tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48535362492583573972024-03-05T06:13:24.257-08:00Diving for Marbles::Random follies of everyday life:
An online memoir::Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-9916522609049466942011-10-25T15:25:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:34:26.639-07:00On the CheapI have two fun and cheap crafts to show you today, but first- allow me to share one of my many pet peeves with you. <br />
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Free range shopping carts. <br />
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Cart corrals are there for a reason. Nothing makes me angrier that finding a cart bumped up against my vehicle! Ok, well maybe I'm exaggerating a bit- there are plenty of bigger problems in this world, but this is definitely high up on my list. It isn't hard! In fact, I'm going to share a little secret with you (and I promise this is all relevant!)- I'm as lazy as they come. This is precisely why I will circle the parking lot searching for a parking spot <i>beside</i> the cart corral. Yes, I'd rather walk a farther distance from my car to the front door if it means that I don't have to do more walking at the end of my trip just to put the cart up. <br />
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And this is how this ties in-<br />
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Today was grocery day. Normally I go to Target, but after seeing a friends $70ish haul last week, I decided to give the new Aldi in town a try. Upon entering the parking lot, the first thing I notice is... no cart corrals. "Great" I think to myself, "there are going to be carts all up in this parking lot by the time I get back out..." Then I look around- oddly, there are *no* carts to be found. They're all lined up nicely up by the store. I get closer, and they're all chained together, each cart locked to the cart in front of it. To unlock a cart, you put a quarter into the slot on the lock, which you get back at the end of your trip when you take the cart back up and lock it back in line. FREAKING GENIUS!! <br />
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I'll take this moment to pause and apologize if you know how Aldi works. You'll have to forgive me, I'm pretty freaking excited about this place! <br />
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Now the groceries- I won't bore you with a long drawn out explanation like I did with the shopping carts, but they are c h e a p. Its all generic brands, but so far we've liked everything we've tried. To help with overall costs, you have to pay for your grocery bags. Ten cents a bag isn't too bad (biiiig sturdy bag), but its a definite push to gather all those canvas grocery bags I've got laying around. (that I never use... insert sheepish smiley with *paper* bag over her head)<br />
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Long story short, I like the place. It's actually inspiring me to work a little harder on planning meal menus and thinking about freeze-ahead dinner. Perhaps material for future blogs? I think so!<br />
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Ok, ok- now onto my cheap crafts of the day. <br />
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This was inspired by one of many <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/358959716/">pins</a>, but I finally got a few moments away from grabby toddler paws, so I painted this up as fast as I could! It is an "upcycled" photo frame I found at a yard sale for $.50 a few years back and its just kinda been hanging out waiting for it to speak to me. I painted it with Plaid paints. My photography skills leave a little to be desired, but you get the point-<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gAoU9oHYwPbl_0-Ig7noGyxE2ejN9s5pT6_Q-1AAhGeS3BSPXCxpgE2_jCcJtbD71dKilE3r7fN7QXDRJpmHXbGswfSqk0L3vtScdsUmWfUrgQPn6xewcH4qDXa5vwsrZTqtq4tgMjyN/s1600/thermblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gAoU9oHYwPbl_0-Ig7noGyxE2ejN9s5pT6_Q-1AAhGeS3BSPXCxpgE2_jCcJtbD71dKilE3r7fN7QXDRJpmHXbGswfSqk0L3vtScdsUmWfUrgQPn6xewcH4qDXa5vwsrZTqtq4tgMjyN/s320/thermblog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And the second has actually been done for a while, but I wanted to post it for my sister in law to see since she just got back from the beach and has lots of pretty shells to do something with! The letter press drawer came from a seller on e-Bay for $20+shipping, and most of the shells were found on our honeymoon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="768" width="1024" src="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_4001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Holy huge picture Batman! I'm working on that. Something is up with Photobucket.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-31864461127565110722011-10-19T14:20:00.000-07:002011-10-19T14:20:53.001-07:00PinterventionI need one.<br />
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If you haven't the slightest of what I am speaking, turn away now. Trust me, you'll thank me later. <br />
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Buuuuut if the suspense is killing you, <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> is a virtual pinboard that allows you to "pin" pictures, articles, recipes, DIY tutorials, videos, and pretty much anything you can find online that you can organize onto "boards" and share with other "pinners." <br />
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In terms of productivity, its quite possibly both the best and worst things in the history of ever to happen to the Dawson household. DIY crafts are at an all time high, while the housework is, well, consistent. <br />
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Consistently being put off. <br />
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On one hand, I have collected hundreds and hundreds of fun craft ideas, countless recipes, and pin after pin of home decoration and clothing inspirations that I refer to and use on a regular basis. On the other hand, I'll stay up well after midnight some nights, lost in a sea of pins- life sucking, zombie mommy making pins. Iced coffee has become my best friend, and yes, I got the <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171199927/">recipe</a> on Pinterest.<br />
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And what would this post be without some picto-brags? <br />
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Here are some necklaces I made for a dear friends wedding this past September, with the help of <a href="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_3566.jpg">Little Birdie's Secrets Rosette Tutorial</a><br />
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<img src="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_3562.jpg"></img><br />
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And <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114823508/">this project</a>-- I'm still bragging about it. Its wall art made from a pallet. Another good friend of ours found three and saved them for me and here is what the first one has become-<br />
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<img src="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_3860.jpg"></img><br />
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What is even more exciting to me is that the entire project cost less than $10. The photos I printed out at Target for $.20 each and the frames? All from The Dollar Tree! One smackaroo! <br />
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OH! How could I forget <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273919345/">this one</a>? I've stabbed myself in the thumb with needle so many times this week I think I've finally started to lose feeling! They're Catherdral Windows- a quilting technique that I have long admired and feared. Turns out, they're kinda easy! If you can make a <a href="http://churchfun.com/2008/07/15/how-to-make-a-paper-fortune-teller-or-cootie-catcher/">Cootie Catcher,</a> you can make this quilt. <br />
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<img src="http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/brookeallison5/IMG_3931.jpg"></img><br />
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Each window is made from a piece of a <a href="http://www.granolababies.com/woven-wraps/cat_11.html">woven wrap</a> scrap that has lived here and snuggled my sweet boy. <br />
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And just for the record, I'm still laughing over the title of that fortune game, Cootie Catcher! I was never aware it had a real name until Google informed me only moments ago. LOL!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-4937858140170470422011-10-11T13:47:00.000-07:002011-10-12T14:13:50.953-07:00Yeah, my kid watches TV...Sigh. <br />
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At least its not crack, right? Oh wait... I forgot about Super Why... shit.<br />
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So yeah, I let my kid watch TV. Much to the dismay of pediatricians and childless acquaintances offering unsolicited advice the world over, I let it sneak up on me and now its a permanent fixture in our day to day schedule. Cat In the Hat means its time for milk, Super Why means its time to clean up the kitchen from breakfast, Martha Speaks means its time for lunch, and Calliou means its time to change the channel. <br />
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Which leads me to the inspiration for this post.<br />
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I frequent a mommy-centered forum often, and today a thread titled "What Kids Shows Do You Ban" popped up. Ban? People do this? I kinda scoffed, but I opened the thread anyways.(Never open the stupid threads, Brooke!) People banning Barney and Spongebob left and right, people banning Yo Gabba Gabba because it is "inappropriate." (obviously we don't ban it, have you seen my kids sweet dance moves?!) One mom that bans Sid the Science Kid because they have an episode on vaccines. One bans Sesame Street because a few characters use magic. <br />
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What?? Whatever. It's not that deep around here.<br />
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I get that some of these shows are super annoying, but I just kind of find it silly to ban an educational television show from your child simply because it is nettlesome. (Yup, learned that word on APT today WHAAAAAT!) If I banned every annoying show, my child would be stuck watching ice melt. So in the spirit of annoying children's television, may I present to you the <br />
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<b>Brooke Dawson's List of the Top Five Shows I Would Ban But I'm Not Because I Think Banning Is Silly and I Wouldn't Be Able To Get Stuff Done Around the House Without These Shows On A Daily Basis Oh Yeah and My Son Is Fine the Pediatrician Said So Today List</b><br />
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(I know I said List twice, I feel if I repeat myself often it really drives my point home. Or something like that.)<br />
<b><br />
#1- Calliou.</b> That kid needs a time out or SOMETHING. STOP WHINING, KID!! Jeezewhattabrat.<br />
<b>#2- Thomas the Train.</b> Bunch of smug-ass trains. I really don't see any point behind this show other than to drive parents to collect every train, track, pajama set, sippy cup, and tennis shoe that has Thomas on it for obsessed toddlers. Plus, each Thomas action figure is like, $15. It doesn't make any noise (wow- really? Am I actually complaining about that?), it doesn't transform into a bumblebee or a VW Bug- it freaking rolls around. It only rolls on an $80 track, may I add. Several different $80 tracks- you can't just have ONE. AND they're die-cast metal, so they hurt like a... like a lot if you step on them barefooted. I think I counted 80 trains to collect? NOPE. Man, apparently I dislike Thomas more than I thought I did.<br />
<b>#3- Super Why.</b> Super SHUTTY! Yes, another great educational show- Sidney really enjoys it. He sings along with the theme, he does their little dance along with them, but JEEZE enough already with the "Power to READ" and "DICTIONARY POOWEEEER!" Those aren't real super powers. Don't even pretend like they are. Yes, reading is important, but its a hell of a lot easier to learn how to read than it is to learn how to ohh, say develop human echolocation or make yourself INVISIBLE. Do some investigating on super powers, APT. I'm not impressed.<br />
<b>#4- Max and Ruby.</b> Luckily, we don't have to bother with this one much since we don't have cable, but Ruby.is.a.bossy.bitch. And where are their parents? I've never seen them! Did they run away or something? I'd probably run away if my daughter was Ruby, too.<br />
<b>#5-</b> Three words, <b>Fresh. Beat. Band.</b> If you've seen it, you know I don't need to explain a thing.<br />
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There you have it, ladies and gentlemen! The Brooke Dawson's List of yaddy yadda, I'm not typing that all out again, as I'm sure you don't want to read it all over again list. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I disenjoy each of these shows;)Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-60119628846496837542011-10-07T15:37:00.000-07:002011-10-07T15:37:29.247-07:00Eat Your Heart Out, Martha Stewart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_CN-k5H9416h1Qr4i1ugqK3wLHBBaHpf4AY29HYkegLK6mklOO_UI4_g4XUum-y74gbq3uwvHsX-Cm4bm8bvOukDtJHC25BJEmBY5aamtxMdMXZDTODNAsSKy1R57Tx3YqjwVfxmoHR/s1600/downsized_1007111722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_CN-k5H9416h1Qr4i1ugqK3wLHBBaHpf4AY29HYkegLK6mklOO_UI4_g4XUum-y74gbq3uwvHsX-Cm4bm8bvOukDtJHC25BJEmBY5aamtxMdMXZDTODNAsSKy1R57Tx3YqjwVfxmoHR/s320/downsized_1007111722.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am a horrible tutorial developer. Case. In. Point. <br />
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Enjoy;)Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-55260226018189949252011-07-24T18:12:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:12:23.573-07:00The Marble WhispererA title jokingly given to me, but as long as I can remember, I've always had a funny knack for finding marbles in random places. The most notably random place I would have to say would be the bottom of the lake (which would also be the inspiration for the title of the ole' blog here)- I was probably 10 or 11 and was goofing off in a shallow area of Guntersville when I felt something between my toes in the sand- I reached down and sure enough, it was a swirly looking black and yellow marble. I haven't the slightest how it got there or why I found it, but I've kept it in my tackle box for years and years as a little good luck charm. Ever since then, I'll find stray marbles here and there, usually parking lots, parks, sometimes yards, but each time I find one it puts a smile on my face. <br />
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But to get why I am sharing this story with you. <br />
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We just put an above ground pool in the back yard, which required a bit of landscaping and dirt tilling, and that resulted in a small mound of extra dirt that had to be removed to make the ground level. It had been there for about a week or so and I hadn't really thought much of it. One day before getting in the pool I was watering the garden and let Sidney, now 23 months old, roam around while I finished that up. When I was done I noticed him pawing at something in that pile of dirt, so I walk over to see what he is getting into- so imagine my surprise (and the goosebumps on my arms!) when Sidney hands me a marble. <br />
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6th sense? Just know when to pay attention? I don't know, but a sweet friend offered what I think is my favorite explanation- its just a little hello from the angels looking over me:)Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-86025805185622718352011-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:002011-07-24T17:40:37.825-07:00Oh wow. Yeah...Really seems like it was last week that I said I was going to post a little more often.. that was in April! Time can get away from me time to time. <br />
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What we're doing on a Sunday night. <br />
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I'm on the computer "pinnin'" (thank you Pinterest...), Brian is on the couch snoozing, and Sidney is playing with his stacking cups over in the corner- best Family Dollar purchase I ever made! All is quiet here on a this Sunday evening and its a great end to a lovely week. <br />
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Goals for next week:<br />
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Sidney is going to consume less crayons. Be it me just taking them away or him finally just eating what is left of the nubs, this madness will STOP. He has gotten to be quite the connoisseur and prefers the large Crayola washable crayons over any others. I hope they aren't toxic. Fact: he prefers the taste of crayons over the taste of Play-Doh. I'm not sure this kid is related to me at all.<br />
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Give myself a pedicure. If I have to wake up 45 minutes earlier than everyone else in this house just to get it done, its going to happen. It NEEDS to happen.<br />
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Read at least one adult book. No, not a dirty book, just something that isn't compiled of cardboard pages and brightly colored pictures. <br />
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Keep up with ALL sippy cups. <br />
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Smile more. Bitch less. <br />
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Love deeply.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-63114385406755440162011-04-14T20:53:00.000-07:002011-04-14T20:53:51.441-07:00Well how 'bout that!Seems I haven't updated in nearly a year- reckon I'll get on that soon! <br />
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Main updates? Well, apparently I've turned into a big ole hippie in my parent rearing ways, but its cool. I'm currently a stay at home mom, but hoping to find another 8 to 5 before the unemployment runs out. Some days I feel like I'm the only sane person left on this earth, and I still really like ice cream. That pretty much wraps up my updates! Looking forward to sharing fun stuff- come back by anytime!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-10549255105654558902010-04-26T13:31:00.000-07:002010-04-26T13:31:46.844-07:00Does This Look Like A Sick Baby??!So, last Thursday Sidney woke up with a fever for the second time, and I decided then that is wasn't teething related, even though he popped two of those bad boys out in matter of days. Back to the story, we call the Pedi's office, and they tell me to go ahead and bring him in. As is my experience with cats, at least, they start feeling just fine after you cross the threshold of the emergency vet- you know the one. Yeah, the one with the $85 cover charge. Well, apparently kids are the same.<br />
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Here is Sidney after we get settled it. They must line those tables in magical paper, cause he goes nuts when he sees it! I'm still finding the bits and peices I had to yanks from him little paws before they got to his mouth.<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs489.snc3/26735_1387880373117_1115282199_31185238_6018706_n.jpg"></img><br />
Here he is, quite proud of himself for fooling Mom into bringing him in.<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs489.ash1/26735_1387880493120_1115282199_31185241_4047793_n.jpg"></img><br />
Now he's admiring that handsome devil in the mirror across from him.<br />
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And lastly, here's the pic of him babbling- I believe it translated into, "Hey look, everyone! My mom is a paranoid fool!"<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs489.ash1/26735_1387880413118_1115282199_31185239_3627148_n.jpg"></img><br />
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... Babies. Sheesh.<br />
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Turns out, that I wasn't crazy, and he DID in fact have a DOUBLE ear infection. And the whole impromptu photoshoot here? Yeah, he's running a temp of 101.9. How am I ever supposed to tell if he is sick?!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-72846027341321963602010-04-16T14:21:00.000-07:002010-04-16T14:21:48.595-07:00Cause Every Once In A While I Like To Be FancyI would model these for you myself, but my hair is a hot hot mess right now. Getting something done about these roots ASAP!<br />
You have to check out my friend Shauna's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop_sold.php?user_id=6584414"> Etsy</a>! She makes the cutest little hair clips! These are the two sets that I have purchased recently- and a big thanks to Shauna for letting me borrow these and posting about her site!<br />
<img src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.123061945.jpg"></img><p><img src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.93890174.jpg"></img><br />
AREN'T THEY ADORABLE!! She also has some darling little headbands, and if I didn't think it would result in hundreds of hours in therapy, I'd totally get some from Sidney.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-68610933290668272112010-04-14T07:20:00.000-07:002010-04-14T07:20:28.097-07:00Paula's Lemon BarsThese are YUMMY!! Thanks, Paula Deen for all your buttery goodness! <br />
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Ingredients<br />
Crust:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting <br />
Pinch salt <br />
2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing <br />
Filling:<br />
4 eggs <br />
2 cups granulated sugar <br />
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour <br />
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice <br />
Directions<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan.<br />
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Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You may need to dip your fingers into a little flour or confectioners' sugar to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes.<br />
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Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired, when the bars are done.<br />
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We even got fancy and made some garnishes- which now really look like Pac-Man to me... haha!<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs494.ash1/27015_1379618406573_1115282199_31165954_3520198_n.jpg"></img>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-79068384554965498932010-04-12T06:28:00.000-07:002010-04-12T06:28:02.254-07:00Upcycle!Thanks to my fabulous sister in law, Erin, for this idea! <br />
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Step One: Get yourself an old Coke crate- we found this one at JD's Antiques on Hwy 72. They have quite a few left- Pepsi, Dr.Pepper, Sunkist... I think those were the ones we saw, and they were around $10 each.<br />
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Step Two: Take a picture of it in the driveway.<br />
<img src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs494.snc3/27015_1377101743658_1115282199_31159674_946931_n.jpg"></img><br />
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Step Three: Put it in your kitchen and load 'er up!<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs494.ash1/27015_1377101703657_1115282199_31159673_757694_n.jpg"></img>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-69402639274380320032010-04-12T06:18:00.000-07:002010-04-12T06:22:42.715-07:00As PromisedPictures!!<br />
This is the fabric high chair thingamajig that I made. How cute is that?! The pattern called for velcro for the closure, but I felt like getting fancy and used my snap pliers. And for some reason, I felt compelled to put batting in there, which I will not be doing again. But overall, I'm happy with how it turned out- and lucky for me, my model was in a good mood!<br />
<img src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs514.snc3/27015_1377101623655_1115282199_31159672_4715689_n.jpg"></img><br />
<img src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs494.snc3/27015_1377101503652_1115282199_31159670_3009327_n.jpg"></img><br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs494.ash1/27015_1377101583654_1115282199_31159671_3416849_n.jpg"></img>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-53509315129322466492010-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:002010-04-07T08:59:06.274-07:00Going Green In StyleWith reusable sanwich and snack bags!!<br />
<img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs425.snc3/24543_361536750798_312000050798_4787068_7163928_n.jpg"></img><br />
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I can't keep these things stocked in my <a href="http://www.thespoiledbaby.etsy.com">Etsy</a>! They're lined with PUL and sealed with velcro and super easy to clean- just flip inside out, wipe it down, flip it back and voila! Then, when you'd like to wash the whole thing, you just throw it in with your regular wash and then let air dry. Air drying is best, but if you're in a pinch, you can throw it in the dryer- its just that the heat to the PUL can cause it to wear out sooner.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-89775694232566888612010-04-07T08:50:00.000-07:002010-04-07T08:50:11.065-07:00Is There A 12 Step Program?For buying fabric? AH! I am in love with Fabric.com- you can find all of the new and hip prints, but of course, it comes at a price. Fabrics average $9/yd, but they give the option to buy in 1/2 yard increments, so that's what I've been doing. And with free shipping for anything over $35, yeah- I'm getting myself in trouble!<br />
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My next project (in between cart covers) is going to be a portable fabric high chair wrap. As seen <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/11/fabric-travel-high-chair.html">here</a>. I found some adorable little retro cowboy material that I'm going to pair with some blue bandanna print. I can't wait to show you!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-89447234146093345112010-04-05T07:07:00.000-07:002010-04-05T07:07:03.543-07:00In Like A Lion, Out Like A LambWhat a great weekend! Lots of family time, lots of playing music, lots of food (I ate SO much yummy cheese last night!-oops, yeah- I didn't stick to the diet. At all.), and last but not least, lots of fun.<br />
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Here's that baby in the front yard with his easter eggs-<br />
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If I had the smarts to get this video from my phone to the interwebs, I'd show you how much fun Sidney had listening to Ben, Brian, and my Dad during their impromptu jam session at Nana's yesterday. He was enamoured!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-10864322276255623612010-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:002010-04-01T07:46:31.378-07:00Thuh-thuh-thuh-thuh THURSDAY!Happy April Fools Day!! <br />
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I'm lame, I completely forgot to fool Brian. I was gonna tape the spray nozzle on the sink down, but he can be a bit of a crabby patty when I play tricks on him (insert eye-roll Brooke thinks that's uber lame face).Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-74740838118775057812010-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:002010-03-31T09:44:07.970-07:00Favorite New Blog Ever!(Thanks to Jen, I am getting nothing done at work!)<br />
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I think you can click on that button and it'll take you there. Anyways, I am in LOVE with this blog. She is so inspirational! It makes me want to take a month off of work to refurbish dressers, make quite books, sew up an portable fabric high chairs, finally use my Martha Stewart glitter for good and not evil by making her awesome glitter wreath, get me some of those super duper cute flower headbands made up, construct a car cozy caddy (since I'm fairly certain Sidney will have toy cars. Lots of toy cars.) and bake yummy fluffy pink cupcakes! I LOVE HER!! And somewhere she mentioned the Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich, and I have been thinking about that stupid sandwich for a week. I swear, as soon as I reach my goal weight, I'm going to Disneyworld and ordering one of those bad boys!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-24142588567873730032010-03-31T09:33:00.000-07:002010-03-31T09:33:19.977-07:00I'm Keeping This FOREVER!I have this really unfamilliar urge- it think it's to clean. I mean, empty- out-the house-and-only-bring-in-the-stuff-I-can-use kinda clean. Or maybe it's a side effect from watching Hoarders: Buried Alive. Have you SEEN that show? I'm gonna be the old crazy lady with 838 hats (not cats- I'll never have more than three- learned that lesson the hard way), I just know it! You have to HULU this lady- she auctually bought the house next to her so she could hoarde more things! What tipped me off that I may actually be a hoarder was watching her shop- for instance, when her daughters come into town, they immediately go shop for gaudy rings at the pawn shop, and for some reason, I thought that sounded like a LOT of fun! (??!) Which now makes me want to go antiquing this weekend. And completely kills that urge to clean.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-45807023854792941672010-03-31T06:26:00.000-07:002010-03-31T06:26:53.724-07:00Dude- When Do They Stop Growing??Brand New-<br />
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Last Week-<br />
<img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs365.snc3/23524_1365010401382_1115282199_31125150_7565502_n.jpg"></img>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-63255141869675850802010-03-30T07:07:00.000-07:002010-03-30T07:07:12.724-07:00ProgressSo. Hungry.<br />
Can't. Type....<br />
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I forgot my Nutrigrain bar this morning. WHYYYYYYY??? <br />
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But in related news, I am down 4 pounds since beginning last week! I'll take that. AND thats with one night out with friends (one night out with friends=3 stout vodka drinks) and eating breakfast at Mullins once. For those that don't know, Mullins is our 'greasy spoon', and NOTHING there is safe to eat if your goal is not to gain a zillion pounds.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-91304253363579008482010-03-29T17:50:00.000-07:002010-03-29T17:50:54.316-07:00First Trip To The Playground<img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs365.snc3/23524_1365010561386_1115282199_31125152_6293020_n.jpg"></img><br />
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<img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs365.snc3/23524_1365010441383_1115282199_31125151_2387565_n.jpg"></img>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-53167165417095040632010-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:002010-03-26T19:00:04.570-07:00Unsolicited Advice(Borrowing from one of my favorite BBC boards)<br />
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Unsolicited advice to the guy in the McDonalds coffee commerical who tells everyone to quit talking to him because he hasn't had his coffee- <br />
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I advise you to shut up with that mess and invest in a coffee pot.<br />
If you EVER said that to me, I'd slap that stupid smirk off your face, then I'd pour scalding hot coffee down your pants.<br />
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Ask Brian, I did that to him last Tuesday. True story.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-53910723830408894032010-03-26T18:54:00.000-07:002010-03-29T09:04:37.284-07:00Babyfood Makin' FOOL<img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs425.ash1/23524_1364531349406_1115282199_31123951_1506331_n.jpg"></img>I love that for less that $5 I made at least two weeks worth of baby food- that's breakfast and dinner. It's so easy! I used www.wholesomebabyfood.com for ideas and how to's, so if you are interested, go check it out!<br />
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Edited to add:<br />
Aww! What gives! It cut my pretty blender full of mushed peas out... I'll fix it. Eventually.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-79857361023900641252010-03-26T10:51:00.001-07:002010-03-26T11:02:18.622-07:00The Lean Cuisine DietOk now, this is Brian's brainchild- and I admit I scoffed a little at it, but I'm actually coming around to the idea of it. The plan is to eat a Nutrigrain bar and a wholefruit in the morning, a Lean Cuisine and some more fruit for lunch, and a Lean Cuisine for dinner. And of course, tons of water. I'm convinced I'd drink a lot more water if I had one of those aluminium water bottles like all the cool kids have. And for the fact that I like to pronounce it like the English do- Al-yoo-mini-um. Makes me feel fancy. Say it with me- ALUMINIUM! See, wasn't that fun??<br />
ANYWAYS- So I'm on day 5 of this diet and so far so well. I'm down two lbs, and that's awesome considering that I have added a big bag of salty buttery popcorn and a tall glass of cherry flavored Kool Aid as my nighttime snack as I watch King of the Hill before bedtime. Honestly, I could eat about four of those frozen meals, but that right there was a wake up call that told me I obviously don't understand portion size, and eating for two is no longer a valid excuse for me:(Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853536249258357397.post-75293202270405699142010-03-25T09:34:00.000-07:002010-03-25T09:34:16.837-07:00Now For The Real StuffEnough with the mindless posts from earlier. <br />
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So, first I'd like to thank you for stopping by- this is not my first attempt at a blog, but it is my first attempt at blogging from the heart (insert big "Awww!") and posting about things that are near and dear to me. Prepare to see lots of baby pictures. I just like to throw that out there because I know not everyone is a fan of 235,463,435 baby pictures. So just a warnin' to yeh! (I said that in my best Carl Childers voice)<br />
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What you can look forward to seeing, besides said baby pictures, will be the most awesome craft projects the web tutorial goddesses have to offer, lots of "How-I-Do"'s (I won't go as far as to call them "How-To"'s because I hate following directions.), and last but not least, lots of corny jokes. Cause it's what I do.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051458570054479309noreply@blogger.com0