tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89890165070113308862024-03-12T18:53:55.005-07:00Destination: CraftKathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-40608876614644292242015-05-12T19:03:00.000-07:002015-05-12T19:03:06.881-07:00Giraffe Rattles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aefx3JN3V_4/VOOY4Xko8hI/AAAAAAAAIbk/0zbNrCsKgdE/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aefx3JN3V_4/VOOY4Xko8hI/AAAAAAAAIbk/0zbNrCsKgdE/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel so on top of things! I made presents MONTHS in advance!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dbu-9Lr3adI/VOOZECzLxVI/AAAAAAAAIbs/CjgN3smDpjo/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dbu-9Lr3adI/VOOZECzLxVI/AAAAAAAAIbs/CjgN3smDpjo/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles4.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have had this book for probably 3-4 years now and I have NEVER used it! It's horrible, I know. Every now and then I would thumb through it and look at all the pretty projects but I never actually made anything. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnDLCkbMTo0/VOOZLtu58_I/AAAAAAAAIb0/piiVfEsrh1o/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnDLCkbMTo0/VOOZLtu58_I/AAAAAAAAIb0/piiVfEsrh1o/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have FOUR babies coming to the family this year so I decided to make some of the giraffe rattles found in this book as some presents. I think they came out adorable. And my son approves of them, too! This book has so many cute ideas and it comes with instructions and patterns. I love it, I would definitely recommend the book to anyone wanting to make some baby projects.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKFNXNV0ivQ/VOOZgyDFDeI/AAAAAAAAIb8/KzMHIH2uZWU/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKFNXNV0ivQ/VOOZgyDFDeI/AAAAAAAAIb8/KzMHIH2uZWU/s1600/Giraffe%2BRattles3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yay for babies!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-87951168546246209892015-03-20T08:04:00.004-07:002015-03-20T08:04:41.596-07:00Simple Princess Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPxA344zp1Y/VQw1XsPtmJI/AAAAAAAAIfo/WJ8ns6lyQgo/s1600/Princess%2Bskirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPxA344zp1Y/VQw1XsPtmJI/AAAAAAAAIfo/WJ8ns6lyQgo/s1600/Princess%2Bskirt1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter is SO girly! I wanted to make her a cute skirt for her birthday and when I saw this princess fabric, I knew she'd love it...and she did! Not only does she like princesses but she loves skirts and tutus. I knew this would be a win-win combo: princess fabric + skirt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved the tutorial I found on how to make a basic skirt. It's from Made and it's a really easy tutorial to follow. Find it <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-a-simple-skirt.html">HERE</a>. One thing I have to say is that if you don't have a serger, you HAVE to read the first comment on the post for the tip someone gives. It made my skirt look much better. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDyR8FsMJqA/VQw2YwtURcI/AAAAAAAAIfw/xoakeFYq3Hs/s1600/princess%2Bskirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDyR8FsMJqA/VQw2YwtURcI/AAAAAAAAIfw/xoakeFYq3Hs/s1600/princess%2Bskirt2.jpg" height="626" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, the overlay fabric I used was a leeeetle expensive but with a 40% off coupon from Joann's it was very affordable. She looks adorable in her little princess skirt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, go try out that tutorial, if not for a daughter, you could even make one for yourself!</span><br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-68940821445352099672015-03-12T13:21:00.004-07:002015-03-12T13:23:04.809-07:00Art Birthday Party (on a budget!)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I mentioned in an <a href="http://destinationcraft.blogspot.com/2015/02/saving-and-spending-jars-for-kids.html">early post</a> that my husband and I were doing the Dave Ramsey finance program, so this year we wanted to keep the birthday parties simple and on budget (I've struggled with that in the past).</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emGFhmSrjTM/VQB0LEuf0JI/AAAAAAAAIdc/hjiGCrMGLnk/s1600/art%2Bparty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emGFhmSrjTM/VQB0LEuf0JI/AAAAAAAAIdc/hjiGCrMGLnk/s1600/art%2Bparty1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter wanted to paint for her birthday so I decided to throw a little art party for her and her friends. And even though I didn't spend lots of money or honestly even tons of time on it, they still had SO MUCH fun! Here are the invitations I made:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sztsjVl4F2k/VQGZXPg0z6I/AAAAAAAAIdw/evQS8nMrM98/s1600/art%2Bparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sztsjVl4F2k/VQGZXPg0z6I/AAAAAAAAIdw/evQS8nMrM98/s1600/art%2Bparty2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Super simple, made from construction paper you can get from Wal-Mart or Target. Since invitations get tossed as soon as the event is over, there's no reason to go too crazy on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The set up was pretty simple as well. The thing that took the longest was the rainbow chain link I made. I just used scrapbook paper I already had. Then I covered my table in the paper that comes in our art easel in case of paint accidents or in case the girls wanted to draw on the table.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcJso6Y_uhU/VQGcqE0SnEI/AAAAAAAAId8/iqH-tiwo4UY/s1600/art%2Bparty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcJso6Y_uhU/VQGcqE0SnEI/AAAAAAAAId8/iqH-tiwo4UY/s1600/art%2Bparty3.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrzPMMeygFs/VQGcxANSaKI/AAAAAAAAIeE/60ICeGGMEVM/s1600/art%2Bparty4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrzPMMeygFs/VQGcxANSaKI/AAAAAAAAIeE/60ICeGGMEVM/s1600/art%2Bparty4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teHyE7P0yjE/VQGc3g6wHZI/AAAAAAAAIeM/C1HD7bP_KX0/s1600/art%2Bparty5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teHyE7P0yjE/VQGc3g6wHZI/AAAAAAAAIeM/C1HD7bP_KX0/s1600/art%2Bparty5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little chalkboard easels I got a long time ago and I've been waiting to use them! So glad I did! And those itsy bitsy easels and canvases I got from Wal-Mart for $0.97 each. They are so cute and little!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did 3 activites with one game thrown in there. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9_mVDt76lg/VQGdN1ODdvI/AAAAAAAAIeU/imtIDESS80k/s1600/art%2Bparty6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9_mVDt76lg/VQGdN1ODdvI/AAAAAAAAIeU/imtIDESS80k/s1600/art%2Bparty6.jpg" height="534" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first activity was painting those little canvases. They were the perfect size for those little hands. The only problem I had was the paint pots. I bought them at the dollar store and they were mostly dry when we opened them! Not cool, Dollar Tree. We made it work.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpu4U9132yM/VQGdqam749I/AAAAAAAAIec/sJXMJAmCgPM/s1600/art%2Bparty7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpu4U9132yM/VQGdqam749I/AAAAAAAAIec/sJXMJAmCgPM/s1600/art%2Bparty7.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second activity was stringing Fruit Loops onto a piece of yarn to make necklaces. They really liked doing this but only 2 of them (out of 4) wanted to actually wear the necklace afterward. They really enjoyed eating the cereal as they went :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9Pqtip6p8g/VQGd_wo9ilI/AAAAAAAAIek/BKxgR8NJERo/s1600/art%2Bparty8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9Pqtip6p8g/VQGd_wo9ilI/AAAAAAAAIek/BKxgR8NJERo/s1600/art%2Bparty8.jpg" height="640" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The third and by far favorite activity was cookie decorating. I made sugar cookies into squares to look more like an art canvas and made rainbow frostings. I also provided them with marshmallows, sprinkles, and pink Sixlets to decorate their little cookie art works. They loved this so much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The game we played was Pin the Color on the Art Palatte. They weren't very excited about this game. Well, my daughter liked it but the other girls did it once and were over it. But my daughter did it several times and thought it was lots of fun!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJzHqHjVlM4/VQGe-G--KBI/AAAAAAAAIew/rTZLBQk2toQ/s1600/art%2Bparty9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJzHqHjVlM4/VQGe-G--KBI/AAAAAAAAIew/rTZLBQk2toQ/s1600/art%2Bparty9.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOCbF7LB7Us/VQGfF7a1V8I/AAAAAAAAIe4/bU9OlmsVAgA/s1600/art%2Bparty11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOCbF7LB7Us/VQGfF7a1V8I/AAAAAAAAIe4/bU9OlmsVAgA/s1600/art%2Bparty11.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, I made a cookie cake that I tried to make look like an art palatte. It turned out pretty cute and my kids like cookie cakes a lot better than traditional cake. I just used the Pillsbury Funfetti mix to make the cookie cake.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioIu23DDZg4/VQGfb4ZRSqI/AAAAAAAAIfA/jkuAkkE0K9c/s1600/art%2Bparty10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioIu23DDZg4/VQGfb4ZRSqI/AAAAAAAAIfA/jkuAkkE0K9c/s1600/art%2Bparty10.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that's it! I probably spent about $30 total for this party but honestly I had most of the stuff I used and I bet you have all the stuff, too! Let me know if you do an art party, I'd love to check it out! </span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-19798234831478612452015-02-18T06:47:00.001-08:002015-02-18T06:47:18.399-08:00Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini, Spinach and Chicken Soup<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Guys, I have such a treat for you today! I have my food contributor Kellee here doing a guest post! It's been a while (since I took last year off) and I'm so excited she's back! She has a delicious looking recipe for you to try out...and in the crock pot no less! Easy and delicious!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6E1nx7TsJg/VOOPDULND5I/AAAAAAAAIbU/GboFKDgc5lI/s1600/kel%27s%2Bsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6E1nx7TsJg/VOOPDULND5I/AAAAAAAAIbU/GboFKDgc5lI/s1600/kel's%2Bsoup.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My name is Kellee and my BFF Kathryn has invited me to share a food post today and you all are in fo a treat yo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On
Sunday I made this soup. Let us all take a moment of silence in
gratitude for the mad scientist chef from <a href="http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/">365 Days of Slow Cooking</a> who
created this master piece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, enough silence. Let's get chattin' about this recipe!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I
am always nervous and excited to try a new recipe. Will it join the
binder with the other holy grail recipes I have discovered or will it be
thrown in the recycling bin with me pouting bitterly around the house
because I spent $15 on a recipe that "didn't turn out good"? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy this turned out wonderful! If you love pasta and tomato soup then you and this recipe are a match made in heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy and happy cooking, chefs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Slow Cooker Recipe for Creamy Tortellini, Spinach and Chicken Soup</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recipe slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/2014/11/slow-cooker-tortellini-spinach-soup.html">365 Days of Slow Cooking</a></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Makes 6-8 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 yellow onion, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/3 c. flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tbsp dried basil</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 cloves garlic, minced <span style="font-size: small;">(I used about 2 tsp of the jarred stuff and it was yum)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2-3 Tbsp tomato paste <span style="font-size: small;">(depending on how much of a tomato flavor your heart desires)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 Tbsp olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 c. chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 c. frozen cheese tortellini</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 c. packed spinach <span style="font-size: small;">(next time I would DEFINITELY chop up the spinach. It was hard to eat whole.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 c. heavy cream or half and half</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In
microwave safe bowl add onions, flour, basil, garlic, and tomato
paste. Drizzle with olive oil. Microwave 4 1/2 minutes, stirring every
90 seconds. The mixture may look a little lumpy and weird. That's
what we want! Add this to the slow cooker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add
broth, tomatoes, chicken, salt and pepper to slow cooker. Stir. Cover
and cook on low 4-6 hours or on high 3-4 hours (or until chicken is
fully cooked and tender).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add
tortellini, spinach, parmesan cheese and warmed cream (I microwaved my
half and half for 50 seconds or so. If you don't warm before you add
this in it could curdle!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take
chicken out and shred (I shred my chicken using a hand mixer. It's
AWESOME!!! You get it finally shredded and takes all of 10 seconds to
do). Add chicken back into the slow cooker. Cook on high another 10-15
minutes or until the tortellini are fully cooked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ladle into bowls.
You will need to definitely salt and pepper your own individual servings
as it is a little bland without it. This also may have been caused
because I used the low sodium chicken broth. But once you add the salt
and pepper? BAM! Makes all the difference. We served ours with extra
shredded parmesan cheese which was delicious.</span></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-81614343254534211412015-02-11T06:05:00.000-08:002015-02-11T06:05:00.935-08:00Teacher Valentine's Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My oldest kid is in kindergarten so I'm new to the whole teacher-parent relationship. I gave his teacher & the teacher's assistant a Christmas gift so I thought why not get them a Valentine's gift? Nothing big or crazy but I think showing them sometimes that you appreciate them is a nice gesture. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txE1B_NliHw/VM02E0ES4LI/AAAAAAAAIZk/LjzGR1ls3CA/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGift3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txE1B_NliHw/VM02E0ES4LI/AAAAAAAAIZk/LjzGR1ls3CA/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGift3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was at Target the other day and came across these adorable vintage-looking milk glasses. I also grabbed some chalkboard paint while I was there and hatched my plan for these teacher gifts. These don't require a lot of effort or a lot of time, really. I think they turned out really cute and I'll show you how I made them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, I taped off a section of the bottles to paint. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dWgxkKfWQM/VM017tPlfWI/AAAAAAAAIZc/AnRy5g7YOdI/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGifts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dWgxkKfWQM/VM017tPlfWI/AAAAAAAAIZc/AnRy5g7YOdI/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGifts1.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to the directions, you're supposed to apply a coat, then wait an hour and apply another coat. Then you're supposed to let the paint cure for 24 hours. Then you're supposed to cover the chalkboard part in chalk to prep it, wipe it down, and you're good to go!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE_8JWiZrGE/VM02-x74-8I/AAAAAAAAIZw/gJ9HOMh5dbE/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGifts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE_8JWiZrGE/VM02-x74-8I/AAAAAAAAIZw/gJ9HOMh5dbE/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGifts2.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, you can buy chalkboard pens at any craft store and I grabbed some while at Target. I realized, however, that the pens I bought were permanent. I had never heard of permanent chalkboard pens! So if you do this craft, look for non-permanent pens, in case of mistakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fill up the jars with yummy candy and decorate with any other embellishments and you're good to go! These would make cute gifts for anyone, they don't have to be just for teachers. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbHvZjyfIKw/VM04mJXRH-I/AAAAAAAAIZ8/TOePYn3Uscg/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGift4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbHvZjyfIKw/VM04mJXRH-I/AAAAAAAAIZ8/TOePYn3Uscg/s1600/Teacher%2BV%2BGift4.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-47723365086122296782015-02-05T13:06:00.001-08:002015-02-05T13:06:32.832-08:00Saving and Spending Jars for Kids<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you heard of Dave Ramsey? He's basically a Christian financial guru. He has this program called Financial Peace University. You learn how to manage money, pay off debts, save, buy a house, etc., in his program and I'm currently enrolled. It's amazing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the second lesson he talked about the importance of teaching your kids about money. Because really kids learn by example for everything. They just need good examples to follow. He suggests making money jars for your kids that are see-through so that the kids can see their money accumulating/leaving. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtLRrgZ3RrY/VNPYsH0koUI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/t-cqgApK_zk/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtLRrgZ3RrY/VNPYsH0koUI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/t-cqgApK_zk/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He recommends having 3 jars: Saving, Spending, and Giving. I opted not to do a giving jar though because I don't want that money sitting around--it goes straight to our church as a donation. Now my kids can see the money they are saving and the money they have to spend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made the labels with PicMonkey and then used my handy dandy Create-A-Sticker to make them adhere. I LOVE this little machine, except it's not a machine because there is NO plug. Seriously, love it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O90cMXXZ6Q/VNPY_bIcWEI/AAAAAAAAIaY/lVHWxvdRsyg/s1600/Spend%26Save%2BJars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O90cMXXZ6Q/VNPY_bIcWEI/AAAAAAAAIaY/lVHWxvdRsyg/s1600/Spend%26Save%2BJars2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I made a Savings and a Spending jar for each of my older kids. Maybe by the time they're 10 they'll have saved up enough for college! HA! A girl can dream.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ptsEZMBGa0/VNPZwPEs2_I/AAAAAAAAIak/-Y04UQeO3y8/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ptsEZMBGa0/VNPZwPEs2_I/AAAAAAAAIak/-Y04UQeO3y8/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars3.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qe4HJyPCJ5U/VNPZ5SwqnOI/AAAAAAAAIas/UDVt_NvCnTE/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qe4HJyPCJ5U/VNPZ5SwqnOI/AAAAAAAAIas/UDVt_NvCnTE/s1600/Saving%26Spending%2BJars4.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now my next project will be a chore chart so they can start earning the money they put in their jars. Excuse me while I go peruse Pinterest...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy crafting and saving!</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-47999489269066636472015-01-29T13:19:00.002-08:002015-01-30T10:41:38.773-08:00XOXO Garland <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know it's not even February yet but once it is February, I have a birthday to be thinking about and won't be thinking a lot about Valentine's day. SO I decided I would spruce up my mantel now because if I don't do it now it wouldn't get done.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAul30_oRFo/VMqh5hhcscI/AAAAAAAAIYM/vvCuWIuZsbg/s1600/XOgarland1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAul30_oRFo/VMqh5hhcscI/AAAAAAAAIYM/vvCuWIuZsbg/s1600/XOgarland1.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made this garland and it was SO.EASY. Srsly. I cut out most of the XOs while watching TV (Fixer Upper anyone?) and the hearts were super quick. Then I just zipped them through the sewing machine and I was done! Easy, right?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAG8Epq9W8s/VMqiC_VgW6I/AAAAAAAAIYU/0auQm0s8oVA/s1600/XOgarland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAG8Epq9W8s/VMqiC_VgW6I/AAAAAAAAIYU/0auQm0s8oVA/s1600/XOgarland2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(And really? Look at how disgusting my fireplace looks. I should really do something about that.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would like my mantel to be way cute but this is probably about the extent of it. HOWEVER....I got looking for some other cute Valentine mantels and HOLY cow! There are some adorable ones! If you need some inspiration...here ya go:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_0CfmN-Fkk/VMqiOgA6VAI/AAAAAAAAIYc/g0jPAOgou20/s1600/valentinemantel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_0CfmN-Fkk/VMqiOgA6VAI/AAAAAAAAIYc/g0jPAOgou20/s1600/valentinemantel1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/01/valentine-mantel.html">Positively Splendid</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYHj-0PzADs/VMqiTaz9NmI/AAAAAAAAIYk/8tpVtNRc8dQ/s1600/valentine%2Bmantlescape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYHj-0PzADs/VMqiTaz9NmI/AAAAAAAAIYk/8tpVtNRc8dQ/s1600/valentine%2Bmantlescape2.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2013/01/valentine-day-mantle-2013.html#">The Kim Six Fix</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_IZleDrirE/VMqiXKPeMdI/AAAAAAAAIYs/z0zwTWRf1Ho/s1600/Valentine%27s%2BMantel3%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_IZleDrirE/VMqiXKPeMdI/AAAAAAAAIYs/z0zwTWRf1Ho/s1600/Valentine's%2BMantel3%2B.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beforemeetsafterblog.com/2013/01/valentines-mantel.html?m=1">Before Meets After</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMslSIzyslg/VMqicN9HO5I/AAAAAAAAIY0/3HTlkVr99yA/s1600/valentinemantel4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMslSIzyslg/VMqicN9HO5I/AAAAAAAAIY0/3HTlkVr99yA/s1600/valentinemantel4.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.whimsicaltreasuresdecor.com/2012/02/valentine-mantel.html">Whimsical Treasures</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcDxbmmcaZE/VMqigICnAdI/AAAAAAAAIY8/OPndJ7flg8M/s1600/valentine%2Bmantle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcDxbmmcaZE/VMqigICnAdI/AAAAAAAAIY8/OPndJ7flg8M/s1600/valentine%2Bmantle5.jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/01/valentines-mantel-giveaway.html">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpEPL0w9VrA/VMqilPbkO0I/AAAAAAAAIZE/JEa-9heFRPQ/s1600/Valentines-Day-Mantel6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpEPL0w9VrA/VMqilPbkO0I/AAAAAAAAIZE/JEa-9heFRPQ/s1600/Valentines-Day-Mantel6.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2013/02/11/valentines-day-mantel-valentine-mantel/">The Frugal Homemaker</a></div>
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Linked here: <a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/2015/01/8-easy-home-beauty-hacks-project-stash-link-party.html">Seven Alive</a>, <a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2015/01/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up_30.html#more">Serenity Now</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/search/label/Kitchen%20Fun%20and%20Crafty%20Friday%20Link%20Party">Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons</a> <br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-56128816981920386902015-01-23T08:36:00.001-08:002015-01-23T08:36:05.870-08:00How to Maximize a Small Entryway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to tackle an area in my rental in hopes to make the space cuter and more functional. It's hard living in a 1400-square space with 3 kids because it means space is limited. One area in the house that was driving me nuts because of the lack of storage was the entryway. The kids would come in, take their shoes and jackets off, leave them on the floor, and be on their merry way. UGH! I bought a wooden box for the shoes but then I was stuck for a while. Here's what it has looked like for quite some time:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rI2d3AmVb8w/VMJ1mquqxVI/AAAAAAAAIXg/BcR4QFMl_Dc/s1600/Entryway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rI2d3AmVb8w/VMJ1mquqxVI/AAAAAAAAIXg/BcR4QFMl_Dc/s1600/Entryway1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boring. And look at all those shoes! I went through the shoes and got rid of any out-of-season shoes and shoes that were too small. Then I found some numbered hooks at Kohl's for 70% off (score!) and I got some frames at Hobby Lobby. Their picture frames are always 50% off, which is awesome.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDXiJ52M8s/VMJ2OBky_pI/AAAAAAAAIXo/g-ORs0GGC-o/s1600/Entryway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDXiJ52M8s/VMJ2OBky_pI/AAAAAAAAIXo/g-ORs0GGC-o/s1600/Entryway2.jpg" height="640" width="322" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how it is now! Cuter and more functional! Now when the kids come in they can put their shoes in the right spot and hang their jackets up. And as a bonus I get to see a picture of their beautiful faces. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YV2L62o3tmk/VMJ2yFHVKeI/AAAAAAAAIXw/tetJ76-yPSY/s1600/Entryway4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YV2L62o3tmk/VMJ2yFHVKeI/AAAAAAAAIXw/tetJ76-yPSY/s1600/Entryway4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the pictures of the kids in the little frames! My talented friend Ashley took those pictures and they are adorable. I was wanting to display them somewhere and this happened to be the perfect spot!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1bl58ACZqs/VMJ3GC0Yc9I/AAAAAAAAIX4/g26R5OPCOqw/s1600/Entryway3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1bl58ACZqs/VMJ3GC0Yc9I/AAAAAAAAIX4/g26R5OPCOqw/s1600/Entryway3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So to recap:</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">How to Maximize a Small Entryway:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Have a shoe box. Then clean that shoe box out at the start of every season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Hang up coat hangers for jackets, bags, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Keep your space clean! No one wants to walk into their house and the first thing they see is clutter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Personalize it. It'll make it feel more like home when you have personalized touches. </span></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-74779667275821816712015-01-14T11:45:00.000-08:002015-01-14T11:45:02.625-08:00Batman Tooth Fairy Pillow<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My oldest son just lost his first tooth and I'll admit I had mixed emotions. I was excited for him but sad that he's growing up so quickly. When I told my mom that his tooth was wiggly, she offered to make a pillow to put his tooth in for the tooth fairy. My mom makes amazing things, so of course I said YES! And look how adorable it turned out!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5bNHgK93k/VLbFVSfUUoI/AAAAAAAAIVc/z-dUfh4prtk/s1600/Batman%2BPillow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5bNHgK93k/VLbFVSfUUoI/AAAAAAAAIVc/z-dUfh4prtk/s1600/Batman%2BPillow1.jpg" height="640" width="614" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How cute is this little guy?! He shaped like a tooth and has all of Batman's ensemble, so fun! And my son loves it. He uses it as a toy as well as his tooth pillow. My mom bought the pattern from an Etsy store called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LindyJDesign?ref=l2-shop-info-name">Lindy J Design</a>. She has some of the sweetest felt patterns ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This pattern comes with 2 patterns: one for Batman and one for Superman. And I love the little pocket for the tooth/money. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B1aaZs5-yU/VLbGETuHbUI/AAAAAAAAIVk/tt0vWOo6VUY/s1600/Batman%2BPillow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B1aaZs5-yU/VLbGETuHbUI/AAAAAAAAIVk/tt0vWOo6VUY/s1600/Batman%2BPillow2.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in the pattern, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127160905/batmansuperman-tooth-pillow-pdf-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_4">HERE</a> is the link. And no, this Etsy seller didn't ask me to give her a review, I just thought this turned out so adorable I had to share!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-28976871774477020742015-01-09T10:10:00.000-08:002015-01-13T09:11:22.330-08:00Home Sweet Home Cross Stitch<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Holy Moly! It's almost been a whole year since I last posted on my blog. What a slacker. BUT to be fair, I was teaching preschool and had a baby last year, so I was a tad bit busy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, one of my goals for the new year is to jump back into Destination: Craft. I love crafting and I would like to record what I make, so here's to hoping I continue writing on this blog all year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year I picked up a cross stitch I hadn't worked on for a while. Yes, I'm a grandma and I cross stitch. My mom taught me when I was younger and I decided to start back up with it. So I picked up this Home Sweet Home cross stitch project and finally finished it. I love it! It's so cute!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dvfp6XEOQ/VLAVzp_4igI/AAAAAAAAIU0/BiB_v3Ho4Rw/s1600/Home%2BSweet%2BHome%2Bstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dvfp6XEOQ/VLAVzp_4igI/AAAAAAAAIU0/BiB_v3Ho4Rw/s1600/Home%2BSweet%2BHome%2Bstitch.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought the pattern from a shop on Etsy called andwabisabi. You can browse their shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=andwabisabi&ref=auto1">HERE</a>. They have some adorable cross stitching patterns!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCXgcqCL5-I/VLAXX8b99EI/AAAAAAAAIVA/5OOHqRn1U5w/s1600/Home%2BSweet%2BHome%2Bstitch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCXgcqCL5-I/VLAXX8b99EI/AAAAAAAAIVA/5OOHqRn1U5w/s1600/Home%2BSweet%2BHome%2Bstitch2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after I finished that project up, I decided to try my hand at another one. I searched around and found <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/">Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a>. The slogan on their website is "Seriously cute cross stitch patterns" and they ain't lying! Each and every pattern is so stinkin' cute!! I started their Christmas Celebration Sampler early December and didn't get it finished in time for Christmas but I'll have it ready for Christmas 2015!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAtfGdfEsUI/VLAYQzn_SpI/AAAAAAAAIVI/mgs4nzOgW08/s1600/Christmas%2Bstitch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAtfGdfEsUI/VLAYQzn_SpI/AAAAAAAAIVI/mgs4nzOgW08/s1600/Christmas%2Bstitch1.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do I have any fellow cross stitchers out there??</span></div>
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Linked here: <a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/2015/01/titus-2-tuesday-138.html">Titus 2 Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/tip-me-tuesday-happy-crafters-share-1-13/">Tip Me Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://thecottagemarket.com/2015/01/fabulous-diy-projects-linky-party-junkin-joe-2.html">The Cottage Marke</a>t<br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-87668777814884192872014-03-11T20:26:00.000-07:002014-03-11T20:26:28.275-07:00Luke's Pirate Birthday Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My son is OBSESSED with pirates! I knew exactly what his party theme was going to be this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The walkway up to the front door...like a little map!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once they got in there was a pirate banner (from Target) and a pirate flag (made by me).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first thing they grabbed when they came in was a pirate map. I made the map an outline of the activities of the party. So before we started something, I would tell them "Check them map! What's next?" They seemed to like going and grabbing their maps to see where they were going next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First on the map...Dress like a pirate! They each got a bandana for their heads, an eye patch, a spyglass, and a sword. Plus a bag to store their loot.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUebnkO-hGI/Ux_JWacrZ0I/AAAAAAAAH0A/_51sTx12CCI/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUebnkO-hGI/Ux_JWacrZ0I/AAAAAAAAH0A/_51sTx12CCI/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up: Breakfast! Each kid got a pirate pancake face plus milk or chocolate milk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next on the map: Gather coconuts! This turned into pop the coconuts (since they were just balloons) and then my husband started blasting them in the faces with the balloon air. The kids thought this was hilarious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next on the map: Walk the plank! The kids loved this! They kept getting in line to walk it over and over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next on the map was firing cannons at each other, which were just black balloons. I didn't get a picture of this but they threw balloons until they got bored and then started stomping on the balloons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next on the map: Cake and presents! I got the idea for the cake from <a href="http://spoonful.com/recipes/treasure-map">HERE</a>. I made a smaller and not so fancy version. But I liked that there were cupcakes instead of a cake to slice up for the kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then they fought "Captain Hook" for the treasure! Captain Hook finally admitted defeat and gave up the treasure box, filled with chocolate candy bars and coins, necklaces, Ring Pops, and all sorts of goodies! The kids filled their bags up with yummy treats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that was it! Then they played until their parents came to get them! I think they had lots of fun!</span></div>
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Need more pirate party ideas? Visit my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/katiemaepepper/party-ideas/">Party Ideas Pinterest board</a>.<br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-45586157637291658062014-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:002014-02-18T15:20:47.477-08:00Pirate Birthday Invitations<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My little 4-year-old boy is obsessed with all things pirate. So when thinking about his upcoming birthday party, the theme was a no brainer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought some brown kraft scrapbook paper and cut it down to the size I wanted (8.5 x 11). I made the design on my computer in InDesign and took my paper and my design to a local print shop. I was worried it wasn't going to work because the paper was so thick the printer ate one piece up! But the rest came out perfect.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oc1p-9zQ90/UwPqN6pAlPI/AAAAAAAAHqg/HmNh9Q1iYQE/s1600/pirate+invite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oc1p-9zQ90/UwPqN6pAlPI/AAAAAAAAHqg/HmNh9Q1iYQE/s1600/pirate+invite1.jpg" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I then tried to dye the paper with tea bags but I think they were too dark already, so the tea bags didn't do much. I also crumpled them up to give them an old map look. I <i>also</i> tried to burn the edges and I completely ruined an invitation while also almost burning my house down. If you're good with fire, go for it. If not....maybe you should avoid that. I tore the edges off the paper and rolled them to look like a pirate map. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how they turned out! </span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-27602564292887039562014-02-03T13:09:00.001-08:002014-02-03T13:09:08.263-08:00Mini Pallet Valentine Art<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I can't believe it's been so long since I posted a project! My life seems so hectic these days! I have my two kids' birthdays coming up so I'll be posting about that soon. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRDUOPtYws/UvAEDcnE_cI/AAAAAAAAHpE/kPmQ1uNp2go/s1600/Valentine+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRDUOPtYws/UvAEDcnE_cI/AAAAAAAAHpE/kPmQ1uNp2go/s1600/Valentine+3.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But in the meantime, Valentine's Day is coming up! I don't know about you, but I have very little Valentine decor. Here's a quick and easy project you can whip up and stick up just in time for this LOVE-ly holiday.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIeSrMOOTUk/UvACAidJuXI/AAAAAAAAHog/8R2bS7EUDzc/s1600/Valentine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIeSrMOOTUk/UvACAidJuXI/AAAAAAAAHog/8R2bS7EUDzc/s1600/Valentine+1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1. These sticks are from Michael's and I don't think they're very expensive at all. Maybe $1.50/pack? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. I used some wood glue to glue the sides together. I used 11 sticks but adjust to as big as you'd like.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. I glued two sticks on the back to make it more study and to make it more like, well...a mini pallet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4. After my mini pallet was dry, I spray painted it gray (make sure your painting area is well ventilated!)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0bAFNGvPBI/UvACtDOcNII/AAAAAAAAHoo/xG1W_lN7J1Y/s1600/Valentine+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0bAFNGvPBI/UvACtDOcNII/AAAAAAAAHoo/xG1W_lN7J1Y/s1600/Valentine+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1. I cut out a heart (just free-handed it) and then traced it onto the wood.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Okay, here's where I could have/should have changed it. I placed stickers on the heart so that I could paint over the stickers and then remove them and there would be a lovely "love" stenciled into the heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. However, as you can see, the stickers didn't come off as prettily as I would have liked. I ended up painting over it with white but I should have just put the stickers on over the painted heart! Oh well. You can choose what you think will work for you.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3S3UrsKSS0/UvADlkrL-wI/AAAAAAAAHo0/q5c4Yeofq1o/s1600/Valentine+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3S3UrsKSS0/UvADlkrL-wI/AAAAAAAAHo0/q5c4Yeofq1o/s1600/Valentine+4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And there you have it! A cute little Valentine mini pallet to put somewhere just in time for Valentine's day! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6pkt2Lk_Zw/UvAD6p0CavI/AAAAAAAAHo8/-bSE1Fv-wjw/s1600/Valentine+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6pkt2Lk_Zw/UvAD6p0CavI/AAAAAAAAHo8/-bSE1Fv-wjw/s1600/Valentine+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span></span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-80973757906866875282013-10-07T11:03:00.000-07:002013-10-07T11:03:57.340-07:00Portable Growth Chart<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A little while ago, I was approached by a representative from <a href="http://www.iconwallstickers.co.uk/">Icon Wall Stickers</a>. They wanted me to review a wall decal and I was so excited. My only problem is that I live in a rental. Which means I would have to take my pretty decal off when I leave the rental and then it would be ruined!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I scoured the wonderful website and obviously found a million I WANTED but one that would be perfect for my portable lifestyle.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2pmKaH_eow/UlLyZE4LRCI/AAAAAAAAHWE/RR9dj9QFr0k/s1600/Growth+Chart4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2pmKaH_eow/UlLyZE4LRCI/AAAAAAAAHWE/RR9dj9QFr0k/s800/Growth+Chart4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Their vinyl is just so cute and easy to use. And what I was surprised at was how reasonable the prices are! Once we're in a house for a long while, I'm going back to their website to see what I want to put on my wall! Seriously, they have some cute vinyl for your house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So for my Portable Growth Chart, I picked up a huge canvas from Michael's (use a coupon!) and some fun paint and painted the canvas several times.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HI4e2dDQoXw/UlLzeuwR3AI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/PNeOoNx63O0/s1600/Growth+Chart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HI4e2dDQoXw/UlLzeuwR3AI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/PNeOoNx63O0/s800/Growth+Chart1.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next I taped the vinyl to the canvas to picture how I wanted the end product to look. What was nice about the product I got from <a href="http://www.iconwallstickers.co.uk/">Icon Wall Stickers</a> is that I could cut it and adjust it to how I wanted it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmwPvAmbUqc/UlLz6S6rJRI/AAAAAAAAHWY/OgbPXDRy_GI/s1600/Growth+Chart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmwPvAmbUqc/UlLz6S6rJRI/AAAAAAAAHWY/OgbPXDRy_GI/s800/Growth+Chart2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I applied the vinyl by using a hard card (credit cards work great) to rub the vinyl on. It really couldn't be easier!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUYxZdYunJk/UlL0wR4p9HI/AAAAAAAAHWk/FTmVdu3gyic/s1600/Growth+Chart3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUYxZdYunJk/UlL0wR4p9HI/AAAAAAAAHWk/FTmVdu3gyic/s800/Growth+Chart3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that was it! I have an awesome growth chart for my 2 growing kiddos and I'm so excited about it. I've been wanting to do one of these for ages and now I have an awesome one thanks to <a href="http://www.iconwallstickers.co.uk/">Icon Wall Stickers</a>! Seriously, go check them out!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd0726Kqf0Q/UlL1F8hY01I/AAAAAAAAHWs/YubmL1m194I/s1600/Growth+Chart5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd0726Kqf0Q/UlL1F8hY01I/AAAAAAAAHWs/YubmL1m194I/s800/Growth+Chart5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzEPnquNjp8/UlL1TiL73_I/AAAAAAAAHW0/r2jpW8-nP5o/s1600/Growth+Chart6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzEPnquNjp8/UlL1TiL73_I/AAAAAAAAHW0/r2jpW8-nP5o/s800/Growth+Chart6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1Q__tfnaSU/UlL1dF_9pBI/AAAAAAAAHW8/HhHw3EDcY_k/s1600/Growth+Chart7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1Q__tfnaSU/UlL1dF_9pBI/AAAAAAAAHW8/HhHw3EDcY_k/s800/Growth+Chart7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-79250798874068676862013-09-29T20:32:00.000-07:002013-09-29T20:32:26.696-07:00Halloween Neighbor Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Halloween time isn't really known for gift giving, but I feel like Halloween kind of kicks off the holiday season. First it's Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas... so why not celebrate the start of the holiday season than with giving a gift!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2bG28bB3aw/UkjsDyUkxsI/AAAAAAAAHVE/-VwtzT2gL7g/s1600/Neighbor+Gift5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2bG28bB3aw/UkjsDyUkxsI/AAAAAAAAHVE/-VwtzT2gL7g/s800/Neighbor+Gift5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite recipe blog is Chef in Training and she has a delicious recipe for <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/10/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-pudding-cookies/">Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies</a>. When you layer the ingredients (well, most of them) in a jar, it looks cute and makes a fun but not too spooky neighbor gift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's what I did. It's all about the layers & packing in each layer. Packing it in ensures that all the layers will fit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybADDEVnIx0/UkjsOM0XW2I/AAAAAAAAHVM/cGOrhYFEzlI/s1600/Neighbor+GIft1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybADDEVnIx0/UkjsOM0XW2I/AAAAAAAAHVM/cGOrhYFEzlI/s800/Neighbor+GIft1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Start off with the flour. You'll need 2 1/4 cups, all packed in nice and tight.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZZWvnVegXU/Ukjsl-wporI/AAAAAAAAHVU/ZtK6uc_FWaw/s1600/Neighbor+Gift2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZZWvnVegXU/Ukjsl-wporI/AAAAAAAAHVU/ZtK6uc_FWaw/s800/Neighbor+Gift2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Second layer is the brown sugar. You'll need 3/4 cup. Remember, pack it in!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCKUpYC440o/Ukjs1xWao7I/AAAAAAAAHVc/9dseLvwNoe0/s1600/Neighbor+Gift3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCKUpYC440o/Ukjs1xWao7I/AAAAAAAAHVc/9dseLvwNoe0/s800/Neighbor+Gift3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Third layer is a couple of them together. I put the sugar (1/4 cup), then the baking soda on top of that (1 teaspoon), and a small package of Pumpkin Spice pudding on top of that. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg7K04ALQ6s/UkjtXMNy0UI/AAAAAAAAHVk/7-zs5EiTrwc/s1600/Neighbor+Gift4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg7K04ALQ6s/UkjtXMNy0UI/AAAAAAAAHVk/7-zs5EiTrwc/s800/Neighbor+Gift4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. The final layer is the chocolate chips. You'll need a cup, unless you can fit more, in which case, more chocolate chips is always good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's all the layering you do! It's such a simple gift and it would really make your neighbor's day. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvQ53okfFLc/UkjuF97vPQI/AAAAAAAAHVw/33LXGDVY1sg/s1600/Neighbor+Gift6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvQ53okfFLc/UkjuF97vPQI/AAAAAAAAHVw/33LXGDVY1sg/s800/Neighbor+Gift6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I added some tags to write the baking directions on them. You'll have to make sure to include the ingredients that aren't in the jar, like the eggs, vanilla, and butter on the tag so they know what they'll need to make the cookies. I also got some Halloween fabric to add to the top of the jar, which adds a cute Halloween-y touch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-22349502280234896982013-09-12T12:40:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:40:54.200-07:00How to Cut Burlap (without making a HUGE mess)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I recently learned how to cut burlap and it kind of blew my mind. I HAD to share it, because it is just so awesome! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the way burlap looks but I don't use it a whole lot. Reason? It's messy. Like, really messy. But recently I learned how to cut it and I'm a lot less scared of it! Lemme show you:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 1:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply cut a little slit into the burlap, where there is a white thread going across.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2g_tMgjD8k/UieeU-F37jI/AAAAAAAAHTw/olBDb39ksmE/s1600/Burlap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2g_tMgjD8k/UieeU-F37jI/AAAAAAAAHTw/olBDb39ksmE/s800/Burlap1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grab a piece of the burlap that comes unraveled because of the slit. Just grab one little thread. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_DGS4FgeRE/Uieej4K_EVI/AAAAAAAAHT4/YkgNLXkxqe0/s1600/Burlap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_DGS4FgeRE/Uieej4K_EVI/AAAAAAAAHT4/YkgNLXkxqe0/s800/Burlap2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 3:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pull that thread!! Warning: It will break if you pull too hard. Pretend you're trying to make a ruffle with it. It will start bunching up but that's good!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb5s4J5i63I/Uiee350sMNI/AAAAAAAAHUA/j5lZL2X3brE/s1600/Burlap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb5s4J5i63I/Uiee350sMNI/AAAAAAAAHUA/j5lZL2X3brE/s800/Burlap3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wIBzwpU8cU/Uiee9Kh7ndI/AAAAAAAAHUI/HrQgBk6E08M/s1600/Burlap4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wIBzwpU8cU/Uiee9Kh7ndI/AAAAAAAAHUI/HrQgBk6E08M/s800/Burlap4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After you have pulled that thread of burlap out completely, you'll notice you've made a little track-looking space in the burlap:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PYixR6pX_I/UiefKSGAzaI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/L4PQ_9vsbeI/s1600/Burlap5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PYixR6pX_I/UiefKSGAzaI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/L4PQ_9vsbeI/s800/Burlap5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 4: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cut along that track!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yU_A6XWg20/UieflhyMCdI/AAAAAAAAHUg/1tlwRqy7fPY/s1600/Burlap6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yU_A6XWg20/UieflhyMCdI/AAAAAAAAHUg/1tlwRqy7fPY/s320/Burlap6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And there you have it! Now, don't get me wrong, this is not an entirely mess-free project. There will always be little burlap hairs when you deal with burlap but this definitely cuts down on the mess. And something that makes it so I don't have to clean so much later is a winner to me!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-9222357030995155122013-09-04T13:28:00.001-07:002013-09-04T13:29:29.271-07:00Colorful Chevron Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It must be baby season! This is the second chevron baby quilt I've made recently. I also have 2 sisters-in-law that are either pregnant or recently had a baby. I must not have caught baby fever. Not yet, at least ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With that being said, I don't think a baby can have enough blankets. They spit up ALL.THE.TIME (or was that just mine?) and you end up with a pile of dirty blankets, scrambling for another one so they can have tummy time... Anyway, the point is, one of my favorite things to make for babies is a quilt. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAzKVBtg_vo/UieWE_2dwdI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/9Sr59S7ig4U/s1600/Colorful+Chevron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAzKVBtg_vo/UieWE_2dwdI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/9Sr59S7ig4U/s800/Colorful+Chevron1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For this quilt, instead of piecing the quilt together like I did for THIS chevron quilt, I bought chevron fabric. I bought mine from Fabric.com, but there are lots of awesome fabric websites with chevron fabric. Then I made a back, put together the chevron fabric for the top, the batting, and the back, and quilted the zig zags. I love how it turned out! It's the quilted look without doing all the hard work! (Well, some of it, anyway.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clRO-t5veLg/UieW5NQxkXI/AAAAAAAAHTY/GIYE_YEnlF8/s1600/Colorful+Chevron+Quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clRO-t5veLg/UieW5NQxkXI/AAAAAAAAHTY/GIYE_YEnlF8/s800/Colorful+Chevron+Quilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I added a big chunk of blue polka dot fabric to the back to add a little interest. I like it better than a big piece of the same color for the back. The binding I just bought from Joann's and it matched perfectly! Score. This quilt came together really quick, so if you need a baby gift in a hurry, I'd highly recommend buying some chevron fabric & quilting over it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wvlhxhpbh8E/UieXUpObdtI/AAAAAAAAHTg/3JxiCmrsY7E/s1600/Colorful+Chevron+Quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wvlhxhpbh8E/UieXUpObdtI/AAAAAAAAHTg/3JxiCmrsY7E/s800/Colorful+Chevron+Quilt3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love that quilted look!!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-31211691604775951002013-08-23T12:21:00.001-07:002013-08-23T12:21:25.324-07:00Introducing...CafePress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYRmePtJKu4/Uhemafy80dI/AAAAAAAAHSA/svCi06l8U4g/s1600/CafePress-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYRmePtJKu4/Uhemafy80dI/AAAAAAAAHSA/svCi06l8U4g/s800/CafePress-Logo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was recently introduced to an awesome website that does custom designs on, well, just about ANYTHING. Seriously. They have just about everything you can imagine AND you can get whatever you want written/printed on it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me just take you on a little tour of <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">CafePress</a>:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">- Custom T-Shirts: </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They have an amazing array of t-shirt designs to choose from. But what's super awesome is that you can design your <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/make/custom-t-shirts">own custom T-shirt</a>. They have options for everyone. Just choose the style and color and you can go from there.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq67gzGhZlc/UhepVLGt2SI/AAAAAAAAHSM/Jp1QYI7EOGE/s1600/cafepress_shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq67gzGhZlc/UhepVLGt2SI/AAAAAAAAHSM/Jp1QYI7EOGE/s800/cafepress_shirts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're looking to customize an article of clothing other than a shirt they also have sweatshirts, tank tops, baseball jerseys, dry-fit shirts, polos, pajamas, underwear, maternity, plus-sized, workwear, and yoga pants. The options seem endless!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">-Gifts:</span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so if what you're looking for is more gift-oriented than clothing-oriented, they've got you covered there, too. They have a <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/make/design-your-own">whole section of personalizable gifts</a>. You can shop by recipient, such as men, women, kids, pets, and teachers or you can shop by occasion, such as back to school, marathon, anniversary, birthday, or wedding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some personalizable gifts I found on CafePress that I love!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiCRPXov9NQ/UhewZa524UI/AAAAAAAAHSc/8ke2uAnwXeg/s1600/cafepress_gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiCRPXov9NQ/UhewZa524UI/AAAAAAAAHSc/8ke2uAnwXeg/s800/cafepress_gifts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Owl Glass Cutting Board</div>
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2. Pins</div>
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3. Canvas Pillows</div>
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4. Beach Totes</div>
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5. Christmas Ornaments</div>
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6. iPhone cases</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Invitations:</span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They also carry cards you can personalize and order for any occasion, such as <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+first-birthday+invitations">baby's 1st birthday</a>, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+funny-birthday+invitations?page=4">birthdays</a>, and <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/make/christmas-holiday-invitations">Christmas</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqyGtByKLGo/Uhez_lrRuRI/AAAAAAAAHSo/iCovK5LGf2E/s1600/cafepress_invites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqyGtByKLGo/Uhez_lrRuRI/AAAAAAAAHSo/iCovK5LGf2E/s800/cafepress_invites.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, have I at least convinced you to at least go peruse the website? I KNOW there's something there you'll want to order because every time I get on it I see something new and awesome I want!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-15282151139569542852013-08-21T20:32:00.001-07:002013-08-21T20:32:56.409-07:00Easy Chevron Baby Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of my good friends is expecting a baby boy in just a couple of weeks and so I made her a baby quilt for when her little guy decides to make his appearance (she's pretty pumped to be done with this pregnancy!). </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAE2h5p9i9o/UhWEDP4uCnI/AAAAAAAAHRk/5oDWqPVMqXs/s1600/Baby+Quilt9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAE2h5p9i9o/UhWEDP4uCnI/AAAAAAAAHRk/5oDWqPVMqXs/s800/Baby+Quilt9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She picked out the colors and the back fabric and she has good taste, because it turned out lovely! (If I do say so myself.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, to start I purchased:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- 1 yard white broadcloth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- 1 yard gray broadcloth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- 1 yard gray minky</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- package of crib-sized batting </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(use a coupon or wait until they go on sale!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I washed my fabrics, ironed them, and then cut the white and gray broadcloths into 6-inch squares (set the minky aside for now). I just used up all the fabric, I didn't count how many squares I made.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdglNBWMkBU/UhVe75VwH-I/AAAAAAAAHQY/szunzNPe1HU/s1600/Baby+Quilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdglNBWMkBU/UhVe75VwH-I/AAAAAAAAHQY/szunzNPe1HU/s800/Baby+Quilt1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I cut those squares across so they formed triangles.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01ySQBk2ssw/UhVfJxWb5qI/AAAAAAAAHQg/AWO3ON5f5BE/s1600/Baby+Quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01ySQBk2ssw/UhVfJxWb5qI/AAAAAAAAHQg/AWO3ON5f5BE/s800/Baby+Quilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then you need to sew one white triangle to a gray triangle to reform a square. Iron the back so they lay flat. Then lay them out on your floor to form the pattern, because trust me, it can get confusing!(Obviously in the picture below I hadn't ironed yet!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKqzinH_ga0/UhVfh02aEXI/AAAAAAAAHQo/kbwJYX0cGeg/s1600/Baby+Quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKqzinH_ga0/UhVfh02aEXI/AAAAAAAAHQo/kbwJYX0cGeg/s800/Baby+Quilt3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tip: Your squares will have a little bit of fabric that goes over the sides. I chopped those off so they would sew together a little better. <span style="font-size: small;">See picture below.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUVmzCl-iCU/UhVf9HuaPGI/AAAAAAAAHQw/DGY5_qokTb0/s1600/Baby+Quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUVmzCl-iCU/UhVf9HuaPGI/AAAAAAAAHQw/DGY5_qokTb0/s800/Baby+Quilt4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then sew the squares together to form rows. Then sew the
rows together. Once I was done with that, I laid the quilt top on the
batting to quilt it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tip: I pin my quilt top to the batting to keep it in place. It helps the back stay in place so there's no tucking when you can't see the underside. It takes a little time but trust me, it's worth it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxSsWup5JSU/UhVgXU5I0XI/AAAAAAAAHQ4/rwu8RUTKlaQ/s1600/Baby+Quilt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxSsWup5JSU/UhVgXU5I0XI/AAAAAAAAHQ4/rwu8RUTKlaQ/s800/Baby+Quilt5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I only quilted the white zig zags but you can also quilt the gray ones if you want. Then once it was all quilted I laid it down on the wrong side of the minky fabric. Depending on the width you want for the border, cut the minky respectively. I wanted a 2-inch border so I cut my minky 4 inches longer than the where the edge of the quilt is. Kind of confusing, sorry.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCjeXDbWB8/UhWDEDt9cMI/AAAAAAAAHRI/auLnCdNfIkM/s1600/Baby+Quilt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCjeXDbWB8/UhWDEDt9cMI/AAAAAAAAHRI/auLnCdNfIkM/s800/Baby+Quilt6.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So above is the picture of the minky 4 inches wider all the way around the quilt. Then I folded the minky over once to line up with the quilt edge,</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOOp0JTJlOw/UhWDW24eR4I/AAAAAAAAHRQ/IheA-ytvMPo/s1600/Baby+Quilt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOOp0JTJlOw/UhWDW24eR4I/AAAAAAAAHRQ/IheA-ytvMPo/s800/Baby+Quilt7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I folded it over once more to be on top of the quilt. That's your quilt border. It's just an alternative to bias tape.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6-wOCA2iTY/UhWDqDVvTTI/AAAAAAAAHRY/zWlbkK0FwCY/s1600/Baby+Quilt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6-wOCA2iTY/UhWDqDVvTTI/AAAAAAAAHRY/zWlbkK0FwCY/s800/Baby+Quilt8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I wanted as much softness as possible, since it's a baby blanket, and a minky border just seemed the best option. Then I stitched up the border, sewing along the edge closest to the inside of the quilt. And then you're done! Not so hard, right?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imXx_jXMgLA/UhWEKnk12bI/AAAAAAAAHRo/ST2pKiMhyDg/s1600/Baby+QUilt10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imXx_jXMgLA/UhWEKnk12bI/AAAAAAAAHRo/ST2pKiMhyDg/s800/Baby+QUilt10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how it turned out! And I think my friend liked it, too, which is what really matters.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDT-19jnp8A/UhWEXgkV6tI/AAAAAAAAHRw/n7eHq8OEAH4/s1600/Baby+Quilt11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDT-19jnp8A/UhWEXgkV6tI/AAAAAAAAHRw/n7eHq8OEAH4/s800/Baby+Quilt11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ahhh, sooo soft!!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-21698818300590171802013-08-10T20:27:00.000-07:002013-08-10T20:27:02.384-07:00A Cinderella Rocking Chair Story<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time I bought an ugly rocking chair from a consignment sale. It was only $25! How could I pass that up?!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPlmNGGSEk8/UgcCFO-0VJI/AAAAAAAAHPk/OVXzuDR2HyI/s1600/Uglyrockingchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPlmNGGSEk8/UgcCFO-0VJI/AAAAAAAAHPk/OVXzuDR2HyI/s800/Uglyrockingchair.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was beat up and unappreciated (probably) and the fabric was just...ick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I took it under my lil wing and decided to make it my own. I gave it a little makeover. Trust me, the rocking chair and I are much happier now because of it. And so is my husband. He hated that ol' fabric. I bought a pattern but I could have just used the old fabric and traced that.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7BmwrhM44/UgcCO_zP-NI/AAAAAAAAHPs/WOSIAiI8i08/s1600/Uglyrockingchair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7BmwrhM44/UgcCO_zP-NI/AAAAAAAAHPs/WOSIAiI8i08/s800/Uglyrockingchair2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a hard time finding just the right fabric. This chair is in one of the main parts of my house, so I wanted something cute but not flashy. I bought some fabric online but when I opened it the color was way brighter than I had anticipated. Fail.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fBiQLYWBHg/UgcCmDSZJEI/AAAAAAAAHP0/Ph3Q6KCGAws/s1600/Prettyrockingchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fBiQLYWBHg/UgcCmDSZJEI/AAAAAAAAHP0/Ph3Q6KCGAws/s800/Prettyrockingchair.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I went to trusty ol' Joann's and found some warm, buttery yellow fabric that I loved. And I covered that chair. I covered it good.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Ol8qyuqpk/UgcCzRt_TgI/AAAAAAAAHP8/aBW7tp_IPyo/s1600/Prettyrockingchair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Ol8qyuqpk/UgcCzRt_TgI/AAAAAAAAHP8/aBW7tp_IPyo/s800/Prettyrockingchair2.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't it look better? I also made a fun little pillow. You know, for back support. Or just to be cute. See how cute it is??</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyw41e_zrMw/UgcDF5M7r_I/AAAAAAAAHQE/TgPAQmGY_cQ/s1600/Prettyrockingchair3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyw41e_zrMw/UgcDF5M7r_I/AAAAAAAAHQE/TgPAQmGY_cQ/s800/Prettyrockingchair3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-61581907429231135112013-08-06T15:01:00.003-07:002013-08-06T20:25:13.496-07:00Favorite Things Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know most of you have probably heard of a Favorite Things Party because they have gotten really popular on Pinterest. I remember hearing the idea about 2 years ago but I just recently teamed with a friend to put one together. And it was AWEEESOME!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezjporOYUPk/UgFtrwkWzmI/AAAAAAAAHOY/fdQ632OXwdA/s1600/Favorite+Things+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezjporOYUPk/UgFtrwkWzmI/AAAAAAAAHOY/fdQ632OXwdA/s800/Favorite+Things+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's the lowdown: Every girl brings 5 of her favorite things (Sidenote: all but one of us brought 5 of the same things. One girl brought 5 different things and I personally think that way is better!). Anyway, you bring 5 things under $6 (or whatever budget suits you). </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExqmswC0QVw/UgFuH5pUZsI/AAAAAAAAHOg/7NqjPxsvQhs/s1600/Favorite+Things1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExqmswC0QVw/UgFuH5pUZsI/AAAAAAAAHOg/7NqjPxsvQhs/s800/Favorite+Things1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then when the guests arrive they write their names on 5 slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Each girl stands up, explains her favorite thing and why it's so awesome, and picks out 5 names out of the bowl. Those 5 girls get the favorite thing! The girl who gets pulled last goes next with her favorite thing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gEt97yU8Oc/UgFupGOI1fI/AAAAAAAAHOs/Ot2jsh9hpY0/s1600/Favorite+Things+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gEt97yU8Oc/UgFupGOI1fI/AAAAAAAAHOs/Ot2jsh9hpY0/s800/Favorite+Things+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I can explain to you how much I loved this party! I think we'll be doing another one of these around Christmas time. Wouldn't that be so much fun?!! We also asked each girl to bring one of her favorite snacks to share. Some of the snacks were popcorn, Airheads, carmelitas, ice cream, cheese...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nUtRFNH-V0/UgFu7H4p3RI/AAAAAAAAHO0/4ttIkYqHZRQ/s1600/Favorite+Things+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nUtRFNH-V0/UgFu7H4p3RI/AAAAAAAAHO0/4ttIkYqHZRQ/s800/Favorite+Things+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm kind of proud of my board, so I had to share. I drew this freehand on a dry erase board I had lying around. I got the idea from <a href="http://ablissfulnest.com/2012/10/bn-black-book-of-parties-a-few-of-my-favorite-things-birthday-party.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ABlissfulNest+A+Blissful+Nest">THIS</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0CFETT1TeQ/UgFvjIX2U2I/AAAAAAAAHO8/KwyJlGBphjE/s1600/Favorite+Things4+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0CFETT1TeQ/UgFvjIX2U2I/AAAAAAAAHO8/KwyJlGBphjE/s800/Favorite+Things4+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our table spread was amazing! We kept the decorations to a minimum and it helped keep the feel of the party fun and casual. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Id0-xS3kc/UgFv5bLgNTI/AAAAAAAAHPE/MJgHCqNrqXE/s1600/Favorite+Things+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Id0-xS3kc/UgFv5bLgNTI/AAAAAAAAHPE/MJgHCqNrqXE/s800/Favorite+Things+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each girl got a bag to take all her goodies in. It was a lot better than trying to carry out the loot in your arms!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-T6mxGxamw/UgFwIsbPR4I/AAAAAAAAHPM/zGfGYyZyPP4/s1600/Favorite+Things+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-T6mxGxamw/UgFwIsbPR4I/AAAAAAAAHPM/zGfGYyZyPP4/s800/Favorite+Things+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's some of the loot! There was sleek hair spray, Oreo truffles, Meyer's counter top spray, Trader Joe's Mini Peanut Butter Cups, French soap, Honest hand soap, Nsync cds, and more!! If you're thinking of throwing a Favorite Things Party, stop thinking about it and do it! You won't regret it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two other helpful links were <a href="http://shannonbrown.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452920069e20168eab6f629970c-popup">HERE</a> and <a href="http://jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-new-favorite-thing.html">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need different party ideas? Check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/katiemaepepper/party-ideas/">Party Ideas Pinterest Board</a>!</span></div>
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Sharing here: <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/08/wow-me-wednesday-115-swanky-press.html">Ginger Snap Crafts</a>, <a href="http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/79-share-your-awesomeness/">DIY Dreamer</a>, <a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/">Rae Gun Ramblings</a>, <br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-41324755519278187182013-05-17T12:10:00.000-07:002013-05-21T19:46:58.987-07:00Felt Board Idea: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My son came home from preschool the other day with a new love for the book <i>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</i>. And when I say new love, I mean he was able to recite to me the entire book! I was amazed! <span style="font-size: small;">And a little proud. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So when I was thinking about what story ideas to use on my <a href="http://www.destinationcraft.blogspot.com/2013/05/travel-felt-boards.html">Travel Felt Board</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8989016507011330886">s</a>, <i>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</i> was a no brainer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My son loves to recreate the whole story on the felt board:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"A told B and B told C, I'll beat to you to top of the coconut tree!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMkfeNviHJw/UZZ9vLOnMII/AAAAAAAAHD4/RYq8nr6SSTI/s1600/Chicka+Chicka1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMkfeNviHJw/UZZ9vLOnMII/AAAAAAAAHD4/RYq8nr6SSTI/s800/Chicka+Chicka1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My son's favorite part is when, as he puts it, all the letters "fall down!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chicka Chicka BOOM BOOM!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scrHAp_wb3E/UZZ-Fd1SrbI/AAAAAAAAHEA/hnWsYDHSyBw/s1600/Chicka+Chicka2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scrHAp_wb3E/UZZ-Fd1SrbI/AAAAAAAAHEA/hnWsYDHSyBw/s800/Chicka+Chicka2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To create all the letters and the coconut tree, I just sat down and used the book as a template. I free handed everything and cut them out. I used embroidery thread to create the detailing on the tree. It took me a couple hours (not all in one sitting) but I think it was well worth the effort! I also tried to stay close to the same coloring as the book, as far as the letters are concerned. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYAFqyInKZ4/UZZ_DJkDNfI/AAAAAAAAHEU/fqwgt28nfX8/s1600/Chicka+Chicka3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYAFqyInKZ4/UZZ_DJkDNfI/AAAAAAAAHEU/fqwgt28nfX8/s800/Chicka+Chicka3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I snapped a shot to show you how the Travel Felt Board stands using the Velcro straps.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CrFxYaLUXE/UZZ-1JSK2XI/AAAAAAAAHEI/E4Uzd9XU3hc/s1600/Chicka+Chicka4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CrFxYaLUXE/UZZ-1JSK2XI/AAAAAAAAHEI/E4Uzd9XU3hc/s800/Chicka+Chicka4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up, The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar!</span></div>
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Sharing here: <a href="http://seevanessacraft.com/2013/05/do-something-crafty-89/">See Vanessa Craft</a>, <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-80/">I Heart Naptime</a>, <a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/">Flamingo Toes</a>, <a href="http://lilluna.com/">Lil Luna</a>, <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/">Ginger Snap Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.raegunramblings.com/">Rae Gun Ramblings</a>, <br />
<img align="left" src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee411/kathrynpepper/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-79677057289534313032013-05-03T09:04:00.002-07:002013-05-03T09:04:45.917-07:00Travel Felt Boards<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My 2 kids and I are going to embark on a plane trip next month from North Carolina to Washington state. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's going to be a loooong trip. I started looking on <a href="http://pinterest.com/katiemaepepper/">Pinterest</a> for some ideas on how to possibly entertain two toddlers for that long. One idea I found and LOVED was a travel felt board. I found the idea and the tutorial at <a href="http://missloviecreations.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/travel-felt-board-tutorial-kicking-off.html">Miss Lovie</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpMaBMnEUK8/UYPeSVbDytI/AAAAAAAAHAw/Mqkt7t6Q9x8/s1600/Travel+Felt+Boards1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpMaBMnEUK8/UYPeSVbDytI/AAAAAAAAHAw/Mqkt7t6Q9x8/s800/Travel+Felt+Boards1.jpg" width="620" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have mixed feelings about this tutorial. But I think a lot of my troubles came from me cutting the tutorial in half because I wanted a smaller version. My suggestion is to play with the proportions and do what works for you. I had to add and snip and cut stuff off but in the end I'm happy with it and my 4-year-old boy is IN LOVE with it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may have noticed there are some funky Velcro tails on them. (Another problem I had with this tutorial). They're to make it so that it can stay standing like an easel, making it 2 sided. Which is nice. Just kinda funky looking. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqnftvlE2tQ/UYPewvw7njI/AAAAAAAAHA4/bsoH_ivS59k/s1600/Travel+Felt+Boards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqnftvlE2tQ/UYPewvw7njI/AAAAAAAAHA4/bsoH_ivS59k/s800/Travel+Felt+Boards2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here was my first attempt at a felt kit. A little pizza kit. My daughter loved it, but I also make a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom kit and that's the one my 4 year old went gaa gaa over. I'll post that one a little later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like that they're the right size for my littles now. They'll fit in they're backpacks & they'll be ready for the airplane ride! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0F40KmoIrbA/UYPfVkD5vgI/AAAAAAAAHBA/iqPbCJirTXY/s1600/Felt+Travel+Boards3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0F40KmoIrbA/UYPfVkD5vgI/AAAAAAAAHBA/iqPbCJirTXY/s800/Felt+Travel+Boards3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feel free to follow my <a href="http://pinterest.com/katiemaepepper/felt-fun/">Felt Fun Pinterest board</a> for more ideas!!</span></div>
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-89959720449484420092013-04-14T19:44:00.007-07:002013-04-16T19:23:12.566-07:00Mickey and Minnie Birthday Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, it has been a looong time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So sorry for the absence! My mom was here for 3 wonderful weeks and right after that we moved... and it has been crazy! But I wanted to share the details from my kids' Mickey and Minnie birthday party. They had a blast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My little cutie pies! My mom made the Mickey shirt on her embroidery machine and I made the Minnie dress.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99hVhsSZQow/UWtkwbdIACI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/dMgIMFkWQn0/s1600/M&M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99hVhsSZQow/UWtkwbdIACI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/dMgIMFkWQn0/s800/M&M5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The set-up:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgw71hxygR0/UWtnfKMMjRI/AAAAAAAAG-I/xX_UCa1ufBA/s1600/M&M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgw71hxygR0/UWtnfKMMjRI/AAAAAAAAG-I/xX_UCa1ufBA/s800/M&M7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was SUPER windy that day. I would've complained more but the weeks leading up to the party and the weeks after the party were all crazy cold. The day of the party it was in the 70s. I'll take windy and warm over chilly any day!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G8JAxzMTAI/UWtlSbMwHrI/AAAAAAAAG9g/jlEb3WFsoT4/s1600/M&M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G8JAxzMTAI/UWtlSbMwHrI/AAAAAAAAG9g/jlEb3WFsoT4/s800/M&M1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. I had one table as a "craft table." There were little baskets with foam Mickey/Minnie heads and face foam stickers to decorate. The littlest littles weren't that interested but there were a couple kids who loved the activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. I made these adorable little gumball machines after seeing something similar on Pinterest. Not very practical and I have NO idea what I'll do with them now, but I thought they were so cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. The kids' table! I found the Mickey fabric at Hobby Lobby and knew it would make the perfect table runner.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--agdOFFzhN4/UWtmLuBDLCI/AAAAAAAAG9w/U4Ldpg4riQM/s1600/M&M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--agdOFFzhN4/UWtmLuBDLCI/AAAAAAAAG9w/U4Ldpg4riQM/s800/M&M2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decorated some cardboard letters from Hobby Lobby to look like Mickey & Minnie. It was so windy they wouldn't stay standing up, so my mom piled rocks around the bottoms to keep them upright.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBkzHMA6HxY/UWtmeWKghXI/AAAAAAAAG94/oQiwbRmESJQ/s1600/M&M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBkzHMA6HxY/UWtmeWKghXI/AAAAAAAAG94/oQiwbRmESJQ/s800/M&M3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Mickey & Minnie cupcakes. I used regular and mini-sized Oreos to create the Mickey heads and for the Minnie effect, I just piped on a red bow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Sugar cookies! Yum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Pigs in a blanket. If you've ever seen Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney channel, they sing a Hot Dog song. I had to incorporate hot dogs somehow!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5zKZ6kERI/UWtm7UpsuAI/AAAAAAAAG-A/PIZWPmPXCSQ/s1600/M&M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5zKZ6kERI/UWtm7UpsuAI/AAAAAAAAG-A/PIZWPmPXCSQ/s800/M&M4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a bean bag toss with a presentation board you can buy at Target or Wal-Mart. I used an X-acto knife to cut out the Mickey head shapes and made bean bags out of felt and dry beans. They had fun chucking those bean bags!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My wonderful, awesome husband made a backdrop for a little photo booth. He created the Disney castle with scrapbook paper. It looks like all one piece but the castle is made of little pieces of paper. He's so creative!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDra1nDN_uw/UWtn1lCdJOI/AAAAAAAAG-Q/Wb0KzOY1D24/s1600/M&M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDra1nDN_uw/UWtn1lCdJOI/AAAAAAAAG-Q/Wb0KzOY1D24/s800/M&M6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had so much fun celebrating my little ones' birthdays! They sure have some wonderful friends!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cWDRsgvLpM/UWtoEVmaQGI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/zKqKXI5XmTE/s1600/M&M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cWDRsgvLpM/UWtoEVmaQGI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/zKqKXI5XmTE/s800/M&M9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sharing here: <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/">Craftomaniac</a>, <a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a>, <a href="http://becolorful.typepad.com/">Be Colorful</a>, <a href="http://lilluna.com/">Lil Luna</a>, <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/04/wow-me-wednesday-99-sweet-is-work-cd.html">Ginger Snap Crafts</a>, <br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989016507011330886.post-48261305222962444442013-03-02T18:16:00.003-08:002013-03-04T05:15:25.239-08:00Lola Bea Diaper Bag<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My sister-in-law is pregnant with her first baby and since I've gotten pretty good at sewing, I decided to ask her what she would like for me to make her. She narrowed it down to a few choices and I made the ultimate decision to make her a diaper bag. I found this AWESOME pattern <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122349265/diaper-bag-pattern-the-lola-bea-diaper?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=lola+bea&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">HERE</a> on Etsy. The shop is called Sew Much Ado and I loved the pattern. It was easy to follow. And the end product...well, let me show you.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq4etGvqVTM/UTKvuB6rlfI/AAAAAAAAG4I/aQyA76NWlZA/s1600/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq4etGvqVTM/UTKvuB6rlfI/AAAAAAAAG4I/aQyA76NWlZA/s800/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag1.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it pretty?! I'm so proud of myself for making this and all by myself! Normally I have to ask my mom what she thinks the directions mean (over the phone, she lives far, far away :( ) but with this pattern I found it a lot easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's so many things I loved about the bag. I love love love the ruffle on the front. And the magnetic snap. That was a first for me but it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZiILHGrvk/UTKwJMaPA7I/AAAAAAAAG4Q/7_5lm37hrXU/s1600/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZiILHGrvk/UTKwJMaPA7I/AAAAAAAAG4Q/7_5lm37hrXU/s800/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there's the pocket situation. Anyone who needs a diaper bag knows that pockets are ESSENTIAL. Look at all these pockets!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc3ItXD2GPQ/UTKwmqMZCQI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/kj7_Kmi7DBo/s1600/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc3ItXD2GPQ/UTKwmqMZCQI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/kj7_Kmi7DBo/s800/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that's just on the inside! There are two more on the outside of the bag! Plus the one in the middle is a zipper pocket, which is awesome. And the pockets are big enough to stick some diapers and wipes in them. The elastic tops make the contents stay in the pocket, instead of flying around and getting all jumbled.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IPdT3yiglA/UTKxGYi43bI/AAAAAAAAG4g/intshnnwTUM/s1600/Lola+Bea+DIaper+Bag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IPdT3yiglA/UTKxGYi43bI/AAAAAAAAG4g/intshnnwTUM/s800/Lola+Bea+DIaper+Bag4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how it turned out! I was a little sad to send it off, but hopefully my sister-in-law finds a lot of use out of it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dMez8hKA7o/UTKxZuqy_BI/AAAAAAAAG4o/gOU1hrt0-ms/s1600/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dMez8hKA7o/UTKxZuqy_BI/AAAAAAAAG4o/gOU1hrt0-ms/s800/Lola+Bea+Diaper+Bag5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sharing here: <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/">Craft-O-Maniac</a>, <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a>, <a href="http://becolorful.typepad.com/">Be Colorful</a>, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/03/04/made-by-you-monday-143/">Skip to My Lou</a>, <br />
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<br />Kathryn Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489355005107290530noreply@blogger.com11