tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74501917724862158112024-03-18T21:57:01.848-07:00Noodles & NuggetsLife. Simplified.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-32217112382628019412014-08-20T08:17:00.000-07:002014-08-20T08:17:07.391-07:00Make My Life HealthierEvery so often around here, Mr. T and I take a good, hard look at ourselves. Then we sneak a quick glance at our kids, which reminds us how important it is that we exercise and eat right. Then, of course, we go on a crazy health binge that lasts for a few weeks before petering out to our usual "meh" state of health.<br />
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I'm pretty sure that isn't healthy. For anyone, least of all our kids who are watching that take place.<br />
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So when we started getting that feeling again recently, I made a point to start us on a plan that wouldn't result in the same ole thing.<br />
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We aren't big people, but that doesn't mean that we are healthy people. Thin does not equate healthy. Or fit. So I started finding little things that we could do to improve our health and fitness without going overboard.<br />
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One of the first things that I found was a Facebook group called Simple Health Swaps, that is dedicated to clean eating, being healthy, and making small changes in your life that add up to big health.<br />
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This group has given me TONS of great ideas for eating well, getting my daily needed water (not my strong point, as I would much rather have coffee... which I don't drink anymore... we've discussed this, yes?), and just motivating me to be a better, more awesome version of me. And who doesn't love a more awesome version of themselves?<br />
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The next thing I (and by "I" I mean "We") did was to start exercising again regularly. Well, semi regularly. See Mr. T and I have a bittersweet love affair with P90X.<br />
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Bitter because, well, have you seen P90X? It's pretty much hell (and I mean that in the nicest possible way). And when we are in no semblance of fitness, it is next to impossible to do. And it's sweet, because once you stick with it for the first few of weeks it is almost bearable. Almost. And the results really are amazing, if you are dedicated to it. Which I am not. But I am going to try harder to be.<br />
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But we did decide to start throwing some P90X back into our lives... when we can. Which means we try to do it 3 times a week, but we aren't being crazy about it. Mainly because it turns out that in our advance years we don't bounce back the way we used to. I don't remember being this sore when we used to do this! Anyway, if it fits into the day, we do it. If it doesn't, we try to fit in something else. We walk, or swim, or hike, or do a couple of 10 Minute Trainer workouts. <br />
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We just try to fit something in each day. And yes, I have been sore. Quite sore, actually, which tends to remind me why I don't like working out in the first place. But we are getting better. And maybe even a little more fit.<br />
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Maybe. <br />
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Next, and this is a big one for me, is to adjust our eating habits. We eat pretty well, most of the time. But a big downfall for me is breakfast. I don't like to eat when I get up. Which is bad! Bad, bad, bad! Because then I am ravenous by mid morning, and eat everything in sight. So I have made it a point to start eating something every morning, and the easiest thing for me has been my Shaklee Energizing Protein Smoothee.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr8tDi4UwwEzTUXQnD1D-rppZnHxKhwPqwmLMKcrVesQW_kZZMrY0gvZ-7FigksQ415wQN-Mi-T_bXbYL7xC0wi2B1kTbaYzF3jcLe6OG2fAWdeF4esAY4VesdCMfNIvoFghs65Gj5iM/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr8tDi4UwwEzTUXQnD1D-rppZnHxKhwPqwmLMKcrVesQW_kZZMrY0gvZ-7FigksQ415wQN-Mi-T_bXbYL7xC0wi2B1kTbaYzF3jcLe6OG2fAWdeF4esAY4VesdCMfNIvoFghs65Gj5iM/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like this because it fills me up, and keeps me full until lunchtime, so I don't binge eat my way through the day. I add some fruit, some milk or almond milk, some ice, and I've got a meal. A really, really good meal, too.<br />
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I also started taking Shaklee's Vitalizer strip vitamins. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGpngFKMwZ4xETm82vuyaS27MUTnpqdkZdFRd1ReAmSDCWCwZZc_5KMrUy-qTGVVcGIQFK5OziUllVPtnJOsGAIHqyeRHlNC0DBgWhuRZw2_4BJ_JK__NJuCuBNRvgr51eqHXXNZ1Oxs/s1600/vitalizerfoods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGpngFKMwZ4xETm82vuyaS27MUTnpqdkZdFRd1ReAmSDCWCwZZc_5KMrUy-qTGVVcGIQFK5OziUllVPtnJOsGAIHqyeRHlNC0DBgWhuRZw2_4BJ_JK__NJuCuBNRvgr51eqHXXNZ1Oxs/s1600/vitalizerfoods.JPG" height="202" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which has been an experience, since I am not good at taking a lot of pills. In fact, the first few days, it made me literally sick to take so many pills (there are six pills in each strip, covering everything from multivitamins to Omegas to B & C vitamins to a probiotic.). But once I got used to it, and my body started to adjust to what it feels like to have all the proper building blocks it needed, I stopped feeling sick and started feeling great! No more mid day drag. No more wanting more and more coffee to get me through the day. Just good. Which is good, since I quit coffee, remember? (sigh)<br />
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Lastly, we have started trying to have a bigger lunch, and then just having something light for for dinner. A big salad, or an easy wrap or something like that. Something to give us some nutrition for the night, but not make us so full that all we want to do is lay on the couch like slugs. This one thing alone has helped me tremendously. I don't go to bed feeling too full, which means I sleep better, which means I wake up easier... you see how it all is linked? <br />
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So what is the goal here? The goal is to keep introducing things into my life that are low stress, easy to implement, and sustainable. We want to be around for our kids for a long time. We want to be able to keep up with our kids for a long time. <br />
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And I wouldn't mind being able to do this:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0D_K86tz7HSsDYLD-o1D8sVZRS0Q8JN1bcDJ9uez3V6hyphenhyphenSH7IyzSBl4mbj60bk_C5iW0lwAHRoyI0GH-4_kkSi9Ya54_Oi56ai0UWc3zo_8IrZH9GwBJnJQ-lNnNn9MGrARN-E1kuo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="464" /></div>
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But I think I'm going to need another life to make that happen.<br />
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Hopefully, later (much, much later) I can at least be this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPD6F873XsuvBr9aSTMd8kGAYby-gQac0iNS_2r2ItPCxpR4BWroCF61fYNyi9xMyNHcVvKDARAwlsAWiBZfCRxvLXtU3Qr5uYdT3AxFEsNl_glB12rKQmgk-Nk7Wbzgx-TG0kCq8Va0/s1600/flexyimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPD6F873XsuvBr9aSTMd8kGAYby-gQac0iNS_2r2ItPCxpR4BWroCF61fYNyi9xMyNHcVvKDARAwlsAWiBZfCRxvLXtU3Qr5uYdT3AxFEsNl_glB12rKQmgk-Nk7Wbzgx-TG0kCq8Va0/s1600/flexyimage2.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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Oh well. Baby steps.<br />
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If you are interested in finding out more about how I am transforming my life with simple steps and Shaklee, shoot me a message! I would love to talk to you about it! You won't regret it!<br />
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For more info on how Shaklee can make your life and home healthier (and wealthier!), visit <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-7301309189700899522014-03-05T08:06:00.001-08:002014-03-05T08:06:37.984-08:00Green Spring Cleaning With Shaklee SpecialsIt's March! Spring can officially come (thank goodness, because I need spring to come. Badly.). And with Spring comes Spring Cleaning, which is definitely NOT my favorite part of Spring, but needed nonetheless.<br />
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And, hooray! Shaklee's special from February is continuing through March, so spring cleaning is greener, easier, and just generally a more pleasant experience. I hate chemically smelling cleaners, so Shaklee's natural, non-toxic cleaners are my saving grace.<br />
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Seriously, people, I'm a mediocre cleaner at the best of times. It takes something impressive to get me to look forward to spring cleaning.<br />
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So here are the details:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfuWSmsV18i58KevjQLcXATioJ_RETfd9lPY-SefresB7JktAwRu5ehChCiLkm_o_W6KoZ8Dv8OVtzscL8bDGGNma7zoKFLQeMQte8T_B5zM6E1nqSt3LJxLZcbbWj1uiYMpoZ_iEn8Y/s1600/ShakleeMarchSpecial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfuWSmsV18i58KevjQLcXATioJ_RETfd9lPY-SefresB7JktAwRu5ehChCiLkm_o_W6KoZ8Dv8OVtzscL8bDGGNma7zoKFLQeMQte8T_B5zM6E1nqSt3LJxLZcbbWj1uiYMpoZ_iEn8Y/s1600/ShakleeMarchSpecial.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember this post a while back about cleaning my oven without nasty chemicals?<br />
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I used my Scour Off:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUxBCeL7P1yTohBDnRSSBPVu9y0fNILpTIgczCd6iUsSGYhA0-wS2FYddwebtM-0CHznjICJS7ac7_5_108Fjdn2sC4pfRYkezxZxRKTyOAEwYYxLMmkp2TfPkMEIzbP72cfxsRpdYxI/s1600/ScourOff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUxBCeL7P1yTohBDnRSSBPVu9y0fNILpTIgczCd6iUsSGYhA0-wS2FYddwebtM-0CHznjICJS7ac7_5_108Fjdn2sC4pfRYkezxZxRKTyOAEwYYxLMmkp2TfPkMEIzbP72cfxsRpdYxI/s1600/ScourOff.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am still using that SAME tub of Scour Off to clean not only my oven, but to scrub tubs and sinks, to get the burnt goo out of pots and pans, to give my stainless appliances a facelift (but only using it very lightly, remember, so I don't scratch my stainless!). I use it all the time, and still have tons left!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GhuH8uwXxfiC48DqXBhCSIEcQfvDKHxqHcodw1Vt8YQagw4DYymbheIVpcy5W9oPpQdhHLPKeIAer_fpNCTGSauNnx32b73dUHCozTdnOxL7rs6sXiP5ZdaX2CnGbAx8JFoHNKUs3Ks/s1600/ScourOffOpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GhuH8uwXxfiC48DqXBhCSIEcQfvDKHxqHcodw1Vt8YQagw4DYymbheIVpcy5W9oPpQdhHLPKeIAer_fpNCTGSauNnx32b73dUHCozTdnOxL7rs6sXiP5ZdaX2CnGbAx8JFoHNKUs3Ks/s1600/ScourOffOpen.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And remember how I use my Basic H concentrate to make my all-purpose cleaner, my degreaser, and my window cleaner? I have been using this bottle of Basic H for everything, including bathing kids and dogs, washing produce, making a daily shower spray, EVERYTHING! It's my go to cleaner, I've been using it steady for 18 months, and I still have this much left in the bottle:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBItHe-dYaLsY4OiyMQBmzj0m2QR27ftAwJ-kaksCnOsYwcecB5dYVQzaRkJJCTDIjNePfZLWPo-NZFqWrcZSSAjZBvVckblwpz1A0WaMs-974jJm__jwjsS79qKYA2uVdz95jMehIUzU/s1600/basicH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBItHe-dYaLsY4OiyMQBmzj0m2QR27ftAwJ-kaksCnOsYwcecB5dYVQzaRkJJCTDIjNePfZLWPo-NZFqWrcZSSAjZBvVckblwpz1A0WaMs-974jJm__jwjsS79qKYA2uVdz95jMehIUzU/s1600/basicH.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Economical much? I think so, yes!<br />
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That only partially covers the cleaning line, but there are also all the amazing products for my health. Vitamins, meal replacement shakes, supplements to boost my immune system, supplements to battle the winter blahs, everything. So in one swoop I have made my home healthier and our bodies healthier.<br />
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So here is another chance for you to give your family the same gift! <br />
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Visit my website, just click here, and get your own Get Clean Kit, and with it you'll get a free lifetime Shaklee membership and a canister of my favorite protein smoothee (a $67.95 combined value). No monthly minimums, no membership renewals. Buy what you need when you need it. There is even a 30 day money back guarantee. Not that you will need it, because I know that you won't! <br />
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So, to recap, buy this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYK2-u-Met9Liro5UoWPvSyx-VfM_kFJFp9oOSAHRR7E51_Q39xeU0Ho0_8XFGyvCiRgNG70aTkj_3LjMvL66L5EmU9S3sB-q92B8RpKc-lDBXmTKr0Dvx6edF7Qe4W9OAphVOls7dkY/s1600/GC_startkit-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYK2-u-Met9Liro5UoWPvSyx-VfM_kFJFp9oOSAHRR7E51_Q39xeU0Ho0_8XFGyvCiRgNG70aTkj_3LjMvL66L5EmU9S3sB-q92B8RpKc-lDBXmTKr0Dvx6edF7Qe4W9OAphVOls7dkY/s1600/GC_startkit-page-001.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></div>
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Get this:<br />
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<img alt="Join Free" class="promoImage" src="https://images.shaklee.com/pws/kit-50PV.jpg" title="join_free" /> <br />
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and this:<br />
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<img src="http://images.shaklee.com/products/l21248.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <br />
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for free. Yay!<br />
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For more information on my Shaklee March Special, visit my website <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Or feel free to <a href="mailto:noodlesandnuggets@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> to answer any questions! <br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-82431276223246595742014-03-03T08:03:00.000-08:002014-03-03T08:03:03.587-08:00Afternoon Protein Snack Without The CrashSometimes afternoon finds me starving. I mean, open the pantry, and just start eating kind of starving. Eating whatever I see kind of starving. So I binge out on anything and everything, from pretzels to Pirates Booty to Granola Bars to fruit to Halloween candy to... you get the point, right?<br />
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And with that eating comes exhaustion. I read once that when you eat, your body focuses all your energy on digesting what you just ate, which is part of the reason we get so sleepy after a big meal. Truth? Got me. But it sounds reasonable for me to start eating several small meals throughout the day, and to start trying to put food in my body that will give me lasting energy, rather than a quick pick-me-up that leads to a fantastic crash afterwards.<br />
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Which lead me to energy bites.<br />
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Yum.<br />
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These puppies are really dangerous in my house, what with the binging and all, but they take the edge off quickly, and don't seem to lead to a crash afterward.<br />
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So, here you go:<br />
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In a micro safe bowl, combine 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter...<br />
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... and a 1/3 Cup of Honey...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKbvk8UZnKA3QoMYbDPLvjTJJjmoC5aOAcKx2yhJaz5eOJIVEm3M6t-K7hNCxRjQwHnVpb_zGZMNrB7BQSLvuRut23PYp6CgPneH68f2jkUpxcyYDq1SbV-yYvDs9cixDHdaydmgrOos/s1600/Honey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKbvk8UZnKA3QoMYbDPLvjTJJjmoC5aOAcKx2yhJaz5eOJIVEm3M6t-K7hNCxRjQwHnVpb_zGZMNrB7BQSLvuRut23PYp6CgPneH68f2jkUpxcyYDq1SbV-yYvDs9cixDHdaydmgrOos/s1600/Honey.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Microwave the two in 15 second intervals, until they are melted and gooey (technical term).<br />
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Don't panic when it looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_uCMVlyhoYJiljRJhRAwOBHKyM3ADZDkRn_dBRpDiTgRr1vG_US-QPLFja0PibIQAMrBylh-5i_AlmrEXymy-Qv81ejX6O7pV7joNKMktnvqMXl95P5EzaHgv-S3LnpjXwF3DC7VPR4/s1600/Mix1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_uCMVlyhoYJiljRJhRAwOBHKyM3ADZDkRn_dBRpDiTgRr1vG_US-QPLFja0PibIQAMrBylh-5i_AlmrEXymy-Qv81ejX6O7pV7joNKMktnvqMXl95P5EzaHgv-S3LnpjXwF3DC7VPR4/s1600/Mix1.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just keep stirring, and it will end up smooth and purdy, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALzXE-pr423QT44pvf6cOvbbPyEzep2W2Ip9RVIuMsBoQNuZGP7szie5T7Z5k-Xl-vnS388BDCxF6vubuPIpNctw9UsPg1MhD0Es7J2wRj2swnRS6Mkwby7Xo2qNv7fVG6dy3LaTaU1o/s1600/Mix3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALzXE-pr423QT44pvf6cOvbbPyEzep2W2Ip9RVIuMsBoQNuZGP7szie5T7Z5k-Xl-vnS388BDCxF6vubuPIpNctw9UsPg1MhD0Es7J2wRj2swnRS6Mkwby7Xo2qNv7fVG6dy3LaTaU1o/s1600/Mix3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Add to the goo 1 cup of Oats (regular or quick, whatever.):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65fUhvQCBqfEzvM6VUGaJtoieDhVBjt804WMtKkw5b6qgVfAsjgSwhSM-CkJhwLSXHBifTGVUCyvfY0UzdRemHFxHUpzeHLFftHU-k66odnLzqZXi5M0z20N6eYnSzPhjzdHJ67GoFBs/s1600/Oats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65fUhvQCBqfEzvM6VUGaJtoieDhVBjt804WMtKkw5b6qgVfAsjgSwhSM-CkJhwLSXHBifTGVUCyvfY0UzdRemHFxHUpzeHLFftHU-k66odnLzqZXi5M0z20N6eYnSzPhjzdHJ67GoFBs/s1600/Oats.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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1/4 cup ground Flax Seed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYutrONGL6KMS4e6GDK2i1wTkRzm8wgc7cyrkwgY8PiUec9b28_a0aoV8k60Vej9BkK2u-nwIYQJXGNf5LRC24W_wQRpweJM_6FTHz3X4oAmA0y53dowjCplxPtptB8haZibPsruvAqI/s1600/Flax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYutrONGL6KMS4e6GDK2i1wTkRzm8wgc7cyrkwgY8PiUec9b28_a0aoV8k60Vej9BkK2u-nwIYQJXGNf5LRC24W_wQRpweJM_6FTHz3X4oAmA0y53dowjCplxPtptB8haZibPsruvAqI/s1600/Flax.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokUI53EZ6OGcNUeu8-RIT7KEvu6bPyzF0m6da_T9aPtoNmLivVXLmLjimOUTK7eHZIy7dNI4XLg7hBzQelZccRxfCVwb4QxwXc0Yds9D3ZbzFAM3MjtwFgusYR3mDrJuooYB0uybLbHc/s1600/ShakleeProtien1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokUI53EZ6OGcNUeu8-RIT7KEvu6bPyzF0m6da_T9aPtoNmLivVXLmLjimOUTK7eHZIy7dNI4XLg7hBzQelZccRxfCVwb4QxwXc0Yds9D3ZbzFAM3MjtwFgusYR3mDrJuooYB0uybLbHc/s1600/ShakleeProtien1.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I use Shaklee (of course I do):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9VdtAboPZKPdxRQSk29F-Ij7cnuL-UyiOHjTeDMio28r-Fs5QshK0gdNeGXXWer3DmCB9xeEwtIc4W1f7iNVeDwKxrJDcE_IRsiumxGX31DPFnHjjh2Kdcgp733gN-l_2f2Cx7GAT_E/s1600/ShakleeProtien2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9VdtAboPZKPdxRQSk29F-Ij7cnuL-UyiOHjTeDMio28r-Fs5QshK0gdNeGXXWer3DmCB9xeEwtIc4W1f7iNVeDwKxrJDcE_IRsiumxGX31DPFnHjjh2Kdcgp733gN-l_2f2Cx7GAT_E/s1600/ShakleeProtien2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqQ38saHtgZ6GCTp0NhcwhjvMDnJiSMfN7EWcHtVhXBCnJNcG0Kbclx5V1Bew8X4wgwDaA_Z9ySCZwq7_9j-8tosHQ2TtaZ91tpifDOtDFCCDbCYKYKXDqMEWc22NUbdZCjusDAaZ4VQ/s1600/DarkChocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqQ38saHtgZ6GCTp0NhcwhjvMDnJiSMfN7EWcHtVhXBCnJNcG0Kbclx5V1Bew8X4wgwDaA_Z9ySCZwq7_9j-8tosHQ2TtaZ91tpifDOtDFCCDbCYKYKXDqMEWc22NUbdZCjusDAaZ4VQ/s1600/DarkChocolate.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...give or take. I definitely gave.<br />
<br />
And 1 tsp of vanilla: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw_6PZoJaxgl3jm35ei2FDUV1CX4FD_UpNd7hzA5W33zVIdzBVm0lcUGrI187HrdOaaB8gKmDw-Ml0ucxkZVLg2PTKgI_x2vrWhzYym5k-AifaxnnvQtN3JE7ekXaIuA8L0BcPDRMQjM/s1600/Vanilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw_6PZoJaxgl3jm35ei2FDUV1CX4FD_UpNd7hzA5W33zVIdzBVm0lcUGrI187HrdOaaB8gKmDw-Ml0ucxkZVLg2PTKgI_x2vrWhzYym5k-AifaxnnvQtN3JE7ekXaIuA8L0BcPDRMQjM/s1600/Vanilla.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can also add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the mix. Mr. T isn't a coconut fan, so I skipped this step, but next time I'm going to try it. <br />
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Now put the bowl in the fridge for, oh, maybe 30 minutes. 20 minutes if you have an impatient streak like me.<br />
<br />
Now take it out and start rolling the mix into balls. <br />
<br />
Maybe sneak one into your mouth while you're at it. You know, for quality control purposes.<br />
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Now pile those little balls into an airtight-ish container, and store in the fridge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXppm9en9dGNiunvYZ153DByeajw5g5Gok5cy-Z6nsk6KQBH2QzftWzhFfKqH4Mzz2K6jEttkQn5-bCI5HG9yh7kTOEKpNvCuj59eUPeG1_J-adgzIYHoLjAsGg3rlmqh8LbZ6UlWqg/s1600/Rolled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXppm9en9dGNiunvYZ153DByeajw5g5Gok5cy-Z6nsk6KQBH2QzftWzhFfKqH4Mzz2K6jEttkQn5-bCI5HG9yh7kTOEKpNvCuj59eUPeG1_J-adgzIYHoLjAsGg3rlmqh8LbZ6UlWqg/s1600/Rolled.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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They won't last long. Not because they will go bad, but because I dare you not to eat them all in one sitting. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA1r0nreTvg-JMpPHVG4Nmqe7Ller6O7_wXAZHvbewMTPFfTQoEK1DqJxwDOeVUViAns_dMid_2ThozLEr3hrvB63lwCdpxRrO6_CL-_5MPLifO0E18Lvp6gzcLP-Z4_qtnsji_1szi4/s1600/ProtienBites1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA1r0nreTvg-JMpPHVG4Nmqe7Ller6O7_wXAZHvbewMTPFfTQoEK1DqJxwDOeVUViAns_dMid_2ThozLEr3hrvB63lwCdpxRrO6_CL-_5MPLifO0E18Lvp6gzcLP-Z4_qtnsji_1szi4/s1600/ProtienBites1.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, go be productive with your crash free afternoon.<br />
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What is your favorite afternoon snack to get you through?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-24426397758078365842014-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:002014-02-25T06:42:03.261-08:00My daily breadNo, seriously. This is about how I make bread, daily.<br />
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I often get fed up with the complicated state of my life, and changing my habits is making me want to simplify everything. Starting with bread. I love bread. And I love fresh baked bread best of all.<br />
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Which is why I was so very happy to find this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcmzw264yZ6SQR_-z5CFEQLeii_xib2CUD9Bewu2pLcKj8gQu0f3lWzs7nSYAcbyY5pgPsqZNJmrQAPuV8d82vKmmhtJxD_cj3YvBSjaVZTlr4mx8M92F-5zNJg1bCAC6VqX8pST-OGg/s1600/book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcmzw264yZ6SQR_-z5CFEQLeii_xib2CUD9Bewu2pLcKj8gQu0f3lWzs7nSYAcbyY5pgPsqZNJmrQAPuV8d82vKmmhtJxD_cj3YvBSjaVZTlr4mx8M92F-5zNJg1bCAC6VqX8pST-OGg/s1600/book.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
See, between the covers of this book is the secret to having fresh baked bread throughout the week, which sounds more complicated, not less complicated, but I promise you that it is actually very easy. And the beautiful thing about it is that the dough made from this book can be used to make bread, pita, pizza crust, all manner of things. From scratch. Without funky preservatives. With only ingredients that I can pronounce.<br />
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It's fantastic.<br />
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And it goes like this:<br />
<br />
You make a large batch of dough and store it in the fridge. The basic recipe is easy as pie (er, bread. Whatever.) and only has four ingredients. But today we are using a slightly more complicated recipe, that is still ridiculously easy, and has a whole six ingredients. Here they are (well, here they are, minus the most basic, flour and water):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNxnlUIW9j_67In7LdkJfg5bPSSI5Z1cftFJsHLjRhLWJ2cYTAAnZjDTI6zncnzyvDJbQ2yuCz9J0dRgFoc79Esxz41iyX2IYiN_X0wZqe_CVMwmU6OQ_QddLBr_sNKU0R37Cw-Sf9ko/s1600/ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNxnlUIW9j_67In7LdkJfg5bPSSI5Z1cftFJsHLjRhLWJ2cYTAAnZjDTI6zncnzyvDJbQ2yuCz9J0dRgFoc79Esxz41iyX2IYiN_X0wZqe_CVMwmU6OQ_QddLBr_sNKU0R37Cw-Sf9ko/s1600/ingredients.JPG" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's right. Flour, salt, sugar, olive oil, yeast, and water. I grind up a bit of wheat and mix whole wheat flour with all purpose flour, but using just all purpose flour would work just as well.<br />
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That's it. <br />
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See this bowl?<br />
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Sorry if the picture makes you feel seasick. I apparently was feeling tilty today. <br />
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My mom used it when I was a kid for all manner of things, not the least of which was bread dough, and then she gave it to me. And it sat in my cupboards for many years, sad and unused, because really, who is going to use a tupperware bowl that big? Me, that's who.<br />
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I just mix up my ingredients right there in the bowl, let it sit for a couple hours, slap a lid on it and toss it in the fridge. Let me repeat that: I mix it up, in the bowl with a big wooden spoon (and my hands, when it gets too thick to stir), without dragging out a mixer or any other kitchen gadget.<br />
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One. Bowl.<br />
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Then it looks like this:<br />
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I let it sit, covered, on the counter for about two hours, and then it's ready to go. I could use it right that minute, but I never do. Because it is so, so much better after it's been in the fridge for at least overnight. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
*Sidenote* </div>
Just for the record, I had a picture of the dough in its risen state, and it really is a sight to behold. It filled that whole giant bowl. But the fact of it is, that by the time it had risen enough to put it in the fridge, the sun was down and the light was bad and I just couldn't bring myself to end with that pic when the one above it was so much better. So just trust me that it easily doubled in size and was amazing. Then go look at that first picture of the dough and marvel at how well that pic came out. For a girl who has no idea what she is doing with a camera I was pretty happy with it. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*End Sidenote*</div>
<br />
Then whenever the mood hits me, I grab a chunk of the dough, form it up (no kneading involved), let it sit while the oven heats up, and bake up some fresh bread. Which I then eat a lot of, so in hindsight this might not be my best plan, but it is working for me now.<br />
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Before I forget, make sure that the bowl you mix and store your dough in is not air tight. While rising, it's giving off yummy, bready gasses (which sounds gross, but I assure you is good) and your bowl WILL explode. How do I know? Because I just went ahead and put the lid on mine, sealing it all way up (even though I know better!), and just a moment ago I heard a *POP* from the kitchen. Sure enough, it had popped the lid off my bowl. So I'm pretty sure letting this rise in, say, a large sealed mason jar would be disastrous. Not to mention dangerous. So don't. <br />
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A large batch is enough for four loaves of bread. Or many, many really good pizza crusts. Or a whole lot of pita. Yum. Imagine what you could make if you doubled it! The dough gets better throughout the week, and is truly spectacular by the end of the week, or even into the second week. <br />
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And it's easy. No rise times. No all day baking. Just simple, easy bread.<br />
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This recipe is very forgiving, and can be adapted six ways from Sunday by adding ingredients (nuts, garlic, olives, etc.) when you bake. Mmmm, garlic... And seriously, can you imagine this fresh made pita with some homemade hummus? Yes, please. In fact, let's do a hummus recipe to go with the bread next week, wanna? I do.<br />
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I'll share some pics of actually baking the bread when it's time. Which it isn't yet. Maybe I'll even give away a copy of the book, I love it that much. So stay tuned... <br />
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How do you like to make bread? Maybe a better question is <i>do</i> you like making bread? Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-19228531623358445132014-02-21T09:34:00.000-08:002014-02-22T07:50:14.514-08:00My Detox CleanseRemember when I mentioned that I was doing a detox back in January? I did it, and it was awesome! Five days got me more energy, clearer skin, and a general feeling of lightness that I assure you had nothing to do with lack of food.<br />
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It was a great reset for my body after all that Christmas cheer, and I am going to be doing it again in March, for anyone that is interested in joining me. Here is what it looks like:<br />
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More to the point, the week looks like this:<br />
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As you can see, this detox is powered by Shaklee, because you all know how I love and trust Shaklee! Done right, this detox is gluten free, dairy free, caffeine free, and of course free of nasty chemicals or preservatives. There is even a facebook group to give you support along the way!<br />
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And here is the beauty of the situation - for the month of February Shaklee is giving a free membership ($19.95 value) to anyone with an order of 50 PV or more, AND a free canister of the 180 Smoothee mix ($48 value) to boot, which is used in the detox!<br />
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<a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/#" target="_blank"><img alt="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/#" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiNSUlFSPokmyK4FPCfZ_nIpG28rrHJOkOTNZHJRpepEi86lLEObdkbFyv2hZj5IWpuJVoK6SYrcSZUgN9psIBV10tFLpavrriaHHRRqP5WvnpM2yBL6FntG_KcobK0htJkGEO1Q62ek/s1600/Shaklee+Feb+Special.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Ordering with Shaklee will make you, your family and your home healthier. And in case you were concerned, there are no minimum monthly orders, and a 30 money back guarantee. Which means you have nothing to lose.<br />
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So come join me in March, and kickstart your health. Let's get our bodies and our homes healthy and happy for the coming summer, because even if it doesn't feel like it, spring is right around the corner and summer isn't far behind. It's coming and I fully intend on being healthy enough, fit enough, happy enough to enjoy it!<br />
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For more information about Shaklee's February special, <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/#" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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For more information about joining me in the detox, shoot me an <a href="mailto:noodlesandnuggets@gmail.com" target="_blank">email </a>and I'd love to answer all your questions.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-12032850683783964452014-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:002014-01-02T06:55:00.077-08:00Life as I know it<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! </div>
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I am sitting at my kitchen island, reveling in the fact that I am the only one awake for just a moment. The sun is just coming up over the mountains behind us, and starting to light up the mountains in front of us, and it is a truly exceptional sight. It's easy to be thankful when surrounded by such beauty!<br />
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So, let's get down to it: How was your 2013? Mine was a whirlwind! When I sit back and think about everything that took place over the last year... WOW! Want a quick recap? Here you go:<br />
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January 2013: Mr. T lost his biggest consulting client. Actually, that isn't true. He didn't lose them entirely. He had his hours with them drastically cut, resulting in us scrambling to make up the difference. It isn't the first time we've dealt with cut hours or layoffs, but it is never a good feeling! Especially after having put most of our savings into building our house! Yikes! But when one door closes another one opens, as they say, and Mr. T found himself with the opportunity to start a brand new company. Without pay, yes, but that will all be resolved. Someday. I hope.<br />
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February 2013: Dealing with the realities of having our income cut by 75%. The less said about that the better.<br />
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March 2013: Mr. T stopped consulting to focus entirely on the new company. I, in the meantime, started my Shaklee business with the amazing Project Dream International.<br />
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<a href="http://projectdreamintl.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://projectdreamintl.com/" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojjvreImpN15mv9QpYq7Xal3IXS60WVT41mTpprdz0naB6kFHlrSTJzacdDAM5slMZkDrjQXl8h-MEaNK-sogAuYmAgh0KZZRTg5N18SLADnYvBJ63bGvVVpanpHU7SLhOC9fqY1AKL0/s400/ProjectDream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and we traveled to California for Easter with the family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKZjIV9WXcr9OQjJxXQOcdDB7ZuSeLh0xXt9lT12fZi3xdmHG0XLf4hs6C6VXuk72DE1Xb0g4jQYa1QevVue-JxYrnv07YBY7X6BbWCgkgi8x1N0xvLNbXYciW7rNWulKBQeGM9IXGr8/s1600/easter'13+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKZjIV9WXcr9OQjJxXQOcdDB7ZuSeLh0xXt9lT12fZi3xdmHG0XLf4hs6C6VXuk72DE1Xb0g4jQYa1QevVue-JxYrnv07YBY7X6BbWCgkgi8x1N0xvLNbXYciW7rNWulKBQeGM9IXGr8/s640/easter'13+copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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April 2013: Got our sweet doggie, Twister!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa0hXhgxGMzRdDVIwm8cHvXJUgozbGGV0ZL6YxzOFkPK4N5oeU6VS96LWtHeRIEzhaMNceVCRhyphenhyphenfNqJ-UkJeGIN5l6Pq4CGyVci9l6Y1HeCsjS3UhwS8hZHkyD4cwidClfsMz2Ec5w-c/s1600/Twister.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa0hXhgxGMzRdDVIwm8cHvXJUgozbGGV0ZL6YxzOFkPK4N5oeU6VS96LWtHeRIEzhaMNceVCRhyphenhyphenfNqJ-UkJeGIN5l6Pq4CGyVci9l6Y1HeCsjS3UhwS8hZHkyD4cwidClfsMz2Ec5w-c/s640/Twister.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who is quite a lot larger than he is here these days! <br />
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May 2013: Mr. T still working his behind off (for free) to get the new company in order. <br />
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June 2013: Mr. T started consulting again, when we realized that starting a company doesn't pay for a good long while. Still working his rear off on the new company, now consulting as well. School got out. Let the fun begin! <br />
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July 2013: Nugget turned 4, and we spent the day at the water park. In fact, we pretty much spent the month at the waterpark. FUN! Traveled to California for a trade show to launch the new company!! Hooray!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHd_LYHJYWlcMRFnPg9Ki_QSI6DINg_I7Af7riiBdLmlevDRMPNp4nlI99r01E4wlSAWB7mZAAkz9Z37qvyzwpK1_vv2A8MOSIDSDSoI2xB9uE_IV4k2RVe6gkVM1J2i2dmKuG_IRPuU/s1600/tradeshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHd_LYHJYWlcMRFnPg9Ki_QSI6DINg_I7Af7riiBdLmlevDRMPNp4nlI99r01E4wlSAWB7mZAAkz9Z37qvyzwpK1_vv2A8MOSIDSDSoI2xB9uE_IV4k2RVe6gkVM1J2i2dmKuG_IRPuU/s640/tradeshow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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August 2013: Traveled to Washington for a much needed break with my parents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGeI42pB91Vot8PZPDm9SjAaOmNNlNb80K-j9EbQwm-K7F_5mMOcpQpn7xSVPkCdpI4iaRWN03i3dS5RdGGVPPUAzasPBOIozlxZrdi9ip6NdP5hVOTCDarfcEr6JzwXzth402Cl0zWo/s1600/washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGeI42pB91Vot8PZPDm9SjAaOmNNlNb80K-j9EbQwm-K7F_5mMOcpQpn7xSVPkCdpI4iaRWN03i3dS5RdGGVPPUAzasPBOIozlxZrdi9ip6NdP5hVOTCDarfcEr6JzwXzth402Cl0zWo/s640/washington.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Dang. I want to go back there. <br />
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September 2013: Decided to skip going back to school and just teach 'em at home. Homeschool, here we come! Split a TON of firewood to burn in our woodburning insert for the winter. I love to split wood. Best exercise/aggression outlet ever.<br />
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October 2013: Found God (again, for me. For the first time for Mr. T), and joined a church. Baptized and all. Didn't see that one coming! Coincidentally, we quit caffeine. Probably why I needed God. Our health thanks me. <br />
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November 2013: Turned 39. Oof. Split more wood, because a TON didn't seem like quite enough. Traveled to California for Thanksgiving with family. Launched the website for the new company.<br />
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<a href="http://wolfgangusa.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://wolfgangusa.com/" border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0M9EeZZovCosLiLt0lR8J5M5wIPuFLZ5apQeCfDVNr8XBPYgkbfBd17u45AgN1-tSztEhwSuEPbU4uyjn8Si3VRxvSYwQpXDO-0EY4EXWmEBQWp8-zmpVyFtXRuvG1uCba2cKkwnEm0/s400/wolfgang.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Definitely check it out. Because it rocks. Yes, I'm biased. Yes, it really rocks.<br />
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December 2013: Cleaned out my office. Okay, started to clean out my office. It's almost done. Celebrated Noodle's 8th b-day by seeing Frozen. Again. Because we loved it. Celebrated Christmas Eve with dinner at our dear friends' house. Had Mr. T's mom with us for Christmas. December was good!<br />
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Looking at this, the year was good! It's funny, I know that there was a lot of stress this year. Financial stress, physical stress, emotional stress. But when I think back on it, there is just so much to be thankful for! We had a amazing year! We launched Mr. T's company! We started an at home business! We got a dog! We traveled, and spent time with family! We went to church, and made a million new friends! Amazing!<br />
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So, now, looking at 2014. I don't do resolutions. Do you? What do you resolve to do?<br />
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This year I am going to do habits, rather than resolutions. I am going to pick a new habit to work on every month, things that have been eating at me for the last several years, and this is my year to fix them. To change my habits. To change my life, because you know that small changes, one on top of another, can change your life completely.<br />
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This is the year. <br />
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So, January starts the habit of making healthy choices. Of choosing to eat fruit rather than fruit flavored skittles. To exercise, rather than watch TV about exercising. To take the stairs rather than the escalator. To eat breakfast of some variety rather than waiting until lunch and then eating everything in sight.<br />
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Healthy choices. I can do this.<br />
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To kick my healthy choices month off, I am doing a five day detox. A little kick start to clean out my system, clear up my skin and up my energy level. Wanna do it with me? Or maybe wait and see if I survive it, and recreate it on your own? Either way, I'll tell you all about it. It looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV68z8b5nmq5h9kR1BmRuNuVyVMKNNm4kK6go2mZ1A0JiJ4X3xEyc3kajLX2JbORGFzJE6qoa7LEMAwwHi_P5hYsdV6ux7zqK7m0RvK_gJJhJ_D9zxvXPK7rzzsOWBPdY14fJNx0JisE/s640/Kickstart.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Again, I can do this.<br />
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Just for the record, I thought about starting with the habit of doing things now, rather than procrastinating. But then I woke up and it was January, so I decided to save that one for February. Or maybe March. Whatever, I'll get to it.<br />
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We'll talk list of habits and other goals for the year in another post.<br />
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I hope your 2013 was wonderful and your 2014 is even better!<br />
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What are your goals for 2014?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-91947890723425668802013-07-17T07:24:00.000-07:002013-07-17T07:24:36.639-07:00One Pot Pasta In A Flash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdceM-YOyCxfx0tqreXQERMOowapgjiUqTWU_VxIcQIKZf4-TJZUXU7w2pQQU5L08y1CmXMvcHEmCCFukm67LG3Fg8HJTS3nWyGo0rmPVBDQH-Quosgev1FhBkoYpqUbnLDQaQdFmr8/s1600/final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdceM-YOyCxfx0tqreXQERMOowapgjiUqTWU_VxIcQIKZf4-TJZUXU7w2pQQU5L08y1CmXMvcHEmCCFukm67LG3Fg8HJTS3nWyGo0rmPVBDQH-Quosgev1FhBkoYpqUbnLDQaQdFmr8/s640/final2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since we are eating bigger lunches and itty bitty dinners these days, I was looking for a good, quick pasta dish to make the other day (I will not live in a world without pasta, I don't care how healthy I am trying to be), and I came across this one. After tweaking it a bit for my family, I tested it, and it was a hit!<br />
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I hope it is for your family too!<br />
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Here goes:<br />
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In a good sized pot, dump a bunch of uncooked pasta. I used roughly 12 oz, and I think I will be eating it all week. Also, I used penne. Because I love penne. Feel free to use whatever you love. Here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIKlSYOEVB4GtMOIJpF5kiDBuX2JWe5_e9bLjRIcUgUsVjCm8ti04tQOlJP3mfq6Mj8QkQT967NBezHtC2_XkFRH1ijc72TXKKgDR4zivGTbD410z-MFxLsvxwDHF134uRstnFekczb8/s1600/dry+pasta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIKlSYOEVB4GtMOIJpF5kiDBuX2JWe5_e9bLjRIcUgUsVjCm8ti04tQOlJP3mfq6Mj8QkQT967NBezHtC2_XkFRH1ijc72TXKKgDR4zivGTbD410z-MFxLsvxwDHF134uRstnFekczb8/s640/dry+pasta.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To the uncooked pasta add a handful of fresh basil: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv0hlM8vD2loCh9ZLvM0910TVGPVWQRi4pON7LEUgIhI-JOjdytEljBc95ERLIvVec13cMlB_Xt3DdcFJt4CvDtNIhm1a6h0SJrYk-Nhgjf312sGG0rSS2540ZVc_JHZIvwRysy4vIKc/s1600/basil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv0hlM8vD2loCh9ZLvM0910TVGPVWQRi4pON7LEUgIhI-JOjdytEljBc95ERLIvVec13cMlB_Xt3DdcFJt4CvDtNIhm1a6h0SJrYk-Nhgjf312sGG0rSS2540ZVc_JHZIvwRysy4vIKc/s640/basil.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just chop it up and throw it in there. It's pretty. See:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ifw9SJZTT_3CM7bn-1YJJn1obulT-kSrOM68kzW8YuTnEgK3zg2PHNLYForM9ZqGKBkbu-BLBjraqJ2eJL5c0vFV2n4h143TxyE2ZnaaeHs3p8CmMUYTLHJqxES5MjZPP8RLlZJYzFc/s1600/basil+in+pot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ifw9SJZTT_3CM7bn-1YJJn1obulT-kSrOM68kzW8YuTnEgK3zg2PHNLYForM9ZqGKBkbu-BLBjraqJ2eJL5c0vFV2n4h143TxyE2ZnaaeHs3p8CmMUYTLHJqxES5MjZPP8RLlZJYzFc/s640/basil+in+pot.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guess what? I got that basil right off of my own basil plant. Grew it right on my porch. I guess I can grow something after all. *Stands back in amazement, nearly collapses*<br />
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Than add a can of diced tomatoes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eWAq_WkFT-mr3qUE0ESM_7AzoJ3Io_xAG7gwVUOubxfEJobW-mMmWVrneDFu1PSe1tgLYwgZZ5dWreP23WnPU0IJ025UeUNETCJec7SvHYBI_y8KyoWJnyoHojE_48hGrwphKj2rqko/s1600/tomatoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eWAq_WkFT-mr3qUE0ESM_7AzoJ3Io_xAG7gwVUOubxfEJobW-mMmWVrneDFu1PSe1tgLYwgZZ5dWreP23WnPU0IJ025UeUNETCJec7SvHYBI_y8KyoWJnyoHojE_48hGrwphKj2rqko/s640/tomatoes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You could use fresh tomatoes too, if you have the time. I didn't, so canned it was. Would it help if they were low sodium? In the interest of full disclosure, they weren't. Oh well.<br />
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A whole lot of fresh garlic. Really. A. Whole. Lot. Because garlic is good:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZtacSuNxF_yVdxlfNRJnhTk_1zxPO_ANfy1vUFDcJVXy44rFa9w7yclmVSWLA6zDhTGI4_6H9geRbUfU-8uYQBufIKG_6O0vnVVA5OkzQw9MQIBLXaJE3D4re4JDhrgMsjUcXR83ayk/s1600/garlic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZtacSuNxF_yVdxlfNRJnhTk_1zxPO_ANfy1vUFDcJVXy44rFa9w7yclmVSWLA6zDhTGI4_6H9geRbUfU-8uYQBufIKG_6O0vnVVA5OkzQw9MQIBLXaJE3D4re4JDhrgMsjUcXR83ayk/s640/garlic.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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About a 1/4 cup of white wine, give or take (mostly give, of course. Duh.):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXPQ61P_c03Xgabz2IGt1iH9u1sh5eCi9z663rdmq8GQpE53cHT9GXZ-WfcKT_7kSFoIZKZSeY49SrtbveTf1r5abqod3HK1jVLNRDMIGvMAwnYbvZu8Kwvj5TDoVEf8pPWUulkIwXA4/s1600/wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXPQ61P_c03Xgabz2IGt1iH9u1sh5eCi9z663rdmq8GQpE53cHT9GXZ-WfcKT_7kSFoIZKZSeY49SrtbveTf1r5abqod3HK1jVLNRDMIGvMAwnYbvZu8Kwvj5TDoVEf8pPWUulkIwXA4/s640/wine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And 1/2 a sliced onion:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcFVW2_l71bfHkQ3LXveAfyRYAZcvisMK-Cd2eL9eb4z0E_9mnGJbBBX5ih004HnRGcjss1oNBDu55MRoXcQUU3pNSk0vxilDGdGjCs-UoqscO-DF5pgwOuRxItuOgZfVA6APi0qUun8/s1600/onion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcFVW2_l71bfHkQ3LXveAfyRYAZcvisMK-Cd2eL9eb4z0E_9mnGJbBBX5ih004HnRGcjss1oNBDu55MRoXcQUU3pNSk0vxilDGdGjCs-UoqscO-DF5pgwOuRxItuOgZfVA6APi0qUun8/s640/onion.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now give it all a good mix...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ov_H2spHK0OoNk0tT684mDYbHqyQb6Aek7j90LtTxFfq902OIJNLqTptdlNllbgsfogXHsd-YxlD5v0iPql6B0n4NVI7SrlMhbdxD3JpSZwV-lthVUEfwZha1kgZSndsoFcHaJscHNQ/s1600/mix+it+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ov_H2spHK0OoNk0tT684mDYbHqyQb6Aek7j90LtTxFfq902OIJNLqTptdlNllbgsfogXHsd-YxlD5v0iPql6B0n4NVI7SrlMhbdxD3JpSZwV-lthVUEfwZha1kgZSndsoFcHaJscHNQ/s640/mix+it+up.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...And add about 3 1/2 - 4 cups of broth. I used chicken, but you could use veggie if that is your thing:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwCAjCc85JxmQMbrcTVy5MEd13bGAwXzyaolkZw84yRyOVE_xyYroUyXai2h6kUTU76QTZgQjFfd19t2YZJDlq6VifsXfYRjVqBVagTndnmSuJzGfFL7wrBD-sOTP8ZpJV7k6lo8JqHE/s1600/broth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwCAjCc85JxmQMbrcTVy5MEd13bGAwXzyaolkZw84yRyOVE_xyYroUyXai2h6kUTU76QTZgQjFfd19t2YZJDlq6VifsXfYRjVqBVagTndnmSuJzGfFL7wrBD-sOTP8ZpJV7k6lo8JqHE/s640/broth.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A drizzle of olive oil:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZF9_eS637rIya06DVMTZS7zx-eqfEXOJxT1TStmYiywp6KL03WEABMJkRjGFvy9dAcGGf6WpPkvOL3UxTSBug59aSb3niaezTpVsUQaQb9YM1ZkWjeXdj4TnmVHjAolhtjWQjVH0XHA/s1600/olive+oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZF9_eS637rIya06DVMTZS7zx-eqfEXOJxT1TStmYiywp6KL03WEABMJkRjGFvy9dAcGGf6WpPkvOL3UxTSBug59aSb3niaezTpVsUQaQb9YM1ZkWjeXdj4TnmVHjAolhtjWQjVH0XHA/s640/olive+oil.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And a pinch of Oregano, which I forgot to take a picture of. *Sigh* <br />
<br />
Give it all another good stir, bring it to a boil, turn it down to a simmer and let it go for about 7-10 minutes, stirring it every few minutes. Remember, it is going to keep cooking after you turn off the heat, so better to stop a little underdone than to get it just perfect and have it be mushy 5 minutes later. <br />
<br />
That's it. Seriously. The pasta cooks in the broth, and what you are left with is a saucy pasta dish chock full of flavor. Add whatever you want from there. I plan to add some grilled chicken next time. Oh, and sprinkle some parmesan over it. That would probably make it perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY5yWzIpaJgMf03lVVPfWMHFti4HT_UI8GgHduZ5rZ27pQkv51bT3mHLEG27cuUkiKi-hIXAVHYmwSvg_lR1B0jxTZiHlwiCywmKU6RYOSSFVtw9dMhDwGavIZYf1wgADsNoDHz93S-M/s1600/final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY5yWzIpaJgMf03lVVPfWMHFti4HT_UI8GgHduZ5rZ27pQkv51bT3mHLEG27cuUkiKi-hIXAVHYmwSvg_lR1B0jxTZiHlwiCywmKU6RYOSSFVtw9dMhDwGavIZYf1wgADsNoDHz93S-M/s640/final.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Quick. Easy. One pot. What more could I want?<br />
<br />
Except maybe some bread to go with it. Because we all know how I feel about bread. Very similar to how I feel about coffee.<br />
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What is your favorite fast lunch?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-25811497086709247862013-07-15T07:43:00.000-07:002013-07-15T07:43:38.369-07:00Best Stain Remover Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioDz7D0P7OOuJC9ciJo2xlF1xhjZik5fy4nSAPI1njkOXLF37iDexyCg3RCfnIqOWGFFMm6vTMGrjvRCRs4f54ENSUzKxbihpLdbocGc1Z8kgLhZ2VvVdLvi5Pw0m_3kQakN5nloPzaQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioDz7D0P7OOuJC9ciJo2xlF1xhjZik5fy4nSAPI1njkOXLF37iDexyCg3RCfnIqOWGFFMm6vTMGrjvRCRs4f54ENSUzKxbihpLdbocGc1Z8kgLhZ2VvVdLvi5Pw0m_3kQakN5nloPzaQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately, Noodle has been loving having smoothies for breakfast. Smoothies with blueberries and strawberries in them. Smoothies that look awfully purple just sitting in a glass. <br />
<br />
The other morning it was a bit chaotic around these parts, and I let Noodle drink her breakfast smoothie while sitting on my bed watching something extremely educational, like Word Girl.<br />
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When I finally got around to making my bed that morning, want to know what I found? You guessed it. Smoothie splorp. In. My. Bed.<br />
<br />
I have cream colored sheets.<br />
<br />
The smoothie was purple.<br />
<br />
And had dried.<br />
<br />
You can guess my reaction.<br />
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Now, if I had had my wits about me, I would have started taking pictures of what happened next, but I didn't so any pictures you see in this post are a recreation. Sorry about that.<br />
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Here is a recreation of what my sheet looked like, using a white (not cream, WHITE) tea towel that I have:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8ZO_zpRIWTOBLc6aaC88MxEWtN_rjgaap3o2CaPNZI5qjix_qnpdQl7SfHfxxo_7oWpkbLnE8Mm4fnDCjhAl9yGqb1BAPF0OMlmwn5x5E7ThtMbJ1vCMCeQ86EdSb4YbTZ4MEmmDDJA/s1600/Stained+Towel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8ZO_zpRIWTOBLc6aaC88MxEWtN_rjgaap3o2CaPNZI5qjix_qnpdQl7SfHfxxo_7oWpkbLnE8Mm4fnDCjhAl9yGqb1BAPF0OMlmwn5x5E7ThtMbJ1vCMCeQ86EdSb4YbTZ4MEmmDDJA/s640/Stained+Towel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Need to see that a little closer? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKipX2aZAMVkFnefNWmsL3tAinvuaDeIlMOCl8xP4aIzA3ItlPfSr5LpCLGWWsbRVXLZ2p45iStFJfKMI_fmFwUzcc9JCx1resDuBPz5AGx-hFs0iQIL-Vmo7WEBuclGyArhsDlDiVOk4/s1600/Stain+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKipX2aZAMVkFnefNWmsL3tAinvuaDeIlMOCl8xP4aIzA3ItlPfSr5LpCLGWWsbRVXLZ2p45iStFJfKMI_fmFwUzcc9JCx1resDuBPz5AGx-hFs0iQIL-Vmo7WEBuclGyArhsDlDiVOk4/s640/Stain+close.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, I know. Ick. <br />
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Contrary to what you might think, I didn't panic. Or scream. Or throw things. No, I very calmly stripped the sheets from my bed and took them into the laundry room where I keep a bottle that looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy_mIhh8jKQXzhfglji1EuQWR0BlHFNAwDY3HvAIZCcQpIKLu1nvFckiv6Aeykjba_vvEk1UpS_2y-9LWmXUO8oHYvi7EMnx_hg6iWBYfenZQWcw5dwyQlmYZBOIMxGpRlE8-EY1b96Q/s1600/Nature+Bright.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy_mIhh8jKQXzhfglji1EuQWR0BlHFNAwDY3HvAIZCcQpIKLu1nvFckiv6Aeykjba_vvEk1UpS_2y-9LWmXUO8oHYvi7EMnx_hg6iWBYfenZQWcw5dwyQlmYZBOIMxGpRlE8-EY1b96Q/s640/Nature+Bright.JPG" width="534" /></a></div>
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The bottle says Basic H on it, but that isn't what's in it. It also says Windows on it. It isn't for windows. It was just an extra that I had sitting around, and I mixed up some powdered Nature Bright and water in it about, oh, maybe 3 or 4 months ago. <br />
<br />
Nature Bright is a natural laundry booster along the lines of
Oxiclean, but all natural, biodegradable, phosphate free and bleach
free. Oh, and awesome. It's that, too. <br />
<br />
By the way, if you try mixing up Nature Bright and water for a stain remover, be sure to leave the lid off of the bottle for a while. A good, long while. And don't fill it too full. See Nature Bright reacts in water, and bubbles are formed, which may or may not have an interesting reaction if you store it with the lid closed too tightly. <br />
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I had sort of forgotten about it, since I haven't had any really impressive stains to get out lately. Pretty much everything has come out just with my Shaklee laundry detergent. But I was pretty sure that the smoothie stain was a keeper if I didn't do more than just detergent. So out came the Nature Bright mixture. <br />
<br />
I sprayed it right on the stain:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMvPJu885Mwzv7OkxospeA5VHtj7SPl2SFCq_ylPdVt_l7W2tPkZ3WeTzlhz5dG8ll6l1BPZiBofsoRSq4AfEurOIEtdG1jLDkanL9ztY0RfXegXrB9jSgKs9K_Sz0mf2kUbgQ_JIKXg/s1600/Spraying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMvPJu885Mwzv7OkxospeA5VHtj7SPl2SFCq_ylPdVt_l7W2tPkZ3WeTzlhz5dG8ll6l1BPZiBofsoRSq4AfEurOIEtdG1jLDkanL9ztY0RfXegXrB9jSgKs9K_Sz0mf2kUbgQ_JIKXg/s640/Spraying.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And check out what happened when I sprayed it right on the stain: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ3_n2Z3n4qL7QZUtCrRcl1g2WkDxPrVimcTBRiX3LcSwLQZiGe9S69KbsvpjmVLf9Ay4TJydi_R-1ICm5lian_0miKa0B5OexKDZ2a1nOqHpY6iASP7BCqQj65inBFXW_h1-EIo3AFo/s1600/green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ3_n2Z3n4qL7QZUtCrRcl1g2WkDxPrVimcTBRiX3LcSwLQZiGe9S69KbsvpjmVLf9Ay4TJydi_R-1ICm5lian_0miKa0B5OexKDZ2a1nOqHpY6iASP7BCqQj65inBFXW_h1-EIo3AFo/s640/green.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I about had a heart attack. I was pretty sure I had just made the biggest mistake ever.<br />
<br />
But I kept spraying, really saturating the fabric. And I let it sit for a bit, then sprayed some more. Then just for good measure, I rubbed a little detergent on it and let it sit for even longer. Then I sprayed some more, and went to do something else.<br />
<br />
And forgot about it.<br />
<br />
Oops.<br />
<br />
When I went back to it a few hours later it had dried.<br />
<br />
And the stain was completely gone.<br />
<br />
GONE!<br />
<br />
So I threw it in the washer and dryer, and ended up with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3HVGZU1Y8z8XsmpRhISUllBQmlp_5VJfc83L7_jD3raQeQp8_J0sKkT5gj3AHlKQLYSIy5GYiBvQtEYaICH1qj0b730MVFwdFoWCdOav77mSyID3gLB1pYniJfYLSNo5mFeT3HvryFQ/s1600/clean1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3HVGZU1Y8z8XsmpRhISUllBQmlp_5VJfc83L7_jD3raQeQp8_J0sKkT5gj3AHlKQLYSIy5GYiBvQtEYaICH1qj0b730MVFwdFoWCdOav77mSyID3gLB1pYniJfYLSNo5mFeT3HvryFQ/s640/clean1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I repeat:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpaUyok7J0fTxXyXJ8UHHmQqnOay5xtGH5NWnuZOEL91gyjP2EaQaFdHaIUC494SL-IUO_kIRz-c1Bq6HmEpp3ARCFXVM-sJ2D9xwxVZ5F5TT7r0FgERMUldqY3hYZl4WhL-zbc9DIYs/s1600/clean2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpaUyok7J0fTxXyXJ8UHHmQqnOay5xtGH5NWnuZOEL91gyjP2EaQaFdHaIUC494SL-IUO_kIRz-c1Bq6HmEpp3ARCFXVM-sJ2D9xwxVZ5F5TT7r0FgERMUldqY3hYZl4WhL-zbc9DIYs/s640/clean2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's actually good that I had to recreate it on my white tea towel to see if it was a fluke, but no. It happened exactly the same way. Right down to forgetting about it, which we won't discuss, because that says more about me than I care to admit.<br />
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If you haven't guessed by now, I am completely thrilled with my Shaklee products. So much so, that I can't encourage you enough to try it for yourself. And to make that easier, I am offering a free Shaklee membership to anyone that wants to try it out in the month of July. That's a $19.95 value for free, and that membership lets you save 15% on all products! Oh, and there is no minimum purchase for the free membership, and no monthly commitment after you buy (but be warned, you will keep buying. It's just that good!).<br />
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<a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTMmmeZdSBrrNdc9GsS-ju0pQyxxTfNmys4wQsdq43mcUZrJSzcOm47ziikvEyLYrzN8c16IeQMYjPeLHuHdJEUdilv96_agkEtfDtPKDkYsuDsoaVuTmsXRFqsC0SAVkcyjC33rJwWc/s640/Freemembership.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-4516333699650425792013-07-10T07:20:00.000-07:002013-07-10T07:20:26.067-07:00Sock Dryer Balls With Essential OilsWant something to do with your socks once they get a hole in them and are of <span id="goog_1552045433"></span><span id="goog_1552045434"></span>no use to you anymore? Try this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t_wZxm3E8tY26TT6VOprHGHN6ikHhwsUnDUKQvuoGuaAK9TncnzTzv_ndcPxR1_dx4qqhz5AHWB2njoA-3Y4c5mT_YzKPQPjc10E3D3a71jga3-d8o37MrGy9ZG0SUpt3laDhQHYV5I/s1600/sock+%2526+Oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t_wZxm3E8tY26TT6VOprHGHN6ikHhwsUnDUKQvuoGuaAK9TncnzTzv_ndcPxR1_dx4qqhz5AHWB2njoA-3Y4c5mT_YzKPQPjc10E3D3a71jga3-d8o37MrGy9ZG0SUpt3laDhQHYV5I/s640/sock+%2526+Oil.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take a pair of socks with holes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciQTgF3FhIq9UHcZqvO4LX1Ak_eHWQKK0S-fs9vWgwC5wfEqLCQwU6N1PIqsKMrRSX4CGwK8XxayKuie3qLPhLoLfsTm5WeESlSMCkglFZMWWzMSxFmNqpAG79nQ96VTE4P2wp8pooKg/s1600/Socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciQTgF3FhIq9UHcZqvO4LX1Ak_eHWQKK0S-fs9vWgwC5wfEqLCQwU6N1PIqsKMrRSX4CGwK8XxayKuie3qLPhLoLfsTm5WeESlSMCkglFZMWWzMSxFmNqpAG79nQ96VTE4P2wp8pooKg/s640/Socks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Why, yes, it does look like they are different sizes. I don't know if that is because they are different sizes, or because they are stretched from being rolled. Keep reading. You'll understand what I mean. <br />
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Take some essential oils of your choice. I use Lemon and Lavendar. Sometimes. Sometimes I use Wild Orange all by it's little self. And sometimes I use Lime. Because I love lime and pretty much use it for everything. And sometimes I use Citrus Bliss, because it has all the scents I love and smells a little bit like the recovery drink that I have after I work out. When I work out, because it's pretty hit and miss, and my recovery drink is all that gets me through my workout. Because it is so, so yummy. In fact, let's use Citrus Bliss for our purposes today, wanna? Because I do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vpeknzcL33odUUVdQunvmrrJ05sycKKFU5qDj6-MADzALlmME0uku7e6SAa882MgDJ9gKphCfqo5IJuoZU7Zkwqp6EfQMGq2G_GaEBsFz-C1NMnO9oPfNP6FW0wVHFjJ8KWjP1X3Jq4/s1600/oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vpeknzcL33odUUVdQunvmrrJ05sycKKFU5qDj6-MADzALlmME0uku7e6SAa882MgDJ9gKphCfqo5IJuoZU7Zkwqp6EfQMGq2G_GaEBsFz-C1NMnO9oPfNP6FW0wVHFjJ8KWjP1X3Jq4/s640/oil.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, put several drops of essential oil on your first sock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2S7mJ_9WDjEGWayt8Zw8yo5Qhfq4BWEZZpO2IX2FSVHly0HzPc2ybvqv-deGXzen4vp13xG4AYBVmtF512PSA3AQPwScPZnhbkaXaryxCm6OFwvyidzEjKI_9jH07anWkIEDHnlqNA8/s1600/oil+second.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2S7mJ_9WDjEGWayt8Zw8yo5Qhfq4BWEZZpO2IX2FSVHly0HzPc2ybvqv-deGXzen4vp13xG4AYBVmtF512PSA3AQPwScPZnhbkaXaryxCm6OFwvyidzEjKI_9jH07anWkIEDHnlqNA8/s640/oil+second.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drop it right around where the ball of your foot would be. How many drops? How much do you want your laundry to smell? Because if you want the scent to stick with your laundry, you need to put a pretty good amount on there. I am happy just having my dryer smell amazing every time I open the door so I just use about 10 drops or so.<br />
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Now roll the sock up from the toes to the top, as tight as you can (you want it to be dense)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLO7K7cAZ7S0yFwpdGoCVp-v2lN21cSX8H_a_El0R_z6J8yfItjizjyz7W9OuLe6CV3tkLUuw8Im2TXm9sMN9WpP_t9iE5LU7eOEmW8WajwdxBjEHeV7vrcyU9XsLGakts2d3b-QKhFo/s1600/rolling+first.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLO7K7cAZ7S0yFwpdGoCVp-v2lN21cSX8H_a_El0R_z6J8yfItjizjyz7W9OuLe6CV3tkLUuw8Im2TXm9sMN9WpP_t9iE5LU7eOEmW8WajwdxBjEHeV7vrcyU9XsLGakts2d3b-QKhFo/s640/rolling+first.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and fold the top of the sock over the roll to hold it in place.<br />
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Now take the second sock and put several more drops of essential oil on the ball of the foot of that sock.<br />
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Place the rolled up sock on the toe of the flat sock...<br />
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...and roll it all up, just like you did with the first sock...<br />
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...and fold the top of the sock over the whole roll to hold it in place.<br />
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Voila! There you have your new sock dryer ball. If the socks were big enough, you should have a little heavyish bundle that can bounce around in your laundry and help your clothes (or anything else you are drying) both dry faster and smell better. Do this with a few pairs of socks and you have a little army of dryer efficiency.<br />
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Hooray for no more thrown away socks!<br />
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What essential oils would you like your dryer/laundry room to smell like? Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-38368396556394878232013-06-19T10:19:00.000-07:002013-06-19T14:35:42.323-07:00Detox Foot SoakOkay, we are going to start things off today by reminding everyone that I am not a doctor, so anything I use and love on here might be great for me, but not great for you. There is no medical advice being dispensed here at N&N. I am just a mama that worries about pretty much everything in life, leading to a lot of stress. So I like to find things that give me moments to relax and hopefully do something good for my body at the same time.<br />
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Like yoga, but without all the pain. And the breathing through the pain. I want the benefits of yoga, with minimal breathing through the pain.<br />
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Like I said, I'm a worrier. A stresser. Give me a situation and I can always find something to worry about. It's a bad habit, one that I am constantly trying to work on, but I'm pretty sure there is a little rung on that DNA ladder that is labeled stress, and in my makeup that rung is close to the top. And we all know that worry pollutes your body and your mind and robs you of precious minutes of life that will never be gotten back.<br />
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So when I started researching detox baths about a year ago, I was all over it. Finding a way to pull toxins from food and stress and, well, LIFE out of my body? Yes, please. <br />
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It isn't like I'm overflowing with toxins from food. I eat relatively well, if you can get past the Skittles. And the coffee.<br />
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(Full disclosure: I have all but given up the Skittles. I don't remember the last time I had some. Coffee, on the other hand, is never going away, so get used to that, people. A world without coffee is a sad and soulless place. Kind of like a world without bread.)<br />
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I don't drink a lot of soda. I try to keep to foods made from ingredients that I can pronounce. Maybe even ingredients I can find in my own kitchen. I eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables. But I also know that between the worrying and stress, and the bit of junk that I do eat, there are plenty of toxins hanging out in my system that are slowing me down, making me less healthy.<br />
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And detox baths seemed to help with that a fair amount. I mean, I think they did. Who am I to say (not a doctor, remember?)? My skin was better. My energy level was better. But it took a chunk of time to do it. If I want to soak in a bath for half an hour, I have to wait until Noodle and Nugget are both in bed and asleep. And I had better have all my blog stuff done, and the kitchen cleaned up before attempting a detox bath because I am quite literally useless after one of those things. I can pretty much roll myself into bed and that is it. Seriously. That. Is. It.<br />
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So when I found <a href="http://tidymom.net/2013/diy-lime-mint-foot-soak/?_szp=466768" target="_blank">Tidy Mom's Lime and Mint Foot Soak</a> on Pinterest, it inspired me to try scaling down my detox bath to a detox foot soak! The bath recipe that I was using is perfect as a foot soak too, and we all know that feet are a great portal to the systems of your body. So, without further ado, here is the recipe I use for a detox foot soak.<br />
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It starts with one cup of Epsom Salts:<br />
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To the salts I add several drops of Grapefruit essential oil. <br />
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I use grapefruit for a lot of reasons, but the main reason is because it makes me smile. When we were building the house, and I was stressing like a fiend, I used to put grapefruit oil on my pillow at night to keep my anxiety down while I slept. Otherwise, I was a mess. I would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to get back to sleep. It was awful. Grapefruit made it less awful, more happy. Because grapefruit is a happy smell.<br />
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Unless you hate grapefruit. Then it's a terrible smell. Sorry about that.<br />
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For detox purposes, it would probably be more useful to use Lemon or Rosemary or Helichrysm, but I like grapefruit. End of story.<br />
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Then, the thing that makes it a serious detox soak - clay.<br />
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Bentonite clay, to draw the impurities from my body. Because, seriously, bentonite clay can be used for so many things, and a detox foot soak is just one of them. It can be mixed with water to make a paste that can be used on cuts, bites, stings, burns, rashes... you name it. I got turned on to it over at <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/01/the-health-and-beauty-benefits-of-clay.html" target="_blank">One Good Thing By Jillee,</a> and that woman knows a good thing when she finds it!<br />
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So, adding clay to my foot soak seems like a great way to get some detox into my relaxation. I added about 1/4 cup of clay to my mix.<br />
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Now, here's where it becomes a little bit of a fail.<br />
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To make it pretty I decided to add some citrus zest, like Tidy Mom did.<br />
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See, isn't that pretty. Problem? When you add it to the clay/salt mixture, the clay coats the zest, making it not so pretty, just kinda lumpy.<br />
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Which makes it really rather unappealing. And the zest is totally useless if it's going to get coated and ugly, so feel free to leave that out.<br />
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Oh well! Moving on!<br />
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I filled a tub with some warm water. Actually, let's be real here. It was blazing hot water, and I might have scalded my feet a fair amount in this process. But when doing a detox bath, it is recommended to have the water as hot as you can stand it, to make you sweat all the ick out. (Totally technical explanation, yes?) So I just went with that, and came away with lobster red, fully detoxed, feet.<br />
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I added my clay/salt mixture to the water... <br />
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...and stirred and stirred until I was reasonably sure the epsom salts had dissolved. <br />
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The whole thing was a cloudy mess, thanks to the clay, but I knew that for my purposes it didn't have to be pretty. It just had to work.<br />
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I hauled the whole thing out to the front porch to enjoy my soak for as
long as I could before Noodle and Nugget descended on me. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note the clay already dried to my ankles and lower legs. Attractive.</span></div>
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Which turned out to be about 3.7 blissful seconds. Then I was barraged with questions.<br />
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"Ewwww! What is that?!"<br />
<br />
"Can I try it?"<br />
<br />
"Why are your eyes closed?"<br />
<br />
"Are you asleep?" <br />
<br />
"Why are you sitting out here?"<br />
<br />
"Will you get me some water?" <br />
<br />
"I have to pee!" (Less of a question, more of a warning).<br />
<br />
*Sigh* <br />
<br />
So, while I managed to pull off soaking for about 10 minutes, it was neither quiet nor relaxing. But even that short period of time did yield some detox results. How do I know? Because I had a feeling of noodleness similar to what I experience when I take a full detox bath. Of barely being able to drag myself through the rest of the day, but on a lesser level. If this had been a full blown detox bath, I would have been completely unable to stay awake, much less upright, until bedtime.<br />
<br />
Oh well, at least the view was good while I was failing to relax!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWmhAiVptuK42_htft2iueZcsX4ssxtmeKw-1mfmK-W9aqoKSHuNnNDzAmHP5-wu0DXA7p60sEnr8H5uTbEkk3amJPfZ4ph_JaicNTpZyXWKLmjOCGjpq3I8rJTv1zAEoURTZrh6cQUU/s1600/view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWmhAiVptuK42_htft2iueZcsX4ssxtmeKw-1mfmK-W9aqoKSHuNnNDzAmHP5-wu0DXA7p60sEnr8H5uTbEkk3amJPfZ4ph_JaicNTpZyXWKLmjOCGjpq3I8rJTv1zAEoURTZrh6cQUU/s640/view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you have a quick detox method? Share it with me!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-67148564922659549852013-06-10T07:24:00.000-07:002013-06-10T07:24:08.871-07:00What I Learned While Camping In My Front YardHappy Monday!!<br />
<br />
Just kidding. I'm not a fan of Monday. Though I do hope you have a good one. But I did have a great weekend, so let's talk about that, wanna?<br />
<br />
What did you do this weekend? We did all manner of things. First I have a quiz for you.<br />
<br />
What do you get when you combine a water balloon filler:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GRoQ8LDYzkjgPqIAKgc4WrUtB3wnWIEMpXD6MZETxn8-fPIGk3g40AIt0fGvvWMVMpGn7Fae7fKyvAbNcPTVAsBYInInlbaeUIIBa73Wm9EXOK6IVaROLvydLTJCnQ3F0lIwTvLyIQ8/s1600/water+balloon+pump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GRoQ8LDYzkjgPqIAKgc4WrUtB3wnWIEMpXD6MZETxn8-fPIGk3g40AIt0fGvvWMVMpGn7Fae7fKyvAbNcPTVAsBYInInlbaeUIIBa73Wm9EXOK6IVaROLvydLTJCnQ3F0lIwTvLyIQ8/s640/water+balloon+pump.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Water balloons:<br />
<br />
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<br />
A Noodle and a Nugget:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UOe5seSQZT7b1W9AlAWdJGX7a_0GUL1u-ONs04J4OyHFtS17hS_gox9Bjjhst9aW5F-isTajPQM4tnrbMqZvF88Ptdy1_RGSBPt_7y5s8wWU8B1ORexzl9cQuhcS5-aCFtGBaTbDeR4/s1600/N%2526N.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UOe5seSQZT7b1W9AlAWdJGX7a_0GUL1u-ONs04J4OyHFtS17hS_gox9Bjjhst9aW5F-isTajPQM4tnrbMqZvF88Ptdy1_RGSBPt_7y5s8wWU8B1ORexzl9cQuhcS5-aCFtGBaTbDeR4/s640/N%2526N.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(What can I say? The kid just likes to wear a life jacket)<br />
<br />
And a trampoline:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY5wq1QEx4Q9hNvim0L9M4uMZouoFKFOv5aP4o6cyyUsN1Sbs_o4AQMaXRuGQNp0gcb9kj_BHGJLjTkOzILDAyK1p6dThlHoZpZ6Ht_bJJzlxpFBFXfpKWKbHaUeXwwarTrmAku_9q34/s1600/trampoline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY5wq1QEx4Q9hNvim0L9M4uMZouoFKFOv5aP4o6cyyUsN1Sbs_o4AQMaXRuGQNp0gcb9kj_BHGJLjTkOzILDAyK1p6dThlHoZpZ6Ht_bJJzlxpFBFXfpKWKbHaUeXwwarTrmAku_9q34/s640/trampoline.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
??<br />
<br />
You get hours of entertainment, that is what you get! And it looks like this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oCjDwEqrLHH4Ab2LqP4qj4LpPg1JT3jEWkGv9tdpf1dDeeC3-CgeRRFXxIhPxYV62EYqXJMxHHdRAzkn34dRM2OVvuv_VsBVW0LK9IiRIqESc1O4HrQ_EctD7Lw6kcnsHcmofaN1xN4/s1600/kids+jumping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oCjDwEqrLHH4Ab2LqP4qj4LpPg1JT3jEWkGv9tdpf1dDeeC3-CgeRRFXxIhPxYV62EYqXJMxHHdRAzkn34dRM2OVvuv_VsBVW0LK9IiRIqESc1O4HrQ_EctD7Lw6kcnsHcmofaN1xN4/s640/kids+jumping.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Throw in a crazy dog and a kiddie pool, and you get complete chaos.<br />
<br />
At least that's what you get at my house. Chaos. On pretty much any day, actually.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa0hXhgxGMzRdDVIwm8cHvXJUgozbGGV0ZL6YxzOFkPK4N5oeU6VS96LWtHeRIEzhaMNceVCRhyphenhyphenfNqJ-UkJeGIN5l6Pq4CGyVci9l6Y1HeCsjS3UhwS8hZHkyD4cwidClfsMz2Ec5w-c/s1600/Twister.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa0hXhgxGMzRdDVIwm8cHvXJUgozbGGV0ZL6YxzOFkPK4N5oeU6VS96LWtHeRIEzhaMNceVCRhyphenhyphenfNqJ-UkJeGIN5l6Pq4CGyVci9l6Y1HeCsjS3UhwS8hZHkyD4cwidClfsMz2Ec5w-c/s640/Twister.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't let the puppy dog eyes fool you. It's chaos.<br />
<br />
So, we camped out in our front yard on Saturday night. Yup, I did say FRONT yard. Now, just so that you don't get the idea that we are weirdos that are bent on attracting trouble by basically sleeping in public rather than the obscurity of our BACKyard, let me remind you about where I live:<br />
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<br />
See all that nothing behind Noodle and Nugget? Just picture it all around us. ALL around us.<br />
<br />
Right. And let me just tell you about the fact that while we managed to throw in some landscaping in the front yard so that we don't look entirely like we just plopped a house out in the middle of a sage field, the backyard is still a dirt pit, that has no business housing either tents or people.<br />
<br />
So, naturally, we camped in the front yard. And so, for slightly less than 12 hours, this was our home:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e65sY69tJoK3WOYOg4TGT3KANVQcWMQ8JcZrv3bBOJAv8u9jcLSnWiQMxfNg9CgIXQY8mPbp4JDlRcRzJlRju9UUYMlCj9jmhyPPoAlvmRsNsnwuXOZ5u6BfsCNxzsubprmn0EMYW9A/s1600/tent+home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e65sY69tJoK3WOYOg4TGT3KANVQcWMQ8JcZrv3bBOJAv8u9jcLSnWiQMxfNg9CgIXQY8mPbp4JDlRcRzJlRju9UUYMlCj9jmhyPPoAlvmRsNsnwuXOZ5u6BfsCNxzsubprmn0EMYW9A/s640/tent+home.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In front of our real home, see that? Which is kind of ideal, as we got the benefits of nature while having indoor plumbing and a truly fabulous coffee maker mere steps from the entrance of our tent.<br />
<br />
Noodle and Nugget were so excited about this turn of events that they immediately went inside to gather "supplies". Here are some things that my kids consider essential when camping in the front yard. First off, books:<br />
<br />
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<br />
Then there are the fuzzy slippers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg17MAOQ42x6H-ON_qBXGpBBYLiaRGltnLTl1CdmNAF4wE5J2Jdbk2_Wl0wmVp3VrI69N89RaXwuc52KRXZes3lhBTC6Sle-QMRRwheqUY2L2mRAte7r16iiNVW6uBDvm8M96kQUGCU0/s1600/slippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg17MAOQ42x6H-ON_qBXGpBBYLiaRGltnLTl1CdmNAF4wE5J2Jdbk2_Wl0wmVp3VrI69N89RaXwuc52KRXZes3lhBTC6Sle-QMRRwheqUY2L2mRAte7r16iiNVW6uBDvm8M96kQUGCU0/s640/slippers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And the stuffed animals:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXczKKV-3lV_ch2IQkeNU71FGdwUXeK8wBRG7RviwGg6LvKMewBbyfLotWhEAB8VI-jjWRZy4f5U1KM6cmF-Cfy7J3OuQHBPMZDvehMYWa8NCs5ODOuOBMzJTo_jFftt7ZxBoBX1bIvz4/s1600/stuffed+animals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXczKKV-3lV_ch2IQkeNU71FGdwUXeK8wBRG7RviwGg6LvKMewBbyfLotWhEAB8VI-jjWRZy4f5U1KM6cmF-Cfy7J3OuQHBPMZDvehMYWa8NCs5ODOuOBMzJTo_jFftt7ZxBoBX1bIvz4/s640/stuffed+animals.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And camp chairs, naturally: <br />
<br />
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<br />
And, my personal favorites, the pop gun...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZbwaAblm2NJkPAVXBUH6-85jyPXD3DPEXfnJfpX71DFbxFgNBrCxirZCpVKN_9lXnjKOBXz8D-5WR35ZOzp97oK70osRG0dEUHEQwL7hrGq9AYVp_8W5uK5Xnf3Y3bcw0PF_j-8RxAU/s1600/pop+gun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZbwaAblm2NJkPAVXBUH6-85jyPXD3DPEXfnJfpX71DFbxFgNBrCxirZCpVKN_9lXnjKOBXz8D-5WR35ZOzp97oK70osRG0dEUHEQwL7hrGq9AYVp_8W5uK5Xnf3Y3bcw0PF_j-8RxAU/s640/pop+gun.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and wooden sword... <br />
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<br />
...to protect us from <strike>zombies</strike> coyotes. And anything else that might come snooping. Good thinking, kiddos! <br />
<br />
And I learned a few things while camping in my front yard, which include but are not limited to:<br />
<br />
1. Small Nuggets and fully grown husbands would do well to bring both hoodies and beanies into the tent at bedtime to prevent getting up for them in the wee hours of the morning to keep their shaved heads and naked necks from freezing in our mountain air.<br />
<br />
2. A double wide sleeping bag, while roomy and kind of cute, is not the warmest place to sleep if you want to roll over at any point in the night.<br />
<br />
3. When your cold Nugget climbs into your double wide sleeping bag with you and your husband, just accept the fact that you won't be turning over for the rest of the night, because every time you do you will let the cold air into the bag, waking up Nugget and launching him on a 5 minute tirade about how FREEZING he is. It will involve crying. Possibly for you both.<br />
<br />
4. Twister will bark at pretty much anything. He'll bark at the wind, at the sound of you trying to roll over without waking up Nugget (which will wake up Nugget), at the sound of any person in the tent snoring or breathing audibly, at crickets chirping, at the cat meowing from the house window closest to the tent, he'll even bark at the sound his tail makes when he wags it in his sleep. He won't, apparently, bark at actual animals in the area. He will, though, bark at your neighbor 100 yards away the second he walks out his back door in the morning.<br />
<br />
5. No matter how pathetic the cat sounds, don't try to bring him in the tent with the rest of you. He will be completely freaked out over the fact that he can see the outdoors but not actually walk into it, and will pace the tent, going from sheer panel to sheer panel trying to figure out how to get into the outside. This will culminate with him making a flying leap at the topmost sheer panel thinking it's a way out, sinking his front claws into the sheerness of the panel, and hanging there, dangling over a sleeping Noodle, completely confused as what to do next. Which means you will leave the warmth of your sleeping bag to rescue the cat (and by extension, Noodle) and pass him off to husband to take back into the house, because everyone and their brother knows that cats have no business camping, front yard or elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Just for the record, you won't hear a peep from your cat after this experience. He now knows you are nuts sleeping out there and thinks you deserve what you get.<br />
<br />
6. Backs will hurt about halfway through the night. You will actually be crippled by morning.<br />
<br />
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. Camping out front was a blast. And completely hilarious, once morning brought a bit of perspective.<br />
<br />
The cat has started speaking to us again, in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
What did you do this weekend?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-32515383760878569112013-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:002013-06-12T08:32:09.953-07:00The Very Best Steak Marinade - Straight From Your Freezer!Summer is officially here! Maybe not according to the calendar, but school is out, and in my world that means that summer is here! Hooray! Huzzah! We are doing all manner of happy dances around the N&N household these days. We love summer around here!<br />
<br />
And part of what makes summer so very, very great for me is the idea that we can COOK OUTSIDE! Which translates to less clean up for me. (At least, in theory. Somehow it never seems to work out that way, but I still love grilling over cooking in my kitchen.)<br />
<br />
So to help us all on our way to many, many evenings grilling outside, I am here with my very favorite steak marinade recipe! Yum!<br />
<br />
And just like that, here it is:<br />
<br />
Start with 1/2 cup Red Wine:<br />
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To that, add 1/2 cup Soy Sauce:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRBMqf5i8E76-ogf4hAmPpNJIXh7sv5a77PKrowW6WLNaa2KemRKF8h1vjZStZ11qTxcXct4bgnYAzAAQMhnZ2ehEmdCS5H54TdZJydmRf-bxgRHc2jjJohejytCIL_vqbL-jK1_lQp8/s1600/Soy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRBMqf5i8E76-ogf4hAmPpNJIXh7sv5a77PKrowW6WLNaa2KemRKF8h1vjZStZ11qTxcXct4bgnYAzAAQMhnZ2ehEmdCS5H54TdZJydmRf-bxgRHc2jjJohejytCIL_vqbL-jK1_lQp8/s640/Soy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Use low sodium if you want. See if I care. Also, notice how the soy sauce and red wine look pretty much exactly the same. They aren't. No matter how bad we wish they were.<br />
<br />
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGqLKNjYTIYDUiLzYX9OeKyM3cMw7IZ0QzkqLKAvhwsMC_OS5hmECKV5nJ0jSm0bEjsLzthZJ4U17OZwhnxfUP675vBlld_L8vPur6fv8YD9fncAqiEzv4FakqmWgZFs1FeaUxoK44mc/s1600/balsamic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGqLKNjYTIYDUiLzYX9OeKyM3cMw7IZ0QzkqLKAvhwsMC_OS5hmECKV5nJ0jSm0bEjsLzthZJ4U17OZwhnxfUP675vBlld_L8vPur6fv8YD9fncAqiEzv4FakqmWgZFs1FeaUxoK44mc/s640/balsamic.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
3 Tablespoons Honey:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLet-3r0E0Nlclkn5JVJRad8nvoNOuWASdXd0yfjCVwUQNKwlvD2EHbSmL7J4yFX2bn_i_8-5vUgBNtbdiaPOtCLDw7OuYbBDM-fTpo0HKNGNKO45ODkrEMG9Yr26FvpM191e91YhgDRQ/s1600/honey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLet-3r0E0Nlclkn5JVJRad8nvoNOuWASdXd0yfjCVwUQNKwlvD2EHbSmL7J4yFX2bn_i_8-5vUgBNtbdiaPOtCLDw7OuYbBDM-fTpo0HKNGNKO45ODkrEMG9Yr26FvpM191e91YhgDRQ/s640/honey.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2-3 cloves of garlic (when in doubt, add more. Always more garlic!):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zMLM3G-kUDeVpekoDYwqf19lfDELRMk9xDjZsIWNtrQqDrtyfnsDOl15J4VjDaZlHZwCxRhPDtmqHmT-VKN-p_j1d8t0h88R6zOV9kGjDoN328iWj5PFvEr-jkqbpQRsEwKB0zebEaI/s1600/garlic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zMLM3G-kUDeVpekoDYwqf19lfDELRMk9xDjZsIWNtrQqDrtyfnsDOl15J4VjDaZlHZwCxRhPDtmqHmT-VKN-p_j1d8t0h88R6zOV9kGjDoN328iWj5PFvEr-jkqbpQRsEwKB0zebEaI/s640/garlic.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2 Tablespoons dried minced onion: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9e44_qMsyWLgqjSrj3Xs3wK1PASXzTDrWNsVxkLvsjrJWjGXjQadUbc8RvYvZZclVTYBUUksPW4icAk_0G7mdijpOPbGAEG0G-taQpTLUQg2mk-pvr7VYJvUB9SjeX1QcgpUZGn6RWo/s1600/Onion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9e44_qMsyWLgqjSrj3Xs3wK1PASXzTDrWNsVxkLvsjrJWjGXjQadUbc8RvYvZZclVTYBUUksPW4icAk_0G7mdijpOPbGAEG0G-taQpTLUQg2mk-pvr7VYJvUB9SjeX1QcgpUZGn6RWo/s640/Onion.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1/2 teaspoon Snider's Prime Rib Seasoning:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a7lq_MsX5MUouuPwj3EBvzghLhqsr9B4MUwrdPcceLpy_f7R2YSfgsyK601OrfIbwlEVMccwYz45QaZ57CRlwaenhUOyl0qNqxhbDupfAbNb0rCIQ-jzXAUXjTId2d9VyhK9L-4UTXw/s1600/Snider%2527s1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a7lq_MsX5MUouuPwj3EBvzghLhqsr9B4MUwrdPcceLpy_f7R2YSfgsyK601OrfIbwlEVMccwYz45QaZ57CRlwaenhUOyl0qNqxhbDupfAbNb0rCIQ-jzXAUXjTId2d9VyhK9L-4UTXw/s640/Snider%2527s1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't have Snider's? Use your favorite rub or meat seasoning mix. But I'm telling you, this stuff is GOOD! We use it on everything - steak, chicken, grilled veggies, you name it. It's that good! And if you are looking for it, it looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWwpIlV5HLAXbMk6Xis5rjjQ21KZ9zz3g4WO0UrhgLm58grQsZK-71KQKi1mWeMfBPH2L8AX1VgJq9BPEYF3V5PSHqzn2Uf3UCD_X08b_r4wbaQygnNZ6-tZl1eJho1PkuEhvlN2vamg/s1600/snider%2527s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWwpIlV5HLAXbMk6Xis5rjjQ21KZ9zz3g4WO0UrhgLm58grQsZK-71KQKi1mWeMfBPH2L8AX1VgJq9BPEYF3V5PSHqzn2Uf3UCD_X08b_r4wbaQygnNZ6-tZl1eJho1PkuEhvlN2vamg/s640/snider%2527s2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix it all up in a bowl, and dump it, along with your steak, in a ziplock freezer bag. Maybe start with the steak first, like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W4L6NuWh6KLFct4Zh900StNNn9slVF4icellh0w_qY2eYx42M0jLZzKaf1xLdfiZcymq_QaozX-6EMWnlpMvcS6A5GvoVbZNDE1pJ347zvoNRbIKu4BtLWTkDaVZCqBioxRTF0lx3sg/s1600/Steak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W4L6NuWh6KLFct4Zh900StNNn9slVF4icellh0w_qY2eYx42M0jLZzKaf1xLdfiZcymq_QaozX-6EMWnlpMvcS6A5GvoVbZNDE1pJ347zvoNRbIKu4BtLWTkDaVZCqBioxRTF0lx3sg/s640/Steak.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I use flank steak with this recipe. And honestly, I would rather not manhandle it into a ziplock, but we have to do what we have to do.<br />
<br />
Now take that marinade and dump it in with the steak:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj417xEwkp9NJu0LSeLb4drPAlAF1B-PIemVISdg8V9n3I04xv6j7LMyyyLH9ucHRZO7pfgFSUnF_u3BuUStrAkQFQXEOHE8z3zsABkCAu4PJAMCAgNlSAfRiBd2WhC3aPubj3FUUo0E/s1600/marinade+on+steak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj417xEwkp9NJu0LSeLb4drPAlAF1B-PIemVISdg8V9n3I04xv6j7LMyyyLH9ucHRZO7pfgFSUnF_u3BuUStrAkQFQXEOHE8z3zsABkCAu4PJAMCAgNlSAfRiBd2WhC3aPubj3FUUo0E/s640/marinade+on+steak.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously, try taking a picture while you're doing it. Not as easy as one might think! <br />
<br />
Why a freezer bag? Because I tend to do 3 or 4 of these at a time and freeze them. Just triple or quadruple the recipe and go. Because as far as I'm concerned, the best way to save time in the kitchen is to have something already made! Then anytime I want to have steak, I just take one out and it defrost it. While it's defrosting, it's marinading! By the time you grill it, it's been marinading all day and is AMAZING!<br />
<br />
The end result looks something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJeshi90D2CIN1dYv4K1j6MD747C0e_vLt_cZEqLcOYUsQs-5itrU_4Kw63BX6Ce8dxjcdz3B0l2Gv6KVScWqBvrvIInDCejxX63nyRtD3Dv8Fz1HDqwoNDrJhIZ286Rz63vwxbwwLfA/s1600/Finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJeshi90D2CIN1dYv4K1j6MD747C0e_vLt_cZEqLcOYUsQs-5itrU_4Kw63BX6Ce8dxjcdz3B0l2Gv6KVScWqBvrvIInDCejxX63nyRtD3Dv8Fz1HDqwoNDrJhIZ286Rz63vwxbwwLfA/s640/Finished.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Which is to say, delicious. In a raw meat sort of way.<br />
<br />
Now you can either chuck that in the freezer for another day, or marinade it for a few hours and grill. Either way, you won't be sorry. And for extra goodness, save any leftovers and have them on an arugula salad the next day. Seriously amazing.<br />
<br />
Now get out there and enjoy your summer! That's what I'm going to do!<br />
<br />
Have a favorite marinade recipe? Let's here it!<br />
<br />
This post was shared over at these amazing blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://www.marvelouslymessy.com/2013/06/summer-skin-safety-and-marvelous-mess.html" target="_blank">Marvelously Messy</a><br />
<a href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/2013/06/too-cute-tuesday-linky-par-tay-146.html" target="_blank">Funky Polkadot Giraffe</a><br />
<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/06/show-me-what-ya-got-123.html" target="_blank">Not Just A Housewife</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/06/take-look-tuesday_10.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-linky-party-20/" target="_blank">Life With The Crust Cut Off</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-90985244767959968882013-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:002013-05-25T08:44:06.084-07:00A Love/Hate Relationship With Laundry DetergentAbout a year ago my skin irritation got really bad and started driving my crazy. With a capital C. I started changing the products I was using, thinking that something was making the irritation worse, and the product I had the hardest time with was laundry detergent.<br />
<br />
I tried all the free and clear type products I could find. And I wasn't impressed. Everything seemed dingy to me. And the lack of smell just felt wrong, which is completely backwards, I know, but between the dingy and the no smell thing I felt like my clothes weren't clean. And it wasn't helping my skin!<br />
<br />
So I started making my own detergent. I found <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/02/homemade-laundry-detergent-trial-size-version.html" target="_blank">the recipe</a> at One Good Thing By Jilly, and it was cheap, and effective, and didn't irritate my skin any more than it already was. I love my homemade detergent.<br />
<br />
But I don't like making it. It isn't hard or anything. It isn't even that time consuming. But I make smaller batches, because I don't have a good place to store it (my laundry room is TINY... I'll post pictures someday.), and it makes a lot of dust and walking into my kitchen after making a batch is reminiscent of having my mouth washed out with soap.<br />
<br />
Not that I ever had my mouth washed out with soap. I haven't. But if I had, my kitchen after making laundry detergent is what I imagine it tastes like. Blech!<br />
<br />
But I love my homemade detergent! What's a girl with bad skin to do? <br />
<br />
When I got my Get Clean Kit from Shaklee, one of the items was Shaklee's Fresh HE Liquid Laundry Detergent. According to the bottle, it is nontoxic, natural, fragrance free, biodegradable, concentrated, hypoallergenic, has no phosphates, and is chlorine free. But does it work?<br />
<br />
Yes! It works well! No dingy clothes. Hooray! And as an added bonus, it acts as a stain remover too. Here is an example: Noodle has a shirt that she somehow dropped spaghetti sauce on a long time ago. I say "somehow" because the splotch was on THE BACK of the shirt! How does one get spaghetti sauce on the back of one's shirt? I don't know. But she did. And I have washed it many times since then, because she insists on wearing it, stain or no stain. At least the stain is on the back.<br />
<br />
It looked like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAT7ZgdH5AcTnLRp-zMenGqJeEfEbZ6nH97F8Q76-jFQ1ea-MPqmRtI-iQsTlThe-6cO5UVl0hdquqAXtXTSvTezC71wVN5om3xq-6vuade9CQqijU-065cq3y1li4hthGUDbMxUMFxQ/s1600/stain+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAT7ZgdH5AcTnLRp-zMenGqJeEfEbZ6nH97F8Q76-jFQ1ea-MPqmRtI-iQsTlThe-6cO5UVl0hdquqAXtXTSvTezC71wVN5om3xq-6vuade9CQqijU-065cq3y1li4hthGUDbMxUMFxQ/s640/stain+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
I think the word you are looking for is SPLORP!<br />
<br />
Here is a close up:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQqZfARUQWMXuBTC2coEeqbsnKtImsilvUxRreXx-QWSkrkBuoKjxMyIKkaDHo9uGR5V1bHhl4nc0gGSD4JY_xmbe3E9QKRuiNGh-v3lO_u6ShVdEW2omjiQQXnds9-1qTYcoR54XJxo/s1600/stain+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQqZfARUQWMXuBTC2coEeqbsnKtImsilvUxRreXx-QWSkrkBuoKjxMyIKkaDHo9uGR5V1bHhl4nc0gGSD4JY_xmbe3E9QKRuiNGh-v3lO_u6ShVdEW2omjiQQXnds9-1qTYcoR54XJxo/s640/stain+closeup.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Huh. In the close up it actually looks smaller. It's not. It's big. Just saying.<br />
<br />
So, I put a drop of my Shaklee laundry detergent on it, and scrubbed it in. Kind of scratched it in with my fingernail, you know? And I let it sit for a few minutes while I put the rest of the laundry in and got things going. And I meant to let it sit until the next load, but kind of forgot what I was doing and just threw it in with everything else. Oops. Then I just washed and dried it.<br />
<br />
And I got this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1ReGFKtUj_X9ndCW7Vcqfzp8izwvtvqNS_lk2qeOKMYNWi2sToKTW3-k_A7v6-rVwqUeaOljg8u47W1AvcfKeETKTPtyRObrqrmuV9kbXYD-AHgibvGEbkNz67IYL0UkSmOYWaJptPM/s1600/stain+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1ReGFKtUj_X9ndCW7Vcqfzp8izwvtvqNS_lk2qeOKMYNWi2sToKTW3-k_A7v6-rVwqUeaOljg8u47W1AvcfKeETKTPtyRObrqrmuV9kbXYD-AHgibvGEbkNz67IYL0UkSmOYWaJptPM/s640/stain+after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Well hey now! Let's look closer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmMIKLmtGu77nnkVm42g2QegbDNmpGo-v9x2R9N4s2LpsEdS0OpO2dDJ4TZ3iLHDLks_fYaMHcWhtT_EiUy599bUr6L9PKyNDTUsFLH-JQ14D-mS7GENeOn_FfF8RRbHe54tkazU6F4U/s1600/stain+after+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmMIKLmtGu77nnkVm42g2QegbDNmpGo-v9x2R9N4s2LpsEdS0OpO2dDJ4TZ3iLHDLks_fYaMHcWhtT_EiUy599bUr6L9PKyNDTUsFLH-JQ14D-mS7GENeOn_FfF8RRbHe54tkazU6F4U/s640/stain+after+close.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm actually not sure if that is closer or just a different angle, but what I do know is that the stain is gone. Gone gone.<br />
<br />
A stain I had washed and dried multiple times is gone. I can tell you, that makes laundry a whole lot more bearable, having stains actually go away.<br />
<br />
So here is what I know: I still love my homemade laundry detergent. I also know I am lazy. And if I can get a natural, nontoxic, biodegradable alternative that I don't have to mix up in my kitchen, I am all for that. And because it is super concentrated and acts as a stain remover, I am still saving money. Win/win! What's more, there is also a powder version of Shaklee's Fresh detergent, and I am definitely going to try that. I like powder detergent for some reason. I'm pretty sure it isn't a rational reason, I just do.<br />
<br />
What laundry detergent do you use?<br />
<br />
Do you love your homemade laundry detergent but are sick of your kitchen tasting like soap? <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO TRY SHAKLEE'S FRESH HE LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR YOURSELF NOW! </a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-24704266230612115202013-05-22T08:45:00.001-07:002013-05-22T13:46:28.952-07:00Kitchen Sink Cookies... Just Throw It All InI cleaned out the pantry the other day. It was shocking how many mostly used packages of <i>stuff</i> I found in there! There were so many that it was only prudent to make a batch of something or other to use it all up.<br />
<br />
I mean, it would be a shame to waste, right? If everyone ran around throwing away a 1/2 cup of m&ms here, or a 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips there, it would be absolute chaos. And we can't have chaos, people.<br />
<br />
Which is why I am doing my part. Kitchen Sink Cookies. <br />
<br />
The thing that I love about Kitchen Sink Cookies is that I can use up pretty much whatever I have hanging around. Seriously, everything. I use up baking goods, nuts, candy, peanut butter, all the other candy, marshmallows, pretzels, and the rest of the candy.<br />
<br />
I like candy.<br />
<br />
Sorry Mom.<br />
<br />
So as I eyed the pile of mostly used up bits and pieces, vision of cookies danced in my head and I thought, "Eh. Why not?" With a mental shrug, of course.<br />
<br />
So I did. And it goes like this:<br />
<br />
As all truly good things do, it starts with butter and sugar:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHcTbkZEfD8KIAduQ35sX5YOMmyyd8s9gBNhCLWMNAbkOeCD6Jy4AsnIheIyKvP2vwfG2srfZQ_XYyrImdfJLhujHjDt5uMdNvIt7bfxwL8AKY4lfQN2zScWoRjus356sI5Fk51j0moo/s1600/Butter+%2526+Sugar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHcTbkZEfD8KIAduQ35sX5YOMmyyd8s9gBNhCLWMNAbkOeCD6Jy4AsnIheIyKvP2vwfG2srfZQ_XYyrImdfJLhujHjDt5uMdNvIt7bfxwL8AKY4lfQN2zScWoRjus356sI5Fk51j0moo/s640/Butter+%2526+Sugar.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2 Sticks of butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Yum.<br />
<br />
Mix it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_oy07x4hJsg3Wvevb40kB5q9HSzfdt1lJN_cNTQeiNB0ZqJ6qpOHb3PSR-m0jzYJvee-uQbIRuXVv4FlcKv1mdVgXxRpRZ56gS1gWXRHHdUv6NceBUxmhAcIblOVh3-VkmXOkEabsXo/s1600/Mixed+B%2526S.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_oy07x4hJsg3Wvevb40kB5q9HSzfdt1lJN_cNTQeiNB0ZqJ6qpOHb3PSR-m0jzYJvee-uQbIRuXVv4FlcKv1mdVgXxRpRZ56gS1gWXRHHdUv6NceBUxmhAcIblOVh3-VkmXOkEabsXo/s640/Mixed+B%2526S.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Add two eggs, and when you do, remember to take a picture of it. I didn't.<br />
<br />
Then mix some more...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIsee3mEvJK_OhmngpcnGVkNZ6Ykz1IUCB0SGO2kJVxeyh2OEwO-yLgGBbJuyCM3PpduxtUAI0Bh9jttmAs6IgdzYyLdjNwfSPu2ohmHQhat6NW5lj-AjHne4AdHZIgvRDPYTdMczLg/s1600/Vanilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIsee3mEvJK_OhmngpcnGVkNZ6Ykz1IUCB0SGO2kJVxeyh2OEwO-yLgGBbJuyCM3PpduxtUAI0Bh9jttmAs6IgdzYyLdjNwfSPu2ohmHQhat6NW5lj-AjHne4AdHZIgvRDPYTdMczLg/s640/Vanilla.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
... and add 1 Tbsp of Vanilla. I used organic vanilla. I have to tell you that because I'm hoping it cancels out all the other junk that I am going to be putting in here momentarily.<br />
<br />
In another bowl mix together 1 1/2 cups flour:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggteOkpr9ifISUzG0thhkGJjnzyWv311ZautSXtgmAv0OWJ_PVdc2hxH_XDKrnHOSBfX3q7h4OQXUvXR2_tW06ftFybuzyIxrc25hQt6yODWP5sydc0SQ61WIA4v6wXn4K1l0MpBwByyI/s1600/Flour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggteOkpr9ifISUzG0thhkGJjnzyWv311ZautSXtgmAv0OWJ_PVdc2hxH_XDKrnHOSBfX3q7h4OQXUvXR2_tW06ftFybuzyIxrc25hQt6yODWP5sydc0SQ61WIA4v6wXn4K1l0MpBwByyI/s640/Flour.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ_DgJaU0_vqFb1uUcBUhDxaxsolzMtGSDutUNdYubhIUaIc-0nEiabCYr490CDc-9Rsduv8mq3MgfAKG88nr3todR14z3JXDBiw6ktrN7VTv0MD-SUC9YTHmfT8J4SuiM4HmOIpzJfc/s1600/Baking+Soda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ_DgJaU0_vqFb1uUcBUhDxaxsolzMtGSDutUNdYubhIUaIc-0nEiabCYr490CDc-9Rsduv8mq3MgfAKG88nr3todR14z3JXDBiw6ktrN7VTv0MD-SUC9YTHmfT8J4SuiM4HmOIpzJfc/s640/Baking+Soda.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1 tsp baking powder:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLASX1Ko1GISg75RvA8D-GemFSzcW7-yP679pb3wJphnrP76OOdTa5cN53sgKya7Bv22D9gLk3fCdSi6qXAb8JZDnw9QoOJkVx_pDOtNjglLlUyoDGo2ZIWM9B3U9A2xf4466wVl2H8g/s1600/Baking+Powder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLASX1Ko1GISg75RvA8D-GemFSzcW7-yP679pb3wJphnrP76OOdTa5cN53sgKya7Bv22D9gLk3fCdSi6qXAb8JZDnw9QoOJkVx_pDOtNjglLlUyoDGo2ZIWM9B3U9A2xf4466wVl2H8g/s640/Baking+Powder.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And 2 tsp kosher salt:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91N6n_wQqUaBpbHg2K1b6kubLP8_GB3TZZpdadHoh_qgbNovJARYAJ1WdsTTeEVyn86DTtlBzCuhXNZQpSBbo207pesUTFk25WhOkovH5f-A6y5z-hAnXjBHOOEveKtHKBjubENBCDXA/s1600/Salt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91N6n_wQqUaBpbHg2K1b6kubLP8_GB3TZZpdadHoh_qgbNovJARYAJ1WdsTTeEVyn86DTtlBzCuhXNZQpSBbo207pesUTFk25WhOkovH5f-A6y5z-hAnXjBHOOEveKtHKBjubENBCDXA/s640/Salt.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix all that up and add it to the mixer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTEKR6wfU_WRpQw1TUOma-jj__WNNUQtLNKGokaye-wmFshCOxGpaGuN6sE4XkpMbPjxQjadSfAdm1WdedtBkvHXQcVfpHs1eR_rlVCZa2aR50_qnMCiMjlsTgH7iFKDuwy9I7n4a6E4/s1600/Add+to+mixer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTEKR6wfU_WRpQw1TUOma-jj__WNNUQtLNKGokaye-wmFshCOxGpaGuN6sE4XkpMbPjxQjadSfAdm1WdedtBkvHXQcVfpHs1eR_rlVCZa2aR50_qnMCiMjlsTgH7iFKDuwy9I7n4a6E4/s640/Add+to+mixer.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now the fun starts. Here is where you start adding whatever you have.<br />
<br />
I started with 1 1/2 cups of oats:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDR4lj3ZNM0rCWqsOmf51txCpVTUIJTSI5rzjhYsj2JsQoFWTUOlotYJfcgGSu0-4AFxjCg2PPzAiz3oVixNDloY_XEIfzu2hRlfHMVQLF3cwTAHyRsAWzAI4oJzeglsmvQC9_dm9nc/s1600/Oats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDR4lj3ZNM0rCWqsOmf51txCpVTUIJTSI5rzjhYsj2JsQoFWTUOlotYJfcgGSu0-4AFxjCg2PPzAiz3oVixNDloY_XEIfzu2hRlfHMVQLF3cwTAHyRsAWzAI4oJzeglsmvQC9_dm9nc/s640/Oats.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And added 3/4 cup white chocolate chips:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZrehL7_0F6xcz__TzZ1gJnmOerrH1LLJ4H3EfLURvELkIEmT8JKGRy0rvBXg2B3avXYUh5fyCed05bpnfCggUPypQIVGQt7Zt1uucYXCOJb_ZiqhhAo3WU5Ja4uhf9A5tYjxeAYfP88/s1600/White+Choc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZrehL7_0F6xcz__TzZ1gJnmOerrH1LLJ4H3EfLURvELkIEmT8JKGRy0rvBXg2B3avXYUh5fyCed05bpnfCggUPypQIVGQt7Zt1uucYXCOJb_ZiqhhAo3WU5Ja4uhf9A5tYjxeAYfP88/s640/White+Choc.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
3/4 cup of M&Ms:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPOKyF6-n5DAVG2VDMuhSnDgbpwkq3SfQaW4LcQM1hFgF6qxfto5K2eugU97FKv6BvOr473wZT-0-moloTGnDOJMavK2pRMCQ8mNbezubkwQvgMk6FIwsYv8nvps7CAjr5ULGcfgTTys/s1600/m%2526m.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPOKyF6-n5DAVG2VDMuhSnDgbpwkq3SfQaW4LcQM1hFgF6qxfto5K2eugU97FKv6BvOr473wZT-0-moloTGnDOJMavK2pRMCQ8mNbezubkwQvgMk6FIwsYv8nvps7CAjr5ULGcfgTTys/s640/m%2526m.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's get a closer look, shall we?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_jB2MOy-XQXdyIJmjiZ_nvyxYQt6zq9c89Sm9vj4ytxvvbG37qmeiVAFUhAAl_pLR3dHCrdGQ5KDDz90tuRLUzE0GD3y9k9T7xZW0t7GEtfkEYXkoxqH2lUot7amy7a14RzWCs6LcX0/s1600/M%2526M+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_jB2MOy-XQXdyIJmjiZ_nvyxYQt6zq9c89Sm9vj4ytxvvbG37qmeiVAFUhAAl_pLR3dHCrdGQ5KDDz90tuRLUzE0GD3y9k9T7xZW0t7GEtfkEYXkoxqH2lUot7amy7a14RzWCs6LcX0/s640/M%2526M+close.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love M&Ms.<br />
<br />
And lastly I added 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb78TPpaU72A4yaFV8uNrp6l997lbVnIR3F3zT2_K_dwqF0j2VtGroZyZ5y24ce8SqY5yk_uzDQgH7-NDvr5nLkd8DjcFeCYwSSRx3cliwm0qFbELyH8vzaRpPETF5OKt_N7k9pFZecUY/s1600/Rice+Krispies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb78TPpaU72A4yaFV8uNrp6l997lbVnIR3F3zT2_K_dwqF0j2VtGroZyZ5y24ce8SqY5yk_uzDQgH7-NDvr5nLkd8DjcFeCYwSSRx3cliwm0qFbELyH8vzaRpPETF5OKt_N7k9pFZecUY/s640/Rice+Krispies.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I scooped out half of the mix into balls, and then, as an experiment, I added marshmallows to the rest of the mix:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviaPK6svzwxnjgKSYIyydUju-zgIQMIx5fsn3XwB0iYocEjjBs1UoMt5N3nscHQ25jrQU1WBk2FcyRTePp2tjhpWQp0Ch3xu3jernPioD5N_DHdUUQFNn0aJSZlq72slmgSLmXkOS-AQ/s1600/Marshmallows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviaPK6svzwxnjgKSYIyydUju-zgIQMIx5fsn3XwB0iYocEjjBs1UoMt5N3nscHQ25jrQU1WBk2FcyRTePp2tjhpWQp0Ch3xu3jernPioD5N_DHdUUQFNn0aJSZlq72slmgSLmXkOS-AQ/s640/Marshmallows.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't even know how much I added. Just until it looked yummy. Which is laughable, because it all looks yummy. See:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrijyMn1XChK6YTAVVYM7cnO9755iXczq9aC5KtNjv2TaSnIFyqGjFEGoSdkJ1e4ZuqyPe2eAhwmIDedT3C5R0vsADrVkuP27WiPh9hmCealCf98KDuJtREn70o2BGfxP6DhaQeoCnZXI/s1600/Mix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrijyMn1XChK6YTAVVYM7cnO9755iXczq9aC5KtNjv2TaSnIFyqGjFEGoSdkJ1e4ZuqyPe2eAhwmIDedT3C5R0vsADrVkuP27WiPh9hmCealCf98KDuJtREn70o2BGfxP6DhaQeoCnZXI/s640/Mix.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's actually a miracle that I didn't just stop there and start eating. That is what I wanted to do. But I held out, and was rewarded with these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo3vFX95m2s1bwyM9CNLpHZxR9NqgPTr96JHRMdGZiMj-G76DzKGetO452N_IXYDdqPUY6nWb4RqYUfovt4hb_vgMd3CR5sNSMbtQZRAEXM5i39eY3VBH8g_fe7Z2dYVNeTmSDXE-tJU/s1600/Cookies1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo3vFX95m2s1bwyM9CNLpHZxR9NqgPTr96JHRMdGZiMj-G76DzKGetO452N_IXYDdqPUY6nWb4RqYUfovt4hb_vgMd3CR5sNSMbtQZRAEXM5i39eY3VBH8g_fe7Z2dYVNeTmSDXE-tJU/s640/Cookies1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pgga8n8zzoPM54BE9XcBWuPDWfaGRSndqT2MTjSnu1iVFA2rCTpZSqlyw7qMiL6aK45-ettDrF8x9imxRTYkvDa40rGPwqSAIUx4ZmVJbr49xB89NmBqqfQpmY34mpHYHnZaHIFa_5I/s1600/Cookies2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pgga8n8zzoPM54BE9XcBWuPDWfaGRSndqT2MTjSnu1iVFA2rCTpZSqlyw7qMiL6aK45-ettDrF8x9imxRTYkvDa40rGPwqSAIUx4ZmVJbr49xB89NmBqqfQpmY34mpHYHnZaHIFa_5I/s640/Cookies2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuHVAczd7tGAVCbj8GSyWlBiVcmwd6TTJHNXx2mG7UlUQD82IR0Ni6Sq9gp7TtY4S698w6UFs_VjLJ5MO6glOeQfeLDjMEHlZnMmQCx0wElIgIfzOcOXvW41hC-9ggtRNwkVcqOGaiSQ/s1600/Cookies3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuHVAczd7tGAVCbj8GSyWlBiVcmwd6TTJHNXx2mG7UlUQD82IR0Ni6Sq9gp7TtY4S698w6UFs_VjLJ5MO6glOeQfeLDjMEHlZnMmQCx0wElIgIfzOcOXvW41hC-9ggtRNwkVcqOGaiSQ/s640/Cookies3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmmmm...<br />
<br />
The ones that I added marshmallows to were even better, because the marshmallow melted and made little crunchy carmelized edges on the other batch of the cookies, like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLXK77z01LOxY62Vpd_nn9nRM6bA9cRMnsZbkDsEQ2SVGVQsU2s15hK8FJDcDSZBI-Wepf0DCeZSio47co7GFxxsNAos2dLZwYVCU6RVqQgy4HkKPg-Mc83WM3iRTddKvY_N8HcD7dw/s1600/Cookies4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLXK77z01LOxY62Vpd_nn9nRM6bA9cRMnsZbkDsEQ2SVGVQsU2s15hK8FJDcDSZBI-Wepf0DCeZSio47co7GFxxsNAos2dLZwYVCU6RVqQgy4HkKPg-Mc83WM3iRTddKvY_N8HcD7dw/s640/Cookies4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Good grief. Those are so good!<br />
<br />
And with that, I have to go stuff my face. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
What is your favorite cookie recipe?<br />
<br />
WANT MORE GOOEY DESERT IDEAS? JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY NOW!<br />
<br />
<b>KITCHEN SINK COOKIES</b> <br />
<br />
<b>INGREDIENTS:</b><br />
2 sticks of Butter<br />
1/2 Cup White Sugar<br />
1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar<br />
2 Eggs<br />
1 Tbsp Vanilla<br />
1 1/2 Cups Flour<br />
1/2 tsp Baking Soda<br />
1 tsp Baking Powder<br />
2 tsp Kosher Salt<br />
1 1/2 Cups Oats<br />
2 1/2 Cups Rice Krispies (add last so they don't get all crunched up) <br />
<b>Add whatever you have on hand, in whatever amounts you deem appropriate.</b><br />
<b>Some ideas?</b><br />
Chocolate Chips<br />
White Chocolate Chips<br />
Peanut Butter Chips<br />
Cinnamon Chips<br />
Nuts (chopped up)<br />
Mini Peanut Butter Cups<br />
Caramel Bits<br />
Crunched Up Candy Bars<br />
Pretzels<br />
Chocolate Covered Pretzels (even better!)<br />
Marshmallows<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>DIRECTIONS:</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. <br />
<br />
In stand mixer, mix together Butter and Sugars.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>When fully combined, add two eggs and blend well.<br />
<br />
Add Vanilla, and blend again.<br />
<br />
In separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
Add dry ingredients to mixer, and mix well.<br />
<br />
Add oats to Mixer. Mix well.<br />
<br />
Add whatever extras you have on hand. Go big!<br />
<br />
Lastly, add Rice Krispies, and mix just until combined. Don't mix too much, or the Krispies will become Krispy Mush.<br />
<br />
Spoon into balls onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Or no parchment. It's your call. I hate cleaning cookie sheets. Also, they'll spread out quite a lot, so give some space.<br />
<br />
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.<br />
<br />
Cool and enjoy! Or don't cool, just enjoy! Either way, they are amazing!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.highheelsandgrills.com/2013/05/work-it-wednesday-28.html" target="_blank">High Heels & Grills</a><b> </b> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-46374653767764182892013-05-20T08:49:00.000-07:002013-05-20T08:49:32.725-07:00I'm So Glad We Have Grocery Stores<b>IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE IDEAS AND POSTS LIKE THIS, JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK SO YOU DON'T MISS A THING! </b><br />
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Our growing season starts late and ends early around here. Which is my excuse for just now showing you the little seedlings that I have started for my veggie garden.<br />
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One of my goals is to get to the point where I am making most of our food from scratch, and growing as much of what we eat as possible. Which will lead to canning a lot of what we grow. Which leads me to feeling like I'm in an episode of Little House on the Prairie except it's more like Little House in the Sage Field. Whatever.<br />
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The point is, I have seedlings. Which is a feat in and of itself, since I have a notoriously brown thumb. Not green. A brown thumb. As in the color plants turn when they die.<br />
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But I have gotten them this far, so let's all just give a small round of applause. Thank you.<br />
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Here is what I started with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f1yW2Q6Ra_JUn7mfRRAEnlHiED1qZxfKwau32Xgy4kP-SrMBXePVHwr5QqEeMYcLcoCYdhsoqG18sW9I-99RNoIdTP7AYUKFmONHOOmRoCWNoZSjWfrj6xjv0JynlNmJVIJLIVOakYc/s1600/Dry+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f1yW2Q6Ra_JUn7mfRRAEnlHiED1qZxfKwau32Xgy4kP-SrMBXePVHwr5QqEeMYcLcoCYdhsoqG18sW9I-99RNoIdTP7AYUKFmONHOOmRoCWNoZSjWfrj6xjv0JynlNmJVIJLIVOakYc/s640/Dry+Pods.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those weird little things are peat pods. Dry peat pods. When I add water to the pods they absorb the water and expand to look like this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToj8O4HAgabsjUqcaao_KpRF95k0XXH6IZQPoXjHThh-4K9kZmBy8t3u-1oxjTdAyhc_82Qj1XlA74LudyhYZeeT1gCRpkOfz5DZGk0YDLxA1PuBYMz5zwtDe3tLitiBNqyNYepOX3M0/s1600/Wet+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToj8O4HAgabsjUqcaao_KpRF95k0XXH6IZQPoXjHThh-4K9kZmBy8t3u-1oxjTdAyhc_82Qj1XlA74LudyhYZeeT1gCRpkOfz5DZGk0YDLxA1PuBYMz5zwtDe3tLitiBNqyNYepOX3M0/s640/Wet+Pods.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A little army of peat pods. You can't see it from this angle, but those pods are a couple inches high. The perfect little home for seeds to sprout.<br />
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Then I took these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQNRDLl2UeZ9wCKfs89pJtO5MglSW56W_PorljAXhOEzNXb2u9Wsog9tV63veajBDQEcT598Rsm_ZQz5exZfQK4AIOP1FgyW1TkKgfzn7vlHUiBikfm6tk2tXsGUue4GrZNsKgHm7Iug/s1600/Seed+Packs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQNRDLl2UeZ9wCKfs89pJtO5MglSW56W_PorljAXhOEzNXb2u9Wsog9tV63veajBDQEcT598Rsm_ZQz5exZfQK4AIOP1FgyW1TkKgfzn7vlHUiBikfm6tk2tXsGUue4GrZNsKgHm7Iug/s640/Seed+Packs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the gardening impaired like myself, those are seeds.<br />
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Well, I guess to be more specific:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGmRdBaqd03Zt3XGjPdBkZIS7nmSNLL8IYXqI4utPGScOB1nV-KFOQbkjLB5HQiWVdLwN2HZeFeOlfUUiGZkhb1vuYu2QHnbnBmtCNKp2sx_IRcl_NB3zNoVSyiE2b2DeWqy4jhA6psI/s1600/Seeds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGmRdBaqd03Zt3XGjPdBkZIS7nmSNLL8IYXqI4utPGScOB1nV-KFOQbkjLB5HQiWVdLwN2HZeFeOlfUUiGZkhb1vuYu2QHnbnBmtCNKp2sx_IRcl_NB3zNoVSyiE2b2DeWqy4jhA6psI/s640/Seeds.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...those are seeds.<br />
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Want a closer look?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZLmrWXtjLCwZ-4k-lUj-p5Qy0HQS9fd9pe8tZlByDdBEaw9QHpjnQ_Yrl5S-59bt72cnbhhuzY2-DmRZTjGay2e2voN1nEBJK9t73SFFt9BJi48_5vBlzKqH6ylBQs5Kr2AtmSzcdJ4/s1600/Seeds+Close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZLmrWXtjLCwZ-4k-lUj-p5Qy0HQS9fd9pe8tZlByDdBEaw9QHpjnQ_Yrl5S-59bt72cnbhhuzY2-DmRZTjGay2e2voN1nEBJK9t73SFFt9BJi48_5vBlzKqH6ylBQs5Kr2AtmSzcdJ4/s640/Seeds+Close.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ugh! Not only seeds, but very dry hands. Let's move on.<br />
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Eventually I want to use non-hybrid heirloom seeds. Did you know that the produce that we get in the regular ole grocery is mostly grown from hybrid seeds, which means that they combine two types of a certain fruit or veggie to get traits from each. This gives growers a piece of produce that looks good, tastes right (sort of), and is resistant to pest invasion and all manner of other things, I'm sure (anyone who has grown their own tomatoes and eaten them right off the vine knows that the tomatoes we get from the store don't taste like tomatoes. They taste like a black and white copy of a tomato. That is all.). But if I kept the seeds from that produce and tried to grow it, it wouldn't work. They might sprout, but they probably wouldn't get you much after that. Which admittedly, leads one to wonder where they get the seeds in the first place. So people who actually know what they are doing in a veggie garden often use non-hybrid heirloom. With heirloom seeds, the seeds can be saved from the produce each year, and used the next year. And that is my overly simplified, probably only semi correct version of hybrid vs non-hybrid seeds.<br />
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And someday, when I'm not killing every plant in a 3 mile radius, I'll try planting heirloom seeds. But here in the beginning, I'm not wasting my money. I'm just learning to grow.<br />
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So, I opened the pods a little, and dropped 2-3 seeds in each pod, then covered the seeds just very lightly with the peat. I used a fork to do that because using my fingers was a mess. For both me and the seeds.<br />
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Then I covered them up with the little plastic cover provided:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn55e-mx59d2MEK0X4GzwsPaMdKritkvgqBGhLEUel2M_Ifua5fRFSl6s7wZz85KqjzlPxv3xeMaGLIF2BAyH_nSZnqO9dScDy8QKemXURLTA20DmwtQbq_Q-6ovL3q21zukqygTXXf_I/s1600/Greenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn55e-mx59d2MEK0X4GzwsPaMdKritkvgqBGhLEUel2M_Ifua5fRFSl6s7wZz85KqjzlPxv3xeMaGLIF2BAyH_nSZnqO9dScDy8QKemXURLTA20DmwtQbq_Q-6ovL3q21zukqygTXXf_I/s640/Greenhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Why yes, the lid is upside down. Let's keep that between us, okay?</span></div>
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Which makes a little greenhouse. Cute. I planted three trays of seeds. Two of tomatoes and one of green peppers. And I set them in the appropriate place in my house, where they would be warm enough but not to warm, get light but not too much direct light. And do you know what I had 6 days later? <br />
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Nothing. I had nothing.<br />
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So rather than throwing the whole thing out the window, which was, of course, my first reaction, I hopped on the internet to see if I could find out what I was doing wrong. And I read on a couple of sites that seeds respond well to "bottom heat".<br />
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Bottom heat. Okay, I can do that.<br />
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So I dug out an old heating pad that I had and put two of my three greenhouse thingys on it.<br />
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Because only two would fit, that's why. I had to rotate.<br />
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And I kid you not, not an hour later I had sprouts. And that night, I had these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PqO_yiX8egDeniRfgfFcLys8atI4tLTAlipF2tjiysuW9DjtUybP9e-cmdwNsUOnuAj5mYDhDrtcbz4qYOzXjJnTWPPyMkCJoYUJoMeQM0Ln5qMB7SyXERoSrYaxkPZI76OW5Bj80zI/s1600/More+Tomatoe+Srouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PqO_yiX8egDeniRfgfFcLys8atI4tLTAlipF2tjiysuW9DjtUybP9e-cmdwNsUOnuAj5mYDhDrtcbz4qYOzXjJnTWPPyMkCJoYUJoMeQM0Ln5qMB7SyXERoSrYaxkPZI76OW5Bj80zI/s640/More+Tomatoe+Srouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the next morning I had these: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8ETpwCoMrbBVT4UIubD-Ps9TrQiobiy0RsvqYAvA6wqS1iqZfYRqymjzDaH2dfsOLyb_JGuzoXzGFivk6ANqlXG317Dr0ACAVPXfMbpP8hLcGoI54feBf6dsdDGSR1O8tDgDH959vg/s1600/Tomatoe+Sprouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8ETpwCoMrbBVT4UIubD-Ps9TrQiobiy0RsvqYAvA6wqS1iqZfYRqymjzDaH2dfsOLyb_JGuzoXzGFivk6ANqlXG317Dr0ACAVPXfMbpP8hLcGoI54feBf6dsdDGSR1O8tDgDH959vg/s640/Tomatoe+Sprouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those are both tomato sprouts.<br />
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The poor pepper sprouts didn't fair quite as well. I had these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXg0e5Fw8BWUTWVRo0_a2b96gL11sxRj5EmdaZEHIdxgA_ey9PLEmOBjmLBbnLZLZMGYL5hSd55g11as0hs3hWGs_GCs04r0su5v3lAfKOxKz5dhIrHtp3CqwQMRmoMbIgARzPhej1R4/s1600/Pepper+Sprouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXg0e5Fw8BWUTWVRo0_a2b96gL11sxRj5EmdaZEHIdxgA_ey9PLEmOBjmLBbnLZLZMGYL5hSd55g11as0hs3hWGs_GCs04r0su5v3lAfKOxKz5dhIrHtp3CqwQMRmoMbIgARzPhej1R4/s640/Pepper+Sprouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yeeeaaaahhhhh. So, I waited patiently. And then I waited maybe not quite so patiently. And I was rewarded! With these perfect little pepper sprouts:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou40NTTODHliFRZh8U-QKnC0sjGetxGa5BSc91WrQfMc0n6gYqJo9JitgYRniGa-Q8pPAKq1JbnVU84EdgP_j2g1gwENp48YFzL2ynQwNqHkuEzm50h0hd3NgzpFLXLLArd7isoZOp-g/s1600/Pepper+Sprouts+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou40NTTODHliFRZh8U-QKnC0sjGetxGa5BSc91WrQfMc0n6gYqJo9JitgYRniGa-Q8pPAKq1JbnVU84EdgP_j2g1gwENp48YFzL2ynQwNqHkuEzm50h0hd3NgzpFLXLLArd7isoZOp-g/s640/Pepper+Sprouts+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those are from Saturday morning. And my tomato sprouts are going gangbusters. Wanna see?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPBwmEWUXWfh8NypE0TfADAI9oHEcQYPYtDTExD3EJVZW4w7XFp6QAFIGh4sDsXZCrEaLH1hZy7t2iiLkZswko0ucE_cRTyJhugZ2jdliWcCg5ZnWm8pdVkX_ahDjNeADbdWIXruawMk/s1600/Tom+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPBwmEWUXWfh8NypE0TfADAI9oHEcQYPYtDTExD3EJVZW4w7XFp6QAFIGh4sDsXZCrEaLH1hZy7t2iiLkZswko0ucE_cRTyJhugZ2jdliWcCg5ZnWm8pdVkX_ahDjNeADbdWIXruawMk/s640/Tom+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gangbusters. Look at their little leaves!<br />
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I am easily impressed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6iYfziWMAloJ0PACXcO6i7vYcYmBchuRL6ib3USyNCOUEcWBkIyPx6HJaTZCXmatcine7nF0sifWxNarWg6L6H6y6tzHv-vpjI8To0LVicB9rq396yjxrvt5sEx2cAjG5DWOSuZ9ARQ/s1600/Tom+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6iYfziWMAloJ0PACXcO6i7vYcYmBchuRL6ib3USyNCOUEcWBkIyPx6HJaTZCXmatcine7nF0sifWxNarWg6L6H6y6tzHv-vpjI8To0LVicB9rq396yjxrvt5sEx2cAjG5DWOSuZ9ARQ/s640/Tom+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gangbusters!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy44FCts8WzcOCN07V3_6mRmQKBkq3CfGbeA0hzSG93khaNDhQhsbLd0RfLXWl350EsWf2LQURLBLFWkbbQMRr6TezLI6gDv526CagdZPu5fZE0Z1rpABLzNf_siPr1FYG7c19H1BYLDs/s1600/Tom+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy44FCts8WzcOCN07V3_6mRmQKBkq3CfGbeA0hzSG93khaNDhQhsbLd0RfLXWl350EsWf2LQURLBLFWkbbQMRr6TezLI6gDv526CagdZPu5fZE0Z1rpABLzNf_siPr1FYG7c19H1BYLDs/s640/Tom+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like this last shot because they look like a tiny forest of tiny palm trees to me. Do you see that? No?<br />
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Did I mention that I'm from California? And that I like palm trees? And that we don't have those in the mountains?<br />
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So anyway, I have a couple more weeks to get these suckers to a plantable size without killing them entirely when I plant them in the ground at the end of may. I'm only going to plant the heartiest sprouts. Hopefully some will be hearty. Good grief, let's all just keep our fingers crossed.<br />
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Then the real fun starts, because I get to prep my little plot of land and plant the rest of my seeds. I am going to have my tomatoes and peppers plus carrots, peas, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon, radishes, and maybe some corn but probably not. Oh, and some raspberry and blackberry bushes. And a couple blueberry bushes. And I want to plant onions and potatoes, but I'm pretty sure I'm late for that. Or maybe not. I don't know. I've never done this before and I'm pretty sure I'll screw it up and my harvest will be tiny, but I am determined to learn. Because I'm sick of paying for organic stuff. <br />
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Do you have a summer garden? What do you grow? Seriously, any tips you have are greatly appreciated. And I promise to keep you posted.<br />
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Even if I kill it all.<br />
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WANT MORE IDEAS AND POSTS LIKE THIS? JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY NOW!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-24963431168703724722013-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:002014-02-21T21:28:50.156-08:00Weeknight Soup In A Jar<b>IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE IDEAS AND POSTS LIKE THIS, JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK SO YOU DON'T MISS A THING! </b><br />
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Yesterday was one of those days. You know the kind, where you roll out of bed, hit the ground running and just never stop. It was crazy. And when I finally got around to making dinner, I realized I had nothing planned, and very little desire to get creative.<br />
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Oh, wait. That's pretty much everyday.<br />
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Lucky for me, I have a stash of soup in a jar. A reasonably hefty stash of soup in a jar. So I grabbed a jar, and the ingredients that go with it, threw it on the stove, went and started some laundry, took the dog for a walk, and voila! Soup.<br />
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What is soup in a jar, you ask. It's just what it sounds like - soup mix that I make and store in jars for nights when I haven't planned any dinner. Healthier than any pre-made soup mix you might buy off the shelf, and just as convenient. I keep several of them on hand, because they are not only easy, healthy dinners for my family, but great to grab for a hostess gift, a housewarming gift, a hey-you-just-had-a-baby-and-aren't-sleeping-and-can't-see-straight-much-less-make-dinner gift. <br />
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Here is how it goes:<br />
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I take a half pint canning jar, and in it I layer 1/4 cup of split peas:<br />
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And on top of those I add 1/8 cup of chicken boullion:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJxOqOzBvXA0JMqiZOmRnlxypIWpikM-QEpV9pFIhARvLhaDC4KdSI_vahRwdvKASnOsTRau2gFufMoKf35do3PFucozh5dcnSSU3HqX9yMoggEEZ-TNw7L5ulJNSMjFZZJ7k49tkqe8/s1600/Boullion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJxOqOzBvXA0JMqiZOmRnlxypIWpikM-QEpV9pFIhARvLhaDC4KdSI_vahRwdvKASnOsTRau2gFufMoKf35do3PFucozh5dcnSSU3HqX9yMoggEEZ-TNw7L5ulJNSMjFZZJ7k49tkqe8/s640/Boullion.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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1/8 cup of pearl barley:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEHTbMeg87m6_Ck-kn_0CtSNJbyaLuDs-jU2CkoEZJPV-XPlYSvAalNpLkT-AByLJfqK62es274S6E2TzqAibwhU3Kx4r4MLEbV9Eo2ZUT7di5wfNDigCFHZJSyjhOhmssfY3iWR33rY/s1600/Pearl+Barley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEHTbMeg87m6_Ck-kn_0CtSNJbyaLuDs-jU2CkoEZJPV-XPlYSvAalNpLkT-AByLJfqK62es274S6E2TzqAibwhU3Kx4r4MLEbV9Eo2ZUT7di5wfNDigCFHZJSyjhOhmssfY3iWR33rY/s640/Pearl+Barley.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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1/4 cup of dry lentils:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi601Lo86dkEIYzh6tVxLQAG0ty51Y5qH6CGFGMeexXJGW9Ex_DCll_E_SW-HGJ_QViQ7SoDkVvk6DTr6-WvWIcXCfZkoin5DEPXM_yGMYzsiaixml6L1hOnLqdp4b50vj4cm8AaWw5aaA/s1600/Lentils.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi601Lo86dkEIYzh6tVxLQAG0ty51Y5qH6CGFGMeexXJGW9Ex_DCll_E_SW-HGJ_QViQ7SoDkVvk6DTr6-WvWIcXCfZkoin5DEPXM_yGMYzsiaixml6L1hOnLqdp4b50vj4cm8AaWw5aaA/s640/Lentils.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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1/8 cup of onion flakes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s75cPqy62AsNCgLXA41OdcmhyphenhyphenRsQjBf_i7vEvTxV6Q9d4NjOFOFN0BPcKMMf6pqQFLzFeq6WuB_xgRsA8W0-Verp41PBEhH1xxDNyaojLcwsvuWLuUal2m0hoQ69USz1yGRafmVqDcg/s1600/Dried+onion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s75cPqy62AsNCgLXA41OdcmhyphenhyphenRsQjBf_i7vEvTxV6Q9d4NjOFOFN0BPcKMMf6pqQFLzFeq6WuB_xgRsA8W0-Verp41PBEhH1xxDNyaojLcwsvuWLuUal2m0hoQ69USz1yGRafmVqDcg/s640/Dried+onion.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVIUVwgee5yXqyrDj4yEiFGnO8hHSBAU9DANPiJNW9HkDcKH_kJDcDS8v3woKVMejs-s8GUW-005n3Qg9JDGdFG3RNSlK4_qsRDU4DZOpM5m2FAGSFYlDCoJXeS8dxtwX_z8WHFFWAwM/s1600/Italian+Seasoning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVIUVwgee5yXqyrDj4yEiFGnO8hHSBAU9DANPiJNW9HkDcKH_kJDcDS8v3woKVMejs-s8GUW-005n3Qg9JDGdFG3RNSlK4_qsRDU4DZOpM5m2FAGSFYlDCoJXeS8dxtwX_z8WHFFWAwM/s640/Italian+Seasoning.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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and 1/4 cup white rice:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Wx_QoiYu3FkhwbHWW4h2ou0j9MG4W1qQK09M-7ds6hdf4Q_sPvSvxevz60Q8_k9bW8mTN893YmR4QSN6mxHygHW8BsUNkf1CdHLxIti_usVOsEPXRm7FNcJivsdbI_usqWB6X7bUitE/s1600/Rice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Wx_QoiYu3FkhwbHWW4h2ou0j9MG4W1qQK09M-7ds6hdf4Q_sPvSvxevz60Q8_k9bW8mTN893YmR4QSN6mxHygHW8BsUNkf1CdHLxIti_usVOsEPXRm7FNcJivsdbI_usqWB6X7bUitE/s640/Rice.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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If I have some time on my hands (hahahahahahahahaha... phew, thanks. I needed that!)... oh, where was I? Right. If I have some time on my hands (snort) I will line all my little jars up and make a soup jar assembly line. <br />
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When I have the rice in, I slap a lid on it and stuff it in my pantry until a night when I have nothing planned for dinner. The end result, by the way, looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuocCR-VuiskiEqjkFzUqRv1WyX38pBpHSCtIIn4BO_g6W8bzxy4LZ0zotth-e_4ek4UyqFrVmQBqNvDVLUJftdXNym1838gpGlplgA3GndSqZ0-saRlEkAddAiKrr7G6GgoMRFhw9QPc/s1600/SoupMix2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuocCR-VuiskiEqjkFzUqRv1WyX38pBpHSCtIIn4BO_g6W8bzxy4LZ0zotth-e_4ek4UyqFrVmQBqNvDVLUJftdXNym1838gpGlplgA3GndSqZ0-saRlEkAddAiKrr7G6GgoMRFhw9QPc/s640/SoupMix2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't that cute?! Yes. Yes it is.<br />
<br />
When that night comes that I have nothing planned, I pull out the following ingredients:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy-K7dpdpop4JNsiqFqhQYWLUCEozh_iPL67Bkm5PbQVzjckio1pzhcHdhzbD5_8f04L3Ew3cM5Ao1VeguF9ZKbEq-i6J9dCYUE_fIRkcoTMtnQktqV8VfHAQJJRPwPeytuzg-rYeAik/s1600/Soup+Ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy-K7dpdpop4JNsiqFqhQYWLUCEozh_iPL67Bkm5PbQVzjckio1pzhcHdhzbD5_8f04L3Ew3cM5Ao1VeguF9ZKbEq-i6J9dCYUE_fIRkcoTMtnQktqV8VfHAQJJRPwPeytuzg-rYeAik/s640/Soup+Ingredients.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have the soup mix, a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, and a 1/2 - 1 pound of meat. I use smoked turkey sausage. Pretty much any meat will work in here, but trust me when I say that smoked sausage is the way to go. YUM!<br />
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From there, it couldn't be easier. Slice the sausage:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQux4o7xyxXQiJFM5n6o5ivLvRSH-706v4p0vjtgOGO-7SnLfgEK74R3NvTtVtYeoqqqoFOkkiX4FBVBMCBKp_lHyFOMxCqV5x36cs0Gij6UqG3y25xPmy5B68kjJ5TUJ-tzMP6jUG-g/s1600/Sliced+Sausage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQux4o7xyxXQiJFM5n6o5ivLvRSH-706v4p0vjtgOGO-7SnLfgEK74R3NvTtVtYeoqqqoFOkkiX4FBVBMCBKp_lHyFOMxCqV5x36cs0Gij6UqG3y25xPmy5B68kjJ5TUJ-tzMP6jUG-g/s640/Sliced+Sausage.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Put the sliced sausage in a large pot with a can of tomatoes, the soup mix, and 6 cups of water:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmATeWGKXQqgwJCYIivBGcYB-CxcB7U3L3qvAyD17blekPThyphenhyphen3E2A7DEF_1ylzNy-t4zgeV2SxdicCNSjgVo9TOzKfY4SpD0aCW53UoBplycfyIpYxZ7mIR90d6Aatu1yVRDQPbP1joTc/s1600/Water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmATeWGKXQqgwJCYIivBGcYB-CxcB7U3L3qvAyD17blekPThyphenhyphen3E2A7DEF_1ylzNy-t4zgeV2SxdicCNSjgVo9TOzKfY4SpD0aCW53UoBplycfyIpYxZ7mIR90d6Aatu1yVRDQPbP1joTc/s640/Water.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's it. Bring it to a boil, turn down and cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.<br />
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Then add my favorite ingredient - pasta. Any pasta will do. Alphabet pasta, macaroni, shells, or these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bUvEjcJHJUZBtbxYIXWUMkVeff_ZXP0ULn4qxenSJkOo6Uuzi3pfX3EpN43QUER41yIBst7zDhWQHxU-b9rWaK7PKwE-ClOK0qDMDZYCfiY_xlLvz855vl48gN674c1SpilY_EaYEgo/s1600/Pasta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bUvEjcJHJUZBtbxYIXWUMkVeff_ZXP0ULn4qxenSJkOo6Uuzi3pfX3EpN43QUER41yIBst7zDhWQHxU-b9rWaK7PKwE-ClOK0qDMDZYCfiY_xlLvz855vl48gN674c1SpilY_EaYEgo/s640/Pasta.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those puppies are Trader Joe's Mini Ravioli. The. Best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6kJy9SMGBzYQpIoggunVvV_ZaeugIi2lOcp7W9fDG6__YGoCWZIGkSnL7j5JmbBEEoEZGm2oOOuoUI5NPbXVICT8laQ6yxA4gBX_OPevrKwuL9JLvSfGa2RK7Ta_m0lgt53fDcY0h5Y/s1600/TJPasta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6kJy9SMGBzYQpIoggunVvV_ZaeugIi2lOcp7W9fDG6__YGoCWZIGkSnL7j5JmbBEEoEZGm2oOOuoUI5NPbXVICT8laQ6yxA4gBX_OPevrKwuL9JLvSfGa2RK7Ta_m0lgt53fDcY0h5Y/s640/TJPasta.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Seriously.<br />
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Add about 1/4 cup of the pasta, and simmer for another 15 or 20 minutes. Then eat it. Careful, it's been cooking for a bit so it's like lava at this point. <br />
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So, I bet you are hoping for a picture of this soup when it's all finished, right? <br />
<br />
Well I don't have one. I was so ready to eat, and the family just sat down and ate, before I even thought to snap a single photo of the finished product. It wasn't until I was in a full blown food coma that I realized I probably should have taken a photo. Sorry about that. Would it help if I promise to take a pic the next time I make this? <br />
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So there you go. If you are like me and pretty sure that the zombie apocalypse is right around the corner, this is a great one to keep stocked on your shelves. Never know when a hearty soup might come in handy. <br />
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Just kidding about the zombie apocalypse. Sort of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysxj0wQ5tOQcAlGq0Cs_6pOCpDzbsr37kaTtNUG52aedK9nbxktvk3AwosVcHmftocdqkYLmaWOoS98fKK8aYR-AYAM6mBEOKVmUqZJ5r83Ejss_rs-4_nEV4stCsKw6JZmvQXK_aujY/s1600/Soup+Mix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysxj0wQ5tOQcAlGq0Cs_6pOCpDzbsr37kaTtNUG52aedK9nbxktvk3AwosVcHmftocdqkYLmaWOoS98fKK8aYR-AYAM6mBEOKVmUqZJ5r83Ejss_rs-4_nEV4stCsKw6JZmvQXK_aujY/s640/Soup+Mix.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What is your favorite soup recipe? Can it be made and kept for a day when you really need it?<br />
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<br />
This post was linked at the following amazing blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/05/pity_party_linky-2/" target="_blank">Thirty Handmade Days</a><br />
<a href="http://whipperberry.com/2013/05/friday-flair-link-party-bicycle-wheel-edition.html" target="_blank">Whipperberry</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simplysweethome.com/2013/05/friday-favorites-week166/" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ladybirdln.com/2013/05/weekend-show-off-party-5-16.html" target="_blank">Ladybird Lane</a><br />
<a href="http://oneshetwoshe.com/2013/05/hello-weekend-past-posts-your-great-idea-link-party-34.html" target="_blank">Or So She Says </a><br />
<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/05/share-your-creativity-78/" target="_blank">It's Overflowing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2013/05/show-tell-saturday-051813.html" target="_blank">Be Different Act Normal</a><br />
<a href="http://too-much-time.com/2013/05/get-schooled-saturday-77.html" target="_blank">Too Much Time On My Hands</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/06/whats-shakin-link-party-63-link-up-be-inspired.html" target="_blank">Shaken Together</a><br />
<a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2013/06/freedom-fridays-57.html" target="_blank">My Turn For Us </a><br />
<a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.hk/2013/06/tgif-link-party-6.html" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a><br />
<a href="http://www.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/2013/06/check-me-out-saturday-craft-link-party.html" target="_blank">A Vision To Remember</a><br />
<a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-83/" target="_blank">I Heart Naptime</a><br />
<a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/category/nifty-thrifty-sunday" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Things</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2013/06/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-198.html" target="_blank">Under The Table And Dreaming</a><br />
<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/06/june-2013-sharing-time-week-in-review_8.html" target="_blank">Raising Memories</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2013/06/making-the-world-cuter-monday-55/" target="_blank">Making The World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/06/10/made-by-you-monday-156/" target="_blank">Skip To My Lou</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2013/06/market-yourself-monday_9.html" target="_blank">Sumo's Sweet Stuff </a><br />
<a href="http://www.rainonatinroof.com/2013/06/give-me-goods-monday-link-party-12.html" target="_blank">Rain On A Tin Roof</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-linky-party-20/" target="_blank">Life With The Crust Cut Off</a> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-9470003783885983682013-05-15T08:14:00.000-07:002013-05-16T08:33:55.652-07:00My Green Spring CleanIf I told you that I had found one product that could replace my counter spray, my sink cleaner, my floor cleaner, my degreaser for my stovetop, my window and mirror cleaner and more, would you believe me? How about if I told you that one bottle can last for well over a year, and that it costs pennies compared to other cleaners? Okay then, as a kicker I will throw in the fact that it is completely green, non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for your whole house, kids, pets and all.<br />
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Oh, and it really works. Works well!<br />
<br />
Remember that I was slowly working my way through that Shaklee order that I had gotten? Remember my experience cleaning my oven? I completely fell in love with Shaklee's Scour Off that night. And then I found another product in their arsenal that, if not being even better than the Scour Off, at least matches it as my favorite product. It's called Basic H, and I love it! <br />
<br />
Admittedly, I am easily impressed.<br />
<br />
But seriously, this stuff is fantastic! One bottle of Basic H is so concentrated that it makes 48 GALLONS of nontoxic, biodegradable, completely natural All Purpose Cleaner! Do you know what I would have to spend to get 48 gallons of Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner? Over $950.00, that's how much! But I get my 48 gallons of Shaklee All Purpose Cleaner in a 16 oz bottle that only costs me $10.35. I just mix it in a spray bottle, 1/4 teaspoon of Basic H with 16 oz of water, and I'm good to go. Or if I need a little extra oomph in my cleaning, for the stovetop or microwave or sticky messes, I mix 1 1/2 teaspoons Basic H with my 16 oz of water for a bottle of degreaser. And the stuff works!<br />
<br />
Just look at the job it did on my grungy microwave after I had a small explosion in there. Here is what I was working with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplHxuvJGy5pWYvsI98Mii3iY4lubVTwLZzZfpl-S1Y3_plTvtwVkVhNNcLNh6TKwBpR8J-cOeyGctBzvMOxp-GKPNQdw-eOIbfiMT7_Ms0WFitS_aU0R1BrKlhKx6cIQaLWfRyFeVixM/s1600/Micro+Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplHxuvJGy5pWYvsI98Mii3iY4lubVTwLZzZfpl-S1Y3_plTvtwVkVhNNcLNh6TKwBpR8J-cOeyGctBzvMOxp-GKPNQdw-eOIbfiMT7_Ms0WFitS_aU0R1BrKlhKx6cIQaLWfRyFeVixM/s640/Micro+Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you finish cringing come back to me. It gets better, I promise.<br />
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I just spray on some of my degreaser formula,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndJRcA5IdVQegRrK5-CJOgDdqfVInfRxcPPKBBncI0jYQJFskrju_Sm9yGCdg8t3XgIWPWjfslgWOEiBynA2tyRMzyBzuIMEJtTofc0PLXFk2BcY-i5J3oCtphrTUc2uMyiNQ88cO2Ss/s1600/micro+spray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndJRcA5IdVQegRrK5-CJOgDdqfVInfRxcPPKBBncI0jYQJFskrju_Sm9yGCdg8t3XgIWPWjfslgWOEiBynA2tyRMzyBzuIMEJtTofc0PLXFk2BcY-i5J3oCtphrTUc2uMyiNQ88cO2Ss/s640/micro+spray.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Action Shot!</div>
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give it a quick swipe, and holy smokes, look at what I am left with:</div>
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A thing of beauty, that's what. Maybe ignore my paper towel lint that is left over. It was shortly after this shot that I learned to use microfiber.<br />
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But here is another example. Remember when Nugget was kind enough to <a href="http://www.noodlesandnuggets.com/2013/03/red-sharpie-vs-light-tan-couch.html" target="_blank">decorate the couch with a red sharpie?</a> I read that Basic H was great for getting that kind of thing out too, so I went for it. What kind of grown person marks up her couch cushions with Sharpie to test her new cleaners? Me. I do that. See?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhPrK8rAdLMwJk7Ip0_smQ3eewmypQwTNC-hHJalV4wiL-N5AmfEafGmPH_nZPxP8jGu1dm7dXTh6rh22dSS89zylt8oZI7O3rcC-TdzHZ4tMpklVDG_5gGMMH8IgGwR1Tu9usrqb3DA/s1600/Pen+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhPrK8rAdLMwJk7Ip0_smQ3eewmypQwTNC-hHJalV4wiL-N5AmfEafGmPH_nZPxP8jGu1dm7dXTh6rh22dSS89zylt8oZI7O3rcC-TdzHZ4tMpklVDG_5gGMMH8IgGwR1Tu9usrqb3DA/s640/Pen+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yup, fully grown woman, writing on her couch. It was just a small mark...<br />
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Anyway, I sprayed some of my Basic H on there. Really saturated it, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then I blotted. Then I blotted some more. And I got this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiTLTkeQPdq5DJelJSK3mUuhyWVBx2sT9B_T9Vd8Sod5pRpexZ5nSMlLhAaXnBbmynPyGDkmauL36V0H7R_rzfWCw9sqZq4mN8Y1hyphenhyphenB0n4pfr6Tn1J9zCOifzghK5LlfrqbNoyx-x8pU/s1600/Pen+Mid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiTLTkeQPdq5DJelJSK3mUuhyWVBx2sT9B_T9Vd8Sod5pRpexZ5nSMlLhAaXnBbmynPyGDkmauL36V0H7R_rzfWCw9sqZq4mN8Y1hyphenhyphenB0n4pfr6Tn1J9zCOifzghK5LlfrqbNoyx-x8pU/s640/Pen+Mid.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not too shabby. I let it dry and the end result was this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHeR9U7t4B7RXPNBco_SApIKZ6Oss1IUVh6lGaRV6E3EFPySnkV6crKriK30T5GF-JNNsCvGyEZRkXLEUGGiA85cKYp-g2C-9BkQ1bYWmHbHssLylPKoVSZk5TadI80JqTbQiDpgMjWo/s1600/Pen+After.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHeR9U7t4B7RXPNBco_SApIKZ6Oss1IUVh6lGaRV6E3EFPySnkV6crKriK30T5GF-JNNsCvGyEZRkXLEUGGiA85cKYp-g2C-9BkQ1bYWmHbHssLylPKoVSZk5TadI80JqTbQiDpgMjWo/s640/Pen+After.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty amazing for one pass with the stuff! I am going to do it one more time to get out that lingering purple cast. I'll keep you posted.<br />
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And floors! My poor wood floors see all manner of junk on them. Dust, mud, grass, drippy kid snacks, crumbly everyone snacks, kid feet, dog feet, cat feet, dog food, cat food, and fur of all kinds and descriptions. And more, I'm sure, but we're just going to stop there. I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet on them, but it was just too streaky. And smelly. So I switched to Bona, and it was fine, but expensive! And these floors need to be cleaned easily a couple times a week, if not more.<br />
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You see where I am going with this, right?<br />
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Take a look at this picture of my entry floor. Ignore all the junk around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S-rp9r6Qz0MWP8hsAg-EZ2s-vr4XESPDF_vcUiESYAooDyBX2GSoIJIPyQMWpCZvZdQOgLk_PAmZ9VT339zrse_m8eL9sUqDlXXGt145ZKZV9JGI0Jd4kIM0cHvWZ5HU4Da4lhaHezo/s1600/entry+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S-rp9r6Qz0MWP8hsAg-EZ2s-vr4XESPDF_vcUiESYAooDyBX2GSoIJIPyQMWpCZvZdQOgLk_PAmZ9VT339zrse_m8eL9sUqDlXXGt145ZKZV9JGI0Jd4kIM0cHvWZ5HU4Da4lhaHezo/s640/entry+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See the grossness? Need a close up? Here you go:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkvBrk38U4Ky8I5s8LRGPWS8O4Wc_mSvcdHSs54PBAQJDPpEvcM9Hj1O7ybdNXpFykytVOTVmLlBSTRTXZupvp65U9248EvGhw8vhhakFO3vuGGXV45Be9yv9BMww1KYAVaoBj0mtzDs/s1600/entry+close+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkvBrk38U4Ky8I5s8LRGPWS8O4Wc_mSvcdHSs54PBAQJDPpEvcM9Hj1O7ybdNXpFykytVOTVmLlBSTRTXZupvp65U9248EvGhw8vhhakFO3vuGGXV45Be9yv9BMww1KYAVaoBj0mtzDs/s640/entry+close+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at all those little paw prints! And slobber marks! Ewww. Let's move on!<br />
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Here is the after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuVDoajMi9Ly0uB73maGPyYWg5uQ3kB5huFra2yVj-9wvusrH0_Ymgq94HOCzexXgjzVm7w93mIbdU5BcklK6w6GVY6iDBIA8dxfmrFTUfI0pX1TmGbTZxhLp0Yc449Uf-6U4w9P7EdE/s1600/entry+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuVDoajMi9Ly0uB73maGPyYWg5uQ3kB5huFra2yVj-9wvusrH0_Ymgq94HOCzexXgjzVm7w93mIbdU5BcklK6w6GVY6iDBIA8dxfmrFTUfI0pX1TmGbTZxhLp0Yc449Uf-6U4w9P7EdE/s640/entry+after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Phew! No streaks. No smell. Just clean. Natural, nontoxic clean. Love it.<br />
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Here are some before and afters of other parts of my floor. Don't judge!<br />
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Dining room:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExHG2sW7VcpWsQxl9RynBxkQwPbwU-LQFLfzHcVzkwY58DzgLaoe5OplBPLaKSFYBszv3uo8x1j02HME227I0A3crC7UfZVRVgMLITJUBxKMB8pJi5Oho4SOE831SWt4hO55SWaBOxVk/s1600/dining+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExHG2sW7VcpWsQxl9RynBxkQwPbwU-LQFLfzHcVzkwY58DzgLaoe5OplBPLaKSFYBszv3uo8x1j02HME227I0A3crC7UfZVRVgMLITJUBxKMB8pJi5Oho4SOE831SWt4hO55SWaBOxVk/s640/dining+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCbJ64MCzgetA9OkegAeIEPhMJCtXicIzwDWvoZgKXxCqV3xsWnPowiGttWN5ZaRsS2MaTt6CJXDRKmzuDtB40jetJCKq5YFrdjyuLrkMfxK0KyI0YCkjuhhFhaDAjA-QpccaYcpEoAk/s1600/dining+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCbJ64MCzgetA9OkegAeIEPhMJCtXicIzwDWvoZgKXxCqV3xsWnPowiGttWN5ZaRsS2MaTt6CJXDRKmzuDtB40jetJCKq5YFrdjyuLrkMfxK0KyI0YCkjuhhFhaDAjA-QpccaYcpEoAk/s640/dining+after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the area where the cat eats. Which is gross. Just warning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC2GFsE-5Czx1s308YT76DNV23LMKO-ZUmBQ6Oc1YQdmzPbbyY7hJPfXot2SfsdlwZZdoHR_NNMNqQ0XlMUgmc875QIImmS3DmSbuTfksskB4fayzt0S1h6HBlKhDnmVv29ZFmBAc0UE/s1600/cat+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC2GFsE-5Czx1s308YT76DNV23LMKO-ZUmBQ6Oc1YQdmzPbbyY7hJPfXot2SfsdlwZZdoHR_NNMNqQ0XlMUgmc875QIImmS3DmSbuTfksskB4fayzt0S1h6HBlKhDnmVv29ZFmBAc0UE/s640/cat+before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQisSj23oh5KdxLEszmT9s65qJEBUK2Fh9IFssDU25ugoaS_CULHw0WGwJFr1P8NQxH2A69YvAIXW1Tgec_QnjVtpZjI1Q_u2yTtBAREaXOSTVUr6CmeHW9aNyfTIvlKStmS6heiHV21E/s1600/cat+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQisSj23oh5KdxLEszmT9s65qJEBUK2Fh9IFssDU25ugoaS_CULHw0WGwJFr1P8NQxH2A69YvAIXW1Tgec_QnjVtpZjI1Q_u2yTtBAREaXOSTVUr6CmeHW9aNyfTIvlKStmS6heiHV21E/s640/cat+after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it's just a matter of spray and mop up with a microfiber pad. Seriously, all of these floors took me less than five minutes. Love that! Now when my kids insist on eating that piece of whatever that they dropped on the floor, I don't cringe thinking of the leftover chemically junk they are putting in their mouths. </div>
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This stuff really is great. I can do windows with it. I can clean stainless with it. I can clean my granite counters with it. Actually, I can clean pretty much anything with it. And I plan to!</div>
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Do you have a cleaner that you love? Or do you use Shaklee and have a favorite product from them? Let's hear it!<br />
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Want to know more about Shaklee's products, and how changing brands can change your life? <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2Z-zt-jfcrNC3ckLhNkckK_6-b9Wps60hf1qTkT-lQiRyB5OMWjavMNN_75HQv5cTpG0JcY0yaFy7Ufrc_-7gYC8_zmI6gIHAXztXo84GyFMWPTLLZtWgNuNMleNbKgJADptQdZaxk4/s1600/BasicH2SparyBot_BF_lo_rez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2Z-zt-jfcrNC3ckLhNkckK_6-b9Wps60hf1qTkT-lQiRyB5OMWjavMNN_75HQv5cTpG0JcY0yaFy7Ufrc_-7gYC8_zmI6gIHAXztXo84GyFMWPTLLZtWgNuNMleNbKgJADptQdZaxk4/s320/BasicH2SparyBot_BF_lo_rez.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-79632877522270712292013-05-10T15:48:00.001-07:002013-05-16T06:00:44.561-07:00Get Rid Of Allergy Symptoms NaturallyDo you get allergies? I do. Not terribly, but just enough to be annoying. Last summer it almost never manifested as congestion, but instead it would make my right eye water. A lot. Constantly.<br />
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It was maddening, to put it mildly. I constantly looked like I was three seconds away from bursting into tears, like I was just barely holding it together. And more than once I had people ask me if I needed to talk. Which in hindsight is kind of funny, admittedly.<br />
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Lucky for me I have a friend who uses doTerra essential oils. One morning I was standing in her kitchen wiping my eye for the bajillionth time, and she hands me a little glass of water. Smelly water. In a good way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKg1r0v1RW4z25YcSC6pBjfeSoabQk1jKlBK1bnjBxy4iCJTYuo5-e2g-sr_Nf6mkLjuKVr8sbhgjPmSP3I0RGP6zxmx7IUZvxay7mvfr1e-GxR_wUebbCaesTxn0x5n4WFrIC6D-rew4/s1600/LLP2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKg1r0v1RW4z25YcSC6pBjfeSoabQk1jKlBK1bnjBxy4iCJTYuo5-e2g-sr_Nf6mkLjuKVr8sbhgjPmSP3I0RGP6zxmx7IUZvxay7mvfr1e-GxR_wUebbCaesTxn0x5n4WFrIC6D-rew4/s640/LLP2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Drink it," she says.<br />
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"Ummmm," I said, all skeptical like.<br />
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Turns out it was just water with two drops each of lemon, lavender and peppermint essential oils. I was instructed to swish it around in my mouth for a few moments and then swallow it. Drink it all up.<br />
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Have I mentioned yet that lavender tastes like soap? Because it does. And consequently, water with lavender in it tastes like soap. Lemony, pepperminty, soapy water. Yum. But guess what? It worked, and it worked fast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0whQ0xshzHnnniZ0BqjDK9hcSu1sdeUub4nMV3ElDJjdF2-YQlu6azrnwjK9pJ1npn5C_fdH-KYT2z7S0JStXysxppRTSGf2RtNo0bt4AVd0Lw7EtWA_ewkPQSG-nLthR8OSHA11kyo/s1600/LLP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0whQ0xshzHnnniZ0BqjDK9hcSu1sdeUub4nMV3ElDJjdF2-YQlu6azrnwjK9pJ1npn5C_fdH-KYT2z7S0JStXysxppRTSGf2RtNo0bt4AVd0Lw7EtWA_ewkPQSG-nLthR8OSHA11kyo/s640/LLP.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In minutes, my eye was dry and my nose was clear. It was like a tiny miracle in my face. Amazing. And since then, I have been using the LLP (Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint) cure every time my allergies start to flare up. And since then, it has worked every time. Occasionally I will have to do it twice in a space of about 20 minutes, but it always works. I love that.<br />
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Also, I used this once when I felt a sinus infection coming on. You know that feeling, all pressury (technical term) behind your cheeks and forehead, and it feels like your eyes might fly out of your face? Yeah, that feeling. I felt it coming on one side of my face. That eye wouldn't stop watering, and my head was killing me. So I downed my LLP, and then for good measure rubbed some peppermint diluted with fractionated coconut oil on my cheek and forehead. It worked! Within 20 minutes my nose was clear, my head was clear and my eye was dry. It was amazing. Freezing, because peppermint is really cold on the skin, but amazing nonetheless.<br />
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This spring, the sage in my area is killing me. And everyone around me, for that matter. Itchy eyes (actually, itchy face would better cover it), watery eyes, runny nose, except when it's plugged on one side, making me feel like I'm about to fall over, the whole bit. Ick. But I have had great success keeping it at bay with this mix. I used to take Claritin, and honestly, if it was a doozey of an attack I still might. But to up to this point I have been able to go without. Which is great, since allergy meds usually takes me too far in the other direction, making me so dry that I wake up in the middle of the night coughing my brains out because my throat is so dry.<br />
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Do you have allergies? If so, get yourself some Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint essential oils. Make sure they are CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) so that you won't have any trouble with the drinking them in water part. Need a place to get them? Go <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/jennyfinney/" target="_blank">here</a>. Then kiss your runny nose/watery eye goodbye.<br />
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What is your secret weapon against allergies?<br />
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This post was linked at these amazing blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2013/05/motivate-me-monday-173.html" target="_blank">Keeping It Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://jembellish.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-round-tuit-153.html" target="_blank">Creating My Way To Success</a><br />
<a href="http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2013/05/homemade-mondays-week-28.html" target="_blank">Frugal By Choice, Cheap By Necessity</a><br />
<a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2013/05/15/hookin-up-with-hoh-148/" target="_blank">House Of Hepworths </a> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-61785650333146816512013-05-07T11:20:00.000-07:002013-05-16T06:10:18.723-07:00Natural Chicken Jerky for DogsSo, remember how I warned you that it might be a little <a href="http://www.noodlesandnuggets.com/2013/04/and-introducing.html" target="_blank">dog-centric</a> around here for a bit? I'm making good on that promise, with homemade chicken jerky for dogs.<br />
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Twister says "YUM!" And I would have had a picture of him saying that for you, but he also seems to have a thing about having his picture taken while eating. He kept trying to take his chicken jerky somewhere a little more private.<br />
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When I went a-searchin' for natural recipes for dog treats, I came across this one over and over and over again, and seeing how as I have a boatload of chicken breast bits, I decided to give it a try.<br />
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It goes a little something like this:<br />
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You'll want to use 1-2 chicken breasts (or in my case, enough breast pieces to equal 1-2 breasts, since that was what was on hand). They looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuQDNGYV5T6PJpdXJBpeEmVlONwSy7Q-qXssGur04mXa89ICWnwpBYiO8gPBA4ouZx58GJiZdvS6vcQFOkjRwzi15cdng2qWS2_0x6d5kKF7CN7ZVIiaSzrmZavHaoWBQLeNL1k4Jyl0/s1600/jerkychicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuQDNGYV5T6PJpdXJBpeEmVlONwSy7Q-qXssGur04mXa89ICWnwpBYiO8gPBA4ouZx58GJiZdvS6vcQFOkjRwzi15cdng2qWS2_0x6d5kKF7CN7ZVIiaSzrmZavHaoWBQLeNL1k4Jyl0/s640/jerkychicken.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eww. They look a little frozen still because they are. Because slightly frozen chicken breast is so much easier to slice than fully thawed chicken breast.<br />
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Which is a great segue to show you this:<br />
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That is what it all looks like when all the bits are sliced and and stretched out on a foiled cookie sheet, ready to start dehydrating. I tried for the thinest slices I could manage, but in hindsight, I might go just a bit thicker. These dried out great, but were pretty paper thin, and didn't give Twister much to chew on for any length of time. Oh, and when you slice, slice with the grain, to make the strips a little tougher. Something I only recently learned about meat - slicing with the grain makes meat chewier and tougher. Slicing against the grain keeps it tender. So for your meat, against the grain. Dog chews - with the grain.<br />
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Did you know that? You did? Oh. Me too. I was just checking to see if you did.<br />
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Ahem.<br />
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Some of the recipes that I found used a dehydrator. I don't have a dehydrator. I have this:<br />
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It's called an oven. Well, the bottom one is an oven. The top one is a micro-convection.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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I set the oven to preheat to 200 degrees. Have you ever heated your oven to only 200 degrees. Me either. It took about a second and a half.<br />
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Then I <strike>tossed</strike> carefully placed the cookie sheet in the 200 degree oven, and let it sit there for two hours. At the two hour mark, I pulled it out, peeled all the little jerky pieces from the foil, flipped them over and let it go for another half an hour or so.<br />
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Voila:<br />
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Perfect little strips of chicken jerky made at home with loving hands. Hands that got scrubbed numerous times throughout this process because I hate raw chicken.<br />
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Now, there were a few things that I learned in this endeavor:<br />
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1. Don't bother with the foil. It gets in the way. As the chicken dries, it shrinks. Problem is, if it is on foil it's sticking to foil. So the foil is getting pulled and popping up and just generally not working well. Next time I will just use the cookie sheet all by it's little lonesome, and just suck up the fact that there will be dishes.<br />
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2. I already mentioned this, but cut the pieces a little thicker. Not super thick or anything, just not so paper thin. They say 1/8 to 1/4 inch, but no bigger. I just had to go get all fancy and see how thin I could go. Wrong choice.<br />
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3. Use big chicken breasts. I had those little bits on hand, but the resulting chewy things were more a choking hazard than a satisfying chew for Twister, poor guy. <br />
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So, there you have it. A natural, homemade alternative to nasty dog treats that were made in China and probably recalled anyway.<br />
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Just saying.<br />
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What treats do you make for your pets? <br />
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<br />
I linked this post at these amazing blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oneshetwoshe.com/2013/05/hello-weekend-past-posts-your-great-idea-link-party-33.html" target="_blank">Or So She Says</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2013/05/show-tell-saturday-051113.html" target="_blank">Be Different, Act Normal</a><br />
<a href="http://too-much-time.com/2013/05/get-schooled-saturday-76.html" target="_blank">Too Much Time On My Hands</a><br />
<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/05/share-your-creativity-77/" target="_blank">It's Overflowing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2013/05/15/hookin-up-with-hoh-148/" target="_blank">House Of Hepworths</a><br />
<a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/2013/05/catch-glimpse-party-131.html" target="_blank">A Glimpse Inside </a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-80596333573924700112013-04-30T10:02:00.000-07:002013-04-30T10:02:59.027-07:00And Introducing...Wanna see what we did this weekend? Good, because I'm going to show you!<br />
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Pardon the slightly blurry picture, but I'm pretty sure that getting any 6 month old pup to pose for pics is an exercise in futility. <br />
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Want to see another? Me too!<br />
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I know! How can you stand it?? That face!<br />
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So, this is Twister. We adopted him from a shelter over the weekend, and I have to tell you that he is AWESOME! Especially awesome if you ignore that tennis ball he is chewing in the above pic. We're going all Cesar Style with this pup, and you can find us at any given moment practicing our calm and assertive demeanor. And I am telling you, IT WORKS!<br />
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Oh, you're following that, right? Cesar Style? Dog Whisperer? A. MA. ZING.<br />
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Our last dog, Scout, didn't know Cesar. She pretty much was certain that she ruled the roost from the time she was a puppy until the very end. Granted she was also pretty sure she was still a puppy up to the very end, so there's that. But Cesar advocates having a pack mentality with your dog, letting him/her know where she falls in the hierarchy of things here in this house, and we have been working on that since Twister made his appearance here. <br />
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So Twister is already well schooled in who is the leader of this pack. Me. I am. And he knows it. Then Mr. T, then the kids and the cat, and then, way down at the bottom of the totem pole, maybe even in the dirt that houses the totem pole, is Twister. And he seems to be pretty happy with that arrangement. He knows his place and, thus, there is no drama with the kids, or with the cat.<br />
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Noodle has an uncanny knack, for naming things, and the night before we brought this sweetie home, she comes out with a list of about fifteen names. There was Lightning. There was Biscuit. And Breeze. And Big. And Thunder. <br />
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And Twister.<br />
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Perfect.<br />
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So, since we are becoming an all natural household, that extends to our pets, and so I have all manner of recipes for food and treats to start trying. So you'll excuse me if this blog becomes a tiny bit puppy centric for the next few weeks. <br />
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We're trying chicken jerky chews tomorrow. Stay tuned.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-44810307252625711632013-04-24T10:21:00.000-07:002013-04-24T10:21:23.088-07:00On The Wagon, Off The Wagon, On The Wagon...Seriously, the number of times that I have been on and off my blogging bandwagon is crazy. It's enough to make a girl feel like an alcoholic, without the benefit of the occasional blackout. <br />
<br />
Um, that sounded better in my head.<br />
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Yeeeaaahhhh...<br />
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So, since I last posted, it's been quite a whirlwind here at N&N. We've been traveling (and by we I mean all of us), we've been house keeping (and by we I mean me), and we've been business building (and by we I mean Mr. T and I... in different ventures). So it's been a little crazy in this joint.<br />
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But before you think I have abandoned you, I figured time for a quick update, and a preview of what's to come.<br />
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So, travelling. That was fun. Out to California to visit family and my "Sister from another mister". Just to be clear here, we don't have the same mom, either. We aren't related at all, except in our heads, where we are pretty sure we were separated at birth. <br />
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This is how we all felt about that trip:<br />
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We played at the beach:<br />
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We visited my S-I-L's horse. His name is Romeo and he is in the running for best horse ever. I
caught him right at the end of a giant yawn in this photo, which might
lead some to think he was bored with our visit. I prefer to believe he
was so excited that he could hardly stay awake.<br />
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Hi.<br />
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I don't know this horse. But that wasn't stopping either of us.<br />
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We had Easter on the road:<br />
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Just ignore that broken one. You can't make Easter on the road without breaking a few eggs.<br />
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We made the drive back in one day, going a way that we had never been before. It took us right through here:<br />
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Which is precisely in the middle of nowhere. Seriously. Think I'm kidding?<br />
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See the vast nothingness behind us? Trust me when I say that there was just as much nothing going the other way. But at least we can say we were on Route 66.<br />
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All in all, it was a great trip. And we were extremely happy to get home. I love trips like that - great fun while you're there, but always wonderful to get home.<br />
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So, let's change subjects, wanna? Remember my <a href="http://www.noodlesandnuggets.com/2013/03/natural-cleaning-experiments.html" target="_blank">oven cleaning experiment with my Shaklee Scour Off?</a> I have been using the rest of my Shaklee bounty, and let me just tell you, I am so excited. I can't wait to tell you about the other amazing products that have been making spring cleaning so much more fun. Because isn't it always fun to experiment with new stuff? I guess maybe not so much when those things don't hold up their end of the bargain, but this stuff did so I am good to go. And my house is clean. Bonus!<br />
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There are big things happening in the house of Noodles and Nuggets, so I will give it my best effort not to drop off the wagon again, and keep you posted on our new and exciting doings. <br />
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How was your spring break?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-67701291400200554092013-03-22T11:27:00.003-07:002014-02-21T21:32:25.106-08:00Eating Well On A Road TripI love road trips. Good thing, too, because we tend to take a lot of them, what with living 700 miles from our family. We love to visit them all, so we cram all of us into the car and make the trek to whomsoever's house. We usually make a stop at the grocery store to load up on snacks for the trip, most of which tend to be of the terrible-for-you variety, and that bag full of junk ends up stuffed somewhere down by my feet. None of which is good for the waistline or the budget.<br />
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This past week my parents were the ones to make the drive to our house, and as I was helping them get ready to head home last night, I noticed that my parent's idea of packing food for a road trip was vastly different, and vastly superior, to ours. Their road trip food program starts with a large cooler bag that looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNsbkPKraogFFBC4UlkZIGcy3VIixTpSMRnDN9r_JH921XkPGEjIAyigGjVqzQyuolxn1k4a5Jcvg8wDeNxMcpoidDLO6Hwb_d0GdWi4jobuvSlz0DhZEczs3CQevm3RB-uUHDhaPr2M/s1600/coolerbag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNsbkPKraogFFBC4UlkZIGcy3VIixTpSMRnDN9r_JH921XkPGEjIAyigGjVqzQyuolxn1k4a5Jcvg8wDeNxMcpoidDLO6Hwb_d0GdWi4jobuvSlz0DhZEczs3CQevm3RB-uUHDhaPr2M/s1600/coolerbag.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Big enough to fit all manner of things, yet small and squishy enough to fit in many different spots in the car.<br />
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In that cooler bag, she places clear, tupperware sort of boxes, packed with each meal or snacks. For example, they had a breakfast box with milk and pastry type food:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uNgaZ01GxZDEfS8Qpku7NXa9O_PbPOuKmrG4w2rROla9Evd-ui9kt_pbrEHqtHinbe4xMe6-_0OCp0Sw2z2HpaohyphenhyphenOANvO7T3BfYzdSF5SXZs2QM-YfEKQ4O112WkYkUqM2ZcEhEYmY/s1600/breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uNgaZ01GxZDEfS8Qpku7NXa9O_PbPOuKmrG4w2rROla9Evd-ui9kt_pbrEHqtHinbe4xMe6-_0OCp0Sw2z2HpaohyphenhyphenOANvO7T3BfYzdSF5SXZs2QM-YfEKQ4O112WkYkUqM2ZcEhEYmY/s1600/breakfast.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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She even includes a plastic zip lock with napkins for trash and whatnot.<br />
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I love the word whatnot. So does my sister-in-law, who I call my Seester.<br />
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I digress.<br />
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Then there is a lunch box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmryMLYeFMlVTg-fLob9VNO2FaJRIi1cjDBsPuMH7JBzAVw6OJ1DocCZqj2uOnYcitIuqLPjj7c2OpmjoUIgoUkNmYKqOJRZ-iT5mLIgWWGPKsgZYYPL8Zj3AQ84OexctDSIbklU5Mdzw/s1600/lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmryMLYeFMlVTg-fLob9VNO2FaJRIi1cjDBsPuMH7JBzAVw6OJ1DocCZqj2uOnYcitIuqLPjj7c2OpmjoUIgoUkNmYKqOJRZ-iT5mLIgWWGPKsgZYYPL8Zj3AQ84OexctDSIbklU5Mdzw/s1600/lunch.JPG" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are sandwiches under those massive chocolate bars, but my mom is no dummy. She knows what's really important in life.<br />
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Chocolate, that's what.<br />
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Then there was a large ziplock with snack stuff in it. Some chips, some cut up apples, some cheese. You get the drill. But you don't get a picture, because somehow I missed that one.<br />
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Lastly, she stuffs a bajillion, or maybe just 8, water bottles in the bag, leaving it looking like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcoo5ITUJ8jc-hS47fJcriJW85dGUNogik8bp_A6NDzqPiogxQCIlmBt7tvjSirm-zwxX8SfZ1U7M-AwzqZskvXLHjaLvZBwLsRigC3GIm8xwUCIFqCXwL9jtf5UuJ19iov_aRjg0AqQ/s1600/water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcoo5ITUJ8jc-hS47fJcriJW85dGUNogik8bp_A6NDzqPiogxQCIlmBt7tvjSirm-zwxX8SfZ1U7M-AwzqZskvXLHjaLvZBwLsRigC3GIm8xwUCIFqCXwL9jtf5UuJ19iov_aRjg0AqQ/s1600/water.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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... and adds a couple of plastic grocery bags for trash.<br />
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Voila! Meals and snacks to get them through the entire road trip, roughly a 12 hour drive.<br />
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I am definitely going this route the next time we hit the road. That way I can plan actual meals for us, rather than just hitting fast food joints the whole way to California, and filling the gaps with junk. <br />
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And that, my friends, is how we (will) eat well, and stay on a budget, on road trips.<br />
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<br />
I linked this post on these amazing blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/03/overflowing-with-creativity-70/" target="_blank">It's Overflowing </a><br />
<a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2013/03/hello-weekend-past-posts-your-great_23.html" target="_blank">Or So She Says</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2013/03/show-tell-saturday-032313.html" target="_blank">Be Different Act Normal</a><br />
<a href="http://too-much-time.com/2013/03/get-schooled-saturday-69.html" target="_blank">Too Much Time On My Hands</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2013/03/think-pink-sunday-no-105/" target="_blank">Flamingo Toes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2013/03/church-supper-80.html" target="_blank">Everyday Moms Meals</a><br />
<a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/2013/03/nifty-thrifty-sunday-101.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Things</a><br />
<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/03/march-2013-sharing-time.html" target="_blank">Raising Memories</a><br />
<a href="http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2013/03/homemade-mondays-week-21.html" target="_blank">Frugal By Choice, Cheap By Necessity</a><br />
<a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2013/03/motivate-me-monday-166.html" target="_blank">Keeping it Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/03/25/made-by-you-monday-140/" target="_blank">Skip To My Lou</a><br />
<a href="http://jembellish.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-round-tuit-146.html" target="_blank">Creating My Way To Success</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mom4real.com/2013/03/knock-our-socks-off-party-4.html" target="_blank">Mom 4 Real</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/03/take-look-tuesday_25.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2013/03/totally-tasty-tuesdays_25.html" target="_blank">Mandy's Recipe Box</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2013/03/temtp-my-tummy-beef-and-tater-tot-casserole/" target="_blank">Blessed With Grace</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/03/wow-me-wednesday-96-call-for-co-host.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">Gingersnap Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://lilluna.com/lil-luna-link-party-120/" target="_blank">Lil Luna</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-link-party-84/" target="_blank">Lady Behind The Curtain</a><br />
<a href="http://www.highheelsandgrills.com/2013/03/work-it-wednesday-21.html" target="_blank">High Heels and Grills</a><br />
<a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/?p=3293" target="_blank">Ladybug Blessings</a> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-79740898470192599332013-03-20T08:22:00.001-07:002013-03-23T06:58:22.011-07:00Natural Cleaning ExperimentsSince going natural in my life, thanks to <a href="http://www.noodlesandnuggets.com/2012/09/au-naturale.html" target="_blank">Noodle's little situation</a>, I have found many, ummm, interesting things. I also have found a lot of really, honestly interesting things. When you start to look at what you're putting in your body, you start to look at all the things around your body too. And then you start reading blogs and articles about what you are keeping around and on your body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtNrM0pQzYdnYO6DAymktf-biigriP4PjNhZERSV2NQVhqQEkLx7n1cNbaCbpAGBwhfMWIS8pHP06An3XrqGFvXLbTKiLURGp0AHTlUImvekkfUvmMkWorO7DUsdGA354alu1nKy5QaQ/s1600/The+Real+Dirt+On+Clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtNrM0pQzYdnYO6DAymktf-biigriP4PjNhZERSV2NQVhqQEkLx7n1cNbaCbpAGBwhfMWIS8pHP06An3XrqGFvXLbTKiLURGp0AHTlUImvekkfUvmMkWorO7DUsdGA354alu1nKy5QaQ/s1600/The+Real+Dirt+On+Clean.jpg" height="332" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then you kind of get the creeps.<br />
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Because, really? If you think about it too long it does get a little gross. And all that thinking hasn't gotten me entirely past my orange-colored-cheese-like-stuff addiction, but it has really gotten me thinking about the things that I am bringing into my home, putting in my children's mouths, and cleaning both our home and ourselves with. And looking for alternatives. <br />
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One of the alternatives I found was a company called Shaklee. Over 50 years old, Shaklee offers all natural, non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives to many of the cleaning products we use in our home. They offer a lot of other things, too, but the cleaning products were what caught my eye, and while the other things may be absolutely amazing, cleaning is what we are talking about today.<br />
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Because spring cleaning is upon us.<br />
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** Pauses for happy dance that has nothing to do with cleaning and everything to do with spring **<br />
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Shaklee's motto is "We provide a healthier life for everyone, and a better life for anyone". Which sounds great to me, because who doesn't want a healthier/better life? No one, that's who. Duh. But one of the other things I noticed on their website said "Always Safe. Always Works. Always Green."<br />
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Which I took as a little bit of a challenge. Not the first part. Or that last part. I liked the sound of both of those, but it was that middle bit... Always Works. Really? Always? I mean, how great can it be? Very little in life always works. <br />
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So of course I ordered some.<br />
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And started cleaning things.<br />
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I'm not going to lie - the packaging on this stuff is fan-freaking-tastic. I was a little worried that I was so caught up in how great all the products looked that I was willing to overlook any defects in the product itself.<br />
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And the product line is broad, covering everything from multisurface cleaning, to dishes, to laundry. So I had to choose something to start with, and I chose something called Scour Off. Mainly because it smelled good, in a really subtle way. And it looked like fun to use, with it's interesting pink color, and slightly-gritty-but-still-kind-of-smooth texture. And because it said it was for ovens, among other things, and I have an oven that makes cleaners run for the hills shaking and crying like a baby.<br />
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Oh no, that was me. I run for the hills shaking and crying, but the oven is what brings it on. It's ugly. It looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXhvVfbq1thS3ZxsELyS8cbjrGqJ26GDfHQB0J-l7175SD19SGZBna9SotMViWoRrh7ZWVjrW9ykcr-05ZJWd0j367UqMPm_QaSNzP2LvDc8Pkdelvf1OwIpVbIadqDOBIkuRyL_bdWM/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXhvVfbq1thS3ZxsELyS8cbjrGqJ26GDfHQB0J-l7175SD19SGZBna9SotMViWoRrh7ZWVjrW9ykcr-05ZJWd0j367UqMPm_QaSNzP2LvDc8Pkdelvf1OwIpVbIadqDOBIkuRyL_bdWM/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_k5WMv3QUcaMpDI5h1goR0PBz8MGzY3AtpkH131D6zbf9UFXGZ81STaySOF_xLudf7Uz9ArwPzyVwd5DY25IsGf3tn4d3JqySsHZGnIKeEBY5OBxZaM03q_Eic7WnXSuLxK7usD-IY8/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_k5WMv3QUcaMpDI5h1goR0PBz8MGzY3AtpkH131D6zbf9UFXGZ81STaySOF_xLudf7Uz9ArwPzyVwd5DY25IsGf3tn4d3JqySsHZGnIKeEBY5OBxZaM03q_Eic7WnXSuLxK7usD-IY8/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ewww. And those photos really don't do the ickiness of the oven justice. It's ickier than it looks. I swear it.<br />
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So I dug into that Scour Off, and went to town. And after just a little over four minutes, here is what I was left with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJupAJxtj6wevbug14uqLDH9CxrcGXSWzHo0n56oF1zpcwhSQ-2XhWhyphenhyphenjiBtdGp8mB0nC8fqIAncaB35QOSACT1LTlsCZYJ6pMTZxjf0u2K3mpRxn6_F3HqX_LHwe1z-67CGNbdMWdPE/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJupAJxtj6wevbug14uqLDH9CxrcGXSWzHo0n56oF1zpcwhSQ-2XhWhyphenhyphenjiBtdGp8mB0nC8fqIAncaB35QOSACT1LTlsCZYJ6pMTZxjf0u2K3mpRxn6_F3HqX_LHwe1z-67CGNbdMWdPE/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mmmm hmmmm, that is the same nasty door that you saw two pics ago, except now it is shiny and bright. So shiny and bright, in fact, that you can see the reflection of the refrigerator next to it. See it's handle? And see the lights in the ceiling? All you saw before was grease from something I cooked many, many months ago, and now you see beauty. Amazing, that's what.<br />
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Then there was this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnS0QMGBtgytFeBm1TQDVmhlNy0GDJvqPbI_jaES65JbSoq5htBxCztEUahrweLfhYprf0fLni4r9EXx_wrd1iTUIcirg9_bBCPDNVzpxwt4cU8nr2_3R8tZAHDur0xc66hIi8GYwnaU/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnS0QMGBtgytFeBm1TQDVmhlNy0GDJvqPbI_jaES65JbSoq5htBxCztEUahrweLfhYprf0fLni4r9EXx_wrd1iTUIcirg9_bBCPDNVzpxwt4cU8nr2_3R8tZAHDur0xc66hIi8GYwnaU/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yup, those same couple minutes also got me this. Without nasty chemically fumes. Yes, I probably could have gotten similar results by using the auto clean option on my oven (if it has that. I really have no idea if it does.) But that takes HOURS. This took minutes. And a little scrubbing, which I am okay with as long as I am not breathing fumes while I do it. Scrubbing, yes. Fumes, no. Plant based ingredients, yes. Chemicals, no. Again, amazing.<br />
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So, now here I sit, at 1:34 in the morning, excited to get my spring cleaning on, which I can honestly say has never happened to me.<br />
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I am super excited to see what the rest of the cleaners can do, but maybe not in the middle of the night. Maybe that is a post for tomorrow.<br />
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Yes. Definitely a post for tomorrow.<br />
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Night night.<br />
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<a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAG9eKi4N2AhcxQRP71TrzXdLlBY_bY0_eaStjaIyaEn62-Sm-yxwOHjdcnHwxwX7yEBvjTxvb4qz7OMtJCeM6oj2x77TBpeUXf6H47AABOjwm8MbEitg40Z69T9UJB5BcIY-mGicIPQ/s1600/Scouroff.jpg" /></a></div>
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Want to know more about Shaklee's cleaning products, and other products for that matter? Check them out <a href="http://jennyfinney.myshaklee.com/us/en/" target="_blank">HERE!</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-59031094599038395542013-03-18T08:10:00.001-07:002013-03-18T08:10:20.730-07:00I Love This CatFirst of all, his name is still Moon. I know. Not much to be done about it. When I tried to change his name the kids rebelled and I was left with no choice. So he is Moon, which obviously morphs into Mooner, Moonie, or just plain Cat if the need arises.<br />
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Mr. T and I have agreed that he is virtually perfect. Moon, not Mr. T, though he is pretty awesome. No, Mooner is a virtually perfect cat, only slightly missing the 100% perfect mark because of his tendency to do this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMqKaj7PWWx5mmLNPRZMqX-SnAwUPJCHa5LvMFhnisF1ExniQpNpsMad7ka8tkDNyTgHtXFEyhYaifts94tB5KTbpiIG2qCAWsBcWm7UiYnhHgRCoxtp-c-cjvGd_ewZqmluWD3IEQWU/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMqKaj7PWWx5mmLNPRZMqX-SnAwUPJCHa5LvMFhnisF1ExniQpNpsMad7ka8tkDNyTgHtXFEyhYaifts94tB5KTbpiIG2qCAWsBcWm7UiYnhHgRCoxtp-c-cjvGd_ewZqmluWD3IEQWU/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDTG1Is6rT2JRZ2LMGiFzhgw0rgTWQCog1uo3oqe_p20s_Ok5N-8vCF7H_t2Dk2ww6VqWThmsE7D7CMaxLCD4dvJOMCjCDYY5dnl2WXymszHdLe4tLSlcCiYE9hygBkBw9CyDs_AfvvQ/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDTG1Is6rT2JRZ2LMGiFzhgw0rgTWQCog1uo3oqe_p20s_Ok5N-8vCF7H_t2Dk2ww6VqWThmsE7D7CMaxLCD4dvJOMCjCDYY5dnl2WXymszHdLe4tLSlcCiYE9hygBkBw9CyDs_AfvvQ/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" height="546" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and there is this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCweeZlh2H6bDmAkF2Tzmp3uEouXV3cazFq0BDrdkDNaNkJk64QXhmnKvOKw1VFQxSzJzb4xkuunaqn5JNeufsPvcopTv4cHwMIhBTz0q6Ui58kM7o9U7o_EsE7uyBpb0Xn0PQCQt-2g/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCweeZlh2H6bDmAkF2Tzmp3uEouXV3cazFq0BDrdkDNaNkJk64QXhmnKvOKw1VFQxSzJzb4xkuunaqn5JNeufsPvcopTv4cHwMIhBTz0q6Ui58kM7o9U7o_EsE7uyBpb0Xn0PQCQt-2g/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
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In case you are wondering what all those things are, they are his claw marks all over our unfinished doors and trim. He likes to claw wood, which just gives me the heebie jeebies thinking about splinters under fingernails and all, but that is beside the point.<br />
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This little defect in his character makes him an only 98% perfect cat, but he makes up for it by looking like this:<br />
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<br />
And this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK1mhB2nalQpipX1lA6tOdlnWxwdTLuy20rEZ7vtwkU-Zu18ca5kyarXp5EvdThmqysGiyvkljW5bavd470lzXtrUnvVtFpEPkqbEBCJ3Zfpti8zpli9XBFEK72it_tc-neuUUP1cULY/s1600/Moonerfloor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK1mhB2nalQpipX1lA6tOdlnWxwdTLuy20rEZ7vtwkU-Zu18ca5kyarXp5EvdThmqysGiyvkljW5bavd470lzXtrUnvVtFpEPkqbEBCJ3Zfpti8zpli9XBFEK72it_tc-neuUUP1cULY/s1600/Moonerfloor.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And doing this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSVZMhb04R3-9Ie0AWZ8gMYMjtd8-DgKmMqhjiA3OLx904W9mA-BU5ucvp5_Jiy8OzdIt-GUujE6_mh06RO2sWaVCEQUyUkCDfTrr6AsxKu1muUoeti9TJMlPxIl-mjk5YcjdbtI3AzY/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSVZMhb04R3-9Ie0AWZ8gMYMjtd8-DgKmMqhjiA3OLx904W9mA-BU5ucvp5_Jiy8OzdIt-GUujE6_mh06RO2sWaVCEQUyUkCDfTrr6AsxKu1muUoeti9TJMlPxIl-mjk5YcjdbtI3AzY/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So we'll give him his 2% imperfection and keep him forever. <br />
<br />
If his breath doesn't kill us first.<br />
<br />
Make that 97% perfect. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7450191772486215811.post-63592604303295412622013-03-15T05:29:00.001-07:002013-03-18T05:55:39.815-07:00I need to shed...See, here in my tiny mountain town it is remarkably dry. Seriously dry. Like, my weather station thingy sitting on my counter is telling me that it is 4% humidity in my house right now. I can feel my little membranes shriveling as we speak.<br />
<br />
So I am on a constant hunt for something to save my poor skin. And I have tried everything, let me tell you. And my most recent addiction is homemade sugar scrub. Two reasons - first, it couldn't be easier to make, and I love easy. Second, it really helps to keep the moisture in my skin versus out of it. Oh, and there is the fact that it feels absolutely luxurious to use this. That helps too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSq9HkWwh0ICZtZx82Nhupcleac8JJjdFgz34a3Rqi2JCD0hRdEcaoE6XxJZpl3aFr41jVdp_Ze84xQeGgoLiEp-bbs3A8T4YVCuXl8kCfXaT-pX2tTyNa9JIgav-wyUT4Ag7rWUwaqM/s1600/sugarscrubingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSq9HkWwh0ICZtZx82Nhupcleac8JJjdFgz34a3Rqi2JCD0hRdEcaoE6XxJZpl3aFr41jVdp_Ze84xQeGgoLiEp-bbs3A8T4YVCuXl8kCfXaT-pX2tTyNa9JIgav-wyUT4Ag7rWUwaqM/s640/sugarscrubingredients.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make a sugar scrub, you need just a couple simple things: sugar, oil, and essential oils. Actually that last part isn't something that you technically need, but it makes it that much more fun. Or therapeutic. Or rejuvenating. Or whatever it is you are looking for.<br />
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Measure out about a cup of sugar into a bowl. <br />
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Maybe more or less depending on the size of container you plan to put your scrub in, but roughly a cup will last you for a good bit. Unless you're like me and slathering this stuff on not just daily but maybe even multiple times a day. Then the chances are good you will be making this often. So pay attention. <br />
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In the beginning I used sweet almond oil in my mix. Not for any particular reason, just because that was what I was told so that was what I used. But when that first one ran out, all I had on hand was olive oil. Thick, yes. Olive oil smelly, yes. But I went for it anyway, and I am so glad I did, because my skin LOVED it. It feels like velvet, and shaving after using this on my legs is bliss, if shaving can ever qualify as bliss. And with the essential oil in the mix, you don't smell the olive oil at all. So yummy! In the summer, when perhaps it won't be quite so very dry, I might switch back to a lighter oil, but for now, I am loving the olive oil. And feeling a little like a salad, but whatever.<br />
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Add about a 1/4 cup of oil to the sugar and start mixing.<br />
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<br />
It will start
to look like wet sand. We'll move on to my secret weapon next, so
if it feels like you should add a bit more oil to it, resist temptation. We're going to get there. <br />
<br />
My secret weapon:<br />
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I made this scrub so many times, and just felt like something was missing. It was good, but I always felt like it could be better. I don't know why it took me so long to figure out that I NEEDED to add coconut oil, but once I did this scrub was perfection. For me. It was perfection for me. And, admittedly, I am easily appeased. But seriously, coconut oil just put this mix over the top. <br />
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Just shploop a big heaping tablespoon, the kind you might stir your coffee with, not a real tablespoon, into a microwave safe bowl. <br />
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Then ignore the little bit that bailed over the wall onto your counter, or better yet, just scoop it right back in there. Show it who's boss. <br />
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Microwave the coconut oil for maybe 15 seconds, then check it. Give it a little stir. Keep going like that until it is completely liquid, then just dump it right on in the sugar mix, and start mixing it in. It will look goopier. Oilier. Perfecter.<br />
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Like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyexUERAOT2tK7nspAB0TVctlT3mGuDv2mwhiARXSoI5WAagsMna_fP9_S8TAirUnVat6szoHUofUWKJJjxRZteEiHYD5J09Ui-YaZhuMiWUSFtD12FVEhmXOB_QrrFMD9DNAB2pEMeGc/s1600/mix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyexUERAOT2tK7nspAB0TVctlT3mGuDv2mwhiARXSoI5WAagsMna_fP9_S8TAirUnVat6szoHUofUWKJJjxRZteEiHYD5J09Ui-YaZhuMiWUSFtD12FVEhmXOB_QrrFMD9DNAB2pEMeGc/s640/mix.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And yes, I absolutely know that perfecter is not a word. But today it is for me. <br />
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Next add several drops each of your essential oils. I seem to always use some mix of citrus oils (wild orange, grapefruit and Citrus Bliss is my mix of choice) but there are any number of scents you may go for. Vanilla peppermint? Ginger Lime? Lemon Lavender? Your choice. Mix it up. And remember, you might not smell it very strongly when you mix it, but when you are in the shower, the scent of the essential oil seems to come out stronger. Maybe from the steam? Not sure, but I do know that you will love it!<br />
<br />
Maybe just one more. I love essential oils. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNOTQVDJlBlx3EKirraKPr17bK7SN8QpSLAGgC6zCn2MUqOJKqCxpTAQFvDL6zhi9qdvBY4z3Ajtwjkrc5ZRvr9RZlfNj_mZ3hC_BhNSOlHpBEpfpL1SYYC_66o_iK2LQYQQQfSK3Pgg/s1600/oil2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNOTQVDJlBlx3EKirraKPr17bK7SN8QpSLAGgC6zCn2MUqOJKqCxpTAQFvDL6zhi9qdvBY4z3Ajtwjkrc5ZRvr9RZlfNj_mZ3hC_BhNSOlHpBEpfpL1SYYC_66o_iK2LQYQQQfSK3Pgg/s640/oil2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, probably ignore my hands. They are gross. My apologies.<br />
<br />
Essential oils all mixed in? Great, now just spoon it into a container of some kind. Yes, it's wonderful to have a gorgeous container, but I have this:<br />
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<br />
Okay, it's boring but it does the job perfectly. But that isn't really what's important. What's important is all that oily goodness that is going to save my skin. And maybe yours, too.<br />
<br />
In the shower (not that you need to know my routine in the shower, but I'm all for being helpful), I wash my hair and body, and then I use the scrub before I shave my legs. That way I don't need to use any kind of funky shaving gel in all it's chemical glory. The oil in the scrub is all I need. AND, as if that wasn't enough, the oil residue (yes, I know that sounds gross, but it is what it is) goes a long way toward moisturizing my poor dried out skin.<br />
<br />
On top of it I add a thick layer of my lotion concoction that I have started using, but that is another post for another day. <br />
<br />
So grab yourself some sugar, oil and smelly stuff. You'll be happy you did!<br />
<br />
What are your favorite scrub scents?<br />
<br />
<br />
I linked this post at these amazing blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.504main.com/2013/03/tickled-pink-137.html" target="_blank">504 Main</a><br />
<a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2013/03/hello-weekend-past-posts-your-great.html" target="_blank">...Or So She Says </a><br />
<a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2013/03/show-tell-saturday-031613.html" target="_blank">Be Different Act Normal</a><br />
<a href="http://too-much-time.com/2013/03/get-schooled-saturday-68.html" target="_blank">Too Much Time On My Hands</a><br />
<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/03/overflowing-with-creativity-68/" target="_blank">It's Overflowing </a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/03/18/made-by-you-monday-145/" target="_blank">Skip To My Lou </a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2013/03/17/just-something-i-whipped-up-6.html" target="_blank">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jamhands.net/2013/03/recipe-sharing-monday-45-features.html" target="_blank">Jam Hands</a><br />
<a href="http://jembellish.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-round-tuit-145.html" target="_blank">Creating My Way To Success</a><br />
<a href="http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2013/03/homemade-mondays-week-20.html" target="_blank">Frugal By Choice, Cheap By Necessity</a> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09179535981124824750noreply@blogger.com9