tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51778925217946146452024-03-06T22:33:39.473-05:00Happily Ever CrafterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-4927987599449190772014-05-28T21:00:00.001-04:002014-05-28T21:15:20.620-04:00The Liebster Award!!!I never thought in a million years my little blog would get nominated for The Liebster Award, but, I have been!! Kathy over at the lovely <a href="http://www.uptodateinteriors.com/">Up To Date Interiors</a> nominated me! I was giddy as a kid when I got her e-mail!<br />
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Be sure to check out Kathy's post about the Liebster Award <a href="http://www.uptodateinteriors.com/2014/05/weekend-reflections-liebster-award.html">HERE</a>!<br />
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For anyone who doesn't know, the Liebster Award is specific to the blogging community. It's an award given from bloggers, to bloggers. There are several slight variations of the "rules" but we're doing the chain of 11's.<br />
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How it works:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Get nominated! (Woohoo!)</li>
<li>Share 11 facts about yourself</li>
<li>Answer 11 questions posed from the blogger who nominated you</li>
<li>Come up with 11 new questions</li>
<li>Nominate 11 new bloggers (with 200 or less followers. I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">BlogLovin</a> so I'm using their stats.) </li>
<li>Pose your questions to the newly nominated bloggers</li>
<li>Have fun and meet new bloggers!!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ5jI6sSdKym3MxV6FoZ0LUrhwBz1o6Iv6D9cgGnad1NFFJHIe23UbzXZdGHginv7TyyBVaLwTmhP66xLqXW0gOzXU8soDtZuIcbiXct_7a-YeM6lkG_q5U8ZFnhgPof2b3cyD0FCU15y/s1600/LiebsterAward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ5jI6sSdKym3MxV6FoZ0LUrhwBz1o6Iv6D9cgGnad1NFFJHIe23UbzXZdGHginv7TyyBVaLwTmhP66xLqXW0gOzXU8soDtZuIcbiXct_7a-YeM6lkG_q5U8ZFnhgPof2b3cyD0FCU15y/s1600/LiebsterAward.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11 Facts About Me</span><br />
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1. I've been married for a little over 2 years now but I still like to consider myself a newlywed! He is my best friend, my better half, my rock. We've been together for almost 9 years.<br />
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2. I have a B.S. in Business Management from <a href="http://www.liberty.edu/">Liberty University</a>.<br />
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3. I've collected over 1,000 four-leaf clovers in my life. And tons of 5, 6, and 7 leaf. I think even one or two 8 leaf ones!<br />
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4. The high school I attended/graduated from was across from a cow field.<br />
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5. I love all animals except copperhead snakes and monkeys. Monkeys are weird and they creep me out. Copperhead snakes are poisonous and have sent my dogs to the emergency vet 3 times. You'd better believe they're on my black list.<br />
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6. I just ran the Color Me Rad 5k and I had so much fun!! I highly recommend it, even if you're not a runner! I'm not much of a runner but I like to pretend.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0mPnKYKqqCRuyhoywK8AXTa_ftiNzMeBS4esBONoy0g-DNb4mnAUS3Tgz6Uoh3wqpO142xOCGn3lYoaTDi7gU0Yro4j3Nv0Whx_wsVcRLpoe56RyAsDUfX1qec2V67xJB696zAvNj-X_/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0mPnKYKqqCRuyhoywK8AXTa_ftiNzMeBS4esBONoy0g-DNb4mnAUS3Tgz6Uoh3wqpO142xOCGn3lYoaTDi7gU0Yro4j3Nv0Whx_wsVcRLpoe56RyAsDUfX1qec2V67xJB696zAvNj-X_/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too bad you can't hardly see my AWESOME handmade tutu!</td></tr>
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7. And by "ran" I mean jogged a little but mostly just power walked with friends and had a blast!<br />
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8. Running sucks...but somehow I sort of love it?<br />
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9. Our cat plays fetch. But our dogs don't<br />
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10. I've only been outside of the U.S. one time when I traveled to Nicaragua on a missions trip when I was 17. I had just graduated high school and everyone else was going to beach week but I went to Nicaragua to teach children in Vacation Bible Schools and deliver food to the hungry. It was an incredible trip that I'll never forget.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijELSzAkskK56rcX52GWLRKLPhnZ-FH9j_CvFPxDgYaTgwEV6turgeyq_yC9bTCuKmibGJOUMwsD2wQ1EztOYYtUqqq70PES_eiQBS9WjjgDOgnRpUanZ0VJnT47QMPeRlLEbMNNLXMKvU/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijELSzAkskK56rcX52GWLRKLPhnZ-FH9j_CvFPxDgYaTgwEV6turgeyq_yC9bTCuKmibGJOUMwsD2wQ1EztOYYtUqqq70PES_eiQBS9WjjgDOgnRpUanZ0VJnT47QMPeRlLEbMNNLXMKvU/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many beautiful children we worked with. Look at little 17 year old me! Ahh!</td></tr>
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11. Blogging has led me to form some of the most incredible friendships!! I never would have imagined that blogging would lead to that but it did and I am oh so glad. I am so thankful for a close-knit blogging group and the "network" we created as a safe place to grow together as bloggers and as friends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">11 Questions from Kathy at <a href="http://www.uptodateinteriors.com/">Up To Date Interiors</a> </span><br />
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<b>1. What is the first thing you do in the morning?</b><br />
Honestly? Go pee.<br />
<b>2. Do you have any quirky talents? </b><br />
I can form a cloverleaf with my tongue!<br />
<b>3. What inspired you to start a blog? </b><br />
It wasn't really ONE thing but several things that eventually led to me opening up my little Blogger account. After getting married, I began to use Pinterest like crazy and then I discovered the blog <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>, if you're familiar with them you understand! They also live in my city which is pretty cool! They're incredible inspirational. A friend of mine had started her blog <a href="http://www.attemptsatdomestication.com/">Attempts At Domestication </a>about a year prior and she had nothing but good things to say about blogging. I had also been toying with the idea after the insanity that is wedding planning. I would always think to myself, "I should write all this down!" but never did. Now I can :)<br />
<b>4. What is your favorite hobby (outside of blogging)?</b><br />
Right now I'd have to go with gardening! I absolutely LOVE to watch my garden grow and flourish!<br />
<b>5. Do you have any pets?</b><br />
Yes! Two very old dogs, a 17 year old dachshund named Jill and a 14 year old beagle named Kito. Also a gray tabby cat named Waffles. I also work at a veterinarian's office so it's pretty hard to not bring home those precious stray puppies and kittens!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv-QBj_jYi2fidgxGCxoKMx8gLtyeizBRGlzZ0-0K7diPlZHeFeMcQgq1hKxxOod7EZKcN04uLfMFmgqzSWKbY7I_Ty4gSrZlEw985Kdcb1HNNmcuCUqtiHHSCsRyTfNlCyIYgUX3emPi/s1600/IMG_9649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv-QBj_jYi2fidgxGCxoKMx8gLtyeizBRGlzZ0-0K7diPlZHeFeMcQgq1hKxxOod7EZKcN04uLfMFmgqzSWKbY7I_Ty4gSrZlEw985Kdcb1HNNmcuCUqtiHHSCsRyTfNlCyIYgUX3emPi/s1600/IMG_9649.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? We get along!</td></tr>
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<b>6. How many places have you lived? </b><br />
Four...well, technically three. Richmond, Virginia for a couple of years as a baby, then my parents moved out to the country of Rockville, Virginia. After I got married we moved to Lynchburg, Virginia but now we're back in Rockville!<br />
<b>7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? </b><br />
In a beautiful house surrounded by many acres of land filled with organic gardens and animals and my wonderful husband beside me.<br />
<b>8. If you could have any car, what would it be? </b><br />
I'm not picky...I love my old-lady Buick Century! It's an awesomely reliable car!<br />
<b>9. What is your favorite meal?</b><br />
That's a tough one! Probably pollo loco at the local Mexican restaurant. It's delicious chicken with cheese sauce and rice and beans on the side.<br />
<b>10. Make up or all natural? </b><br />
All natural! I'll wear make up for special occasions though.<br />
<b>11. What is your favorite color combination? </b><br />
Green and orange...they were our wedding colors and are now our kitchen colors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE71F0-pC_D-09Esr_Va3iDgrdsf6SfnZrU6MPQk2m1wvz7QTe5lrf1uFTSH2hxOP-lnUGQQDzgOCW6I-zHH91p_ksxoYh6TySSu5TXx6jiO-NjDfHQ6FrgbQ4elNKUY_w-7NLB-PLQ1J/s1600/PRE-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE71F0-pC_D-09Esr_Va3iDgrdsf6SfnZrU6MPQk2m1wvz7QTe5lrf1uFTSH2hxOP-lnUGQQDzgOCW6I-zHH91p_ksxoYh6TySSu5TXx6jiO-NjDfHQ6FrgbQ4elNKUY_w-7NLB-PLQ1J/s1600/PRE-2.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful mailbox a friend painted for us!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11 Questions for The Fabulous Blogs I Nominated</span><br />
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<b>1. What's your favorite attribute about yourself? (Physical, personality, etc)</b><br />
<b>2. Would you rather go camping in an RV or under the stars?</b><br />
<b>3. What is the worst meal you've ever made? </b><br />
<b>4. If money was no object, where would you travel first?</b><br />
<b>5. Did you have an embarrassing nickname as a kid? </b><br />
<b>6. Chocolate or vanilla?</b><br />
<b>7. What inspired you to start your blog? </b><br />
<b>8. Do you have any kids? Pets? </b><br />
<b>9. What is something that you do every single day? </b><br />
<b>10. What is your favorite season and why?</b><br />
<b>11. What is your most favorite post you've ever written? Link it up too! </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blog Nominees!</span><br />
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1. Tracy at <a href="http://thethingswellmake.com/">Oh the Things We'll Make</a><br />
2. Kathy at <a href="http://www.simplecleanliving.com/">Simple Clean Living</a><br />
3. Cortney at <a href="http://www.dailypea.com/">Daily Pea</a><br />
4. Kristen at <a href="http://theearthymama.com/">The Earthy Mama</a> which is formerly <a href="http://rethinksimple.com/">Rethink Simple</a><br />
5. Joyce at <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/">The Skinny Pear </a><br />
6. Kelsi at <a href="http://www.vintagekidsmodernworld.com/">Vintage Kids | Modern World</a><br />
7. Denine and Daniele at <a href="http://www.weknowstuff.us.com/">We Know Stuff</a><br />
8. Kristine at <a href="http://www.realfoodgirlunmodified.com/">Real Food Girl: Unmodified </a><br />
9. Tara at <a href="http://we%20got%20real/">We Got Real</a><br />
10. Stephanie at <a href="http://naturallymindful.com/">Naturally Mindful</a><br />
11. Loriel at <a href="http://www.healthyrootshappysoul.com/">Healthy Roots, Happy Soul </a><br />
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I can tell you right now that you will LOVE all of these blogs! They are all wonderful friends of mine and they put out some fantastic posts!! Be sure to go visit they're blogs and of course "like" them on Facebook!<br />
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Again, an enormous thank you to Kathy of <a href="http://www.uptodateinteriors.com/">Up To Date Interiors</a> for nominating me!! I'll update this post with each nominee's post link as they complete the Liebster Award "rules."<br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-5947953210709837922014-05-02T09:55:00.000-04:002014-05-12T21:36:04.942-04:00Apothekayla the *book* {GIVEAWAY} [Closed]Happy May everyone!<br />
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What? You don't remember me?<br />
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It's me, Catherine! Blogger behind <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/">Happily Ever Crafter</a>. I know, I know...I took a LONG hiatus for the holidays. My last post was December 18th and it is now May 2nd! Ouch.<br />
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Well you see, what had happened was...<br />
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I decided to take a break for the holidays and while we were dealing with the craziness of moving. Then just overall life happened, and after that I've had very busy work schedules. I've been working a seasonal evening job while trying to find a good day job. I was even working 70+ hour weeks for over a month. Let's just say, that was a bad idea. A very bad idea. Things seem to be settling down now but it's still busy! Although I can't guarantee I'll be back consistently for another short while, I'll do my best! Work, work work! It feels good to be back, though...I've missed you guys!!<br />
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And now, to celebrate my return to blogging AND a blogger friend of mine's birthday...I have a fantastic giveaway for you all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAyOQ18j1vT-BjBeuzGUPdgczwfeMTJ_Gyg-gfNkamBg8LYDoJs4c_ku0LS7OUgsY2AGWrzr-TC4PpMlQu09NULGmBs_Zw2uaMfylIkULikN-Yv99DwbW2PZWSP9RIJDzCMnxiba3WZ9g/s1600/ApothekaylaBookCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAyOQ18j1vT-BjBeuzGUPdgczwfeMTJ_Gyg-gfNkamBg8LYDoJs4c_ku0LS7OUgsY2AGWrzr-TC4PpMlQu09NULGmBs_Zw2uaMfylIkULikN-Yv99DwbW2PZWSP9RIJDzCMnxiba3WZ9g/s1600/ApothekaylaBookCover.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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My lovely blogger friend Kayla, the wonderwoman behind <a href="http://www.winterstead.com/">Winterstead</a> and <a href="http://www.apothekayla.com/">ApotheKayla</a>, just launched her very first book! It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1493169297/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1493169297&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20&linkId=EAFYOVFJDS24CHSB">ApotheKayla: Year One: A Beginner's Guide to Making Holistic Health and Beauty Recipe</a> and we're working together to bring you all this wonderful giveaway! One winner will receive an AUTOGRAPHED copy of the book! </div>
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So this giveaway is celebrating three awesome events! </div>
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1. Kayla's birthday is today!!! </div>
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2. Kayla just launched this awesome book!</div>
3. My *triumphant* return to blogging!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSvHdTyw5GFY9ppyXCGqdQZHl4p8bZv6XqYPaivWqtQYL3c1UHGvwM82qiRxSST0Bep2uW23k8YkHOjNFajBAQbvucPdwrX0d3YN6bt5WCEMhVtzTALRmb5h74Pky2oiFAr_LkTdXqXyq/s1600/ApothekaylaHempPaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSvHdTyw5GFY9ppyXCGqdQZHl4p8bZv6XqYPaivWqtQYL3c1UHGvwM82qiRxSST0Bep2uW23k8YkHOjNFajBAQbvucPdwrX0d3YN6bt5WCEMhVtzTALRmb5h74Pky2oiFAr_LkTdXqXyq/s1600/ApothekaylaHempPaste.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hemp paste is just one of the many awesome recipes you will get if you win (or buy!) the book!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtyMt43X4q9xsokz3zpG6j4mzACDDvYfhls4RE5lMrIubOyGeCrl6h6gFBsJxGYq2CPZt0uMGl1V2QapbLbyg4CH1OMWUWEq4WvR1JR_bMtGKmYeOw0_RLJkVHiWTTiYA4zHD8Ldcb3KN/s1600/ApothekaylaShavingCream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtyMt43X4q9xsokz3zpG6j4mzACDDvYfhls4RE5lMrIubOyGeCrl6h6gFBsJxGYq2CPZt0uMGl1V2QapbLbyg4CH1OMWUWEq4WvR1JR_bMtGKmYeOw0_RLJkVHiWTTiYA4zHD8Ldcb3KN/s1600/ApothekaylaShavingCream.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who wouldn't love some luxurious, homemade, all natural shaving cream?? This book is chock full of recipes that will have DIYing all your health and beauty needs in no time! </div>
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<b>GIVEAWAY DETAILS!</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Prize:</b> One copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1493169297/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1493169297&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20&linkId=EAFYOVFJDS24CHSB">ApotheKayla: Year One: A Beginner's Guide to Making Holistic Health and Beauty Recipe</a></li>
<li><b>To enter: </b>Follow the prompts on my Rafflecopter widget below! The more you do the more entries you get!</li>
<li><b>Starts: </b>Friday, May 2nd, 2014</li>
<li><b>Ends:</b> Friday, May 9th, 2014 at midnight</li>
<li>Limited to U.S. residents only, sorry! </li>
<li>The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, May 10th, 2014! I will e-mail the winner to confirm. If I don't get a confirmation within 48 hours I will have to choose another winner, so be sure to check back here and check your e-mail!</li>
<li>Kayla will be signing the winning book and shipping directly to you if you're the winner! </li>
</ul>
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Now all you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter!! </div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/355c484/" id="rc-355c484" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
<b>Good luck! </b><br />
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CONGRATULATIONS TARA B.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered!!!<br />
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And hey, if you feel like you're Bad Luck Brian and just want to go ahead and buy your own copy, you can head over to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1493169297/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1493169297&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20&linkId=EAFYOVFJDS24CHSB">Amazon</a> and get yours! Plus, it's never too early to shop for Christmas presents! This book is a great addition to any home that's becoming more and more 'crunchy'!<br />
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Didja miss me? I missed you!! What's been happening in your life in the fabulous year 2014??<br />
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Till next time,<br />
CatherineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-58884875113027114032013-12-18T11:00:00.000-05:002013-12-18T11:00:06.098-05:00Wedding Wednesday - Catering Your Own Wedding {Guest Post}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Today I'm happy to welcome another guest blogger to Wedding Wednesday! Saxon from <a href="http://letsdrinkcoffeedarling.blogspot.com/">Let's Drink Coffee, Darling</a> writes the most adorable blog and has a huge resource of wedding related posts so all you brides-to-be, you've got to check it out! You'll love what she has to share with you today!</i></div>
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I'm so happy to be able to take over Catherine's blog for a day and share a little bit about our wedding with her lovely readers! </div>
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My name is Saxon and I write over at <a href="http://letsdrinkcoffeedarling.blogspot.com/">Let's Drink Coffee, Darling</a>! One unique aspect about our wedding is that we provided all the food and drinks (except the cake and cupcakes) ourselves. This is a huge task, so I thought I'd share with you about our experiences!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sFYm7bbEC2ydD3ajd9DY5N_IWtM_jGTodfwfajTOIniPl9nEQFVsNs_1u2sQNSCKQJVioE8vH_zrwsbUahVWQ-4afulCXrjgp_zVRirAkpTocsecEDhZQB8bRuX5NnfjthbdCu-8ZRR5/s1600/Your+Own+Catering+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sFYm7bbEC2ydD3ajd9DY5N_IWtM_jGTodfwfajTOIniPl9nEQFVsNs_1u2sQNSCKQJVioE8vH_zrwsbUahVWQ-4afulCXrjgp_zVRirAkpTocsecEDhZQB8bRuX5NnfjthbdCu-8ZRR5/s400/Your+Own+Catering+Button.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are in the middle of planning a wedding, chances are you've already thought about food, drinks and snacks. Everyone has a different idea in mind: some ladies are set on hiring a catering company, others want to provide light snacks, and then there's the smaller category of us who want to provide a meal without the expense of the catering costs.</div>
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We went with the third route for our wedding. I'll just say it - I'm pretty sure my family, friends, and future family thought I was crazy. We had several people offer to help us pay for caterers or suggest we go that route because I'm pretty sure they thought the plans were really just a disaster waiting to happen. </div>
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<i>And a disaster very well could happen if you don't make good plans and have back up plans. </i></div>
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If you're thinking about doing the food at your wedding yourself, you should consider these questions:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Does your wedding venue even allow outside food or drinks?</b> Many venues will not allow any outer sources to provide food or drinks as their business mechanism to keep your money with them. Read contracts closely and know what is allowed and what isn't.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Do you have someone who you can put in charge of the food on the day of your wedding?</b> Remember, this cannot be anyone in your immediate family or wedding party, as this person will likely be busy with this job for the entire time. We opted to hire a few of my dad's friends and coworkers to be in charge of cooking. We did compensate them for their time and efforts. <i>I would suggest compensating anyone you ask to do a job this large.</i></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Are you okay with a buffet style meal?</b> If you have your heart set on plates of food being delivered to your guests as they sit, and a server topping off their glass of wine then this route is most definitely not for you. Be prepared for a self serve buffet style meal where your guests are free to get up and refill their own drinks. <i>And speaking of wine, another thing you might think about is whether or not you want to deal with serving alcohol. If you have some guests under 21, you'll need to make sure someone responsible is overseeing who partakes in any alcohol - precisely why we decided not to have it at all.</i></li>
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Okay, so you still think you want to go with the DIY food option?</div>
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Great, I'm glad you do! </div>
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Although there is definitely an added stress factor to providing the food yourself, there are also many benefits. You don't have to pay for cooks or servers. You can purchase the food in bulk to cut down on costs. You can have your family and wedding party help you get some of the food ready the night before after the rehearsal. And one thing I thought was cool was we didn't have to deal with any people we didn't know the day of our wedding. </div>
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Providing food yourselves means you'll need to hound people about RSVPing. <i>This is where I failed.</i> We invited over 150 people to our wedding. Despite our best efforts to have everyone RSVP, a good 25 percent of our guests either did not RSVP or did not RSVP until the day before our wedding - <i>not helpful when buying our own food.</i> That being said, we over bought on food as we assumed those who did not respond to the RSVP would show up. <i>In reality we know most of them would probably be no shows, but we would rather have too much food than not enough.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXbnCg9oWEhoXmysyTi3WuZhwtJlV-Bwjuf6g3xsCXDYrMAF_XNspjOEVH2888UzVYYgESH3RwgwAlHc9mrBNBahFci2l9FpRAwMo5E999ze0BTk1ZTlk3en39VnljbDnwLw01To6eF3r/s1600/Smith+Wedding+2013-468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXbnCg9oWEhoXmysyTi3WuZhwtJlV-Bwjuf6g3xsCXDYrMAF_XNspjOEVH2888UzVYYgESH3RwgwAlHc9mrBNBahFci2l9FpRAwMo5E999ze0BTk1ZTlk3en39VnljbDnwLw01To6eF3r/s640/Smith+Wedding+2013-468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some questions you need to ask yourself now is what style of food best matches your finances, your facilities' cooking capabilities, and your available workforce?</div>
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We had a springtime outdoor wedding at a lodge. We decided to go with a cookout style meal which included hamburgers, assorted bags of chips, and vegetable trays with dip (for the added "health" benefit). This fit our relaxed style wedding, we didn't have to use the ovens so that the lodge would remain cool inside, and most things could be prepared the night before. My grandma, mom, and matron-of-honor were able to get tomatoes, lettuce, and onions cut up and stored in the refrigerator the night before, as well as the vegetables for the veggie trays. Of course, you don't want to forget the condiments - most stores sell restaurant sized containers with pumps.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests in line for food - it was really windy that day!</td></tr>
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You'll be dealing with a lot of logistics, so it would be best if you are either good at math or have someone who is be able to help you! <i>(My mother-in-law was super helpful on the logistics part)!</i> Also, choose foods that are easy to deal with as far as numbers go. If you bake 20 casseroles, it is hard to know how much one person will eat. But if you cook 20 hamburgers you know that feeds 20 people. Get my drift?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Drinks</span></h2>
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While we kept our food options pretty simple, drinks are where we put a little more thought. </div>
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Keeping in mind that we had limited amounts of people to help keep the flow of drinks moving, we used three 5 gallon drink coolers for the majority of our drinks - which we kept outdoors with the food. We decided the only realistic way to provide drinks for this amount of people was to use instant mixes. We provided <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Country-Time-Lemonade-Drink-Mix-82.5-Oz/10292688">Country Time Lemonade</a> and <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lipton-Unsweetened-Instant-Tea-3-oz/10307806">Instant Lipton Tea Mix</a>, which worked out pretty well. </div>
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If you have reservations about using the mixes, you can always splurge on one special drink. </div>
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We took the idea of having a signature cocktail, but instead made <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/">PW's iced coffee</a> <i>(since we are both known for loving coffee) </i>and chose to not serve alcohol. This took a little more prep work, but was still very very easy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS2Ub3ja5STpQwopEIo9NmBcxF6VmvsD2_S3BPRJ7Kb3EOJULRWWpvHMmYL5tZCb7dFmhaVJ_0SKlyd7wbEiQaLc4zEogRhcN16puZm1NZrFI20Cr_g5qpSFRYZug1rS-cy14UwU2TdkL/s1600/Smith+Wedding+2013-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS2Ub3ja5STpQwopEIo9NmBcxF6VmvsD2_S3BPRJ7Kb3EOJULRWWpvHMmYL5tZCb7dFmhaVJ_0SKlyd7wbEiQaLc4zEogRhcN16puZm1NZrFI20Cr_g5qpSFRYZug1rS-cy14UwU2TdkL/s640/Smith+Wedding+2013-74.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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The night before the wedding I mixed one can of sweetened condensed milk per every two 12-cup pots of coffee and stored it in the refrigerator. To make things easier, I bought several plastic pitchers from the Dollar Tree so the coffee could be made ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator until it was ready to be used. I made this stuff keeping in mind that a lot of people don't drink coffee, but this stuff was really a hit! <i>(Meaning I should have prepared more than I did - we ran out!)</i></div>
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One last note about if you decide to provide your own food rather than hire catering is to check into both options. Sometimes it may actually be more cost effective to hire catering, so it is worth looking into. In our case we wanted to do it ourselves because we could provide more for a lower price - especially with our venue being in a remote location. We decided splurged on our cake and cupcakes, which was SO worth it! </div>
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If you have any specific questions, I'd love to hear from you at my <a href="http://letsdrinkcoffeedarling.blogspot.com/">blog</a> or you can email me at <a href="mailto:letsdrinkcoffeedarling@gmail.com">letsdrinkcoffeedarling@gmail.com</a>!</div>
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<i>Thank you SO much, Saxon! That was so informative! We ended up having a caterer do our wedding but I definitely considered doing it ourselves to save money. Your wedding was beautiful! So glad to have you over here at Happily Ever Crafter!</i></div>
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<b>What was your choice for food for your wedding? Or what will you be choosing and why?</b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span></div>
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<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: start;">
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-save-dates-guest-post.html" target="_blank">Save the Dates - Yay or Nay? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/11/wedding-wednesday-easily-overlooked.html" target="_blank">Easily Overlooked Details</a></li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-35177506482719361972013-12-16T11:00:00.000-05:002013-12-16T11:00:06.602-05:00DIY: 4 Step Gift Bag {Guest Post}<div>
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<i>A couple weeks ago I shared how to make gift boxes out of cardboard tubes, you can read that post <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-cardboard-tubes-turned-gift-boxes.html">HERE</a>. This week I've got one of my favorite bloggers guest posting for me with her 4-Step Gift Bag tutorial! Pam from <a href="http://brownthumbmama.com/">Brown Thumb Mama</a> has an awesome blog about gardening, thrifty living, recipes and lots of laughs. Be sure to "like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrownThumbMama">her Facebook page</a> too!</i></div>
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I hate wrapping presents. Searching for paper, finding boxes, awkward-sized packages...and don't get me started on the ribbons, bows, and foofy decorations. Gack.
A couple of years ago, I decided to make gift bags of all sizes to use for Christmas presents. Keep in mind that I'm not a very good seamstress, so this was a big accomplishment for me! I decided that a little bit of work up front would give me years without wrapping paper. <b>It was too good to be true!</b>
Yes, yes it was. I realized at the end of the day that nobody had returned the bags their gifts were in. So here I am, sewing up another set of gift bags. This time I took some pictures so you can make them too.
You will need:
Fabric
Thin ribbon for the drawstring
Sewing machine
Iron
Measure the size of your gift. (This seems obvious, but if you saw the first batch of too-small-for-anything bags I made you'd understand.) Give yourself at least an inch of space all the way around, and cut out the desired shape.
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1. Start with the Quick-Fold Trick</h3>
Turn the fabric over so you're looking at the wrong side. Fold the top two inches over so the fold runs off the side of the fabric. Pop it with a hot iron so the fold will stay. Sew down the middle of each fold and run the stitches straight off the edge of the fabric. Repeat on all four corners.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGybhJPOQahB7dVzOo4sqwkZ5dQGjuh1h1bjuDGRZtoq0_k87Lo7nv04HoLudiA3DchAQzLLaM4yY4fFSebpl7ggYTg9BQ1OXTsQFSoF7G5wpf9v20jsqvO-SrnLfn5WQQmxzWA6MPILj_/s1600/foldcorners.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGybhJPOQahB7dVzOo4sqwkZ5dQGjuh1h1bjuDGRZtoq0_k87Lo7nv04HoLudiA3DchAQzLLaM4yY4fFSebpl7ggYTg9BQ1OXTsQFSoF7G5wpf9v20jsqvO-SrnLfn5WQQmxzWA6MPILj_/s640/foldcorners.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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2. Sew up Sides and Top</h3>
Run a straight stitch up from the bottom to close up the sides, stopping when you get to the folded part. Fold over about 1/4 inch of each top flap, iron it so it stays, and stitch across.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIPApi8-kq1P1dif3g1M9_xC-7t5yvpgg9so1UCvBS_EmD4ewmb2eJRrdJtcqcToH1uFRh-VfyfqWYP53s7LttzWjRO-d-R0dy50Ihx0R9VEjwY-yZ1zaa-Z6OkmTMiQ4CRzHVWQrwryv/s1600/foldovertop.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIPApi8-kq1P1dif3g1M9_xC-7t5yvpgg9so1UCvBS_EmD4ewmb2eJRrdJtcqcToH1uFRh-VfyfqWYP53s7LttzWjRO-d-R0dy50Ihx0R9VEjwY-yZ1zaa-Z6OkmTMiQ4CRzHVWQrwryv/s640/foldovertop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Finish Drawstring Tunnel</h3>
Fold down each of the top flaps, and sew all the way across to make the drawstring tunnel. Don't sew the bag shut (ask me how I know). Repeat on the other side.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1SBqMQdkRK6zBJ-EVVw7Km-liObyz9kKd1wwpULk5H-Z2JXwA4YY6tHGdoW6vixlxES0urSGoTu2le-7U5NTAercbnqaMVO5hDpdNoISwC2AMTLLGU-LtGsSQUYO9S6ciw_-IBFhzoD1/s1600/sewtunnel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1SBqMQdkRK6zBJ-EVVw7Km-liObyz9kKd1wwpULk5H-Z2JXwA4YY6tHGdoW6vixlxES0urSGoTu2le-7U5NTAercbnqaMVO5hDpdNoISwC2AMTLLGU-LtGsSQUYO9S6ciw_-IBFhzoD1/s640/sewtunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Add the Ribbon</h3>
Thread the ribbon through one side of the tunnel, across the "jump," and out the other side. Knot the ends. Repeat, starting the ribbon on the opposite side, so you can pull the knots to close the bag.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIdJCFEaqJSqYq4CnSEMWVhM3EiVFY6GoX_TtVM4XCPk6hyKuvVYaD_wOgCUZiQlHPQXgkHiFSYLksZPOZ4qSZ5Ost4vbAjrzutVdMYioyMi2rCLBFM4HlFaZhrHJu0XbHZyOQeBemINo/s1600/threadtop2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIdJCFEaqJSqYq4CnSEMWVhM3EiVFY6GoX_TtVM4XCPk6hyKuvVYaD_wOgCUZiQlHPQXgkHiFSYLksZPOZ4qSZ5Ost4vbAjrzutVdMYioyMi2rCLBFM4HlFaZhrHJu0XbHZyOQeBemINo/s640/threadtop2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And you're done! Jackjack suggests that you stuff the bag full of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=lego%20star%20wars&linkCode=ur2&sprefix=lego%2Caps%2C269&tag=brothumam-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">good presents</a>.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilBK1S09BnTIpT86JDg70AhkdXs1IPb-GXrkjiYzN33HfOlWx-jrpDBs_dRmE1WRZl92eM6QNMBSo-FlbPXnXRPbilb4y3AA0zu34nne6KKjBzKBQw4SCIR9kcsYMruOcf7UIzSY1W0Df/s1600/giftbaglarge.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilBK1S09BnTIpT86JDg70AhkdXs1IPb-GXrkjiYzN33HfOlWx-jrpDBs_dRmE1WRZl92eM6QNMBSo-FlbPXnXRPbilb4y3AA0zu34nne6KKjBzKBQw4SCIR9kcsYMruOcf7UIzSY1W0Df/s640/giftbaglarge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drawstring bags have tons of uses beyond Christmas presents. Use a light muslin and make produce bags to take to the farmer's market, or pick out a fun print and make a bag for the kids' blocks, or whip up birthday party goodie bags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusDid_2mp7n5WWvpSTNhEiP7rQbVuxRDUKOy9I0kb1WoBrK_NWl4pGIxtTpRNiSAXn5Dv_tbgZSb3wFBMaGnI3JgrQlVlG6_vplKRsfEAtMPbYLY5O6A0u2MXd11P61n5IZ-i5AQNHYAK/s1600/PamBrownThumbMama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusDid_2mp7n5WWvpSTNhEiP7rQbVuxRDUKOy9I0kb1WoBrK_NWl4pGIxtTpRNiSAXn5Dv_tbgZSb3wFBMaGnI3JgrQlVlG6_vplKRsfEAtMPbYLY5O6A0u2MXd11P61n5IZ-i5AQNHYAK/s1600/PamBrownThumbMama.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Hi! I'm Pam, otherwise known as BrownThumbMama. I'm a corporate writer by day, hobby gardener, avid reader, and housework avoider by night. </b><br />
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<b>I'm here to show that everyday, working moms and families can enjoy good health and nutrition while living a thrifty life. I give examples, <a href="http://www.brownthumbmama.com/p/recipes.html">recipes</a>, and <a href="http://www.brownthumbmama.com/2012/11/why-mama-why.html">real-life stories of our family</a> to show how we do this. </b><br />
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<i>Thanks for guest posting for me Pam! I'll be making some of these bags for sure! I may wait till after Christmas this year so I can get fabric that's been marked way down ;-) </i><br />
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Till next time,<br />
CatherineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-11717585958834743432013-12-11T14:50:00.000-05:002013-12-11T15:02:04.984-05:00{Wedding Wednesday} How to Survive the Holidays as a Bride-to-Be (Guest post)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzIBYPV-Vd9ZOGSAyTLpcMKHf17PLtDshtBYZlmuwa5xAXo6WeGVFKt2BACR6j38qJ-CSyRascfwLoWiCh5lIWyAeA46jV490ISqOsfM8B8VvyN8n4vqBXcn_w3iU1-v2JttI5cig1aLI/s1600/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzIBYPV-Vd9ZOGSAyTLpcMKHf17PLtDshtBYZlmuwa5xAXo6WeGVFKt2BACR6j38qJ-CSyRascfwLoWiCh5lIWyAeA46jV490ISqOsfM8B8VvyN8n4vqBXcn_w3iU1-v2JttI5cig1aLI/s640/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm lucky enough today to welcome back Ali from <a href="http://punkwife.com/">PunkWife.com</a> </i><i>to Wedding Wednesday! She's always so full of wonderful bridal tips! Click <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/11/wedding-wednesday-top-10-crazy.html">HERE</a> for her previous Wedding Wednesday post! Ali is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480245348?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links">The Bitch's Bridal Bible</a>, a fabulous, no nonsense guide to being a bride! </i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to Survive the
Holidays as a Bride-to-Be</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heading into the holidays as a bride-to-be is exciting! But
let’s be realistic: you’re probably also worried about protecting your budget,
avoiding a muffin top, and escaping other stressors (family drama or running
around like a crazy person, anyone?) But with some planning ahead, and a little
care-taking, you can still indulge this season and keep the stress levels down!
Consider the following suggestions on how to survive the holidays as a bride-to-be:
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gifts</b>.
Consider letting family know ahead of time that you will be a little more
resourceful this year with gift giving, and that you may even DIY your gifts. Just
be sure to stay within you limits of crafts-pertise to avoid any stress. (“They
are my special Christmas socks I knitted for you little Mary! You just have to
hold them up as you walk for them to work. Merry Christmas!”)</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Being
cornered</b>. Oh, Aunt Bertha, with your Merlot breath and endless questioning.
Want to know why I’m having such a long engagement? Because DO YOU WANT TO PAY
FOR MY WEDDING? I understand that the price per head in your day was $8.25, but
you should really move that decimal point one spot to the right and then add
$100. Now give me some of that wine because hearing myself say it out loud like
that made me thirsty. (You’re in close corners with family you see maybe twice
a year, so there’s not much you can do to escape this other than pull the
string on your Chardonnay chute and deal.) </div>
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Consider “pre-gaming” before you attend your holiday party – but put down the
eggnog you silly bride, you. The phrase takes on a whole new meaning this year.
I’m referring to snacking at home first before heading out the door. Going to a
holiday party hungry is the equivalent of going grocery shopping hungry. Everything looks amazing, and you are likely to
devour it all. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. However, if you are a
conscious bride and think you may beat yourself up later on for splurging,
think ahead.</div>
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My grandma always says that when
you have two parties to attend in one day, consider which one always has the
best desserts and go there last. If you have multiple stops to make, this is
the one year you probably want to play the reverse card and avoid any
temptation. You can make up for it next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Skin,
hair, nails</b>. Depending on where you live, the holidays can also bring about
a wrecking ball of dryness and brittleness to your skin, hair, and nails –
coincidentally, all of the things you wish to look beautiful in time for your
wedding. There’s no magic product or quick fix for this; the most effective
formula here is the following: Moisturize. Get sleep. Be nice to yourself. And
avoid stress as much as possible. Which brings me to #5… </div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stress</b>.
The last thing you need during wedding season is added stress. Numbers 1-4
contribute to the stress issue, and it can be hard to unwind or maintain your inner
Zen amongst all the crazy. It may be finances on your mind, work deadlines, or
family drama (times two this year, since you are now a part of your husband’s
family, as well.) Carve out some time to decompress and relax yourself as you
know how, whether it be practicing yoga, pounding the treadmill, or zoning out
on the couch catching up with your DVR. And have fun wherever possible, because
isn’t that what this time of year is supposed to be about?</div>
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Lastly, as you enjoy all the festivities, remember to make
some time to enjoy the holidays with your future hubby. Depending how long your
engagement is, it may be the only holiday you get to be a glowing bride-to-be.
Make memories. Make traditions. But whatever you do, don’t make yourself crazy.
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Author Bio</i></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">: Alessandra Macaluso is author of </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Bitchs-Bridal-Bible-Must-Have/dp/1480245348/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384815403&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bitch%27s+bridal+bible" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"><i>"The Bitch's Bridal Bible: The Must-Have, Real- Deal Guide for Brides,"</i></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5177892521794614645" name="_GoBack" style="background-color: white; color: #7c93a1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"></a><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> available on </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i>Amazon</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> and Kindle. A creator at heart, she is an avid writer of screenplays, articles, and business/product reviews. She has contributed to Uptown Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and Yelp.com, among other publications, and was featured in the New York Times “Life and Style” section for her review of Ulta Beauty. Her original screenplay, “Polar Suburbia”, placed as a semi-finalist in the 2009 Moondance Film Festival. To learn more about Alessandra you can visit her blog at </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i>www.punkwife.com</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> or visit her </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i>Google Author Profile</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.</i></div>
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<i>That last line is on the money! Don't make yourself crazy! Thank you Ali for another wonderful post!! You're welcome back ANY time! :)</i></div>
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<b>How is being a bride stressing you out more than normal during this holiday season?</b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-save-dates-guest-post.html" target="_blank">Save the Dates - Yay or Nay? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/11/wedding-wednesday-easily-overlooked.html" target="_blank">Easily Overlooked Details</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/11/wedding-wednesday-top-10-crazy.html">The Top 10 Crazy Characters You'll Face During Wedding Planning (and How to Deal With Them)</a></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-8381884987330669062013-12-10T15:28:00.002-05:002013-12-10T15:28:59.085-05:00Diamond Candles - A ring in every candle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-rQCaW-7aUW7n1XxpMo78BhXtaOsU8tu2T5Knpj9K4TtLvHN0YKzXa8PGjbYOulOg-GzTiU-eCTB0FwkXAieGNULkOdFe2rP9Y1uoNgmFjYtnjW08Yfl091B-CMaiVW0IX9ytqLBZwwx/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-rQCaW-7aUW7n1XxpMo78BhXtaOsU8tu2T5Knpj9K4TtLvHN0YKzXa8PGjbYOulOg-GzTiU-eCTB0FwkXAieGNULkOdFe2rP9Y1uoNgmFjYtnjW08Yfl091B-CMaiVW0IX9ytqLBZwwx/s640/IMG_6283.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqR4EjUDYbI0hIRMtSqPEWr52zueFwevD-LbQfmpKMSjuHV7XmwVH3EPeMTd6GovB2mT68ee24QoNkSBabdZ8yfd3M7K8o-7RR-DKA898rTfAUXsD7kjcFOXJ7fAq6z1XIPrzjfwR5jr6/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqR4EjUDYbI0hIRMtSqPEWr52zueFwevD-LbQfmpKMSjuHV7XmwVH3EPeMTd6GovB2mT68ee24QoNkSBabdZ8yfd3M7K8o-7RR-DKA898rTfAUXsD7kjcFOXJ7fAq6z1XIPrzjfwR5jr6/s640/IMG_6270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh yes I was finally able to do a review of <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/">Diamond Candles</a>!! If you've never heard of <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/">Diamond Candles</a>, they're quality candles made from 100% soy, eco-friendly and clean. The big attraction though is that there is a ring hidden in every candle! These rings can be valued at $10, $100, $1000 or even $5000! </div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diamondcandles">their Facebook page</a> because they giveaway free candles all the time! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ELOxQ-PpCD0HIbRNLrCT-XuCXlSNWrsiyHYFX67Ut0cUEbrpAh2DtyoUmlusp3_zpy4MTG7cjBHHMkgB97nNXm83yO-ebzVtmfD6JTzUOIOM8se_6DLL-CdLPUooH7Vqlm-ePFtssI_-/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ELOxQ-PpCD0HIbRNLrCT-XuCXlSNWrsiyHYFX67Ut0cUEbrpAh2DtyoUmlusp3_zpy4MTG7cjBHHMkgB97nNXm83yO-ebzVtmfD6JTzUOIOM8se_6DLL-CdLPUooH7Vqlm-ePFtssI_-/s640/IMG_6269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was fortunate enough to get two candles to try and review and right off the bat I was impressed with their packaging! Just a simple box that's folded in a way that cradles the candles so they survive shipping without loads of wasteful, plastic packaging.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm7ucPBAFiySZhLnngnKiErXFbTwV4kWmWt6vN9JqfoJijHsfntBuUJ2qRT9F9FhXpQSiJjy1p_zE1vJgwuCAMfa1y18gHhWoWhIqDcZ6c5uXPge-mAhsFr4YpGRWHTy3QlqSEq-Xnc8z/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm7ucPBAFiySZhLnngnKiErXFbTwV4kWmWt6vN9JqfoJijHsfntBuUJ2qRT9F9FhXpQSiJjy1p_zE1vJgwuCAMfa1y18gHhWoWhIqDcZ6c5uXPge-mAhsFr4YpGRWHTy3QlqSEq-Xnc8z/s640/IMG_6273.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I received Vanilla Lime scent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLlznOuy5v5zC6r4myuLYz2muVy2D-4hPaNW9EdD2dQf_mm4CqAyZIlM1PpFcW0KCjQ1QWUGCbh0LZyXt3wDRDZKa7f6ssAfy4ZOlPqS3AmMuTb_dqWIqFG_NLhJJNnirEn6JaDRf_bds/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLlznOuy5v5zC6r4myuLYz2muVy2D-4hPaNW9EdD2dQf_mm4CqAyZIlM1PpFcW0KCjQ1QWUGCbh0LZyXt3wDRDZKa7f6ssAfy4ZOlPqS3AmMuTb_dqWIqFG_NLhJJNnirEn6JaDRf_bds/s640/IMG_6274.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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And Lavender Lemon scent. They both smelled amazing but I especially loved the Lavender Lemon!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc9svi7c_R5XnPPH85vTX0thvfux_-CvIsX4wwvkxpoUxkHq5BFO76W2S2gvjnoTkXRkTfeGfROLy7-7iZKW0yUCR2ZLbzYrXD27rDnOxl8IAGs7jir_LII7_gqUMZrFQgGKuRFKKPiii/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc9svi7c_R5XnPPH85vTX0thvfux_-CvIsX4wwvkxpoUxkHq5BFO76W2S2gvjnoTkXRkTfeGfROLy7-7iZKW0yUCR2ZLbzYrXD27rDnOxl8IAGs7jir_LII7_gqUMZrFQgGKuRFKKPiii/s640/IMG_6271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They include a little gold circle to help you know about where the ring will be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlX7fAwnWBG1bUugbUaN4r8bwUzovyRIMYsOtR8jwaEt3RXCB9QlG87moPdmmiMAv18eMF6NpapZ4v7BGnJ0QIvFEa4IUCG6O8-yo_VCxLSRlYEjVKwbdeDrtwtcJ65WO_TO24gJ4pFV_/s1600/IMG_6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlX7fAwnWBG1bUugbUaN4r8bwUzovyRIMYsOtR8jwaEt3RXCB9QlG87moPdmmiMAv18eMF6NpapZ4v7BGnJ0QIvFEa4IUCG6O8-yo_VCxLSRlYEjVKwbdeDrtwtcJ65WO_TO24gJ4pFV_/s640/IMG_6275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkRS26KrQmTV7lqlsKhold7J-JCMBgy5-qI02XAyacfBTKTzXXidm5Rgp-dj89fwEw-V-aBU-Y2RSX_t-_QzIqjD7O00iLGoNQfe-W_Q0AS5aUyTF4Wdodl8E54rSW3jC_yqn6byFYGCF/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkRS26KrQmTV7lqlsKhold7J-JCMBgy5-qI02XAyacfBTKTzXXidm5Rgp-dj89fwEw-V-aBU-Y2RSX_t-_QzIqjD7O00iLGoNQfe-W_Q0AS5aUyTF4Wdodl8E54rSW3jC_yqn6byFYGCF/s640/IMG_6277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But you can't tell where it is from the top. So you will have to burn it for a while. Patience is key! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNtCEz3I6HzH2qVe0jWeL-iC_o7NbvCx7CaSK5GdFSCqPJFk4PHlkmHGv8KsFGIw8l4bzimWPal_bQfUoXq02MU4Ozxsk7hKwnw4cMfr65eC3mzZcZvtYjhSMhsZlQcXlUuGTZOKcO9UQ/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNtCEz3I6HzH2qVe0jWeL-iC_o7NbvCx7CaSK5GdFSCqPJFk4PHlkmHGv8KsFGIw8l4bzimWPal_bQfUoXq02MU4Ozxsk7hKwnw4cMfr65eC3mzZcZvtYjhSMhsZlQcXlUuGTZOKcO9UQ/s640/IMG_6290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After several hours (I didn't count, sorry), I noticed the foil packaging starting to show! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDuouzCvOFRmHTPGWN2SjqG7mROaLnd6xVJA66xLaNRkQQd72WnVpquktFi1duMLvAWeuWLUFV4uDKuisyANQjkKFjEn9fK5wqpEzh_aP_rMg-FYrl5dnjJv1ogngeSfUIOhzQ_S-LfHQ/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDuouzCvOFRmHTPGWN2SjqG7mROaLnd6xVJA66xLaNRkQQd72WnVpquktFi1duMLvAWeuWLUFV4uDKuisyANQjkKFjEn9fK5wqpEzh_aP_rMg-FYrl5dnjJv1ogngeSfUIOhzQ_S-LfHQ/s640/IMG_6292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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WARNING: It is HOT! Be sure to blow out the candle and NEVER reach in with your bare fingers. Use a spoon or tweezers. </div>
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Chewed up gum, anyone? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBTcLM6z5b9pVG_4fNHdL-1IaF_PLjvBH2DmO40BoBGBc9-H4u2hlT7jcYVF5r4lsQonRumLATCKjdFoMKgWARsg9lU54Nr7L6rcUONij1w6Gm-nIG6o9wH13PrtSAeMeMywWJLPEYlRl/s1600/IMG_6296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBTcLM6z5b9pVG_4fNHdL-1IaF_PLjvBH2DmO40BoBGBc9-H4u2hlT7jcYVF5r4lsQonRumLATCKjdFoMKgWARsg9lU54Nr7L6rcUONij1w6Gm-nIG6o9wH13PrtSAeMeMywWJLPEYlRl/s640/IMG_6296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was giddy as a little girl on Christmas to get it open! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBnWrO4LKMAsi__PyqEPjP-NzR0BNagHs8Sr3A21QjCTEaauvQQ5xKBAm82HstzU2see8Ym74GV894oA2UUIqDVotZ_R_7iZz0RktckjhM-edYFjNNaxJz1naayg3F7-jLUQuIIZYLCMq/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBnWrO4LKMAsi__PyqEPjP-NzR0BNagHs8Sr3A21QjCTEaauvQQ5xKBAm82HstzU2see8Ym74GV894oA2UUIqDVotZ_R_7iZz0RktckjhM-edYFjNNaxJz1naayg3F7-jLUQuIIZYLCMq/s640/IMG_6297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lookin' big! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh74_Ff8iL7T2G7Z6FhPd8mLBbFTUDrCbAsuM_T-idQZlp87_25GGz76aU4LzeAA0QkfSv1UT_HOOWrZEDcFLOB2vX94sKphK81_bk3ceuf4fHEOcM9kk53lgvwB0Ohk6F16djRY-jHlz0/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh74_Ff8iL7T2G7Z6FhPd8mLBbFTUDrCbAsuM_T-idQZlp87_25GGz76aU4LzeAA0QkfSv1UT_HOOWrZEDcFLOB2vX94sKphK81_bk3ceuf4fHEOcM9kk53lgvwB0Ohk6F16djRY-jHlz0/s640/IMG_6298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here it is! If you're careful you can keep the melted wax from getting on the ring. It's in foil but then in a small plastic bag. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJlMtxX2qLTSyZloRbB12BH13mOzQPHWg6sDFzCD7rRoMve5rB0xAlTUFY4yrActGy0o1LJ-t0Gf07t_1RCYB1Ts0UXByIsQ9UUkW8-Ccp8DvuUgbHhbL6aTYBMdzpjUCuDi2wPCWXRtT/s1600/IMG_6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJlMtxX2qLTSyZloRbB12BH13mOzQPHWg6sDFzCD7rRoMve5rB0xAlTUFY4yrActGy0o1LJ-t0Gf07t_1RCYB1Ts0UXByIsQ9UUkW8-Ccp8DvuUgbHhbL6aTYBMdzpjUCuDi2wPCWXRtT/s640/IMG_6307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a beautiful ring! I'm not sure what sort of stone it is, but it's definitely costume jewelry. There are no markings whatsoever. Boo-sauce! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KH4UMbzPZRAc6otArLlcnIL3rRIPJsOqjkQgpkdnQdtTsS35Nv9smjeh2rAFV46a-uAtSp2-t2QGvedcRfj8jgPzTfqLG6t1z3da0u3t69HTr5FOC3OLM2dTVkgkLkKzLqnoIe4XY4Gc/s1600/IMG_6309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KH4UMbzPZRAc6otArLlcnIL3rRIPJsOqjkQgpkdnQdtTsS35Nv9smjeh2rAFV46a-uAtSp2-t2QGvedcRfj8jgPzTfqLG6t1z3da0u3t69HTr5FOC3OLM2dTVkgkLkKzLqnoIe4XY4Gc/s640/IMG_6309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Either way, it's a pretty ring! Ironically...I'm not big on jewelry, especially stuff like this so I probably won't be wearing it but it would make for a great gift! I can even package it in my lovely little <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-cardboard-tubes-turned-gift-boxes.html">cardboard tube gift boxes</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzuGwg0TuiA8-4aybu4MG83sGvOannoMFCMbKMkBBJBj8scyOMVkU7tBXlpckmsSOFMxyA6FKAqn2OgZUN-Pf5fqxLss99PBIqDQ7ROEi_32U2VEhVkwW7M9IIz3XBBRzgIVMh1WXn19w/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzuGwg0TuiA8-4aybu4MG83sGvOannoMFCMbKMkBBJBj8scyOMVkU7tBXlpckmsSOFMxyA6FKAqn2OgZUN-Pf5fqxLss99PBIqDQ7ROEi_32U2VEhVkwW7M9IIz3XBBRzgIVMh1WXn19w/s640/IMG_6328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Vanilla Lime candle gave me this little gem! Again, no markings so I assume it's costume jewelry. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJiGISJ31CPBp6ltXFM8aHQ-RqzUrLOjApDzUtLvV8n66Ou3eeTnZLgngsb4vxihnI9skoVkOplHopfFms-apsaCclCyoiuiqudYyNw9eEX2QNwGb8PtOg8ajQdRLH5ff_7o_Oj-QmloW/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJiGISJ31CPBp6ltXFM8aHQ-RqzUrLOjApDzUtLvV8n66Ou3eeTnZLgngsb4vxihnI9skoVkOplHopfFms-apsaCclCyoiuiqudYyNw9eEX2QNwGb8PtOg8ajQdRLH5ff_7o_Oj-QmloW/s640/IMG_6330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One thing about both of these rings is that they were both very solid and have a decent weight to them so they weren't plastic at least. I really am not sure of the value. I'm not headed to the pawn shop, though...ha! </div>
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Overall I had a blast with my Diamond Candles and am still enjoying the scents! I would definitely buy one for myself or buy them as gifts! It's such an awesome gift. I think my only issue with Diamond Candles is the soy. Soy candles are definitely better than regular paraffin candles but I can't attest to whether or not the soy is GMO-free or not. I also can't attest to the negative effects of GMO soy candles being burned in your home. I'd love more insight on this if anyone knows more! </div>
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<b>Have you gotten a Diamond Candle before? What kind of ring did you get? What would you guess the value of my rings are? </b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received these candles for free from Diamond Candles to review but all opinions are 100% my own.</span></i> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-43629685475135807992013-12-05T15:11:00.002-05:002013-12-05T15:12:26.071-05:00DIY: Cardboard Tubes Turned Gift Boxes<br />
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="416" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="416" /></a></div>
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I originally wrote this post <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-from-carboard-tube-to-gift-box.html">last year</a> but I wanted to bring it back for <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/">The Skinny Pear</a>'s <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/">DIY Christmas Series</a>! Be sure to check out the other fantastic posts by fabulous bloggers! You'll be able to DIY all of Christmas this year! </div>
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How cool would it be to go from this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAAGhX77KzSLuePkuChGXqPJ4jAaIPurkW6wLhtNBFTbjSRwWOx3o1eC1E_9pkj64qNKhS0Zs9MEJd3heX66VncpVMsPxflvsi73QnFxICwqNt40ufWWwlNPb-wpcL7c45kU2xWdPFN46/s1600/3164059182_82c1286782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAAGhX77KzSLuePkuChGXqPJ4jAaIPurkW6wLhtNBFTbjSRwWOx3o1eC1E_9pkj64qNKhS0Zs9MEJd3heX66VncpVMsPxflvsi73QnFxICwqNt40ufWWwlNPb-wpcL7c45kU2xWdPFN46/s640/3164059182_82c1286782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3164059182_82c1286782.jpg" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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To this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eZRLrlA1Y5Sg3l9TAEnYtKXpD55PNzBszXILwvEk8ZQi_Y5sWyo9DNkoPFkXUHdI3LszAgBgwhHBYQ-QU3kqPZVdxflnYFsHwMDUNi85iCyzhPL-w97bIXPDPN5sS3umjk3Bf2UqjRFi/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eZRLrlA1Y5Sg3l9TAEnYtKXpD55PNzBszXILwvEk8ZQi_Y5sWyo9DNkoPFkXUHdI3LszAgBgwhHBYQ-QU3kqPZVdxflnYFsHwMDUNi85iCyzhPL-w97bIXPDPN5sS3umjk3Bf2UqjRFi/s640/IMG_3849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had seen this idea on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and decided to try it for myself. I got the original idea from the blog <a href="http://sweetcharli.blogspot.com/2012/09/save-your-toilet-paper-rolls.html" target="_blank">Sweet Charli</a> specifically. It was really quite simple and fun to do! </div>
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I don't know about you but I'm always in need of a small gift box whether it's for jewelry or a gift card and these are the perfect size! You can customize them for Christmas, birthdays and more! You could even use them for party favor packaging! </div>
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Supplies:</div>
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<li>Clean cardboard tubes</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
<li>Twine or pretty string</li>
<li>Scrapbook paper</li>
<li>Hot glue gun/glue or tape</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Tissue paper</li>
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Directions:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMn9JBZ44AKPe6sTDhEviStBpcxAnl93cicQnNtkLqvfg4I7SFNrD6WbDpby5Dz1KKiIfMH6nOWa7cu4KwMWXmPEKppIXpfCy8H7XgAbXHjQTw24yX6QKIX2UslGOiwWWt5Yo8eFlJIVg/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMn9JBZ44AKPe6sTDhEviStBpcxAnl93cicQnNtkLqvfg4I7SFNrD6WbDpby5Dz1KKiIfMH6nOWa7cu4KwMWXmPEKppIXpfCy8H7XgAbXHjQTw24yX6QKIX2UslGOiwWWt5Yo8eFlJIVg/s640/IMG_3845.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Fold one end of your cardboard tube in. Think like you're trying to close one of those paper coin rolls from the bank. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9wfNJOLxflfLSGatfExHMnzPcofxCxTeYfY3r2TM1DEy3WByXSVl1-njJdjy1_Rl3qNtopAtlPmS62Vk6KCumtafpXvMml3lrz1QfK03M8bmix6fUhzlfCn66UvqC5TsktgGrF-q7I8i/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9wfNJOLxflfLSGatfExHMnzPcofxCxTeYfY3r2TM1DEy3WByXSVl1-njJdjy1_Rl3qNtopAtlPmS62Vk6KCumtafpXvMml3lrz1QfK03M8bmix6fUhzlfCn66UvqC5TsktgGrF-q7I8i/s640/IMG_3846.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Fold in the other half. Secure it down with hot glue or tape. When you've got that locked down, wrap your gift in a small amount of tissue paper and stick it inside. Fold and secure the open end of the tube the same way as the first one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhsWnfBLzcCAWUam0ws-MOIx8jI1jUE3mDw7p9fJCofi1a3eoaI7aBocsnyWfCmXrE0fxb3aExl77FnyJkwKbQV5DGpIicRWcv8d1_0vcMmTemLSOk9kQUgmHq4fb86KM6Bpwx04w_CUi/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhsWnfBLzcCAWUam0ws-MOIx8jI1jUE3mDw7p9fJCofi1a3eoaI7aBocsnyWfCmXrE0fxb3aExl77FnyJkwKbQV5DGpIicRWcv8d1_0vcMmTemLSOk9kQUgmHq4fb86KM6Bpwx04w_CUi/s640/IMG_3847.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now decorate them however you'd like! I used an extra piece of scrapbooking paper from another project and wrapped it around, securing it with hot glue. I also used a small length of ribbon my husband had saved from a gift he received. The man knows me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJNv5_egscaBmGLeYRzqVNccTDBNOW051yem6_IplHELlBHjhcykbhEudBxJ8WR_lbDC_-tmamhyC4gRGxYBQ3giLwhnYl-PbpKigIor7-3Qf428U2VETrG3q7HvlFGFFpHRatRMRsswQ/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJNv5_egscaBmGLeYRzqVNccTDBNOW051yem6_IplHELlBHjhcykbhEudBxJ8WR_lbDC_-tmamhyC4gRGxYBQ3giLwhnYl-PbpKigIor7-3Qf428U2VETrG3q7HvlFGFFpHRatRMRsswQ/s640/IMG_3848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this one I used a thicker piece of the same scrapbook paper and different ribbon. I just switched the directions of the ribbon and paper from the previous box. If you don't want it to be as obvious that it's a cardboard tube, just wrap the whole thing in scrapbook paper. Chances are people won't even notice! Generally people are more focused on what's inside! </div>
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I love this idea because the possibilities of design and decoration are endless! You can even bust out that Bedazzler you've been dying to use! ;-) </div>
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<b>What are some other unique ways that you like to wrap gifts?</b><br />
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine<br />
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="320" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-38675165035181649392013-11-25T12:54:00.002-05:002013-11-25T12:54:55.263-05:00Black Friday sale - Arbonne! Black Friday is coming around the corner FAST!<br />
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Have you thought about getting deals on awesome skin care products? Well I'm going to hook you up!</div>
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One of my close friends (also named Catherine!) is having a Black Friday sale with <a href="http://www.arbonne.com/international.asp">Arbonne</a>! BOGO on ALL <a href="http://www.arbonne.com/international.asp">Arbonne</a> products!! That is an amazing deal! </div>
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<a href="http://www.arbonne.com/international.asp">Arbonne</a> is an amazing skin care company that's mantra is "Pure, safe, and beneficial." All of their products fit those 3 simple words. They provide products that are vegan, gluten-free, plant and botanically based and filled with beneficial vitamins. If any of their products ever have any sort of reaction during testing, they will pull the product and perfect it before trying again. They are safe for the most sensitive of skin!<br />
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I personally have enjoyed Arbonne products off and on since I was a teenager and they've always worked well for me. I've also never met someone who has tried Arbonne and not been totally satisfied!<br />
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Here are some products Catherine and I recommend:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite #1: <a href="https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=815&menuId=&withLinks=1">Night Repair Creme</a> - This stuff is awesome. You put it on before bed and your face feels as soft as a baby's bottom by morning! It keeps your face moisturized but NOT oily! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite #2: <a href="https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=7825&menuId=&withLinks=1">Makeup Primer</a> - I'm not big on make up but this primer is super soft and smooth. It doesn't even feel like anything is there! Bonus points: Arbonne's primer is ranked #1 by Allure magazine for being long lasting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite #3: <a href="https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=2069&menuId=185&withLinks=1">Chocolate Protein Shake Mix</a>: Know how most protein shakes taste nasty? Well, this one doesn't! I'm picky when it comes to protein shakes but this one is smooth and yummy. On top of tasting good, it also has 20 grams of vegan protein and 20 essential vitamins and minerals per serving! Win-win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, we're just about ready to consume our weight in turkey, ham, stuffing, mac and cheese and tons of other amazing, delicious foods, so don't forget to check out their line of <a href="https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=203">Essentials</a> for health!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But don't wait...call Catherine (757) 647-6218 to order now and get BOGO on all these amazing products! </span></div>
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<b>What's your favorite Arbonne product? I love the <a href="https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=5108&menuId=252&withLinks=1">citrus foot scrub</a>!</b><br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I may be compensated for this post but all opinions are 100% my own. I'm always totally honest with you guys. </span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-41986020018402895792013-11-24T11:00:00.000-05:002013-11-24T11:00:06.294-05:00Cook: Sweet Potato CasseroleThis is my second post on the DIY Christmas Series that a great group of blogging friends and I are doing! Be sure to check out all 30 days of great posts! My good friend Joyce over at <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/" target="_blank">The Skinny Pear</a> is the mastermind behind this awesome series to get you ready for Christmas with all things DIY!<br />
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="416" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="416" /></a>
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Simple, classic, delicious = Sweet Potato Casserole</div>
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Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy for you so this is a healthy side dish to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas...or, ya know...any time! And yes there may be a lot of sugar in this recipe but there's no need to be afraid of organic, unbleached, raw sugar! Or, your favorite healthy sugar substitute!</div>
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The <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/classic-sweet-potato-casserole-10000001940936/" target="_blank">original recipe</a> came from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/" target="_blank">MyRecipes</a> in a list of 70+ Thanksgiving favorites. I tweaked a few of the ingredients though, as usual. </div>
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<b>Classic Sweet Potato Casserole</b></div>
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Ingredients: </div>
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<li>4 1/2 pounds of sweet potatoes</li>
<li>1 cup raw sugar (I actually used a little less than a whole cup, sweet potatoes provide a lot of sweetness on their own!)</li>
<li>1/2 cup softened butter</li>
<li>1/4 cup milk</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups crushed flake cereal (Total or cornflakes)</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped pecans</li>
<li>1 Tbs brown sugar</li>
<li>1 Tbs melted butter</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows</li>
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Directions:</div>
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them in half. </div>
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Place them on a baking sheet and bake them for at least an hour. They may need to bake longer. You can test to see if they're ready by sticking a knife in each one. If the knife comes right back out, it's ready but if the potato stays on the knife, it needs more time. </div>
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They'll look dry on the outside where they've been cut. When they're done baking, let them sit and cool for about 20 minutes or so. Drop the oven temperature to 350.</div>
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While the sweet potatoes are cooling off, whisk/mix together the sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mine looks a little funny because the butter wasn't totally soft. No worries if that happens to you, it'll be fine later.</div>
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Also while the potatoes are cooling off, prepare the crunchy topping by smashing the flakes until you've got 1 1/2 cups then mix in the pecans and brown sugar. Drizzle the melted butter around it and continue to mix. You can set this aside.</div>
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I used Total instead of cornflakes because I wanted whole grains instead of corn. You can use whichever kind you prefer. I doubt it would make much of a difference in the flavor. If someone knows of a better "real food" version, please let me know!<br />
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Now that your potatoes have cooled, take them and basically squeeze out the insides into a large bowl. The potato will come out of the skin pretty easily. </div>
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You'll need to peel this part off because it's too hard to mix in well. </div>
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For this step you can either use your electric hand mixer or your stand mixer, or just a good ol' fashioned potato masher. </div>
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Stir in the mixture you made earlier. </div>
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It will seem a little thin but it will be baked again so it will thicken up a bit. If you don't like the way that sounds still, don't add as much milk. </div>
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Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the crunchy topping in diagonal lines a couple inches apart. Bake for 30 minutes.<br />
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Let it stand for about 10 minutes then sprinkle marshmallows in the empty rows between the crunchy topping rows.<br />
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Bake for another 10 minutes or until the edges of the marshmallows begin to brown.</div>
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Let it cool and enjoy! I'm sure this will be as big of a hit with your family as it was with mine! </div>
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<b>What's your favorite side dish for holiday dinners? </b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="320" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-61797832735327573592013-11-21T11:00:00.000-05:002013-11-21T11:00:09.715-05:00{No} Bake: Christmas "Coal" Rice Krispies Treats<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="416" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="416" /></a></div>
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It's time for my third installment of the DIY Christmas Series I'm participating in with a great group of blogging friends! My good friend Joyce over at <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/" target="_blank">The Skinny Pear</a> is the mastermind behind this awesome series to get you ready for Christmas with all things DIY! </div>
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Know someone who deserves some coal in their stocking this year? Don't know what to get them for Christmas? How about making them their very own coal? Delicious rice krispies treats coal! If you know how to make rice krispies treats then this will be easy for you. Even if you never have, it will be easy. It's an easy recipe that anyone can make. Not to mention it's a yummy little sweet treat! As usual, the original recipe can be found <a href="http://mallowandco.blogspot.com/2012/12/coal-rice-krispy-treats.html" target="_blank">here</a> but don't expect it to look like my version!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<ul>
<li>3 Tbsp butter</li>
<li>6 cups <a href="http://amzn.to/1bladx4" target="_blank">marshmallows</a> (mini or regular but mini may melt faster)</li>
<li>1 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XWRGS8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001XWRGS8&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">vanilla</a> (or <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-make-your-own-vanilla-extract.html" target="_blank">make your own</a>!)</li>
<li>5 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024LAQ1Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0024LAQ1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">cocoa rice cereal </a>or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5E3AI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001E5E3AI&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">regular rice cereal</a></li>
<li>1 cup crushed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LUC9DK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LUC9DK&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">Oreos</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LKWXZ4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LKWXZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">Oreo style cookies</a></li>
<li>Black food coloring or a mix of red, blue, and green food coloring</li>
</ul>
*Side note: I used regular food coloring when I did this but I would highly recommend using a natural food coloring like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FNM5PU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FNM5PU&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">this set</a> from India Tree made with vegetable colorants or even <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026XWKKM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0026XWKKM&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">activated charcoal powder</a>.<br />
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Directions:</div>
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Melt your butter and marshmallows in a saucepan. The trick is to not get impatient (tricky for me) and keep it on low heat. You don't want them to burn!</div>
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Pour your Cocoa Krispies into a bowl. Crush your Oreos in a food processor or blender. I used a blender and it was quick. You could even get mint Oreos for another bit of flavor! One cup of crushed Oreos was maybe about 10 cookies. Oops, I forgot to count them first! It's not rocket science, though!</div>
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Stir the marshmallows frequently so they melt evenly. </div>
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Mix in your food coloring and vanilla. </div>
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When it's ready it will be nice and creamy. See how mine isn't quite black, but almost a purple-ish gray? Oops #2. Should have used more food coloring!</div>
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Now pour it over your Krispies and crushed Oreos mix. </div>
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Try to "fold" more than "stir."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOvQMVeOtM9g0_KubM1gHQ_A-enxPARS0qxLSCLXqxUEQ2sChyphenhyphenxHNcFTYXJH4lQNkuK1nyUEVFk2t4C0JTYzcA8kVJh0eG9_CDBbkSuM4WsuTxNZdkglaLm86yHf7QXxnQR9BdGteVLZv/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOvQMVeOtM9g0_KubM1gHQ_A-enxPARS0qxLSCLXqxUEQ2sChyphenhyphenxHNcFTYXJH4lQNkuK1nyUEVFk2t4C0JTYzcA8kVJh0eG9_CDBbkSuM4WsuTxNZdkglaLm86yHf7QXxnQR9BdGteVLZv/s640/IMG_3835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ooey gooey goodness!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUnX7Z6p_mE3gtGw7L4j9qowUlXjQdTmYRx6n9ajKWaLaM95H51BUf4XNruDxWIYyva9mcje7_LFbkqSTWh0BEkkuTSK7T3JWz-F1arGzDQnBGqZeT3z6GuG7pqJYYWyHG79ZyAHB-ybh/s1600/IMG_3837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUnX7Z6p_mE3gtGw7L4j9qowUlXjQdTmYRx6n9ajKWaLaM95H51BUf4XNruDxWIYyva9mcje7_LFbkqSTWh0BEkkuTSK7T3JWz-F1arGzDQnBGqZeT3z6GuG7pqJYYWyHG79ZyAHB-ybh/s640/IMG_3837.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once it's all mixed, take spoon fulls and drop them onto a cookie sheet or parchment paper. No need to form them into nice shapes, they're supposed to look like lumps of coal! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYufq_rLETXBlv949OMUz-I5I7M_C3MNBuBsQC0GqkbDhrjPxPF8B1mN15kCvOvYWJpCxmFoiNDzOpaQ6WVARAde7x4NGeCEz8rUICURekfKsmj4FVC752_AVokIyyNvmnuGfC9JSpDRa/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYufq_rLETXBlv949OMUz-I5I7M_C3MNBuBsQC0GqkbDhrjPxPF8B1mN15kCvOvYWJpCxmFoiNDzOpaQ6WVARAde7x4NGeCEz8rUICURekfKsmj4FVC752_AVokIyyNvmnuGfC9JSpDRa/s640/IMG_3838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found it easier to get a large scoop with the spoon and sort of let it drip off the spoon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcQNsGwH-6esrhlWdUjxXkn05vGl0iNuqm_k6BfKHaW6WjMA8kw25gw-WwEcrHFmgoFSDNzkxT8swmvUYg9SsfHMdeSkYNQtrSOVMA2VH9f2PYokKbZ9M_Px9gp3Uw-kml1EJrEK0sI9t/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcQNsGwH-6esrhlWdUjxXkn05vGl0iNuqm_k6BfKHaW6WjMA8kw25gw-WwEcrHFmgoFSDNzkxT8swmvUYg9SsfHMdeSkYNQtrSOVMA2VH9f2PYokKbZ9M_Px9gp3Uw-kml1EJrEK0sI9t/s640/IMG_3839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Within 20 minutes they should be cooled off enough to put them into a container or just eat them! You could even pop 'em in the fridge for a bit to speed up the process. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCLN6JkRNHmNRUp1LVtaijHmy94C5lVcs3dXHZZoGYy61p6RxnPP2wgtdyUGVoVECdYWiYmq4EM1fZVL9laA1kYLsyNAtGsh9mh2GTVbGHawnHL7ej5IqlkIZ7CmlHPQ1r_tJhXL62-g9/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCLN6JkRNHmNRUp1LVtaijHmy94C5lVcs3dXHZZoGYy61p6RxnPP2wgtdyUGVoVECdYWiYmq4EM1fZVL9laA1kYLsyNAtGsh9mh2GTVbGHawnHL7ej5IqlkIZ7CmlHPQ1r_tJhXL62-g9/s640/IMG_3842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4wCQkpYKkmen1jHg33O9BbR0aj2jj-93OI8rkjPIndCj0aMepMnnm7Hs-CKbHZY3-HjxMxPzfk01wHj1PIyS2yavXm9YNKoX9R6VYd1JzuOp4Wi_5VliHsFnjpEdethGtgMbt3AtbyvM/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4wCQkpYKkmen1jHg33O9BbR0aj2jj-93OI8rkjPIndCj0aMepMnnm7Hs-CKbHZY3-HjxMxPzfk01wHj1PIyS2yavXm9YNKoX9R6VYd1JzuOp4Wi_5VliHsFnjpEdethGtgMbt3AtbyvM/s640/IMG_3841.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Toss a few into a nice Christmas container and there you go...easy and delicious Christmas treat! These would be great at a party or as little gift!</div>
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<b>What do you think...original Rice Krispies treats or these "coal" ones? I've gott say it's a close race in my book! They're both so good!</b></div>
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Be sure to check out the rest of our DIY Christmas Series! </div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="320" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-25756265699827147262013-11-20T16:12:00.002-05:002013-11-20T16:12:35.030-05:00{Wedding Wednesday} The Top 10 Crazy Characters You'll Face During Wedding Planning (and How to Deal With Them)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE38IsnH3B5msqUgAhY5gRywnIXgLR6KPmEKNiMYQg8H92pM3kKMZdZfDJxaJE_Pd7WsPWbaHlTwa41m0OSFPTFLWdat7iElTGHoK6DckK9t-n9cgSquCiCxrmLatDgz61-C10ztu1yTK/s1600/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE38IsnH3B5msqUgAhY5gRywnIXgLR6KPmEKNiMYQg8H92pM3kKMZdZfDJxaJE_Pd7WsPWbaHlTwa41m0OSFPTFLWdat7iElTGHoK6DckK9t-n9cgSquCiCxrmLatDgz61-C10ztu1yTK/s640/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Today I have another fabulous guest blogger! I'm so excited to have Alessandra from <a href="http://www.punkwife.com/">PunkWife.com</a> </i><i>here giving us some awesome wedding advice! If you didn't know, she even wrote a book recently called <a href="http://www.punkwife.com/the-bitchs-bridal-bible-bridal-planner/">The Bitch's Bridal Bible: The Must-Have, Real Deal for Brides</a>. I'm going to be reviewing it shortly so stay tuned for that! Or just go order it for yourself...it's bound to be awesome! And now I turn it over to Alessandra. </i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Brides, we’ve seen it happen time and time again when it
comes to wedding planning: the friend who is upset she’s not a bridesmaid, the
mother-in-law who tries to control every detail, the third cousin twice removed
who’s pissed he’s seated all the way in the nosebleeds (what’s his name again,
anyway?). Weddings are beautiful and wonderful – the most exciting time of your
life. But let’s be serious: they also tend to conjure up the crazy in many
people. Even those around you who you would never imagine acting out suddenly
chug the kool-aid, take a running start, and swan-dive off into the deep end. And,
while it is your day, you may inevitably wind up dealing with the drama of
others, or worse – fighting with your hubby-to-be over it. </div>
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But you can prevent this from happening! In order to prepare
yourself, here is my list of the 10 crazy wedding guests you may encounter, and
tips on how to help these characters find (or help you put them in) their place
on your big day.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Top 10 Crazy
Characters You’ll Face During Wedding Planning (and How to Deal With Them.) <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Control Freak</b>. Everyone has one.
You know, the one that just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">needs</i> to
be a part of something in order to “help-out” (read: completely take over a
detail of your wedding.) Instead of getting heated or wasting energy fending
her off, lean into the crazy and keep her busy instead. This will get her off
your back for a bit. Give her a job to do, such as helping with your favors.
She can be in charge of separating the silver m&m’s from the white ones. For
all two hundred goody bags. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moohoohaha</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Drunk</b>. Another common character
that will pop up during your wedding: the drunken scene-maker. Do yourself a
favor and take precaution. You know there is someone in your social circle who
knows just how to wrangle this beast. Put them on watch so they can take action
(read: stuff them in the coatroom) quickly, before a scene breaks out.</div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Creepy Uncle Eddie</b>. Your future hubby’s
pervy uncle seems to be on a mission to make every family gathering
uncomfortable with his smoldering stares from across the table and suggestive
comments. But luckily, as the bride, you can sidestep this guy tonight since
you are the one in the white gown. As for the bridesmaids, sorry ladies –
you’re on your own with this one. Every (wo)man for herself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Overbearing Mother-in-Law</b>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dun Dun Dunnnnnn</i>… Why does it seem like
this lady knows just how to chap your ass? Similar to the control freak, deal
with her by buttering her up a bit and giving her something to feel special
about, even if you have to grit your teeth while doing so. Allow her to choose
the centerpieces, help with the menu…just SOMETHING she can be proud of. She’ll
be less likely to act out on the day you steal her son from her, you wretched
being, you. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_URiEKaIqVN88KhDbk2iWKcZu7EIDnz7N6TOOlHcYvSts3SZjZHoQ4IU6wVW6oXLu-rrnKv8C0gy3EiUPOKkCCPkvkVGOLqCTg0eQ6sy1gNHJjM98fTf4PEfYbcD8DwmCT067VPLrajVe/s1600/WeddingWednesdayMBwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_URiEKaIqVN88KhDbk2iWKcZu7EIDnz7N6TOOlHcYvSts3SZjZHoQ4IU6wVW6oXLu-rrnKv8C0gy3EiUPOKkCCPkvkVGOLqCTg0eQ6sy1gNHJjM98fTf4PEfYbcD8DwmCT067VPLrajVe/s640/WeddingWednesdayMBwedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good friend <a href="http://gingersnapped89.blogspot.com/">Mary Beth</a> and her bridesmaids in her beautiful (and sassy) October 2013 wedding! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Hot Mess Bridesmaid</b>. Remember how funny
it was in college that night when she got wasted and left her shoes at the frat
house, making her late for graduation the next day? Know what’s not funny? When
she does it the day of your wedding. Just remember: she’s your bestie, you love
her, and your stress levels are running high right now. Take a deep breath.
Give her an additional reminder beforehand to prevent any mishaps (and keep her
away from the groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner.)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Idea-Stealer</b>. You found the best
deejay in town! You excitedly gush to your friend, who is also engaged, about
how you plan to meet with him Thursday night. But when you call him, he’s all
booked up – because he’s suddenly meeting with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her</i>. You innocently mention you are having a bouquet full of Charlie
Brown orchids, and whaddya know? Now she is too. Do yourself a favor: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i> share anything with her. Unless
it’s the top-secret information about how you are wearing a lime green wedding
gown and dancing into your reception room with your spouse to the Macarena, because
that has, like, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">totally</i> come back in
style!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Unsolicited Advice Giver</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You know the one. She’ll ask how your
planning is going and, before you can get a word out, she’s firing out advice for
you on everything from entrée options to Kama Sutra positions for your wedding
night. To exit the conversation, show her to her table. In the coatroom. Then
shut the door, and back away.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Wet Blanket</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. You know her. The one
who complains the dress is too tight, the food is too cold, and the band is too
loud. Take her for a walk and stuff her in the coatroom with #2 and #7. Those
three will keep each other busy the whole night, don’t you worry. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The “Forever Frat Boy</b>.” He’ll get up
there in front of your relatives, friends, co-workers, and total strangers and lovingly
share how they met you on “tequila one-two-three night” after you danced on the
bar and licked a body shot off of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i>,
believe it or not, which led you to your hubby (isn’t fate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">awesome</i>?). You’ll stand there in shock as you watch your wedding gown
change from white to black, right before your eyes. Prevention plan: have your hubbs
talk with him beforehand to remind him that your wedding is a family event, and
to be sure there are no discrepancies in his speech. </div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Villainous Vendor</b>. Your vendors are
all smiles when you write them checks and sign the contracts, but the reality
is that sometimes they flake out on the day of your wedding and venture off
course from what you agreed upon. Prevent any mishaps by researching vendors
thoroughly before booking, working off of trusted recommendations, and reading
all contracts before signing. If something is very important to you – for
instance, an emphasis on candid photos, or specific songs you want on the
playlist – make this clear to the vendor ahead of time. And don’t be afraid to follow-up,
even if you feel like it may be annoying. Remember: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> are paying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Lastly, always remember that this is the most exciting time
of your life, and you will (hopefully) never have the chance to do it again, so
instead of putting pressure on yourself or dealing with unnecessary drama, relax
and enjoy every bit of it! Because it is going to be absolutely amazing, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I promise</i>. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Author Bio</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">: Alessandra
Macaluso is author of </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Bitchs-Bridal-Bible-Must-Have/dp/1480245348/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384815403&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bitch%27s+bridal+bible"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"The Bitch's Bridal Bible: The
Must-Have, Real<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"></span>- Deal Guide for
Brides,"</i></a><!--[if !supportNestedAnchors]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5177892521794614645" name="_GoBack"></a><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> available on </i><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.amazon\.com\/The-Bitchs-Bridal-Bible-Must-Have\/dp\/1480245348\/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383583043&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bitch%27s+bridal+bible\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amazon</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> and Kindle. A creator at heart, she is an
avid writer of screenplays, articles, and business/product reviews. She has
contributed to Uptown Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and Yelp.com, among other
publications, and was featured in the New York Times “Life and Style” section
for her review of Ulta Beauty. Her original screenplay, “Polar Suburbia”,
placed as a semi-finalist in the 2009 Moondance Film Festival. To learn more
about Alessandra you can visit her blog at </i><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.punkwife\.com\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">www.punkwife.com</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> or visit her </i><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/plus\.google\.com\/u\/0\/116770763902582454282\/posts\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Google Author Profile</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What kind of people are you worried about crashing your wedding? What kind of people DID crash your wedding?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-save-dates-guest-post.html" target="_blank">Save the Dates - Yay or Nay? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/11/wedding-wednesday-easily-overlooked.html" target="_blank">Easily Overlooked Details</a></li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-21739871059517244202013-11-15T14:00:00.000-05:002013-11-15T14:00:06.577-05:00FemCon13 RecapOk, better late than never, right?<br />
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I'm only 2 and a half weeks late on this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMM_6TGAwM2aUVmRuFoQgvyI5zh58lXSDvvo_5jNgpSMYPTrXuMf30c9utBZleXdFDYD7vwhUizhYkbK84j8EiFmB3ucYWPeUBGXXHZSsfkFQ65OSn4EqvM0ZUf2nTb9653Ks0qsRB04b/s1600/CHA_4940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMM_6TGAwM2aUVmRuFoQgvyI5zh58lXSDvvo_5jNgpSMYPTrXuMf30c9utBZleXdFDYD7vwhUizhYkbK84j8EiFmB3ucYWPeUBGXXHZSsfkFQ65OSn4EqvM0ZUf2nTb9653Ks0qsRB04b/s640/CHA_4940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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#femcon13</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dcpdnu15Aqz-3WarSFAWAd8qwxEsqHJrfkWeiIF0zUS_bFW8qoG_2hgDCbMlV_KXcpsoyY0RKVPhLMcacKShfypCE_HArgDFTLbKLiUxBtNQhX93aB_KB-q5g88B6sSMnEEthPgDtLlJ/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dcpdnu15Aqz-3WarSFAWAd8qwxEsqHJrfkWeiIF0zUS_bFW8qoG_2hgDCbMlV_KXcpsoyY0RKVPhLMcacKShfypCE_HArgDFTLbKLiUxBtNQhX93aB_KB-q5g88B6sSMnEEthPgDtLlJ/s640/IMG_6699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So for those of you who don't know, I went to my very first blogger conference on October 26, 2013! I was nervous, excited, and really wasn't sure what to expect! It was the very first annual <a href="http://www.femworkingconference.com/" target="_blank">Femworking Small Business and Blogger Conference</a> in Arlington, Virginia. I had a few hour hike North but not bad. Not like <a href="http://www.havenconference.com/" target="_blank">Haven Conference</a> where I'd have to fly to Atlanta, Georgia, <a href="http://snapconference.com/" target="_blank">SNAP!</a> where I'd have to fly to Salt Lake City, Utah or <a href="http://www.blogher.com/conferences" target="_blank">BlogHer</a> all the way in San Jose, California!<br />
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The conference was kicked off by the keynote speaker, Jill Smokler of <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/" target="_blank">Scary Mommy</a>. She is hilarious and down to earth. I hadn't actually heard of her blog (no babies = not big into mommy blogs) but I'll definitely recommend it to my friends with young children and babies. She brings a sense of reality and humor to being a parent. We even got a signed copy of her latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476728348/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1476728348&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies)</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79m95iD2xm0gUUZbXqh5L1III_dTlSi7554KxH7ADB66nen2nb0kJPbbHy9UZYRAE_z1OFkcHdUaIwwcnnGKI6f4VLbLQ2hoyexq0vUN5qOiIRo1-CDZV2XB2jhYCViCtT5ykgvLB7VYk/s1600/CHA_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79m95iD2xm0gUUZbXqh5L1III_dTlSi7554KxH7ADB66nen2nb0kJPbbHy9UZYRAE_z1OFkcHdUaIwwcnnGKI6f4VLbLQ2hoyexq0vUN5qOiIRo1-CDZV2XB2jhYCViCtT5ykgvLB7VYk/s640/CHA_5145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a full day of speakers and discussions lined up. Everyone was bound to learn at least ONE thing per session. I say at least one thing but if anyone was like me, they learned a ton during each session! Pictured here is the Social Media Panel. Left to right it is Christen Green of <a href="http://socialshopmedia.co/about/" target="_blank">Social Shop Media</a>, Laura Harders from <a href="http://beltwaybargainmom.com/" target="_blank">Beltway Bargain Mom</a>, and Dawn McCaslin of <a href="http://thecrispysage.com/" target="_blank">The Crispy Sage</a>. They gave us all sorts of great info! A few of my favorite points I wrote down were:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Reciprocity - If you help out someone else, they'll help you out! The more I find AMAZING bloggers to network with, the more I realize how true this is! My advice, seek out and find small groups of like-bloggers that are in it to support each other. Start with specific networks/groups like DIY, real food, home improvement, etc. and also look for networks within your home state! If you can't find a good fit for you...start your own support group! </li>
<li>Write out goals for each social media platform (Number of followers, amount of scheduled posts, repins/retweets/shares, etc)</li>
<li>The first 3 or 4 words of a post MUST catch your reader's attention. </li>
<li>Focus on one or two social media outlets and be great at them. </li>
<li>Have a presence in all social media forms.</li>
<li>Get used to hashtags...they're here to stay and will help people find you. </li>
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I'll be honest, I don't like that last one! I hate hashtags. Strongly dislike if you prefer. BUT, the panel stressed that in ever social media outlet, hashtags will help people find my blog. If I write a vegan cookie recipe and use #vegancookie on Pinterest, people searching for vegan cookies will find my pin! Guess I have to work on that! In the meantime I'll keep laughing at hashtags because it makes me think of this! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3MrrHaAYB_WB2HadYUbEF_9GQdYSMABPRWfr9F5wlDjsrynwiYYygnlxd2dP30i5jT7wTwhlaGkszBjConL17JXE8ryEmEpT3rHptBi0xSDk2Tf6MBP_OA2c__0uEzD1p2x1XkMlzKlq/s1600/CHA_5487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3MrrHaAYB_WB2HadYUbEF_9GQdYSMABPRWfr9F5wlDjsrynwiYYygnlxd2dP30i5jT7wTwhlaGkszBjConL17JXE8ryEmEpT3rHptBi0xSDk2Tf6MBP_OA2c__0uEzD1p2x1XkMlzKlq/s640/CHA_5487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also had a business panel, marketing, monetizing/optimizing your blog, and a legal panel. Pictured her is 3 of the 4 (well, you can actually see Nicole Dash of <a href="http://www.tinystepsmommy.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Steps Mommy</a> (one of the two lovely ladies who put on this conference) in the mirror on the left. Then from left to right it's Taya Dunn-Johnson of <a href="http://www.mrstdj.com/" target="_blank">Just Another Day with MrsTDJ</a>, Monica Sakala of <a href="http://www.wiredmomma.com/" target="_blank">Wired Momma</a> and Maria Jose Ovalle of <a href="http://verybusymamablog.com/" target="_blank">Very Busy Mama'</a>. All these ladies were wonderful and relatable. No one sugar coats things around here! Some of my favorite points from this panel were:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Listen to your voice.</li>
<li>Trust your instincts.</li>
<li>Get out of your box.</li>
<li>No business is going to come to you and offer you money. You need to request it.</li>
<li>Create a media kit.</li>
<li>No one can tell your story but you. </li>
</ul>
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I couldn't find a good picture of all the speakers of the monetizing your blog session but here's some of what I took away from it:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Have a good bio, photo and contact (e-mail address!) info easy to find and available. </li>
<li>Don't use a contact form.</li>
<li>Create a media kit. Use it as your "brag' page (guess I need to get on this one...seems to be a big point!) </li>
<li>Have a self hosted blog (It's on my to-do list I promise!)</li>
<li>Work with brands that work with you and your blog</li>
<li>Treat your blog like a business. Because it is one!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tS_FJ59o7v2XBs9ntGnRdQFRMPxzrZRzIHHLQlPCKgvrsxTeUUe5j1Zca9_OncGT0qDU83BEyMK2BfZBnYRfTjWTC4ij9WkvnZKxw8uZ0_SXeZyxDhhbD11_kYKRzmz0M0AMBpPkMkQC/s1600/CHA_5558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tS_FJ59o7v2XBs9ntGnRdQFRMPxzrZRzIHHLQlPCKgvrsxTeUUe5j1Zca9_OncGT0qDU83BEyMK2BfZBnYRfTjWTC4ij9WkvnZKxw8uZ0_SXeZyxDhhbD11_kYKRzmz0M0AMBpPkMkQC/s640/CHA_5558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://femworking.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Sanabria</a> and <a href="http://www.tinystepsmommy.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Dash</a>, the two lovely ladies who put on this amazing conference in only 3 months! We need some virtual applause, snaps and kudos to these ladies! </div>
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After the conference I hooked up with these beautiful gals and we got dinner before coming back for the cocktail hour in the rooftop lounge of the hotel for a bit. From left to right it's Heidi from <a href="http://legallyheidi.com/" target="_blank">Life In Pink</a>, Jess of <a href="http://www.beingmrsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Being Mrs. Beer</a>, Britni of <a href="http://www.playpartypin.com/" target="_blank">Play. Party. Pin.</a>, Megan of <a href="http://www.picturethisphotosolutions.com/" target="_blank">Picture This Photo Solutions, LLC.</a> and me! </div>
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Overall it was a great conference and a great experience!<br />
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<b>Have you ever been to a conference? Who wants to pay my way to one of those other huge (and expensive) conferences in 2014? Anyone??</b><br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: All photos (except the last four) were are from <a href="https://femcon13.shutterfly.com/4" target="_blank">here</a> and were used with permission. </i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-88650312878349412082013-11-14T14:00:00.000-05:002013-11-14T18:29:22.183-05:00DIY: Popsicle Stick Snowflakes<script data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
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This is my first post on the DIY Christmas Series that a great group of blogging friends and I are doing! Be sure to check out all 30 days of great posts! My good friend Joyce over at <a href="http://theskinnypear.com/" target="_blank">The Skinny Pear</a> is the mastermind behind this awesome series to get you ready for Christmas with all things DIY! </div>
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="416" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="416" /></a>
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Here's a super easy and fun little project if your house is in need of some more Christmas decorations! Or, just winter in general. </div>
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These are great because they're cheap and easy but also super cute! You can hang them up on the wall, the fronts of your kitchen cabinets or even use them as front door decoration! The original picture for inspiration is <a href="http://www.joybx.com/entry/18317.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG01DvRHU0_3Lod_oqJutE_7Y26AncAY6N_iCFtBZtgaeElanVDxN3rPE7Jd77wKrSPmEOByM-qKcI8akxgVkHP0z4HbLJZP16rRVtKudk9iSew-qEotE64Plhh7HXZqSgLUx7qyPlwNr/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG01DvRHU0_3Lod_oqJutE_7Y26AncAY6N_iCFtBZtgaeElanVDxN3rPE7Jd77wKrSPmEOByM-qKcI8akxgVkHP0z4HbLJZP16rRVtKudk9iSew-qEotE64Plhh7HXZqSgLUx7qyPlwNr/s640/IMG_9791.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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You'll need: </div>
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<ul>
<li>Popsicle sticks/Craft sticks - I got the medium sized ones but I saw several sizes</li>
<li>Hot glue</li>
<li>Paint color(s) of your choice</li>
<li>Paint brush (unless you're using spray paint)</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
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Optional items: </div>
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<li>Glossy finish spray</li>
<li>Glitter</li>
<li>Decorative pom-poms or other little bits and pieces</li>
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Directions:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopWo4fesKhkijFaM5te3RRA012EFb8-P3bXQVHat_ZQWEL0UWhQoU4no95GtC7LGN1aoQyUuY2hnu_MBdzPeerrObRts6qK-KaVMwh6WTVOQP8W4Qg_wE7as8AFqeF87ftLxu2XIT8zyV/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopWo4fesKhkijFaM5te3RRA012EFb8-P3bXQVHat_ZQWEL0UWhQoU4no95GtC7LGN1aoQyUuY2hnu_MBdzPeerrObRts6qK-KaVMwh6WTVOQP8W4Qg_wE7as8AFqeF87ftLxu2XIT8zyV/s640/IMG_3708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of the three snowflakes that I made, I started each one with this basic shape. You can make your snowflakes however you want, though!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVfXBw8HwqCsf7uUgc7dN-f0cQkKsyD0-4hbqByHKSEV61l8V9Gr4oQuCvvMn6PPE2b9TdJUxG-XjAS5Y60oU92PL-SFMvwyFNC0b3K72iG_wzPkAYN8TUUjGRPD7Y4ZrXwyASeSVjkOc/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVfXBw8HwqCsf7uUgc7dN-f0cQkKsyD0-4hbqByHKSEV61l8V9Gr4oQuCvvMn6PPE2b9TdJUxG-XjAS5Y60oU92PL-SFMvwyFNC0b3K72iG_wzPkAYN8TUUjGRPD7Y4ZrXwyASeSVjkOc/s640/IMG_3712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To get this shape easily, I started with one triangle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iOG4yMibOscXOVV_HkX9pIjrAjhXzkTYe4yuAhvtGl-S-N-LQvu_RsmuOS8dEr54-0qLL-F2qc8ByiglH2tlkh9-iKH26c1eTuRxls_KO9ZggxLqOjKOpd6c1KCJafZIxcR4L-Y_AcpS/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iOG4yMibOscXOVV_HkX9pIjrAjhXzkTYe4yuAhvtGl-S-N-LQvu_RsmuOS8dEr54-0qLL-F2qc8ByiglH2tlkh9-iKH26c1eTuRxls_KO9ZggxLqOjKOpd6c1KCJafZIxcR4L-Y_AcpS/s640/IMG_3713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then added two more sticks to the side, and so on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoc5YClDr0NCDl3Xx54LAX5NmfMVnKABTckZyOTly__BgCby6ZmJIZzZ_WZ_q6nH7NCq7iQJuFRYZgNlVwP-7nCfGnxOqsuM55o-psgF707QtD43mnWxzqUsapyFES_9d0VGDduZGepiC/s1600/IMG_3714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoc5YClDr0NCDl3Xx54LAX5NmfMVnKABTckZyOTly__BgCby6ZmJIZzZ_WZ_q6nH7NCq7iQJuFRYZgNlVwP-7nCfGnxOqsuM55o-psgF707QtD43mnWxzqUsapyFES_9d0VGDduZGepiC/s640/IMG_3714.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Now have fun and make some cool snowflake designs! I did three different ones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXacBooqGYV-zNFZffymjgX_2iKQecaGc2APlivxoF_Mma_X2ql2_KjTsBUurAahcdkZrSnJelN1p0y_sOT_6EMO9mqS9GI33WjJ7WmZVauydGWIZyMcXTBdjqdYtwMHlFr2_OjOR_7K4/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXacBooqGYV-zNFZffymjgX_2iKQecaGc2APlivxoF_Mma_X2ql2_KjTsBUurAahcdkZrSnJelN1p0y_sOT_6EMO9mqS9GI33WjJ7WmZVauydGWIZyMcXTBdjqdYtwMHlFr2_OjOR_7K4/s640/IMG_3710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrPpIFplIkYufzbPTkO4VWB6vWFiAQaoonlM7GaOfrdTHcu7XmChWcd9vl-HN-aLfa5V7sAQu1VhojshUzjPoUWaE7bqr4wua65mntiXCcHyZVS5R9U45GLZP73j0ynrCk15ssOdZNDT8/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrPpIFplIkYufzbPTkO4VWB6vWFiAQaoonlM7GaOfrdTHcu7XmChWcd9vl-HN-aLfa5V7sAQu1VhojshUzjPoUWaE7bqr4wua65mntiXCcHyZVS5R9U45GLZP73j0ynrCk15ssOdZNDT8/s640/IMG_3715.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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This one is the same as the last one except the horizontal sticks on the outside are placed further along and not in the middle like the previous one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMoWzyZJcmEEBagmVrvuv4FTtcXe4WaPda-Lsi16bhrWpTzcaQy91eIWK0-m3kzDx9cgfFqqhNRV7HoLt5Xichgn74JJ60bueo1tJ0fyPOcM8ibYdCL2Hkam7eVUtNIcxVVQrwzJVeXoZ/s1600/IMG_3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMoWzyZJcmEEBagmVrvuv4FTtcXe4WaPda-Lsi16bhrWpTzcaQy91eIWK0-m3kzDx9cgfFqqhNRV7HoLt5Xichgn74JJ60bueo1tJ0fyPOcM8ibYdCL2Hkam7eVUtNIcxVVQrwzJVeXoZ/s640/IMG_3717.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Now get your paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTMwxfemWdVBIBkwjv_c7yh92CkuO_gOC92Cui0eZ0H4kUjVeQALfws-QTTTqn-vxpNLZP9NeX2J1uvLTgCWJYVPkpYv1Oi7JwTxsHgNDypTvIznZPAawAoqd-qeanB5HUtAnUD4P0qlL/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTMwxfemWdVBIBkwjv_c7yh92CkuO_gOC92Cui0eZ0H4kUjVeQALfws-QTTTqn-vxpNLZP9NeX2J1uvLTgCWJYVPkpYv1Oi7JwTxsHgNDypTvIznZPAawAoqd-qeanB5HUtAnUD4P0qlL/s640/IMG_3716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And get to it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60IQek406NuuA3c8VBuW6wcH5fLI_nruB8jXnAhL6nNJPVYHyHkrOE60X4_GAFt8XgznOSq0lXw8zPL6_RgCvsTmWoZ5pKKfRDO8UzxEhfD7vyVNCyzhzdWvc7UZzMcFOVyrd5kcRAIw0/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60IQek406NuuA3c8VBuW6wcH5fLI_nruB8jXnAhL6nNJPVYHyHkrOE60X4_GAFt8XgznOSq0lXw8zPL6_RgCvsTmWoZ5pKKfRDO8UzxEhfD7vyVNCyzhzdWvc7UZzMcFOVyrd5kcRAIw0/s640/IMG_3718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After painting about half of the first snowflake I decided I did not like how blazing red the paint was. I added just a couple drops of black paint, mixed and got the dark burgundy on the left. It was better, but not quite it. I added in more red and got the pretty cranberry color on the right. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Cta8Z50hhMoQ4UqLcq7ymXz1KVaIQ9Bg7YZHBjiyyZPWD-1EVdR9MvNwXKTlQx29G2ymZEcEXpKk4f4iyaMTb_93kW221WB8GGXITXI5PitgE8gp5jp3tjT8GhSM6-b9SUmuA1mgwEzK/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Cta8Z50hhMoQ4UqLcq7ymXz1KVaIQ9Bg7YZHBjiyyZPWD-1EVdR9MvNwXKTlQx29G2ymZEcEXpKk4f4iyaMTb_93kW221WB8GGXITXI5PitgE8gp5jp3tjT8GhSM6-b9SUmuA1mgwEzK/s640/IMG_3719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The picture doesn't do it justice but it's a really pretty cranberry red and I thought that was just right for my little snowflakes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ctqpC5lS3CYsgAEJ0gi7y4Q9tjnDTCQWSbc3Nkp6PaQxxqtuaXzbpPde_lrA4-PpRmID2sq-QzAeg_LDymsXBMOTF1hTB4rQkuYDhf8pYIO9L-G_NYPjbjXCBewQAl6bThZ8B-CJbNW/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ctqpC5lS3CYsgAEJ0gi7y4Q9tjnDTCQWSbc3Nkp6PaQxxqtuaXzbpPde_lrA4-PpRmID2sq-QzAeg_LDymsXBMOTF1hTB4rQkuYDhf8pYIO9L-G_NYPjbjXCBewQAl6bThZ8B-CJbNW/s640/IMG_3721.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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All you have to do now is let them dry and hang them up with some pretty ribbon! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rmag2-f4TBRYFC5ot6WI3pw4kBXYX6XdAwsNUz3uLCG_fFc2gBW4G9Z4gEiDY2pAjPJbXqzAYikFbTbjPWXNwd23uBm7C3rp4K7gVCAUM6FVp7Lrfj43AMMDiO9jGZ1QwuW1Zkjc0A6I/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rmag2-f4TBRYFC5ot6WI3pw4kBXYX6XdAwsNUz3uLCG_fFc2gBW4G9Z4gEiDY2pAjPJbXqzAYikFbTbjPWXNwd23uBm7C3rp4K7gVCAUM6FVp7Lrfj43AMMDiO9jGZ1QwuW1Zkjc0A6I/s640/IMG_9790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f6FheuUbiKF3IkGSFiK2O1DmdprMVXwIUof1gnOr79VcnZN1h13WfhUp5bJN5z2q6ASaYNh5OI7M_SIJNVR3fVhZeT4Ts0txlpTmeNBF9DY5Dl810gzgZGdsr3FbRmNAnbnagAiVG2-h/s1600/IMG_9792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f6FheuUbiKF3IkGSFiK2O1DmdprMVXwIUof1gnOr79VcnZN1h13WfhUp5bJN5z2q6ASaYNh5OI7M_SIJNVR3fVhZeT4Ts0txlpTmeNBF9DY5Dl810gzgZGdsr3FbRmNAnbnagAiVG2-h/s640/IMG_9792.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJZ475xji3fkCsGEe-SZIU6BeNF5Cui_5_fo8fCUVcvZjTBnQkZp7K7PUVTkjaLskvuBsupafZaZs3PWca08nXjwYaM_iu52OBEOdDxpop5wQUIxy0VwARspGk7f-n2K5TX-6oOhJyREJ/s1600/IMG_9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJZ475xji3fkCsGEe-SZIU6BeNF5Cui_5_fo8fCUVcvZjTBnQkZp7K7PUVTkjaLskvuBsupafZaZs3PWca08nXjwYaM_iu52OBEOdDxpop5wQUIxy0VwARspGk7f-n2K5TX-6oOhJyREJ/s640/IMG_9795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really like how they turned out! I'll be keeping these bad boys up until the first day of Spring! </div>
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Don't forget to check out the rest of our DIY Christmas Series! </div>
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<a href="http://theskinnypear.com/diy-christmas-series-30-days-of-diy/"><img alt="Holiday_Badge" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1363" height="416" src="http://theskinnypear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Holiday_Badge-600x600.png" width="416" /></a>
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<b>Do you like crafts with such simple and cheap materials like craft sticks or cardboard tubes? What kind of things do you make out of them?</b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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I've linked up to <a href="http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/2013/11/family-fun-friday-week-45.html" target="_blank">Family Fun Friday Week 45</a> with <a href="http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/" target="_blank">Happy and Blessed Home</a>!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-60339519801135098942013-11-13T20:30:00.000-05:002013-11-13T20:30:05.792-05:00{Wedding Wednesday} Easily Overlooked Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wedding planning can be absolute insanity. You read a million books, get advice from all your friends, cover your bed with magazines and consult the experts. Yet even so, there are plenty of things that even the experts seem to forget to mention.<br />
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Here are a few things that are very easily overlooked during planning but are still very important details! This list is short but I'm sure I will need to add a Part II at some point.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunset</span><br />
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(<a href="http://www.marry2012.com/tag/sunset-beach-wedding" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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When you choose the time of your wedding, check the <a href="http://www.farmersalmanac.com/" target="_blank">Farmer's Almanac</a> for the sunset that day. If you want sunset pictures, plan around that. You'll want your ceremony to end about an hour before the sun is supposed to set. That will give you time for things to go long and for all the pictures to get done before the last few artsy ones as the sun goes down. If you don't want sunset pictures, no biggie, do what you want! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exit time</span><br />
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When you plan the length of the reception, plan a time for you and your new spouse to hit the road. It doesn't have to be an exact time but if you want a grand exit with balloons released or birdseed or sparklers, be sure to plan for it. For example, our wedding ceremony started at 4:30 and we planned the reception to "start" around 5:30 which gave us time for pictures and guests could snack on hors d'oeuvres. I planned the reception to go from about 5:30-10:00pm. That worked with the length of time I had the photographer and the venue. The way I planned it I figured we'd leave around 9:30 before too many people left so we could have our big exit with sparklers. Right around 9:15 I noticed people starting to say their goodbyes so I spoke quickly to our DJ and he announced the final song/dance (which was amazing, by the way) and the whole deal with the sparklers. We said our goodbyes to our family and close friends and then were sent on our way to a beautiful sea of sparklers held by our favorite people. It was perfect!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Undergarments</span><br />
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This is where your bridal consultant at the dress shop will be your best friend. Once you've said yes to the dress, figure out what type of undergarments would work best with it. The shop may have options to buy but chances are they'll be expensive. Check around stores like Victoria's Secret for sale items that fit your needs or nearby department stores.<br />
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And I'll just be totally honest. Wear something PRACTICAL under your dress! When you get back to your home, hotel or honeymoon suite, you can change into special attire. Comfort is KEY during your wedding day!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wedding Day Emergency Bag</span><br />
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(<a href="http://www.herecomestheguide.com/blog/detail/wedding-day-emergency-fashion-kit/" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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I'll go into more details during another post but please make or buy a wedding day emergency kit! This is the one day you don't want to be stuck without something like extra deodorant or a bobby pin. Mini sewing kits are very handy as well. You can buy one like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MLQV3M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000MLQV3M&linkCode=as2&tag=happevercraf-20" target="_blank">one pictured above</a> or you can collect items from around the house and buy certain other items and toss them in a tote bag to have on hand. Making a kit yourself will probably be cheaper. It's also a great bridal shower gift idea for a friend who is getting married!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day of Payments/Gifts</span><br />
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A lot of your vendors will require full or final payment the day of the wedding. This job falls to the Best Man or one of the fathers. The week before the wedding, write checks to all the vendors who need to be paid on the wedding day and seal them in security envelopes with a thank you note included. Clearly mark the outside who that envelope goes to. Example: John Smith - Officiant or Jane Doe - Caterer. Also, small tokens of appreciation are a nice touch if a friend or family member is doing you a wedding favor at no charge. For example, a friend who is performing the ceremony music or running the sound board. These can also be given to your Best Man for delivery. If you're giving gifts to your bridal party, a good time to give them is while you're getting ready for the ceremony. You could also give the gifts at the rehearsal or dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guest Dietary Restrictions</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EDSbRMq6FFXOgdsIrFYSSy1WLfKoraMz5us65ahyphenhyphenBjQBVowA0b2MmJyMkfYCfEWBuwQzYuaqP4L2sT33VieyyDLZnjEvInLnUCuexoTId8qqy5lue8lhSXrqHOmJzU8tOsYXklqcwC6z/s1600/REC-192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EDSbRMq6FFXOgdsIrFYSSy1WLfKoraMz5us65ahyphenhyphenBjQBVowA0b2MmJyMkfYCfEWBuwQzYuaqP4L2sT33VieyyDLZnjEvInLnUCuexoTId8qqy5lue8lhSXrqHOmJzU8tOsYXklqcwC6z/s640/REC-192.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Have good food options for all of your guests. You don't need to plan the entire meal around one or two people but be considerate of them. I had multiple vegans/vegetarians at my wedding so I made sure they'd have more to eat than just a veggie tray. I had the idea to do a salad bar (which my caterer said he had never had a request for) with all the fixin's. I also had a pasta bar with multiple toppings along with chicken and other items. Everyone could find something they liked! </div>
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If you have a couple of gluten-free guests, just be sure they have gluten-free options so they don't go hungry during the reception. Just keep these things in mind when planning your menu. </div>
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If all goes well, you'll be THIS excited to eat at your wedding! Ha...couldn't resist sharing a picture of my goofy self digging in to the pasta bar! Oh yeah, and be sure YOU and YOUR NEW SPOUSE are the FIRST ones to eat! No exceptions! You have to eat! </div>
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P.S. Loving that veil? I know I'm still in love with it! I got it from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VirginiaGeigerJewels?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Virginia Geiger Jewelry</a> on Etsy! Check out her Etsy page. Her products are all ah-mazing! </div>
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<b>What are some things you feel like were "easily overlooked" when you were planning your wedding? Are there any details you worry about overlooking?</b></div>
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-save-dates-guest-post.html" target="_blank">Save the Dates - Yay or Nay? </a></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-16410595693543025772013-10-30T14:56:00.000-04:002013-11-13T19:36:16.150-05:00{Wedding Wednesday} Save the Dates - Guest Post<div style="text-align: left;">
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<i>Today for Wedding Wednesday, I'm proud to announce another guest blogger! Chloe from <a href="http://www.howweflourish.com/" target="_blank">How We Flourish</a> (formerly Healthy People, Healthy Planet) is going to tell us all about save the date cards! She has some awesome tips that I couldn't agree more on! I chose not to do save the dates in order to save money, time, stress and the fact that we didn't have that many out of town guests.</i></div>
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<i>Take it away, Chloe!</i></div>
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<a href="http://healthypeoplehealthyplanet.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pa160273.jpg"><img alt="Save the Date" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1932" height="480" src="http://healthypeoplehealthyplanet.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pa160273.jpg?w=300" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whether you have a lot of out of town wedding guests or you just want everyone to be able to plan ahead for your wedding, save-the-dates have become another expected part of wedding planning. But do you really need to spend a dollar a piece PLUS postage for a hundred cards with your face on them? I don't think so!
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<strong>Do I even need save-the-dates?</strong></h3>
Answer: It depends. Technically, no, you don't. There is nothing in wedding etiquette law that says you must send out save-the-dates. If you are having a small or local wedding and everyone already knows your date, feel free to skip!
However, depending on your guests, you may want to. Formal invitations typically go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, so your guests may appreciate a heads up. Save-the-dates can be used not only to inform guests of the date, but also to direct them to a wedding website, where you can post travel and lodging information. This may be extremely useful for out of town guests who need to plan ahead for your wedding.
An important point to keep in mind is that if you send someone a save-the-date, <em>you have to send them an invitation</em>. No going back. For this reason, many couples choose to only send save-the-dates to out of town guests and VIPs. Certainly only send them to people you are 100% positive you will want at your wedding. Cutting back on quantity in this way is one way to save money.
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<strong>Electronic save-the-dates</strong></h3>
Okay, so you have decided you should send save-the-dates because your family is scattered across the country, or whatever your reason may be. But maybe you still don't want to print off a hundred cards and mail them out. This is fair: it costs money and there is the environmental burden of printing and shipping to consider. Therefore, if you are not concerned about the formality your save-the-dates are conveying, feel free to let people know via the internet! A simple email may do, or you can make up a design to email out (more on designing later).
Keep in mind, however, whether everyone on your list has an email address they check regularly. If your grandparents or great aunt Peggy would have trouble with an electronic save-the-date, consider giving them a call or mailing one to them.
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<strong>Budget Friendly Printing</strong></h3>
For a more formal and accessible save-the-date, you may still want to go with standard paper save-the-dates. With smart shopping and designing, these do not have to cost an arm and a leg!
<strong>Go with postcards.</strong> You may think magnets or hand carved wood slices are cute, and I'm sure they are. However, not only do these products cost more, but you must also pay for envelops and postage. Furthermore, anything weighing more than an ounce or that is rigid will be charged more than standard postage. Postcards, however, are cheap and postage is only 33 cents to send within the United States (at time of posting; max size 6" x 4.25"). Even simple card stock or 80 lb glossy postcards will hold up fine in the mail.
<strong>Don't buy save-the-dates. </strong>This may sound like confusing advice, but hear me out.<br />
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Buying save-the-dates from a typical invitation retailer will end up being more expensive than it ought to be. After all, if you put the word "wedding" in front of something, retailers get to jack up the price, right? So instead of shopping for save-the-dates, shop for postcards that allow you to add your own text or upload your own images.
A quick search for "postcards" will yield many websites that will sell 100 custom postcards for under $20. Once you find a company you like (many will send you free samples), sign up for their mailing list to keep an eye out for sales and coupons.
<strong>Don't feel limited by designs. </strong>Even if you've found a good price, you may feel stuck choosing a certain design you aren't crazy about. Luckily, many postcard sites let you upload your own picture. No design experience? No problem! Sites like <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" title="PicMonkey">PicMonkey</a> make it easy to edit photos, add text, make collages, and then turn them into a postcard, like the one below:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://healthypeoplehealthyplanet.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/save-the-date.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Save the Date" class=" wp-image-1933" height="479" src="http://healthypeoplehealthyplanet.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/save-the-date.jpg?w=640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Me: "Why did you take the picture on the patio table?" Fiance: "It's artistic!"</span></td></tr>
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Heck, if you have the creativity and time, you can even make your postcards and print them at home!
<strong>Keep your eye on the prize</strong>
Above all, remember that all of this planning is about you marrying the love of your life. Don't worry if your save the dates aren't absolutely perfect. Do what you can and work within your budget. There are always options if you are willing to look for them.<br />
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Enjoy your planning, thanks for reading, and a big thank you to Catherine for inviting me to post!<br />
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Chloe<br />
<a href="http://www.howweflourish.com/" target="_blank">How We Flourish</a><br />
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<i>Thanks again to the lovely Chloe!! </i><br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-43618668797752640732013-10-28T15:04:00.000-04:002013-10-28T15:09:45.815-04:00Plucky's Second Thought Link Party #17This is my very first time co-hosting a link party!! And to think, I used to have no clue what a "link party" was! I love participating in link parties, they're a great way to get your content out to fellow bloggers and network with them as well.<br />
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If you're unfamiliar with what a link party is...it's a place to have your favorite posts seen by tons of other awesome bloggers with plenty of opportunity for comments, Facebook/Twitter shares and Pinterest pins! All you have to do is follow the rules and then click the link at the bottom of the thumbnail list and add your info. It's really easy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pluckys-secondthought.com/" target="_blank">Jess from Plucky's Second Thought</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PluckysSecondThought" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/jess44903" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/JESS44903/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="https://plus.google.com/112229446777859084760/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> / <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4094070" target="_blank">BlogLovin</a></div>
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<a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76_aFovUySpdhHUM7KlWc7oVhio3I9Xn9NUEUM2R_CNp3AlHNVu8xr6K5Trj2cI9UE_IfpZ67NZXyYrTJlxy0pSFbtubgAXt3DlMTsb57vFbfrYtBQgxGbUv1meP3QBCMbwQqtePo6eof/s320/IMG_2041.jpg" style="border: none;" width="150px" /></a> </center>
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<a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Catherine from Happily Ever Crafter</a> </center>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappilyEverCrafterz" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/catherinepwood" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CatherinePWood/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/107062526188624021258/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> / <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6741845/happily-ever-crafter" target="_blank">BlogLovin</a></center>
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<strong>If you are at all interested in co-hosting upcoming Link Ups, please <a href="http://www.pluckys-secondthought.com/contact/" title="Contact">contact</a> Jess!</strong></center>
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Now, let's get to the Link Up!!
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I'm excited to see what you guys link up!</center>
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Till next time,</center>
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Catherine</center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-6400275285179875162013-10-14T21:17:00.001-04:002013-10-14T21:17:20.700-04:00Relay Foods - Online Grocery Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently I was approached by <a href="http://www.relayfoods.com/Home/Welcome?returnUrl=%2F" target="_blank">Relay Foods</a>, an online grocery store. They are a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia (yay local!) and have recently expanded into Lynchburg, Virginia where I live. I was given the awesome opportunity to review them for you guys. But not to worry, you're eligible for an awesome deal too!</div>
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<a href="http://www.relayfoods.com/Home/Welcome?returnUrl=%2F" target="_blank">Relay Foods</a> currently has pick up locations in the following cities: Baltimore/Annapolis, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, NOVA/Washington, Richmond, Staunton/Fishersville, and Williamsburg. So if you're in or near any of these locations go order some groceries! </div>
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For us here in Lynchburg, our pick up is from 3:30pm-6:00pm at the BB&T on Old Forest Road. </div>
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Their website is incredibly user friendly. Ordering groceries is so easy. Check out <a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2013/09/relay-foodsorder-groceries-online.html" target="_blank">Sweet Pea's post</a> about Relay Foods and navigating their website for more info. </div>
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But it really is so simple. You can place your order up until midnight the night before pick up. How awesome is that? Forgot an ingredient for that casserole on Wednesday? No problem! </div>
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Relay Foods is loaded with amazing local farmers as well as conventional grocery store items. You're bound to find what you're looking for! </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJPqQrSorQZ7SAc44XC3n8a_xdkMfIm3h58FWu5oL9M0dw2kL1P3uAWzNufm8_iZOKNAdnew8C1_DYeaOti9VoYtGVGEANbW0kP9sxlEREdCjTkxevGY6XOOjILtG0RELn_OVUEHob2hT/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJPqQrSorQZ7SAc44XC3n8a_xdkMfIm3h58FWu5oL9M0dw2kL1P3uAWzNufm8_iZOKNAdnew8C1_DYeaOti9VoYtGVGEANbW0kP9sxlEREdCjTkxevGY6XOOjILtG0RELn_OVUEHob2hT/s640/IMG_6405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Big, beautiful, blue truck just full of groceries for us Lynchburgers! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlOGiBFtwTAOTvgB-QyqJCHFq4GjZySD5-EPrV6s6IXXSgVTS6kMdCxs-m2ddTAhUozQ_bMLJ4fRg0jOxeF-y-RO-Er6XK6Utjb6Nf4yzOPkUyPGcMIzbkhH7jNHNKIGwrby885NDJfRQ/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlOGiBFtwTAOTvgB-QyqJCHFq4GjZySD5-EPrV6s6IXXSgVTS6kMdCxs-m2ddTAhUozQ_bMLJ4fRg0jOxeF-y-RO-Er6XK6Utjb6Nf4yzOPkUyPGcMIzbkhH7jNHNKIGwrby885NDJfRQ/s640/IMG_6403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All you do is tell the attendant your name (they're super sweet) and they find your box and you're on your way! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSumw3FirMD0U0KDd7rTXPb1O5xlA9g5p8_pE926HZPp05GRczotv4BENnok3VsvxKC9eAkhKjKWZfJmXbFbIaEWxOvhF89HJYzAD7rJtq46KzhbLzu6_DIAN_e-RJvhaPSIcJQn6susA/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSumw3FirMD0U0KDd7rTXPb1O5xlA9g5p8_pE926HZPp05GRczotv4BENnok3VsvxKC9eAkhKjKWZfJmXbFbIaEWxOvhF89HJYzAD7rJtq46KzhbLzu6_DIAN_e-RJvhaPSIcJQn6susA/s640/IMG_6404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Easy peasy. There were about 3-4 other people waiting for their groceries which is awesome! The attendant even told me that Lynchburg has broken records for the largest order! That blows my mind...us? Here in little ol' Lynchburg? Especially considering they have pick up locations in DC and Richmond! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEsh1Wk1pDmPQyNhPK-OMgVS2sOThBe1smQX5TIWRDFrGs7WU6nOvSNebSR7e3ufN9oYmJLSQo2L1_atq34KH3wndIALRqfWTJQM7VgIghutKQRJ5AfXwgUEBBWRg_Hj1Co5OaOI4-n9b/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEsh1Wk1pDmPQyNhPK-OMgVS2sOThBe1smQX5TIWRDFrGs7WU6nOvSNebSR7e3ufN9oYmJLSQo2L1_atq34KH3wndIALRqfWTJQM7VgIghutKQRJ5AfXwgUEBBWRg_Hj1Co5OaOI4-n9b/s640/IMG_6406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They give you your groceries in these super cute tote bags. They're good quality reusable bags, too! I'll be bringing mine back to load my next order of groceries in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MYeFCtmkVgzBIE415y3VdmWzemiDw04oRyfQUSSfHFHEJX5CTEDsKoPLGTG17XXF8YcJiGkJ9CUa2ZEc3Ch8awS3ZSzNLdFKj0HevP2VzbULwEpZBtJHO64yVoN8sPRsk1jSxC3Ksb1M/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MYeFCtmkVgzBIE415y3VdmWzemiDw04oRyfQUSSfHFHEJX5CTEDsKoPLGTG17XXF8YcJiGkJ9CUa2ZEc3Ch8awS3ZSzNLdFKj0HevP2VzbULwEpZBtJHO64yVoN8sPRsk1jSxC3Ksb1M/s640/IMG_6407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous local hummus right there on top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l33l_GylNwUL3lwr5oa-fF98WAyFXM52ht8uWNBWzjDY6YJ0_WFlTBDv12nqJtEv0yIS-fxDH0cSufFsB9ZvEVnHxRzrnP_PoiFd9oJ66UQwIdFACZmZBVi-cwrMkYYOeLKk1-l05Ygk/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l33l_GylNwUL3lwr5oa-fF98WAyFXM52ht8uWNBWzjDY6YJ0_WFlTBDv12nqJtEv0yIS-fxDH0cSufFsB9ZvEVnHxRzrnP_PoiFd9oJ66UQwIdFACZmZBVi-cwrMkYYOeLKk1-l05Ygk/s640/IMG_6408.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two bunches of bananas (they gave me one bunch that was more yellow and one that was a little green...so smart! They won't all ripen at the same time!) and organic strawberries. I inhaled those puppies in a couple of days! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmZl9F0bmi_lUNIa4LXkaHL6KXRAsM1n7Gest5XzSWnqtNMCDxa4ck8wd54l_Fll0E9FGy_V4IfK1WVsV2NckAz4xytNie3vegmJwNhITi1jR73T2Y3DE80K3JhNtNMoe6P8yF-ZswcuA/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmZl9F0bmi_lUNIa4LXkaHL6KXRAsM1n7Gest5XzSWnqtNMCDxa4ck8wd54l_Fll0E9FGy_V4IfK1WVsV2NckAz4xytNie3vegmJwNhITi1jR73T2Y3DE80K3JhNtNMoe6P8yF-ZswcuA/s640/IMG_6410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All my goodies! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ljEwBLNeWEOE43pbDaoymCd_QmWUdi9UMjOnF50MvpZYbxDMHd287p4Ig__Xa85DvvDNdToebBOOHNzHm4wCU1pZ3Tb0F00EtMRI9FFQtOo3b4yfrgn3JL1Z6FRKeGEDMEcaeOxN271/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ljEwBLNeWEOE43pbDaoymCd_QmWUdi9UMjOnF50MvpZYbxDMHd287p4Ig__Xa85DvvDNdToebBOOHNzHm4wCU1pZ3Tb0F00EtMRI9FFQtOo3b4yfrgn3JL1Z6FRKeGEDMEcaeOxN271/s640/IMG_6411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I only got a couple of local products but I'll definitely order more next time. I ordered potato gnocchi to try and cook with! I'm excited to try it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZHQHVVQdD8BO9_Tk42jF1a9xKAPlY78l7mH9wfIj6VlQ8jb_MOqBsc4gMmaKcsdDGTH9KkzBXS-Ne70zRF2u_3pi1IoTJeT3RemBWbkQsatxmpoqFLv80YVaEFoxwz1cCmx-0zVorFrs/s1600/IMG_6412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZHQHVVQdD8BO9_Tk42jF1a9xKAPlY78l7mH9wfIj6VlQ8jb_MOqBsc4gMmaKcsdDGTH9KkzBXS-Ne70zRF2u_3pi1IoTJeT3RemBWbkQsatxmpoqFLv80YVaEFoxwz1cCmx-0zVorFrs/s640/IMG_6412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lots of spaghetti. My husband is a spaghetti fiend! He'd eat it every day if I let him. And quinoa of course. It's a great staple to have. </div>
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Overall I was very satisfied with Relay Foods and you can bet I'll order from them again! How cool is it to order online one day and pick up your food another day? So much less time consuming than going to the store. I can imagine this would be especially helpful if you're one to plan weekly meals! </div>
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And let me be extra honest here...I used to think online grocery shopping was for snooty business people that could afford to pay someone else to shop for them. That's not the case at all! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the best part for anyone remotely interested in trying Relay Foods...if you use my referral link then you will receive $30 OFF your order of $50 or more! If you use my link, I'll also receive a $30 credit to my account. Who wouldn't want $30 of FREE groceries??? It's really a very, very good deal. Use this link <a href="http://relayfoods.com/friend/xem6bl" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you're interested.</span></div>
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So go, give it a try! They even do gift certificates! </div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I was given a gift card for Relay Foods in order to review them. Everything I said is my own opinion, though. I'm always honest with you all!</i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-56149412057730342212013-10-10T20:05:00.002-04:002013-10-13T21:55:48.270-04:00Make Butter At Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bear with me folks, we're hoping to get a good DSLR soon. But in the meantime, iPhone photos are going to have to do. </div>
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The longer I'm in this healthy/natural/frugal living lifestyle, the more I learn that we have gotten so lazy!</div>
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There are so many things that used to be made by hand at home or by members of the community but now, everything is bought at the store, made in China. Simple, cheap things that take a very short amount of time to make/do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY333xTkMqD0oXDO5XGDNEPbWuwq-O1-xnuOXBVp69-OJh_KD-QOLl41LDOzNd2tE0lNzH6_IWaOwZnOLi9BO5UxeI4lZ4qEAfGzda3AQoIH3owx3TsYWhmAYKmkEoev-S1WKRzsyiw6pR/s1600/IMG_5483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY333xTkMqD0oXDO5XGDNEPbWuwq-O1-xnuOXBVp69-OJh_KD-QOLl41LDOzNd2tE0lNzH6_IWaOwZnOLi9BO5UxeI4lZ4qEAfGzda3AQoIH3owx3TsYWhmAYKmkEoev-S1WKRzsyiw6pR/s640/IMG_5483.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like butter. </div>
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Butter is incredibly easy to make! </div>
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Let me show you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8fpB3jFGlknPMxEN0k7eNFeZ0BzXLvBtNtyVTX4xlSyeiGoudEULMYYdzvlGXgH_YXRDAwNRvyQ5_pFJRnQQ6Vi-d71BhLhWqGzexaJo6AbOKK3nTVUfy1RijjOpIYgocWz_QYbPjYCh/s1600/IMG_5472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8fpB3jFGlknPMxEN0k7eNFeZ0BzXLvBtNtyVTX4xlSyeiGoudEULMYYdzvlGXgH_YXRDAwNRvyQ5_pFJRnQQ6Vi-d71BhLhWqGzexaJo6AbOKK3nTVUfy1RijjOpIYgocWz_QYbPjYCh/s640/IMG_5472.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Buy some heavy cream and grab an empty salsa/spaghetti/jam jar from your stash in the cabinet. </div>
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(What? I'm the only one who has one of those?) </div>
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Organic and local is best but this was the best I could find. </div>
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Let the cream sit out overnight or about 8-12 hours. Sounds weird but that's how we do it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJJE1mLevPrMaMkxpBqdgrg4LgIoblb-cl9zih0TDPmJmC9dANKHPilaNPz7cyWH4Ek-9r9NMWdfML54DxyQuh7eQAqF-43ziNfCEXMcjdtahKWl4DWvd3QF0jdjp7mheD8lEsh5wksRh/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJJE1mLevPrMaMkxpBqdgrg4LgIoblb-cl9zih0TDPmJmC9dANKHPilaNPz7cyWH4Ek-9r9NMWdfML54DxyQuh7eQAqF-43ziNfCEXMcjdtahKWl4DWvd3QF0jdjp7mheD8lEsh5wksRh/s640/IMG_5474.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Fill the jar about halfway with cream and secure the lid VERY TIGHTLY. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-A2Cacel6aOBJ4fmCWkA8z85Wh4eR8v36A9LUIm48wpVg96-baZJg_Gi7sWH1K_kWKxqtLdcFOOKeMDpMWsEsPiIWyFZ8JhoJCiGp4Cl6ARcMaIZxSf-Qxym3HT118bw55s9HUxI28YV/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-A2Cacel6aOBJ4fmCWkA8z85Wh4eR8v36A9LUIm48wpVg96-baZJg_Gi7sWH1K_kWKxqtLdcFOOKeMDpMWsEsPiIWyFZ8JhoJCiGp4Cl6ARcMaIZxSf-Qxym3HT118bw55s9HUxI28YV/s640/IMG_5475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be sure to adopt a steely look of intense concentration!</td></tr>
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Now shake it like a Polaroid picture! And then keep shaking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA6cXiCVO1oVBcjU7zz_alTBBTumJHTTD_gcasruo7LyMdjCKwnuZNFRbpcg9bl9hfm5IL2MwFI6v9dTDoOYpCH_IG92HaAsdThZsVaTbikm0fnhT-kq1j6q4sAfRUWrxwmThe4G1QB4q/s1600/IMG_5473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA6cXiCVO1oVBcjU7zz_alTBBTumJHTTD_gcasruo7LyMdjCKwnuZNFRbpcg9bl9hfm5IL2MwFI6v9dTDoOYpCH_IG92HaAsdThZsVaTbikm0fnhT-kq1j6q4sAfRUWrxwmThe4G1QB4q/s640/IMG_5473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We divided it equally into four old salsa jars because there were four of us makin' butta. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrj2QL1B_9IAsgIAndtFaZUiI6Kgi7ElrjMnRSTZz1cGDAXRND9EI73ncnABnUrZsrHRZ9fEf418zb_8zYonlslQkQVmlm0ozV6BV2L_NTjJBJpjt6lfcIMMnDdsnvY63uNiXxTDpZgLo/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrj2QL1B_9IAsgIAndtFaZUiI6Kgi7ElrjMnRSTZz1cGDAXRND9EI73ncnABnUrZsrHRZ9fEf418zb_8zYonlslQkQVmlm0ozV6BV2L_NTjJBJpjt6lfcIMMnDdsnvY63uNiXxTDpZgLo/s640/IMG_5476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a couple of minutes you'll see butter start to form!! Keep shaking! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WNrUDbV6U5fvzjofFU5KzZS1g18cYNUVeHrcJBTYe9MRZadGjnoX7KXN2LVzyIi7exqcd9Pi285t8YZKy8DdADNQDhKPNhtbMEWZaEiqkc-rjvyqY7XzfrU9geCJq2sHjR_1h2aJ3R-W/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WNrUDbV6U5fvzjofFU5KzZS1g18cYNUVeHrcJBTYe9MRZadGjnoX7KXN2LVzyIi7exqcd9Pi285t8YZKy8DdADNQDhKPNhtbMEWZaEiqkc-rjvyqY7XzfrU9geCJq2sHjR_1h2aJ3R-W/s640/IMG_5477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pour out the liquid. But not into the sink because that's pure buttermilk! Save that in another jar. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVzEHsEWICx6ZM2nWm0KptJaTgoFlO5fuc0BAu4Oi9oK_-T8FPZc1Vl1F0FciRjieqDl_zz_f5bfO47_qA-r5Un3yWtmI_Y4Wqf-KJYPn0UVU-Bf6ZHGUhCYJdIB2K3fysa4EosYcaWIr/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVzEHsEWICx6ZM2nWm0KptJaTgoFlO5fuc0BAu4Oi9oK_-T8FPZc1Vl1F0FciRjieqDl_zz_f5bfO47_qA-r5Un3yWtmI_Y4Wqf-KJYPn0UVU-Bf6ZHGUhCYJdIB2K3fysa4EosYcaWIr/s640/IMG_5479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now you can really see the butter. At this point you may want to mush the butter around with a knife to really get the buttermilk out. You can even put a little water in the jar and shake for another little bit. You just want to be sure to get all the buttermilk out or else it causes the butter to spoil faster. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDxHDld1ToQ4Xomy8hwXl6dDnXPh9BmU52_pZ-b-xw0bEWNKGZ2BTumAmgS0lAIL49utWHdMPXJsp88AqIphvZdRFRbFlRAIxkalkvwuzjJQihxmjTPbW7lBwnXeznUWP8QdIQzHb8rKB/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDxHDld1ToQ4Xomy8hwXl6dDnXPh9BmU52_pZ-b-xw0bEWNKGZ2BTumAmgS0lAIL49utWHdMPXJsp88AqIphvZdRFRbFlRAIxkalkvwuzjJQihxmjTPbW7lBwnXeznUWP8QdIQzHb8rKB/s640/IMG_5480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that you're butter is done, flavor it! We kept one jar as just plain butter, which was delicious, a salted butter, and a honey butter. The four of us ended up devouring one jar of butter (it was maybe 6 tablespoons or so) on toast because it was so fresh and perfect! </div>
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The jar on the right is full of the buttermilk we got out of it! That's a ton of butter AND buttermilk for the price of heavy cream. That's a good deal to me! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeo3OXoKbVWB4zCCsJhxtkAUb0vJ55MaUES-WQzHRH3Pj-MrRpC6yFc4y61SLxOpCoQLSQkjTw-77YoNSAcPHyxOOs63zmY5CqQGFvElR-X6Eb2KqPrBcMB5CmQ7VrnOFC5my_nQmarf6/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeo3OXoKbVWB4zCCsJhxtkAUb0vJ55MaUES-WQzHRH3Pj-MrRpC6yFc4y61SLxOpCoQLSQkjTw-77YoNSAcPHyxOOs63zmY5CqQGFvElR-X6Eb2KqPrBcMB5CmQ7VrnOFC5my_nQmarf6/s640/IMG_5482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there you have it, delicious, fresh, creamy butter! I think next I'm going to try making <a href="http://cleancupcakecrusade.com/homemade-mayo-why-i-make-it/" target="_blank">homemade mayonnaise</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YwlQfeVAkrirVfY9CaZD_SGeajk8fMAK3O2c2Sm1g9EX3bDMl2_JXT4-UxYCg_FT1YP0MYI8E211xSon9P4l7uYD_8i4s6S6rmWErPGC36FOChLxvE7LfpP6OFUJcnX8oKzNHj9YTOk6/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YwlQfeVAkrirVfY9CaZD_SGeajk8fMAK3O2c2Sm1g9EX3bDMl2_JXT4-UxYCg_FT1YP0MYI8E211xSon9P4l7uYD_8i4s6S6rmWErPGC36FOChLxvE7LfpP6OFUJcnX8oKzNHj9YTOk6/s640/IMG_5486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to save that buttermilk! I don't use buttermilk very often so I froze it in an ice cube tray so I have it when I need it. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDDXfeHTkD1NRjLfxNRAuxDMXFz6d9JZAf6N5GkwhzyBorE4Sa6P2x7Tz5KsrvxgBvAXqxPJz3Jo5wvzkO6KGtSfYS9OEq9-2kp1YdPFOtjPc1RyLZGgTVZEggIbzDGO6HHssscUodV9w/s1600/IMG_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDDXfeHTkD1NRjLfxNRAuxDMXFz6d9JZAf6N5GkwhzyBorE4Sa6P2x7Tz5KsrvxgBvAXqxPJz3Jo5wvzkO6KGtSfYS9OEq9-2kp1YdPFOtjPc1RyLZGgTVZEggIbzDGO6HHssscUodV9w/s640/IMG_5490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh butter on homemade bread. YUM!</td></tr>
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Enjoy!</div>
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For an awesome and in depth video to understand the science behind making butter, watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oropJD0CUxI" target="_blank">this video</a>. </div>
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<b>What's something you prefer to make fresh at home? </b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-63980868793145182082013-10-09T19:41:00.000-04:002013-10-30T14:45:47.607-04:00{Wedding Wednesday} Mirror, Mirror - Guest Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BpF9g6Bers5NPowF1Y0w5F4PJB40xqMOteujfmpHIcF0CgozzH1QGRCgVMVjbaFsN5C7tGt2V8ktTPytyzVpUSUQhwrWZEhJ-lo1diUS-LOUkeS1RPawuJaPf3ETtbmW_yV2DPISCMuj/s1600/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BpF9g6Bers5NPowF1Y0w5F4PJB40xqMOteujfmpHIcF0CgozzH1QGRCgVMVjbaFsN5C7tGt2V8ktTPytyzVpUSUQhwrWZEhJ-lo1diUS-LOUkeS1RPawuJaPf3ETtbmW_yV2DPISCMuj/s640/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>This week for Wedding Wednesday, I'm pleased as punch to have Heather from <a href="http://spunkyrealdeal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spunky Real Deals</a> guest posting for me! Heather is the founder of <a href="http://virginiabloggerclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Virginia Bloggers Club</a> which is how we got connected. If you're a fellow blogger in the fantastic four-season state of Virginia, don't hesitate to contact Heather to get involved. The Virginia Bloggers Club is a lovely group of bloggers who are all about helping one another grow! While you're at it, check out her blog! She's always got great giveaways going on (alliteration much?). </i></div>
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Hello Happily Ever Crafter readers! My name is Heather Paulding. I am the author and blogger of <a href="http://spunkyrealdeal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spunky Real Deals</a>. I am also the founder of the <a href="http://virginiabloggerclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Virginia Blogger's Club</a>. When I heard about Catherine's Wedding Wednesdays I knew I had to put something special together for all of you!<br />
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Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of them all? You, of course! I am convinced that every wedding must-have large mirrors. The proof is in the photography.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Eaxld2Lgo7G8DLcvokGmgv_zAaVu_-yUNrPprCQkSZqJZpl_-lpzJNvVQ1F5jt7eImLUNrE1N4zKOuQL1gg44ckb258kaq-_-owiLrhAB85-_9rzEuFjtfXr11jsRYTb9uA4F5BB0AJ/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Eaxld2Lgo7G8DLcvokGmgv_zAaVu_-yUNrPprCQkSZqJZpl_-lpzJNvVQ1F5jt7eImLUNrE1N4zKOuQL1gg44ckb258kaq-_-owiLrhAB85-_9rzEuFjtfXr11jsRYTb9uA4F5BB0AJ/s640/192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9BvpUmfo8sSEaZ-Ifch9uDbERSgWCp_luNs_Ys3uk70SrvzZrQihetbf8QApFVTJNs8twz3YHVpmgl2Pwqd7HaKUj2YI3pojbkEIcUuF6DU3bXN0tPVADK0bIy2FNQpqMQuhW9O9qJlx/s1600/203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9BvpUmfo8sSEaZ-Ifch9uDbERSgWCp_luNs_Ys3uk70SrvzZrQihetbf8QApFVTJNs8twz3YHVpmgl2Pwqd7HaKUj2YI3pojbkEIcUuF6DU3bXN0tPVADK0bIy2FNQpqMQuhW9O9qJlx/s640/203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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AFTERWORD:}|<br />
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<b>A Good Idea</b>: Give your bridesmaids your single wear wedding shoes to doodle on and they turn into a precious keepsake.<br />
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<i>Thanks, Heather! Mirrors look so cool! Wish I had one at my wedding! I'll keep it in mind if my husband and I ever do anniversary pictures (in our wedding attire) one day! And what a great idea to do something special with your wedding shoes. Mine were ivory glitter TOMS and I still wear them :)</i><br />
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<b>Do you like the large mirror idea for wedding photographs? What kind of shoes did you or will you wear at your wedding?</b><br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-88102464806612525262013-10-08T21:21:00.002-04:002013-10-08T21:26:04.320-04:00Letter Writing Revolution - Because opening your mailbox should be fun!While the concept of letter writing is not new by any means, my idea for a Letter Writing Revolution is. Brand new, in fact. I literally just thought of it. I knew I needed to write a post about it before it got pushed to the backburner!<br />
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A friend of mine recently posted on her Facebook that she's looking to write more letters to friends. I responded and got a lovely card in the mail shortly after. It was so exciting to find a hand written letter in the mailbox just for me! I also had been wanting to write letters to my sister-in-law for fun and while writing those two letters today, the idea came to me.<br />
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So today, Tuesday, October 8, 2013 I am issuing into effect, my very own <b>Letter Writing Revolution </b>and I want all of YOU to join me! </div>
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I had tons of pen pals as a kid (thanks Tiger Beat magazine!) and loved it. It was so cool to write to a girl my age over in Spain, Italy or California. My mom had pen pals when she was a kid too so it was cool to take on the same hobby. As I grew older, the letters eventually stopped. Busier school and social lives I'm sure were the causes but also, the internet. Instant messaging (AIM anyone?) took over. Especially if you were cool enough to have a screen name like xXxGothGirlxXx. </div>
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IMs made way for chat rooms and eventually LiveJournal and Xanga. From those spawned MySpace and now we have Facebook. Not to mention 50 other social media sites that no one has time for. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWfEkVV1i0Xzm03vhFs13HRrxQBRUJz-O8CWMFQ1TJDBDqpUAbRa2Jud3qo2xjNQtXTKcKQZZlkrZFcj7pgFeUfJfzJITl9j1LMVGqesvy7IkaRg87hO9_C_Mc6tZAh73hSrKf1jsrrxy/s1600/IMG_6393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWfEkVV1i0Xzm03vhFs13HRrxQBRUJz-O8CWMFQ1TJDBDqpUAbRa2Jud3qo2xjNQtXTKcKQZZlkrZFcj7pgFeUfJfzJITl9j1LMVGqesvy7IkaRg87hO9_C_Mc6tZAh73hSrKf1jsrrxy/s640/IMG_6393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now don't get me wrong, I think Facebook and other social media can be an incredible tool! It can connect long lost friends or family members or reconnect old high school friends. It's especially a valuable tool for bloggers like myself. </div>
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Yet, Facebook has a down side. It has us more connected than ever before and somehow completely disconnected. Rather than call someone and see how they've been, you can simply "like" their status about a new job or a delicious lunch. </div>
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I think we need to REALLY reconnect with people by handwriting letters to them. </div>
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Let's do this together and start a Letter Writing Revolution! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I15Uvo9Pm87bVrQhdYtmiN3QTIZ1EblRh_q348gzkMXr1oJbMHWSPGRunnoqtdsPomvKkxE4_Tct2DSIc6rjg_Qbdln1DrzgeebWYVy20hyphenhyphenGS1hzf-Pix4IKFK2O1CtBw7t9MaWBSocF/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I15Uvo9Pm87bVrQhdYtmiN3QTIZ1EblRh_q348gzkMXr1oJbMHWSPGRunnoqtdsPomvKkxE4_Tct2DSIc6rjg_Qbdln1DrzgeebWYVy20hyphenhyphenGS1hzf-Pix4IKFK2O1CtBw7t9MaWBSocF/s640/IMG_6394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't want to bog this down with "rules" but if you'd like to join me on this, comment below. To make this awesome, feel free to share across the internet! Yes, we're going to use social media to our advantage! It's quick and effective. Share this post through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Google+...or all of the above. Let's make this a big, beautiful movement. Use the hashtag (oh boy I hate hashtags but let's do this!) #LetterWritingRevolution to help organize our progress! </div>
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I'm going to share on my personal Facebook page with my friends and family to find more people to write to. I'm open to write to anyone! New friends, old friends, strangers, family members, bloggers, soldiers, children and people all across the globe! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpsJaqWFJ8rFHeeyoqbziGJUqn_71A0Za4QyujA5QstZI4vA8tVVnp8R6NcDrVX-oYehrJjLA-JEZvLWUh5uO-qveNWJ2MJ8S1N7A4MD7rBDvLfOj9WFoiCdvlVrBf3yr5ujOI47JzjLC/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpsJaqWFJ8rFHeeyoqbziGJUqn_71A0Za4QyujA5QstZI4vA8tVVnp8R6NcDrVX-oYehrJjLA-JEZvLWUh5uO-qveNWJ2MJ8S1N7A4MD7rBDvLfOj9WFoiCdvlVrBf3yr5ujOI47JzjLC/s640/IMG_6397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Feel free to write postcards instead. Start small if you have to. I also encourage you to get involved with <a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/" target="_blank">PostCrossing</a>! It's an awesome organization that basically keeps track of postcard penpals. I wrote a little about it <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/01/good-mail-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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What are you waiting for? Dust off the envelopes, grab a pen and start writing! Let's make this so huge and fabulous that the USPS is taken by surprise! </div>
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May your hand not cramp until the 2nd page (or paragraph. I know, it's been a while). </div>
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<b>So tell me, who will you write to first? Who do you think will write back? </b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-48538643430504197282013-10-02T17:45:00.000-04:002014-05-01T20:00:38.735-04:001st Blogiversary! Celebrating with a GIVEAWAY! [Closed]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been expressing my love for you guys all week already and today I want to show it by having a giveaway to celebrate my first blogiversary!!</div>
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I'll be giving away a roll on bottle of <a href="http://www.oilyourbody.com/Oil-Your-Body-PDF/doTERRA-Pro-Flyers/Woman-Solace-Product-Information-Page.pdf" target="_blank">Solace oil blend</a> from <a href="http://www.doterra.com/us/" target="_blank">doTERRA</a> essential oils along with a lovely handmade hot/cold corn pack! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3RzUKgEQFFC6ttCbEVTCZxi5CTV7rajpC0kZNoEDdBI8kN75X5Gobb4zIPZv5ssX7TW6Pxl6_9s2nCEin3jLe14M4bPqzYIZYeqtxM-ncaMLEW4p3rJs1G52gnAhg0zvWZhUuYxp0cxd/s1600/IMG_6315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3RzUKgEQFFC6ttCbEVTCZxi5CTV7rajpC0kZNoEDdBI8kN75X5Gobb4zIPZv5ssX7TW6Pxl6_9s2nCEin3jLe14M4bPqzYIZYeqtxM-ncaMLEW4p3rJs1G52gnAhg0zvWZhUuYxp0cxd/s640/IMG_6315.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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"What in the world is Solace and why do I want it?" Well, let me just tell you why! </div>
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Solace is an awesome oil that is a blend of 11 therapeutic grade essential oils that is the perfect blend for women! Solace includes clary sage, lavender, bergamot, Roman chamomile, cedarwood, ylang yland, geranium, fennel, carrot seed, palmarosa and vitex. </div>
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What that means for us as ladies is that during hormonal points of our lives (menstrual cycles, menopause) we can have a natural form of relief. No more Midol or Advil in this house! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaiDnOvy7ZpIg5jSOn6JZGnKL2StYVPvQKm0gMZGWVZOszVhF0c4x7EsJTfaFjT4qt3-KL0OEcPYCyoUXFIInJpEPJAWy75ymJH2X6J06JfMh9dk4xSjeoU7Z6B12QXaMlNOlQNpXYq2V/s1600/IMG_6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaiDnOvy7ZpIg5jSOn6JZGnKL2StYVPvQKm0gMZGWVZOszVhF0c4x7EsJTfaFjT4qt3-KL0OEcPYCyoUXFIInJpEPJAWy75ymJH2X6J06JfMh9dk4xSjeoU7Z6B12QXaMlNOlQNpXYq2V/s640/IMG_6319.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've used it twice now and I can honestly say that it really helps alleviate cramps! I simply rolled it across my abdomen a few times and relaxed. Within an hour I was feeling significantly better. It was a beautiful thing. Truly. </div>
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I will definitely be using Solace for a long time and would recommend it to any woman! </div>
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For more detailed information about Solace, check out <a href="http://www.oilyourbody.com/Oil-Your-Body-PDF/doTERRA-Pro-Flyers/Woman-Solace-Product-Information-Page.pdf" target="_blank">this site</a>. You can apply the roll on anywhere you feel discomfort or simply inhale it. I really enjoy the smell. It's like an herby-citrus smell. I think most people would enjoy it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3Vp8291UKq873rie3YuJwW3-DnUMguYt9Bj7udR-WED8S8oajW7zX7PQsoGzPfyVeNUvs68ii4fAAelwg3wJpVivUQaKhbGQDJlf6B0-2k68QwbVa1xpHURHMYcBB-DlZJdG0BTcTRu0/s1600/IMG_6316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3Vp8291UKq873rie3YuJwW3-DnUMguYt9Bj7udR-WED8S8oajW7zX7PQsoGzPfyVeNUvs68ii4fAAelwg3wJpVivUQaKhbGQDJlf6B0-2k68QwbVa1xpHURHMYcBB-DlZJdG0BTcTRu0/s640/IMG_6316.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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This beautifully handcrafted corn pack was loving made by Rachel, the lovely doTERRA consultant who is making this giveaway possible! She has other adorable patterns and sells them. This pack goes hand-in-hand with Solace! How many of us are guilty of breaking out the heating pad when Aunt Rose comes to visit? Instead of using an electric heating pad, I can now just pop this gem in the microwave for a bit and then I have a nice hot compress to use while getting a foot rub. Yes, he really does give me foot rubs! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDBuxgLRQf2XXXhayl29ubSOZPdURmhSpr3_pJwFJWkLobRyZt6g416rGWRIKO-4wFz4jTAIfxFdSF9n_vf1LgNhg-YfD-R7e0oJjfUVeT5OpF-BJGtZS-bmVC4WFqaT1sOf6pXle0Jsb/s1600/IMG_6317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDBuxgLRQf2XXXhayl29ubSOZPdURmhSpr3_pJwFJWkLobRyZt6g416rGWRIKO-4wFz4jTAIfxFdSF9n_vf1LgNhg-YfD-R7e0oJjfUVeT5OpF-BJGtZS-bmVC4WFqaT1sOf6pXle0Jsb/s640/IMG_6317.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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How cute is that pattern? I love it! </div>
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So needless to say, I'm excited about this giveaway because it's for products I really enjoy!<br />
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And hey now, no nasty comments about doTERRA or similar companies. After a lot of research I don't think that one company is necessarily "the best" or really even that much better than the other. Essential oil companies are wonderful advocates of healthy living and that's OK by me. You're totally free to maturely discuss different opinions but leave the mud-slinging for another day. Thanks!<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">DETAILS!</b><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Prize:</b> A 5ml roll on bottle of Solace oil from doTERRA and a handmade hot/cold corn pack</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>To enter: </b>Follow the prompts on my Rafflecopter widget below! The more you do the more entries you get!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Starts: </b>Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Ends:</b> Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 at midnight</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Anyone can enter!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">The winner will be chosen at random (from random.org - a random number generator) and announced on Thursday, October 10th, 2013! I will e-mail the winner to confirm. If I don't get a confirmation within 48 hours I will have to choose another winner, so be sure to check back here and check your e-mail!</li>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span a="" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/355c483/" id="rc-355c483" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span></span></div>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you haven't yet, be sure to check out my first post of this week and fill out my <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/1st-blogiversary-amazed-and-confused.html" target="_blank">blogiversary poll</a>! I'd love to get to know you guys!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Good luck!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Till next time,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Catherine</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Disclaimer: I have received the above products for my own review and use but all of the opinions above are my own! That's what you'll always get from me...honesty! I was also not paid for this review/giveaway. </i></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-54892509740888774372013-10-01T21:24:00.000-04:002013-10-01T21:28:32.166-04:001st Blogiversary! Past, Present, and Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One year ago today I wrote my <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/10/so-it-begins.html" target="_blank">very first blog post</a>. Don't judge me. I didn't know anything about blogging at that point! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3bd6NnHhQ4hW_k-EDg07psB0Rl9vGNzXuSe7Zx4QWMIIHs4LUvlk4b_Wgx6CaHj-Y_xaM2BZ_7y5H43cbRWzNtvsQ3oavk9M3zmRe1PUFugC0yvHxXoit6-3Ldyi4RFskLOlbeqxp6Ch/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3bd6NnHhQ4hW_k-EDg07psB0Rl9vGNzXuSe7Zx4QWMIIHs4LUvlk4b_Wgx6CaHj-Y_xaM2BZ_7y5H43cbRWzNtvsQ3oavk9M3zmRe1PUFugC0yvHxXoit6-3Ldyi4RFskLOlbeqxp6Ch/s640/IMG_3196.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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You guys have been here through it all. Even when <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/10/bread-galore.html" target="_blank">I tried to make bread</a> for the first time and failed miserably.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_xl8H1Fvcocc_LGA6jFlfkZ6fmYa2dHhfvC8wCrvwsmvFVeh7nG8uX-SytaJwKdENSAuSoPstBhrx9UOuvm32OJmNbjenxRExq-DRnpeEdAyCLsvpc-RfyvDTx1RBrlgkLEzVOpyD9-R/s1600/IMG_3204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_xl8H1Fvcocc_LGA6jFlfkZ6fmYa2dHhfvC8wCrvwsmvFVeh7nG8uX-SytaJwKdENSAuSoPstBhrx9UOuvm32OJmNbjenxRExq-DRnpeEdAyCLsvpc-RfyvDTx1RBrlgkLEzVOpyD9-R/s640/IMG_3204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then when I got it right and <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/10/bread-galore.html" target="_blank">made amazing bread</a>!</div>
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It's been a long and wonderful road with a huge learning curve. But I really have enjoyed it all! Through joining blogging networks, connecting with other bloggers and even <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/lynchburg-virginia-blogger-meetup.html" target="_blank">meeting a few of my fellow local bloggers</a>! I had no idea what I was getting into when I started but now I couldn't even entertain the thought of quitting! </div>
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I've now published a total of 211 posts! Wow. That's a lot of blogging! Here are some of the most popular/favorite posts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWXd6LjaTY_kl95BWekekqRo_LPAlie7SLceutQ4o6XRs1MFElCmIiSSWre5e98Sz5OX8_qyysKb384cISyL1SD3986onqgETjGGDqRVaQZooy1Rb4Rm2hQcFtbSMKW3EbpldrXyGyBwZ/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWXd6LjaTY_kl95BWekekqRo_LPAlie7SLceutQ4o6XRs1MFElCmIiSSWre5e98Sz5OX8_qyysKb384cISyL1SD3986onqgETjGGDqRVaQZooy1Rb4Rm2hQcFtbSMKW3EbpldrXyGyBwZ/s640/IMG_9029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My MOST popular post was actually my husband's first post! His <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-building-medieval-helmet-out-of.html" target="_blank">cardboard helmet tutorial</a> got an astonishing 5,570 views! Halloween's coming up soon and this would be an awesome DIY costume for kids an adults alike. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmnKzP8HXbBhZ4fzSdvO0R8Ri6fHzMkaadj2iY8Ks3A7y3RJe2xfn9AGfd3kYv9-hzOrB9JX8yQUbz8YRP2rJOJhEt0SS7J56Kp1tTRJgYZJo3UqMpFCe8LsFshyphenhyphen127tVzxCChw6hjgqb/s1600/IMG_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmnKzP8HXbBhZ4fzSdvO0R8Ri6fHzMkaadj2iY8Ks3A7y3RJe2xfn9AGfd3kYv9-hzOrB9JX8yQUbz8YRP2rJOJhEt0SS7J56Kp1tTRJgYZJo3UqMpFCe8LsFshyphenhyphen127tVzxCChw6hjgqb/s640/IMG_5844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My second most popular post was my <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-pallet-garden-for-less-than-20.html" target="_blank">DIY pallet garden for under $20</a>. It rounded out the year with 3,728 views which is still huge! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI7w_OJ5p_KCrl8pJWeUG1VGANSCZvFgRpM0mxpuMO0MW08geRtzY29CZGBfY9qIctwHHw0yWCiSPy1xaUO-3ZlABaoHoqO-v_SShkOIqdBtVGokESFW8PFuv7ohXmL-iwBovphigvH_b/s1600/WDW+Tumblr+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI7w_OJ5p_KCrl8pJWeUG1VGANSCZvFgRpM0mxpuMO0MW08geRtzY29CZGBfY9qIctwHHw0yWCiSPy1xaUO-3ZlABaoHoqO-v_SShkOIqdBtVGokESFW8PFuv7ohXmL-iwBovphigvH_b/s640/WDW+Tumblr+image.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The 3rd most popular post was my <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/12/pinterest-fail-magic-eraser-in-toilet.html" target="_blank">Magic Eraser toilet cleaner Pinterest fail</a> and 4th popular was <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-walking-dead-workout.html" target="_blank">The Walking Dead workout</a>! Is anyone as excited as I am that the next season is about to begin?!? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU_SaIjAeRATUoXoKxsSw1VvgwuA_l8xBGfp94Gg3xtBylbNhLT2ySgr_JjuFCVABiJLzjdmDEcszgC3bsHeem8Cm5KrYokdW-m-vnX-YHJ8uYX76HRkCyTKvXU1oYjUONSdBIOFZlJNE/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU_SaIjAeRATUoXoKxsSw1VvgwuA_l8xBGfp94Gg3xtBylbNhLT2ySgr_JjuFCVABiJLzjdmDEcszgC3bsHeem8Cm5KrYokdW-m-vnX-YHJ8uYX76HRkCyTKvXU1oYjUONSdBIOFZlJNE/s640/IMG_5922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My most popular Pinterest pin was the recipe for my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/130111876707612134/" target="_blank">homemade garden fresh salsa</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8c_Oa7IITVuMHpMDUKldPRXEQeAUo635FP4_Az_54A5-4SKAXjjUHySm9wEV_sBGCM8Obkb5yekzcANQNv8tQHuqdnGvH5Fq_kwaAt2FVhHJj4LwaqgpG7Co8Tm_o3golMO0yN3bvUXe/s1600/IMG_9077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8c_Oa7IITVuMHpMDUKldPRXEQeAUo635FP4_Az_54A5-4SKAXjjUHySm9wEV_sBGCM8Obkb5yekzcANQNv8tQHuqdnGvH5Fq_kwaAt2FVhHJj4LwaqgpG7Co8Tm_o3golMO0yN3bvUXe/s640/IMG_9077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Followed by my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/130111876705859304/" target="_blank">homemade no high-fructose-corn-syrup ketchup</a>! Both of which are so delicious that you'll never buy those things from the store ever again! So if you haven't pinned them yet, go for it! </div>
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I'll wait. </div>
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If you want to follow me on Pinterest, just click <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CatherinePWood/" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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What Happily Ever Crafter post is YOUR favorite? You can choose from the ones above or the archives on the right sidebar. </div>
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It's really neat to look at my most popular posts and realize they're all totally different! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rtT8L74uZZAr5FHsXv5dOAZwDpI5_CD6r7eH7tMeb17dkg9rn8f_37BVqsbdYcBPzdY-6uMfY8Gr6iDZQma27GUmSx99X-FoSYMliz8A-3PefRBX4zAmPlzL_cawr-ib-0K0b7xeCaQV/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rtT8L74uZZAr5FHsXv5dOAZwDpI5_CD6r7eH7tMeb17dkg9rn8f_37BVqsbdYcBPzdY-6uMfY8Gr6iDZQma27GUmSx99X-FoSYMliz8A-3PefRBX4zAmPlzL_cawr-ib-0K0b7xeCaQV/s640/IMG_4491.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our anniversary trip to Williamsburg, Virginia</td></tr>
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And finally...drumroll please! My total pageviews for my very first year of blogging...</div>
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39,463!!!</div>
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For you seasoned bloggers that may seem like chump change but I am blown away! My very first month I had only 180 pageviews. I guess that's decent considering I didn't tell anyone that I started a blog!</div>
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Every month has shown exponential growth and it's so cool to watch! I owe it all to you guys for liking, commenting and sharing my blog! I can't forget my incredible blog networks either, you can check those out on my sidebar. </div>
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The future of this blog is completely unknown. I have goals but I don't know where exactly this blog will take me. Here are some of those goals for the next year of blogging.</div>
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<li>Reach 1,000 views a day.</li>
<li>Reach 1,000 likes on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappilyEverCrafterz" target="_blank">Facebook</a> (currently at 391!)</li>
<li>Schedule Facebook posts ahead of time.</li>
<li>Get back to consistently posting (good content) up to 5 days a week.</li>
<li>Write those posts ahead of time and schedule them. AKA "Get with the times, Catherine."</li>
<li>Cook and craft more for better posts.</li>
<li>Try more things from Pinterest and share about it!</li>
<li>Earn a little money through the blog and buy my own domain name (plus make the blog beautiful and functional!)</li>
<li>Connect with YOU better and attend blogging conferences (like <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/08/upcoming-blogger-conference-femworking.html" target="_blank">this one</a> I'm attending on October 26th!)</li>
<li>Be open to constructive criticism and change. </li>
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So here's to the first of many years of blogging! </div>
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If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the first post of the week and fill out my <a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/1st-blogiversary-amazed-and-confused.html" target="_blank">blogiversary poll</a>! I want to get to know my lovely readers! </div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-77116415117561136852013-09-30T21:03:00.000-04:002013-09-30T21:06:04.300-04:001st Blogiversary! Amazed and ConfusedWow it is incredible to think that it has been ONE YEAR since I began blogging! (Ok technically it's tomorrow.)<br />
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I never thought that my little blog would be where it is today. And I never thought I'd enjoy blogging as much as I do either!<br />
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Blogging has become this amazing journey of discovering my desire to write and share my thoughts with others, connect with people across the country (and world!) and learn more about myself in the process. It has inspired me to cook more, grow more, create more, adventure more, and overall live a better life.<br />
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Gracious, how did I even get here?<br />
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A drive to share my experiences with others and YOU.<br />
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The main thing that makes blogging incredible is YOU. My beautiful, sweet and smart readers! Ok and you fellas are handsome, caring and intelligent ;-) Can't leave out the guys!<br />
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Blogging would be pointless if it weren't for the readers. Whether you're simply looking for a delicious and healthy recipe or you're a die-hard blog reader or a blogger yourself, you're so important.<br />
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So to kick off my 1st blogiversary week, I want to say THANK YOU to my lovely readers and now, I want to learn a little more about you!<br />
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For fun I'll post my answers down below the poll! I look forward to reading your responses and I'll work on making fun graphs (did I just call graphs "fun"?) later in the week!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pFTjkhlEcmwbC9A3i6YgQPa69TVGLEHNNNsESLiRLCQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="760">Loading...</iframe>
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<li>I am in my 20s (25 to be precise).</li>
<li>I am a lady.</li>
<li>I am a veterinary receptionist.</li>
<li>I rent a townhouse.</li>
<li>I live in Virginia, USA.</li>
<li>In my spare time I do all of the above except sing (I try, but fail) and shop.</li>
<li>My life would not be complete without my spouse and my pets mostly.</li>
<li>My least favorite social media site is a a 6-way tie. I like Facebook and that's about it. Ok Pinterest is super addicting too.</li>
</ul>
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Speaking of Facebook, have you "liked" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappilyEverCrafterz?ref=hl" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a> yet? If not you can click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappilyEverCrafterz?ref=hl" target="_blank">HERE</a> to do so!<br />
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You can also follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CatherinePWood/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<b>No question today, just fill out the poll if you have a moment, please and thank you!</b><br />
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Till next time,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-2113288947554714412013-09-25T21:11:00.002-04:002013-10-30T14:45:11.563-04:00{Wedding Wednesday} How to Survive a Wedding Expo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcjQbCyJSE2Awq7BYID6pTl3nU3F_7TnTJWDO1Sbjuj8HbNtw4t3jshNBYTy7GYW3JHh0eZFVWZXv9Wq-XE4hWRhSp9vKRVsWKsF58ZVeBTfNboj5b-Bfg1w845LDHG5jqHIagXlB79Ir/s1600/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcjQbCyJSE2Awq7BYID6pTl3nU3F_7TnTJWDO1Sbjuj8HbNtw4t3jshNBYTy7GYW3JHh0eZFVWZXv9Wq-XE4hWRhSp9vKRVsWKsF58ZVeBTfNboj5b-Bfg1w845LDHG5jqHIagXlB79Ir/s640/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Welcome to another Wedding Wednesday! It's quickly become my favorite day of the week! I absolutely LOVE going back through my wedding planning materials and reliving it all!</div>
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Today I want to go over my advice for surviving a wedding expo. Bridal show, wedding showcase, bridal expo, wedding expo, whatever it's called, it can be extremely overwhelming. Depending on the size of the show, you could be faced with anywhere from 20 to 200 vendors! And all of them want your business. </div>
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So without further ado, here's my advice for how to make the most of your bridal show experience!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go to several and go early!</span></div>
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I went to 3 different bridal shows way before my wedding date. You want to go pretty much as early as you can. Even if you're on the verge of engaged and there's a show coming up, go to it! I went to the <a href="http://www.vabridalshows.com/" target="_blank">2nd Forever Yours Dream Wedding Showcase</a> on February 21, 2010, the <a href="http://www.richmondbridalshowcase.com/" target="_blank">Richmond Bridal Showcase</a> on January 9, 2011 and the <a href="http://richmondweddings.com/wedding-expo/" target="_blank">Richmond Wedding Expo</a> on June 26, 2011. We didn't get married until March 24, 2012! Each time it was just my mom and I that went. Bringing more than 1-2 other people can just get crazy. Bringing your fiance is not required and he will probably thank you for not dragging him along. If he wants to be involved, by all means, he can come! But honestly, it's more of a bride/girl thing and chances are he won't have much fun. </div>
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Also, "go early" means to get to the show early. If it's on from 12pn-4pm, don't wait until 2pm! You want to get there early so you have enough time to go through the booths at least once, preferably twice. It's a lot to take in, a lot to see, do and there are tons of vendors to talk to. Plus, many expos will have exhibitions going on throughout the day. It could be a runway show of bridal party attire, wedding dresses, photographer slideshows or even a DJ or band performing. Check the schedule on the expo's website ahead of time to get an idea of who and what you want to be sure to see! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoi6trC0aDg5L7mQIyDtwQoHgV0KT_boxiLPF0lBMVK-VsqsgzZcpV2W_Nw30NZD8KIl4SxsezmqNkId6ALmejS6mMUyeI4szUveRf_Z7AwHH4sfyCW4x95djjKaurfa3LZ2MFrna8SRQ/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoi6trC0aDg5L7mQIyDtwQoHgV0KT_boxiLPF0lBMVK-VsqsgzZcpV2W_Nw30NZD8KIl4SxsezmqNkId6ALmejS6mMUyeI4szUveRf_Z7AwHH4sfyCW4x95djjKaurfa3LZ2MFrna8SRQ/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you like a vendor then take their info!</span><br />
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Don't assume you'll remember the company name or website. Even if they're out of business cards, write. it. down. Even if it's a service you're not sure you'll use (like a limo company or a wedding planner), err on the side of caution and take the info. Later on you can filter through and decide what you'll need and what you won't.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take your time</span><br />
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Like I said before, give yourself plenty of time to visit every booth. You don't want to miss anything. Go early and plan to stay for a few hours. It can be exhausting but you want to be thorough. Plus, if the door prizes are must-be-present-to-win, you don't want to miss out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTWuwcS3zpj-3EkevzjueFzmyqJ4EOI_9CAAVAYJQM-dCPoX08O5Ej_nkNr9DObZJMi-cA05Lhm-tTKY4NkBtv7hLJ_mEBn3gLOmIgxSi6YGzT40R-rptXy3GFfQRcChM2jDx6VPzXiRZ/s1600/IMG_6246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTWuwcS3zpj-3EkevzjueFzmyqJ4EOI_9CAAVAYJQM-dCPoX08O5Ej_nkNr9DObZJMi-cA05Lhm-tTKY4NkBtv7hLJ_mEBn3gLOmIgxSi6YGzT40R-rptXy3GFfQRcChM2jDx6VPzXiRZ/s640/IMG_6246.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be prepared</span><br />
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Bring your planner, a pen or pencil, a tote bag and a water bottle. Sometimes vendors or the show will have these things for attendants but don't count on it. Be ready to write your name, fiance's name, phone number and e-mail address about a hundred times. Oh and don't eat a big meal before going, but do eat something. Very often, caterers and bakers will have samples available to try so you don't want to be too full to try them! And don't stress about your "wedding diet," just eat the tiny square of cake and be happy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enter any and all giveaways</span><br />
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Unless the prize is something you <i>know</i> you'd never use or couldn't give to a friend, enter them all! The show will most likely be hosting some giveaways/door prizes as well as many of the vendors. Vendors will also do their own giveaways. Some will have raffles, some will have spinner wheels and some will just be offering discounts for anyone who books with them at the show. Think carefully before signing up for those, though. You don't want to get stuck with a vendor you're not sure about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1IdlCfUe2oGXr9sfDmWBcjt9t2JoYVzJkIMdrpwrV7KLujo7-48ZXrrr9hU-L4kA66X-2PGmVNW2GowBNaTiR-Vsw9Gcu9HrW1OAC5rqaIW8igji9SRSE5HV3bBslB7GSxzPRABHoHUT/s1600/IMG_6145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1IdlCfUe2oGXr9sfDmWBcjt9t2JoYVzJkIMdrpwrV7KLujo7-48ZXrrr9hU-L4kA66X-2PGmVNW2GowBNaTiR-Vsw9Gcu9HrW1OAC5rqaIW8igji9SRSE5HV3bBslB7GSxzPRABHoHUT/s640/IMG_6145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get Organized</span></div>
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When you get home from the show, kick back and take a breather. Then, get yourself organized. If you haven't already, get a 3 ring binder and sort all of your goodies. Creating a wedding organizer will be a whole separate post but it's something you should definitely do! Sort your brochures, pamphlets, business cards and price lists by category and make an initial "toss" pile. Again, there will probably be some info you take from vendors you really don't think you'll use so feel free to toss them. If there's a photographer you liked but is waaay out of your budget, toss it. There's no need to bum yourself out over something you can't have. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Budget it</span></div>
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If you've already established a wedding budget, factor in the bridal shows. It counts. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy it!</span></div>
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Last but not least, as always, enjoy it! Breathe, smile, eat, laugh. Meet other brides, meet vendors, don't stress. </div>
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And there you have it, my advice for making the most of wedding expos! If you are in the Virginia/D.C./Maryland area, then keep an eye out for expos all the time. Richmond and D.C. have multiple shows each year and they are top notch! To find wedding expos near you, simply Google it. Don't exclude nearby large cities, that's probably where most will be held. </div>
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<b>Have you been to a wedding expo yet? If you have, what was your favorite part about it?</b></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!</span><br />
<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-getting-started-on.html" target="_blank">Getting Started on Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-my-tips-for-less.html" target="_blank">My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-choosing-photographer.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Photographer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-wednesday-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">How to Survive a Wedding Expo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://happilyevercrafterz.blogspot.com/2013/10/wedding-wednesday-mirror-mirror-guest.html" target="_blank">Mirror, Mirror - Why Big Mirrors Are a Must!</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5b9r5OWao3rp4UtA75V44pPrHMgzJwkTdrZza9etZ0Thg66pb1YnGme85f2DXh_1OUrc-dERhdKwQ33KuXm1qhcezuOb_LnKCxo-p_Las2R2lXqeh2zNUtJsbt2V6MIlr7oI4yCp8iiS/s1600/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5b9r5OWao3rp4UtA75V44pPrHMgzJwkTdrZza9etZ0Thg66pb1YnGme85f2DXh_1OUrc-dERhdKwQ33KuXm1qhcezuOb_LnKCxo-p_Las2R2lXqeh2zNUtJsbt2V6MIlr7oI4yCp8iiS/s320/+Wedding+Wednesdays+Banner+V1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177892521794614645.post-64118620282526502682013-09-19T19:54:00.001-04:002013-09-19T19:54:22.438-04:00Ivy Creek Park with the PupsTook the pups to Ivy Creek Park tonight for a little stroll around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmqBnQ2-9P-3g0Ui7sPKmybbVOR1mWrHnHM5rbgZJzXdyh6bOAE0-tO15y4qLu8CiB-m7S2Pj4lnEXE3HQ6CI9AmksEBxwT3Y-M0DOwCO_1p60uMUmYHCbgOdxDE8J2ZgWIZVYyRoBC2v/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmqBnQ2-9P-3g0Ui7sPKmybbVOR1mWrHnHM5rbgZJzXdyh6bOAE0-tO15y4qLu8CiB-m7S2Pj4lnEXE3HQ6CI9AmksEBxwT3Y-M0DOwCO_1p60uMUmYHCbgOdxDE8J2ZgWIZVYyRoBC2v/s640/IMG_6195.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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It was a lovely warm evening. Perfect for a walk!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw_t8EhuudazhzlbxHms88Eavjp8sG-uR8fD3neZyb01a4d_uY3tstevbwMCS2nut75-0gxxrcotqADyMWzUGvfDqtFuZAFkpC47YUYCjxcGtQkMxVCVKQZN2EWE4zV6Q5jKsfmVKNrlu/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw_t8EhuudazhzlbxHms88Eavjp8sG-uR8fD3neZyb01a4d_uY3tstevbwMCS2nut75-0gxxrcotqADyMWzUGvfDqtFuZAFkpC47YUYCjxcGtQkMxVCVKQZN2EWE4zV6Q5jKsfmVKNrlu/s640/IMG_6198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thought I'd share the few pictures I took on the way :-)</div>
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This is how you walk with two hound breeds. Noses to the ground!<br />
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Crossing the bridge. </div>
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Pretty wooded paths.</div>
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Focus, guys! Focus! They insisted on snorting every single smell of every single person, plant, and animal that has ever been through here.</div>
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I recently learned that this is jewelweed. It's small but pretty and has a lovely citrus smell if you walk by enough of it.</div>
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Momentary pause where they lifted their faces from the ground. Well, sort of for Jill, she's always at ground level. </div>
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Poor old Jill needed a break so we sat down on a bench in front of the lake to rest.</div>
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"Hey guys...hey! Come here, sit pretty for a picture."</div>
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"Look cute and stuff."</div>
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"Both of you look at me!"</div>
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"Oh for crying out loud." </div>
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I took probably a dozen more trying to get one where they were both looking at me. It never happened. </div>
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Oh well.</div>
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It was a nice evening and now they are thoroughly tired...even though it wasn't a very long walk! They're just old!<br />
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<b>How do you enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice?</b><br />
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Till next time,<br />
CatherineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14869414746881394117noreply@blogger.com6