tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65466587728915305842024-02-18T17:40:58.930-08:00Preppy Meets RedneckPreppy on the outside, redneck on the inside.Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-63158046429825546222013-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:002013-01-26T15:43:06.440-08:00The BucketI haven't been as active on my blog as I first intended to be. Part of the reason is most likely because I wasn't clear on why I was blogging, what the purpose of the blog should be. Was it a means of keeping a record of my children, was it to try and build a brand and make money, or was it just an opportunity to share (and sometimes seek) good advice? Without any clear focus, the ideas I have for topics aren't planned out and at random; I'll latch onto something and begin to write. <br />
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Last week, a former student of mine posted to a group she started on Facebook looking for some money saving food tips. After posting one of mine, it inspired me to draft a blog post about saving money, something I happen to be very good at. That led me to start another draft about money in general, and budgeting, something else I am very good at. Both of those posts are soon to come as I am tweaking them a bit - this post is a little more stream of consciousness.<br />
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One point I make in my post about money is that being organized is directly related to money. It saves time, it prevents wasting money on replacing items, and prevents late fees/penalties. <br />
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In today's world, it can be very hard to stay organized. Many of us have schedules that are rough enough. Add in kid's homework, endless paperwork from various sources (insurance, banks, taxes) it can be overwhelming. <br />
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I also have a self diagnosed form of ADD that is visual in nature. I don't mean to make light of anyone who has ADD, and am completely serious when I claim to have it. Just as a child with ADD can't not pay attention to a noise or a motion that most of us may not even notice, I can not NOT pay attention to clutter or objects that are on flat surfaces. As such, my house has a lot of pictures and art work hanging on my walls, but there are very, very few items on any flat surface. We are in the process of having our kitchen redesigned and I only half joke with the designer that I want my counter tops all installed at a 45 degree angle. If I walk into my kitchen and one of my children has left something on my counter tops, it is as if I have tunnel vision, and that is all I see.<br />
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As you can imagine, with 3 kids in the house, this led to a lot of yelling on my part for people to pick their stuff up and put it where it belonged. As you can imagine, my kids soon learned to tune me out and then I had to up the ante, threatening to throw the items out. Of course, my kids called my bluff. They knew that I wasn't going to throw out an itouch that their uncle had given them for Christmas. I was stuck.<br />
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Then, it was as if God spoke to me. On Facebook. <br />
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A friend from high school published a picture of a chore bucket. Instantly, I had the answer. I drove right over to the dollar store and purchased a bucket. Just before dinner that night, I explained to the kids how the bucket would work. I told them I was tired of yelling AND I was tired of them not understanding how important it was to me that their stuff not be left around the house. I told them that when I found an item, it would go into the bucket on top of the refrigerator. In order to get an item back out of the bucket, they would need to complete a chore of my choosing and done to my satisfaction. <br />
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That next day, 4 items went into the bucket. 4 chores I hate doing got done (sweeping the basement stairs, dusting the molding in the foyer, dusting the molding along the stairwell and emptying the shredder into the recycling bin). Items were handed back. The next day 2 items went into the bin. 2 more chores were done. Over the next two weeks I would occasionally find an item. My kids were unsure how serious I was, so they had taken to leaving items they were too lazy to put away in their bedrooms on the side of the stairs in the dining room, rather than the kitchen table or counter tops. I also found some items squished in along side the television, in an attempt to hide them. These went into the bucket. More chores got done. But, by the time 2 weeks was over, I found nothing! And, even now, I rarely find anything. All done without a single yell - from me or from them. (Okay, I lie. One time my husband got yelled at because I made the mistake of not filling him in and he made the mistake of believing my youngest to just give him the water gun that was in the bucket.)<br />
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I never realized how much time I spent wasted worrying about the objects left around, yelling to have them put away and then often doing it myself so I could clean up. Who knew peace in the house, and in my mind, could be found at the bottom of a bucket. <br />
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-32124285317974416092013-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:002013-01-22T11:23:09.782-08:00Liar, Liar, Pants on FireI found myself with some unexpected time on my hands today. Two out of three kids are sick. So that meant some time at home for me. Both kids are taking a little nap right now, probably the best medicine for an ear infection. Since they have each chosen a sofa to sleep on, I can excuse myself from vacuuming - don't want to wake a sleeping child. Watching the two of them, I think of this photo:<br />
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I miss those days. A lot. <br />
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But I digress. So before I start crying and wondering where the time has gone, let me return to the topic I intended to address.<br />
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Lance Armstrong. <br />
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Unless you have been living under a rock, there shouldn't be any reason for me to recap. It has been all over the news, the internet, Facebook. But, what hasn't been anywhere, and what I have been wondering, and what I have to imagine has crossed others minds is: Did he ever really have cancer? And if he in fact did, is it possible it was never as bad as he claimed it was?<br />
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Stage 4. Unless you are talking about the Tour de France, the very term can evoke fear and terror. <br />
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That's what stage we were told Lance Armstrong was in. His testicular cancer spread to his brain and lungs. Stage 4 survival rates are very low, although higher for some types of cancers than others. <br />
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And yet, within a year, Lance Armstrong was in remission and racing again. He goes on to win the Tour de France 2 years after returning to the sport. Amazing and inspiring to so many people, particularly those dealing with their own cancer diagnosis. <br />
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Now, as we find out more and more about the case, the years of lies and denials, about doctors who back dated prescriptions and fudged reports, about officials who drop allegations after large donations were made, about bullying team mates, managers and doctors, am I really the only person who wonders? Could this all have been faked, or the extent of his cancer exaggerated? <br />
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Faking cancer isn't rare. I googled it before starting this post and was amazed at the number of known cases that popped up. In almost every instance, money was the motivator. People pretended they had cancer, or their child had cancer for financial gain. <br />
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Clearly, Lance Armstrong had a lot of financial gain. He was a relatively unknown athlete before his cancer diagnosis. Much of his fame is due to the storyline of "biker beats cancer, wins races." Sure he would have gained some fame winning the Tour de France, but lets be real, how many other famous bicyclists are there in the US? Can you name even 1? Probably not. <br />
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After beating cancer, returning to his sport and winning, Lance Armstrong rose to heroic heights. He starts a foundation, he writes a book, everyone knows his name. Before long, he is earning $20 million a year in prizes and endorsements. <br />
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Hmmmm.<br />
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But what do I know?<br />
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I do know that if everything is as it seems, that perhaps some of the research money needs to go towards determining if blood doping is a cure for cancer. Imagine if after all this hullabaloo it is discovered that a cocktail of EPO, testosterone and blood transfusions is the cure for cancer. <br />
<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-64382182031252793652013-01-06T05:52:00.002-08:002013-01-06T05:52:56.743-08:00The Glorification of Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finding time to blog recently has been a challenge. When I finally sit down in the evening, for a few minutes of quiet before I head to bed, I have found myself reaching for a book rather than the laptop. Even now, as I type this on a quiet Sunday morning, while my kids are still sleeping and my husband is in our basement working out, I am feeling guilty. There is just so much that needs to get done, not to mention what has to be done.<br />
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My days are filled as of late. I get up at 5 am each weekday, shower, take care of the dog going out and feeding her and then finish packing lunches. I usually either throw our daily load into the washer at this time or, if I was motivated the night before, throw the load I did then into the dryer. Then it is time to start waking the kids and getting them ready to head out the door, one to a 6:45 bus and the other two are dropped off at a friend's house at 7:20 to catch the bus there as I head off to work. After work, I head home and let the dog out, give her a good ear rub and then start getting dinner ready. Conor gets home first, and after he gets himself a drink and snack, we try to get his homework done, or at least the part that he needs help to complete. It is much easier to do it right away while he is the only kid in the house. About an hour later, Carson and Hayden arrive home. While they are getting a snack, they add their lunch box to Conor's next to the sink and while they eat, I clean them out. Then, its time to help them with their homework. At some point, one or two (or sometimes all three!) of the kids have to be brought to a practice. <br />
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We eat dinner close to 7, but aim for earlier if the kids practice schedule allows it. Dinner is followed by showers for the kids while I start to clean up the kitchen and do some packing for the next day's lunches and my husband attacks all the dog hair with the vacuum. Once that is done, we meet up in my bedroom and I distribute everyone's clean clothes to be put away. Often, it is then time for the kids to head to bed. Our goal is everyone in their bed by 8 or 8:30, and then they are allowed to read until 9. I still read to my youngest for 10 minutes and then sit with him while he reads to me for an additional 10. If we don't do this, he doesn't get a star at school on Friday for completing his reading log. <br />
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I head back down and finish cleaning the kitchen and hopefully get the daily load of laundry into the washer. If I didn't get a chance earlier in the day, this is when I get the load waiting for me in the dryer folded and hung up. This is also the time that I make sure my husband has placed the correct sport supplies for the following day in my van. Its also the time we make sure that each of us is clear on who is picking up/dropping off each kid at their practice or activity.<br />
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I have made a resolution to get ready for bed by 10:00 in the hopes of being in bed by 10:30. Only one week into the new year and I have already failed at this at least 50% of the time. I keep trying because that extra half hour of sleep does make a difference. But, doing this means sacrificing those few minutes I have alone each day to read and/or blog. <br />
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Sadly, my tale is not unique. We live in a society in which being busy is glorified. We brag about being busy, we post status updates about how busy we are each day. We wear our busy like badges of honor. Often, we don't realize how busy we actually are until, by chance, we experience a day that isn't filled to the brim.<br />
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I have thought a lot on how to be less busy, and so far, I haven't come up with a solution. Which kid do I say no to - who do I tell that they can't do an activity? Because, even though each kid only does one sport per season, with three kids, all different ages, we have at least one practice every single night each week. Do I tell Conor, who is only months away from his black belt, an achievement he has been working 7 years to accomplish that he can't go to the dojo? Do I tell Carson who loves soccer that she can no longer play? Or Hayden, the youngest who has been dragged to everyone else's practices and games for years that he can't have a turn to play the sport he loves?<br />
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I compare the life I live now to the life I knew growing up. My brother and I played sports and my father worked a job with hours similar to my husband's, meaning my mother was completely responsible for my brother and me. Yet, she found time to get dinner on the table, read the books she loves, and, in the time before email and reasonable phone bills, she also managed to write letters on a daily basis to family and friends who lived away. Where did she find the time? <br />
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Upon examination, I realize that there are societal changes at play. I too played soccer. So did my brother. But, back then, there wasn't the time commitment that exists today. We played one game on Saturdays and I think we perhaps had one practice during the week. Kids today often have two practices a week and games on both days of the weekend. My son and husband are martial artists. Being at the dojo every night of the week isn't uncommon. In fact, it has been necessary some weeks, in order for my son to meet the requirements for his black belt. <br />
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When I was growing up, sports had very distinct seasons. Soccer was in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball/softball in the spring. Summer was summer - and you did nothing. These days, while kids may play a recreation version of other sports, they tend to become sport specific at a very young age. This makes carpooling a challenge. In my neighborhood, all the kids played the same sport at the same time so there was almost always another family close by that had the same practice time and place. So the moms took turns dropping off and picking up. And my mother felt no pressure to stay at practice. No one questioned her commitment to her kids if she pulled up next to the field and let us spill out of the back seat before returning home to finish preparing dinner. <br />
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Personal choice has added to the amount of time I spend bringing each child to their activity. My husband and I choose a home that is a 20 or 30 minute ride from the center of town, where most activities take place. My son's dojo is a 30 minute ride each way. So, any activity they do, I need to spend an hour in my van. <br />
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I don't know what the answer is, for me or for society as a whole. I'm not going to sell my home to move closer to town. I'm not going to say no to one of my children. As parents, we have become so use to the concept of multiple practices and games starting at an early age, and year round sports that I highly doubt that would change. Returning to days of sports being single season activities won't happen. Its the new normal in America. My cries of "uncle" will do nothing to change it.<br />
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Instead, I am going to keep on keeping on, and hope like heck I don't look back and regret how rushed this portion of our lives seemed. <br />
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Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-66631351466562535182013-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:002013-01-01T19:05:07.511-08:00Happy New Year!I've been away for a while now. I had allowed myself to become overwhelmed with some issues at work, a project at home, and prepping for the holidays. This past week has been a huge blessing, allowing me some time to step away from the work scene and get some perspective all while wrapping up some small tasks that have been haunting me and preventing the bigger project from getting done. <br />
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Our Christmas was very nice and enjoyable. The kids loved all of their gifts, but we did miss having family visiting. This was the first Christmas in 8 years that my family hasn't been here with us. I missed them madly. <br />
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We made the best of being by ourselves and had a very enjoyable holiday. We went to Christmas Eve mass and then came home and tried to get a few pictures in front of our tree. Stella did not cooperate!<br />
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After dinner, the kids get to open their traditional Christmas Eve gifts: pajamas and a book. Pajamas are easier to find each year. Like most families, we got <a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TCPSearch?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=&categoryId=26601&categoryIdsTree=26601&categoryNameTree=boy&categoryName=boy&N=1133201&Ne=&Ns=default&Nao=0&Ntt=&sale=1&dept=1026601&url=SaleView">The Children's Place fleece snowman pajamas.</a> <br />
This is an inexpensive route to go and right now, they are on sale for under $10 each. If your children are young enough, you could buy them now and set them aside for next Christmas. <br />
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Every year, I get my kids a book and try to do something Christmas related. It had been super easy to find Christmas themed books - and then they grew up and now it is getting harder and harder. But, I love that they still love their "little kid" Christmas books and we have started the tradition of using them as an advent calendar of sorts. I wrap all the books we have, and each night leading up to Christmas, we unwrap one of the books and sit on my daughter's bed and read it aloud. This usually leads to trying to remember who got the book and on which Christmas Eve. That leads to giggles and smiles as we remember various things that happened that year.<br />
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I love the wrapping paper I found this year! I am kicking myself for not buying more and setting it aside. <br />
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Between Christmas and New Year's, we did close to nothing. And it was great. I am pretty certain my kids only got out of pajamas to shower and put on a fresh pair. My husband and I puttered around and got small jobs that have been lurking done. I started pulling out paperwork we would need for taxes and shredded a plethora of old credit card statements and utility bills that have been cluttering up a drawer in my secretary. I sharpened all the broken pencils and went through the two junk drawers in a buffet we use as a catch all in the entry way. I climbed on top of my washing machine and got all the hangers that have fallen off the rod that is above the washer and dryer. I even went so far as to use the vacuum attachments and suck up the bits of lint that migrated back there. <br />
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We had planned to go to a friend's home for New Year's Eve, but after a day of sledding with the kids, they were exhausted and I wasn't feeling well, so we were all in bed by 9pm. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should state that my husband and I have never seen the new year arrive. We are always asleep before midnight. We are not big party people and would much rather be well rested so we can spend our days doing this:<br />
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They had so much fun, and I'm happy to report we only had some minor bruising.<br />
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Not quite the same as a photo of my toes in the sand. But it is still early enough in snow season for it to be enjoyable. I do highly recommend <a href="http://www.zappos.com/sorel-caribou-buff~2">Sorel boots.</a> Normally, I would only be recommending <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/35474?productId=516670&subrnd=0&qs=3016887_pmd_google_pla">LL Bean boots</a>. But this is one time in which another company does it even better when it comes to cold. Bean boots are great looking and light weight and perfect for having on most of the time. But if you are going to be ice fishing, snow shoeing or sitting in a big pile of snow taking pictures of your kids sledding down a hill, nothing comes close to keeping your toes as warm as a pair of Sorels! I've had this particular pair for 2 decades and they are awesome. <br />
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Stella is normally the best behaved dog. But Stella + snow = crazy dog! <br />
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Everyone is sleeping now and hopefully well rested as we return to our normal school and work days tomorrow. I hope you all had the chance to rest up, enjoy your family and are prepared to head back to your normal routine as well.Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-88542692067549327222012-11-24T13:19:00.000-08:002012-11-24T13:19:38.312-08:00Darn you Pinterest!I love Pinterest. I really do. I love going on there and getting recipes, home decorating hints, and style ideas. I, like most people who have a Pinterest account, have found myself losing an hour or two of my life as I click through various pins. <br />
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But I do have a few issues with Pinterest. The first is when I find something that I absolutely adore. Such as this:<br />
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And this:<br />
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And then I discover that I can't have them.<br />
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Oh how I coveted both of these when I saw them pinned on someone else's board. I finally traced them back to their sources and discovered both were no longer available. That is a bummer! <br />
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I now make sure that when I pin something, that I first trace it back to its original source. I also try to include in my comments if it is no longer available. My goal is to either make it easier for someone who wants to purchase it, to find it. My second goal is to prevent someone the same disappointment I have experienced when I discover a pin is so old that the item is no longer for sale. <br />
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But yesterday, I found something even more frustrating. I found a dress that is absolutely stunning. Don't believe me? See for yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN157MLWaLfvuUiyXu1GM4alF3y8Qvtq-QYlzWMc5Etor5TUVAQTAUMjKh4O9hhsWA-3TmSv9JcgdfeKktmBSbhh7-uLkoqZIRUjkZlmcje0x1VDwVn69k3HrSsI03ntPOvkDQidN1Ow/s1600/189362359303147901_UikPcKAc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN157MLWaLfvuUiyXu1GM4alF3y8Qvtq-QYlzWMc5Etor5TUVAQTAUMjKh4O9hhsWA-3TmSv9JcgdfeKktmBSbhh7-uLkoqZIRUjkZlmcje0x1VDwVn69k3HrSsI03ntPOvkDQidN1Ow/s1600/189362359303147901_UikPcKAc_b.jpg" /></a></div>
I traced this back to Cape Cod Collegiate on tumblr. It took me almost an hour to scroll through all the posts and find this beauty only to be disappointed to discover it was lifted from a second tumblr. After hours trying to scroll through that second tumblr, mango-moods, I finally cried "uncle". In addition to be disappointed in not finding the dress, I am now obsessed with trying to figure out who in their right mind would bother with a tumblr blog. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to such a blog, and no organization. <br />
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But I digress from the dress. Can anyone out there help me? Have you ever seen this dress before and know the source?Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-22828212900129432702012-11-18T19:15:00.000-08:002012-11-18T19:15:08.809-08:00Products I LoveI love Stella Thunderpaws.<br />
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Who wouldn't? This dog is the bee's knees. <br />
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But the shedding, oh the shedding. I have to vacuum every single day or else the hair is everywhere. I have light maple wood floors and her black hair is very noticeable if I don't get it all up. I brush her once a week and that has seemed to help. <br />
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I have a whole collection of dog brushes.<br />
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I started with this one:<br />
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And it worked okay. But it seemed to scratch Stella's skin and she did not enjoy getting brushed. And, as you can see from the photo, it is hard to get clean. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2WLosle97rV2bMKcu7iJUBXWo_4toTU0wpj00Qh9SzoId89_mX-em2fLXbqnj8ndfJlJ7_zzfW2qo2EUXRrZwl_YSs21NUYE2XoGlsU5Pv-gzxVW8ecN2WeEbIBEt8SYCV0QZylgf4s/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2WLosle97rV2bMKcu7iJUBXWo_4toTU0wpj00Qh9SzoId89_mX-em2fLXbqnj8ndfJlJ7_zzfW2qo2EUXRrZwl_YSs21NUYE2XoGlsU5Pv-gzxVW8ecN2WeEbIBEt8SYCV0QZylgf4s/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This contraption worked pretty well, but can take a lot of time. First, you have to brush it backwards against the dog's hair and then go with the hair. To use it properly, you have to lean over the dog and it can strain your back. Plus, Stella likes to try and steal it and run around the yard with it, hence the tooth marks in the handle.<br />
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This rake works really well. Again, you first go against the dogs hair and then with the natural lay of the hair. It takes out a bunch of hair, but, seems to trigger something in Stella. It must irritate her skin because after a bit, she starts going nuts and running around like someone snuck some meth in her food.<br />
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And here it is folks. The clear winner! I discovered this tool through a friend. I was mentioning my incessant need to vacuum and get up all the hair. She whipped this puppy out. Its the ShedMaster, and I believe they should give it an even more awesome, Tim the Toolman-type name. Such as, the ShedMaster 2000! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg6jLCyAuqhmd6sWDzgqKCzKnPg5kBzS1M4l63WBQ_-_4GEbFdSxKCJRHlp3kOstzCmkLRFvXnK9XQMK-DXsLR_39947gp7DxTsw6A7ke-kkjh9G2AaQ2ZdoGt_OrjbGBsggNdE3ldDA/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg6jLCyAuqhmd6sWDzgqKCzKnPg5kBzS1M4l63WBQ_-_4GEbFdSxKCJRHlp3kOstzCmkLRFvXnK9XQMK-DXsLR_39947gp7DxTsw6A7ke-kkjh9G2AaQ2ZdoGt_OrjbGBsggNdE3ldDA/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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See those teeth? Those teeth work magic. They "grab" the dogs hair. As you brush the dog you can feel the slight tug. Yet, it doesn't hurt the dog; its not yanking the hair out of the dog's skin, but rather pulling the loose hair out of the other, attached hair. Stella loves it. She will lay in the yard and let me brush her. She will even roll over and let me brush her belly. Those teeth are rounded, so they don't scratch or irritate the dog's skin.<br />
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The hair self cleans itself out. As you brush, it floats away in clumps. I just rinse it off each time as Stella Thunderpaws often has pond dirt mixed in her hair. She is a beautiful, but dirty dog. She follows my boys everywhere and as such, she comes home as dirty as their muck boots. <br />
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I found the ShedMonster <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/ShedMonster-Medium-to-Long-Coat-Dog-Deshedding-Tool/20713221?findingMethod=rr">here</a>. It is also available on Amazon or at Walmart stores. Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-2738254716421402562012-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:002012-11-16T11:36:59.363-08:00Required ReadingFinding time to read has gotten a bit harder lately. My husband happens to be very good at his job, and as such, he is in high demand. He has been requested by other offices to travel and do some work for them. In today's economy that is a good thing. It does make it a bit more hectic around the house though, and makes my day stretch out to about 10pm each day. That leaves me about a half an hour to either read, check emails/Facebook, catch some Law and Order, or write a blog post. Its why I haven't posted much lately; I've tended to go with emails and Facebook. And a little bit of reading. <br />
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First, I read this. It was okay. Just okay. Typical James Patterson. It was good while I was reading it, but when trying to recall details for this post, I couldn't. I actually couldn't even remember the name. <br />
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Now, I have moved on to the latest Patricia Cornwell book:<br />
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Its horrible. HORRIBLE! I loved the first 8 to 10 Kay Scarpetta books. They were well written, interesting, and entertaining. I looked forward to each new book in the series. Then, something happened. I came across some interviews with Patricia Cornwell while googling for an image of this book cover. The lady is crazy. And it shows in her writing. I commented at Goodreads that I suspected she had a series case of depression. Now, after reading the interviews and news reports, I am armchair diagnosing depression wrapped up in a whole lot of crazy. I suspect I won't even finish this one, and that I will stop reading her books all together. I am about 100 pages in and I don't even think Kay Scarpetta has gotten to the dead body yet. Instead, I've been reminded how smart, rich, paranoid and unhappy Lucy is, just in case I missed any of that in the past 20 books. I've also been reminded how odd Scarpetta and Benton's relationship is, just in case I forgot. Trust me, I've tried to forget the whole "Benton is dead, no he isn't" plot line that took place a few books ago. And Marino is still angry. And drinking. Shocker.<br />
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Jeez Louise. I think I just finally convinced myself it is okay to just return this unfinished to the library.<br />
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That will leave me time for this:<br />
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I've been looking forward to this and have even read a bit of it, and I think it is going to be good. I have read another book by this author, and really liked it. A teenage boy goes missing more than a decade ago. Someone is now returning him to his family one bone at a time. Intrigued? I know I am.<br />
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I have some doctor appointments coming up and will be spending time in the waiting rooms and can use some reading suggestions. So, what are you reading?Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-12591929856287010182012-11-14T18:59:00.002-08:002012-11-14T18:59:33.970-08:00What I Wore WednesdayI took two weeks off from my WIWW post. Most of the people who read my posts are from my hometown, and they got hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. It seemed a bit shallow to be posting about clothing choices when so many of them had their homes damaged and were dealing with no power for 2 weeks. <br />
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Good news; the town is back on the grid, kids are almost all back to school, and things are getting back to normal. So I am going to link up with Lindsey's WIWW over at <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/11/what-i-wore-wednesday-92/">The Pleated Poppy</a> .<br />
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I spent a good amount of time in my pajamas this weekend. I know that the purpose of WIWW is to inspire moms to get out of the pajamas and out of the yoga pants. However, it was just one of those weekends. I was burnt and needed to bum around. I love these Charter Club fleece pajamas. They were a gift from my very good friend when I had my eye removed. I wore them from the day I came home from the hospital until I was allowed to shower. <br />
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Top: Chaps by Kohl's</div>
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Cords: Bass </div>
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Shoes: Talbots</div>
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I thought I looked better in this outfit. Someone's been eating too many bites of Ritter Chocolate with Hazelnuts - and its going to her thighs! <br />
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I loved the neck and ruffle along the midline on this shirt from Kohl's. I nabbed this shirt last year from their clearance rack for $5. <br />
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I like the ruffle at the bottom of the sleeve as well. <br />
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Jeans: Chaps by Kohl's</div>
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Boots: Fat Baby</div>
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Vest: Land's End</div>
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Top: The Loft</div>
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Dress: The Gap</div>
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Boots: Frye "Campus"</div>
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Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-6629116773342711412012-11-13T04:14:00.000-08:002012-11-13T04:14:14.620-08:00The Bomb Diggity of Waffles!I am a rock star in the eyes of my kids right now. Because I didn't just make them waffles for breakfast, I made them the most awesome, bomb diggity waffles EVER! Thank you Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for the idea.<br />
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So how can you make the best waffles ever? And this of course is assuming that like me, when you use the term "best" you are talking about taste, and not healthy. For a healthy recipe check out <a href="http://www.petiteathleat.com/2012/07/power-protein-waffles.html">this one</a> at The Petite Athleat. But for my mouth died and went to heaven waffles, just do this:<br />
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Get out your waffle maker, your non stick spray (I'm a sucker for Baker's Joy) and a roll of cinnamon rolls. Oh, and Detective Eames! I'm a Law and Order junkie. Wasn't Detective Eames incredible on her recent guest spot on L&O: SVU? I about died when she tilted her head like Goren use to do while questioning the terrorist. Love me some Benson and Stabler, but I miss Lenny Briscoe and Bobby Goren. Sad face.<br />
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Warm up the waffle maker and then slap two of those bad boy cinnamon rolls on there. Close her up and let her work her magic!<br />
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Viola! Cinnamon roll waffles. My kids ate them too fast to take a picture of them with the icing and local maple syrup on top. They have already asked for them for tomorrow too. Amazingly, they were easier to make than to put the roll of cinnamon rolls in the oven and baking them traditionally. I find that if I forget to set the timer, I forget about them while trying to multitask and then the bottoms get too toasty. <br />
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Adding to the ease is the clean up. I have never mastered the art of putting the right amount of batter on the waffle maker. I either don't put enough or put too much - and that is a mess! Because my waffle maker is electric, I can't submerge it and clean it. So cleaning off all the spill over can be time consuming. As you can see, these don't over flow. I was able to quickly and easily wipe off the surface of the waffle maker. Its the little things that make a difference in my life!<br />
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-41594904801885022402012-11-12T07:17:00.000-08:002012-11-12T07:17:11.459-08:00A Prepared Kid is a Safe KidI got a terrifying call the other night. <br />
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After months of discussions, my husband and I had decided that it was okay to leave my almost 13 year old son home alone with our almost 8 year old for short periods of time. My husband was hard to convince, he is a pessimist and trusts no one. I on the other hand, remembered babysitting a 6 month old and a 3 year old when I was 13. I thought we were being overly protective and sheltering. So my opinion won. <br />
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As such, my boys have been staying home while I bring my daughter to her local soccer games. And that's where I was the other night when I got the phone call. It was almost half time when I felt my phone vibrate. When I saw it was from my house, I expected I was about to have to referee a disagreement over how much time each was allowed to use the Playstation. Instead, I got this:<br />
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"Hi mom."<br />
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"Hi buddy, what's up?"<br />
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"Well, a man pulled into the driveway in a van, and I thought it was the FedEx guy. And then he used a flashlight and went up into the woods on the side of the house. So I thought he was peeing. But, now he's trying to get inside the house." (accompanied with very loud barking and growling from the dog)<br />
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"WHAT!"<br />
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"Yeah, he was on the porch trying to open the door."<br />
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Thankfully, my daughter plays soccer with some incredible girls with incredible parents so I left her in their care and made the fastest drive ever home. I called my husband to ask if he had headed home from work yet, hoping he was closer. He wasn't. I called my boys back and they reported that once the dog started barking and growling, the man stopped trying the door and left the porch. He apparently went into the shed/play house in the front yard and then drove out of the driveway. <br />
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I got home shaking to find two very calm boys. I called my husband to report that everything was okay and he should stay at work. <br />
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I couldn't figure out how my boys were so calm in the face of what just happened. I know I wasn't! But now, after a few days and talking to them a bit, I think I know why. They were prepared.<br />
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For many people, crime is a statistic, or something they read about in the paper. Its scary, but, it tends to be something we think of happening away, or to other people. When I was growing up, in a particularly wonderful place, something happened that changed me. Two young girls were lured from their yard, assaulted and murdered. This particular crime has stayed with me and greatly affected how I parent. In addition, I also spent a good amount of time working as a tutor for a young girl. Her mother worked for the district attorney's office as an investigator for crimes committed against children. Due to confidentiality, she of course could not share anything about her specific cases, except to tell me that she wished more parents were less embarrassed to teach their children the proper names of their body parts and talk in general with their children about how their bodies functioned. I have made sure to include her advice in my parenting style.<br />
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My husband and I have been very open with our kids, being clear that while it is our job to keep them safe, that they need to be aware. Another parent questioned me once and asked if I didn't fear giving my kids nightmares. I don't. I think my husband and I have found a good balance of sharing information with our kids at appropriate times and also always making sure that they are aware that B and I will always view keeping them safe as our priority. <br />
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How does leaving them alone, ever, fit into this you may ask. At some point, when he was still pretty young, I discovered that my oldest was afraid. Of everyone. And I realized I had done that. And while some may think that being afraid would keep him safe as he would be less likely to trust a stranger, it actually would make him more likely to become a victim. He oozed fear, the scent every predator recognizes, be it pedophile, thief or bully.<br />
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So I tempered my message and provided lots of opportunity to gain confidence. And it obviously worked given his ability to stay calm in the face of actual danger. <br />
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After all these years, I have often toyed with the idea of creating a series of presentations that I could market to school systems, things I think kids should know to keep them safe. I'm not quite organized enough to do it, but hope that perhaps this post goes viral and enough parents read it and share the information with their children. <br />
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1. Teach your kids the right names for their body parts. Don't let embarrassment stop you from using the words penis and vagina. I realize some purists will be aghast at the thought of using the term vagina, as that is actually the part of the genitalia that is INSIDE us, but here in America the term is used so often for the outside, that is has become the de facto name. I was told by my student's mother that if a child is ever assaulted, a defense attorney can destroy a child's testimony if they use euphemisms for body parts.<br />
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2. Be clear on what bad people may do. Children should know that there are people out there who like to touch children and like to make children touch them. Don't scare your child with an all encompassing "bad people". Your child's imagination can take over. They do better with specifics.<br />
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3. Do not teach your child to not let someone touch them. Many children allow abuse to continue because they think they were bad to allow it to happen. Instead, teach your child that no one should touch them, but that bad people can be tricky. And bad people are liars. A bad person can trick a kid into being touched and then will lie to try to prevent the child from telling. Teach your child that the most important thing is to tell you if anyone touches them. Teach them that if the bad person says they are going to hurt them, or hurt a sibling, or hurt one of the parents if the child tells, that it is a lie to prevent getting in trouble. <br />
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3.5 As parents we need to realize that for every minute we spend thinking of how to keep our kids safe, there is a pedophile out there spending 10 minutes (or more) thinking how to lure or trick a child. We will never be able to think of and warn our children of each lure and trick. Instead, we should concentrate on raising confident kids, who are less likely to be victims and ensure out kids know they can tell us anything. Also, recognize that parents are groomed by pedophiles, as much as children are! Some great work has been done by Warriors for Innocence and <a href="http://www.warriorsforinnocence.org/2006/09/grooming-articles.html">here</a> is a great article by them on how children and parents are groomed to be victims. Google "pedophiles groom parents" and a plethora of information will pop up. Pay close attention to the links to FBI research. <br />
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4. If you feel comfortable, teach your child that God (or mother nature) made certain parts of the body feel good when they are touched. Pedophiles will often use a child's own body response to keep them quiet. "You liked it, you must be bad." <br />
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5. Notice I am saying bad people and have avoided the word grown ups. I don't think we do enough to recognize that people don't suddenly become abusers at the age of 18. This may be too scary of a concept to teach to young children, but adults need to always consider it. Juveniles account for one quarter of sexual offenses in the US!<br />
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6. Have a plan. We live in a state that has a lot of home invasions, thanks in part to a huge problem with prescription drug abuse. We keep our doors locked all the time. I am actually more likely to leave my door unlocked when we are NOT home. If we are home and all in the house, every door is locked. If we are home and in the back yard, all the front doors are locked. If someone were to get in and we were home, we have a plan that we developed while taking our concealed weapons course. We found the room in the house that gives us the most options for escape as well as hunkering down. Our plan is to get everyone in that room. <br />
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7. Always remind your kids that it is your job to keep them safe, and you take that job seriously. Remind your kids that it is highly unlikely anything will happen and that you are simply preparing them. I often tell my kids that a safe kid is a prepared kid. Do not over teach any of the above, or do it all at once. Spread it out and look for teachable moments. <br />
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After much consideration, I left my boys alone again last night when I had to take my daughter to a banquet and my husband had to leave for an overnight business trip. I did make sure my neighbor was home and asked her to keep an eye out. We discussed what should be done differently if there ever was a "next time" including that fact that FedEx guys do not pee in people's yards! My husband agreed that he underestimated our oldest son's ability to handle a crisis, and we are both so proud of how calm he remained during and after. We also both agreed that Stella Thunderpaws was worth every single cent we spent on her and every moment of house training. <br />
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-51190106280705546722012-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:002012-10-26T04:00:40.113-07:00Required ReadingSo, what are you reading? I am always on the lookout for a good book, either for myself, or for my kids. I recently read The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Stedman.<br />
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I am going to go as far as to say that I highly recommend this book. I wavered for a bit as I had a problem explaining to myself why I liked it so much. In the end, I realized it was because the author did a great job of making me like and dislike each of the characters in the book. At times I sympathized with one or the other and later found myself placing my loyalty with a different character. While not a book that caused me to get completely lost within its pages, I did find myself looking forward to the time I set aside each night to read. <br />
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I started two new books this week. One I am reading myself, the other, I am listening to as my youngest son reads aloud. It is his first ever chapter book and he is so stinking proud of himself! <br />
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Junie B., First Grader. An absolute favorite in this house. When my oldest child first discovered the Junie B. Jones series and had me read them out loud to him, I will admit to being horrified. Junie B. DOES NOT use the English language in a way that would earn her a good grade from an English teacher. I found myself correcting the words (for example, saying "more fun" rather than the "funner" that was in the book.) But the spirit of the book was lost. Junie B. is a riot! I actually am shocked that Hollywood has not knocked down Barbara Park's door and turned this into a tv show or movie. There is a little girl who attends school with my younger two children who IS Junie B. She would be perfect to play the part. </div>
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This is my grown up read. I'm going to say, that I am highly doubting that James Patterson is doing anything other than contributing a chapter, or editing skills to all of the books he is churning out. I am only about 40 pages into this, and like all his books, they are a very quick read. Not loving it, but that is not unusual. These are meant to be a distraction, not literary gold. It is serving the purpose and allowing me some time each day to unwind.<br />
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Tonight, before bed, we read another favorite. Even my 12 year old listened - after all, it is his book.<br />
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As we wait to see what weather Mother Nature is going to deliver to our doorstep next week, it seemed fitting to read a book about her trying to get her wild child, Autumn, to bed. <br />
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That is what is being read here. What books are you leaving dog eared on the sofa arm?<br />
<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-61357798196852113922012-10-24T19:56:00.000-07:002012-10-25T13:01:34.117-07:00What I Wore WednesdayYikes! 3 weeks have gone by without a single post. Life has been hectic around here and I have caught myself numerous times having to remember that I am lucky to A) have kids healthy enough to participate in activities B) have money to pay for activities and all the required gear C) have a job that allows me to get my kids to all their activities. I will admit to a lot of self pity going on though. My husband was away for work during what turned out to be the busiest week of the season so far. But, we made it through, no worse for the wear.<br />
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Speaking of wear .....<br />
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I am trying to sneak in under the wire and link up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/10/what-i-wore-wednesday-89/">The Pleated Poppy</a> and the 100's of other bloggers who will share what they wore today. Today will be a short one. Even though I have been breaking out and dusting off some of my clothes that haven't seen the light of day in years, I have been horrible about taking any pictures. Let me tell you why. <br />
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First, I have one mirror in the house long enough to allow a reflection of my entire outfit. It happens to be in my bedroom - which is a disaster. I had to have a window replaced during our addition and that wall is still waiting to be painted. So that looks terrible. The rug is getting pulled up in two weeks and hardwood going down. But until then, that rug. Egads! It is in perfect condition, but the color is awful. I have new bedding but don't want to use it until after the floor is done and walls repainted. So for now, there is an old quilt on the bed that has seen better days. On the sewing table, which is often visible in the reflection and photo, has 5 Halloween costumes piled on top of it. If I stand so that the sewing table isn't visible, my husband's chest of drawers becomes visible. And he currently is mid project at work and has piles of books and papers on top of it. All combined, my first excuse is that I am embarrassed at the condition of my bedroom.<br />
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Reason number two is that I am just barely getting to work on time each morning. Pausing to have one of my kids snap a picture or two is just not fitting into my morning routine. Running late is the story of my life and I don't see this changing anytime soon. <br />
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Reason three is that I am in the middle of a bang grow out and it is not going by fast enough! I am at the point that they are too long leave alone in front of my face yet, not quite long enough to pull back in a clip. When I do, it looks like I am getting ready to wash my face. So I have avoided the camera. Like the plague.<br />
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But I did get some photos today. Two of my kids were sick and missed school. I took the day off to take them to the doctors. After we got home and I got some medicine into my one child and got the other one fed, we took the dog out. It seemed a good time to take a few pictures. <br />
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Jeans - Kohl's Chaps <a href="http://www.kohls.com/catalog/women-bottoms-jeans.jsp">(find here)</a></div>
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Vest - Land's End</div>
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Top - Old Navy</div>
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Boots - Ariat Fat Baby Saddle <a href="http://www.countryoutfitter.com/products/16187-womens-fatbaby-saddle-boot&source=googleps?gclid=CKXGrMmRm7MCFUOK4AodYFgADQ">(find here)</a></div>
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Love <a href="http://www.countryoutfitter.com/products/16187-womens-fatbaby-saddle-boot&source=googleps?gclid=CKXGrMmRm7MCFUOK4AodYFgADQ">these boots!</a></div>
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Earlier this week:</div>
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I can't see anything but that rug!</div>
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Oddly enough, this outfit is a copy cat from <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/10/what-i-wore-wednesday-89/">The Pleated Poppy</a>. I actually found Lindsey's blog through Pinterest when I traced a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/236579786646030999/">this pin</a> back to one of her earlier What I Wore Wednesday posts. It was an outfit very similar to this. Then, I found <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wearing_10_17_2010/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=0&id=24126539">this outfit</a> on Polyvore and knew I had all the pieces in my closet. </div>
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Shirt - Macy's Charter Club</div>
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Sweater - Land's End</div>
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Trusty fake pearls from Talbot's</div>
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Jeans are capri's from Bass</div>
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Flats - Target</div>
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I am going to try to do a better job of taking photos AND of posting more often. I realized this week that blogging helps keep me accountable for my time. </div>
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And if you have the time, check out the Pleated Poppy and any number of bloggers who link up with her each Wednesday. Its a great way to discover new ways to combine your clothes in new ways and break out of the creature of habit mindset. If you liked the jeans I had on, or are a fan (like me!) of Kohl's, you can currently get an additional 10% off any online orders by using the code TENBLOG through December 23rd - that's in addition to any other coupon codes you may have. Thank you to Kohl's for offering this to my readers!</div>
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Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-57667885373743008952012-09-30T11:23:00.001-07:002012-09-30T11:24:53.140-07:00A PR!It is a raining, pouring day in Maine. But I am still on cloud 9. I PR'd in the Maine 1/2 marathon today. And not just a little PR - I shaved at least 15 minutes off my last half marathon! I don't know exact numbers yet, but according to Runkeeper, I was at 1:55. According to the clock as I passed through, it was 1:54. They haven't posted official gun time results yet. Regardless, it is at least 15 minutes.<br />
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Before starting, I set a few goals for myself. First was to finish. Second was to finish without any walking. And third was to finish under 2 hours. After the gun went off and the running actually started, I added a final goal to the list. It was to make sure to beat the rude cutter and shover woman in gray and peach striped spandex. I hate runners like that. If you are that good, start all the way at the front and put some distance between yourself and the pack. But, as usual, the ones who behave this way aren't premier runners. She would take off in a sprint, bumping people out of her way, cutting right in front of them causing them to stumble and then I would shortly catch up with her. I had her too, and then in the last 1/2 mile, she took off in a mad sprint again. So goal 4 was not achieved! But the other ones were, so I'm putting this in the victory column!<br />
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-47256764082486938722012-09-27T03:16:00.001-07:002012-09-27T03:16:11.107-07:00Race PlaylistI have a race this weekend and I have been tinkering with my playlist. <br />
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I usually don't use music when I am running a race, only when doing training runs. But I've decided to use one this weekend as I will also be using the Runkeeper app to keep track of my pace. I've set a goal to not just finish this time, but to for a personal best as well. <br />
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My current playlist includes the following:<br />
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<li>Burn It Down by Linkin Park</li>
<li>New Your Groove by Ace Frehley</li>
<li>Twilight Zone by Golden Earring</li>
<li>Lowlife by Theory of a Deadman</li>
<li>I Don't Care by Fall Out Boy</li>
<li>Rock of Ages by Def Leppard</li>
<li>It Takes Two by Rob Base</li>
<li>Money Talks by AC/DC</li>
<li>Stronger by Britney Spears</li>
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Aaaaannnd there are a few that I would just assume NOT share publicly. </div>
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But, I would like to possibly add some new music as I have been using this playlist for all of my runs. I'm going to be fine tuning it over the next few days to make sure there aren't any songs I would rather not hear, as I won't be able to easily skip over them. </div>
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What suggestions do you have? What songs do you feel are "must haves" while working out or running? </div>
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-90428399354990895172012-09-26T14:57:00.001-07:002012-09-26T14:57:53.442-07:00What I Wore WednesdayAnother Wednesday, another link up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/09/what-i-wore-wednesday-85/">The Pleated Poppy</a>. I love the outfits she puts together and can't believe the tops she finds at Forever 21. I get sensory overload just walking in there, and have never found anything that I would wear. I wonder how different the stock is depending on the area?<br />
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Only two outfits this week. No, I didn't go to work naked. I was running very, very late and didn't have time to have one of the kids snap a photo for me before we ran out the door. And Stella Thunderpaws was not going to wait for her walk when I got home. So into the running shorts, t-shirt and running shoes I went.<br />
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How could I make her wait for a walk/run?</div>
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So, what did I wear today? No picture of that, made it to work today in the nick of time! And, it was kind of depressing. I wore socks today. And pants that went all the way down. Egads! Winter is coming.</div>
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I even had to break out a vest this week. Standing on a football field can be cold.</div>
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Jeans - Kohl's</div>
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Sneakers - chucks</div>
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Shirt - LL Bean</div>
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Vest - Land's End</div>
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I made a last ditch effort to go without tights this week. If Indian Summer does not make its appearance soon, this will most likely be the last time I go bare legged until June.</div>
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Dress - Macy's clearance rack</div>
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(for full view click <a href="http://preppymeetsredneck.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-i-wore-wednesday.html">here.</a>)</div>
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Sweater - Land's End</div>
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Shoes - Land's End</div>
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I actually get to wear jeans to work for the next two days. Tomorrow is a field trip and on Fridays, if you make a donation to charity, you can wear jeans. That may make it easier and faster to get dressed in the morning. Maybe enough that I can take pictures - but probably not. </div>
Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-82308093490555178792012-09-25T18:34:00.001-07:002012-09-25T18:34:12.407-07:00Try It TuesdayWe eat a lot of eggs in this house. I buy at least 3 dozen each week and of those, 18 are hardboiled for egg salad, to be chopped up in a salad, or to eat as is. <br />
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I saw on Pinterest that hard eggs can be done in the oven and thought I would try it. The claims were that the egg tastes better when baked and, as a bonus, makes the process easier.<br />
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In order for it to work, the eggs have to be at room temperature. They should be placed on the center rack, with a cookie sheet underneath just in case an egg breaks. The oven should be set at 325 and the eggs baked for 30 minutes.<br />
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I tried this with a few eggs and the results were a disaster! The eggs got brown spots on the bottom - at least the ones I was able to peel the shells off of had brown spots. <br />
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I took a step back and reassessed the process to determine if I did anything wrong. I 'fessed up that I may not have exactly planned ahead and the eggs most likely were not at room temperature. I also left the eggs in an extra 5 minutes.<br />
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So I tried it again. And again. <br />
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Three times at bat and three times I struck out. I will be hard boiling my eggs the way I have been for years. Even if this procedure had worked, it seems much more time consuming. To boil 18 eggs, I just place them in my big pasta pot, fill with warm water, add a touch of vinegar to the water and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, I turn it off and let it sit for 11 minutes, drain the water, allow the eggs to cool and wash the pot. If I use the oven, I have to remember to take the eggs out and allow them to come to room temperature, put them in the oven, along with a pan (just in case). If one does break, I imagine baked egg is a pain to clean. <br />
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I'm just not sold on this one and it is getting deleted over at Pinterest!<br />
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**I apologize for lack of pictures this time. My camera went with the husband and kids on a boating adventure and seems to have failed to make it back out of the boat. I don't trust the set up enough to climb in there and search for it. Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-21723240780891763362012-09-19T13:28:00.000-07:002012-09-19T13:28:01.671-07:00What I Wore WednesdayLinking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/09/what-i-wore-wednesday-84/">The Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday</a> again today!<br />
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It has been a navy kind of week around here. Guess what arrived?<br />
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My navy <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-joanne-classic-driving-mocs~219576_253.html">Joanne driving moc</a>s from Land's End! I have worn them twice already this week. <br />
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I wore them first with this outfit. Skirt a STEAL from Target's clearance rack last week! And the top was from Marshall's. I can't even tell you how much I got it for - you will simply die of jealousy. But I am going to tell you anyway! $12.99!<br />
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I love the detail at the sleeves.<br />
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It was cold and rainy yesterday. So I wore this. I am admitting to the sin of slovenly-ness, and if it's not a sin, perhaps it should be. The shirt had been tucked in all day. But, by the time I remembered to take a picture for the blog, it was out. And it was not going back in!<br />
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The shirt is new from Land's End. The pants are from the Gap Outlet and the sweater is from LL Bean. The shoes have shown up here before and are also from Land's End.<br />
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These pearls were a great investment. They are fakes, but decent fakes. I have my grandmother's real pearls, but they probably should be restrung. So for now, these from Talbot's are all I usually wear.<br />
My pearl earrings were a gift from my Godparents years and years ago.<br />
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Super mini stack. An actual stack did not seem appropriate with this.<br />
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This was one of my stacks this weekend. But I digress.<br />
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Navy and pink! I think I like this even more than pink and green. Yes, yes I do. Pink capris from Land's End and navy ruffled tank from Target. If this tank washes well and doesn't kill me and my Rowenta, I'm headed back to buy it in other colors. I will keep you posted.<br />
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The ruffles were hard to see in the other picture, so here is a close up. Love it.<br />
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So, what did you wear this Wednesday?Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-4748912528798200902012-09-18T11:25:00.000-07:002012-09-18T11:25:40.058-07:00Try It TuesdaySometimes when we set goals, we fail at reaching them. So be it.<br />
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I had planned on trying something each week from my <a href="http://pinterest.com/preppymeetsred/">Pinterest</a> account. An issue that cropped up is that I wanted to first move some of the pins from my private Pinterest account, to a public one linked with this blog. I sort of just kept putting it off. I did set up an additional account, but moving pins from one to the other has been more difficult than I anticipated. Slowly but surely, I am figuring it out.<br />
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Now I have done that and the testing can begin!<br />
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Or so I thought.<br />
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First road block. I never actually pinned the tip I was going to try this week and then share today. I have been looking and looking for it, but no luck. I have also been searching for a saying about weddings that I thought was wonderful, but obviously not wonderful enough to either remember it, or pin it! I am suffering from Pinterest regret :(<br />
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But I am the kind of gal that throws caution to the wind. And you WILL forgive me when I share this tip with you. Because it works INCREDIBLE and you will LOVE me and ADORE me for sharing it with you.<br />
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Are you ready? Because this is a game changer.<br />
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We eat a lot of enchiladas around here. We also eat a lot of chicken salad, and salad with chicken in it. And a lot of chicken noodle soup and chicken rice soup. Chicken and broccoli. Get it? We eat a lot of chicken. But cutting and cooking chicken can be time consuming and a pain in the tush. Did I mention I was about to share a game changer?<br />
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Do you see that? That is a load of shredded, cooked chicken. It is just begging and waiting to be added to an enchilada, to soup or to any other recipe you have. If necessary, it will sit in a freezer bag in your freezer until you need to whip something up. And it was so simple to get to this point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd_zTR7fwmQBcIJKKIISEcEjAzwU7z29H1h3UDzewy1IgxLI66zHBNvVYsJQK0eeCqadzkd4WUCvc0L8mevmZGzgBdHyGg-L54Yp-lPynCoQzNaUnx6vAWBZMNoytonBlugWpvLy2uRE/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd_zTR7fwmQBcIJKKIISEcEjAzwU7z29H1h3UDzewy1IgxLI66zHBNvVYsJQK0eeCqadzkd4WUCvc0L8mevmZGzgBdHyGg-L54Yp-lPynCoQzNaUnx6vAWBZMNoytonBlugWpvLy2uRE/s320/IMG_0648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
While boneless chicken breast cook in boiling water on your stovetop, pull out the Kitchen Aid mixer and put this attachment on. I am sure it has a name, but I have no idea what it is. Ree would know. I love her - for many more reasons than the fact that she would know the name of this.<br />
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Remove the chicken from the boiling water once it is done. If they went in frozen, they need to be in there about 40 minutes. If they were thawed, 25 to 30 minutes will work. These HAVE to go into the mixing bowl HOT! <br />
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I put three breast in at a time. In hindsight, I probably could have done more at once.<br />
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I turned the mixer on to 3 and let the mixer work its magic.<br />
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Here is its magic. Look at that beautiful shredded chicken! I shredded an entire family package of boneless breasts. I put 1/3 of it in the enchilada's we had that night. I used a bit of the rest to make enough chicken salad for all of us to use for lunch for 2 days. The rest went into a freezer storage bag to be used when I want to make a quick batch of chicken noodle soup.<br />
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Since recently returning to work, I have found my biggest challenge to be getting a healthy dinner on the table. When I get home from work, I can either walk my dog or start making dinner before I have to get at least 1 kid to a practice field. My dog (and I!) deserve that walk. This weekend, I am going to do another batch of shredded chicken and then plan my weekly menu around it and the use of my crock pot. <br />
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Now that I have shared this tip with you, feel free to spread the love and share with me any ideas you have on how to incorporate shredded chicken into a recipe I may not have thought of making.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-13291497507264428122012-09-17T12:22:00.002-07:002012-09-17T12:22:23.846-07:00Required ReadingGone Girl. So good. <br />
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That. Is. All.<br />
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No, seriously, I highly recommend this book. It has been the first time in a long time that a book has made me want to stay up past my bedtime. <br />
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Now, I have to seek out others who have read it so I can discuss it with them. And I have one friend in particular that I am going to push to read it because I am interested in her take on the dynamics presented as a major piece of the story. <br />
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In addition to the plot being interesting and well planned, the writing itself is excellent. No one can accuse Gillian Flynn of phoning this one in. Her spot on the New York Times Bestsellers is well earned.<br />
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I am leery of starting my next book, as I am not sure it can match up. THAT is the bad part of reading something that is very well crafted. Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-40564680651658787512012-09-15T05:30:00.001-07:002012-09-15T05:30:08.797-07:00New Birchbox ArrivedGuess what I found in my mailbox this week? That's right - this month's <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=vpghc">Birchbox</a>! <br />
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For those of you that missed the last post about <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=vpghc">Birchbox</a>, it is a company that started as a college course project. Two women obtain full sized sample products from various health and beauty companies and for a nominal fee ($10 a month) send out a box of samples to their customers. If at any time during that month you fall in love with a product, you can order it at a significant discount. You can accumulate points for orders, reviews and referrals and these points can be used to purchase other products. <br />
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Now, onto this month's <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=vpghc">Birchbox</a>.<br />
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I'll admit, my excitement dwindled a bit when I opened it up. This month was definitely NOT last month. But, I think that is to be expected.<br />
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This was the highlight of the month for me. I have worn Eternity since high school. I switched once to Lauren and while I loved it, it makes me sneeze non stop. So I went right back to Eternity. However, I have been using this since it came. And while it seems very strong at first, it mellows rather quickly and my family has commented "what smells so good" when I walk by. Since I am not carrying a plate of chocolate chip cookies around, I am guessing it is me that smells so good!<br />
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I haven't tried this cleanser yet. They included two small plastic pouches of it. I'm not sure that is enough to determine if I like it. My skin changes so much during a month that I feel I need to use something for at least a full cycle to know if it manages to earn a spot on my counter top.<br />
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I am a firm believer in the roll scent plays in our lives. So this piqued my interest. My kids were moaning and groaning about doing homework the day the package arrived. I put some of this on their wrists and had them smell it. I don't know if it really worked or it was psychosomatic, but they both seemed to perk up and get their work done.<br />
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Apparently, these are all the rage. I have seen college aged bloggers comment about loving them, and one even posted on making your own cheaper versions. <a href="http://www.letsbepreppy.com/2012/08/crafternoon-no-crimp-elastics-day-1.html">See Katie make these here.</a> My daughter says a few kids have them at school, but are wearing them as bracelets. I offered this to her and then found it on my fireplace mantle an hour later. So not a big hit. And they are expensive, so I recommend checking out Katie's blog, Let's Be Preppy to see how to make these on the cheap.<br />
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Isn't it ironic that in the photo of the full sized nail polish they included, you get a full view of my mini sized old lady hands? I'm not a big fan of black, gray or dark nail polish. I actually rarely paint my nails. I love how my hands look when my nails are painted. But I hate how they look when it starts to chip. And somehow, finding time to remove and reapply nail polish has not been a priority around here. By the time I can paint my nails, it is almost time for bed. <br />
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Included in the first picture, but not earning a photo of its own is the decorated zip lock bag they included. Nice, but until a money tree pops up in the back yard, I am not paying for decorated bags. Actually, even if a money tree popped up, I would and could find a thousand other uses for it than decorated zip lock bags. So, no. <br />
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Have you joined <a href="http://www.letsbepreppy.com/2012/08/crafternoon-no-crimp-elastics-day-1.html">Birchbox</a> yet?Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-68942199021814059102012-09-14T02:51:00.000-07:002012-09-14T02:51:41.032-07:00Gone Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Should have drafted some extra posts a few days ago to have ready to upload. Because, this girl is gone - reading that is!</div>
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I have been on the waiting list at my library for weeks and finally, last night I got the call that Gone Girl was waiting for me on the hold shelf. I know I could have bought it sooner, but I am a huge patron of the library and find that books aren't something I am willing to spend money on. I have a few copies of some tried and true favorites, and a number of books I have bought used. But my primary source is the library. An added bonus is that I have become adept at reserving books before they are even released, and am often one of the first in que. I will visit Amazon's best seller lists and find items by favorite authors or in a genre I favor and then open up the library's page and start requesting items. Saves me a lot of money - which I use to buy my kids' books.</div>
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I have heard many a good thing about this book. Just this weekend I eavesdropped on a conversation between two moms at my daughter's soccer game. They both belonged to the same book club and one mom had finished the book and the other had just started. Regardless of where they were in the book, they both seemed to like it.</div>
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I usually try to stay away from books and movies that others are raving about. I'm usually certain that they will never live up to the hype. I didn't enjoy The Hangover as much as I may have if I hadn't been expecting MORE. I was excited to read Eat, Pray, Love and then hated it. I wanted to see what all the fuss was in regards to Fifty Shades of Gray/Grey? (who cares really!) and found myself suppressing giggles through 90% of it. I don't mean blushing "oh my" giggles. I mean snorting giggles as I imagined the author with her bags of cash for writing like a 14 year old girl, both in style and skill. </div>
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So, if I am a gone girl for a few days, it is due to Gone Girl. I will be sure to update you and let you know if it is worth your time.</div>
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-43341539681469902322012-09-13T03:08:00.000-07:002012-09-13T03:08:35.992-07:00How Do You Measure a Memory?The kids are growing so fast. No more little socks or shirts in the hamper. Instead, everything is sized 10, 12 or 14 and the socks can all be worn by me in a pinch. Where did the time go?<br />
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One of my favorite favorites!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhzCzLZyYZ5cf9OqZDavMNHSdVuKBYLUhiSnkGZBeB5BulCJbLMeVavstXVaqBYYtWTsev8BBjLg9SqBiT2nUrmmn0EI6eI_PA_2ZOtZv3dDIPaa7b_xJinSB23O54ILndnkHP6hHLjk/s1600/PD_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhzCzLZyYZ5cf9OqZDavMNHSdVuKBYLUhiSnkGZBeB5BulCJbLMeVavstXVaqBYYtWTsev8BBjLg9SqBiT2nUrmmn0EI6eI_PA_2ZOtZv3dDIPaa7b_xJinSB23O54ILndnkHP6hHLjk/s320/PD_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I love this one because of my daughter's face. She's a bit of a ball buster, and here, it shows.</div>
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Christmas Day 2005.</div>
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Failed attempt to capture the ever elusive Christmas Card photo of 2006.</div>
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I just remember it being a very, very hot morning when I took this.</div>
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3 kids, 2 chairs. That counts as typical around here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cfl2p0mhLaZTeq6nmZ3qtf_gBDZp4MoR-8PtEhQgUDn9n7If2jpKDUSohPbPcMfPD99leJEd8nMunGKaA3oTvKSaL2TGkCtkUc4n7POG-oLvuJj8_oNwXesne7FXzIFjseIM3boX4gA/s1600/PD_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cfl2p0mhLaZTeq6nmZ3qtf_gBDZp4MoR-8PtEhQgUDn9n7If2jpKDUSohPbPcMfPD99leJEd8nMunGKaA3oTvKSaL2TGkCtkUc4n7POG-oLvuJj8_oNwXesne7FXzIFjseIM3boX4gA/s320/PD_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving 2008. Freezing. Maine is AWESOME sometimes.</div>
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A beautiful fall day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFp9Mtxvgq_1BcOVWxpIyClnFa6S-R0d96Q0NMzFmtfj45KT7wWInwWW-POHNzLO0tAClGMY4wQE2rSXpezkZyLf6VA1yPxzgio4lV_OqWL0WxEl3_-nhKAzHzAb_jqXwnikGvNWv_Vs/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFp9Mtxvgq_1BcOVWxpIyClnFa6S-R0d96Q0NMzFmtfj45KT7wWInwWW-POHNzLO0tAClGMY4wQE2rSXpezkZyLf6VA1yPxzgio4lV_OqWL0WxEl3_-nhKAzHzAb_jqXwnikGvNWv_Vs/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current.</div>
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I've made a valiant effort to take, edit and save a bunch of pictures of the kids. Both my husband and I have very few pictures of ourselves and our brothers while we were growing up. There are many times I wish we had more and feel like this is a gift of sorts that I can give to my kids. </div>
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I have also been very good about keeping my kids growth charts up to date. We measure every birthday and every half birthday. And every once in a while, we randomly stand against the wall and take a measurement.</div>
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But, my kids are outgrowing their charts. Not literally, but figuratively. The growth charts were gifts when they were first born and are very juvenile. Primary colors and spots to slide 3 x 5 photos into, the charts are no longer appropriate for my kids.</div>
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I saw online, through a Groupon deal, a growth chart designed to look like a large wooden ruler. But even with the online deal, it would cost me almost $60 once I factored in shipping. I may love keeping memories, but this gal is CHEAP! And I thought the price was way too steep. So I did what any smart 40 year old gal would do. I called my Daddy.</div>
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My father is a jack of all trades. He builds anything and everything. I need to dedicate an entire post to all the things he has made for me. So I knew he would know right away what a 6 foot board would cost me at Lowe's or Home Depot. He told me it would be around $15. And sure enough, he was correct - only off by 45 cents!</div>
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I bought a 6 foot board. At this moment, I am trying to remember what kind of wood it is - and am just completely blank. My dad would remember, but he and my mom are onboard a cruise ship right now and in international waters. So cell phones are off to avoid huge charges (I mentioned I was cheap, right? See where I get it?) However, I know it wasn't pine, and it wasn't oak or maple. I picked the wood to avoid too many knots. If you decided to do this project, any type of wood would work. It only matters what you want to spend. Pine = super inexpensive i.e. around $11. Maple/oak = expensive i.e. around $25.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zqQWeqanJDbuMTvs0Y0nFVNOcIauszyF3MA4svzHnRt5Tu8ypWo-NuD-es_M_rVIwRKdXZitLTNQZ5Jx5a6RKTADdJGHyN4lKnwCT_xhTSTjJFB8N6wWEV5iOk-YP7KjfwxwOIhBEvA/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zqQWeqanJDbuMTvs0Y0nFVNOcIauszyF3MA4svzHnRt5Tu8ypWo-NuD-es_M_rVIwRKdXZitLTNQZ5Jx5a6RKTADdJGHyN4lKnwCT_xhTSTjJFB8N6wWEV5iOk-YP7KjfwxwOIhBEvA/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was the unstained board. I sealed it with Minwax's clear wood sealer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNsPnvOZjHU0nF_x00U3K6zT8aaOrehluy5-giAZnBwNaJoTjAQPDUJdxOFvgNvWYKXXRYvp5coxwoLwwi0tMbBj4Df9JWLuPWHD788T3Ygh4rH4uiiGVFBXphT9zO6X3zWv_mKhvUnE/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNsPnvOZjHU0nF_x00U3K6zT8aaOrehluy5-giAZnBwNaJoTjAQPDUJdxOFvgNvWYKXXRYvp5coxwoLwwi0tMbBj4Df9JWLuPWHD788T3Ygh4rH4uiiGVFBXphT9zO6X3zWv_mKhvUnE/s320/IMG_0391.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I stained the board on both sides and edges with a walnut stain. I started with a lighter stain, but wanted a darker, more antiqued look.</div>
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After allowing the board to dry over night, I used a measuring tape to mark off all of the inches along the side of the board. If you do this project, keep in mind that when you hang it, it will be a certain distance off the ground. That means the bottom of your board won't be zero, it will need to be the measurement OFF THE GROUND. In other words, because I only very low ceilings, and the board is 6 feet tall, the bottom of the board will be only 6 inches off the ground. So the very bottom of my board is 6 inches. One inch in, the first mark I make on the board will be 7 inches. My 1 foot mark will only be 6 inches up from the bottom. Does that make sense to everyone? I would hate for you to go through all the work and then find you didn't make your marks correctly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvSm7oDFCGN7D4sZ4bnhX2H4YCn2pF5-83C9UwIu1qXrKkIrCrrri1lkpteOzsBhQieXAzz6Z7MKTbdg8ibxSGxC6IwAwxq_UglDuti4uJ6EE8eN7XzzVz7L70WOIPpVn5KKLnNyAe_4/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvSm7oDFCGN7D4sZ4bnhX2H4YCn2pF5-83C9UwIu1qXrKkIrCrrri1lkpteOzsBhQieXAzz6Z7MKTbdg8ibxSGxC6IwAwxq_UglDuti4uJ6EE8eN7XzzVz7L70WOIPpVn5KKLnNyAe_4/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="191" /></a></div>
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I used my father's t-square to draw a 2 inch line to represent each inch on the ruler.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK8xohNM3Z2ayH0c_HNVl7TWv6AdRydsCHZqd9EbYDveVpuD1qlcj1N3M3cDOEO46tZL-ZJNm9nlNk-kx7zaTFlD3b8xhOKNbkqpo7G9eRBxiQmprKZtIx17Epm6eJ8PnX2j58TlSKwM/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK8xohNM3Z2ayH0c_HNVl7TWv6AdRydsCHZqd9EbYDveVpuD1qlcj1N3M3cDOEO46tZL-ZJNm9nlNk-kx7zaTFlD3b8xhOKNbkqpo7G9eRBxiQmprKZtIx17Epm6eJ8PnX2j58TlSKwM/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A closer look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AykwYG-wxgOnweSqtN5wGecmrUwxMtW7AsVtm2RXuZDcKIduw78eeCUK1OHZ8dDafJZihldc9KP1CFcQn2RTMDWApXqEEAUm2qiJTvX7JychfJVYVuMP8eOVOdO9UgJU9hL8mCRupR4/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AykwYG-wxgOnweSqtN5wGecmrUwxMtW7AsVtm2RXuZDcKIduw78eeCUK1OHZ8dDafJZihldc9KP1CFcQn2RTMDWApXqEEAUm2qiJTvX7JychfJVYVuMP8eOVOdO9UgJU9hL8mCRupR4/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made the line longer for each foot. Sharpie markers work great, but I did the first lines in pencil and then traced over them - using the straight edge to do so. If I had messed up, I would have had to either start over on the other side, or sanded out the sharpie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjOtb1RuGR2074DIHzkhZ7kE__GEZYeRuE8EXG5ivFVpuy61tJm_2AUuq2PHYGJPe6Z15Xcae57uz5XlxdeMg74XYIYqdtd9h29Ep7txo5XS7MmOnjEQsuEzvkd74AjOQ6Iw6cnQH__I/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjOtb1RuGR2074DIHzkhZ7kE__GEZYeRuE8EXG5ivFVpuy61tJm_2AUuq2PHYGJPe6Z15Xcae57uz5XlxdeMg74XYIYqdtd9h29Ep7txo5XS7MmOnjEQsuEzvkd74AjOQ6Iw6cnQH__I/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I found a font I like on the computer and printed out 1-6. I taped it on the board to help keep track of which lines were to be drawn as 2 inches and which I wanted to be 2 1/2 inches and then the foot marks which were even longer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh-dGpcwI-pE7tv_P9Ygl-LRM_dm-nGOFbc32D7cnn421q1N9OBWzagF9hBD1vV0r8FscAlTT-MFDkLk6KC-xY8wiR0bxOwNK8eYa3jY1ki0eRJTp5PVEyZD57R0GDzHD9neMlBYfBYo/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh-dGpcwI-pE7tv_P9Ygl-LRM_dm-nGOFbc32D7cnn421q1N9OBWzagF9hBD1vV0r8FscAlTT-MFDkLk6KC-xY8wiR0bxOwNK8eYa3jY1ki0eRJTp5PVEyZD57R0GDzHD9neMlBYfBYo/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After drawing all the lines, I cut out the numbers (this was the most tedious part of the project). Then I traced the numbers and went back and used a sharpie to color them in.</div>
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Here is the finished project. </div>
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My father, being a genius, hung a hook on the back for me and made sure it was right at the 5'10" point. Because it wouldn't matter how well I did the board if I don't hand it up accurately. So, when I finish transferring all of my kids previous measurements onto this, and hang it in our home office, I know I have to place the nail at exactly 5'10" from the ground. </div>
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I'm very pleased how well it came out. Now, not only do I have a great tool to help keep track of my kids growth, I also created another great memory with my father. I had so much fun making this simple project with him and the chance to learn from him once again. </div>
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-50866490966435624902012-09-12T14:16:00.000-07:002012-09-12T14:16:02.726-07:00What I Wore WednesdayPhew! Another week half way done. The days are speeding by so quickly. Soon, I will be posting pictures of myself in woolen mittens and big LL Bean winter boots on Wednesdays. <br />
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For now though, its still capri's, short sleeves and dresses with bare legs. <br />
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But first, today's jewelry. I've been taught by a very good friend that a girl really has to have SOME priorities!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VB71Eujyvl-1RwZCn2VZN_V-Crj1mB42U7ftgoOD9hJz12CDmoR2xPtUNyFBmnNPw31idiXeCdskJmo7s2lMFV3reiS1ITpmojfINJCBi3bnWfkt0NcpMgYmtS8uxcfbQH70DfGnaoU/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VB71Eujyvl-1RwZCn2VZN_V-Crj1mB42U7ftgoOD9hJz12CDmoR2xPtUNyFBmnNPw31idiXeCdskJmo7s2lMFV3reiS1ITpmojfINJCBi3bnWfkt0NcpMgYmtS8uxcfbQH70DfGnaoU/s320/IMG_0668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pearls are a great way to dress up a denim shirt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs1AzYbw1JLQI_-yg99FsDD9IgEeHemjdIsps62mEtVUhYzaJamBMep0AVXY02QgyOmwnadqTIDOPgQxXh84q96cy89y0Pf2BvPT2CiUbj62dOeogEYHumUttWI6CMREscBg7J5bi7Bc/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs1AzYbw1JLQI_-yg99FsDD9IgEeHemjdIsps62mEtVUhYzaJamBMep0AVXY02QgyOmwnadqTIDOPgQxXh84q96cy89y0Pf2BvPT2CiUbj62dOeogEYHumUttWI6CMREscBg7J5bi7Bc/s320/IMG_0667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My silver charm bracelet - which I WON in an online contest!</div>
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This was the whole outfit. </div>
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Land's End light pink, fit 2 capri pants.</div>
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Ann Taylor denim shirt.</div>
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Guess sandals. (Found at Marshall's for $10!)</div>
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Yes folks, that is right - $10! </div>
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Ignore my toe. It got hurt. I crazy glued my toenail back on and all seems well now.</div>
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I mentioned I'm a redneck on the inside right? Hence the crazy glue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBujOFdXs99YjsvT_b71nGXfzkq9gcKSF8QQMcHRKKFxTuk8VLWYFRiXzVnJbLcenmGILSY8iE3tC6KfpeF04PTPbOZE9c3qRDdzgj7EQXLwSUpB7zMfrxjS6BVtmCi3CS7bmvuaZtDw/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBujOFdXs99YjsvT_b71nGXfzkq9gcKSF8QQMcHRKKFxTuk8VLWYFRiXzVnJbLcenmGILSY8iE3tC6KfpeF04PTPbOZE9c3qRDdzgj7EQXLwSUpB7zMfrxjS6BVtmCi3CS7bmvuaZtDw/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bonus this week! Extra pictures from Monday and Tuesday!</div>
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Target t-shirt. On sale right now for $7!</div>
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Gap Outlet grayish/brown capri's.</div>
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Land's End driving moc's in dusty rose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5R0HFJkIh3UInYTxU2NWWP2foC0tgkmS3LRZstKVRphgsWPncZqW5iUBuHEcuqHyhkd0sS2VdnCItYflfso2pxLeW40q-QoPtb2eWDTFGns5HByiszAbDErRmbtEAHaXEdZntYNOWSw/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5R0HFJkIh3UInYTxU2NWWP2foC0tgkmS3LRZstKVRphgsWPncZqW5iUBuHEcuqHyhkd0sS2VdnCItYflfso2pxLeW40q-QoPtb2eWDTFGns5HByiszAbDErRmbtEAHaXEdZntYNOWSw/s320/IMG_0687.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was cold most of the day, so I threw on a sweatshirt. </div>
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But I jazzed it up with this pin from H&M.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFGAahzwavS9Xn1PopFd1PQnU43ESkyqDqa2iTXFOWv2RmSn5bciBhsPxJCR0oFLkPDihY-Wp7HuBX-01NQ8ZfH0wPIy6ziGrL5oLvGsfASfpz1eXixL4X0-T-kGFmYSaocGEzlvIefA/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFGAahzwavS9Xn1PopFd1PQnU43ESkyqDqa2iTXFOWv2RmSn5bciBhsPxJCR0oFLkPDihY-Wp7HuBX-01NQ8ZfH0wPIy6ziGrL5oLvGsfASfpz1eXixL4X0-T-kGFmYSaocGEzlvIefA/s320/IMG_0690.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
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Eeek! That carpet is going soon and I can't wait. Looks even worse in photos.</div>
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But, this is the only full length mirror in the house and I change the second I get home so I can</div>
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This dress was a super bargain at the Gap Outlet. </div>
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There was racks of them, marked down to $12 a piece.</div>
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And guess what I had in my coupon folder?</div>
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That's right, a $10 Gap coupon.</div>
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I didn't wear any jewelry except for my watch and a small strand of stones. The picture didn't come out well, so I didn't include it. So, I went with leopard print ballet flats. They are from Target. If you want to see some really good outfits that go with these shoes, check out <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2012/09/what-i-wore-wednesday-83/">The Pleated Poppy</a>, a blog I link to every Wednesday for What I Wore Wednesday. I actually found that blog when I tracked back an outfit on Pinterest that I loved. Lo and behold, it was Lindsey, the author of the Pleated Poppy in an outfit she posted on a What I Wore Wednesday post. </div>
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I didn't realize how often I wear running shoes or my Converse All Stars until I went back to work. Today, a package arrived from Land's End with a pair of navy driving mocs. I imagine that next week's post will have at least one (or two!) photos of me wearing them. Or perhaps the new Tretorns I treated myself to. </div>
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Check back next week to find out!</div>
<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-75405577056741004622012-09-11T02:51:00.001-07:002012-09-11T02:51:25.118-07:00September 11thI don't think I ever felt as alone as I did on the morning of September 11th, 2001. It was the first September in more than two decades that I wasn't familiarizing myself with the inside of a classroom. My husband had left for an extended business trip that morning and all the friends I had were back to work. It was just me and my 15 month old. <br />
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And then. And then.<br />
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My breathe shortens as I recall that morning. The Today Show on in the background. Then a commercial. And then - the world changed. Coming back from a commercial break, the first reports of an explosion. A woman calling in on the phone to give information. I don't remember what she even said, but I can remember the emotion in her voice. And I remember Matt Lauer's, Katie Couric's and Tom Brokaw's lack of emotion. Perhaps they were remaining professional, but I have never forgiven any of them for it. Particularly after the second plane hit, followed soon after by a plane flying into the side of the Pentagon and it became clear that this wasn't an accident.<br />
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I can't begin to imagine what it was like that day for those inside the towers, in the Pentagon, on United Airlines Flight 93. I can't do anything but offer up prayers for their souls, for the healing of both mind and body of those that survived that day. In addition, I can promise to never forget, as much as I would like to forget. I can promise to share my memories of that day, the fear, the sadness, and shamefully, the joy of knowing that my husband and brother in law were safe (although stranded in other airports). I will never forget how alone I felt, when all the nations lines were busy with Americans trying to track down loved ones and achieve the same sense of relief I had, and I couldn't get through to my mom. I will never forget the look in her eyes when she told me she couldn't have answered the phone anyway as she was on the phone with her bosses daughter in law who was inside one of the towers at the time.<br />
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I can also promise to share my memories of the days after. Of lines outside blood banks; people waiting to donate. Of baked goods being delivered to local police and firemen, to ensure they knew they were appreciated. Of people being a little bit kinder to one another. <br />
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If you are so inclined, please take a moment today to send up a prayer - for those that died that day, for those that were injured, either physically, emotionally or both that day, and for those that came to the rescue. If prayer isn't your thing, many communities are sponsoring blood drives or collecting food, in an effort to harness the spirit that emerged so strongly in the days and weeks right after the attacks. <br />
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And be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug and kiss today. <br />
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<br />Preppy Meets Redneckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04088014253787237620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546658772891530584.post-82989737282704550042012-09-08T17:44:00.000-07:002012-09-08T17:44:31.895-07:00The Karate Kid<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pYE4fNQKTs4?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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One of my all time favorite movies. Doesn't matter what time it is on, or if I discover it at the beginning, middle or end of the movie, I am dropping everything and watching it. <br />
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Today, I went to my son's final karate tournament of the year. And while it wasn't quite as dramatic, he did this:<br />
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And he did it well enough to earn a second place finish in open handed kata. He also placed third in weapons kata, and fourth in kumite (fighting).<br />
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Unlike the Karate Kid, they use protective gear in tournaments. Thank goodness! I wouldn't want anything to happen to this handsome face:<br />
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