tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33752548447290641972024-03-09T20:46:06.168-06:00All The JoyA dietitian mommy, raising twins, cooking from the heart, creating pretty things, enjoying life, living frugally, promoting health and trying to appreciate All The Joy!Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-54091307478562954892016-11-14T16:08:00.001-06:002016-11-14T16:08:39.542-06:00Making a Barn Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my great friends who blogs over at <a href="http://homeontherangeexchange.blogspot.com/">Home on the Range Exchange</a> was hosting a Barn Quilt class. I thought it sounded like a fun idea to get out of the house and be creative. Plus I haven't had a lot of time to quilt lately so I was happy to have a quicker finishing project. This is my completed square. I love the way it turned out and it sets on my front porch now. </div>
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The history of barn quilts is actually really interesting and someday I would like to go see the Flint Hills Barn Quilt trail.</div>
<br />Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-10864695302936468412015-10-30T13:41:00.002-05:002015-10-30T13:41:20.473-05:00A Christmas Stocking for Ada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhPT4Y7-EEiRanwG9sYxrIJ8CN0Uf3Ba130c8CotQiY5fX19t9KeRD7GWORRovhSB9tpGV5eTxtvPacWX0T1wJGGeZ3tYBkYGpK7YTdfM0i4glpuzter1MU3xi78pdFx7cFycWP1hOneG/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhPT4Y7-EEiRanwG9sYxrIJ8CN0Uf3Ba130c8CotQiY5fX19t9KeRD7GWORRovhSB9tpGV5eTxtvPacWX0T1wJGGeZ3tYBkYGpK7YTdfM0i4glpuzter1MU3xi78pdFx7cFycWP1hOneG/s640/IMG_1383.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifizxz-5wUFth6GJ3JasCJWZkz7unSbSRRZ4X1sx7eebxp1Wj9K5tOXuTa3IIGm_eIc7sTbnD5WOIduiKooCYof3pxz_0vpZMMU3DLujlM94N2pthjK6V0VKE3fsF6qvAPDpJJafF4zl2h/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifizxz-5wUFth6GJ3JasCJWZkz7unSbSRRZ4X1sx7eebxp1Wj9K5tOXuTa3IIGm_eIc7sTbnD5WOIduiKooCYof3pxz_0vpZMMU3DLujlM94N2pthjK6V0VKE3fsF6qvAPDpJJafF4zl2h/s640/IMG_1385.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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It has been so long since I completed a cross stitch project and it feels so good to have this one done. I think the last project I completed was the <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2014/05/care-bear-baby-quilts-for-twins.html">twin's Care Bear quilts</a>. I bought this pattern back when I worked at Hobby Lobby and it went on after Christmas clearance. It sat unused in my stitching stash until about a week before the twins came I decided to get it started. I had been off work for a couple weeks and was so sick of just watching T.V. but I couldn't really move around a lot. </div>
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I love this pattern and I really hope that Ada will love it as she grows up. I did goof up a bit and didn't baste the edge of the fabric. It unraveled and made the pattern not fit all the way on the left top. But I will just adjust when I am sewing it together. This will probably go into storage until I finish Ty's stocking and then I will sew the up at the same time.</div>
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I love that their stockings will match Bret and mine and I am excited to see them all finished. While I was typing this up I realized I have never shared our Christmas stockings. I will have to do that soon! Christmas is such a special time and having homemade decorations just adds to it for me.</div>
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Thanks so much for reading,</div>
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Zoe</div>
Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-18977187734067621272015-08-06T05:00:00.000-05:002015-08-06T05:54:23.083-05:00Quick and Easy Block Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
I made this quick and easy block quilt when my twins were 3 months old. Looking back I don't know how I found the time, but I had promised myself I would make a quilt for all my nieces and nephews on their 10th birthdays and my nephew Trey was turning 10. </div>
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<a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/07/chevron-birthday-quilt.html">Here is the quilt</a> I made for his brother on his 10th birthday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07fSghOtg7f3GAKgbLNK_NeML-phKYjqwHW-re4ajn0mz3DCIZT-vv_l03k7LsLmqQcYLM-kKTXVybe1UuqvcrFC5_2aTx1xvbSmKNrptRfzwMEenatM8PMeYflYaxTbPeXXfx6aGKJYH/s1600/Easy+Block+Quilt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07fSghOtg7f3GAKgbLNK_NeML-phKYjqwHW-re4ajn0mz3DCIZT-vv_l03k7LsLmqQcYLM-kKTXVybe1UuqvcrFC5_2aTx1xvbSmKNrptRfzwMEenatM8PMeYflYaxTbPeXXfx6aGKJYH/s640/Easy+Block+Quilt.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pattern I used I based off of a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/110760472058676351/">pattern I pinned</a>. I added his name in contrasting colors. </div>
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The pieces I cut were as followed:</div>
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6" Squares-</div>
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Red- 24 squares</div>
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Blue- 12 squares</div>
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Yellow- 24 squares</div>
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12" Squares-</div>
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Jayhawk Fabric- 12 squares</div>
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The thing I liked about making this quilt was that it really was easy because there were only 2 sizes of blocks to cut and the larger pieced blocks were all the same, I just sewed them together different directions when I pieced the whole quilt.</div>
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I feel like this would be an easy pattern to use if you find a fabric that you absolutely love the print of it and you can make it the bulk of the quilt by using it as the larger block.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHQI9h-Yk1dC9LqQFX0JGd3d0mtJ9ubfYeljN7s7WK_iU1i8vfhtay8vx3-EtDjfJgEkrm_naz1iC__PlYt_6jao5vCJ2S4ZkgYTt4ZZKnCyev_rY4wit1LkqAFcIzPWGSIjm34YKDkce/s1600/All+The+Joy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHQI9h-Yk1dC9LqQFX0JGd3d0mtJ9ubfYeljN7s7WK_iU1i8vfhtay8vx3-EtDjfJgEkrm_naz1iC__PlYt_6jao5vCJ2S4ZkgYTt4ZZKnCyev_rY4wit1LkqAFcIzPWGSIjm34YKDkce/s640/All+The+Joy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am hoping to start on some more quilts soon- maybe a quilted tree skirt too!</div>
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I will be linking up to <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">Parties!</a></div>
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Thanks for reading,</div>
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Zoe</div>
Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-39715660906034290172015-07-30T16:31:00.001-05:002015-07-30T16:31:34.008-05:00Fresh Quinoa Salad<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this salad so much. It is delicious, nutritious and refreshing. I have made several variations of this over the years but today I am going to share my favorite variation. Even my husband (who is not a fan of quinoa) will eat this one. I am still working on the kids eating all of it- they will currently pick out the corn and the beans.... which is good I guess for 17 month olds!</div>
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Now that I have been trying to cook more from scratch this is going to be added to my monthly menus!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H0kWcY4UVyQhgW3pK3ESHjyywX4SLEspGCk9g-vknL_mUAqfEnylD5iU08TxOYQlrKtPeHQhBrTGBgfiKlM6k5yXRz8yxroaJtVyQ0QCMjwKCYMSbrZUaXGq_lt_SnWW1FDfqX91XmIY/s1600/QUINOA+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H0kWcY4UVyQhgW3pK3ESHjyywX4SLEspGCk9g-vknL_mUAqfEnylD5iU08TxOYQlrKtPeHQhBrTGBgfiKlM6k5yXRz8yxroaJtVyQ0QCMjwKCYMSbrZUaXGq_lt_SnWW1FDfqX91XmIY/s640/QUINOA+%25281%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Quinoa Salad</b></h3>
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3 Cups cooked quinoa</div>
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1 diced red onion</div>
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1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)</div>
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1 can sweet corn (drained)</div>
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1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro</div>
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1/4 cup olive oil</div>
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2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 drop lemon essential oil or 1 tsp lemon juice (If using oil make sure it is of food grade quality)</div>
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1 drop lime essential oil or 1 tsp lime juice (If using oil make sure it is of food grade quality)</div>
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Mix all ingredients together and let set for at least 4 hours (overnight is better) to get the flavors mixed in.</div>
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I hope you enjoy this salad as much as I do. It is perfect for taking to potlucks as well as for a side dish with a summery dinner!</div>
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Thanks for reading,</div>
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Zoe</div>
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<br />Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-41928430572154434012015-01-29T12:06:00.000-06:002015-01-29T12:06:24.697-06:00A Vintage Spring Table Runner<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Vintage Spring Table Runner</span><br />
I am so excited to share a project with you today!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2W5zHVV8sQMqNAL8NgLZZYZ9b7WG8pdGKiMLXLWkViuWAkg0aVjNqecD0jG1qxICbp0NIwBgXhvchYevlJxKUwQ6rk73eYUb-iRsNHK1MmJPXNc8RcXTsU_dRxzWN821NEhcGNz6Utsi/s1600/Vintage+Spring+Table+Runner+Patchwork+Table+Runner+Vintage+Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2W5zHVV8sQMqNAL8NgLZZYZ9b7WG8pdGKiMLXLWkViuWAkg0aVjNqecD0jG1qxICbp0NIwBgXhvchYevlJxKUwQ6rk73eYUb-iRsNHK1MmJPXNc8RcXTsU_dRxzWN821NEhcGNz6Utsi/s640/Vintage+Spring+Table+Runner+Patchwork+Table+Runner+Vintage+Fabric.jpg" height="640" width="346" /></a></div>
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This spring I decided to make a table runner. I wanted it to be bright and cheery so that it would make me happy every time I saw it. I had a bunch of vintage floral fabrics that belonged to my grandmother. I mixed in one fabric that I had purchased at Wal-Mart. </div>
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Do you want to make your own spring table runner? Here is how I did it!</div>
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5-6 different coordinating floral fabrics, a fat quarter is plenty of each</div>
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(I chose mainly greens and blues with a pop of pink) </div>
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Rotary Cutter</div>
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Basting Spray</div>
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Batting (at least 13 1/2" X 40 1/2")</div>
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Fabric for backing (I made mine 13 1/2" X 40 1/2")</div>
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Fabric for binding or bias tape (about 3 yards length)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How To:</span></div>
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Cut out strips of the fabrics in a variety of 1", 2", and 3" by 13 1/2" long.</div>
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I chose to keep my accent strips (the pink) all 1" strips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDqf-sRo3-UuMI3h_iL5tVS7SbYcqbJC1fnbG-edrot1hCsCj5A9YaOZUN8vv72RNoOCx2ChZuMRtKKXCRtIV3_UUnb9T13PmLbLEnMJzTwD5254vbQqAcI_DvUuI3vMlFHp4hHGCbojj/s1600/Vintage+Spring+Table+Runner+Patchwork+Table+Runner+Vintage+Fabric4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDqf-sRo3-UuMI3h_iL5tVS7SbYcqbJC1fnbG-edrot1hCsCj5A9YaOZUN8vv72RNoOCx2ChZuMRtKKXCRtIV3_UUnb9T13PmLbLEnMJzTwD5254vbQqAcI_DvUuI3vMlFHp4hHGCbojj/s640/Vintage+Spring+Table+Runner+Patchwork+Table+Runner+Vintage+Fabric4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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Arrange strips in an order that you like. I tried to get mine to be about 40" total, but the length can vary.</div>
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Sew each piece to the adjacent, right sides together. Press seams after sewing.</div>
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Once the top is done cut the batting and backing to be a little bit larger than the top.</div>
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Using basting spray stack the backing, the batting and the top.</div>
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Quilt along seams in contrasting thread color. </div>
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When it comes to adding the binding I still have to check back with a tutorial I found a long time ago. It explains making bias tape and binding the quilt a lot better than I ever could!</div>
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Here is the link- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCKs-Fgvb4">How To Bind a Quilt</a></div>
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The video shows how to hand sew it to the back, but I usually just sew it on with coordinating thread on the machine.</div>
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And then you are done! Enjoy Your new table runner!!</div>
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What the binding looks like on the back.</div>
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Larger view of the back.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-15344458724382880492014-05-04T14:30:00.000-05:002014-05-04T14:30:52.962-05:00The Twins' Care Bear Nursery<div style="text-align: center;">
For the twins nursery I wanted to do something bright and cheery that they could enjoy for a while. I love classic care bears and decided to use those type of colors for the nursery. Also the <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2014/05/care-bear-baby-quilts-for-twins.html">Care Bear quilts</a> would go good with the decor. We had already painted the room yellow when we moved into our house 3 years ago (planning that it would be a gender neutral nursery).</div>
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Their changing station- my husband's great grandfather made this changing station for him as a baby and it is still in great shape for us to use for the twins- there is storage behind the doors which works perfectly for holding cloth diaper covers, cloth wipes, receiving blankets and burp clothes!</div>
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We kept the twin bed in the bed room because I knew with twins I would be spending a lot of nights in the nursery. I sewed the curtains and matching pillow covers several years ago for a house I had in college. I made the care bear pillow to match the rest of the decor.</div>
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A book shelf for holding toys and books.</div>
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Little Man's bassinet/pack and play with his quilt hanging above it.</div>
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My sister drew this picture for the twins before they were born.</div>
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Diaper basket with all of their GMD newborn pre folds ready to go. It makes me sad that they have almost outgrown their newborn pre folds already!</div>
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I made the cradle pad cover from leftover quilt fabric.</div>
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Care Bear lamp along with little monsters from my other sister.</div>
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I made this cross stitch as soon as I knew I was pregnant. It was done before we even knew we were having twins and it hangs in the nursery. It is a design that came from Care Bear Baby Book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg2fIJtC-SLHJMOztw6M2RKp2nTdTPO8oRfpCuPXJe3h8OIf3unAtWtKeBpXSFQHKx63TmRbP9Sesz_7xHhWcPR3OxMR5WUtY2XBHI_0DqIfFSqCYhJM1Nmg51apOxHlrdKYqlKL5mVPE/s1600/care+bear+nursery+for+twins+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg2fIJtC-SLHJMOztw6M2RKp2nTdTPO8oRfpCuPXJe3h8OIf3unAtWtKeBpXSFQHKx63TmRbP9Sesz_7xHhWcPR3OxMR5WUtY2XBHI_0DqIfFSqCYhJM1Nmg51apOxHlrdKYqlKL5mVPE/s1600/care+bear+nursery+for+twins+10.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The changing station. The babies love the little rattles while they are getting their diapers changed. I made the changing pad cover using <a href="http://familyjulius.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/diy-changing-pad-cover/">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://familyjulius.com/">Family Julius</a>.</div>
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For the rainbow and cloud mobiles I used a <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/McCalls-769-Rainbow-brite-mobile-pattern-/161279671258">Rainbow Brite Mobile pattern</a> that I altered to fit my needs. I used felt for the rainbow, stars and hearts. I used a cotton fabric for the clouds. I love the way it looks in the corner of the room and the twins already love staring at it as it moves.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" height="41" width="100" /></a></div>
Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-80892370362777228832014-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-01T06:00:04.182-05:00Care Bear Baby Quilts for Twins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had previously posted finished <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/02/past-projects-care-bears.html">Care Bear Cross stitches</a> on my blog. I had always wanted to make a baby quilt out of them when the time came. I had four of them all ready to go- bedtime bear, good luck bear, cozy heart penguin and proud heart cat (yes I am a nerd who knows all the names of the Care Bears and the Care Bear Cousins!). But then I found out we were having twins! I knew I wouldn't have time to stitch four more Care Bears, so I altered the quilt design to have an appliqué in the center square and put their name with a border on the lower right square. Then I stitched Baby Hugs and Baby Tugs Bear which was perfect for Little Man and Little Lady's quilts!</div>
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The finished quilt for Little Lady.</div>
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I used the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8kyurCw8-g">quilt as you go method</a> to put these quilts together, because I don't have a quilting machine at home and I knew the shop I usually take quilts to couldn't have them done in time for the babies' arrival. There was definitely a learning curve with getting the back to line up right, so Little Lady's quilt is definitely sewn better than Little Man's because I did it second. It is a method I would use again, but probably only on quilts this small or smaller.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylmKxJFNDCU3cCdKOVQm2_jt_yYvZU_WBJvc_guHhUJLSMu29l59e1ze1WQgusoQINv3Od_UUPlfLpTww-3kEKyMy4w4nSkt-ofcSCpVC7aCILUQ5krUKhOs-QjXe0sdfqUc_hZOwcWHb/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylmKxJFNDCU3cCdKOVQm2_jt_yYvZU_WBJvc_guHhUJLSMu29l59e1ze1WQgusoQINv3Od_UUPlfLpTww-3kEKyMy4w4nSkt-ofcSCpVC7aCILUQ5krUKhOs-QjXe0sdfqUc_hZOwcWHb/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+4.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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The finished quilt for Little Man.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksQyP7N2J5MZHZQ6bYsl6B6nJERdf1VxvvK074iXrSln8TmPllSJhamS7XRwS40-59y8DCFc2nl6dxGDAFt-nwikbuv-g8HfWDI-N9Yoe7kUWTVcIu5zxxFcZpok2s6i9Wp24GvehBDvW/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksQyP7N2J5MZHZQ6bYsl6B6nJERdf1VxvvK074iXrSln8TmPllSJhamS7XRwS40-59y8DCFc2nl6dxGDAFt-nwikbuv-g8HfWDI-N9Yoe7kUWTVcIu5zxxFcZpok2s6i9Wp24GvehBDvW/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+5.jpg" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWfjjtXakfQ02revSO_DdtZfCFd8B0opfWeUG8dbrvvaxVClE9buMxlrcA9VR6oMHh5XQCSkSxtQG_-xCC5uBE7LaZTysX0H9UYt6P-1puptouaFhslfeLdd2vJPwIlKHIMGYxGoLdT2S/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWfjjtXakfQ02revSO_DdtZfCFd8B0opfWeUG8dbrvvaxVClE9buMxlrcA9VR6oMHh5XQCSkSxtQG_-xCC5uBE7LaZTysX0H9UYt6P-1puptouaFhslfeLdd2vJPwIlKHIMGYxGoLdT2S/s1600/babyquilt+care+bear+quilt+baby+care+bear+6.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
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The quilts hang in their nursery and I love how cheerful they look on the walls. I also use them as a background for the twins monthly growth pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jS1ApNu9LYj-69BMV8ADf9v2UgXZZ6BSoVQCvJNTckNNoF9a0M9IAIBjDKVnzm0HX9qtzAp10aBXpH5MpT03kxAL950g_gR4kNke0FNoP7ehbcKzPEXc7TZ2SwdeLbQbyT5UrIevxPUD/s1600/baby+quilt+blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jS1ApNu9LYj-69BMV8ADf9v2UgXZZ6BSoVQCvJNTckNNoF9a0M9IAIBjDKVnzm0HX9qtzAp10aBXpH5MpT03kxAL950g_gR4kNke0FNoP7ehbcKzPEXc7TZ2SwdeLbQbyT5UrIevxPUD/s1600/baby+quilt+blog+1.jpg" height="610" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little Lady at 2 Months</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwyCXZ5W94HuQO7FB-ov5xE-6cnwuW_uYQKhqmcjZdMfvJUAlxCD1RvfNl460npqmdjBRL4wMMzirQHfmxT5KR7_pnhSoITDTXICopLcHDLMQq3nzvHauMeXDsXUR2RR-FQgg8xQFM0j6/s1600/baby+quilt+care+bears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwyCXZ5W94HuQO7FB-ov5xE-6cnwuW_uYQKhqmcjZdMfvJUAlxCD1RvfNl460npqmdjBRL4wMMzirQHfmxT5KR7_pnhSoITDTXICopLcHDLMQq3nzvHauMeXDsXUR2RR-FQgg8xQFM0j6/s1600/baby+quilt+care+bears.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
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Little Man at 2 Months.</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" height="41" width="100" /></a></div>
Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-49503561866097880942012-10-16T11:44:00.001-05:002012-10-16T11:44:32.163-05:00Homemade Chunky Spaghetti Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1CWLDkC62GtkvmTXuQHVmpe0IuLGrGd6EIJXSIjtJmNVJ9Pk_uw3za7TCVXy-7dkgnPz6d5ULsO9rWLghzHTI3ygoKFumF45uADvNJ-Hec_qnyA7a5JF93H1GFX4q3qeCBY39Nzluzqq/s1600/Homemade+Spaghetti+Sauce+Chunky+Spaghetti+Sauce+Recipe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1CWLDkC62GtkvmTXuQHVmpe0IuLGrGd6EIJXSIjtJmNVJ9Pk_uw3za7TCVXy-7dkgnPz6d5ULsO9rWLghzHTI3ygoKFumF45uADvNJ-Hec_qnyA7a5JF93H1GFX4q3qeCBY39Nzluzqq/s640/Homemade+Spaghetti+Sauce+Chunky+Spaghetti+Sauce+Recipe3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a sauce that I love to make in the summer when the garden produce is plentiful. I then freeze it in quart bags and enjoy throughout the winter.</div>
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One batch makes about 3 quarts.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chunky Spaghetti Sauce</span></div>
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1 tsp olive oil</div>
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1 large yellow squash, diced</div>
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1 large zucchini squash, diced</div>
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3-4 peppers (I use green, banana, anaheim), diced</div>
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1 large onion, diced</div>
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15 medium tomatoes, diced (and peeled if you prefer)</div>
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1 tsp sugar</div>
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1 Tbsp oregano</div>
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1 Tbsp basil</div>
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1 Tbsp garlic powder</div>
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1 Tbsp parsley</div>
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quart freezer bags</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv0l_udl3yLh0pPvkUe_1rkkJqp0vbfM2AmLrwUtqumzfbBXI6Qgl4yBLCTgqqyjTdjQqchzrXYUfEyJMPLZJt-QTPY2Cl1dloppNlcQza8ID5tWeFbU4-hC3rTZ11kMEg_rJGG2qwfe5/s1600/Homemade+Spaghetti+Sauce+Chunky+Spaghetti+Sauce+Recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv0l_udl3yLh0pPvkUe_1rkkJqp0vbfM2AmLrwUtqumzfbBXI6Qgl4yBLCTgqqyjTdjQqchzrXYUfEyJMPLZJt-QTPY2Cl1dloppNlcQza8ID5tWeFbU4-hC3rTZ11kMEg_rJGG2qwfe5/s640/Homemade+Spaghetti+Sauce+Chunky+Spaghetti+Sauce+Recipe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Directions:</div>
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Heat olive oil in large stockpot over medium heat.</div>
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Add squash, pepper and onion. Saute until soft. Add diced tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer for about 90 minutes until sauce has cooked down. </div>
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Let cool and measure into freezer bags.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! </div>
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I may be linking up with some of <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">these parties</a>!</div>
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<br />Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-88256568805065996852012-07-24T19:17:00.001-05:002012-07-24T19:17:15.062-05:00Grilled Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MAVXDAlYTaJtD4LaY9W4UfEuSKdAsqnRLF7fyk5mvRyeS5KROvBP9IFKDmvMTVliVZ8ltiCbyrs7QZfwn_KUJ0E5Me5lXf9637WQfEkJ83aMSo1Ie8h-3pGldFF8spuBFmNzp8aebE3s/s1600/Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MAVXDAlYTaJtD4LaY9W4UfEuSKdAsqnRLF7fyk5mvRyeS5KROvBP9IFKDmvMTVliVZ8ltiCbyrs7QZfwn_KUJ0E5Me5lXf9637WQfEkJ83aMSo1Ie8h-3pGldFF8spuBFmNzp8aebE3s/s640/Pizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have mentioned before that I don't like to heat up the oven during the summer in order to keep the house cool. But usually I make an exception for homemade pizza. Recently one of my friends has been brining grilled pizza to get togethers and so I thought I would give it a try. I found several recipes on the internet that described the technique, but I used my usual dough recipe from "The Simple Art of Eating Well Cookbook". Honestly this pizza was better than usual and I don't think I will go back to cooking it in the oven, even in the winter (depending on how cold it is!).</div>
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Here is the recipe:</div>
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Dough (you can use pre made dough if you like): </div>
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3/4 cup lukewarm water</div>
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1 package active dry yeast</div>
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1 tsp sugar</div>
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1 cup whole wheat flour</div>
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1 cup all-purpose flour</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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Toppings (you really can use whatever you want, this is just what I used):</div>
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6 oz pizza sauce</div>
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6 oz canadian bacon</div>
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1/2 medium yellow squash, sliced thin</div>
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1 small onion, diced</div>
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3 banana peppers, diced</div>
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6 olives, sliced</div>
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1 handful baby spinach, chopped</div>
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6 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced</div>
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Stir water, yeast and sugar together in large bowl. Let sit for about 5 minutes until yeast is frothy. Stir in both flours and salt. I like to use my hands to mix it until the dough comes together.</div>
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Place onto lightly floured work surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic- about 5-10 minutes. Place dough in well oiled bowl, cover with clean kitchen towel and set in a warm place to let it rise. Let it rise about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.</div>
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Prepare all toppings. I sauteed the onions, peppers and squash to make sure they were cooked through.</div>
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When the dough has risen roll it out on a lightly floured work space. Turn the grill on high heat and clean off burner. Spray grill with cooking spray to prevent sticking.</div>
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Prepare a bowl of olive oil and a basting brush. Brush one side of the rolled pizza dough with olive oil and place on prepared grill surface, oil side down. Dough will start cooking quickly. When the bottom of the dough has browned flip it over using 2 spatulas. </div>
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Working quickly apply a thin coat of olive oil to the top of the dough, put on sauce, toppings and cheese. I made sure and had all of my ingredients laid out on a cookie sheet beside the grill. Once all toppings are on close lid of grill and let cook until cheese is melted. Check periodically to make sure bottom isn't burning.</div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR_x17wmYku8vFt4Utf-mOzs3CEmSGD8eV9SIjnWkc1zcKRIt22Ctq9HrqLQ6VEHxS6QN2n8YWckxEc8AiQAPRTgSjjLbx0149HY32WONmGECi9dsl98U8Lxkd-v1bSgOG8wpLUpkgLzi/s1600/Pizza2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR_x17wmYku8vFt4Utf-mOzs3CEmSGD8eV9SIjnWkc1zcKRIt22Ctq9HrqLQ6VEHxS6QN2n8YWckxEc8AiQAPRTgSjjLbx0149HY32WONmGECi9dsl98U8Lxkd-v1bSgOG8wpLUpkgLzi/s640/Pizza2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-20555843910884497752012-07-23T07:00:00.000-05:002012-07-23T11:39:36.391-05:00Chevron Birthday Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zPdmxp52pPhSoXvLX7udPBnibealJB-yyQV85GPJGgf7AVCDbivkP7h0f3DIfb3F2eKRjEy_aE5ilen1T4htB3VXlLy3fTkx82LG3tzKz_MQNvmtzGMyRPL7zQJEk5Y7bYgD6mANiPv/s1600/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zPdmxp52pPhSoXvLX7udPBnibealJB-yyQV85GPJGgf7AVCDbivkP7h0f3DIfb3F2eKRjEy_aE5ilen1T4htB3VXlLy3fTkx82LG3tzKz_MQNvmtzGMyRPL7zQJEk5Y7bYgD6mANiPv/s640/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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A while ago I decided that I wanted to try and make a quilt for my nieces and nephews on their 10th birthdays. My oldest nephews birthday came up faster than expected but I did get a quilt made for him. I asked him several months ago what he would want to decorate his room like if he had his choice and he said he would want a Kansas State room. Of course I was totally happy to make a K-State quilt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yIkktCMVskuK27E_4Z-j_uD8emHQud8tgBcs7o0ZK62BbwDDoXKEbm-Wzqzvvkdh7h-nYZHmz5wdgSs9wtDLLR84RZqc7-wIXcwI1EuXSkvtReN8RHFjcV-5xteomtcpP1L_oPhN07C5/s1600/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yIkktCMVskuK27E_4Z-j_uD8emHQud8tgBcs7o0ZK62BbwDDoXKEbm-Wzqzvvkdh7h-nYZHmz5wdgSs9wtDLLR84RZqc7-wIXcwI1EuXSkvtReN8RHFjcV-5xteomtcpP1L_oPhN07C5/s320/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used old jeans to make the denim part of the chevron pattern. I used <a href="http://beesquarefabrics.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-make-zig-zag-quilt-without.html">this tutorial</a> for making the chevron pattern without having to make triangle pieces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cCZOJn5ocAPr1v6RWzG6YuvH2UpS5kGVviApfTHdY_uf_RUVKunGRwtEF2r53ZYbsR-xpJ_FIvpFDvLzUzgQ68lA4rMVyCiedXIqT8UDN-qsRnodSPce3MIqUCIFSFZW-9wWCBNmwaEr/s1600/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cCZOJn5ocAPr1v6RWzG6YuvH2UpS5kGVviApfTHdY_uf_RUVKunGRwtEF2r53ZYbsR-xpJ_FIvpFDvLzUzgQ68lA4rMVyCiedXIqT8UDN-qsRnodSPce3MIqUCIFSFZW-9wWCBNmwaEr/s320/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used interfacing to cut out the letters and the powercat and stitching them on using a blanket stitch on my machine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKLtKmWOaQvJpp4C3g9NaF_JMMoT64tjcTTXj9j2xCIYy3QayQFowMSJdQ4b27OuQnSkCzTCFB6E7yptnXakgzgAC6CFqD_fMGFAnhjzsAo1LXddcLW-703EwvD8ltZh-3CKwDzHfAGBk/s1600/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKLtKmWOaQvJpp4C3g9NaF_JMMoT64tjcTTXj9j2xCIYy3QayQFowMSJdQ4b27OuQnSkCzTCFB6E7yptnXakgzgAC6CFqD_fMGFAnhjzsAo1LXddcLW-703EwvD8ltZh-3CKwDzHfAGBk/s320/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to tie this quilt and it was a pretty simple process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOD0UapYMfZv9UPl0XJMgtkI9YhgofpmGbMGi-MC5tCT32eZnNf1f9RrYs-IIqFg4uB4P4uZKzYf9GNEQYgycPUKtbtDwIN802gIbMaEMw8r8U6dTe5MMNiqz6aYvZlsTV3K6-nV3sCMO/s1600/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOD0UapYMfZv9UPl0XJMgtkI9YhgofpmGbMGi-MC5tCT32eZnNf1f9RrYs-IIqFg4uB4P4uZKzYf9GNEQYgycPUKtbtDwIN802gIbMaEMw8r8U6dTe5MMNiqz6aYvZlsTV3K6-nV3sCMO/s320/Chevron+Quilt+Powercat+Quilt+K-State+Quilt5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so happy with how this quilt turned out and I hope that Garrett likes it just as much!!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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I will be linking up with some of <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">these parties</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-83738305899314376562012-07-18T10:12:00.000-05:002012-07-18T10:12:48.690-05:00Spicy Cucumber Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLuWG9k3G_R3-m8hvm9-L5mIJuHL2c8yM6DoCcADpFK2jCP_C07V-cCnnlC7yv0npH8Fic9Nh5zXfE26-4vV0BrkT6IUlJpUgHExKpuIWJ6Y-4KxCeppNriZTneiK9XAu4fYNOVbYbrVm/s1600/Spicy+Cucumber+Salad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLuWG9k3G_R3-m8hvm9-L5mIJuHL2c8yM6DoCcADpFK2jCP_C07V-cCnnlC7yv0npH8Fic9Nh5zXfE26-4vV0BrkT6IUlJpUgHExKpuIWJ6Y-4KxCeppNriZTneiK9XAu4fYNOVbYbrVm/s640/Spicy+Cucumber+Salad+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a really simple, healthy way to use up fresh cucumbers from the garden. My friend Juan taught me about this way to prepare cucumbers and I absolutely love it.</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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7-8 fresh garden cucumbers</div>
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2 limes</div>
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Tajin seasoning </div>
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Peel and slice cucumbers.</div>
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Juice two limes over them.</div>
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Sprinkle with Tajin to taste. I would start out with just a little and then add more if desired.</div>
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I just keep a container of this in the refrigerator for a simple, guilt free snack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6jLUGrKPd0x8U_VnPMGgGA3Kp6IDWGXTUw1mltLeqXS44-usqTug583XDvq2FFouq5bGb5m4BX3QdkwRCEuZwkpA8H0vY9zkRXGsCcft1uvY6_rCRZZHAetKojfdnZntnx-M43VUFwFj/s1600/Spicy+Cucumber+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6jLUGrKPd0x8U_VnPMGgGA3Kp6IDWGXTUw1mltLeqXS44-usqTug583XDvq2FFouq5bGb5m4BX3QdkwRCEuZwkpA8H0vY9zkRXGsCcft1uvY6_rCRZZHAetKojfdnZntnx-M43VUFwFj/s640/Spicy+Cucumber+Salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-85247721979443144222012-07-05T05:00:00.000-05:002012-07-05T05:00:10.839-05:00Homemade Cherry Crisp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaisLjToW3ifjZYZmVauq649sYF_XvjRNJXKnk7sPj4HqhIFEP8uOAM1-IAnooBrMj7FnR-lgrLPkDaOfjW-M82uYGghA-dX-91-OHNNARnhB7Sd3muzYqn_9lBnT4qc6UXkL9rI4cPPt/s1600/Cherry+Cobbler+and+Jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaisLjToW3ifjZYZmVauq649sYF_XvjRNJXKnk7sPj4HqhIFEP8uOAM1-IAnooBrMj7FnR-lgrLPkDaOfjW-M82uYGghA-dX-91-OHNNARnhB7Sd3muzYqn_9lBnT4qc6UXkL9rI4cPPt/s640/Cherry+Cobbler+and+Jam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite things about the start of summer is the return of fresh fruit from fruit trees. This spring we planted an apple and a pear tree so that we can have fresh fruit in the future. But they won't produce for a few years. Luckily I have a very nice neighbor whose cherry tree was doing very very well this year. My husband and I spent some time picking cherries and we got about 16 cups.</div>
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After a few hours of pitting I was ready to make some sour cherry goodness. I made a batch of <a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/sour-cherry-jam/">sour cherry jam</a>, some dried cherries and a couple cherry crisps. Today I will share the recipe for the cherry crisp I made. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcJ1bsd80oZS7KNWDBL-pwbtEKUMCHSo-UbYAjZq_wGAQIv71VR9spk1zG7KEKKDogTyHQDNBViTMlvTL6jkBbizACUZG_7hYqQ71c45sJ0MCTlpXk7XyZfbevDCiicHU1dYl6GFQ8gtn/s1600/Cherry+Crisp+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcJ1bsd80oZS7KNWDBL-pwbtEKUMCHSo-UbYAjZq_wGAQIv71VR9spk1zG7KEKKDogTyHQDNBViTMlvTL6jkBbizACUZG_7hYqQ71c45sJ0MCTlpXk7XyZfbevDCiicHU1dYl6GFQ8gtn/s640/Cherry+Crisp+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sour Cherry Crisp</span></div>
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Filling:</div>
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1 lb pitted sour cherries (you can use sweet cherries or frozen cherries from the store too)</div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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1/3 cup cornstarch</div>
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2 Tbsp lemon juice</div>
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Topping:</div>
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1/2 cup butter</div>
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1/4 cup whole wheat flour</div>
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar</div>
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1 cup rolled oats</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cherries, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice in a stock pot. Heat on medium heat until cherries start to juice. Bring it to boil, stirring constantly. Turn down heat and simmer until the mixture starts to thicken. Pour into 9 X 13 pan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipYC7TlpbGadEW4MS-CMu89YxyFnqq-5be_ZgNHG7BNwu7UrhqlNqC-wr7R7nIMjwBmcGGHdO3nD8vxvLNbZZqGbbKZKZ12OmNtelk-iRChemigNwMCSJPD0kHOlXAfMlbgxuhWdjH0Ls/s1600/What+I+have+been+up+to+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipYC7TlpbGadEW4MS-CMu89YxyFnqq-5be_ZgNHG7BNwu7UrhqlNqC-wr7R7nIMjwBmcGGHdO3nD8vxvLNbZZqGbbKZKZ12OmNtelk-iRChemigNwMCSJPD0kHOlXAfMlbgxuhWdjH0Ls/s640/What+I+have+been+up+to+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place all ingredients for topping in medium bowl. Mix together with a fork until well mixed. Sprinkle on top of the cherry mixture. Put in oven uncovered and bake for 30 minutes or until topping is browned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoJZyZseYxMk4ZDwQJy8JLBBGIR0dZDfOoFfFx6YXuN3LpnoNOqHIsNzsZ1YZ-QIIxVGkz4-miltcicefi7mDrFZ5rnwqZro8KmpSK0xQf3yJxWjOtFGG-l-4m8cB8h2Q1QVFHEXzTNXW/s1600/cherry+crisp+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoJZyZseYxMk4ZDwQJy8JLBBGIR0dZDfOoFfFx6YXuN3LpnoNOqHIsNzsZ1YZ-QIIxVGkz4-miltcicefi7mDrFZ5rnwqZro8KmpSK0xQf3yJxWjOtFGG-l-4m8cB8h2Q1QVFHEXzTNXW/s640/cherry+crisp+recipe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can also use this topping for other crisps as well.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-18814505608047742752012-07-02T20:39:00.000-05:002012-07-02T20:39:02.588-05:00Sour Cherry Jam- Guest Post at Garden Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBY538nnp4xHLqRbAvzkPZ6x_hsKJRWqC-1DF7ssQHJ61hwq-L2HShpRpTPVQv2g8Y845TOlb1mIfdDBsdS28pvrBiWfj7f51RwI4SK65k7opduX7ypVdRXc4N5b6iVArN0casAbnSl14/s1600/Cherry+Jam-+Sour+Cherry+Jam+Recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBY538nnp4xHLqRbAvzkPZ6x_hsKJRWqC-1DF7ssQHJ61hwq-L2HShpRpTPVQv2g8Y845TOlb1mIfdDBsdS28pvrBiWfj7f51RwI4SK65k7opduX7ypVdRXc4N5b6iVArN0casAbnSl14/s640/Cherry+Jam-+Sour+Cherry+Jam+Recipe.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hello everyone- just wanted to pop in and let you know I am guest posting my <a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/sour-cherry-jam/">Sour Cherry Jam</a> recipe over at <a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/">Garden Therapy</a> today. Go check it out and check out Stevie's amazing blog while you are there!</div>
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Have a great day!!</div>
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Zoe</div>
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</div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-67945234607505709192012-06-12T10:49:00.000-05:002012-06-25T10:00:13.537-05:00First Harvest From the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday was our first real harvest from the garden. We had been getting a little bit of lettuce, spinach and peas before, but yesterday was the first cucumbers, squash, peppers and tomatoes.</div>
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Obviously, the produce is what we do all of the hard work for and it is so satisfying to search through the leaves and find that perfect little cucumber that will turn into that perfect little pickle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbwSMqFWLqxcchZzvdctwFn8kKwNDNuCowsApsxKzXkMJREHbzVj91-gwSqlI19sb9s55uNR3yMSwk7PWh7JJFfK-uOUBjC0A8dyBDX09CFLsjHw8pLoc2pjfgSRN2UeIOU4sETYWyFM7/s1600/Garden+Produce+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbwSMqFWLqxcchZzvdctwFn8kKwNDNuCowsApsxKzXkMJREHbzVj91-gwSqlI19sb9s55uNR3yMSwk7PWh7JJFfK-uOUBjC0A8dyBDX09CFLsjHw8pLoc2pjfgSRN2UeIOU4sETYWyFM7/s640/Garden+Produce+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It makes all that time spent watering, weeding, and planting worth it.</div>
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So far the garden is producing very well. My plans for the produce this summer are to make a lot of jalapeno pickles, salsa, spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes and canned green beans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QrP8Zj_uqKX7so_2pGN5ezV_suMNn_Fwh5Gb8y63QC5JMGTt77xIYsQ4bREEdv2bnrj9-1kwF7hSceDTK7iHkKB89T_0PsnPk94JGKBpiwaj8KiuxcaNJ4Hrdza8DlRv4uhpSobbvEKL/s1600/Garden+Produce+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QrP8Zj_uqKX7so_2pGN5ezV_suMNn_Fwh5Gb8y63QC5JMGTt77xIYsQ4bREEdv2bnrj9-1kwF7hSceDTK7iHkKB89T_0PsnPk94JGKBpiwaj8KiuxcaNJ4Hrdza8DlRv4uhpSobbvEKL/s640/Garden+Produce+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, and those grape tomatoes did not survive the day yesterday. I missed the taste of garden fresh tomatoes!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2xbhaPOrLe_7QRzUY4irTxcUCT0Lhv7f8_um-gpfm5i9-6q3DgfSg1Cll2LurNB6-sdNDIolEMG-5_DtZSqXr4VgGx7UVLaXS5tien5lQVFXAIgdP13Qa5m9UdPH4irCdrspg-SaDJxd/s1600/Garden+Produce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2xbhaPOrLe_7QRzUY4irTxcUCT0Lhv7f8_um-gpfm5i9-6q3DgfSg1Cll2LurNB6-sdNDIolEMG-5_DtZSqXr4VgGx7UVLaXS5tien5lQVFXAIgdP13Qa5m9UdPH4irCdrspg-SaDJxd/s640/Garden+Produce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-39570344482028600282012-06-07T12:43:00.000-05:002012-06-07T12:43:51.284-05:00What I Have Been Doing<div style="text-align: center;">
So you may have noticed that I have taken a short break from blogging. It was not intentional, but I needed to focus my energy on other areas of my life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8IVHXkwWlav_sQawW5L39bJk8gNGrLMbJm6tIUOkqkYxZCHDcHnZ-JZxFS4pX6XVRPkCoZowm1-QktvURMN9u47pYMmiLP0vaMMy48jTycq2cmLSQmrFLxrcHg017tMrtaSLynTvYxT8/s1600/What+I+have+been+up+to+2+lilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8IVHXkwWlav_sQawW5L39bJk8gNGrLMbJm6tIUOkqkYxZCHDcHnZ-JZxFS4pX6XVRPkCoZowm1-QktvURMN9u47pYMmiLP0vaMMy48jTycq2cmLSQmrFLxrcHg017tMrtaSLynTvYxT8/s640/What+I+have+been+up+to+2+lilies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some things have changed in my life. The biggest change is that I have quit my job as a WIC Dietitian. I am not working right now and it is a different experience for me. I have put in a few resumes and I am really excited about the opportunity to do something new in my career.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJS9FjRX5Kt0ojQ6QgT4G196pBlWPi2TnjPH2kwm3wZzN8p9LyAcgPJDvFsFib8Or9zfmYA-qRaOjcIp81lznv5RjY-eLIYzQ3HvOtsqj-XcQbeFusa5bcF4nBT-Z9rXoUHralyGE6Kp/s1600/What+I+have+been+up+to+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJS9FjRX5Kt0ojQ6QgT4G196pBlWPi2TnjPH2kwm3wZzN8p9LyAcgPJDvFsFib8Or9zfmYA-qRaOjcIp81lznv5RjY-eLIYzQ3HvOtsqj-XcQbeFusa5bcF4nBT-Z9rXoUHralyGE6Kp/s640/What+I+have+been+up+to+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But even though I have not been working at a job, I have been very busy.</div>
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Swimming at the lake. Cross Stitching. Working in the garden. Running with my dogs. Cooking and baking. Keeping the house clean. Life is good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnQbU_jqJhxQeNpD8RfhK_F1GG_XZ9X7z-wNr4Tu1KSL25O78bJbnUByFULuNwOePRhiJM_7H6wqQ3qKFDfvx7Y-pmbsmPfDsVN_esvdWFkUYPCV0JSxXIBFRJcfi_AdIvX1CzumI05WQ/s1600/What+I+have+been+up+to+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnQbU_jqJhxQeNpD8RfhK_F1GG_XZ9X7z-wNr4Tu1KSL25O78bJbnUByFULuNwOePRhiJM_7H6wqQ3qKFDfvx7Y-pmbsmPfDsVN_esvdWFkUYPCV0JSxXIBFRJcfi_AdIvX1CzumI05WQ/s640/What+I+have+been+up+to+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a few recipes and projects I am looking forward to sharing soon and I hope that you all will enjoy them!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAVpq1KbnXtzfplckenBqcL-etcbppQlJ8PTsrOH46ln-6C9NRvCHI2ay2jtMi2DDYa7O83qAIWjxIft20KyGDyfTPC_WP6HO0OpVTp1u8YGHWgd5_tqgH8FraqNBKAHEYOPnpo2xKSBE/s1600/What+I+have+been+up+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAVpq1KbnXtzfplckenBqcL-etcbppQlJ8PTsrOH46ln-6C9NRvCHI2ay2jtMi2DDYa7O83qAIWjxIft20KyGDyfTPC_WP6HO0OpVTp1u8YGHWgd5_tqgH8FraqNBKAHEYOPnpo2xKSBE/s640/What+I+have+been+up+to.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-76649040107057581882012-05-15T10:51:00.000-05:002012-05-15T10:51:00.675-05:00Summer Wreath with Burlap<div style="text-align: center;">
The springtime is a perfect time for me to make a new wreath. I made one for the summer that matches my <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/finished-cushions-for-porch.html">patio furniture cushions</a>. I really love the way it turned out and most of the fabric was leftover from making the cushions!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkjsIhvnJA-ANkD0tHeuYKzBxeh-jFiQZ0IIzKB1tEKeod-exUvpCPO7P1hTr8Zl-kDWq3LhbkNe4ybDrqp5f3ZCrKoxGtm0upvnQsEf5-EZiyKdnI9WfWMS3d11CKnMA3KozPpemSS4-/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkjsIhvnJA-ANkD0tHeuYKzBxeh-jFiQZ0IIzKB1tEKeod-exUvpCPO7P1hTr8Zl-kDWq3LhbkNe4ybDrqp5f3ZCrKoxGtm0upvnQsEf5-EZiyKdnI9WfWMS3d11CKnMA3KozPpemSS4-/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy2.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Want to make a similar wreath? Here is what you will need.</div>
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-Wreath form- mine was 12"</div>
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-3" Fabric Strips to cover main part of wreath</div>
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-3" fabric strips of burlap</div>
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-Straight Pins</div>
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-Flowers for embellishment</div>
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-Hot Glue Gun</div>
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-Ribbon</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbpuJ3PozN_YYHJRN9ItBfZBpjBA94GAm6H-T1nB6B-beuu2I733t9ZnAL2fl2VLHM17oVGa2CAipKknl0I4ffoWh6VzhLBSU1LnshaQU8OvGnfys0wiMgKhyn9NY7ufBtLj0XQXkMBZP/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbpuJ3PozN_YYHJRN9ItBfZBpjBA94GAm6H-T1nB6B-beuu2I733t9ZnAL2fl2VLHM17oVGa2CAipKknl0I4ffoWh6VzhLBSU1LnshaQU8OvGnfys0wiMgKhyn9NY7ufBtLj0XQXkMBZP/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start wrapping your main fabric around the form, using straight pins to hold into place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5HjOnjMk9oob-sVQY5D1KSKByGJP9jnXCfTT2avpAOAJbcmMx9-eC34TPstQiKNlc5EvIth3PuBv-Lw80jusiDndMGzCP_dyHFqsMvxPmNl6itBPzQm8QOpSmxf3hyphenhyphen0hAmppAvqmrkGV/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5HjOnjMk9oob-sVQY5D1KSKByGJP9jnXCfTT2avpAOAJbcmMx9-eC34TPstQiKNlc5EvIth3PuBv-Lw80jusiDndMGzCP_dyHFqsMvxPmNl6itBPzQm8QOpSmxf3hyphenhyphen0hAmppAvqmrkGV/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wrap until about 3/4 of the wreath is covered. Then wrap about 1/4 of wreath with burlap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOv3cpYBsORinCOFyM2sDgsFiIbjO8shxYio6xO_1hmPrOz8_ymrX2HaBXLB85U0GZB5s-yvXmnMBlRyXkfkVFGrxwuKPC04OPXvjBF6wEhOOvtyRFi4HLXlenpXX6jdmts6lPZvosEHz/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOv3cpYBsORinCOFyM2sDgsFiIbjO8shxYio6xO_1hmPrOz8_ymrX2HaBXLB85U0GZB5s-yvXmnMBlRyXkfkVFGrxwuKPC04OPXvjBF6wEhOOvtyRFi4HLXlenpXX6jdmts6lPZvosEHz/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using hot glue gun attach the embellishments. I used a small piece of felt to glue the flowers to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkhO1nuG-DFEsyuq1ShRBwwoyHHPgGAh49y8_B3rvHYrgE1n4JQdoXDyfWZLTtDwTjDzyL9M9ndzv5Wl1j2h6eDA0x2mZgxjf0b4zyigZ0OA9dLLd5Lo0oDxVIqNEpRnGZg79YNX56Qm9/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkhO1nuG-DFEsyuq1ShRBwwoyHHPgGAh49y8_B3rvHYrgE1n4JQdoXDyfWZLTtDwTjDzyL9M9ndzv5Wl1j2h6eDA0x2mZgxjf0b4zyigZ0OA9dLLd5Lo0oDxVIqNEpRnGZg79YNX56Qm9/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut ribbon to length, tie bow, and hang!</div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS6DBH53AsulOvm3Q0D3HxCaqkTVMHBIJv0SPQ99JD3DCN98l_SvuiKAMUVXn3nQstgNcLLm6z5TwkYFk8SSxq98hJbJRlSbxgyVQFNzmZ9gR9Ex2fsj5K-3Y3aEsZbXHteVJFyzqjn1q/s1600/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS6DBH53AsulOvm3Q0D3HxCaqkTVMHBIJv0SPQ99JD3DCN98l_SvuiKAMUVXn3nQstgNcLLm6z5TwkYFk8SSxq98hJbJRlSbxgyVQFNzmZ9gR9Ex2fsj5K-3Y3aEsZbXHteVJFyzqjn1q/s640/Summer+Wreath+DIY+summer+wreath+with+flowers+gerbera+daisy.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I will be linking to some of <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">these parties</a>!</div>
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Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-67577401522076319902012-05-13T10:40:00.000-05:002012-05-13T10:40:13.141-05:00Scout's Sweet Sundays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Mother's Day everyone!! I especially want to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother and mother-in-law. You are both so inspirational!</div>
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And now onto Scout's Sweet Sundays! Here are some recent projects I have found that I just love!</div>
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If you want to pin any of these please follow the links and pin from the original page! Thanks!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_-xnMohkB8RAOsy_Njwkr22TUHKLO5MwlZJ1M46nFZssl3bjK3jrgwAWz0w9VU5AGxmUgggZx7N7BOyKfzcDLLLAm49zNH76EolvitcplGjJREZSpJc3-SUqoaxMtnzmyifj3bcWXMaM/s1600/strawberry+shortcake+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_-xnMohkB8RAOsy_Njwkr22TUHKLO5MwlZJ1M46nFZssl3bjK3jrgwAWz0w9VU5AGxmUgggZx7N7BOyKfzcDLLLAm49zNH76EolvitcplGjJREZSpJc3-SUqoaxMtnzmyifj3bcWXMaM/s640/strawberry+shortcake+dress.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2012/04/strawberry-fields-forever.html">Strawberry Fields Dress</a> by <a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com//">Polkadots on Parade</a></div>
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Anyone who knows me well knows I LOVE strawberries! This dress is too cute and I love the french seams she used on the skirt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXm66uHvr9xzWNoE_Ytr9uwNISrH-xzy7SahCLHhGK_0cQlVcPTrBCD0gi-XD8EmbuEZ4RIYdks1r3vZGbughzUiC4X5w68uIH0qJnifm2JZ7fc6UAGxltmddx13J_FM50R_iKAV7piC/s1600/painted+adirondack+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXm66uHvr9xzWNoE_Ytr9uwNISrH-xzy7SahCLHhGK_0cQlVcPTrBCD0gi-XD8EmbuEZ4RIYdks1r3vZGbughzUiC4X5w68uIH0qJnifm2JZ7fc6UAGxltmddx13J_FM50R_iKAV7piC/s640/painted+adirondack+chair.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/childs-adirondack-chair.html">Children's Adirondack Chair</a> from <a href="http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/">The NY Melrose Family</a><br />
This is such a fun chair for the little ones! Love the color!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8XAjevfnDtFlAj7iX5m5IWS4mFabDfeJZLGbqXZqfwVUekpT1pnu2oUSGppqmc_QzT69LeMO9qJLTsPTjf9TMzqoPUZxpzPGVNJhbRSNtaXmsMhGXapB1Quby21AT2IyKl0lXjgq9A0G/s1600/Covert+Robin+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8XAjevfnDtFlAj7iX5m5IWS4mFabDfeJZLGbqXZqfwVUekpT1pnu2oUSGppqmc_QzT69LeMO9qJLTsPTjf9TMzqoPUZxpzPGVNJhbRSNtaXmsMhGXapB1Quby21AT2IyKl0lXjgq9A0G/s640/Covert+Robin+27.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://whitelightsonwednesday.blogspot.com/2012/04/mildly-crafty-monday-scrapbook-paper.html">Scrapbook Paper Wall Art</a> by <a href="http://whitelightsonwednesday.blogspot.com/">White Lights On Wednesday</a><br />
This is a really fun way to use scrapbook paper and looks like a pretty simple craft! So cute!<br />
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<a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/2012/04/front-porch-reveal/#.T6CKF-1y_Fc">Front Porch Reveal</a> from <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/">Design, Dining, and Diapers</a><br />
These crates are such a great idea for porch decor. I am going to need to find some and add them to my porch!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/04/first-easter-dress.html">Easter Dress</a> by <a href="http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/">Bear Rabbit Bear</a></div>
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Little girls in white dresses always seem so angelic. Check out the modified pattern that Melanie used to create this beautiful Easter Dress!</div>
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Grab a button and show it off!</div>
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<a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button" height="140" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" /></a>
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<textarea><a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" height="140" alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button"></a></textarea></div>
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Have a great day everyone!!</div>
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<img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-40621779328244167752012-05-04T04:30:00.000-05:002012-05-04T11:51:11.518-05:00Pad Thai for Beginners- New Food Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have always been a big fan of pad thai- I love all the noodley goodness, the sauce, the sprouts and the sriracha! But buying pad thai all the time can get pretty expensive. Several months ago I found<a href="http://chezpim.com/cook/pad_thai_for_beginners"> this "recipe"</a> that is more like an in detail explanation of how to make authentic Pad Thai.</div>
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It took me almost 2 months to procure the ingredients and build up the courage to try it myself.</div>
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I followed the procedure close to what <a href="http://chezpim.com/cook/pad_thai_for_beginners">Chez Pim</a> recommended, but there are a lot of options of ingredients listed.</div>
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What I used with mine was carrots, onions, garlic, shrimp, sprouts, rice noodles, one egg and the sauce as recommended by the recipe. </div>
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It turned out delicious and I have made it a couple times since then!</div>
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So I dare you- give it a try! You will be glad you did!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN_x0BwIZbdNJbyU8pbnocD6BUBWHgIWOZkE3GpKFzJBNvKstsCzpF3gYk4C_Io29_Z8rbEGrBSPuAVezMCreetZG29EMr23LSzgSXuuplQJXNvs7lglf3ys2fk40VB1NfWUdQDnsjQOI/s1600/Homemade+Pad+Thai+Delicious+Pad+Thai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN_x0BwIZbdNJbyU8pbnocD6BUBWHgIWOZkE3GpKFzJBNvKstsCzpF3gYk4C_Io29_Z8rbEGrBSPuAVezMCreetZG29EMr23LSzgSXuuplQJXNvs7lglf3ys2fk40VB1NfWUdQDnsjQOI/s640/Homemade+Pad+Thai+Delicious+Pad+Thai.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxkFCoLY-4AdKh4vUel3rAA5gT97imT2ZRGHZgFnlIwqmWcQA3oky0dwSYmry5npmWmiP_C_4yym2G_HyWcEqPBRwlCDuhgcfgRjx66vSgK0fR-rjeNDYx9pemTTTEY-Yu7WvX3MmlxMJ/s1600/Homemade+Pad+Thai+Delicious+Pad+Thai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxkFCoLY-4AdKh4vUel3rAA5gT97imT2ZRGHZgFnlIwqmWcQA3oky0dwSYmry5npmWmiP_C_4yym2G_HyWcEqPBRwlCDuhgcfgRjx66vSgK0fR-rjeNDYx9pemTTTEY-Yu7WvX3MmlxMJ/s640/Homemade+Pad+Thai+Delicious+Pad+Thai2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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I will be linking with some of <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">these parties</a>!</div>
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<center><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb348/findingmywayintexas/pined_it_made_it_button175x175.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-74313932312299489712012-05-02T04:30:00.000-05:002012-05-02T04:30:01.629-05:00Quick Summer Maxi Dress Upcycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the project that I did for Project Recycled, but got voted out before it was shown on the contest. I altered this maxi dress to something I will like to wear.</div>
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I actually purchased this dress from the Salvation Army the week before I found out I was going to be on Project Recycled. I spent $4.75 on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0x2p9JfYV6RJBlRB1XuLcioj0ewJ-shmqMnoPFPcutaEoaABiFOdIovaodbUUbEMqir8Lnw9AvDQMKucrLScdMSOmuQEhrL0EJZB7tTIPNaB4RPeGpio8OFBQgNs-wKSg-VTOWpkusbw/s1600/IMG_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0x2p9JfYV6RJBlRB1XuLcioj0ewJ-shmqMnoPFPcutaEoaABiFOdIovaodbUUbEMqir8Lnw9AvDQMKucrLScdMSOmuQEhrL0EJZB7tTIPNaB4RPeGpio8OFBQgNs-wKSg-VTOWpkusbw/s640/IMG_0723.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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It was about 8 sizes too big but I love the color, pattern and the lightweight fabric. </div>
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I saw the potential in it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMXyK6lnAADcu3NmTTvQJ-qqb5UBsYFhmZVRzvRgSyqHSa05MxWtnk4YUxPdis_Av8tbS0reh6WJhTgP6AmVXP8MEPFCC_paN0tZHWBlQtwy7fpgncxc7iDkliTnLOmNtoYcn5AZ3kvVe/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMXyK6lnAADcu3NmTTvQJ-qqb5UBsYFhmZVRzvRgSyqHSa05MxWtnk4YUxPdis_Av8tbS0reh6WJhTgP6AmVXP8MEPFCC_paN0tZHWBlQtwy7fpgncxc7iDkliTnLOmNtoYcn5AZ3kvVe/s640/IMG_0730.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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So I took in the sides and viola- a summery maxi dress for me.</div>
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So simple yet so cute- very satisfying results!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-tRQZ-5qr2P5D5X5cihU14iI-cUvx6IWTiM-KggXI_9xLxjenTL9BDFxuHV1fQqYnFvWF-dQT_Z9ehVpMpnf69bl7qzoeOFAi8EG3SJp37hFQjV60uwTKEJ_NY0UR4xRW9KI5qDqwiAa/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-tRQZ-5qr2P5D5X5cihU14iI-cUvx6IWTiM-KggXI_9xLxjenTL9BDFxuHV1fQqYnFvWF-dQT_Z9ehVpMpnf69bl7qzoeOFAi8EG3SJp37hFQjV60uwTKEJ_NY0UR4xRW9KI5qDqwiAa/s640/IMG_0731.JPG" width="338" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT1Adv4cuTh01NTofx46q_ZVNqoCDfRrebIx_RBOSy9Sh2LfpR_9fg0eKQg9bWRmItBEB4StFsEMVdbkpR9K2Je6tWDDIpm-ovycOvn36k6-SIww6XpRk4mE6netPGxjdKUhHxkZJyb4u/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT1Adv4cuTh01NTofx46q_ZVNqoCDfRrebIx_RBOSy9Sh2LfpR_9fg0eKQg9bWRmItBEB4StFsEMVdbkpR9K2Je6tWDDIpm-ovycOvn36k6-SIww6XpRk4mE6netPGxjdKUhHxkZJyb4u/s640/IMG_0736.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-25604402909973949342012-04-30T10:44:00.001-05:002012-04-30T10:44:36.806-05:00Protecting Your Plants- How Does Your Garden Grow?<br />
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Today is the last day of "How Does Your Garden Grow?". I hope you have found the posts so far informative. Today I am going to talk a little bit about protecting your plants once you get them in the garden. While sunshine, water and good soil are most important for helping your garden grow, plants do need some protection from outside threats.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pests</span></div>
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Pests are one of the things that are difficult to keep away from your yummy new plants. Last year we had our biggest issue with deer. They ate all of our pepper plants and our beans. Talk about frustrating! So this year we had a plan. We built a 4 1/2 foot high fence out of cedar split rail. Then we put a welded wire fence on the inside of it to keep out the smaller critters. Then my husband put some natural deer deterrent around the perimeter of the garden. We haven't had problems with the deer jumping the fence so far, but if we do we may electrify the top portion of the fence.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYdvXQXF2G_O-9MEijtqujdiIITeRPjsSOtwWp8ExLozH0kbDICuJE-oqcw1RImLZEpeDxp5F22b8AKis0ADPlPTkZHew2I0hgq1T5G9W-HykLAYCWs0T2lhCGTsx40fHcCg41FA7NGPr/s1600/Garden+Fence-+Gardening+Tips-+Pretty+Garden+Fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYdvXQXF2G_O-9MEijtqujdiIITeRPjsSOtwWp8ExLozH0kbDICuJE-oqcw1RImLZEpeDxp5F22b8AKis0ADPlPTkZHew2I0hgq1T5G9W-HykLAYCWs0T2lhCGTsx40fHcCg41FA7NGPr/s640/Garden+Fence-+Gardening+Tips-+Pretty+Garden+Fence.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another pest problem are insects who like to eat on the leaves or fruit of plants. In the past years we have always used chemical pesticides, but this year we are trying to do more healthy options and switch to organic gardening. I have been doing a lot of research and found the website <a href="http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/organic-pest-control-techniques?page=0,0">Organic Gardening</a> pretty helpful. I am hopeful we will be able to control the pests with organic pesticides.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cold and Weather</span></div>
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In the spring when your garden is just planted there is always the possibility of frost. We planted our tomatoes and peppers a little bit before the average frost date, just because my husband is a risk taker. There are a lot of different ways to protect your plants, but one of the easiest we have found is to save back the containers that your flowers, bushes and trees come in. They are already vented and are pretty easy to stack. This spring we have had to put them out once because of frost and once because a hail storm was coming. If you use these, make sure you take them off the next day before the sun heats them up and fries your plant!!</div>
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They do also sell water filled cloches in the store for tomatoes and row covers can be used as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqovRZGuNqTEK43CCgFzhMSbvGvObgB7F2lhhAOsA0GcAxRgh3mcUaMTjxxzStv_BxoHyw5X2nX7KJA_dgIOefMQBdTcuzmjFeYQ1OHFTFd4ooM_8hZvmvVrlqCmEDMCXjGzp_MHsyb20V/s1600/Garden+Fence-+Gardening+Tips-+Pretty+Garden+Fence+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqovRZGuNqTEK43CCgFzhMSbvGvObgB7F2lhhAOsA0GcAxRgh3mcUaMTjxxzStv_BxoHyw5X2nX7KJA_dgIOefMQBdTcuzmjFeYQ1OHFTFd4ooM_8hZvmvVrlqCmEDMCXjGzp_MHsyb20V/s640/Garden+Fence-+Gardening+Tips-+Pretty+Garden+Fence+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wish you all the best of luck this year with your gardening and hope this series has inspired you!</div>
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Don't miss any of the other posts from the gardening series- thanks for joining me!</div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/stretching-potting-soil-how-does-your.html">Stretching Potting Soil</a></div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/starting-veggie-seeds-root-vegetables.html">Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/want-to-start-gardening-what-to-grow.html">What To Grow?</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/raised-bed-garden-vs-in-plot-garden.html">Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden</a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-27711541214727630752012-04-28T04:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T10:46:01.282-05:00Raised Bed Garden Vs. In Plot Garden<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today we are lucky to have Annie from <a href="http://www.mamadweeb.com/">Mama Dweeb</a> sharing with us about her experience about in plot gardening vs. raised beds! Annie and I went to high school together and she has such an awesome blog!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Last year my husband and I tilled up a huge area on our land for an <a href="http://mamadweeb.com/tag/home-farming-2/">in plot garden</a>. We planted a huge variety of veggies - corn, radishes, tomatoes, peas, green beans, kohlrabi, potatoes and squash, just to name a few. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We thought our biggest threat was going to be the deer. We did not anticipate the soil and weather being our biggest adversary!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">In the end, we only harvested a ton of tomatoes, a handful of peas, a few ears of corn and lots of kohlrabi and radishes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This is why I think a raised bed garden is going to be <i>better</i> than our in-ground plot: </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1. Less back ache</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If we raise the raised bed high enough, we shouldn't have to hurt our backs nearly as much when we are weeding. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2. Control the size</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It was way too easy to over-plant our garden when it was in the ground. With a raised bed, we only have so much room to use. This keeps the size manageable and prevents us from creating more work than we can handle. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">3. Easier to water</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If we put our raised bed closer to the house it will be easier to water. Last year we had yards and yards of hose strung out and it was a huge pain to water my plants every day. This led to over and under watering. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">4. Looks nicer</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You cannot deny that raised beds just have this aesthetic beauty about them that in ground plots do not. Ok, maybe you <i>can</i> deny it, but I sure love the look of a raised bed! And I don't mind having a raised bed garden close to my house. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">5. Easier to keep pests out</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This part is totally my hopes! I hope that by raising the garden higher off the ground, the fence will keep the critters off my food. Our fence last year was way too flimsy and they just crawled underneath. Maybe the problem was the fence - in that case, I am going to invest in a nicer fence. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Do you have any tips about raised bed gardening for me? Please share! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">About the author: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Annie is a Kansas mom blogger. She started <a href="http://mamadweeb.com/">Mama Dweeb </a> when her son was a baby. Now she writes about parenting, technology, fashion/beauty and helps new bloggers with her Blogging Basics series. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Don't miss out on the other posts in our beginner gardening series.</span></div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/stretching-potting-soil-how-does-your.html">Stretching Potting Soil</a></div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/starting-veggie-seeds-root-vegetables.html">Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/want-to-start-gardening-what-to-grow.html">What To Grow?</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/protecting-your-plants-how-does-your.html">Protecting Your Plants</a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-32035443924601024792012-04-27T04:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T10:48:03.850-05:00Want to Start Gardening? What to Grow- Guest Post by Austin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so excited that my brother Austin agreed to contribute to this beginner gardening series.</div>
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He has been busy for the past several years turning my parents' acerage into a hobby farm! He has learned a lot about vegetable gardening and hopefully it will help you decide what to grow!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What To Grow?</span></div>
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Deciding what to grow in your vegetable garden can be tricky, especially when starting out. A lot of it will depend on why you are wanting to start vegetable gardening, so your reasons and goals should be your main guide.</div>
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The first place to start in choosing what to grow in a garden should be what you like to eat. I find it a lot easier to keep up with watering, weeding, and care of vegetables that I'm really looking forward to eating.</div>
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Certainly your tastes and situation should guide your decisions, but if you're struggling to decide, here are some recommendations and reasons to consider.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grow a Staple</span></div>
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Tomatoes</div>
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Tomatoes are probably the #1 staple for home vegetable gardeners, and with good reason. They are great used fresh or preserved, are fairly easy to grow, and can be very productive.</div>
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My personal preference with tomatoes leans toward preservation. I love to have canned salsa, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes through the winter.</div>
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The first tomatoes I tried to grow were romas, but I didn't have much luck with them. I had problems with fungus and rot on the tomatoes,which was probably because I had grown them along the ground without any support. Processing the small roma fruits was time consuming, and I decided to make a change.</div>
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I've had a lot more luck with beefsteak tomatoes, and have switched to growing only that variety. I grow them in tall cages with plenty of space for circulation and keep them well watered through the heat of summer, which has led to a bountiful harvest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxN_Ax2EypABXeeWrRTRkPV5AI-7xU6W2hmcyvUxI-M9hUpBJHLJN8l1gfcx53G-1tZ82oGTN0G6-INZ4q62bC8H-2w33hQa7izme7apFiSVD2JQ0JE_2VW6EsYb1gcKGB_L3rsDNNe7R/s1600/2011_Beefsteaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxN_Ax2EypABXeeWrRTRkPV5AI-7xU6W2hmcyvUxI-M9hUpBJHLJN8l1gfcx53G-1tZ82oGTN0G6-INZ4q62bC8H-2w33hQa7izme7apFiSVD2JQ0JE_2VW6EsYb1gcKGB_L3rsDNNe7R/s640/2011_Beefsteaks.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Good harvest of beefsteaks for processing.</span></div>
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Other garden staples to consider: Sweet Corn, Potatoes</div>
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Garlic!</div>
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Garlic is very easy to grow, assuming you start it at the right time. It takes a bit of weeding, but not much else.</div>
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The first time I grew garlic I planted it in the spring at the same time as onion sets. That didn't do too well. Afterward, I did someresearch and found that it was best to plant it in the fall, around the first frost date. For the last 2 years I've done that, and it has been very successful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2BiX-6JPMWksgQqUCL1MoZS4k1MB4YfGPJDZeWQ5oq9UiwbkvXbc2MKzPklmuRzQ6YyakVb4c2E0lTKmdX5l8d8Seuo7gYG4OXMuYa0xKBxA4qbm5-Fpu0zvZp9U6LsdwUyUQoWJUT0C/s1600/2012_Garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2BiX-6JPMWksgQqUCL1MoZS4k1MB4YfGPJDZeWQ5oq9UiwbkvXbc2MKzPklmuRzQ6YyakVb4c2E0lTKmdX5l8d8Seuo7gYG4OXMuYa0xKBxA4qbm5-Fpu0zvZp9U6LsdwUyUQoWJUT0C/s640/2012_Garlic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My garlic patch today.</span></div>
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As a bonus, hardneck varieties produce scapes in the late spring, which are very delicious. I planted my first hardneck garlic this last fall, so I'm very much looking forward to harvesting scapes in the next month or so.</div>
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My recommendation: mark your calendar for your first frost date, and plant some garlic.</div>
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Other Easy crops: Potatoes aren't much harder than garlic, I've found turnips to be quite easy also. Some perennial herbs like mint are almost dangerously easy, and should be contained if grown.</div>
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Lovage</div>
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I like using celery, especially in some canning recipes, but it won't grow here due to the heat. This year I'm growing some lovage to try as a substitute for celery in my recipes. I found it in a search for celery substitutes, and it seems like it should grow well for me.</div>
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Lovage may not work out great, but I'm very hopeful. Finding alternatives that thrive in your growing conditions can be very rewarding. </div>
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Other Substitutes: Swiss Chard and Amaranth can replace cooler weather greens for the hot summer months. Coriander (Cilantro seeds) can begrown to provide a flavor similar to some tropical spices.</div>
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Radishes!</div>
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Radishes are the fastest crop to grow in the garden, by a wide margin. From seed to first harvest can be as short as 22 days!</div>
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I've grown radishes for a couple years, and find that it's important to have loose, non-compacted soil for them to grow in. They really like to develop a long root from the part of the radish we're used to eating.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPMqexT4RRl17LrH7TdUd11OMkSWtJjT4e8G_ttWMtS6pO9fHKBkmvnjj1cse4zKpAxPcgwFccrCfxYSMmhpfqAdDyP42DhTWStqQTYlczAxVkFneXmjaGZErvauJGiVejjHE4svc8YyA/s1600/2012_Radishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPMqexT4RRl17LrH7TdUd11OMkSWtJjT4e8G_ttWMtS6pO9fHKBkmvnjj1cse4zKpAxPcgwFccrCfxYSMmhpfqAdDyP42DhTWStqQTYlczAxVkFneXmjaGZErvauJGiVejjHE4svc8YyA/s320/2012_Radishes.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Radishes Harvested this morning.</span></div>
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I've also been harvesting and eating radish greens for the first time this year. They are very good steamed and then topped with some vinegar or wilted in bacon grease.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Radish Greens from this morning.</span></div>
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Other fast crops: Nothing else is very close to the speed of radishes, but some things are still suitable for the impatient. Spinach and Lettuce are fairly fast. Once Summer hits, cucumbers can produce surprisingly fast as well.</div>
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Thanks again Austin for the great information!</div>
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Don't miss the other parts of How Does Your Garden Grow?</div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/stretching-potting-soil-how-does-your.html">Stretching Potting Soil</a></div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/starting-veggie-seeds-root-vegetables.html">Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/raised-bed-garden-vs-in-plot-garden.html">Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/protecting-your-plants-how-does-your.html">Protecting Your Plants</a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-35561124719585491102012-04-26T04:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T10:48:21.223-05:00Starting Veggie Seeds: Root Vegetables and Heat-Lovers (Guest Post from Garden Therapy)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so excited to have Stevie from </span><a href="http://www.gardentherapy.ca/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Garden Therapy </span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">here to talk about starting veggies from seed!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">She has an amazing blog with so many inspiring and creative ideas for gardening.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">****************</span></div>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most rewarding ways to grow your
own vegetables is to start them from seed plus it’s a great educational
experience for kids big and small. Root
veggies like carrots, beets and radishes do the best when planted directly in
the soil where they will grow as they have a delicate taproot that doesn’t like
to be moved. Other garden edibles
appreciate the helping hand of growing up a bit indoors before braving the
elements. Tomatoes, peppers, and
eggplants are good examples of great seeds to start indoors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">Planting
Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, and Radishes<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDP1nXs6fFfs_nG-eSWD2xassSYmqD-DWDPMjQtgOa-1qgf-M05mlbbz1UI0tZ3t98lH1JAPKPyfWcrwTOci8-2asNTLhIKdRktH24mz9pBtYnzhUI_9OHKuyp8hB1gDeBulq6Z1PIMIi/s1600/Red+orange+and+purple+carrots+fresh+from+the+garden+garden+therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDP1nXs6fFfs_nG-eSWD2xassSYmqD-DWDPMjQtgOa-1qgf-M05mlbbz1UI0tZ3t98lH1JAPKPyfWcrwTOci8-2asNTLhIKdRktH24mz9pBtYnzhUI_9OHKuyp8hB1gDeBulq6Z1PIMIi/s640/Red+orange+and+purple+carrots+fresh+from+the+garden+garden+therapy.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Plant root vegetables in fertile,
well-drained soil that has been sifted to remove any stones or hard debris that
will obstruct the root growth (and make funny shaped veggies). Sow seeds according to the plant depth and
spacing as recommended on the seed packet for each variety. Carrot and radish seeds are quite small and
beet seeds come in clusters, so it will be necessary to thin out your plants
when they grow. You can do this by
cutting (not pulling) out the seedlings that are the weakest, leaving the
strongest lots of room to grow a yummy root.
Keep seeds moist while they germinate. Once sprouted make sure they get
lots of sun (8 hours/day) and water (don’t let them dry out on hot days). As they grow they will push up their
shoulders from the ground so mound soil around them periodically. Plant root veggies in spring and summer for a
fall harvest or plant over-wintering varieties in late summer for a winter
harvest.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Planting
Heat-Lovers: Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL_xiggFDqQX6StgK9RskVmCtgBJ4fu2hWnFMMcLFO3I6RnvZPE6_kd4FKEhj8PzedFm86B6Cx1Ab78h5H1eIWDsnJAVH5NdFsaOuTkqX-XGJzq5JeQkd7Ga8-UJBw2b-BnDpSGzyYH2W/s1600/Heirloom+Tomatoes+garden+therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL_xiggFDqQX6StgK9RskVmCtgBJ4fu2hWnFMMcLFO3I6RnvZPE6_kd4FKEhj8PzedFm86B6Cx1Ab78h5H1eIWDsnJAVH5NdFsaOuTkqX-XGJzq5JeQkd7Ga8-UJBw2b-BnDpSGzyYH2W/s640/Heirloom+Tomatoes+garden+therapy.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Heat lovers like tomatoes, peppers, and
eggplants like to be started indoors between 4-6 weeks before the last date of
frost. Starting seeds indoors gives them
a jump-start on the growing season, and ensures that your plants will have lots
of time to produce fruit before it gets chilly outside again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Start seeds in homemade newspaper pots set
in a plastic nursery tray or even a plastic salad box. Newspaper pots can be made by wrapping 5”
strips of newspaper around a wooden pot maker or a household item like a glass
or a can. Wrap the paper strip around the form leaving 1” of paper overhanging
the bottom. Crimp and fold the
overhanging paper so that it tucks into itself and makes a pot that holds its
shape when you remove the form. Use a
bit of tape to hold it if necessary. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PlEomMekmJ4Mm84dYOyDt24wG9jslbrg6sBV0iuOwX8g_Sap25BAh8S_9F7EYbiGGbsaWCP-whzOxtVTS22bg0nJj7LE9V60tTL6vV7RGH-VKp2slO2N3hnAoxziuW9iT91Kpo-wzTlw/s1600/Homemade-newspaper-seed-pots-pot-maker-containers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PlEomMekmJ4Mm84dYOyDt24wG9jslbrg6sBV0iuOwX8g_Sap25BAh8S_9F7EYbiGGbsaWCP-whzOxtVTS22bg0nJj7LE9V60tTL6vV7RGH-VKp2slO2N3hnAoxziuW9iT91Kpo-wzTlw/s640/Homemade-newspaper-seed-pots-pot-maker-containers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Fill each of the paper pots with seed
starting mix, a light, disease-free soil mix made specifically for seed
starting. Don’t use garden soil that can
have many fungi, bacteria and critters that can attack little seedlings. Plant
each pot with 3 seeds, cover with soil, and water well. Keep pots moist until seeds germinate and the
little green sprouts come up. Sadly you
will have to choose only one strong seedling per pot to keep by cutting (not
pulling) the others with clean scissors.
Keep your seedling in bright sunlight until it gets 2-3 true leaves (the
plant will initially have 2 “seed” leaves which are rounded then grow the “true”
leaves which look quite different), then transplant the whole pot, newspaper
and all, into a larger plastic nursery pot filled with a container mix
soil. Grow your plant into a teenager in
this pot and when kit’s warm enough (as determined on your seed packet) you can
move it outside. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">These tips will hopefully have enough
information to get you started keeping in mind that there are variances to
different vegetables and climates that you can determine by visiting your local
nursery. Read seed packets for the most
specific information on planting seeds and transplanting seedlings. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information on seed starting check
out <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Garden Therapy’s Seed Starting
Series</b> including </span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/seed-starting-101/" title="Seed Starting 101"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">Seed Starting 101</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,
<u><span style="color: #0000cc;">Homemade </span></u></span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/seed-starting-containers-pt-1/" title="Seed Starting Containers: The Real Dirt – Part 1"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">Seed Starting Containers DIY Projects,</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/seed-starting-part-2/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">The Best and Worst Store
Bought Seed Starting Containers</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/greenhouses-sss/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Seed Starting Outdoors Under
Umbrella Greenhouses</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t forget to visit </span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/about/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Stevie</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> at </span><a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Garden Therapy</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for more DIY garden projects,
yummy recipes, and crafty goodness. You
can also find Garden Therapy on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GardenTherapy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">Fa</span></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GardenTherapy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">cebook</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Garden_Therapy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/garden_therapy/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc; font-family: inherit;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: #0000cc;">,</span></u>
and </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GardenTherapy"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Etsy</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">*******************</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much Stevie for sharing that information with us!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to check out the other posts in our "mini gardening series"!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/stretching-potting-soil-how-does-your.html">Stretching Potting Soil</a></span><br />
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/want-to-start-gardening-what-to-grow.html">What To Grow?</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/raised-bed-garden-vs-in-plot-garden.html">Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/protecting-your-plants-how-does-your.html">Protecting Your Plants</a></div>
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</div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-2524819688537439002012-04-25T04:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T10:47:54.946-05:00Stretching Potting Soil- How Does Your Garden Grow?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3xt08vBmX988AVU7K0tLO-UcrXjlAk7SuUnrwAWz5bH1E34T5U8dmRN_MuAtBxcaE7gRdUoXpEfH8wMTlZaj4KqQ11qXpmTlJP3G1ZOiuSo6Ixja3SYamNIojqhnK5dGlSDpZVZqr3Ut/s1600/Stretching+Potting+Soil+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3xt08vBmX988AVU7K0tLO-UcrXjlAk7SuUnrwAWz5bH1E34T5U8dmRN_MuAtBxcaE7gRdUoXpEfH8wMTlZaj4KqQ11qXpmTlJP3G1ZOiuSo6Ixja3SYamNIojqhnK5dGlSDpZVZqr3Ut/s640/Stretching+Potting+Soil+7.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the first day of my beginner gardening series- "How Does Your Garden Grow?" I am very excited about the posts we have coming up in this series and I hope you find it helpful!</div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am going to start the series out by talking about how to stretch your potting soil.</div>
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I love planting annual flowers every year- geraniums, petunias, impatients, and so many more. They do get a little costly though. And also potting soil can be a little expensive.</div>
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Here is a great way to stretch it.</div>
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Take your pots or planters and fill them all the way up with organic materials such as grass clippings or leaves. </div>
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Add potting soil to the top of it until it is about an inch from the top. The leaves will compress and there will be plenty of room to transplant your flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL9YcA1yC_r25qXX5wOskfDA38Kc7sohaScxS3HvaZzE0GREpWfKLluygqFar8tpFFRnQhxNRi4o41s42CqWTshH1lsYtTkF6SI-12w-Dc966MK5WNcRLiOL-u3knwHbse2-N3GBDG8GM/s1600/Stretching+Potting+Soil+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL9YcA1yC_r25qXX5wOskfDA38Kc7sohaScxS3HvaZzE0GREpWfKLluygqFar8tpFFRnQhxNRi4o41s42CqWTshH1lsYtTkF6SI-12w-Dc966MK5WNcRLiOL-u3knwHbse2-N3GBDG8GM/s640/Stretching+Potting+Soil+3.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
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I like to let mine sit for a couple days and add a bit more soil as it compacts.<br />
Transplant your annual flowers and enjoy.</div>
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There are a few benefits to this process:</div>
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Spending less money on potting soil and more money on beautiful flowers!</div>
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It uses up organic matter that would just be hanging out behind my bushes (those darn leaves get everywhere).</div>
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And it makes the pots lighter and much easier to move into place.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scoutsstitches/6892920318/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How Does Your Garden Grow Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="How Does Your Garden Grow Button" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6892920318_8847a9ac13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you found this helpful! </div>
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Don't miss other posts in this series!</div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/starting-veggie-seeds-root-vegetables.html">Stevie From Garden Therapy- Planting from Seed</a></div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/want-to-start-gardening-what-to-grow.html">What To Grow?</a> </div>
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"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/raised-bed-garden-vs-in-plot-garden.html">Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden</a><br />
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/protecting-your-plants-how-does-your.html">Protecting Your Plants</a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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I will be linking to some of <a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/p/linky-parties.html">these parties</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375254844729064197.post-73419262597833934682012-04-22T03:00:00.000-05:002012-04-22T03:00:07.833-05:00Scout's Sweet Sunday #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a short delay I am pleased to announce that Scout's Sweet Sundays are back!! I am doing it a little bit differently though. This is no longer a link party but more of a feature party! I plan to feature projects I see that inspire me.</div>
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Some weeks I may make it fun and even do a theme!</div>
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I also plan on doing a short recap of what I posted about that week to keep everyone up to speed!</div>
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So here we are, without further ado!!</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong>Scout's Sweet Sunday Features:</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM58y_SZz4peAWz1Fl4hAE50ziyQ-lzo0naeIC8-bcX4PcbyEui1-Nq5qXa18EQHuaZ8mGmWZ8FX9dxYaLSZYOB8jZc4CyTdJAhBqyK1N2ko0vyv6djQklb24-tp5hHt7Muug3YIQGQU1V/s1600/Featured+Quite+Book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM58y_SZz4peAWz1Fl4hAE50ziyQ-lzo0naeIC8-bcX4PcbyEui1-Nq5qXa18EQHuaZ8mGmWZ8FX9dxYaLSZYOB8jZc4CyTdJAhBqyK1N2ko0vyv6djQklb24-tp5hHt7Muug3YIQGQU1V/s640/Featured+Quite+Book.JPG" width="508" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://creating-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/04/artsy-farts-mama-quiet-flip-book.html">Artsy Fartsy Mama Quiet Flip Book</a> by <a href="http://creating-sarah.blogspot.com/">Creating Sarah</a></div>
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I love this book- and the technique for the embroidery! She has a link to the pattern she used.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaqb2C5dh_tK-PTdcm-O3gHK7h-eepcvD3_p9KK15qFNCBM37BSNLVFTDrth59_s1afbHmvUrWYkniNhR_djV2zKh6bpCtKZ8WjiBfWHOOxDEJ5w_3hnT68uyuaTpKqWO-N49geFlVlci/s1600/dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaqb2C5dh_tK-PTdcm-O3gHK7h-eepcvD3_p9KK15qFNCBM37BSNLVFTDrth59_s1afbHmvUrWYkniNhR_djV2zKh6bpCtKZ8WjiBfWHOOxDEJ5w_3hnT68uyuaTpKqWO-N49geFlVlci/s640/dresses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://freshlycompleted.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post.html">Sunny Shirred Dress</a> by <a href="http://freshlycompleted.blogspot.com/">Freshly Completed</a></div>
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She is making a pattern for this to sell- so cute!! This one reminds me of the Wizard of Oz!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZmxKx3Gx519WuW7udgEpM4fnEEBBsSw7ZrJf0oFkLGoByl97Jgcmbqm6lnXRVRnUGZwXynUeJnwN6KA8S48nL2ftaUX6Vi5g-y2S-dxFieOgKokBw1oAFAP_jSA8selmsMOC2qnUFTHN/s1600/AsparagusSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZmxKx3Gx519WuW7udgEpM4fnEEBBsSw7ZrJf0oFkLGoByl97Jgcmbqm6lnXRVRnUGZwXynUeJnwN6KA8S48nL2ftaUX6Vi5g-y2S-dxFieOgKokBw1oAFAP_jSA8selmsMOC2qnUFTHN/s640/AsparagusSquare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2012/04/asparagus-squares-quick-and-easy.html">Asparagus Squares</a> from <a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/">Sweet Pea</a></div>
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These look just so good and asparagus is in season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQl-nsFrsldumu9Zs_qBKv_xpqcHuMKx1kJJH9gTaIcD81dgucrY7ePoglU02yYkvzXU95bTEvsRkEAl11FCTQJENbyiqj1OQVEbvDPuOheqRxEdxDynIKOR9WFOpncM7Y_tVHzzt9bLM/s1600/side+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQl-nsFrsldumu9Zs_qBKv_xpqcHuMKx1kJJH9gTaIcD81dgucrY7ePoglU02yYkvzXU95bTEvsRkEAl11FCTQJENbyiqj1OQVEbvDPuOheqRxEdxDynIKOR9WFOpncM7Y_tVHzzt9bLM/s640/side+close-up.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://secondchancesbysusan.blogspot.com/2012/04/t-shirt-to-skirt-refashion.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SecondChancesBySusan+%28Second+Chances+by+Susan%29">T-Shirt to Skirt Refasion</a> by <a href="http://secondchancesbysusan.blogspot.com/">Second Chances By Susan</a></div>
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I can't believe this skirt used to be a t-shirt- what a transformation!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9vnbt0zZA1sHCawh15EHFvk04SspRq0YVzzAgPm-gIqEmQzX6xl4dc4LmR16KsqtsUcNc10mkxBPPybiJMrLBUVnOfCUYZzbBOij3aUyekWdifbPd_8I69cbmGF1HfPrSA0lb_H6KES/s1600/Veronica+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9vnbt0zZA1sHCawh15EHFvk04SspRq0YVzzAgPm-gIqEmQzX6xl4dc4LmR16KsqtsUcNc10mkxBPPybiJMrLBUVnOfCUYZzbBOij3aUyekWdifbPd_8I69cbmGF1HfPrSA0lb_H6KES/s640/Veronica+Dress.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/04/veronica-dress.html">Veronica Dress</a> by <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/">Craftiness is Not Optional</a></div>
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This dress is just darling- I love the collar and the piping. It doesn't hurt that the model is a cutie pie! Can't wait for the tutorial.</div>
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If you were featured feel free to grab a button and show it off!</div>
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<a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button" height="140" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" /></a>
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<textarea><a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" height="140" alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button"></a></textarea><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And in Case You Missed It-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This week on the blog:</span><br />
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<a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/pumpkin-spice-cardigan-diy-tutorial.html">Upcycled Pumpkin Spice Cardigan Tutorial</a><br />
<a href="http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/garden-therapy-book-club-book-review.html">Book Review Guest Post at Garden Therapy</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65178402@N03/5955634516/" title="Signature 2 by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Signature 2" height="41" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5955634516_1abafef10c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727502389375216321noreply@blogger.com6