tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22034408888899840102024-03-18T21:43:21.501-07:00The Daytime OwlJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-49311431944613649662012-05-27T11:24:00.002-07:002012-05-27T11:24:23.636-07:00Pork Tacos<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We tried a new recipe today for pork tacos, and I loved it! </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I found it <a href="http://skinnymom.com/2011/10/18/skinny-pork-tacos/" target="_blank">here</a> at Skinny Mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What I loved the most was the fact that I could just dump it in my crockpot and it was done when I got home from church today. The pork was so tender that it fell apart when I tried to take it out to shred it. It was so yummy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The only thing I did differently was omitting the jalapeno and the salt. I didn't take as much care in selecting my salsa as I should have (for sodium content) but next time I'll do better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I give this recipe a 4.5 out of 5! We will definitely be making it again.</span></div>
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</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-21406089813934407232012-04-27T09:05:00.001-07:002012-04-27T09:06:14.004-07:00Dresser Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over spring break, my husband and I repainted some old dressers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a tall dresser and two side tables that came from my grandparents' house. They didn't match and were really outdated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was inspired by somethings I pinned on Pinterest. Here are my inspirations:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoVtDHJ5rH1w62u14Gjc-4jGnD7AZujmbYW_huJrTILKV7HrIvyEbBJuZNkLWEowahroG1UdTYy-pNX7Lys8gXrV-K8JOpegzrIqD_1P2UW8aIFxQ5TxDraZhu5dFdn5IS7QdhgI53uA/s1600/inspiration1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoVtDHJ5rH1w62u14Gjc-4jGnD7AZujmbYW_huJrTILKV7HrIvyEbBJuZNkLWEowahroG1UdTYy-pNX7Lys8gXrV-K8JOpegzrIqD_1P2UW8aIFxQ5TxDraZhu5dFdn5IS7QdhgI53uA/s1600/inspiration1" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTlMasLHKCWplUPWLgQOORFFJgwb1DSLvVQMUoOcD_3gfJAxChtAqby_RKVO6sfocXpKNYYt3_ds3A3ohLieKNxQbQ90j9o9EVgp4Fcb5zPPJ2skm4jsKB4wEPUNjNrg3q8TtR4vgs_s/s1600/inspiration2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTlMasLHKCWplUPWLgQOORFFJgwb1DSLvVQMUoOcD_3gfJAxChtAqby_RKVO6sfocXpKNYYt3_ds3A3ohLieKNxQbQ90j9o9EVgp4Fcb5zPPJ2skm4jsKB4wEPUNjNrg3q8TtR4vgs_s/s320/inspiration2" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi18Glk6xxdoecOo_inlAovXKupo4Y0YDL3a-a9KIVYjTH8sRasa6mugoFSZKYiKRtHO5lBUWOpBd17dhsqOgkgDVJOUywv2rlIGZkSrlzkELZYyxjBXVpCtcKXHNtqwXi_a00cr1aDOM/s1600/inspiration3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi18Glk6xxdoecOo_inlAovXKupo4Y0YDL3a-a9KIVYjTH8sRasa6mugoFSZKYiKRtHO5lBUWOpBd17dhsqOgkgDVJOUywv2rlIGZkSrlzkELZYyxjBXVpCtcKXHNtqwXi_a00cr1aDOM/s320/inspiration3" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought...I could totally do that...and this is what we did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our comforter has this geometric design on it. So I found an image online that matched and cut out a stencil on my cricut for the side tables.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIKxCAmU1zarBnQgMklLA04MW6v1h2uQU0kX71IvODSoe4rbG0oszKbvqhwnmI6rxWoHXcK06OqABgskn0oHqzVJYcnyKkkghKEmLP7hbnTqabgVFJIScUiFqk11rtKhbe1HO7bET3-8/s1600/side+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIKxCAmU1zarBnQgMklLA04MW6v1h2uQU0kX71IvODSoe4rbG0oszKbvqhwnmI6rxWoHXcK06OqABgskn0oHqzVJYcnyKkkghKEmLP7hbnTqabgVFJIScUiFqk11rtKhbe1HO7bET3-8/s320/side+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the tall dresser, I used our projector to make the images different sizes and traced them onto the dresser.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-kjF-NUgGAL4kaYH2RzOQFIBT1oKgJ72L5KpkfS1Iv1ZsXpZy7kYbls76MKq0x1cl4C5ChsK-XYQ3alw8MHmnB7CrUWoIdhxeBNdpgBtExIr-IGmwe78lvbmEgsWo2EGX0NUTnZKkFU/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-kjF-NUgGAL4kaYH2RzOQFIBT1oKgJ72L5KpkfS1Iv1ZsXpZy7kYbls76MKq0x1cl4C5ChsK-XYQ3alw8MHmnB7CrUWoIdhxeBNdpgBtExIr-IGmwe78lvbmEgsWo2EGX0NUTnZKkFU/s320/dresser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We added new drawer pulls, and they look good as new!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think? I'm really pleased at how they turned out. </span></div>
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</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-1877099520277577612012-02-16T21:18:00.000-08:002012-02-16T21:18:14.986-08:00Home Made Velveeta<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been struggling with still using Velveeta for a while now, but I've found the cure for it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found a <a href="http://www.mamas-southern-cooking.com/velveeta-cheese-recipe.html" target="_blank">recipe online</a> for a Velveeta substitute which is basically cheddar cheese, powdered milk, water, and unflavored gelatin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used it in my cheesy vegetable medley and it was really good. I didn't hardly notice a difference, other than it tasted better (to me) than Velveeta. I figured up the nutritional values for this home made Velveeta, but I lost it. If I remember correctly, it had less than half of the sodium of the stuff from the store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only thing that you need to make sure is that you seal it really well in a ziplock bag after it has solidified. Also, keep an eye on how long you keep it in the fridge. It doesn't keep as long as Velveeta (which is right up there with Twinkies in surviving the apocalypse), but if stored well, it stays good for a long while. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have other home made substitutes that I hope to share with you all soon! Have you tried any home made substitutes lately?</span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-40879746934292411772012-02-10T07:27:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:27:10.148-08:00Dancing in the Car<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I maintain the belief that life can be really hard some days. And sometimes you gotta do whatever helps to get you through the day. For me, that's blasting music in my car and dancing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are some people that make me feel a total idiot about it. I can't help that when I hear "I'm Every Woman" I crank up the volume, sing a the top of my lungs (with the windows closed, mind you), and dance in my car at red lights. I try not to pay attention to the cars next to me because their reaction kills my good mood. I get pointed and stared at like an alien.Yes, I know I asked for it and I probably look like a total idiot. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx04luO9oQ7ktC8xkUiiF90IfdK1-AYGO2BatQ35auzI1rnKNFb7jv_p_vgqaaFjr5VsHXLq5na-n3Ta8CKXUx1JP2sTLjvADJSeN3_MVdPY4qsJE8UG8mLbM4y86DXnZxmfyfbbveK10/s1600/squiggly+arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx04luO9oQ7ktC8xkUiiF90IfdK1-AYGO2BatQ35auzI1rnKNFb7jv_p_vgqaaFjr5VsHXLq5na-n3Ta8CKXUx1JP2sTLjvADJSeN3_MVdPY4qsJE8UG8mLbM4y86DXnZxmfyfbbveK10/s1600/squiggly+arms.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">SpongeBob = total idiot</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">But to all of you out there trying to ruin the <i>one</i> thing that helps me get through those hard days, I say screw you, sir. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stop judging me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-24789252644287597892012-02-09T20:16:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:16:32.701-08:00Love/Hate Relationship<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sleep and I have a Love/Hate relationship. I love Sleep, and it thoroughly hates Me. I think my hubby gets annoyed sometimes. I'm always so tired but not sleepy when it comes time for bed. So I lay there in the dark and talk to him, and I'm sure that all he wants to do is sleep (I want to sleep, too!). Then when he wakes up in the middle of the night, his wife is missing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the wee hours of the night, I pass time by pinteresting. We are looking forward to the possibility of moving into a new, larger apartment next month, and I am convinced that I'm going to crazy organize our new apartment so it stays clean and so it will look like we have a lot of space (a large portion of our current living room has been taken up by a desk, computer, and office chair). I've found some awesome stuff. To see what I've pinned click <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessmcclure/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the rest of my sleepless nights, I've been reading archived posts from <a href="http://thebloggess.com/" target="_blank">The Bloggess</a>. She is incredibly funny. I feel really guilty when I start uncontrollably laughing. I can only imagine the hubby waking up to my hysterical laughing and being totally freaked out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyways, I don't know where I'm going with this post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you do when you can't sleep??</span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-21657372281935478342012-01-03T00:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T00:10:25.412-08:00I like to read...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When classes ended for me, almost a month ago, I vowed not to use my brain during winter break. Let me explain...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you're in graduate school and read 100+ pages a week for classes, you don't have much time for leisurely reading. I can't really read for fun, because reading is an engulfing experience for me. I get so wrapped up in the world from my book that its hard to break away from my alternate reality (at least this is true when its a really good book). So I'm immersing myself in books during my break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">So far, I'm on my third book this break.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiECekoVkL4xV03wil24JWwu1aaAuLyCQwLBkoo-dJ_8x2BXgCfr-mi9XFA9-xdEtuUWDb5sU6Uf5f1l8ahP0we5DIln8calZ6IVpuBIJgJcLh-M6p2_GD3h2JyrXJRJ3smL1bephIkA/s1600/Rick-Riordan-The-Son-Of-Neptune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiECekoVkL4xV03wil24JWwu1aaAuLyCQwLBkoo-dJ_8x2BXgCfr-mi9XFA9-xdEtuUWDb5sU6Uf5f1l8ahP0we5DIln8calZ6IVpuBIJgJcLh-M6p2_GD3h2JyrXJRJ3smL1bephIkA/s320/Rick-Riordan-The-Son-Of-Neptune.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm currently reading</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Its the prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. After this one, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is on the docket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What books are on your reading list this year?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year has definitely been an eventful one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year my best friend asked me to marry him, we made it official this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We moved to a new city this fall. Hubby started his career as a history teacher, and I started my graduate school to be a School Psychologist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're ending our year by spending time with our family that's here from out of state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great New Year's!</span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-72597554680921601772011-10-12T16:02:00.000-07:002011-10-12T16:02:13.834-07:00A Story About Me<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'd like to tell you a very personal story about me. This is not for a pity party; its so others can hear it who may need to know they aren't alone or for some to maybe better understand those they love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Three years ago, I had a really hard time sitting through my classes in college. I would often feel dizzy, sick to my stomach, and clammy. It was a fight to just stay in my chair for fear of becoming sick, let alone paying any attention to what was going on in the classroom. When I would drive down a certain bumpy road, I would experience pain and nausea, too; so I would drive out of my way to avoid that road. I would have awful ringing and pain in my ears, and most of the time I had to really concentrate when people were talking to me so I could hear what they were saying. I knew there was really something wrong when I would have really bad vertigo spells without any warning. It was Christmas time and I was shopping by myself when I had my first vertigo spell. It came very quickly and felt like I was being pushed over and spun; I had to hold onto the shelving in the store so I wouldn't fall over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went to my family doctor, and he told me I had an ear infection. He sent me home with antibiotics and told me to come back in 2 or 3 weeks if I wasn't feeling better. The second time I went back, he said there was still fluid on my ear and gave me a stronger antibiotic and numbing drops for my ears. The third time he gave me two antibiotics that you would usually get if you went to the hospital for something more serious than my diagnosed ear infection. I called my doctor after the medicine still didn't work, and he sent me to an ENT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ENT checked out my ears and asked me about my symptoms. He took an x-ray of my head and had my hearing tested. We sat down and talked and he told me I had Meniere's disease. He told me that he actually suffered from the same disease and so did his mom. His mother's illness went undiagnosed, and she became deaf. When your doctor sits you down and tells you that you have to change or you will go deaf, it kind of hits you like a ton of bricks. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the way my doctor explained it to me: a person who has Meniere's doesn't regulate sodium properly. Their body retains too much, and it causes fluid to build up in their inner ear. This helps cause the ringing, hearing loss, and vertigo. He told me I had to keep my sodium (salt) intake at 1500-2000 mg/day. Most people don't look at sodium on food labels (normally just fat, calories, carbs, and protein); I never did. Other things like caffeine (ironically, I started to drink coffee a couple of months before all of the big symptoms like the vertigo and ear pain started), alcohol, and stress make it worse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As you can expect, I went into a sort of denial stage; then I got depressed; then I went overboard on the whole sodium thing. I ate like a rabbit for about 2 weeks and then rebelled. I also found out that "sweets" don't have a whole lot of salt in them, but that didn't do me any good, either. I finally set myself straight and went to the grocery store one day to just read labels on the foods I normally eat. I quickly realized that I was going to be doing a lot of cooking in the future or go deaf. My dad was really supportive of me (I was living with him at the time). Our new diet also helped his high blood pressure! </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After changing my diet and cutting out my coffee, my hearing slowly improved (not to a perfect level, though) and my vertigo virtually went away. The thing that I was most happy about was that the pain in my ears went away. I must admit that I have met other people who have this disease at a far worse level than I do. My ENT told me that we caught it early, but that isn't the case for some people. I met a woman who had to take all kinds of pills and LITERALLY had to always eat like a rabbit.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Another confession: I don't always do my best with the whole salt thing. Sometimes I'm more lax with my diet, and I can definitely tell. I really like popcorn and eating out with my friends or my husband. And my body lets me know I did wrong. Every now and then I'll have a vertigo episode, or I'll have that pain in my ears.Then I hop back on the wagon. Lately, I've made a commitment to doing better all of the time. Yes, I can go out to eat, but not frequently. Yes, I can eat at other people's homes who do not have the same diet as me. As long as it doesn't happen all the time, I'm okay.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With my renewed commitment, I'm going to share with you all how I alter recipes or make things on my own (with my favorite low-so cook book). Like I said earlier, most people don't even look at labels whether they have a health complication or not. Eating less salt can help you avoid high blood pressure (healthier heart!) and can help you and your family avoid obesity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry if you think this post was too long or was too personal. I needed to get this off of my chest because I believe that maybe, just maybe, I can help someone else who felt just as helpless as I did.</span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-36871041035773502572011-10-06T07:23:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:23:19.387-07:00Recipe Thursday: Crock Pot Stroganoff<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been trying out a lot of new recipes lately. So, I think I'm going to try and share one once a week with you all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's one that we tried last week that I've fallen in love with.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff with Cream Cheese</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">via the <a href="http://crockpotgirls.com/recipes/main-dishes/beef/beef-stroganoff-with-cream-cheese/">Crock Pot Girls</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my notes or changes are in blue </span></div>
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1& 1/4 pound cubed beef stew meat<br />
2 can condensed cream of mushroom soup<span style="color: blue;"> I chose the reduced (lower) sodium kind, sometimes you have to really look for it in the grocery store</span><br />
1 chopped onion <span style="color: blue;">We aren't super big on onions, so I used 1/2 onion</span><br />
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce<br />
1/4 c. water (or a little more if you want saucy). <span style="color: blue;">Next time I think I will use a 1/2 cup</span><br />
dash of garlic salt <span style="color: blue;">I used garlic powder, not garlic salt (again, avoiding the salt but still adds good taste)</span><br />
8 oz cream cheese (cut up)<br />
Egg noodles or Amish noodles<br />
<br />
In slow cooker, combine uncooked meat and all ingredients EXCEPT cream cheese and noodles.<br />
<br />
Cook on low setting for 8 hrs or high for about 5 hrs. Approx. 15-20
min before serving, add the cream cheese; stir occasionally until
melted. Approx. 10 minutes before serving, add uncooked noodles, push
down in sauce to get lightly coated; replace lid, but stir occasionally
until noodles are soft & ready to eat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The hubby and I really enjoyed this! On a scale of 0 to 5 (0 being I never want to eat this again and 5 being I really like this and want it often), hubby rated it a 4 and I'd rate it a 4.5.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't have a picture of our finished product; in the future, I hope to have a picture for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you try this and what you think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any recipes that you'd like to share, I'm always looking for a good one! </span> </div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-41851604080031173812011-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:002011-10-01T15:03:51.820-07:00A Good Wife Should....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, I've been pondering about my role as a wife (that's still weird...good weird...to say). I think that everyone has different expectations of what wives should and shouldn't do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm pretty sure my grandma Lucy would say something like 'feed your husband and have lots of great grand kids for me.' Some people would consider pulling your own weight with the household income to be a given. Others may say to take care of the house and children. Sew, cook, bake, clean, wear heels on the carpet, you know.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The lines of expectations are kind of blurry for me. I'm still in school and will be for another two years. I have a graduate assistanship which takes up 20 hours a week, work my retail job on the weekends, and am at school all the time. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm fulfilling my wifely obligations (cooking, cleaning, etc.) when I come home from a 9 hour day at school and just want to sleep when I come through the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hubby and I, I think, have been doing a pretty good job of balancing all of the house chores, but with him working full time now, it's getting harder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you handle all of your obligations? What are your expectations of a wife's role?</span></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-43696095156418814242011-09-11T17:25:00.000-07:002011-09-11T17:25:15.774-07:00It creeps up on you<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was giving a test for a class to a young child last year, and I asked her what the four seasons were. She said, "summer, spring, fall, and...um....<i>Christmas</i>?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been seeing it everywhere, and it's not even Halloween yet. Working in retail, after the back-to-school rush, your mind automatically starts preparing for the holiday season, which, <i>literally</i> begins the week or two after Halloween. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier this week, I went to a craft store that's notorious for having their Christmas products out for at least half of the year (you know the one I'm talking about, the one that I could spend all day in just looking). Aisles and aisles of red and green. Even stacked on top of the non-Christmas themed aisles. I was thinking, " <i>Really</i>?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, earlier this morning, there was a post on a blog that I read about already thinking about saving for Christmas. Being a newlywed, this hit home with me. Money is tight right now for just about everyone, especially us newlyweds or soon-to-be-weds. I don't think people would expect a lot from us, but I love seeing the joy on people's faces when they've opened a gift that I put a lot of thought into.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, the article I read suggested opening up a new savings account just for Christmas. I really don't think that's necessary unless you have a slew of kids and save the whole entire year for Christmas. Other people I know (namely my mom), buy little things they see all year round when they're on sale. The problem people have is not being able to find these things when it comes time for Christmas (I tend to get a few things around Valentine's day from my mom or grandma that were meant to be given at Christmas. lol).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think the hubby and I will be sticking to <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/specials/welcome?ictid=goog&s_kwcid=TC%7C6886%7Cdave%20ramsey%7C%7CS%7Ce%7C5532976226&gclid=CMr6voKclqsCFQED2godlj7QEw">Dave Ramsey</a>'s envelope system. I've read most of Dave's book <i>The Total Money Makeover </i>and I really like some of the things that he has to say about money....anyways. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How do you handle saving for Christmas (and other money things) in your family?</span></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-50028939162071607442011-09-03T19:48:00.000-07:002011-09-03T19:48:19.428-07:00Starting School...Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's that time again...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE back to school time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVoHKrdkHPWYD5_oBiNjbvn5D1YU3uf5jJzyyha0ksZ5Cp6pFyGl0ynI_jPKUOIDrqQk70-E7rcI_8EEZjj3FMhzxgo8UQXAbS7UtRtc-ain7UUGQAA7wOUM8JH6yBZ5C49P6cBTUsHU/s1600/lisafrank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I LOVE buying school supplies. Even as a kid, I loved picking out what folders and binders I would have for the year. My favorite was always Lisa Frank, of course. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHnW9_FBfQ2y9srdhXzuYaBGJlmqKyq0nfQpTBtRYX8JvMVOWj2p7e-sFWmiRMERnFc_vH7WkE8hIWndXvuNBs9Jf8VJloG8IA7JCQ3Y9gonG5ZtO-tds_0FzpqCBpcQYc6yilTiYYdU/s1600/lisafrank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHnW9_FBfQ2y9srdhXzuYaBGJlmqKyq0nfQpTBtRYX8JvMVOWj2p7e-sFWmiRMERnFc_vH7WkE8hIWndXvuNBs9Jf8VJloG8IA7JCQ3Y9gonG5ZtO-tds_0FzpqCBpcQYc6yilTiYYdU/s320/lisafrank2.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=lisa+frank+school+supplies&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1408&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbnid=3LKuSfi1VMjfhM:&imgrefurl=http://childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com/2009/05/lisa-frank.html&docid=M0-Zrmx73WAa-M&w=311&h=359&ei=BONiTt8F0rm2B8DGoKkK&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=174&vpy=24&dur=5423&hovh=241&hovw=209&tx=135&ty=184&page=2&tbnh=137&tbnw=117&start=14&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:14">Source</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having all of these new supplies makes me feel organized and at peace with the world...at least until mid-semester when things get crazy and I stop using my planner.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I started graduate school at LSUS in their Specialist in School Psychology program about 2 weeks ago. Things are kinda hectic carrying 9 hours, a full time (20 hours/week) graduate assistantship, and working at my part-time job. Justin has been really amazing with helping keep the house clean and food on the table...although I sometimes wonder how often he secretly eats Ramen when I'm not around. Justin is still busy searching for a job. He had an interview earlier in the week that wasn't fruitful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning, Justin and I drove down to Jonesville for his family reunion. It was the 200th anniversary of the McClure's moving to this region. It was really nice meeting more of Justin's family, and I always enjoy spending time with his parents. I'm even sitting here (sort-of) watching the LSU game at their house. I must admit that I'm a Razorback girl thru-and-thru! We're going to swing through and visit my dad tomorrow on our way home. I, unfortunately, do not get to rest from my labors on Labor Day (yay for holiday pay!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope all of you have a great Labor Day weekend! </span></div>
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Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-57793648427316815482011-08-27T18:06:00.000-07:002011-08-27T18:06:57.680-07:00Being a Newlywed<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes being a newlywed stinks:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our apartment, however safe and clean it is, happens to be right next to a railroad track.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This isn't like the locomotive clock that my brother had as a kid that blew its whistle every hour, but had a light sensor and didn't make noise at night. NO, no, no. This railroad track has real trains that come a various hours in the day and night. And they blow their horn a LOT because of the railroad crossings. yay us!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or, yet again. We are sitting in a hot laundromat, and we're both scrambling on our lap tops while waiting for our clothes because we don't have the internet at home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While others go out on fancy dates (eating out or a movie), we stay home and watch an old movie or play Wii. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other times it's great:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like today, when I was at work for only 6 hours and I missed my husband. It felt great to walk through our door and say "honey, I'm home!" and get my welcome home kiss.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The 3am train is bearable because he usually wakes up, too. We both sigh from annoyance, and I get another chance to say "I love you".</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because we don't go out for dates or whatever, I've really gotten to know the man I married. We talk and have fun without spending any money. Tonight, for instance, I came home from work and he was cooking me dinner. He made bread and chicken cordon bleu from scratch....for me. :D And..you know, I think I have more fun making dinner with him and watching a movie at home than going out to a movie and dinner (although, I'm dying to go to Joe's Crabshack when we get a little moolah!!!!).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, being a newlywed isn't that bad. I honestly wouldn't trade what I have for anything else.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite memory from your newlywed year?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-69980720915663934172011-08-19T17:35:00.000-07:002011-08-19T17:35:37.153-07:00Things I'm Thankful For<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">My husband who loves me (who I'm crazy about).</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Temple covenants that I have made.</span> </li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">My family (old and new) who love me and help keep me sane. </span></li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Having a nice safe place to live.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"> Food on my plate.</span> </li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Air conditioning and other modern "conveniences" (more like a necessity in this 107 heat).</span> </li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Having a job (no matter how much I may complain about it).</span> </li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling safe at night when I close my eyes. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Good Health. </span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is just a few things that I decided to remind myself that I'm thankful for. Sometimes I think that we (meaning me) get caught up in the things that we think we want and need and forget all of the things that we do have. It's my goal that when I utter a complaint or an "I wish I/we...." that I make a list in my head of the things that I am grateful for. </span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-63616727279845705542011-08-11T18:14:00.000-07:002011-08-11T18:14:10.957-07:00New Ward<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Change is scary. At least I think so. Justin and I have been experiencing a LOT of change. I've basically had my fill of it. <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One part of moving that could be/is stressful and/or scary is finding out where your new church is (or, if you aren't LDS, choosing a new home church). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Justin and I went to the church website and typed in our address to find out where we're supposed to go. We went to the Shreveport 2nd ward to find out that the next Sunday 3 wards were meeting to create a new ward. That week we found out that we're in the new Bossier City ward. Last Sunday was supposed to be just fast and testimony meeting with a talk from the bishop afterward. Justin & I didn't go because I was awfully sick. So, this weekend is stake conference. Basically our whole experience has been jumbled and we've been shuffling around waiting to get back to a normal routine as far as church goes.<br />
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We're trying to just go with the flow. What was the most stressful or worst part of moving to a new place? What was the best part?</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-51995922778890201832011-08-10T13:13:00.000-07:002011-08-10T13:14:35.966-07:00My Wedding Cake (and other wedding pictures)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's my BEAUTIFUL cake! Made by my Mother in law Linda McClure. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ms. Linda, as I've probably said before, is the pioneer of electronic cutters for cakes. Visit her <a href="http://www.deseretdesigns.com/">website</a> or <a href="http://www.creativedesignsforcakes.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pilEKMgJ3eQAw3ADTwwCCfMJ4T3ZwbPmkwpRcuiXIFPunDMRp9OFGLzl0rNmQoDaNM9X1q69ekCAwmd-_HTqAHGPxLRZlFY2AYHrYFYns7c5YNuonM5JHSl0_AN-NJuEf1whljegXgo/s1600/mycake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pilEKMgJ3eQAw3ADTwwCCfMJ4T3ZwbPmkwpRcuiXIFPunDMRp9OFGLzl0rNmQoDaNM9X1q69ekCAwmd-_HTqAHGPxLRZlFY2AYHrYFYns7c5YNuonM5JHSl0_AN-NJuEf1whljegXgo/s400/mycake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's my handsome husband.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPBdEOuhOOwByuKf3jvl4TKIJ9WbK1uJ5IhmdqvXHbSOuSjtXbDOe8QGi9D1rhAtALFnWZg9s2tXPbbJkUsIgrzKEjzRlu34WLPsKoInzUhViby-H5xkB4Cw79NihRI-GXwgcSUPGyUQ/s1600/Justin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPBdEOuhOOwByuKf3jvl4TKIJ9WbK1uJ5IhmdqvXHbSOuSjtXbDOe8QGi9D1rhAtALFnWZg9s2tXPbbJkUsIgrzKEjzRlu34WLPsKoInzUhViby-H5xkB4Cw79NihRI-GXwgcSUPGyUQ/s320/Justin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's an okay picture of my dessert bar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsbFyKL1OlNDDKUvkjFHmx30aHS4eZ_Zn25pdMlCWyZq7svfZEP5WoDGbt9bI9PJK24w85Ea2DqVCwgYE_fEBpAi1QLo8pEQQH4H4LypgaXAGzXTbxw-g7dp0DH9wUlBV4aqnT2nWrH0/s1600/dessertbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsbFyKL1OlNDDKUvkjFHmx30aHS4eZ_Zn25pdMlCWyZq7svfZEP5WoDGbt9bI9PJK24w85Ea2DqVCwgYE_fEBpAi1QLo8pEQQH4H4LypgaXAGzXTbxw-g7dp0DH9wUlBV4aqnT2nWrH0/s320/dessertbar.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone wiped out our cupcakes, that's why there aren't hardly any on my cake plates (That I MADE). </div><div style="text-align: center;">I borrowed this cute piece of furniture from my grandma and turned this into a cute display. Remember the banners I made? That's one of them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, Justin and I have finally gotten settled in our new apartment, and celebrated our one month anniversary yesterday. We haven't killed each other yet, and my cooking hasn't killed him. LOL</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that the wedding is over, I'm wondering where to go with this blog. Any ideas?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because of dietary restrictions, I have to cook with low sodium (salt). Which means that I usually have to make things from scratch (can't used canned sauces, pre-made freezer meals, etc). I've thought about blogging about my adventures with cooking, along with everyday life. What do you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-12963101445098897152011-07-20T12:06:00.000-07:002011-07-20T12:07:09.975-07:00I'm a married lady!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQRwzhILMAHXi4MgAYtWPcU58Wc7NcMxLDk8olEH1S-cDnXuXT4M_PQ7uEN4UQNm2m7EiVM1qYrit_y2947hSCt1fkHLoZSrM_aK2FiQ89aEai_6eZ8LOSNYnLb4cwqLbSGtcFArV1Uo/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Justin and I are finally married!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few pictures taken by our photographer in Idaho Falls....<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/In-the-Moment-Photography/56676215298">In the Moment Photography</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7TkkdEGcCAOxKGRp4pyLVIzFlOKN4g4YwihVZ5DitzaGPPsHDGzeSOy4OoChuletMNenZfYQ-Oto-IdMg5btSFqxQ1-70verV_8UqGL_n_vLcdmYJ6chEiymIQTSwXhvDIpJ_qLqeuA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7TkkdEGcCAOxKGRp4pyLVIzFlOKN4g4YwihVZ5DitzaGPPsHDGzeSOy4OoChuletMNenZfYQ-Oto-IdMg5btSFqxQ1-70verV_8UqGL_n_vLcdmYJ6chEiymIQTSwXhvDIpJ_qLqeuA/s320/4.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrv0Qmv-L272OmefUZZvqqLzJ7X6jEQp8On04SXZF2NiUXvym0UvKbNGKqSIuz9I08DgaBc-UKRHftzDU_G_og79nK04R3ryTEzZeW5235Iud2QKzkxvejxDTrfGF8_NaIRjgz1D7M8Y/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrv0Qmv-L272OmefUZZvqqLzJ7X6jEQp8On04SXZF2NiUXvym0UvKbNGKqSIuz9I08DgaBc-UKRHftzDU_G_og79nK04R3ryTEzZeW5235Iud2QKzkxvejxDTrfGF8_NaIRjgz1D7M8Y/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJjTUiXqXGwRCNrt0z3WxPY3SjxlmBAx-ygplEPCbP9vMhrRR9XB4mkqHRa8hcoXCfUwEeL9kZAwdt2KexcKBbDKX4xqE-fcroust56juTpeww9O-kMzBgVld49R2KdW3_qgzXtBmB-4/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJjTUiXqXGwRCNrt0z3WxPY3SjxlmBAx-ygplEPCbP9vMhrRR9XB4mkqHRa8hcoXCfUwEeL9kZAwdt2KexcKBbDKX4xqE-fcroust56juTpeww9O-kMzBgVld49R2KdW3_qgzXtBmB-4/s320/5.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnuIPG5GlexMdjn_tDVgNwCNGqopE0qS3SCVsIA3G_kxa1_89Eq7sLlFEnJIvdt_qRCzOdOaeHklxAfwjvyQojUeM7EK1rzkDAypTnoxL9avoIuCsly-TNYM5yeWLfFFw53oOWXV5hZA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnuIPG5GlexMdjn_tDVgNwCNGqopE0qS3SCVsIA3G_kxa1_89Eq7sLlFEnJIvdt_qRCzOdOaeHklxAfwjvyQojUeM7EK1rzkDAypTnoxL9avoIuCsly-TNYM5yeWLfFFw53oOWXV5hZA/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next picture is a fun one of me, my mom, and my brother from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/Jeanettes-Photography/189254854447647">Jeanette's Photography</a> at our Mississippi reception.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAWU5cPcxM7nQKrcmyJFHbbCQna1x3rwMkR-fTR7UMRe5ZncbsArkoGsy_YkpN9Fte7V_TDZ9qsTGOtnvS_SlKC1VMs97MnyhyYvq6ZWNcLKPnpXiHL8x1Q-VWEChdai844ICHDIyYLI/s1600/me%252Cmom%252Cdrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAWU5cPcxM7nQKrcmyJFHbbCQna1x3rwMkR-fTR7UMRe5ZncbsArkoGsy_YkpN9Fte7V_TDZ9qsTGOtnvS_SlKC1VMs97MnyhyYvq6ZWNcLKPnpXiHL8x1Q-VWEChdai844ICHDIyYLI/s320/me%252Cmom%252Cdrew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-55427749995424824642011-06-29T20:42:00.000-07:002011-06-29T20:42:02.588-07:00Doily Banners<div style="text-align: center;">Hello all! It's finally time for another craft update!!!<br />
<br />
I made two banners Monday. One says "Love is Sweet" and the other says "Thank You."<br />
My very soon to be sister-in-law Jessie of <a href="http://www.confetticreationsbyjessica.com/">Confetti Creations</a> made the iron on letters for my banners. She's awesome; you should go check out her site....do it!!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG5ZdMgykq-i_bHUIUkYxtFtl-IMAtvEn3ZfVMT-8WL8aNsF24HLu0U4ftlMLonxX9IVzi75qbX9-3GN7rdaI74SpeihKSSY7HUNIo3B0_6MRPjFVchxqTqqg-sycXLVW7Lkt7lf1pAI/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG5ZdMgykq-i_bHUIUkYxtFtl-IMAtvEn3ZfVMT-8WL8aNsF24HLu0U4ftlMLonxX9IVzi75qbX9-3GN7rdaI74SpeihKSSY7HUNIo3B0_6MRPjFVchxqTqqg-sycXLVW7Lkt7lf1pAI/s320/IMG_1644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I ironed my letters onto my fabric circles. And then hot glued the circles to the doilies and the doilies to the ribbon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kWHtSIfuOY5fdHbuiIKS1v5vF_fCgJcI-AXTTfUsH0_mm_ZExQC5VbEphimdfpMw-gWUpceZuDOd12oj-92bVwfynQK8LbgFtetHvL3LAH7MRO5OUnxl38pWekrZu0d0FZSyzFjpiFg/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kWHtSIfuOY5fdHbuiIKS1v5vF_fCgJcI-AXTTfUsH0_mm_ZExQC5VbEphimdfpMw-gWUpceZuDOd12oj-92bVwfynQK8LbgFtetHvL3LAH7MRO5OUnxl38pWekrZu0d0FZSyzFjpiFg/s320/IMG_1645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And you get something like this! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzNK5059p1JmTtNaL-8lJaj6jSq22KlBwxojg1Ar3LX11fyApGINzaoCDocdJVKIyQYVw8jGnO2G5Luy0gcEirqkOsTm2E3Sz2_ABa4T9ggGVqmKfKbVt94PKZcNbzopZoVmJ4fBSFi0/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzNK5059p1JmTtNaL-8lJaj6jSq22KlBwxojg1Ar3LX11fyApGINzaoCDocdJVKIyQYVw8jGnO2G5Luy0gcEirqkOsTm2E3Sz2_ABa4T9ggGVqmKfKbVt94PKZcNbzopZoVmJ4fBSFi0/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
LOVE IT!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1230712507"></span><span id="goog_1230712508"></span></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-41983021727866048722011-06-26T18:21:00.000-07:002011-06-26T18:21:04.327-07:00My Grandma's Diaper Cakes - Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">This past week, I took pictures of some new diaper cakes that my Grandma K has recently made.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first is a 12'' fairy cake. Super Cute!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKEgNqQdVDb417lkm2SzGbMm6vLQsI2-OD1WdoUFoYvjxaUaXEczx5oSeyUboGCTKkMDzL-KvcStBbZphMRqoejj9tTvq7o95ezSuOjr9Aq0xo4CF8KzbLg7VSNE0gu5dhC3rNaJkd_c/s1600/IMG_1619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKEgNqQdVDb417lkm2SzGbMm6vLQsI2-OD1WdoUFoYvjxaUaXEczx5oSeyUboGCTKkMDzL-KvcStBbZphMRqoejj9tTvq7o95ezSuOjr9Aq0xo4CF8KzbLg7VSNE0gu5dhC3rNaJkd_c/s320/IMG_1619.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next is a 12'' Winnie the Pooh cake. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY-KANBzz-aiRsBNbdo_tG7vRPiqdo9RnkLXtD26TqlXIwaDTKMyiUXXo-tNlHumCnMBb_GIrKmAY5g2p8kGqdZiQjysSBIPWmBe9LN5qwIXQaGTT1wYmABjlB0bi0JpamJyB1AZ0M_o/s1600/IMG_1633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY-KANBzz-aiRsBNbdo_tG7vRPiqdo9RnkLXtD26TqlXIwaDTKMyiUXXo-tNlHumCnMBb_GIrKmAY5g2p8kGqdZiQjysSBIPWmBe9LN5qwIXQaGTT1wYmABjlB0bi0JpamJyB1AZ0M_o/s320/IMG_1633.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last cake is a 10'' monkey cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5sMZrP56_vfEd02x84ieDhsnNI6KfFErtTlB2HNlitNm5xfeGDgIyjRPGNabwVbEyAk7z41o66hFUgoRPp-7SFTvKI7dDifXA2D1wA81Ah8Vfk9rLvE9LsrMdfxZs5lKlW6Tl97i2H8/s1600/IMG_1638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5sMZrP56_vfEd02x84ieDhsnNI6KfFErtTlB2HNlitNm5xfeGDgIyjRPGNabwVbEyAk7z41o66hFUgoRPp-7SFTvKI7dDifXA2D1wA81Ah8Vfk9rLvE9LsrMdfxZs5lKlW6Tl97i2H8/s320/IMG_1638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I LOVE the ribbon on the front with the monkey faces.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure you check out her <a href="http://diapercakesbydesign.weebly.com/">website</a> and "LIKE" her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/Diaper-Cakes-by-Design/202139846471417">Facebook</a>. There are teasers of some custom summer themed cakes on her Facebook page; check them out!</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-74053083318457610672011-06-25T19:02:00.000-07:002011-06-25T19:02:21.244-07:002 weeks to go<div style="text-align: center;">Wow. The big day is almost here.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monday I left Louisiana and started my trek to Idaho. Three days of loooong driving. I'm really glad that I'll have my partner in crime with me for the trip home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got here Wednesday night and basically crashed out for a good number of hours.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the few days that I've been here, I've accomplished a lot of little things from my list. My mom is still in Boston with my step dad at Brigham and Women's Hospital and won't be here until the week of the wedding, so my awesome grandmother has been my right hand woman.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday I'm having my bridal portraits taken. I really don't like getting my pictures taken (especially if its just me in the pictures). BUT I have found an amazing photographer that I really feel comfortable with. Shawna from <a href="http://www.inthemomentphotos.net/">In the Moment Photography</a> is my photographer. We are going out past Idaho Falls to an abandoned house and barn in a field to take my portraits. I'm so excited!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, that's all for today. I've got lots of crafts to finish up with the help of my grandma. I'll be sharing more next week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I'll probably post tomorrow about new diaper cakes that she has made. </div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-82375142384700756832011-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:002011-06-14T12:09:05.801-07:00Cake Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone loves cake. Other than the bride, it's the cake that is the centerpiece of the reception. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been debating about my cake for a really long time. As you know, I really like the vintage look and I like doilies. I've toyed with lace looks and other vintage inspired designs, but today we came up with our inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLn0IfNG-AJcdAk4UTq6ubymnAhiaB9_Ca0crQsW_4n8DViHkr8g6zk7w_kGVtC1KakFnrx10JA4AnxPbQbwiRG51TudeRlL_8gB_xK6NYrPOBMIFIbb3T7bEIGu14J-4bP3CNTmtO7U/s1600/cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLn0IfNG-AJcdAk4UTq6ubymnAhiaB9_Ca0crQsW_4n8DViHkr8g6zk7w_kGVtC1KakFnrx10JA4AnxPbQbwiRG51TudeRlL_8gB_xK6NYrPOBMIFIbb3T7bEIGu14J-4bP3CNTmtO7U/s320/cake1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1HgR8ryubZR29TmVnR3_meutCe9VWZA6XXvm_ls5zL0F0DXA3BnYgXDCaQ1k-CscBsbfAPV5TGySOE7eKL0X_eejQvPZ8UNLenkfZV1VsdnTbtkIlPMtkHaIHsLT0HizHN3QUKH-3tA/s1600/cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1HgR8ryubZR29TmVnR3_meutCe9VWZA6XXvm_ls5zL0F0DXA3BnYgXDCaQ1k-CscBsbfAPV5TGySOE7eKL0X_eejQvPZ8UNLenkfZV1VsdnTbtkIlPMtkHaIHsLT0HizHN3QUKH-3tA/s320/cake2.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw this cake in a magazine laying around <a href="http://creativedesignsforcakes.blogspot.com/">Ms. Linda's</a> house last night, and I couldn't get it out of my head. It screams vintage (and "eat me").</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think?</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-79069361290436725172011-06-12T12:56:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:56:00.533-07:00Bridal Shower<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few fun pictures from my shower yesterday. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few pictures of the cake that my future mother-in-law made. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS74g4J-zC4xbjAYuczUPiAcDBPAGuFHGEcUh15wMJ9Ug0NiVTcGcSFFfHwAYiJclrjNd-k4Y64bVSwSWSFa_VynZR8kCIvSpGaioHL_djE-L3amUIkdadZLCKaXXFukRJyhs81q1UmU/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS74g4J-zC4xbjAYuczUPiAcDBPAGuFHGEcUh15wMJ9Ug0NiVTcGcSFFfHwAYiJclrjNd-k4Y64bVSwSWSFa_VynZR8kCIvSpGaioHL_djE-L3amUIkdadZLCKaXXFukRJyhs81q1UmU/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RkvJ079RxfYJ8HHhIaqkkoMo40Nf7mCp4SIz0Jer_6-IC2c4cNmsVnQ5s8BmML58rIqrZzHrUBe00zziVaMDs3DPN97m8B8jcNb2Ps8ok8rVhPA_39GHhmPCoPTgtv_SCZQb_aijDlw/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RkvJ079RxfYJ8HHhIaqkkoMo40Nf7mCp4SIz0Jer_6-IC2c4cNmsVnQ5s8BmML58rIqrZzHrUBe00zziVaMDs3DPN97m8B8jcNb2Ps8ok8rVhPA_39GHhmPCoPTgtv_SCZQb_aijDlw/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">She used images from my <a href="http://daytimeowl.blogspot.com/2011/06/bridal-shower-invitations.html">bridal shower invitation</a> and incorporated them with the cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to see more of Ms. Linda's cakes, visit her <a href="http://www.deseretdesigns.com/">website</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPF25I79rtDHjCv7G3pLwoQT_LiaWfoY81WUSbl_Fx_uwHYP7toke9_OFWl3ge9tCOayMcsOxxMVGmQTHdPhLmzwqEHlHrpTAwj9-CNmFqK7hoKTqdHL6tpFyaluCO81T_Z7v5avOHo0/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPF25I79rtDHjCv7G3pLwoQT_LiaWfoY81WUSbl_Fx_uwHYP7toke9_OFWl3ge9tCOayMcsOxxMVGmQTHdPhLmzwqEHlHrpTAwj9-CNmFqK7hoKTqdHL6tpFyaluCO81T_Z7v5avOHo0/s320/IMG_1577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We played some fun games. Ms. Linda covered up the labels of spices in a spice rack and had us guess what they were. I use spices, but I guess I never really take the time to really look at them or smell. them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghdK6iyQ7jQZRrR1PXBYQO3UNrWMvXtGQO4-8bIBbmWutpRRPtDdcfg871oqSSQjTBverGuba-QMNU0XEbNOk-jTO3SI3kQSFZTN6FmYVHOyUZNfTVxW94jttRa98ZbN1AyBKZYrs20A/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghdK6iyQ7jQZRrR1PXBYQO3UNrWMvXtGQO4-8bIBbmWutpRRPtDdcfg871oqSSQjTBverGuba-QMNU0XEbNOk-jTO3SI3kQSFZTN6FmYVHOyUZNfTVxW94jttRa98ZbN1AyBKZYrs20A/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPqV1v_qzaI3yCO-CS9VR2yfFKy2QFMR1_g4-018p2N_FDJmU9kboI6sXRfD9CB523c607HWPHrIsMlaAg4fAsZQCfC06tdcZWoqNJCVId56g_T4EWYvbxuArSBMq3LKf78F3AFUJ47k/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPqV1v_qzaI3yCO-CS9VR2yfFKy2QFMR1_g4-018p2N_FDJmU9kboI6sXRfD9CB523c607HWPHrIsMlaAg4fAsZQCfC06tdcZWoqNJCVId56g_T4EWYvbxuArSBMq3LKf78F3AFUJ47k/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a really great time! I'm really thankful to all of the ladies that came to my shower. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What's the best shower gift you received?</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-41494594915023175622011-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:002011-06-10T14:26:00.307-07:00Card Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Hey Everyone! Sorry I've been MIA a lot! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Things are beginning to get crazy. I'm leaving town in about a week and a half to head to Idaho, so I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, some new pictures for you all. I've been wrestling with the thought of making a card box...you know what I'm talking about...the trendy <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=wedding+card+box&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1408&bih=598">CARD BOX</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I even started making one and decided it was a no for me. I was in Pier One the other day (I really like walking around there and looking at stuff, it's my window shopping store!), and they were selling these baskets for $1.50. So I got two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, VOILA! I have a card basket and a basket to hold our favors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbj2QFBybfsSRi452TCPRNntxcSU4d6aAjpZr3iTN6MPesUt_T_k5BWg7gGOFU1DIz9wBY_VFXXKKlpVOc7aXj06st4j8T4lPTXywPfU-kiEqcAHEiPkhBwmJEomPE_UC9_-phwSOVD8/s320/IMG_1571.jpg" width="240" /></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyR9ljRclXH4eaeBXo5rjt6VwgkaWLa8B0780SkxtpGIVchE3BVy3NdNMqGGWxiN5Q6hppWbGFWTgU5RcTKV0s2onCJQLtIvP9EvWbMxlxBIUjF33TGldsY15XD-aZ-yWCa_MLXBNHus/s1600/IMG_1572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyR9ljRclXH4eaeBXo5rjt6VwgkaWLa8B0780SkxtpGIVchE3BVy3NdNMqGGWxiN5Q6hppWbGFWTgU5RcTKV0s2onCJQLtIvP9EvWbMxlxBIUjF33TGldsY15XD-aZ-yWCa_MLXBNHus/s320/IMG_1572.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to put "Thank You" on one and "Cards"on the other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found more ways to use my doilies and the buttons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyways, that's all I've really got for today. Tomorrow is my bridal shower (YAY!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great weekend!</div><span id="goog_228747799"></span><span id="goog_228747800"></span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-39475638579818124322011-06-01T05:32:00.000-07:002011-06-01T05:32:54.231-07:00Bridal Shower Invitations<div style="text-align: center;">I was going to wait a few days to share another post, but I'm so stinkin' excited about this one!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you didn't know, I'm an avid owl lover (avid may be an understatement). I have restrained myself and kept owls completely out of my wedding. Until now...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw a bridal shower card (that i can't currently find to reference) that I loved, so I made it my own.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's this neat thing that I learned about recently called digital scrapbooking. It's really cool for us ladies that don't have a whole lot of time, money, or space to store all of our crafting stuff. You can literally buy digital scrapbook paper (cute files) and make them on your computer and print them later, if you want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I found a website that gives a few freebies every month, and one of the backgrounds was exactly what I wanted. I bought a file kit with 8 different owl images for about $2 (you can't really beat that!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used <a href="http://www.mygrafico.com/">MyGrafico</a>. Here's a link to their<a href="http://www.mygrafico.com/freebies/cat_13.html"> freebies</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, basically you take the jpeg files and put them on a PowerPoint slide and add text boxes, etc. It took me maybe 20 minutes to finally get everything right for the invitation. You save it as a jpeg file, and then have them printed at your local drugstore. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my invite (with blurried details):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm-Ce19DHgZ3UahsH2Ach4ECtu5wp8NP_vHdnt8Uua9I98Lxnc-0ftfEMcTxGPuoUI4lWjF6I36lh-4kogg5ls6_4kJ2otrJmrqLondHP5GX2JvBQkMjDgPe3L5Zq-HQ6f1w3cjZmgDU/s1600/showerinvite+copy+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm-Ce19DHgZ3UahsH2Ach4ECtu5wp8NP_vHdnt8Uua9I98Lxnc-0ftfEMcTxGPuoUI4lWjF6I36lh-4kogg5ls6_4kJ2otrJmrqLondHP5GX2JvBQkMjDgPe3L5Zq-HQ6f1w3cjZmgDU/s400/showerinvite+copy+for+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute, huh? I'm really excited about my shower. My best girl friend and my future mother in-law are hosting it next weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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So ladies, have any of you tried digital scrapbooking?</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203440888889984010.post-66258938240028571202011-05-31T20:12:00.000-07:002011-05-31T20:12:21.139-07:00Summer Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey ya'll! Sorry its been so long! Life's been kinda hectic and blogger wouldn't let me upload any pictures for the longest time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what's been going on: </div><div style="text-align: center;">School is finally out, and the weather is starting to get hot here in Louisiana.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Justin graduated a couple of weeks ago. I'm so proud of him!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've got a couple of great finds that I've come across lately.</div><div style="text-align: center;">First are these great milk glass bud vases I found for less than a dollar each at Goodwill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLKJ6TzGP0TiigsOzD3IBlBcoTlqiwBrBG-6mOnPYb8UpvYbPyhfr2PMHGFr1yIo5je6tNLsP9Kugi87V-xUZnpaSgGpWjFH5tNISF55nbdW0jQMpuGOlLpLrb0M9vgCOxM5AeP7DEXI/s1600/IMG_1566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLKJ6TzGP0TiigsOzD3IBlBcoTlqiwBrBG-6mOnPYb8UpvYbPyhfr2PMHGFr1yIo5je6tNLsP9Kugi87V-xUZnpaSgGpWjFH5tNISF55nbdW0jQMpuGOlLpLrb0M9vgCOxM5AeP7DEXI/s320/IMG_1566.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cut some flowers from our yard and put them on the mantle. LOVE IT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, I found the P-E-R-F-E-C-T ear rings to wear for the big day. I saw them and started drooling. I think they match my vintage-y look nicely. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynk97oj1cPG9NUTfyrwm2LWTiSzoRqd3HnvTyiez7s08lKeOekGJ37sMU9q9FnMZvDE75BiYv0MZr6jmvBYgjDUq56NZ9taAxQzarTfddkO6P4iQYr9cQSOIR1BhyphenhyphenJsVKcqn67myquI0/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynk97oj1cPG9NUTfyrwm2LWTiSzoRqd3HnvTyiez7s08lKeOekGJ37sMU9q9FnMZvDE75BiYv0MZr6jmvBYgjDUq56NZ9taAxQzarTfddkO6P4iQYr9cQSOIR1BhyphenhyphenJsVKcqn67myquI0/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, after my last post about shoes, I was determined to get the ones I wanted and I literally searched the web for at least 2 hours trying to find the ones I wanted for a lower price...and I found them! They were originally $98 and I found them for $63. WooHoo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS4HpfgiUiWPLQ4Die1toQP2K3f7YIkdyrSA24Y30LzZfiXSiUu8d9Jzzc8_A4XpDSsdVdQt4dP-T_T4Ffc4zUsmHHaXtZK1rsYHZdQl3GkMpbdik39KLbTia_le3euDdKRO5dfNMGFs/s1600/241193_1861219483258_1024050016_31753475_4529463_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS4HpfgiUiWPLQ4Die1toQP2K3f7YIkdyrSA24Y30LzZfiXSiUu8d9Jzzc8_A4XpDSsdVdQt4dP-T_T4Ffc4zUsmHHaXtZK1rsYHZdQl3GkMpbdik39KLbTia_le3euDdKRO5dfNMGFs/s320/241193_1861219483258_1024050016_31753475_4529463_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, my birthday was this past weekend! I spent the day with lots of loved ones and friends. I also made my Great Grandma Wanda's Carrot Cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vu-B6g79LxO8T-FtKvKNm7iqkyg_9vY7S-s92zYHadnr-abz3qZaUDOqd9Su5rNp6bfhuTcVwrnRPnyKbuKI6q0tjfKJOG12nG-LmfS6Ex4vqlWGmSTlNoesA70GffEh0FMfD4MM9EE/s1600/243871_1867873289599_1024050016_31760916_6222082_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vu-B6g79LxO8T-FtKvKNm7iqkyg_9vY7S-s92zYHadnr-abz3qZaUDOqd9Su5rNp6bfhuTcVwrnRPnyKbuKI6q0tjfKJOG12nG-LmfS6Ex4vqlWGmSTlNoesA70GffEh0FMfD4MM9EE/s320/243871_1867873289599_1024050016_31760916_6222082_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">YUM!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Coming soon, I will have a post about a great ETSY shop that I've had an experience with and more wedding crafts!!!</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04008591444523664534noreply@blogger.com3