tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25014780520809712732024-03-13T17:19:30.696-04:00A Back To Basics LifestyleLyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-7624232687979690462014-08-06T12:14:00.001-04:002014-08-06T12:14:45.622-04:00Better Peanut ButterMy tip for the week is to skip the regular PB in your smoothies, and use natural PB instead. It should only have peanuts and salt, no sugar or other additives. The great thing about natural peanut butter is that the peanut oil rises to the top, so you can dump out that oil and eliminate all that fat and calories really easily. The brand of PB in my cupboard now says 3/4 of the calories come from fat, so if you can eliminate even some of that fat, then why not? Don't go out and buy reduced fat pb though, as they usually add things like sugar to compensate.Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-81967578002818182152014-08-03T19:00:00.001-04:002014-08-03T19:00:11.565-04:00Over did it.Ugh, weekends are my downfall. I over-indulged and now I feel bloated, uncomfortable, and gross. For brunch my husband brought home one if my former favorite treats, donuts and Long Johns! It was such a thoughtful gesture, how could I refuse? Ha! As if I've ever refused a donut before? I doubt it! Well, now I feel like this, and I don't think they were worth it any more. Hopefully I learned my lesson.Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-79306069311978243782014-07-28T15:22:00.001-04:002014-07-28T15:22:27.204-04:00Two at a Time Isn't it interesting how quickly two good choices turn into three or four good choices? Just one good choice could go either way and be used as an excuse to indulge later, but If I make two good choices in a row? I don't want those good decisions to go to waste! I think a good goal for someone wanting to get healthier would be to make at least 2 healthy choices each day. They could be small things like skipping sugar in your coffee and going for a walk around the block, or eating fruit when you'd normally have something processed.<div> It's been 6 1/2 weeks now, I'm down 9 pounds (though my loose clothes make it seem like more), and my gut is MUCH happier. Yesterday and today I've had a ton of energy in the morning. I am NOT a morning person, so any time I feel energized in the morning, it's a noteworthy event. </div><div> What good decisions will you make today?</div>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-17719494454319437682014-07-02T13:56:00.001-04:002014-07-02T13:56:54.921-04:00Three weeks down...And I've lost another two pounds! I haven't been eating as well as I'd like as far as processed foods are concerned. One night I had pizza, another I had ice cream, etc. and as a result, I've felt pretty tired this week and I've had a lot of carb cravings. It's important to have wiggle room in a diet so it is sustainable, but I hate how a treat is never just a one time indulgence. I always pay for indulgences in cravings for a few days after.<div> I got tired of eating salads for dinner this week and tried a new recipe (apple sweet potato bake) and it was delicious! It wasn't as sweet as most people would probably like, but the honey made this awesome chewy caramel on the bottom of the pan that was so good! I'll definitely make it again.</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">http://livesimply.me/2013/11/11/apple-sweet-potato-bake/</span></div><div><br></div><div> I also tried a few tweaks to my smoothies this week. I ran out of kale and spinach, so I used fresh snow peas instead; I couldn't taste any difference. I used dry roasted, unsalted peanuts instead of PB. They have no added sugar or oils, and tasted pretty much the same. Another change was, I used low fat cottage cheese in lieu of plain Greek yogurt. Sounds gross, right? It isn't. Once it's all blended together, it's creamier and less tangy than plain yogurt, otherwise, there's not a big difference in taste or texture.</div><div> So, while I lost weight the past three weeks, my breast-fed baby suddenly gained a pound and a half! He gained only a handful of ounces over five weeks, now all of a sudden, he's packing it on! I'd like to think that it has something to do with how I'm eating, but I suppose it's just as likely a growth spurt. :) Either way, it's a relief!</div>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-19496166417168224372014-06-25T13:30:00.001-04:002014-06-25T13:30:31.193-04:00Two weeks down...And I feel good. I've lost five pounds, I'm not taking allergy medicine every day anymore, and I feel less irritable most of the time. I also feel more alert and less forgetful. That being said, I'm pretty sleepy today. I'm sure it has nothing to do with staying up late, or being woken up 2-3 times by the baby. ;) Today for breakfast I had a smoothie with cucumber, banana, soy milk, Greek yogurt, green tea ice cubes, chia seeds, parsley, PB, and honey. I've never put cucumber in a smoothie before, but it wasn't bad. Things like chia seeds, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, aloe, and green tea are supposed to be good for detoxing, so I try to add them in. For lunch I had a big plate of raw veggies, dip, and a handful of almonds.Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-19590144546372316892014-06-24T08:20:00.001-04:002014-06-24T09:08:41.732-04:00I'm awake.It's the beginning of day 14, I've been up since 6am, and I feel awake. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not really up and mentally ready for the day until 10am and after a travel mug or two of coffee, but not today! Even last week when I was up early and taking Chris to work, I felt drowsy on the way home and took a nap once we got home most days. Today, I got home and did chores. Wait, what!? It's unheard of! I allowed myself/caved last night and had a small bowl of ice cream, and woke up this morning with a headache. Are they related? I have no idea. I thought it might be caffeine withdrawal, so I made coffee, but only drank 1/2 a cup because it tasted too sweet with my usual amount of creamer. I had the same reaction to a fruit Popsicle the other day. It's funny how quickly our tastes can change. I'm starting off my day with a smoothie instead, made with kale, chia seeds, banana, green tea ice cubes, soy milk, PB, Greek yogurt, and a little honey and vanilla. Tastes great!Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-31905344183189893422014-06-23T21:56:00.001-04:002014-06-23T21:56:28.554-04:00Little VictoriesI have been eating vegetarian for thirteen days now, and today was the first day I really struggled with cravings. My husband wanted fried chicken for dinner, and the breading smelled so good! After avoiding that, I wanted chocolate, sweets, anything full of sugar. I had almonds and an apple with peanut butter instead. Two victories for me. I also skipped coffee today. Shocking! Despite being up late and waking up with the kids 2-3 times last night, I woke up feeling awake (for a change). How about that?Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-23516625960515704592014-06-23T11:30:00.001-04:002014-06-23T11:30:31.984-04:00Sugar-holic to Plant EaterOn June 11, 2014 I began my journey from sugar-dependence to a plant-based, vegetarian diet. I have been addicted to sugar and carbs most of my life, and my body shows it and feels it. Type 2 diabetes runs rampant in my family, and I've been on the verge of it myself (with Insulin Resistance) for the past ten years. I've considered gastric bypass, but I didn't feel that it would solve my problem permenantly. I've tried weight watchers, low carb, Atkins, and eating a diabetic diet, but I've always gained the weight back. I have been carrying around an extra person for a long time, and I'm tired. Enough is enough. I decided to make a drastic change in my diet, starting with cutting out meat, and weaning off processed foods and sugar. I am eating a diet of mainly fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and a small amount of dairy/eggs and maybe the occasional seafood. My goal is to eventually be full vegan, and in a healthy body. This is my journey to back-to-basics eating.Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-55531443964219226332013-03-21T21:29:00.001-04:002013-03-21T21:39:16.744-04:00Kids say the darnedest things, don't they? Especially this little boy of mine. The quote of the day at our house is this:<br />
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(Wee One shoves his hand under my butt) "Toot on my hand! I like it stinky!" (giggles)<br />
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What the...?<br />
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Saturday's inappropriate conversation was:<br />
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"I love your nipples."<br />
Me: "Thank you, but I still don't want you touching them."<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-82702457225017961772012-11-14T19:49:00.000-05:002012-11-14T19:49:04.193-05:00Birthday Traditions & Candy cake<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wee One turned 3 years old in October, and we started a new birthday tradition to celebrate. The night before his birthday I decorated the house with balloons and a banner, and when he woke up on his birthday he got a balloon with a dollar in it for each year old he is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Score! He thought it was pretty cool to get all those dollars! It was a nice start to a special day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that morning we had a simple brunch birthday party with his friends. The boy loves chocolate and candy, so I made him this chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, Kit Kats and M&Ms. Needless to say, it was a big hit with the kids. </span></div>
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I got the idea from <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/11/02/kit-kat-birthday-cake-and-a-recipe-girl-cookbook-deal/">Recipe Girl</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does your family celebrate with any special birthday traditions?</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-81741131904246817742012-11-14T01:50:00.000-05:002012-11-14T01:50:00.154-05:00Pants Upcycle<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband came home from work last week with a lovely rip in the crotch of his Dockers. I couldn't repair them because of where the tear was, so I threw them away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remembered that I have a sewing machine, and a toddler that could use more pants, so out of the garbage they came. I used the same concept from <a href="http://abacktobasicslifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/15-minute-upcycled-longies.html">this post</a>, and in less than an hour, the wee one had a new pair of pants.</span><br />
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I bribed him with a balloon and candy to try to get him to stand still for a picture.</div>
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Clearly, it didn't work.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For these pants I used the thigh areas of the ripped adult pants (because there was little wear to the fabric there), and instead of a cuff, I hemmed the bottom. I also added two pockets to the back, and one on the side of each leg. Save yourself some grief, and remember to sew the pockets on <i>before</i> you assemble the pants!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are a bit boring, so I used brighter blue thread around the pockets to add some interest.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHGQ5M81Fzg/UKM5B0L8_YI/AAAAAAAAAZI/OoRky-onOkA/s1600/October+2012+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHGQ5M81Fzg/UKM5B0L8_YI/AAAAAAAAAZI/OoRky-onOkA/s320/October+2012+078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apparently they're comfy play pants, and have plenty of pockets for treasures.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cost: Free </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used up-cycled fabric, and left-over thread and elastic from previous projects.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-46726956542542160822012-08-23T09:20:00.000-04:002012-08-23T09:20:37.332-04:00Is it raining in here?<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there, remember me? Yeah, I'm still around, though on a crafting/creating hiatus for the summer.</div>
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We've been much too busy picking flowers,</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZpvnCZ6Sfk/UDYl5OzzZKI/AAAAAAAAAXo/MQiAcZerZoY/s1600/July+4th+Lucas+and+Jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZpvnCZ6Sfk/UDYl5OzzZKI/AAAAAAAAAXo/MQiAcZerZoY/s320/July+4th+Lucas+and+Jackson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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playing with our friends,</div>
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playing basketball in the rain,</div>
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going to the beach and festivals,</div>
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and playing pranks at work.</div>
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We've also been potty trained for a couple of months now. Uh-that is to say, we <i>were</i> potty trained. Last week my husband got a job (Yay! Finally!) and the Wee One has been spending time with me and at friends' houses when I have to work. He's been showing his displeasure with the new situation by having "accidents." I expect an accident here and there, especially when out and about, but the past week he's peeing more out of the potty than in it. Case in point...this morning he turned on the fan, stood in front of it, and peed into the breeze. </div>
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Oh. My. God. </div>
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Half my living room now has a light coating of toddler pee spray. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry, so instead I handed him paper towels, and continued drinking my coffee like it was the most natural thing in the world. Sigh.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-79216213188549610582012-05-13T15:14:00.002-04:002012-05-13T20:24:11.231-04:00Don't cry over spilled...cheerios?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a 2 1/2 year old who makes messes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning the mess was spilled cheerios <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(see them behind him?)</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That same toddler also refused to pick up said cheerios.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than freak out, what do I do?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM4_divDqJs/T7AFXrw6EoI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uFGmA-2qiFI/s1600/May+2012+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM4_divDqJs/T7AFXrw6EoI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uFGmA-2qiFI/s320/May+2012+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give him a string with tape on one end and a cheerio tied to the other. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of a sudden he has a fun game of making a necklace <span style="font-size: large;">and </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he's working on fine motor skills <span style="font-size: large;">and</span> inadvertently picking up the mess.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone wins. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-69675992271710811592012-02-26T14:06:00.000-05:002012-02-26T14:06:35.320-05:00Kids say the darnedest things...<div style="text-align: center;">Every so often the little guy says something that gives me a glimpse of just how much more he knows than I realize. Yesterday while browsing the consignment store, he runs to the next booth pointing and yelling "Pan-eh! Pan-eh!" I look over and he's jumping and pointing to a globe- the planet! I think maybe it's a fluke, but I get it down for him to see and he says it again! Then he smiles, points up, and says "Moon!" Woah! This kid blows me a away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCX3VATujK8/T0qCcbZN3RI/AAAAAAAAAWc/LZqCpX2j91k/s1600/Jacksfeb8+2012+at+Deannas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCX3VATujK8/T0qCcbZN3RI/AAAAAAAAAWc/LZqCpX2j91k/s320/Jacksfeb8+2012+at+Deannas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-53620127228121114412012-02-24T14:49:00.000-05:002012-02-24T14:49:18.889-05:00Movers and Shakers<div style="text-align: center;">I love moving!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I don't however, like packing. We are moving out of our apartment complex in six days and into a single family home. I couldn't be more excited! It only has one bathroom, but it has a full basement, garage, yard and shed to compensate! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Right now I'm at that point where I have a coat closet full of packed boxes, empty boxes all over the house, and no clue what to pack next. Don't you hate that part of moving? "I can't pack the bathroom yet because we will use it. I can't pack the kitchen yet....what can I pack?!" Naturally, my solution is to sit on my butt and pack nothing. Makes a lot of sense, right? :) </div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-63378658683549736022012-02-13T23:13:00.000-05:002012-02-13T23:13:02.620-05:00We are in the middle of the "Terrible Twos" here in Michigan, and I'm about ready to tear my hair out some days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mn047L-6V2U/Tzne_sKKrSI/AAAAAAAAAWI/iKhGFbDOjGU/s1600/January2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mn047L-6V2U/Tzne_sKKrSI/AAAAAAAAAWI/iKhGFbDOjGU/s320/January2012+001.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I don't know if it's just my little man or all toddlers, but this little boy is a holy terror for me, yet sweet as sugar for others! He charms everyone he meets, yet at home he enjoys tormenting me by biting, kicking, licking my face, and doing whatever else he knows will push my buttons. I REALLY hope this is just a short phase he will be growing out of soon! He was mid-tantrum tonight, flailing on the floor because I put a lid on his sippy cup (the nerve of me!), and I found myself on the verge of giving in and letting him roam around the house with an open juice cup. I caught myself, and said out loud, "I'm the mom here and I make the rules! We don't negotiate with terrorists...um...toddlers." It's not a good day when you confuse your toddler with a terrorist.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-5553582786320097972011-11-18T22:23:00.000-05:002011-11-18T22:23:54.800-05:00T.P. rolls + Christmas = ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you seen all the awesome things being done with toilet paper rolls around blogland?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Check out these awesome party favors from <a href="http://crissyscrafts.blogspot.com/2011/04/teacher-appreciation-day.html">Crissy's Crafts</a>.</b><br />
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</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvUK1JtYEUk/Tj1yV_tmaSI/AAAAAAAACT0/-70fsKONjSk/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvUK1JtYEUk/Tj1yV_tmaSI/AAAAAAAACT0/-70fsKONjSk/s640/20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And the teacher gifts she made too!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97Bsie-hLxs/TailHYzSeFI/AAAAAAAABaU/3RbZJUP7qbM/s400/Bliss1.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Awesome, right? It made me hesitate before throwing out those used TP rolls, so I've accumulated about 30 just waiting to be inspired. Yes, my husband thinks I'm insane for saving them. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Today, inspiration hit! I'm going to use them to make an amazing, hand made, up-cycled, advent calendar! That has got to be the most unique idea ever, right?!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Right?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Not so much. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>These next three were all made by <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2008/11/countdown-calendar.html">Maya* Made</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XKgfAgS8zbs/Sw3j7KZoL-I/AAAAAAAAFSI/wmtkWPm-7yQ/s400/advent.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="advent 1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5207830967_a4c9c6d2fd_z.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XKgfAgS8zbs/SSsKhed8YwI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/edPUxknaSOE/s400/advent+calendar+032.jpg" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>and this beautiful set below was made by <a href="http://brownpaperpackagesep.blogspot.com/2011/11/tp-roll-advent-calendarof-sorts.html">Brown Paper Packages</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN4KflWPaaE/Trth25vQplI/AAAAAAAAApI/R88FSuUXxe8/s640/IMG_4089.JPG" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Love! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Ok, so my brilliant idea was thought up by many others first, but I still think it's quite brilliant never-the-less. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Are you inspired yet? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-44565114799310757892011-10-06T20:00:00.000-04:002011-10-06T20:00:05.085-04:00Spaghetti Squash SeedsToday I learned that you can roast spaghetti squash seeds. Did you know that? I wasn't very optimistic about it, but I did it anyway, and yum! Mine were a lot more tender than pumpkin seeds (which I really liked), and they have a bit of a popcorn taste to them. I won't be throwing away the seeds next time I roast any kind of winter squash! Give it a try. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/roasted-winter-squash-seeds/detail.aspx">Here</a> is one recipe to try, though I didn't use any oil on mine. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-54782196105930894912011-09-22T17:55:00.000-04:002011-09-22T17:55:47.534-04:00T-shirt Up-cycle Take: 2, Footstool Slipcover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you've ever had young kids you know what a mess they can make in the time it takes you to turn around. This poor foot stool began its life in our home with an ugly, dirty, beige fabric and very deteriorated foam. I didn't take a picture, so you'll have to take my word for it. It was actually <i>worse</i> than this at one point...barely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPtJrGjMVb0/TnuolR42jJI/AAAAAAAAAUo/rLUMf-RWNrc/s1600/summer+2011+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPtJrGjMVb0/TnuolR42jJI/AAAAAAAAAUo/rLUMf-RWNrc/s320/summer+2011+075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sure you didn't miss all those chocolate milk stains on the white canvas fabric? Silly me, I re-covered, and re-stuffed the foot stool, planning on sewing a slip cover that could be taken off and thrown in the wash. Yeah...enter a shorter than usual nap, and a toddler with chocolate milk. Sigh Clearly the slip cover could wait no longer! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXeSQapZWV8/Tnuoq-baPjI/AAAAAAAAAUs/e2EYCOalowI/s1600/diy+009+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXeSQapZWV8/Tnuoq-baPjI/AAAAAAAAAUs/e2EYCOalowI/s320/diy+009+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enter a t-shirt that doesn't fit <i>in a darker color,</i> and I've got a simple, durable slipcover that can be tossed in the wash as needed, and as a bonus, less wrinkles from cringing every time i saw that chocolate milk. </div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-55795676179818488232011-09-15T00:21:00.001-04:002011-09-15T00:44:54.997-04:00T-shirt Up-cycle<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've got stacks of old, stained, holey t-shirts around here that I can't bring myself to throw away. A couple have been cut up into cleaning rags, but come on, how many cleaning rags do you need?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My solution...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCNkM7Dkoe0/TnFw5EdhQ7I/AAAAAAAAAUg/ipeXApTNtF4/s1600/summer+2011+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCNkM7Dkoe0/TnFw5EdhQ7I/AAAAAAAAAUg/ipeXApTNtF4/s320/summer+2011+076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cut those puppies into long strips and turned them into "yarn," then taught myself how to crochet a rag rug. Seriously.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WhmRmGJUyw/TnFxImtdm0I/AAAAAAAAAUk/5T1ESPw6sdk/s1600/diy+005+edited+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WhmRmGJUyw/TnFxImtdm0I/AAAAAAAAAUk/5T1ESPw6sdk/s320/diy+005+edited+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not even close to being perfect, but I made it myself, and I love it! It fits great in front of the sink or stove in the kitchen. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been wanting to make a rag rug for awhile now, but the idea of sewing coils and coils of braided fabric together makes me want to scream. Plus, I prefer rectangular rugs, so I learned to crochet instead!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used YouTube to learn a simple single crochet stitch, and went to town with it. Each color is a whole t-shirt (between 2x and 4x sizes) cut into strips, so my pile is 7 shirts shorter!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was inspired by this rug made by Cassandra from Flight of the Pook out of bed sheets:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPBQRG127T8/TLHOsjgt37I/AAAAAAAAATg/WUacPDVkfZ0/s1600/DSCI1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPBQRG127T8/TLHOsjgt37I/AAAAAAAAATg/WUacPDVkfZ0/s400/DSCI1018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flightofthepook.com/2010/10/sunny-days-great-big-fat-crochet.html">source</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and this awesome denim rug from Alison King made from 100 lbs. of up-cycled jeans. Holy moly. I Love it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/194980745_ZmFtX5ju_c.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/recycleddenimchallenge/giant-handwoven-denim-area-rug/denim-rug/">source</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe I'll use denim for the next rug. For now, keep your eye out for more t-shirt up-cycle projects to come!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-83628603761027393492011-09-14T10:23:00.000-04:002011-09-14T10:23:45.369-04:00Summer in a Nutshell *photo bomb*<div style="text-align: center;">Oh hi! It's been awhile, how was your summer? Ours was full of monkeying around,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57KX4IjVGY0/TnCsdfi7mUI/AAAAAAAAATw/AeEDmAkO2tk/s1600/editedJuly2011+NY+trip+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57KX4IjVGY0/TnCsdfi7mUI/AAAAAAAAATw/AeEDmAkO2tk/s320/editedJuly2011+NY+trip+072.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Soaking up the sun, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjXNhv_dR44/TnCtjeDiWFI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Xk0WA1mIevY/s1600/June+2011+216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjXNhv_dR44/TnCtjeDiWFI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Xk0WA1mIevY/s320/June+2011+216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Lounging about,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6kTW95kwWo/TnCvhH4RhrI/AAAAAAAAAT8/-5isMuplcGs/s1600/June+2011+187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6kTW95kwWo/TnCvhH4RhrI/AAAAAAAAAT8/-5isMuplcGs/s320/June+2011+187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bonding with cousins in upstate NY,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc5se25PajA/TnCuFOiQWkI/AAAAAAAAAT4/2mWohE8wJG8/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc5se25PajA/TnCuFOiQWkI/AAAAAAAAAT4/2mWohE8wJG8/s320/July2011+NY+trip+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywT-DPvjH5M/TnCxgzoL73I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/dDExeZdM9D0/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywT-DPvjH5M/TnCxgzoL73I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/dDExeZdM9D0/s320/July2011+NY+trip+168.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">splashing around,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQFJWOnJoQk/TnCxQNPi7mI/AAAAAAAAAUA/I8aDdC0WEwY/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQFJWOnJoQk/TnCxQNPi7mI/AAAAAAAAAUA/I8aDdC0WEwY/s320/July2011+NY+trip+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71_DlxvSdac/TnCxVLOgzHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ymAMTOifE-0/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71_DlxvSdac/TnCxVLOgzHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ymAMTOifE-0/s320/July2011+NY+trip+108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">becoming buddies with uncles,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sON-tFpezoU/TnCxXiwtEjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/xHCYHxllOsA/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sON-tFpezoU/TnCxXiwtEjI/AAAAAAAAAUI/xHCYHxllOsA/s320/July2011+NY+trip+141.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and getting to know some farm animals.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnsZz85eMtA/TnCzLLLT0VI/AAAAAAAAAUY/EZxE1auS8pM/s1600/summer+2011+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnsZz85eMtA/TnCzLLLT0VI/AAAAAAAAAUY/EZxE1auS8pM/s320/summer+2011+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hlJfRPw28w/TnCzQ5r3ZDI/AAAAAAAAAUc/y293ypkAUkA/s1600/summer+2011+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hlJfRPw28w/TnCzQ5r3ZDI/AAAAAAAAAUc/y293ypkAUkA/s320/summer+2011+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was exhausting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRtyducHTU/TnCxj2AvHFI/AAAAAAAAAUU/2LGANQ-ijv0/s1600/July2011+NY+trip+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRtyducHTU/TnCxj2AvHFI/AAAAAAAAAUU/2LGANQ-ijv0/s320/July2011+NY+trip+178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now I'm ready for a little chilly weather, and back to some DIY! </div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-16542506415411741172011-05-03T21:31:00.000-04:002011-05-03T21:31:13.758-04:00In case you haven't noticed, I've been m.i.a. lately. I've started my new job, and there's a lot of O.T. available, so I've been picking up a lot of extra shifts. So far it's working out really well having my husband stay home with the Wee One while i work, then we switch while he does homework and goes to school. He was able to raise his grade a whole letter in the last month after he stopped working. :) Plus, the Wee One is getting some serious bonding time in with his "Dada" and he LOVES it. They both do actually.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZU3puZ_ApU/TcCiC234gyI/AAAAAAAAATg/QRMXlIgBReY/s1600/Dutch+village+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZU3puZ_ApU/TcCiC234gyI/AAAAAAAAATg/QRMXlIgBReY/s320/Dutch+village+020.JPG" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been spending our weekends enjoying the weather. Easter Saturday we went to a marshmallow drop. Any way you look at it, 10,000 marshmallows falling from a helicopter is fun! We also got the requisite terrified picture with the Easter Bunny:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdZXNXSj31E/TcCpSGVz8OI/AAAAAAAAATk/NtazQCCnBzQ/s1600/Dutch+village+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdZXNXSj31E/TcCpSGVz8OI/AAAAAAAAATk/NtazQCCnBzQ/s320/Dutch+village+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This past weekend we went to Nelis' Dutch Village here in town. It's a cute little dutch-themed amusement park for kids. Sounds lame, but it was actually pretty fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07IVDJyXfCI/TcCgCWiAtGI/AAAAAAAAATU/qrGqHZr3Z5E/s1600/Dutch+village+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07IVDJyXfCI/TcCgCWiAtGI/AAAAAAAAATU/qrGqHZr3Z5E/s320/Dutch+village+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wee One was pretty amazed by the llama. He was being so gentle while petting it. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ad9-OWLfN8/TcCgZdVzSuI/AAAAAAAAATY/y86GwBJWfY0/s1600/Dutch+village+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ad9-OWLfN8/TcCgZdVzSuI/AAAAAAAAATY/y86GwBJWfY0/s320/Dutch+village+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we took a goat for a walk. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyC85ob13Go/TcCghkGnFKI/AAAAAAAAATc/nEPo2VntfyI/s1600/Dutch+village+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyC85ob13Go/TcCghkGnFKI/AAAAAAAAATc/nEPo2VntfyI/s320/Dutch+village+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and saw the most adorable tiny baby miniature pony. I've never seen such a tiny pony before, so cute!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you've been able to spend some quality time with your family lately too!</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-45716040474552274702011-03-26T17:48:00.002-04:002011-03-27T23:25:58.573-04:00Last Round of Quiet Book Pages!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The final pages (queue the triumphant music please)</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt1AbiZ5vdU/TY_9TPq2tLI/AAAAAAAAAS8/cW5_9mRdiZE/s1600/Tisforwithname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt1AbiZ5vdU/TY_9TPq2tLI/AAAAAAAAAS8/cW5_9mRdiZE/s400/Tisforwithname.jpg" width="390" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This page isn't educational per se, but it's fun, and I suppose we could use it to work on directions "Turn left." or "Go North" por ejemplo. The green felt is open on the left side to store the truck or a matchbox car or whatever.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfEJUeKuG0/TY_9amQXowI/AAAAAAAAATA/nHl3dVRpPa0/s1600/Uisforunderwearwithname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfEJUeKuG0/TY_9amQXowI/AAAAAAAAATA/nHl3dVRpPa0/s320/Uisforunderwearwithname.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I like this page. He's in his undies. :) Umbrella puzzle or a United States map just weren't doing anything for me. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcxBs1xeEMk/TY_9dhtTSwI/AAAAAAAAATE/p8Zs8otdGvY/s1600/uisfor2withname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcxBs1xeEMk/TY_9dhtTSwI/AAAAAAAAATE/p8Zs8otdGvY/s320/uisfor2withname.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I imagine this will be good when talking about weather and dressing appropriately for the season. I like the rain gear with leather boots and the overalls the best. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z63-XqD5JlM/TY_9o5M2AXI/AAAAAAAAATM/ac3ZUPSeBCI/s1600/visforwithname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z63-XqD5JlM/TY_9o5M2AXI/AAAAAAAAATM/ac3ZUPSeBCI/s320/visforwithname.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I was reaching for a V word, can you tell? I really like this one when all is said and done though. Kind of an I Spy page. The vacuum bag is closed with a magnet at the top so I can periodically change what's inside. I tried to hide the magnets though so little boys wouldn't eat the contents of the bag. Here's hoping.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yy-lICD5vLw/TY_9tC31i2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/M_Om7q0ABnU/s1600/yisforwithname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yy-lICD5vLw/TY_9tC31i2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/M_Om7q0ABnU/s200/yisforwithname.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Last but not least! The seasons wheel is velcro-ed on to the page. The wheel spins to show different seasons.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ta da! Now, to assemble the book.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Linked up to: <a href="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/">http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/</a> party</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-63899256512485198832011-03-26T17:30:00.001-04:002011-03-26T22:17:48.275-04:00Quiet Book Pages # I-Lost-Count<div style="text-align: center;">I'm breaking the last two sets of pages up so they aren't as pic-heavy. These last two groups were made last because they took more thought and planning since they aren't standard quiet book pages. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eR_8iDAlJBw/TY5VR77_VRI/AAAAAAAAASU/vr9-mQXpJw0/s1600/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eR_8iDAlJBw/TY5VR77_VRI/AAAAAAAAASU/vr9-mQXpJw0/s320/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Color Sorting. This page will have strips of velcro along the outside of the page to mix up the colors, as well as the velcro next to each color. Look at me putting my button collection to good use! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--sWRHvU_BPw/TY5VVrrCeiI/AAAAAAAAASY/HT8R1zlyBpw/s1600/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--sWRHvU_BPw/TY5VVrrCeiI/AAAAAAAAASY/HT8R1zlyBpw/s320/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+055.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one seems really easy, but my son's name starts with the letter J, so there was a lot of hemming and hawing about doing a page with pictures of him or something. I eventually decided against it since we plan on having another child at some point.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GwKWL42GLEU/TY5VYvm2BtI/AAAAAAAAASc/IjhfCPFt12k/s1600/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GwKWL42GLEU/TY5VYvm2BtI/AAAAAAAAASc/IjhfCPFt12k/s320/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cut out enough shapes to make a happy, sad, surprised, or angry face. The right side of the pumpkin is left open to serve as a pocket. I did that wherever possible for ease of storage.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ywh6z0PLt3I/TY5VdNo2biI/AAAAAAAAASg/Xh9W7Fnb1oI/s1600/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ywh6z0PLt3I/TY5VdNo2biI/AAAAAAAAASg/Xh9W7Fnb1oI/s320/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of each key is glued down to the page, and the other is loose. Since I didn't plan storage into this page I will probably put all the loose keys on a ring or something. I'll give an update on that later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nM0DH4SbKkQ/TY5VkVtalhI/AAAAAAAAASk/utK2flcOlA0/s1600/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nM0DH4SbKkQ/TY5VkVtalhI/AAAAAAAAASk/utK2flcOlA0/s320/quiet+book+pages+feb+2011+059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a take on the standard tie-a-shoe page. The football idea came from Tricia at <a href="http://leafytreetopspot.blogspot.com/2010/09/tour-finished-quiet-book-number-four.html">Made By Me. Shared with You.</a>, and the quarterback image was traced from clipart via Google. This one took a lot of thought as well because I was contemplating including my husband's favorite team and player- Packers and Brett Favre, or maybe an additional lacing card. As you can see, I decided on something generic instead. The football is upcycled from a leather purse, and has a double layer of felt on the back as well as velcro so it can be pulled off and played with.</div><br />
Linked up to: <a href="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/">http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501478052080971273.post-87035626247683595062011-03-26T00:55:00.000-04:002011-03-26T00:55:58.440-04:00D-O-N-E Designing!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hallelujah! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm done with the quiet book pages at last!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've still got to put the book together, but the creative (aka time consuming) part is done! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><happy dance=""></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep your eyes peeled for the final 9 pages and the finished product, coming soon! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">See all the exclamation points?! Can you tell I'm excited?</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/217/0B53D811999F257CE8BA997CE1DEE903.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05012833331179701748noreply@blogger.com0