tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32664586149362966822024-03-16T03:35:15.010-04:00Cookie Crumbs & SawdustAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-72474744501164287912015-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-02T18:12:46.368-04:00craigs list selling tips<span id="goog_329465965"></span><span id="goog_329465966"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECkisjQVqjw/VZSbwAfPU2I/AAAAAAAAFSc/iL1fvMfiRYk/s1600/9CraigsListTips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECkisjQVqjw/VZSbwAfPU2I/AAAAAAAAFSc/iL1fvMfiRYk/s640/9CraigsListTips.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I discovered <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites" target="_blank">Craig's List</a> a few years back and I'm so glad I did! Lots of people know about Craig's List, but are nervous about actually using it. And who can blame them? Connecting with perfect strangers can be scary. However, after getting <a href="http://netsecurity.about.com/od/advancedsecurity/a/How-To-Stay-Safe-On-Craigslist.htm" target="_blank">informed</a> *on how to stay safe, it can open up all new kinds of home purging and DIY possibilities for you. Since my friends know I use Craig's List they often ask me how I sell things using it, this is what I tell them:<br />
<a name='more'></a><strong>Look at the wanted section</strong> to see if anyone wants what you are selling. If so, respond and let them know you may have something they want.<br />
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<strong>Know your price. </strong>Look at similar items and to get an idea of what others are asking for similar items. This will help you determine an asking price for your local area. Also, know your numbers ahead of time so that when someone makes an offer you quickly know if its within your range, and you can negotiate from there.<br />
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<strong>Take good pictures from different angles</strong>. Use a quality camera and make sure the item is well lit and not surrounded by other items. For example, if you are selling a piece of furniture, clear it off, empty it out, and make sure your camera's focus is on the actual item. There are lots of dark blurry photos out there. People want to see what you are selling.<br />
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<strong>Be truthful about the condition</strong> of the item. Highlight any features or damage of your item. Be upfront and honest with what is wrong, broken, scratch, rusted, etc. of your item. I take close up pictures of scratches and rust. If the item is in great condition, mention that as well.<br />
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<strong>Appeal to people's sense of smell. </strong>If you are selling from a smoke-free or pet-free home, include that information in your listing. This is particularly useful for clothing, upholstered items, or any thing with fabric or materials that absorb odors.<br />
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<strong>Be descriptive in your title</strong> and in your post. The more information you provide about your item, the more targeted buyer you will attract.<br />
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<strong>Respond quickly.</strong> Pick a time that you will be available to field phone calls, texts, or emails. The sooner you respond to a buyer's inquiry, the better chance you have of selling. People are interested in the moment. At the very least, acknowledge interested buyers and make arrangements to follow up.<br />
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<strong>Keep your ad near the top.</strong> The weekend seems to be an effective time to buy and sell, so I don't post mid-week. People are generally busy with work, families, or their other commitments. I find posting early Friday catches the weekend early bird buyers.<br />
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<strong>Decide your form of payment.</strong> I always include a "cash only" statement in the post description. I don't want to deal with other people's checks. And when I'm the one buying I can plan ahead and have the right amount of cash on hand.<br />
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Stay safe and happy selling.<br />
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What would you add to my list?<br />
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: none; border-image: none !important !important; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a><br />
*I've just referenced this one article. There are a lot more articles worth reading. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-26264306674351748612015-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:002015-06-01T21:32:36.995-04:00butterscotch browniesThese little golden bites of heaven were born out of desperation and necessity. Like all good treats, right?<br />
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My daughter needed to bring a treat for a youth group activity. . .at the last minute (literally, it was an hour before the activity). . .we didn't have any special ingredients. . .and there was no time to run to the store . . .<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">These chewy <em>butterscotch brownies</em> fulfilled all those circumstances deliciously.</span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0FKZ4G57-I/VWz_817Rr7I/AAAAAAAAFRk/U2Vsyc9fQdw/s1600/ButterscotchBrownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0FKZ4G57-I/VWz_817Rr7I/AAAAAAAAFRk/U2Vsyc9fQdw/s640/ButterscotchBrownies.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Ingredients</span><br />
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<li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled</li>
<li>2 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup flour</li>
<li>2 t baking powder</li>
<li>1 t salt</li>
<li>1 t vanilla</li>
<li>1 chopped cup nuts (optional)</li>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Directions</span><br />
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<li>Mix butter and sugar together, add eggs.</li>
<li>Add the dry ingredients, and mix until combined.</li>
<li>Pour into a buttered 8x8 baking dish. Bake for 30-45minutes at 350, until set. </li>
<li>Serve warm or room temperature.</li>
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I'd love to know what pickle these help you out in! (Or at least give me some reassurance that my kids aren't the only ones making last-minute baking requests.)</div>
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Happy Baking,<br />
Laura</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-83812237102548239762014-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-29T15:37:04.017-04:00brother {printable}I just love this Marc Brown quote. It's perfect for my little boys' room.<br />
This would be perfect framed for a baby shower.<br />
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Happy printing!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fssjWkbspUs/UesjiqvWsSI/AAAAAAAAEwU/a_coseaE9eY/s1600/Sometime_BeingABrother_black.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fssjWkbspUs/UesjiqvWsSI/AAAAAAAAEwU/a_coseaE9eY/s640/Sometime_BeingABrother_black.PNG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4016jtx9a970cv7/Sometimes%20being%20a%20BROTHER_black.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for black</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxueqstsyo9i75l/Sometimes%20being%20a%20BROTHER_darkblue.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for dark blue</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/w330sgjucpqgjp3/Sometimes%20being%20a%20BROTHER_green.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for green</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laNz7wgqipQ/UesjjQVlKsI/AAAAAAAAEwk/5dJ6ZyKOx1g/s1600/Sometime_BeingABrother_lightblue.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laNz7wgqipQ/UesjjQVlKsI/AAAAAAAAEwk/5dJ6ZyKOx1g/s640/Sometime_BeingABrother_lightblue.PNG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/kcni0pz80f8afvg/Sometimes%20being%20a%20BROTHER_lightblue.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for light blue</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ir2QN848eKo/UesjjvPowgI/AAAAAAAAEw0/lSU0nRUT1IE/s1600/Sometime_BeingABrother_red.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ir2QN848eKo/UesjjvPowgI/AAAAAAAAEw0/lSU0nRUT1IE/s640/Sometime_BeingABrother_red.PNG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ngq9tks9cfg8px/Sometimes%20being%20a%20BROTHER_red.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for red</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-88782506380870776242014-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-13T08:51:01.826-04:00baby gBaby G's mom asked me to take some newborn photos, and I was more than happy to spend to time with this peaceful babe.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6q3Wa0zrtg/VDvHtbtl6hI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ZSLcmgyDXHw/s1600/e_BabyMargetts009r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6q3Wa0zrtg/VDvHtbtl6hI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ZSLcmgyDXHw/s1600/e_BabyMargetts009r.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-18283673242099165362014-03-20T08:00:00.000-04:002014-08-05T14:09:06.352-04:00new england ice cream stands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vQqdsYfx4I/U-Ec-umjtcI/AAAAAAAAFGM/LjX2HerRKgc/s1600/NewEnglandIcecreamStands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vQqdsYfx4I/U-Ec-umjtcI/AAAAAAAAFGM/LjX2HerRKgc/s1600/NewEnglandIcecreamStands.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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Despite the snow still on the ground here in New England, our favorite nearby ice cream stand is open and serving out <i>stacked</i> cones of ice cream.<br />
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Something we love about living here in New England are all the quint little homemade ice cream stands that dot the towns here. They're everywhere. And super yummy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.kimballfarm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Kimball Farm</span></a><br />
400 Littleton Rd. Westford, MA<br />
1543 Lunenburg Rd. Lancaster, MA<br />
343 Bedford Rd. Carlisle, MA<br />
158 Turnpike Rd. Jaffrey, NH<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sully's Ice Cream Stand</span><br />
55 Graniteville Rd. Chelmsford, MA<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Hudson Creamery</span><br />
418 Main St. Hudson, MA<br />
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<a href="http://www.thehappychocolatier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Happy Chocolatier</span></a><br />
509 Nagog Park Acton, MA<br />
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<a href="http://sullivanfarmsicecream.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sullivan Farms Homemade Ice Cream</span></a><br />
176 Middlesex Rd. Tyngsborough, MA<br />
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<a href="http://parleefarms.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Parlee Farms</span></a><br />
95 Farwell Rd. Tyngsborough, MA<br />
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<a href="http://www.davidianbros.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Davidian Bros. Deli & Farm</span></a><br />
500 Church St. Northborough, MA<br />
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<a href="http://www.trombettasfarm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Trombetta's Farm</span></a><br />
655 Farm Rd. Marlborough, MA<br />
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<a href="https://www.skiward.com/mountain-info/slopeside-pub-and-grille/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Slopeside Bar & Grill</span></a><br />
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1000 Main St. Shewsbury, MA<br />
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Of course, there's more out. If you have a favorite, pass it on and I'll add it to the list. Because everyone should access to good ice cream.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-11133691132368813672014-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-05T19:04:28.530-04:00beautiful daughter {printable}I'm excited to share this today -a free printable! It's a first here. My daughter has this quote on a small tattered piece of brown cardstock on her bulletin board. She got it awhile ago and I thought it deserved a fresh makeover and a little bit more attention than it was getting, so I created this printable for her. It prints as on 8.5 x 11, sheet and measures approximately 7.5 x 6 inches.<br />
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There's five colors to choose from -just click on hue you like best.<br />
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Happy Printing!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye58PkI9Sdk/UesKcBwJNkI/AAAAAAAAEv8/roo2DViylSg/s1600/Lovely_Daughter_blue.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye58PkI9Sdk/UesKcBwJNkI/AAAAAAAAEv8/roo2DViylSg/s640/Lovely_Daughter_blue.PNG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6xplt67bt780a8g/Lovely_Daughter_blue.pdf" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Click here for blue</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/9559xskqrf0fup4/Lovely_Daughter_gray.pdf" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Click here for gray</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zz7o2unveakbavw/Lovely_Daughter_orange.pdf" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Click here for orange</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSB6NQDtkh4/UesISHVmlwI/AAAAAAAAEvM/u4vGRm6no8A/s1600/Lovely_Daughter_pink.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSB6NQDtkh4/UesISHVmlwI/AAAAAAAAEvM/u4vGRm6no8A/s640/Lovely_Daughter_pink.PNG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3vpbx38c6639d0/Lovely_Daughter_pink.pdf" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Click here for light pink</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJCEF--zBMc/UesISW6yo6I/AAAAAAAAEvU/5UIkSjD3cV0/s1600/Lovely_Daughter_purple.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJCEF--zBMc/UesISW6yo6I/AAAAAAAAEvU/5UIkSjD3cV0/s640/Lovely_Daughter_purple.PNG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5rh95lygxss7oo/Lovely_Daughter_purple.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for purple</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-60879613223162263042014-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-10T09:54:31.087-04:00texas sheet cake<br />
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I was first introduced to Texas sheet cake in Indiana by a dear friend, however</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Texas sheet cake is a national favorite.</span></div>
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Everyone loves Texas sheet cake! And why not? Its moist chocolately cake and almost fudge-like frosting combination is a winner. Plus, it's just so <em>easy</em> to make. It's a great dessert for large crowds or the casual potluck. And for good reason, one recipe make <em>a lot</em> of cake!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aDh1NDDNfM/U0Z9NN97zLI/AAAAAAAAFCw/pQSmM0K9Zk8/s1600/TexasSheetCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aDh1NDDNfM/U0Z9NN97zLI/AAAAAAAAFCw/pQSmM0K9Zk8/s1600/TexasSheetCake.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I don't always have buttermilk in the fridge, but the vinegar/milk substitute works so good, there's no reason to make an extra trip to the store.</div>
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This is also a great recipe to make with kids.<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span id="goog_873892333" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
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<em>Cake</em></div>
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1 cup butter*</div>
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1/4 cup cocoa</div>
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1 cup water</div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/2 cup buttermilk**</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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<em>Frosting</em></div>
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1/2 cup butter*</div>
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1/4 cup cocoa</div>
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5 tablespoons milk</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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1 lb powered sugar (3.5 cups)</div>
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Cake</div>
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Preheat your oven to 350. Generously spray or butter a half-sized sheet pan.</div>
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.</div>
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Gently whisk buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs in a small bowl, just until yolks are broken. Set aside.</div>
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In a medium size pot, bring butter, cocoa, and the water to a boil. Immediately pour over flour mixture and whisk until smooth.</div>
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Add the buttermilk mixture and whisk until smooth again.</div>
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Pour into prepared sheet pan.</div>
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While cake is baking, prepare frosting.</div>
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Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.</div>
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Pour and gently smooth frosting over hot cake. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.</div>
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Frosting</div>
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Bring butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil. Add vanilla and powered sugar. Remove from heat and whisk until smooth. Immediately pour and smooth over hot cake.</div>
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*if using salted butter, reduce salt to 1/8 teaspoon.</div>
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**substitute 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar and 1/2 cup (less 1/2 tablespoon) milk for buttermilk.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Baker's Tip:</span></div>
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Gently spoon cocoa into the measuring cup instead of using the dip and level method.</div>
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For easier clean-up, lay a small piece of wax paper on surface where measuring cocoa.</div>
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Why do you love it?</div>
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: none; border-image: none !important; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-70198154468216995922013-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-10T09:53:21.361-04:00{chocolate} gingerbread bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My littles love gingerbread -almost to a fault. On more than one occasion I have caught one of them nibbling on the annual gingerbread houses we make and decorate at Christmastime. Lots of times, the houses are created from my mother-in-laws yummy homemade gingerbread, but other rushed years, we have relied on the store bought kit-in-a-box. That's where the 'almost to a fault' incidents come into play -nibbling on the gross, cement like ginger grossness.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMgzoXig0M0/UrI24jE59jI/AAAAAAAAFAI/PM-9a84uAkU/s1600/ChocolateGingerbreadBars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMgzoXig0M0/UrI24jE59jI/AAAAAAAAFAI/PM-9a84uAkU/s640/ChocolateGingerbreadBars.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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So that's why I was so happy to discover these chocolate gingerbread bars. The littles can nibble on these gingerbread bars, sparing the store-bought manufactured house variety.<a name='more'></a><br />
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan</div>
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for the pan</div>
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3/4 cup all purpose flour</div>
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1 teaspoon ground ginger</div>
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice</div>
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/8 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar</div>
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1/4 cup unsulfured molasses</div>
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1 large egg</div>
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1/4 cup sour cream</div>
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1/2 cup semi semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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Powered sugar for dusting</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8 in square baking pan. Line bottom with a parchment paper, letting it overhang on both sides (for easy for removal after the bars are baked. Butter the paper.</div>
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Dust both the paper and the sides of the pan with cocoa powder; set pan aside.</div>
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In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, ginger, pumpkin-pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set bowl aside.</div>
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In a large bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and sour cream until smooth. Add the flour mixture and stir until just mixed. Stir in the chocolate chips.</div>
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Spoon the batter into prepared pan, and smooth the top.</div>
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.</div>
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Pull gingerbread from pan using paper overhang, and cut into squares.</div>
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Dust with powered sugar before serving.</div>
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Let me know if you give them and try and they are worthy of your holiday repertoire.</div>
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: none; border-image: none !important; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-66837267277086482052013-11-20T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-13T08:51:23.449-04:00f familyThis fun family asked to take their family pictures this fall. This is a family that loves to have fun together, so it wasn't hard to capture their cute smiles.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arCdqW46QuI/VDvCk438JPI/AAAAAAAAFJE/W36pBwM_pzs/s1600/e_DSC_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arCdqW46QuI/VDvCk438JPI/AAAAAAAAFJE/W36pBwM_pzs/s1600/e_DSC_0224.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDDKxOqvzGw/VDvCkzs1q9I/AAAAAAAAFJA/Du_UoklFkl0/s1600/e_DSC_0352_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDDKxOqvzGw/VDvCkzs1q9I/AAAAAAAAFJA/Du_UoklFkl0/s1600/e_DSC_0352_a.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qst-hGcL0ns/VDvCk8S2NKI/AAAAAAAAFI8/1_WA75BFdug/s1600/e_DSC_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qst-hGcL0ns/VDvCk8S2NKI/AAAAAAAAFI8/1_WA75BFdug/s1600/e_DSC_0358.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsotKES9cR0/VDvClyGi2iI/AAAAAAAAFJM/JUR55kA-uQA/s1600/e_DSC_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsotKES9cR0/VDvClyGi2iI/AAAAAAAAFJM/JUR55kA-uQA/s1600/e_DSC_0445.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMWR3Ai2nBE/VDvDt25LkYI/AAAAAAAAFJc/yJKLwM9944w/s1600/e_DSC_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMWR3Ai2nBE/VDvDt25LkYI/AAAAAAAAFJc/yJKLwM9944w/s1600/e_DSC_0332.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUzMjkkeUgY/VDvDtwo9whI/AAAAAAAAFJg/PnICm_UC9LE/s1600/e_DSC_0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUzMjkkeUgY/VDvDtwo9whI/AAAAAAAAFJg/PnICm_UC9LE/s1600/e_DSC_0425.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: none; border-image: none !important; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-49231670898338393342013-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-10T09:53:37.171-04:0012 Organizing Ideas for the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I recently taught a class for my Church's women's group. Since the holidays are almost here, I focused on strategies to help make the holidays easier.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4u8P_1hND4/UnrMRqSkWSI/AAAAAAAAE-c/Ub68c-qlyIY/s1600/12OrganizingIdeasfortheHolidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4u8P_1hND4/UnrMRqSkWSI/AAAAAAAAE-c/Ub68c-qlyIY/s400/12OrganizingIdeasfortheHolidays.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the 12 organizing ideas for getting through the holidays in one piece.<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Decide ahead of time your budget. </b>This curbs impulse purchases which later need
to be returned, cleaned, organized, donated, etc. (more work). Consider
everyone you may need to purchase gifts for: teachers, sitters, coaches, etc.
Create a stockpile of generic gifts for those individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Decide how much you want to decorate.</b> If you know life will be a bit busier this
year, decide in advance where to cut back and discuss your plans with your
family beforehand. Let them voice their opinions and allow them to share the
load. Or make arrangements to hire someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Keep a central list of gift purchases</b>, receipts, and location. This keeps equity
among younger kids, and it’s no fun searching for that perfect gift that you
know is “somewhere around here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Decide ahead of time</b> with your family which social obligations
and activities are most important. When your calendar starts filling up you can
quickly respond and still keep time for those traditions that you truly
treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Schedule your traditions on the calendar.</b> If you have a “Make Cookies with the Kids Day,”
make an appointment with yourself, prepare for it, and keep it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Organize your Christmas card list.</b> Save the list electronically, so that you
just print out directly onto labels or envelopes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Start menu planning.</b> Everyone has their favorite holiday dish. If
kids are old enough and competent in the kitchen, assign them their favorite
dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Schedule a baking day.</b> Lots of treats freeze well and can be made
ahead of time and pulled out and packaged for the last-minute need. This a good
time hone your signature treat. Just make one great quality treat instead of a variety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Designate a temporary gift wrapping station</b> in your home –a place where you can leave
the gift wrapping supplies (tape, scissors, tissue paper, bags, boxes, wrap,
ribbon, etc.) Pick a place that won’t interrupt normal meal times or homework.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Commit to staying onto top of laundry, meals,
and light housekeeping.</b> The
holiday season is too long to just ignore housekeeping all together until
January. Hire out if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Seek for alternative seasonal traditions.</b> Christmas cards received any time during the
holidays is fine. A fun and unexpected alternative are Thanksgiving or Valentine’s
Day cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Seek to find Christ-center motivation in all
your activities.</b> This will
remind you of why you committed to the activity and drive your purpose in
fulfilling it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Above all, don’t try to do it all.</b> That’s just no fun at all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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How do you survive the Thanksgiving thru New Year's Eve marathon?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MixItUp</span></a> | <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Creative</span></a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">thededicatedhouse</span></a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">JamHands</span></a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">BNOTP</span></a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a> <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">CreateIt</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday: </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Remodelaholic</span></a></span> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/12/we-heart-organizing-lets-get-this-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">IHeartOrganizing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://bloomdesignsonline.com/2013/12/link-party-57.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BloomDesigns</span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-71088958580117351532013-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-20T06:15:19.195-04:00my favorite DIY toolsEverybody knows that having the right tool for the job makes the job <em>easier</em>.<br />
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Here's a run down of the tools that have made our DIYing much easier, and are versatile enough to make our favorite DIY Must Haves:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEN_T6drJ7g/UifyZjDwReI/AAAAAAAAE7k/K8u0F4cYBTU/s1600/Top4DIYMustHaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEN_T6drJ7g/UifyZjDwReI/AAAAAAAAE7k/K8u0F4cYBTU/s640/Top4DIYMustHaves.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Four DIY Must Have Tools</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Number 1</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Utility Trailer</span><br />
Coming in at number 1 -the small utility trailer. This is great for so much! Its great for picking up oversized things, dropping off oversized things, and just generally hauling almost anything. Basically, it provides the capability of a pickup truck without having to own a pick up truck.<br />
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We bought our trailer used from a friend. But if you look around <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites" target="_blank">Craig's List</a>, chances are good you will eventually come across someone selling one. Or, for the ambitious DIY guy or gal, build your own. (Our is homemade from our friend!)<br />
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If you have the space to store a trailer, this is the kind investment that quickly pays for itself. No more renting <a href="http://www.uhaul.com/" target="_blank">UHaul</a> or <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/" target="_blank">Home Depot</a> vehicles. And no more expensive small bags of mulch/soil/whatever. Now, we can buy it by the cubic yard at a fraction of the cost. We used ours a lot this spring when doing all this <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/06/yard-work.html" target="_blank">yard work</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Number 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Pressure Washer</span><br />
The ever versatile pressure washer. We use ours <em>almost</em> year round, from early spring to late fall (too cold here in New England in the winter. Plus, we turn off our outside water lines as part of our routine winter maintenance. We don't want any exploding pipes.).<br />
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We use our pressure washer to clean the outside of the house, the driveway, the patio, the porch, the deck, the walk ways, the vinyl fencing, and anything else that gets super dirty -minus the kiddos. We've even used to inside the pool. With the combination of humidity and shade, its not uncommon for outside surfaces to start growing a green layer in these parts, gross but true.<br />
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In the past, we have owned a cheaper and less powerful model, and it didn't last more than a few years, and wasn't nearly as good at removing gunk, better to hold out for the most powerful model you can afford.<br />
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Be forewarned - you <strike>may</strike> will get super <em>dirty</em> and <em>wet</em> using a pressure washer! You might just want to plan on showering afterward.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Number 3</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Paint Sprayer</span><br />
We scored a high volume low pressure paint sprayer off of <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites" target="_blank">Craig's List</a>. There are lots of smaller variety little guys on the market, but I'm sad to report, they're just kind of, well, wimpy. Again, this is a tool that is better with some meaty power behind it (you don't want a bad paint job).<br />
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We bought ours used for 1/2 the retail price. And we've used for all sorts of jobs. And a just a little FYI, these things work fast! You'll spend <em>lots</em> more time prepping your site than it takes to paint., but so worth it when you can paint a lot or a big surface fast. It came in handy when we did our <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-family-room-progress.html" target="_blank">family room</a> project.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Number 4</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Multi-Tool</span><br />
Lastly, the ever humble and one of our <em>most </em>used tools, the adeptly named multi-tool. Craftsman makes the brand we own and this is <em>the</em> tool Handyman swears by. And the one when I asked him which is his go to tool, this was it! We have a cordless one. And retailing for just under a $100, this tool is likely the least expensive one the list. But as Handyman says, "that's cheap for a tool!"</div>
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So, they you have it. Our list of go-to and must have tools. What makes your list?</div>
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Happing DIYing,</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MixItUp</span></a> | <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Creative</span></a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">thededicatedhouse</span></a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">JamHands</span></a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">BNOTP</span></a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a> <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">CreateIt</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday: </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Remodelaholic</span></a></span> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/12/we-heart-organizing-lets-get-this-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">IHeartOrganizing</span></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-86893942182383160512013-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-26T15:41:18.851-04:00seasonal snickerdoodlesAlright, these are in honor of my <em>newest</em> sister-in-law, Jen, the Jenerator. She loves snickerdoodles. According to her, she could eat the <em>whole</em> batch! She loves 'em.<br />
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One of my favorite things to do is to take a well-loved classic and adapt it up for the season. That's exactly what these seasonal snickerdoodles provide -a taste of the holidays.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">With just a simple swap of cinnamon to pumpkin pie spice, these cookies are ready to hold their own against any fall and winter treat. . .</span></h2>
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and leave you wondering why you never thought of this tiny tweak before.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW58AYSS37I/UL_VVtqf34I/AAAAAAAAED0/jc8IgoRd72A/s1600/seasonal_snickerdoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW58AYSS37I/UL_VVtqf34I/AAAAAAAAED0/jc8IgoRd72A/s640/seasonal_snickerdoodles.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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1 cup unsalted butter</div>
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1 1/2 cups sugar</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 3/4 cups flour</div>
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2 teaspoon cream of tartar</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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2 tablespoons <strong>pumpkin pie spice</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;">Directions:</span></div>
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.</div>
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In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and the salt. Set aside.</div>
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<span id="goog_753390681">In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs. Scrap down the sides of the bowl, and add the whisked dry ingredients. Beat to combine.</span></div>
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In a small bowl, combine the reserved 1/4 cup sugar and <strong>pumpkin pie spice</strong>. Shape the dough into balls and roll in sugar mixture.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place balls about two inches apart on the baking sheet.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bake 8-10 minutes or until set.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let cookies sit five minutes on the baking sheet on a wire cooling rack before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Makes approximately 41/2 to 6 dozen cookies.</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bakers Tip:</span><em> I like to use a cookie scoop to get uniform size cookies.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
What's your favorite holiday adjustment?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MixItUp</span></a> | <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Creative</span></a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">thededicatedhouse</span></a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">JamHands</span></a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">BNOTP</span></a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a> <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">CreateIt</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday: </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Remodelaholic</span></a></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-53496015110476486712013-09-02T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-26T15:42:00.061-04:00chewy caramel butter barsMy mother-in-law understands my <em>long-standing</em> love of baking. A few years back she gave me this <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081185566X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=081185566X&linkCode=as2&tag=coocrusaw-20">Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=coocrusaw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=081185566X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">recipe book</a> which is wholly dedicated to baking ooey-gooey, yummy treats -and this little guy's number finally came up.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you don't like caramel, shortbread, or nuts, this butter bar is not for you.</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ4sWfbwikM/UfgPbX_T7mI/AAAAAAAAEzs/WVs-NkqZnDM/s1600/Chewy_Caramel_Butterbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ4sWfbwikM/UfgPbX_T7mI/AAAAAAAAEzs/WVs-NkqZnDM/s640/Chewy_Caramel_Butterbars.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I love these Gooey Chewy Caramel Butter Bars. They were easy to make and man, they were good!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">INGREDIENTS</span><br />
FOR THE CRUST:<br />
1 lb unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
4 cups unbleached all purpose flour<br />
<br />
FOR THE FILLING:<br />
14 oz caramel candies, unwrapped<br />
1/3 cup heavy cream<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1-2 tablespoon dark rum, optional<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup nuts (pecan, walnut or cashews), optional<br />
confectioners sugar (optional)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">DIRECTIONS</span><br />
<ol>
<li> In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Using an electric mixer set at medium speed, beat together until creamy. Add the vanilla and salt and beat until combined. Sift the flour into the butter mixture and beat on low speed until a smooth soft dough forms.</li>
<li>Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Press one-third of the dough evenly into the pan to form a bottom crust. Pat the remaining dough into a flat disk and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325F. Bake until firm and the edges are a pale golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.</li>
<li>While the bottom crust is baking and the remaining dough is chilling, make the caramel filling. Place the unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the cream, rum (if using), and salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. If caramels are not completely melted, microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.</li>
<li>Sprinkle the nuts, if using, over the bottom crust. Pour the caramel filling over the nuts, using a small metal spatula to nudge the filling evenly over the crust. Remove the remaining chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crumbled shortbread topping is firm and lightly golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.</li>
<li>Use a sharp knife to cut the bars evenly into 15 large squares. Remove the bars from the pan with a metal spatula and, if desired, cut in half on the diagonal to form 30 triangular bars. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.</li>
</ol>
The bars will keep, covered tightly at room temperature, for about 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">BONUS:</span><br />
These bars ship beautifully. After I baked a batch, I realized they would be sturdy enough to ship. And they were! I mailed a box of them across the country, from Boston to Salt Lake City, to my mother-in-law. When she received them, she said they were perfectly intact and delicious. In fact, she called me <em>while</em> eating one, her mouth-full, to tell me how great they were. Love that woman!<br />
<br />
The holiday season is coming up. What's your go-to shipping treat?<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1489704432">Happy Baking,</span><br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post contains an affiliate link. Don't worry, you pay the same price, but I get a tiny commission. And I <em>only</em> include links of products I use and love and really want to share with my friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MixItUp</span></a> | <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Creative</span></a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">thededicatedhouse</span></a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">JamHands</span></a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">BNOTP</span></a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/" target="_blank">CreateIt</a></span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Remodelaholic</span></a></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-34450156602796361052013-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-10T08:40:08.380-04:00top five {august}I can't believe August is over already! It seems like summer just started. And with our late out of school date, it kinda did. But we managed to squeeze in lots of fun before we have to slip back into our school schedule!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Llm-EakJzts/Ui8S1qxNqlI/AAAAAAAAE74/LpByJRavTDA/s1600/AugustTopFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Llm-EakJzts/Ui8S1qxNqlI/AAAAAAAAE74/LpByJRavTDA/s640/AugustTopFive.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just in case you missed one, here are my top five posts from August:<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">1)<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span></span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/broccoli-salad.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Broccoli Salad</span></a></span><br />
this make ahead side dish is yummy, easy, and perfect for fall while broccoli is in season!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes</span></a></span><br />
these cheesecake cupcakes are dangerously good!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/teaching-children-life-lessons-through.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Why I Got My Kids a Pet</span></a></span><br />
learn about some of the benefits of pet ownership for children.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/reference-books-for-diy.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">DIY Must Have Reference Books</span></a></span><br />
have a home repair or improvement question? these books have you covered!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/ice-cream-cake.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Ice Cream Sandwich Cake</span></a></span><br />
this cheater's ice cream cake uses ice cream sandwiches, a gooey layer of chocolate fudge, and your choice of nuts or candy!<br />
<br />
<em>A special thank you to my readers! Thank you for stopping and reading my blog. I appreciate all your comments and for joining me on this journey as we take baby steps towards updating, renovating, and decorating our little yellow cape.</em> <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a><br />
What was your favorite post?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-60281966443115275432013-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T14:23:56.901-04:00tween birthday party essentialsWe just hosted a birthday party for my daughter and her friend. I already posted the easy to make <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/ice-cream-cake.html" target="_blank">ice cream sandwich cake</a> that we served. Here are the rest of the fun details from the party.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxWypwbr3Co/UiDZDOk70jI/AAAAAAAAE6g/hwjZnbptG-4/s1600/TweenBirthdayPartyEssentials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxWypwbr3Co/UiDZDOk70jI/AAAAAAAAE6g/hwjZnbptG-4/s640/TweenBirthdayPartyEssentials.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>CAKE- Of course, you need cake. This<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/ice-cream-cake.html" target="_blank"> ice cream sandwich cake</a> was perfect for a summer outdoor party.</li>
<li>TREATS- The girls loved filling a small candy bag from this glass candy jar. I purchased it from TJ Maxx last year and it comes in handy all the time -for parties and for seasonal home décor. Such a good purchase.</li>
<li>WELCOME SIGN- This is always a nice way to welcome your guests and let them know you're glad they came. We made this simple welcome sign by spraying paint an old picture frame that we had and attaching a welcome sign (created in Microsoft Word) with fun duct tape.</li>
<li>GAMES- One of the games with girls loved playing was a water balloon toss. We had enough balloons to play a few different water balloon games. My friend found these super cute marbleized balloons. They were almost too cute to break! (My friend bought them at our local toy shop. I'm still looking for an online link for you. Or if you know a source, let me know!)</li>
<li>FAVORS- One thing my daughter really wanted to include for her guests were these s'mores kits. We packaged three store-bought graham crackers, a full size Hershey's chocolate bar, and three store-bought marshmallows in clear bags tied with a ribbon. (I like to keep a variety of these clear bags on hand. They're super useful! You can purchase them at most craft and hobby stores.)</li>
<li>DRINKS- Another way to personalize the party was with these decorated water bottles. It was a warm and sunny day and the girls were swimming most of the time, I wanted to provide enough water to keep them hydrated. We ripped off the label of store-bought water bottles and wrapped them with this cute patterned duct tape. Then I added an address label so that the girls could write their name on it. This made it easier to distinguish water bottles keeping the party casual and making it easier for the guests and for me as the host. I use this little tip with cups too. (Of course, you can just write directly on the bottle or cup, but I find the ink always smears, so the label is a worthwhile extra step.)</li>
</ol>
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What are you go-to party essentials?<br />
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Happy Entertaining,<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-12453407167457171302013-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-28T07:21:58.717-04:00hinged countertopEver wish you had more counter space in your kitchen? I do, <em>everyday</em>! Well, we came up with a way to have additional surface space (just when we want it) with this hinged countertop.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">This is such a simple and easy way to add surface space.</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7n1OPgDeFpI/UgAZdLt4sxI/AAAAAAAAE0M/k-qHapvDuEU/s1600/HingedCountertop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7n1OPgDeFpI/UgAZdLt4sxI/AAAAAAAAE0M/k-qHapvDuEU/s640/HingedCountertop1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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If you been reading this little blog of mine, you know we have a cozy little cape. We needed a way to add additional surface space to our kitchen without a major remodel or renovation.<br />
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Once we changed a wood <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-family-room-progress.html" target="_blank">railing to a knee wall separating the kitchen from the adjoining family</a> room, it created the perfect opportunity to add a hinged countertop in our kitchen. When open, it can function as a sunken bar top.<br />
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And best of all, it was super easy and affordable.<br />
<br />
The beauty of this DIY countertop is the hinge, creating the flexibility to "open" and "close" it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WhSnNnrvg/UgAZdRAng6I/AAAAAAAAE0U/ANKiD2PEL04/s1600/HingedCounterTop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WhSnNnrvg/UgAZdRAng6I/AAAAAAAAE0U/ANKiD2PEL04/s640/HingedCounterTop3.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hinged kitchen countertop bar in the closed position</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This project requires:<br />
<ul>
<li>a countertop surface (we used a semi-gloss painted piece of wood)</li>
<li>a piano hinge (length determined by the countertop)</li>
<li>two jointed support arms</li>
<li>sturdy attachment points for the two support arms and the piano hinge</li>
<li>screws (number dependent on length of countertop)</li>
<li>power drill</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">STEPS</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Gather all your materials.</li>
<li>Cut wood for the counter top to size.</li>
<li>Finish the counter top (sand and paint, for us).</li>
<li>Attach the piano hinge to the counter top.</li>
<li>Attach the other side of the piano hinge to the wall or other attachment point.</li>
<li>Install the support arms.</li>
<li>Enjoy your new additional space.</li>
</ol>
We added 2 additional pieces to visually make sense of the design. The center two pieces are purely decorative, creating a batten board look on the wall.<br />
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Our counter top was made from a 60" piece of 1x12 pine, picked up at the nearest big box hardware store. Since you're building it yourself, yours can be whatever size you want it to be. (Customization, my favorite feature of DIY!)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUqXa2uOCgU/UgAZdqzDdEI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/XF9UqH6Six4/s1600/HingedCountertop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUqXa2uOCgU/UgAZdqzDdEI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/XF9UqH6Six4/s640/HingedCountertop2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to say, we've have this little swinging bar shelf in place for almost 9 months and it's held up great. I absolutely adore the additional space for everyday function and occasionally entertaining, and the kids love having a little place to perch that peeks into the family room. (And I love that since it sits lower than the top of the half wall. Therefore, any low height clutter is <em>not </em>visible from the family room.<br />
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Oh, and this pretty flowers? I cut them my <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-planting.html" target="_blank">flower garden</a>. They're super fragrant.<br />
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How do you accommodate a lack of surface space?<br />
<br />
Happy DIYing,<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-90972057271878619802013-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T06:19:55.328-04:00ice cream cakeI recently threw my daughter a birthday party, and this was the cake she requested -which I was pretty happy about because. . . <br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">This seriously has to be the easiest cake to make, ever!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNsYB4DZ7yY/UhtJxaDG5jI/AAAAAAAAE50/jlVFJrzSJjQ/s1600/IceCreamCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNsYB4DZ7yY/UhtJxaDG5jI/AAAAAAAAE50/jlVFJrzSJjQ/s640/IceCreamCake.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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You gotta love when your kid actually makes a reasonable (and downright easy request) when you're in the midst of planning a birthday party right? I sure was grateful! Not only that, but she was happy with simple sprinkles as the sole decorations. I <em>really</em> love this girl!<br />
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And the cake was a total hit! All the guests loved it. And they may or may not had a bowl diving contest to see who could get the most cake on their face.<br />
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I did hope their parents had served them a heaping helping of veggies for lunch, because I had some serious guilt serving this chocolately fudge, candy, and sugar laden dessert.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5MocriHDtE/Uhv3FOQgyGI/AAAAAAAAE6M/90-gsSbK2y4/s1600/IceCreamCake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5MocriHDtE/Uhv3FOQgyGI/AAAAAAAAE6M/90-gsSbK2y4/s640/IceCreamCake2.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the ice cream sandwich ice cream cake looks like before you frost it with whipped cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span><br />
<ul>
<li>2 boxes of ice cream sandwiches, frozen, any flavor</li>
<li>2 cartons (8 oz) Cool-Whip, thawed or whipped cream</li>
<li>2 jars (11 3/4 oz) hot fudge topping, room temperature</li>
<li>1 bag of Heath bar toffee brickle (in the baking section)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;">Directions</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Layer the sandwiches tightly in your pan.*</li>
<li>After one layer of sandwiches, generously spread the hot fudge evenly across. Top with the toffee.</li>
<li>Repeat the layers in order, until you have your desired height, ending with the ice cream sandwiches.</li>
<li>Freeze for 4 hours, or overnight.</li>
<li>Frost with whipped cream.</li>
<li>Decorate as desired.</li>
</ol>
*I wanted my cake to resemble an 8x8 layer cake, so I layered the ice cream sandwiches in a metal 8x8 baking pan, lined with wax paper going up over the sides of the pan. Right before it was time to frost the cake, I turned it out onto a serving dish, and peeled away the wax paper. The paper came right off!<br />
<em></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Notes:</span></em><br />
<ul>
<li>Work with a just a few sandwiches at a time, so that they don't become too thawed.</li>
<li>You may need to cut the sandwiches to fit the pan. The sandwich should be tight in the pan. The sandwiches cut easily and cleanly when frozen.</li>
<li>You may need to pop the cake into the freezer occasionally as you layer, to keep it chilled.</li>
</ul>
Have fun with it! The best part of this cake is picking out the ingredients. Our grocery store carries, vanilla, chocolate, and mint varieties of ice cream sandwiches. The fillings can be anything you want: nuts, mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, caramel sauce, whatever!<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
Happy non-baking,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home |</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> | <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">thededicatedhouse</a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">BNOTP</a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; 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text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a> | <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank">Palooza</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-76241709122747065292013-08-19T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-22T09:48:04.777-04:00vacationHi Friends,<br />
<br />
I'm on vacation this week with my family.<br />
<br />
Before we leave, I'm hosting a double birthday <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/07/for-love-of-fish.html" target="_blank">pool party</a> for my daughter and her cute friend. (Can you say twice the fun, half the work!) The girls requested this <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/06/no-bake-birthday-cake.html" target="_blank">ice cream cake</a>.<br />
<br />
Then we're off to play in the pretty <a href="http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/" target="_blank">White Mountains</a>. <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Handyman</a> was just up a few weeks ago hiking Mt Adams and Mt Washington. I'll be back next week.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBF4FmYsQCM/UhX_OSQx-rI/AAAAAAAAE5k/PGqjJ-LkDXY/s1600/white-mountains-waterfall-16_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBF4FmYsQCM/UhX_OSQx-rI/AAAAAAAAE5k/PGqjJ-LkDXY/s400/white-mountains-waterfall-16_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Mountains, <a href="http://philip.greenspun.com/images/pcd0161/" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the meantime, you can stay in touch with me through <a href="http://instagram.com/cookiecrumbsandsawdust" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cookiecrumbsandsawdust" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/cookiecrumbsand" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
Have a good week,<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-46193568675202514822013-08-15T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:07:14.418-04:00reference books for DIYEver wonder how some people seem to know to DIY everything? Well, maybe they don't. . .or didn't.<br />
<br />
Before we bought our current house our DIY experience was limited to cosmetic fixes, additions to our previous new construction home, and experience working alongside our dads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLvPjbNbmj4/UgKi0-ksyzI/AAAAAAAAE0s/KLzMxMWGRJs/s1600/ReferenceBooksForDIY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLvPjbNbmj4/UgKi0-ksyzI/AAAAAAAAE0s/KLzMxMWGRJs/s640/ReferenceBooksForDIY.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reference Books for DIY</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1178119888">But after buying an older home, our DIY skill set has expanded to all sorts of things like:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>familiarizing ourselves with current code standards, both local and general</li>
<li>acquainting ourselves with our town's permit policies and procedures*</li>
<li>learning how to <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/06/hardwood-how-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">INSTALL HARDWOOD FLOORS</span></a></li>
<li>increasing our <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-pink-bathroom-part3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">TILING EXPERIENCE</span></a></li>
<li>learning the <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-pinterest-inspired-family-room.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">CRAFT OF WOOD TRIM</span></a></li>
<li>improving our <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-family-room-progress.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">DRYWALL SKILLS</span></a></li>
<li>expanding our <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/04/basement-inspiration.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">KNOWLEDGE OF HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING</span></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Below is list of home improvement reference books that we have purchased along the way to fill in our DIY knowledge gaps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589237218/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589237218&linkCode=as2&tag=coocrusaw-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1589237218&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=coocrusaw-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=coocrusaw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1589237218" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TL7QT2/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001TL7QT2&linkCode=as2&tag=coocrusaw-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001TL7QT2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=coocrusaw-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=coocrusaw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001TL7QT2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589237005/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589237005&linkCode=as2&tag=coocrusaw-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1589237005&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=coocrusaw-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=coocrusaw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1589237005" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561584789/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1561584789&linkCode=as2&tag=coocrusaw-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1561584789&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=coocrusaw-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=coocrusaw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1561584789" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
*This is super important. You don't want to be permit bandit, for lots of reasons including but not limited to: you don't want to de-value your home, performing unlicensed improvements, or causing potential harm or injury to yourself or others.<br />
<br />
What are your favorite diy references?<br />
<br />
Happy DIYing,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affialate links. You pay the same, but I receive a small portion. But even better news, all of these prices are less than what we paid. Yea for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank">MixItUp</a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home |</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> | <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">thededicatedhouse</a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">BNOTP</a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a> | <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank">Palooza</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-16341147932525797692013-08-13T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-13T00:00:07.679-04:00print funtion buttonHi Readers,<br />
<br />
I'm so excited to let you know that I've added a print function button to the blog. I wanted to make it easier for you to print out recipes, like these <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/08/cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes.html" target="_blank">cookies and cream cheesecakes</a> from yesterday.<br />
<br />
Now there is a <span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">PRINT</span> button on the bottom of each post. Here's a photo of what it now looks like on the blog page:<br />
<span id="goog_1248779408"></span><span id="goog_1248779409"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEWXZTaQDOM/UgThfOo7c7I/AAAAAAAAE1A/wMicvgRVg-s/s1600/PrintFunctionButton_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEWXZTaQDOM/UgThfOo7c7I/AAAAAAAAE1A/wMicvgRVg-s/s400/PrintFunctionButton_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print Button Location on Blog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This button will allow you to:<br />
<ul>
<li>print the post without any ads</li>
<li>choose if you want to include the photo</li>
<li>change the text size, that way you can fit it in your own recipe collection anyway you choose</li>
<li>delete sections of text (I often linked up my recipes to other blogs, so this will allow you to print only the recipe part)</li>
<li>email the post to anyone</li>
<li>save as a PDF file</li>
</ul>
So many options now with this one simple button!<br />
<br />
Let me know if you have any questions.<br />
<br />
Happy Printing,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-61643473006367942532013-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:06:27.455-04:00cookies and cream cheesecakesIt was my babysitter's birthday this week and we wanted to let her know how much we appreciate her. Seriously, she's <em>the</em> best babysitter! The kids are always in bed when we get back and the house is <em>spotless</em>. And she's spills the scoop on everything that happened while I was away. She's the best! So, the kids and I made and delivered these little treats for her.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">These little cupcakes are for Oreo and cheesecake lovers only!</span></h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRKY8JDDgvA/UgjgaTlmwqI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/3U71wTb1K8w/s1600/CookiesAndCreamCheesecakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRKY8JDDgvA/UgjgaTlmwqI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/3U71wTb1K8w/s640/CookiesAndCreamCheesecakes2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how you can read the Oreo imprint right through the paper cupcake liner of these cookies and cream cheesecakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>These delectable babies are <em>super</em> easy to make, but do require a bit of preplanning- letting your ingredients come to room temp and most likely a grocery store run (unless you happen to keep an unopened family size package of Oreos and <em>2</em> pounds of cream cheese on hand). But I'm guessing your waistline will thank you for these small obstacles.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1424518481"></span><span id="goog_1424518482" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS</span><br />
<ul>
<li>42 cream filled sandwich cookies, 30 whole, 12 coarsely chopped</li>
<li>2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature</li>
<li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>4 large eggs, room temperature, slightly beaten</li>
<li>1 cup sour cream</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">DIRECTIONS</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 275. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Place 1 whole cookie in the bottom of each lined cup.</li>
<li>With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Gradually add sugar, and beat until combined. Beat in vanilla.</li>
<li>Drizzle in eggs, a bit at a time, beating to combine and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in sour cream and salt. Stir in chopped cookies by hand.</li>
<li>Divide batter evenly among cookie filled cups, filling each cup almost to the top. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until filling is set, about 22 minutes. Transfer tins to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate in tins at least 4 hours, or up to over night. Remove from tins just before serving. Keep leftovers refrigerated.</li>
</ol>
<em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Cook's Tip:</span></em><br />
Minimize the mess and use a cookie scoop to fill the muffin tin cups.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Server's Tip:</span></em><br />
These single serving cheesecakes make great little gifts. Place a few in a small box. Just remember to deliver right away and tell recipient to keep chilled.<br />
<br />
Makes 30 cheesecakes.<br />
<br />
Recipe from <em>Martha Stewart's Cupcakes</em><br />
<br />
Happing Baking,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank">MixItUp</a> | <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_blank">Creative</a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">thededicatedhouse</a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank">JamHands</a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">BNOTP</a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-68804935685658131592013-08-09T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-26T07:51:28.289-04:00teaching children life lessons through pet ownershipWe finally did it. . .we got a family pet. A hamster. A fancy bear hamster specifically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ulEpEr8Bxo/UfAUZwXsdAI/AAAAAAAAEx0/nRLgxG8CROI/s1600/WhyIGotMyKidsAPet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ulEpEr8Bxo/UfAUZwXsdAI/AAAAAAAAEx0/nRLgxG8CROI/s640/WhyIGotMyKidsAPet.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The kids have been asking for a dog for years, but with all our moving around, then the arrival of our <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2012/04/holdup.html" target="_blank">latest</a>, I just wasn't ready to commit to a dog. But recently, I relented -to a hamster. And its been a good thing.<br />
<br />
There are lots kids can learn from pet ownership and its been fun watching them learn, grow, and mature as they care for their little pocket pet. Here are the lessons I've noticed so far.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Pets Teach Children Responsibility</span><br />
My children are in charge of cleaning the cage, providing fresh water and food, and interacting appropriately with little Miss Jordan. And although, they each look forward to cleaning her cage, they're learning the responsibility of having to clean up after her, even when its not fun. She's not just a toy that can be ignored or thrown away when they become bored of her.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Pets Teach Empathy</span><br />
My children have learned that even Miss Jordan has preferences and those are to be respected. My children can reflect on how they like to be treated and act accordingly to all those around them.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Pets Teach Nature</span><br />
Getting a pet also provided an opportunity to research options that would be a good fit for our family. The children learned about the various breeds, behaviors, and needs of different pets prior to our pet purchase.<br />
<br />
Also, (and hopefully later than sooner) but eventually they'll need to deal with Miss Jordan's death. Part of our research included life expectancy. Eventually our loss will provide a life cycle lesson and experience.<br />
<br />
They are so many advantages of pets. What are your experiences?<br />
<br />
And can you believe I was <em>actually</em> able to get a photo of her looking directly at the camera?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank">MixItUp</a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home |</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> | <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">thededicatedhouse</a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">BNOTP</a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a> | <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank">Palooza</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-18835591110424617522013-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-17T10:06:21.932-04:00broccoli saladWant your kids to eat their veggies? Serve this slightly sweet broccoli salad with your next dinner.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty lucky. . .my kids <i>like</i> broccoli! But I know lots of kids, and, ahem, some adults don't.<br />
<br />
This raw broccoli salad could not be easier to make.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">It's the perfect make ahead side dish.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPWNXDuVvw4/Uff9w51pu0I/AAAAAAAAEzc/IsohkTBQrXE/s1600/broccoli_salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPWNXDuVvw4/Uff9w51pu0I/AAAAAAAAEzc/IsohkTBQrXE/s640/broccoli_salad.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet broccoli salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS</span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 to 2 lbs broccoli, trimmed</li>
<li>10 strips cooked bacon, chopped</li>
<li>1/2 red onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup sunflower seeds</li>
<li>1 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>1 tablespoon red wine vinegar</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">DIRECTIONS</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Combine the mayonnaise, the sugar and the vinegar.</li>
<li>Toss with the broccoli, the bacon, the onion, and the seeds. </li>
<li>Can be served right away, but better if chilled at least an hour.</li>
</ol>
Also, don't be afraid to play with the recipe, golden raisins could be a fun addition. That's my favorite part of cooking (verse baking). You can adjust the recipe to suit your own tastes and still have to a dish turn out great!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><em>Cook's Tip:</em></span><br />
Want to save yourself the trouble of wiping bacon grease off your cook top? Cook it in the oven! Set your bacon strips on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, depending on desired crispiness.<br />
<br />
It's a {little} healthier too! All the excess fat will drop through the wire rack onto the baking sheet.<br />
<br />
Happy Cooking,<br />
<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunday: |</span><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I Heart Naptime</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nifty Thrifty Things</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's Overflowing</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb; font-size: xx-small;">MopItUp</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.flourmewithlove.com/" target="_blank">MixItUp</a> | Monday: | </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">C.R.A.F.T</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.|</span><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sumo'sSweetStuff</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diy home sweet home|</span></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">KeepingItSimple</span></a> | <a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">MadSkills</span></a> |<a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">thededicatedhouse</a> | <a href="http://www.jamhands.net/" target="_blank">JamHands</a> | <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">BNOTP</a> |Tuesday: </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">SugarBeeCrafts</span></a> | </span><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Get Your Craft On</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">diydreamer</span></a> | Wednesday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> |</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #2288bb;">NYMelroseFamily</span></span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gingersnap Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | <a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LifeWithTheCrustOff |</span></a> <a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">LiveLaughRowe</span></a> Thursday: </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Made in a Day</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">House of Hepworths</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the 36th Avenue</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Friday:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blissful and Domestic</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shabby Nest</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">|</span><a href="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thirty Handmade Days</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> | </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Financial Friday</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">| </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #66ced1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Classy Clutter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">| <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Show&Tell</span></a> | <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-51737305282019900202013-08-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-06T05:19:52.989-04:00top five {july}I can't believe July is over already! It seems like summer just started, and there are too many fun things to do before it ends.<br />
<br />
Just in case you missed one, here are my top five posts from July:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2oYBQd9Vbs/Ufmsy7HTOCI/AAAAAAAAEz8/DmdQcE4wL6o/s1600/NylonLantern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2oYBQd9Vbs/Ufmsy7HTOCI/AAAAAAAAEz8/DmdQcE4wL6o/s640/NylonLantern2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white nylon lanterns and globe string lights draped outdoors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1832682871"></span><span id="goog_1832682872"></span>This is another photo of the nylon lanterns I bought for our outdoor party last month. I haven't taken them down -they're just too cute bobbing in the breeze, and it keeps my yard party ready all summer. Love 'em!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/07/camping-with-kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Camping with Kids</span></a><br />
easy activities to pack and meals to prepare<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/07/no-bake-cheesecake.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">No Bake Cheesecake</span></a><br />
the perfect summer cheesecake that setups in the fridge<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/07/danish-apple-pie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Danish Apple Pie</span></a><br />
the alternative to once a year apple pie<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">4) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/07/nylon-lanterns.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Nylon Lanterns</span></a><br />
the Chinese style lanterns that can withstand a rainstorm<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">5) </span><a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/07/summery-pinch-bowls.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Summer Pinch Bowls</span></a><br />
a thrift store find perfect for organizing all your little things<br />
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<em>A special thank you to my readers! Thank you for stopping and reading my blog. I appreciate all your comments and for joining me on this journey as we take baby steps towards updating, renovating, and decorating our little yellow cape.</em> <br />
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img class="signature" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/243/E4FCDD328654DB7D6ACC660BF4E85C25.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633344829535434853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266458614936296682.post-41888698723797679802013-07-31T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-13T07:54:52.814-04:00diy printer shelfSometimes things just need to be functional, like this shelf we built for our printer. We don't have a dedicated office space, just a corner in our cozy kitchen. In fact, we bought a different computer, a monitor/computer combination, because of our lack of space.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09tTmPksVzo/Ucittb3vYOI/AAAAAAAAEl8/m-IeUetVE2o/s1600/DIYPrinterShelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09tTmPksVzo/Ucittb3vYOI/AAAAAAAAEl8/m-IeUetVE2o/s640/DIYPrinterShelf.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Printer Shelf built in closet</td></tr>
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Although that helped, it still didn't leave any room for our printer. So we decided to build a shelf for it in a nearby coat closet.<br />
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Plus, I'm a shorty. (I seriously have to have stools stashed everywhere around my house.) So by building it ourselves, we accommodate my vertical challengedness.<br />
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Its not pretty, and I don't have any current plans to doll it up either. But it fixed a problem and makes our home work for us.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7yCjXhKp8U/UcHFLffn5dI/AAAAAAAAElM/VsCQ2ZlEncQ/s1600/DIYPrinterShelf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7yCjXhKp8U/UcHFLffn5dI/AAAAAAAAElM/VsCQ2ZlEncQ/s640/DIYPrinterShelf2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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You'll have to forgive the photography. There isn't <em>any</em> natural light in our coat closet.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJ6UwfIKPts/UcHFb_N1T-I/AAAAAAAAElU/HhUQs55Hn4c/s1600/DIYPrinterShelf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJ6UwfIKPts/UcHFb_N1T-I/AAAAAAAAElU/HhUQs55Hn4c/s640/DIYPrinterShelf3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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It was easy to build. After you gather your materials:</div>
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Determine your shelf measurements and cut to size.</div>
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Cut 2 of the pieces of wood the depth of your shelf</div>
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Cut the other piece of wood the length of your shelf</div>
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Screw the two support pieces into wall studs (important: this will support the weight of whatever is placed on the shelf.)</div>
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Place the shelf directly onto the supports. It should be snug to the walls.</div>
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We used scrap wood, but you can paint it, stain it, or make it as elaborate as you want if yours will be more visible.</div>
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You could use this idea to customize any closet or pantry space.</div>
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How do you customize your home?<br />
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