tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88116231304043058722024-03-12T23:43:08.312-04:00booturtle's show and tellbooturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-42377439113004067712011-12-11T12:56:00.001-05:002011-12-11T12:59:28.677-05:00Snowman Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqHFgzVcAOKarTZojBxB8aUamuH9uK7DI32vq9YgPV4_zcAjnP3pjDoWJr7ch69KVuvL4MzwEDYjvw3aU__6frkNxbEoVriSg5lz1gQw480OrvDINDio7cBqhf9goWPKJ6z_urFz0p1U/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqHFgzVcAOKarTZojBxB8aUamuH9uK7DI32vq9YgPV4_zcAjnP3pjDoWJr7ch69KVuvL4MzwEDYjvw3aU__6frkNxbEoVriSg5lz1gQw480OrvDINDio7cBqhf9goWPKJ6z_urFz0p1U/s640/IMG_5164.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Isn't he the cutest? I love my new snowman wreath. It was incredibly easy and economical to make, too. I already had the center wreath in the basement.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92zxJkq8jb6_S7ihvFq2uKrMIyu1m3iU_HTWiyzA10j-7J4P4yISkC0trFl3MM_xVgLkOUj-kP85xl6TNd0WSgmwTLtxK29ohHwWNXEgwJd4xcSmGlPhSVMxuF2A9UVFkJWGh56oU2ME/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92zxJkq8jb6_S7ihvFq2uKrMIyu1m3iU_HTWiyzA10j-7J4P4yISkC0trFl3MM_xVgLkOUj-kP85xl6TNd0WSgmwTLtxK29ohHwWNXEgwJd4xcSmGlPhSVMxuF2A9UVFkJWGh56oU2ME/s640/IMG_5141.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I just needed a larger one and grabbed this one when Michael's had them half off. That's only $3.50 for the bottom. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKc_b3FNcDKDM7-mvASd7zNkO3WKq-eWoliuToFavfkrBnOJwePMB7VhRyQrkxvW0xp4319h8VjuNtI_a1WHbKs63gTbB02rYCBRc_28ZpVoqnH4u1PkUnj7jQppUHwVkqr3jeUvs64/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzKc_b3FNcDKDM7-mvASd7zNkO3WKq-eWoliuToFavfkrBnOJwePMB7VhRyQrkxvW0xp4319h8VjuNtI_a1WHbKs63gTbB02rYCBRc_28ZpVoqnH4u1PkUnj7jQppUHwVkqr3jeUvs64/s640/IMG_5143.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And I paid $2.50 for the head. A total $6 for this new wreath creation. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqenO113agSDQnkKDJ0v5YCBaT8vClukuTSStej5zSGWUjQBUv6C7EeNK-MLZMBpxaO1JMTL62RDfMGXscpjvbb74dtruvOcrKQ26znGrtsmBIKz6GuUYuYPr5r4SdvY6k9UE-q10K5wU/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqenO113agSDQnkKDJ0v5YCBaT8vClukuTSStej5zSGWUjQBUv6C7EeNK-MLZMBpxaO1JMTL62RDfMGXscpjvbb74dtruvOcrKQ26znGrtsmBIKz6GuUYuYPr5r4SdvY6k9UE-q10K5wU/s640/IMG_5135.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I fluffed the wreaths and then attached them together. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr1SqRHM5abZw1jyvxEGy1dyCwuUIrOk6aMyu0PE5Fg9pQAHB1PRwjQ0XjvhLkiNerfwzfH27JhJ0PLQ0gm-ZmEUDPe8z_KoURBSXbTJxjFpAmgiJDf4QR0-xcLIE-DaZHzDpA83ggRk/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr1SqRHM5abZw1jyvxEGy1dyCwuUIrOk6aMyu0PE5Fg9pQAHB1PRwjQ0XjvhLkiNerfwzfH27JhJ0PLQ0gm-ZmEUDPe8z_KoURBSXbTJxjFpAmgiJDf4QR0-xcLIE-DaZHzDpA83ggRk/s640/IMG_5132.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used zip ties. I have a ton of these. They're handy for all types of uses: bundling cords, securing decorations to the kids' bikes on the Fourth of July, etc. And they're inexpensive to buy by the bag at Lowe's and Home Depot. If you don't have zip ties you could easily just tie the wreaths together with heavy string. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDFR50O-TfOg2kX5lp-ohNyOahUbdJtjnFjlESRnTlVzjmdKZ-S-z0NWskm5CPR7gdP_ju3c5dJwZHrlFOjF8vaBi0SFSSGf7iAqwupnaLdEz0hT250xg0MlQvmWnl13Ms_FlqVFEzI4/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDFR50O-TfOg2kX5lp-ohNyOahUbdJtjnFjlESRnTlVzjmdKZ-S-z0NWskm5CPR7gdP_ju3c5dJwZHrlFOjF8vaBi0SFSSGf7iAqwupnaLdEz0hT250xg0MlQvmWnl13Ms_FlqVFEzI4/s640/IMG_5145.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used an old scarf from our basket of winter mittens and hats. If I didn't have one I wanted to use there, I'd have run up to the local Thrift Store.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkA1Zvfs-r-D80clAlBxO5IsEZ8cBnLbu1wBBa3MSigIfDohGX89o-IMVDnjxHIGf2qtou2EayqiC1ZrhfdXrx81xaVGqNdLqUkqOVOy7iZhCL_ArFtamhITHk9IqPoQTsZS4AZo6Kg4/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkA1Zvfs-r-D80clAlBxO5IsEZ8cBnLbu1wBBa3MSigIfDohGX89o-IMVDnjxHIGf2qtou2EayqiC1ZrhfdXrx81xaVGqNdLqUkqOVOy7iZhCL_ArFtamhITHk9IqPoQTsZS4AZo6Kg4/s640/IMG_5147.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">For the hat I used one of my many Santa hats. I put a large safety pin through both sides under the fur trim to keep it attached. A top hat, old fedora or stocking cap would also be adorable. I considered stuffing the Santa hat with plastic grocery bags to give it shape but I like the floppy look. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0HjfxoIx_HKnKgR8Jo1RUQJobROPEQiCoZAKayIBo_mQN8zr9JoFVWdv9MKPfqB5FNDH0HN-iffFghoCFk6LCnIwbPZOsiEyq7tIHlf7gq0jblD7jfybLdBDjae1COf48MsgitAcKAI/s1600/IMG_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0HjfxoIx_HKnKgR8Jo1RUQJobROPEQiCoZAKayIBo_mQN8zr9JoFVWdv9MKPfqB5FNDH0HN-iffFghoCFk6LCnIwbPZOsiEyq7tIHlf7gq0jblD7jfybLdBDjae1COf48MsgitAcKAI/s640/IMG_5157.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">That's it! Just hang and admire. You could add sticks with old gloves or mittens on the end for arms if you wanted but I like it just this way. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoPQl3BSn0KjczVXulDVjU749-nqzXA-FxhTJPHMwCky-ILM3SbCfBdg_d7ZshBqEgTJQe3YiRsxtQDWrksW64rOCLNd2fu66L2AbCakQec5fXfriYiJbkR4IBe12qqZRoiXsoZZpHQs/s1600/IMG_5167.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoPQl3BSn0KjczVXulDVjU749-nqzXA-FxhTJPHMwCky-ILM3SbCfBdg_d7ZshBqEgTJQe3YiRsxtQDWrksW64rOCLNd2fu66L2AbCakQec5fXfriYiJbkR4IBe12qqZRoiXsoZZpHQs/s640/IMG_5167.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gomDZJpKVxCfEiCxoYSytNlj8YpyN4Kd8JBjxLwaSJxpqHvoqfne2lvKiVjucBdQvdXBJA4U6l_xB8fF8dNhL60Dq11gzZ8zXr3ZqS3xZWmHXOwbsPgun0vflCTutGD784N3BpxG1Z0/s1600/IMG_5203.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gomDZJpKVxCfEiCxoYSytNlj8YpyN4Kd8JBjxLwaSJxpqHvoqfne2lvKiVjucBdQvdXBJA4U6l_xB8fF8dNhL60Dq11gzZ8zXr3ZqS3xZWmHXOwbsPgun0vflCTutGD784N3BpxG1Z0/s640/IMG_5203.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">He's super cute and I'll probably switch his hat to a less Christmasy one to leave him there all the way until Springtime. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-60710496620510221412011-12-06T15:20:00.001-05:002011-12-07T03:10:51.288-05:00Christmas Candy Corn and Oreo Bark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXGe9yi0PtLPziyx3_3LmkkJeOiXje1d1P1jNuwgxPX6oNY8kK9xazINAuETrSFYPkW5ZCUOHGOOWG7Mio6XI2_3lfvfjLAB5p4Lan5zoKv0vmNaQFUtt1F3b5gmhUUs1FFQpmJLnC0/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXGe9yi0PtLPziyx3_3LmkkJeOiXje1d1P1jNuwgxPX6oNY8kK9xazINAuETrSFYPkW5ZCUOHGOOWG7Mio6XI2_3lfvfjLAB5p4Lan5zoKv0vmNaQFUtt1F3b5gmhUUs1FFQpmJLnC0/s640/IMG_4682.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Who doesn't love candy bark? One of the most often searched and viewed recipes on my blog is my <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/10/candy-corn-bark.html">Halloween Candy Corn Bark</a>. When I saw Holiday Candy Corn at Michael's I had to buy it to create a Christmas version.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWOdS7zavWZ4kRU-cZum343fKGnuUDzyxEsEVoNhhudsYDf6TGpLd8ikL3gMlhM4_5Z1Us1VGclL-yu24lCZzs579_3IrXRqgOGG-FZvueVSX5rSpN492M1GObVOObuyLgl82CzE1DeA/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWOdS7zavWZ4kRU-cZum343fKGnuUDzyxEsEVoNhhudsYDf6TGpLd8ikL3gMlhM4_5Z1Us1VGclL-yu24lCZzs579_3IrXRqgOGG-FZvueVSX5rSpN492M1GObVOObuyLgl82CzE1DeA/s640/IMG_4611.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is all you need to make some tasty Christmas cookie and candy corn bark. If you like salty with your sweet, toss in some pretzels in this mix too. That's the great thing about bark...completely customizable. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZreEXnLjf-RRAyOHBuuO-V5U10JgHUfGj0_2NJYkuO1bgCIlHiX7t8fwKgOY84bODDQfmEnBTjq4rlkSQ5ftPCoaWSpbpXq6npzFDGyevxIWhdvU2DukVK_gVoERM115qd2T7meAmQA/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZreEXnLjf-RRAyOHBuuO-V5U10JgHUfGj0_2NJYkuO1bgCIlHiX7t8fwKgOY84bODDQfmEnBTjq4rlkSQ5ftPCoaWSpbpXq6npzFDGyevxIWhdvU2DukVK_gVoERM115qd2T7meAmQA/s640/IMG_4623.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I dislike peppermint. I opted for the festive red Oreos with the original cream filling. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zqdfdO04RZ8GdtXSonGVYsEDTmlNczFHVRQhVhkzM50e2TkAbWNx2cI4C4O36p2bEAal1PUnIeTjZK1GW753oZoqqthvie8HQ9_79wEk2OsCkASFkSv4VLHF1spae3Asc-Dd-5PL3u8/s1600/IMG_4627.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zqdfdO04RZ8GdtXSonGVYsEDTmlNczFHVRQhVhkzM50e2TkAbWNx2cI4C4O36p2bEAal1PUnIeTjZK1GW753oZoqqthvie8HQ9_79wEk2OsCkASFkSv4VLHF1spae3Asc-Dd-5PL3u8/s640/IMG_4627.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Holiday corn! This stuff tastes exactly like the orange and yellow candy corn. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18QRT-zVUCyNTOUcrtl2sX_CKT2b3rRjtZav89DcHC3rtkNwRXnXQXkhmracYCFbMO7DFSUjbLPA2-DczB4yXx3Jsj2lKdmo90NYsifELAYvPh-duexJEuYTo3QHEleJVmyelncXHR88/s1600/IMG_4628.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18QRT-zVUCyNTOUcrtl2sX_CKT2b3rRjtZav89DcHC3rtkNwRXnXQXkhmracYCFbMO7DFSUjbLPA2-DczB4yXx3Jsj2lKdmo90NYsifELAYvPh-duexJEuYTo3QHEleJVmyelncXHR88/s640/IMG_4628.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">White candy melts. My friend just asked me yesterday what candy melts were as she stood in our local grocery store trying to locate them for a Pinterest recipe. Candy melts are found at Michael's or Jo-Ann's. My local Hobby Lobby sometimes carries them but more often carries a different brand I've never tried. I can't vouch for their tastiness. Another great brand, but more expensive, is <a href="http://www.cakeart.com/store/e-StoreOperations_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=27&childIdCategory=27">Merckens</a>. I buy these from a local cake supply store. I prefer candy melts to melting chocolate chips because these guys are made specifically for melting and shaping. If you've ever melted chocolate chips for a candy and noticed them sweating at room temp that's because they weren't tempered. If you use candy melts, they come in chocolate flavors too, they will not sweat or soften at room temp. Genius. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFM6eN79BMrB-G2DITdTTmd5jy8wcr7_CJcD-BwlUn-Z4pgK2bjInURRFXbxhvHyorGJZWYCBim7XvNqiveBSPihkVsbpL23WOfE2qspcgbQLSP2R9ITmC1tQP-c7asz415hrh1W7OSo/s1600/IMG_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFM6eN79BMrB-G2DITdTTmd5jy8wcr7_CJcD-BwlUn-Z4pgK2bjInURRFXbxhvHyorGJZWYCBim7XvNqiveBSPihkVsbpL23WOfE2qspcgbQLSP2R9ITmC1tQP-c7asz415hrh1W7OSo/s640/IMG_4629.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And I think sprinkles are an absolute necessity. I found these festive ones at Target. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHoYWUBCzu68WlI6VfeJEkpyAtdValJgAG0TIvZvuym4QwQXnE7LV1XJ52StH3GKJTBCPe8u1aJEh65m0fuxZncvCgTWUczx83wlBhr68ehPV3lKdYv6yjE_K6WgDuj34WvXM8Rsc3Kw/s1600/IMG_4635.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHoYWUBCzu68WlI6VfeJEkpyAtdValJgAG0TIvZvuym4QwQXnE7LV1XJ52StH3GKJTBCPe8u1aJEh65m0fuxZncvCgTWUczx83wlBhr68ehPV3lKdYv6yjE_K6WgDuj34WvXM8Rsc3Kw/s640/IMG_4635.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Toss a few Oreos in a food processor or blender...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXETv_0HJCNY6Qoz6VY1DD_ke9XD70sIF-0advpXEulbq1ILvomw2f1nXkJVfrcZl_d-w1InSuiaCWQBmdDiYoo1vRLTyX-kRTZcfPVy1e_sF36uJQ6cyxFKcWOmnUfk8L02LRZ2qsPkA/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXETv_0HJCNY6Qoz6VY1DD_ke9XD70sIF-0advpXEulbq1ILvomw2f1nXkJVfrcZl_d-w1InSuiaCWQBmdDiYoo1vRLTyX-kRTZcfPVy1e_sF36uJQ6cyxFKcWOmnUfk8L02LRZ2qsPkA/s640/IMG_4643.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...and pulse to make cookie crumbs. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F1vUVJ6K_K-mdy7MHXKLwErzlyRegD7igGCsWLA49FxYwNRq0VQ4dmDaLqHkkkqyoFcKGXZI5mJt13bEzBtsoR5yPJXePFTYKiz5t0EEgTC-fUY_eYfqJa2dMUWkLik9HENvjV3yDS4/s1600/IMG_4640.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F1vUVJ6K_K-mdy7MHXKLwErzlyRegD7igGCsWLA49FxYwNRq0VQ4dmDaLqHkkkqyoFcKGXZI5mJt13bEzBtsoR5yPJXePFTYKiz5t0EEgTC-fUY_eYfqJa2dMUWkLik9HENvjV3yDS4/s640/IMG_4640.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Chop a few more with a fork for bigger chunks. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4THcE1DmxzI3gCNlpv-LHa9RMsQdCVZNljyvTghbBQcEE_6JHIY86j7ILYg03w4b-ac8u5sd7FXnjncnCqjXzxXiXCc6n8-jtZcjLB33sfKyJ4KuGeUTY_jywR331RCDS_BX7GOD8EyA/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4THcE1DmxzI3gCNlpv-LHa9RMsQdCVZNljyvTghbBQcEE_6JHIY86j7ILYg03w4b-ac8u5sd7FXnjncnCqjXzxXiXCc6n8-jtZcjLB33sfKyJ4KuGeUTY_jywR331RCDS_BX7GOD8EyA/s640/IMG_4641.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And lastly I break several in fourths for large delicious pieces. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmPrmeWqgnDosILjczpQYSf2KEmy4jt15UYTMB2TCQfRUCIGSwfQi1gScOVr0aAfa0xvEkTlRnZqHPBqXQ3xVNTieqib_5z_v9Ydq3hLonDdcdE1qWFgqCeqS2lFDGQT-v-m6QpVlulM/s1600/IMG_4645.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmPrmeWqgnDosILjczpQYSf2KEmy4jt15UYTMB2TCQfRUCIGSwfQi1gScOVr0aAfa0xvEkTlRnZqHPBqXQ3xVNTieqib_5z_v9Ydq3hLonDdcdE1qWFgqCeqS2lFDGQT-v-m6QpVlulM/s640/IMG_4645.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just look at the pretty sugar! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFt31crhs-7z-z0lYkPamSPBap4fzz12bYE3CEVVcZaBBvHVnAdxixvscymAkUEjZkst8Sg9ZD5LkJPCKpW3_URCDfmbE7ybvRI7OqUWpm5k70DLgDNtHn4Got4wBEs6x57RbV6tq6yQ/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFt31crhs-7z-z0lYkPamSPBap4fzz12bYE3CEVVcZaBBvHVnAdxixvscymAkUEjZkst8Sg9ZD5LkJPCKpW3_URCDfmbE7ybvRI7OqUWpm5k70DLgDNtHn4Got4wBEs6x57RbV6tq6yQ/s640/IMG_4646.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Place parchment paper on a large jelly roll pan. Apply sprinkles. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquRNHw44J5eh1aiEwLB8rIofywhV2GoMyPDg4ujBJHfaHI1XfR5eMvhTtqn5S1FSNafYSa2j52VgIaMVOM-rSEKb3q9ZP7SmdTGDiQzRFeAsavTJ7f4Og531kfoskLEINoeld0M8SmfQ/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquRNHw44J5eh1aiEwLB8rIofywhV2GoMyPDg4ujBJHfaHI1XfR5eMvhTtqn5S1FSNafYSa2j52VgIaMVOM-rSEKb3q9ZP7SmdTGDiQzRFeAsavTJ7f4Og531kfoskLEINoeld0M8SmfQ/s640/IMG_4648.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now scatter about your various degrees of broken Oreos and handfuls of holiday corn. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6_Zajoyko9wHg7oZfDp_-F1rkPgNYjpNna0BXk2QtaaQBFeAppf0kQHZgLeUclT3ppB3ORQf5Yze7B57cpVFzIWaTIoHFbwMjIif4i5Qsdhd_p-c1L_MX5T6Yuqjqa41kABjzdj6tGI/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6_Zajoyko9wHg7oZfDp_-F1rkPgNYjpNna0BXk2QtaaQBFeAppf0kQHZgLeUclT3ppB3ORQf5Yze7B57cpVFzIWaTIoHFbwMjIif4i5Qsdhd_p-c1L_MX5T6Yuqjqa41kABjzdj6tGI/s640/IMG_4649.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Melt the candy melts in a microwave at half power. Heat two minutes, stir. Heat in 45 second intervals stopping to stir. Stop when there are small solid parts remaining that completely dissolve with a final stir...don't over heat. Now pour over your festive sweet bits. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE9wLn9dANNNxLPnGMTBbd1W_UxoYNlNQ65ArWc3pueDtlsJUZE50-YD9iLXXzhx5VQqbxrj111S76K4wv7Lvlo8mWaZeyyfR1A-Gn51wkmgOJOEvK2fcUffOArMjGlJNKdz-OxUKwFA/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE9wLn9dANNNxLPnGMTBbd1W_UxoYNlNQ65ArWc3pueDtlsJUZE50-YD9iLXXzhx5VQqbxrj111S76K4wv7Lvlo8mWaZeyyfR1A-Gn51wkmgOJOEvK2fcUffOArMjGlJNKdz-OxUKwFA/s640/IMG_4651.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Spread out with a spatula and push the edges into the melted candy. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCctKDtls0cRO0QiBBdVdFCVIPS-H5uE30HC3nT8L__8uA45nyY-hkV5nlsB5RIInPWP11BuFkRXyBmbwUObnDqLrJGJEm0JKYDn6QuVCcsMpzGqf6NIcGEV_vS8eHMEBDPeEFdt4CNw4/s1600/IMG_4652.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCctKDtls0cRO0QiBBdVdFCVIPS-H5uE30HC3nT8L__8uA45nyY-hkV5nlsB5RIInPWP11BuFkRXyBmbwUObnDqLrJGJEm0JKYDn6QuVCcsMpzGqf6NIcGEV_vS8eHMEBDPeEFdt4CNw4/s640/IMG_4652.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Top with more cookies and holiday corn pushed into the candy. Then add more sprinkles. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtuoq4txkgzgSUj4jSO5d9mqNmxe-4sJrP2IafCG1HJmqN18ZUL9LeclqfHGZtgXN4uESR2Vv0-QjzHr3dmSzSbpBvn2kK8z1rEKdLwEwmbL3cFjy-S-g1chRNauqXnUwYeeA_vnpzxc/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtuoq4txkgzgSUj4jSO5d9mqNmxe-4sJrP2IafCG1HJmqN18ZUL9LeclqfHGZtgXN4uESR2Vv0-QjzHr3dmSzSbpBvn2kK8z1rEKdLwEwmbL3cFjy-S-g1chRNauqXnUwYeeA_vnpzxc/s640/IMG_4654.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pop this into the fridge to set up. Can't leave it too long. Honestly. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZph0m7k_cvJnF_TQdJsRip1MCTqZlK7awvRICFXUwUp4DirhBDUbth6wHIMFkkf37DeDlL4xwZaApfrs_t1ichs0tbWNQsih07EkdwoQC-4CQyNuz7l7oYyFp-6wyMUwIQKxbY9Qz3Zw/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZph0m7k_cvJnF_TQdJsRip1MCTqZlK7awvRICFXUwUp4DirhBDUbth6wHIMFkkf37DeDlL4xwZaApfrs_t1ichs0tbWNQsih07EkdwoQC-4CQyNuz7l7oYyFp-6wyMUwIQKxbY9Qz3Zw/s640/IMG_4660.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Out of the fridge and now break...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip60CP9MbFA2xVM664ROriRsZzyJxW2x2jBTwEaTmlhl_9l7un68U5wdkl8IJHt18OmFVm25wp1T1MY9oAuSed1dXKJ9eIj7l9ADaG2oeA9uVlmPUFUBgOh43KdmOnvt1ZemZZMODXLlw/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip60CP9MbFA2xVM664ROriRsZzyJxW2x2jBTwEaTmlhl_9l7un68U5wdkl8IJHt18OmFVm25wp1T1MY9oAuSed1dXKJ9eIj7l9ADaG2oeA9uVlmPUFUBgOh43KdmOnvt1ZemZZMODXLlw/s640/IMG_4669.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...into whatever size pieces you desire. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfTRe2VOxsm2tUp4fZCgLQuB89vWUjwrGN-WgIAVyeL6uw8yNrVCeKbtmAUiBbxE5lUDlJ_LXF0-BN8JSFK9ueJFV2i5itTtvwInjggC40_pPTWVjYYCD1cfaCH1-YgMgM6lIQ1HMDEQ/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfTRe2VOxsm2tUp4fZCgLQuB89vWUjwrGN-WgIAVyeL6uw8yNrVCeKbtmAUiBbxE5lUDlJ_LXF0-BN8JSFK9ueJFV2i5itTtvwInjggC40_pPTWVjYYCD1cfaCH1-YgMgM6lIQ1HMDEQ/s640/IMG_4679.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This bark turned out quite thick, I probably only needed two bags of candy melts. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrxF8_BnVVGr1XhiW0A7aGgi5zrACfL-81ehypMT9ri96Wl-Rbe6F4N0kk8dfAPpa0uMwUK3eUE6EUC4ngHKwUEp1UP1AerzQzHq-CCvl5MteNKKuF7LO8ClMklCNEOi0971qaPd5mEY/s1600/IMG_4692.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrxF8_BnVVGr1XhiW0A7aGgi5zrACfL-81ehypMT9ri96Wl-Rbe6F4N0kk8dfAPpa0uMwUK3eUE6EUC4ngHKwUEp1UP1AerzQzHq-CCvl5MteNKKuF7LO8ClMklCNEOi0971qaPd5mEY/s640/IMG_4692.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is some sweet tasty stuff. I took a tall dish over to my friend's house to avoid eating it all. And this past Sunday I sneaked a bag into the local theater as our candy treat during a family viewing of the new Muppet movie! </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-10130834091332742762011-11-28T17:46:00.002-05:002012-12-10T09:05:33.982-05:00Advent Activities Rundown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCJ_NVNZVttZ2CMRetYByPAoYMRRy_B4udQKn623TCXM7BZvGk0mPV-vicPBIbDa_0iEkHX3_kngJk3l4HjIcBr3n5GfMKVjTxM9xKwFYmwWZWhM9rQprUDXkAD5UHXj0j_IuOcfc11jj/s1600/caledrwr.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCJ_NVNZVttZ2CMRetYByPAoYMRRy_B4udQKn623TCXM7BZvGk0mPV-vicPBIbDa_0iEkHX3_kngJk3l4HjIcBr3n5GfMKVjTxM9xKwFYmwWZWhM9rQprUDXkAD5UHXj0j_IuOcfc11jj/s640/caledrwr.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I cannot believe it is only three days until I begin our annual advent activity tradition. I posted last year about the things we included in 2009, the first year we switched from candy to fun, you can find that post <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/12/advent-calendar-activities.html">here</a>. Last year I had planned to post our activities <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/12/first-six-days-of-advent-activities.html">six days</a> at a time as they happened but the month was just far too busy for blogging and I only posted the first six. Instead of blogging them in January I saved it for a more timely post...now! I've had several requests for our list of activities. I'm still working on this year's list. Many of these will remain the same since in just two years they've become things the kids really look forward to. <br />
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But without further ado here's what happened in 2010:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 1st<br />
Decorate Your Own Christmas Tree in Your Bedroom</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwfOHbzbw9mp4E98IEH2p4Vyyl9irESMaEvdq3nbdf7gV7gm3y-Y7ZMNRuEkUnBe6SH97soPa9AAY8Yho5r8pBK4VR6Cy2LkGRZsK9DXKR6nMaXlJSl_BW-fsumak7M7ok8IuBvsuMhE/s1600/DSC04238.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwfOHbzbw9mp4E98IEH2p4Vyyl9irESMaEvdq3nbdf7gV7gm3y-Y7ZMNRuEkUnBe6SH97soPa9AAY8Yho5r8pBK4VR6Cy2LkGRZsK9DXKR6nMaXlJSl_BW-fsumak7M7ok8IuBvsuMhE/s640/DSC04238.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 2nd<br />
Ice Cream Sundae Bar After Dinner</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnufp9LrxJn1H_o1npSJuf7Phq6Nu-332Wjk17B0clDoU4pQDXOZZDc1-AYig4mlbFfUfRrqh28E5x-jfzHAQCLy757SJaJRTzm_7KysgH9IG3IekFyorQnw2ozWeR0K7uu6K4Aaj1L9M/s1600/DSC04295.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnufp9LrxJn1H_o1npSJuf7Phq6Nu-332Wjk17B0clDoU4pQDXOZZDc1-AYig4mlbFfUfRrqh28E5x-jfzHAQCLy757SJaJRTzm_7KysgH9IG3IekFyorQnw2ozWeR0K7uu6K4Aaj1L9M/s640/DSC04295.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The slip of paper had to specify after dinner or the kids would've been asking for these as soon as breakfast was over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 3rd<br />
Write and Mail Letters to Santa</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZNdCWNamYRhBqIOnzYXhHOwsoXM5txMWWLsIoW6mCSTXfU6jdDQXfu9VH6u1-SA0WqDM8cmrins1LNzvp_ShkUmsx7TcdoOQg9nEWUeESOheSgMP7BZf05uo8i44Rz5RMWy00pS-caRl/s1600/DSC04335.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZNdCWNamYRhBqIOnzYXhHOwsoXM5txMWWLsIoW6mCSTXfU6jdDQXfu9VH6u1-SA0WqDM8cmrins1LNzvp_ShkUmsx7TcdoOQg9nEWUeESOheSgMP7BZf05uo8i44Rz5RMWy00pS-caRl/s640/DSC04335.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After they created their letters to Santa we drove to the mall to drop them in the large red mailbox Macy's has set up specifically to collect letters for Santa. The kids enjoy the large Santa mailbox and I like the fact Macy's donates a dollar for every letter to the Make a Wish Foundation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 4th<br />
Visit Santasaurus and Eat a Cupcake</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LY2Eoxy72DyN7wB-uc8nXA0-1c8R-s0speGE_eqjr5Bb4wp1c3CbM-XVnH40An_iNQ81xgVeC7-kAiltgBvIT2Wcdoh3y3ismya6Sh4lWXQlR9gUb6QwNDCSQIcxxKWcfqjmAk4H4aS_/s1600/DSC04340.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LY2Eoxy72DyN7wB-uc8nXA0-1c8R-s0speGE_eqjr5Bb4wp1c3CbM-XVnH40An_iNQ81xgVeC7-kAiltgBvIT2Wcdoh3y3ismya6Sh4lWXQlR9gUb6QwNDCSQIcxxKWcfqjmAk4H4aS_/s640/DSC04340.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The natural history museum we have a membership at does a Christmas event with themed national decorated trees, carolers, crafts and free cupcakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 5th<br />
Create Christmas Cards</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D6M17SJMvuNJnr8oQXytd3J2ddcXCtA-oToeuBvGD6h5vUg9H6ENxe5fgXR_YBRmb-lP2WIzv1jHW2g5fAFaPmU04wNHik4H1snKP4JaTIYUy5lGgOKd6CJMCW-AfQrryDxFjoLKQ9ZJ/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D6M17SJMvuNJnr8oQXytd3J2ddcXCtA-oToeuBvGD6h5vUg9H6ENxe5fgXR_YBRmb-lP2WIzv1jHW2g5fAFaPmU04wNHik4H1snKP4JaTIYUy5lGgOKd6CJMCW-AfQrryDxFjoLKQ9ZJ/s640/IMG_0032.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Post on how we make new Christmas cards from recycling old Christmas cards <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/12/recycle-old-christmas-cards-into-new.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 6th<br />
Visit Santa and Ride the Pink Pig</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Pink Pig isn't nearly the same as it was when I was kid growing up in Atlanta and rode it on the top of the Rich's building downtown but I still have to include this tradition, if only for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 7th<br />
Make a Handprint Wreath and Deliver to Great Grandma Gene</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The blog post on how we made the simple handprint wreath <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/01/handprint-wreath.html">here</a>. We specifically worked with three different shades of white hands covered in blue and silver accents since those are Grandma Gene's favorite Christmas colors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 8th<br />
Make Homemade Christmas Ornaments</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These were made with pipe cleaners, old night light bulbs, pom poms, ribbon and googly eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then we cut some felt and Thing One made an owl ornament.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">They were having so much fun it couldn't stop there. With google eyes, pom poms, felt and a glue gun on the table I grabbed a bag of pinecones I'd purchased at the Dollar Tree and more wacky ornaments were made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 9th<br />
SNOW DAY!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While the kids were asleep I hung snowflakes from the dollar store all over the ceiling in the playroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And for breakfast they ate snowmen. Refrigerator biscuit dough mashed together. Bacon bits for eyes. Pepperoni cut smiles. Shredded cheese scarves and noses. Edible markers made the buttons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Out of the oven and ready to be devoured. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 10th<br />
Family Car Ride To See Christmas Lights</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are plenty of Christmas light events we could pay to see in town. But they are quite pricey. Instead we all pile in the car, including the dog, and drive around our local neighborhoods. Plenty of great light displays there. This miniature tree farm is super creative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This one has its own radio station to listen to music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The night always ends with the kids wanting to see our own neighbor's Santa in his sleigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 11th</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheer on Thing Two and Dad at the Jingle Jog </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This past year Thing Two wanted to run the Jingle Jog 5K with his dad. We all woke early to cheer them on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The event has lots of free activities and food. Free face painting for Princess Fierce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thing One stayed bundled and near the free hot chocolate truck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Jingle Jog always has lots of costumes and fun characters running, both human and canine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And if that isn't enough there are free Snow Cream Popsicles and a delightful Santa and Mrs. Claus mingling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But the highlight was watching our boys finish their 5k together...literally with bells on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 12th</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wrap Sibling Presents</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Each kiddo helps me wrap the presents they chose for their brothers or sister. And then with great flourish and pride places them under the tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 13th<br />
Build and Decorate Personal "Gingerbread" Houses</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the past we've decorated the gingerbread house kits but I'm always disappointed with their lack of frosting and candies and how to properly divide a four sided house between three artistic kids. This year I made individual houses from graham crackers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">For the front and back of each house use two full graham cracker sheets. Score the top as shown with a serrated knife.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Gently snap where scored. Use two halves to make the sides and two more for the roof. Secure with frosting. Then turn them over to the kids to create...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Princes Fierce with her subtly decorated home with pretzel wreath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thing Two had fun with the candy and mini chocolate chips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And Thing One created a mosaic door with a side walk for his. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 14th</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Crystal Snowflakes </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All the details on how we make these can be found <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/01/crystal-snowflakes.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 15th</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Reindeer Candy Canes </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Candy canes, googly eyes, pom poms, and pipe cleaners along with a couple of low temp glue guns were the necessary supplies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Use the glue gun to attach a pom pom nose and two eyes. My low temp guns are safe for the kids to use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Twist pipe cleaners to create antlers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Or create a horn for a candy cane unicorn if you're Princess Fierce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">They loved making these and when we were finished decided to package them up with a little note and put them in the mailboxes of all the kids in the neighborhood and a few local friends too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 16th<br />
Playdate with a Friend</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was a new one this year the kids were very excited about. Didn't seem to matter that they play with this same friend all the time. Somehow when it's in the Advent Activities it's even more special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 17th<br />
Destroy and Eat the "Gingerbread" Houses</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While this picture may look like fun. It turned out over the past couple of days these houses firmed up quite a bit...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Heavy knives had to be used....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">...this only added to the fun...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> and the awesomeness!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 18th<br />
Make Magical Reindeer Food</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Apparently I have no pictures but we make reindeer food every year. We mix quick oats, glitter, mini chocolate chips and whatever else the kids think the reindeer might like and put them in small plastic bags set aside for Christmas Eve. Since I'm without pictures you can check out this <a href="http://www.karcathey.com/2010/12/reindeer-food.html">gem of blog post</a> that has lots of pictures and poems and ideas for Reindeer Food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 19th<br />
Homemade Hot Chocolate from Candy Bars</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Two like milk, one likes white chocolate. I bought chocolate bars for each. Heated heavy cream in a saucepan and melted the chopped candy bar in the hot cream. This was a decadent treat for all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 20th</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bake a Cake for the Piano Teacher </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The kids chose vanilla butter cake tinted green and baked in my Christmas tree bundt pan. They opted to dust it with powdered sugar to look like snow instead of using a glaze. They were very proud to hand this gift to their teacher the next morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 21st<br />
Create Miniature Fireplaces</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was a happy accident. I had plans to do a completely different craft but there was a supply failure. A quick turn to google produced <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/paper-bag-fireplace.html">this project with pattern</a>. I had all these supplies on hand and the kids enjoyed finding all the "logs" in the yard themselves. They glued all the pieces on and then added their own extra decorations with the wreaths and photos, mantles, clocks, and stockings. It was a lot of fun and one year later they each have these still in their rooms. They've become fireplaces for stuffed animals and Barbies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 22nd<br />
Build a Cookie House at MomMom's </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Another popular repeat activity. And one that has already been secured for this year too. My mom builds a house out of boxes then invites the kids over to decorate with homemade frosting and a lot of cookies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqEIVzzXsSrgrYIZK_f2bqUkqew7DylpH6u5wrwb3SjBWkUGyEhdTiHeQ-6HI7DgVm6Dc1Hb4gsAGblt_rf8Lv3ABtXzvWaQJjqEsgyskUT_oYiFOk4NZWvn1FW0Gew9uo0yUx3tttls/s1600/DSC04837.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqEIVzzXsSrgrYIZK_f2bqUkqew7DylpH6u5wrwb3SjBWkUGyEhdTiHeQ-6HI7DgVm6Dc1Hb4gsAGblt_rf8Lv3ABtXzvWaQJjqEsgyskUT_oYiFOk4NZWvn1FW0Gew9uo0yUx3tttls/s640/DSC04837.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">This year the boys took one side and...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR0fR-r1VZzDoMeYEj02wJ9_4YwhIXlFI8kI5aGL84V9XZl8MaQ3taPy_FSDf8tm9MKnwXDvG5xXPwmBR7RrgRC5gxXpAxz10TDRGbzp5dJegTZUD6ObNM5KqbBOVMBDNYBK90Zt4VLw/s1600/DSC04880.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR0fR-r1VZzDoMeYEj02wJ9_4YwhIXlFI8kI5aGL84V9XZl8MaQ3taPy_FSDf8tm9MKnwXDvG5xXPwmBR7RrgRC5gxXpAxz10TDRGbzp5dJegTZUD6ObNM5KqbBOVMBDNYBK90Zt4VLw/s640/DSC04880.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">...Princess Fierce with her cousin claimed the other as the girl side.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqucxPdF1QdjjXlnTwMqlyrbTqkt5tAWhHxltcDwHMuXU0Sd5rc3QRoEta3HESuPJrhYt5AFENDzDWKPhHNFhh4Y5flvDeR9kxTch3lqeqq_NZkkrlkT67cPLJrOgDJ4zQY9wBLt1dEmQ/s1600/DSC04897.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqucxPdF1QdjjXlnTwMqlyrbTqkt5tAWhHxltcDwHMuXU0Sd5rc3QRoEta3HESuPJrhYt5AFENDzDWKPhHNFhh4Y5flvDeR9kxTch3lqeqq_NZkkrlkT67cPLJrOgDJ4zQY9wBLt1dEmQ/s640/DSC04897.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The final product showed a clear difference in boy and girl design styles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 23rd</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bake Cookies for Santa</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NlsMaR9YF82TEjsN5HwpfS4Vz-J-k1Xg7_uut0raNVX_j9gXEr0KFOTURGHsbkaFPCm-b5iPggMJuxsBrNhbDatTDflmMXr_CofF44jFft63lqSlfSInwqfjHPM2rKj2z6uV3JfhOc4/s1600/DSC04915.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NlsMaR9YF82TEjsN5HwpfS4Vz-J-k1Xg7_uut0raNVX_j9gXEr0KFOTURGHsbkaFPCm-b5iPggMJuxsBrNhbDatTDflmMXr_CofF44jFft63lqSlfSInwqfjHPM2rKj2z6uV3JfhOc4/s640/DSC04915.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">We had it on good authority these <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/10/double-chocolate-chunk-cookies.html">Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies</a> were what Santa wanted. You can find the recipe <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/10/double-chocolate-chunk-cookies.html">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;">December 24th<br />
Watch Polar Express with All the Extras</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8umVwzWOURXBCN2Q0F1aOyR_q6o1wm5R88x3Fv8mQT9rf5-i367mPbEfg2IcQkEKpV40iqrLVN8n3Bu7PF-1kh3h4OwAs6Wxl7HtxWDim_5ReLzs8yHfF8H4GS6Z9UWYD5sPB2sKf4M/s1600/The_Polar_Express%252C_2004%252C_Tom_Hanks.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8umVwzWOURXBCN2Q0F1aOyR_q6o1wm5R88x3Fv8mQT9rf5-i367mPbEfg2IcQkEKpV40iqrLVN8n3Bu7PF-1kh3h4OwAs6Wxl7HtxWDim_5ReLzs8yHfF8H4GS6Z9UWYD5sPB2sKf4M/s640/The_Polar_Express%252C_2004%252C_Tom_Hanks.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">For several years each Christmas Eve we don our pajamas and watch Polar Express. We drink hot chocolate on the train when the kids do on the train. We spread magic reindeer food in the front yard when the caribou block the tracks. And we let the kids open the first present of Christmas at the end.<br />
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Are any of you planning a full calendar of activities to countdown to Christmas? I'd love to hear what different things you include. I must confess I wish we were all girls so I could toss in have a spa day and paint our toe nails Christmas colors. Actually one of my boys would go for that. I love how different they are. Here's hoping we're all ready for December and have a very Merry Christmas Season! <br /><br />***U<span style="font-size: small;">PDATE**<span style="font-size: small;">*</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm woefully <span style="font-size: small;">negligent in blogging but here's<span style="font-size: small;"> the list of activit<span style="font-size: small;">ies we did<span style="font-size: small;"> in 2011<span style="font-size: small;">. Some <span style="font-size: small;">have become expe<span style="font-size: small;">cted traditions <span style="font-size: small;">and <span style="font-size: small;">others are brand new.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decorate Your Bedroom <span style="font-size: small;">Trees</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Campo<span style="font-size: small;">ut <span style="font-size: small;">Under the Christ<span style="font-size: small;">mas Tree</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas Panc<span style="font-size: small;">ake Breakfast and see <span style="font-size: small;">The Muppets with Dad</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Caroling and Cupcakes at Fernbank <span style="font-size: small;">Museum</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos with Santa and Ride the P<span style="font-size: small;">ink P<span style="font-size: small;">ig</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write and Mail Letters to Santa</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Get out Christ<span style="font-size: small;">mas Books and <span style="font-size: small;">Make a Candy Necklace</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make an Ornament</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parents' Night <span style="font-size: small;">Out, <span style="font-size: small;">Kids<span style="font-size: small;">' <span style="font-size: small;">Fun at Church</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watch<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>C<span style="font-size: small;">hristmas S<span style="font-size: small;">tory with Mom and Da<span style="font-size: small;">d <span style="font-size: small;">After Dinner</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Build Santa<span style="font-size: small;">'s Sleigh Craft and Watch The F<span style="font-size: small;">light Before Christmas</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Cyrstal Snow<span style="font-size: small;">flakes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Build Grah<span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">m Cracker "<span style="font-size: small;">Gingerbread" Houses</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Destroy and Eat Your Houses</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Christmas Cards</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wrap Sibling Gifts</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sleep<span style="font-size: small;">over at MomMom and PawPaw's</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Build a Cookie House with Mom<span style="font-size: small;">Mom</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go <span style="font-size: small;">Look at Christmas Lights</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reindeer Day: <span style="font-size: small;">Rei<span style="font-size: small;">ndeer Food, Reindeer P<span style="font-size: small;">asta, Reinde<span style="font-size: small;">er C<span style="font-size: small;">ookies</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snu<span style="font-size: small;">ggle<span style="font-size: small;">, Drink Co<span style="font-size: small;">coa and Watch a <span style="font-size: small;">New Holiday Movie with Mom</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/booturtle/6560057629/"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Elf Donuts</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bake Cookie<span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Polar Express Night</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><b> </b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-32889116999666125142011-11-18T12:54:00.002-05:002011-11-18T13:15:18.588-05:00A Jasmine Yarn Wig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3F1f7eOcuCISKkVTe1AkqPg-7wRCW0wt8ktEf0l23E6m_NsHi3mP23mUya97lVLdnbCswpw7lzXGCdySBbzObIC27P9_0wEGYlsZZQRuwEdV3XC9GLfw29KFdkQchOx4BWBVQGj1yi8/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3F1f7eOcuCISKkVTe1AkqPg-7wRCW0wt8ktEf0l23E6m_NsHi3mP23mUya97lVLdnbCswpw7lzXGCdySBbzObIC27P9_0wEGYlsZZQRuwEdV3XC9GLfw29KFdkQchOx4BWBVQGj1yi8/s640/IMG_3918.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce wanted to be Jasmine for Halloween. She made up her mind in September and never wavered. I'm fairly confident the decision was based purely on the fact she wears a two piece outfit. I lucked out and found two complete blue and pink Jasmine costume including gold shoes at a local consignment store for under $30 for everything. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjI96XinAJCcG7OjvCXVEEElQdg2GHpEuWUTkgKluf7f62FUOsu3AmdBsAHfmkGJCV1pyeVzdGGIPQ_v8FxgJXpS53RnjWYbZwrTb2m6CdUkjVkRESO95qph4o2uVBkkeAkdVTjs0ZbE/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjI96XinAJCcG7OjvCXVEEElQdg2GHpEuWUTkgKluf7f62FUOsu3AmdBsAHfmkGJCV1pyeVzdGGIPQ_v8FxgJXpS53RnjWYbZwrTb2m6CdUkjVkRESO95qph4o2uVBkkeAkdVTjs0ZbE/s640/IMG_4114.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">She wore the pink outfit to see Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream with her cousin. An excellent show if you can still catch it in your town. For the show I tried to style her short, thin hair in the best imitation of Jasmine's hair I could manage. She loved the result. But for Halloween I'd made the offhand comment that I thought I could make her a Jasmine yarn wig. After Disney on Ice she told me she hoped I could make one but if I couldn't she'd be happy with her hair this way again. Such a sweet girl.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVPEC4ehhVk1F19Nz56SnpV46F4-vqj8wLWLO57PEXqiWnIgQYpLyetb1BmerBj-bBip5poBctZg9Y9UuTTxXSTpi1fQPOr1L_ksietm8B-4wAJYic7Mrvia1E1EEs8_7L0icbrILODw/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVPEC4ehhVk1F19Nz56SnpV46F4-vqj8wLWLO57PEXqiWnIgQYpLyetb1BmerBj-bBip5poBctZg9Y9UuTTxXSTpi1fQPOr1L_ksietm8B-4wAJYic7Mrvia1E1EEs8_7L0icbrILODw/s640/IMG_3861.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I searched Pinterest and Google for inspiration but came up with only one other person making a yarn Jasmine wig. And she used a completely different method than I was comfortable with. I cannot crochet yarn into a highlighting cap. Nope. So I went my own way. I started with a pair of black girls tights from the clearance rack at Target. $1.50 for her wig cap. I put the waist around her hairline then tied a tight knot with the legs. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYwX1JaMAV_tcqB8_M9mE52M4VGFf4742vHGAXxNsq7HKH4wmt7IxFgbhU3gsz3B2qGQ_dazuQ7ZNn53X__zIYH3bMb5uLWhQFS3Y4xk8QcCqVhFIwFNLql-nanQklDw_URYxXyVspF0/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYwX1JaMAV_tcqB8_M9mE52M4VGFf4742vHGAXxNsq7HKH4wmt7IxFgbhU3gsz3B2qGQ_dazuQ7ZNn53X__zIYH3bMb5uLWhQFS3Y4xk8QcCqVhFIwFNLql-nanQklDw_URYxXyVspF0/s640/IMG_3867.JPG" width="550" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I didn't want the protruding knot on top. I ran the cap through my sewing machine with a zig zag stitch just below the knot. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNacwh9h6VUTQBoBwlLgxbwH-s6pMokzzml8dKm7IeKq0QFxKt3qeax-qdLvAMOsp0u8phyrm-Erys9_0pZqrBjzy59dIUmBbwT2-Y7-edDqER0esuzxxjFKBlJhOjcV3rjhLlhpuSKUA/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNacwh9h6VUTQBoBwlLgxbwH-s6pMokzzml8dKm7IeKq0QFxKt3qeax-qdLvAMOsp0u8phyrm-Erys9_0pZqrBjzy59dIUmBbwT2-Y7-edDqER0esuzxxjFKBlJhOjcV3rjhLlhpuSKUA/s640/IMG_3875.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I trimmed off the knot and was left with a much flatter cap.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-AxYRul40g5QG1XddCsXQcYTwzCbugjCk-ntX5UwyxiVBf7mWyz2TW-V4-cikqHXrL-2O0uGPXkhQ7A0R72zUTgi3CJFJT8N6_l-DqS60jjtVAbFcV9Y4v0r0lgqO672XMMp3y4q9KU/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-AxYRul40g5QG1XddCsXQcYTwzCbugjCk-ntX5UwyxiVBf7mWyz2TW-V4-cikqHXrL-2O0uGPXkhQ7A0R72zUTgi3CJFJT8N6_l-DqS60jjtVAbFcV9Y4v0r0lgqO672XMMp3y4q9KU/s640/IMG_3876.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It was still a perfect fit on her head.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMYZzIT4PLFy2TeAn-XDavR5ik45UEcsnt4e4xx6Fn_GMg_suZ55vzxptXd-MX709ko449wE_zgNn0N7FiPmY7weRdx7K2BpIqqdycBwCNeKUxt8rgaMLqOV3sIqeR0pwh8XLPEdXiYU/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMYZzIT4PLFy2TeAn-XDavR5ik45UEcsnt4e4xx6Fn_GMg_suZ55vzxptXd-MX709ko449wE_zgNn0N7FiPmY7weRdx7K2BpIqqdycBwCNeKUxt8rgaMLqOV3sIqeR0pwh8XLPEdXiYU/s640/IMG_3877.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used two skeins of this black yarn. One for the body of the wig and about half of a second for the rolls up front.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWtBTWlNH7LCqB6GSEBjIISfMA0pjyKGdZ2zACoEc5wmCQtmvEujFYSzyb4fQFmj3a4Z3gw_Mqewhyphenhypheni8KPKD18LUEaKmUe1QYn_RfYq5iYpr46fp6ftX-uswZ3D3k8l5f6QAJR08pO0/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWtBTWlNH7LCqB6GSEBjIISfMA0pjyKGdZ2zACoEc5wmCQtmvEujFYSzyb4fQFmj3a4Z3gw_Mqewhyphenhypheni8KPKD18LUEaKmUe1QYn_RfYq5iYpr46fp6ftX-uswZ3D3k8l5f6QAJR08pO0/s640/IMG_3879.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I wrapped the yarn around the end of my 36" wide dining room table multiple times. I snipped one end but did not cut or tie the other end, now the middle of my yarn. Sorry I don't have pictures. I got wrapped up in the making process. What I was left with was strands of yarn about 72". I made a lot of these! The entire skein of yarn was used and cut into 72" lengths. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMXlsG2OSimlyzHXFuDzxoxKrsq85PsXC5ulF9hJaqvvf0-WpryiOw_RlSnMC8GgxwboXlflR68W2xs8ZmRUhF35JPJjQbgbnTG_NXyS5T15CBqHUMKsx1w1fa3zdV4FAk7Q7d8JNR5k/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMXlsG2OSimlyzHXFuDzxoxKrsq85PsXC5ulF9hJaqvvf0-WpryiOw_RlSnMC8GgxwboXlflR68W2xs8ZmRUhF35JPJjQbgbnTG_NXyS5T15CBqHUMKsx1w1fa3zdV4FAk7Q7d8JNR5k/s640/IMG_3880.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Next I would take about 12 strands of yarn at a time and fold them in half. I'd then take the center of the folded yarn and begin stitching it straight down the center of my cap. It was easy to follow the seam in the hose to stay centered when i began. I did not pin. I would just hold them in place and slowly stitch.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEKEN8BRgMY6MGVh9XLJVtbtlf89UyttXGo4nmP6ItcMLVr9tqn-QSf8Yb_k9rM7flUy1_dzGCHKi9MekSoT6Msc3tpLgv1WtrutPvj3TOepyKUnrPJ8lZ4pCxeeHHeDW965fzVIP4_A/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEKEN8BRgMY6MGVh9XLJVtbtlf89UyttXGo4nmP6ItcMLVr9tqn-QSf8Yb_k9rM7flUy1_dzGCHKi9MekSoT6Msc3tpLgv1WtrutPvj3TOepyKUnrPJ8lZ4pCxeeHHeDW965fzVIP4_A/s640/IMG_3882.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">As I got close to the end of a group I'd stop and grab more to slide under the presser foot and right up against the others. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoaWPf8VM9-sm6Dlgc12PA4z_iDfHF1ofFC-w1W2nVdQkBUvqcATdcUSMTsu_73qDPRPJd2rA-fQQLGcUXsM3Wem9xvnDjkxXsbsB2VAkdpUssJNiEm4I-Ye7cupouZmJaCGZLUavR_A/s1600/IMG_3885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoaWPf8VM9-sm6Dlgc12PA4z_iDfHF1ofFC-w1W2nVdQkBUvqcATdcUSMTsu_73qDPRPJd2rA-fQQLGcUXsM3Wem9xvnDjkxXsbsB2VAkdpUssJNiEm4I-Ye7cupouZmJaCGZLUavR_A/s640/IMG_3885.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">All the strands attached with a center part created. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z4xvE4hQn8inbSW1QYtSxGMIa43KQcVFwPueuSBl6t2D6WydDCNgcUv1x32qZ9X_9t5O3xMoUKCAB4BuWsgyv_YbHHyhgPTf3rvl0A9Sh6iyd-btww3pZCEkMz0fbelb7VhLCuY1HO4/s1600/IMG_3886.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z4xvE4hQn8inbSW1QYtSxGMIa43KQcVFwPueuSBl6t2D6WydDCNgcUv1x32qZ9X_9t5O3xMoUKCAB4BuWsgyv_YbHHyhgPTf3rvl0A9Sh6iyd-btww3pZCEkMz0fbelb7VhLCuY1HO4/s320/IMG_3886.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-p_EO1HSewFRmOwrlSBSmamxsxNnorJ64dfIkINWlZYGVD-g9B3tf8AZwOaWrrlmiNzuBLjI-PyfpkAFEK8H8ZqUoC-MGOBdUMLHqv8BXJzGx0rfz9mhbcDh9eO314Nt8SrU_FEya9Q/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-p_EO1HSewFRmOwrlSBSmamxsxNnorJ64dfIkINWlZYGVD-g9B3tf8AZwOaWrrlmiNzuBLjI-PyfpkAFEK8H8ZqUoC-MGOBdUMLHqv8BXJzGx0rfz9mhbcDh9eO314Nt8SrU_FEya9Q/s320/IMG_3887.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce was getting excited I might pull this off. The wig was very long and heavy at this point. But there was a big problem still. How to do the rolls at her crown? I hadn't quite figured that out until I spotted these...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO3aA-t-ZHvIVnLTrXtUSbOaA-dK6NCktlLpcnKpNUoLr4f2zBsSJWdUDfBBckB_wxq02152VpIGLyY2bJAmZNnKAfIdOrDwzb_Zu9FkZVW-fnyQyZgZNoQYVuweldBl0-AKm05m2LAQ/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO3aA-t-ZHvIVnLTrXtUSbOaA-dK6NCktlLpcnKpNUoLr4f2zBsSJWdUDfBBckB_wxq02152VpIGLyY2bJAmZNnKAfIdOrDwzb_Zu9FkZVW-fnyQyZgZNoQYVuweldBl0-AKm05m2LAQ/s640/IMG_3913.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Luck would have it I had just cleaned out an old drawer in my bathroom and stumbled on these ancient foam rollers. They were headed for the trash but instead. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsUUGHzlI3Z6fI9LCGs3d039ER5tVk3g1ESku3zbYfoB5XC8V4giwZxxoZzNFe3Q5X21aZMqd3TiWEJ26wDK4yWXSXI_i7lJnJ92_IXsTeBEG3ogpwGOEAoUfhIuWMVBekc0-gWGAlM/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsUUGHzlI3Z6fI9LCGs3d039ER5tVk3g1ESku3zbYfoB5XC8V4giwZxxoZzNFe3Q5X21aZMqd3TiWEJ26wDK4yWXSXI_i7lJnJ92_IXsTeBEG3ogpwGOEAoUfhIuWMVBekc0-gWGAlM/s640/IMG_3896.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I took the foam off and realized it was exactly what I needed. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWtBTWlNH7LCqB6GSEBjIISfMA0pjyKGdZ2zACoEc5wmCQtmvEujFYSzyb4fQFmj3a4Z3gw_Mqewhyphenhypheni8KPKD18LUEaKmUe1QYn_RfYq5iYpr46fp6ftX-uswZ3D3k8l5f6QAJR08pO0/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uWtBTWlNH7LCqB6GSEBjIISfMA0pjyKGdZ2zACoEc5wmCQtmvEujFYSzyb4fQFmj3a4Z3gw_Mqewhyphenhypheni8KPKD18LUEaKmUe1QYn_RfYq5iYpr46fp6ftX-uswZ3D3k8l5f6QAJR08pO0/s640/IMG_3879.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I needed more bundles of yarn for the crown. I again wrapped the yarn around my table. This time doing six bundles of 12 strands each. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVllCb7YSAz1xRV5hKclZWx6inGpD4EMsingM4NL5-FcSoEdkyx6Epuibt3GznzJNityCeVBtSI2Pr8kzc-goIkvkqjawCkdLriM1Mqpj0Vd0zoj-CYEESmtEb6zvjSmOrip9azOK2ZOw/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVllCb7YSAz1xRV5hKclZWx6inGpD4EMsingM4NL5-FcSoEdkyx6Epuibt3GznzJNityCeVBtSI2Pr8kzc-goIkvkqjawCkdLriM1Mqpj0Vd0zoj-CYEESmtEb6zvjSmOrip9azOK2ZOw/s640/IMG_3897.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I tied each set of twelve with a small piece of yarn in the center. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VYlOEpWh60JzQUVGYiexfbaisyGfgMO74UmQe0p13EeTN6K47WNX4q9Q7SB6WFLjCqF3EN638DCQdpjw24qibadt7MRcYLGyI2ssF-0yQTZv5SJvZmyV2W-o7LU0LRbCGNN1CF6yCMc/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VYlOEpWh60JzQUVGYiexfbaisyGfgMO74UmQe0p13EeTN6K47WNX4q9Q7SB6WFLjCqF3EN638DCQdpjw24qibadt7MRcYLGyI2ssF-0yQTZv5SJvZmyV2W-o7LU0LRbCGNN1CF6yCMc/s640/IMG_3898.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A dab of hot glue on the foam. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m1zpYnMkW5yr5ejXE6Dqa9InYtsxisE0Spf-P7MEfsZ2XahobrW68VrczlrqgOegVJTDZsU-lmTdop0MzFKZXL0jyOPxi6IjPeOM8gN4ik8jEdip25_SZUjHRZ2t073D2_7iD6abHE/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m1zpYnMkW5yr5ejXE6Dqa9InYtsxisE0Spf-P7MEfsZ2XahobrW68VrczlrqgOegVJTDZsU-lmTdop0MzFKZXL0jyOPxi6IjPeOM8gN4ik8jEdip25_SZUjHRZ2t073D2_7iD6abHE/s640/IMG_3899.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Attach the center tied portion of yarn flat.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKPKbRj2IWdOwY3tNRb4fWOgS4llxk4-AySX2DtxcI2SgLUu7Cq1Ym9djHzqdZHzZSHoVMNr57IF90H2J1qh2azg7_8oK29dao5hEF6Ack1aI8hgXVCe7qjAdXAy6RdpO45jEBDQDMno/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKPKbRj2IWdOwY3tNRb4fWOgS4llxk4-AySX2DtxcI2SgLUu7Cq1Ym9djHzqdZHzZSHoVMNr57IF90H2J1qh2azg7_8oK29dao5hEF6Ack1aI8hgXVCe7qjAdXAy6RdpO45jEBDQDMno/s640/IMG_3902.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then roll to the desired thickness. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6-AHpm_Qpl4-hMSJ3GL-D-zU6ptYW4MiMlxSam5JZ5ycijeMYM9XUowJrhdjQILusm6fGLQQpZQPjbEx6bMd3VvzX-aFl3-TGH6ijB3voEnhpajNX3udua0Rr0FVLl6qof2cz_6RTs/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6-AHpm_Qpl4-hMSJ3GL-D-zU6ptYW4MiMlxSam5JZ5ycijeMYM9XUowJrhdjQILusm6fGLQQpZQPjbEx6bMd3VvzX-aFl3-TGH6ijB3voEnhpajNX3udua0Rr0FVLl6qof2cz_6RTs/s640/IMG_3904.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A line of hot glue when I reached my preferred thickness.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IlAE13iKY7zaN_13m7wmxcFmDyeymmjSyldF8KSnGNsgTAPvGPRGthUkXN-fwLNBWAn5X-QTzphefsuBDkoMG5QUKJWXMprN2yBh1VNj-C6feACuna0vb9OIO9_SywpOq9WoV8g_xjI/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IlAE13iKY7zaN_13m7wmxcFmDyeymmjSyldF8KSnGNsgTAPvGPRGthUkXN-fwLNBWAn5X-QTzphefsuBDkoMG5QUKJWXMprN2yBh1VNj-C6feACuna0vb9OIO9_SywpOq9WoV8g_xjI/s640/IMG_3905.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And roll across the glue to secure the roll. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbSi2bf1Ybzxb3X7i-K8k8mh-Vs8xoKgBGnFGQrzQOuivGR2C9-zB0Oq_jnAu3av8oxQIrjsY7tP5o4HSQmLishOop5-cO_uNTQIKU4LmD1IoAt7ad9qAPs47jXky1-fKUvQvp4DoinY/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbSi2bf1Ybzxb3X7i-K8k8mh-Vs8xoKgBGnFGQrzQOuivGR2C9-zB0Oq_jnAu3av8oxQIrjsY7tP5o4HSQmLishOop5-cO_uNTQIKU4LmD1IoAt7ad9qAPs47jXky1-fKUvQvp4DoinY/s640/IMG_3906.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I put the wig on a decorative Halloween skull for the next part. A small ball would work too. I flipped the hair to the other side of the stitched part so I could work up front. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBl8eaY-SQTSzOTxBygH0UzslNo77haFqWckYPHu-RM0nPjyYoEateSlCGXmbeXeOJIOdvM72gT1oujwQMNa7GY_UvXOC1TG1EtPomB8az9Qwgn3gfOjwH6olVfXqOpKjc3sVszYBnxw/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBl8eaY-SQTSzOTxBygH0UzslNo77haFqWckYPHu-RM0nPjyYoEateSlCGXmbeXeOJIOdvM72gT1oujwQMNa7GY_UvXOC1TG1EtPomB8az9Qwgn3gfOjwH6olVfXqOpKjc3sVszYBnxw/s640/IMG_3908.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Starting right against the part I stitched three rolls on each side. I used black thread to sew them on in the middle right to the front of the wig cap. Sewing each one one at a time and sewing through the foam. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpprQapZl7SFzqWHpTgJfDIKLKrM0NRjJenfjv1w8Qi0oqWNKWZr6CBU8aHBE_xcbSRaEdLOg_1w_eCAx0h2MnxrV9zuLPdio0j3tfl0QiW6cqGbpLENk8xd6ksaaC5XI-QGLeImcfCg8/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpprQapZl7SFzqWHpTgJfDIKLKrM0NRjJenfjv1w8Qi0oqWNKWZr6CBU8aHBE_xcbSRaEdLOg_1w_eCAx0h2MnxrV9zuLPdio0j3tfl0QiW6cqGbpLENk8xd6ksaaC5XI-QGLeImcfCg8/s640/IMG_3911.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">How it looked when all six were sewn on. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE7Gpulr23L_HuDIz2kXNqMh72rwoo89q8PqkNiL6-u-m9L0V78P-d2-Ddl2XLjyB6A6LzS6LMYIOdN7I33SCRTvqqXyVQsHh0g1SpYE-u255-flLJvxY-VTNr27fYl76Daqot7nFtik/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE7Gpulr23L_HuDIz2kXNqMh72rwoo89q8PqkNiL6-u-m9L0V78P-d2-Ddl2XLjyB6A6LzS6LMYIOdN7I33SCRTvqqXyVQsHh0g1SpYE-u255-flLJvxY-VTNr27fYl76Daqot7nFtik/s640/IMG_3977.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Final details I also couldn't photograph while I was working. I had Princess Fierce put the wig on while I adjusted the yarn for proper fall. I bought blue grosgrain ribbon for the head band. For the jewel I found the perfect oval gems at Hobby Lobby as well as a medallion frame pendant in the Jewelry department. I hot glued the gem into the gold frame then used snippers to cut off the loop where it would've hung on a necklace. I hand stitched the ribbon behind the rolls of yarn hair at each end. And put a dab of hot glue underneath the middle on top to keep the weight of the gem from causing it to slip. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYDVbSybgGq8MKTzZoLEVqZ9pb6BVaWMyRVNRlbMtgTyRes1ln25dstklYt3m84MwfcL3OjLKaOAn-eM7uzSp6sCrTgghGJXG7gojLtbx7nqaCFk70GJMaHfmcvn0CpMicACZAmsWKDo/s1600/IMG_3925.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYDVbSybgGq8MKTzZoLEVqZ9pb6BVaWMyRVNRlbMtgTyRes1ln25dstklYt3m84MwfcL3OjLKaOAn-eM7uzSp6sCrTgghGJXG7gojLtbx7nqaCFk70GJMaHfmcvn0CpMicACZAmsWKDo/s640/IMG_3925.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used a small piece of yarn to tie two tight knots and create the two bulging ponytail sections. Tying more grosgrain over the yarn to hide it. Then trimmed the wig to her waist. She wanted it longer and there was plenty of yarn but it was far too heavy if I'd kept it past her bum. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JDmVmyOOGHay-agyea3s9cWw3alTE_zaOzRMtNzXfvtPiDQf37EKAQzcuo9UCz2cThmshW-Kdkkk1F-LDpfNJ8CwG_7h38Gv6fMiNXBhSOpiGx3zjtA1N0bbTwv-05y-EhoPtsbZiPM/s1600/IMG_3922.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JDmVmyOOGHay-agyea3s9cWw3alTE_zaOzRMtNzXfvtPiDQf37EKAQzcuo9UCz2cThmshW-Kdkkk1F-LDpfNJ8CwG_7h38Gv6fMiNXBhSOpiGx3zjtA1N0bbTwv-05y-EhoPtsbZiPM/s640/IMG_3922.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Do I even have to say she loved it? </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88AM1hA5Gb-CpRLmbX5OPJsmnHdJKzWD8-LOd2I3ElZDN9N11LzA1lI0hHdTWj2DH2fr7aSwmwZqzFS0cWeQ3awV38fNq0Db65hS0NgHtdfOIsV2UQG8UKIKCY8JFK-gBoTY1l2urZv4/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88AM1hA5Gb-CpRLmbX5OPJsmnHdJKzWD8-LOd2I3ElZDN9N11LzA1lI0hHdTWj2DH2fr7aSwmwZqzFS0cWeQ3awV38fNq0Db65hS0NgHtdfOIsV2UQG8UKIKCY8JFK-gBoTY1l2urZv4/s640/IMG_3926.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">She loved it almost as much as being allowed to wear eye shadow.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bnKkYYdoHc7gxmDyLFPqKJ_7TyLtRAwF07bmEa-uA81h6zYfVRwZPHuawH_tud0FOMiAQo3xUza6-f_SQ_CVoF9blirX1_mHkKKdTyjJB-2WJ4gabKM3R7AM1G_Hr4Tdz7fcUR5IUeE/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bnKkYYdoHc7gxmDyLFPqKJ_7TyLtRAwF07bmEa-uA81h6zYfVRwZPHuawH_tud0FOMiAQo3xUza6-f_SQ_CVoF9blirX1_mHkKKdTyjJB-2WJ4gabKM3R7AM1G_Hr4Tdz7fcUR5IUeE/s640/IMG_3980.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Our crew heading out for a night of trick or treating. The wig stayed on the entire night. And now it's a happy addition to our burgeoning dress up collection. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-19696175954731917502011-11-17T13:54:00.002-05:002011-11-18T13:14:15.941-05:00A Rainbow Brite Birthday Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTZEWiZYdlU7LG7jiVBICnHivLtR_onPRI6_jerr_NO106dYebaQCwqniuhuuDBv6qpWRZt7RfqW7Y35YjEB0gyQdamv1PdFpR55fKWLbpLW1_i2y0dgFUkQtXST0R8enmIOB-ow6XZQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTZEWiZYdlU7LG7jiVBICnHivLtR_onPRI6_jerr_NO106dYebaQCwqniuhuuDBv6qpWRZt7RfqW7Y35YjEB0gyQdamv1PdFpR55fKWLbpLW1_i2y0dgFUkQtXST0R8enmIOB-ow6XZQ/s640/IMG_0258.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce turned six in September. She's claimed the DragonCon Parade as her own personal birthday parade since it always happens the Saturday before her birthday. Once again this year we headed down to watch. She chose to not dress as <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/09/day-darth-fairy-went-to-town.html">Darth Fairy</a> again but instead wore her Julie Newmar <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/11/halloween-costume-recap-catwoman.html">Catwoman</a> costume.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjz6l4u9fm8fdE3yVjlT_8M-xyPUMDKCVvGWB79xx8Bto3SFK2QDqw9p1LfQgD_y3zjPALnRZokTOVWUaYGst9yOuFwv2ADo14OEzW9aLneo12lvqwSV0un9GT59m8L1ec8cZehmTgyE/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjz6l4u9fm8fdE3yVjlT_8M-xyPUMDKCVvGWB79xx8Bto3SFK2QDqw9p1LfQgD_y3zjPALnRZokTOVWUaYGst9yOuFwv2ADo14OEzW9aLneo12lvqwSV0un9GT59m8L1ec8cZehmTgyE/s640/IMG_3269.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure if it was the 25th anniversary of Dragon*Con, the 10th anniversary of the DC parade or the fabulous weather but this year the parade route was packed. I snapped this pic looking down Peachtree Street when we still had 45 minutes to wait until the parade started.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7guhOAmlvZWZ7sjDiL6MIN1Xztu1TXNnvkbal4JC-BCsNK1jBs3rMOHgArvIv_62Gna2ykXce7a_fMqw1q9Rek_7-Hqbp-TsogBCtXRKfg74KPUGnR3ru6GuN793-vP6ayCJU3HAYcY/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7guhOAmlvZWZ7sjDiL6MIN1Xztu1TXNnvkbal4JC-BCsNK1jBs3rMOHgArvIv_62Gna2ykXce7a_fMqw1q9Rek_7-Hqbp-TsogBCtXRKfg74KPUGnR3ru6GuN793-vP6ayCJU3HAYcY/s640/IMG_0268.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">The parade met the demands of the large crowd delivering the longest and best Dragon*Con parade yet.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzckwMxplytP8NUHgGHRns8E0YVSzbNJBvdD5pBKl9dJRU1qv-DOGXPrjmECH44OBFAKOKqO-ZgK97AJJCB4oVdk6ow0lb7SQP-Ap-ln5T_PQqzGmFE9_Jl1yNesED3Hglgr6WaDXBbY/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzckwMxplytP8NUHgGHRns8E0YVSzbNJBvdD5pBKl9dJRU1qv-DOGXPrjmECH44OBFAKOKqO-ZgK97AJJCB4oVdk6ow0lb7SQP-Ap-ln5T_PQqzGmFE9_Jl1yNesED3Hglgr6WaDXBbY/s640/IMG_0337.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A friendly Vader came by to high five the kids...and grown ups.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo63H8xTYbGZdGcdOxO8UZQXSEYIsGSeG7CBEpYCSn6Mbu78vGNVNw61MhSUBdy6DiFC1Abf00yPGuWplzzzlcoN1fHkIpvZ66MQt68KAqzFodJVw39OzcVqbHem0xvrmbhatcmFIWeC0/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo63H8xTYbGZdGcdOxO8UZQXSEYIsGSeG7CBEpYCSn6Mbu78vGNVNw61MhSUBdy6DiFC1Abf00yPGuWplzzzlcoN1fHkIpvZ66MQt68KAqzFodJVw39OzcVqbHem0xvrmbhatcmFIWeC0/s640/IMG_0351.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Vintage Batman and Batgirl with the fabulous Batmobile.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iUI1TGofueGMBQuDIZEYUeLGdU5t2XD78kIxz1nURFB7MVzDhaA1GI0zNu6nyIAtCZxeKF8DV5DhyphenhyphensToYwu60mYKmwFvMtEWmvBCZeUz-GjrxOXT3yRh498OeAc3c2-E6xWrqnrASec/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iUI1TGofueGMBQuDIZEYUeLGdU5t2XD78kIxz1nURFB7MVzDhaA1GI0zNu6nyIAtCZxeKF8DV5DhyphenhyphensToYwu60mYKmwFvMtEWmvBCZeUz-GjrxOXT3yRh498OeAc3c2-E6xWrqnrASec/s640/IMG_0609.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce knows about American Girl dolls this year so this was an extra special hit with her. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWbfVSWOOsv4-Jm2FcyZpD6oLuH6tiWaKz00TmrJl_7alJ8Kv-LQFA4wDaL_0ejlPHoVA630VMU0OSF6poBP2T_VzkUCHw4P3W4DrVT9sC80mpqgA6VeHD-Mn0P7PTqjd3C5cONorNVk/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWbfVSWOOsv4-Jm2FcyZpD6oLuH6tiWaKz00TmrJl_7alJ8Kv-LQFA4wDaL_0ejlPHoVA630VMU0OSF6poBP2T_VzkUCHw4P3W4DrVT9sC80mpqgA6VeHD-Mn0P7PTqjd3C5cONorNVk/s640/IMG_0644.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The My Little Ponies were a new addition this year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tf-Amf-Ac6J7m2Z9tc5ny_gEM_ytiTsLfrUz4z9beRotuCXu4ujqu1tpOwjA28lWYcWQ_30ueUCrxRJyJkZG5TcesyaTXzefPD3eK3ndkJODpniUNLWorYZEuXi5LLTaKyBdRqb7Eds/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tf-Amf-Ac6J7m2Z9tc5ny_gEM_ytiTsLfrUz4z9beRotuCXu4ujqu1tpOwjA28lWYcWQ_30ueUCrxRJyJkZG5TcesyaTXzefPD3eK3ndkJODpniUNLWorYZEuXi5LLTaKyBdRqb7Eds/s640/IMG_0405.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And the birthday girl especially loved all the princesses including her current favorite, Jasmine. I have a lot more pictures from the parade on my flickr account. You can check them out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/booturtle/sets/72157627609895868/">here</a>. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yrxTnhuBZ4wVc6EIU3Af3-RvXVUki4PHK3XiG7_o1804zrh3dfBOl2IOsvPNI6nh-ZaXcGxOuPeIz2tiNzWLqeeKiMfFhILtJUloTXzJAgahoXz_9XZB6M1cXYmj785_6LyE56ise9c/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yrxTnhuBZ4wVc6EIU3Af3-RvXVUki4PHK3XiG7_o1804zrh3dfBOl2IOsvPNI6nh-ZaXcGxOuPeIz2tiNzWLqeeKiMfFhILtJUloTXzJAgahoXz_9XZB6M1cXYmj785_6LyE56ise9c/s320/IMG_0703.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcWpwvEVGHGAiGSe4O62yiDkTMLAqGFShNGDKczrBidsOb_LFkgHOhJQs9AxzifMyo-chUBUngND9QA-mtQ2bXQP-Yz_g2tE_5bd6ESeXdHQv9bwE__2TYH_N6c5Uj3ei9hy5pV6doU0/s1600/IMG_0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcWpwvEVGHGAiGSe4O62yiDkTMLAqGFShNGDKczrBidsOb_LFkgHOhJQs9AxzifMyo-chUBUngND9QA-mtQ2bXQP-Yz_g2tE_5bd6ESeXdHQv9bwE__2TYH_N6c5Uj3ei9hy5pV6doU0/s320/IMG_0701.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxQ0oxYhKMWyC7f8bgbjTo5eV30xaTLwAWyCzIWUTmhKkITUhjDMlhJu70VAsNLFlz173Thu2vbQvySAi7RDVRDBiOXTO4_0xioYv1P6MFZg-ie7EMVDilCXUquCfYVfOW37zx0RJii4/s1600/IMG_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxQ0oxYhKMWyC7f8bgbjTo5eV30xaTLwAWyCzIWUTmhKkITUhjDMlhJu70VAsNLFlz173Thu2vbQvySAi7RDVRDBiOXTO4_0xioYv1P6MFZg-ie7EMVDilCXUquCfYVfOW37zx0RJii4/s320/IMG_0694.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the parade we head inside to the convention chaos so Princess Fierce can have her picture taken with some of her favorite characters. Catwoman, Jasmine and Wonder Woman were the top three. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd34FsejtJGfVT-fGPd9YMwsEzmq3uvPOtmzl0cT7qOyvp8Mu2_8gFEXzm8FBpBqyb0uIb3Y4ZbsDeDNejegM0FDnMJ7Um2YjO-R6wSRqxWMjPiEDXPLfedJyRGPF4nFcLOT0onuyHf4/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd34FsejtJGfVT-fGPd9YMwsEzmq3uvPOtmzl0cT7qOyvp8Mu2_8gFEXzm8FBpBqyb0uIb3Y4ZbsDeDNejegM0FDnMJ7Um2YjO-R6wSRqxWMjPiEDXPLfedJyRGPF4nFcLOT0onuyHf4/s640/IMG_3489.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Another birthday tradition is the birthday Pop Tart. I only buy these three times a year. They each get to choose any flavor for their birthday breakfast. Somehow knowing they can have Pop Tarts on their birthday has taken out any begging for these sweets the rest of the year. Princess Fierce thought long and hard before settling on S'mores.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBitb96ehZumK6ZvNwQwgqtRS_pIU0hPisR0a8Qv4hlA3T9Fl0fs0XANOCAmAUDoRpcvPmNuC5vzsgKQlU5cDPf7cAhnexeDILEzpdeirNqFqUhcxCB0mgZeoM_2L1arfEfks9qdcUrE/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBitb96ehZumK6ZvNwQwgqtRS_pIU0hPisR0a8Qv4hlA3T9Fl0fs0XANOCAmAUDoRpcvPmNuC5vzsgKQlU5cDPf7cAhnexeDILEzpdeirNqFqUhcxCB0mgZeoM_2L1arfEfks9qdcUrE/s640/IMG_0805.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Finally the actual birthday arrives. This year we found a vintage Rainbow Brite cake pan at a thrift store during the summer and Princess Fierce claimed it as her birthday cake of choice. So today was all about rainbows. She jumped out of bed and into her Rainbow Brite costume with the <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/09/custom-ribbons-for-pennies.html">birthday ribbon</a> I made her.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX60XW8SSNTgUzbFUGHB7HH5MFlvEVBhIZQkv0HtnAD7L08ICJEnvmQfpYM0_q1wHl-YGfbAllzsQs8B9QDHk7kw_92KGJrUmE76BBJwCU8PusUNQkUEA7eLDKtufepqntrKZqIW9ZBE/s1600/IMG_3297.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX60XW8SSNTgUzbFUGHB7HH5MFlvEVBhIZQkv0HtnAD7L08ICJEnvmQfpYM0_q1wHl-YGfbAllzsQs8B9QDHk7kw_92KGJrUmE76BBJwCU8PusUNQkUEA7eLDKtufepqntrKZqIW9ZBE/s640/IMG_3297.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">While the kids played I set to turning the cake baked in the thrift store find from this into...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5N2dRzqdNBYtD9FlYfLSCj-icG9DOlHr6PdisBBoEVywb25-bQhFTkKVV_dFtuvpSI8PTo9GrmyQy3spkDTxkKexiSlu48lnotCiSEZ7CpgU0ZK-HCtfJueXgAeO_ddRYFAiNpwegjg/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5N2dRzqdNBYtD9FlYfLSCj-icG9DOlHr6PdisBBoEVywb25-bQhFTkKVV_dFtuvpSI8PTo9GrmyQy3spkDTxkKexiSlu48lnotCiSEZ7CpgU0ZK-HCtfJueXgAeO_ddRYFAiNpwegjg/s640/IMG_0845.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...this! I was very pleased with how she turned out. But around here we don't stop at cake we need...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsD_pnNeRotKRcW4HsTtKcQ5I7nQxvo2dQW-Mj7kcMVTVRsakRu9RdMwrrESZRqqf3jb4apXywA9Lm6ZvnNOYbl83fPwJbspqmTkV3u2Qp88Chbtov3UZ1JX8UZ6mJOYF5RkAkyku-kA/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsD_pnNeRotKRcW4HsTtKcQ5I7nQxvo2dQW-Mj7kcMVTVRsakRu9RdMwrrESZRqqf3jb4apXywA9Lm6ZvnNOYbl83fPwJbspqmTkV3u2Qp88Chbtov3UZ1JX8UZ6mJOYF5RkAkyku-kA/s640/IMG_0837.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...cupcakes! Rainbow cupcakes, of course.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8hZCGBMDirtBajdXtRIW_zeRUq1VnKV1Ra4kzA2TrtlKYWQoS6KUMxLCf2c6k3uFm7Yy6SG2tALap9KyNAbz1Z8RXJEt3lh22Dcbm4-I4mJWo1t4Zx6VqyEfSZ5Xt5xi6I15NtdLWmM/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8hZCGBMDirtBajdXtRIW_zeRUq1VnKV1Ra4kzA2TrtlKYWQoS6KUMxLCf2c6k3uFm7Yy6SG2tALap9KyNAbz1Z8RXJEt3lh22Dcbm4-I4mJWo1t4Zx6VqyEfSZ5Xt5xi6I15NtdLWmM/s640/IMG_0828.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I made these with white frosting piped with the round open tip for the clounds then used Airhead Xtreme candies to make the rainbows.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOJv12zyyC7fpOfswuYrKXb6v6ICL9eVezLPU2tgUps0fRfECbhWvP7uZp865iDJ9DYNc0QdN_1niYatm4vrl0hbpB_Dcfi5e6c9U95JAce3NFomlQcFUfKVgcODGwXTfg9xNPTKIcaI/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOJv12zyyC7fpOfswuYrKXb6v6ICL9eVezLPU2tgUps0fRfECbhWvP7uZp865iDJ9DYNc0QdN_1niYatm4vrl0hbpB_Dcfi5e6c9U95JAce3NFomlQcFUfKVgcODGwXTfg9xNPTKIcaI/s640/IMG_0711.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Since we don't do birthday parties per se we let the kids have the birthday dinner of their choosing. Princess Fierce requested buttered noodles, fruit and bacon. Her three favorite food groups. But I couldn't do plain noodles, fruit and bacon, now could I?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01oVrTKtYOMc_G67aJ4YnH2uLwYxc8crDJGlKV8yo5fAHSVpHgKLtJAio7fboyWkrfxNhrShgQJpmqlziK3-tZAI823p7Xpsn0Tq0U8w6vtUF9xKiBdzQHl7Rw-Wk2-27epm867gmqiY/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01oVrTKtYOMc_G67aJ4YnH2uLwYxc8crDJGlKV8yo5fAHSVpHgKLtJAio7fboyWkrfxNhrShgQJpmqlziK3-tZAI823p7Xpsn0Tq0U8w6vtUF9xKiBdzQHl7Rw-Wk2-27epm867gmqiY/s640/IMG_0765.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> It took more time but I boiled up the pasta in six different batches of colored water to create....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLOJuLSbO81YBBVKZVVunwX5uERK3UruV7CpgSa_KyvbUIQlZ88UM83BeQsu3kkInjHmsCSi64k1MfZhl_6Mh3z0mG7sm1-nTNPht2puJdRdKn8rbceTwfE8uSKb4EASdWI6KALZQ_U0/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLOJuLSbO81YBBVKZVVunwX5uERK3UruV7CpgSa_KyvbUIQlZ88UM83BeQsu3kkInjHmsCSi64k1MfZhl_6Mh3z0mG7sm1-nTNPht2puJdRdKn8rbceTwfE8uSKb4EASdWI6KALZQ_U0/s640/IMG_0860.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Buttered rainbow noodles!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDRSmesePadS_i0_cPz-xIgs2g4I4OojKF72RFyPv7UalIxZVJMLYLrdRm2-t2GKLvH01e1I2tGp0wgn5zMgg98liwrJXhQdJ2g741LzVMdN75AVOId1w9Lg5FWaDEANjtvIe-WeT4nI/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDRSmesePadS_i0_cPz-xIgs2g4I4OojKF72RFyPv7UalIxZVJMLYLrdRm2-t2GKLvH01e1I2tGp0wgn5zMgg98liwrJXhQdJ2g741LzVMdN75AVOId1w9Lg5FWaDEANjtvIe-WeT4nI/s640/IMG_0857.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The fruit also came in a rainbow.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hJLGzRY_JJs4cLI1bbrGe04pd4qWsZeVPJLGeeBSQ4UQ4FgNYbAbdFeUJsyZQQsKnHWmlQ_5ysPF3jgcWNYwXn8pvrZ1cnXidQRsbC6TwruGrGprNXjnKQz42BUngu4eL1to6xenU2w/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hJLGzRY_JJs4cLI1bbrGe04pd4qWsZeVPJLGeeBSQ4UQ4FgNYbAbdFeUJsyZQQsKnHWmlQ_5ysPF3jgcWNYwXn8pvrZ1cnXidQRsbC6TwruGrGprNXjnKQz42BUngu4eL1to6xenU2w/s640/IMG_0864.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I couldn't do rainbow bacon so heart shaped bacon had to work.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qEzp6-WvxBE5SCrNtxlBon6bvyZgV-7bMd8m-r-cYf88efltE8b4lvnVhkiyJj1XaSs3F9eGokMmXvefi2g0HuDnbsItYFy-i5Oqp0246eOV-cS-0-8PZbgoOFnMf1f4JLVeTsbrVm8/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qEzp6-WvxBE5SCrNtxlBon6bvyZgV-7bMd8m-r-cYf88efltE8b4lvnVhkiyJj1XaSs3F9eGokMmXvefi2g0HuDnbsItYFy-i5Oqp0246eOV-cS-0-8PZbgoOFnMf1f4JLVeTsbrVm8/s640/IMG_3492.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Her custom rainbow inspired birthday dinner lit up her beautiful face.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZSCda1FJCqXiAjbztSea16sZwDFsf5J1QYiTDoDxROygt8mmnAEMSk9VQ3dZVWojm9aW7Dive_hMEfrYG-OgnW9W90XpEoyX7-DTM_zNM89Ttahz03tUr3rrocBMZQ-27HGxKrVBEGY/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZSCda1FJCqXiAjbztSea16sZwDFsf5J1QYiTDoDxROygt8mmnAEMSk9VQ3dZVWojm9aW7Dive_hMEfrYG-OgnW9W90XpEoyX7-DTM_zNM89Ttahz03tUr3rrocBMZQ-27HGxKrVBEGY/s640/IMG_0917.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And of course it all ended with cake. Happy birthday, Princess Fierce!</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-63136695908035618052011-11-16T18:09:00.001-05:002012-06-16T12:56:56.127-04:00Helping Kids Cut Their Own Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSCDWTKoWAExmJehmqSsyuJKT5F-Ao_-K0QajWzAuv6bPOrgi6Rylu_d0E5nCuduwxQlLaRYAs2Ij8uPookfXiZllcCeJ15mZNCPt8aV3vbyp7KDzIYA8bDoQnZepqW679t8kH4IaeXw/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSCDWTKoWAExmJehmqSsyuJKT5F-Ao_-K0QajWzAuv6bPOrgi6Rylu_d0E5nCuduwxQlLaRYAs2Ij8uPookfXiZllcCeJ15mZNCPt8aV3vbyp7KDzIYA8bDoQnZepqW679t8kH4IaeXw/s640/IMG_1409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Mom, will you cut my waffle/chicken/pizza/cinnamon roll...?" I hear this question often...and times three kids. I did not want to be cutting other people's food at the expense of my own hot meal for years and years. I had to end this. So at a young age I set out to teach my kids how to cut their own food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nJUs2jkF_G5tPdayMeGS7_Mk2svFx6idFXCxH70rPaiiT0AZe9lbqjPE4EolUw6w3DRND4AlAHxtGWYPLFrnjxcbim_bwOVG15lGyadYcbWeBBMdcwAj1p1bSaNxuG94kLcrxh9bhUI/s1600/46279_PE143053_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nJUs2jkF_G5tPdayMeGS7_Mk2svFx6idFXCxH70rPaiiT0AZe9lbqjPE4EolUw6w3DRND4AlAHxtGWYPLFrnjxcbim_bwOVG15lGyadYcbWeBBMdcwAj1p1bSaNxuG94kLcrxh9bhUI/s400/46279_PE143053_S4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">First essential helper were these knives. They're the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/products/70090380/">Dragon Dessert Knives from Ikea</a>. Perfectly sized and weighted for smaller hands. This helped tremendously in teaching my kids. But there was still a big problem...the sliding plate. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n9WSVYCrf2xmMuiYQQ-Ft28W6-MAjODp_J62-Y0GbHZwSktdgZKTYPI26eohmjT6Bu_fCmzvcBZRW2k6wTSTBSQb8uLfC6zmLBLym8A6tNsyceYvMTRoz0z9nphD1B_I_-GVTq5arys/s1600/IMG_1414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n9WSVYCrf2xmMuiYQQ-Ft28W6-MAjODp_J62-Y0GbHZwSktdgZKTYPI26eohmjT6Bu_fCmzvcBZRW2k6wTSTBSQb8uLfC6zmLBLym8A6tNsyceYvMTRoz0z9nphD1B_I_-GVTq5arys/s640/IMG_1414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Then I saw these small grippers at the Dollar Tree. They were the perfect answer!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazaGc2wpI1gkyCVhaA5uhvdEnDbQExud6w17vFGFOCRdwdkoC2nlUI4NI4VNqUaBqzyQ02yfMSktI7kstrKcyBj81tFT3A24RklERW286WpKD22h-UHP03GwO1GLdHeNtamQ3a0S0q9Y/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazaGc2wpI1gkyCVhaA5uhvdEnDbQExud6w17vFGFOCRdwdkoC2nlUI4NI4VNqUaBqzyQ02yfMSktI7kstrKcyBj81tFT3A24RklERW286WpKD22h-UHP03GwO1GLdHeNtamQ3a0S0q9Y/s640/IMG_1410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I place one under their plate and it goes nowhere. This works on all my different plates and surfaces: granite, trays, wood. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsDZKPzCUPZGwZ41ng9vCBEIJDSkwKDpUUqZ31ohmKOBABBwbwjFJ1hdmMg51KwMeSePh91tlIyGnW0tVDkSrT1TLf1zF-OnEEbyqUUq5t-iSrFZ5sz1jtje4RfjvNy_mO1ie2pqKFAQ/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsDZKPzCUPZGwZ41ng9vCBEIJDSkwKDpUUqZ31ohmKOBABBwbwjFJ1hdmMg51KwMeSePh91tlIyGnW0tVDkSrT1TLf1zF-OnEEbyqUUq5t-iSrFZ5sz1jtje4RfjvNy_mO1ie2pqKFAQ/s640/IMG_1419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">And now I'm free to eat my own warm treats without first cutting three others. This totally trumps using a pizza cutter to cut multiple waffles at one time. These are also a lifesaver when I serve the kids away from the table preventing their plates from sliding off lap trays. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-47295248234732474182011-10-20T13:09:00.001-04:002011-10-20T13:17:37.976-04:00Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0DXgMsmw5fTLc2RjPxAKjAeYqsRnjw-5IeDswpBYzl9b0VYyzLAb3TARwgP1qZvR27UX8fcPFHCipjxD6Zfus372AUyxL9Opmub278pkBamosPwnIoKvUzuz9TO86GeSX9AHTJoDf94/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0DXgMsmw5fTLc2RjPxAKjAeYqsRnjw-5IeDswpBYzl9b0VYyzLAb3TARwgP1qZvR27UX8fcPFHCipjxD6Zfus372AUyxL9Opmub278pkBamosPwnIoKvUzuz9TO86GeSX9AHTJoDf94/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I must share these wonderful cookies with you.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKG4D0sROSHzM0ET-hdzG53erXkov2IA3NxjGUijtvNhxvQJGv4Ah0Ln7Iwuf8gyUtOmPPqzhj0mdmh1oO_iS0WHemxsQcH4yWI9BSwS8luTYz55BbDoC-bMtAuNEIWpClT1_Lcm26w0/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKG4D0sROSHzM0ET-hdzG53erXkov2IA3NxjGUijtvNhxvQJGv4Ah0Ln7Iwuf8gyUtOmPPqzhj0mdmh1oO_iS0WHemxsQcH4yWI9BSwS8luTYz55BbDoC-bMtAuNEIWpClT1_Lcm26w0/s640/IMG_1484.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">No picture can possibly capture their deliciousness.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopwfFx_jVIAxLPBYjt4tKbMxXe4FH0PWJdw-q0Wa_YmOlgnorzQ7ZrjNpG-BXDaAw7hf8XYGF5w6um2GLoj76OQNAWly_E0QFhv-VpjbX_8IXnGm-ng3j9POhAybXheRX7l6FLJjAFyo/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopwfFx_jVIAxLPBYjt4tKbMxXe4FH0PWJdw-q0Wa_YmOlgnorzQ7ZrjNpG-BXDaAw7hf8XYGF5w6um2GLoj76OQNAWly_E0QFhv-VpjbX_8IXnGm-ng3j9POhAybXheRX7l6FLJjAFyo/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">No matter how hard I try.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORYyEH0H9NeTf_NbAqkuXTf85FMPkMqL0i51PYP12kCqKGrgS6IxlziPhMsH2R4uqFVE7CfiSGqWwGaoaoLYuNsRpwv8EuZJCm3vOrH5Csl6ko2-FNFFNg_AsbMXxDURVM6m3LEzmWE/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORYyEH0H9NeTf_NbAqkuXTf85FMPkMqL0i51PYP12kCqKGrgS6IxlziPhMsH2R4uqFVE7CfiSGqWwGaoaoLYuNsRpwv8EuZJCm3vOrH5Csl6ko2-FNFFNg_AsbMXxDURVM6m3LEzmWE/s640/IMG_0322.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My long time friend Ophelia that I've mentioned before in the <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/04/lego-police-birthday.html">Lego Police Party</a> post made these cookies for me a couple of years ago and I about died from their chocolate power. I've made them numerous times since that first taste. They were even the cookie Santa let us know he hoped were waiting for him last Christmas. Sadly Ophelia doesn't blog but she gladly allows me to share her creations.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDWpH_Gt-MrMoNEE1YJbfl7Hu0ot36WHDUafV2lSuijNzbWTF8yulfIe4Ul1ZSLMk5oPzmoHmsYASfajzBGuBUSVcGpxKRR2tCe_L-XikurNm3BHLzhTlidGiWjfb9_BEeIgRQSkytFY/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDWpH_Gt-MrMoNEE1YJbfl7Hu0ot36WHDUafV2lSuijNzbWTF8yulfIe4Ul1ZSLMk5oPzmoHmsYASfajzBGuBUSVcGpxKRR2tCe_L-XikurNm3BHLzhTlidGiWjfb9_BEeIgRQSkytFY/s640/IMG_1424.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: small;">Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients </span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">24 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 C butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 C packed brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 t vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 eggs, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 3/4 C cake flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 t baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 t salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 oz. white chocolate baking bar, cut into chunks</span></li>
</ul><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions</span></b><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 350°. Melt 1-1/2 cups of chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. Set aside and allow melted chocolate to cool to room temperature, but do not allow chocolate to become firm.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beat butter, sugar and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add in eggs and chocolate and beat until light and fluffy. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in flour, soda and salt by hand until combined. Finally stir in remaining chocolate chips and white chocolate.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Drop dough by level cookie scoops about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake 12-14 minutes or until set, centers will appear soft and moist. Cool 2 minutes on pan then remove to wire rack to cool completely.</span></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxqzmbxTqyW1mBXjLkZkEpGF6M5AW0y1ivX95xWk_fZUeThL2AHg-pqPCtEQ0tPAI4Jw4Q6kK_XuuYaHNkE7FpQxFT-IdsDDr_hVJDrIlDbrPRr_LIVjFmmKW2PjUXfg6fftzdkVOhfc/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxqzmbxTqyW1mBXjLkZkEpGF6M5AW0y1ivX95xWk_fZUeThL2AHg-pqPCtEQ0tPAI4Jw4Q6kK_XuuYaHNkE7FpQxFT-IdsDDr_hVJDrIlDbrPRr_LIVjFmmKW2PjUXfg6fftzdkVOhfc/s640/IMG_1426.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Melt one and a half cups of the chocolate chips over low heat or preferably in a double boiler.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI2TZYKxYHrYORms84JnNptzLhj7GIzuI25G-KAsRpX_fO7-zcGT9wps1O6a3iSZJII85RdUx2LGzl7v9n6LiJsuFFczKePCYTIK2TYwLN8b7uXavK8G8U49t4y_abLSq6u0TTyHWkZk/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI2TZYKxYHrYORms84JnNptzLhj7GIzuI25G-KAsRpX_fO7-zcGT9wps1O6a3iSZJII85RdUx2LGzl7v9n6LiJsuFFczKePCYTIK2TYwLN8b7uXavK8G8U49t4y_abLSq6u0TTyHWkZk/s640/IMG_1433.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Once melted set aside to cool to room temperature. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkqvYLwKd7WdPikPhhZNyLi8dGxUwpyAF3pV3p-rlMbJJC7ssUsL9GJjAltWfpFdGUyk8hhEdpiVGIs-iiCMd45DhyphenhyphenDP-kGtbdYYQjidwNxyODoaxqTXRIstii2oVfT_m222M_xJPLU/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkqvYLwKd7WdPikPhhZNyLi8dGxUwpyAF3pV3p-rlMbJJC7ssUsL9GJjAltWfpFdGUyk8hhEdpiVGIs-iiCMd45DhyphenhyphenDP-kGtbdYYQjidwNxyODoaxqTXRIstii2oVfT_m222M_xJPLU/s640/IMG_1439.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">While the chocolate cools chop your white chocolate into chunks. I do not recommend white chocolate chips; they are made from different ingredients and the white chocolate bars provide a much better white chocolate flavor.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBcQpXKIHAWqYcpsnLZKdEZ1F9we4S2vl2qqbfq4iqw8FOCxh3ooce4HRMHVDy0s0fuFvej6WSTGLhPTZuFAEPnu65P1MZHBTQ1HhThrb8eO116lMhbgf078xd36l_Vr1sw5ZE0mKUts/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBcQpXKIHAWqYcpsnLZKdEZ1F9we4S2vl2qqbfq4iqw8FOCxh3ooce4HRMHVDy0s0fuFvej6WSTGLhPTZuFAEPnu65P1MZHBTQ1HhThrb8eO116lMhbgf078xd36l_Vr1sw5ZE0mKUts/s640/IMG_1448.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Beat the softened butter, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy on medium speed.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YH6qDkeaKQh9U4Ng8zy3b58tr8yoqArTpF9sM83aMS2pG08Hr03BqqBVIrhF3xwoh39h1JWYeXCZ-x9OhCUvHvfn6iIvD67eumvNYdqR-ygGCIipMW-uPV6VWtzM5FFjjOZQwIvi52U/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YH6qDkeaKQh9U4Ng8zy3b58tr8yoqArTpF9sM83aMS2pG08Hr03BqqBVIrhF3xwoh39h1JWYeXCZ-x9OhCUvHvfn6iIvD67eumvNYdqR-ygGCIipMW-uPV6VWtzM5FFjjOZQwIvi52U/s640/IMG_1450.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Add in the eggs and melted chocolate and beat until incorporated and fluffy.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsoNxbXH8cRzxwj488d7wr2hwl1hmuKFMijwQMkzTBS176a-ogQKs8U8i6A2s2BLaeC5ET0gngyNDho8NMGEVcxZY549QZf997MkrhhvYghLo411V2Y-m-0hjqZWj1tnXhNL1tcNFIQ4/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsoNxbXH8cRzxwj488d7wr2hwl1hmuKFMijwQMkzTBS176a-ogQKs8U8i6A2s2BLaeC5ET0gngyNDho8NMGEVcxZY549QZf997MkrhhvYghLo411V2Y-m-0hjqZWj1tnXhNL1tcNFIQ4/s640/IMG_1456.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Remove bowl from mixer and add flour, baking soda and salt by hand until incorporated.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHTPgjg9QPlJicOFcrUCp85z3rEPXbh1LtMhVKTaTitVr9ll1qsihyphenhyphenlu-XY5dYef7BIXnASsEEUOhx3RKZZjBj52eJR1RvnmTI2Oi4W_tG7yrLfvtAUFP0wTfkPsuMEHWeCoCr3SZXXw/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHTPgjg9QPlJicOFcrUCp85z3rEPXbh1LtMhVKTaTitVr9ll1qsihyphenhyphenlu-XY5dYef7BIXnASsEEUOhx3RKZZjBj52eJR1RvnmTI2Oi4W_tG7yrLfvtAUFP0wTfkPsuMEHWeCoCr3SZXXw/s640/IMG_1458.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Finally mix in white chocolate chunks and remaining chocolate chips.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UC1IvliSJW0XO5faF46G50BvnU0OBzIQSioGlLP_gSygEDq3iL6QHhUcIxoi5qhYJhvHUEuSkpK6xiOSlaE2pLveBIBLKDu6ofSVmg4Y4rGvZB2JZClU1nhlgWJOtA-oRSO2ae5bxow/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UC1IvliSJW0XO5faF46G50BvnU0OBzIQSioGlLP_gSygEDq3iL6QHhUcIxoi5qhYJhvHUEuSkpK6xiOSlaE2pLveBIBLKDu6ofSVmg4Y4rGvZB2JZClU1nhlgWJOtA-oRSO2ae5bxow/s640/IMG_1460.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Try not to eat all the tasty batter. If your dough is too soft; perhaps your butter was too warm, you're baking in the hot arm pit of summer in the south like I often do or some other reason; you can pop it in the fridge to firm up for a few minutes before the next step.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEoZI2PqXxuflmcxYBZVJgpMcMxMDzD9KlsBVDTWuYw5s2w3g7FirQCvuSudUmI48ru0GWUJ9AO-_O5DAuxM_7CJOYeDbqCk_PcUvr3x5PkMrmcwcoQZfiIwK9Pf6DmT8l6xkL49Mmug/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEoZI2PqXxuflmcxYBZVJgpMcMxMDzD9KlsBVDTWuYw5s2w3g7FirQCvuSudUmI48ru0GWUJ9AO-_O5DAuxM_7CJOYeDbqCk_PcUvr3x5PkMrmcwcoQZfiIwK9Pf6DmT8l6xkL49Mmug/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Use a cookie scoop to drop nice round balls of dough on a parchment lined cookie sheet. If you don't have a cookie scoop you can use a small ice cream scoop to create larger cookies...adjust for slightly longer baking time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTdWhjCcwHEpnI0PGN6eoEyDGO_7pM5WH5dZSU0JvNSEDGT22e3XXk9LQxUFgA0K3bKd4qwYUpdB1AgSecOb8RzPQZRKrIV6kEiUu5Ummm5Ss6pmctQWm6v8y9Wa2xpHYFLvNU18s6lo/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTdWhjCcwHEpnI0PGN6eoEyDGO_7pM5WH5dZSU0JvNSEDGT22e3XXk9LQxUFgA0K3bKd4qwYUpdB1AgSecOb8RzPQZRKrIV6kEiUu5Ummm5Ss6pmctQWm6v8y9Wa2xpHYFLvNU18s6lo/s640/IMG_1469.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Space them about two inches apart...they will spread.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLar1e7aedb7_0_WRGi6zSkY26_GIT5ooL_eVsJI_UNWatenL-HmxHKeLU6e33Xdh_eu9qXVdarFRgI7saGB29_8YVUY2er4Oc5tDT6nx1_xdQBKIRd3sLphzyq5M0LrKzW9Nk17WgHq0/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLar1e7aedb7_0_WRGi6zSkY26_GIT5ooL_eVsJI_UNWatenL-HmxHKeLU6e33Xdh_eu9qXVdarFRgI7saGB29_8YVUY2er4Oc5tDT6nx1_xdQBKIRd3sLphzyq5M0LrKzW9Nk17WgHq0/s640/IMG_1467.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Mmmmmm.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuNzqkJBZVoezSfv-tjK7Y22qck_izXWA3fe1W-xnA1jfRMZgU46V8ucpEP93XWyoasD9Apv3yiyZKmICnrW-TXQoKScX2TDv2Jm6kR2ahIQTom_ESUIA-WiRv-EA6tMhI9w7qany5Tk/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuNzqkJBZVoezSfv-tjK7Y22qck_izXWA3fe1W-xnA1jfRMZgU46V8ucpEP93XWyoasD9Apv3yiyZKmICnrW-TXQoKScX2TDv2Jm6kR2ahIQTom_ESUIA-WiRv-EA6tMhI9w7qany5Tk/s640/IMG_1529.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Don't let your oven mitted thumb slide into the warm cookies like I did. Or do and then you have a reason to eat this warm mistake. You can see how light and crisp the outside is while the inside is dark and soft goodness.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QuX353DsSG9tIKP6QgVtHGGfvYs20kKDSqQlDX_XArgGtl5dY8vSavzW3PHzcVl_qJtVX7I9DiCIeVMFZ1Q27Xy5X3fEQJij8hAlwNkvwjsmOzaRUTEFPPUdhzw4RZOW8iroFyMkXmI/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QuX353DsSG9tIKP6QgVtHGGfvYs20kKDSqQlDX_XArgGtl5dY8vSavzW3PHzcVl_qJtVX7I9DiCIeVMFZ1Q27Xy5X3fEQJij8hAlwNkvwjsmOzaRUTEFPPUdhzw4RZOW8iroFyMkXmI/s640/IMG_1527.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacg78n-sTd3tFpE8sW9UV574PZKlMDHZalHeu2I3v4_N1bRMONcwhKTEiGUhutMTHvNtPG_PtNZaJH6R8mQbpy0zeylpz81ADUhzPj6OtN1AU7otFghtBtPwSwMVLbHkm2rIOdUFLfM4/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacg78n-sTd3tFpE8sW9UV574PZKlMDHZalHeu2I3v4_N1bRMONcwhKTEiGUhutMTHvNtPG_PtNZaJH6R8mQbpy0zeylpz81ADUhzPj6OtN1AU7otFghtBtPwSwMVLbHkm2rIOdUFLfM4/s640/IMG_1533.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Decadent!</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-76219116190959092011-10-17T17:57:00.000-04:002011-10-17T17:57:57.454-04:00Chalkboard Pumpkin Countdown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8OtvSAt7G-kIZ-lIkgPdQmPYAuoHvP1P89ydoUNs9j5qM567ekBYynoLx45wiH2Rdrc4E0d7Y8Sb0ttxVdRAQFFUVOECm0mBy5s5vuUXbZwEQXIORLUA8iWTkSJIAHYLGm4KHsP6PAo/s1600/IMG_3168.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8OtvSAt7G-kIZ-lIkgPdQmPYAuoHvP1P89ydoUNs9j5qM567ekBYynoLx45wiH2Rdrc4E0d7Y8Sb0ttxVdRAQFFUVOECm0mBy5s5vuUXbZwEQXIORLUA8iWTkSJIAHYLGm4KHsP6PAo/s640/IMG_3168.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fourteen days until Halloween! I have a snowman that countsdown to Christmas but nothing else. And my kids love to know exactly how many days are left until a special event. This year I created a chalkboard pumpkin to countdown the days until Halloween. Each day we wipe off the number and write the new one with chalk. After Halloween I'll change it to read Days Until Thanksgiving.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirESqJqc4U79zPw6gtsrR4CD7c5u0Fp9QI3muHy7701tvYv8cAYaGHkUrfWs92iPUeLJilnkfLREpZ5crrMii2mSnJyI_XGpWk0bHy4E_3V_q2VcVDbshyVHyR5pDJWSZjIF0ZNJiuWEQ/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirESqJqc4U79zPw6gtsrR4CD7c5u0Fp9QI3muHy7701tvYv8cAYaGHkUrfWs92iPUeLJilnkfLREpZ5crrMii2mSnJyI_XGpWk0bHy4E_3V_q2VcVDbshyVHyR5pDJWSZjIF0ZNJiuWEQ/s640/IMG_2549.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just start with a good sized pumpkin. This one had a rounded front shown here and a nice flattened back that worked perfect for the countdown.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOapfqPsElKEEkovKLaN46Q1iq0HrIUhOkoZC_4Rg0-VZrr_noEOjCZ7WaF9ZQTVcaLZV-JjhlyUtOrlwvCt8oS8H9fUKya2bcO4lyQ9tLHKJ-iFsITYf-QSfVsopDnvvaY6d4k55RkQ/s1600/IMG_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOapfqPsElKEEkovKLaN46Q1iq0HrIUhOkoZC_4Rg0-VZrr_noEOjCZ7WaF9ZQTVcaLZV-JjhlyUtOrlwvCt8oS8H9fUKya2bcO4lyQ9tLHKJ-iFsITYf-QSfVsopDnvvaY6d4k55RkQ/s640/IMG_3178.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Apply a few coats of chalk board paint. And you're done.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIpO0xlXC8x_wkc76drpC8pLcrjnxcbU7F01qCDfEu_31Qn5IAq4oSWXy9Olq_AUDWzL7GFaZGFA1pLYeZjTk2JjbaS8SbZ-u0OVJAXU_uDE_6SMPK700ItpTK3hkWIGEGi6MkVXTbCU/s1600/IMG_3169.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIpO0xlXC8x_wkc76drpC8pLcrjnxcbU7F01qCDfEu_31Qn5IAq4oSWXy9Olq_AUDWzL7GFaZGFA1pLYeZjTk2JjbaS8SbZ-u0OVJAXU_uDE_6SMPK700ItpTK3hkWIGEGi6MkVXTbCU/s640/IMG_3169.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Huge added perk to this simple craftiness is the kids can use the chalk to create different Jack-o-Lantern faces on the other side. <br />
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Happy Halloween! </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-44568888153327162862011-10-14T11:41:00.002-04:002011-10-17T18:04:36.154-04:00Butter Pecan Pumpkin Cake...The One Fall Cake You Need To Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabKPa7hqOF48gWff-0Wbwm8RlTURMMPHHzZp7wDVOVM9xVVhLVHnIcNBfflg0OxSwp4hpGE8tmXwwip1OMaAr3rt4zSsy6Bdmo-P4gQfHvtXuuEC2mrBphCglZt6XzB2JKYsc3mRoCX0/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabKPa7hqOF48gWff-0Wbwm8RlTURMMPHHzZp7wDVOVM9xVVhLVHnIcNBfflg0OxSwp4hpGE8tmXwwip1OMaAr3rt4zSsy6Bdmo-P4gQfHvtXuuEC2mrBphCglZt6XzB2JKYsc3mRoCX0/s640/IMG_3055.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">If you make no other Fall sweet treat with pumpkin, you need it to be this one. If you're not a baker you can still do this very simple three ingredient cake. I promise. You can even eat it without frosting. It's incredibly moist and delicious. The pumpkin flavor is subtle; it just tastes like you're eating Fall. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab5SM2mEjVdKk82Y8VppfOM806GCxMqaW_8c-3iKqNvXi8rzX2u4OC-Xd2xgvABplQZhHuX7kN353s0Ei0rSOgKa2h8Na6gsQfjXcBd-pvWgCTEvnItGTQavwwH1qLTYvcvdUANppPS4/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab5SM2mEjVdKk82Y8VppfOM806GCxMqaW_8c-3iKqNvXi8rzX2u4OC-Xd2xgvABplQZhHuX7kN353s0Ei0rSOgKa2h8Na6gsQfjXcBd-pvWgCTEvnItGTQavwwH1qLTYvcvdUANppPS4/s640/IMG_2986.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here's all you need for the cake: Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix, canned pumpkin and three eggs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI0-ePe9wauTgxNovDcarHfwE3F-Ko6X4vD8hPOm51xlJkmkfR_GAFo_QpCy25CB6IR247L5YNQEcupJKPvWn5_2d3zIgUu7prD69anENwy7PFpGEn7R-30mBG3GWNK1hkEGS47mwCB8/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI0-ePe9wauTgxNovDcarHfwE3F-Ko6X4vD8hPOm51xlJkmkfR_GAFo_QpCy25CB6IR247L5YNQEcupJKPvWn5_2d3zIgUu7prD69anENwy7PFpGEn7R-30mBG3GWNK1hkEGS47mwCB8/s640/IMG_2997.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I've seen a lot of talk on the internet about making cake with nothing but a can of pumpkin and a box of cake mix. I don't think that makes a cake but instead a cookie as I did with my <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/10/easy-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">pumpkin-chocolate chip cookies</a> earlier this week. However, when you include the eggs it does make a cake...a moist delicious cake without any added oil.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGetq0JguM_c5lVXAzgcFK9KWUQKhP2uUEvO-Nt9k6JXxZ5ZC7Hxkob0wxyB6SVZZfYWIufJeY3aIt0GSrmTSIad0bbpBbykwKDwB-YH9vWf2tzp-mPO32TNgWAJ8VZRgPp8ZU2H_qZg/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGetq0JguM_c5lVXAzgcFK9KWUQKhP2uUEvO-Nt9k6JXxZ5ZC7Hxkob0wxyB6SVZZfYWIufJeY3aIt0GSrmTSIad0bbpBbykwKDwB-YH9vWf2tzp-mPO32TNgWAJ8VZRgPp8ZU2H_qZg/s640/IMG_2999.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Mix all the ingredients on medium speed for about two minutes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1bh4yGpXu8XFVbBoQFluMuC2ccMwP6wHRdjO-n8rs68opYmr0tF_64X56R3NutPEqC95e-bsZq8cPj1v5SkGqW1ab3MepwDEa5-BkgTqejLVUZ8SNPUw_aIhuBaW9Toucn8UWWnFaN8/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1bh4yGpXu8XFVbBoQFluMuC2ccMwP6wHRdjO-n8rs68opYmr0tF_64X56R3NutPEqC95e-bsZq8cPj1v5SkGqW1ab3MepwDEa5-BkgTqejLVUZ8SNPUw_aIhuBaW9Toucn8UWWnFaN8/s640/IMG_3003.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Pour into a greased pan. I decided to create four mini loafs. These would also be fabulous as cupcakes or a bundt cake. Bake for 40-50 minutes in 325° oven until done; golden color, top bounces back when touched and just a tiny crumb or two on a toothpick inserted in the center. Less baking time for cupcakes, more for a bundt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvoTk5XCdy90HPxIAvxUB0xMnLCBnHTyPyEywcDvDtKC9iHI82Ftg9d9vbzdtPju1Gp27Qzb0heZxfAUu2TpexqcV8xqg2fgughxz8UIqRm6AXg2moTPeyDbU-EFuj-i3S_RC2AOuhJ0/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvoTk5XCdy90HPxIAvxUB0xMnLCBnHTyPyEywcDvDtKC9iHI82Ftg9d9vbzdtPju1Gp27Qzb0heZxfAUu2TpexqcV8xqg2fgughxz8UIqRm6AXg2moTPeyDbU-EFuj-i3S_RC2AOuhJ0/s640/IMG_3004.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">You could stop here and enjoy. But I thought they could use a little frosting...cream cheese frosting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoY0iA_ECPQLqIK1SIFFpdXg5rks8HvGMQtV6e5rCxkELjFQRBRbM716kSb8u6XTWupi3rJB7diXAKp4bAnVf1vACyzgo3ylJeSn4KL2ZWkIrAeoOY3x20dByH2p599fhTl8zE7TiY1U/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoY0iA_ECPQLqIK1SIFFpdXg5rks8HvGMQtV6e5rCxkELjFQRBRbM716kSb8u6XTWupi3rJB7diXAKp4bAnVf1vACyzgo3ylJeSn4KL2ZWkIrAeoOY3x20dByH2p599fhTl8zE7TiY1U/s640/IMG_3013.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">While the cake cools gather your ingredients: 8 ounce block of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of butter, about 2 cups powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnheKLm3cI_xGdVQsD64xlZp9-rKx8IoS2s9QmGY-jfeztb5wfAkkxSk_kn9fCS7V18ezzZijGUh_PR-ArHdhSU1cSKSUaT2cm0_xo7frwDHc8ndw7VC9ddIDuPujqej73rsYC6FbB27k/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnheKLm3cI_xGdVQsD64xlZp9-rKx8IoS2s9QmGY-jfeztb5wfAkkxSk_kn9fCS7V18ezzZijGUh_PR-ArHdhSU1cSKSUaT2cm0_xo7frwDHc8ndw7VC9ddIDuPujqej73rsYC6FbB27k/s640/IMG_3023.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Let the butter and cream cheese soften at room temperature then cream on high speed with the vanilla.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcFfTe67cvjF1KXkrjtwCIAOtI3rYzCHjj3XVNdvVKNg-Dj2jy1GqTsjBOlRa_lUShkW3PX1tkMLIrQR1FaPhuUxoZboxDvlBebtISEbSTkN4PeRJTAieOM2ul61gsVktXBpLEYY4OcY/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcFfTe67cvjF1KXkrjtwCIAOtI3rYzCHjj3XVNdvVKNg-Dj2jy1GqTsjBOlRa_lUShkW3PX1tkMLIrQR1FaPhuUxoZboxDvlBebtISEbSTkN4PeRJTAieOM2ul61gsVktXBpLEYY4OcY/s640/IMG_3025.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Gradually add in the powdered sugar a 1/4 cup at at time until incorporated. This cream cheese frosting is very adaptable. You can easily double or triple it for larger cakes. This will make more than enough for your four cakes or batch of cupcakes. You can also adjust the sweetness. I found some people like a sweet cream cheese others a more tangy. Stop after about 1 cup of sugar has been added and taste to decide if you want all two cups...or even more. I found just under two cups to be perfect balance between sweet and tangy and the consistency was perfect.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK66whzFVM86aR9vx8Y614RFiPATRBx4XdKuQVQBGMf3incDwvW40VfsEDGos2H1u5YMJHv_qGM3ZFMkMi06JD2YeyoTrqZYieq_y5ITuOYxkWEfQrEM43qdvEJ8a7QEg8Rndi-enA2g/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK66whzFVM86aR9vx8Y614RFiPATRBx4XdKuQVQBGMf3incDwvW40VfsEDGos2H1u5YMJHv_qGM3ZFMkMi06JD2YeyoTrqZYieq_y5ITuOYxkWEfQrEM43qdvEJ8a7QEg8Rndi-enA2g/s640/IMG_3035.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Spread the creamy frosting on the tops and devour.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0t9twk5Cbws7aND4oTcHspTQtUOZhlW7klBwkaCF1K6FxXRRdovZpBFGp3sMhDvbIjUamQ9Z8wKGOTbF5whcHNicqK0cCqeavs1UyKL8fg-fPc8N8TtoZ4za7nA_JMc_KsngQcRGQJw/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0t9twk5Cbws7aND4oTcHspTQtUOZhlW7klBwkaCF1K6FxXRRdovZpBFGp3sMhDvbIjUamQ9Z8wKGOTbF5whcHNicqK0cCqeavs1UyKL8fg-fPc8N8TtoZ4za7nA_JMc_KsngQcRGQJw/s640/IMG_3053.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just look at that. This cake is incredibly moist. My kids, even the picky one, loved this cake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc71-iy6S9gOWau7HiK_o5VGs5pMCniuQrjMdfRZSXgTTIjADRxaRa9n9kpGykhBvcRGJrGh4rj-l2lojZKU0TLIe5MekWufJgXoSq528GkxgWYAXvW3Afkc04cjlA7MS8PlCv1Ac8kM/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc71-iy6S9gOWau7HiK_o5VGs5pMCniuQrjMdfRZSXgTTIjADRxaRa9n9kpGykhBvcRGJrGh4rj-l2lojZKU0TLIe5MekWufJgXoSq528GkxgWYAXvW3Afkc04cjlA7MS8PlCv1Ac8kM/s640/IMG_3030.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And I do mean they loved the cake, not just the frosting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yLizX-KzKfvLA30V-TlsvQoy4_L4iMjveud_ykecjLyFsJOAH4_8QB4Ku_zc9cT4q032E6bEJqFkD83RnCvbFPbY_SvJBR_Gra5RjSXYF4nxaP7noUypwMdk-XXKxMOA_xWvyMyjlgQ/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yLizX-KzKfvLA30V-TlsvQoy4_L4iMjveud_ykecjLyFsJOAH4_8QB4Ku_zc9cT4q032E6bEJqFkD83RnCvbFPbY_SvJBR_Gra5RjSXYF4nxaP7noUypwMdk-XXKxMOA_xWvyMyjlgQ/s640/IMG_3074.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">There's talk from the kiddos that this should be made again soon as cupcakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'd love to hear if you make this or tried it with another flavor cake mix. Enjoy!</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-58353943059316553392011-10-11T15:12:00.001-04:002011-10-14T11:44:07.537-04:00Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDsjgE9u4y_5h2Hi1xDbyDxuwOpUuE6KZdzkRTzriRSUAUrYtJZK36C4zLsejomA8pikKLgxE_AUwmjeNU2rnZNPWIrqQ4bFNGnwXO_beBf5UxnUZ3nzBaQMChxCES70vMW17ByZGeAM/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDsjgE9u4y_5h2Hi1xDbyDxuwOpUuE6KZdzkRTzriRSUAUrYtJZK36C4zLsejomA8pikKLgxE_AUwmjeNU2rnZNPWIrqQ4bFNGnwXO_beBf5UxnUZ3nzBaQMChxCES70vMW17ByZGeAM/s640/IMG_2503.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The cookies are entirely too simple, perfect for fall and completely adaptable to your tastes. They can be made with only a handful of ingredients...ingredients you very well may have lurking in your pantry right now. Great for Halloween or Thanksgiving get-togethers or just for this afternoon. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFddrjRBTgiHgQQ0NARr5FUCx2ipHqqrI2C3u7Xa3CfG_amqovpWahsP6JmvEf80zslGn8qVTvb95eYukRHJLYDkE65BOcuF-lOyB-SP36pVX80mT_oWBr70VfIj_CYRPr-4cH8eMeVvE/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFddrjRBTgiHgQQ0NARr5FUCx2ipHqqrI2C3u7Xa3CfG_amqovpWahsP6JmvEf80zslGn8qVTvb95eYukRHJLYDkE65BOcuF-lOyB-SP36pVX80mT_oWBr70VfIj_CYRPr-4cH8eMeVvE/s640/IMG_2435.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">All you need is cake mix, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), chocolate chips, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. I'm a big fan of Betty Crocker cake mixes. I always stock up when they're on sale. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmThCIC0zh-mwNto7_tv2uViTcUyZZd1dtwAoNuDASIbf4TNWGqxxTtnC0Q6rJsJSiPwjTq6qyO6Fsv_LKcE8hUPairbRkOuC8zzKx8zoaRyxv-8_XdzzPtOnqMs6ToNGeaRm9e1KTwDU/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmThCIC0zh-mwNto7_tv2uViTcUyZZd1dtwAoNuDASIbf4TNWGqxxTtnC0Q6rJsJSiPwjTq6qyO6Fsv_LKcE8hUPairbRkOuC8zzKx8zoaRyxv-8_XdzzPtOnqMs6ToNGeaRm9e1KTwDU/s640/IMG_2440.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Add the cake mix, entire can of pumpkin and spices in a large bowl. I can't give you an exact amount of the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. I just sprinkled it in. You need to go with your own tastes. You could also include All Spice. I don't like that particular flavor so I didn't. And if you're not sure about how much to add you could skip the spices and use Spice cake mix instead of yellow. I did also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MxOSQ45wmWg7FHPsULAdGggZc45hTagMoVtWQ93AhZn6Am2p069ZBs1cjMdtzXR58cHgqnPYn1kzsJEQLgdipYI_Yk9eubzH0sQFYWGmpvCqSUJ4g_-PZUlJlJ0wGWHcLFvsOLba3Ks/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MxOSQ45wmWg7FHPsULAdGggZc45hTagMoVtWQ93AhZn6Am2p069ZBs1cjMdtzXR58cHgqnPYn1kzsJEQLgdipYI_Yk9eubzH0sQFYWGmpvCqSUJ4g_-PZUlJlJ0wGWHcLFvsOLba3Ks/s640/IMG_2445.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Sir until combined. This batter doesn't contain raw eggs so taste it now if you'd like to judge your level of spice. Or if you're like me and not afraid of raw eggs in batter you've already dug in without thinking. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSF0HrQH3OgD-u2tjtNWXC3u7-zvKqXglp79_Y8LK9-wLwZaiWfaeNxam1yZxdTXq5INeGMRCkUuC8DfSjDtbIClqD2_zpHnAajYQRuCp7gtxKpVaVwiVLorhjDOSNtFkdG30JYeAWxQ/s1600/IMG_2446.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSF0HrQH3OgD-u2tjtNWXC3u7-zvKqXglp79_Y8LK9-wLwZaiWfaeNxam1yZxdTXq5INeGMRCkUuC8DfSjDtbIClqD2_zpHnAajYQRuCp7gtxKpVaVwiVLorhjDOSNtFkdG30JYeAWxQ/s640/IMG_2446.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Add in chocolate chips and stir one more time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO_OO-u-hu2XPjQky8qYwj5oGH50vy5VSBEfxJajUaOkZesZz3TeGYHsgQg0I_0KcJr0Bk0mZJXu75rGsTUoBzT4DhmiH1JlhUqpBDlAEH6f-2t6Owj1jao9-QT4QBcOtEVUUoOytDpE/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO_OO-u-hu2XPjQky8qYwj5oGH50vy5VSBEfxJajUaOkZesZz3TeGYHsgQg0I_0KcJr0Bk0mZJXu75rGsTUoBzT4DhmiH1JlhUqpBDlAEH6f-2t6Owj1jao9-QT4QBcOtEVUUoOytDpE/s640/IMG_2450.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I started by using a cookie scoop to place the batter on the parchment lined cookie sheet. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcztkNXCbow29p3xqFuRFcE6PX4YAmYBYHr4LGGBSWEmruxOPM02NRtc3L3-jCeKRwZ7AInxglW2mq7UTzbicHTLs67XD7ruhCz4CSskRUvKQvQLQfc5XXiwKgm85lmz2WiUlECZ2iDc/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcztkNXCbow29p3xqFuRFcE6PX4YAmYBYHr4LGGBSWEmruxOPM02NRtc3L3-jCeKRwZ7AInxglW2mq7UTzbicHTLs67XD7ruhCz4CSskRUvKQvQLQfc5XXiwKgm85lmz2WiUlECZ2iDc/s640/IMG_2448.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pop these guys in a 350° oven for 15-20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes to see if they're golden on the bottom edges. They will not be brown like a normal chocolate chip cookie. You're looking for something I would call a dry appearance. You don't want to overbake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasInhUNt6Pf1k8ZxNcFTlrM-Uyh0bq1oBBrQ2WPTm2iQZkNJGxWu9BSLIkqVnt2E2YmeJjK4NxgeUZBVwmxhqAWi82PzX-gP5xUzOqmCPUq8InCBskv3kwJlCkGPve9YDripsIHrOjY0/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasInhUNt6Pf1k8ZxNcFTlrM-Uyh0bq1oBBrQ2WPTm2iQZkNJGxWu9BSLIkqVnt2E2YmeJjK4NxgeUZBVwmxhqAWi82PzX-gP5xUzOqmCPUq8InCBskv3kwJlCkGPve9YDripsIHrOjY0/s640/IMG_2457.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And about 18 minutes later these guys come out. Notice anything? They are still the exact same shape as when they went in. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-23f885JXh_ZEgsNtIQnP9S6RiMUMrBL53qGujpC1L_13twssL5bqfCWk9wT3k3NCOyP0PfiLJIuF2x-sPeOXKx4551xxFnT9iNWoEvejR-wzdhx2ewpQkv8PW5DO48_XFYYeBxNqWUw/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-23f885JXh_ZEgsNtIQnP9S6RiMUMrBL53qGujpC1L_13twssL5bqfCWk9wT3k3NCOyP0PfiLJIuF2x-sPeOXKx4551xxFnT9iNWoEvejR-wzdhx2ewpQkv8PW5DO48_XFYYeBxNqWUw/s640/IMG_2459.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">There's no butter so they don't spread. I wasn't sure if this would be a good or a bad thing so for the next batch...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gjF8Z_we-96Rmlxex3lSa01U0o1ypc3hLWwr3UC3XogSuYjcG3-zBLBO2FL_sdqjbh30TKVbLw7Z0QxoW2PuDMCbYWrCeQE9WmPfoJipzrIji6WOabIgFW_N5Qj-44RoqQBYVBA9OoY/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gjF8Z_we-96Rmlxex3lSa01U0o1ypc3hLWwr3UC3XogSuYjcG3-zBLBO2FL_sdqjbh30TKVbLw7Z0QxoW2PuDMCbYWrCeQE9WmPfoJipzrIji6WOabIgFW_N5Qj-44RoqQBYVBA9OoY/s640/IMG_2451.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used the spoon drop method to achieve a flatter cookie before baking.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS36UPaeTkfIox0BNWPynQK9LY1I_mzOYrZ4HuPVz3UqEh6t5h8OB7VIkpc6-gxKUEfxTjwhuBlcWo0-lY6-nkmM_p5NnWF63e1nRNTfhw5nMPRtYrQXTfzOE8cVaodQFQrDn9wGWFuzA/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS36UPaeTkfIox0BNWPynQK9LY1I_mzOYrZ4HuPVz3UqEh6t5h8OB7VIkpc6-gxKUEfxTjwhuBlcWo0-lY6-nkmM_p5NnWF63e1nRNTfhw5nMPRtYrQXTfzOE8cVaodQFQrDn9wGWFuzA/s640/IMG_2499.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But to be honest both cookies were the same, soft and chewy on the inside. I think the cookie scoop method made prettier cookies but if you don't have one by all means use two spoons and just drop that dough. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn14WR9yJY1-KeosqfpTchM2g-NhGFi4H8y10wNNRdsmnTTXxfxD2vZrd0x2nMjdrkjoq4EJqG7MtzO9avVW8UasoFbHd3oVYkV-uNkrNVZY4-4mjbKBd2pi3Oj2Y1EHN55y6vOYT5UE/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn14WR9yJY1-KeosqfpTchM2g-NhGFi4H8y10wNNRdsmnTTXxfxD2vZrd0x2nMjdrkjoq4EJqG7MtzO9avVW8UasoFbHd3oVYkV-uNkrNVZY4-4mjbKBd2pi3Oj2Y1EHN55y6vOYT5UE/s640/IMG_2502.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">These cookies are great right away and still good for the next three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But I wasn't done. I had some extra dough. And since this cookie dough didn't flatten I thought it'd be perfect for stuffing something inside of it like the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/booturtle/5938693458/in/set-72157626751755934">Oreo stufffed chocolate chip cookies I've made</a>, but yet to share the recipe. Shame on me. But I didn't have any Oreos...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflP4QjgC57H9e1iIQ-IBM5_mMLhoi3fmSQW_cux4LAxQ6COi12VVC5VQemq8h8yvg7Z8OAjALAR73_WDAKcEtKLlO_gXihuvAUSX5W_GG0aoL2qZpcq6YEw3bxY6t84ILcJGYxLL-y8/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflP4QjgC57H9e1iIQ-IBM5_mMLhoi3fmSQW_cux4LAxQ6COi12VVC5VQemq8h8yvg7Z8OAjALAR73_WDAKcEtKLlO_gXihuvAUSX5W_GG0aoL2qZpcq6YEw3bxY6t84ILcJGYxLL-y8/s640/IMG_2486.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...but my mom is my neighbor and she had these sandwich cookies. I created my own Oreo cookie.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIPtkRWaXdGcfCc6Bivpy_AZoSzLd1PdHJQx1ihEu6WHBs3G7qvuFQG2aUhi-N2_Y2oHettIlLFH1AgQkOGVMhitPYdjG6ae2CvonAbZ9EF_kE1EddZEQpuWyPMIQzvVOO5JO941bj9M/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIPtkRWaXdGcfCc6Bivpy_AZoSzLd1PdHJQx1ihEu6WHBs3G7qvuFQG2aUhi-N2_Y2oHettIlLFH1AgQkOGVMhitPYdjG6ae2CvonAbZ9EF_kE1EddZEQpuWyPMIQzvVOO5JO941bj9M/s640/IMG_2470.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Plopped a scoop of batter on top and bottom of the faux oreo and pinched the dough together then baked for 20 minutes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzuxA6PCMnFxAUwW54-mX1Vs8Ypq9KfZDlzpHABrnx2a_BhKPW4q01oAX1xcVWQclmZdiBXyv-z5_BEQKAR3aqZht4a3ORo_SokhHM1t9O4wft0gLZKJOvV04lyxmA-9BUioVZ6IpQik/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzuxA6PCMnFxAUwW54-mX1Vs8Ypq9KfZDlzpHABrnx2a_BhKPW4q01oAX1xcVWQclmZdiBXyv-z5_BEQKAR3aqZht4a3ORo_SokhHM1t9O4wft0gLZKJOvV04lyxmA-9BUioVZ6IpQik/s640/IMG_2555.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Yep, I was right. This cookie recipe is a perfect one for baking cookies or candies inside of.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ04DP3J3X0CfeuioJAWPb4G_4trLhHbLKJTWqUlU7Jiupb8evGJ45Je74Sk6CBCt_GvvjS7ODriE5jV7Uv58F3neFlm9c9qboBagt95Ft8laGL0P7cfJTwsUfKAnkAFELOQYNJWy4kY0/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ04DP3J3X0CfeuioJAWPb4G_4trLhHbLKJTWqUlU7Jiupb8evGJ45Je74Sk6CBCt_GvvjS7ODriE5jV7Uv58F3neFlm9c9qboBagt95Ft8laGL0P7cfJTwsUfKAnkAFELOQYNJWy4kY0/s640/IMG_2564.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Fall, y'all! And please give these cookies a try. Use your favorite cake mix flavor and add ins. Maybe chocolate cake mix with nuts instead of chips? After I took a plate to my mom she's already planning her own: spice cake with mini chocolate chips. Enjoy!</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-13228549312711513362011-10-11T11:47:00.001-04:002011-10-11T15:19:56.333-04:00Snake Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvgd0OlasryalE_kt2-ftjwzvV9-VkfxDTUv5Ew7maVe4xUJdcChDy7K8Ksg0tHAiPgSTWf1J3cdBAJLYVINH38L5uHpG7C6knN-ekr3gTeK_2KvzbLI34614A1Rr-_RqIUtx9h9FKEo/s1600/IMG_1146.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvgd0OlasryalE_kt2-ftjwzvV9-VkfxDTUv5Ew7maVe4xUJdcChDy7K8Ksg0tHAiPgSTWf1J3cdBAJLYVINH38L5uHpG7C6knN-ekr3gTeK_2KvzbLI34614A1Rr-_RqIUtx9h9FKEo/s640/IMG_1146.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is another creation credited to Pinterest. I'd seen a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/854499/wriggling-snake-wreath">snake wreath</a> pop up there a month ago, a snake wreath created by none other than Martha Stewart. I had to make the wreath with my family's snake history including the copperhead that bit our dog last year and the <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/10/snakes-on-plain-white-carpet.html">rat snake somehow discovered in my son's room</a>; we needed a snake wreath for Halloween. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67eF8LxhWz-v-3fxc7m9M4LHTyr2y5x6_AWw_2aMMBFdWAtWlGcNpqSD-Z42hQzXUYltTEjCZGQ9z2It3orJkDLm5vTnXFpqMUT0HvS1z3q0Dzaf6oisr9tfq_lSXui2_QzopFwKuhoY/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67eF8LxhWz-v-3fxc7m9M4LHTyr2y5x6_AWw_2aMMBFdWAtWlGcNpqSD-Z42hQzXUYltTEjCZGQ9z2It3orJkDLm5vTnXFpqMUT0HvS1z3q0Dzaf6oisr9tfq_lSXui2_QzopFwKuhoY/s640/IMG_1147.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">I found a plethora of rubber snakes at the Dollar Tree and dollar spot section at Target.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJK4aPM_dWLlfXS1_qiqAhbYwQb9n48t1DWsBHZ_A6bzWLhprBoxDSlo5sBKlBImHgmuLju0f9buT3lLt0YuFlBtzjixi0cinZtu9rhpXRuXGNECM2j4DtrkOKjtcTW-stxpgIt8PVuOs/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJK4aPM_dWLlfXS1_qiqAhbYwQb9n48t1DWsBHZ_A6bzWLhprBoxDSlo5sBKlBImHgmuLju0f9buT3lLt0YuFlBtzjixi0cinZtu9rhpXRuXGNECM2j4DtrkOKjtcTW-stxpgIt8PVuOs/s640/IMG_1157.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I also needed a wreath. I wanted a large grapevine wreath and I found this one on half price day at my favorite thrift store.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6qjnbQoaDMpo5kpDc9YYXrb3V9kQoIbiDKeo3Vgk4uYZvzf-bsx2MhmD4Xf-3W9dtHNUjV8Eocjx4WrXOgxxoHnjoZH1QLs38zdduBq3oJ97kOFqjloeMKMFpUZoRfrKz-1zbCyeO4/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6qjnbQoaDMpo5kpDc9YYXrb3V9kQoIbiDKeo3Vgk4uYZvzf-bsx2MhmD4Xf-3W9dtHNUjV8Eocjx4WrXOgxxoHnjoZH1QLs38zdduBq3oJ97kOFqjloeMKMFpUZoRfrKz-1zbCyeO4/s640/IMG_1158.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It only cost me $1 since it was half price day. That's what I'm talking about!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODnvJhuCZypD1m0uxCCvnMRYda8deJw5AtkQs6Iti7g2_2Y3yCIkmdP6l2b6nVCHZEfosk2YyAYUCxvUfixTMgxRjMRg6Z_xVLjkHBaoFmSLxWPjjF4GnWN1-2D9H8y4dW3yaTX3BN8A/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODnvJhuCZypD1m0uxCCvnMRYda8deJw5AtkQs6Iti7g2_2Y3yCIkmdP6l2b6nVCHZEfosk2YyAYUCxvUfixTMgxRjMRg6Z_xVLjkHBaoFmSLxWPjjF4GnWN1-2D9H8y4dW3yaTX3BN8A/s640/IMG_1193.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce helped me spread all the snakes out on my drop cloth for painting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zP2Dkni0BoeoVx4esqbUKk8kIdHvSPZX4G2_hEy15q433u58Dp72PMEjU8qw96znWnMCnkH2-q0148ha1zCr2BOQU7B6cTj9b6wZkOUdIyqz6AeuhCnbFGE2K-jn97Vrbu9qy4YT8I/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zP2Dkni0BoeoVx4esqbUKk8kIdHvSPZX4G2_hEy15q433u58Dp72PMEjU8qw96znWnMCnkH2-q0148ha1zCr2BOQU7B6cTj9b6wZkOUdIyqz6AeuhCnbFGE2K-jn97Vrbu9qy4YT8I/s640/IMG_1200.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">She really had a fondness for the rubber snakes. "Mom, look I'm holding the cobra like a baby."</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J04HFzpEMaztoouSoOcr6prdYBdoGeABvvF_RoRi-_j-isxMedmpfWlJyMXtFQwLKAT6Qa2zioJGFOLdpWDwM_yirMav8Irx2SpydLVr0XieqZUMsWkai-1OfpXjxz8FMc1VyhfSyVs/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J04HFzpEMaztoouSoOcr6prdYBdoGeABvvF_RoRi-_j-isxMedmpfWlJyMXtFQwLKAT6Qa2zioJGFOLdpWDwM_yirMav8Irx2SpydLVr0XieqZUMsWkai-1OfpXjxz8FMc1VyhfSyVs/s640/IMG_1218.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now to prime. I had left over plastic primer from creating <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/09/day-darth-fairy-went-to-town.html">Darth Fairy's mask</a>. I would definitely not skip priming the rubber snakes. Paint and plastic/rubber are not natural friends. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi421DhbHgfa4Mj0HaLLPfeSu8e7BagkEn7_EScVFLPWpOEtdKUvlvxHSuZXstM0A-cQl3G4wIb990LzcECg_UePdFvJVVcdzOoovlxzXud_Or4dpfKDlP4fsK7GWRNCkErMPcNJpMCWZA/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi421DhbHgfa4Mj0HaLLPfeSu8e7BagkEn7_EScVFLPWpOEtdKUvlvxHSuZXstM0A-cQl3G4wIb990LzcECg_UePdFvJVVcdzOoovlxzXud_Or4dpfKDlP4fsK7GWRNCkErMPcNJpMCWZA/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A quick, light coat of primer. Primer does not have to be even and should not be thick. It took longer for the primer to dry on rubber than it typically does on plastic. I had to wait about an hour before they stopped being tacky to the touch.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH-dN2iT0W6y-IJEACSY8BpYiJJYnHWPIq9WsSA584xKJQrMOQ91PWwAywtCI9dKvhAJ4LXogS9mIhp_pCbAk0DBYJUKY0LgN70jaum7YPexEtP8z5giUskVlZyuijfaw0IpE5nGoERc/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH-dN2iT0W6y-IJEACSY8BpYiJJYnHWPIq9WsSA584xKJQrMOQ91PWwAywtCI9dKvhAJ4LXogS9mIhp_pCbAk0DBYJUKY0LgN70jaum7YPexEtP8z5giUskVlZyuijfaw0IpE5nGoERc/s640/IMG_1239.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now paint time. I chose a grey spray paint instead of the black Martha suggested. Glow in the dark paint would be another interesting choice. I also think a solid white snake wreath could be striking against a black door.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj6RinafShD401vrchehiDEiozZ7twlHDTXPOjbs5QTOvjRfeAs80504-QdnXPTupuU6GzkZhqhnHfEbC_0xZK76PIg4_qaOVQzpQvjskjGoMf4F4dLaa7ZCcpCCm3KGVXRrc44ocUiQ/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj6RinafShD401vrchehiDEiozZ7twlHDTXPOjbs5QTOvjRfeAs80504-QdnXPTupuU6GzkZhqhnHfEbC_0xZK76PIg4_qaOVQzpQvjskjGoMf4F4dLaa7ZCcpCCm3KGVXRrc44ocUiQ/s640/IMG_1244.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I applied several light coats to both sides of the wreath.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxazc_lwdWdGwlE6DYtrSzt-fdgDspqRX5_4O4sLepMxUYkMbt4iIXkp9D-xthSAnY4CrwqWPdj_QEymYZfT3SAHZOvfR5tZJzOFcq1z_E3soRiOYbBJlTXy6XpqLfaBRzA5OMLpqsTk/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxazc_lwdWdGwlE6DYtrSzt-fdgDspqRX5_4O4sLepMxUYkMbt4iIXkp9D-xthSAnY4CrwqWPdj_QEymYZfT3SAHZOvfR5tZJzOFcq1z_E3soRiOYbBJlTXy6XpqLfaBRzA5OMLpqsTk/s640/IMG_1246.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And several light coats to my snake friends.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ5Ip-nCchfZEMW3wT2BCEe_QbfXvc-gVCHx-gUI_YU6M4nb8i94QysqWmb2b7h-VrBdvFd0O6xm7SiADrCgSxlnJjeN6P3Evlhaizocd7xlsfDLyEqKVDSQ1ui_oRX5bAiLXnGJa1Q4/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ5Ip-nCchfZEMW3wT2BCEe_QbfXvc-gVCHx-gUI_YU6M4nb8i94QysqWmb2b7h-VrBdvFd0O6xm7SiADrCgSxlnJjeN6P3Evlhaizocd7xlsfDLyEqKVDSQ1ui_oRX5bAiLXnGJa1Q4/s640/IMG_2581.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I let the snakes dry thoroughly before gathering all my pieces and my glue gun to begin assembly a few days later.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1UU612oOiCPpFc8RW5Twd8hkIeQILfyh7zcPMCC8E8BDVSlpIsXNsc3aXcsBPA71IOPjDVl0vabZxnYzEjqkdHC7jUPN0p9n5kOvvRO4mc3Z_9oQz88eJy1enXhqcQVd83mGXi_hkgg/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1UU612oOiCPpFc8RW5Twd8hkIeQILfyh7zcPMCC8E8BDVSlpIsXNsc3aXcsBPA71IOPjDVl0vabZxnYzEjqkdHC7jUPN0p9n5kOvvRO4mc3Z_9oQz88eJy1enXhqcQVd83mGXi_hkgg/s640/IMG_2582.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I arranged the large snakes first then attached with hot glue. I opted not to include any of the cobra snakes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPzB2q9cHTj8aU6-LdIq-xMaDVC8nsAlo-pcmEsj36BfJCAMWpZnZZrfg71bebzC3Mls1Oe7CCsHvPDhbAfrc7NmQjL7SnF7nGWyD5GJf6DSzg4za_YgUs48tneL_hEC8iG6ydoU3M_s/s1600/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPzB2q9cHTj8aU6-LdIq-xMaDVC8nsAlo-pcmEsj36BfJCAMWpZnZZrfg71bebzC3Mls1Oe7CCsHvPDhbAfrc7NmQjL7SnF7nGWyD5GJf6DSzg4za_YgUs48tneL_hEC8iG6ydoU3M_s/s640/IMG_2583.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The grapevine wreath is the perfect type for this project allowing me to weave many of the smaller snakes through the wreath.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeVzcsIzwDAHPRcgNCaWGw463VBrkThQfPew7azVaotlIEHa8gVqafN7ftC7pSwNP0ZH-YcBAvcasAETkT6saLA8edHssT-4cWuuhz7nkdWiN6I_zbRC8Tz0u2akb01_BZyMm1OIJwxE/s1600/IMG_2584.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeVzcsIzwDAHPRcgNCaWGw463VBrkThQfPew7azVaotlIEHa8gVqafN7ftC7pSwNP0ZH-YcBAvcasAETkT6saLA8edHssT-4cWuuhz7nkdWiN6I_zbRC8Tz0u2akb01_BZyMm1OIJwxE/s640/IMG_2584.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Continue placing the smaller snakes and allow them to overlap each other. Don't neglect the inside and the outside of the wreath as well.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52wRCzvU-0_0Zg9u1TEvjkHVKxMj6kSH3UlJ2-oUNAiS0r-cfBzP2MyU91T7xBJHUVctZuKHriujVqXU1utvHfusshyphenhyphenLpdJWYVifXQ9AHHUSauQYb5mo0pN1PDlQ9KVdV8NsJ02gwK0c/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52wRCzvU-0_0Zg9u1TEvjkHVKxMj6kSH3UlJ2-oUNAiS0r-cfBzP2MyU91T7xBJHUVctZuKHriujVqXU1utvHfusshyphenhyphenLpdJWYVifXQ9AHHUSauQYb5mo0pN1PDlQ9KVdV8NsJ02gwK0c/s640/IMG_2589.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">After all the snakes were glued I realized the heavier, large snakes were not going to stay with glue alone. I had some lightweight steel wire in the basement that came in handy. Fishing wire and floral wire would also do the trick.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zUPFV9V5AAGGdqqhGDpqhls13PvhoQQfHCkruHBxvLL8pe5ooJy_lQmmeeGeCKlZL9VEsRwHUHatBOeVzxzbdTXx5ds-h9Hv9CrpMKoa_CVNrr3EHIdQgmFTc3bNTMT9Se4PMG4gqEc/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zUPFV9V5AAGGdqqhGDpqhls13PvhoQQfHCkruHBxvLL8pe5ooJy_lQmmeeGeCKlZL9VEsRwHUHatBOeVzxzbdTXx5ds-h9Hv9CrpMKoa_CVNrr3EHIdQgmFTc3bNTMT9Se4PMG4gqEc/s640/IMG_2590.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I twisted the steel wire along the larger snakes in several places as well as using the wire on a few of the smaller ones where the glue wasn't able to adhere well.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtk8Vp32y1TRTZVNq6zneGql6MUUkSg2Boee58o3viqWgPr16ARVpNqv1J38jcnY1O67pdl-qjMehdex8HkDDlW2T0vljIfDdVtjgFoh3xPx-mBNueQqtQbEHy6cN564f18P0yV5AEdw/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtk8Vp32y1TRTZVNq6zneGql6MUUkSg2Boee58o3viqWgPr16ARVpNqv1J38jcnY1O67pdl-qjMehdex8HkDDlW2T0vljIfDdVtjgFoh3xPx-mBNueQqtQbEHy6cN564f18P0yV5AEdw/s640/IMG_2597.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">After all the snakes were attached and the glue dried I sprayed on another coat of grey paint. I lifted the wreath off my drop cloth on my "paint cups" to make sure I could spray underneath all the snakes as well.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ9hYvwqRe0hbDfLepesFvdElP1kQ8hcINw7WwWIl3_oAPQ2tlxqw_4Zqu6VLPz9xNEaVtrsWr0WtQEw_B5jni__5I9W9sC_6fFohMbcDwL_Vy7KsM-siBdpxrzNC2DdKKmGDv7wSWJ0/s1600/IMG_2611.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ9hYvwqRe0hbDfLepesFvdElP1kQ8hcINw7WwWIl3_oAPQ2tlxqw_4Zqu6VLPz9xNEaVtrsWr0WtQEw_B5jni__5I9W9sC_6fFohMbcDwL_Vy7KsM-siBdpxrzNC2DdKKmGDv7wSWJ0/s640/IMG_2611.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">After it dried it went on the front door.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5W5ksjV9b500AUedARM9t9hhz3kclqqysXBN7iHo9mac_c0V_xFVb3rYdgycpb734Tx5qGIke4IKcHZYXlGQaGzzXfIyP9aWbm-SsXEbhAQGo9d17XQMBrLcJieE1PMqFsuV_t6QjWU/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5W5ksjV9b500AUedARM9t9hhz3kclqqysXBN7iHo9mac_c0V_xFVb3rYdgycpb734Tx5qGIke4IKcHZYXlGQaGzzXfIyP9aWbm-SsXEbhAQGo9d17XQMBrLcJieE1PMqFsuV_t6QjWU/s640/IMG_2620.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I absolutely love this wreath.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu22jN6OTPXovAig-y67rxXs1lad07C_IdNJwP0zjinNRaxzKjWEOIApanwjG9dMDcf0P2Wbib71CGcNzFqI5Psf6WD-VARCfU3CPng1JHZmHcgZiVkzaPc_zhs2ndcLBp5GfDYbyB_zU/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu22jN6OTPXovAig-y67rxXs1lad07C_IdNJwP0zjinNRaxzKjWEOIApanwjG9dMDcf0P2Wbib71CGcNzFqI5Psf6WD-VARCfU3CPng1JHZmHcgZiVkzaPc_zhs2ndcLBp5GfDYbyB_zU/s640/IMG_2621.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I adore its size, its color...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu0uCIgKE8SZz0mLXxfQ2uJTxYwfKiKgkwa81sw4D8ovuPPybz54JFrPcUTXsJHEq957Vz35Lsz3j-Dd5Ls68neXBblLveanD5EyqKIGGPjhByfQ43aBMeeWUEGwtM_cT4mT4QDhlV_M/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu0uCIgKE8SZz0mLXxfQ2uJTxYwfKiKgkwa81sw4D8ovuPPybz54JFrPcUTXsJHEq957Vz35Lsz3j-Dd5Ls68neXBblLveanD5EyqKIGGPjhByfQ43aBMeeWUEGwtM_cT4mT4QDhlV_M/s640/IMG_2630.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...every wriggling thing about it. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-17163648324761701362011-09-16T16:59:00.004-04:002011-09-19T13:18:34.927-04:00Jellyfish in a Bottle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GdacInlzbiOkIKl6XrVSdHhkJzlXjI-QezXuiERbhI9vBGkajxdNm6v_bgx43Y8u00xJF_JYc2h_1rgJJtPVU-M2XZJybBqsS5sfJAxymBb5C9PiRiVQNfdTNuMLVnoTCka1ry9QQrI/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GdacInlzbiOkIKl6XrVSdHhkJzlXjI-QezXuiERbhI9vBGkajxdNm6v_bgx43Y8u00xJF_JYc2h_1rgJJtPVU-M2XZJybBqsS5sfJAxymBb5C9PiRiVQNfdTNuMLVnoTCka1ry9QQrI/s640/IMG_1320.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I saw this idea on Pinterest from a <a href="http://bhoomplay.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/diy_jellyfish/">blog in Thailand</a>. I knew I wanted to make it with my kids.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbjOvxYrs7d7kydfZbe7TJXFWP2ZsY0H3Vqj9dhA6oo7Qs1xjG9JGmlX7VMTPLgCkLrMuXe9HpFFuXvsaUQfXzuN3MvbPdqV1tL1xt8f4Np7hc58VrSmP4lQyVhFgL4eJJRZLIa5HE8/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbjOvxYrs7d7kydfZbe7TJXFWP2ZsY0H3Vqj9dhA6oo7Qs1xjG9JGmlX7VMTPLgCkLrMuXe9HpFFuXvsaUQfXzuN3MvbPdqV1tL1xt8f4Np7hc58VrSmP4lQyVhFgL4eJJRZLIa5HE8/s640/IMG_1295.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">You'll need an empty plastic bottle, preferably a smooth one. Mine is a Smartwater bottle. A clear plastic bag. In the Thai blog, she used a clear shopping bag but I don't have a single store near me that uses clear shopping bags. They're all white or yellow. However, the thinner produce bags are clear so I used one of those and hoped it would work. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0eqEJ-8_YYBpdj0BjPPEmxL7Zxl-eVwKz8w9brx4fUEYtUCHC6nu1X7E3tta_V_bAZqMiYRCPKbHSLTVbEF_RLwnTAndou0pM_o0c_HUdC3L8kpg9EqXcQC6gKSxnvAXxWiY3_jeF4/s1600/IMG_1297.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0eqEJ-8_YYBpdj0BjPPEmxL7Zxl-eVwKz8w9brx4fUEYtUCHC6nu1X7E3tta_V_bAZqMiYRCPKbHSLTVbEF_RLwnTAndou0pM_o0c_HUdC3L8kpg9EqXcQC6gKSxnvAXxWiY3_jeF4/s640/IMG_1297.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Cut the produce bag so you get a clear square from one side without any printing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIyu7hHlsqeG7qah3plurlN3Z3P7PIOXQ9A_sD9hZcNuj966acn0rxS_WyyCHaaLJnOiEg-JC6Nw0hgJuUsWmBkcCjix836cG-ihy2BsPp7_K9Bv8bjDb7TQMat6Y2JWeb9a4_5Br1Cs/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIyu7hHlsqeG7qah3plurlN3Z3P7PIOXQ9A_sD9hZcNuj966acn0rxS_WyyCHaaLJnOiEg-JC6Nw0hgJuUsWmBkcCjix836cG-ihy2BsPp7_K9Bv8bjDb7TQMat6Y2JWeb9a4_5Br1Cs/s640/IMG_1299.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Leaving you with a plain square of unprinted, clear plastic.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdGNuUHCmOb7vXeYFGhV3hS6DcpVj_RDvTfDJ-0je8e03jOSGhw3V2qOemB0RmfINcjlSi_hRKZDxB77IKwPFyiWfP7GSUpZr-Sy6PDeEsduKYs628PGpevdIy_Ye-hQezzot3A_Sh4k/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdGNuUHCmOb7vXeYFGhV3hS6DcpVj_RDvTfDJ-0je8e03jOSGhw3V2qOemB0RmfINcjlSi_hRKZDxB77IKwPFyiWfP7GSUpZr-Sy6PDeEsduKYs628PGpevdIy_Ye-hQezzot3A_Sh4k/s640/IMG_1300.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pinch it up in the middle to make a balloon for the body of the jellyfish. Tie with string but not too tight because you're going to need to add some water later.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX26PkwXNPX5_w_tzzANrau8jBJMVd-0jJ3r91_CmPPQl0bD1NDY5jRftKg67lCI6ZUt8dZdPmDRO1SXmKfDPcotlhW1EQ5KRhkVnHwW1aH1o-a3fmhjs4VLnZndYTbp62Nho23RHg8jE/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX26PkwXNPX5_w_tzzANrau8jBJMVd-0jJ3r91_CmPPQl0bD1NDY5jRftKg67lCI6ZUt8dZdPmDRO1SXmKfDPcotlhW1EQ5KRhkVnHwW1aH1o-a3fmhjs4VLnZndYTbp62Nho23RHg8jE/s640/IMG_1302.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Cut the part below into thin strip tentacles. I think I gave mine far too many. Think about 40 to 50 very thin strips of varying lengths would be perfect. Cut all the excess off. Mine still looks a little ghostly.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8I6yexSybnvyOb25R-ChfkpEVwcC0T_Fv_8hg_x2ORIQqJVnPIdsk30pluyeBq-h84eTWWtatYV53ft6UjIfoxVNwWpGZj9nNg4Kg87Qenk3JXGG1wAjbwZSdCpJq-yV4OzYPXBpo1E/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8I6yexSybnvyOb25R-ChfkpEVwcC0T_Fv_8hg_x2ORIQqJVnPIdsk30pluyeBq-h84eTWWtatYV53ft6UjIfoxVNwWpGZj9nNg4Kg87Qenk3JXGG1wAjbwZSdCpJq-yV4OzYPXBpo1E/s640/IMG_1303.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fill the body with water but only about half way. You also need a large air bubble in there to give it buoyancy. I now tie the strings again, this time tightly. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OvuNN89-5HC4kDgNC1SUTyU53L_blPxraxMRvDQTsguajNSCx8dtZy7UHMY4zod6I8ruWeqBy_fg4oBcmKjI5dseau5FMRu86-XACDjQAynv2LF_3kqb5cydfuTpNrli3j9wHBemcPg/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OvuNN89-5HC4kDgNC1SUTyU53L_blPxraxMRvDQTsguajNSCx8dtZy7UHMY4zod6I8ruWeqBy_fg4oBcmKjI5dseau5FMRu86-XACDjQAynv2LF_3kqb5cydfuTpNrli3j9wHBemcPg/s640/IMG_1305.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Push the jellyfish into the bottle. Fill with water and a few drops of blue food coloring. Screw tight. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2EX6vWlgX2CyycB2hOOGH0-DjYYRE1bppkFzJROJ-dpOrzMd25ONfHmz86ktPFcNe94FZQFIUAybvgAsQ_cM2t6slfLQUI0p4XObyor64mk6QJ_-wDCh3JcAZHHqD8HqWXJr1ST6QT8/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2EX6vWlgX2CyycB2hOOGH0-DjYYRE1bppkFzJROJ-dpOrzMd25ONfHmz86ktPFcNe94FZQFIUAybvgAsQ_cM2t6slfLQUI0p4XObyor64mk6QJ_-wDCh3JcAZHHqD8HqWXJr1ST6QT8/s640/IMG_1310.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIHZCrRT6SGrESX05o0pAmXtn9fmrpkW7qRsbaWVbHDroFF_QcGsizrEamJQbpqSnKec2V2Y7TsvHvovGheLzXv8Y9ywQfXYcl5MvWSMoRTna5u8BgARdSikp4wp7a0TZUau2FoCiIl0/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIHZCrRT6SGrESX05o0pAmXtn9fmrpkW7qRsbaWVbHDroFF_QcGsizrEamJQbpqSnKec2V2Y7TsvHvovGheLzXv8Y9ywQfXYcl5MvWSMoRTna5u8BgARdSikp4wp7a0TZUau2FoCiIl0/s640/IMG_1312.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">He liked watching it with his eye pressed to the bottle. My glasses prevented the same enjoyment.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0i6FUKEfLDFOrU5G6x5-NIbxAXoekLbAgxWSIlNiXbybkFS8vsSwMs39I6fvdu0OCfOtALncChWI8GKWVo5O4NASIvvgsXYkWaOhRn-mnLGBMBUVRIJXhKwU8CEKnGKl_pU42SWRYSY/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0i6FUKEfLDFOrU5G6x5-NIbxAXoekLbAgxWSIlNiXbybkFS8vsSwMs39I6fvdu0OCfOtALncChWI8GKWVo5O4NASIvvgsXYkWaOhRn-mnLGBMBUVRIJXhKwU8CEKnGKl_pU42SWRYSY/s640/IMG_1314.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Float little jellyfish.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxVeZsSjsY-ckRXx6gYg05943RWRS7UmNitNW7Cl62PvfvTo_MaddEPN8xxyAESbBw2Xta2XStA57GdMj_v46weXAzLiuKgXkQlpT4IKtne2i2yyS7L41jkgy3-XSt_V_NAuEeS3f9nA/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxVeZsSjsY-ckRXx6gYg05943RWRS7UmNitNW7Cl62PvfvTo_MaddEPN8xxyAESbBw2Xta2XStA57GdMj_v46weXAzLiuKgXkQlpT4IKtne2i2yyS7L41jkgy3-XSt_V_NAuEeS3f9nA/s640/IMG_1318.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The kids found it interesting. The whole project needs some more tweaking: thinner tentacles, less tentacles or more tentacles, less water and more air, smaller body, a slightly thicker plastic, a way to re-inflate the pocket with ample air after filling with water, etc. The kids are already thinking of new ways to improve their pet jellyfish in a bottle and test the different results. I think Jellyfish experimentation may be the fall rainy day activity. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-72093324779513796152011-09-16T14:43:00.001-04:002011-09-17T23:55:47.061-04:00The Secret to Brushing Tangled Children's Hair<span style="font-size: small;">Once upon a time I hated American Girl Dolls. This time was very, very recent. And truth is I still dislike their massive commercial nature. We have an American Doll Store in my town and it is insane to walk in there. I'd hoped to keep Princess Fierce away from them forever but she was lured in a few months ago. Fortunately she has her momma's thrifty streak and even at five could not fathom the need for a $100 dollar doll when a very similar one was available at Tuesday Morning for less than $20. And the Tuesday Morning doll, from the Target line, looks like her.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pzf7YY0i5yYEdpsxZdY1bPN77BiuPkL-ofP8gxU53sTDYS3G8ujpRDwNYM4bjbIsaVe_QXiC3RAB_q-daM2S_uykbLWCf2JIFhl0-HGGBxXAfUcvlf2zZhanML7KTXeVvrujehFAbp4/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pzf7YY0i5yYEdpsxZdY1bPN77BiuPkL-ofP8gxU53sTDYS3G8ujpRDwNYM4bjbIsaVe_QXiC3RAB_q-daM2S_uykbLWCf2JIFhl0-HGGBxXAfUcvlf2zZhanML7KTXeVvrujehFAbp4/s640/IMG_0945.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">She scored that bargain doll for her birthday. Here she is with it the very weekend after her birthday taking Remember on a hike to see waterfalls. But do you see the back of Remember's ponytail? That's a plastic hair rat nest and the doll is only days old. Uh-oh. Princess Fierce was not happy with how fast her hair was tangling.<br />
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A quick turn to the Interwebs and I found a solution. A wig brush and a mist of water. Whatever you do don't dare touch their tresses with the plastic toy brushes sold with the dolls. We headed off to our local Sally's Beauty Supply to score an inexpensive <a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/Mini-Looper-Brush/SBS-284851,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH">wig brush</a>. Only $3.99. A quick mist with water and strokes of the right brush and Remember's hair was smooth and ready for a braid. <br />
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But this post is not about how to brush a doll's hair. Nope, this is about a bigger problem.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_cgjBvcvTBRPTuushL3sylqLn3UwWHQoUk53qqIGoFafl7woaGuFNGgFbddHFx_CIlLAt4_RXRsM7eBAd7kQJtc8PtpaDrgwkWTiQrvs5BK5bIANxMDwFH7Y77pK37vM0TgcLSjX-vw/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_cgjBvcvTBRPTuushL3sylqLn3UwWHQoUk53qqIGoFafl7woaGuFNGgFbddHFx_CIlLAt4_RXRsM7eBAd7kQJtc8PtpaDrgwkWTiQrvs5BK5bIANxMDwFH7Y77pK37vM0TgcLSjX-vw/s640/IMG_1256.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">My own daughter's hair. This is what I'm dealing with when Princess Fierce wakes up. And guess what? She HATES me brushing her hair. She also hates brushing it herself. She also is not a fan of headbands or barrettes and will tolerate a pony tail on rare occasions. Rare! So this means daily we battle over just trying to brush her hair. Regarding style, it just hangs free and wild...like her spirit. I will even confess some days I don't have the fight in me so we just skip brushing and this is her hair for the entire day. Bad mommy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJanjtbAk3wElHOS4KfM9wEqyOdmY3g1s-ozgwjFsgfqGoIvSfLeEDSgfHUXavI0axKRqZN5burfFX9qDYwjG3vzvDLEViTF3Rr81A-rOGprbRH_sOS4zGEZTzUnkd8vT16M5ShmWpgmY/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJanjtbAk3wElHOS4KfM9wEqyOdmY3g1s-ozgwjFsgfqGoIvSfLeEDSgfHUXavI0axKRqZN5burfFX9qDYwjG3vzvDLEViTF3Rr81A-rOGprbRH_sOS4zGEZTzUnkd8vT16M5ShmWpgmY/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">But then this brush entered our lives this week and it never would've happened without that trip to the American Girl store. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAV8T5OH8sCISrhYh7BX_3YnYO-xKocKMt3730zFjW9FcYinvvP7sghv4taazs0VoQuQH98HxMbzp1cJUiZK7Ge1serX44iLPT_5OOT-iT3UIwyd2KLSyFeR263pkoNYKNvItM-gSeiI/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAV8T5OH8sCISrhYh7BX_3YnYO-xKocKMt3730zFjW9FcYinvvP7sghv4taazs0VoQuQH98HxMbzp1cJUiZK7Ge1serX44iLPT_5OOT-iT3UIwyd2KLSyFeR263pkoNYKNvItM-gSeiI/s640/IMG_1261.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And this brush, made for wigs, glides through fine little girl tangles!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YDFFqMZkZCy5O68DQRTLPiyoKk0zIXnYETFUYO-e0E-te5n1aRWFkFATxFSsb971XOw_ypXxqW8rRiJEYMW763F60dqTCD3XJUpS_exfAS2nj6PwL4lRqYEwE6aMbRkIZIae4dH3_jc/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YDFFqMZkZCy5O68DQRTLPiyoKk0zIXnYETFUYO-e0E-te5n1aRWFkFATxFSsb971XOw_ypXxqW8rRiJEYMW763F60dqTCD3XJUpS_exfAS2nj6PwL4lRqYEwE6aMbRkIZIae4dH3_jc/s640/IMG_1259.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Not only does she now brush her own hair willingly she even allows me to use this brush. She exclaims that it does not pull or hurt! I'm not sure how this works. Must have something to do with the way the bristles are loops.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTMIw9gZA19m3qNWIcdORv-cvGlvstKa2YqQQ-xo_85IgaiS8qpH7X_V6fVZ2k8TgzuH9EhJBguT6NmkjL0r1y_VPXJ4GW2eATW1RpV8GUP9z4575aioFopQI8KwpN2HJ4rqyIM4ptqU/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTMIw9gZA19m3qNWIcdORv-cvGlvstKa2YqQQ-xo_85IgaiS8qpH7X_V6fVZ2k8TgzuH9EhJBguT6NmkjL0r1y_VPXJ4GW2eATW1RpV8GUP9z4575aioFopQI8KwpN2HJ4rqyIM4ptqU/s640/IMG_1262.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">From tangled mess to smooth tress in seconds. My 10yo son who sports long hair like a 1970s surfer also says this brush is much better than our normal ones. I went back to Sally's and bought another for the kids' bathroom so they won't have to steal the doll's brush everyday. <br />
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If you too have a child that hates the morning hair brush give this a try. I'd love to hear if it works for you too. <br />
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And since I don't normally post about hair but have you here I wanted to share one more thing...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-ZAurGCr-jhwvinDCt4poRCdVEBGG4KPkhS93DDmXVdshZFyJ61EiHjqWWRpds1Ws1o7aJyrvu33gSGI7tDPg_UQEu9AXBRR1JZJQrb0E8y508oqzgl-JWRdaZFCV03xX_no44nwMHk/s1600/hair.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-ZAurGCr-jhwvinDCt4poRCdVEBGG4KPkhS93DDmXVdshZFyJ61EiHjqWWRpds1Ws1o7aJyrvu33gSGI7tDPg_UQEu9AXBRR1JZJQrb0E8y508oqzgl-JWRdaZFCV03xX_no44nwMHk/s640/hair.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I found this <a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/2011/07/hair-tutorial-no-heat-curl.html">great post on no heat curls</a>! What? Yes, it's true. </span><span style="font-size: small;">You can curl your hair without heat or sleeping on rollers. Princess Fierce wanted to try and this is a big step as you can imagine after how I described her lack of hair stylings. It was very easy to wrap her hair around the hair band. And that alone looked like a super cute style. She liked it because it wasn't tight and kept her hair back. In the morning she had CURLS! Almost too many curls. Princess didn't like the bounce by her face so I simply twisted it back and secured it loosely with a barrette. The style was classic and lasted all day long. Check out Paper Mama's site for the how to. She's my new blog crush for all things photo, life and hair. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-26658483254769034332011-09-16T12:08:00.003-04:002011-10-01T21:54:05.333-04:00Custom Ribbons for Pennies<span style="font-size: small;">My neighbor and I volunteered to handle the neighborhood Independence Day parade and picnic this year. One of the items handed out at each parade is a ribbon for the parade participants. In the past these have been purchased from the dollar or party stores at around a dollar a piece. I thought I could surely beat that cost.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLW7gbKYHwcLo-3HXO8Woa0DnRJlfgzYcou6XYPshtgUqrtcOid6AnHF9glzNe0SGwWCSmUDl5V-L0izBQ3ebjBLL41fjWhL_F0zdThQYPjps2Zg_UI5h4rRjqBI2iYsdxg0wfbHRHlU/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLW7gbKYHwcLo-3HXO8Woa0DnRJlfgzYcou6XYPshtgUqrtcOid6AnHF9glzNe0SGwWCSmUDl5V-L0izBQ3ebjBLL41fjWhL_F0zdThQYPjps2Zg_UI5h4rRjqBI2iYsdxg0wfbHRHlU/s640/IMG_0109.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I made these for pennies a piece. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCHm5RmSgN34CNZbtqCiorlK7fJBHD4uvHAMxLgL_tTqWzSPXqUSUpZL2bY7dNw8Pq0x5GRh6TLwFlcwMUOcRIho4qd7IDFzb8v8hTB_eYR4_lu6Dr7md2YPe9WMs1qbRYQ5UYxEyxgk/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCHm5RmSgN34CNZbtqCiorlK7fJBHD4uvHAMxLgL_tTqWzSPXqUSUpZL2bY7dNw8Pq0x5GRh6TLwFlcwMUOcRIho4qd7IDFzb8v8hTB_eYR4_lu6Dr7md2YPe9WMs1qbRYQ5UYxEyxgk/s640/IMG_0112.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And the best part is mine could be worn by the parade participants and not just looped on to the handle bars of their decorated bikes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcGcSZM3IS4ZJbV79z0fA3HZFLsh4xXlz0kFVcHsk4aKSX7feVsMI6o_VZZb0xL8x7v59zjCyYTeZsdT2l8fLjYGDxIoet-3LqF23vYQ1aiJSpREdOaOjDxyvH1m3joWU_iXG_ga9M0E/s1600/DSC07476.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcGcSZM3IS4ZJbV79z0fA3HZFLsh4xXlz0kFVcHsk4aKSX7feVsMI6o_VZZb0xL8x7v59zjCyYTeZsdT2l8fLjYGDxIoet-3LqF23vYQ1aiJSpREdOaOjDxyvH1m3joWU_iXG_ga9M0E/s640/DSC07476.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, I was very busy that day and didn't take any pictures after the parade and the ribbons were handed out. This is the only shot I could find with someone wearing a ribbon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">These ribbons were fast and easy to make and I decided they would also be my new method for creating birthday ribbons for my kiddos. In the past I've actually shelled out almost four dollars for one ribbon for their special day. No more. To start I made one for the Great Grandma Gene's birthday and here's the step by step on how you can make one for pennies too.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGyjI0Fo5nCl-00H5kcYFdru_UrFbP5MGbVFjpd_pnhvMKjU8xwsCiwG-y99SighqqG8CcHNcFSozYX01uxCgHv0I32J77qPocdHmk6LZFuwnazfdn4TPD-00E-4HnBqnXPLrUmLzADw/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGyjI0Fo5nCl-00H5kcYFdru_UrFbP5MGbVFjpd_pnhvMKjU8xwsCiwG-y99SighqqG8CcHNcFSozYX01uxCgHv0I32J77qPocdHmk6LZFuwnazfdn4TPD-00E-4HnBqnXPLrUmLzADw/s640/IMG_0118.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here's all you need: small piece of felt, pin back, 1.5" wide ribbon (6" per ribbon), 5/8" wide ribbon (24" per ribbon), paper in coordinating colors for ribbon. Do not use wire ribbon. I made this mistake with my first ones. While they look great at first, after being worn the wire begins to move with the person...and stay that way. However, they were easily straightened out at the end of the day. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp1dqAsB5E7D5uPOQWpJ6FU1UTdH5HZ5ufDftclCm0sMLEehhRkdAEJwxxkUMl0UgwoaQr_Hci_4hTZF6FEgn2Kp8X9H2bkoUPOLn_lXIX48BYGocmBkueYOBWn5UPbxcD79ZZTePUEA/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp1dqAsB5E7D5uPOQWpJ6FU1UTdH5HZ5ufDftclCm0sMLEehhRkdAEJwxxkUMl0UgwoaQr_Hci_4hTZF6FEgn2Kp8X9H2bkoUPOLn_lXIX48BYGocmBkueYOBWn5UPbxcD79ZZTePUEA/s640/IMG_0126.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">You'll need a design for your ribbon. I created this one from googling bird clipart and then adding the text in Photoshop. My design circle is about 1.8" in diameter. I printed it in brown on blue scrapbook paper to match the ribbon. For my original Fourth of July ribbons I used pre-printed foam circles that were on sale at Hobby Lobby to create my main image.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_axX8URQhgD3Cs1uh8DY6NLHDJnld3hRrshGaiRFETgmESHZWzOxj9kQAKXNySEbdC64L93rJVJgwRA8ssuZ8urUsmEQdHadJXecVHrK0hq5JtfgQNtPs6nYUEUKQzu8PFJkBzaSjYQ/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_axX8URQhgD3Cs1uh8DY6NLHDJnld3hRrshGaiRFETgmESHZWzOxj9kQAKXNySEbdC64L93rJVJgwRA8ssuZ8urUsmEQdHadJXecVHrK0hq5JtfgQNtPs6nYUEUKQzu8PFJkBzaSjYQ/s640/IMG_0136.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">For the second slightly larger accent circle I was originally planning to use scrapbook paper again, like I did for the Fourth ribbons. But instead I opted for an even less expensive option. PAINT CHIPS! They're free and come in a bevy of colors. I tried printing directly on the paint chips for the first circle too but my inkjet did not react well to the papers. Perhaps you can have better luck or if you're artistic you could even draw your own art directly on the paint chips. The second circle should be about 2" in diameter. I really, really wish I had those cool large circle punches to make these. <br />
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Glue the design to the center of the larger circle. You can do this step now or you can wait until after to make sure your design circle is perfectly straight. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2ekUNSQDJyMoRmffmEwB5E5ic_4q594a6B2tT0XtP0J6VgyB0OAEdYiQy343U7hgYHooe-4ng6h_NhySflE7_LCghf-omrReIxGBKCz6WhugRjL22ZjQ0cMQpntN-oOsDNIRlpqQac/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2ekUNSQDJyMoRmffmEwB5E5ic_4q594a6B2tT0XtP0J6VgyB0OAEdYiQy343U7hgYHooe-4ng6h_NhySflE7_LCghf-omrReIxGBKCz6WhugRjL22ZjQ0cMQpntN-oOsDNIRlpqQac/s640/IMG_0131.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Cut one 6" piece of your wide ribbon and four (not the three I have pictured) 6" lengths of your 5/8" ribbon. I buy my ribbon when Hobby Lobby has their 50% off all ribbon sales; which is all but one week a year. Take the wide ribbon and fold it in half lengthwise then cut at an angle from the bottom corner to the center to create the inverted V shape at the bottom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Next with a match or lighter use move the flame close to the V you have cut to seal the edges and prevent fraying. This is only necessary on the V cut to the large ribbon. The ends of the smaller ribbons will be glued down. *note you do not want the flame to actually touch the ribbon, the heat is sufficient. Sorry I don't have a pic of this step. I lack that third arm.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy0m50ThKc0vZyKztmv0zujHRgNa4PH4DMjSU7VsMu4C_ed5fFW5wk7LU2otgGTKI9k2PPuTe20LQunQ_VlFe3rcvKqGGuzznulbK0KXzUSo3z-5zmVU1AjI499WV2H2EepRHxpNeIPw/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy0m50ThKc0vZyKztmv0zujHRgNa4PH4DMjSU7VsMu4C_ed5fFW5wk7LU2otgGTKI9k2PPuTe20LQunQ_VlFe3rcvKqGGuzznulbK0KXzUSo3z-5zmVU1AjI499WV2H2EepRHxpNeIPw/s640/IMG_0137.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Before gluing know this is what we're after. Plug in the glue gun and get ready.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_3-AraMUd46JegBSi4X1PslEnGMr9zt0E0TRQW-J4179rZ9IIcuIZuBH6HQUWEGRFyYlJJhDYFx4qtOIssFiHLvjYlJn2U5elsPuxZ-yPtZZryFwVjTMlh8kocPLKGAYKkJR0FZwhL8/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_3-AraMUd46JegBSi4X1PslEnGMr9zt0E0TRQW-J4179rZ9IIcuIZuBH6HQUWEGRFyYlJJhDYFx4qtOIssFiHLvjYlJn2U5elsPuxZ-yPtZZryFwVjTMlh8kocPLKGAYKkJR0FZwhL8/s640/IMG_0138.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Place the circle face down and begin gluing the four strips on with hot glue. I begin with one straight then the next one perpendicular. Continue until all four strips are attached. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAxq_PaEbAM5NomFaCr_pq4HM0AeXS0An7omseRAEbAEEOsVW71wCQHNgesReoF6x13qiKURgsbsl8Wcdtll5dqlk9sOm2xi_At3JZFlQfpHv7iaHGffTVteVf1Ul8fwG5kr2evUAJx0/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAxq_PaEbAM5NomFaCr_pq4HM0AeXS0An7omseRAEbAEEOsVW71wCQHNgesReoF6x13qiKURgsbsl8Wcdtll5dqlk9sOm2xi_At3JZFlQfpHv7iaHGffTVteVf1Ul8fwG5kr2evUAJx0/s640/IMG_0139.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Once all strips are glued down add a small bit of hot glue and one at a time fold down the ribbon toward the center. Might want to use a pen or pencil to push the ribbon into the hot glue and avoid burns. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52Hn9FtVc0Ea-QOzFvVWMbn2JJ9YYI1vCaK7m5h0zRcVMD49WtHtrVHkEPZ5ZsvyUhb9UChhjehSR0fb8EzrDYT1SIH8ZL5smyNTWFMbWol9nqaSXr4O6u7WnWDahyK7rxvIzALm-kj8/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52Hn9FtVc0Ea-QOzFvVWMbn2JJ9YYI1vCaK7m5h0zRcVMD49WtHtrVHkEPZ5ZsvyUhb9UChhjehSR0fb8EzrDYT1SIH8ZL5smyNTWFMbWol9nqaSXr4O6u7WnWDahyK7rxvIzALm-kj8/s640/IMG_0140.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Continue gluing and folding paying attention that your folding each one in the same approximate distance. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM_ZHLuvNvcmMOVc9EtcdqT1tRt_2LQok3UWrk3YO349yJtMRe1wFW59PZRKpZkSApGjjWULHSDnX2oI9xmzd8xvjV6cdtWCIpplhFl3ytqC1zs18fhZ9B9ReJ08x4Wpaj2DmquFCuQ0/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM_ZHLuvNvcmMOVc9EtcdqT1tRt_2LQok3UWrk3YO349yJtMRe1wFW59PZRKpZkSApGjjWULHSDnX2oI9xmzd8xvjV6cdtWCIpplhFl3ytqC1zs18fhZ9B9ReJ08x4Wpaj2DmquFCuQ0/s640/IMG_0141.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now add a big dollop of glue and attach the wide ribbon.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ1aH_thomJVojzb74NWtp8cdijfToV24GEc_F_1seYva0z6uT8UpqP4xz_67r-8E3TYDrVU_F1nJc06bDfQHcQub2Pp5hFoYAiMuIhU6ONyE5vOGmF5J_CGctFe1YP25CNQMuACvm1A/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ1aH_thomJVojzb74NWtp8cdijfToV24GEc_F_1seYva0z6uT8UpqP4xz_67r-8E3TYDrVU_F1nJc06bDfQHcQub2Pp5hFoYAiMuIhU6ONyE5vOGmF5J_CGctFe1YP25CNQMuACvm1A/s640/IMG_0142.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">If you already have the main design image attached to the larger front circle be sure to look at the other side and make sure your ribbon is straight to the design.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF7utpszlt0AVo0hso-ZNUCktuyR1Dq71AXYrsbTweyaDphzaHlZaQ-HedNH_TbmSK8FrhZmEsiH1ziPo-iyWZMNZc9buT32CE2d5dhmPCSMMqRLkqsUO04aNeoMvbRtqN99p9zgRnjs/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF7utpszlt0AVo0hso-ZNUCktuyR1Dq71AXYrsbTweyaDphzaHlZaQ-HedNH_TbmSK8FrhZmEsiH1ziPo-iyWZMNZc9buT32CE2d5dhmPCSMMqRLkqsUO04aNeoMvbRtqN99p9zgRnjs/s640/IMG_0143.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Glue on a small circle of felt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJTyf4GlP6ht5H41c5vUzMv3jK_VFrofZ-vARqPHLLS17WV0CwLz7NqbmPVPJ_IUIbWzu7NY_zJG4ufS2H9i2li6cOnYwGk4KXo83azkygQjAuTJ9WTgNMSCQhrTlFHbuFvIOOayMxI0/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJTyf4GlP6ht5H41c5vUzMv3jK_VFrofZ-vARqPHLLS17WV0CwLz7NqbmPVPJ_IUIbWzu7NY_zJG4ufS2H9i2li6cOnYwGk4KXo83azkygQjAuTJ9WTgNMSCQhrTlFHbuFvIOOayMxI0/s640/IMG_0144.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Add pin back. Or you could attach a magnet. Or narrow ribbon if you wan to tie this on to something. Could also glue on a narrow loop of ribbon to allow for hanging. Whatever your purpose.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3nLoZpQR5DcRrr75ynuxvaFeuSPazVSdjde-CSw7HQDKiOOd0cq5hiZbw8Y_nJ1zNvHanjDxWmaaw_y4x9iiJp-M6FqhSMXDyjhD_HGQ15F1eJXbdYWZWkdcJRDwxLU7f8-bDR4hW8k/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3nLoZpQR5DcRrr75ynuxvaFeuSPazVSdjde-CSw7HQDKiOOd0cq5hiZbw8Y_nJ1zNvHanjDxWmaaw_y4x9iiJp-M6FqhSMXDyjhD_HGQ15F1eJXbdYWZWkdcJRDwxLU7f8-bDR4hW8k/s640/IMG_0147.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>Great Grandma Gene's completed birthday ribbon in her favorite colors with her favorite birds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg2RwPEQq6AHIuOtkfCvhFh9-BDydUfKK-_cl8dom2WVB4WuVStJb2t7_IRTbvOO_bN92qDZpmFa-bClBb9x6h9P82lC2aiMLQbEPZjA9gRJd22rDL66bXYQ_fKMFEHZJhfa_y8eqyUI/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg2RwPEQq6AHIuOtkfCvhFh9-BDydUfKK-_cl8dom2WVB4WuVStJb2t7_IRTbvOO_bN92qDZpmFa-bClBb9x6h9P82lC2aiMLQbEPZjA9gRJd22rDL66bXYQ_fKMFEHZJhfa_y8eqyUI/s640/IMG_0152.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And here's the beautiful Gene wearing her ribbon and opening one of her largest presents. A box decorated completely in pictures of blue birds by my 5yo daughter. But what on earth could be in this box....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oj2RsEn_Z_aAil6DEF1eQzrBz2PlJxWNiB2ejlFI1g5stUTPuRVsV8RvKfAyYycvk5395lgZaAcSYhiSwmey1oT9aHV9nv-0beBEA9hqwK_JfR_llzrFOV5jzdS_pr8uDNoThfYK7oY/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oj2RsEn_Z_aAil6DEF1eQzrBz2PlJxWNiB2ejlFI1g5stUTPuRVsV8RvKfAyYycvk5395lgZaAcSYhiSwmey1oT9aHV9nv-0beBEA9hqwK_JfR_llzrFOV5jzdS_pr8uDNoThfYK7oY/s640/IMG_0154.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> ...that would be Princess Fierce! She said she didn't know what to give Grandma Gene so she was going to wrap herself up and be the present. She also gave her coupons for unlimited hugs and kisses. Happy Birthday, Great Grandma Gene!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlJCtat0Eh7aV-6BX0BYOC6FQoz1JI8uTw9FbC9GxvZcKEV_kazxX6eGz0y9FB91tSidFzHsKF2NWJ37cMmiID-NoyPpA2vSEKIhVV1iNwiudnryvyRfkTFDTgpTUC31Y-zam_mf84Mo/s1600/IMG_0854.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlJCtat0Eh7aV-6BX0BYOC6FQoz1JI8uTw9FbC9GxvZcKEV_kazxX6eGz0y9FB91tSidFzHsKF2NWJ37cMmiID-NoyPpA2vSEKIhVV1iNwiudnryvyRfkTFDTgpTUC31Y-zam_mf84Mo/s640/IMG_0854.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the ribbon I made for Princess Fierce's Rainbow Brite themed sixth birthday. The design was made from images off the web and adding my own text. Again the red contrast circle is a free paint chip. For this one I couldn't find the right 5/8" width ribbon so I used 3/8" and just doubled it to eight 6" strips.</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-44173450169062013612011-09-02T12:32:00.001-04:002011-09-02T12:43:33.409-04:00Boba Fett Pizza and Darth Vader Brownies<span style="font-size: small;">I'm woefully behind on blog postings. I have photos upon photos taunting me to publish them with black and white words surrounding them on this blog but alas that part of blogging takes time I've not been giving it. Many things seem out of place to post after such a long time and give me more hesitation. Then last night I had an epiphany that I shouldn't care! I should just share. If it's a Christmas post in July so be it. After all don't we often find blogs and scroll through them out of time? And with the beauty that is <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #990000;">Pinterest</a> we can now pin those things we want to recall in the proper season. Are you a Pinterest addict? I'm in love. You can see my pins <a href="http://pinterest.com/booturtle/">here</a> and if you need an invitation to join the fun send me a message. <br />
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So without further ado I'll get the ball rolling with the Star Wars Day, May the Fourth Be with You! This one seems mildly appropriate to post today since my city is a buzz with DragonCon this weekend. I first became aware of Star Wars day only last year thanks to facebook.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QYkwdaPYx-k4LIYExMdMyyNvmO3kS89u_ibUrWbg0aOt1Dw6Hxx1ZwH-Cn_sxQWXPlrOaH9SpJ8E62Ek24NNTpNzcPdGJ-SgBfjWdctkraHNYhkeuVNJTTCnf_L1rEBJKGf30FC3tPo/s1600/DSC00671.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QYkwdaPYx-k4LIYExMdMyyNvmO3kS89u_ibUrWbg0aOt1Dw6Hxx1ZwH-Cn_sxQWXPlrOaH9SpJ8E62Ek24NNTpNzcPdGJ-SgBfjWdctkraHNYhkeuVNJTTCnf_L1rEBJKGf30FC3tPo/s640/DSC00671.JPG" width="550" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">In 2010 I whipped up a Han Solo in white chocolate carbonite, three Yoda colored vanilla lollipops and a large Darth Vader shaped rice crispy treat. Darth isn't chocolate rice crispies. He's the regular with added food coloring for the dark lord. This year I couldn't repeat my goodies so I decide to use my Vader pan to make brownies!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtyU-nq214QjG00dDlvYQxdmUwzHU1RhJ28TF_cTC0f5ReSNax1Kpu7nIyqTEmHTux5s8yc-sCupPjyl_XzznAzEmGf-gxpF9pMDsVbHAjd5HLjtzXwjfYCc5bshrcAiUtqpfu8L69og/s1600/DSC06901.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtyU-nq214QjG00dDlvYQxdmUwzHU1RhJ28TF_cTC0f5ReSNax1Kpu7nIyqTEmHTux5s8yc-sCupPjyl_XzznAzEmGf-gxpF9pMDsVbHAjd5HLjtzXwjfYCc5bshrcAiUtqpfu8L69og/s640/DSC06901.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But not any brownies, Double Choclate Oreo Brownies! If we're going on the dark side we need to go all the way. I gathered the above ingredients and got cracking.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcxMlX5dniDhn_BXPFkzX5ii9jnW7SUNDx41wUOMSlx9ymT2rAC-3F4nnpsCQay0ahDKKzmtWnl5QoQ0nINPaJEsyKUYq6zfAZiGOCUw4Vzk9ht2p3CbDoF2_Ygpf9NN5K6n7v_Jj_ZQ/s1600/DSC06906.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcxMlX5dniDhn_BXPFkzX5ii9jnW7SUNDx41wUOMSlx9ymT2rAC-3F4nnpsCQay0ahDKKzmtWnl5QoQ0nINPaJEsyKUYq6zfAZiGOCUw4Vzk9ht2p3CbDoF2_Ygpf9NN5K6n7v_Jj_ZQ/s640/DSC06906.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">First two eggs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wV6zIl4nJdNqB9Vq2UM8SxOPShDpmX05dqHZMBa2A7WrF7k5awMH1ewglqulY7lrzD8m89xwJtpfE2JmHCQcgo9omKshwitLfKjNnv5iIgAUi-xSXmF3pDEfEx_xlluODkO1mgKuqmQ/s1600/DSC06910.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wV6zIl4nJdNqB9Vq2UM8SxOPShDpmX05dqHZMBa2A7WrF7k5awMH1ewglqulY7lrzD8m89xwJtpfE2JmHCQcgo9omKshwitLfKjNnv5iIgAUi-xSXmF3pDEfEx_xlluODkO1mgKuqmQ/s640/DSC06910.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Add the oil and water and mix.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jCojBYZ-GawriuCYeyfJFObed7lnfG6cVhTFUvAIX-LnIC98993CAX2KXuTFiImxaPGfsexnyyEDBrWs0TpPVkvBkVKzw-UrKKoa_p5z0KzErVEawVPkq3G9bNOpH6YBNnAf1x60KBU/s1600/DSC06919.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jCojBYZ-GawriuCYeyfJFObed7lnfG6cVhTFUvAIX-LnIC98993CAX2KXuTFiImxaPGfsexnyyEDBrWs0TpPVkvBkVKzw-UrKKoa_p5z0KzErVEawVPkq3G9bNOpH6YBNnAf1x60KBU/s640/DSC06919.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fnd a special helper to stir the mix into the wet ingredients. Do not overmix brownies, this cannot be stated enough. You just want everything wet, not smooth.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ37fGWm1RiY8wZEZH55Ts9imYX0s8-4yekSqto8ORfwUE60VrsNTEC0uEmzP1A0RtebQoHhyphenhyphennTLqqrkUzPtZltJHwhJhkQnl0wvghgBtYs-uNNrCnU0mo4vUvDyZU8HKyl8AUiaoQ288/s1600/DSC06914.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ37fGWm1RiY8wZEZH55Ts9imYX0s8-4yekSqto8ORfwUE60VrsNTEC0uEmzP1A0RtebQoHhyphenhyphennTLqqrkUzPtZltJHwhJhkQnl0wvghgBtYs-uNNrCnU0mo4vUvDyZU8HKyl8AUiaoQ288/s640/DSC06914.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I break up about half a package of Oreos in my mini chopper until I have a good mix of chunks and crumbs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35SnxqwKo_wGAfpuST1sBZixrtn2AmRDkCrcvfw6jbljWcsUfxHhTbAcreZQUu27ASMufantr7MYTvbtaHz2pqzFFExSI8zRM1rZVBOMXq5oNrcFBT7RAYe18Sq3rmUbBZmGPbcvEAG8/s1600/DSC06920.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35SnxqwKo_wGAfpuST1sBZixrtn2AmRDkCrcvfw6jbljWcsUfxHhTbAcreZQUu27ASMufantr7MYTvbtaHz2pqzFFExSI8zRM1rZVBOMXq5oNrcFBT7RAYe18Sq3rmUbBZmGPbcvEAG8/s640/DSC06920.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Have your assistant pour in the Oreos while you take pictures...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjjyfDSYhlYVBy8SZdFtoEy_BNEN5DdSyaZpHDRJceZ567bQM5QsWgN8-0yy0t2CKIpJLv-zfH0fgwW-XiXbRtuxnT8lAaj-gmKdxncOAcvWRZLnPjrnV1CPgRgs08Zl0tR8TDzg6zSk/s1600/DSC06921.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjjyfDSYhlYVBy8SZdFtoEy_BNEN5DdSyaZpHDRJceZ567bQM5QsWgN8-0yy0t2CKIpJLv-zfH0fgwW-XiXbRtuxnT8lAaj-gmKdxncOAcvWRZLnPjrnV1CPgRgs08Zl0tR8TDzg6zSk/s640/DSC06921.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...and give them another stir just until combined. If your batter's not lumpy, you're doing it wrong.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7Ktd409sC2KqHDpxvle0xnrokMjbe2_dPGM0T7TdE000WkKlDJk4XSOlj3ok6nREFItFvTfRhLlRj96Vc5pYVqCOk-BTV4DDfe_s92A2ysXpP-2cpby7OqZgPzrdbLIxgawW5Ylg_y8/s1600/DSC06923.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7Ktd409sC2KqHDpxvle0xnrokMjbe2_dPGM0T7TdE000WkKlDJk4XSOlj3ok6nREFItFvTfRhLlRj96Vc5pYVqCOk-BTV4DDfe_s92A2ysXpP-2cpby7OqZgPzrdbLIxgawW5Ylg_y8/s640/DSC06923.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Into the Vader pan and bake...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjoz-6vn3VOUYg2o0rXyOQUki0kHXM9l6nQLzxMn-VyWu75RKAgtntpdqIJnQhoT8-upNn7ZQcg2yla4qSX1tnx5dgr1ZYdFuASQyT7lbjZCL0ZTuEMXEhYfl2eeDxtPuli4ZTDJ5lrs/s1600/DSC06928.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjoz-6vn3VOUYg2o0rXyOQUki0kHXM9l6nQLzxMn-VyWu75RKAgtntpdqIJnQhoT8-upNn7ZQcg2yla4qSX1tnx5dgr1ZYdFuASQyT7lbjZCL0ZTuEMXEhYfl2eeDxtPuli4ZTDJ5lrs/s640/DSC06928.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...until done.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuzwbn0r5CV4hrD-hgm8NPrBamnr6mTIj75e_Me8sfCengr6e6WJINZXmxEfag6nNqgtyyMcBpqEPOBSW4NKqETcWEGjyx7ycRBam19iLBrBMH7_hsBk7ag_7o75P7kMbOr54aSOoh5o/s1600/DSC06937.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuzwbn0r5CV4hrD-hgm8NPrBamnr6mTIj75e_Me8sfCengr6e6WJINZXmxEfag6nNqgtyyMcBpqEPOBSW4NKqETcWEGjyx7ycRBam19iLBrBMH7_hsBk7ag_7o75P7kMbOr54aSOoh5o/s640/DSC06937.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Let cool.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8pFEuuh53dXtw-e2-B5aT5mpukZCB9kr4daurYNXiXGxXAClOunfXb_M_eim42IKFgx-hgGThmCilknSS9We1gU7Uop0VpngVhR35oCKANdqRR2OHyFjm9v-CsqbEt-1HjO3Qo5lEy8/s1600/DSC06956.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8pFEuuh53dXtw-e2-B5aT5mpukZCB9kr4daurYNXiXGxXAClOunfXb_M_eim42IKFgx-hgGThmCilknSS9We1gU7Uop0VpngVhR35oCKANdqRR2OHyFjm9v-CsqbEt-1HjO3Qo5lEy8/s640/DSC06956.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Frost the details to add even more chocolatey goodness.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q4Z7IDlowuDtjnUFze0GRyGlWv-i-hiUzkHjgbQzHeEjwD26yqB44dAlcP5Zg4NeSY4zEuuH3q8FzhYz000KE6VRc5Gd_SXSjopjLO9y07hlpwWZARcfODkekEUvTldEB1TOcRwiwJg/s1600/DSC06965.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q4Z7IDlowuDtjnUFze0GRyGlWv-i-hiUzkHjgbQzHeEjwD26yqB44dAlcP5Zg4NeSY4zEuuH3q8FzhYz000KE6VRc5Gd_SXSjopjLO9y07hlpwWZARcfODkekEUvTldEB1TOcRwiwJg/s640/DSC06965.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But just brownies from the dark side did not seem like enough. I had to do something else. Something different. I had already planned on making pizza for dinner and had picked up a ball of dough from our local pizzeria. By the way, if you don't already know the beauty of homemade pizzas from local pizza shop dough, you need to. It's so much tastier to stop by the shop and buy their dough for a couple of dollars then ever use the mix in a pop can or box. And much faster than making your own from scratch to boot. Back to Star Wars pizza. While I was stretching the dough it occurred to me I could stretch it into the shape of Boba Fett's helmet!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiOOutvCwFzcziIpkokk5GCftYLZ3L3q2nTBCs7ehpuZnYqTfhPVhBlQzav-6-uVoFDJj85qFrfqHAGvfBnbkc_6us6rRu2djlepTLlaOtgVSnXXnsKNIevqePVVbtktu40RUYf-wBvE/s1600/DSC06924.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiOOutvCwFzcziIpkokk5GCftYLZ3L3q2nTBCs7ehpuZnYqTfhPVhBlQzav-6-uVoFDJj85qFrfqHAGvfBnbkc_6us6rRu2djlepTLlaOtgVSnXXnsKNIevqePVVbtktu40RUYf-wBvE/s640/DSC06924.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> With dough stretched I added red tomato sauce and green pesto to the appropriate places. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Now my kids are picky about their pizza. Scratch that. Thing One is. If all my kids were like Thing Two I could've created the look with black olives, spinach and red peppers. But instead I had to do it with only cheese.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_gs77UC5hA4zMm7sYd5ll8pLyZX2EDQ2GzkbbxqY3dnfm3mLfq-C1LxzckIRvVMiOdLaNZVRe6NG7-oN-Zci9Oo1eyHLOkCa2ZXUBF9hBU-XXdTkQtEIPOnWerTbG9k7GlO1cVNzV2I/s1600/DSC06958.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_gs77UC5hA4zMm7sYd5ll8pLyZX2EDQ2GzkbbxqY3dnfm3mLfq-C1LxzckIRvVMiOdLaNZVRe6NG7-oN-Zci9Oo1eyHLOkCa2ZXUBF9hBU-XXdTkQtEIPOnWerTbG9k7GlO1cVNzV2I/s640/DSC06958.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I added a few drops of food coloring to a baggie of cheese and it worked!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BrP6llNiC_vH5dH7h8Q4C8HhA8wLfiHGsjczoTDf1KfPqtIMctBy6LKsVnoCK2raqkOqBuMuDbXtB2qYfjuqP3vSeKBJwrf7l9lRoZngMCCmxSKT-sl8U9GmykigKN_E4BHeBgJKtHU/s1600/DSC06927.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BrP6llNiC_vH5dH7h8Q4C8HhA8wLfiHGsjczoTDf1KfPqtIMctBy6LKsVnoCK2raqkOqBuMuDbXtB2qYfjuqP3vSeKBJwrf7l9lRoZngMCCmxSKT-sl8U9GmykigKN_E4BHeBgJKtHU/s640/DSC06927.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I created green, red and black cheese with success.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA1wiXynXHcnQj2IGpeXIsvwP-IrAC0phszZut180_PR9Vel0b5KWNYINiGz5s5-2UKvCmfc49EjZDo8b6qxmI8c-NSQjLxQo19LrmbsZXiWSJdj5S2EuKtnuVQsyH05IMiBQ9r0WNFM/s1600/DSC06939.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA1wiXynXHcnQj2IGpeXIsvwP-IrAC0phszZut180_PR9Vel0b5KWNYINiGz5s5-2UKvCmfc49EjZDo8b6qxmI8c-NSQjLxQo19LrmbsZXiWSJdj5S2EuKtnuVQsyH05IMiBQ9r0WNFM/s640/DSC06939.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Out of the oven I think I have a fair representation of Boba Fett pizza. Sadly a friend later suggested I should've added feta and made Boba Feta Pizza. My kids love feta too! Next time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugVlDBzPp5qCVR5KHgVa_DxKGku3uwwHxMdirql3aGKVdRcB2DH96DCfbNcWuybyTgCKgMisb6Dmie9AiXHWoWDb-WhdKCDDSZdfzDfHsmwAGFKY4PtCLI3ZB_aeTdmEJlVl50QhW1-o/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugVlDBzPp5qCVR5KHgVa_DxKGku3uwwHxMdirql3aGKVdRcB2DH96DCfbNcWuybyTgCKgMisb6Dmie9AiXHWoWDb-WhdKCDDSZdfzDfHsmwAGFKY4PtCLI3ZB_aeTdmEJlVl50QhW1-o/s640/IMG_1305.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Early May wasn't too hot yet down here so the kids had been outside playing with friends during all this cooking and baking. They had no idea what I was up to and I was able to surprise them with their Star Wars dinner. Look at those happy faces!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSiJHCGsu0Fv_VEHdcBmVDibZNuVDPpwiOiCLJceVHd0aBx4L1UL8jx1j33SEvmrdj_UbXuEdPQ6AEAtY80rjm2ZC_hBdnGJSGEi4T6cXHDKETybmmv8tkWSJxGt1KW3TAf8rTxik0DQ/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSiJHCGsu0Fv_VEHdcBmVDibZNuVDPpwiOiCLJceVHd0aBx4L1UL8jx1j33SEvmrdj_UbXuEdPQ6AEAtY80rjm2ZC_hBdnGJSGEi4T6cXHDKETybmmv8tkWSJxGt1KW3TAf8rTxik0DQ/s640/IMG_1308.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">After pizza was consumed we walked the Vader Brownies down to the next door neighbor's house to share in the driveway with ten kids and five adults. Not only do I love Star Wars day fun, I love my neighborhod. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-21121007863414751142011-07-25T17:37:00.003-04:002011-07-25T18:41:34.074-04:00The Wizarding Week of Harry Potter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVX3wHl0sQNyO4JppSS_UZxdy0TiIF0K-AS5oYFXCsR62uHMx7g2HfikbDFyLoty05moQKmfN__Qthos2vOIsJYmAGpqVCOPZajyBoqEV6J4XZb7XXBMKP80tfRuE-DUlqSTVcu0S2M9s/s1600/DSC02202.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVX3wHl0sQNyO4JppSS_UZxdy0TiIF0K-AS5oYFXCsR62uHMx7g2HfikbDFyLoty05moQKmfN__Qthos2vOIsJYmAGpqVCOPZajyBoqEV6J4XZb7XXBMKP80tfRuE-DUlqSTVcu0S2M9s/s640/DSC02202.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My oldest son loves Harry Potter. This is him decked out in his Quidditch robe at Dragon*Con last year. He's loved Harry since he was barely two years old. His early affection can be blamed on HBO's constant running of The Sorcerer's Stone. It captivated him. We took him to see The Chamber of Secrets in the theater and it may very well have been his first movie theater experience. When Hagrid returns to the dining room cheers in the final scene my little boy stood up and cried because he knew the movie was ending.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBCeGKkJLetn-cNNvvRnwPFYKWMdM31mIJ1sQENdRZzVmjum86nvA7vRQZ7HwcG5YoSTAqg53-AG2jHCq2NFXOlpc-eT5ft-QsODC5tf1_fisXaIMIzaKIj2Ru-4H6wo9IKuspK6c-KA/s1600/DSC03374.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBCeGKkJLetn-cNNvvRnwPFYKWMdM31mIJ1sQENdRZzVmjum86nvA7vRQZ7HwcG5YoSTAqg53-AG2jHCq2NFXOlpc-eT5ft-QsODC5tf1_fisXaIMIzaKIj2Ru-4H6wo9IKuspK6c-KA/s640/DSC03374.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fast forward five years when Thing One is 8 years old he began reading the Harry Potter books. He had never seen any movies beyond those first two in all the years between. When he began the books his Harry Pottter love was reborn with an unquenching thirst. He voraciously read the books from the library. And soon wanted to own them all. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg8yH4f9NbCYxO-1N4NlDNo0pKE_4jw5R55kRERBPpRe_4GubpDRnHbeQFk89hdnwkVjqvGotbWOWZduESiC3Gv5hI5xn1dsPYbvIsNoMMlmXw_kjrvr83Vmg9fkDAERQbTLZGRmfO5c/s1600/books.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg8yH4f9NbCYxO-1N4NlDNo0pKE_4jw5R55kRERBPpRe_4GubpDRnHbeQFk89hdnwkVjqvGotbWOWZduESiC3Gv5hI5xn1dsPYbvIsNoMMlmXw_kjrvr83Vmg9fkDAERQbTLZGRmfO5c/s640/books.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here he is with one of his favorite birthday presents on his ninth birthday, the remaining six books he could keep. Once he had completed reading the series we rented the Prisoner of Azkabam through the Half-Blood Prince for him to watch. He already knew disappointment from a book converted to film but was satisfied with the adaptation of Harry Potter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The second Harry Potter Thing One ever saw in a movie theater was the first he actually remembers: The Deathly Hallows, Part One. He was over joyed and immediately a year long conversation began about seeing the final film. And during this year his Harry Potter love manifested in new ways.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoSRlI6tWrbPBXHIg8OaJJxDvwcBiIOupCMjjuYpVuCVSg0zPwO2Bta3cqZLQAhOIRP-AOVBwDc0FQbQnhLzZhdyvffCN5appcDHLlu2RIlvyATx8-sEj7WuXE-Ibac_SVpcuEqFc9vk/s1600/DSC08096.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoSRlI6tWrbPBXHIg8OaJJxDvwcBiIOupCMjjuYpVuCVSg0zPwO2Bta3cqZLQAhOIRP-AOVBwDc0FQbQnhLzZhdyvffCN5appcDHLlu2RIlvyATx8-sEj7WuXE-Ibac_SVpcuEqFc9vk/s640/DSC08096.JPG" width="550" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
His closet shrine for instance.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TPd8x8LVYZ36YySAZI-bN9fg71JIazo5FcNz0SV4OOlcKuzDKFSHHbDw8KagAs8zPS6XfM0JXxCllMsagLxS_56sMwL-MemcUrZUr3MwklHrIPbtOzggWZ2q2wJ1BgkYbmd1fpINelE/s1600/DSC08098.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TPd8x8LVYZ36YySAZI-bN9fg71JIazo5FcNz0SV4OOlcKuzDKFSHHbDw8KagAs8zPS6XfM0JXxCllMsagLxS_56sMwL-MemcUrZUr3MwklHrIPbtOzggWZ2q2wJ1BgkYbmd1fpINelE/s640/DSC08098.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">With a shelf dedicated to all thing Harry Potter.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuoQdOdRMSBTeEhmScL-P_Hm4YbRjBttOARnGbjGsfQBvnDMNDlxZ3cai0dM4wPz4yC5D52E03ks3nSnabP3457TjrSsIRRTqNCu6_zcpOvbk3Hk6IM2OiM-sOd69_iiL1vrAtUqMztA/s1600/DSC03612.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuoQdOdRMSBTeEhmScL-P_Hm4YbRjBttOARnGbjGsfQBvnDMNDlxZ3cai0dM4wPz4yC5D52E03ks3nSnabP3457TjrSsIRRTqNCu6_zcpOvbk3Hk6IM2OiM-sOd69_iiL1vrAtUqMztA/s640/DSC03612.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">His painted pumpkin for last Halloween was an homage to Harry Potter.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG7_7gy_imubAHMqw8dl5WzutqSbSwFKUJZcw8vkSiqbIeSZffdn3Zi1z21Q7TbqWIemtV_J1Q0PWIb5CC_h41w2aupZiQBOinUFIM6FHFHf63LAMV9ZBw1bYDoSRiqPFTEDaxb6PXXk/s1600/DSC03925.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG7_7gy_imubAHMqw8dl5WzutqSbSwFKUJZcw8vkSiqbIeSZffdn3Zi1z21Q7TbqWIemtV_J1Q0PWIb5CC_h41w2aupZiQBOinUFIM6FHFHf63LAMV9ZBw1bYDoSRiqPFTEDaxb6PXXk/s640/DSC03925.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">His Halloween costume last year even came with a request to cut his shaggy locks shorter and spray his hair dark.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfGJvFDg-BQmbvEHA0r0q50DfFibr415mjgAeVlO1bwkZ7WeWpd7SfrUx_cFpyFCgeNpEy_bP-9nceKt9Go8aHz6N0pS_v92GYbEDH6txNWxcwfarvuLFaApow9d8eQjPRfUYJbnb0yM/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfGJvFDg-BQmbvEHA0r0q50DfFibr415mjgAeVlO1bwkZ7WeWpd7SfrUx_cFpyFCgeNpEy_bP-9nceKt9Go8aHz6N0pS_v92GYbEDH6txNWxcwfarvuLFaApow9d8eQjPRfUYJbnb0yM/s640/IMG_2102.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And more recently our Museum of Natural History hosted a Wizards and Witches Weekend and he committed again to a costume as a Hogwarts student. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So as the date grew close for the end of Harry Potter in cinema we discussed the idea of a Harry Potter viewing party complete with Harry Potter snacks. I made a grave error in this discussion forgetting each film is approximately two and a half hours long. No one would come to a party to watch over 21 hours of videos. Oy! How would I tell my dear boy his party could not happen? Then I had another idea I pitched first to my man. A Wizarding Week of Harry Potter! We'd determine what day his father would be taking him to see the new movie then count back seven days and show one movie and serve one themed snack per day. My man was on board and I presented it to Thing One. He was sold! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well, today is the day my man takes my biggest little man to see the end of Harry Potter. I imagine this may be a tad bitttersweet for him but I'm glad to have wrapped the event around some fabulous memories. Here's how his Wizarding Week went....</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnSSiGzHwO40XXjAtDs6qnSvjQ5in38fXiCZErhFdWqrceJsSsKqAhtNIz34SF9SZN4CVdFVpjwzL51ZjjSvwUjBTCdnB_o-X55qjC2kQiqjzA4AAYzGUNS7PrtABEjXGpPNxhbZ-tbg/s1600/DSC07680.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnSSiGzHwO40XXjAtDs6qnSvjQ5in38fXiCZErhFdWqrceJsSsKqAhtNIz34SF9SZN4CVdFVpjwzL51ZjjSvwUjBTCdnB_o-X55qjC2kQiqjzA4AAYzGUNS7PrtABEjXGpPNxhbZ-tbg/s640/DSC07680.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day One: The Sorcerer's Stone and Chocolate Frogs</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSYjOv0g-E222bUxRTNodA-160egPknBa_JU0dztwjBzOwD8ryXDJMXUfdqbErf-otLYRVigHVoNkOnFuqqMPJ3OTrNyEHBITvLC8x6mEr3rHi8NqX0FfICQ_lboyf9On-N6eKO91u_0/s1600/DSC07668.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSYjOv0g-E222bUxRTNodA-160egPknBa_JU0dztwjBzOwD8ryXDJMXUfdqbErf-otLYRVigHVoNkOnFuqqMPJ3OTrNyEHBITvLC8x6mEr3rHi8NqX0FfICQ_lboyf9On-N6eKO91u_0/s640/DSC07668.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I bought a candy frog mold for only two dollars at my local cake decorating shop. They filled easy as you please. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6OvXPPTduxdWa5kYkm5R2v0eI4Xc2rVYNo-lGj2u6WBnnCbOapacOC2z_BWP3gX2BKJx1qHcwePeYW6nhA2KSZYCVT5CAi11YJm8aIhrx58I356nNvWd579TmdygK1L4BwXC8yLmvVA/s1600/DSC07676.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6OvXPPTduxdWa5kYkm5R2v0eI4Xc2rVYNo-lGj2u6WBnnCbOapacOC2z_BWP3gX2BKJx1qHcwePeYW6nhA2KSZYCVT5CAi11YJm8aIhrx58I356nNvWd579TmdygK1L4BwXC8yLmvVA/s640/DSC07676.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And in less than thirty minutes we had a plate full. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiW0Kkwbjxc3NsK1-4NDJdDoeATtz4XBKZT9MZ5BkLuEmxsOImn5IZHqQ7CjujeeZs6c7m7T2ZE95jxXh_s0IO6Fg6vIuUgXPtIaBiHAZbyxQ0CLKkqxXZK7uS8XCgymwbx6-u9DI76A/s1600/DSC07682.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiW0Kkwbjxc3NsK1-4NDJdDoeATtz4XBKZT9MZ5BkLuEmxsOImn5IZHqQ7CjujeeZs6c7m7T2ZE95jxXh_s0IO6Fg6vIuUgXPtIaBiHAZbyxQ0CLKkqxXZK7uS8XCgymwbx6-u9DI76A/s640/DSC07682.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Day one was a success!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3Dx2SQ_PiiQCPl8VeG8rMs7gyhlo5BeY0MB9tN_FokFJIt8QLM3mlkRDlGMpj2mrkmkUOrCf3cHolnqW4TWfwpphbpmS7SdlpIGBwofI7M81ZxkSAJpt9S6Ga2GgEJF1hQhHo564mi4/s1600/DSC07803.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3Dx2SQ_PiiQCPl8VeG8rMs7gyhlo5BeY0MB9tN_FokFJIt8QLM3mlkRDlGMpj2mrkmkUOrCf3cHolnqW4TWfwpphbpmS7SdlpIGBwofI7M81ZxkSAJpt9S6Ga2GgEJF1hQhHo564mi4/s640/DSC07803.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day Two: The Chamber of Secrets and Lemon Drops</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ESyY6CMFA-kuJ-Sy34fABNm5Z21veFRxNzC1pV-I1aCjJDrQlzyxuZKbmICLf4xuikcM0rLAEsxhvpiyrswUmY6XBQkyef_Z8gmU3OF6bPrJRfORbMhYuuqioNSW4jOvZdc6D6nycs/s1600/DSC07716.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ESyY6CMFA-kuJ-Sy34fABNm5Z21veFRxNzC1pV-I1aCjJDrQlzyxuZKbmICLf4xuikcM0rLAEsxhvpiyrswUmY6XBQkyef_Z8gmU3OF6bPrJRfORbMhYuuqioNSW4jOvZdc6D6nycs/s640/DSC07716.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I could've simply served the candies but that seemed too easy. Instead I also created a special Lemon Drop Soda the kids really enjoyed sipping during the movie. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWsjmaYnCmlyPg3caDpOSYjtO1OJrF9n8lIroWEdEDn8VSIIkp4zDfDOx5xH5LJ5WkjdNt1pkkcmM0KtIW6X2JIrVrEp4_PZrsmy7R_lEDClggaSKnnxAoiXkNSK9jM7h43gMLhqiq78/s1600/DSC07720.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWsjmaYnCmlyPg3caDpOSYjtO1OJrF9n8lIroWEdEDn8VSIIkp4zDfDOx5xH5LJ5WkjdNt1pkkcmM0KtIW6X2JIrVrEp4_PZrsmy7R_lEDClggaSKnnxAoiXkNSK9jM7h43gMLhqiq78/s640/DSC07720.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lemon Drop Soda</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">3 ounces Seltzer Water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1.5 ounces </span><span style="font-size: small;">Stirrings Lemon Drop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">.5 ounce Simple Syrup</span></li>
</ul><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions</span></b><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: small;">Combine all, stir, serve over ice.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxwxwrX_ipYVEFV31cvB1KV_M8OBp2yKzPz2lESYrDDABHrPE0jtNucHepqiKM-03Ez21Ll4uQ2UclumH-EEMC_1M9COMCjF9gT1Dp0UjNRbqM5EdZpIYCUrnP-NbNZ2TirOdmpDpAIY/s1600/DSC07786.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxwxwrX_ipYVEFV31cvB1KV_M8OBp2yKzPz2lESYrDDABHrPE0jtNucHepqiKM-03Ez21Ll4uQ2UclumH-EEMC_1M9COMCjF9gT1Dp0UjNRbqM5EdZpIYCUrnP-NbNZ2TirOdmpDpAIY/s640/DSC07786.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day Three: The Prisoner Azkabam and Butterbeer</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBDRbuI_Fm2LCbd57HRrS55CbOGha3x5JVlu6nYEA-0e2VCQIhkSsW0eHTOTS1AstzdvHS85Dbu8WrPDRGgwjaLLgxQIfCHHxthc0CHIgrUhrMLPT2yiHwEpHMTkFs1U1uS84Vm1Y4rY/s1600/DSC07752.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBDRbuI_Fm2LCbd57HRrS55CbOGha3x5JVlu6nYEA-0e2VCQIhkSsW0eHTOTS1AstzdvHS85Dbu8WrPDRGgwjaLLgxQIfCHHxthc0CHIgrUhrMLPT2yiHwEpHMTkFs1U1uS84Vm1Y4rY/s640/DSC07752.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">First step is to chill your glasses in the freezer. I'm so happy I held onto my childhood A&W mugs. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3Tcd-RpRK0DkzyNaq-U5KZyg_gRA9JJLGN2fpB4vc7qy9hM-Yad__dQTA-Yhu1ktCQsxUs-UPtgYxku380noM7na5NO_6idV4ErSYqfrHpaBzpGaE5Qg3qRg9FkAzrQTjDcsgCqC4sE/s1600/DSC07761.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3Tcd-RpRK0DkzyNaq-U5KZyg_gRA9JJLGN2fpB4vc7qy9hM-Yad__dQTA-Yhu1ktCQsxUs-UPtgYxku380noM7na5NO_6idV4ErSYqfrHpaBzpGaE5Qg3qRg9FkAzrQTjDcsgCqC4sE/s640/DSC07761.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Next assemble all the necessary ingredients. I used <a href="http://bakingdom.com/2010/11/butterbeer-oh-yes-friends-butterbeer.html">Bakingdom's recipe for Butterbeer</a>. I didn't change a thing. This stuff is tasty! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZVbn24N7kGgL_q46xcaxYIs1Y55u9D1A2ixdERG6mo5-bsLfHyRVVBzCUDBV1UkoOb1teuV1674-ioy5H-H6U3k2TTeMHI3AXlQcwBLSrE1KWjxtEES06ccIJDBprikqI2CVpS-oOw/s1600/DSC07762.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZVbn24N7kGgL_q46xcaxYIs1Y55u9D1A2ixdERG6mo5-bsLfHyRVVBzCUDBV1UkoOb1teuV1674-ioy5H-H6U3k2TTeMHI3AXlQcwBLSrE1KWjxtEES06ccIJDBprikqI2CVpS-oOw/s640/DSC07762.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The cream is essential to good butterbeer and this buttery cream is lick your finger good. Mmmmm.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvPkmMLEtuinvTlW_GTtPtreM4ZeNgmUf9_9uL5l_Gj5He2HL3I3nKCtPSt9eIbLbJ4ByuPJIhhcDW0KSayTxUI6aQc2YBvLVf0jcrXuTEf-uGS0I_o-GPsPdl6M9hBVDKWT07hb5FM/s1600/DSC07770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvPkmMLEtuinvTlW_GTtPtreM4ZeNgmUf9_9uL5l_Gj5He2HL3I3nKCtPSt9eIbLbJ4ByuPJIhhcDW0KSayTxUI6aQc2YBvLVf0jcrXuTEf-uGS0I_o-GPsPdl6M9hBVDKWT07hb5FM/s640/DSC07770.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Crack open a chilled Cream Soda. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMJSIyTdnd-vAELzuUkLv2aoI1fM1dqBu2faHgHNRxbScx0x51kiproBBMCGwIuGfHP9g_zRQavBD7tbWPV7GRMCm5madc5T83mjloSxutP1NSWd9i09l7zzYgec_n71Vzs5qmk2EOAQ/s1600/DSC07773.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMJSIyTdnd-vAELzuUkLv2aoI1fM1dqBu2faHgHNRxbScx0x51kiproBBMCGwIuGfHP9g_zRQavBD7tbWPV7GRMCm5madc5T83mjloSxutP1NSWd9i09l7zzYgec_n71Vzs5qmk2EOAQ/s640/DSC07773.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Mix the cream soda with the butter extract then top with a generous serving of cream. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_0dR9ovUHf7OqEgpTBkcmeLDgcfyiAHH6C1E4VJKt8aXBSUO5_RTvtORjFiUdImDvXv9_q0kz7b-BEGF314Wq4xgZ8FmtWMRcXGSngnhi7uwYZMy4vHN1QNjggqBe9wFe3NkKG7TKSQ/s1600/DSC07782.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_0dR9ovUHf7OqEgpTBkcmeLDgcfyiAHH6C1E4VJKt8aXBSUO5_RTvtORjFiUdImDvXv9_q0kz7b-BEGF314Wq4xgZ8FmtWMRcXGSngnhi7uwYZMy4vHN1QNjggqBe9wFe3NkKG7TKSQ/s640/DSC07782.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE36zUgh5PZ6MHSc3XHcjyVy2MqwFaArq1xIwQAGcZTzBa2PK3gdw9BB27I7WA15y-FJUep9aI52xbgZRpXePkccoBxI6-RQUbRgUu7i1p4XPdI_8lKEV8TpgTzMIYJuIvWqm9yCa_Ys/s1600/DSC07781.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE36zUgh5PZ6MHSc3XHcjyVy2MqwFaArq1xIwQAGcZTzBa2PK3gdw9BB27I7WA15y-FJUep9aI52xbgZRpXePkccoBxI6-RQUbRgUu7i1p4XPdI_8lKEV8TpgTzMIYJuIvWqm9yCa_Ys/s320/DSC07781.JPG" width="250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmfQil_56F9LkVTQ7uImj2XOVQ84UDSDwoKa3unCadf92o7Qc7mUV9zpYD8Y92esJzUya_V3mCZRIGYkx2WAieaI3emWo7DRCcH2oQlmjPtH7u4xfMSwUibosvgPy33JntSDB7MxHcTc/s1600/DSC07778.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmfQil_56F9LkVTQ7uImj2XOVQ84UDSDwoKa3unCadf92o7Qc7mUV9zpYD8Y92esJzUya_V3mCZRIGYkx2WAieaI3emWo7DRCcH2oQlmjPtH7u4xfMSwUibosvgPy33JntSDB7MxHcTc/s320/DSC07778.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And make sure you get a butterbeer cream mustache.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4KACArI07p2_7yv0YHprSws4PXK1XBxU6CU0JGxOxwbNbTNz0eX0pmCtJBtpZKlkPb_S0syrIFSouAZEEQdwPpEB5rev59KxSEKNrZtc0TC1nkDiDdK89k7bKJ671HMf5ra9Fu4hILc/s1600/DSC07850.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4KACArI07p2_7yv0YHprSws4PXK1XBxU6CU0JGxOxwbNbTNz0eX0pmCtJBtpZKlkPb_S0syrIFSouAZEEQdwPpEB5rev59KxSEKNrZtc0TC1nkDiDdK89k7bKJ671HMf5ra9Fu4hILc/s640/DSC07850.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day Four: The Goblet of Fire and Licorice Wands</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A4I_YW3GqHqFK_AeYMwaUih8BXrDh-cVbxHrWwBpKl76CXTuvAVv3JY0vlTp9awk2Nv67qJ5FtjcSlq1KdCV5eTc2bX2SgRMP-XBmAYx1nJmovvg_xr23cWO9dnIZQhwA7Id3PpsgYc/s1600/DSC07834.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A4I_YW3GqHqFK_AeYMwaUih8BXrDh-cVbxHrWwBpKl76CXTuvAVv3JY0vlTp9awk2Nv67qJ5FtjcSlq1KdCV5eTc2bX2SgRMP-XBmAYx1nJmovvg_xr23cWO9dnIZQhwA7Id3PpsgYc/s640/DSC07834.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Open Twizzlers and leave them out overnight to firm up a bit. Dip one end in melted chocolate. I had yellow Wilton Candy Melts on hand and used them to create Griffyndor colored wands. Before the chocolate melts sprinkle with gold sanding sugar. Lie flat and place in refrigerator for candy to set.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEcvbXpv1JmQpS-eS3Pgf2gtvzvA8gRy_skB55fRVl9zJwFeo-hXXgjU9TBIVJSnqqwpH6HrXK2VwCWv34nbckUV234oCMlaZGu-oXtl1mtlpxXg6D4bYUqNheo73oeIudfyQOtqVb3E/s1600/DSC07842.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEcvbXpv1JmQpS-eS3Pgf2gtvzvA8gRy_skB55fRVl9zJwFeo-hXXgjU9TBIVJSnqqwpH6HrXK2VwCWv34nbckUV234oCMlaZGu-oXtl1mtlpxXg6D4bYUqNheo73oeIudfyQOtqVb3E/s640/DSC07842.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">These were my husband's favorite. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTynR_pezIMU96LzstfUYuTRjevxo-JWQu35kRyZnjeDy3IoF4oBRnP5WnPaKTQpzor9qAqdMMixclxz5Kjcrq_tgaHuLauMVA6vZru7pH7PzQhpqFD0_zUPOxAs3iOG_DUjYQ6AiqeQ/s1600/DSC07905.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTynR_pezIMU96LzstfUYuTRjevxo-JWQu35kRyZnjeDy3IoF4oBRnP5WnPaKTQpzor9qAqdMMixclxz5Kjcrq_tgaHuLauMVA6vZru7pH7PzQhpqFD0_zUPOxAs3iOG_DUjYQ6AiqeQ/s640/DSC07905.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day Five: Acid Pops and The Order of the Phoenix</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_V_cBF3nzIHIUQGdBVfd1ZrBFzFHVKCybwcDGEoHdS70wVMQ1qzXKsZ9Zp6zFf3b75XqmGcGRPsHK3ltMV90kW757cobERgsgpZwmsMNCNrsm52OQn6m8rIw5B8QyuKEKNqkY4_vELM/s1600/DSC07860.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_V_cBF3nzIHIUQGdBVfd1ZrBFzFHVKCybwcDGEoHdS70wVMQ1qzXKsZ9Zp6zFf3b75XqmGcGRPsHK3ltMV90kW757cobERgsgpZwmsMNCNrsm52OQn6m8rIw5B8QyuKEKNqkY4_vELM/s640/DSC07860.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">With the exception of the honey, all my ingredients for this inexpensive snack were from the local Dollar Tree. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMt8TUVaxWvqgLrYl76pPLu24dJt-YczuiLPneApNbHb5nuJYcuHqV2n8XN7WnipV6izHJtiN71l7XzU1MIrfj0ZrpMGMk1y9K77NTYWn6u5nthI5jRQ-DT5bg7kQ_478a2JJ7BqXnG1E/s1600/DSC07864.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMt8TUVaxWvqgLrYl76pPLu24dJt-YczuiLPneApNbHb5nuJYcuHqV2n8XN7WnipV6izHJtiN71l7XzU1MIrfj0ZrpMGMk1y9K77NTYWn6u5nthI5jRQ-DT5bg7kQ_478a2JJ7BqXnG1E/s640/DSC07864.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I couldn't find sour lollipops so I opted to use only the Sour Green Apple Jolly Ranchers for an added mouth surprise. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tq7_JQkBJ6BsHie9gWDo8Xc-qaRWdtduk8fpSyXF5mcET62ZQStrGy19GQDpzkhncAliuNJTNziPN4-AqNZAVJZfucfBqCRySSMRHc4vyIInUJ2hguRrBslmYaVU4MBzRr3ooBv4xTw/s1600/DSC07867.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tq7_JQkBJ6BsHie9gWDo8Xc-qaRWdtduk8fpSyXF5mcET62ZQStrGy19GQDpzkhncAliuNJTNziPN4-AqNZAVJZfucfBqCRySSMRHc4vyIInUJ2hguRrBslmYaVU4MBzRr3ooBv4xTw/s640/DSC07867.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Crush the sour hard candies. I used my mallet and a freezer bag. Good thing the bag was thick, these sharp little buggers still cut through the bag. I was hesitant to use my food processor and damage the blades with such a hard, sticky candy. This method was surprisingly fast and effective and nothing to clean!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsGGtRyHZJweBf7LV6w7DCpbF0r-X0ClPW4i7mVTgUbrhKZsZm1Gq3-RdQpelkqzK5KGer7EKxShrDwFeriCEU0VF5II0KcG3JFreru-rpbkxVI9McWCGvql0UKTA8HLvHltDKr9l71U/s1600/DSC07877.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsGGtRyHZJweBf7LV6w7DCpbF0r-X0ClPW4i7mVTgUbrhKZsZm1Gq3-RdQpelkqzK5KGer7EKxShrDwFeriCEU0VF5II0KcG3JFreru-rpbkxVI9McWCGvql0UKTA8HLvHltDKr9l71U/s640/DSC07877.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pour all the smashed sour candies into a bowl.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbyRbV-AKlgxXS9mouPNW221LETI8NAMdv2-w47pH4tveTtHOeMZ7qF5p2GFyM-jjNz9SMWQ4YAv4LFY4RvynrtiOZtA7BDjTATKRT39OW7vlGVlr2ZrhNMqwZUxwlDWuCnhuijyP6Jc/s1600/DSC07878.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbyRbV-AKlgxXS9mouPNW221LETI8NAMdv2-w47pH4tveTtHOeMZ7qF5p2GFyM-jjNz9SMWQ4YAv4LFY4RvynrtiOZtA7BDjTATKRT39OW7vlGVlr2ZrhNMqwZUxwlDWuCnhuijyP6Jc/s640/DSC07878.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pour Pop Rocks in a bowl. The Pop Rocks will begin to lose their pop if left out long so this treat is best prepared just before serving. Otherwise you'll want to wrap your lollies in wax squares.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KA127PE_DFbGpDXtQdYSBbB-qdPub4IyHj0EhTDay_cmI79UuLoQktg0Yz-nzavMwsaY_nKCdXgTbsspkVoxEovV41W_xW6Xg05v-hAa9e6saRPKQosfkXNYg2a-D-hJuttBtvt5fqk/s1600/DSC07879.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KA127PE_DFbGpDXtQdYSBbB-qdPub4IyHj0EhTDay_cmI79UuLoQktg0Yz-nzavMwsaY_nKCdXgTbsspkVoxEovV41W_xW6Xg05v-hAa9e6saRPKQosfkXNYg2a-D-hJuttBtvt5fqk/s640/DSC07879.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Heat a small dish of honey in the microwave so you can dip each lolly in and apply a thin coat.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WYZ5-ssbYixPKYYPwkusGC2GMkER_ffmcAnJsNh0i5z6m3ciyVjK0u_3z7kOrupMweqRNdDhwWWm1CmDViJauxWmyna1ZW2E2avL7Qv7imapbZDK0XVXpYpLEDiKHwPxhOMhQeOs_SQ/s1600/DSC07882.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WYZ5-ssbYixPKYYPwkusGC2GMkER_ffmcAnJsNh0i5z6m3ciyVjK0u_3z7kOrupMweqRNdDhwWWm1CmDViJauxWmyna1ZW2E2avL7Qv7imapbZDK0XVXpYpLEDiKHwPxhOMhQeOs_SQ/s640/DSC07882.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Roll in sour candies.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMOkB1aUPJotBPqieG3EgsTcbWHJnewFl85gXbryZ9NpYYwXI6UgAPsMxRg_ZC808wAU7NPa38j6W6VmJEXtXfVsdvlhxomKubmRDQYDI1cPgXiBII347JRo_HmdDXO5go0dfX52SNCs/s1600/DSC07883.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMOkB1aUPJotBPqieG3EgsTcbWHJnewFl85gXbryZ9NpYYwXI6UgAPsMxRg_ZC808wAU7NPa38j6W6VmJEXtXfVsdvlhxomKubmRDQYDI1cPgXiBII347JRo_HmdDXO5go0dfX52SNCs/s640/DSC07883.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A quick dip back in the honey. Tap and remove as much excess honey as possible.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVz2Wfabh2jQcKp0Zz31oaF-eiCG25Y8oJr_CQvmIzfGwIHzE8CansZIXAFoW1yljDQYjARNXob-Aja_yabnVUa3f075HxbOEkv6hodfmAXGCeBcYWXQtXz9Z0UtuD595RgMKWw4zhVg/s1600/DSC07884.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVz2Wfabh2jQcKp0Zz31oaF-eiCG25Y8oJr_CQvmIzfGwIHzE8CansZIXAFoW1yljDQYjARNXob-Aja_yabnVUa3f075HxbOEkv6hodfmAXGCeBcYWXQtXz9Z0UtuD595RgMKWw4zhVg/s640/DSC07884.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A final roll this time in the Pop Rocks. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteS8asbGU5quvQ_m9cZZb6yg4d9tVeH9lJVDjwOdgfOm77z5ymjC5YUEHBIAtDAfhpDb2xMZm79KdssfeSuh_27eXfobmNLTrcA0bb7upbZ-4aZ0k6EwHpnQWo2jsdwJeggh1ya5UUZY/s1600/DSC07888.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteS8asbGU5quvQ_m9cZZb6yg4d9tVeH9lJVDjwOdgfOm77z5ymjC5YUEHBIAtDAfhpDb2xMZm79KdssfeSuh_27eXfobmNLTrcA0bb7upbZ-4aZ0k6EwHpnQWo2jsdwJeggh1ya5UUZY/s640/DSC07888.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Rest them on wax paper to dry.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbMhJcL2J731RClo0UnjkwN4qUb3YxTcBCVXgZ68q9HZ0CFMRNmwKuLQUs13lDDOo6wn3AP_bs2mvx-nll-Ndg_Op4wpVA2MLPOMw-wowqQ5GEaP8-ReyhpsawLjES8HaOidfk-HXr7w/s1600/DSC07893.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbMhJcL2J731RClo0UnjkwN4qUb3YxTcBCVXgZ68q9HZ0CFMRNmwKuLQUs13lDDOo6wn3AP_bs2mvx-nll-Ndg_Op4wpVA2MLPOMw-wowqQ5GEaP8-ReyhpsawLjES8HaOidfk-HXr7w/s640/DSC07893.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then display and call the kids up to the candy cart. Another hit. My son prefered these over the Licorice Wands. I think if I made them again I'd mix the sour candies with the Pop Rocks and coat them with both at one roll. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmCvaNmqdr3HqP3h1DBhtNfCudlM3bCyIXQkcyiZJGsl9nz6vq188xPSQRsARc-HKp-32zDEPzhndZA-phBrI1FZyc5JUT2gAhHR5PpCQLz46ep_2ShmCL_KuSNM6Cj-dIuEb_LjyZA0/s1600/DSC07942.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmCvaNmqdr3HqP3h1DBhtNfCudlM3bCyIXQkcyiZJGsl9nz6vq188xPSQRsARc-HKp-32zDEPzhndZA-phBrI1FZyc5JUT2gAhHR5PpCQLz46ep_2ShmCL_KuSNM6Cj-dIuEb_LjyZA0/s640/DSC07942.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day Six: The Half-Blood Prince and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. </span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI2FsMzb5K0VUlad4OEV0qjO4mBeeCbaW2iPaL_uVPvYetw4zeCCvb4swxI3-nyqre0khIeLMxEyygmnYs14Ry1OwMoTKqkQEQKTxO-kysPCOrTQgX5oUUmFt2lt2blmS-e3-aydSrdg/s1600/jelly.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI2FsMzb5K0VUlad4OEV0qjO4mBeeCbaW2iPaL_uVPvYetw4zeCCvb4swxI3-nyqre0khIeLMxEyygmnYs14Ry1OwMoTKqkQEQKTxO-kysPCOrTQgX5oUUmFt2lt2blmS-e3-aydSrdg/s640/jelly.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I took my son to the local Super Target and indeed bought three pounds of every flavor bean. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFV18XzgcxoBwWQAQ8Tp9Fl520VZB2hVHHQaiKbARn642nmM_f0Db7NYLGvpmnIecC9lFihBBHNwcgkGnM5AjKsVmEtRR0pybczCf6GTBZw9oGPL306lYbRwZEoXN-qTcKkDEOs1ehk4/s1600/DSC07940.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFV18XzgcxoBwWQAQ8Tp9Fl520VZB2hVHHQaiKbARn642nmM_f0Db7NYLGvpmnIecC9lFihBBHNwcgkGnM5AjKsVmEtRR0pybczCf6GTBZw9oGPL306lYbRwZEoXN-qTcKkDEOs1ehk4/s640/DSC07940.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And I do mean EVERY flavor since I also picked up two boxes of these...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgJYklhm_XrvwElXme0HZrpl1PzbQNE7MTg5jRXVBhELzkQTGLW9_sPHB_uoK1iuhKDzyg9pb77JO-OsGj4w2MYEfixm9duFdlU53kGBcA-ig2IPYQtQLzsKoLKN4GTv1kPcMNCoBemM/s1600/DSC07941.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgJYklhm_XrvwElXme0HZrpl1PzbQNE7MTg5jRXVBhELzkQTGLW9_sPHB_uoK1iuhKDzyg9pb77JO-OsGj4w2MYEfixm9duFdlU53kGBcA-ig2IPYQtQLzsKoLKN4GTv1kPcMNCoBemM/s640/DSC07941.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">These flavors include skunk spray, rotten egg, canned dog food, booger, baby wipes, pencil shavings, toothpaste, barf, moldy cheese and centipede. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq4uhs6ApTYyx4D5oGA0ejuzCjoetBQTqsYKfhKuVsyFUET9jcu77Luwr_EIjbmIzRWBU54FAYmmpHtBZi5IvofjmQbB6yQJqKFrk8LiurUT4hqBTpV4RtWMvCqrk_nEiQCYPLARz070/s1600/DSC07943.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq4uhs6ApTYyx4D5oGA0ejuzCjoetBQTqsYKfhKuVsyFUET9jcu77Luwr_EIjbmIzRWBU54FAYmmpHtBZi5IvofjmQbB6yQJqKFrk8LiurUT4hqBTpV4RtWMvCqrk_nEiQCYPLARz070/s640/DSC07943.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then much to my son's chagrin I mixed all the good and bad together in one big bowl! He hoped the bad would be separate. Silly boy, I told him Harry never knew if he got a good one or a bad and neither should you. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcI5UwF_P6xigycAJSR1jd4hVMNUX8Vwn6O1RAMJujJmdl8u6vvmJE8qwoScq7GokKiJ45Xy4PaBFzTdnapAaQ4V2V4DTk1WmrX9TyuMrI9OnFETmy6sBsfI9_Tp0esnP2OQqnlTT31w/s1600/DSC07944.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcI5UwF_P6xigycAJSR1jd4hVMNUX8Vwn6O1RAMJujJmdl8u6vvmJE8qwoScq7GokKiJ45Xy4PaBFzTdnapAaQ4V2V4DTk1WmrX9TyuMrI9OnFETmy6sBsfI9_Tp0esnP2OQqnlTT31w/s640/DSC07944.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Since the beans didn't involve me making anything I felt like I was being lazy. So inspired by the trays of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgallery.the-leaky-cauldron.org%2Fpicture%2F219138&h=AAQBl3sH2">candy witches' hats and beans</a> at the Halloween festivities in The Sorcerer's Stone I dipped ice cream cones in white chocolate then rolled them in sprinkles. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtys2iHfKkvj1_BCX74KJ6KvwbvgJqchnpg8JKveYhTnmhARnMcrtGwbyelFhq3XN-vCmVbfCflpeUEyik4VBSCJeKLxMmQBF2tgjXqQ35pniu3Q3ia2vTgiTDkICtZqR2btWf5BP-aA/s1600/DSC07951.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtys2iHfKkvj1_BCX74KJ6KvwbvgJqchnpg8JKveYhTnmhARnMcrtGwbyelFhq3XN-vCmVbfCflpeUEyik4VBSCJeKLxMmQBF2tgjXqQ35pniu3Q3ia2vTgiTDkICtZqR2btWf5BP-aA/s640/DSC07951.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And served all the beans along side on a large silver platter. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-dKj8L3mDCADGBu47K2I3poFjcsIgl9rJ7lQwBr-5fShyphenhyphenHmk3HCM3JxgxN3yirWckG_7A8UmjNlou4T6f9o6wQuxyTJv4B5aCoo4sZm652eFDxingDFZIuOpayfkrMHYce70N4ThwnI/s1600/DSC07953.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-dKj8L3mDCADGBu47K2I3poFjcsIgl9rJ7lQwBr-5fShyphenhyphenHmk3HCM3JxgxN3yirWckG_7A8UmjNlou4T6f9o6wQuxyTJv4B5aCoo4sZm652eFDxingDFZIuOpayfkrMHYce70N4ThwnI/s640/DSC07953.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A few boogers and cans of dog food were consumed but day six was still declared AWESOME by my 10yo critic. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-ZsHGRLyoojb-tzBFzpJ2nVeYugO_K5c0sHnhqkN7rWvNbCottgKh34YeXohbalPW8eMO5mF-OFQLWIh4HPBdf0sQB3fB7b0hFRLHrLu4ek6k5Lmy_DKa5mhRDAJEWP-IAiMFk8lzME/s1600/DSC08073.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-ZsHGRLyoojb-tzBFzpJ2nVeYugO_K5c0sHnhqkN7rWvNbCottgKh34YeXohbalPW8eMO5mF-OFQLWIh4HPBdf0sQB3fB7b0hFRLHrLu4ek6k5Lmy_DKa5mhRDAJEWP-IAiMFk8lzME/s640/DSC08073.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day Seven: The Deathly Hallows, Part One and Cauldron Cakes</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vSMdlYgddvzuro0Us24aOM_rDlXg1xHPi8zyw0k-AJqAeMpme_oGbUwPgwOPCzXU4CxtXH3JBEDY8GdwUDHbkMnVcYyCU3aPYexVIhvZTFUGe_Gcg0Zo4NoA1g3uueQRmNnSzm_jw34/s1600/DSC07965.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vSMdlYgddvzuro0Us24aOM_rDlXg1xHPi8zyw0k-AJqAeMpme_oGbUwPgwOPCzXU4CxtXH3JBEDY8GdwUDHbkMnVcYyCU3aPYexVIhvZTFUGe_Gcg0Zo4NoA1g3uueQRmNnSzm_jw34/s640/DSC07965.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I mistakenly thought I had a <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?sku=2105-1760">mini ball pan</a> among my collection. But the night I go to make the cakes I discover I do not. Oooops. A quick turn to the cupboard and I opt for baking chocolate cake in various bowls to see what happens. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoMwW5PhshWrtEXZ5UOrcL4HBsiLntjmJAq2MiNBkfv5G7jpjkneCGKRMIPnExzOEryiauyfmkBV84ZEPJEehKTiVTLpvIlq_XnqjDhy1EkbZepQeQAG7lnrTxd6wRDnTDJYUpDZ0byk/s1600/DSC07969.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoMwW5PhshWrtEXZ5UOrcL4HBsiLntjmJAq2MiNBkfv5G7jpjkneCGKRMIPnExzOEryiauyfmkBV84ZEPJEehKTiVTLpvIlq_XnqjDhy1EkbZepQeQAG7lnrTxd6wRDnTDJYUpDZ0byk/s640/DSC07969.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Bowls of batter go into the oven. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KoQGtEC8PCZrnkgPsWLMGmNV04P7SOHiGLdoHYIUP9WK4dvit_BzE33CMCfrf174hocubjkD53ceCUgLzKK8zaKzBSkYPGh1qyzbpYekYWRjS-9BEV04ouKCR8Y3SSIDFjdORrFevCU/s1600/DSC07971.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KoQGtEC8PCZrnkgPsWLMGmNV04P7SOHiGLdoHYIUP9WK4dvit_BzE33CMCfrf174hocubjkD53ceCUgLzKK8zaKzBSkYPGh1qyzbpYekYWRjS-9BEV04ouKCR8Y3SSIDFjdORrFevCU/s640/DSC07971.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And happily bowls of beautiful cooked cake come out. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRyss55B9ppT0ukytiY7GKK3iet6Krs8cCc8zU0HB26jDEXpdfJGAlm4vIJCgJPHVU22-AA6bCfGFEyKSaKKaj4YtsSHKInfZjPQSGRmJB0s1kwV-zxpbxbkwX03YcLigBzCE1O8_xYQ/s1600/DSC07977.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRyss55B9ppT0ukytiY7GKK3iet6Krs8cCc8zU0HB26jDEXpdfJGAlm4vIJCgJPHVU22-AA6bCfGFEyKSaKKaj4YtsSHKInfZjPQSGRmJB0s1kwV-zxpbxbkwX03YcLigBzCE1O8_xYQ/s640/DSC07977.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The white bowls produced the best shaped cakes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5SdDVFqjyNVUqNv9HmeSHKyAZXC6BvbsZqUi0RhUF2FGG8wnFVBVgqYICHSjTjKEtNadonSVMNkdc6BtOWCgdSqDB76chlZ-SZ_aKu_fgYG6wIJrvwcvzWQyOvTsBpXiFAoPmFn2pkI/s1600/DSC07981.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5SdDVFqjyNVUqNv9HmeSHKyAZXC6BvbsZqUi0RhUF2FGG8wnFVBVgqYICHSjTjKEtNadonSVMNkdc6BtOWCgdSqDB76chlZ-SZ_aKu_fgYG6wIJrvwcvzWQyOvTsBpXiFAoPmFn2pkI/s640/DSC07981.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just to be safe I also baked the remaining batter in my cupcake pan without liners.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ9FNUtK-N2N6llBzcB8jMMFSwBseRxJ_A8Ey4HltakXSJYtnUxFKeTZgsx89X77W8fH3VfC-OL1oJgKEgJH3zqV_BlN7LS3U1bgwgB4esduhkLXjbO2duJY7gJZcVJ_KdIQ0nK0a0aM/s1600/DSC07983.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ9FNUtK-N2N6llBzcB8jMMFSwBseRxJ_A8Ey4HltakXSJYtnUxFKeTZgsx89X77W8fH3VfC-OL1oJgKEgJH3zqV_BlN7LS3U1bgwgB4esduhkLXjbO2duJY7gJZcVJ_KdIQ0nK0a0aM/s640/DSC07983.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And these beauties wound up stealing the show. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku15D6n0xa7hcwnbCtwqUE8YOSoyA7kt1IR2_KDixbDhNcAanNiaBlR28tobNeiaz4J7Bi2q1LUKWr_7Ew2vyCIXq47NBXMQfJevFcfLl2-FkmfrAHSYt-ii8Q52TN2wS-4_ou1K5Yl4/s1600/DSC07988.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku15D6n0xa7hcwnbCtwqUE8YOSoyA7kt1IR2_KDixbDhNcAanNiaBlR28tobNeiaz4J7Bi2q1LUKWr_7Ew2vyCIXq47NBXMQfJevFcfLl2-FkmfrAHSYt-ii8Q52TN2wS-4_ou1K5Yl4/s640/DSC07988.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I dipped the bottoms of the cooled cakes in melted chocolate then sat them atop <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/reeses/products/reeses-peanut-butter-cups/reeses-minis.aspx">Reese's Mini Cups</a> to be the cauldron feet. This was much better imagined in my mind. The warm chocolate and weight of the cakes began melting the mini cups. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXgPl81FvXZVHYgxlRdKiSioXLQMIusAwwhBxyuCbBHt751xcuk8zuPKGqdBi7UOJibYTjDXFUEft1N97EyoeDWfFTe3hZhNJoAoatRXKWbtutB0wqDQ_nlz1HC0sKAp3KiO8DYwFq2s/s1600/DSC07997.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXgPl81FvXZVHYgxlRdKiSioXLQMIusAwwhBxyuCbBHt751xcuk8zuPKGqdBi7UOJibYTjDXFUEft1N97EyoeDWfFTe3hZhNJoAoatRXKWbtutB0wqDQ_nlz1HC0sKAp3KiO8DYwFq2s/s640/DSC07997.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fortunately I also bought a bag of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hersheys-Baking-Pieces-Kisses-10-Ounce/dp/B000IMWNBE">Hershey's Mini Kisses</a> on the baking aisle in case <strike>I ate all</strike> the Reese's Minis didn't work out. While they may look like chocolate chips the Mini Kisses are slightly larger. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF1Zb3E0HbbNFLl7C4MEBOiph0o2fdaQyGiNpQf48xxOjGJxn3kAQA8j1Ub7TFUH3cqufAjtYHU76CtWVdHbG1YqmEFLVQzekH5Lkv4GfK1Rb_m93V0Xwcc3Wg-ENE4pELfBnJmmPyQ/s1600/DSC07991.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVF1Zb3E0HbbNFLl7C4MEBOiph0o2fdaQyGiNpQf48xxOjGJxn3kAQA8j1Ub7TFUH3cqufAjtYHU76CtWVdHbG1YqmEFLVQzekH5Lkv4GfK1Rb_m93V0Xwcc3Wg-ENE4pELfBnJmmPyQ/s640/DSC07991.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I also changed my strategy of sitting the cakes on the chips and started placing them upside down and placing the feet on. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy6wO6-20Q4peYmstAkXTdhEDPEP9EOeDvBLNjgVtqxCcW-K3xQWktv2ddnVDmJAdb7KhlQA3pjjQQWB300tfd9tA02odbVv8JeDc7IOi4Mui_pZoN3W7xZ8L_jMeAchZZDq0s8k7Tnc/s1600/DSC08023.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy6wO6-20Q4peYmstAkXTdhEDPEP9EOeDvBLNjgVtqxCcW-K3xQWktv2ddnVDmJAdb7KhlQA3pjjQQWB300tfd9tA02odbVv8JeDc7IOi4Mui_pZoN3W7xZ8L_jMeAchZZDq0s8k7Tnc/s640/DSC08023.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> After a trip in the fridge to firm up the feet were perfect. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2CAW0BAtp360n8EVNJCQ8BpqmWGdhTI7zyRVc4csw6_cQ1K45Z0S-6WfH-pV2PR8OPhOhlEnpMtKdoVvvdnrD5RB4sCyzMDcZqGBEYfNWCHQASQQ2PzKcQiVo_46BmWKuZZ3dIE5IAQ/s1600/DSC07999.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2CAW0BAtp360n8EVNJCQ8BpqmWGdhTI7zyRVc4csw6_cQ1K45Z0S-6WfH-pV2PR8OPhOhlEnpMtKdoVvvdnrD5RB4sCyzMDcZqGBEYfNWCHQASQQ2PzKcQiVo_46BmWKuZZ3dIE5IAQ/s640/DSC07999.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then with tip #10 I piped a ring of chocolate buttercream around each cake. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLiVUQ6p3hxvu7T9e9k3WXZAfsPb_qN0fohWb_yU66J9YIIbgqLVy_nV4qZLocDBMu4JozsyFDndGH9xSUhXKT7nvLgyqdGsxSH3zckAGDLImgpyHtb3GxP8CkyilM3a2Wucn5EgBNAM/s1600/DSC08001.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLiVUQ6p3hxvu7T9e9k3WXZAfsPb_qN0fohWb_yU66J9YIIbgqLVy_nV4qZLocDBMu4JozsyFDndGH9xSUhXKT7nvLgyqdGsxSH3zckAGDLImgpyHtb3GxP8CkyilM3a2Wucn5EgBNAM/s640/DSC08001.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Again with the same size tip I filled each cake with a soft cream cheese frosting colored golden yellow. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HDsC7EfM2NvYRFOpawsUFzc3enOgULc6lz4Yb1XZaK3Zllt4jVZqHRz8uPW3MsG-GjepP479g-uJ11TCnxD7llReCCMHbNuEit2cqbT583b5l1pRx3Hr2JhS1qkyyVjK51al6MDmqzk/s1600/DSC08017.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HDsC7EfM2NvYRFOpawsUFzc3enOgULc6lz4Yb1XZaK3Zllt4jVZqHRz8uPW3MsG-GjepP479g-uJ11TCnxD7llReCCMHbNuEit2cqbT583b5l1pRx3Hr2JhS1qkyyVjK51al6MDmqzk/s640/DSC08017.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I attempted to make chocolate handles but when I saw these at the store I thought they might prove simpler. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3eUJcGxaMk-PMZ86Q8bExUlJFpWIrbt40lsuAaJa_wBI_QWwzRaBvjLajew1_WenTEbBjM72VUmTEm0mPyOXszqWrPnhEnH2ZAJ0S9DWH5Ic6YqnxH5phFnNw48cow853FIMgclYNAo/s1600/DSC08018.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3eUJcGxaMk-PMZ86Q8bExUlJFpWIrbt40lsuAaJa_wBI_QWwzRaBvjLajew1_WenTEbBjM72VUmTEm0mPyOXszqWrPnhEnH2ZAJ0S9DWH5Ic6YqnxH5phFnNw48cow853FIMgclYNAo/s640/DSC08018.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Cut in half with a bread knife...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uq-K9y6Q07Jc3mdA25OPJkXE9jFDf1dcOlmpgfkxHIBLcNbo3ttTT_ihEJzPJRYXztEwXqKiXj0YcvgOrE04vrzBEfGuhUtYjk1YJI48dJ9nq5SLYZZiyQZSRuTGStBoZ_oyV122viA/s1600/DSC08003.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uq-K9y6Q07Jc3mdA25OPJkXE9jFDf1dcOlmpgfkxHIBLcNbo3ttTT_ihEJzPJRYXztEwXqKiXj0YcvgOrE04vrzBEfGuhUtYjk1YJI48dJ9nq5SLYZZiyQZSRuTGStBoZ_oyV122viA/s640/DSC08003.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...and they made perfect handles for the cauldrons.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9olnyKMGlReQHLb9Tx5V0m_oIyQUshKicfoKUOvttlu1ME-AYZUfUhI4Z4RT5p5eqi0NSiQ8RNEcIK_Zb9N-ovuRal-ANCZrbmNwcms2uwvHBZuEd0BkTUcX5prJQ9YSnhQUvKG0RTo/s1600/DSC08075.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9olnyKMGlReQHLb9Tx5V0m_oIyQUshKicfoKUOvttlu1ME-AYZUfUhI4Z4RT5p5eqi0NSiQ8RNEcIK_Zb9N-ovuRal-ANCZrbmNwcms2uwvHBZuEd0BkTUcX5prJQ9YSnhQUvKG0RTo/s640/DSC08075.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The last touch was a sprinkling of gold over the yellow frosting to truly make them look like pots of gold. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtsdg2eLns2iySRHhkC71UpvkambpOgu6Cf5_sZEIAdDcx5sUNcddJMSRfmjWUBAv7oFcSP5PaFxpbbufPeeM5-stQdr5vM8O9vOQfI09LpR7eDNL25FnBx1J_2Zy7cCn6QblKM44-7A/s1600/DSC08012.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtsdg2eLns2iySRHhkC71UpvkambpOgu6Cf5_sZEIAdDcx5sUNcddJMSRfmjWUBAv7oFcSP5PaFxpbbufPeeM5-stQdr5vM8O9vOQfI09LpR7eDNL25FnBx1J_2Zy7cCn6QblKM44-7A/s640/DSC08012.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A finished Cauldron Cake</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSkMjZ3BzHSyI1vf3n78olOe6hyphenhyphenHbxodoLH02VpbJKZw-cF71WW8ZKg-bIqdKjpFfizTXO3cKqX9OPL3j1pCG09Nag41vNplOKEEXB_uSbqYSiPJJ0u_gl5ShQr07_emV4cs2XvGqfUE/s1600/DSC08070.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSkMjZ3BzHSyI1vf3n78olOe6hyphenhyphenHbxodoLH02VpbJKZw-cF71WW8ZKg-bIqdKjpFfizTXO3cKqX9OPL3j1pCG09Nag41vNplOKEEXB_uSbqYSiPJJ0u_gl5ShQr07_emV4cs2XvGqfUE/s640/DSC08070.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">If I were to make these again I would skip the round bowls and just bake them in cupcake pans. They made the cutest little cauldrons, don't they? And a fabulous end to our Wizarding Week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hope Thing One enjoys the movie tonight and I hope even more that he continues to love reading...and magic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've already been told by my younger two that as soon as they are old enough to read all the books they want their own Wizarding Week wherein they get to see all the movies. Seems only fair to me. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-18736854254647470612011-04-26T12:44:00.003-04:002011-09-18T12:45:26.445-04:00Springtime Bird Nest Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGmb9rNFv00/TbboRDO1WgI/AAAAAAAACZA/-UD9MxMC1eY/s1600/DSC06761.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGmb9rNFv00/TbboRDO1WgI/AAAAAAAACZA/-UD9MxMC1eY/s640/DSC06761.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My friend next door planned an egg hunt Saturday for the neighborhood kids. I offered to bring cupcakes for everyone. My initial plan was to create cupakes with bunny bums on them. I had flattened over 50 mini marshmallows with the idea to color them into bunny feet.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYzw-8TKhmM/TbbntIg0fsI/AAAAAAAACYU/QP2--JYoU0o/s1600/DSC06745.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYzw-8TKhmM/TbbntIg0fsI/AAAAAAAACYU/QP2--JYoU0o/s640/DSC06745.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But I wasn't impressed with the way the cupcake turned out. Perhaps it was my husband's words I kept hearing when he saw this...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPzBTk4Jls8kXf2WL20gAdc6x9tAZ7PhQsYHeivxGpu9teAXPqQSNEpDPMCMlFDD9CXZzqUqiF99TrArkR-7jh3QwnyU4Qovwp8eGbDNolXfTL1XHSNpIsptox8-XBsOZPg5bbP_vCcg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-26+at+11.53.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPzBTk4Jls8kXf2WL20gAdc6x9tAZ7PhQsYHeivxGpu9teAXPqQSNEpDPMCMlFDD9CXZzqUqiF99TrArkR-7jh3QwnyU4Qovwp8eGbDNolXfTL1XHSNpIsptox8-XBsOZPg5bbP_vCcg/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-26+at+11.53.26+AM.png" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...picture on my facebook wall from my earlier decorating musings and declared he saw no bunny butt. I worried the kids would not see a bunny butt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY7bYkHQJqM/TbbnpwtRAiI/AAAAAAAACYQ/xwDKkt4rRis/s1600/DSC06744.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY7bYkHQJqM/TbbnpwtRAiI/AAAAAAAACYQ/xwDKkt4rRis/s640/DSC06744.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I tried again with frosting grass to see if it was more obvious. But I still wasn't loving it. And it was getting late. The idea of coloring so many tiny bunny feet was daunting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I then shifted gears to my backup plan to create these <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/256507/nesting-baby-bluebird-cupcakes">adorable baby bird cupcakes</a> I saw last week but without the coconut. However, I encountered another roadblock at 11pm when I began frosting the cupcakes I realized I didn't have the right leaf tip for the open mouth beaks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0g3lf6NVE/Tbbn7RBL7uI/AAAAAAAACYo/G29oPw8LCk8/s1600/DSC06753.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0g3lf6NVE/Tbbn7RBL7uI/AAAAAAAACYo/G29oPw8LCk8/s640/DSC06753.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My beaks looked like the baby birds had a fungus with all those waves. *sigh*</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RepYX3fM9p4/TbbnmMciF3I/AAAAAAAACYM/PhgoUkm0nTg/s1600/DSC06742.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RepYX3fM9p4/TbbnmMciF3I/AAAAAAAACYM/PhgoUkm0nTg/s640/DSC06742.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I practiced making the beaks with a different tip. My son agreed it look like someone stuck an ice cream cone on the bird's face. It really needed to be done with open beaks to have the right effect. *double sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My son suggested just making eggs in the nests. I was concerned the blue blobs of frosting wouldn't look like eggs. I'm very hard on myself with these matters, obviously. Kinda silly considering cupcakes get consumed in less than two minutes but it's what I do. I lamented the fact I didn't have a stash of candy eggs on hand to place inside the nests.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_Sdy2bAO-g/Tbbn-jATkUI/AAAAAAAACYs/NC5EOp7sUSg/s1600/DSC06754.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_Sdy2bAO-g/Tbbn-jATkUI/AAAAAAAACYs/NC5EOp7sUSg/s640/DSC06754.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But then again when I used the blue icing without eyes and beaks I was smitten. Or tired. Either way I set about with this decorating plan.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfWV3pp9UU/Tbbnz-W2yOI/AAAAAAAACYg/SffFhWobewg/s1600/DSC06747.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbfWV3pp9UU/Tbbnz-W2yOI/AAAAAAAACYg/SffFhWobewg/s640/DSC06747.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I had baked several dozen vanilla cupcakes dyed bright pink for Easter festive-ness and opted to frost half with chocolate and half with my vanilla buttercream to appease both the chocolate and the vanilla lovers of the neighborhood. I also did a little something special for the adults only...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiS7BwqhEGs/TbbokE5P5aI/AAAAAAAACZY/3rwo5fzro2Q/s1600/DSC06773.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiS7BwqhEGs/TbbokE5P5aI/AAAAAAAACZY/3rwo5fzro2Q/s640/DSC06773.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...with this bag of Spring Oreos. Can you guess what I did? </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nACDPQJF8hM/TbboeJoPEfI/AAAAAAAACZU/gnSPDBYWIRw/s1600/DSC06772.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nACDPQJF8hM/TbboeJoPEfI/AAAAAAAACZU/gnSPDBYWIRw/s640/DSC06772.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Bam! An Oreo inside a cupcake! Mmmmmm!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhQSf-l3akQ/Tbboy_CSZNI/AAAAAAAACZo/I1AB7uTlj9k/s1600/DSC06786.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhQSf-l3akQ/Tbboy_CSZNI/AAAAAAAACZo/I1AB7uTlj9k/s640/DSC06786.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I also frosted half in chocolate and half in vanilla along with one cut open on top to clearly identify the surprise inside just in case no one was in a reading mood...or had too much of the fabulous champagne punch.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReZX59PFmWw/Tbcx0xwpsbI/AAAAAAAACa0/5L4pMt_QkEo/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReZX59PFmWw/Tbcx0xwpsbI/AAAAAAAACa0/5L4pMt_QkEo/s640/IMG_7035.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My man and kids convinced me to take all the cupcakes even the birds with afflicted beaks and two abandoned bunny backsides. Turns out the kids loved them all. Proving again I am far too hard on myself, especially for an amateur.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrQ0BtqOcU/Tbbo23Is26I/AAAAAAAACZs/Pye2DAxN_WU/s1600/DSC06788.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrQ0BtqOcU/Tbbo23Is26I/AAAAAAAACZs/Pye2DAxN_WU/s640/DSC06788.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone had a great time and all but seven of my 50 cupcakes were consumed. And it was also unanimously decided every Saturday morning should begin with cupcakes and pomegranate-pear champagne cocktails in the driveway. Wouldn't that be dreamy?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFHjjvbgXS8/TbbotSwqfNI/AAAAAAAACZk/MexbGlun8ow/s1600/DSC06784.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFHjjvbgXS8/TbbotSwqfNI/AAAAAAAACZk/MexbGlun8ow/s640/DSC06784.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Since I'm often asked how I frost my cakes or I wonder how others have done something I'll share the easy how tos on bird nest cupcakes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLvp3_5Q7lU/Tbbnfpl-9uI/AAAAAAAACYA/MXVHdrst5S0/s1600/DSC06732.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLvp3_5Q7lU/Tbbnfpl-9uI/AAAAAAAACYA/MXVHdrst5S0/s640/DSC06732.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">For the nests I used Wilton Tip 233. This is the same tip I used to create the fur on my <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/03/buttercream-kitten.html">kitten cake</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msBUU89GV9s/Tbbnh18SGSI/AAAAAAAACYE/K0MIU7fQIPU/s1600/DSC06733.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msBUU89GV9s/Tbbnh18SGSI/AAAAAAAACYE/K0MIU7fQIPU/s640/DSC06733.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It's a multi-opening tip. You need to have a medium consistency frosting if you're doing fur or grass and hold the tip at a 90° angle to your cake. However, for the nests you can have a softer frosting. My chocolate was much softer than the buttercream.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fChPwqHEPgw/TbbnkgZwLTI/AAAAAAAACYI/FULvRyupMHw/s1600/DSC06735.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fChPwqHEPgw/TbbnkgZwLTI/AAAAAAAACYI/FULvRyupMHw/s640/DSC06735.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">For the nest you want to hold the tip at a slight angle to the cupcake and then with even pressure move around the cupcake in a circular pattern until you've reached the height you'd like. With my buttercream versions I first frosted the bottoms smooth with pale green frosting so I only needed to swirl a circle nest. For the chocolate I started in the middle of an unfrosted cupcake and spiraled out to the edge then overlapped in circles to completely cover the cupcake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFnQf5FVR6k/TbbpA8YaXDI/AAAAAAAACaA/-OC_B6hgAxs/s1600/DSC06822.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFnQf5FVR6k/TbbpA8YaXDI/AAAAAAAACaA/-OC_B6hgAxs/s640/DSC06822.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">To make the eggs I used Wilton Tip 12. Any large opening tip will work depending on the size eggs you want.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yudt3UnSdfc/TbbpEl2OQgI/AAAAAAAACaI/QeVx8Sn-Y2I/s1600/DSC06825.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yudt3UnSdfc/TbbpEl2OQgI/AAAAAAAACaI/QeVx8Sn-Y2I/s640/DSC06825.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Holding the tip at a 90° angle to the surface squeeze out the diameter egg you want. Here's the important part. Stop squeezing BEFORE you lift your tip away. If you don't your egg will have a pointy top like a Hershey's kiss.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GilND_3snBU/TbbpGWh5XnI/AAAAAAAACaM/3a1FU0LG-bg/s1600/DSC06826.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GilND_3snBU/TbbpGWh5XnI/AAAAAAAACaM/3a1FU0LG-bg/s640/DSC06826.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">If you did stop the pressure before lifting you'll be left with this dot of frosting. You can leave it as is or take a finger dipped in cornstarch and gently smooth the top more. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zn3oyn7jHc/TbbnwmDi6XI/AAAAAAAACYY/5LIrT52Wqpc/s1600/DSC06746.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zn3oyn7jHc/TbbnwmDi6XI/AAAAAAAACYY/5LIrT52Wqpc/s640/DSC06746.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Another variation is to use the same Tip 233 and pipe green grass around the nest. This takes longer than simply icing them smooth and is why I only did one of these.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3P8uO-yxqQ/TbboNfRv7_I/AAAAAAAACY8/H2jFZQW-L9s/s1600/DSC06757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3P8uO-yxqQ/TbboNfRv7_I/AAAAAAAACY8/H2jFZQW-L9s/s640/DSC06757.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">That's all there is to making simple and pretty Springtime cupcakes.</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-7032446692529275712011-04-19T16:51:00.001-04:002011-04-19T16:52:08.780-04:00Peep Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbfg-KoHSg/Ta3T--yp_qI/AAAAAAAACTc/Res9uLy4AgQ/s1600/DSC06555.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbfg-KoHSg/Ta3T--yp_qI/AAAAAAAACTc/Res9uLy4AgQ/s640/DSC06555.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My friend next door made a cute and simple Peep chick wreath the other weekend. I had to follow suit and make one too. I chose the Peep bunnies just to be less of a copy cat. This wreath cost less than $7 to make. Shazzam!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qS6sFa7bNs/Ta3QgXORPvI/AAAAAAAACPo/emuGtiWoHD0/s1600/DSC06356.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qS6sFa7bNs/Ta3QgXORPvI/AAAAAAAACPo/emuGtiWoHD0/s640/DSC06356.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I used a Dollar Tree wreath form, five yards of yellow grosgrain that was half price from Hobby Lobby, four packages of Peep bunnies on sale at Rite Aid for 89¢ each, and the clear spray paint I had on hand.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP-3AfROjPA/Ta3SYkVIkOI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZusxowVn9Xg/s1600/DSC06481.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP-3AfROjPA/Ta3SYkVIkOI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZusxowVn9Xg/s640/DSC06481.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I sprayed all the peeps with several light coats of clear enamel. Internet searches seem to reveal crafting with Peeps is a safe bug-less activity even without this step. How is that possible? Are Peeps not really food!?! Could I make a wreath from Twinkies that would also last forever? *considers* All this abundance of internet information aside I still wanted to spray all my Peeps.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQxI2HqWa9g/Ta3SwUOhX9I/AAAAAAAACSQ/Dt0G796SLmg/s1600/DSC06491.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQxI2HqWa9g/Ta3SwUOhX9I/AAAAAAAACSQ/Dt0G796SLmg/s640/DSC06491.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Spraying them left them just as sparkly as before but made the exposed marshmallow unsticky and no sugar cast off.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJYWq0Bdyrk/Ta3Se54SkBI/AAAAAAAACR8/ChyCxGDHpR4/s1600/DSC06482.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJYWq0Bdyrk/Ta3Se54SkBI/AAAAAAAACR8/ChyCxGDHpR4/s640/DSC06482.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Next I wrapped my wreath form with the yellow ribbon.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqZDr-PpWbo/Ta3SuAhfM4I/AAAAAAAACSM/-gvuxaLnsNw/s1600/DSC06490.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqZDr-PpWbo/Ta3SuAhfM4I/AAAAAAAACSM/-gvuxaLnsNw/s640/DSC06490.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then I tried to play around with how I wanted to arrange my Peeps. This part proved tricky since they did not want to stay resting on my round wreath form.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zn-33-fQ4A/Ta3S1zIzJmI/AAAAAAAACSU/WGtnVLfTf_M/s1600/DSC06495.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zn-33-fQ4A/Ta3S1zIzJmI/AAAAAAAACSU/WGtnVLfTf_M/s640/DSC06495.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I started with a ring of bunnies along the outside and simply hot glued them onto the form. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnEuCYTywWw/Ta3S5TiR-9I/AAAAAAAACSc/zJZsW_zdZ6M/s1600/DSC06496.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnEuCYTywWw/Ta3S5TiR-9I/AAAAAAAACSc/zJZsW_zdZ6M/s640/DSC06496.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I chose to use all bunnies from the end of a row facing up so there were no marshmallow spots showing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DXkFXoVdis/Ta3TQFycEPI/AAAAAAAACSw/i-lh_bglarw/s1600/DSC06525.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DXkFXoVdis/Ta3TQFycEPI/AAAAAAAACSw/i-lh_bglarw/s640/DSC06525.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then I added a round of bunnies to the top.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_jI4aDpLU/Ta3TVFmVf9I/AAAAAAAACS0/5L1eDZn5Y1Y/s1600/DSC06526.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_jI4aDpLU/Ta3TVFmVf9I/AAAAAAAACS0/5L1eDZn5Y1Y/s640/DSC06526.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Along with two bunnies, marshmallow exposed sides against each other, to hang from the center.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRUtrrXDtbg/Ta3TZvOGcJI/AAAAAAAACS4/SeFngpUQyfQ/s1600/DSC06528.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRUtrrXDtbg/Ta3TZvOGcJI/AAAAAAAACS4/SeFngpUQyfQ/s640/DSC06528.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The bunnies were hot glued together then hot glued to lengths of narrow yellow ribbon I had in my ribbon stash.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk1eZ3vqLVk/Ta3Tf6avJrI/AAAAAAAACTA/QA4aBGeu5ps/s1600/DSC06529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk1eZ3vqLVk/Ta3Tf6avJrI/AAAAAAAACTA/QA4aBGeu5ps/s640/DSC06529.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The ribbon was secured to the wreath with flat head straight pins. It will not move. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aF464vIpZT0/Ta3TEFo4IpI/AAAAAAAACSk/kQdNDC3Kys0/s1600/DSC06512.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aF464vIpZT0/Ta3TEFo4IpI/AAAAAAAACSk/kQdNDC3Kys0/s640/DSC06512.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Supposedly this little cutie will last for years and years. Inconceivable!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRKKIBC3xNc/Ta3TrGHFF5I/AAAAAAAACTI/p0fxRDw1Aio/s1600/DSC06538.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRKKIBC3xNc/Ta3TrGHFF5I/AAAAAAAACTI/p0fxRDw1Aio/s640/DSC06538.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt8DBwAZpO8/Ta3T4Ub5-tI/AAAAAAAACTY/oRoMqUxCZVo/s1600/DSC06554.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt8DBwAZpO8/Ta3T4Ub5-tI/AAAAAAAACTY/oRoMqUxCZVo/s640/DSC06554.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kv81Idgpcc/Ta3Tx-Y-IAI/AAAAAAAACTU/vEEJTkGDZu8/s1600/DSC06551.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kv81Idgpcc/Ta3Tx-Y-IAI/AAAAAAAACTU/vEEJTkGDZu8/s640/DSC06551.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just hanging with my Peeps! Hoppy Spring!</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-72029618016928654642011-04-19T15:44:00.004-04:002011-04-19T16:06:51.462-04:00Silk Dyed Easter Eggs<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuK7nDbmwI0/Ta3V3uyYEAI/AAAAAAAACVM/zrSSwVjsk3k/s1600/DSC06597.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuK7nDbmwI0/Ta3V3uyYEAI/AAAAAAAACVM/zrSSwVjsk3k/s640/DSC06597.JPG" width="550" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
This year I tried out silk dyed eggs. I saw this technique last year after I had already dyed <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/03/marbelized-easter-eggs.html">marbelized eggs</a>. Drats! But then again maybe waiting a year was worth it. I'll definitely be doing this process again. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a list of all you'll need to do the same project:</span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">large uncooked eggs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">100% silk ties, scarves, shirts, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">100% cotton cloth squares</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">rubber bands, twist ties or string </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">non-reactive pot to boil eggs (enamel, glass or stainless steel)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">patience</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">My kids and I set off to the thrift stores in late March in search of silk ties. I let the kids pick whatever tickled their fancy as long as it had a 100% silk label and was $1 or less.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TyW8a3TIx8/Ta3Qm4mwwyI/AAAAAAAACPs/lOUQ1_WUlDA/s1600/DSC06365.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TyW8a3TIx8/Ta3Qm4mwwyI/AAAAAAAACPs/lOUQ1_WUlDA/s640/DSC06365.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here's our bounty of ties.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KCRybuE3w/Ta3QpJgp8FI/AAAAAAAACPw/LnOY-n6aiI8/s1600/DSC06371.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KCRybuE3w/Ta3QpJgp8FI/AAAAAAAACPw/LnOY-n6aiI8/s640/DSC06371.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I also needed white cotton to wrap the eggs in after they were wrapped in the silks. I found a white 100% cotton queen size sheet at one of the same thrift stores and it was half price pink day so I scored it for only $1.29. And there's ample cotton left after cutting my squares for all kinds of other crafty cotton needs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtkmdZmJt1g/Ta3Qv_FnmBI/AAAAAAAACP0/6YQrobxuKvw/s1600/DSC06372.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtkmdZmJt1g/Ta3Qv_FnmBI/AAAAAAAACP0/6YQrobxuKvw/s640/DSC06372.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Next you have to take apart the ties, remove their linings and cut them into squares large enough to cover the egg. I was able to get three pieces from each tie large enough for the eggs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYalUa-Wx38/Ta3QycWCWFI/AAAAAAAACP4/CAPkler-po0/s1600/DSC06374.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYalUa-Wx38/Ta3QycWCWFI/AAAAAAAACP4/CAPkler-po0/s640/DSC06374.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now wrap your raw eggs with the printed side of the silk facing in. Wherever your fabric wrikles there will be a twist to the pattern. Try to make sure your eggs are completely covered. Any portion of the egg not touching silk will remain white. With most eggs I rolled it in the silk then twisted the ends like candy and folded the ends behind, securing with a rubber band.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0flGJCL09Q/Ta3RAwur_nI/AAAAAAAACQU/h7aLHKsajPw/s1600/DSC06382.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0flGJCL09Q/Ta3RAwur_nI/AAAAAAAACQU/h7aLHKsajPw/s640/DSC06382.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Other eggs I placed standing in the square of silk and pulled all the material up to the top and secured with one rubber band like the egg had a high ponytail. Another tip: wet your silks as you wrap. Wet silk adheres and smooths onto the eggs easier.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDyAEIeaT88/Ta3Q8zLvOHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/wf518ROznLY/s1600/DSC06380.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDyAEIeaT88/Ta3Q8zLvOHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/wf518ROznLY/s640/DSC06380.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">After wrapped in silk you need to wrap each egg in the white cotton. I used the same candy twist and fold back with one rubber band technique on these.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxXoBZe65Y/Ta3RFosy7PI/AAAAAAAACQY/xaHsx9iiE0s/s1600/DSC06390.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxXoBZe65Y/Ta3RFosy7PI/AAAAAAAACQY/xaHsx9iiE0s/s640/DSC06390.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Place them gently in your non-reactive pot and cover with water and 1/3 cup of vinegar. Bring the eggs to a boil then simmer at least 40 minutes. The longer they simmer the more color can transfer. I was hesitant to go past 40 minutes fearing my eggs would break like overcooked hardboiled eggs are apt to do. However, none of my eggs were cracked. I'm guessing the tight wrap prevents that and I'm going to attempt this next time with a much longer simmer and then also leave them in the water perhaps even an hour after I turn off the heat. <br />
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I would not eat these eggs. The long cook time pretty much ensures they would not be tasty. Blech! You could do this same technique with blown eggs. However, I can't blow an egg. It leaves me light headed and with sore cheeks. Any tips from professional egg blowers are welcome! Remember if you do use blown eggs you'll need to find a way to weight them down with a non-reactive object so they don't float to the top.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfMXQkIdrA0/Ta3RKbn7O8I/AAAAAAAACQg/-K594ao5v7E/s1600/DSC06391.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfMXQkIdrA0/Ta3RKbn7O8I/AAAAAAAACQg/-K594ao5v7E/s640/DSC06391.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Take them out of the water and let them completely cool before unwrapping. Don't rush this. The one that I unwrapped early because I just couldn't stand it was far more muted than its partner from the same cut of tie opened two hours later.</span><br />
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<blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">Before I get to the big reveal who wants to know how this whole process works? If you don't, simply skip ahead to the next pretty picture. Otherwise hold on and I'll give you what I know. And if you're reading this and realize I have my science wrong, please tell me. Okay, here goes the geek speak...silk is a natural protein fiber since it's made by those little wormy guys. Eggs shells are also a protein material made by those little chicken girls. The only way to dye protein fibers is with acid dyes. Ergo the dye used in silks would also color egg shells. Follow so far? You add the vinegar because vinegar is also an acid and increases the acidity of the water allowing the color to become more intense and better bind to the egg's protein shell. WAKE UP! I'm almost done. What I'm a bit unclear on is the cotton. I'm going out on a limb here but I think that since the cotton is a plant, not protein, fiber it does not readily absorb acid dyes. So it acts as a bit of a barrier to contain the transfer of the dye from silk to egg and not just out into the water. Okay, I'm done now. Do you feel edu-ma-cated?</span></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgx6sgs3vMc/Ta3RPtdIKPI/AAAAAAAACQk/lhHaiF639_I/s1600/DSC06392.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgx6sgs3vMc/Ta3RPtdIKPI/AAAAAAAACQk/lhHaiF639_I/s640/DSC06392.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Moving on to the fun stuff...unwrapping the eggs! It was a beautiful day here so we headed outside to sit on the new stage my man built the kids in the backyard to unveil our creations.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RS2MNzuDKnE/Ta3RUYXkecI/AAAAAAAACQo/_JnFq2l6HO4/s1600/DSC06402.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RS2MNzuDKnE/Ta3RUYXkecI/AAAAAAAACQo/_JnFq2l6HO4/s640/DSC06402.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">You just never know how much color and pattern would carry from each tie. They all varied I supposed based on the age of the tie or quality of dyes used. I really have no idea why some worked and some didn't. That's a total guess. But it sounds good.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqbwxcM6FS4/Ta3RZHKtnHI/AAAAAAAACQs/Oiyd_KNp-aU/s1600/DSC06415.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqbwxcM6FS4/Ta3RZHKtnHI/AAAAAAAACQs/Oiyd_KNp-aU/s640/DSC06415.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The kids were each having a blast discovering each new design.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCo4CP4qAHY/Ta3Rka5ac1I/AAAAAAAACQ4/A2_s17blAiU/s1600/DSC06422.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCo4CP4qAHY/Ta3Rka5ac1I/AAAAAAAACQ4/A2_s17blAiU/s640/DSC06422.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">So much fun that when Princess Fierce's friend walked over to play she wanted to share and let her unwrap too.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzpLQfek_hU/Ta3RnhYVsJI/AAAAAAAACQ8/sVWxAIHJ7lg/s1600/DSC06426.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzpLQfek_hU/Ta3RnhYVsJI/AAAAAAAACQ8/sVWxAIHJ7lg/s640/DSC06426.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty sure their faces say everything here.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH4sbT50_O8/Ta3Rs3oabqI/AAAAAAAACRE/PzuaS58OlKA/s1600/DSC06433.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH4sbT50_O8/Ta3Rs3oabqI/AAAAAAAACRE/PzuaS58OlKA/s640/DSC06433.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the colors came through brilliantly.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6K5SiMf-G0/Ta3R4WqSiwI/AAAAAAAACRM/PQ5Of2PYgBw/s1600/DSC06444.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6K5SiMf-G0/Ta3R4WqSiwI/AAAAAAAACRM/PQ5Of2PYgBw/s640/DSC06444.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Our one and only dud of a tie. And we really thought the colors on this one would've been vibrant.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10P7RTHsJkM/Ta3R9nzq3EI/AAAAAAAACRQ/NY5S4mX5lDU/s1600/DSC06446.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10P7RTHsJkM/Ta3R9nzq3EI/AAAAAAAACRQ/NY5S4mX5lDU/s640/DSC06446.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I found a Charlie Brown tie in the basement we added last minute to our bounty and Thing Two could not wait to see if it worked.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxO1wQEI3p8/Ta3SC0lwpVI/AAAAAAAACRg/6_dBDQk9RHc/s1600/DSC06447.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxO1wQEI3p8/Ta3SC0lwpVI/AAAAAAAACRg/6_dBDQk9RHc/s640/DSC06447.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And it did! This rocks and opens up a whole new world of types of ties I'll be looking for over the next year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWfWtHBr-SE/Ta3SKPgcQ7I/AAAAAAAACRo/wVgsX0rrMZU/s1600/DSC06461.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWfWtHBr-SE/Ta3SKPgcQ7I/AAAAAAAACRo/wVgsX0rrMZU/s640/DSC06461.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The kids also called over their friend next door to join the unwrapping party.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu94HClFXYg/Ta3SMxmuTlI/AAAAAAAACRs/mjs01olspTw/s1600/DSC06464.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu94HClFXYg/Ta3SMxmuTlI/AAAAAAAACRs/mjs01olspTw/s640/DSC06464.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Love his expression at unwrapping a purple egg for the girls. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZlaSG4630w/Ta3SHfnB4MI/AAAAAAAACRk/dkSoKgYLRsg/s1600/DSC06459.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZlaSG4630w/Ta3SHfnB4MI/AAAAAAAACRk/dkSoKgYLRsg/s640/DSC06459.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Even our dog enjoyed watching the process.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twDXURXSlbQ/Ta3STfVsUFI/AAAAAAAACR0/QEI85-dGO3w/s1600/DSC06474.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twDXURXSlbQ/Ta3STfVsUFI/AAAAAAAACR0/QEI85-dGO3w/s640/DSC06474.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Thing One unwrapped the last egg. He was not too thrilled it was a hot pink egg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And now here's the entire set of eggs with their silks:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttp0Z4DWLBw/Ta3VKdzVmtI/AAAAAAAACUc/SINb2od7SYk/s1600/DSC06574.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttp0Z4DWLBw/Ta3VKdzVmtI/AAAAAAAACUc/SINb2od7SYk/s640/DSC06574.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnovDj_2RJQ/Ta3VXL8rkhI/AAAAAAAACUw/U2Lmfm4u-hs/s1600/DSC06576.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnovDj_2RJQ/Ta3VXL8rkhI/AAAAAAAACUw/U2Lmfm4u-hs/s640/DSC06576.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-te58kVvDPdA/Ta3Vc5zCjLI/AAAAAAAACU0/B8MyTNQGAQI/s1600/DSC06577.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-te58kVvDPdA/Ta3Vc5zCjLI/AAAAAAAACU0/B8MyTNQGAQI/s640/DSC06577.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The manatee with her baby is my absolute favorite! That's the only one I did on a blown egg and I think I'm going to transform it into a Christmas ornament after Easter is over.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTUglaKqZ84/Ta3WEQCvgxI/AAAAAAAACVY/V4w_8SOVEJE/s1600/DSC06603.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTUglaKqZ84/Ta3WEQCvgxI/AAAAAAAACVY/V4w_8SOVEJE/s640/DSC06603.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">So gather your old silks and get dyeing! </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm linking this up in some of these link parties:</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" target="_blank" title="Get Your Craft On Tuesday"><img alt="Get Your Craft On Tuesday" height="55" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/get-your-craft-on-e1283276983713.gif" style="border: medium none;" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2011/04/show-me-what-ya-got-20.html/"><img alt="Show Me What You Got" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP6n979zQPg0ZC6UWqPepHAY7O6bkLh6AiufHmbvfuJ9wmDUAguYHg_8CsqTMV-gsfT6wsxCyolhMYJfINT_SOlwlQvP0-E_o9Oz8jdfz6yn43XCwfDLKSHz9YiU2PSvh3XQGK9fW9-s/s200/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="200" /></a></div>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-47517329804549698282011-04-13T16:30:00.005-04:002011-10-20T11:08:35.087-04:00Lego Police Birthday<span style="font-size: small;">Today I have to share a most excellent birthday party I had nothing to do with. I just begged my friend to let me take pictures and blog about all her creativity.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFGf7Ch6scNrOByX8FzWib5m73ucaOu312SOTiSLqOUxWWtKTBTIWaXdV58delotpYLlWXRiOHCJXA7eVr8IBb3tXVt0etwLblyfoFYAxpmdv_D_bi8Lhra1bIjLHv-7OvGhUZmOA7af0/s1600/DSC06002.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFGf7Ch6scNrOByX8FzWib5m73ucaOu312SOTiSLqOUxWWtKTBTIWaXdV58delotpYLlWXRiOHCJXA7eVr8IBb3tXVt0etwLblyfoFYAxpmdv_D_bi8Lhra1bIjLHv-7OvGhUZmOA7af0/s640/DSC06002.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Meet Cooper. He's the birthday boy and very lucky son of a dear friend of mine.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgci29kOGE3HyqlfwLtk4Mu95cMoeeB-BpQBvpBHigrYa-jLYmihYHwwvU316SmQjG2X52avXGSowVwnfPVmh90kM-rrfHdr6SSuWum715QVq3CYBmqlN-zMMy_ctQL41Grvh_dOJQSE/s1600/sc002b8c9a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgci29kOGE3HyqlfwLtk4Mu95cMoeeB-BpQBvpBHigrYa-jLYmihYHwwvU316SmQjG2X52avXGSowVwnfPVmh90kM-rrfHdr6SSuWum715QVq3CYBmqlN-zMMy_ctQL41Grvh_dOJQSE/s640/sc002b8c9a.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A friend that predates training bras and mall bangs. I'm the 1984 birthday girl in the center and Cooper's mom, let's call her Ophelia, is the one on my left in the awesome My Little Twin Stars tee. If her shirt choice isn't proof that Ophelia's super cool maybe this will convince you.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkFIl_GvhkPn7QHBLEoXlUUwVfZJ75aGpRPmgnDXT3QwjS5Y6p229iW1IZLNtEXSvs1LPJZlhrpucWYY1WzdYHqk8fyHNF_uEL6Dyw5sGu-G8A32D4sCEKTazqhFEgvvw7UPMLlmjcabK/s1600/DSC05749.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkFIl_GvhkPn7QHBLEoXlUUwVfZJ75aGpRPmgnDXT3QwjS5Y6p229iW1IZLNtEXSvs1LPJZlhrpucWYY1WzdYHqk8fyHNF_uEL6Dyw5sGu-G8A32D4sCEKTazqhFEgvvw7UPMLlmjcabK/s640/DSC05749.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is above the archway in her kitchen. How can you not love a woman that has ruby slippers hanging on her wall? So it was no doubt she was going to create a very kidilicious, creative, crafty Lego Police party. And she did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But lest you think </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;"> is Cooper's lone super parent he also has a dad unlike most others. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DaleATL2">DaleATL</a> creates home videos of their family that are beyond incredible. And he did one for this party that I'll link to at the end. Whoa! Don't skip ahead. You must be patient, grasshopper. All things in good time. While he was busy recording, I was running around photographing and </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;"> was busy being the party drill sargeant.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxzFZo8ZnrbgyBt2N-7CDYS4OSUktpJLorL3Srga7WpFpdkwMkcWWIOvvU_s62nVwb0mxBL3bkN5LTrJEJXjoYTWVweEzpj1rivnru6_xPjsIq-S_hq-W86hxNAjpbc4hvMRXw7y3peqa/s1600/DSC05739.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxzFZo8ZnrbgyBt2N-7CDYS4OSUktpJLorL3Srga7WpFpdkwMkcWWIOvvU_s62nVwb0mxBL3bkN5LTrJEJXjoYTWVweEzpj1rivnru6_xPjsIq-S_hq-W86hxNAjpbc4hvMRXw7y3peqa/s640/DSC05739.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Before we even made it inside my boys were already excited by the sight of real police tape around the perimeter of the house.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8UQN3emL9h6yX89ntGwl_cYC8PBEwI_RZ4l-JCCwKPx_YLgGun9P8EYkDt-9OBVZpXwLG4fvX3W3IwFW8-O5QFFS7ygKtiIXOW5wzJ0oFZhMrKNctL3PCZ0nEzQdrHoL93Waeptrnldk/s1600/DSC05855.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8UQN3emL9h6yX89ntGwl_cYC8PBEwI_RZ4l-JCCwKPx_YLgGun9P8EYkDt-9OBVZpXwLG4fvX3W3IwFW8-O5QFFS7ygKtiIXOW5wzJ0oFZhMrKNctL3PCZ0nEzQdrHoL93Waeptrnldk/s640/DSC05855.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">More evidence of the crime as we approached the front door.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa7SilbVJed_jq8ggfOXlIyJks9Rp3NqPX_H6zD0eqp3ykateu3toblhrCeTEpKm4TamQunKNr9oN6Kzysg1wjqm3ftN_HH3c3Mr2HOegfWVbHZSg8XtcQel42Ksds3Ie73SFWYudYWW7/s1600/DSC06043.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa7SilbVJed_jq8ggfOXlIyJks9Rp3NqPX_H6zD0eqp3ykateu3toblhrCeTEpKm4TamQunKNr9oN6Kzysg1wjqm3ftN_HH3c3Mr2HOegfWVbHZSg8XtcQel42Ksds3Ie73SFWYudYWW7/s640/DSC06043.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Once inside </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;"> hung badges around all the party guests necks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz19wK-ByeobsyhYjlxPN1YmRarGHTKkFl0OVdf0TdO6K5ckRSsCM8i7ZUBI_nxhyphenhyphenMaU9vGTAYsugU8ZC5WEYe-AnYTPNj0jiY9J2gImnRrrOJlfTw5xev1Au-BxWGtuc1ClYdypxnlB9q/s1600/DSC05746.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz19wK-ByeobsyhYjlxPN1YmRarGHTKkFl0OVdf0TdO6K5ckRSsCM8i7ZUBI_nxhyphenhyphenMaU9vGTAYsugU8ZC5WEYe-AnYTPNj0jiY9J2gImnRrrOJlfTw5xev1Au-BxWGtuc1ClYdypxnlB9q/s640/DSC05746.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And they all wore police hats she'd made from construction paper and recycled cereal boxes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3pWoimQkYsXDOHpU86Wn4ocwkOPV8bhtEwC86air9Zr-TZuBRMa4AeYnnwKVRuA7bRHVTgameMHVGnUHvtsdU6pgv6oi_1nOeLMj1A2MiqwVc_a-YnbyYM9CUsj7Ot2LKrPPIl7HzOSa/s1600/DSC05765.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3pWoimQkYsXDOHpU86Wn4ocwkOPV8bhtEwC86air9Zr-TZuBRMa4AeYnnwKVRuA7bRHVTgameMHVGnUHvtsdU6pgv6oi_1nOeLMj1A2MiqwVc_a-YnbyYM9CUsj7Ot2LKrPPIl7HzOSa/s640/DSC05765.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">You cannot have a police party without donuts!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOToAJmChE7npTLktzd9t3xLiDFUb9-Zljq44f59PdwmWJd9_w-BdxQiZX_yjY4B-c1_dk8yNMWyym-NuBZRlA8b331J5aPI7WuQqpLv4C__p7xB4ZGCfWdlTynif2BVsXEvbcfi4KZ0eH/s1600/tabledecor.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOToAJmChE7npTLktzd9t3xLiDFUb9-Zljq44f59PdwmWJd9_w-BdxQiZX_yjY4B-c1_dk8yNMWyym-NuBZRlA8b331J5aPI7WuQqpLv4C__p7xB4ZGCfWdlTynif2BVsXEvbcfi4KZ0eH/s640/tabledecor.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to donuts, chips and fruit the food table was also decorated with badges, more police tape and some very original Lego scenes Cooper created for the day.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtlxruzxPHsEAKHfckJBjBYImcvhEVAETfzOY_27SRtBZEdsqDGRoFAb_yMkZ97cqHvzpY0l-10KDzUHdw5MRWJar-S1UdakHmg0DBytH-8l1pLJ0qiPct7Po6qlD6uypU9DO_0rJRP0M/s1600/DSC05741.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtlxruzxPHsEAKHfckJBjBYImcvhEVAETfzOY_27SRtBZEdsqDGRoFAb_yMkZ97cqHvzpY0l-10KDzUHdw5MRWJar-S1UdakHmg0DBytH-8l1pLJ0qiPct7Po6qlD6uypU9DO_0rJRP0M/s640/DSC05741.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And then there was the police car cake and cupcakes.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_WbEIUbOQiNVZk_rdfk3w4-IEe0H_rsF0-fjH4sFdDNp88lCZoVvQrsaeDWslClNQL3hylSo7h1NnwZW7TcQWrzX7VcUStqoFucQ1qczjd_t-vovMUluv7CoGW41qPlQianiKBDV-ff9/s1600/DSC05742.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_WbEIUbOQiNVZk_rdfk3w4-IEe0H_rsF0-fjH4sFdDNp88lCZoVvQrsaeDWslClNQL3hylSo7h1NnwZW7TcQWrzX7VcUStqoFucQ1qczjd_t-vovMUluv7CoGW41qPlQianiKBDV-ff9/s640/DSC05742.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;"> created the cake from the Wilton 3D car pan and copious amounts of delicious frosting. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy7KTiFMU1Fidn8qt-pJeJwvdGWPVu6Bzo9CyT2SIn5BvziS9pHU6iApHqo-KcX42VauA40FpRADoJ98ywmbKo7RQ4Xf5b-CX_6yXX-WWTETR-SEFRiF4BYf4dAR_bItFJCvYMArbL4HK/s1600/DSC05743.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy7KTiFMU1Fidn8qt-pJeJwvdGWPVu6Bzo9CyT2SIn5BvziS9pHU6iApHqo-KcX42VauA40FpRADoJ98ywmbKo7RQ4Xf5b-CX_6yXX-WWTETR-SEFRiF4BYf4dAR_bItFJCvYMArbL4HK/s640/DSC05743.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">She dyed the cupcake batter blue for extra pizazz.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCIbRl5CLmQtvoJOs_J_jukKvRp71GPH0wpCYz_E8VavbzrduQwPu_JvKJiF0zGEjtWaZ-X-hKdycPlUW527oVbgE3c-SnEITYO2cMdV3pAgoKrH5ZNOWESbkHiB6qrB-ezBlG3zew9Xv/s1600/pinbadge.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCIbRl5CLmQtvoJOs_J_jukKvRp71GPH0wpCYz_E8VavbzrduQwPu_JvKJiF0zGEjtWaZ-X-hKdycPlUW527oVbgE3c-SnEITYO2cMdV3pAgoKrH5ZNOWESbkHiB6qrB-ezBlG3zew9Xv/s640/pinbadge.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The first game of the day was pin the badge on the police officer. She said Cooper came up with the idea himself. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;"> created the officer to hang on the wall with a foam badge the kids tried to place. Young and old kids couldn't resist this twist on an old party favorite.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApgvG0WP8qbf6hZ8mMiAn88FRyrn03Rg_6GuLygz8jDEu7W1iFMGzr51b-YKKZ025UM_Dyp127QAiISBhD4VXyaHdldzdCKfuXt1pJvDs5vihxWuN94ef2KtzbhEg-zhH2g2EXN4CtsYS/s1600/DSC05796.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApgvG0WP8qbf6hZ8mMiAn88FRyrn03Rg_6GuLygz8jDEu7W1iFMGzr51b-YKKZ025UM_Dyp127QAiISBhD4VXyaHdldzdCKfuXt1pJvDs5vihxWuN94ef2KtzbhEg-zhH2g2EXN4CtsYS/s640/DSC05796.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then the games got more interesting. Handcuffed kids and donuts on a string?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjq-0U2BWzqFh7KEUGW8PmrLrJmUQ8lq4GtvBo4WeA4SQD4zl5HlHZ9zgCdyXOybylFivtJ9fMmJOlcknZHoOUBXWZTgYKhPhEscnWwhneXHRosZygC8RuahVSugQkQ2eO4g77X_aLgQq/s1600/DSC05810.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjq-0U2BWzqFh7KEUGW8PmrLrJmUQ8lq4GtvBo4WeA4SQD4zl5HlHZ9zgCdyXOybylFivtJ9fMmJOlcknZHoOUBXWZTgYKhPhEscnWwhneXHRosZygC8RuahVSugQkQ2eO4g77X_aLgQq/s640/DSC05810.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The object? Who could eat the most donut without it falling.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mV4AYyT5AqmmvYSObsjKO-Bi_-5hYEvu7lo5pjmi1PXstwxc24MN6Xn0xtU7-Wd0ULGRYjuiKKfsUCQSJkrXSmNgvdCUzXIU3PoLRIUjC8qb-r-W8YqBg2UuNY-STmQp0tLH9KzH8Vbf/s1600/DSC05808.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mV4AYyT5AqmmvYSObsjKO-Bi_-5hYEvu7lo5pjmi1PXstwxc24MN6Xn0xtU7-Wd0ULGRYjuiKKfsUCQSJkrXSmNgvdCUzXIU3PoLRIUjC8qb-r-W8YqBg2UuNY-STmQp0tLH9KzH8Vbf/s640/DSC05808.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">A yummy game and absolutely hilarious to watch the kids attempt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuMpLv92f5iRhOZDgaOXZXSYKw65Pe5k_MOk06myqdG-Z_gqu6-NTpvBsrKWi3PoEw5Fu4nc6dTnKPBXL7QsaH9tUAX8rDIylLRTyaz_GSRwi4gK1n91C62y133flQVcktCW6qBhLccDK/s1600/DSC05862.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuMpLv92f5iRhOZDgaOXZXSYKw65Pe5k_MOk06myqdG-Z_gqu6-NTpvBsrKWi3PoEw5Fu4nc6dTnKPBXL7QsaH9tUAX8rDIylLRTyaz_GSRwi4gK1n91C62y133flQVcktCW6qBhLccDK/s640/DSC05862.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The final game was a relay race outside. The kids had to drive a tricycle through cones...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AboO5V9jInp9aeKHJTnIQEFYrErDvHveNPLIDqK9n1i-Wb7_eAzD_0GeCw7zC3YcsPnR1mFj0dRblIzbJFuJ_Kkhzvrb9jYCLFUJPoWGXR8t5atksSSgGl-ahAj1Gfszse3RgVEWMgFP/s1600/DSC05865.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AboO5V9jInp9aeKHJTnIQEFYrErDvHveNPLIDqK9n1i-Wb7_eAzD_0GeCw7zC3YcsPnR1mFj0dRblIzbJFuJ_Kkhzvrb9jYCLFUJPoWGXR8t5atksSSgGl-ahAj1Gfszse3RgVEWMgFP/s640/DSC05865.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fire a Nerf gun at the target...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Ca2rO-JlqsRiocrFedoMntMxwm11iU10xAq0ZmIlrjiao3T6wRf1czKbxuAZZw7k0JDTRimNaNt4f-5wwq-m_9R7UR0ApCp09-e5I7I19nGkVzyYYoGqezjbmGtlVeyDtuq-dSaraic/s1600/DSC05868.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Ca2rO-JlqsRiocrFedoMntMxwm11iU10xAq0ZmIlrjiao3T6wRf1czKbxuAZZw7k0JDTRimNaNt4f-5wwq-m_9R7UR0ApCp09-e5I7I19nGkVzyYYoGqezjbmGtlVeyDtuq-dSaraic/s640/DSC05868.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Commandeer a vehicle... </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_Q85nvQ_Oxse6MXUSGmxjugKW7f4-uo9QZQavrjv4-A1RDG2nnBf2V7v64wPkHWI7aSj68UD3L-SUNJlgEluIPTey7tRxFa1uoBQpYXx0nvNCWQfRGQ7ZkBRPKOMcsm5PMRjoVnRZwS/s1600/DSC05859.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_Q85nvQ_Oxse6MXUSGmxjugKW7f4-uo9QZQavrjv4-A1RDG2nnBf2V7v64wPkHWI7aSj68UD3L-SUNJlgEluIPTey7tRxFa1uoBQpYXx0nvNCWQfRGQ7ZkBRPKOMcsm5PMRjoVnRZwS/s640/DSC05859.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Recover buried evidence...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ColY9LhWs7rd6sgS1eWrsvFRh45Zfnz3PTcGAWllVd-VPIodmhQfZApGGGcuzjxWoB0E3EuZYLh0r_4Y2ieSIreYM0pvfTTjePLWL7tac9QIFufrmbpQIQXOChbMzRldHE8_zXzSkov1/s1600/DSC05873.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ColY9LhWs7rd6sgS1eWrsvFRh45Zfnz3PTcGAWllVd-VPIodmhQfZApGGGcuzjxWoB0E3EuZYLh0r_4Y2ieSIreYM0pvfTTjePLWL7tac9QIFufrmbpQIQXOChbMzRldHE8_zXzSkov1/s640/DSC05873.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Individual containers of blue jello each hid five pieces of important evidence the kids had to dig out. Fabulous, filthy fun.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAbwsjNcSo4iWBRzASsrqvOhmuRslDvBrPAmaoVZCX32ZoaKy1Ca0wmyuTLbVkfwYmdkHYsF-olBeGpwMUCjR1Xv4_ZC0XuSkYFDx_PmN5gZ-id3NxQjjqMK7rNEOuvaNvSe_wLBahJd_/s1600/DSC05879.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAbwsjNcSo4iWBRzASsrqvOhmuRslDvBrPAmaoVZCX32ZoaKy1Ca0wmyuTLbVkfwYmdkHYsF-olBeGpwMUCjR1Xv4_ZC0XuSkYFDx_PmN5gZ-id3NxQjjqMK7rNEOuvaNvSe_wLBahJd_/s640/DSC05879.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And a bit too irresistible for Cooper's little sister. She simply had to taste the remnants of her brother's jello after he ran off to the...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2sZvD_stJSluCgr6Hr7Wk9-eHVyKRfgm3uzhp-Kp33ihfr-j7knZ0i-a9SxmawaruT9LlgwrbVOt4XfpHK2F_UmivBZv2qgSrCTM1RmGUvHp5ZayOLBONJ9WF9zrd9H9DqU_nQCI0AQQ/s1600/DSC05915.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2sZvD_stJSluCgr6Hr7Wk9-eHVyKRfgm3uzhp-Kp33ihfr-j7knZ0i-a9SxmawaruT9LlgwrbVOt4XfpHK2F_UmivBZv2qgSrCTM1RmGUvHp5ZayOLBONJ9WF9zrd9H9DqU_nQCI0AQQ/s640/DSC05915.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Evidence room and hopes of the fastest time on the stop watch.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnArs_8q_qUEOqUl9uFn9orfhuOMjbTV6wVT_R9Cw-3grcY8aHKoBj_62UV0h9KIYenPxDwqODfOO3UTv8EeOSTtTUCFiRgw4BBvG6xRnWhvr5Pis1DbltbVYvcoAsCxJ1WvsmbPqTBFNf/s1600/pinata.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnArs_8q_qUEOqUl9uFn9orfhuOMjbTV6wVT_R9Cw-3grcY8aHKoBj_62UV0h9KIYenPxDwqODfOO3UTv8EeOSTtTUCFiRgw4BBvG6xRnWhvr5Pis1DbltbVYvcoAsCxJ1WvsmbPqTBFNf/s640/pinata.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The fun didn't end there. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia also</span><span style="font-size: small;"> made Cooper a police car piñata. This was her first time making a piñata. She constructed it from shirt boxes and paper maché then covered it in Dollar Tree crepe paper. Her attention to the small details were incredible.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0LGjD-30olUhj-G41Q36CVVbZDVVAafkS1nSAQ6Kh4SL2a8ig68kxmot7TasnzLxGRp90P4jVXsUMu3nE5CcoHrEf0dMff4QsqHuJHQhZLYePyym-27MFGVdzNgRMsiyZcvsbw23lAwo/s1600/DSC05985.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0LGjD-30olUhj-G41Q36CVVbZDVVAafkS1nSAQ6Kh4SL2a8ig68kxmot7TasnzLxGRp90P4jVXsUMu3nE5CcoHrEf0dMff4QsqHuJHQhZLYePyym-27MFGVdzNgRMsiyZcvsbw23lAwo/s640/DSC05985.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It withstood a beating from all the party guests with and without blindfolds.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko7saS9JqD54f_bgM24_ybK9Ag2VWUWB_zt7oM4tB85_JPcyRRCwJmBO4XEtWiVj9G5D2whwq-xXIdDmszWhuXImxT5Yhsz5ol-l-ocNCsFNJtmWtnBoM5_VEqpvPU-AI5Q0HXcR5au2P/s1600/DSC05994.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko7saS9JqD54f_bgM24_ybK9Ag2VWUWB_zt7oM4tB85_JPcyRRCwJmBO4XEtWiVj9G5D2whwq-xXIdDmszWhuXImxT5Yhsz5ol-l-ocNCsFNJtmWtnBoM5_VEqpvPU-AI5Q0HXcR5au2P/s640/DSC05994.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It finally surrendered its candy center with the help of Cooper's Papa and a mighty blow from one of the bigger kids. Or perhaps a better way for me to describe this shot is my heart in my throat as my son took a swing at </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ophelia</span><span style="font-size: small;">'s dad's hands. I did not want this to end badly!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRKuzbiq9spBG8R-M0T3CaI6khozmoBoXvGeOJ80hUWo89j-VJOHb79dj8-3lMz4I158kStDTULeVEnY5UqSJEoZMGpNTu76nRX-21g1FOWaDt-jNupQ5yR8y2RDVuRZ-wb9X6o23rHuG/s1600/DSC05997.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRKuzbiq9spBG8R-M0T3CaI6khozmoBoXvGeOJ80hUWo89j-VJOHb79dj8-3lMz4I158kStDTULeVEnY5UqSJEoZMGpNTu76nRX-21g1FOWaDt-jNupQ5yR8y2RDVuRZ-wb9X6o23rHuG/s640/DSC05997.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Fortunately my son did not harm my childhood friend's dad and the candy rained down on all their heads.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIVUEcJAOBLLBH2gH-gRllN_jNOXd1nRzvIl2JGqaGlfGOUybE8P8x40o6JvQtZ6nAqsBmHHxvFNBgG3YMVuXJY-XXZi01KA4GHhBqyLf1FM73lkHfSR6tvfnTAQmkVcCEyDwd9-a0P8M/s1600/DSC06103.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIVUEcJAOBLLBH2gH-gRllN_jNOXd1nRzvIl2JGqaGlfGOUybE8P8x40o6JvQtZ6nAqsBmHHxvFNBgG3YMVuXJY-XXZi01KA4GHhBqyLf1FM73lkHfSR6tvfnTAQmkVcCEyDwd9-a0P8M/s640/DSC06103.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">When the games were done, the blue cupcakes consumed and the gifts opened the kids left with their badges, goody bags and Police Academy diploma.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH2lUV8ETAMa1dREyUizeBWLK9xVpkEQ1cTvu7Lp8VwxHzmN8ubPJh0w2fa14DPzZFyROQA662YI6gXJVXh78V2omWjJyj4-9CDYuLvd9ZUoU_qdp9IDFUk2KnylwVmIQQPF1wnT9r_ft/s1600/DSC06116.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH2lUV8ETAMa1dREyUizeBWLK9xVpkEQ1cTvu7Lp8VwxHzmN8ubPJh0w2fa14DPzZFyROQA662YI6gXJVXh78V2omWjJyj4-9CDYuLvd9ZUoU_qdp9IDFUk2KnylwVmIQQPF1wnT9r_ft/s640/DSC06116.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The personalized Lego Police diplomas delighted my boys.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_xwAsDXK9JPooNsxfMGuG6ZiIX_ofVzoXip0j1bu3zm3TqK9CO7hJgX2kUQW64sl59dCx-kqydKdj3bRCSWlMdIOrXq6g67TSPp-Qo6XIOuqE8TJTCjl2rzSMVY0g2TsBHWCUL5prTXb/s1600/DSC06108.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_xwAsDXK9JPooNsxfMGuG6ZiIX_ofVzoXip0j1bu3zm3TqK9CO7hJgX2kUQW64sl59dCx-kqydKdj3bRCSWlMdIOrXq6g67TSPp-Qo6XIOuqE8TJTCjl2rzSMVY0g2TsBHWCUL5prTXb/s640/DSC06108.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">As did the bounty of police themed goodies in their bags.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzRHHlkWZBsrzSrjjHnr0pKSR5nY3TcsFl8iSx35a9IiSaeLVjbgP3Dx2d5ZrJYpot6DWWf6D9q0yaSJd0NmiDQELOtCMYKBxyQK7kmMCa18IAN-gsE8sDQ_NXokDxIRVNTodkVx9sEBX/s1600/DSC06109.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzRHHlkWZBsrzSrjjHnr0pKSR5nY3TcsFl8iSx35a9IiSaeLVjbgP3Dx2d5ZrJYpot6DWWf6D9q0yaSJd0NmiDQELOtCMYKBxyQK7kmMCa18IAN-gsE8sDQ_NXokDxIRVNTodkVx9sEBX/s640/DSC06109.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The parking violation pad was my personal favorite from the loot. I'd like to keep these in my purse to distribute in parking lots.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_qTbhjspP3yU8wwcoRCAwjIZxilhgCylihBuwVaR3Ojuuh1_RIgTXZKXjpRpGAqE04o1SrSwJRowqlrGHe1hHHodu72Ex3iBHTDL7pjAjnTPFLxeEySviCo4Q0qDy1fv_IM8Toa9UQVy/s1600/DSC06010.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_qTbhjspP3yU8wwcoRCAwjIZxilhgCylihBuwVaR3Ojuuh1_RIgTXZKXjpRpGAqE04o1SrSwJRowqlrGHe1hHHodu72Ex3iBHTDL7pjAjnTPFLxeEySviCo4Q0qDy1fv_IM8Toa9UQVy/s640/DSC06010.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Birthday, Officer Cooper!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And now that you've made it to the end you must check out the birthday video DaleATL created. I promise this is not your usual home video and you will not regret the next five minutes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1HNhTsQTlFc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-size: small;">And afterward poke around his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DaleATL2">YouTube channel</a> to feel completely inadequate about your recording of last Christmas morning. </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-66391988948782626592011-04-01T12:13:00.003-04:002011-09-19T13:21:18.801-04:00April Fools' Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv6SeJ3P1vqQN7erci-ds_dUpRYxBxMtafN0Mi5Sf8GS1oTNq9oztm0xViJpdO8Q2T3E6faOjbmLd7SpcSVwN5Ysp1oT_9wuF4LCOGGRsLF2Zu845wqIGZG2dgHylFq5Ewx7DKYdpvPV3/s1600/DSC06320.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv6SeJ3P1vqQN7erci-ds_dUpRYxBxMtafN0Mi5Sf8GS1oTNq9oztm0xViJpdO8Q2T3E6faOjbmLd7SpcSVwN5Ysp1oT_9wuF4LCOGGRsLF2Zu845wqIGZG2dgHylFq5Ewx7DKYdpvPV3/s640/DSC06320.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This year for April Fools' Day I decided to do a candy breakfast. It was inspired off <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/april-fools-day/april-fools-day-recipes/fakin-and-eggs-859971/">this idea</a> from Family Fun magazine. Following their directions I created the miniature candy breakfast you see here. But I thought I could make a few modifications to the bacon.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahWekr-eMzvD6dhRil8YXav84wIucgOSX3q49XJt380tFJDTftYgCHqYdg4Z-2yZd68Nmk-DhxTWlog5Zx2KgDDXPyXK8nKAiEfKVnEal55z32ExJ9M58jHCNecetEPeOadR54cTA3FXu/s1600/DSC06284.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahWekr-eMzvD6dhRil8YXav84wIucgOSX3q49XJt380tFJDTftYgCHqYdg4Z-2yZd68Nmk-DhxTWlog5Zx2KgDDXPyXK8nKAiEfKVnEal55z32ExJ9M58jHCNecetEPeOadR54cTA3FXu/s640/DSC06284.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">To make the bacon you need caramels and tootsie rolls. For the eggs, white chocolate chips or candy melts and yellow M&Ms. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FLdrlEzLvOgjCNzLYCNPminDLQysBMaNEaPO7hQbI2HV5pE1p89-eWCsbXR3Fk61pGPm3j2AQkPX4t5uk3xEmRb7i3Vl24-pbuK3rA_J9i6bUz01htDi0tasRVDYlgnvhmwji0VHV8Cm/s1600/DSC06299.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FLdrlEzLvOgjCNzLYCNPminDLQysBMaNEaPO7hQbI2HV5pE1p89-eWCsbXR3Fk61pGPm3j2AQkPX4t5uk3xEmRb7i3Vl24-pbuK3rA_J9i6bUz01htDi0tasRVDYlgnvhmwji0VHV8Cm/s640/DSC06299.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">For my large, life size bacon strips I used two tootsie rolls and one caramel.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSupwKSvj_BlRcNJpVmj78iYB3C8BPMpTgNangVzWUqP_6xFvLCHT__AxBOVIwuim_KVK-j64W1ch_IbpmYbpzYW1mK_kE2Kr4-touAPWXzdScYG7wp64rju-Hzen0YtdA-9QFBKbf44h/s1600/DSC06309.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSupwKSvj_BlRcNJpVmj78iYB3C8BPMpTgNangVzWUqP_6xFvLCHT__AxBOVIwuim_KVK-j64W1ch_IbpmYbpzYW1mK_kE2Kr4-touAPWXzdScYG7wp64rju-Hzen0YtdA-9QFBKbf44h/s640/DSC06309.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It's suggested you soften these in the microwave but mine is on the fritz, so I just pressed them with my hands until they flattened. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcit8JOOdgE2viZhKM4lOSCGK6cY-MbSaozZvOWJR0Bf1ZY8SC5MluKD7q4c9uaYg-rFAhAzSXuE0WifXH0rLMIp4Tl6Wp5qyTpy2aVcIzQATfaA9PFIqxABx0o0r3YyFmBpRDyNQk4uM4/s1600/DSC06310.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcit8JOOdgE2viZhKM4lOSCGK6cY-MbSaozZvOWJR0Bf1ZY8SC5MluKD7q4c9uaYg-rFAhAzSXuE0WifXH0rLMIp4Tl6Wp5qyTpy2aVcIzQATfaA9PFIqxABx0o0r3YyFmBpRDyNQk4uM4/s640/DSC06310.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Stack them and press some more.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g4prIcLLpmlp0AmT-fekWNegq9Z5cDC3Tu9WoWcvgViI9BMn08iokX1GXWdiUvIgWwIxDpznmqY6K4WvDnG2EBJ6bDtayAXltHDV2s-uZ_8xdvhlujtngYlUDG9nnH_04gCs4Mdi9M6a/s1600/DSC06311.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g4prIcLLpmlp0AmT-fekWNegq9Z5cDC3Tu9WoWcvgViI9BMn08iokX1GXWdiUvIgWwIxDpznmqY6K4WvDnG2EBJ6bDtayAXltHDV2s-uZ_8xdvhlujtngYlUDG9nnH_04gCs4Mdi9M6a/s640/DSC06311.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Cut in half lengthwise.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS8J52w6_I-sgdNl7h6yVS3ygh6MwkbIXv5Ptd7uvdXp7qvS_gRZRJ5JKprMJABT5cdlMpIiHH7fYzG6iCAbpBfRRWNYU-NeKG6r2kaS1_wHVuMyJbM0tULJcRN9_6iE6lL68KrH46BdN/s1600/DSC06312.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS8J52w6_I-sgdNl7h6yVS3ygh6MwkbIXv5Ptd7uvdXp7qvS_gRZRJ5JKprMJABT5cdlMpIiHH7fYzG6iCAbpBfRRWNYU-NeKG6r2kaS1_wHVuMyJbM0tULJcRN9_6iE6lL68KrH46BdN/s640/DSC06312.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Stack and press some more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="goog_457139556"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSXEl917_pjDnBuAy98PZoBSJfuWOEwxRCbQODaRY33FPihSc0PrzOmpxXkep_ZAGX0XDYRInI1r2zfQi-tGP2RjsdH4Grh2edUnvyyuwf-5G2ihBxz_ZHVTpYUTnFwmOvIGl99WABoKR/s1600/DSC06313.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSXEl917_pjDnBuAy98PZoBSJfuWOEwxRCbQODaRY33FPihSc0PrzOmpxXkep_ZAGX0XDYRInI1r2zfQi-tGP2RjsdH4Grh2edUnvyyuwf-5G2ihBxz_ZHVTpYUTnFwmOvIGl99WABoKR/s640/DSC06313.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Now cut into three thin strips.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ykjSIAnP-ETBqzBlGRn2SoQVZp7oBOJ9RRLHrSaxO03C6-CRfO5DSSI9p6eDOi_jqfo8h0CTwcmUIbsSMOCOHurtJfXan64kQINRKuEVHKoE3gwYftmfSzcm9ZSwytJdTrtM9UdbmqS/s1600/DSC06314.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ykjSIAnP-ETBqzBlGRn2SoQVZp7oBOJ9RRLHrSaxO03C6-CRfO5DSSI9p6eDOi_jqfo8h0CTwcmUIbsSMOCOHurtJfXan64kQINRKuEVHKoE3gwYftmfSzcm9ZSwytJdTrtM9UdbmqS/s640/DSC06314.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Turn on sides, with stripes facing up and press together then press down to flatten.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1xSqJAnfzG306pu7ObkUxB_WVEv-lwpKedkg8o1Gp7CTdMGh3KUQ2gF4Hf7rK_Hd5coihFGh4s4rNB3uw3YJjBrdWszoPag-ywZUFX796vAFtakBYQqFegOV0evZDj3K6RfUHt0-_A6m/s1600/DSC06315.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1xSqJAnfzG306pu7ObkUxB_WVEv-lwpKedkg8o1Gp7CTdMGh3KUQ2gF4Hf7rK_Hd5coihFGh4s4rNB3uw3YJjBrdWszoPag-ywZUFX796vAFtakBYQqFegOV0evZDj3K6RfUHt0-_A6m/s640/DSC06315.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Running my palm along the length while pressing down on the counter made the "facon" thin and long.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ldp5pwhOIwITzeB_LG6NWEmseoVPzns-iCf-1p_l7TPxBkshUs6ddhMPKdnLVw_vSAR7wORJrKTgpDdRiyH-AehePhgtESA6QcgkbIk2CQPRcTRwCjbThIa2pgM8eh3AZdTvRKQ8VlgQ/s1600/DSC06316.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ldp5pwhOIwITzeB_LG6NWEmseoVPzns-iCf-1p_l7TPxBkshUs6ddhMPKdnLVw_vSAR7wORJrKTgpDdRiyH-AehePhgtESA6QcgkbIk2CQPRcTRwCjbThIa2pgM8eh3AZdTvRKQ8VlgQ/s640/DSC06316.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Trim the ends and then crimp edges as you desire.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5mC0hQcRTdlWZTGJXu6BWaOFBRDUwAtzU28bY0c6CA9nCsnkmr8Z4TRafAIiwwUr7L2Pr13b_Jnuu1uavUz0IqZlrlXdFMcJf8KkKGarVA3Fwkvye56SJwWl98BMrPLQvFndkgUK-PIp/s1600/DSC06318.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5mC0hQcRTdlWZTGJXu6BWaOFBRDUwAtzU28bY0c6CA9nCsnkmr8Z4TRafAIiwwUr7L2Pr13b_Jnuu1uavUz0IqZlrlXdFMcJf8KkKGarVA3Fwkvye56SJwWl98BMrPLQvFndkgUK-PIp/s640/DSC06318.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And you have true size candy bacon.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHzFu4jfY9P5ZC0IonXsoZhSdm7aRhW5zU315URBvkIXs-EeLL7LX59OOMw-8l1l4BAQHCIEVO6kJSia3KeYqWi6BKOxMorNXI0r1HSzmXByCdVE8AWHcOk_KU9b1XT6Tn_er2DAPuhqF/s1600/DSC06301.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHzFu4jfY9P5ZC0IonXsoZhSdm7aRhW5zU315URBvkIXs-EeLL7LX59OOMw-8l1l4BAQHCIEVO6kJSia3KeYqWi6BKOxMorNXI0r1HSzmXByCdVE8AWHcOk_KU9b1XT6Tn_er2DAPuhqF/s640/DSC06301.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">From two tootsie rolls and one caramel to candy bacon. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y6lFJZ1aI4-00FuddlH6kNzZ69msszDBo2eSASqNkC4lDjcCCldVbydzb8SphzDVJpkHPqjnhACe0dSUME9r5D04pEnieRyLjdZ2K6G2B3-RTYzZ4o14NV2fB9v9dMN1NDK45J4W7apq/s1600/DSC06323.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y6lFJZ1aI4-00FuddlH6kNzZ69msszDBo2eSASqNkC4lDjcCCldVbydzb8SphzDVJpkHPqjnhACe0dSUME9r5D04pEnieRyLjdZ2K6G2B3-RTYzZ4o14NV2fB9v9dMN1NDK45J4W7apq/s640/DSC06323.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I placed them all in a skillet on the oven when I served them for breakfast. The kids were baffled.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwSNzwY-UC2WCjBfk4Ux4qof8WPLrRUFE2V-W1vYxeuvSYnp5WeMhjPNMAaahR3r_oe6GHWxpzAFg0TC4Gx7ez-Ia_G0gKD2nog43-R5owjAe8_CB2CCAIgbli_HaELzKbtV4DMbS76JP/s1600/DSC06325.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwSNzwY-UC2WCjBfk4Ux4qof8WPLrRUFE2V-W1vYxeuvSYnp5WeMhjPNMAaahR3r_oe6GHWxpzAFg0TC4Gx7ez-Ia_G0gKD2nog43-R5owjAe8_CB2CCAIgbli_HaELzKbtV4DMbS76JP/s640/DSC06325.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">To make the eggs squeeze a dot of melted white candy on wax paper, press in yellow M&M and let set. I wanted to do the eggs life size as well using a yellow candy melt for the yolk but couldn't make it to the store yesterday. Instead I told the kids they were out of regular eggs so I had to use chick eggs. Giggles erupted. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFf2p96x_lgAHVKrOeXQiSl9xICngueUI73KHsCYoA517iPULCF6MhmP_KdP6eYDktTWWixoLgEyN4NVCSevk1x7gN7-AV-JX7M5W0tGyTru_z8KbXnDErIxBrNT6LUJsigkUu5lAbm_P/s1600/DSC06326.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFf2p96x_lgAHVKrOeXQiSl9xICngueUI73KHsCYoA517iPULCF6MhmP_KdP6eYDktTWWixoLgEyN4NVCSevk1x7gN7-AV-JX7M5W0tGyTru_z8KbXnDErIxBrNT6LUJsigkUu5lAbm_P/s640/DSC06326.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But candy bacon and eggs couldn't be the only trick. The kids were surprised coming to the bar and seeing glasses of "straight up" juice since I always serve water with just an inch of juice. They were even more surprised...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEgogDhZmqsOAzjYIM9tY5NUmsRW0zUFu-bavdh3uHjpPBqoTbwb9tG_MnMHsYBLQxp-XohmHlrgGapJtXYVVK4O04MlfUgbFB9FZgmJ9c64SxyQghQJ4ffEfR0ldt8D9GRg2Fobj3URl/s1600/DSC06331.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEgogDhZmqsOAzjYIM9tY5NUmsRW0zUFu-bavdh3uHjpPBqoTbwb9tG_MnMHsYBLQxp-XohmHlrgGapJtXYVVK4O04MlfUgbFB9FZgmJ9c64SxyQghQJ4ffEfR0ldt8D9GRg2Fobj3URl/s640/DSC06331.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">...when nothing came out.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSrspLbBxhx_NHzCZUhEu4Yd_1N0xBJQszcPTsACph1jwKpcmfoM8yimKoOWzEo7OCpbEDg1WVl7RyhNdchblEOtQo4zBfif7i3YIMYVj545M8zqnuchVaN-Mw4P0knlDl17qAD6V1Caq/s1600/DSC06332.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSrspLbBxhx_NHzCZUhEu4Yd_1N0xBJQszcPTsACph1jwKpcmfoM8yimKoOWzEo7OCpbEDg1WVl7RyhNdchblEOtQo4zBfif7i3YIMYVj545M8zqnuchVaN-Mw4P0knlDl17qAD6V1Caq/s640/DSC06332.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Fierce always uses a straw and was fascinated by her first clue it was April Fool's Day. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tdzZIMKw-PEE0PNy_G5waroXatrZwXjmA2M4qwck_jHCMK_DzswEsSw7_Ju9W-dBmYzMNx3LMDRgeEEdPRJgsAjzBFZ8Y2NxJCohrqWkpVVj44wTKD5BbqXw_DdOU2EOpeDlksoXJ8Jz/s1600/DSC06334.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tdzZIMKw-PEE0PNy_G5waroXatrZwXjmA2M4qwck_jHCMK_DzswEsSw7_Ju9W-dBmYzMNx3LMDRgeEEdPRJgsAjzBFZ8Y2NxJCohrqWkpVVj44wTKD5BbqXw_DdOU2EOpeDlksoXJ8Jz/s640/DSC06334.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Glasses full of jello was even better than straight juice!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQzn-2AFHJ4u5P_GtwztXcNxe7b33dWuEGePLiPV9OC3sKkkzDi5euP9ZJ1SWMMPAAcKxEva5sKB9xL5IGxmEYYTmzNoeLIJrBcA3F_DwGvUFBeWMg1Ar_pEjzJT1Ri0IgWg_EAlGPanB/s1600/DSC06329.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQzn-2AFHJ4u5P_GtwztXcNxe7b33dWuEGePLiPV9OC3sKkkzDi5euP9ZJ1SWMMPAAcKxEva5sKB9xL5IGxmEYYTmzNoeLIJrBcA3F_DwGvUFBeWMg1Ar_pEjzJT1Ri0IgWg_EAlGPanB/s640/DSC06329.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then I served up the bacon and eggs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRjjIj1ltevH9oH-8hVrLOZp56NirfsPyHae12D6sRLeZW6zTjNWIX7gyi8lebQvRNHe0IMXw031qkXZfLpNCPU0MDTCj7KQ7IUGF5jIAtJVjUksO0EFYPE72eThk-2AxzTxE9MFuqOsQ/s1600/DSC06330.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRjjIj1ltevH9oH-8hVrLOZp56NirfsPyHae12D6sRLeZW6zTjNWIX7gyi8lebQvRNHe0IMXw031qkXZfLpNCPU0MDTCj7KQ7IUGF5jIAtJVjUksO0EFYPE72eThk-2AxzTxE9MFuqOsQ/s640/DSC06330.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And they loved it!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdudP0gFASXckZmQeFNp9XRp7VjjeV5yWY9zuZkQUNFfgkOl2mh3SdwIv1yc7dWow5KWfLK_c0k9dG0nzZl0o3ZYvjFsz3ZZF47iQl7cv_oYl3Q-qqltGkPEo-S_mhQsrJIrwn8lS13gD/s1600/DSC06336.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdudP0gFASXckZmQeFNp9XRp7VjjeV5yWY9zuZkQUNFfgkOl2mh3SdwIv1yc7dWow5KWfLK_c0k9dG0nzZl0o3ZYvjFsz3ZZF47iQl7cv_oYl3Q-qqltGkPEo-S_mhQsrJIrwn8lS13gD/s640/DSC06336.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The final prank of the morning was a large color print of a cockroach I taped to the ceiling above the breakfast bar. My shriek of, "what is that?!?" with dramatic pointing skills made even my man step back in uncertainty. Mom for the win!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjGzx0sH5VvxBFWE_HDJxvavOr1KkmKSst3vmCWdzVpdytgoIMAJVNUjFt_QsSqs61p8F_eqjYZ9pthhH7L2VOZ0Bddlh_KgSVSGnjOey-LeD2-AJoGyCdsz4CWBwQfa5n00JUSMO7cE5/s1600/DSC06339.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjGzx0sH5VvxBFWE_HDJxvavOr1KkmKSst3vmCWdzVpdytgoIMAJVNUjFt_QsSqs61p8F_eqjYZ9pthhH7L2VOZ0Bddlh_KgSVSGnjOey-LeD2-AJoGyCdsz4CWBwQfa5n00JUSMO7cE5/s640/DSC06339.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2011/03/april-fools-faked-potatoes.html">faked potatoes</a> I did last year I also super glued coins all over the driveway. It was funny watching the kids abandon their scooters when they spied them. They've enjoyed the long running gag on visitors throughout this past year from this one. Three coins still remain.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2gqA5KRkUP5AEbyQGRbMlnxZ0wYYhep_FqHoh6TKpPdfJPO1Kqsbc0qn7vrBMoDVtJexqKUk6bl3uyGRbjvsBPOJ4BpmhfzAdkFZeQkDCTcSQjCtFGME66oNsGorl9NbIa4uWIQlQ35h/s1600/DSC06343.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2gqA5KRkUP5AEbyQGRbMlnxZ0wYYhep_FqHoh6TKpPdfJPO1Kqsbc0qn7vrBMoDVtJexqKUk6bl3uyGRbjvsBPOJ4BpmhfzAdkFZeQkDCTcSQjCtFGME66oNsGorl9NbIa4uWIQlQ35h/s640/DSC06343.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Just last week the bug man tried to pick the quarter up to the belly laughs of my boys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Did you prank someone today? </span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-74685454561801575522011-03-31T11:58:00.004-04:002011-04-14T09:23:47.934-04:00The Buttercream Kitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRI0jRKsdSpTZ0gCVDGYJko3GsDWEEgC1YlxbX1ls6-i4octnpVlpTrXoJqxaErct-qQUm5rYo0jHkpXNXX1qxAOuubJEPB_VDNbQNeHblgbW9SWudtjZZaqwLpUbZuW2TYaYs_ZZvcDl/s1600/DSC06249.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRI0jRKsdSpTZ0gCVDGYJko3GsDWEEgC1YlxbX1ls6-i4octnpVlpTrXoJqxaErct-qQUm5rYo0jHkpXNXX1qxAOuubJEPB_VDNbQNeHblgbW9SWudtjZZaqwLpUbZuW2TYaYs_ZZvcDl/s640/DSC06249.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Know what that is? Not shredded cheese or shag carpet. That's a picture of my peanut butter buttercream frosting from my most recent cake, a kitten. I just want to lick my screen. I've loved frosting since I was a wee tot. My mom always made homemade birthday cakes with delicious homemade icing for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking everyone's mom made their own birthday cakes and all frosting was delicious buttercream. The first time I tasted store bought birthday cake with its whipped, sweet frosting the notion I would make my own cakes was sealed. I've never taken a class to do cakes. Instead the first time I wanted to try my hand at cake baking and decorating I just called my mom. She came over to my house and walked me through her recipe for frosting, baking a cake and then how to pipe on frosting...all for a Darth Vader cake for my coworkers on the eve of the first Star Wars prequel being released. My first cake was so much better than Jar Jar Binks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3RN_g-cLyedNiDQJu_fdUD_xjQJw3ilO-5qiOmn5pAVReZq5JG_5pddEoRtdRra60xqL1i3EqzZbsqkrI-Fcf2nwjyY5j3WEK28lLRPaqKJXif7Mk9iIqk7gbE_JFhPSuQYmEiohqQpM/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3RN_g-cLyedNiDQJu_fdUD_xjQJw3ilO-5qiOmn5pAVReZq5JG_5pddEoRtdRra60xqL1i3EqzZbsqkrI-Fcf2nwjyY5j3WEK28lLRPaqKJXif7Mk9iIqk7gbE_JFhPSuQYmEiohqQpM/s640/DSC06262.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My mom gave me her old few Wilton cake pans and I've added to them through the years; I now have over 50 shaped pans. This is just a portion of my stash hanging in the basement.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv5CzFck5hxKska7AQ6dTEHWNpQUy0pg7bNr4KlHAIMfSlHnDgDtBVF2YFqe5QSTAHgPOd9mAMwlEHcl1noi3HQmakcxz7TqDRJWRcV_17H51d61RSAMvT5hpABV2K64Nu2QfJHVvk-Q4/s1600/DSC06265.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv5CzFck5hxKska7AQ6dTEHWNpQUy0pg7bNr4KlHAIMfSlHnDgDtBVF2YFqe5QSTAHgPOd9mAMwlEHcl1noi3HQmakcxz7TqDRJWRcV_17H51d61RSAMvT5hpABV2K64Nu2QfJHVvk-Q4/s640/DSC06265.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I also have more stacks of pans on shelves in the basement. I desperately need a better organization system.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDw9DX3TaMnoMmE2qWQ0jWEF4L9B9U-RlJ5UkBg-6-g17X6ACnpblkCkOoF3xiyBE6RCGS7mqiX4RpmVZuKa6bgD8TYuY7U2y5wRNlBSQobi_LTdvICCuXd8hhBZZCaJ2UWlZ0B1Dx15P/s1600/DSC06268.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDw9DX3TaMnoMmE2qWQ0jWEF4L9B9U-RlJ5UkBg-6-g17X6ACnpblkCkOoF3xiyBE6RCGS7mqiX4RpmVZuKa6bgD8TYuY7U2y5wRNlBSQobi_LTdvICCuXd8hhBZZCaJ2UWlZ0B1Dx15P/s640/DSC06268.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is the pan my mom used the most when I was a child. This single pan created dolls, Wonder Woman, Cub Scouts and many ice cream cones.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWSNYf1gljgzcLQOCT8ww8motOBrUS11Q0BbxJQHQedjcgRCIbPCNZnTbaUEFNEGx8iqJekqGKNb_PXqrqWETvtNBmvooxhr3FqUCmnsAjk0Qxv4-tHm0qyfgBASu-f-Q7mQ62FxjnpW2/s1600/DSC06269.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWSNYf1gljgzcLQOCT8ww8motOBrUS11Q0BbxJQHQedjcgRCIbPCNZnTbaUEFNEGx8iqJekqGKNb_PXqrqWETvtNBmvooxhr3FqUCmnsAjk0Qxv4-tHm0qyfgBASu-f-Q7mQ62FxjnpW2/s640/DSC06269.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">It's from before I was even born and still bakes a beautiful cake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9wIyBKIMSnnbC7oo3BU1FyRLBarfQ5C9KEOu_n5hCKBrlaM9v7uALoadTsGhNPEJ9tvN6_0lzDwvTjeVlssY4GhxOZwb9IQHusFjTQYQAROQJkLFENmfB7DtbWb6l_9yqsIxnFamocqO/s1600/DSC00333_2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9wIyBKIMSnnbC7oo3BU1FyRLBarfQ5C9KEOu_n5hCKBrlaM9v7uALoadTsGhNPEJ9tvN6_0lzDwvTjeVlssY4GhxOZwb9IQHusFjTQYQAROQJkLFENmfB7DtbWb6l_9yqsIxnFamocqO/s640/DSC00333_2.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I've used it to make Alice in Wonderland.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqOnuhDbYWyd8jlZ5jJz26HsB0UbzOJreRndtt0qaf-_1egUnsBMKTNomknS6YWjyf6mcLiJbhWJLZv7Q7qHcdNQG4iNLlbEBq_IixTHJouQ0ZvlE5Qp2ACX9Kfp4Icb3_QMQ5wJnYvuC/s1600/DSC01389.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqOnuhDbYWyd8jlZ5jJz26HsB0UbzOJreRndtt0qaf-_1egUnsBMKTNomknS6YWjyf6mcLiJbhWJLZv7Q7qHcdNQG4iNLlbEBq_IixTHJouQ0ZvlE5Qp2ACX9Kfp4Icb3_QMQ5wJnYvuC/s640/DSC01389.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> And more recently my own Velma birthday cake last year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEveEX63NFU2EOZAjVpO4THWaHEvU_FyRBnpXZdOxPDvnu5_7n9o0ovdExDbeHAfy2k7cjcpnrPnSipmD3pCCGP67rrTNleW_Atp02xbP_2iJCri7Db5vhAAL3QYYkFxkfe9dRJdhtoPZ3/s1600/DSC06274.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEveEX63NFU2EOZAjVpO4THWaHEvU_FyRBnpXZdOxPDvnu5_7n9o0ovdExDbeHAfy2k7cjcpnrPnSipmD3pCCGP67rrTNleW_Atp02xbP_2iJCri7Db5vhAAL3QYYkFxkfe9dRJdhtoPZ3/s640/DSC06274.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This vintage Superman/Batman pan with plastic inserts is one of my favorites I found for a steal. I've used it to make my son a Mystic Force Power Ranger and more recently I used the pan and Superman face to create...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwiCmehamHKh8RjPj-GB7_Bo-ST6GCRU75M24cuHdjKnVlgZf8aYFZWS-Dz-fPeO6Hii1nnI1PeDc9JkZrf1p4RgtLH-YsYe3vtqNigj2X-0iFPK4QHl2G-jYI8cDUidmonVZRXcM2LXi/s1600/DSC08770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwiCmehamHKh8RjPj-GB7_Bo-ST6GCRU75M24cuHdjKnVlgZf8aYFZWS-Dz-fPeO6Hii1nnI1PeDc9JkZrf1p4RgtLH-YsYe3vtqNigj2X-0iFPK4QHl2G-jYI8cDUidmonVZRXcM2LXi/s640/DSC08770.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Hal Jordan as Green Lantern for Thing Two's sixth birthday.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxG0HsH_OtSbVI1icC0jBLHFtiTR4HYm-M2jj8cRrnF712-O1FQA2Ozf8LKytFuVeW2UVrXskvsB6TpB3UE1JSXb_A-e8Zy9hIEEfJpyTUDogXVw5quhpnAc4SsKrdUr4G1CTB7exuRD-/s1600/DSC06272.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxG0HsH_OtSbVI1icC0jBLHFtiTR4HYm-M2jj8cRrnF712-O1FQA2Ozf8LKytFuVeW2UVrXskvsB6TpB3UE1JSXb_A-e8Zy9hIEEfJpyTUDogXVw5quhpnAc4SsKrdUr4G1CTB7exuRD-/s640/DSC06272.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is another favorite. I wanted this pan and cake desperately when I was a little girl. I would fondly touch the page at the back of my mom's Wilton catalogs each year dreaming about this cake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx46E2nMQNYot-9CeXozUl-042HmzlMusVZY-zmHjqFLaaOX-g-5aho5hFxM_BJyC7mLt-loxUlJDb0zWGZBa8DpnpmunhKkj72GvcdOhyim-mnP1jbj5ZqTiJkrNV5ouh21XT2D16Hlur/s1600/Scanned+Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx46E2nMQNYot-9CeXozUl-042HmzlMusVZY-zmHjqFLaaOX-g-5aho5hFxM_BJyC7mLt-loxUlJDb0zWGZBa8DpnpmunhKkj72GvcdOhyim-mnP1jbj5ZqTiJkrNV5ouh21XT2D16Hlur/s640/Scanned+Image+4.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Without that pan my mom made me this awesome cake in 1978 for my fabulous Wonder Woman birthday party from the pan mentioned above. The party where Linda Carter (note the spelling, it was a friend's secretary) called to wish me a happy birthday and all the four year old girls wore yellow headbands with red stars across our foreheads and chased the boys across the yard. But now that I finally scored this gem from the seventies, I had to make my own Wonder Woman cake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTVLfy9tdDckVhOvXSzd0NykF7hqJ1EL-xnfdL-GpE9zy2337kAUnAdZ5jDbAFVSmvMyc1bV_d7PFMsOuJnyqd9G8FGUXw8SkQduyc66FIXz5PG5FoqYyUun_Pgyrj0nV3DqbbZIBo0ZG/s1600/DSC07940.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTVLfy9tdDckVhOvXSzd0NykF7hqJ1EL-xnfdL-GpE9zy2337kAUnAdZ5jDbAFVSmvMyc1bV_d7PFMsOuJnyqd9G8FGUXw8SkQduyc66FIXz5PG5FoqYyUun_Pgyrj0nV3DqbbZIBo0ZG/s640/DSC07940.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And she was everything I hoped she'd be! I was four years old again.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmLp9kFnnF0QZ6V8wDNFLTE2_QHzKDveStJbCc9q1gWYTg4RbGJQkbTgjb1g6l9eBPu1Gh8u_rKVSs2x_j_xOR0BWJOf-PNUOKbzdhGpHR9tOmGXkPyORo_HiBDpXFqoNZjALSfeBgSMv/s1600/DSC06267.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmLp9kFnnF0QZ6V8wDNFLTE2_QHzKDveStJbCc9q1gWYTg4RbGJQkbTgjb1g6l9eBPu1Gh8u_rKVSs2x_j_xOR0BWJOf-PNUOKbzdhGpHR9tOmGXkPyORo_HiBDpXFqoNZjALSfeBgSMv/s640/DSC06267.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Vader is my only pan from the Star Wars collection Wilton sold in the early 80s. I'm always on the lookout in thrift stores and garage sales for the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/shapedpan/R2D2-Pan">R2D2 pan</a> and the much harder to find <a href="http://www.wilton.com/shapedpan/Boba-Fett-Pan">Boba Fett pan</a>. I've made a Vader cake many times, once I even made a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE27A6vu_kJ7-cJNBM3ZQAZbNhRglpECi8hYCPYHmG6DZL6SKWN4ZpE1hzLpuMGutN4Ud39Wq_fNU66iFDi1WL1sV_lDNV8GIJCP-9qYmYVyj9LIXlIDsj5xGXZ5cdjpFBudpLwkisQ0b/s1600/DSC00669.JPG">black rice crispy treat</a> in him. My favorite has to be the <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/10/i-like-candy-part-two-darth-vader.html">solid chocolate candy</a> mold I made from it. But my favorite Star Wars cake is of course the towering <a href="http://blog.booturtle.com/2010/10/death-star-birthday.html">Death Star cake</a> I made Thing Two last year for his seventh birthday. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAeO-5EBIQ3Q2fJkgztKKNVOn6q45fjwZYj1N0KBeAAV834Mtd9JSE2bV15Kx2k0v0-T8ZGEt0XD46S4Z4uXIK9r4FNa4PNkwy_IomdNmvxafjWhYlpbdZBoapRJUzo8isa-mcR0ZrVDG/s1600/DSC06283.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAeO-5EBIQ3Q2fJkgztKKNVOn6q45fjwZYj1N0KBeAAV834Mtd9JSE2bV15Kx2k0v0-T8ZGEt0XD46S4Z4uXIK9r4FNa4PNkwy_IomdNmvxafjWhYlpbdZBoapRJUzo8isa-mcR0ZrVDG/s640/DSC06283.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">But this post was supposed to be all about the latest cake I made, from this 1979 kitten pan. I'm easily distracted by pretty pictures of aluminum pans. I hope you're still with me and awake cause things are going to get more interesting now; I hope. I can at least promise no more pictures of empty cake pans and instead I give you this gem...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmOUsvfQJ5nBfZlG1_CU3s6Iiqj9LO_joW04MweOpqcytxFwKaxvBoW1p2xJLGl5dgIGNvjJOxAjD3aXeaIPbSzNdbOflzgsIp9OmvQwsVVbdR0WedybaAijMq1f7WBHoD94hf-9FSxAP/s1600/164192_1798159431437_1163291636_32069400_6017713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmOUsvfQJ5nBfZlG1_CU3s6Iiqj9LO_joW04MweOpqcytxFwKaxvBoW1p2xJLGl5dgIGNvjJOxAjD3aXeaIPbSzNdbOflzgsIp9OmvQwsVVbdR0WedybaAijMq1f7WBHoD94hf-9FSxAP/s640/164192_1798159431437_1163291636_32069400_6017713_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Meet Newton! He's the inspiration for the kitten cake I made for a friend's daughter's seventh birthday. Now don't get too excited thinking I'm fabulous enough to create a cake of an orange kitten shrieking in terror under the belly of an AT-A</span><span style="font-size: small;">T. Although, how amazing would that be? *daydreams* Great, now my simple cat with yarn seems far too ordinary. *sigh* Oh well, here goes the reveal...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkewroVh7C9pGRwKdJo3XvNhIvBkgBPlfvvkWVhtvGgdEK6Zt6RpCc86dTS5EBvwSnCY79rWT-v_z4alaX-fR0PhD-uDC8wjWvzjlkST4uAcmLUrWYIImXVX_oXDsYXCpK4VwTcaZwkOE/s1600/DSC06246.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkewroVh7C9pGRwKdJo3XvNhIvBkgBPlfvvkWVhtvGgdEK6Zt6RpCc86dTS5EBvwSnCY79rWT-v_z4alaX-fR0PhD-uDC8wjWvzjlkST4uAcmLUrWYIImXVX_oXDsYXCpK4VwTcaZwkOE/s640/DSC06246.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Meet Newton the cake!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDArBSSD3qrvCeIh2YeaRYypjktrBhii2d8Uv5ryEw_TAe1CtZw_ueW9mz0d7zsKcW27Hq8hpDCoMN6ishudgeLJQ2fKswwGbxTA6L2vDaxd8UL4_KRw1ll18ELbiOJwXRxqbAysqHvitH/s1600/DSC06252.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDArBSSD3qrvCeIh2YeaRYypjktrBhii2d8Uv5ryEw_TAe1CtZw_ueW9mz0d7zsKcW27Hq8hpDCoMN6ishudgeLJQ2fKswwGbxTA6L2vDaxd8UL4_KRw1ll18ELbiOJwXRxqbAysqHvitH/s640/DSC06252.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I was nervous about pulling off the multicolored fur. I'd never attempted such a thing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeIS_TJzh7DCp4AcFf8eFnyIrBAxmpHRxZ9xL5s80d80LpoImB7Yy6TMu775LcM9iliS3idfRlkPrlcKKBCCnsyleccG691WhwXzvVF7HK040JGcHabKVRBx6RGPuExXnnPXjP5_VDZZK/s1600/DSC06247.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeIS_TJzh7DCp4AcFf8eFnyIrBAxmpHRxZ9xL5s80d80LpoImB7Yy6TMu775LcM9iliS3idfRlkPrlcKKBCCnsyleccG691WhwXzvVF7HK040JGcHabKVRBx6RGPuExXnnPXjP5_VDZZK/s640/DSC06247.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">However, I'm very pleased with how Newton's fur turned out. And better yet the birthday girl declared it looked just like her cat...and that ultimately is all that ever matters.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're so inclined and killing time wandering the web you can see more pictures of cakes I decorated at my flickr collection <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/booturtle/collections/72157625101657698/">here</a>. </span></span></blockquote></div>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-22130870973529805582011-03-31T10:49:00.000-04:002011-03-31T10:49:00.216-04:00April Fools' Faked Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhdGo7C5f6kHiBZfRIKxA6p1KwJZNjYutV0w-WSDmf9ViefYLhyX1zSmRhKhw0LdVNhDRc251UaJu2wt2Q7NVkn96256sCrU53s5Hzc2YVzDeGt4qsRnn9h_hK_OO8wqq5vq8oyUpcI3X/s1600/P4020090.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhdGo7C5f6kHiBZfRIKxA6p1KwJZNjYutV0w-WSDmf9ViefYLhyX1zSmRhKhw0LdVNhDRc251UaJu2wt2Q7NVkn96256sCrU53s5Hzc2YVzDeGt4qsRnn9h_hK_OO8wqq5vq8oyUpcI3X/s640/P4020090.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Need a quick prank for your kids tomorrow? I whipped this one up last year after the kids went to bed thanks to <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/faked-potato-673908/">Family Fun magazine</a>. You may have all the materials already if you're crafty. All you need are nude color knee highs or old pantyhose, batting, needle and thread. If you're anti-nylons like myself you can grab a cheap pair of knee highs at the dollar store.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIz-nhZhqb4fmN4IOoKWjVsJ22QJF64BTOTZcnUr3-mJSpUcf9VjwOwQH41LdQsfIeojtzMPXM8rU59Tmi97whSyOZkgR5CDX_cHHuVtcukKgP6-VKQCAwF-BgQTPnWFN6Br0ieFt8kfoC/s1600/uncut.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIz-nhZhqb4fmN4IOoKWjVsJ22QJF64BTOTZcnUr3-mJSpUcf9VjwOwQH41LdQsfIeojtzMPXM8rU59Tmi97whSyOZkgR5CDX_cHHuVtcukKgP6-VKQCAwF-BgQTPnWFN6Br0ieFt8kfoC/s640/uncut.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here are the fast how to steps:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: small;">Trim the knee highs/hose to an 8" length.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Stuff the center of the hose to your preferred potato size.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Twist ends and fold underneath, stitch in place.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Sew eyes by coming up from the bottom of the "potato" out the top then back in beside the same spot to the bottom, pull to dimple then knot.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHlBMu2iNGMjKuSaKb5jIdDBfv62WIlZuxlDXniLaJgCqx53DFZCqyQ3-Gw8oegJNKL1a0qQ_xpi5tD3kNMOz-jjhA02Fwis3f0RA0S51nTBTJOglZDgY0JFD674gLYtupmlfLWRBp1yk/s1600/P4020092.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHlBMu2iNGMjKuSaKb5jIdDBfv62WIlZuxlDXniLaJgCqx53DFZCqyQ3-Gw8oegJNKL1a0qQ_xpi5tD3kNMOz-jjhA02Fwis3f0RA0S51nTBTJOglZDgY0JFD674gLYtupmlfLWRBp1yk/s640/P4020092.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I placed these on a baking sheet in the oven and called the kids for baked potatoes for lunch. They giggled like mad when I pulled them out of the oven. We then cut open the tops and I added a small square of craft foam butter. Thing Two still has his potato in his room a year later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now I need a prank for tomorrow...</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-12794403969965816102011-03-30T17:52:00.002-04:002011-09-19T13:19:01.824-04:00Marbelized Easter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthWfUs7jjqzkSbNqFyceyH1wPwJBRgveSyRRGeVsTNQdf1gqszXHx_KGse2818niOBPzkF0Zh52roRjNIDj_dHFc3FL1bOEq0NXYZ4RzJ6GqqP1lSzFOV1rW7RoTkd2Ddhkm-PPlvIUH/s1600/10eggs09.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthWfUs7jjqzkSbNqFyceyH1wPwJBRgveSyRRGeVsTNQdf1gqszXHx_KGse2818niOBPzkF0Zh52roRjNIDj_dHFc3FL1bOEq0NXYZ4RzJ6GqqP1lSzFOV1rW7RoTkd2Ddhkm-PPlvIUH/s640/10eggs09.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Last year was the first year I attempted dying eggs with my kidlets. I remember dying eggs when I was a kid but for some unspecific reason I'd not done it with my own. I think it was a combination of the mess potential and the what do you do with them now issue. But last year I cleared the table, boiled a dozen eggs and prepared to relax my uptight ways and let creativity happen. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbitEzlhpDhtKlkDa58mrohZD_G5nV6awWYUsS384C1vFZNKFcPWnJkxiJIlo4QUf0PuaiImNXPE1LAfxMJNwZNAF2unTlXGja_e1iXPlxLpKR2eT3vKxjyAnqAs8vpdyZNujqlWnR9Lm/s1600/10eggs02.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbitEzlhpDhtKlkDa58mrohZD_G5nV6awWYUsS384C1vFZNKFcPWnJkxiJIlo4QUf0PuaiImNXPE1LAfxMJNwZNAF2unTlXGja_e1iXPlxLpKR2eT3vKxjyAnqAs8vpdyZNujqlWnR9Lm/s640/10eggs02.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I bought a <a href="http://www.paaseastereggs.com/products.htm">Paas egg dye kit</a> at Dollar Tree and thought we'd do it old school. However, a couple of days before I planned to dye the eggs I came across the idea of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/marbelized-eggs">marbelized eggs</a>. It was a bit messier but worth it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7VlH5ERBQjKOkhJ_iKo1ismh_bYCiz9G6Anbp38D9G2R7CAmBUPijXc9Tx5Yzk0MoZtt1vDsNyqq9QrEEAfwrNjfvy5_a0bh-pqMHVoxJ293jsSpLV1N3tj24ddsxc2BqOVJfqRZ9u2m/s1600/10eggs01.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7VlH5ERBQjKOkhJ_iKo1ismh_bYCiz9G6Anbp38D9G2R7CAmBUPijXc9Tx5Yzk0MoZtt1vDsNyqq9QrEEAfwrNjfvy5_a0bh-pqMHVoxJ293jsSpLV1N3tj24ddsxc2BqOVJfqRZ9u2m/s640/10eggs01.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the marbelizing technique, I gave the kids white crayons and told them any marks put on the eggs would not absorb color so they could create patterns, faces or messages.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCzMC6-XZBVoXmSCXDOW6WAG4aIgXI27AAEpL-AbzCVqHqIeBq5JBDGxGsNnHEqEi2T6jZRl5r_RNluCThpus45BsfTZCPhAYXe9MwVN2mOkDZzNy6GBXc2eS9OQwJfDOhv5lxXdndUmk/s1600/10eggs03.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCzMC6-XZBVoXmSCXDOW6WAG4aIgXI27AAEpL-AbzCVqHqIeBq5JBDGxGsNnHEqEi2T6jZRl5r_RNluCThpus45BsfTZCPhAYXe9MwVN2mOkDZzNy6GBXc2eS9OQwJfDOhv5lxXdndUmk/s640/10eggs03.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">To create the marble effect you first put the egg in a lighter base color dye then you put it in a darker color that has a few drops of olive oil swirled in the dye to disrupt the color. I found the Paas colors far too muted and had to bump up the color with food coloring.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwwqCb5FY1J2j8Ejs5YCUQpxNSyDr9DOquR4jxlCdZxxvrNZKVRkJ-KnST5CJaL5E8GgsA5dcKjjFs-Uu2LSeIfpMwTqBQtp2LL5_VrhHhGb6AG9pentM0i8AecAeQPO6TXBnaM8BMFNM/s1600/10eggs07.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwwqCb5FY1J2j8Ejs5YCUQpxNSyDr9DOquR4jxlCdZxxvrNZKVRkJ-KnST5CJaL5E8GgsA5dcKjjFs-Uu2LSeIfpMwTqBQtp2LL5_VrhHhGb6AG9pentM0i8AecAeQPO6TXBnaM8BMFNM/s640/10eggs07.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The final results from the kids efforts, they had a great time and the mess was remarkably minimal. Maybe I'm making strides at relaxing after all.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs68z2P8b4_RBQZ-UkKFOm30-pkS5omDvV2WlC0UKliAgD91OFinfIjc4QBmSkT57HIY7EXtYxIoCjd1AlDJhMmoVrbO7GRsgacdN-R5qfedCesGltYdJzXd7bjQIG3yN7uZtrQrH32J0g/s1600/10eggs21.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs68z2P8b4_RBQZ-UkKFOm30-pkS5omDvV2WlC0UKliAgD91OFinfIjc4QBmSkT57HIY7EXtYxIoCjd1AlDJhMmoVrbO7GRsgacdN-R5qfedCesGltYdJzXd7bjQIG3yN7uZtrQrH32J0g/s640/10eggs21.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">As pretty as the eggs looked on my glass candlesticks I didn't blow these eggs out; they were edible hard cooked eggs. So what did I do with that other issue of what to do with the eggs?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlECFHOwXNlvkKJQIKAtya-VB6CRA7E5FKCaR7gyrZ-FfxrH08hI8dNyJM4IWwlX6hlPdm1tjdVIS2JCA-578AGQQBnvb0RKGi5ee59C4JqbrYfnkxiw5_wcJ-nrqk7unnmkXadDFlwj5/s1600/10eggs22.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlECFHOwXNlvkKJQIKAtya-VB6CRA7E5FKCaR7gyrZ-FfxrH08hI8dNyJM4IWwlX6hlPdm1tjdVIS2JCA-578AGQQBnvb0RKGi5ee59C4JqbrYfnkxiw5_wcJ-nrqk7unnmkXadDFlwj5/s640/10eggs22.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">They went back in the fridge as a colorful snack for the kids. They loved choosing one of their own creations when they wanted something to nosh on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This year I'm planning on trying the <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/03/silk-dyed-eggs-aka-tie-dyed/">silk dyed egg technique</a>. I'm scouring the thrift stores now.</span>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811623130404305872.post-20615349738325930302011-03-17T12:47:00.001-04:002011-04-14T09:24:50.771-04:00Rainbow Pots of Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoKc-aZYklX5tcatfH-TW2NBY_Zf9SpNscnWqY-ZyA34yvwOfzEKciWpty-LkVaZEmumPEKsCrQZdO_7LpA-ff14WyP1LFdgpqOOe-SFm8mF2P0kf3BD49dJ4wrFdJ0Qoi22rxOnael-8/s1600/rainbow1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoKc-aZYklX5tcatfH-TW2NBY_Zf9SpNscnWqY-ZyA34yvwOfzEKciWpty-LkVaZEmumPEKsCrQZdO_7LpA-ff14WyP1LFdgpqOOe-SFm8mF2P0kf3BD49dJ4wrFdJ0Qoi22rxOnael-8/s640/rainbow1.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Earlier this month for Dr. Seuss's birthday I made the kids green eggs in a basket for lunch but did them in the shape of a clover to hit two holidays at once. Instead of repeating green clover eggs this morning I decided to play Leprechaun. I bought small terracotta pots for 69¢ at Hobby Lobby for the kids to paint their versions of a rainbow. We talked about the colors of a rainbow and I told them my <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/how-to_rainbow_pots_for_st_pat.html">inspiration</a> painted the colors of a rainbow in order around the pot. However, I encouraged them to create with the colors of a rainbow as they wanted. And then I promised that on St. Patrick's Day I would fill their rainbow pots with GOLD!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1jQGv9rnTvWiowXcQJrF_AepdJq-BtoD7w69Lo9GsLORmHPT3GHnB8_jMkWhS9eo7kyIdqJdgBFz3e1o0F91eVsLOfi1U9I1k5NJYTVd-H4MkTC-gQhfWzjpHAWVAE6PfBdU8GL199vn/s1600/rainbow01.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1jQGv9rnTvWiowXcQJrF_AepdJq-BtoD7w69Lo9GsLORmHPT3GHnB8_jMkWhS9eo7kyIdqJdgBFz3e1o0F91eVsLOfi1U9I1k5NJYTVd-H4MkTC-gQhfWzjpHAWVAE6PfBdU8GL199vn/s640/rainbow01.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">All the colors of the rainbow ready. Best dollar I ever spent in the Target dollar section was for ice trays to hold different paint colors</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI5ise6GlrOQmiAXoilB1zEIz9v0C6hdAOpNMqqDhy0IkXhs-Kbui7bTO6SFalKBjn3uebfQmWP0n49DX6Uk2AQT47wQ1TxRlxim_Bt3khBAiwFUM87YghgmOL7suJ-G9vfm8Hcv-Wy6N/s1600/rainbow07.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI5ise6GlrOQmiAXoilB1zEIz9v0C6hdAOpNMqqDhy0IkXhs-Kbui7bTO6SFalKBjn3uebfQmWP0n49DX6Uk2AQT47wQ1TxRlxim_Bt3khBAiwFUM87YghgmOL7suJ-G9vfm8Hcv-Wy6N/s640/rainbow07.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And they're off. Princess Fierce leaned more to a linear approach in her colors. However, Thing Two was showing a love for polka dots just like on his painted jack-o-lantern.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFjTqlTnh0u9AvUhUF73vBMEYM0U8Hv1PeGjk3dmzr_ld0vQkqjwjJytA7NFZulJoXmduDcE0cSr7zsmhT2V_LFWvwthNU0s1HvCYAgzRpgqMbGNCHjhFEH-Yp8l-AHnQ8oNKkDHK5VaP/s1600/rainbow05.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFjTqlTnh0u9AvUhUF73vBMEYM0U8Hv1PeGjk3dmzr_ld0vQkqjwjJytA7NFZulJoXmduDcE0cSr7zsmhT2V_LFWvwthNU0s1HvCYAgzRpgqMbGNCHjhFEH-Yp8l-AHnQ8oNKkDHK5VaP/s640/rainbow05.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Thing One had the colors of Percy Jackson not a rainbow on his mind but he assured me all colors would be represented along with his love of Greek mythology before he was done.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGsM07nTXMPT1tLzRrBYZuY6m0uTGVnvC5yXi58QJZxV8mzZccns_vo2Mi2PR4xSuIMIhKn1DoVWGVSrVErZ3fwbDJpi-nx-vQRX1iIFlMdFSwNlmJakppC9vFdkt9GBGfMpGeWIxB4R0/s1600/rainbow03.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGsM07nTXMPT1tLzRrBYZuY6m0uTGVnvC5yXi58QJZxV8mzZccns_vo2Mi2PR4xSuIMIhKn1DoVWGVSrVErZ3fwbDJpi-nx-vQRX1iIFlMdFSwNlmJakppC9vFdkt9GBGfMpGeWIxB4R0/s640/rainbow03.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkh2-2zvkEIVIfNWtyBHK0zsHQUV5hVJQKKyqIhBvNUbVeuhczmtRkYRhD8qKxhilsgiqCoddG-BDXL3hgAdB73VDyAEXz1pCTOLmqav8_OWIYwILod1DBRaGIgl7eLcCK1Bgh9UR-akf/s1600/rainbow06.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkh2-2zvkEIVIfNWtyBHK0zsHQUV5hVJQKKyqIhBvNUbVeuhczmtRkYRhD8qKxhilsgiqCoddG-BDXL3hgAdB73VDyAEXz1pCTOLmqav8_OWIYwILod1DBRaGIgl7eLcCK1Bgh9UR-akf/s640/rainbow06.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I bought an extra pot in case there was a problem but instead of setting it aside, the kids clamored for me to join them and paint. I opted for the straight rainbow lines. Boring mom.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfvIraT4maPJem9nfj8OPAP-17e_ttX2U_y5ROsga4LYJcKg3zK3FVSNjfxRzo5kvzEOc87VVexAWCv3DNQzRXo12M5Sot-2V06iLUtZPoHMyq8igjhU1y4vxlCjcl4Fnrqoxlh4WADPs/s1600/rainbow12.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfvIraT4maPJem9nfj8OPAP-17e_ttX2U_y5ROsga4LYJcKg3zK3FVSNjfxRzo5kvzEOc87VVexAWCv3DNQzRXo12M5Sot-2V06iLUtZPoHMyq8igjhU1y4vxlCjcl4Fnrqoxlh4WADPs/s640/rainbow12.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The finished pots: mine, princess fierce, thing one and thing two. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevNU2hVUbdUGpAg3_hOqMlTaY45DJ4ScjDVBjonkuWe5tIyu_VhhTusd2kfLiW8-AQIBs2tlWFpzyhB8qqPpv5r2PGf8oUgUnzKq9pwq6CaqsxWyq0NB-3156D-MSHMMDbOdohJA1NxPE/s1600/rainbow08.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevNU2hVUbdUGpAg3_hOqMlTaY45DJ4ScjDVBjonkuWe5tIyu_VhhTusd2kfLiW8-AQIBs2tlWFpzyhB8qqPpv5r2PGf8oUgUnzKq9pwq6CaqsxWyq0NB-3156D-MSHMMDbOdohJA1NxPE/s640/rainbow08.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The 10yo did not fail to use all the colors. He painted a scene from the Labors of Heracles. Here is the king hiding in a red pot when Heracles again returns from a supposed impossible task, retrieving the Cerberus from Hades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">With pots complete two weeks before St. Patrick's Day the kids were left to wonder exactly what I meant by gold. Many ideas were batted about in the days in between. They eagerly went to bed last night full of pregnant anticipation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I set to assembling my "gold."</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMG1eOE95DrWUD2udqHUbolh-VXv5imktRpqKeleaxkva4OoA0fk2LLhsrW0u0Obq70eZA_pWv1aLVj3wqeasXiF-UxiP5W1T0fTVTQf2RMdRKOBGick058ZkGQsCqrfNp97F4TTkIBhR/s1600/rainbow16.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMG1eOE95DrWUD2udqHUbolh-VXv5imktRpqKeleaxkva4OoA0fk2LLhsrW0u0Obq70eZA_pWv1aLVj3wqeasXiF-UxiP5W1T0fTVTQf2RMdRKOBGick058ZkGQsCqrfNp97F4TTkIBhR/s640/rainbow16.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Rolos were an automatic.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYra6ZKqAVEIt4spAE-zf9vBp96z3FDh_CnQvDLrGi_-XZBQTXzQWzJXKD_cDqxZt3tD85nPlOsJGNrRrAb2eqndsCiAqyg-tMl9IFVJRIaVVo1b74yH7rGaqDWcoxERqI7y7RfWLX6ye/s1600/rainbow17.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYra6ZKqAVEIt4spAE-zf9vBp96z3FDh_CnQvDLrGi_-XZBQTXzQWzJXKD_cDqxZt3tD85nPlOsJGNrRrAb2eqndsCiAqyg-tMl9IFVJRIaVVo1b74yH7rGaqDWcoxERqI7y7RfWLX6ye/s640/rainbow17.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Can't go wrong with Hershey's Nuggets either.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIesjvZ4ARLM3hYyxa-tusUj3BfgFP4w9FKM3dv2jxYYlvsWYEIVz8wJW0Kl45SnHiOmLPzqwoiRnHWfQHhYlplAN4tLMXl_kNlUDRFcz4HOnkkmi43pb7FjeIMng1tV-3HxXCCLBS_PJq/s1600/rainbow18.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIesjvZ4ARLM3hYyxa-tusUj3BfgFP4w9FKM3dv2jxYYlvsWYEIVz8wJW0Kl45SnHiOmLPzqwoiRnHWfQHhYlplAN4tLMXl_kNlUDRFcz4HOnkkmi43pb7FjeIMng1tV-3HxXCCLBS_PJq/s640/rainbow18.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My kids were very fortunate their favorite white chocolate Lindor truffles are also wrapped in gold. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa4-_dzErEGhmWjCFIseooF3NVjJu_4IsOhv2y0RU1GcVnHA_BUckwKct0ebfE4fFn3EkOKpF-FCjhvbdCN3G-gAWSMSzdGHpdzqnm6vRcMN0nOZC7v6ekz771cmZ36ls5QISWiJfuK1z/s1600/rainbow19.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa4-_dzErEGhmWjCFIseooF3NVjJu_4IsOhv2y0RU1GcVnHA_BUckwKct0ebfE4fFn3EkOKpF-FCjhvbdCN3G-gAWSMSzdGHpdzqnm6vRcMN0nOZC7v6ekz771cmZ36ls5QISWiJfuK1z/s640/rainbow19.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">On my way out of Target with gold candy I noticed Hot Wheels were on sale and they had three gold versions. You can't clearly see it in this shot but the station wagon for Thing Two's pot has two black dogs sticking their heads out the back. That boy may love dogs more than chocolate and air.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLKskFDttTGi3HD65vGW21EifRWUYsId_uAgE07NetR0CEEOCsZglwzIMShpk3aI87Owd-lnK8WaHKE0Ix_yWWA8hhkNKkWC0cTOk6skJ17RetWIwmeTbz4IBjkYad4nhYEOrr2UW6aK/s1600/rainbow14.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLKskFDttTGi3HD65vGW21EifRWUYsId_uAgE07NetR0CEEOCsZglwzIMShpk3aI87Owd-lnK8WaHKE0Ix_yWWA8hhkNKkWC0cTOk6skJ17RetWIwmeTbz4IBjkYad4nhYEOrr2UW6aK/s640/rainbow14.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I grabbed some plastic bugs from the playroom and gave them a coat of metallic gold paint. Butterfly for Princess Fierce and beetles for the boys. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLAr8pGUq8BJF4IbYAeNOvpDy-2gtU_X7CNuuoxzqxM0vXDvatXJwSKX3ZhKKf8bHDkwkUk8hypzBzYUwxgSrgKrLipETxD81Osf1Rs7lp1f4xumvjollDdKmdlTm3WC1UHug2ecEPUlT/s1600/rainbow15.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLAr8pGUq8BJF4IbYAeNOvpDy-2gtU_X7CNuuoxzqxM0vXDvatXJwSKX3ZhKKf8bHDkwkUk8hypzBzYUwxgSrgKrLipETxD81Osf1Rs7lp1f4xumvjollDdKmdlTm3WC1UHug2ecEPUlT/s640/rainbow15.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And of course you cannot have a pot of gold without a large chunk of gold, can you? I used rocks from the backyard and applied more metallic gold spray paint.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUXee1NY7k2rl2zFIyiaqziYDckcUNVWsUcVHMq_HybifBhatgysgzNgsZDy9AO6MpiGtJ58F4TAsOtdlrgqH6KgavKe7SAiGii9GWP9dj2jdT2YQNWy21xGqLCJlEn2R4Nz2wKO4bfo_/s1600/rainbow21.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUXee1NY7k2rl2zFIyiaqziYDckcUNVWsUcVHMq_HybifBhatgysgzNgsZDy9AO6MpiGtJ58F4TAsOtdlrgqH6KgavKe7SAiGii9GWP9dj2jdT2YQNWy21xGqLCJlEn2R4Nz2wKO4bfo_/s640/rainbow21.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">This morning the kids were delighted with their pots of gold. The rocks, cars and bugs actually trumped the chocolate. Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!</span><br />
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<blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">It may be noted Thing Two's pot is different. The very day after they were painted his older brother accidentally knocked his pot off the shelf. It was a moment of true sibling love when the older brother hugged Thing Two and earnestly told him he wished it had been his own pot that had shattered. I should've known this would happen when I painted the extra pot. *sigh* After the tears were dried another pot was purchased and this time around he chose to go with the more traditional rainbow arrangement shown above.</span></blockquote>booturtlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932326233052833432noreply@blogger.com