tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90049045294144565252024-03-15T20:09:46.634-05:00Tidbits of everyday life from a Mommy and moreIdeas and adventures from everyday that making life become lively!CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-34229114173351366022015-03-31T23:33:00.002-05:002015-03-31T23:38:59.779-05:00Be content with what you have<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately I have had that hardest time being content with life. I am finding myself wanting more. I want a bigger house, a higher paying job, a better school for my child…… more, more, more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I said, "ENOUGH!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">I need to be content with what I have. I don't need a fairy tale life. I don't NEED a big house. What I need is food, shelter, and love. I may want more, but I don't need it. So many people have less than me, I need to enjoy what I have an not give into the temptation of wanting more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">So here I am at 11pm on the computer. Unable to sleep. I typed the phrase "Be content with what you have" into google and found this great blog post.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://tinybuddha.com/blog/dont-need-try-hard-to-be-happy/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://tinybuddha.com/blog/dont-need-try-hard-to-be-happy/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite part from that post is this: </span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"So, stop reaching, searching, and trying to buy your slice of happiness, as it’s not something that is out of your reach.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Know that, and next time you’re standing in line at the grocery store, don’t reach for the magazine promising you the Disney fairy tale happy ending. It doesn’t exist—it’s a fairy tale!</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead, smile at the cashier and wish her a lovely day. You will make her day a little happier and in doing so, maybe some of that magic will rub off on you." ~Victoria Cox</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">Today I have a mini challenge for you. Think of 5 basic things in your life that you sometimes tend to under value. List them here and then spend the next 5 days focusing on the many amazing things that you already have around you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><u>5 things i'm guilty of undervaluing and that I will strive to value more: </u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">1.My house (not my dream but it is nice and more than many people have.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">2.My car (works great, efficient, and almost paid off)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">3.A job that pays the bills (might not make me rich, but i'm happy there)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">4.Friends that allow me to escape and have fun when reality is hard</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">5.Hand me downs…. (I had to think long and hard about the last one but I'm actually really grateful for all the things that have been given to me. I have a fridge because my parents up graded at the same time as mine broke. I have lots of cute decorations from my mother in law who is clean out her supplies and its made my house super cute. My daughter has been provided with tons of cute clothes from my niece, none of which we could have afforded otherwise. Many times we look down on hand-me-downs, but i'm grateful for them, they've made my life more enjoyable.)</span></span></div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-88713302356489315292015-03-15T00:12:00.001-05:002015-03-15T00:12:55.525-05:00Biker shorts.... At TargetWent shopping the other day and ran into the best thing! <div><br><div>Bike shorts.</div><div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtqOOrb17ALbbiUPdDOpkz92_lNs3csIbevwdFhxp8RckMszxMKq0uz1J8_AOdwPBcq6DnJhUySybb5sLgW9azTWeLi6eHXLZ-LYJaQIyCsDloyalbnyQPO6OGvYnIEsitswpwF9LreQ/s640/blogger-image-1839028911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtqOOrb17ALbbiUPdDOpkz92_lNs3csIbevwdFhxp8RckMszxMKq0uz1J8_AOdwPBcq6DnJhUySybb5sLgW9azTWeLi6eHXLZ-LYJaQIyCsDloyalbnyQPO6OGvYnIEsitswpwF9LreQ/s640/blogger-image-1839028911.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Why you ask? My daughters current career goal is to be a princess at Disney World, for practice she is wanting to wear dresses everyday. </div><div><br></div><div>I have a feeling this will continue through a good good part of the summer. Now she can throw on a pair of bike shorts under her dress and play to her hearts content and it won't break my budget.</div><div><br></div><div>Looks at he color selection too! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCUmftGfD0RUgk3LN36fz9fJtsiAu5aTYd0J1p3vMvm9uqn0Xi0hCv1o5hQsq9GucNJ1dSeIrOzQydlkV_8UJA3bceu5Q1X_-AtPBCXKg3qtelN1rXN7GOA9B9yoe4h5RlqVDXtMqqps/s640/blogger-image--318932804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCUmftGfD0RUgk3LN36fz9fJtsiAu5aTYd0J1p3vMvm9uqn0Xi0hCv1o5hQsq9GucNJ1dSeIrOzQydlkV_8UJA3bceu5Q1X_-AtPBCXKg3qtelN1rXN7GOA9B9yoe4h5RlqVDXtMqqps/s640/blogger-image--318932804.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-42534219310031615692015-03-06T09:38:00.001-06:002015-03-06T14:40:07.202-06:00Small steps towards a bigger solution<div><div>This seems to be a big topic right now. I wanted to take a quick moment to weigh in and would love to hear what your thoughts are as well.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeXM8MkvvzXt4Y035X-ePQ6KtSeiIZDR_X1qx1grG8oE8tO0aQHl0g6V9NwyZXVyoLVh5erkMNAc8ufnrsYvMUR663pL_AAaFM5YGORVc-J9dKnFRJ_AzcVBodjbWLjszZoXDPBQwfoA/s640/blogger-image-1737607937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeXM8MkvvzXt4Y035X-ePQ6KtSeiIZDR_X1qx1grG8oE8tO0aQHl0g6V9NwyZXVyoLVh5erkMNAc8ufnrsYvMUR663pL_AAaFM5YGORVc-J9dKnFRJ_AzcVBodjbWLjszZoXDPBQwfoA/s640/blogger-image-1737607937.jpg"></a></div><a href="http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/03/04/mcdonalds-antibiotics-chicken-standards?cmpid=tp-ptnr-100days" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/03/04/mcdonalds-antibiotics-chicken-standards?cmpid=tp-ptnr-100days</font></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We all remember the "pink slime" outcry from not that long ago...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3CbjqbUMNURr0ClwCNALK2qWSMeMuPkLMst9GNoUWxidP1ulUrzQQZKZ-b3OXQrwE1NTtc0IOMH5_dJfOwkW_Gm12LmdCaSav1lZhpC5w3ZtFRjmJ4ECKQJh6Vl_BflR4Fy6ahmytDo/s640/blogger-image--1696281811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3CbjqbUMNURr0ClwCNALK2qWSMeMuPkLMst9GNoUWxidP1ulUrzQQZKZ-b3OXQrwE1NTtc0IOMH5_dJfOwkW_Gm12LmdCaSav1lZhpC5w3ZtFRjmJ4ECKQJh6Vl_BflR4Fy6ahmytDo/s640/blogger-image--1696281811.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't frequent McDonald's back then and I still <u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rarely</u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> go. </span></div><div>However, Grandma and Grandpa take my daughter as a 'treat', on what seems like, a weekly basis. When my daughter goes she always picks the nuggets. </div><div><br></div><div>So, even though I internally grimace when she tells me she went to McDonald's with Grandma and Grandpa, at least I know in the future the nuggets will be slightly healthier. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbMpNi7eEORibLFCXyU6iPNUFeIlzNXQjb3bA6EgJTc6DbOAILymYNdytKch1iw1OvOLpc08-CUeRV8ucuLS_r6Xg-jvxfaVblaYBstDFOVUbY7Jr_rUI6LCLz6uDhEcmdASg5uLuiEo/s640/blogger-image-1743698141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbMpNi7eEORibLFCXyU6iPNUFeIlzNXQjb3bA6EgJTc6DbOAILymYNdytKch1iw1OvOLpc08-CUeRV8ucuLS_r6Xg-jvxfaVblaYBstDFOVUbY7Jr_rUI6LCLz6uDhEcmdASg5uLuiEo/s640/blogger-image-1743698141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><b>But</b>, yes there is always a "but"...</div><div><br></div><div>I wish McDonald's would make same effort towards changing their beef sources. </div><div><br></div><div>From my view point it seems that chicken is a smaller part of their profit margin so they can "go healthy " to attract that market segment (or maybe it's marketing strategy?), but they still continue to serve low quality beef for cheap. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_-Xgj48-uUywv7m2BAUtwDq4vdsrUNXD3hRXqR2poEkiU5SXgZVAyzhrkpWntkUSaTDEIa5pvnU5CW1VwsCKfvWx7bx_3gXBF0R92egQTPV9ZpTGRtz1dDYrhUVsPHuqz5W3Hc3A3d4/s640/blogger-image--1531158196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_-Xgj48-uUywv7m2BAUtwDq4vdsrUNXD3hRXqR2poEkiU5SXgZVAyzhrkpWntkUSaTDEIa5pvnU5CW1VwsCKfvWx7bx_3gXBF0R92egQTPV9ZpTGRtz1dDYrhUVsPHuqz5W3Hc3A3d4/s640/blogger-image--1531158196.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I applaud them for making small steps but they have a long way to go. If they are this moved about thier chicken they should apply equal standards to their beef.</div></div><div><br></div><div>Your thoughts?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-39543380068831481792015-03-03T13:48:00.001-06:002015-03-03T13:48:54.417-06:00When Life Gives You Lemons, Add Water!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-PlruD32-PihJhhM2ze3OlJvtq5gCVTWA0msRmNHj1tgkX81qrOZanxFBw_TLB6fHPj2fF9ZgAEot4_Wc22HZ7sWoYQw2Kl8QQCVAfBnDsCPCec9MzJCEFSt0-KnZQZs8mxuybjFCLs/s640/blogger-image-1209380299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-PlruD32-PihJhhM2ze3OlJvtq5gCVTWA0msRmNHj1tgkX81qrOZanxFBw_TLB6fHPj2fF9ZgAEot4_Wc22HZ7sWoYQw2Kl8QQCVAfBnDsCPCec9MzJCEFSt0-KnZQZs8mxuybjFCLs/s640/blogger-image-1209380299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-PlruD32-PihJhhM2ze3OlJvtq5gCVTWA0msRmNHj1tgkX81qrOZanxFBw_TLB6fHPj2fF9ZgAEot4_Wc22HZ7sWoYQw2Kl8QQCVAfBnDsCPCec9MzJCEFSt0-KnZQZs8mxuybjFCLs/s640/blogger-image-1209380299.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9u1aXrTnBjbGOzlyg5mcVSc7JVPX8bBrmoJYWsY696Xk8Du2C1loKAu_Ii8wm8lmM38mfNcabMqURnbv5kQ40I5t5TkeAXW2Y8Yj2qd3aLmYC4qbDBaER_z4-6_KBs3nGaQH2YXwY9c/s640/blogger-image--438648785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9u1aXrTnBjbGOzlyg5mcVSc7JVPX8bBrmoJYWsY696Xk8Du2C1loKAu_Ii8wm8lmM38mfNcabMqURnbv5kQ40I5t5TkeAXW2Y8Yj2qd3aLmYC4qbDBaER_z4-6_KBs3nGaQH2YXwY9c/s640/blogger-image--438648785.jpg"></font></a></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-17158069714219232482015-03-02T22:43:00.001-06:002015-03-02T22:43:12.406-06:00Pinned it. Nailed it? Hair.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx3wjtduxemFk4mx1OItpQ-kCp4CotYDPBlAKijXy6NGFIKzA-_xCZHCgtiScJZr5WRVVVzcCXpqLNyZoLBljFl5u7Qxfb4tco5yJJ4WFYKmTu0_F8gdiIRSc4m7rmiJIbcJt5MDW1u8/s640/blogger-image--643736916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx3wjtduxemFk4mx1OItpQ-kCp4CotYDPBlAKijXy6NGFIKzA-_xCZHCgtiScJZr5WRVVVzcCXpqLNyZoLBljFl5u7Qxfb4tco5yJJ4WFYKmTu0_F8gdiIRSc4m7rmiJIbcJt5MDW1u8/s640/blogger-image--643736916.jpg"></a></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-78694031849522553842015-03-02T15:57:00.001-06:002015-03-02T18:37:44.182-06:00Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In honor of the birthday of Dr. Suess I created a little hat clip for my daughter to wear to school for their Dr Suess party.<br />
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I didn't take pictures of the entire process, but it is pretty simple. </div>
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Materials:</div>
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Hair clip</div>
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Ribbon</div>
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Large white button</div>
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Smaller red and white buttons</div>
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Hot glue</div>
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Glue the buttons together. Glue now to the clip and adhear the button hat on top. </div>
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Clip in!</div>
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Dr Suess was an amazing man who contributed to the world of children literature but in doing so made contributions to the world as a whole. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjeBmtx3aRTRwFztnvboElv9sFkwNiLU_kzEoXN5LlOZEbohbHKxGgPDwpbEt-qQFE3-YTXINb2c_WWdjR8PzcLrSP6jPLmTwar10j4-a-zRe34smnhqsNXqu8i8767eD4icqojrGQqE/s640/blogger-image-1637992859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjeBmtx3aRTRwFztnvboElv9sFkwNiLU_kzEoXN5LlOZEbohbHKxGgPDwpbEt-qQFE3-YTXINb2c_WWdjR8PzcLrSP6jPLmTwar10j4-a-zRe34smnhqsNXqu8i8767eD4icqojrGQqE/s640/blogger-image-1637992859.jpg" /></a></div>
His wisdom spoke well beyond the pages of his books.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMlCnt7mA4f7r2DPQ5yEcTlrIYjZJGE5A7vu1_3QooRdj88a95jSNmnO86lC3FvyzG9aoNet4FOR1y88E-NmO98dvxXzHUptasp7XoKSJHz0_uGjDEVuy0OD15aLCGlGcLlj6Cy7UZgo/s640/blogger-image--739375742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMlCnt7mA4f7r2DPQ5yEcTlrIYjZJGE5A7vu1_3QooRdj88a95jSNmnO86lC3FvyzG9aoNet4FOR1y88E-NmO98dvxXzHUptasp7XoKSJHz0_uGjDEVuy0OD15aLCGlGcLlj6Cy7UZgo/s640/blogger-image--739375742.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div>
Dr. Suess has found a place of inspiration in many of our hearts.</div>
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So pick up a Dr. Suess book today and read with your child. Pass on the special messages in so many of his books to the next generation!</div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-81600494889091595932015-02-24T12:12:00.000-06:002015-02-24T12:12:02.677-06:00Happy Chinese New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's Chinese New Year and in honor of that I have been trying out a few new recipes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made a Pinterest recipe the other night that turned out so good! (So very good that we ate it all!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was simple, easy, fairly healthy, and if you can get your 5 year old and your husband to both say they liked it, it must be a keeper! I modified it to fit the ingredients I had in my fridge and to fit my gluten free needs</span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwhfDpTJV7bdFvN4nO3nvBe2_PcU460thqH8vwE2qsIiHqlm8nnB_4i4kcxZUGAuRix93J0dBzx7SvpN3RS8hCLop_RZkYpelshUw_UUi8QgxNLSL65nJIy-_puyTjW7FVQ0TFBmtb_w/s1600/lo+mein.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwhfDpTJV7bdFvN4nO3nvBe2_PcU460thqH8vwE2qsIiHqlm8nnB_4i4kcxZUGAuRix93J0dBzx7SvpN3RS8hCLop_RZkYpelshUw_UUi8QgxNLSL65nJIy-_puyTjW7FVQ0TFBmtb_w/s1600/lo+mein.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
6 oz gluten free spaghetti noodles<br />
<br />
1/4 cup very hot water<br />
2 tsp low sodium beef bullion<br />
3 Tbsp gluten free soy sauce<br />
2 Tbsp brown sugar<br />
<br />
Oil for pan frying beef and veggies in pan (I use olive oil)<br />
<br />
1lb beef (I used grass feed beef and a fajita steak cut)<br />
1 large red onion chopped <br />
2 large carrots chopped up into small chunk (I used carrots I grow in the summer the wash chop and freeze in 1 lb bags.)<br />
2 cups (give or take) I like broccoli so i make mine heaping cup fulls :-)<br />
2 Tbsp of diced garlic<br />
1 teaspoon sesame oil <br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
1) Cook spaghetti as directed. (If you can, time it so you will be draining it about the time the meat and veggies are done.) <br />
2) Combine low sodium beef bullion, gluten free soy sauce, and brown sugar
the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Set off to the side.<br />
3) Cook meat with olive oil in pan until almost done. Near the end add
the onions, garlic, and sesame oil so they will start to soften and caramelize a bit and the flavors will combine. <br />
4) Add in carrots and broccoli and put on medium low head to warm and soften veggies. Stir often to mix flavors. <br />
5) When veggies are warmed all the way through (I like mine with a little crunch, cook longer if you prefer a more cooked veg) Add the sauce you set aside earlier, mix to coat everything well.<br />
6) Pour the entire meat, veg, sauce mixture into the drained noodles and toss to coat everything.<br />
<br />
<b>Serve and watch it disappear into happy mouths!</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Original recipe from momsdish.com can be found <a href="http://momsdish.com/recipe/400/beef-lo-mein-recipe">here</a>. </span></div>
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<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
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6</div>
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servings</div>
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</span> </div>
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<div class="field field-name-field-recipe-ingredient field-type-field-collection field-label-hidden">
<div class="content-ct">
<ul class="table">
<li class="x x0 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/39?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/ounce"><span class="quantity">8 ounces</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Thin Spaghetti; broken in half</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x1 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/50?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/teaspoon"><span class="quantity">1 teaspoon</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Sesame Oil</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x2 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/34?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/cup"><span class="quantity">1/4 cups</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Hot Boiled Water</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x3 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">1 tablespoon</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Beef Better Than Bullion</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x4 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">3 tablespoons</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Soy Sauce</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x5 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">2 tablespoons</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Brown Sugar</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x6 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"> </li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Oil; for frying</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x7 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/38?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/pound"><span class="quantity">1 pound</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Beef</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x8 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">2 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">large Carrots</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x9 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/34?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/cup"><span class="quantity">2 cups</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Broccoli</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x10 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">1 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">large Onion</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x11 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">4 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Garlic Cloves</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
- See more at: http://momsdish.com/recipe/400/beef-lo-mein-recipe#sthash.uDCZLntN.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<li class="x x0 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/39?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/ounce"><span class="quantity">8 ounces</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Thin Spaghetti; broken in half</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x1 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/50?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/teaspoon"><span class="quantity">1 teaspoon</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Sesame Oil</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x2 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/34?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/cup"><span class="quantity">1/4 cups</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Hot Boiled Water</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x3 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">1 tablespoon</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Beef Better Than Bullion</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x4 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">3 tablespoons</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Soy Sauce</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x5 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/49?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/tablespoon"><span class="quantity">2 tablespoons</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Brown Sugar</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x6 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"> </li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Oil; for frying</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x7 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/38?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/pound"><span class="quantity">1 pound</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Beef</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x8 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">2 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">large Carrots</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x9 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/34?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/cup"><span class="quantity">2 cups</span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Broccoli</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x10 odd" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">1 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">large Onion</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="x x11 even" itemprop="ingredients"><ul>
<li class="y y0"><span style="color: black;"><a class="text ajax-tooltip" data-tooltip-href="/taxonomy/term/61?render=tooltip" href="http://momsdish.com/unit/unit"><span class="quantity">4 </span></a></span></li>
<li class="y y1"><span class="text">Garlic Cloves</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
- See more at: http://momsdish.com/recipe/400/beef-lo-mein-recipe#sthash.uDCZLntN.dpuf</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And after eatting such a great dinner why not continue the fun with a craft?</span><br />
<a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/chinesepaperlantern.html">Super simple Chinese lanterns from firstpalette.com.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrVEjRgHpcHjX9gUhEzENDNKN82yOabs0kw_s50RJbWyE7fx8tG5SlOQO01YyD1sGX6g11ylgXSC2qnGSSl5WQYf6vJGDKCqkguvQCxYyMezuo8wlKis75eLIjPMvOOMameVOiIH0I08/s1600/lanturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrVEjRgHpcHjX9gUhEzENDNKN82yOabs0kw_s50RJbWyE7fx8tG5SlOQO01YyD1sGX6g11ylgXSC2qnGSSl5WQYf6vJGDKCqkguvQCxYyMezuo8wlKis75eLIjPMvOOMameVOiIH0I08/s1600/lanturn.jpg" /></a></div>
Materials<br />
<ul>
<li>Paper or cardstock (preferably red or yellow)</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Stapler or tape</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>Ruler</li>
<li>Pencil</li>
<li>Things to decorate your lantern with: gift wrap<br /> paper, ribbons, sequins, stickers, glitter glue, <br />small buttons, etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="steps">
<h2>
Steps</h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 698px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="200"><img alt="Step 1 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.aTrOBUsSkancr7Ze08aD.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number" width="43">1.</td>
<td colspan="2" width="455">Start out with an A4, Letter
size, or any rectangular sheet of paper or cardstock. Red and yellow are
preferred colors for a Chinese-themed lantern, but you can always
choose any color you like. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 2 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step2.jpg.pagespeed.ic.AJCFpgf_syq_ymRcrtdb.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">2.</td>
<td colspan="2">Cut a 1-inch wide strip off on one short side. Set this aside for the handle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 3 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step3.jpg.pagespeed.ic.xv5ymd6yu47X0txEqyPl.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">3.</td>
<td colspan="2">Fold the paper in half, lengthwise.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 4 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step4.jpg.pagespeed.ic.TiTuNFBisS414mFH87vm.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">4.</td>
<td colspan="2">Draw a horizontal line one inch from the long edge opposite the fold.<br /><br />*This line is just a guide for cutting and may not be necessary for older kids.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 5 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step5.jpg.pagespeed.ic.gArtlxDQXgvCxmZF8bWP.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">5.</td>
<td colspan="2">Starting from the folded edge, cut a straight line about an inch from one short edge, all the way up to the horizontal line. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 6 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step6.jpg.pagespeed.ic.i0ACwoUHBnVYR1K65yje.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">6.</td>
<td colspan="2">Continue to cut more straight lines about 1
inch apart until you reach the opposite short edge of the paper.
Remember that the horizontal line marks the point where you stop cutting
each straight line.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 7 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step7.jpg.pagespeed.ic.a7G6l1U-pSKBJN-5RNei.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">7.</td>
<td colspan="2">Unfold the paper. The paper will have
several vertical slits along the middle. Erase any pencil marks or
re-fold the crease the opposite way to hide the pencil marks at the
back.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 8a Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step8a.jpg.pagespeed.ic.dx4wUuBJa6yKA1sN84Yw.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number">8.</td>
<td colspan="2">Decorating the lantern is optional but if you wish to jazz up yours, here are some ideas you can try:<br />
<br />
a.) Make a border by painting with any water-based paint or coloring with crayons or oil pastels.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 8b Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step8b.jpg.pagespeed.ic.XF0ECaz8VPTPJ7XCKPgR.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number"><br /></td>
<td colspan="2">b.) Create patterns and details with glitter glue, puffy paint, or markers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 8c Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/h/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/chinesepaperlantern-step8c.jpg.pagespeed.ce.0eWiiOSyOIVdflcksTfV.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number"><br /></td>
<td colspan="2">c.) Glue on a strip of gift wrap paper, patterned paper, fabric, lace, washi tape, or a wide ribbon to make a border. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 8d Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="133" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/200x133xchinesepaperlantern-step8d.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Z-eN6L9b15n-g2TdwMcr.jpg" width="200" /></td>
<td class="number"><br /></td>
<td colspan="2">d.) Add texture by gluing on materials
like craft foam or felt shapes, small buttons, beads, sequins, ribbon,
lace, etc. Do not glue on materials that are too heavy for your paper
though. <br />
<br />Take note to leave at least a half-inch of
undecorated area on one top corner. This space will allow you to connect
the two edges of the paper to form a lantern.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img alt="Step 9 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="150" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/183x150xchinesepaperlantern-step9.jpg.pagespeed.ic.tFhHbEp5kDKf8F7KQnLJ.jpg" width="183" /></td>
<td class="number"><span class="adult"><img alt="Ask for an adult's help" height="18" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/h/www.firstpalette.com/images/adulthelp.gif.pagespeed.ce.y9QTAO4eyPD8gsQ3zO_N.gif" title="Ask for an adult's help" width="14" /></span>9.</td>
<td colspan="2">Form the paper into a tube shape to
transform it into a lantern. Overlap the long edges at least a
half-inch. Staple or tape the top and bottom corners.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/images_600x400/chinesepaperlantern-red.jpg" target="_blank" title="Chinese Paper Lantern craft"><img alt="Step 10 Chinese Paper Lantern craft" height="225" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/150x225xchinesepaperlantern-step10.jpg.pagespeed.ic.WEV8hHCtgK9J_6MGNzLX.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
<td class="number">10.</td>
<td colspan="2">Glue on the paper handle from Step 2. Decorate the handle if you like.<br />
<br />Once the glue dries, hang the paper lantern as a festive Chinese New Year decoration.</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2>
More Ideas</h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 698px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="246"><a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/images_600x400/chinesepaperlantern-sequin.jpg" target="_blank" title="Red Chinese paper lantern with sequins"><img alt="Red Chinese paper lantern with sequins" height="225" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/150x225xchinesepaperlantern-sequin.jpg.pagespeed.ic.vo02P-nj6oqXJOIGuZuB.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
<td>Instead of paper, you can use a length of ribbon, lace or fabric for the handle. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/images_600x400/chinesepaperlantern-streamers.jpg" target="_blank" title="Chinese paper lantern with streamers"><img alt="Chinese paper lantern with streamers" height="255" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/170x255xchinesepaperlantern-streamers.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lxwK1L-ZgzzJdHZQFOES.jpg" width="170" /></a></td>
<td width="452">Cut strips of crepe paper and glue these
along the inside of the lantern's bottom edge. These streamers will make
the lanterns move gracefully with the wind.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/images_600x400/chinesepaperlantern-pastel.jpg" target="_blank" title="Pastel-colored paper lanterns"><img alt="Pastel-colored paper lanterns" height="197" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/175x197xchinesepaperlantern-pastel.jpg.pagespeed.ic.5AK3_OEZv-P3_bb6RxKU.jpg" width="175" /></a></td>
<td>Besides the typical red and yellow Chinese lanterns,
you can make them in your favorite colors or in hues that go with a
particular occasion (e.g. orange and black for Halloween).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/images_600x400/chinesepaperlantern-blue.jpg" target="_blank" title="Blue paper lantern"><img alt="Blue paper lantern" height="225" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/hk/5ITXqRpkP3bsysDVDd0CxuFWu2/www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chinesepaperlantern/steps-images/150x225xchinesepaperlantern-blue2.jpg.pagespeed.ic.HtSVp_18Bm8zvh5bth2p.jpg" width="150" /></a></td>
<td>You can also decorate the strips in betwen the slits
of your lantern. Glue on small paper or fabric shapes, or draw designs
with markers or crayons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-80709881835403854802015-02-23T09:26:00.001-06:002015-02-23T12:56:13.843-06:00Strawberryosarus.Strawberries were on sale at the store. I know they are out of season and probably sprayed with an unhealthy amount of pesticides but I got them anyhow. My daughter loves them and so do I. <div><br></div><div>I decided to have a bit of fun and create a dinosaur (inspired by a strawberry alligator I found on Pinterest).</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI2qNY996xskHlstkMGu2cGG1NrIHe-AqEwiehGRfNZnI8xBTxNv7LDY4w8FDv2qXE7AfSWDLYujFApNSZcRM-VO-geMCINgEhvRcrELQ76g-DjItmEVynvOTnqZupxpZff7YU0O6jFk/s640/blogger-image-921098783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI2qNY996xskHlstkMGu2cGG1NrIHe-AqEwiehGRfNZnI8xBTxNv7LDY4w8FDv2qXE7AfSWDLYujFApNSZcRM-VO-geMCINgEhvRcrELQ76g-DjItmEVynvOTnqZupxpZff7YU0O6jFk/s640/blogger-image-921098783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It's super simple. </div><div>-clean the strawberries. </div><div>-cut the top of of a large strawberry and place upside down .</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsijCZKw2or0a2SbzIIVc6P_Eyuiwz2ovUq4om62FFLw5kx-j_bV0TYVq8RNJYhlpBgVQEyH6_pG5u0IubbYJfcdlzZSrKaOa8dZPfh-2-catV0O4n95ckBrzE7LvNMVRW0FRP24qtZa8/s640/blogger-image-1970935027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsijCZKw2or0a2SbzIIVc6P_Eyuiwz2ovUq4om62FFLw5kx-j_bV0TYVq8RNJYhlpBgVQEyH6_pG5u0IubbYJfcdlzZSrKaOa8dZPfh-2-catV0O4n95ckBrzE7LvNMVRW0FRP24qtZa8/s640/blogger-image-1970935027.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>-place a toothpick In at an angle and insert a medium sized strawberry for the head.</div><div>-use cake decorating gel (or sprinkle, or any other decorating material) to create the eyes and nostrils. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8SqDu9vZ2aTbSAqwAUxvFRiNwF86h3z7U5CBuflVVBixahBQTHrJGlFr-HenAKIM8tg09KC4gbQ3LXF_dAFk9A3qEi6H6PRZhEUAqeBucTjxFCTV7pMBNLSDGTeyOtJyz9kj370UMjY/s640/blogger-image-1056434525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8SqDu9vZ2aTbSAqwAUxvFRiNwF86h3z7U5CBuflVVBixahBQTHrJGlFr-HenAKIM8tg09KC4gbQ3LXF_dAFk9A3qEi6H6PRZhEUAqeBucTjxFCTV7pMBNLSDGTeyOtJyz9kj370UMjY/s640/blogger-image-1056434525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then watch your child "roar" with delight when they see them!</div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-72062043862628246352015-02-17T13:32:00.001-06:002015-02-19T12:05:09.790-06:00Alternative Option: Clean(er) Eating ~Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sub zero cold weather is coming again to the Midwest..... BRRRR!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why not warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, but lets be clean about it.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead of a cup of the processed hot cocoa mix (that I told you about a few weeks ago Link here) how about making your own?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's so simple and you have most ingredients in the pantry, if not they're easily accessible at the store!</span><br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvvap8baw9bpttmRKAQ0Etj5akarYh_UDKFm6BpDhXZWu571umhY9nfHsJ4X0xnV6msB4Ni0WTadSximpjwSmAgZT1ihi6k0jqQnz9HenNJhktZt3DkhHDex2sTQzt-CcgCiuSxmptLU/s1600/winter-penguin-drinking-cocoa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvvap8baw9bpttmRKAQ0Etj5akarYh_UDKFm6BpDhXZWu571umhY9nfHsJ4X0xnV6msB4Ni0WTadSximpjwSmAgZT1ihi6k0jqQnz9HenNJhktZt3DkhHDex2sTQzt-CcgCiuSxmptLU/s1600/winter-penguin-drinking-cocoa.png" height="320" width="248"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Homemade Dry Hot Chocolate mix</b></span><br>
<br>
<em>Makes 5 1/2 cups of dry mix</em><br>
<ul>
<li>2 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li>1 cup cocoa powder</li>
<li>3 cups powdered non-fat milk </li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>2 teaspoons cornstarch</li>
</ul>
Fill mug halfway with mix (about a 1/4 cup of mix). Pour in hot water. Mix well.<br>
<br>
<br>
Here are a few tips that I've picked up over the years while making this.<br>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Put the cornstarch and powdered milk in the food processor if you have one. (It gets rid of all the lumps!) Then put it in a large bowl and use a whisk to mix together all the other ingredients. </li>
<li>You can play with the flavor a bit and add more or less milk depending on the creaminess you prefer.</li>
<li> You can also play with the type of coco you add, dark choc, milk choc, white choc, etc. </li>
<li>Finally, if you'd like, add a <b><u>tiny</u></b> dash of cayenne pepper will give it a great little flavor. You can also add cinnamon or a variety of there flavoring if you want to jazz it up. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmzQ9hv5FOBtvT0DNCvEOjY47jprrgU7sRd8LmmskYnq1zEv0bYGEt3eLoyl9wKZSeraiKzxL9mx3LN46pNYdkL9lv7L8uJdK028tSMtcYq0ZPgjMTCLGgYMwtNYcz9uqwOMEYO4LX5E/s1600/hot+coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmzQ9hv5FOBtvT0DNCvEOjY47jprrgU7sRd8LmmskYnq1zEv0bYGEt3eLoyl9wKZSeraiKzxL9mx3LN46pNYdkL9lv7L8uJdK028tSMtcYq0ZPgjMTCLGgYMwtNYcz9uqwOMEYO4LX5E/s1600/hot+coco.jpg"></a></div>
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</div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-62944165833713358232015-02-17T13:22:00.001-06:002015-02-19T11:59:41.600-06:00Spring Educational Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring in coming.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That means, flower, caterpillars, and butterflies!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am looking for some fun yet educational activities to do with my daughter during spring break. Here are some fun things I have found while perusing the web. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxruDIzIdEm3MB8FmAOcVUy8rQmwQmpkJI57O-hzdQe_MvClv0nbZATXGbhprpV7YFGpik0UM0xhfuc4XHxfWrTjIJDkDF1XpBPrAuzPLB9pKvZbxXveAppwD3kTfMnCuVGIutLYlGuM/s1600/junk+food+pirntables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxruDIzIdEm3MB8FmAOcVUy8rQmwQmpkJI57O-hzdQe_MvClv0nbZATXGbhprpV7YFGpik0UM0xhfuc4XHxfWrTjIJDkDF1XpBPrAuzPLB9pKvZbxXveAppwD3kTfMnCuVGIutLYlGuM/s1600/junk+food+pirntables.jpg" height="300" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">http://makeitcozee.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-hungry-caterpillar-printable.html</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are some cute printable s that could easily be made into a book and then use them for some practice reading. Pick out sight words. Highlight names of foods. etc...</span><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxzOsZNMdV81MXGjkj0KuLZwsDklxZPEWGnwT0n5jx__a8EF4B-OjRp0hk4ynWJJSNQH-NzamIp14fFq8mMBgXfXIKxlzHJZlHWSgoPoRJNzIgjAM-CIDZTBGBkXTHn2imToajKFJHF4/s1600/Garden_Printable_Pack_Collage-422x274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxzOsZNMdV81MXGjkj0KuLZwsDklxZPEWGnwT0n5jx__a8EF4B-OjRp0hk4ynWJJSNQH-NzamIp14fFq8mMBgXfXIKxlzHJZlHWSgoPoRJNzIgjAM-CIDZTBGBkXTHn2imToajKFJHF4/s1600/Garden_Printable_Pack_Collage-422x274.jpg" height="258" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">http://homeschoolcreations.com/gardenpreschoolpack.html</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I </span><u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">LOVE </u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">homeschoolcreations.com. I have used several of their preschool printables last summer. This garden unit is adorable and the perfect way to learn more about spring while getting some letter and fine motor skills practice.</span></div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-27369876776977473992015-02-17T11:48:00.000-06:002015-02-17T11:48:02.504-06:00Engaged and Entertained Without Electronics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
My daughter has become the child who often asks, "Mom, can I have your phone?" while we are traveling in the car or at the grocery store. She is looking for a source of entertainment and something to keep her mind engaged. Here is a great article about when it is appropriate to let you child use electronics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJXDtJkbaPYwmpRVIF7b36TDFoUgXSZAOfiRMGgoNRcBeo2ZzBpUSDb4-l5dTrTuEhoHxXGeES7piGvZQjBxdnEwE-RdllZ6-KY3pjAh-STkHVz9I07WsQ0p_IKkhTSyOtWPhvgbTxus/s1600/Where-its-appropriate-to-distract-children-with-electronics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJXDtJkbaPYwmpRVIF7b36TDFoUgXSZAOfiRMGgoNRcBeo2ZzBpUSDb4-l5dTrTuEhoHxXGeES7piGvZQjBxdnEwE-RdllZ6-KY3pjAh-STkHVz9I07WsQ0p_IKkhTSyOtWPhvgbTxus/s1600/Where-its-appropriate-to-distract-children-with-electronics.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.somedayilllearn.com/streaming-movies-for-kids/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have nothing against her using it occasionally since I keep a collection of educational apps on there for her. I keep a limit on electronics and TV time so occasional usage (short periods of time, a few times a week at most) is all I allow. I do also admit, if I am trying to focus on driving or get my shopping done quickly without interruption having that there for her to use is rather convenient. <br />
<br />
However, as a child I was forced to use my mind to create my own entertainment and I think that is part of the reason I am creative today. <br />
<br />
Part of me wonders, as today's society looks more and more to electronic devices to provided educational material and entertainment for our children are they going to lose some of that ability to use their imagination? <br />
<br />
When my sister shared this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BusyKidActivities?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Etsy shop</a> with me and wanted to share it with all of you. Felt boards are a simple product that can allow your child tons of creative options. Allison creates some super adorable boards and characters. Just keep them in your car or bag and when your child is looking for entertainment they can create and tell their own scenes and stories over and over and again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgeW06VfdjTxauzU9v-NqsjHdJT3A6CyZIlb7LUxA6oC_VdXN2ywoPGxMvtldc9cLZ1FB4WrRk_p4KV9iy8l5EtbKSdjfkt2ftVJA8rBvb8hT3Hxtab1x7ut9b6gDklX92QuQgidzF9s/s1600/1+felt+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgeW06VfdjTxauzU9v-NqsjHdJT3A6CyZIlb7LUxA6oC_VdXN2ywoPGxMvtldc9cLZ1FB4WrRk_p4KV9iy8l5EtbKSdjfkt2ftVJA8rBvb8hT3Hxtab1x7ut9b6gDklX92QuQgidzF9s/s1600/1+felt+board.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt boards allow unlimited imagination in creating a scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTi7zpWuEBi4Wq169Dgh0Gvy3etdTg1rI5l_HT5zygiMZHeW1liDvWN3tC9lqXiU_ppjzPLVP5I4Dmf78y49fsbBqsDiMu3qfR5JZGE03emiP_d6cCJg6-kfW9w5CqWNYLq7v2lD_EzI/s1600/2+flet+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTi7zpWuEBi4Wq169Dgh0Gvy3etdTg1rI5l_HT5zygiMZHeW1liDvWN3tC9lqXiU_ppjzPLVP5I4Dmf78y49fsbBqsDiMu3qfR5JZGE03emiP_d6cCJg6-kfW9w5CqWNYLq7v2lD_EzI/s1600/2+flet+board.jpg" height="284" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What adorable carrying case!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzY_c_paghbWHL8c7ORgUns6FwTAfEamSJfIsAM6HtC0R_7WQ7p5ARJC4QbXsozrmA0loUUoGS0QRTQHnoI8A6VbNSpR7rbKXCBPNpqg06C5SFoEWPO2Wu5N4OEKtP8pTrkodsUosmN4/s1600/3+flet+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzY_c_paghbWHL8c7ORgUns6FwTAfEamSJfIsAM6HtC0R_7WQ7p5ARJC4QbXsozrmA0loUUoGS0QRTQHnoI8A6VbNSpR7rbKXCBPNpqg06C5SFoEWPO2Wu5N4OEKtP8pTrkodsUosmN4/s1600/3+flet+boys.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect for a pirate story.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrwSqItnOUy2kSRnKY2cltMHTTBLb7AfDXQ_4NMURWwpFOWpfNevM5kzl_SJ_7QHFt_8Z21wtRSsXK9qgF2_O8Y6-7TwuLABELBCy5_3YAzNNuasslFhHSHujPH9asl9MAFWuPRXM6tU/s1600/4+felt+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrwSqItnOUy2kSRnKY2cltMHTTBLb7AfDXQ_4NMURWwpFOWpfNevM5kzl_SJ_7QHFt_8Z21wtRSsXK9qgF2_O8Y6-7TwuLABELBCy5_3YAzNNuasslFhHSHujPH9asl9MAFWuPRXM6tU/s1600/4+felt+girls.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or for someone who loves to tell fairy tales.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-FCiK4R9sflAoKda997MOolM-QTHU6cL93M1RqpbkOgGm1htlj6W4A9ZkHqDwRHjzhHXjWMo4AsMs6BTeX_ECZO5hjjCIgFYVDgJWv9Lpu1aDk54XZv9FGuJyaiOEHM2rmimcP-3yPc/s1600/5+flet+cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-FCiK4R9sflAoKda997MOolM-QTHU6cL93M1RqpbkOgGm1htlj6W4A9ZkHqDwRHjzhHXjWMo4AsMs6BTeX_ECZO5hjjCIgFYVDgJWv9Lpu1aDk54XZv9FGuJyaiOEHM2rmimcP-3yPc/s1600/5+flet+cute.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And how CUTE are these little arctic animals!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8H_DS-FOvqbHhrhQwXU4kILcp_t-zsHVhzXcUkbAM78kWe2ug8Z8hCAYXw-0xFyZEahWPMHD6bcyhzVcm-vvPwBWhrfJWm05Mga3wByDrlZxdxcB0ixdIInLozOOra1rsIQEbH2V4-o/s1600/6+flet+fammily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8H_DS-FOvqbHhrhQwXU4kILcp_t-zsHVhzXcUkbAM78kWe2ug8Z8hCAYXw-0xFyZEahWPMHD6bcyhzVcm-vvPwBWhrfJWm05Mga3wByDrlZxdxcB0ixdIInLozOOra1rsIQEbH2V4-o/s1600/6+flet+fammily.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allow your child to relive their favorite family memories by recreating the scene.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lots more at the Etsy shop. Hours of endless, reusable, mix and match fun.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Link to Allison's Shop: <br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BusyKidActivities?ref=l2-shopheader-name">https://www.etsy.com/shop/BusyKidActivities?ref=l2-shopheader-name</a></div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-14191211662599936592015-02-16T19:04:00.001-06:002015-02-16T19:04:05.007-06:00Evaluate Your Options: Homemade Fruit Snacks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
My child loves fruit snacks. I don't particularly think they are great but there is something about fruit snacks that kids LOVE.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have searched for "healthier" options. </div>
<div>
I tend to lean towards Mott's or Annie's when I buy them. Since starting this clean eating change I have held off, not wanting to purchase food full of sugar and corn syrup. </div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwK7g_aIxVXwbeZFjomV5lIRT8gKmMH71QsKAGuM0HrwNozO6TbHP2b4mu1TIGQXO2xxV9kiPGu9oc7_NYTI5usuRIZtzdaw-YaGsKMmTsTXVy9OAO_vYY63-OffE2jPw0N28yF8x82g/s640/blogger-image--563199753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwK7g_aIxVXwbeZFjomV5lIRT8gKmMH71QsKAGuM0HrwNozO6TbHP2b4mu1TIGQXO2xxV9kiPGu9oc7_NYTI5usuRIZtzdaw-YaGsKMmTsTXVy9OAO_vYY63-OffE2jPw0N28yF8x82g/s640/blogger-image--563199753.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But... have you ever thought making your own? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I never had, until I saw a few Pinterest posts about homemade fruit snacks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I am intrigued. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMw_weLdfXnsJ3-53oY1GIQII3bvAWs7u_jwSf6P_vIXWKI4xRwxfZZaRhVuSEYJu6iIBlXJXIN0gZxNAikkc4kVPQvh1Q8sCRhxLKFnZKsH4WVLFRjkRhCGzUQ-iSI9LmEV7yhThe7g/s640/blogger-image-455954696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMw_weLdfXnsJ3-53oY1GIQII3bvAWs7u_jwSf6P_vIXWKI4xRwxfZZaRhVuSEYJu6iIBlXJXIN0gZxNAikkc4kVPQvh1Q8sCRhxLKFnZKsH4WVLFRjkRhCGzUQ-iSI9LmEV7yhThe7g/s640/blogger-image-455954696.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Land of Nod blog really interested me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://blog.landofnod.com/honest-to-nod/2014/08/kelsey-nixon-diy-fruit-snacks.html">http://blog.landofnod.com/honest-to-nod/2014/08/kelsey-nixon-diy-fruit-snacks.html</a><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Another great recipe is here on Wellness Mama. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://wellnessmama.com/8959/homemade-fruit-snacks/">http://wellnessmama.com/8959/homemade-fruit-snacks/</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't have the little cute shaped molds but I saw a few versions of the recipe that just cut them into tiny squares. That would easily do the trick for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have any of you made fruit snacks? </span></div>
</div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-7846552088832552015-02-11T10:47:00.001-06:002015-02-11T17:37:08.908-06:00Evaluate food Week One: Taco Seasoning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">We love tacos. We eat them often. Do you? </span><br>
<br>
Do you use homemade seasoning or the store bought packets? <br>
<br>
Take a look at a packet of seasoning that you can pick up at the store: <br>
<h2>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt="Taco Seasoning - misleading products on 100 Days of Real Food" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3392" data-jpibfi-indexer="1" height="246" src="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Taco-Seasoning2.jpg" title="Taco Seasoning - misleading products on 100 Days of Real Food" width="500"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I
couldn’t believe it when If you look at the ingredient you will notice that 'Maltodextrin' as the first item on the list
(meaning of all the ingredients this contains the most of that). Maltodextrin is a filler found
in highly processed foods and is usually made from corn. If I want corn in my taco I'll use fresh or frozen kernels not processed corn. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Why
would it be the main ingredient in a simple as taco
seasoning?</div>
<strong> </strong><br>
<strong>Clean Alternative:</strong> Make your own batch
of homemade taco seasoning. See my tutorial <a href="http://tidbitsforeveryday.blogspot.com/2013/08/homemade-taco-seasoning.html">here</a>.<br>
<br>
Ingredients:<br>
2 Tbsp chili powder<br>
1 1/2 Tbsp paprika<br>
1 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin<br>
2 tsp onion powder<br>
1 Tbsp dried onions<br>
2 tsp garlic salt<br>
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper<br>
1 tsp crushed red pepper<br>
<br>
Gently mix all ingredients together in a bowl and store in an air tight container.<br>
<br>
Use 2 large scoops of seasoning and 2/3 cup water per 1 pound of taco meat. <br>
<br>
I usually triple the recipie and then I have enough for a few months. </div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-63005509731048042622015-02-11T10:35:00.003-06:002015-02-11T10:35:43.732-06:00Clean eating family resources<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Clean eating for families:<br />
<br /><div>
If you are more into having a book in your hands to read and a hard copy of recipes here is a book recommendation. Food Network featured this author and has a full page of the interview <a href="http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/04/07/talking-to-the-experts-clean-eating-cookbook-author-michelle-dudash/">here</a>. A good starting place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz0qIKD-VB5XNJq_JmHpTn-WyEd_3Wwu7R_tOvu3J4oMLaeye3YH8XskBZdpaG2NbdsMc9yZD0WcuNtZfUcm20Hvn1fy1yCLx8Acpxj6HOjbYxSruHZ3DAC6autQ8iSht1j5-TzgU3hc/s1600/HE_Clean-Eating-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz0qIKD-VB5XNJq_JmHpTn-WyEd_3Wwu7R_tOvu3J4oMLaeye3YH8XskBZdpaG2NbdsMc9yZD0WcuNtZfUcm20Hvn1fy1yCLx8Acpxj6HOjbYxSruHZ3DAC6autQ8iSht1j5-TzgU3hc/s1600/HE_Clean-Eating-book.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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</div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-65024688453255911992015-02-09T22:43:00.001-06:002015-02-09T22:43:00.080-06:00Meatless Monday's<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2z_xXDch_tltRNejYAwFaHDU3VyAikBEJ09os32BeT61N6kRKccG5tv_Qxt0K5hzFTaMavBwZwSPp6d5H8xoumVWnUfyI_BeBpFGdgF3EzqgAJhiQzflMyLQofXxDMpypLOjQTN-_RQ/s640/blogger-image--539271219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2z_xXDch_tltRNejYAwFaHDU3VyAikBEJ09os32BeT61N6kRKccG5tv_Qxt0K5hzFTaMavBwZwSPp6d5H8xoumVWnUfyI_BeBpFGdgF3EzqgAJhiQzflMyLQofXxDMpypLOjQTN-_RQ/s640/blogger-image--539271219.jpg"></a></div><br>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-54001225163094489012015-02-05T11:02:00.001-06:002015-02-09T22:40:58.872-06:00Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies<div>Who says healthy clean eatting needs do be boring? Check out thus snaking recipie from Amy's Healthy Baking blog. Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlROcWsh1uam8w5hrEgxteopzA8n9bmW1Qt6BLYqkNW-yp7XXOTydwDI1NOvri1RtQ1CvqHn-GIesoumL6LqLJWbcqH58QxhhA0nO62A403nvYDk8pNh24xtP6VUFoYjQ6S_LZMoYghk/s640/blogger-image--692096154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlROcWsh1uam8w5hrEgxteopzA8n9bmW1Qt6BLYqkNW-yp7XXOTydwDI1NOvri1RtQ1CvqHn-GIesoumL6LqLJWbcqH58QxhhA0nO62A403nvYDk8pNh24xtP6VUFoYjQ6S_LZMoYghk/s640/blogger-image--692096154.jpg"></a></div><br></div><a href="http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/01/03/apple-pie-oatmeal-cookies/">http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/01/03/apple-pie-oatmeal-cookies/</a>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-7315298118222321042015-02-05T10:54:00.001-06:002015-02-05T10:54:55.663-06:00Eat Less CRAP, Eat More FOOD.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A perfect summary of what Clean(er) Eating is to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgRrL1xCxDufTFYUvsd3xANzZx9_LYNVPSdx_DroLgp4Otk5joGpilogRBW2UQJDDNjLRESacY0qs-hdkFeQ6f811Xa4U6YXdA-6PPNKjnkHwl82xcX3nrTE2y2AYA-YNHngMnZNmzfI/s640/blogger-image--1782989592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgRrL1xCxDufTFYUvsd3xANzZx9_LYNVPSdx_DroLgp4Otk5joGpilogRBW2UQJDDNjLRESacY0qs-hdkFeQ6f811Xa4U6YXdA-6PPNKjnkHwl82xcX3nrTE2y2AYA-YNHngMnZNmzfI/s640/blogger-image--1782989592.jpg"></a></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-26374926018819988142015-02-03T16:56:00.001-06:002015-02-03T16:56:21.006-06:00Clean Eating On A Budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I said at the beginning, cleaner eating isn't about going all organic. A majority of American families can't afford that, including me!<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
However I can make the choice to allocate a few extra dollars towards buying some organic vegetables and fruits that might contain less pesticides and be healthier. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I also have to be willing to take a little bit of extra time to maybe make a few things instead of giving into buying the pre-made versions at the store.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's some great tips from the Small Wonders Blog I found for clean eating on a budget.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://blogsmallwonders.com/2014/01/08/eating-clean-on-a-budget-10-things-you-need-to-know/">http://blogsmallwonders.com/2014/01/08/eating-clean-on-a-budget-10-things-you-need-to-know/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0.01600000075995922px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Plan Your Meals</strong></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0.01600000075995922px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
This is not always as easy as it sounds. We get busy. We get lazy. We go into the grocery store with no plan and wander the aisles aimlessly grabbing whatever we think looks healthy. $300 later, we’re home unpacking everything. We’re so proud of ourselves for finding all of these healthy foods! We aren’t even that upset about the price we paid. Until a week later, when we have 5 overripe avocados, two bunches of brown bananas, and some sour, chunky milk.</div>
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I’ve done this plenty of times. I always feel guilty for wasting food, knowing that there are hungry people in this world. Also, I’m pretty pissed that all of that money is going right in the trash. It’s not that I don’t like the foods I’ve bought, it’s just poor planning. That’s why meal planning is my number 1 tip.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Love (or Learn to Love) Cooking</strong></div>
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This goes hand-in-hand with the meal planning. If you’re going to eat clean, you should prepare your own meals at home. Eating out or ordering food is expensive. Just think- if you usually spend $20 ordering take-out, you could buy enough clean food for two meals with that money. Instead of ordering pizza, you can get the kids involved and have them make their own<a href="http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2013/04/whole-wheat-pita-bread-pizza.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ed97c9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;"> clean pizzas</a> at home! Or if you spend around $50 going to a restaurant for a date, you could have had at least 4 clean meals at home with that money. Instead of going out, you could buy quality ingredients and spend the night cooking with your significant other.</div>
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And don’t worry- If you do decide to cook most of your meals, it doesn’t mean you have to spend all day in the kitchen either. There are plenty of <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-slow-cooker-recipes/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ed97c9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">clean crockpot recipes</a>, or <a href="http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/recipes/20-minutes-or-less/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ed97c9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">recipes that take 20 minutes or less</a>. Check Pinterest or buy a ‘clean eating’ cookbook for ideas. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Focus on the Dirty Dozen</strong></div>
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When it comes to buying your produce, you DON'T have to buy everything organic. If you have the money, and you want to buy all organic- by all means, go for it! But if you are trying to stick to a budget, focus on the dirty dozen. The dirty dozen is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that you should always buy organic. The reason is that these fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide residues and also because we typically eat the skin(s) of these foods.</div>
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The Dirty Dozen</div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peaches</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apples</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sweet Bell Peppers / Hot Peppers</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Celery</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nectarines</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Strawberries</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cherries</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cucumbers</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grapes</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spinach / Leafy Greens</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cherry Tomatoes</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Potatoes</li>
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All other fruits & vegetables (with the exception of summer squash which is also recommended to be organic when possible) are okay to buy regular. Try to include a lot of other fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, and broccoli in your menu if you are concerned with the prices of organic produce.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Use Your Freezer</strong></div>
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It’s okay to buy the frozen stuff! Not only is frozen produce usually less expensive than fresh, it lasts a<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">really</em> long time in your freezer. You can buy frozen berries to make smoothies or to add to oatmeal. Frozen spinach can be a quick side dish or a veggie to add to lasagna or soup. The same goes for meat and chicken. I can often find deals on frozen ground grass-fed beef, so I stock-up and keep it in the freezer. You can even <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/got-too-much-milk-freeze-it-for-later-184693" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ed97c9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">freeze a gallon of milk</a>! If you have a freezer in your garage or basement (like I do) it’s a good idea to keep a list of what is in that freezer. When you buy your groceries, add them to the list before putting them in the freezer. When you use something from that freezer, cross it off on your list. This will help you from forgetting what’s in there and letting it go to waste.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Buy In-Season</strong></div>
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Buy in-season fruits and vegetables and plan your meals around them. In-season produce is usually less expensive that out-of-season stuff that has to be shipped in. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Watch Your Portions</strong></div>
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It’s hard to avoid sticker shock when you see organic milk for $5.99 a gallon. Around here, regular milk often goes on sale for less than $3 a gallon, so I’m paying more than twice as much. Then, I think about all the times I’ve poured my kids a glass of milk and they drank two sips of it. Or I gave them milk in their cereal, and I end up pouring all the milk down the drain. Since I began buying organic, I’ve become much more stingy with the portion sizes of our food. Instead of filling up a glass with milk for the kids, I give them about 4 ounces. If they still want more, I’ll give them another 2 ounces. The same goes for me! When I make dinner, I’ll think, “Do I really want to eat a whole piece of chicken?” I know if I only eat half, I can eat the other half for lunch the next day. A serving of chicken should only be about 3-4 ounces anyway, so an entire breast is usually more than twice the serving size. Because the organic food is more expensive, I don’t want to ‘waste’ it by eating more than I really need!</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Beware of Organic ‘Junk’</strong></div>
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It’s important to know that just because something is labeled as organic, it’s not always clean or healthy. There are organic cookies and chips, but they aren’t necessarily good for us. Also, they are usually pretty pricey. If you’re on a budget, stay away from organic junk food, so you’re only spending your money on foods that are truly nutritious.</div>
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Drinks are another waste of your money. Avoid (or cut back on) sodas, sports drinks, & energy drinks. Stick with water (and milk if you’re having dairy). Fruit juices are full of sugar too, even if they are 100% juice. You’re better off eating your fruit.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Eat Leftovers</strong></div>
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I know some people are not huge fans of leftovers, but if you’re on a budget, you gotta learn to love them! When you prepare a meal for dinner, only eat as much as you need. Once you’re full, put any leftovers in the fridge for lunch the next day. I find that it’s best to put things into clear plastic containers or clear glass with plastic wrap. Clear plastic or glass helps keep the food in sight, so it won’t go to waste.</div>
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Also, you can use some of your leftovers as ingredients for another dinner meal. For example, this Friday, we’re going to have burrito bowls. I’ll make shredded chicken, and we will have black beans, roasted corn, tomatoes, peppers, etc. to add to our bowls. I’ll save all the leftovers and make chicken tortilla soup a few days later. I’ll throw the chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, peppers, etc. into a pot with some chicken broth and let it simmer. I’ll add any extra ingredients I need, but there’s no reason to let all of those leftovers go to waste!</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Consider Joining a CSA for your Produce</strong></div>
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CSA stands for community supported agrigulture. What this means is basically you are buying a share into a local farm. You will pay a fee in the beginning of the season, usually based on a package you choose. Sometimes they offer weekly or bi-weekly packages with varying amounts of produce. You will have to decide based on your family size and how much produce you think you will eat. I will tell you that the more produce you buy, the lower the price per pound typically is. Then, the famer uses the money to plant and grow crops. Depending on your plan, you will go and pick up your produce weekly or bi-weekly. The downside to a CSA is that you usually don’t get to choose what you get. If you’re a picky eater, it may not be for you. The good news is that you get locally-grown, organic produce at a great price. It also gives you the opportunity to try new foods and experiment with new recipes.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10. Buy in Bulk, Buy Local</strong></div>
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If you are really serious about eating clean, and you have the freezer space, consider buying chicken, beef, or pork from a local farm. Some farms allow you to buy packages of meat and poultry, while others will only sell you the whole cow or whole chickens. You could split a whole cow (or a side, which is half a cow) with another family if it seems like too much meat. Just like the CSAs, typically the price per pound decreases as the amount you are purchasing increases. Also, some farms have CSAs for meat and poultry (and milk and eggs even). If you’re interested, check some local farms to compare prices and quality.</div>
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Other things that you can buy in bulk are nuts and grains. They may not come in fancy packaging, but they are the same thing! Also, these staples will last a while in your pantry.</div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-827397919627633522015-01-28T22:42:00.001-06:002015-01-29T17:26:43.125-06:00Heaven in a Cup!It's no secret that I love coffee. <div><br></div><div>One of my favorite desserts is tiramisu.</div><div><br></div><div>I just found a tiramisu latte recipie!!!!</div><div><br></div><div>☕️👍☕️😃☕️💗☕️</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LA11dYN_BGEN0WBBYN3qjObrg_Dy8IZ9As5GKeXQoE2qa6J7lXWggJcfDwm4dZVWwCmOld0V4WAhPpQoppCJuQiaeRHzRYioXJeH2GRFclgt5o8fcIZGdkt3T4NMJ6H-denGTkCzzqo/s640/blogger-image--549866638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LA11dYN_BGEN0WBBYN3qjObrg_Dy8IZ9As5GKeXQoE2qa6J7lXWggJcfDwm4dZVWwCmOld0V4WAhPpQoppCJuQiaeRHzRYioXJeH2GRFclgt5o8fcIZGdkt3T4NMJ6H-denGTkCzzqo/s640/blogger-image--549866638.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have to run out to grab some of the ingredients because it's not things that I have on hand but I'm willing to make the trip because I cannot wait to try this recipe. I am so excited!</span></div><div><br></div><div>The recipe comes from Seduction In The Kitchen blog.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXtDHJ2KWjsorfXxuRUqChVpwZNqmfmPNqfnm_lx3wfuzr2edB6IYdqMuRsSDUuxumrjbbak7Lqrd-OF-x3dg9MUm2xpo-WPXM1zi_2os3y7wBaSK15QBWtDb0TEn-PDwRdRCUEhwkzw/s640/blogger-image--930203611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXtDHJ2KWjsorfXxuRUqChVpwZNqmfmPNqfnm_lx3wfuzr2edB6IYdqMuRsSDUuxumrjbbak7Lqrd-OF-x3dg9MUm2xpo-WPXM1zi_2os3y7wBaSK15QBWtDb0TEn-PDwRdRCUEhwkzw/s640/blogger-image--930203611.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXtDHJ2KWjsorfXxuRUqChVpwZNqmfmPNqfnm_lx3wfuzr2edB6IYdqMuRsSDUuxumrjbbak7Lqrd-OF-x3dg9MUm2xpo-WPXM1zi_2os3y7wBaSK15QBWtDb0TEn-PDwRdRCUEhwkzw/s640/blogger-image--930203611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu5Ylee6dWe__3Ta-_oInfQD0pLjNmTLobmmxTClm0TjmmAYFP_2NG0g7b-cB55XFDJysplEw1-ZVsJFQZliRecTaRctI2JXhBqPrmsBdcSup2KxqBx_EM6kRHVV-8ly5iXU7ncj-fow/s640/blogger-image--813692532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu5Ylee6dWe__3Ta-_oInfQD0pLjNmTLobmmxTClm0TjmmAYFP_2NG0g7b-cB55XFDJysplEw1-ZVsJFQZliRecTaRctI2JXhBqPrmsBdcSup2KxqBx_EM6kRHVV-8ly5iXU7ncj-fow/s640/blogger-image--813692532.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu5Ylee6dWe__3Ta-_oInfQD0pLjNmTLobmmxTClm0TjmmAYFP_2NG0g7b-cB55XFDJysplEw1-ZVsJFQZliRecTaRctI2JXhBqPrmsBdcSup2KxqBx_EM6kRHVV-8ly5iXU7ncj-fow/s640/blogger-image--813692532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg34drQUDAUE6pIDwaMQFw1_Hcw-evYYhKcErtfptCI_RAip8RWNP0pHpcGCLkuKfrDESXk2bNwf-XEiUegX5FVcKNBsRx3Wo3V3Bhi2syx41pVhDC__jcuTvE7roHDEw4Vu2L5GffvI/s640/blogger-image-724664348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg34drQUDAUE6pIDwaMQFw1_Hcw-evYYhKcErtfptCI_RAip8RWNP0pHpcGCLkuKfrDESXk2bNwf-XEiUegX5FVcKNBsRx3Wo3V3Bhi2syx41pVhDC__jcuTvE7roHDEw4Vu2L5GffvI/s640/blogger-image-724664348.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg34drQUDAUE6pIDwaMQFw1_Hcw-evYYhKcErtfptCI_RAip8RWNP0pHpcGCLkuKfrDESXk2bNwf-XEiUegX5FVcKNBsRx3Wo3V3Bhi2syx41pVhDC__jcuTvE7roHDEw4Vu2L5GffvI/s640/blogger-image-724664348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK-F-P8Vu_Up6b-cS9na8KkUDMSrpAXNIZm0khMpbw3A0fixOMZ990jnfYoEz8uUpOVkYpwCpGmtTCBeZSw8rBThFzU7A-Z9ACZLrCGbSvcIToEdLu4iNawQHa4CY_gpx1G8h29sQr7A/s640/blogger-image-37696165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK-F-P8Vu_Up6b-cS9na8KkUDMSrpAXNIZm0khMpbw3A0fixOMZ990jnfYoEz8uUpOVkYpwCpGmtTCBeZSw8rBThFzU7A-Z9ACZLrCGbSvcIToEdLu4iNawQHa4CY_gpx1G8h29sQr7A/s640/blogger-image-37696165.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK-F-P8Vu_Up6b-cS9na8KkUDMSrpAXNIZm0khMpbw3A0fixOMZ990jnfYoEz8uUpOVkYpwCpGmtTCBeZSw8rBThFzU7A-Z9ACZLrCGbSvcIToEdLu4iNawQHa4CY_gpx1G8h29sQr7A/s640/blogger-image-37696165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRsZLpAvoPIAym5QcxucharC9Fhx2wRTAtykTzLMb8e0RDSCuWtKAEeGVXUcKmidqiaKkpzyPix6ymEV0cGHBqVvEbOuyDtmamYUfTcTNz_rQSjB2E0rRhcqpYUYvoC-RcP9sbuAI1CY/s640/blogger-image--2056977978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRsZLpAvoPIAym5QcxucharC9Fhx2wRTAtykTzLMb8e0RDSCuWtKAEeGVXUcKmidqiaKkpzyPix6ymEV0cGHBqVvEbOuyDtmamYUfTcTNz_rQSjB2E0rRhcqpYUYvoC-RcP9sbuAI1CY/s640/blogger-image--2056977978.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here is the link: </span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><a href="http://www.seductioninthekitchen.com/2015/01/tiramisu-latte.html#_a5y_p=3256804">http://www.seductioninthekitchen.com/2015/01/tiramisu-latte.html#_a5y_p=3256804</a></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-35329458254872278272015-01-27T17:10:00.001-06:002015-01-28T16:25:18.207-06:00Why Clean(er) Eating?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMGJPPjqHODp1iHuCFHszAPnKL18ZjI86xxV4CTEs5t7ciBWzcnWrNa_LpvtGJ_VN5Ocg_cCncY2tQEOZSPYi_VLEuuG7JQTX0IFcLuEtRDEBYaKFyyu5MjvarPeT0LnG0XjXa8hFm4o/s1600/clean-eating+jaoke.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMGJPPjqHODp1iHuCFHszAPnKL18ZjI86xxV4CTEs5t7ciBWzcnWrNa_LpvtGJ_VN5Ocg_cCncY2tQEOZSPYi_VLEuuG7JQTX0IFcLuEtRDEBYaKFyyu5MjvarPeT0LnG0XjXa8hFm4o/s1600/clean-eating+jaoke.png" height="280" width="400"></a></div>
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Okay I didn't think that was cleaning…….. but when I first heard the phrase "Clean Eating" I thought it was a crazy off-the-wall all organic/vegan nutty thing.</div>
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Turns out clean eating isn't that at all. Yes, there some far out people who take any movement out to the farther reaches but standard clean eating is just the idea of not eating so much processed food and getting back to a more natural balanced diet. So this February I have decided to embrace a challenge to be "clean(er)" and eat/use less processed products and try to eat/use more natural sources for foods, but in a practical every day budget friendly way.<br>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>February Clean(er) Eating Challenge Goals: </b></span></u><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Evaluate food items that are used most often. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Find healthier alternatives to some overly processed foods.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Try at least one new clean dinner recipe each week.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Research and learn more about the contents of the foods we eat. </span></div>
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Each week in February I will address all four of these items. I will be challenging you to share with me too. What food items did you find? What alternatives did you find? Share a new recipe. What new facts have you learned?<br>
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So who's on board for challenging yourself to make a few small changes towards clean(er) eating and a more healthy life?</div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-29444944239194851412015-01-25T21:42:00.001-06:002015-01-25T21:42:56.066-06:00Valentine's Day GarlandI can't find the "be my valentine" banner I made last year 😞and I decided we needed a little more pink 💗 and red ❤️ around the house since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. <div><br></div><div>I ran out to the local craft store and for under $5 <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">picked up some twine and a package of glittered diecut hearts. </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoApqX6Rr9cPkSiltLNxaI2AP1K_GNTlRtPwtdEhPE_zOvD50EClcNOdbeMBbutWRmw4YIwEnHw4ZVJTTkV1NAMe4iMObhVXG4FYuiCiZrsBcbe1-bci-Mx2FO7PLoRBoYaR6iuJxKTSA/s640/blogger-image-75441920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoApqX6Rr9cPkSiltLNxaI2AP1K_GNTlRtPwtdEhPE_zOvD50EClcNOdbeMBbutWRmw4YIwEnHw4ZVJTTkV1NAMe4iMObhVXG4FYuiCiZrsBcbe1-bci-Mx2FO7PLoRBoYaR6iuJxKTSA/s640/blogger-image-75441920.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">It's just a simple matter of stringing them on in whenever pattern you desire.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ONcSzOupe5kZNgHU_4MlA0wo3tVYzx85KSn1kFO-chVvOxJYAe-JCU3gYa03y4pNFVIkTPFvTrAT8UjQ7u_IUwXsWy2R1S4g4OzkmePKmAmO_P1cOhjZwUnlUiq0eSdVHwpKtYyAlXA/s640/blogger-image-1637567701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ONcSzOupe5kZNgHU_4MlA0wo3tVYzx85KSn1kFO-chVvOxJYAe-JCU3gYa03y4pNFVIkTPFvTrAT8UjQ7u_IUwXsWy2R1S4g4OzkmePKmAmO_P1cOhjZwUnlUiq0eSdVHwpKtYyAlXA/s640/blogger-image-1637567701.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Pretty soon you've got a georgous little garland to hang up and add some festive color. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQhyphenhyphenbEghxnZf6dGe8YCB7JVBweFU4IishD6UjqUgvy3QfHuJ6OuqzCkJmBDz4kCVVutYZOuer9B5MVbg45cQeCY9U6PRHJYS0H75Xd6gWGRuWZUgqx2_d4UDxn84kxyQSdx-zCFdCW4E/s640/blogger-image--602901510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQhyphenhyphenbEghxnZf6dGe8YCB7JVBweFU4IishD6UjqUgvy3QfHuJ6OuqzCkJmBDz4kCVVutYZOuer9B5MVbg45cQeCY9U6PRHJYS0H75Xd6gWGRuWZUgqx2_d4UDxn84kxyQSdx-zCFdCW4E/s640/blogger-image--602901510.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Do you have any Valentine's Day decorations that you made this season or in the past? Would love to see them. Post some pictures here!</font></div>CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-86223865072611361932015-01-25T16:12:00.002-06:002015-01-28T21:58:22.245-06:00Little Love Bug For Your Valentine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I found the cutest little free printable and the perfect stickers for my daughter to make Valentines this year!<br>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/123507671/Valentine-s-Love-Bug-Cards-Free-printable-Empty-jar-ready-to-fill-as-you-wish-tape-on-a-fake-rubber-bug-or-felt-hearts-it-s-up-to-you">This website</a> has a free printable with a little mason jar and the words "heres a little love bug"<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKByF4X79-dsOCofSRwns0oG-m2iT-QjvOY9UqTlQIUAq4Q1pZbAirct2zA77XORerVqgfrpqRi38GRz853B47n7EmwLP6FLe-12TiOixEQjRRYN4-Kzy4SSwQdlnkSpAVvZeGthlKQ/s1600/bug+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKByF4X79-dsOCofSRwns0oG-m2iT-QjvOY9UqTlQIUAq4Q1pZbAirct2zA77XORerVqgfrpqRi38GRz853B47n7EmwLP6FLe-12TiOixEQjRRYN4-Kzy4SSwQdlnkSpAVvZeGthlKQ/s1600/bug+jar.jpg" height="320" width="234"></a></div>
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We found these stickers for just 97 Cents.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr0HqUj83U0P8n7WJhz_UluT9YN_7gyk4UfWakSvra2Uhn0BzMTjCS4wMPyIT2n1KPSYnVOjIcSTNYs0vgAqJOXBvEBZMmaMlNoSV0ukenSzVde1tgah9wNXMofCj96wxIam6Ny7smAg/s640/blogger-image-1829640237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr0HqUj83U0P8n7WJhz_UluT9YN_7gyk4UfWakSvra2Uhn0BzMTjCS4wMPyIT2n1KPSYnVOjIcSTNYs0vgAqJOXBvEBZMmaMlNoSV0ukenSzVde1tgah9wNXMofCj96wxIam6Ny7smAg/s640/blogger-image-1829640237.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Print, stick, mount on some red paper for added color. Done! </div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-29148457375893708172015-01-24T15:50:00.000-06:002015-01-24T15:50:35.666-06:00Parental Care VS School Care. The gray area. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am a parent who loves my child dearly and tries to give the best to my child at all times so she turns out to be an amazing woman someday.<br />
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I am also a person who has worked in K-12 classrooms for 10+ years and loved each of my students and gave my whole heart to trying to provide not only for their education but anything that could help better their lives and their futures.<br />
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I know that school staff also love the children in school and want to care for them the best they can.<br />
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(Note: I don't say teacher only because I know so many principles, cafeteria workers, secretaries, along with many other staff who care for the students.)<br />
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As my daughter is just starting on her educational journey, I hope in the coming years she meets many school staff members who care for her dearly and do all they can to teach her and make her into a great woman. I am grateful, that in the many hours she will spend in school, there are people looking out for her and doing the best they can to mold her into something intelligent and wonderful.<br />
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BUT… there is a gray area. Yes, the dreaded gray area.<br />
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There is a great big area of overlap in the 'I/we the parents love and care for my/our child(ren) and you (the school staff) are caring for my child's well being while he/she is in your care'. <br />
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Somewhere in that area there is a very fine line of "don't tell me how to parent my child".<br />
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Turns out that is what happened to these parents. They received a note reprimanding them for the lunch packed for their daughter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rnVn0YFPJf12VwSWRk4qh9clKm-H-paBvBcNHKd_kUP0YDEEjZFITM8JFULyPOt6w8r3kJc5IPClOQKy9953RTH6m4BzTnF89OefQfJkYIzuwJvnBqq81iLg-5CGQPDjSBaagxqyxg/s1600/note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rnVn0YFPJf12VwSWRk4qh9clKm-H-paBvBcNHKd_kUP0YDEEjZFITM8JFULyPOt6w8r3kJc5IPClOQKy9953RTH6m4BzTnF89OefQfJkYIzuwJvnBqq81iLg-5CGQPDjSBaagxqyxg/s1600/note.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/school-shames-dad-for-packing-daughter-unhealthy-108947668277.html">https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/school-shames-dad-for-packing-daughter-unhealthy-108947668277.html</a></div>
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Sometimes as human beings we care so much that we end up caring <i>too</i> much.<br />
<br />
In this case the teacher who wrote the note didn't know what the full contents of the girls lunch were and the school issued an apology.<br />
<br />
For school personnel it is hard. When a person cares about children and wants them to succeed in life ones emotions occasionally get in the way and they may get lost in that gray area. <br />
<br />
It is not only teachers making conclusions about students home lives.<br />
<br />
How often has the neighbor child come to play with your child and you are suprised by something only to find out that there is a whole other reason for the behavior.<br />
<br />
In my years working for the school system I often overheard comments made in the teachers lounge about "so and so" doing "this or that", only to hear from another staff member that the child was dealing with a serious illness, a sick parent, homelessness, divorce, abuse, financial problems, or one of many other things. Other times it was a total misperception. The child may have acted a certain way not because of rudeness, but because of a disability or curiosity. Maybe they ate only ice-cream at lunch because their parents can't afford it at home and this is the only time they will ever be able to get a treat like this.<br />
<br />
There are a million reasons behind the things that we see each day and we only get a split second glance at many of these things.<br />
<br />
<br />
Would I be ticked off if I got this note?<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
However, I am glad I saw this now. If I ever do get a note like this in the future I hope to remember to thank the teacher for being so concerned with my child's health and well being, but then kindly explain the full story.<br />
<br />
Footnote: In all this there is also the child. I know of a mom who packed a great lunch and the child snuck a full package of Oreos in her backpack instead…. Just saying parents and teacher's can love and care all they want but these little kiddos have minds of their own too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What are your thoughts on this?</i></b><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-10437529795989100882015-01-18T16:27:00.001-06:002015-01-18T16:35:38.127-06:00Essential Oils: For a Wonderful Smelling and Healthy Home <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who doesn’t love walking home at the
end of the day, opening the door, and smelling your favorite scent? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #2d2f30; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Problem is </span><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">paraffin candles, chemical filled plug-ins, and chemically
manufactured air freshener sprays are some of the ways that we have become
accustomed to making our homes smell appealing – but these products are adding
to the toxic environment in our homes.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbeGdWjN7rGUSZ4ysWRa2R2FW1nkuhSzbj8cYhWnGm-zHIl7QAkPuvYcmRklSYC5dAxZ5iBx9_7xEMlO90oXOCRfMSihZ_6VFbnWJARConMBHQLg91-eg-OSXNMJLwfcW-KI7w9lcy1Y/s1600/lemon+iol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbeGdWjN7rGUSZ4ysWRa2R2FW1nkuhSzbj8cYhWnGm-zHIl7QAkPuvYcmRklSYC5dAxZ5iBx9_7xEMlO90oXOCRfMSihZ_6VFbnWJARConMBHQLg91-eg-OSXNMJLwfcW-KI7w9lcy1Y/s1600/lemon+iol.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, I found a solution! I recently
learned that my local grocery store carries essential oils. Better yet, they
are natural and very reasonably priced! (You can also purchase them on the web
for very reasonable prices).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I knew there were natural “air
fresheners”. A search on Pinterest will give you thousands of links! I did a
quick search and collected the basics here for you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7NjpOZFWaHgmHEDzuVBxHKu7VDx95F9Mw9a2QNMB79jOHudMFRrd2jkOcyEFyoRhdNY8_yv2_DW7bx2yzeh_alazA3ueq4oj_71s6vxaZRjyUGBXlVmURvF_ftpNUXtLsxVJyxie28U/s1600/free-essential-oils1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7NjpOZFWaHgmHEDzuVBxHKu7VDx95F9Mw9a2QNMB79jOHudMFRrd2jkOcyEFyoRhdNY8_yv2_DW7bx2yzeh_alazA3ueq4oj_71s6vxaZRjyUGBXlVmURvF_ftpNUXtLsxVJyxie28U/s1600/free-essential-oils1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Common essential oils and their benefits:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Basil: helps relieve headaches<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Rosemary: stimulates the mind and
improves memory<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Clary sage: calms the nervous system<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Clove oil: helps relieve congestion
and has aphrodisiac qualities <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #363636;">Eucalyptus</span><span style="color: #363636;">:</span><span style="color: #363636;"> expectorant, this eucalyptus species is indicated for children
with respiratory congestion, useful for colds and flu, antiviral</span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #363636;">Ginger</span><span style="color: #363636;">: relieves nausea, warming emotionally and physically.</span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #363636;">Geranium</span><span style="color: #363636;">: PMS, indicated for hormonal imbalance, antimicrobial, nerve
pain</span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Lavender: improves sleep quality and
calms the nerves<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Lemon: acts as a natural
antidepressant and calms anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Mint: invigorating <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Orange: refreshes and relaxes</span><span style="color: #363636;"> </span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #363636;">Peppermint</span><span style="color: #363636;">: relieves nausea, relieves/reduces migraines, energizing,
antispasmodic, Studies say <b>do not use around children under 30 months of age.</b></span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #363636;">Ylang ylang</span><span style="color: #363636;">: aphrodisiac, antidepressant, nourishing</span><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are many more oils. Search our
your favorite scents or find scents that will assist with natural remedies for
things you are dealing with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCs-lTtDK478xrKzSuzLiNiEWnnqOoaBunDWqdsGCmpOdJY_WtO69f8nS0_jfdLKTBVykRFGrCxNK9sR1rqjr1ByOjaAzfrM5vZ_zeSvWPL74XBD-yk06h1vsriNQS50_AfjMjCfPGqA/s1600/Lavender-bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCs-lTtDK478xrKzSuzLiNiEWnnqOoaBunDWqdsGCmpOdJY_WtO69f8nS0_jfdLKTBVykRFGrCxNK9sR1rqjr1ByOjaAzfrM5vZ_zeSvWPL74XBD-yk06h1vsriNQS50_AfjMjCfPGqA/s1600/Lavender-bottle.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ways to use essential oils around your home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Make a Room Freshener:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Fill a small decorative jar or dish
with plain white rice and add in a few drops of oil. Place the jar in whatever
room you wish to fill with the fragrance. (Peppermint or lemon work great the
bathroom and lavender is soothing in the bedroom.) </span></span><a href="http://thehomemadeexperiment.com/rice-essential-oil-homemade-air-freshener/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Click here for a tutorial on this</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKypUwRl6UQdfIoV_irIKaC7rRrz0f9QDXw0wGugMqKzDXlsItArJC0tN8nkUqvDC7F46N_J_cgXuzCS3rovM7YmCUTwnZEIAt546Cp3AUtqkhbe9kmUuRPf9-RQHndQw6P01T0TbDP4/s1600/rice-homemade-air-freshener-add-essential-oil-900x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKypUwRl6UQdfIoV_irIKaC7rRrz0f9QDXw0wGugMqKzDXlsItArJC0tN8nkUqvDC7F46N_J_cgXuzCS3rovM7YmCUTwnZEIAt546Cp3AUtqkhbe9kmUuRPf9-RQHndQw6P01T0TbDP4/s1600/rice-homemade-air-freshener-add-essential-oil-900x600.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Clothes freshener: <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Dab cotton balls with essential oils
and place in the corners of your drawers and closets. It also helps ward off
moths!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Freshen while you vacuum: <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2f30;">Place a few drops of oil on a cotton
balls and put in your vacuum bag. Each time you vacuum it will smell wonderful!
</span><span style="color: #313131;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Freshen your car </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;">◦ </span><span style="color: #2d2f30; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -48px;">Place a few drops of oil on a cotton balls and put a plastic bag, leave it unsealed. Place it in your car under your seat. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhx35_g5H1ZZZlo0ywb7Qtr443Cu8ySXIAIlVfcDeNS6_JFYBckcHsb-3wpFPuiHnj4jI8gTiKoiz6U4j3cr6ZG6T7bdPNEdx5DGxm4WgKDiLOhgzloo_WEzIpWDwU365a29EBzgQ2kE/s1600/Essential-Oil-toxic-free-300x230.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhx35_g5H1ZZZlo0ywb7Qtr443Cu8ySXIAIlVfcDeNS6_JFYBckcHsb-3wpFPuiHnj4jI8gTiKoiz6U4j3cr6ZG6T7bdPNEdx5DGxm4WgKDiLOhgzloo_WEzIpWDwU365a29EBzgQ2kE/s1600/Essential-Oil-toxic-free-300x230.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">See full tutorial on the Live Life Whole website <a href="http://www.livelifewhole.com/2014/04/16/toxic-free-car-air-freshener/">here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #2d2f30;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>To deodorize and clean furniture:</b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #313131;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">◦<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #2d2f30; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -24px;">Place a few </span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -24px;">Combine baking soda and several drops of peppermint, eucalyptus or wintergreen essential oil and sprinkle on furniture, floor, or mattress. The baking soda will absorb moisture, deodorizes and sanitizes. The essential oils will drive away dust mites and leave a clean refreshing smell.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color: #313131;">For more research on the dust mite
issue read this article</span></span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.5in;">: </span><a href="http://doterrablog.com/diy-use-these-two-ingredients-to-say-goodbye-to-dust-mites-and-hello-to-a-cleaner-mattress/%23sthash.pkTJ9SDY.dpuf" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.5in;">http://doterrablog.com/diy-use-these-two-ingredients-to-say-goodbye-to-dust-mites-and-hello-to-a-cleaner-mattress/#sthash.pkTJ9SDY.dpuf</a></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If all that good smelling stuff isn't good enough reason, there is research out there at proves essential oils are beifital to our health and well being! </span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSWe5pCmK59HngRFqtx-5UrtavN2yMATWvmlA5kX4QN976OdCry5c7_1f_JY0lnYk_MahyqArOSID2gC-3coC52mkr1zOdrUCEWzmHmDpNrLmzyOWR_hxBCYAzpja-ETt7WNAK6yARcA/s1600/Young+Living+Essential+Oils+cartoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSWe5pCmK59HngRFqtx-5UrtavN2yMATWvmlA5kX4QN976OdCry5c7_1f_JY0lnYk_MahyqArOSID2gC-3coC52mkr1zOdrUCEWzmHmDpNrLmzyOWR_hxBCYAzpja-ETt7WNAK6yARcA/s1600/Young+Living+Essential+Oils+cartoon.png" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004904529414456525.post-21999882833186563442015-01-15T17:39:00.000-06:002015-01-27T16:27:30.636-06:00Would you like some caseinate, phosphate, and diglycerides with that coco?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ok, its not even February yet, but since this clean(er) eating think clicked in my brain i've become super aware of what is in my food. I made a simple cup of hot coco (well, i mix coco with my coffee to make a "mocha cafe" if i'm feeling so inclined the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Today while the coffee was brewing I grabbed the packet of X brand hot chocolate and glanced at the back of the box. I thought I was drinking coco, sugar, powdered milk, maybe one or two preservatives…… </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsveKaRyuF-6fhP19OwniPaXyClpQNs0Bcoj7TcQqGU8fYqbKxbQ1aD9OEVrEPIHgqLc5vidWO9JpOkGaGhy1cBi_hhiY7v7xEJNyGZ7kMfDn9DoDqNi5qBFLEi0tfwZPEuWQ4jGLiWE/s1600/hot+coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsveKaRyuF-6fhP19OwniPaXyClpQNs0Bcoj7TcQqGU8fYqbKxbQ1aD9OEVrEPIHgqLc5vidWO9JpOkGaGhy1cBi_hhiY7v7xEJNyGZ7kMfDn9DoDqNi5qBFLEi0tfwZPEuWQ4jGLiWE/s1600/hot+coco.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">WRONG! Check out the list below. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS,</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">VEGETABLE OIL (PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED COCONUT OR PALM KERNEL AND HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN)</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">, </span><span style="background-color: white;">DAIRY PRODUCT SOLIDS, COCOA</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">PROCESSED WITH ALKALI</span><span style="background-color: white;">, AND LESS THAN 2% OF CELLULOSE GUM, NONFAT MILK, SALT,</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">SODIUM CASEINATE,</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">SODIUM CITRATE</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">, </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">SODIUM ALUMINOSILICATE</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">, </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">, </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">GUAR GUM</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">,</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">.</span></div>
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I did some research (90 minutes) to track down and figure out what these things are….. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">SUGAR</span><span style="background-color: white;"> ~ I expected this one. I'm ok with it. Its a pretty natural ingredient.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">CORN SYRUP SOLIDS</span><span style="background-color: white;"> ~ Really? Do Americans need anymore processed corn syrup in their diets?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">VEGETABLE OIL (PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED COCONUT OR PALM KERNEL AND HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">~ I couldn't find an easily accessible explanation for what oil would be for in a dry mix. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">DAIRY PRODUCT SOLIDS ~ Assuming this is dry milk, wish it was </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">labeled as that. Dairy product solids makes it sound so….. icky.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">COCOA </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">PROCESSED WITH ALKAL</span></span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">I</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"> ~</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cocoa has been treated with alkali going back over 150 years. There are several reasons, the three most common being: It darkens the cocoa, reduces the bitter taste of cocoa, and makes the cocoa powder disperse better in beverages.” (</span><a href="http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/2798-effect-of-treating-cocoa-with-alkali-the-dutching-process" style="font-family: Arial;">Link to Source</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Honestly, i'm willing to stir my coco a little extra if it means I don't need to ingest this each time I drink hot coco. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">CELLULOSE GUM</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"> ~ </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">A polymer with the alternate names of cellulose sodium glycolate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Totally unnatural. A man made item.</span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> Cellulose gum is extracted from wood pulp and cotton cellulose. The powder can absorb up to 20 times its starting weight. Only the purest cellulose gum is fit for human consumption; the rest is used in non edible items. In the food world i</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">t is typically used to thicken or bind ingredients and also is used to make things sweeter. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cellulose cannot be properly digested by humans. It has neither health benefits or harmful effects Luckily it is similar to eating paper, it just passes through your system. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><a href="http://myths-made-real.blogspot.com/2012/10/they-actually-eat-that-cellulose-gum.html">(Link to source</a>) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">Eating paper, yuck, but at least it isn't toxic!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">NONFAT MILK</span><span style="background-color: white;"> ~ Wondering how this is different that the "dairy product solids" listed above?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">SALT</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">~ This is in every </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">recipe and its a small amount. Ok with me. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1s9l0QTTHPzNT9iR_dXLFhAX4RpbNhShnmuqqH4wIFnIC2AY4sj4HkCeZdIC9gdynTKBawa8A2U5Xtb1kOYlZ1dLmHnykwBpiSJhMkYrjzSRzCcCqbDBZWu3QFcP4Q1QJDaJxtJ9R6g/s1600/il_340x270.497599213_gty5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1s9l0QTTHPzNT9iR_dXLFhAX4RpbNhShnmuqqH4wIFnIC2AY4sj4HkCeZdIC9gdynTKBawa8A2U5Xtb1kOYlZ1dLmHnykwBpiSJhMkYrjzSRzCcCqbDBZWu3QFcP4Q1QJDaJxtJ9R6g/s1600/il_340x270.497599213_gty5.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">SODIUM CASEINATE</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">A food additive and for industrial purposes. Some people are allergic to sodium caseinate, and it has been linked to some human diseases, mainly autism and gastrointestinal problems. Consult with an allergy specialist if you suspect an allergy or intolerance to any casein-based product.</span><span style="font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;"> such, caseins are now used primarily in food production, where they add nutrition, flavor and specific consistencies. (<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/495564-what-is-sodium-caseinate/">Link to source</a>) </span><span style="font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Gastrointestinal problems….. possible links to autism…. EEEEK! I'm fine with natural chocolate flavor why do we need to add all this other stuff to "create" the flavor?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">SODIUM CITRATE</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Also know as </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> is a tart flavoring used in candy, soft drinks, ice cream and sherbet and is often added for its antioxidant properties. Sodium citrate buffers acidity in jams, ice creams and candy. (<a href="http://www.schwartzlabs.com/food-additives.html">Link to source</a>)</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">This is actually an ok ingredient. Not that we all need to ingest tons of it, but it is one of the few additives that isn't on the "bad" list.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KPslh-uzWbkaoM-RA5xIsX0umYwIUwbqPsNLw7NejYlNpb3Jq4xUQFo7p51ub3pktwh3Rln1c0d7jtZwtN5p3Z0wSoPazBmYHMJ3q8WJ7MtpCq1QBNpTslrye-mgsu5lY4WVEkxYjYw/s1600/danger+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KPslh-uzWbkaoM-RA5xIsX0umYwIUwbqPsNLw7NejYlNpb3Jq4xUQFo7p51ub3pktwh3Rln1c0d7jtZwtN5p3Z0wSoPazBmYHMJ3q8WJ7MtpCq1QBNpTslrye-mgsu5lY4WVEkxYjYw/s1600/danger+cup.jpg" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE,</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: myriad-pro, Myriad, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Used as a food additive to lower acid levels in processed foods and act as a stabilizer.</span><span style="color: #292929; font-family: myriad-pro, Myriad, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="color: #292929; font-family: myriad-pro, Myriad, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Dipotassium Phosphate can act as a skin and eye irritant along with causing vomiting and diarrhea if consumed directly in quantities. Inhaling Dipotassium Phosphate can irritate the lungs and can cause distressed breathing. (<a href="http://www.inrfood.com/ingredients/881">Link to source</a>) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">How much acid is in basic hot coco? Do we really need this to reduce acid? Also, not feeling great about the fact that is can cause vomiting and diarrhea. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">SODIUM ALUMINOSILICATE</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">, </span><span style="font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">Sodium aluminosilicate is the predominant silicate added to foods in the United States, according to the Food and Drug Administration. As an anticaking agent, it prevents clumping in dairy-based drinks, milk powders, sauce and gravy mixes, soup mixes, salt and seasonings. You may also find this silicate in household products, such as latex paint and laundry detergent</span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Museo Sans 300, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">. (</span></span><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/272868-what-is-sodium-aluminosilicate/" style="font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">Link to source</a><span style="line-height: 26px;">) <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can appreciate the idea of non clumped hot chocolate but it wouldn't take much to give it a little stir to break it up or a smash of the packet to unclump it. Is america this lazy?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Museo Sans 300', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">Monoglycerides and diglycerides are food additives commonly used to combine ingredients containing fats with those containing water, two types of ingredients that don't ordinarily combine well. Food manufacturers typically use them to extend a product's shelf life. Made in part of fatty acids, they are similar to triglycerides, the predominant fat in food according to the Harvard School of Public Health, except they are classified as emulsifiers rather than lipids. (<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/445850-what-is-bad-about-mono-diglycerides/">Link to source</a>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFuObV_2mBStofmwJ2lRH4_ZGudMbniloS79SgJ_pMOUrOSWyJnWvTyVXMxme5frWALPy3FWwWKMZIakJow516qmuBbUxAQh9OyOzVU-CjCFkY8ZZk9fbP4Mh_RtzGrUf8ENqwCNhqMc/s1600/vintage_skull_crossed_bones_arsenic_poison_label_mug-r85e12e179ae943afb68cce71c0288447_x7jgr_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFuObV_2mBStofmwJ2lRH4_ZGudMbniloS79SgJ_pMOUrOSWyJnWvTyVXMxme5frWALPy3FWwWKMZIakJow516qmuBbUxAQh9OyOzVU-CjCFkY8ZZk9fbP4Mh_RtzGrUf8ENqwCNhqMc/s1600/vintage_skull_crossed_bones_arsenic_poison_label_mug-r85e12e179ae943afb68cce71c0288447_x7jgr_8byvr_512.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">I really don't want any extra fat in my diet. Thank you very much. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">GUAR GUM </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> ~Made from the guar bean and is used as a thickener. I can appreciate that it is at least a natural source and is used o make my coco creamy. But just another unnecessary step. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">. ~When you see this you need to run and hide. This could be anything. Anything </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">artificial. They don't even have to tell you what it is. You want to risk ingesting something that has ingredients you aren't privy to? NOT ME!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">So what has this taught me!?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">I am throwing away all the hot chocolate mix in the house and making my own natural hot coco mix. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">Best yet, the recipes are all over the web and I already have all the natural ingredients in my pantry!</span></div>
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CarrieAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17751869620600557618noreply@blogger.com0