tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46754982454818704422024-03-05T23:49:03.863-08:00Camp CupcakeCrafting the Sweet LifeHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-2285765168916728462010-11-17T07:44:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:03:00.963-08:00A New Address<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfwWFVZjQYOcg6j5H-9ojoH4fbMJWlLpr9YTDzrxopHMg5vTvuB0uF5wIa-WRB_6a-I3jKSzet2LLzBjKVfGck3bZYjlju4wttgMnETWNzG86Afkqcxi_VOYPwjImE7s_WdhtZlVfnA79/s1600/juneweb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfwWFVZjQYOcg6j5H-9ojoH4fbMJWlLpr9YTDzrxopHMg5vTvuB0uF5wIa-WRB_6a-I3jKSzet2LLzBjKVfGck3bZYjlju4wttgMnETWNzG86Afkqcxi_VOYPwjImE7s_WdhtZlVfnA79/s400/juneweb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540562563255001954" /></a><br />Hey, y'all! Remember me? So sorry for seemingly falling off the face of the world wide web...but I have been busy! Camp Cupcake Designs has taken a sewing break and has opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/junevintage">June Vintage</a>, an Etsy store full of all sorts of vintage goodies. I felt that it was best to start a blog that particularly focused on this store {and to share about all the other things I love!} I am still crafting, still learning more and more about photography, and still sharing tidbits about my personal life. <div><br /></div><div>Join me over at the new <a href="http://junevintage.squarespace.com/">June Vintage</a> blog on Squarespace...In the right hand column, you will see a direct RSS feed to follow the blog or you can use Google Friend Connect (so June Vintage will show up in your Google Reader!) There are also some links to my <a href="http://junevintage.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/40935634@N08/">Flickr</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/junevintage">Twitter</a> pages, so you can join me over there, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you'll join me and share with me your feedback and comments in my new little journey!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-81143798337901313882010-07-13T05:40:00.001-07:002010-07-13T06:00:36.764-07:00{Three People} July Edition<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCVOgv5ZDN5lZ2zhIuOsqdKCE-reoFWN5uXT7IdBt1ynDJyvh-JApOKvzWnA1iRo70Tl23lnYgLaCIMJompz5n8Qcqm3AKw9O1fQfRjXhUevWfDZE0Xli_LhL_DpxupBBhp2HIxrgq5OS/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493370089099311794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCVOgv5ZDN5lZ2zhIuOsqdKCE-reoFWN5uXT7IdBt1ynDJyvh-JApOKvzWnA1iRo70Tl23lnYgLaCIMJompz5n8Qcqm3AKw9O1fQfRjXhUevWfDZE0Xli_LhL_DpxupBBhp2HIxrgq5OS/s400/DSC_0036.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center">{Oops! I missed June!}</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">...and <em>{maybe, not so}</em> patiently hoping that August's edition will have more little feet in it...</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-87364679515284352372010-07-07T17:41:00.000-07:002010-07-07T18:12:53.916-07:00{In the backyard} Picture Practice<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjdflOeIqE3AiSwtLuC4CI-UlKGx8iJegaUjEYToFziSPGwcVD9i1JPyq8gN0Tdrmpp93bk1hqOSBig3c_WHSAc5WHI2Rf-UCf7dOM2EcyePAmRnbRTyhejpNFvYOxJnljK359cttX9ig/s1600/DSC_0932.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491331027708852402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjdflOeIqE3AiSwtLuC4CI-UlKGx8iJegaUjEYToFziSPGwcVD9i1JPyq8gN0Tdrmpp93bk1hqOSBig3c_WHSAc5WHI2Rf-UCf7dOM2EcyePAmRnbRTyhejpNFvYOxJnljK359cttX9ig/s400/DSC_0932.jpg" /></a> Hello, okra...</div><div align="center">{you're looking swell, okra...}<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIZOR3a3S9be78G_CDXRRBnFb9-UUTR1OoBxRe_7dP1gHr8-PJvCfr1ZdU83oWKyJEACtueAWb4kdyQmZ9gNn8NEjKVQ07ru05NAUd-OEhTv9JhGF7q2k_xwVQyBFwSfF1_wG4riJXdFi/s1600/DSC_0939.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491331018857326658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIZOR3a3S9be78G_CDXRRBnFb9-UUTR1OoBxRe_7dP1gHr8-PJvCfr1ZdU83oWKyJEACtueAWb4kdyQmZ9gNn8NEjKVQ07ru05NAUd-OEhTv9JhGF7q2k_xwVQyBFwSfF1_wG4riJXdFi/s400/DSC_0939.jpg" /></a> Not great shot...but my sweet little man climbs on me everytime I get on the ground to take a shot from a low perspective. Every time. </div><div align="center">That {plus the sun flare} makes me love this picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPsHX_fbgkEElsLBoq02kXnzSqARXI6glJnOuwN68FZONlaAZRs0p4zKpwDlHOBKfopWCBb8D6wze8jgaMxrVbs8jCdgTeQN5VOwfTELCA5imPOuiB1ZmnWTsgaXm2FvSX7GD9XeFb6zq/s1600/DSC_0956.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491331011030622050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPsHX_fbgkEElsLBoq02kXnzSqARXI6glJnOuwN68FZONlaAZRs0p4zKpwDlHOBKfopWCBb8D6wze8jgaMxrVbs8jCdgTeQN5VOwfTELCA5imPOuiB1ZmnWTsgaXm2FvSX7GD9XeFb6zq/s400/DSC_0956.jpg" /></a> Sure, it's a fly. Pretend it is a beautiful butterfly. Or a bumble bee.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKeGUafM-o3S9WRfDmVH70prFqgokLUlaIpScCZ245NSwV9wM7qcColwaYbINdgL_mp5dkB0msYonKCIX8hb_Ly5Dl3CJv8FEV_J3eBr6uJ6guX-7Sz79pcXf8LDbwFqHGIrMo-b0sDoy/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491330115105154834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKeGUafM-o3S9WRfDmVH70prFqgokLUlaIpScCZ245NSwV9wM7qcColwaYbINdgL_mp5dkB0msYonKCIX8hb_Ly5Dl3CJv8FEV_J3eBr6uJ6guX-7Sz79pcXf8LDbwFqHGIrMo-b0sDoy/s400/DSC_0961.jpg" /></a> These unblossomed buds remind of jingle bells...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv3su43gCX15hA6EXe_yih0ED6kYYrXWRBFxx2poJi8pctlH7r8rbo9NmdVHBl-pOMO_gPB3DjGMn_70eIV2-SBZZt-RGOIkCU7X4ESsvqSUtQG9EZZLLmRnIGdkq5w0vvlNfuYvPgaTV/s1600/DSC_0969.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491330112107473426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv3su43gCX15hA6EXe_yih0ED6kYYrXWRBFxx2poJi8pctlH7r8rbo9NmdVHBl-pOMO_gPB3DjGMn_70eIV2-SBZZt-RGOIkCU7X4ESsvqSUtQG9EZZLLmRnIGdkq5w0vvlNfuYvPgaTV/s400/DSC_0969.jpg" /></a> learning to take action pictures in manual...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArd-LyV0GKm7OzLlUSRVEKmoR_pDOtx86chYOdVjRVFL7o6WQZibzieDnAOrSOHYJvlVJgi3Qz1VwyjgN78o3mbLuNRFg92gjCh5gX5A8nYQb2A4qMRBsJ1mbj3w0W6oSPmdHwXWj3bxo/s1600/DSC_0973.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491330102105034082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArd-LyV0GKm7OzLlUSRVEKmoR_pDOtx86chYOdVjRVFL7o6WQZibzieDnAOrSOHYJvlVJgi3Qz1VwyjgN78o3mbLuNRFg92gjCh5gX5A8nYQb2A4qMRBsJ1mbj3w0W6oSPmdHwXWj3bxo/s400/DSC_0973.jpg" /></a>My sweet husband tossed a ball for a good 10 minutes so I can learn to control my focus and overcome shutter lag.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIcyDdwXueJ11Jn-58b0Z_dEWMH4QIgREcQ90c122p-9B8JRRFixNcKBbn-7vkYFCl5z-Sz7kEoyBjFl_kNPl1Sx9pc4Al1PMukTacKQEB8hSVxd0yJgaQwGg4jRrlNqbStfw6jUZQlIq/s1600/DSC_0970.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491330094863374466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIcyDdwXueJ11Jn-58b0Z_dEWMH4QIgREcQ90c122p-9B8JRRFixNcKBbn-7vkYFCl5z-Sz7kEoyBjFl_kNPl1Sx9pc4Al1PMukTacKQEB8hSVxd0yJgaQwGg4jRrlNqbStfw6jUZQlIq/s400/DSC_0970.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhchhKslFllbckkIzhz0PBCTBuIo4Yirq_CQCw9r8SEa3NnjizAm7Du9bUw_CsfXTZXbqar5z8QPAgPqCmzJ2f7C4Cm0iTeIWymHm5a2riW5jWfDomXdkXbdUsDDdW9u8JSL_ymqvtQmVf/s1600/DSC_0977.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491330080943540370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhchhKslFllbckkIzhz0PBCTBuIo4Yirq_CQCw9r8SEa3NnjizAm7Du9bUw_CsfXTZXbqar5z8QPAgPqCmzJ2f7C4Cm0iTeIWymHm5a2riW5jWfDomXdkXbdUsDDdW9u8JSL_ymqvtQmVf/s400/DSC_0977.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQFbgglrFmWporSXsYdg_TpX0A8djWxQJ7ztCrtdzDiJH2IdNPK4v-Y9J9FK05IARuew6fbhat6es8P8S7AWPryK1PrRU23eynLfb90EHzHk7dkOJjX7omLnA1ehzqWFA0AfP_EwYcRE2/s1600/DSC_0946.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491331003075004514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQFbgglrFmWporSXsYdg_TpX0A8djWxQJ7ztCrtdzDiJH2IdNPK4v-Y9J9FK05IARuew6fbhat6es8P8S7AWPryK1PrRU23eynLfb90EHzHk7dkOJjX7omLnA1ehzqWFA0AfP_EwYcRE2/s400/DSC_0946.jpg" /></a> After-dinner, backyard time might just be my favorite part of the day.<br /></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-9287876554321198572010-07-06T10:51:00.000-07:002010-07-06T11:07:56.092-07:00Thrift Store Finds<div align="center">After a busy weekend, we chose to stay close to home this morning and venture no further than the Salvation Army down the street. $6.99 later, we came home with these little treasures!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXzDwxR_BqnDfxSpTBBpDYE_6JEUgs9EzZcKFIsNQMoQXMejLaSqoSIWyKOST7cFJRmHzWKH3ew7_2cW1kW4iNgChb5aPZRMRFZmSTZdv2SM0jYM4qwpn3jB17-XCtgiQN3QajDZuNDer/s1600/DSC_0905.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490853181306489122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXzDwxR_BqnDfxSpTBBpDYE_6JEUgs9EzZcKFIsNQMoQXMejLaSqoSIWyKOST7cFJRmHzWKH3ew7_2cW1kW4iNgChb5aPZRMRFZmSTZdv2SM0jYM4qwpn3jB17-XCtgiQN3QajDZuNDer/s400/DSC_0905.jpg" /></a> Matching Seoul Olympic mugs with lids (for steeping tea, I presume?)...For those that don't know, I grew up in Seoul and getting to go to the 1988 Olympics is one of those events that will stick with me for all of my life. I particularly like that the set shows the mascot in wedding dress-perfect his and her mugs!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12n3cANTfziOq0xF4PTUdXEKad6_v_9MQH8Pe1oSczisn-GcO19oboyKSygnpTFZ9ylClJS-OTudvg99Rj8tpukVS-pBCWHMWwk-RnT5T6w3ZQ7qOLQGcvV1GbBYSxqAj5Au8Fl8NDRAp/s1600/DSC_0906.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 354px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490853170349324386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12n3cANTfziOq0xF4PTUdXEKad6_v_9MQH8Pe1oSczisn-GcO19oboyKSygnpTFZ9ylClJS-OTudvg99Rj8tpukVS-pBCWHMWwk-RnT5T6w3ZQ7qOLQGcvV1GbBYSxqAj5Au8Fl8NDRAp/s400/DSC_0906.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvThvmsu7igh5pJtrWA8eYFVS071u_PLK96bRw_JtQ1W3YMWFKVWEYpWhksNE_XImZ2NSKyvV_FB1_6UoKEDxhIjhyDqn6ntkAAx2OJl6mCAmu46_Euk6cOaZnW4TEYTSMBv6zZrg7zYuj/s1600/DSC_0907.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490852928149075858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvThvmsu7igh5pJtrWA8eYFVS071u_PLK96bRw_JtQ1W3YMWFKVWEYpWhksNE_XImZ2NSKyvV_FB1_6UoKEDxhIjhyDqn6ntkAAx2OJl6mCAmu46_Euk6cOaZnW4TEYTSMBv6zZrg7zYuj/s400/DSC_0907.jpg" /></a><br />I don't like to sew with patterns. And I don't have a girl to sew clothing for...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqECtJG_tw0IBhovgEM64ZPtoehjqviTjwpDFJz1dRKGvp5HvyTq43n1N7I9rVKyLR19cYq6eIWpAzWMEsUhYqhPBPlIWZY9XadcmXHxcnhhFcTldid-SBZqKUeZcMp2NOBgwVQRa4oRdP/s1600/DSC_0908.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490852913627890322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqECtJG_tw0IBhovgEM64ZPtoehjqviTjwpDFJz1dRKGvp5HvyTq43n1N7I9rVKyLR19cYq6eIWpAzWMEsUhYqhPBPlIWZY9XadcmXHxcnhhFcTldid-SBZqKUeZcMp2NOBgwVQRa4oRdP/s400/DSC_0908.jpg" /></a> But if I did, I would most certainly make her this dress...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vM-rA-bbhmdazLqBUimktuv3xt3Qw1hqfB18e733Iuc5-_yr14crOrh2nmzAOWw_2HWHExbIzlzCINwOgDZkFy0x7wUdDZ85d3-eMgnFtD33nrxmOCsdD0rVLaAXbKCcw-g5g44ZMwvv/s1600/DSC_0914.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490852910335385122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vM-rA-bbhmdazLqBUimktuv3xt3Qw1hqfB18e733Iuc5-_yr14crOrh2nmzAOWw_2HWHExbIzlzCINwOgDZkFy0x7wUdDZ85d3-eMgnFtD33nrxmOCsdD0rVLaAXbKCcw-g5g44ZMwvv/s400/DSC_0914.jpg" /></a> Some summer reading for me...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBytnOh3HAXovX5llxiz5bZHF5lKCODN3We2pHvKY1bQ5epKMnn1CdOmqO_IcwvK2CWw_sPnsq7mnlPIY93K0EQBgFyZLrMgdtFVlBmtb01V2-hM60dXkqIMtu4GYjkggnJOlB-JnXkc/s1600/DSC_0915.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490852908636016434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBytnOh3HAXovX5llxiz5bZHF5lKCODN3We2pHvKY1bQ5epKMnn1CdOmqO_IcwvK2CWw_sPnsq7mnlPIY93K0EQBgFyZLrMgdtFVlBmtb01V2-hM60dXkqIMtu4GYjkggnJOlB-JnXkc/s400/DSC_0915.jpg" /></a>Some summer reading and workbooks for the kiddo...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadOiV8otKX4dUWaUR7GN4GYmjj_S8yvQQJJSAqH9wqGtMoPaB-_5JuhIcR5EhWrnli2vid5llOC7nwRXH1ovkdki_Y9RS9xbv-MwT9iqQi0zCdGZN3W6G2PcQNVtGdTL7GQLpIYCh8Y_j/s1600/DSC_0917.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490852900156960482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadOiV8otKX4dUWaUR7GN4GYmjj_S8yvQQJJSAqH9wqGtMoPaB-_5JuhIcR5EhWrnli2vid5llOC7nwRXH1ovkdki_Y9RS9xbv-MwT9iqQi0zCdGZN3W6G2PcQNVtGdTL7GQLpIYCh8Y_j/s400/DSC_0917.jpg" /></a> How cute is this little vintage book?</div><div> </div><div>{Not pictured: two monster trucks that have been added to the ever-growing collection!}<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-24383526793011409672010-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:28:55.290-07:00{Motivation Monday} 5 Modern products to help you go Green<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWQis6hTpkL90jdlyJszYUojwXSjQFMc9ishHsqW4Kr3MgHN_1OA8tcJJCqW06fjr70_42L5uY1iONWTuotZVn4yrACevFWEYbKkxJ9OYeEYE3T9V2yUQtOmymj7xRdwf0NEibkIepiOe/s1600/DSC_0313.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487861905787052306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWQis6hTpkL90jdlyJszYUojwXSjQFMc9ishHsqW4Kr3MgHN_1OA8tcJJCqW06fjr70_42L5uY1iONWTuotZVn4yrACevFWEYbKkxJ9OYeEYE3T9V2yUQtOmymj7xRdwf0NEibkIepiOe/s400/DSC_0313.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">completely un-related picture of a visitor in my garden</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">{I am incapable of posting a blog entry without including a picture!}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /> </div></span><div align="center">The "green" movement is often known for emphasizing ideas such as "returning to basics" and <a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/photos/7-green-things-our-grandparents-did/green-wisdom">doing things the way our grandparents would have</a>. And while I absolutely support the idea that newer does not always mean better, I also believe that people will not take steps toward being green if the supplies are not readily available, moderately convenient to use, priced appropriately and actually work. Here are my top 5 items that are either already in your home or inexpensive to purchase:<br /><br />1. <strong>Dishwasher</strong>: Of all of the water your home consumes, it is estimated that 20% of is in used in your kitchen. This is one modern machine that actually helps you consume less water and energy than old-fashioned handwashing: according to a recent study, a modern dishwasher can use one-half the energy, a sixth of the water and even less soap than rolling your sleeves up and getting your hands wet. Of course, the same rule applies to dishwashers as the washing machine-always use when running full loads to maximize the effectiveness.<br /><br />2. <strong>Microfiber towels: </strong>I will say from the beginning that this one could be controversial. Microfiber is not a natural fiber and the the fibers that do make up microfiber are produced from petroleum: a non-renewable and non-biodegrable resource. However, the life length of a microfiber towel is extremely long making the need to continually purchase new cleaning products almost obsolete. In one study, the life of a microfiber mop is almost 10 times that of a traditional cotton mop and are proven more effective at removing not only dust/dirt but allergens and bacteria! Microfiber towels are so effective at cleaning that almost remove the need to use a cleaning agent and replace displosable dusting devices such as a Swiffer (for floors or furniture.) Lastly, microfiber towels are proven to use less water and energy to clean after using them. While they are not ideal, they are a very cheap way to get a long lasting product that helps you get effective, chemical-free cleaning done in your home.<br /><br />3. <strong>Steam cleaner:</strong> More and more steamer cleaners (like this floor-cleaning one from <a href="http://www.bissell.com/steam-mop-deluxe/">Bissell</a> or this complete home-cleaning version from <a href="http://steamcleanershark.com/">Shark</a>) are coming onto the market place. With more competition, the prices of these products are becoming more affordable. For people who live in areas with very hard water or other cleaning issues that discourage them away from natural cleaning products, switching to a chemical-free steam cleaner can keep their homes and the envinronment clean.<br /><br />4. <strong>Water Filter:</strong> Filtered and bottled water is still very popular, even among my eco-friendly friends. Whether you are motivated by the convenience or concerns about pharmaceuticals in our water supply, a water filtering system along with a BPA-free water bottle can make heading to work with your morning dose of H2O convenient and clean. It is estimated that the most common of filters, a Brita can replace between 300-750 standard sized water bottles (depending on whether you are using the filter picture or the faucet filter.) The filters are made with Number 5 plastic, which is not accepted by many recycling locations however, Brita has drop-off recycling locations (or a mail-in option) for their filters.<br /><br />5. <strong>The Internet</strong>: This one if not something you physically use around the house but the green possibilities that exist online are endless. Besides being a wealth of knowledge about green living, you can save countless trees (and often money) by recieving/paying bills online, opt out of paper catalogues and recieve sales/coupon notifications in your inbox instead, or read a book online instead of purchasing a physical paper copy. Of course, it is important to remember that computer usage does use energy so, if you are purchasing a new one, look at Energy Star certified models, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/382319/easy-ways-to-go-green-with-your-computer">utilize power saving modes</a>, and watch your paper data output (think twice about whether you need to print those directions every time you Mapquest something!)<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">While we all can be challenged to do more, it is important to not get burnt out by ineffective efforts and products on your journey to a more sustainable way of life. Sharing what works for you and trying new ideas can make the difference in whether you continue your journey or not.<br />What modern-day inventions help keep you on track in your green efforts?</div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-39610808040460572492010-06-23T11:34:00.001-07:002010-06-23T11:53:12.844-07:00{Wordless Wednesday}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKboCoITUDOEURdQtpZzohnEW_S6qu7Q_phnud5gPml_tv8w4eUTg2EEWXPfh87ZYRGzqay42MMLT2sWKrDOXt9MSA3VH2NgqCrt-a_d7IseMOUtDarTZ9jC2ftRrcGRSdox8nRat4ESG4/s1600/DSC_0784-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486039429275370050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKboCoITUDOEURdQtpZzohnEW_S6qu7Q_phnud5gPml_tv8w4eUTg2EEWXPfh87ZYRGzqay42MMLT2sWKrDOXt9MSA3VH2NgqCrt-a_d7IseMOUtDarTZ9jC2ftRrcGRSdox8nRat4ESG4/s400/DSC_0784-3.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-21499684165067139442010-06-21T12:45:00.000-07:002010-06-21T12:55:20.812-07:00Welcome, summer!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42xB1celfKuwW4MZaIAJNKe1nG1vunrzlRlPjC3ZhW0nH3Bq7uRc07205Jem4chOdxU6cuRxWBvOwzXhWC10jznbsD9MmIKgr4m5nvhfbtu_zPH4ZyJ81Q_0P1x4eo0HGuJmACRoN2JJd/s1600/DSC_0645.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 344px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485316071509539906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42xB1celfKuwW4MZaIAJNKe1nG1vunrzlRlPjC3ZhW0nH3Bq7uRc07205Jem4chOdxU6cuRxWBvOwzXhWC10jznbsD9MmIKgr4m5nvhfbtu_zPH4ZyJ81Q_0P1x4eo0HGuJmACRoN2JJd/s400/DSC_0645.jpg" /></a> 1. Take 1 cupcake</div><div align="center">{minus one mama bite}<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS58t61lzVJCuqryqGBurj27rGKRlJLEEVmgnxX_ND0ml0VsoBUhH_bwOy7I075-UapfkBt9A2NEfzvOPsOoRfrEqHTb7qGwgRzZr6tretD1Bj1tXpWTCK1LEMN04gKnStnt1KsmW-D-Ei/s1600/DSC_0654.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485316401819262514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS58t61lzVJCuqryqGBurj27rGKRlJLEEVmgnxX_ND0ml0VsoBUhH_bwOy7I075-UapfkBt9A2NEfzvOPsOoRfrEqHTb7qGwgRzZr6tretD1Bj1tXpWTCK1LEMN04gKnStnt1KsmW-D-Ei/s400/DSC_0654.jpg" /></a> 2. Give it to a completely sun-screened grease monkey two-year old<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRRKW4dNbhKMsNhF0_lfUKInsMHAQge4YuPMM2i_zslvIk7-IQAQKeLJGZTqonMX_LFbdpBEbt5sP93WfV-mqIrOZCp0dUyidxsJFvrrOZY6MgTgJw9YY-UNqdbTId246fbOfYz9Cw547/s1600/DSC_0657.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 352px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485316409700356946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRRKW4dNbhKMsNhF0_lfUKInsMHAQge4YuPMM2i_zslvIk7-IQAQKeLJGZTqonMX_LFbdpBEbt5sP93WfV-mqIrOZCp0dUyidxsJFvrrOZY6MgTgJw9YY-UNqdbTId246fbOfYz9Cw547/s400/DSC_0657.jpg" /></a> 3. Take pictures!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDBUWTlu_Z0h_dvaLIwa1ft1on79A3qeQncwIfd2hyphenhyphenlFWnsbR2QMAQc7QqTCBOweANaHco7yKqDWy1hOOOA92uWMPbMgjK3SH2BFWjtMAQCbQJOwdwno4Qi2LTEBcX4rf7tCUoumpis6K/s1600/DSC_0650.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485316059725995714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDBUWTlu_Z0h_dvaLIwa1ft1on79A3qeQncwIfd2hyphenhyphenlFWnsbR2QMAQc7QqTCBOweANaHco7yKqDWy1hOOOA92uWMPbMgjK3SH2BFWjtMAQCbQJOwdwno4Qi2LTEBcX4rf7tCUoumpis6K/s400/DSC_0650.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjos7mFqBIXkm9mS15eGqFtxKarmSNdCiGt5O68q2Tw5hc5RZvBCB0vhdvLGFuNXuf9UyqnMtmSD4rnZghUuQX11F212QbdTFVBnFJ_LOnNe_yi6RUg6No7Ig-gEHxfvZ7xerZVi8Rf9A/s1600/DSC_0653.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485316054566735250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjos7mFqBIXkm9mS15eGqFtxKarmSNdCiGt5O68q2Tw5hc5RZvBCB0vhdvLGFuNXuf9UyqnMtmSD4rnZghUuQX11F212QbdTFVBnFJ_LOnNe_yi6RUg6No7Ig-gEHxfvZ7xerZVi8Rf9A/s400/DSC_0653.jpg" /></a> </div><div>Looking for ways to capture some memories (with or without a camera attached)? Check out this great collection of <a href="http://willettedesigns.com/2010/06/summer-photo-ideas/">ideas for summer </a>from Willette Designs! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaGgEXK-0BOdQwXtJS3NbyiWlN9tEcBQaMsz3s3zhbjRgvYotq9VdZtz4CKDNMKA_Ze5czDPKxzfV6Lp2gzF6nlffSsKRic6pmWYkwOhiwBgAm6lySwCtlfNXjJZHvIAzODQS5Wff2atk/s1600/DSC_0661-2.jpg"></a><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">How are you enjoying the longest day of the year?</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-61968437673952341722010-06-20T17:26:00.000-07:002010-06-20T17:34:51.748-07:00{Best Intentions} Happy Father's Day!<div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9rVjXlkNHSVTxqa49dmhLx3qNLk4bU2G9OEtkneReUHaqXa8fPAO6xk2wFUxjnnAZuTABgWcGVKHt4efDrNftqHI8ZzxHw0govxeqj2En0m-PSkij4bkdWPPVD0Dzl_bE9pKsebm2bVf/s1600/DSC_0747.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485018110573163202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9rVjXlkNHSVTxqa49dmhLx3qNLk4bU2G9OEtkneReUHaqXa8fPAO6xk2wFUxjnnAZuTABgWcGVKHt4efDrNftqHI8ZzxHw0govxeqj2En0m-PSkij4bkdWPPVD0Dzl_bE9pKsebm2bVf/s400/DSC_0747.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6c-Q44OGiM6Idij_1O3c9DxwVVbakaqDJ4t9R1rGeJ1xXZIo7z-Hytj6cSeBb2vnTScTbnLjV1AZlkM5CgOahBVSy5YTv0sqZi0eaUVOSYrcrtQaT9o6p59vDSBOEI2RtXLrHytmphm0/s1600/DSC_0748.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485018103465812418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6c-Q44OGiM6Idij_1O3c9DxwVVbakaqDJ4t9R1rGeJ1xXZIo7z-Hytj6cSeBb2vnTScTbnLjV1AZlkM5CgOahBVSy5YTv0sqZi0eaUVOSYrcrtQaT9o6p59vDSBOEI2RtXLrHytmphm0/s400/DSC_0748.jpg" /></a> {Pretend this one says "Father's"}<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nhgAsLFFbun6z00Fx0VX5bty_pgjSOIxkikNJa4t2noVeMZxanBsxP3vpFyQfkIX4k6sxk32hTJSYzNkfx_ay6LrCBcYBD3yeu7PcXWQCsrGqqaV807mPM6n-uIh-tC3XwrQJhRHsI6A/s1600/DSC_0755.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485018086250159202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nhgAsLFFbun6z00Fx0VX5bty_pgjSOIxkikNJa4t2noVeMZxanBsxP3vpFyQfkIX4k6sxk32hTJSYzNkfx_ay6LrCBcYBD3yeu7PcXWQCsrGqqaV807mPM6n-uIh-tC3XwrQJhRHsI6A/s400/DSC_0755.jpg" /></a> What? You want me to sit still and <em>hold</em> something?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXwnfVyYyEIGTlFft_KDViwF040lvgmh2K0J-9MOxw-iK2kSC_MkIirzSkCUxOJ0OcobTA4ClPYyAIYXDyovE2_xJkBGyU7EoRIYex5BjAzQv2JBVB3BxF54sEBnzm1nIjjweJRS40mb9/s1600/DSC_0756.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485017524395654354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXwnfVyYyEIGTlFft_KDViwF040lvgmh2K0J-9MOxw-iK2kSC_MkIirzSkCUxOJ0OcobTA4ClPYyAIYXDyovE2_xJkBGyU7EoRIYex5BjAzQv2JBVB3BxF54sEBnzm1nIjjweJRS40mb9/s400/DSC_0756.jpg" /></a> How is this pose?</div><div>{Son, put your head down}<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d78l0xVLv87JzbgCBTsbvIfRcQMXIgC7C1u1UjdUvyr7IHtVR9WQgr4t4P8gCVH9b7TFnbkCeaf-gwECo1t8thAT5LrBLqa1U4AoMGRnknnS7xQ5sRmJVDaG8_JVzAXY6RfxHCj2EU5E/s1600/DSC_0757.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485017477244357378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d78l0xVLv87JzbgCBTsbvIfRcQMXIgC7C1u1UjdUvyr7IHtVR9WQgr4t4P8gCVH9b7TFnbkCeaf-gwECo1t8thAT5LrBLqa1U4AoMGRnknnS7xQ5sRmJVDaG8_JVzAXY6RfxHCj2EU5E/s400/DSC_0757.jpg" /></a> Like this? You want my head down?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjY_LdmWxEJpuJlN0gyqB740oacysZQrjqJQMezD3624cQBPksHy0UnobaOoNXlooMV2ZmHApFp2ywS_R5jNcmYwuuy2xnZAflMpY0acpEJG4THtQ89jUz6X0jwhncoEIwLHYCf3ohZsh/s1600/DSC_0750.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485017457497773762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjY_LdmWxEJpuJlN0gyqB740oacysZQrjqJQMezD3624cQBPksHy0UnobaOoNXlooMV2ZmHApFp2ywS_R5jNcmYwuuy2xnZAflMpY0acpEJG4THtQ89jUz6X0jwhncoEIwLHYCf3ohZsh/s400/DSC_0750.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdwW9Hnk-_W4TnkHx_0h5ePRv2Wp5awdCF6ohhlZTM4sldJdVCfKpcAyfsSjPXdOT_IMAODmAjX0RzmljAUaEZ0GplBMjb4gYks7nHefMVbun2KC8KTkMvXjzz-M-OVfnRupfhZVoTABX/s1600/DSC_0765.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485017446080536546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdwW9Hnk-_W4TnkHx_0h5ePRv2Wp5awdCF6ohhlZTM4sldJdVCfKpcAyfsSjPXdOT_IMAODmAjX0RzmljAUaEZ0GplBMjb4gYks7nHefMVbun2KC8KTkMvXjzz-M-OVfnRupfhZVoTABX/s400/DSC_0765.jpg" /></a> Wait! Where are you going?</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfdL86-YvxtL_6upZnAIQo9iZsKbjY1o3itPUsPz1IANhzhLHGUGCL_p7fTTmrKBK6M1UFte5bEZrPPoobTj4QauyFFR7uMKKxoypV-BP3eMp9mQydyt2fPM8fRxWR5ZZ8qRPPsQNzevk/s1600/DSC_0781.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485017434883684482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfdL86-YvxtL_6upZnAIQo9iZsKbjY1o3itPUsPz1IANhzhLHGUGCL_p7fTTmrKBK6M1UFte5bEZrPPoobTj4QauyFFR7uMKKxoypV-BP3eMp9mQydyt2fPM8fRxWR5ZZ8qRPPsQNzevk/s400/DSC_0781.jpg" /></a> Happy Father's Day!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-56225506014820666592010-06-18T08:15:00.000-07:002010-06-18T08:42:12.960-07:00{Around Town} local art...<div align="center">As I mentioned yesterday, we recently spent some time at our local farmers market...and I <em>soaked up</em> all of the beauty, art and culture that was present...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIseVe0p_OnMnxoxiP5JoaSzB9g6WF2ENripoo1PfsBEeU13ebnNvz_FgsmlBbTltUZ0SdjXlaCHRrzsk_JDjUkk6_35-W0bE5o9DpKZnOfEqPPkL9rRSB3xOLAialuUqfxe0lGN88N0o/s1600/DSC_0623.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483917187767879938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIseVe0p_OnMnxoxiP5JoaSzB9g6WF2ENripoo1PfsBEeU13ebnNvz_FgsmlBbTltUZ0SdjXlaCHRrzsk_JDjUkk6_35-W0bE5o9DpKZnOfEqPPkL9rRSB3xOLAialuUqfxe0lGN88N0o/s400/DSC_0623.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGwlFHAZ1uCjv6ZDcTtdXVFLx2RGBHQo83cx0m-Z0cEBqMduCV5bd2bZ2oGYJwmZaUf1899JG8osa9CclK4_F8aRFnXQkCL1Kp4yE7CXy_nGHLq4EDUH3ZXImDNl0nHZQRleivl088BvW/s1600/DSC_0624.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483917174133000930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGwlFHAZ1uCjv6ZDcTtdXVFLx2RGBHQo83cx0m-Z0cEBqMduCV5bd2bZ2oGYJwmZaUf1899JG8osa9CclK4_F8aRFnXQkCL1Kp4yE7CXy_nGHLq4EDUH3ZXImDNl0nHZQRleivl088BvW/s400/DSC_0624.jpg" /></a> Fruits and vegetables were not just raw ingrediants...they were color and potential.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXszweFzCi9fG21JwWC0UKTNad84lkbXBvGC6Rf1bOnJdXm1f3U2u7JrXPfzY-481zT-meJXWe-oqNQd0eBXxetTcJtS9t5DHOKODar_rLV2eEpxVDvEXyjFVqi-NuCSZsXKelW-KNSqIi/s1600/DSC_0618.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483916609164129266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXszweFzCi9fG21JwWC0UKTNad84lkbXBvGC6Rf1bOnJdXm1f3U2u7JrXPfzY-481zT-meJXWe-oqNQd0eBXxetTcJtS9t5DHOKODar_rLV2eEpxVDvEXyjFVqi-NuCSZsXKelW-KNSqIi/s400/DSC_0618.jpg" /></a>Even in seemingly obsecure and common items, beauty can be found...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwgI_MutPL2bL8R8HKRgXWR-QFjZ9VbVAhFeNv24lgQ5RRRUkwJNPwmPX2jUUsU9CdiORR7q9_OwLuBlWDdPF0ztl4OshJhrw23BmbXVxLdgu8gpp-AoWACgIe3LHyuZLnj1qerKkTY9K/s1600/DSC_0619.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483916597800528066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwgI_MutPL2bL8R8HKRgXWR-QFjZ9VbVAhFeNv24lgQ5RRRUkwJNPwmPX2jUUsU9CdiORR7q9_OwLuBlWDdPF0ztl4OshJhrw23BmbXVxLdgu8gpp-AoWACgIe3LHyuZLnj1qerKkTY9K/s400/DSC_0619.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxV67uctCJS8pnv455RQAT5FZ4fV95fn3zI4AGuYJfan6N9i5q-Q1OKIr6HFrInFA-8RlAFdKKCaNHgUpSxyxAIxYM_QxSQXvmszRspwMArs2rWJDor90VJFrANGU_NVBvEEmpem3nlmK/s1600/DSC_0639.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483916590987799874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxV67uctCJS8pnv455RQAT5FZ4fV95fn3zI4AGuYJfan6N9i5q-Q1OKIr6HFrInFA-8RlAFdKKCaNHgUpSxyxAIxYM_QxSQXvmszRspwMArs2rWJDor90VJFrANGU_NVBvEEmpem3nlmK/s400/DSC_0639.jpg" /></a> A local Etsy artist had a booth set up and it was <em>beautiful</em>. Her jewelry was gorgeous-full of natural color- and her display was perfect.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHmNTmWdYX8a8Llb395yWupfYNCit1v6sC_s1y_mrA4oyHFiiRAGiZUtHgeKhwJ_bkX-6lEn6tNaJf1c9yBQ5vXc7OSgd9L1d6aeyJx-fCU5fPhRPvpymcrV7PVLfapj_09BL28_e8ofG/s1600/DSC_0640.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483916583819720482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHmNTmWdYX8a8Llb395yWupfYNCit1v6sC_s1y_mrA4oyHFiiRAGiZUtHgeKhwJ_bkX-6lEn6tNaJf1c9yBQ5vXc7OSgd9L1d6aeyJx-fCU5fPhRPvpymcrV7PVLfapj_09BL28_e8ofG/s400/DSC_0640.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tallulahjewelry">Tallulah Jewelry at Etsy</a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoFIALvYBomEWNSBU601zsacX31_BMLAtH-sjPvquCnnTpoNKqsb5h20RXooNuHaJvd5cSMzh4F352OOhDQS50nBdIiMZ8l_j_pWXn7DwzIaUAvgCdvC56b6InVgkUOWSZkKrnsxYACqt/s1600/DSC_0641.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483916573523597090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoFIALvYBomEWNSBU601zsacX31_BMLAtH-sjPvquCnnTpoNKqsb5h20RXooNuHaJvd5cSMzh4F352OOhDQS50nBdIiMZ8l_j_pWXn7DwzIaUAvgCdvC56b6InVgkUOWSZkKrnsxYACqt/s400/DSC_0641.jpg" /></a>Even in architecture, color and structure can be <em>art... </em></div><em></em></div><em></em></div><em></em><br /><em></em></div><div align="center"><em><br /></em><br /><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-57826686824753667892010-06-16T16:21:00.001-07:002010-06-17T11:15:26.949-07:00{You Capture} Water<div align="center">It has been <em>hot</em> around here lately...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">During a weekend trip to the farmer's market, we almost melted and had to seek out a little cool <em>water...</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdEhisEVkC1rpEPFxBR5cdkHBm1XdsvJJfkCWqGRtaqwvwCVK8JGQJ7po_sP8dL6ltd-8C_fehQeArnAzpuA_7Y4-xtJu_9l3M9eytQNFwWdzJ79Ts4X89I03laLGA2xxnBP6zPoifgNq/s1600/DSC_0630.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483517102190423810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdEhisEVkC1rpEPFxBR5cdkHBm1XdsvJJfkCWqGRtaqwvwCVK8JGQJ7po_sP8dL6ltd-8C_fehQeArnAzpuA_7Y4-xtJu_9l3M9eytQNFwWdzJ79Ts4X89I03laLGA2xxnBP6zPoifgNq/s400/DSC_0630.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT2fdNg5xbQOhKknsVA79jAIE35EqenCVI1O8tKpGbpjWSIGJbLnQpCs-7UD81ugHEthYVI4kGgciwfj7qN7G0seuSwcROc3gqrJ5bPHq9eLlie4z7cZPR0TJPCXXGKHhwYxuosr0tXA3/s1600/DSC_0636.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483517089621906466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT2fdNg5xbQOhKknsVA79jAIE35EqenCVI1O8tKpGbpjWSIGJbLnQpCs-7UD81ugHEthYVI4kGgciwfj7qN7G0seuSwcROc3gqrJ5bPHq9eLlie4z7cZPR0TJPCXXGKHhwYxuosr0tXA3/s400/DSC_0636.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeA_0UFlpXr2Dia878dYfPYTeqQP02G-57-GwT4ABaKWKk6da3YJeymhz2e2aW6mN-eFi1eBrARiQAqUEcUfabVRh4wZ4gmbC3fDzc_ruB9q2guCfhU5VdRV_xpR6QPJZ2abCgCPUgzN/s1600/DSC_0637.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483517079563748754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeA_0UFlpXr2Dia878dYfPYTeqQP02G-57-GwT4ABaKWKk6da3YJeymhz2e2aW6mN-eFi1eBrARiQAqUEcUfabVRh4wZ4gmbC3fDzc_ruB9q2guCfhU5VdRV_xpR6QPJZ2abCgCPUgzN/s400/DSC_0637.jpg" /></a> It was <em>so refreshing...</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14D9jng-03kiqq4sOExtYTbMwBn54h_TprCkbvc5Ilo95et_IsA4fAvBVdGXRtyKPScxGGspomC2WdQ352izUiKYh5_DS-cTd34QQUimnIl3DMo7M5naQqkRGrAJWIDN_gjowzCchxkvT/s1600/DSC_0632.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483517068909566402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14D9jng-03kiqq4sOExtYTbMwBn54h_TprCkbvc5Ilo95et_IsA4fAvBVdGXRtyKPScxGGspomC2WdQ352izUiKYh5_DS-cTd34QQUimnIl3DMo7M5naQqkRGrAJWIDN_gjowzCchxkvT/s400/DSC_0632.jpg" /></a> {and for the furry farmers market visitors, there were plenty of these pit stops}<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGq9CPFYWzKoUKUFBqcxU86pMb8KHOzjLA5OQyy77Wh8fcbP8zjUGBubJS4m1YPdFtb_AM0EjAXMZaEO_s-B_3TjWE5RWFXNfxmkkPX2HWcmsEmNt-GEs5zl9YpkD39b-4ic1Lq_XFPZf/s1600/DSC_0638.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483517057173859378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGq9CPFYWzKoUKUFBqcxU86pMb8KHOzjLA5OQyy77Wh8fcbP8zjUGBubJS4m1YPdFtb_AM0EjAXMZaEO_s-B_3TjWE5RWFXNfxmkkPX2HWcmsEmNt-GEs5zl9YpkD39b-4ic1Lq_XFPZf/s400/DSC_0638.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/2010/06/you-capture-water.html">You Capture Assignment: Water</a></div><br /><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/2009/02/you-capture.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo145/rubyandroja/youcapture4-1.jpg" /></a><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-70754803386374285412010-06-15T10:19:00.001-07:002010-06-16T04:08:01.381-07:00{Share with me} A dilemma...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqOrTehuRVKUQpGuNbRyNt27aAapj-E1GlxwLG4gqvZkNNS5g1QzvjSBjqiceOh0EJGyql-ZUYKrnmlQEL6oz6VAiCnXbtKiQi3a9edmXXGf8GC0aFfodQ2B5AiqJhZL6e1ABbZuJaUca/s1600/DSC_0673.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483051857073623554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqOrTehuRVKUQpGuNbRyNt27aAapj-E1GlxwLG4gqvZkNNS5g1QzvjSBjqiceOh0EJGyql-ZUYKrnmlQEL6oz6VAiCnXbtKiQi3a9edmXXGf8GC0aFfodQ2B5AiqJhZL6e1ABbZuJaUca/s400/DSC_0673.JPG" /></a> <em>"Share everything. Don't take things that aren't yours. Put things back where you found them." -Robert Fulghum, All I Really needed to know, I Learned in Kindergarden</em></div><br /><br /><p>As we prepare ourselves to welcome a new child into our home {as much as you can when you don't know age, gender, or even when!}, we have been doing our best to get our son to understand about sharing his toys, home and parents with a new kiddo. But our efforts to teach our son to share freely seem to be <em>backfiring.</em> </p><p>And it has got me thinking...</p><p>You know the situation: your child has a toy that he brings to a playdate. Another little one takes it out of their hand and your child gets upset. The other mother gives you <em>that</em> look: are you going to encourage your child to share with mine? Each week, we go to a preschool swim time at our local pool that allows pool toys and it is "understood" that all toys are essentially communal for everyone to use. And, to be honest, the whole "forced" sharing thing going on has me thinking twice about whether I want to <em>make</em> my child share his things.</p><p>Let's be clear: I want my children to learn to be generous, charitable and giving. I strongly believe that we would have alot less political disagreements on social issues if we all were <em>personally</em> a little more giving. And, for me, my faith encourages me (and I aim to teach my children) to be giving of our time, talents and resources to help others. But I struggle to accept that teaching our children that they <em>have</em> to share all of their stuff takes away the biggest part of obedience: your attitude. I have seen my son become less and less willing to share since I have made a specific emphasis on it. He seems to <em>hold on tighter</em> to his things out of fear of losing them<br /><br />{<em>oh, how I relate to this as an adult..</em>.}</p><p>To add an extra dimension to this issue, as a future parent (temporary or otherwise) of children that have been removed from unhealthy home situations, I want to be particularly understanding that they may be sensitive when it comes to physical goods, including food. I have friends with adopted children that have hoarded food, refused to allow their clothes to be removed to be washed (out of fear they wouldn't get them back) or developed unlikely attachments to odd items around the house that reminded them of things back home. I fear that adopting a policy of sharing everything could potentially hurt a child that is coming from a background of neglect (or simply has been through the tragedy of being removed from the only home they have ever known.) While I recognize that "sharing" is done to teach a good and beneficial character trait, I am afraid that when a child comes from <em>loss</em>, a parent or guardian making a child share, no matter how well-meaning, could be causing more harm than good. </p><p>So, I ask you to <em>share with me</em>...what are your thoughts on the subject? </p><p>Does your child have certain objects that they are NOT encouraged to share? How do you deal with this when it comes to other people's expectation that we should be teaching our children to share and not be selfish? </p><p>If you are a foster and/or adoptive parent who has dealt with issues of loss and attachment, what advice can you give me to a) help future children in my home feel safe and stable and b) how to prepare my son to the transistion?</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-75299085787992763012010-06-10T06:07:00.000-07:002010-06-10T10:37:00.934-07:00{You Capture} Fun<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN36nfimlklq5f_d1006NwWvLUre345DS-8fM_ovxO8MSaoEh7nRXRX7Bbira-W-_2iixh_8SfF-o5vU7_lpprYhuLDdXyTk3yi7zszqcM4MFuVj6mC9lWl2IiB8VdJ_-wVF1HfKkxO6JL/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480918701682341074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN36nfimlklq5f_d1006NwWvLUre345DS-8fM_ovxO8MSaoEh7nRXRX7Bbira-W-_2iixh_8SfF-o5vU7_lpprYhuLDdXyTk3yi7zszqcM4MFuVj6mC9lWl2IiB8VdJ_-wVF1HfKkxO6JL/s400/DSC_0440.JPG" /></a>The pool is open for the summer.</div><div align="center">Toes are getting wrinkled and little boys are learning to hold their breath under water. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And it is some major <em>fun.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center">{<a href="http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/2010/06/you-capture-fun.html">You Capture Assignment: Fun</a>}</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/2009/02/you-capture.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo145/rubyandroja/youcapture4-1.jpg" /></a><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-50561361610159819222010-06-10T04:37:00.000-07:002010-06-09T17:31:22.222-07:00{Tasty Treats Thursday} Strawberry Lemonade<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19F9gcJe9OBW8PzE2H5OW3Z7UWgWJcMKSzpwXowU43qcJ9iPUONIUMwWX9u4REcQe4zXmc6SMbyIMzjwcnX-hVWXULxTnjR92ySvrGntpxKhNN3IsCMzvGqYbgqh90EpHprwwLC1YEFO-/s1600/DSC_0617.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480930518650170578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19F9gcJe9OBW8PzE2H5OW3Z7UWgWJcMKSzpwXowU43qcJ9iPUONIUMwWX9u4REcQe4zXmc6SMbyIMzjwcnX-hVWXULxTnjR92ySvrGntpxKhNN3IsCMzvGqYbgqh90EpHprwwLC1YEFO-/s400/DSC_0617.JPG" /></a> The perfect summer treat...a little sour, a little sweet. A lot of perfectness.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKjOChpu020UqCCol6UWX3bUBPguPZRnkU0CHgpJZ7c3qO1NclViIYMgUQnuQH1kEnYz5XqQNGgZM_rEStGe282BT6E6HW61aflBciNZleKcLbaa1mXi9mo86CuLprSB_O3FWHZ_1ffug/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480930511469915362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKjOChpu020UqCCol6UWX3bUBPguPZRnkU0CHgpJZ7c3qO1NclViIYMgUQnuQH1kEnYz5XqQNGgZM_rEStGe282BT6E6HW61aflBciNZleKcLbaa1mXi9mo86CuLprSB_O3FWHZ_1ffug/s400/DSC_0594.JPG" /></a>lemons and sugar<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvo8UX-Qsud-CazolNvuBBV3qsaqxeH6pXhodrrVOCvZY0lq3geGMa2DJml1tOG7ZavvDJZliYPajubJRWmg4OVAmxI6rIUBEm7twU15SnYKm2CHxMnfwAPz7EexfAWhyphenhyphenxIWsN6zgskMW/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480929196603753202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvo8UX-Qsud-CazolNvuBBV3qsaqxeH6pXhodrrVOCvZY0lq3geGMa2DJml1tOG7ZavvDJZliYPajubJRWmg4OVAmxI6rIUBEm7twU15SnYKm2CHxMnfwAPz7EexfAWhyphenhyphenxIWsN6zgskMW/s400/DSC_0596.JPG" /></a> Nothing but strawberries...<br />made into this amazing puree<br />{which I now want to drizzle on everything...waffles, oatmeal...<em>everything</em>}<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8SyLRdEtZBA1dg20wmXvdJX40RzUFCHq72i11KTf_AirVW5RpLHKMOLX7hZAw7gVmGkY5L4ScUQW5fmA-UtKnLPHs8u4JHmJT31QdlSAKXtyQ9jkJA0FRtRi42zuYZUVXqKatK5WKc-m/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480929187333601138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8SyLRdEtZBA1dg20wmXvdJX40RzUFCHq72i11KTf_AirVW5RpLHKMOLX7hZAw7gVmGkY5L4ScUQW5fmA-UtKnLPHs8u4JHmJT31QdlSAKXtyQ9jkJA0FRtRi42zuYZUVXqKatK5WKc-m/s400/DSC_0599.JPG" /></a><strong> Ingredients:</strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">2 cups water</div><div align="center">1 cup sugar</div><div align="center">1 cup lemon juice</div><div align="center">zest of 4 lemons</div><div align="center">1 pint strawberries (hulled)</div><div align="center">2 cups ginger ale</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">1. bring water and sugar to boil, simmer on low heat until sugar has completely disolved. Remove from heat.</div><div align="center">2. juice and zest lemons while sugar water cools. Add juice/zest to sugar water. Cool completely to room temparture.</div><div align="center">3. Place strawberries in blender/food processor and puree.</div><div align="center">4. add strawberry puree to cooled lemonade.</div><div align="center">5. add ginger ale to strawberry/lemonade mix</div><div align="center">6. chill completely</div><div align="center">7. pour yourself a glass, garnish with mint and more strawberries as desired.</div><div align="center"><em>8. enjoy!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0_4PHNHz7T4OHlgCZYIFN61x2gl-IQyvEaA3mp7PHUmvXzx-5JTPQJMddXG26EaURrBQ700Amg_zjNz3Gg5x4e_ieNgtZ3DSdaKIh37qVVGtVvvqzV7Qv8EURJPmdGHNInBdwfdBaxpJ/s1600/DSC_0617.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym880Boy9x-QzTeniUNzOxmyKzK-uBfe3hKfhkIIHpoF5YIW43vcMpZ49A8vGd6wLkfq3KzDB9jPKlM9Tj5CgcUZz1RAnzNn3ot_CUflA3godaiBXWuMl-LKa5wCVdryR7XLQVEPsFkiG/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480931355749130642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym880Boy9x-QzTeniUNzOxmyKzK-uBfe3hKfhkIIHpoF5YIW43vcMpZ49A8vGd6wLkfq3KzDB9jPKlM9Tj5CgcUZz1RAnzNn3ot_CUflA3godaiBXWuMl-LKa5wCVdryR7XLQVEPsFkiG/s400/DSC_0616.JPG" /></a> </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-44831833490388278892010-06-08T05:19:00.000-07:002010-06-08T16:36:29.954-07:00{How-To Tuesday} Pillow Craft<div align="center">Remember how I asked for your <a href="http://campcupcakedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/finding-bright-spot-at-home.html">feedback</a> on what fabrics to use to decorate our new bright aqua bedspread? Well, I totally <em>disregarded all of your advice</em> and went with some great <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=626368842386263&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=38521&Parent_Ids=">Kaffe Fassett</a> prints, mixed it with some <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/fabrics_love.php">Amy Butler Love</a> and started cruising through <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1197421@N20/">flickr</a> for some inspiration!<br /><br /><div align="center">The inspiration print that made me change direction:<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.parkwest-tarkay.com/default.asp">Artist: Itzchak Tarkay</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqv2jDeIk6OFBMriz015glLK-g9anaA9flQ-wPW7HJtbMIcnFAQhCNVSmn_UHpIRgDjCYzroJ0onibE4szcs0XxijO_Hp7Q14ar88FSeuZK14dguDvQcE7oqkCclZF6wh3XJfQyVnT45p/s1600/DSC_0522.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480380313883021010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqv2jDeIk6OFBMriz015glLK-g9anaA9flQ-wPW7HJtbMIcnFAQhCNVSmn_UHpIRgDjCYzroJ0onibE4szcs0XxijO_Hp7Q14ar88FSeuZK14dguDvQcE7oqkCclZF6wh3XJfQyVnT45p/s400/DSC_0522.jpg" /></a><br />I also got inspired by the amazing pieces seen over on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1360481@N24/">this flickr pool</a> and decided to try my hand at English paper piecing some <a href="http://www.thimbleblossoms.com/Thimble_Blossoms/Hexagon_Quilt_Tutorial.html">hexagons</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEX7FLHecK3VuXR6VW99dqt8dOOhYsxOr_RAt2OhGOiEmgimTmDPPoA4fXezRFL_-1-Tak0sUOpnEwD-4c7HLDYHhzsUTsNqGaBGC_OLgAm1tsmrWluDadRyrrlplTCRq-MEK_Dk89gYz/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480539591272530098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEX7FLHecK3VuXR6VW99dqt8dOOhYsxOr_RAt2OhGOiEmgimTmDPPoA4fXezRFL_-1-Tak0sUOpnEwD-4c7HLDYHhzsUTsNqGaBGC_OLgAm1tsmrWluDadRyrrlplTCRq-MEK_Dk89gYz/s400/DSC_0074.JPG" /></a><br />While done completely by hand, they whip up easy when sitting on the couch watching Glee!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N5TPtk5EeLFT9R6hl8O1FIwWsy8EhM0RoezW7A-Ey_DXsp3u-wTXek_qrafmhE6QGnobxidR7h7qW_cDmZlb64fMSoSPSEVG_O5VGtWQtfrZpjJANe7XTEt0kIHhDtnVqvXWZi94nUIT/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480540222812620258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N5TPtk5EeLFT9R6hl8O1FIwWsy8EhM0RoezW7A-Ey_DXsp3u-wTXek_qrafmhE6QGnobxidR7h7qW_cDmZlb64fMSoSPSEVG_O5VGtWQtfrZpjJANe7XTEt0kIHhDtnVqvXWZi94nUIT/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I appliqued then onto some silky navy linen fabric, added a simple patterned ruffle around the outside...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-dZq06HkoXZ4bE3yDM62zKbJw_-y3L13oODeA1ZTgXgEpFsiRUhZMetSaW1okwXC94OTmU-6e0ozR8UCbW4sCXpZxP5opuV50cP5F0nSsJWtvquJrQrHCBYuCVthbIfrZ8PO9KJHIk_f/s1600/DSC_0520.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480380329256499250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-dZq06HkoXZ4bE3yDM62zKbJw_-y3L13oODeA1ZTgXgEpFsiRUhZMetSaW1okwXC94OTmU-6e0ozR8UCbW4sCXpZxP5opuV50cP5F0nSsJWtvquJrQrHCBYuCVthbIfrZ8PO9KJHIk_f/s400/DSC_0520.jpg" /></a><br /><br />...and have the first (of many to come!) throw pillow for our bed!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YW6xZK7KNjly9TT81Pxs4l48PmYqJ5XfqZUqfKmjVt5mA6WzMBlAI2Ks3bxSiaiqUL3W09c7VyMn7KXTsS6qAcjZcnjZXZQgfMtUJP264MtUkpgpWXSSXm4bT0HfmZqB1CPE3aS1u-tC/s1600/DSC_0514.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480380321834197154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YW6xZK7KNjly9TT81Pxs4l48PmYqJ5XfqZUqfKmjVt5mA6WzMBlAI2Ks3bxSiaiqUL3W09c7VyMn7KXTsS6qAcjZcnjZXZQgfMtUJP264MtUkpgpWXSSXm4bT0HfmZqB1CPE3aS1u-tC/s400/DSC_0514.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzrXpyUynXh9-elvCQEfjNpazd7OZfqLBwb3Pf5BVIKnTO2sG2-GUvdFMsdmmARmZXl1vacKB-QpqIpwki0ofYGCAIDK4GRFCKXAQ0vTx5w39hf0of5yLjd0JFN3AIvVR0yciSYpjb7D/s1600/DSC_0515.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480380304969197010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzrXpyUynXh9-elvCQEfjNpazd7OZfqLBwb3Pf5BVIKnTO2sG2-GUvdFMsdmmARmZXl1vacKB-QpqIpwki0ofYGCAIDK4GRFCKXAQ0vTx5w39hf0of5yLjd0JFN3AIvVR0yciSYpjb7D/s400/DSC_0515.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I am in love with my new pillow and can't wait to try some new crafty techniques to make a couple more to fill up the bed!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecPQcI2x2lqeU7vOvg93_Sb49loG4nYOlbdxmX8StNHF17C5JjXYmMYa9ghLxNPnLVrIr6N_j95aGzykWQvIYRd00hoSs7LGU1q2MR_kQ7HnEM7SfLjS2xjqdXhe0ruOnGfOC9bi5WmjJ/s1600/DSC_0516.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480380295997001762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecPQcI2x2lqeU7vOvg93_Sb49loG4nYOlbdxmX8StNHF17C5JjXYmMYa9ghLxNPnLVrIr6N_j95aGzykWQvIYRd00hoSs7LGU1q2MR_kQ7HnEM7SfLjS2xjqdXhe0ruOnGfOC9bi5WmjJ/s400/DSC_0516.jpg" /></a><br />Motivated to whip up a pillow for a special corner of your house? </div><div align="center">(Seriously-pillows are amazingly simple, quick and very fulfilling to put together!)</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><strong>Pillow tutorials to get you started:</strong></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.ryanwalshquilts.com/2010/03/pillow-talk-tutorial-part-i-prepping.html">Anthropologie-inspired quilted pillow</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://alamodefabric.blogspot.com/2010/02/cathedral-window-easy-peasy.html">Cathedral-window pillow</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://tidytipsy.wordpress.com/2010/05/19/ruffle-pillow-tutorial/">Super simple knit ruffle pillow </a>(this is definitly on my to-do list!)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lindseycheney.blogspot.com/2009/06/pillow-tutorial.html">Basic pillow cover tutorial</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/10/tutorial-scrap-buster-fall-pillow.html">Scrap-buster tree pillow</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-pillow-with-rosette-clusters-from-felt-furnishin-5095/">Felt rosette pillow tutorial</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/03/sewing-101-zippered-throw-pillows.html">Zippered throw pillow tutorial</a></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-45955285349612445082010-06-07T04:41:00.000-07:002010-06-07T05:57:03.079-07:00{Babywearing} Vacation Edition<div align="center">I have wanted to write a babywearing post for a while now and after seeing the article "<a href="http://simpleorganic.net/incorporating-the-art-of-babywearing-into-summer-travel-plans/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SimpleOrganic+%28Simple+Organic%29">Incorporating the Art of Babywearing into Summer Travel Plans</a>" over at Simple Organic, I figured I would elaborate on the ideas they presented and give some tips that have made babywearing our prefered way to be on the move as a family.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNk9scPlzIPYTEmt4YpSRy5npjAOGheBToPOmZYqB1jIyFzTrfgL2hcAjYyFGSWu1dS-JMbdsKiE2jLSwn9GB0lwyrQduPjn1A5R_sbQIsaeqAPQJP1h-JPbZGfYAMGE4Y-5HmXiJp1Rw/s1600/SDC10907.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479997030106793778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNk9scPlzIPYTEmt4YpSRy5npjAOGheBToPOmZYqB1jIyFzTrfgL2hcAjYyFGSWu1dS-JMbdsKiE2jLSwn9GB0lwyrQduPjn1A5R_sbQIsaeqAPQJP1h-JPbZGfYAMGE4Y-5HmXiJp1Rw/s400/SDC10907.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Our family's top 3 reasons to babywear on vacation:</strong><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br />1. <strong>Most limitations are removed and you can go and do alot more.</strong> While on a 7 day cruise with a 19 month old that visited 4 ports of call, we were not limited to riding elevators or to certain excursions. We did a 5 mile hike to some amazing falls in Jamaica, visited a "no strollers allowed" museum in Mexico and traveresed deep sand beaches with no problems. We have also enjoyed hiking on trails back in the US that would not be possible if we were limited to stroller-usage.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br />2. <strong>Better perspective-literally and cognitively.</strong> When an alert and curious child is allowed the chance to be on the same visual plane as the adult, communication (even if it is pre-verbal pointing, etc.) and discussion can occur. In situations where large groups of people congregate to see exhibits or performances (zoos, amusement parks, etc.), a kid in a stroller can't see much of anything and can't share the experience with adults standing two feet above them. Yes, most parents do pick their children up for the Disney parade or special elephant exhibit at the zoo, but we have found that the simple act of walking around a vacation spot (when a special event is not going on) can present special moments in themselves such as your child being able to share a colorful leaf that catches their eye or seeing scampering animals.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaETCf4ZEciYuOhIhp54dQzNJC2pHPpHsRN_455LQjxzFG0-1k6F2-2ddzBDc0lfaKtSCsaML5nOVXcd1b-oIdDSBjatZA2kxTBAkwXis8GEKDGzjZrhQF6-1EEN5D_UXIgo6Z6S7iqOvT/s1600/DSCF1147.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479997035750680594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaETCf4ZEciYuOhIhp54dQzNJC2pHPpHsRN_455LQjxzFG0-1k6F2-2ddzBDc0lfaKtSCsaML5nOVXcd1b-oIdDSBjatZA2kxTBAkwXis8GEKDGzjZrhQF6-1EEN5D_UXIgo6Z6S7iqOvT/s400/DSCF1147.jpg" /></a><br />3. <strong>Ease of use.</strong>. For anyone who has had to remove a child from a stroller, collapse it, send it through the x-ray machine at the airport while balancing themself to remove their shoes, let me say that babywearing can make the experience alot easier. Beyond not needing to check additional baggage, we found that amusement parks can be enjoyed more "swiftly" by not needing to park your stoller, take out your child, struggle to keep mobile children contained while in line and then repeat the process in reverse after the ride is over. For us, mei tais and buckle carriers (our favorites are the <a href="http://www.bamberoobaby.com/">Bamberoo</a> and <a href="http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/">Ergo</a>!) are super easy to get off and on, so we simply lifted our son out, went on the ride and fastened him back in after riding. For times during his nap time, he stayed in a front carry and napped through rides, eliminating the afternoon crankiness that can occur when kiddos get off schedule. While cruising, he slept in a ring sling (in his PJ's!) while we enjoyed the after-bedtime shows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO45b7aXRi85739nSxG6Kb5wm3SLyCEzPbe3Tcmusncd8yID1m3ooOkzofYGpKPVtBGqK45Ule56OnCG9Kbqhvaoh_kvph4F0d6l54qlkU_-bFCaAM6pZiCdFrkESuHOwkuY8TJTsZfbb/s1600/039.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479995886831406802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO45b7aXRi85739nSxG6Kb5wm3SLyCEzPbe3Tcmusncd8yID1m3ooOkzofYGpKPVtBGqK45Ule56OnCG9Kbqhvaoh_kvph4F0d6l54qlkU_-bFCaAM6pZiCdFrkESuHOwkuY8TJTsZfbb/s400/039.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> {10 weeks, Smoky Mountain National Park}</span><br /><br /><strong>3 tips to make babywearing on vacation easier:</strong></div><strong></strong><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">1. <strong>Figure out what works for you and your situation. </strong>Do you have an infant or a toddler? Are you traveling by yourself or with another person? Where are you going and what are your needs? Research what might be best for you, see carrier reviews and purchase quality used carriers at great prices through places like <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/">TheBabyWearer.com</a>.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br />2. <strong>Know your limitations. </strong>I love using a ring sling in summer because of its coolness in hot weather, easy of use, and how it looks (ha!) but I accept that I cannot wear a toddler in a ring sling for an extended period of time. I also know that I cannot hike a very strenuous two hour climb with a toddler by myself-the hike has to be split between two parents. If you are new to babywearing and want to use babywearing for an upcoming vacation that will require all day wearing, start off first with a 30 minute walk then move up to a half-day outing to a local park. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br />3. <strong>Give yourself a break and your child a chance to explore</strong>. I have been very involved in babywearing communities for almost three years now (both online and locally.) I have met moms that feel like they need to wear their child all the time because they have fears of allowing their child to explore new situations/environments. While babywearing does help with both parents and a child's fear of coming into new experiences, allowing your child to get down and experience nature (and I even venture to say some germs!), large groups of people and other adventures can be great learning experiences. I have a child that loves to run away and my frustration (and fear) over experiences that we have had because of his running away can tempt me to limit his time on his own two feet while in public. However, he needs to learn not to run away and he can't practice the skills of listening and staying within an appropriate distance while strapped to my back. While I may not choose an over-busy street fair for this learning experience, in certain situations (that allow for minimal escape routes!), he and I are learning how to stay together, but not attached, in public.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPfIzLThI_STX3bc7DfPCjt9GwRmgIOWF-fgH0n7jh97uHw6qodefCEccRYly5fkOxi-mQ47mAi3Z_ART_0oz7p9H2epp6Hnf_C6DFTBcihS4xrmnQMM96EyRKKjYomjgYbrTvUyfHW6/s1600/DSCF3477.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479997045207531778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPfIzLThI_STX3bc7DfPCjt9GwRmgIOWF-fgH0n7jh97uHw6qodefCEccRYly5fkOxi-mQ47mAi3Z_ART_0oz7p9H2epp6Hnf_C6DFTBcihS4xrmnQMM96EyRKKjYomjgYbrTvUyfHW6/s400/DSCF3477.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{2.5 years old, Smoky Mountain National Park, same trail/stream as above!}<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-14427045112232618772010-06-04T04:09:00.000-07:002010-06-04T05:05:29.556-07:00{Aperature and Actions, Oh my!} Photography Resources<div align="center">Thank you to all that commented and offered to help when I shared that I was wanting to learn all about <a href="http://campcupcakedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/05/somebody-got-new-camera.html">taking better pictures</a>. I have been reading about shutter speed, aperature, what all the buttons on my camera do and about using Photoshop correctly...<br /></div><div align="center">{my brain is a tad bit swampy after taking in all that information!}</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQNl2WbtsaSAFe8ZBVHKCor2bW1BL1XI-mMx6_a-qm0S1-Cno1vPlpX4jfZd8R8sbQr1sD0Tfl9qqNVEykD9-ajrLP1ZpugBFInvYOOnMqfU7BvyBhdpcR0MEzIfFK-N2-OW8vxvNS3xS/s1600/beach70.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478879160699878642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQNl2WbtsaSAFe8ZBVHKCor2bW1BL1XI-mMx6_a-qm0S1-Cno1vPlpX4jfZd8R8sbQr1sD0Tfl9qqNVEykD9-ajrLP1ZpugBFInvYOOnMqfU7BvyBhdpcR0MEzIfFK-N2-OW8vxvNS3xS/s400/beach70.jpg" /></a><br />I have fallen in love with using different "actions" to correct my shoddy photography and have even been playing around with the camera on the Manual settings. {Oh my!}<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQwsgdzZD6jt2Gpa2iVe3q1qHvjcNr1Zob8xRf3Y87_rcEttf7R64FD3q2LW3fdV9Ju_wKpBD0FdA6S1PMdjU49_dJH86lkIvFDmq65BFQTEOzmqauwP2Ubg_spOtNJ3jDAMUK3Ps4U8q/s1600/DSC_0417.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478875494608747650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQwsgdzZD6jt2Gpa2iVe3q1qHvjcNr1Zob8xRf3Y87_rcEttf7R64FD3q2LW3fdV9Ju_wKpBD0FdA6S1PMdjU49_dJH86lkIvFDmq65BFQTEOzmqauwP2Ubg_spOtNJ3jDAMUK3Ps4U8q/s400/DSC_0417.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="center">from my first mini photo shoot on manual (and unedited!)...<br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-tKhUofXtgt2ei663j67vo6A9adKFHufJHmccBYp7OsavhbjpMTP-RbGX3PCuK7ssv3bdEmTmdIZ_OaCte8p-Jgj2lZs4u7wRkPloXuV4Uk1F71DlMr1Az4kZb9ZHDMW8pOge-8HJHDk/s1600/DSC_0412.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478875497687440706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-tKhUofXtgt2ei663j67vo6A9adKFHufJHmccBYp7OsavhbjpMTP-RbGX3PCuK7ssv3bdEmTmdIZ_OaCte8p-Jgj2lZs4u7wRkPloXuV4Uk1F71DlMr1Az4kZb9ZHDMW8pOge-8HJHDk/s400/DSC_0412.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Look Ma, I figured out to change the shutter speed and capture water splashing!</p><p align="center">Now if someone could just tell me how to get a rapidly-approaching-3 year old to sit still or atleast <em>face</em> me when I try to take pictures, I would appreciate it!</p><p align="center">Favorite photography resources {so far!}:</p><p align="center"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/category/basic-photography/what-the-heck/">The Pioneer Woman "What the Heck?" series</a>: aperature, shutterspeed and more</p><p align="center"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/category/photoshop-actions/">The Pioneer Woman Photoshop Action Downloads</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/">Coffee Tea Photography Blog</a>: home of my favorite <a href="http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/2009/02/coffeeshop-little-perk-pspse-action.html">"Little Perk" action </a>(to just add a little bit more color)</p><p align="center">Momtog.com: I want this <a href="http://www.momtog.com/store/">UNmanual for digital photography </a>so much!!!</p><p align="center"><a href="http://lauraevansphotography.blogspot.com/">Laura Evans/photography</a>: my favorite fine art photographer of the moment {She is a fellow military wife, runner and has an amazing eye for everyday things in life. Love her!} This <a href="http://lauraevansphotography.blogspot.com/2010/06/words-to-live-by.html">print</a> is my favorite today!</p><p align="center"> </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-25532983147759590702010-06-03T06:37:00.000-07:002010-06-03T06:37:00.711-07:00{To my husband} 10 things I love about you<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs6lBOmhjvTPlZjiWEfwDzdc7snTtWfrn957LlVT3lxEuDIAfG0Sx5xiir1BjFY3efaXuITBMwC-hhvACdCjOQFBdaKLmRrMCTjErd1d6FUSavkhcVPrDNyxgaRT6fjp1O4A92LSooyZ9/s1600/wedding+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478247368499990802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs6lBOmhjvTPlZjiWEfwDzdc7snTtWfrn957LlVT3lxEuDIAfG0Sx5xiir1BjFY3efaXuITBMwC-hhvACdCjOQFBdaKLmRrMCTjErd1d6FUSavkhcVPrDNyxgaRT6fjp1O4A92LSooyZ9/s400/wedding+copy.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center">1. You want to spend time with me.</p><p align="center">2. You are an amazing, patient and loving father</p><p align="center">3. It is evident that you are a respected (and <em>liked)</em> leader at work.</p><p align="center">4. You support new things I want to try and don't give me too much trouble when I don't stick to them.</p><p align="center">5. You push the stroller when we run together (and a million other things that make my life easier!)</p><p align="center">6. You seem to have an infinite amount of patience with <em>me.</em></p><p align="center">7. You take steps in directions that you would never go without me wanting to-just because you love me.</p><p align="center">8. You are secure in who and what you are and are not concerned about how I will reflect on you.</p><p align="center">9. You love and show respect for your whole family. </p><p align="center">10. You make me want to be a better person.</p><p align="center">I am your biggest fan and I aim to be a better cheerleader for you for the next 50 years.</p><p align="center">Happy 10th Anniversary!</p><p align="center">SHMILY,</p><p align="center">Heather</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-33083709699572110332010-05-31T16:39:00.001-07:002010-05-31T16:50:10.675-07:00Happy Memorial Day!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EKB-JEYt7V-tVF3KyfVLP0fRRa-AVzf0xVAATQUUobFFZJ0GdA7LQyOJlPc8iyfF9SqvZ0daFnpDDMTD-qZdrLjOiIlgXnzar8NxnOcezdX4a4j2ICU_DSKXsBQ36D8Lz4vvqUIXjyMy/s1600/Homecoming+2001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477583199437229762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EKB-JEYt7V-tVF3KyfVLP0fRRa-AVzf0xVAATQUUobFFZJ0GdA7LQyOJlPc8iyfF9SqvZ0daFnpDDMTD-qZdrLjOiIlgXnzar8NxnOcezdX4a4j2ICU_DSKXsBQ36D8Lz4vvqUIXjyMy/s400/Homecoming+2001.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center">We take a moment to remember those who have lost friends, family and loved ones to defend our nation and our freedom. We honor our past heroes and pray for those in action now and in our future.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">The Brooks Family</div><div align="center"> <br /><br /></div><div align="center">{To remember what this day honors, take a look at the amazing photo assignment going on over at <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. We were featured in <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/05/coming-home-group-4/">Group 4</a> and have been amazed at the response over this treasured picture of us at my husband's deployment homecoming-our first as a married couple.}</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-33516991127222052682010-05-24T04:57:00.000-07:002010-05-24T05:37:36.586-07:00Three people: May Edition<div align="center">While searching and reading in the "blogosphere" all about taking better pictures of your family, one constant piece of advice was to make sure that you, the mom or photographer, made sure to get out from behind the camera sometime. Whether it was a lack of self-confidence on how we look or a fear of losing control over the situation (as in, we worry that a timer/spouse/stranger may not take as good a picture as we would have), we tend to stay on the other side of the lense and leave ourselves out.<br /><br />However, "perfect" photography is not my aim in taking pictures: I want to capture moments of how life is right now and I want to be <em>present</em> in those moments.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGUcQIMGqrj-gUCrAzLdb7OJ5FkNrPNR3A0SJconvUU-YXin9ycb30ltLjzPpWKWyecdoQaFrqcIReWMC0GIOGrSp_JplViGrqcxQM9rLFBCUsgHF4YRCgxv9iTPIwrocFjPEVIatVD4A/s1600/DSC_0114+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474808005633484354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGUcQIMGqrj-gUCrAzLdb7OJ5FkNrPNR3A0SJconvUU-YXin9ycb30ltLjzPpWKWyecdoQaFrqcIReWMC0GIOGrSp_JplViGrqcxQM9rLFBCUsgHF4YRCgxv9iTPIwrocFjPEVIatVD4A/s400/DSC_0114+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">So, on Thursday evening, with my hair a little dirty and in a ponytail, after a long day at a doctor's office confirming that my son's heart was now perfect (yeah!), and with my husband handling the grill work while I learned to work the timer on the new camera, we captured <em>this moment</em>. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">I am making a commitment to take a family picture in some shape or form every month for the rest of the year. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><em>Will you join me?</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-30245343338158733762010-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:002010-05-18T16:34:07.205-07:00Somebody got a new camera...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0R6aA9wOoKCbcwelhW4WTaVAok4u-kuMqjFg2lN_lpZGQHVosYvQKv_QC997JpgSV_-IWQwexJSICZKb6hog4cBjuTSIqcHsYZPvstsHYQ0h5z_6vsLTCTVPM2-ezG5RQWnJvkYS6Fg7/s1600/DSC_0063-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472756883601602722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0R6aA9wOoKCbcwelhW4WTaVAok4u-kuMqjFg2lN_lpZGQHVosYvQKv_QC997JpgSV_-IWQwexJSICZKb6hog4cBjuTSIqcHsYZPvstsHYQ0h5z_6vsLTCTVPM2-ezG5RQWnJvkYS6Fg7/s400/DSC_0063-Edit.JPG" /></a>{Well, maybe more than one of us got a camera!} </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojREy1H6qRkA43UuWKgFnjDEAlCHLMUxSIW_B8e9EyJu765V6AkBkNppqAbTISCAunDtpxdAa4pmBdkc9zNzEg4qzgM4ts9fH3GHBlgyOq0M9YcMTwihsBBPKGdP4ZceqtIMaX6cvSyx5/s1600/DSC_0065-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472756877037790162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojREy1H6qRkA43UuWKgFnjDEAlCHLMUxSIW_B8e9EyJu765V6AkBkNppqAbTISCAunDtpxdAa4pmBdkc9zNzEg4qzgM4ts9fH3GHBlgyOq0M9YcMTwihsBBPKGdP4ZceqtIMaX6cvSyx5/s400/DSC_0065-Edit.JPG" /></a><br />I am excited about learning all about my new Nikon D5000 DSLR...<br /><br />I am interested in all your favorite photography blogs, help, tutorials, or even classes to get me movin' in the DSLR direction...any suggestions?<br /><div align="center"></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-51373281353815851152010-05-14T04:47:00.000-07:002010-05-14T05:19:57.197-07:00{Friday Finds} Police Memorial Week<div align="center">Every year, 140-160 police officers die in the line of duty. This one week in May, we remember them and honor their loved ones.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">National Police Week</div><div align="center">May 9-15, 2010</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QYgItr938SNhqg0oziwe2ko9ZHTa-asSY1hwxN-Vjy_AISdwfP7T6MESi38-FaMgbCvyHNFoZdR5N6ZSgmz_6_bcvFm-qFQRzss44LhdrOTJ7u7XT9-FWU0hlgwsfKV6ZR0__Gr6vJWT/s1600/police.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471094302028790258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QYgItr938SNhqg0oziwe2ko9ZHTa-asSY1hwxN-Vjy_AISdwfP7T6MESi38-FaMgbCvyHNFoZdR5N6ZSgmz_6_bcvFm-qFQRzss44LhdrOTJ7u7XT9-FWU0hlgwsfKV6ZR0__Gr6vJWT/s400/police.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />1. Police Officer Birthday Invitation by<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41239653/police-man-officer-birthday-party?ref=em"> Andersruff</a></p><p align="center">2. Personalized Police Beer Mug by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46499113/police-badge-personalized-beer-mug?ref=em">Distinct Glass</a></p><p align="center">3. Lego Police Man Cuff Links by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/22620313/last-pair-lego-police-officer-man?ref=em">Nostalgic Links</a></p><p align="center">4. Officer Down Lampwork Heart Bead by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38126281/officer-down-lampwork-heart-bead?ref=em">Ankle Biter Beads</a></p><p align="center">5. Rescue Play Set by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39805040/rescue-play-set?ref=em">Bungalow Quilts</a></p><p align="center">6. Handcuffs charm by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45203892/handcuffs-charm-bright-silver-pewter?ref=em">Charmed by Karen</a></p><p align="center">7. Hand Stamped Custom To Protect and Serve necklace by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39805673/to-protect-and-serve?ref=em">My Bella's Beads</a></p><p align="center">8. Alabama Speed Trap Fine Art Photograph by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45682597/alabama-speed-trap-fine-art-photograph?ref=em">annadykema</a></p><p align="center">9. I love a Hero Custom Necklace by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46593669/i-love-a-hero-mixed-metal-hand-stamped?ref=em">Seize the Night</a></p><p align="center">10. Fingerprint Vinyl wall decal by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45912068/fingerprint-vinyl-wall-decal?ref=em">Circle Line Studio</a></p><p align="center">11. Retro screenprint Detriot PD tee by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46843683/detroit-police-t-shirt?ref=em">Detriot GT</a></p><p align="center">12. Bullet money clip (shot during SWAT training!) by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46854176/crimes-bullet-money-clip">Seize the Night</a></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-27933920735698176942010-05-13T06:26:00.000-07:002010-05-13T06:48:17.111-07:00{Tasty Treat Thursday} Mocha Kettle Corn<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqajovbfmHEIrgbxVyr57bmDfxh2yuwpn4kOAN_Xxhc92GjYqLHutYt3ioXQsFAdCku-fT50LY_-EXLos3KcO3bIvIBLjjza_JcTsIRpO82wiQZ8HXZXky9_STpi0_xLjZ8a7PO-swNyUU/s1600/DSCF3885-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470745961580585330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqajovbfmHEIrgbxVyr57bmDfxh2yuwpn4kOAN_Xxhc92GjYqLHutYt3ioXQsFAdCku-fT50LY_-EXLos3KcO3bIvIBLjjza_JcTsIRpO82wiQZ8HXZXky9_STpi0_xLjZ8a7PO-swNyUU/s400/DSCF3885-Edit.JPG" /></a>Simple pantry ingrediants + </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtIM0zAaoSaWPuBwnk1sbV-MqKxgtDRbfK6mg5OuG44xvuoIG4ZCAU1eK8dLGKimDbsUPWmcAD_aeWvNkt0PrbFqzMH5FQpro5yBaCOVL-cSDjkhADcfThQZlKZsjAbNhIIxsICJ0T5MT/s1600/DSCF3882-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470745951765562530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtIM0zAaoSaWPuBwnk1sbV-MqKxgtDRbfK6mg5OuG44xvuoIG4ZCAU1eK8dLGKimDbsUPWmcAD_aeWvNkt0PrbFqzMH5FQpro5yBaCOVL-cSDjkhADcfThQZlKZsjAbNhIIxsICJ0T5MT/s400/DSCF3882-Edit.JPG" /></a> a simple special ingrediant =<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5jLkFN8b4EW8yVhHcPc6vQLqGGoLz0LhZkTysFyaImcpEwcR7YKK56IrUNfFRJikK5Uc3qFnKRXBw0U5ScHSFFf1xOfPEQDZHs30LBAYRpXBllGzCUbTT-KTPRjHM4QzFCjKpv_Vn74x/s1600/DSCF3876-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470745945321158370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5jLkFN8b4EW8yVhHcPc6vQLqGGoLz0LhZkTysFyaImcpEwcR7YKK56IrUNfFRJikK5Uc3qFnKRXBw0U5ScHSFFf1xOfPEQDZHs30LBAYRpXBllGzCUbTT-KTPRjHM4QzFCjKpv_Vn74x/s400/DSCF3876-Edit.JPG" /></a>a sweet caramel chocolately treat!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59naqGN5Ih0rNDpq-ZM-_xYQBJiXjDFwPmtxXaxf6w5QN-RHIh9S5raZDxnkx6jGhSiEs4BsuMZNFIhJ-fhqZfv9usyvyGSiBrLaGfIbrv-j0TRodPzwk6mmbHBtGGTMzZQjuz6pgwPsx/s1600/DSCF3878-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470745936858242786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59naqGN5Ih0rNDpq-ZM-_xYQBJiXjDFwPmtxXaxf6w5QN-RHIh9S5raZDxnkx6jGhSiEs4BsuMZNFIhJ-fhqZfv9usyvyGSiBrLaGfIbrv-j0TRodPzwk6mmbHBtGGTMzZQjuz6pgwPsx/s400/DSCF3878-Edit.JPG" /></a><br /> <strong>Recipe:</strong><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>1/4 cup vegetable oil (not pictured)</div><div>1/2 cup popcorn kernels</div><div>1/3 cup sugar </div><div>(we use the unprocessed cane sugar that looks brown for "vegetarian" eating purposes but feel free to use whatever white sugar you have at home)</div><div>1 tsp sea salt</div><div>1 tbsp mocha power</div><div> (this is different from normal cocoa powder and does have a sweetness to it...we have considered experimenting wtih hot chocolate mix as an alternative!)<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Mix sugar and popcorn kernals in a bowl together and set aside. Heat up oil over medium heat in a large pot with a secure lid (preferably with two handles). Put three kernels in the pot and after they pop, add your sugar/kernel combination. </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />{<strong>Warning</strong>: flying popcorn kernals are HOT and will burn you if they touch skin...we leave the lid off and stand back because we think it is fun to watch these three kernels pop out of the pan, but do that at your own risk!}</div><div> <br /><br /></div><div>Keep lid on pan securely and shake the pan continuously until the popcorn slows to only popping a kernel every second or so. Carefully remove lid and pour into large bowl.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br />{<strong>Warning:</strong> the sugar has been carmelized and is SUPER hot at this point. Don't use your hands or stick in your hands to fluff the popcorn until it has a minute or so to cool down.}</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>While the popcorn cools in the large bowl, shake the salt and mocha powder over the popcorn and shake the bowl to spread around and break up any popcorn clumps. </div><div> <br /><br /></div><div>Once cooled, serve and enjoy!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-8176876473584635232010-05-12T10:57:00.000-07:002010-05-12T11:05:29.847-07:00One Word Wednesday<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Polka Dots!</strong></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdHmg54KcsqK9fu-fPHDFcZcyoMPTwt1a4YFiPs_MNVHOJq7G-_3ipRxfz3Rmate65QrQ2JoyARukXW-7aDC1r3L7gcj6TC2kQAhbgcLGMxDXZEQ900jRGop0NIVtY_AzFj-XqQsctMUG/s1600/DSCF3834-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470444815515742146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdHmg54KcsqK9fu-fPHDFcZcyoMPTwt1a4YFiPs_MNVHOJq7G-_3ipRxfz3Rmate65QrQ2JoyARukXW-7aDC1r3L7gcj6TC2kQAhbgcLGMxDXZEQ900jRGop0NIVtY_AzFj-XqQsctMUG/s400/DSCF3834-Edit.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeahiR7HxqAqFVaQoeQTWQbzIOGrdYaOogFH6DzBqinvexU0duYJgkMmP3TaEQh76f8im12SQT4ZnXcJJ82oNtW-xfVUQ43wymQw-BQxqRaYxX0Wyguo5_aDnpbqvuOAIbxsNKAdQ6J2U/s1600/DSCF3835-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470444807908232594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeahiR7HxqAqFVaQoeQTWQbzIOGrdYaOogFH6DzBqinvexU0duYJgkMmP3TaEQh76f8im12SQT4ZnXcJJ82oNtW-xfVUQ43wymQw-BQxqRaYxX0Wyguo5_aDnpbqvuOAIbxsNKAdQ6J2U/s400/DSCF3835-Edit.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">{I know...that is technically two words...}</div><br />This was a small Mother's Day gift to myself and am absolutely in love with this set. Unfortunately, the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/PYREX-GREEN-DOT-MIXING-NESTING-BOWL-404-4-QT-VINTAGE-/220543159311?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3359658c0f">coordinating green dot bowl </a>is worth more than I paid for this full set of three!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I hope you enjoyed your special weekend! </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-27356566815091393352010-05-10T12:43:00.000-07:002010-05-11T11:47:33.805-07:00a walk in the park...<div align="center">Yesterday, we took a little break to take a walk in the park. Little mini-trails in our local park are perfect for short legs that are more into finding neat things than exercise (although the fresh air and energy burn off did lead to a great naptime!)</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc2y6njrSmJWLYCYyBd32xmkr36gPHQy_ZBCNRhRSMPPi9gbQAKMIoK3gehcnv1-TQ6Zz5yn-6yVwxH4WC-5x7qGfLt_nhC5fBIiGvKPEvYRcaLDZsnx4jlHargAyBDVhyphenhyphenoHjVKlaiK5p/s1600/DSCF3822-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469732673917979554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc2y6njrSmJWLYCYyBd32xmkr36gPHQy_ZBCNRhRSMPPi9gbQAKMIoK3gehcnv1-TQ6Zz5yn-6yVwxH4WC-5x7qGfLt_nhC5fBIiGvKPEvYRcaLDZsnx4jlHargAyBDVhyphenhyphenoHjVKlaiK5p/s400/DSCF3822-Edit.JPG" /></a> It is amazing to see how interesting the most mundane things {to me} are to a two year old...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW52w7GKtbXUNYvii5KxUJyLicGjvWOjl0T10PBe-KZWbYB93sBURs8I27Vatm1idyiWDwnQgkZy2jPcmtasD7WF4SyJt_3XyI0xrXPqgBMmimDo4o7YGXgC2Lr9tIQPhbW9fLfIT9AD95/s1600/DSCF3813-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469732665219118866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW52w7GKtbXUNYvii5KxUJyLicGjvWOjl0T10PBe-KZWbYB93sBURs8I27Vatm1idyiWDwnQgkZy2jPcmtasD7WF4SyJt_3XyI0xrXPqgBMmimDo4o7YGXgC2Lr9tIQPhbW9fLfIT9AD95/s400/DSCF3813-Edit.JPG" /></a> The whole walk was infused with strong floral perfumes...it smelled amazing<br />{until I got home and had to partake in some serious allergy medicine}<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0nsFDZbIKA2hlbBN21NtGXBdYd81GKqOGpOMnD9on0kSXeWdZsx66FZVFnc9vbB410a_ZT9S18FUmERqPAi09V9RNCN5iGV1wbWhNHmL8L6oBdUTMcHL3qb_cMTcKUVZn7lMVKxjXsBZ/s1600/DSCF3816-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469732652417146162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0nsFDZbIKA2hlbBN21NtGXBdYd81GKqOGpOMnD9on0kSXeWdZsx66FZVFnc9vbB410a_ZT9S18FUmERqPAi09V9RNCN5iGV1wbWhNHmL8L6oBdUTMcHL3qb_cMTcKUVZn7lMVKxjXsBZ/s400/DSCF3816-Edit.JPG" /></a> We found massive pine cones...seriously, some were close to a foot tall. They would make one heck of a <a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/birdfeeders/ht/PineConeFeeder.htm">peanut butter bird feeder</a>!<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymwBfvu1s30k0gg7ai9WYcn3VmXjpVYXo56QAgn9plmt13BtD2_lan5HIj6KON2S90ACWj4E8vfkZLplOG_EPcqzvHje3vuM3f_XFmrcdyiE8P_3l9wxW8DEkh6XP8Qj3UvZMIGdOXgbG/s1600/DSCF3819-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469731107350557218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymwBfvu1s30k0gg7ai9WYcn3VmXjpVYXo56QAgn9plmt13BtD2_lan5HIj6KON2S90ACWj4E8vfkZLplOG_EPcqzvHje3vuM3f_XFmrcdyiE8P_3l9wxW8DEkh6XP8Qj3UvZMIGdOXgbG/s400/DSCF3819-Edit.JPG" /></a><br />We played I-spy through the trees.</div><div>{I-spy is the new obsession around our house lately...}<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzTnXjg36W6viZJL1idEeL4iAxTlM9CBDt_vjvAy9qgV2_9pQ46_62aylraZ_WeYE9HQJH56avO-Z0ZJbHnWUtAUqhIpxf9XCJ088HFT2LPGXN6-arBRUCFNdso0BAQ4KbwbuBeK_NqkI/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469731101005094306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzTnXjg36W6viZJL1idEeL4iAxTlM9CBDt_vjvAy9qgV2_9pQ46_62aylraZ_WeYE9HQJH56avO-Z0ZJbHnWUtAUqhIpxf9XCJ088HFT2LPGXN6-arBRUCFNdso0BAQ4KbwbuBeK_NqkI/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" /></a><br />We discovered a tree that was the meal ticket for hungry wood-peckers...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0yoXhgCdhFnFRnVGU6nVgFTY4OsVXAsLAehyphenhyphenhlkkAZemAjnn3iBTIthD-3Bis4MPAQbFsEc9kG2Jv6PGC5_zyzvV8_CJnGTxyLlxhaUfQJdJ6r7SEFFdght4Cifvd3ZKchyphenhyphenTSwPYt6Lo/s1600/DSCF3828-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469731091044331938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0yoXhgCdhFnFRnVGU6nVgFTY4OsVXAsLAehyphenhyphenhlkkAZemAjnn3iBTIthD-3Bis4MPAQbFsEc9kG2Jv6PGC5_zyzvV8_CJnGTxyLlxhaUfQJdJ6r7SEFFdght4Cifvd3ZKchyphenhyphenTSwPYt6Lo/s400/DSCF3828-Edit.JPG" /></a> We found tiny pine cones that were good for accesorizing otherwise mundane sticks<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg740TJsIXT-1IRwllIClhgvt3mQ_h5R-ye2wHYCFlsXD8M4dt9PW_gfKYKwWRb-u4fDh__JRB8wTyGX77jRZguG8W-R-uXwPRo1ZkQQlWM5nDNFqYG0CWZ_3b2AUZOQKZuOlfHjr7GkoeL/s1600/DSCF3831-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469731080371950786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg740TJsIXT-1IRwllIClhgvt3mQ_h5R-ye2wHYCFlsXD8M4dt9PW_gfKYKwWRb-u4fDh__JRB8wTyGX77jRZguG8W-R-uXwPRo1ZkQQlWM5nDNFqYG0CWZ_3b2AUZOQKZuOlfHjr7GkoeL/s400/DSCF3831-Edit.JPG" /></a><br />The small pine cone became the official souvenir from the trip...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApTlKtYuDiu_Y5NQMxOw041aL4ye3aA-Jj5CTWNXRojRdvdLP_K5L4DB5RLg7w6lFj9axeDo7GDdy4kf4oriBZGwhQZk__yAxzmCPVMJsL5AVDG9Ebjtb-RcSuXsF0hLM5P8h7MMfTgoA/s1600/DSCF3812-Edit.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469731068121469986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApTlKtYuDiu_Y5NQMxOw041aL4ye3aA-Jj5CTWNXRojRdvdLP_K5L4DB5RLg7w6lFj9axeDo7GDdy4kf4oriBZGwhQZk__yAxzmCPVMJsL5AVDG9Ebjtb-RcSuXsF0hLM5P8h7MMfTgoA/s400/DSCF3812-Edit.JPG" /></a><br />The neatest part was that I relinquished all control over the direction taken on this walk...it was symbolic of how much my little guy is growing up and it made me equal sad and happy.</div><div>{We walked around this wooden bridge 5 times}</div><div> </div><div>Remember my <a href="http://campcupcakedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/motivation-monday-spring-goal-setting.html">spring goals</a>? This week has become a culmination of starting this new season of life: my first graduate class is coming to an end (lengthy paper due this weekend), we are running a 10K this weekend and a duathlon next weekend (my husband's first multi-sport race!), and my <a href="http://campcupcakedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-does-your-garden-grow.html">garden</a> is coming along nicely (except for the broccoli that seems to go from too-small-to-cut to already flowered overnight!)</div><div> </div><div>P.S. The above due dates and busy schedule have translated into low inventory over at Camp Cupcake, but I wanted to toot my horn a bit: we have been open 6 months today and my sales have surpassed my goals ten-fold. I look forward to getting back on track in order to move onto an even greater second half of this first year!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675498245481870442.post-31818840099389655002010-05-05T07:12:00.000-07:002010-05-05T07:34:42.554-07:00Of rum and ruffles...<div align="center">Have you ever heard of the person that is so predisposed to addiction that as soon as they take a swig of rum, they can't stop?</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78yj5B5jpqQLlmPuweewi0gK4TmZ6pqwlwAAWTkbNcNCP-0I7H770tu0aWs6Cm1B9vQW8KRBEUirpTdczxDYgg-HJ6c5R9Vtf6lC4UG8atmDF9ZbV2vStqCCaoNzOM8Ahfy-OBWfSnVci/s1600/SDC11196_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467789727427662498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78yj5B5jpqQLlmPuweewi0gK4TmZ6pqwlwAAWTkbNcNCP-0I7H770tu0aWs6Cm1B9vQW8KRBEUirpTdczxDYgg-HJ6c5R9Vtf6lC4UG8atmDF9ZbV2vStqCCaoNzOM8Ahfy-OBWfSnVci/s400/SDC11196_edited-1.jpg" /></a> Ruffles are my new rum...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGXu5kMFhbdXV_9FDDTOrJ2mmERdZDkr-emVvGvw50XMUabEpbmhr1iGiqPq5JIEotnZTwWswMnykNEMGyTmB_zIUE2RRzpXYUk27q1DutDVrot2nkDRmhrCByrWf_kW_YOs2SrMjveej/s1600/SDC11192_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467789714203977378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGXu5kMFhbdXV_9FDDTOrJ2mmERdZDkr-emVvGvw50XMUabEpbmhr1iGiqPq5JIEotnZTwWswMnykNEMGyTmB_zIUE2RRzpXYUk27q1DutDVrot2nkDRmhrCByrWf_kW_YOs2SrMjveej/s400/SDC11192_edited-1.jpg" /></a> I am so excited about learning to make them, that I have plans for all the things I want to ruffle. </p><p align="center">This is why I love the crafting community. They share tutorials and project ideas to help you out of a crafting rut and remember that creating something yourself is so rewarding.</p><p align="center">{I want to wear my camera to the grocery store today, just because I love this strap that much. That isn't wierd, right}</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBMuSJSI4BrZomXBy5anTd1blNOqmLy1oQcuOwzuZ7gLtT3jf428iPrfhXR4hywzvDBNvgDO2iOWPwh8KbTdRL2kXIhASX0R00D923qxRt2yKWhwFpxVE4bDsS9kcHAG2Ys3P35eIVuMf/s1600/SDC11195_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467789707813304434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBMuSJSI4BrZomXBy5anTd1blNOqmLy1oQcuOwzuZ7gLtT3jf428iPrfhXR4hywzvDBNvgDO2iOWPwh8KbTdRL2kXIhASX0R00D923qxRt2yKWhwFpxVE4bDsS9kcHAG2Ys3P35eIVuMf/s400/SDC11195_edited-1.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a> My ruffling skill still needs alot of work but I will accept the challenge.</p><p align="center">Find the tutorial to make your own ruffled camera strap at <a href="http://crapivemade.blogspot.com/2010/02/ruffled-camera-strap-tutorial.html">Crap I've Made</a>.</p><p align="center">There is also an entire blog with ruffle inspiration over at <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/">Ruffles and Stuff </a>(check out the entries into her <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2010/03/ruffle-your-stuff-entries.html">Ruffle Your Stuff contest</a>-mass crafty inspiration!)</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00365448256600738711noreply@blogger.com2