tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13256768902674496662024-03-17T21:58:43.500-05:00.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-9009319649769185412014-10-26T14:30:00.000-05:002014-10-27T12:18:39.549-05:00Playing Catch UpHi everyone,<br />
<br />
Again, I apologize for not posting regularly. It's not that I don't have anything to write about but just pure laziness on my part. I've got several projects in the works inside and out and time just seems to get away from me.<br />
<br />
Because the weather has gotten so gorgeous here, (cooler temperatures and very little humidity) I've been spending time outside getting things ready for next spring before it really turns cold. I've started a cutting garden and have planted tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth bulbs as well as preparing the soil to plant some iris bulbs. We have (husband and I) have re-planted asparagus ferns so that they will create hedge of sorts along a fence line, sowed grass seed and still have more seed to sow before the next rain. Around here, I have found that you have to use a good layer of top soil after turning over the sandy soil because nothing seems to grow in sand and while it is good to have a sandy soil for drainage, it isn't very good for planting grass seed or plants directly in it. Live and learn. HAH<br />
<br />
I also have started a knitting project (a lap throw). I was reading a blog post recently on how to knit a lap throw on 60" knitting needles with three skeins of yarn to create a really chunky throw. Well, I decided to use two skeins instead of three and so far I like how it looks. I won't lie, it is hard to knit on such HUGE needles and I have to take breaks because my thumbs get really sore (I think I may have a bit of arthritis in them) but I'm not in any hurry to finish it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHbcg3kOX8w/VE0wsQl8xOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/xpz8syHNj9Q/s1600/IMG_4812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHbcg3kOX8w/VE0wsQl8xOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/xpz8syHNj9Q/s1600/IMG_4812.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of those needles!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij4366A2uGg/VE0w9wC-m3I/AAAAAAAACqY/MNupOfne8NE/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij4366A2uGg/VE0w9wC-m3I/AAAAAAAACqY/MNupOfne8NE/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" height="640" width="610" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just think how it would look if I were using (3) skeins of yarn at one time!<br />
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This is also the time of year that pinecones are plentiful around here...they are everywhere. In my Country Living magazine this month they told how to bleach pinecones to change the color of them by soaking them in one part water and two parts bleach for 24 hours. You have to make sure to keep the cones submerged beneath the water. I did mine in a bucket and used a plate to keep them submerged. After 24 hours, I removed them rinsed them thoroughly (they will be closed up) you can either let them dry out on their own ( when they have re-opened fully from their closed position) which might take up to (2) weeks (depending on how cold the weather is where you are) or you can place them on a cookie sheet and into a 200 degree oven until they open back up. They turn a really pretty bleached color. I took 1 yard of 3/8" velvet ribbon per pinecone and cut it into a 3/4 yard piece and a 1/4 yard piece. I adhered the longer ribbon to the pinecone base with hot glue and tied the shorter ribbon into a bow and adhered it to the base of the pinecone again with hot glue. (I attached both pieces of the ribbon to base of the pinecones I was doing to create a loop instead of using just the one end because I wanted to slide the ribbon onto my rods and hang from my windows.) You can also use them to hang on a chandelier, wreath, or from a door hanger on the inside of your front door. Here is a photo of how they turned out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpL2mRAejg/VE00i7eOTKI/AAAAAAAACqk/6B_aZWxd2uY/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpL2mRAejg/VE00i7eOTKI/AAAAAAAACqk/6B_aZWxd2uY/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These look darker then they really are because of the lighting.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0V3b1Roh7c/VE00z86R-nI/AAAAAAAACqs/4ImmV2YKsck/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0V3b1Roh7c/VE00z86R-nI/AAAAAAAACqs/4ImmV2YKsck/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" height="374" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These look more like the color of the pinecones than the first photo. I like the bright colors against the bleached pinecones.<br />
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I also have recipe that I would like to share with all of you. Libby at <a href="http://www.libbywilkiedesigns.com/2014/10/orange-lavender-polenta-cake.html">An Eye for Detail</a>, who's blog I follow, posted a recipe for Orange Lavender Polenta Cake which sounded delicious. I mentioned in my comment to her that I had a recipe I picked up from a restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky for de Sha's homemade Cornbread. I told her that I would post the recipe as it is one I use quite often. In this recipe, the cornbread tastes and looks more like cake than cornbread and is sweet and served with homemade honey butter. I guarantee you that you won't find a better recipe if you like your cornbread sweet.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSEicUMjVEk/VE5-MaK5q3I/AAAAAAAACq8/Y7jQJNSZHfc/s1600/img_4456_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSEicUMjVEk/VE5-MaK5q3I/AAAAAAAACq8/Y7jQJNSZHfc/s1600/img_4456_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
de Sha's Homemade Cornbread<br />
(serves 12)<br />
<br />
3 Cups of self-rising cornmeal<br />
<br />
1/3 cup Sugar<br />
<br />
6 eggs<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil<br />
<br />
3 cups of sour cream<br />
<br />
2 2/3 cups of cream style corn<br />
<br />
For cornbread: Combine first 6 ingredients in order listed. Mix well and pour into a greased 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until center of cornbread springs back when touched. Let cool and enjoy.<br />
<br />
For the Honey Butter: <br />
<br />
Mix 1 1/3 cups of butter softened<br />
<br />
1/2 cup of Honey<br />
<br />
Mix softened butter and honey together and serve with warm cornbread.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for cornbread that isn't full of calories this recipe isn't for you. LOL It is wonderful though and taste great with homemade Italian soup made with Italian sausage, chickpeas, zucchini, squash, tomatoes and spices.<br />
<br />
Well, that about does it for me. I hope I haven't bored you with the length of this post but I wanted to post all of it before I forgot it. LOL My memory isn't what it used to be.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-26093032933331279852014-09-11T16:56:00.000-05:002014-09-11T16:56:11.400-05:00Touring Through BloglandVictoria from the blog Slightly Shabby has invited me to participate in Touring Through Blogland. It's been a while since I've done this, so please bear with me and I hope you won't judge me too harshly for how this post turns out. LOL<br />
<br />
First off, I'll show a photo I took recently to give everyone something to look at and break the ice. Everyone loves pictures and it will lighten up my answers to the questions posed.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN1gI_2Vds/VBH8xafxVuI/AAAAAAAACoE/8NlrlCZNXbw/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN1gI_2Vds/VBH8xafxVuI/AAAAAAAACoE/8NlrlCZNXbw/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" height="514" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Pier Park, Panama City Florida</td></tr>
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<br />
1.) What am I working on now?<br />
<br />
I just recently took a hanging driftwood mobile that I had ordered that had been damaged in the<br />
shipment to me apart and re-purposed it by re-stringing it into one long row instead of a mobile.<br />
Because it was damaged, the company I purchased it from told me to keep it.<br />
I couldn't bear the thought of tossing it so I decided I would hang it on a hanger until I could figure<br />
out what to do with it. Well, I was visiting a blog one day a couple weeks later and I saw where<br />
someone had taken predrilled driftwood pieces, painted them, and strung them in a long row. (I<br />
wish I could remember the name of the blog to give proper credit, but the name escapes me right<br />
now). I painted each piece and wiped off the excess to give it a whitewash look and strung it<br />
on a long piece of hemp twine, re-used the ring it was hanging on and added a pre-drilled<br />
starfish to the end of it. Voila! Here is how it turned out:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lburDKihzb0/VBIAJ9_Mx5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/3gfB4PL8IeM/s1600/IMG_4755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lburDKihzb0/VBIAJ9_Mx5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/3gfB4PL8IeM/s1600/IMG_4755.jpg" height="640" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the lighting, the room this is hanging in doesn't get any sunlight.<br />
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<div>
Here is a close-up of the beginning of it:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qaCMcVD00xc/VBIAi1q8AzI/AAAAAAAACoY/X7ccoSqDDso/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qaCMcVD00xc/VBIAi1q8AzI/AAAAAAAACoY/X7ccoSqDDso/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" height="400" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better view.</td></tr>
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<div>
It was any easy re-purpose and I love how it turned out. I will be making another one for a friend of mine. Living in Florida, this piece of artwork fits in nicely with my beach themed home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.) How Does your work differ from others in this genre?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I'm not sure how to answer that question??? I often try to do new projects on a smaller scale</div>
<div>
than others in the DYI or craft field. I'm no expert but love a challenge and if I can use something </div>
<div>
I already have to make it all the better. It's amazing and inspiring what a bit of paint and ideas </div>
<div>
you find through blogging can lead you to. I also love taking photos and trying my hand at </div>
<div>
drawing although, I'm not very good at it, I've learned not to be so critical of what I try my hand</div>
<div>
at.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is a photo of two drawing I recently did...not perfect by any means but it looks as good as some</div>
<div>
of the prints I see available for sale on other websites. Again, not perfect but my take and vision of</div>
<div>
the objects I draw.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN7TXH58tkw/VBID9fkUByI/AAAAAAAACos/-Idjrj0XhZ0/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN7TXH58tkw/VBID9fkUByI/AAAAAAAACos/-Idjrj0XhZ0/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" height="366" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Am I a self-proclaimed artist? Not on your life but still it was worth the effort, at least to me.<br />
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3.) Why do you write/create what you do?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I started out blogging, gosh, 7 or 8 years ago. When I first started blogging I thought it would be</div>
<div>
fun to write and share different aspects of my life, a diary of sorts. I didn't have a "genre" per say, </div>
<div>
but would write stories about my childhood and favorite interests. As I became a bit more sure of </div>
<div>
myself, (YAY, finally) I started having posts that included homes and rooms that I found inspiring.</div>
<div>
Adding to that, items that I was making and selling in my Etsy Shop. (which I've since closed)</div>
<div>
I found after a while, I started to become "burned out" i.e. trying to visit and comment on </div>
<div>
everybody's posts ('cause everybody loves comments just as much as I liked receiving them)</div>
<div>
along with trying to keep up with my shop and trying to write interesting and informative</div>
<div>
posts was too much and the enjoyment of having a blog soon became work instead of the FUN</div>
<div>
I started out with. So, I backed away from it and now only post when I want to or have</div>
<div>
something to add of value. I still visit and comment, but just not as much as before and only</div>
<div>
with others who I've built up a friendship with. Whenever something becomes WORK instead of</div>
<div>
fun and you begin to "go through the motions" without enjoying what you are doing, it's</div>
<div>
time to stop, take a deep breathe and ask yourself is this what I really wanted out of this?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
4.) How does your writing/creating process work?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I generally have a "light bulb" ( or as others might say "I fly by the seat of my pants") moment that </div>
<div>
leads me to write or try something new. I used to think that I "couldn't do something" but then I</div>
<div>
thought if all the world felt that way, nothing would be created or written. Sometimes,</div>
<div>
you just have to put yourself out there and give it a whirl anyway, you'll never know what you can</div>
<div>
achieve until you do. I find much of my inspiration these days comes from nature. I've been</div>
<div>
taking photos of the beach and printing them to sell in a craft show that a friend of mine has </div>
<div>
paid to have a space in. By far though, my biggest pleasure is watching the birds</div>
<div>
eat from the feeder. If you have ever watched birds feed, they have a pecking order of sorts. The</div>
<div>
larger birds i.e. blue jays, woodpecker, and doves tend to dominate the feeder and bully the </div>
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smaller birds until they are finished. Just watching them is inspiring to me. I can view them from</div>
<div>
outside the window where my computer is so there is always a new bird that pays the feeder a</div>
<div>
visit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would like to thank Victoria for the invitation to write for Touring Through Blogland and all of you who stop by for the opportunity to share with you my thoughts and ideas for being creative. Here are some shots I recently took that will be shown at the craft fair. I would have never guessed that I would love photograpy as much as I do and all it took was taking that first couple of shots and liking</div>
<div>
how they turned out. Which goes to show you only have to give it a "shot". You never know what might come out of it!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1voz4_jNX0E/VBITvjC0JgI/AAAAAAAACo8/MS84l7mO8vQ/s1600/IMG_4574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1voz4_jNX0E/VBITvjC0JgI/AAAAAAAACo8/MS84l7mO8vQ/s1600/IMG_4574.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-60930574387321166252014-09-09T20:04:00.000-05:002014-09-09T20:04:38.891-05:00Simple Cooking Techniques<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuPyrV5x4lI/U_oY24TfzLI/AAAAAAAACmw/4V_xKQrtdqI/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuPyrV5x4lI/U_oY24TfzLI/AAAAAAAACmw/4V_xKQrtdqI/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo I took painted in Waterlogue</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Hi,<br />
<br />
I hope everyone is well and enjoying the last of the summer months before fall sets in. I have to say that I am looking forward to cooler weather having had enough h~o~t and humid temperatures. It also brings a desire to cook and bake recipes inside instead of on the barbecue (although, I love grilled foods and can usually grill all year round here in Florida). But still, there is something comforting about trying out new or old tried and true recipes when the weather starts to chill and the fall season sets in.<br />
<br />
Summers are reminiscence of back yard barbecues, cool drinks (with or without alcohol) sitting on your patio or deck and enjoying your gardens. For me, fall and winter months are about experimenting with new recipes that can warm the house and add aromas of the foods you are preparing.<br />
<br />
I love cooking and found the best recipes and advice come from a website called <a href="http://food52.com/blog/10941-the-essential-techniques-that-every-home-cook-should-know?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Editorial%20AND%20Provisions&utm_campaign=08242014_Edit%2BProv_SundayDigest">Food 52</a>. I subscribe to their e-mails which brings me recipes and new items that are listed in their website shop. Today's e-mail brought me simple techniques on how to be a better cook by listing tips that I had forgotten about and in some cases didn't even know about from cooking rice, steaks and pasta to brewing cold coffee. Things that want to make you go humm, I didn't know that!<br />
<br />
Enjoy the tips and remember, " to learn something new everyday". Link to article here: <a href="http://food52.com/blog/10941-the-essential-techniques-that-every-home-cook-should-know?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Editorial%20AND%20Provisions&utm_campaign=08242014_Edit%2BProv_SundayDigest">Food 52</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOskf7DWs6M/U_oZD-8uQnI/AAAAAAAACm4/AhyZdsEM9BQ/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOskf7DWs6M/U_oZD-8uQnI/AAAAAAAACm4/AhyZdsEM9BQ/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-69107829713947559242014-08-23T14:26:00.000-05:002014-08-30T12:45:00.404-05:00Hanging Driftwood<br />
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Several weeks ago, I purchased a hanging driftwood mobile made from predrilled pieces of driftwood that was hanging on two pieces of cross shaped wood . When I received it in the mail it was broken :-(. So, I contacted the shop I purchased it from and they gave me a credit and told me I didn't have to ship it back, just to keep it. When I first pulled it out of the box, it was A LOT larger than I thought it would be but in the spirit of not wasting it, I decided to "repair" it. Because it was soooo large, I decided to restring it and make it smaller so it wouldn't be so heavy. It turned out fairly good but it was still extremely heavy. After hanging it in the closet on a hanger until I could think my way around what else I could do with it, I had visited a blog where I saw driftwood pieces whitewashed and hung in a straight line instead of on a mobile. (I wish I could remember the name of that blog to give credit but it escapes my mind) So, with that in mind, I decided to "repurpose it" AGAIN. (I hate throwing things away and after all someone did take lot of pains and product to make the original mobile).<br />
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<br />
So, I unstrung it and took the driftwood pieces that were already predrilled and purchased some paint from Sherwin Williams called Eider White, diluted it 4 ounces of paint to 6 tablespoons of water and with a stiff brush painted each piece of driftwood with the paint and then immediately wiped it off with a lint free cotton cloth. And while it took 2 and 1/2 hours to do this, it was well worth it. I reused the ring that held it and left the string that had attached the two pieces of wood that was crossway and held the pieces of driftwood. I added a starfish that was attached to the original mobile to the one I made and PRESTO, VOILA, a hanging strip of whitewashed driftwood pieces. I love the way it turned out and I am so glad I didn't toss it. Please excuse the photos as the room that I have this hanging in is quite dark and after taking photos with the light on, I didn't like the yellow cast it placed upon the driftwood.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMiHiz4voe4/U_jbTX-nbyI/AAAAAAAACl4/53RaJ2w2IHc/s1600/IMG_4755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMiHiz4voe4/U_jbTX-nbyI/AAAAAAAACl4/53RaJ2w2IHc/s1600/IMG_4755.jpg" height="640" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is approximately 5 ft. long and the perfect length for the wall.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqbiOhMBAxY/U_jbjgxEjGI/AAAAAAAACmI/lzMtTCAgmIo/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqbiOhMBAxY/U_jbjgxEjGI/AAAAAAAACmI/lzMtTCAgmIo/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" height="640" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of the top of the hanging driftwood.</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHZu5Iyzsk/U_jbtB4zg5I/AAAAAAAACmQ/MEm1cfW1QHw/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHZu5Iyzsk/U_jbtB4zg5I/AAAAAAAACmQ/MEm1cfW1QHw/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" height="640" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle section.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoqPY3yvF-8/U_jb4IoclaI/AAAAAAAACmY/HIa8Ks27hJU/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoqPY3yvF-8/U_jb4IoclaI/AAAAAAAACmY/HIa8Ks27hJU/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" height="640" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end.</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6Er8qXdxgI/U_jb_-ETd-I/AAAAAAAACmg/LzUbPvrFk7M/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6Er8qXdxgI/U_jb_-ETd-I/AAAAAAAACmg/LzUbPvrFk7M/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" height="640" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full length.</td></tr>
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So, I guess persistence does pay off cause I really like my new wall art!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-68422142770688276882014-08-19T00:15:00.004-05:002014-08-23T12:57:29.666-05:00Etsy LoveI am a huge fan of Etsy and whenever possible I make purchases from there. There is always such a nice variety of shops to browse through and I am always amazed at the talent out there. I've been reading in various magazines and on blogs about some really cool shops that I will be showing you today.<br />
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The first one is called Eye Poetry and as of late I've been looking at prints to hang on a long chain with clips in my office. I usually like the 5 x 7 size and have found some gorgeous photos in this shop. Here is the link to the shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EyePoetryPhotography?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count">Eye Poetry Photography</a>. Here is a sample of some of my favorites:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVxU6sr-pZo/U_LVJGao7yI/AAAAAAAACjM/QukculGZaDE/s1600/il_570xN.190406137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVxU6sr-pZo/U_LVJGao7yI/AAAAAAAACjM/QukculGZaDE/s1600/il_570xN.190406137.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is on my list of favorites</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAdxGMX6yWo/U_LVPf-ju5I/AAAAAAAACjU/1IG5GlTPAjg/s1600/il_570xN.226310076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAdxGMX6yWo/U_LVPf-ju5I/AAAAAAAACjU/1IG5GlTPAjg/s1600/il_570xN.226310076.jpg" height="586" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this one so much I purchased it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMHFlmXVYEA/U_LVfItlJII/AAAAAAAACjc/SAwC31tnLEQ/s1600/il_570xN.259840467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMHFlmXVYEA/U_LVfItlJII/AAAAAAAACjc/SAwC31tnLEQ/s1600/il_570xN.259840467.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never been a fan of horse pictures but I love this one!<br />
Hmmm, I'm thinking of getting this one!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjynvsNsouM/U_LVuZzsNII/AAAAAAAACjk/mhBZBlmz6LQ/s1600/il_570xN.331259018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjynvsNsouM/U_LVuZzsNII/AAAAAAAACjk/mhBZBlmz6LQ/s1600/il_570xN.331259018.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is such a serene photo, ethereal. It has a heavenly look to it.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lc7-Z0UYfo/U_LWWM1Fd2I/AAAAAAAACjs/VEa2gDgjXLE/s1600/il_570xN.363895008_srjc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lc7-Z0UYfo/U_LWWM1Fd2I/AAAAAAAACjs/VEa2gDgjXLE/s1600/il_570xN.363895008_srjc.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another one that I purchased...I have to stay away from this shop! LOL<br />
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I hope that you will stop by and check out her prints.<br />
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Here is another shop, a ceramic shop that has the most charming and colorful pieces. A lovely lidded jar, bowls, and vases all so bright and cheery. You can find it here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/owlcreekceramics?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count">Owl Creek Ceramics</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sP3O52Ey9v8/U_LX7DjWH6I/AAAAAAAACj8/BkKQBOo5Rzw/s1600/il_570xN.372575595_64e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sP3O52Ey9v8/U_LX7DjWH6I/AAAAAAAACj8/BkKQBOo5Rzw/s1600/il_570xN.372575595_64e9.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h57lQfeELI4/U_LYEf4gC4I/AAAAAAAACkE/HfpNJ2v3lpk/s1600/il_570xN.469362924_ttvb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h57lQfeELI4/U_LYEf4gC4I/AAAAAAAACkE/HfpNJ2v3lpk/s1600/il_570xN.469362924_ttvb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TphPaxSOjfg/U_LYcWm7a0I/AAAAAAAACkU/Xa5YbOyqPuA/s1600/il_570xN.480553003_8r0l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TphPaxSOjfg/U_LYcWm7a0I/AAAAAAAACkU/Xa5YbOyqPuA/s1600/il_570xN.480553003_8r0l.jpg" height="596" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For all of you who knit or crochet, I think this is pretty nifty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtJ8oGlzQpU/U_LY0gsWTfI/AAAAAAAACkc/tNU5Vu2oE7k/s1600/il_570xN.561870592_lytc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtJ8oGlzQpU/U_LY0gsWTfI/AAAAAAAACkc/tNU5Vu2oE7k/s1600/il_570xN.561870592_lytc.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rim Pasta Bowl ~ Blue and White Handpainted</td></tr>
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When I am looking for crafting/paper supplies and other cool items this shop is one of my favorites: I love the twine's in linen and in the raw for wrapping gifts. She also has tags and an assortment of painted clothespins for hanging prints etc.<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OliveManna">Olive Manna</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1i7FLttAnA/U_LapXktl-I/AAAAAAAACkk/kIezu7oTGfw/s1600/il_170x135.629462712_6nge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1i7FLttAnA/U_LapXktl-I/AAAAAAAACkk/kIezu7oTGfw/s1600/il_170x135.629462712_6nge.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgium Linen</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzJo-w190Yw/U_La1HnE3nI/AAAAAAAACks/kj-gFGK8Pjw/s1600/il_570xN.424997296_8rw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzJo-w190Yw/U_La1HnE3nI/AAAAAAAACks/kj-gFGK8Pjw/s1600/il_570xN.424997296_8rw1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Twine</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QIc-LEY_Zg/U_La8LqzCKI/AAAAAAAACk0/eMBjihKnKz0/s1600/il_570xN.442480559_tbk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QIc-LEY_Zg/U_La8LqzCKI/AAAAAAAACk0/eMBjihKnKz0/s1600/il_570xN.442480559_tbk8.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Textile Bobbins</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8mXMLUh6Bc/U_LbDOyQGKI/AAAAAAAACk8/7vGqELvAPzo/s1600/il_570xN.446747184_ta0y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8mXMLUh6Bc/U_LbDOyQGKI/AAAAAAAACk8/7vGqELvAPzo/s1600/il_570xN.446747184_ta0y.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Buttons</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNYUMt-0wzw/U_LbKkUF86I/AAAAAAAAClE/WWdjdb8uml4/s1600/il_570xN.634201475_5nz8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNYUMt-0wzw/U_LbKkUF86I/AAAAAAAAClE/WWdjdb8uml4/s1600/il_570xN.634201475_5nz8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Linen Thread</td></tr>
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She has all sorts of bits and bobbins and a designated Website which you can also visit here <a href="http://shopolivemanna.com/">Shop Olive Manna</a> that carries vintage, handmade and sundries. I've made several purchases from her and have always been very pleased with what I've ordered.<br />
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I'm sure most of you are well familiar with Etsy and I hope you have enjoyed viewing the items from these wonderful and talented people.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-62528087084597225042014-08-18T16:39:00.002-05:002014-08-18T16:39:40.405-05:00Almond CakeHello Everyone,<br />
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So sorry for not blogging...it has been awhile. I've been enjoying the summer here even though it has been extremely hot and humid with very little rain. Needless to say watering the plants has been an all consuming task, among other things.<br />
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I have been doing some baking lately. Last week I made a homemade peach cobbler which was delicious even if I do say so myself and today I decided to make an Almond Cake. While this recipe is time consuming, it is well worth the time spent making it. Here are a few photos of how it turned out:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLzlBaiXkiY/U_JwObG_mWI/AAAAAAAACis/xmrSs9jnD8U/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLzlBaiXkiY/U_JwObG_mWI/AAAAAAAACis/xmrSs9jnD8U/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w30mdGe4vAE/U_Jwef2ny4I/AAAAAAAACi0/FsWdlNb4tvY/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w30mdGe4vAE/U_Jwef2ny4I/AAAAAAAACi0/FsWdlNb4tvY/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added the slivered almonds in the center of the cake to satisfy husbands desire for "nuts" Hah<br />
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Here is a copy of the recipe from Provision 52, a website I wrote about here: <a href="http://lareportiste.blogspot.com/2014/05/summer-has-arrived.html">Provision 52</a> along with another great recipe I found from their website.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkzs-Jjips/U_JxtYsX1hI/AAAAAAAACi8/JRU1Hz3Vw1M/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkzs-Jjips/U_JxtYsX1hI/AAAAAAAACi8/JRU1Hz3Vw1M/s1600/IMG.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope all of you who try this will like it, I sure did. With summer slowly coming to an end, I am awaiting much cooler temperatures and less tourists (I haven't been to the beach or Pier since July)so that I can stroll down the Pier and window shop once again without a rush of people and long lines.<br />
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I will be writing about several new Etsy shops I have scouted out this week, so stay tuned.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-45250231821626464772014-06-25T13:28:00.000-05:002014-06-25T13:28:29.728-05:00A New Website to Check-outHi everyone,<br />
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I have found a great website with some very cool items called Cachette, it is a French website that does ship internationally very reasonably. You can view it here: <a href="http://www.cachette.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=29">Cachette</a>. Here are a few things I think are pretty neat.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3B7DYkg3m8/U6sMeJg-PDI/AAAAAAAAChc/D3aB2LbmUIc/s1600/basket_with_smal_538c7fc8d9c32_165x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3B7DYkg3m8/U6sMeJg-PDI/AAAAAAAAChc/D3aB2LbmUIc/s1600/basket_with_smal_538c7fc8d9c32_165x165.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket with small handles</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7jQltx4F_U/U6sMmgkRvLI/AAAAAAAAChk/IYpY7q_fLv0/s1600/Handmade_stonewa_52d2fee6ccb65_165x165-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7jQltx4F_U/U6sMmgkRvLI/AAAAAAAAChk/IYpY7q_fLv0/s1600/Handmade_stonewa_52d2fee6ccb65_165x165-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade Stoneware Jug<br />
Handmade in Provence, South of France by a Manufacturer who has been firing clay into objects since 1857. It is a contrast between a chalky white and a glossy texture. Because I collect creamers and jugs, this one fit in nicely with my collection so I purchased it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QtUtBpRRPc/U6sMtSX_peI/AAAAAAAAChs/FxPpNHFcTF0/s1600/Large_galvanised_524e739e0f23b_165x165-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QtUtBpRRPc/U6sMtSX_peI/AAAAAAAAChs/FxPpNHFcTF0/s1600/Large_galvanised_524e739e0f23b_165x165-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large galvanized S hooks</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G7qOjprwYs/U6sM0XQvBwI/AAAAAAAACh0/_VZfN1o_6No/s1600/linen_pillow_cas_512f8a66b5779_165x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G7qOjprwYs/U6sM0XQvBwI/AAAAAAAACh0/_VZfN1o_6No/s1600/linen_pillow_cas_512f8a66b5779_165x165.jpg" height="392" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Linen Pillowcases that can be purchased in 18 different colors.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77uqOnt7RNk/U6sM4rX1WxI/AAAAAAAACh8/_8J5ku7G-hU/s1600/Oyster_basket__v_531b8469ba041_165x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77uqOnt7RNk/U6sM4rX1WxI/AAAAAAAACh8/_8J5ku7G-hU/s1600/Oyster_basket__v_531b8469ba041_165x165.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oyster Baskets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLdosxL7DrI/U6sM9sCUhvI/AAAAAAAACiE/SoeuHyqfMfs/s1600/storage_bag_in_p_50edfae06f3a9_165x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLdosxL7DrI/U6sM9sCUhvI/AAAAAAAACiE/SoeuHyqfMfs/s1600/storage_bag_in_p_50edfae06f3a9_165x165.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage Bags in Painted Linen with three colors to choose from.</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1_7BSw-mA0/U6sNBzlvSSI/AAAAAAAACiM/5mUbV58JVqw/s1600/Wire_word_of_you_53231775c6bc6_165x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1_7BSw-mA0/U6sNBzlvSSI/AAAAAAAACiM/5mUbV58JVqw/s1600/Wire_word_of_you_53231775c6bc6_165x165.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire Word of your Choice.<br />
I'm thinking of getting this with letters that spell out OUI</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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I think this is a fun website with lots of interesting and different items to look at. <br />
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I hope everyone is staying cool in this hot humid weather. Just walking around outside this time of year in Florida will make you sweat! LOLKristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-78638197633360416722014-06-15T22:08:00.001-05:002014-06-15T22:10:17.594-05:00Lazy June DaysHi Everyone,<br />
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It's sure been H~O~T here. For the past couple mornings, around 6:00 a.m. we awake to a 2-3 minute downpour and then sunshine and H~E~A~T the rest of the day. Not enough water to give the plants a good drink. So, we water, and water, and water. Already my plants could use a good pruning and some have already had that done. They are almost top heavy!! But I take pride in the colors of the garden that is in the front of the house and also pride in the garden in the back which receives morning sun and shade the rest of the day. I've taken a few photos of the back garden that has my ferns, gardenias, and hydrangeas. I've added a few annuals to give the garden some pops of color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeBvkQetQsk/U55dQU0rofI/AAAAAAAACgs/DIi2EY2XRQg/s1600/IMG_4730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeBvkQetQsk/U55dQU0rofI/AAAAAAAACgs/DIi2EY2XRQg/s1600/IMG_4730.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangeas, and my Jasmine that I just transplanted and tied to the white trellis<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApyITWV5ytc/U55dmxT0HpI/AAAAAAAACg0/ZprPBbGdvFg/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApyITWV5ytc/U55dmxT0HpI/AAAAAAAACg0/ZprPBbGdvFg/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Asparagus and Boston Ferns<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNSbP11MyIA/U55eFwwoW1I/AAAAAAAACg8/wkWuEzQHyX0/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNSbP11MyIA/U55eFwwoW1I/AAAAAAAACg8/wkWuEzQHyX0/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot from the opposite end of the garden</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888vofkAEEc/U55ewxda8II/AAAAAAAAChM/aUazBdSdHxI/s1600/IMG_4734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888vofkAEEc/U55ewxda8II/AAAAAAAAChM/aUazBdSdHxI/s1600/IMG_4734.JPG" height="586" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am truly amazed that the ferns even grew back because of the two freezes we had this winter but they surprised me with their hardiness. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me!<br />
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I did manage to make a batch of dark chocolate Brownies for Husband today to celebrate Fathers Day. I hope all the dads out there were remembered and had a special day with their children!Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-37064622146949967782014-05-25T16:34:00.001-05:002014-05-25T16:36:14.373-05:00Summer has arrived!Happy Memorial Day and a big thank you to all of our veterans who have served our country throughout the years. As we enjoy this three day weekend, we should pause to remember their sacrifices which has ensured our freedom.<br />
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I don't know about you, but it has been really H~O~T here! It has already been in the low 90's and the humidity is at 100%. It makes for a most uncomfortable morning and evening walk! <br />
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I've been working in my garden doing the usual weeding and cutting back some of my plants that have grown so large they are taking over the garden. I spent the better part of yesterday washing the front porch down while husband edged around our flower garden (we like a natural edge and that means that at least once a month we have to show the weeds who's boss LOL). While husband was edging, I took a tumble off the ladder and ended up in my flower garden. Thankfully, I was lucky and escaped with only a few minor scratches and bruises on my arm. The fact that I didn't break any bones is amazing to me! LOL I did have to remove some damaged stalks from my flowers though which made me extremely unhappy! :-(.<br />
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I do have an exciting new website to share with all of you. For all of you who love to cook and are interested in new and different recipes as well as in quirky and helpful kitchen tools Provisions 52 is wonderful! This link is specifically for their shop <a href="https://food52.com/provisions/collections">Food 52</a> and this one <a href="https://food52.com/recipes">Food 52 Recipes</a> for recipes. You can send in your recipes to share and they have contests for the best recipes. I recently tried one of their recipes for Cheddar & Black Pepper Cornbread by Vera Obias and it was wonderful. You can find the recipe here: <a href="https://food52.com/recipes/28440-vera-obias-cheddar-black-pepper-cornbread">Vera Obias' Cheddar and Black Pepper Cornbread</a>. It has a sweet and yet salty taste which complements the cornbread. Sugar is added to the batter and sea salt and pepper sprinkled on top of the batter which has been brushed with heavy cream. This is not a lo-cal recipe LOL!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luuuns6ehp4/U4JVzph8H_I/AAAAAAAACdA/DN3gvYnQ5EY/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luuuns6ehp4/U4JVzph8H_I/AAAAAAAACdA/DN3gvYnQ5EY/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can find the recipe here'<br />
<a href="https://food52.com/recipes/28440-vera-obias-cheddar-black-pepper-cornbread">Vera Obis' Cheddar & Black Pepper Cornbread</a></td></tr>
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I also found many great kitchen items in their shop and hope you enjoy the peek I offer through these images.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g359DaWIMPg/U4JWcq3IeMI/AAAAAAAACdI/iJ1iCHSO294/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g359DaWIMPg/U4JWcq3IeMI/AAAAAAAACdI/iJ1iCHSO294/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wooden biscuit cutter that comes in different sizes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLRt6i8LeS0/U4JWg2-9u3I/AAAAAAAACdQ/D3bOi-tNUPY/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLRt6i8LeS0/U4JWg2-9u3I/AAAAAAAACdQ/D3bOi-tNUPY/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Stoneware vases</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG4tIS_P05c/U4JW0Cyn7bI/AAAAAAAACdg/grqKCZxSeYQ/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG4tIS_P05c/U4JW0Cyn7bI/AAAAAAAACdg/grqKCZxSeYQ/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love white linen napkins?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxm46RC_eM/U4JW5_igmqI/AAAAAAAACdo/10hf8EkQZho/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxm46RC_eM/U4JW5_igmqI/AAAAAAAACdo/10hf8EkQZho/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great for adding your own hand soap and to give your kitchen a vintage look.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQjKH27rrhI/U4JW_UvOqCI/AAAAAAAACdw/ThapCxHpAmA/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQjKH27rrhI/U4JW_UvOqCI/AAAAAAAACdw/ThapCxHpAmA/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper cellars ( I love the anchors inside)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9DdNQYplvw/U4JXEZBSubI/AAAAAAAACd4/6AO_fZF7ye8/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9DdNQYplvw/U4JXEZBSubI/AAAAAAAACd4/6AO_fZF7ye8/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake toppings for holidays</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qs81UNhyZQ/U4JXL65b1YI/AAAAAAAACeA/J9YuAMJEag8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qs81UNhyZQ/U4JXL65b1YI/AAAAAAAACeA/J9YuAMJEag8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I purchased this print taken from a image that is over 100 years old. It is dated 1890 and is attributed to the Cafe' Anglais in Versailles, France. Among the dishes offered on the menu, is Poulet Marengo, a chicken dish created in 1880 for Napoleon when he defeated the Austrians on the battle field at Marengo in Italy. The Emperor of France then considered it his "lucky dish". </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iFd6dhO_kQ/U4JXSxS8sGI/AAAAAAAACeI/ouqOxwlFU2k/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iFd6dhO_kQ/U4JXSxS8sGI/AAAAAAAACeI/ouqOxwlFU2k/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is framed and hanging in my kitchen.</td></tr>
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If you have a chance, do check out this website, I found the recipe website full of interesting and different recipes, something a bit different than the usual fare. </div>
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-85126557201456907982014-05-03T00:15:00.001-05:002014-05-03T00:15:58.093-05:00Memory LaneGosh, I'm so sorry that it's been such a long time since I did a post but I was busy preparing for a visit from my girlfriend from high school. Yes, you heard me right, a girlfriend from high school. It has been at least 40 years since we have seen each other and the excitement of seeing her again took precedent over anything else. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d1JH_MP7Tw/U2R0GJOveWI/AAAAAAAACbs/onBHg8WsRW0/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d1JH_MP7Tw/U2R0GJOveWI/AAAAAAAACbs/onBHg8WsRW0/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two of us on the Pier</td></tr>
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We could sure tell you some stories but girls gotta have some secrets. We might have had a few secrets but not very many because we sure couldn't pull the wool over her mom's eyes. LOL We had a curfew of 11:00 p.m. and her mom always waited up for us when we went out on Saturday night. One interesting fact was that husband and I introduced them. My husband and her husband grew up in the same neighborhood and her husband was in a class at college with my husband so my husband brought him home and I invited her to meet him. They dated and married and have been married almost as long as we have! So, her husband and mine have a lot in common just like my girlfriend and I had.<br />
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We did some "retail therapy" shopping at the outlet mall in Destin, about an hour from here. We spent most of the day there. From there we went out to dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. <br />
We started out the next morning with breakfast at The Egg and I (which served us the best breakfast ever). We also took a stroll along the Pier overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and stopped by Starbucks just in time to hear a young jazz musician playing a saxophone ( my favorite instrument) outside. It seems they had had a jazz festival last weekend and on Sunday he had set up in an area and was playing outside for all the world to hear (and I might add he was really good). <br />
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When we weren't talking in between trips to the various places we went , we stayed well up into the night...we had a lot of reminiscing to do and not a lot of time to get through it all (but try as we might, we didn't quite get through it all. After all, it had been almost 40 years!!) The husbands went to bed not the least bit interested in our conversation. Hah All in all, even though our visit was a short one we had a wonderful time and vowed to continue to text, call and visit and I hope we see each other again real soon. Below are a few photos we took while they were here:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8Wei17h5xk/U2R0X5WDEuI/AAAAAAAACb0/3y1lPFhcke4/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8Wei17h5xk/U2R0X5WDEuI/AAAAAAAACb0/3y1lPFhcke4/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girlfriend and Husband </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0pt3whFZh0/U2R0lVLdBYI/AAAAAAAACb8/X2CniOcZG20/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0pt3whFZh0/U2R0lVLdBYI/AAAAAAAACb8/X2CniOcZG20/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" height="390" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnpPRbW6hjo/U2R0xQmRYWI/AAAAAAAACcE/A_YPC8Bguqg/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnpPRbW6hjo/U2R0xQmRYWI/AAAAAAAACcE/A_YPC8Bguqg/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the Pier</td></tr>
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The weather was picture perfect the whole weekend while they were here and they left just in time avoiding the torrential downpour we had for 4 days dumping 7 some odd inches of rain. We were fortunate but the people in Pensacola didn't fare well and were flooded. They got 20" of rain within 26 hours. (Pensacola is 2 hours from here). The rain washed away entire streets, and houses were filled with mud and water. My heart goes out to people there as it will be a long time before things become normal for them.<br />
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Well, that's it for this post. The weather here for the next 6 days is supposed to be sunny and h~o~t a welcome change from all that rain! Enjoy the weekend. :-)Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-34384420979553259272014-04-18T21:31:00.000-05:002014-04-18T21:31:08.635-05:00Happy Easter EveryoneHi,<br />
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Hope all of you are having an enjoyable spring. I've been busy planting flowers and awaiting a shipment of Ranunculus bulbs to plant. I ordered some 20 pink and 20 white and they came today all the way from The Netherlands so I will be planting them tomorrow in groupings. In case you are unfamiliar with Ranunculus I found this lovely image via Google to show you what they look like. If I plant them now they will flower in late May and June (hopefully, if I do everything right).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they gorgeous!</td></tr>
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We purchased some bird feed and have been enjoying the native birds of Florida that visit to feed. My, I've seen such gorgeous birds. Try as I might, it is hard to capture them in photos because as soon as I see them from my kitchen window, grab my camera, open my kitchen back door ever so quietly, aim my camera they have already flown away. Anyway, husband has done a marvelous job of getting a few snaps of some of them and I might add very good shots! I've a few to share with you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Blue Jay is a regular feeder now and I have just noticed Cardinals and Yellow Finches too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lil guy is hard to capture and husband was able to get him from behind. HAH! It is a woodpecker! Such a beautiful bird.</td></tr>
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Did you know that Yellow Finches (tiny birds with a bright yellow breast) lose the bright yellow color in the summer? Yep, you wouldn't know what type of bird you were looking at except for a bit of yellow still in-between their wings.<br />
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It rained all of last night and all day today and when all is said and done we were to be blessed with 2-4 inches of rain before it stops tonight but tomorrow and Easter Sunday will be glorious and sunny!<br />
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I want to wish all of you a very wonderful and happy Easter and if you have kids or grandkids, watch out for the candy that will be calling your name! Hah.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-72333206500971614102014-04-07T17:29:00.001-05:002014-04-07T17:30:31.798-05:00Homemade Peanut Butter Granola<br />
I have found the ultimate recipe for homemade Peanut Butter Granola. It's so easy and makes a great nutritious snack for not only the kids but adults as well. I've added a few extra ingredients to this recipe and the next time plan to add a few more. <br />
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Here is the basic recipe:<br />
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2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (not quick serve)<br />
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1/4 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter (I wondered if Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter would work and I think I will try it the next time)<br />
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1/4 Cups Honey<br />
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2 Tablespoons packed light-brown sugar<br />
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour oats into a mixing bowl, set aside (I added a teaspoon of cinnamon and two handfuls of dried cherries and cranberries to the oats). In a microwave safe mixing bowl (or it can be melted in a saucepan), combine peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar and heat mixture in microwave or pan until runny and smooth, about 25 seconds. Pour mixture over oats in mixing bowl and toss mixture with a spatula until evenly coated.<br />
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Spread mixture onto a Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet into an even layer and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, 18-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking. I inadvertently skipped stirring halfway through) Allow to cool completely (it won't be crunchy until it cools) and store in an airtight container.<br />
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It is delicious!! I broke my granola by hand into small bite size pieces. This is a great recipe and I think next time I will add some pecans and maybe some coconut.<br />
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Bon Appetit!<br />
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Here are some photos I took recently with and without the Waterlogue app. I hope you enjoy them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo I took</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ghnSt9jDsE/U0Ml9OpMoeI/AAAAAAAACZs/JYqkAbb1lOM/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ghnSt9jDsE/U0Ml9OpMoeI/AAAAAAAACZs/JYqkAbb1lOM/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" height="536" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted in Waterlogue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted in Waterlogue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo I Took</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_qHM4Ns31A/U0MmU3vP7EI/AAAAAAAACaE/p4fXEzBd_Js/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_qHM4Ns31A/U0MmU3vP7EI/AAAAAAAACaE/p4fXEzBd_Js/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" height="640" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted in Waterlogue</td></tr>
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-78648727751681212292014-03-24T22:36:00.003-05:002014-03-24T22:40:49.423-05:00Reflections on Last WeekSince my last post, I have had a cold which threw me for a loop! As colds go it started out with me being achy and tired... and because it has been 2 years since my last cold I had forgotten how my body reacts to one. But, after the aches came the congestion, nose blowing and the overall feeling of fatigue. I knew then I was going to be s~i~c~k, and I was for about 5 days. I'm feeling much better now but still a bit on the run down side. I'm not one to give in to colds, so I tried to continue doing my gardening, going for my morning and afternoon walks and cleaning. Soon though I was praying for a rainy day so that I could sleep in and not feel guilty about it. LOL<br />
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During my "sick" week I<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBWKFsIbXHo/UzDvBImexMI/AAAAAAAACW8/jqwas9c0X14/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBWKFsIbXHo/UzDvBImexMI/AAAAAAAACW8/jqwas9c0X14/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planted some Jasmine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Jasmine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up</td></tr>
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Same photo painted in Waterlogue<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFHvq8RZ720/UzDwuwtcnjI/AAAAAAAACXY/mQyU0HXXVss/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFHvq8RZ720/UzDwuwtcnjI/AAAAAAAACXY/mQyU0HXXVss/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" height="570" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always find time to play with Waterlogue!<br />
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I helped husband put cedar mulch in my fern garden which now has Gardenias, and hydrangeas added to it. <br />
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And, I was extremely excited to see my asparagus fern and my other fronds shooting up from the ground. After the cold winter (for here) I was very concerned about them because even though I covered them with a blanket we had two freezes where it rained first and then turned to ice and snow and I could not protect them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "babies"</td></tr>
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I must admit that I do "baby" my plants and feed them regularly with hubby's help. I try to keep the leaves from getting around them but as you can see it is isn't working to well as tree leaves are constantly falling on my back garden. Sigh...<br />
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To reward hubby for all his hard work I also made homemade Macaroni Salad<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM</td></tr>
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And I made some Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Coconut cookies and added some dried cherries and my special ingredient...which I didn't even tell husband about. LOL I also shared these with (3) of my elderly neighbors, Dot who is 81 years old, a widow, and still drives a car, Mr. W, who is in his late 70's and can be found on the pier of any neighbor along the Bay fishing, and Mr. and Mrs. K, in their 70's and late 80's. Mr. K can be found on his bicycle everyday but Wednesday picking up cans from various places for his church. The church use the money to help the homeless and people in need. <br />
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So many of our neighbors have lived here all of their lives (some in upwards of 60 years) and are in their late 80's. Mr. S turned 89 today and was out raking his yard as we see him do nearly everyday. He is a spry small man with a remarkable smile that makes me smile every time he smiles and Mr B who is also 89 and can usually be found on his tractor preparing his garden for summer or mowing his yard. These are amazing people and I hope that I can be as productive as they are when I am their age. Its funny to hear them talk about how lovely the day is and how lucky they feel to be able to get out of bed and how they give God a big thank you for it!<br />
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We also hung a handmade metal fish made in Haiti on our back patio wall to add some extra color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nU53_UsprLQ/UzD0oW0KlKI/AAAAAAAACYI/5P_0T4-sEdA/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nU53_UsprLQ/UzD0oW0KlKI/AAAAAAAACYI/5P_0T4-sEdA/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this!!!<br />
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And here it is painted in Waterlogue<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYUoZu8-kg4/UzD01KaezSI/AAAAAAAACYQ/5IV2jNh7zNg/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYUoZu8-kg4/UzD01KaezSI/AAAAAAAACYQ/5IV2jNh7zNg/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, I ended the week with purchasing some tulips for myself. I do love them so much and they also bring a big smile on my face when I look at them. So, I'm sharing them with you along with another photo I took painted in Waterlogue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZKRhzaSUIU/UzD4KQ5vwvI/AAAAAAAACYk/L5oe1mmALuk/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZKRhzaSUIU/UzD4KQ5vwvI/AAAAAAAACYk/L5oe1mmALuk/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite photos.<br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful week and that spring has finally brought all of you in the East/Northeast and Midwest some nice warm weather! Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-20928282432060704662014-03-13T21:03:00.000-05:002014-03-13T21:03:01.556-05:00BlackballoonI've found a great Swedish website that has some really cool items and selected some of my favorite things to share with you. The website is called Blackballoon and you can visit it here: <a href="http://www.blackballoon.se/">Blackballoon</a>.<br />
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A few German and Scandinavian blogs that I follow have design styles that tend to be more modern. The colors are often monochromatic using variations in lightness and saturation of a single color for a more clean and elegant look. It's a different look but one I'm starting to like. The items on this website are along those lines. What do you think?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icmihB-EL_o/UyJdNfvxkOI/AAAAAAAACVk/xaZBQT7_vXw/s1600/99717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icmihB-EL_o/UyJdNfvxkOI/AAAAAAAACVk/xaZBQT7_vXw/s1600/99717.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the color </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkYz481UDRE/UyJdlJXMsDI/AAAAAAAACV0/Ol6-qRtp4L8/s1600/ce_jug_bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkYz481UDRE/UyJdlJXMsDI/AAAAAAAACV0/Ol6-qRtp4L8/s1600/ce_jug_bl.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've had my eye on this for some time...I collect little creamers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqvUGClnVjY/UyJd1oI5alI/AAAAAAAACV8/Ek6tb8Z3zRk/s1600/ce_bowl_15_gr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqvUGClnVjY/UyJd1oI5alI/AAAAAAAACV8/Ek6tb8Z3zRk/s1600/ce_bowl_15_gr.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A set of these would be nice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABjgjfh7pyw/UyJeASKlj9I/AAAAAAAACWE/H8vUmy_oNoU/s1600/devasemix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABjgjfh7pyw/UyJeASKlj9I/AAAAAAAACWE/H8vUmy_oNoU/s1600/devasemix.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous blue vase</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd0vOwinhY8/UyJeKt5o_2I/AAAAAAAACWM/ctzxAiDo64I/s1600/horn1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd0vOwinhY8/UyJeKt5o_2I/AAAAAAAACWM/ctzxAiDo64I/s1600/horn1_1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I've never been real fond of horns or heads, I think something like this would be okay in the right spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaDEnHYQNVk/UyJecN9YkcI/AAAAAAAACWU/WG9qAdxhME8/s1600/ballda3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaDEnHYQNVk/UyJecN9YkcI/AAAAAAAACWU/WG9qAdxhME8/s1600/ballda3_1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shell ball</td></tr>
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Hope all is well with everyone and I hope you all have a great weekend!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo I took of St. Andrews Bay with Waterlogue App.</td></tr>
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-30234483962418081062014-03-02T18:12:00.001-06:002014-03-02T18:12:48.242-06:00St. Louis Ribs I think using an outside grill to make ribs is difficult. They always seemed to turn out tough. So, yesterday I decided to try my hand at making some St. Louis dry rub ribs in the oven. After scouring the internet recipe sites, I found a spicy dry rib mix that I thought sounded good. I've made Wolfgang Puck's Dry Rib Rub but wanted something a bit different. I must admit they turned out delicious. So, I wanted to share the recipe with you along with instructions on how to make them in the oven instead of on an outside grill.<br />
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Recipe for the Dry Rub Mix<br />
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2 1/2 Tablespoons Chili Powder<br />
2 Tablespoons Ground Cumin<br />
1 Tablespoon Coriander<br />
1 Tablespoon Paprika<br />
1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar<br />
1/2 Tablespoon Ground Black Pepper<br />
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Dry Mustard<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder<br />
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Preparing the Ribs:<br />
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I used St. Louis Style Pork Ribs but you can use Baby Back Pork Ribs too, whatever your preference is. I think St. Louis Style ribs are a bit more meatier than Baby Back so I used them. Next you will want to remove the membrane from the back of the rib bones. This can be tricky but I googled a video that showed how to do it and it really wasn't too bad. Removing the membrane enables you to really rub the dry mix better onto the boned side plus the membrane is tough and not all that good for you.<br />
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After you do that I squeezed mustard (I used spicy brown) onto the front of the ribs and rubbed it into the ribs. I took 1/4 cup of the dry rub mix and rubbed it onto the meaty side really good making sure all of it was caked onto the ribs. I flipped them over and did the same with the back of the ribs...first squeezing the mustard, spreading it around and adding the 1/4 cup of rub mix. I then let this set overnight in the fridge wrapped in Saran Wrap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eewHKu0O4E4/UxO90n3GcNI/AAAAAAAACT4/HepLi5hAyyg/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eewHKu0O4E4/UxO90n3GcNI/AAAAAAAACT4/HepLi5hAyyg/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rub added to Ribs before cooking</td></tr>
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Cooking:<br />
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I set my oven for 300 degrees and placed a pan half full of water on the rack directly beneath the ribs to add moisture while they cooked. The ribs are placed in the center of the oven on a rack and baked for 1 hour meaty side up. After one hour you will bake an additional 2 hours setting a timer for every 30 minutes turning the tray the ribs are on in the opposite direction. Leave the oven temperature at 300 degrees and DO NOT TURN THE RIBS OVER just turn the tray. After the 3 hours are over pull out the ribs and let set 15 minutes before cutting. I guarantee that you will have the most tender and spiciest ribs you have ever eaten.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cooking<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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Soon I will share a recipe for a lemon tart made with a gingersnap crust. Double Yum!<br />
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I leave you with a photo I took of a bluebird sitting on my fence that I used the Waterlogue App on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tweet tweet", spring is on it's way!</td></tr>
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-14810525609712337152014-02-26T20:04:00.000-06:002014-02-26T20:04:24.509-06:00Spring Plantings...I think?Hi everyone,<br />
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I was eager to write a post about the hydrangeas that I planted last weekend so I took some photos of the two plants that I bought and planted (really husband was the one who actually planted them, I supervised) LOL. Anyway, they look so lovely and perky but alas it appears that we may be in for a possible frost :-( (32 degrees) tomorrow night. So, I will dutifully cover the hydrangeas and my ferns who have just started to grow new fronds to keep them from freezing.<br />
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It was a dreary, cloudy day with intermittent rain and a good day to tackle some cleaning chores so I immersed myself in cleaning blinds and washing curtains and inside windows so that when spring does arrive for good I'll be ready to enjoy the warm, breezy, sunny weather. I hope all of you are well and if living in areas that are cold and snowy keeping busy waiting for the weather to break.<br />
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One last thing...I thought I was going to be able to share with you a recipe for an Apple Tarte Tartin but my first experience with making one didn't turn out AT ALL. LOL It was a disaster...except for the crust which I made in my food processor, it turned out delicious. So, now that I know what I did wrong I will attempt it again or better yet, maybe I'd better stick with baking an apple cobbler. Sigh...
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I hope these photos bring a bit of sun and warmth to all of you.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-90320700569449756662014-02-18T21:14:00.000-06:002014-02-18T21:23:51.067-06:00Beach PhotosHere are a few warm weather photos that I've taken since we moved to Florida. I hope it brings a bit of warmth to all of you in the Midwest and on the East coast. I am just starting to see the grass start to green up and have started digging in the dirt getting ready to plant some perennials in the next couple of weeks. The weather has been pretty crazy here for Florida so I don't want to take a chance and plant to early. And to all of you who are still in the throes of winter, don't despair...soon spring will be at your doorsteps too!
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I hope you have a wonderful week!Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-79632068664197086882014-02-14T14:07:00.000-06:002014-02-14T14:07:15.866-06:00Valentine's Day Giveaway Winner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S8KLUfyUC4/Uv511807H0I/AAAAAAAACTI/6YuGcPt6B80/s1600/valentines-day-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S8KLUfyUC4/Uv511807H0I/AAAAAAAACTI/6YuGcPt6B80/s1600/valentines-day-55.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Thanks to all of you who entered my Valentine's Day Giveaway. Through the random number generator the winner was #4 Jana Around The World. If you will send me your address at klfranklin60@gmail.com I will send you the necklace.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Spread a little "love".Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-70035113057356906652014-02-10T12:07:00.000-06:002014-02-10T12:07:01.452-06:00Swoon Worthy Rooms<br />
This time of year when some of us are having cold, snowy, icy weather (which seems to feel like it will never end) it's hard to be cheerful and excited with at least 2 more months of winter to face. I love to look at colorful, bright, rooms with loads of color and whimsical artwork. I've selected a few in various styles, modern, traditional, and bohemian. I hope it will bring a bright spot in your day. So grab a cup of coffee and dream of warmer, sunnier weather coming soon. (We hope)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drWOhphZQ5s/Uu64Yp6WOiI/AAAAAAAACNs/MJ4I-PxRCXY/s1600/Floral-and-Cream-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drWOhphZQ5s/Uu64Yp6WOiI/AAAAAAAACNs/MJ4I-PxRCXY/s1600/Floral-and-Cream-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home UK</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3xXobaGdjA/Uu649rwhTtI/AAAAAAAACN0/R7v28lsJDXk/s1600/Pale-Pink-and-Grey-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3xXobaGdjA/Uu649rwhTtI/AAAAAAAACN0/R7v28lsJDXk/s1600/Pale-Pink-and-Grey-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a><br />
While not very colorful, I found it very soothing and pretty to look at</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RsvjElVIOo/Uu65NV9V_bI/AAAAAAAACN8/2dU1qaSxSXA/s1600/Geomeric-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RsvjElVIOo/Uu65NV9V_bI/AAAAAAAACN8/2dU1qaSxSXA/s1600/Geomeric-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a></td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmN67YOFpqA/Uu65eYtClOI/AAAAAAAACOE/MHVahczgVzE/s1600/Living-room-with-lemon-sofa--Country-Homes-and-Interiors--Housetohome.co.uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmN67YOFpqA/Uu65eYtClOI/AAAAAAAACOE/MHVahczgVzE/s1600/Living-room-with-lemon-sofa--Country-Homes-and-Interiors--Housetohome.co.uk.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a></td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WkuuaXhbHA/Uu65x9N15yI/AAAAAAAACOM/0PG1G-FR8fo/s1600/Room-divider-shelf-unit-in-living-room--Country-Homes-and-Interiors--Housetohome.co.uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WkuuaXhbHA/Uu65x9N15yI/AAAAAAAACOM/0PG1G-FR8fo/s1600/Room-divider-shelf-unit-in-living-room--Country-Homes-and-Interiors--Housetohome.co.uk.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co.,UK</a></td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flVeEWjZSfI/Uu68awY91nI/AAAAAAAACOY/rZfDPo5lF-c/s1600/Black-and-Grey-Open-Plan-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flVeEWjZSfI/Uu68awY91nI/AAAAAAAACOY/rZfDPo5lF-c/s1600/Black-and-Grey-Open-Plan-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsUCFguqV-k/Uu68tOOT6cI/AAAAAAAACOg/DazPKzEIRck/s1600/Citron-and-Grey-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsUCFguqV-k/Uu68tOOT6cI/AAAAAAAACOg/DazPKzEIRck/s1600/Citron-and-Grey-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a><br />
I'm not a fan of the color Citron, but I love the bird pillow and bohemian feel of this room<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DCcM14lNqY/Uu69V7ZOuEI/AAAAAAAACOo/R2wJAO3dHXs/s1600/Pale-Blue-Panelled-Living-Room-Homes-and-Gardens-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DCcM14lNqY/Uu69V7ZOuEI/AAAAAAAACOo/R2wJAO3dHXs/s1600/Pale-Blue-Panelled-Living-Room-Homes-and-Gardens-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKolA5uMQEw/Uu69zD5cBpI/AAAAAAAACOw/z6Yx3J0Uz0g/s1600/Purple-Velvet-and-Oak-Floor-Living-Room-Livingetc--Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKolA5uMQEw/Uu69zD5cBpI/AAAAAAAACOw/z6Yx3J0Uz0g/s1600/Purple-Velvet-and-Oak-Floor-Living-Room-Livingetc--Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a></td></tr>
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This room is bright and even though I don't like the citroen rug I do love the deep purple sofa and the wall paper.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6FnF32fFQc/Uu6-Vh8OK6I/AAAAAAAACO4/1P7mHvdqItE/s1600/Coastal-Living-Dining-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6FnF32fFQc/Uu6-Vh8OK6I/AAAAAAAACO4/1P7mHvdqItE/s1600/Coastal-Living-Dining-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a> One of my Favorite room settings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlmrDfHqeF0/Uu6-p0bl96I/AAAAAAAACPA/BKD2tgZidIc/s1600/Distressed-Industrial-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlmrDfHqeF0/Uu6-p0bl96I/AAAAAAAACPA/BKD2tgZidIc/s1600/Distressed-Industrial-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/">House to Home Co., UK</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope this has brightened you day. Don't forget to leave a comment on my giveaway <a href="http://lareportiste.blogspot.com/2014/02/valentines-day-and-giveaway.html">Here</a>.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-85803378688442222222014-02-06T15:43:00.001-06:002014-02-06T15:43:55.760-06:00WaterlogueHello everyone,<br />
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It seems that you can always find something new and interesting on Facebook. A couple of days ago, I found an image a friend on my page had posted using a technique called Waterlogue. It is an app designed specifically for IPhones and IPads. The cost is $2.99 US dollars and works great if you want to give your images taken with your phone a different look... like a painting. <br />
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I've had so much fun with this app, taking my photos and using this technique. I have also used my camera, downloading my images to my IPhone and using this technique. You can purchase it here: <a href="http://www.waterlogueapp.com/">Waterlogue</a>. There are several different kinds of finishes you can use for your photos...Natural, Bold, Luminous, Its Technical, Travelogue, Rainy, Illustration, Soaked, Shallow, Color Bloom, Fashionable, and Blotted. So many option's and you can load photos directly to your Instagram, Twitter, and Tumbir. I have selected some of my images shown with just my camera and how they look after applying Waterlogue.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip3HtcQ3df0/UvPslIMX_0I/AAAAAAAACQs/wtEDtzRJJcU/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip3HtcQ3df0/UvPslIMX_0I/AAAAAAAACQs/wtEDtzRJJcU/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is a photo I took of St. Andrews Bay yesterday</span></td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65bDXmuasjc/UvPrUgqo6gI/AAAAAAAACQk/-zg0d46dvU4/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65bDXmuasjc/UvPrUgqo6gI/AAAAAAAACQk/-zg0d46dvU4/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same image used with an app called Waterlogue</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_1IYIjRFU/UvPzYTyTy0I/AAAAAAAACQ8/CSYKfL3ztms/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_1IYIjRFU/UvPzYTyTy0I/AAAAAAAACQ8/CSYKfL3ztms/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ss570NhRxe0/UvPzhS4kr0I/AAAAAAAACRE/8akERsOauxo/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ss570NhRxe0/UvPzhS4kr0I/AAAAAAAACRE/8akERsOauxo/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original with Waterlogue Finish </td></tr>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2QL1K_eS-0/UvPzsDIBjoI/AAAAAAAACRM/nSWBKCT_VFA/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2QL1K_eS-0/UvPzsDIBjoI/AAAAAAAACRM/nSWBKCT_VFA/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pX8gimLNGU/UvPz0gYKfII/AAAAAAAACRU/CTjd6WTm2zc/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pX8gimLNGU/UvPz0gYKfII/AAAAAAAACRU/CTjd6WTm2zc/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original With Waterlogue Finish</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM3DN3w6MNw/UvPz-YJ7RRI/AAAAAAAACRc/CGOQLsXM-0I/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM3DN3w6MNw/UvPz-YJ7RRI/AAAAAAAACRc/CGOQLsXM-0I/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiMJFjwNHWQ/UvP0GLza1FI/AAAAAAAACRk/t0f6SqNrpxk/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiMJFjwNHWQ/UvP0GLza1FI/AAAAAAAACRk/t0f6SqNrpxk/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original With Waterlogue Finish </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CisjSLRfvg0/UvP0O3ckeUI/AAAAAAAACRs/8KchV2fAFVw/s1600/IMG_4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CisjSLRfvg0/UvP0O3ckeUI/AAAAAAAACRs/8KchV2fAFVw/s1600/IMG_4106.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PUJLXWJf6I/UvP0X1V6-MI/AAAAAAAACR0/MGJEu-kTbPg/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PUJLXWJf6I/UvP0X1V6-MI/AAAAAAAACR0/MGJEu-kTbPg/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original With Waterlogue Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8z3_LPFNy0/UvP0uG7YrUI/AAAAAAAACR8/XKYmivG_Itg/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8z3_LPFNy0/UvP0uG7YrUI/AAAAAAAACR8/XKYmivG_Itg/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tReY1FuSYHo/UvP01TReSDI/AAAAAAAACSE/bOB9FM9xAuQ/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tReY1FuSYHo/UvP01TReSDI/AAAAAAAACSE/bOB9FM9xAuQ/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original with Waterlogue Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98URIF1VYXw/UvP8cs5i9iI/AAAAAAAACSU/l_fcC8hOYFQ/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98URIF1VYXw/UvP8cs5i9iI/AAAAAAAACSU/l_fcC8hOYFQ/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJJmJ8yJvBE/UvP8nt9rX3I/AAAAAAAACSc/6s407vp9XVg/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJJmJ8yJvBE/UvP8nt9rX3I/AAAAAAAACSc/6s407vp9XVg/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original with Waterlogue Finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq0TxYabCZ0/UvP8ytpofgI/AAAAAAAACSk/YTH6AHeKNrw/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq0TxYabCZ0/UvP8ytpofgI/AAAAAAAACSk/YTH6AHeKNrw/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCyYFavfSf8/UvP87JXQkxI/AAAAAAAACSs/c9QdBYMvWTE/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCyYFavfSf8/UvP87JXQkxI/AAAAAAAACSs/c9QdBYMvWTE/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image with Waterlogue Finish</td></tr>
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So, these are some of the photos that I've used Waterlogue on. It's a fun app and with all the different types of finishes, you can spend a LOT of your time playing around with this. LOL<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-69644542009199730102014-02-02T13:28:00.000-06:002014-02-02T13:28:42.083-06:00Valentine's Day And a Giveaway<br />
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I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.<br />
- Pablo Neruda, "Love Sonnet XVII"<br />
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The History of Valentine's Day<br />
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The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.<br />
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In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration.<br />
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While this pairing of couples set the tone for today's holiday, it wasn't called "Valentine's Day" until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14.<br />
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After Valentine's death, he was named a saint. As Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14 and renamed it St. Valentine's Day to honor Saint Valentine.<br />
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What's Cupid Got to Do with It?<br />
According to Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Cupid was known to cause people to fall in love by shooting them with his magical arrows. But Cupid didn't just cause others to fall in love - he himself fell deeply in love.<br />
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As legend has it, Cupid fell in love with a mortal maiden named Psyche. Cupid married Psyche, but Venus, jealous of Psyche's beauty, forbade her daughter-in-law to look at Cupid. Psyche, of course, couldn't resist temptation and sneaked a peek at her handsome husband. As punishment, Venus demanded that she perform three hard tasks, the last of which caused Psyche's death.<br />
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Cupid brought Psyche back to life and the gods, moved by their love, granted Pysche immortality. Cupid thus represents the heart and Psyche the (struggles of the) human soul. (<a href="http://www.care2.com/gates/holidays/valentines/valentines.html">Info from Here</a>)<br />
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In honor of Valentine's Day, I have selected some pretty cool red and white items to get you in the mood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KSS-OrGz70/Uu6JSGA7EII/AAAAAAAACLc/3P99fgvaOXE/s1600/img50o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KSS-OrGz70/Uu6JSGA7EII/AAAAAAAACLc/3P99fgvaOXE/s1600/img50o.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/wood-gallery-single-opening-frames/?pkey=e%7Cwhite%2Bwooden%2Bframes%7C10%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTqUD51yKH8/Uu6JlQsG60I/AAAAAAAACLk/J14amUPm3cc/s1600/img4o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTqUD51yKH8/Uu6JlQsG60I/AAAAAAAACLk/J14amUPm3cc/s1600/img4o.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/shop/dining-kitchen/dish-towels/?">West Elm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGtRG-EpIrM/Uu6MkSOttJI/AAAAAAAACLw/L-I78wuSu8g/s1600/30216493_095_b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGtRG-EpIrM/Uu6MkSOttJI/AAAAAAAACLw/L-I78wuSu8g/s1600/30216493_095_b.jpeg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-new2/30216493.jsp?cm_sp=Grid-_-30216493-_-Regular_48">Anthropologie</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQZ2cl8gOlE/Uu6MuiVxspI/AAAAAAAACL4/ohhrrShVhj8/s1600/30113690_095_b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQZ2cl8gOlE/Uu6MuiVxspI/AAAAAAAACL4/ohhrrShVhj8/s1600/30113690_095_b.jpeg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-new2/30113690.jsp">Anthropologie</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_IPy9mNacc/Uu6ORddqozI/AAAAAAAACME/9Zevw7buDeA/s1600/il_570xN.448684962_bvkf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_IPy9mNacc/Uu6ORddqozI/AAAAAAAACME/9Zevw7buDeA/s1600/il_570xN.448684962_bvkf.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bit of Whimsey (for a child's room or the little kid in all of us) I purchased this print adding to another print I already have to create a collage.<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128478372/poppy-on-the-corner-french-nursery-art?ref=shop_home_active_11">Etsy (Poppy and Scout in Australia</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkloFPN0zFE/Uu6QfPWo11I/AAAAAAAACMQ/1m5T9jvqWhA/s1600/HEAR002+1-2ptmug+TAGl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkloFPN0zFE/Uu6QfPWo11I/AAAAAAAACMQ/1m5T9jvqWhA/s1600/HEAR002+1-2ptmug+TAGl.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/invt/hear002">Emma Bridgewater</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hEr_54nelc/Uu6STPvuO3I/AAAAAAAACMg/8-i6f_dirnY/s1600/06069_ED5624-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hEr_54nelc/Uu6STPvuO3I/AAAAAAAACMg/8-i6f_dirnY/s400/06069_ED5624-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/TheValentinesDayShop.jsp?srccode=PMG%7CG%7CJCrew-US-Jewelry-NB-BMM-RLFSA%7Cvalentine%20jewelry&noPopUp=true&gclid=CMqPzPyLrrwCFWxp7AodR2gACg">J Crew</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yFw_wuI_MI/Uu6SobxVXDI/AAAAAAAACMo/S8jc6quM6b4/s1600/A2865_ED5413.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yFw_wuI_MI/Uu6SobxVXDI/AAAAAAAACMo/S8jc6quM6b4/s400/A2865_ED5413.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/TheValentinesDayShop.jsp?srccode=PMG%7CG%7CJCrew-US-Jewelry-NB-BMM-RLFSA%7Cvalentine%20jewelry&noPopUp=true&gclid=CMqPzPyLrrwCFWxp7AodR2gACg">J Crew</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSugftYDj8/Uu6TDpC9JvI/AAAAAAAACMw/8v5xVGnsTGI/s1600/A3124_KP1764.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSugftYDj8/Uu6TDpC9JvI/AAAAAAAACMw/8v5xVGnsTGI/s400/A3124_KP1764.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/TheValentinesDayShop.jsp?srccode=PMG%7CG%7CJCrew-US-Jewelry-NB-BMM-RLFSA%7Cvalentine%20jewelry&noPopUp=true&gclid=CMqPzPyLrrwCFWxp7AodR2gACg">J Crew</a></td></tr>
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And.....Because it is Valentine's Day, I am having a giveaway, a gorgeous necklace purchased some time ago from Etsy. It's never been worn and is so pretty.
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Just leave a comment on what your favorite Valentine's Day memory is. I will select the winner on Valentine's Day. Good luck !
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-71118760693352792302014-01-21T18:03:00.001-06:002014-01-21T18:03:35.241-06:00Two Unlikely PlumbersFirst, it should be noted that through our 40 some odd years of marriage, we have owned several homes, mostly new but have had our share of "fixer uppers" that required us to try to learn and employ basic home repair skills. Anything significant usually had some expert assistance from professionals that we knew, and as a specific preface for this post, hubby would insist on noting that the only real plumbing he had done previously was in an old house we once renovated and the entire plumbing project was overseen and assisted by an excellent professional we knew who worked for the builder I was working for at the time.<br />
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In fact, hubby has usually held to the strict rule that any projects concerning plumbing and anything other than very basic electricity absolutely must be hired out! But, as human nature goes, sometimes we allow our sense of self-confidence and (usually false) sense of competence in an area to overrule our good common sense. This is what happened on our most recent visit with our daughter and her family in Texas over the holidays.<br />
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So, meet our two unlikely plumbers...Husband and Son-In-Law.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby "The Plumber"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son-In-Law, with grandkids Asher and Gemma</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A similar style and design shower faucet control</td></tr>
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During a tour of their new house, (new to them, the house is about 10 years old), daughter had mentioned that their shower handle did not move beyond the halfway point and that the water was not very hot. We had exactly the same problem with our shower handle in our new shower in our rental in Florida. When the weather turned cold we also noticed our water was not very hot...almost cold. We contacted the owner who came over and said there was something that they put in new shower handles so that kids could not turn it past a certain point and scald themselves. Easy enough...just remove the handle and adjust the part that keeps the handle from moving to release hotter water. It seemed easy enough watching him do it and my hubby had "assisted" somewhat so he felt comfortable with what needed to be done.<br />
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So, when daughter mentioned that she had the same problem we told them what we learned and off marched husband and son-in-law to fix the problem. After reviewing the faucet, it appeared similar to the one we have in Florida that we just had adjusted. Daughter and son-in-law just recently purchased this home...their first one, in late October, and did not know where to turn off the water. This is a key point for the remainder of our tale!<br />
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So hubby and son-in-law Drew started the disassembly of the shower handle, easy to remove the center screw and the outer cover and decorative sleeve covering the central mechanism. Drew started to unscrew the bronze bushing that covered the center shaft and other components of the water control handle and water began to leak out from under this bushing. Hubby is pretty sure he started a sentence like "I think we need to turn the water off first..." but isn't sure he finished it before the bushing was loosened enough to slip off of the thread holding everything together and water was suddenly spewing from the handle's center shaft like a fire hydrant! The pressure of this stream blew components out into the shower stall and, without anything covering the drain, one of the small dime-sized springs was lost into this drain! The other spring was shot out into the center of the master bathroom but we didn't find this until the next day.<br />
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Well, bedlam ensued from this point. Both of our erstwhile plumbers were being sprayed with relatively cold water, the bathroom is getting soaked <u>everywhere,</u> our three year old granddaughter is becoming hysterical and crying that her daddy is going to DIE, our 1 1/2 year old grandson is just standing in the middle of this circus watching the show (I later get him to go upstairs with me so I can change his drenched clothing, everything below the waste was just soaked!) while Daughter and I are starting to grab towels and anything else we think useful to absorb the water. Drew yells "everything needs to go to higher ground!" and hubby is getting out of the shower to head out and look for a water shut-off. Hubby spent (wasted) nearly 10 minutes looking for a control in the bathroom itself, all shut-off valves were for toilets and sinks, nothing for the shower. So outside we go, soaking wet into the dark freezing night with a flashlight to look for a water shut-off valve!<br />
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Within a few minutes the plumbers find a water control valve outside near the sidewalk and Hubby begins to turn the faucet off while Drew is inside getting drenched (telling me "it's getting cold") still trying to stop the flow of water by putting the bushing back or something, anything! (a totally impossible task), Hubby is turning this valve for nearly 10 minutes or more without any effect on the water flow in the shower (which is still filling the bathroom with water, fortunately the central drain is taking a good deal of the water so it's not running out into the rest of the house, yet.). So hubby goes across the street to ask a neighbor if this is indeed the right shut-off valve and he is assured that it is (this neighbor is now on the "not to be trusted" list, he obviously didn't know what he was talking about, this valve turned out to be for the lawn sprinkler system!). So we work on this valve for nearly half an hour, hands freezing, mud from the yard all over our clothes, the valve continues to turn but we're not sure if it is actually closing, but, in one of our better decisions of the night, we have decided to call the city DPW in the meantime and eventually a truck shows up and the friendly young man hops out, goes to another area and lifts a metal plate off of the correct valve (that valve cover plate, clearly labeled "Water", was covered with trash bags full of leaves that hubby and I had raked up earlier), and within a few minutes he had used his special tool to turn this valve off and the water is finally stopped.<br />
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The remainder of this evening is spent trying to figure how we might put the control back together with the pieces we have found (not knowing at this point that we are missing a spring and also, in retrospect, not understanding exactly how the components needed to be replaced, there is in fact a set and critical order to the items, especially the rubber gaskets!).<br />
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So, to end this sorry tale, two days later we find a plumbing supply store with a good inventory, I've discovered a schematic of the fixtures for this shower on-line that help the "plumbers" understand and explain to the store salesman what is needed to fix this mess, and we are eventually able to restore the shower to it's proper configuration. This is after a few attempts to replace the parts with the rubber gaskets in the wrong order, a situation which leads to the faucet leaking behind the walls! We cleaned up water several times during these three days but Daughter and family now have a shower that allows them to run water as hot as they want and Drew has the valuable experience of knowing, like Hubby, that any additional plumbing projects should most likely be hired out! THE END ;-)Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-22703951888826811002014-01-13T14:13:00.003-06:002014-01-13T14:13:33.159-06:00Christmas and BirthdaysHello everyone,<br />
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Sorry I've been away for so long. It seems to take me longer and longer to get back into my "groove" each year after the holidays. We had a wonderful trip with daughter, son-in-law and grandkids. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher (16 months)</td></tr>
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This little guy had his thumb smashed in the door of the doctors office on New Years Eve while visiting the doctor for a fever and cough. They had to take him to Emergency Care and have his thumb nail removed. The poor little thing!! I felt so bad for him. When they returned home, he kept looking at his wrapped up thumb because it was getting in the way of him eating or picking up anything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gemma (3) on the kitchen table putting a giant puzzle together</td></tr>
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She is really good at putting puzzles together. I had a hard time finding the right pieces and where to place them but she sure didn't have any problems!! LOL It was so easy for her!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter with son-in-law, and Gemma</td></tr>
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As for Birthdays go, I am wishing my beautiful, smart and wonderful daughter a Happy Birthday on January 15. She is the "best mommy" ever and has grown into a very warm, caring and compassionate person. What parents wouldn't be proud of that!! We love you!!<br />
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Well, thats it for now. Hopefully, I will be better about posting now that we are back home.<br />
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Have a wonderful week everyone!!<br />
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Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-302301828094232402013-12-15T14:47:00.000-06:002013-12-15T14:47:10.438-06:00The Velveteen Rabbit <br />
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With Christmas just around the corner and trying to jiggle all that comes with it, the gift wrapping, baking and tree decorating I found myself wishing I could find the time to sit down, prop up my feet and spend time remembering how exciting Christmas was for me as a child. That was such a magical time. I remember laying in my bed at night wondering if I had been a "good girl" and if I had, what Santa would bring. Usually Christmas brought fresh oranges, nuts, ribbon candy and a few toys. Coming from a large family of 9 children didn't bring a lot of gifts but still the excitement of Christmas and our school Christmas programs was exciting enough. <br />
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I never knew about the book The Velveteen Rabbit, written by Margery Williams as a child but after I had my own children, I found it at a bookstore and found it so enchanting and charming that I purchased it and read it to my daughter. As the years past I found myself also reading it to my grandchildren. <br />
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The Velveteen Rabbit is a timeless tale of friendship, love, acceptance and honesty. When the world seems uncertain, Margery Williams's classic story reminds all of us what really matters. The rabbit's journey through love and loneliness to become who he was really meant to be is a story that inspires us all on our own journey to Real." <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Velveteen-Rabbit-Margery-Williams/dp/0757303331/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387139127&sr=1-1&keywords=the+velveteen+rabbit">Amazon</a><br />
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I loved this book for what the "real message" was. My favorite part of the book was when The Velveteen Rabbit becomes unsure of his worth and if he should even be considered a toy and the answer he receives from his friend, the Skin Horse. "Real isn't how you are made...It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with but REALLY loves you, then you become real". I found this video narrated by Meryl Streep reading my favorite part and wanted to share it with you. If you haven't read or heard of the book, I hope that you will buy a copy and keep it with all your treasured books. It sends a wonderful message to not only children but to adults as well. <br />
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We will be heading to the Dallas/Ft Worth Texas area to spend Christmas with daughter and grandkids, Gemma and Asher so I won't be posting until after Christmas. I wanted to take this time to wish all of you who read my blog a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your comments mean a great deal to me and I hope that the Christmas season brings you much joy, good will and happiness.<br />
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Enjoy the video!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M_m054tLKvs" width="459"></iframe>Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1325676890267449666.post-75405329642480910662013-12-08T14:02:00.003-06:002013-12-08T14:02:29.493-06:00A Pier PhotoWith all the bad weather heading across the United States, I have to admit that I am lucky to be here in Florida. Here is a photo taken from my neighbor's pier overlooking St. Andrews Bay. This photo was taken on Friday, a gorgeous balmy 77 degree day after hearing from daughter that the Dallas/Ft. Worth area was in the low 30's with freezing rain and snow. Sigh...I sure don't miss that!! We are headed there to spend Christmas with them...I sure hope the weather is better when we head out.<br />
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This photo is for all of you who are suffering through the winter storm, Dion. I hope it brings a bit of sunshine to your day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image (mine)</td></tr>
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Hoping everyone will have a great week. :-)Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775868663580675188noreply@blogger.com5