl6JCFNmxHnyoztCcF-AOlaJ7-cmHCR/s640/stripes2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a quick how-to on adding a little pattern to your paradise. <em>(Cameo appearance by Super Hunk himself!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBIZm2edOxtwnPcrpMAuXuQpUM5twrQQnYN99Odd3EcWBLX4mH1cMfQAwxlQHh0AN6Ht7Dsaj8JorkaDwKIjez-ZNkfCh-fkZIds6Wha0CVfA_SI1Pob_Vu10HTbpWIELt49bwj04qmWL/s1600/stripes6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBIZm2edOxtwnPcrpMAuXuQpUM5twrQQnYN99Odd3EcWBLX4mH1cMfQAwxlQHh0AN6Ht7Dsaj8JorkaDwKIjez-ZNkfCh-fkZIds6Wha0CVfA_SI1Pob_Vu10HTbpWIELt49bwj04qmWL/s640/stripes6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Measure your space from ceiling to floor, deciding how wide you want your stripes. Mark top and bottom of each stripe with a pencil and use a level to trace lines horizontally (making sure they're straight, I missed that day in Kindergarten so the level was a MUST). </div>
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Tape each stripe with painter's tape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3-XTsV90kAXkxNBtK93C5wzQGD3eVWANmpkqDduqAKt6lbExcWO63szrAN8jLYLazVG6hXZqSED3V6-CW7uqXPUnUGZiK__NOlAaNQ_TBKQwjH1ReQzfAA6HJe2T43Om2gMIQu39YOny/s1600/stripes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3-XTsV90kAXkxNBtK93C5wzQGD3eVWANmpkqDduqAKt6lbExcWO63szrAN8jLYLazVG6hXZqSED3V6-CW7uqXPUnUGZiK__NOlAaNQ_TBKQwjH1ReQzfAA6HJe2T43Om2gMIQu39YOny/s640/stripes5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Run a small amount of caulk along the edge of the tape (inside of stripe) and smooth with your finger. (Oh how I love those super hunky hands!) This will keep the paint from bleeding underneath the tape.</div>
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Paint the stripes your desired color. I used one shade lighter on the paint swatch than the color already on the wall for a subtle effect which means I needed two coats since my darker color was on the bottom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uc5ZZeqmb2gFmnXtSEdvef4nFUcJ6q5Scl9bKNGSquw2g-cjW51cOLR4fK1gLpP4jy89rxKaJTtueJIj9NkJXL6PY8ZlEFSt4tHFSvaExIobKrmk6vQLuP5WPNTYX2rTn7vCmVbrrT_X/s1600/stripes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uc5ZZeqmb2gFmnXtSEdvef4nFUcJ6q5Scl9bKNGSquw2g-cjW51cOLR4fK1gLpP4jy89rxKaJTtueJIj9NkJXL6PY8ZlEFSt4tHFSvaExIobKrmk6vQLuP5WPNTYX2rTn7vCmVbrrT_X/s640/stripes4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After necessary coats to completely cover, remove the tape. The paint will still be wet but you don't want the caulk to dry or it will peel and those pretty lines you wanted...well, fiddle sticks!</div>
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Allow paint to dry, add your décor and VOILA...perfection! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX4pJeutufGx0clXqQy14QfKQUWgSSS3RLPcW2WDdQs8_bQU94KcJatxRhmSLILtmjAWYMO0VXoc55TDLg-bWG3R0Ab5F_p-3xPOB5NNEkWv0MICv2CsZsRO5eENPMhHc7dSgmjK9Wi9Y/s1600/stripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX4pJeutufGx0clXqQy14QfKQUWgSSS3RLPcW2WDdQs8_bQU94KcJatxRhmSLILtmjAWYMO0VXoc55TDLg-bWG3R0Ab5F_p-3xPOB5NNEkWv0MICv2CsZsRO5eENPMhHc7dSgmjK9Wi9Y/s640/stripes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Accent walls don't have to be loud, subtle sophistication is sometimes a lovely option!<br />
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That's it, easy breezy...I'm off to curl up in my chair (not pictured), enjoy my new tranquil space, and read my book (until Little Man finds me...ha).<br />
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Thank you, Fancy Nancy, for your much appreciated help and inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0xpyOPQqplfy02MSUK-B-In1CkIWqqFFmFF9EHjS5LxKhyxyYhCwZ8H49rW2dxmDu9wwvJTEudr-bfdBLNf_6dBf1LjDKwo4TQHnqrV-osK2sVhNzbyy62PdF7ujqLvaxjeEZvnCyDZ0/s1600/signature_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0xpyOPQqplfy02MSUK-B-In1CkIWqqFFmFF9EHjS5LxKhyxyYhCwZ8H49rW2dxmDu9wwvJTEudr-bfdBLNf_6dBf1LjDKwo4TQHnqrV-osK2sVhNzbyy62PdF7ujqLvaxjeEZvnCyDZ0/s200/signature_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Courtney McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327416365843851538noreply@blogger.com0