tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80395180742856727722024-02-20T15:38:51.999-07:00Fordward Moving MommyBlog about a crafting, party planning, graphic designing, project procrastinating mom of two boys, chronicling her life, inspiration, projects, and insanity.Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-38171793335920054542014-05-01T17:23:00.000-06:002014-05-01T17:31:54.911-06:00December Daily 2013- Days 1-8I have pretty much finished up my December Daily for this last year. It took me much longer than I expected, mostly due to the need to print photos. I think for this next year I'm going to want to invest in a small photo printer to make the process a little bit easier. I quickly feel behind without it, and the motivation to finish it waned after the holidays passed. I tried to keep it super simple this year, as I knew it was going to be a challenging month (and it ended up being even more challenging than I had thought!) I still have a couple of photos to order, and a bit of journaling to add, but I think it's about time I shared some of it. So I thought I'd put up the first eight days! I'll have more posts later throughout the year, and maybe even a few sneak peeks of my 2014 album (yes, I've already started, when inspiration strikes who am I to say no?)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Front Cover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front inside Cover and title page</td></tr>
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Day 1: Putting up the Christmas Tree and Picked out our ornament for the year<br />
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Day 2: Jack Decorated the Windows<br />
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Day 3: First snow storm of the year<br />
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Day 4: Made chex mix, and put together our Gingerbread Houses<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need to write out my chex mix recipe still!</td></tr>
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Day 5: Ryan complains about the cold<br />
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Day 6: Lunch out with my mom<br />
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Day 7: Gingerbread house decorating and playing in the snow<br />
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Day 8: Ryan Gave the Prayer in church<br />
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So there you have it, the first eight days in my album. Look for more soon!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-77917166567086375472014-04-28T09:47:00.001-06:002014-04-28T09:47:43.786-06:00More 10x10So now that you've got a peak at the outside of my Oldest's little <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/2014/04/10x10-list-bucket-list-for-kids.html">10x10 album </a>I bet you are itching to see what is inside! I know my mother-in-law in Iowa has been waiting patiently to see his little list. So today I am going to walk you through the album I have all set up and ready to go!<br />
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I love to do a lot of the work ahead for mini books, so that I can easily put it together once I have pictures. It gives me a nice foundation to build off of, and it makes jotting down the facts in real time so much easier! It can be hard to remember the facts about a certain experience months later when you have the time to "scrapbook", but if you set it up ahead it can make a world of a difference! I love to "scrapbook the future"!<br />
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This first page is one of the dividers that came with the <a href="http://www.simplestories.com/product/6x8-snp-binder-teal">Simple Stories SN@P album.</a> I wanted to have something pretty to look at when you opened the book, so I decided to make a mini scrapbook page right on the divider. The idea for this page actually comes from not one, not two, but three challenges from the Scrappy Friends! I used <a href="http://granddivasscrappyplace.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-sketch-challenge-and-march-winners.html">this sketch challenge</a> from Grand Diva's Scrappy Place, <a href="http://www.creatingwithpaperandmore.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-scrappy-friends-word-challenge.html">a word challenge</a> from the Creating With Paper and More blog, and <a href="http://rochellespears.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-tic-tac-toe-challenge-march.html">a tic-tac toe challenge </a>from Rochelle Spears. I Chose the word "Adventure" for the word challenge, and the bottom row of a journal card, wood, and stamping for the tic-tac toe challenge. I incorporated the word with a cute little rubber banner from Freckled Fawn's <a href="http://ohdeermekit.myshopify.com/collections/past-kits/products/march-2014-ohdeerme-kit">Oh Deer Me Kit for March</a>. I stamped a row of arrows from the <a href="http://www.teresacollinsdesigns.com/he-said-she-said.html">Teresa Collins He said She Said </a>line, as well as a "you are here" stamp from the same set on a cork banner for the stamping. The wood I incorporated through primitive <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/studio-calico/146464-printshop-stars-wood-veneer/">wood veneer stars from Studio Calico</a>. And the journal card I cut in half and put in the bottom corner for a little note about how excited I am for this project with Ryan. All the patterned paper pieces are also from journal cards! They come from the <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/product/slate-edition-core-kit/">Slate</a> and <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/product-category/project-life-editions/project-life-editions-jade-edition/">Jade</a> project life editions. I cut them down to use on my little layout. They really are so versatile! I left a space for a photo on top of the overlay. I haven't picked just the right one for it yet. I really want it to capture Ryan's adventurous spirit, and nothing has spoken to me yet.<br />
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On the back side of this is his list. I found these adorable bright colored puffy number stickers from <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/">Mambi</a> on clearance at Micheal's and knew I had to use them for this project! I tore some strips of washi tape to write out his list on. In case you can't read it, his list is as follows:<br />
<ol>
<li>Learn to ride a bike</li>
<li>Go to Legoland</li>
<li>Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter</li>
<li>Ride on a real train</li>
<li>Feed a giraffe</li>
<li>Play 11 new games</li>
<li>Try 10 new foods</li>
<li>Meet War Machine</li>
<li>Jump on a trampoline</li>
<li>Ride 12 different roller coasters</li>
</ol>
I love that it is a mix of big and little things, hard and easy things, "so Ryan" things and completely unexpected things. I know I am going to cherish the moments spent fulfilling this list!<br />
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The rest of the album I filled with various page protectors from Simple stories SN@P line and various journal cards from the <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/product/slate-edition-core-kit/">Slate</a>, <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/product-category/project-life-editions/project-life-editions-honey-edition/">Honey</a>, <a href="http://www.digitalprojectlife.com/collections/jade-edition">Jade</a>, and <a href="http://www.digitalprojectlife.com/collections/just-add-color-edition">Just Add Color Editions</a> of Project Life. I left some places blank so I can slide photos in later, and there is plenty of room for journaling and embellishments as I go. I made sure each goal had a place to write the date we completed it. We've already crossed one thing off his list, and I can't wait to finish that page!<br />
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This album is for sure an ongoing project, and I plan to make a blog post when we complete each thing on his list telling about the experience and showing the completed page in his album.<br />
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I've got another 10x10 list project brewing as well! My four year old has made his own list! I've got another SN@P album just sitting waiting to be created! Hoping to work on it some on National Scrapbooking Day this Saturday, May 3rd!<br />
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<br />Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-3991178377819910272014-04-12T11:34:00.000-06:002014-04-12T12:54:00.758-06:00100 Happy Days- A Challenge to Be HappierLife has been kind of difficult lately, and I have been struggling to find happiness on a day to day basis. I won't go into all the gory details, but just believe me, this past year has brought so much heartache and strife I don't know what to do to get past it. I've been searching for some sort of meaning and purpose, searching for ways to be happier, looking for MORE (there's that one little word again!).<br />
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In my search I came upon a challenge called <a href="http://100happydays.com/">100 Happy Days</a>, and I decided I would take up the call and try it. Basically it challenges you to take a picture, every day, for 100 days, of something that makes you happy. I loved the idea, and it seemed like a good way to try and see the happiness in my life in a time that I am struggling. At the very least, I figured that if I finished it, when I was having a hard time in the future I could look back on it and tell myself if I could find happiness during this hard period of time I could get through whatever else came my way.<br />
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So here is the album I came up with to document these 100 days of happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YUes6f6I3_m70T9fcsscbUt0WgYoazE0ce9GPLRFmANcpzwfdhQ-YR5ksvcMGzRvXHg3CCOdbWc1X_GcxDUNez-B9aevKG_FZziY5AyMmKus9FDHNtxkd2OXFbYxzawXDld6XiyFobI/s1600/100happydays9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YUes6f6I3_m70T9fcsscbUt0WgYoazE0ce9GPLRFmANcpzwfdhQ-YR5ksvcMGzRvXHg3CCOdbWc1X_GcxDUNez-B9aevKG_FZziY5AyMmKus9FDHNtxkd2OXFbYxzawXDld6XiyFobI/s1600/100happydays9.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover overall. Learned a lot from this.</td></tr>
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I used a Simple Stories SN@P album in pink. I spray painted the kraft with a yellow gloss paint (which was not my best idea ever, but it did the trick. I then attached two little heart overlays from the February freckled fawn <a href="http://ohdeermekit.myshopify.com/pages/about">Oh Deer Me kit.</a> I used a cute acrylic heart frame from their December kit as well, and a little puffy sticker from January's kit. They seriously have the cutest stuff! I used various thickers and rub-ons to add the title, along with a chipboard "happy" from some Mambi chipboard stickers I had.<br />
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I have to say I SUPER LOVE IT ALL! it turned out so cute!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrG2Jomi4EXxEOm03HwFnfnHEExKs6Ckhw9uIOwnTIilctwQI4SJMmJAOtZQnppD-heaUlhuG7KN5LM3ShGKPEWSYEo9pA6-C7aNCVWpWw4aIY7r8VYHQXKroT9l-cnBBNVnvq5Je9BA/s1600/100happydays7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrG2Jomi4EXxEOm03HwFnfnHEExKs6Ckhw9uIOwnTIilctwQI4SJMmJAOtZQnppD-heaUlhuG7KN5LM3ShGKPEWSYEo9pA6-C7aNCVWpWw4aIY7r8VYHQXKroT9l-cnBBNVnvq5Je9BA/s1600/100happydays7.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cute title page, the pictures are from a photo booth.</td></tr>
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I then decided I needed a title page. I used one of the journal page inserts that comes with the SN@P album and then went in search of a sketch to use as an idea for jumping off. I found <a href="http://colorfulcreations2014.blogspot.com/2014/04/april-1st-challenge-team-a.html">this sketch</a> from <a href="http://colorfulcreations2014.blogspot.com/">Colorful Creations</a> to use and love how it turned out. It was such a fun sketch to work with. The back of the page will have an explanation of why I decided to take up the 100 Happy Days challenge. I used cards from The <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/product/slate-edition-core-kit/">Project Life Slate</a> and <a href="http://www.digitalprojectlife.com/collections/just-add-color-edition/products/just-add-color-full-collection">Just Add Color</a> kits, some washi tapes from walmart of all places, a vellum sticker from the November <a href="http://ohdeermekit.myshopify.com/collections/past-kits">Oh Deer Me kit</a>, a puffy sticker from the January kit, a resin cameo from the February kit, and a "what a fun moment" banner from the March Kit. I also used some wood chips from Micheal's and some homemade enamel dots made from perler beads (tutorial possibly coming soon, if I remember).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPH6KQ1T6RTlDR6pZohD8TDhfBB06PsNiXX3UtOrXz9enj9fIil4JUp-hThn9O01_3fAR5K2mZrRcJgFyU_kMYnT12DLIwDBLX2jq5RG2yV6Hej-Szts_5GdJ822_uk5I94C3n1XloAI/s1600/100happydays1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPH6KQ1T6RTlDR6pZohD8TDhfBB06PsNiXX3UtOrXz9enj9fIil4JUp-hThn9O01_3fAR5K2mZrRcJgFyU_kMYnT12DLIwDBLX2jq5RG2yV6Hej-Szts_5GdJ822_uk5I94C3n1XloAI/s1600/100happydays1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>I then filled the binder with a bunch of blank cards and page protectors to add to throughout the project. I haven't added any pictures yet, but I plan to soon!<br />
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I am excited to take up this project, and hope it will help put me in a better frame of mind. Trying hard to get back to the happy me!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-72670179025926330822014-04-10T10:22:00.000-06:002014-04-10T10:22:00.558-06:0010x10 List: A Bucket List for KidsRecently I was reviewing my <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/p/30-x-30.html">30x30 list</a> and my oldest son got really interested in it. We talked about what a bucket list was, and after our discussion he decided he wanted to make a list of his own. We decided on a 10x10 list, and he wrote down 10 things he wants to do before he turns ten. Some of them are surprising, some of them are so him, and others are going to take a lot of work to accomplish, but this is a great way for he and I to embark on a project together.<br />
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When he had finished his list I picked up a Simple Stories SN@P album, and made a foundation for documenting his journey to cross things off his list. Here is a peek:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecmnhNPLJ4n7T2bJbbaj2vl3ypWNqUK1UtO-ywx1QmDz4ny09CYZEywmXt1O8pYSjGZK3S4aCbYotYMS0P-12Gfa8n-od-cxkvNEN5_6_5Qns4F9lBXtFwpgYlzbr02VzkpTY-u19FXY/s1600/10x10ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecmnhNPLJ4n7T2bJbbaj2vl3ypWNqUK1UtO-ywx1QmDz4ny09CYZEywmXt1O8pYSjGZK3S4aCbYotYMS0P-12Gfa8n-od-cxkvNEN5_6_5Qns4F9lBXtFwpgYlzbr02VzkpTY-u19FXY/s1600/10x10ryan.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Album cover, tried to use his favorite colors, yellow, orange, and Turquoise.</td></tr>
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This cover was made using <a href="http://www.paperbakerykits.com/2014/03/sketch-challenge-22/">this sketch challenge</a> for the <a href="http://www.paperbakerykits.com/">Paper Bakery</a>. They have the cutest scrapbook and project kits, so make sure you go check them out. I haven't subscribed yet, but they sure are tempting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM_iHHuCkWneHODeXwoZ7jCCxMT1Q2SIEEE9shQ8gBscKRqghJFIFtpdXwidnuh-eweN-Rx0_eVWYvRbLW5vTqJjF65HXZ8ZL2Z9wT7WKie7KHqR5aC3IJMyV-hIANJrFfS1NJcikoAs/s1600/10x10ryan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM_iHHuCkWneHODeXwoZ7jCCxMT1Q2SIEEE9shQ8gBscKRqghJFIFtpdXwidnuh-eweN-Rx0_eVWYvRbLW5vTqJjF65HXZ8ZL2Z9wT7WKie7KHqR5aC3IJMyV-hIANJrFfS1NJcikoAs/s1600/10x10ryan2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up on the title.</td></tr>
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Most of the embellishments are from Freckled Fawn's <a href="http://ohdeermekit.myshopify.com/pages/about">Oh Deer Me monthly kits</a>. I was lucky enough to go to their booth at Scrapbook USA a couple of weeks ago and instantly fell in love with their gorgeous embellishments! So much so that I decided to subscribe! I can't wait for my first monthly kit to arrive! The acrylic arrows are from their December kit, the little resin cameo and the striped overlay card is from the February kit, and the "seriously, so cool!" banner is from the March kit. SO MANY CUTE THINGS. If you fall in love like I did make sure you use me as a reference when signing up and we will both get $5 to use in their store!<br />
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The wooden stars and the orange polka dot washi are from Micheal's recollection brand, and the cute little bling dots are from the Walmart scrapbooking section. The white foam letter stickers are American Crafts brand thickers. The frosted "list" letters are from Heidi swapp. The little white star stickers and the "adventure awaits" sticker are from Me and My Big Ideas.<br />
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I plan on doing another blog post to show you the insides of this fun little album. So make sure you check back to take a look!<br />
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I'm also excited to say that I'm hoping to start blogging some more! I've got some goals I am trying to meet, and part of meeting those goals means I need to be better at blogging, taking pictures of my work, and linking them up for some exposure. So, it shouldn't be 3-6 months between blog posts. (I know guys, I'm so terrible at this blogging thing!!!)Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-57777290685232157162014-01-06T13:53:00.000-07:002014-01-06T13:53:44.402-07:00I want MORE out of 2014So I was suppose to blog yesterday... but I didn't... so here I am today, getting it done. No MORE procrastination!<br />
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As many of you know the past few years i have picked a word for the year. This process is called "One Little Word", and came about from a wonderfully amazingly talented woman <a href="http://aliedwards.com/">Ali Edwards</a>. You can read more about the projects on her <a href="http://aliedwards.com/blog/one-little-word">blog.</a> She offers a year long workshop, which is amazing! I have loved it! This will be my second year doing the workshop, and it is so worth it.<br />
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Anyway, this years word was very hard to come by, I thought about it for MONTHS. I needed a word that was going to help me get back to a point that I could flourish again (flourish was my word f or 2013, and it was great, but I lost my ability to flourish somewhere along the way). There was so much in my head, and nothing was coming up as THE word. I made lists and lists and lists, I would get there, and then cross everything off and start again. I finally decided on a word that could encompass many of my words, but it took me a while to share it, because it felt really selfish. The word I chose was "MORE". It took a while for me to be able to explain why that was my word, and I am still kind of learning why. I want more of a lot of things right now, <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I
want more shenanigans, more devotion, more creativity, to be more
conscious, more happiness, to complete more and be more complete, more
sharing, more learning, more loveliness, more purpose, more community,
and more abundance, just to name a few. And the reason I want more, is because I am worth more. I've been in a pretty bad depression lately because I have felt worthless, and I'm hoping telling myself I am worth more, and having more to work towards will help me get to the other side of this depression. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Anyway, On to the pretty stuff.</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I got to work on some of this month's prompt. I still need to finish up some of it, but I love what I have so far. I decided to incorporate my one little word into project life this year, to help give myself momentum on both projects. Here is what I've got.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQd4PzzptcJuLh4LFpPRRpRVrStGRE746951NiVcQCGIm3ExSev9NPgrAeTExAiR5Z5Dfx2kzl4I9bw0vjKQu9_SFjX7b4KHmUwrucI7T14WssobQxondsu8UanJt9baCTA6Of23G6g/s1600/P1020915-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQd4PzzptcJuLh4LFpPRRpRVrStGRE746951NiVcQCGIm3ExSev9NPgrAeTExAiR5Z5Dfx2kzl4I9bw0vjKQu9_SFjX7b4KHmUwrucI7T14WssobQxondsu8UanJt9baCTA6Of23G6g/s1600/P1020915-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The top left card says "Hello There More One Little Word 2014", the top right card is a definition and thesaurus entry. The middle row has a fold out journaling card, with a bit more about why I chose my word, then a photo of me (thank you Disney photopass photographers for getting at least one good shot of me!), the "make your word visible" graphic that Ali shared as part of the workshop, and a little card with an Ampersand. I choose an ampersand as a symbol for my word this year, as one of the synonyms for more is "and". The bottom row has two quotes that contain my word.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDkFzjifQVD1bQyIYMpYixc0wIrxD20qAPyMIDsltWVz7pcVCF14GWtl19NfMWQEopddFflPd18vVwRiaSmXKqeqdySotdyeeXX_4RBibBYNphi-46EJWkUy787YWYx1dvEfaDJXaXCw/s1600/P1020917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDkFzjifQVD1bQyIYMpYixc0wIrxD20qAPyMIDsltWVz7pcVCF14GWtl19NfMWQEopddFflPd18vVwRiaSmXKqeqdySotdyeeXX_4RBibBYNphi-46EJWkUy787YWYx1dvEfaDJXaXCw/s1600/P1020917.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really love how it turned out! It has me excited to continue! I've got a second "Intentions" page I am still working on that will be opposite this page.<br />
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I also picked up some little wooden letters that I covered with Washi tape that spell out "MORE". My intent is to put them on a wall, and each month add a quote that corresponds with what I want from my word that month on the wall as well. It's my way of trying to "Make My Word Visible".<br />
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So there you have it folks! A new blog post, a new word, and a new year!<br />
<br />Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-83856030965090174822013-12-05T13:56:00.000-07:002013-12-05T13:58:02.692-07:00December Daily 2013- And the end of a hiatusSo, I have not posted anything since May, and had hardly posted before then. Life has been pretty cruel to our family the last few months, and I just have not been in a good mind set to be posting. Being forced from our home, moving in with my parents, job loss, my mom having cancer, issues with school for Ryan, deaths, impending deaths, impending surgeries... yeah. So I took some time off.<br />
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But I am back, and I have a few pictures of my latest project to share with you. Once again I am trying to participate in Ali Edwards "December Daily" project. This has been a beast of a project in the past, and I am ashamed to say I have wasted a lot of time and energy on it over the years only to fall flat after a few days. But here it is, December 5th, and I am still at it. I haven't printed photos, waiting to do that at the end of each week for convenience sake, but here is a little peek into my album so far. Can't wait to get my pictures and put it all together for the week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOzmhkjcTBU79PUx_3DhqNSzel73VMYLN2wIVs69ddlNmWE0UKMh5qdhrtJUcErgX_JCr1d-cHk_umbIjSFeZVCdkEGlcjewRfjomGMCE5AASrj35ojhR4y8ism7i38qJYsJuCOp-vhY/s1600/P1020326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOzmhkjcTBU79PUx_3DhqNSzel73VMYLN2wIVs69ddlNmWE0UKMh5qdhrtJUcErgX_JCr1d-cHk_umbIjSFeZVCdkEGlcjewRfjomGMCE5AASrj35ojhR4y8ism7i38qJYsJuCOp-vhY/s400/P1020326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cover. I just love how it turned out! So bright and happy! I used a plastic snowflake Ornament, and layered on some thicker's in Glittery White and Red, then added a few random baubles from a jar of plastic snowflakes and candies. Oh, and there are some washi tape strips added as well. The green is from American Crafts, and the Blue is from My Mind's Eye.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBgVmXRZ4KiLSQWoSY0uXcav0gyS-n2NgHdBy6IDLHTPIF-Ip4e2UYrs3km8gDxVU8_WbG5Bsjrk_RrRqhyphenhyphenahlvzsWWatlqJggGVujC9X4Tf03QV9OdyIY9XYWxb6rrZdI0zSp0J_lSM/s1600/P1020327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBgVmXRZ4KiLSQWoSY0uXcav0gyS-n2NgHdBy6IDLHTPIF-Ip4e2UYrs3km8gDxVU8_WbG5Bsjrk_RrRqhyphenhyphenahlvzsWWatlqJggGVujC9X4Tf03QV9OdyIY9XYWxb6rrZdI0zSp0J_lSM/s400/P1020327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the cover.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCFHgULRHEiXVh719_ybtO0IvnyWn8k-xDCTGlW2q28bFLd3p0h6VWGqYUfnRqoXFq3YIzHAp-tJ-fFXkWCdOgR-dojc0vbhnqAgUDQHjVE243_8uVEuY8EWoNafCnnhyphenhyphenOHwllsa7i3Y/s1600/P1020331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCFHgULRHEiXVh719_ybtO0IvnyWn8k-xDCTGlW2q28bFLd3p0h6VWGqYUfnRqoXFq3YIzHAp-tJ-fFXkWCdOgR-dojc0vbhnqAgUDQHjVE243_8uVEuY8EWoNafCnnhyphenhyphenOHwllsa7i3Y/s400/P1020331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spine. This i might redo. I am not really happy with it. Think I will pull the label out of the spine and start again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqT4ZVlF4kIjr_lDWGNbYxQdcbIZnhYQQYFX4Zh1rbcbiacx3DzJ-rMlCmjx0P11sSoBtj3p1Ry_47gxctEiGLjQwG6KfgyYf1VgTCm8FqYL_HihoL6G7aI-D58SWqvod2nFNjOlSxRA/s1600/P1020332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqT4ZVlF4kIjr_lDWGNbYxQdcbIZnhYQQYFX4Zh1rbcbiacx3DzJ-rMlCmjx0P11sSoBtj3p1Ry_47gxctEiGLjQwG6KfgyYf1VgTCm8FqYL_HihoL6G7aI-D58SWqvod2nFNjOlSxRA/s400/P1020332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside cover and title page. I got the fabric covered wood "merry" in the discount bins at Micheal's, and love it! Not sure where the "december" word came from, plus more of the previous washi's. The Title page numbers are Tim Holtz (I believe) grunge board numbers, I sprayed them with some red glimmer paint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT_x_1frqpkf3uypEwfFx_1FUfGnjPxumzdqyiPwgX4QMGKzbnKKDfLAe-1enaO-8RhhfP86AYwY6oOJLscx9Qg6ifSjo4633kcBUqg64-MZtpbDQGGsDIgLbAYBkgV6fYdNSrVQ78wg/s1600/P1020334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT_x_1frqpkf3uypEwfFx_1FUfGnjPxumzdqyiPwgX4QMGKzbnKKDfLAe-1enaO-8RhhfP86AYwY6oOJLscx9Qg6ifSjo4633kcBUqg64-MZtpbDQGGsDIgLbAYBkgV6fYdNSrVQ78wg/s400/P1020334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Left side of this page will have a picture of our christmas tree, with a story of how it took us six hours of work to get up! The filler card is from the Project Life Merry & Bright mini edition.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C7rzApEyUchgQf4YX2sncIOdxc2RHZyr8HqDYy_8B7jiJO_QXiSEOQUNl1Ifn06Y48ca-bdVwsk2ow35JaQ4316oB1_kibSlBGRp53JE5T-W0Q5nCu_IxKx21HMuOmKl2W7dzKVwqe8/s1600/P1020336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C7rzApEyUchgQf4YX2sncIOdxc2RHZyr8HqDYy_8B7jiJO_QXiSEOQUNl1Ifn06Y48ca-bdVwsk2ow35JaQ4316oB1_kibSlBGRp53JE5T-W0Q5nCu_IxKx21HMuOmKl2W7dzKVwqe8/s400/P1020336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is day 2 and 3. Love my little sequin pocket!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3t4dyxlfyW0dB3aXwsNnnRcphFbgN_V-Y_ohNqcKjw7HrSQv9tpOxX-UM0FhSKdvBBGNZZtDZ6D4h4nbhhFHEP_ZD8OQExgynSHfNHgbgiwQ3sv2N6704d9zFrl7lq1F5Rh-ZPvLNKc/s1600/P1020344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3t4dyxlfyW0dB3aXwsNnnRcphFbgN_V-Y_ohNqcKjw7HrSQv9tpOxX-UM0FhSKdvBBGNZZtDZ6D4h4nbhhFHEP_ZD8OQExgynSHfNHgbgiwQ3sv2N6704d9zFrl7lq1F5Rh-ZPvLNKc/s400/P1020344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't figure out how to turn this one, but it is the backside of day 3. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHReBIpeF5h9kSDBRvokIn052zKepxcuIn54H6mRzor8BrGAdAIfT1DaU5F_X0uysqkBdKvSNFHXNP4b-zYXnIN7Wz8Pw6q0JuXVvYa5Hj9Kb-vR0ek3NQ3l9lJKkh5ka52oeZhrvwz0/s1600/P1020345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHReBIpeF5h9kSDBRvokIn052zKepxcuIn54H6mRzor8BrGAdAIfT1DaU5F_X0uysqkBdKvSNFHXNP4b-zYXnIN7Wz8Pw6q0JuXVvYa5Hj9Kb-vR0ek3NQ3l9lJKkh5ka52oeZhrvwz0/s400/P1020345.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to take a close-up of this beautiful sequin/glitter pocket. Isn't is just so much fun! I love it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So there you go! My first few days of my December daily. Later this week I will post the rest, plus repost these ones with photos! So excited to be doing this this year. It is a welcome distraction from everything that has been going on lately, and it is turning out just so beautiful so far!
Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-16093862425307468752013-05-27T07:16:00.002-06:002013-05-27T07:16:48.843-06:00Do or Do NotLately I feel like I just can't get motivated to post on the blog. It's not that I haven't been doing things that are blog worthy, I just haven't slowed down and taken the pictures, and written anything up. I am a doer, not a writer, and that makes blogging a little more difficult sometimes. I'd rather be out there doing things and thinking up things than putting the things I have already done down for others to see. I need to get better about it! <br />My blog has a lot of potential! The little I do have has attracted a number of offers that still have my head spinning a bit, I haven't followed through with any of them though, because I feel like I am not a blogger yet. Gotta post at least once a week to make me feel like a blogger!<br />
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Kind of feel like life has just been super crazy from one thing to the next lately, with family visiting, Dominic graduating, vacation plans changing and going back to the planning stages, an oven fire and subsequent lack of an oven for the last two weeks (and subsequent meal creativity, how many meals can you come up with that do not use the stove or oven at all?), trying to get my oldest registered and ready for school n the fall... and that was just this month! I haven't even looked at the One Little Word stuff for April yet, let alone May, and it's almost June!<br />
I've been enjoying the craziness for the most part though. My boys are growing so much. Ryan is finally starting to get interested in learning, thankfully. Apparently backing off and giving him space on the issue was a good thing. He is excited to start doing some kindergarten prep books and games. SCORE!<br />
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Anyway, I guess what I am saying is I should be writing more, but that I'm not because I am busy enjoying what life is right now. Enjoying having my husband around more, enjoying family adventures (like a horse drawn carriage ride from one bus stop to the next), lots of snuggle time, really listening to my crazy kids imaginative ramblings, and taking in this last summer before my babies start moving on to being kids and starting school. Maybe someday I will get back to blogging more, but for now I am happy with the way things are. Maybe I will push myself for once a week posting something, but I don't think you can expect much more than that!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-53690782128159191352013-04-08T06:42:00.002-06:002013-04-08T06:42:46.680-06:00It's Been Two Months!Just realized it has been two months since I last posted! Ahhh!<br />
I have several things in the works that need to be posted. I've got a Project Life mini-album project I am working on, a review of Old Navy T-shirts, a Woolite sampling, even a post about toilet paper! (I know, strange, right?!) Just kind of got out of the habit of posting and need to get back into it!<br />
<br />So expect a few posts soon, most likely starting with the Old Navy T-shirt review.Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-67737892359854391162013-02-07T09:22:00.002-07:002013-02-07T09:22:30.253-07:00Keep Moving Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/56019831/waltquote.pdf"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgkR51fTmAJhUWZsljw_qSVW1w0rBnEzAMac_xBFZgbxd9HO0jUM2-M99Lw_x3rMp5t6mvnAgR50M15RTdM3-Piy2564C7ZGm2CPbfnxbuE8o5sRcdFe65nmF31CIL8qeWB0Ot3H7JuQ/s400/waltquote.jpg" width="308" /><span id="goog_379944169"></span></a><span id="goog_379944170"></span></div>
Yesterday my boys and I watched "Meet the Robinsons" and I was reminded of the quote I based the title of my blog off of. It is a Walt Disney Quote (He really has the best quotes!), and it really helped me through some rough times. You can see it above, all decked out in the latest trend of chalkboard art.<br />
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I decided that I needed to have it up in my home somewhere, so I got in illustrator and began playing around and came up with the above printable to put up in my home and to share with you guys! I think it's going to go in my newly decked out Mickey bathroom (my boys got to pick the theme!) where I can see it every morning! You can download it<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/56019831/waltquote.pdf"> HERE</a>, or by clicking on the image above.<br />
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Hope you enjoy it!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-80879004175777115412013-01-29T11:33:00.002-07:002013-01-29T11:35:43.394-07:00Mickey Helper Ticket System<br />
As many of you know our little family has been planning a trip to Disney World for a while now. We put a deposit down about nine months ago and have slowly been paying it off and it is going to be an amazing trip! I've done so much research, and we've talked about everything we want to do and how much fun we are going to have, and the boys are SO EXCITED!<br />
With that being said I don't want my kids growing up thinking we are just going to give them whatever they want without them working for it. This trip is going to cost us a lot of money, and I feel like they need to do their part to "earn" the trip.<br />
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Enter the Mickey Helper tickets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIe9TKBAo_ywbNh0EKUE11e-G1ajjaL3Sikav5bX4KIfsL9gFO-FwR4CmB79fwyqj-nxkfMPeU2ckG7jGvquC6UX79GyV3aYKjU-jkdRe04hrq95uTwqRciq86cw5QlG5pOGQhwig8kw/s1600/chores.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIe9TKBAo_ywbNh0EKUE11e-G1ajjaL3Sikav5bX4KIfsL9gFO-FwR4CmB79fwyqj-nxkfMPeU2ckG7jGvquC6UX79GyV3aYKjU-jkdRe04hrq95uTwqRciq86cw5QlG5pOGQhwig8kw/s320/chores.PNG" width="320" /></a>I sat down with the boys and explained to them that going to Disney world was a privilege and that privileges need to be earned. We talked about how they needed to do their part around the house and be "Mickey's Helpers" so they could earn their trip. They seemed to understand and we moved on to developing the ticket system.<br />
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I asked them what things they wanted to do when we went to Disney and we built a list of activities like swimming in the pool at the hotel, going to Magic Kingdom, eating lots of desserts, and going to Mickey's Halloween party. All in all we had about 20 things make the list! We then asked them how many tickets they thought they should have to earn to do each thing. They did a really good job assigning the values to things, swimming in the pool got just one ticket, while Mickey's Halloween Party they gave a value of 25 tickets! <br />
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Once we had assigned how many points each thing cost we talked about what they needed to do to earn those tickets. We discussed chores and good behavior, made a list, and assigned the tasks and chores ticket values from 1 ticket to 3 tickets. For example putting 5 dishes in the sink earns 1 ticket. helping mop the floor earns 2, and getting through an entire outing without a fuss earns 3 tickets! There were a few things they tried to lobby for more tickets on, such as taking medicine without a fuss which my oldest deemed worth 15 tickets (and the way he fights it it just might be worth it!!). But for the most part I felt they did a good job choosing how many tickets each chore would be worth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6cVCIiOB2sP_zSDCS7dCUuhtJvitwDvo33W_iVVby8jMXD-zBfS5evKkajgsfedj4iXYxR-Q5jUm8GzQKZJzsFClQPiS2JVMU0U-O17I83E7w9GFwFIK9Z4MkrSUFR5cjBGxGOQ8ajI/s1600/meter.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6cVCIiOB2sP_zSDCS7dCUuhtJvitwDvo33W_iVVby8jMXD-zBfS5evKkajgsfedj4iXYxR-Q5jUm8GzQKZJzsFClQPiS2JVMU0U-O17I83E7w9GFwFIK9Z4MkrSUFR5cjBGxGOQ8ajI/s320/meter.PNG" width="133" /></a>We made little jars for them to house their tickets in during the week, and every Sunday we will count the tickets and fill in the correct number on their goal charts. 45 days before our trip if they haven't earned enough tickets to cover the cost of the trip we will discuss what they have to give up or change to make our trip fit their "budget" and finalize our plans. the last 45 days before the trip they will earn tickets for souvenirs and such. They can redeem them for specials treats, desserts, pressed pennies, disney dollars and standing in character lines (we are doing many character meals, so they will meet a lot of characters doing that, so they decided they had to spend tickets to see others).<br />
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They valued the overall trip we have planned at about 250 tickets, and there are 224 days until our trip, so they only have to earn a little over 1 ticket a day to "pay" for the trip, which I think is more than doable for them. We told them that if they have extra tickets left over after the trip they can use them to start earning our next family vacation.<br />
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If you are planning a trip to Disney and would like to adopt the "Mickey Helper Tickets" System you can print out the PDF's <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/56019831/Mickey_Chore_System.pdf">here:</a> It includes a blank chore chart to fill out (with space on the bottom to put each child's name), labels for Helper jars, and the charts to fill in.<br />
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All you need to get started is a Mason Jar for each kid, and a roll of tickets! We are using these ones <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2000-Blank-White-Raffle-Tickets/dp/B005NBQ0FK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1359400253&sr=8-16&keywords=blank+tickets">http://www.amazon.com/2000-Blank-White-Raffle-Tickets/dp/B005NBQ0FK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1359400253&sr=8-16&keywords=blank+tickets</a><br />
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I still have to put some of our stuff together, but I will update this with a picture of our jars, the chore chart, and the canvas I am mounting the helper meters on as soon as they are finished. It has been fun developing it, especially since the boys have been so eager to help with it! <br />
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Be on the lookout for more Disney printables and projects as we start diving into the real planning! We've got a planning night planned for this next month, and you better believe we will be having some fun stuff with that!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-8242148053848574032013-01-07T06:57:00.002-07:002013-01-07T06:57:26.063-07:00Flourish & Fly: Babystep 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we will go over Baby step Three! I know it has been three days since baby step number two, but with all the sickness in our house I just didn't get around to posting. Instead of skipping ahead I am just going to move on to step 3 today on the blog.<br />
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Step 3 is mostly to do what you have already done, so let's review! We should be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Shining our Sink!</li>
<li>Getting dressed to shoes!</li>
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On top of those we should be visiting the Flylady's big tent group and reading our e-mails, that is easy peasy! I think we can all do that! You never know what is going to be the topic, and sometimes they might even make you tear up.<br />
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So today I have a shiny sink, and I am fully dressed! My husband even helped me shine the sink last night! I was so thankful for that little help. :) He is awesome!<br />
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Today I am also adding something else to my personal agenda that you guys might want to follow along with! I'm starting the couch to 5k program with a friend of mine! I have "Run a 5k" on my 30 x 30 list, so I have got to get going, and since she has been on hiatus from running due to an injury I figured starting while she restarts at the beginning will be a great way to stay motivated!<br />
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Today is my first planned run, and I am already dressed and ready to go! Of course I won't be actually running until my husband gets home from school and work this afternoon, but the fact that i am prepared should make it so I don't come up with an excuse to not go out and run. Removing obstacles in our way makes everything easier!<br />
<br />Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-59965992596953147062013-01-03T09:06:00.001-07:002013-01-03T09:06:29.005-07:00Flourish & Fly: Babystep 2I'm back today with more on the Flylady's beginner babysteps!<br />
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But first I wanted to do a little recap of how yesterday went for me. <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/2013/01/flourish-fly.html">Day one</a> was to shine your sink, and I have to say I did pretty well! We are ALL sick around here with a croupy cough so just shining the sink was a HUGE challenge for me. I even let my little ones "help", as in I filled the sink with hot soapy water and then let them come splash in it. It seemed to cheer them up a bit, which is good! We ended up with one shiny sink, and I got FOUR loads of dishes done. Yes, you heard me right, I had four loads lying around. I blame it on having New Years guests and then sick babies and sick me! The great news is that I now have all the dishes in the kitchen done, minus a few handwash things, and a beautiful clean shiny sink!<br />
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Now on to today's challenge! Not only are we going to continue to shine our sink like Flylady wants (It's her way of hugging us! And who couldn't use more hugs!!), we are going to....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosoum4j8bWmlg1TYnvJFVmKo22P2KcHycXkfh0-TFsH1Fvd5fg1PkmJKBUlIlBwzWpbODKxK3zvrFOciiFkXqwS77wj_S_N5vKnTjbu72L6ajha0KAjyGtijK_WP5PiYI1TWJ3pi_3Ms/s1600/step2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosoum4j8bWmlg1TYnvJFVmKo22P2KcHycXkfh0-TFsH1Fvd5fg1PkmJKBUlIlBwzWpbODKxK3zvrFOciiFkXqwS77wj_S_N5vKnTjbu72L6ajha0KAjyGtijK_WP5PiYI1TWJ3pi_3Ms/s1600/step2.png" /></a></div>
You can find Flylady's lessons on it<a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/dressed-to-shoes/"> here</a>, and <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-2/">here.</a><br />
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This is one I struggle with and I know some other ladies do to. A dear fried of mine lamented on her blog that her lace-up shoes didn't always match her outfit.Me, I just really don't like shoes. Well, I do, I like to BUY shoes... but wear them? FORGET IT!! I have at least two pairs of shoes that I have never worn, not even once. I have a problem, and I have been getting rid of some shoes, ones that don't fit well, ones that are damaged, etc... but with all the shoes I have only one of them are lace-up shoes, and I pretty much only wear them when I know I will be doing a lot of walking, or when I exercise. Put them on everyday? We'll see.<br />
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For today I am wearing apair of sketches slip-ons that have little straps over the foot. They are harder to get off than a normal slip-on, but comfortable and stylish. They work for me, for now. I swear I am trying Flylady!!<br />
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But shoes are only part of getting dressed. There's the clothes, the hair, the make-up, etc. It can be really hard when you are a stay at home mom to take the time to get all of that done. I hate to confess this, but when my husband was gone 17 hours a day five days a week and I didn't have money for bus fare, most days I would stay in my pajamas. I could literally go five days straight without ever getting fully dressed. I was pretty much a shut-in, leaving the house maybe once a week. Sad but true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcGAHem4LBim1fMFGJFJye3mJa-LEygTFqL5aZ-4EMrOIWvWkY5CCJ1ehSFQ7CqwdpwY6BQdC2lKQLISJbUPi3Au-oWpjN-9skuXXF59WhE0lLpWYtvqZFD8j_FbMzPaGRSJbqzxBeNM/s1600/IMG_20130103_063056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcGAHem4LBim1fMFGJFJye3mJa-LEygTFqL5aZ-4EMrOIWvWkY5CCJ1ehSFQ7CqwdpwY6BQdC2lKQLISJbUPi3Au-oWpjN-9skuXXF59WhE0lLpWYtvqZFD8j_FbMzPaGRSJbqzxBeNM/s320/IMG_20130103_063056.jpg" width="240" /></a>But all that is changing, and I am proud to say I have been fully dressed every day this year! Today it was even before six am!! I even have proof I am dressed today! See my fantastic self portrait? You can't really see it, but my hair is even curled!! i thought ahead to the fact that I wanted to look nice today to post my picture for you guys and did the fantastic hair tutorial for no heat curls below yesterday! It is one of my favorite things to do with my hair. It is fast, it looks pretty good while it is drying and making the curls, and who doesn't feel better about themselves when they have fabulous curls? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zz14NFI9l49VVMvqUTWJfgTb4EIyZtfBHlbyFeovIGqwQZCb1YIpGfyWDu-pCa_53VA0HAEVaZ9KzZgf0VL8tADqO2P82DFSUXuMRxbP6GYslZFj95FpPqKGG5I9flcu60HglLi8acs/s1600/fullydressedprojectlifecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zz14NFI9l49VVMvqUTWJfgTb4EIyZtfBHlbyFeovIGqwQZCb1YIpGfyWDu-pCa_53VA0HAEVaZ9KzZgf0VL8tADqO2P82DFSUXuMRxbP6GYslZFj95FpPqKGG5I9flcu60HglLi8acs/s1600/fullydressedprojectlifecard.jpg" /></a></div>
So I have one more thing today I would like to share with you! Today's beginner babystep says that in order for us to change ourselves, we need to remind ourselves of what we are doing. The Flylady did that with post-it notes, but around here beauty trumps easy. So I've got a little card made up for you guys to print out and put on your mirror to remind you to get dressed and make yourself up in the morning. I have it sized at 3x4 to be able to print on a project life card (you can find blank ones <a href="http://www.amazon.com/White-Cards-3-x-4/dp/B0093UDCM6/ref=pd_sim_ac_4">here on Amazon</a>). I have plans to use more of these later in building my new Control Journal, because I like my things pretty AND functional. There is <a href="http://paisleepress.com/2011/08/project-life-how-to-print/">a tutorial here</a> that shows you how to print directly on one of the project life cards, which is what I used to print mine. You can also just print the pdf and trim to size. <br />
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I designed the card with my blog's color scheme, but if you would like it in another color scheme let me know in the comments and I can try to accommodate! I like to make people happy! You can download the card here. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zhpghb32gw6j8d5/neverfullydressed_MFMD.pdf">https://www.dropbox.com/s/zhpghb32gw6j8d5/neverfullydressed_MFMD.pdf</a><br />
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I hope you all have a wonderful day! I sure am having fun starting back at the beginning of Flylady!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-73267414828755592962013-01-02T08:09:00.002-07:002013-01-02T08:38:55.554-07:00Flourish & Fly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ky84MIwqhXUplx3Ox_u0b0C18ySNQ4pqwd17RH5QfoxTB2zOZmyvXk-Q-eyB37sBfT_bZCvzGif65uJCgf7ngpSUQNH1LnOtsLZvrZGJBwOFDc_uBOHhgx5AQ0iqHNsrSiOI30gVMAM/s1600/flourishingin2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ky84MIwqhXUplx3Ox_u0b0C18ySNQ4pqwd17RH5QfoxTB2zOZmyvXk-Q-eyB37sBfT_bZCvzGif65uJCgf7ngpSUQNH1LnOtsLZvrZGJBwOFDc_uBOHhgx5AQ0iqHNsrSiOI30gVMAM/s400/flourishingin2013.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last few days I have really been pondering what it means to "Flourish" and how I can begin the process of flourishing this year. One of the things that kept popping into my head was that I need to spend more time doing the things I enjoy and love, and less time doing the tasks I hate.<br />
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This to mean, means getting everything organized, decluttering, and setting up a system of shared chores that works for our family. I often spend so much time cleaning and caring for my family that I lose sight of me, and chores become a resentful thing, since I seem to be the only one cleaning up sometimes. Spending hours cleaning and cooking, bathing children, etc gives me little time to pursue anything else. Some of this is my own fault, but my family could be stepping up a little more than they are at times.<br />
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Enter Flylady.<br />
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Many of you who follow me already know about Flylady, but if you don't go there right away!! The times I have had this system working well in my home have been some of the times I have had the most time to just enjoy life. it is a cleaning/organizing/fly-washing system that helps you to "Fly" which stands for "finally loving yourself". What better way to flourish than to love myself?<br />
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While I set about discovering what flourish meant and how I could flourish this year I found this graphical chart on this website.<a href="http://eugenieteasley.com/a-good-manifesto/"> http://eugenieteasley.com/a-good-manifesto/</a><br />
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As I looked at it I realized that "Finally loving Myself", hits so many of these Flourishing features. Self-esteem, positive emotions, purpose, and you could likely make good cases for a few more.<br />
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So my first step to flourishing in 2013 is to start at the beginning with the flylady system! Back to the basics, and stick with it all through the year (but not get mad at myself if I fall of the flywashing wagon, that isn't positive!) I also plan to start a control journal later in the process, and will be sharing some free printables with you throughout the process. <br />
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Without further ado let's jump in and start off 2013 with a bang! <a href="http://flylady.net/">Head over here</a> to find the <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/">Flylady beginner babysteps</a> so you can follow along!<br />
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Beginner baby step number one is to go shine your sink!<br />
I absolutely love this one! It feels kind of like "If you give a mouse a cookie" for me. If you give your kitchen a shiny sink it is going to want a shiny counter to go with it, and the shiny counters will see the dirty appliances and want to have them clean, and then it starts to spill over to the rest of the house! But for now, don't feel like you have to do it all, just go shine your sink!<br />
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Follow the Steps <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/shine-sink/">Here.</a><br />
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Or watch this video<br />
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And then you are off to a great start! Let's flourish and fly!!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-23233319745779481782013-01-01T12:05:00.001-07:002013-01-01T12:06:54.914-07:00One Little Word: Flourish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 class="me">
flour·ish</h2>
<span class="pronset"> <span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron"><span class="boldface">flur</span>-ish, <span class="boldface">fluhr</span>-</span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8039518074285672772" title="Click to show IPA">Show IPA</a> </span></span></span> </div>
<span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">verb</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">without</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object)</span> </span></span> <br />
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">1.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">vigorous</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thrive:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">period</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> </span>which art<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">flourished.</span> </span></span> </div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">2.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">its</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">prime;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">at</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">height</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">fame,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">excellence,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">influence,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">successful;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">prosper.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">grow</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">luxuriantly,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thrive</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">growth,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">plant.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">5.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">make</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">dramatic,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">sweeping</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">gestures:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Flourish</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">more</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">when</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">you</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">out</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">king's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">great</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">death</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">scene.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I had an incredibly hard time picking a word this year. I started thinking about it in November, and I didn't actually pick on until yesterday! The looming new year forced me to come to a decision, and I ended up with a word that hadn't even been on my list of possibilities. To try and help my decision I had started listening to the <a href="http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-reading-of-the-words.html">reading of the words</a> from last year on <a href="http://aliedwards.com/blog/">Ali's Blog</a>. They read the word "bloom" and the word flourish just popped into my head.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I knew it was the one.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> It just felt right. It encompassed several of the things I was hoping to capture with my word. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">2013 is going to be a big year for our Family. My husband is graduating form College in May, We are taking our first family vacation (to DisneyWorld! More on that later), my oldest son will be starting Kindergarten, and we are likely moving, depending on where my husband can get a job after graduation. It's a lot of change, a bit of uncertainty, and a lot of fun.</span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">2013 also comes with my husband being home more, which gives me more time to focus on other things, especially with my oldest going off to school later this year. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">It seemed like the perfect year to work on "Me", but the word "me" seemed too selfish. I thought about what it was I wanted to do with that "me" time and found myself entertaining the word "community". </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I wanted to spend my time working on more craft projects and getting more involved with the crafting/designing/blogging "community", building a network of people that I could take with me wherever I might end up. I also wanted to socialize my boys more, with no car, and a husband who worked 16-17 hour days I hardly ever had the energy to participate in local play groups, as most of them have activities in the midst of suburbia, involving lots of walking, in who knows what weather... I wanted to help my children build a "community" to, and get to know more people in my area. I wanted to start going to church more regularly and be part of that community. That word stuck around as my word idea for a while, but it still didn't seem right.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">And then came "Flourish". I wanted to flourish in my community, become a real part of things, feel like I belong and am needed. I wanted to flourish in my relationships with my children and husband, make them stronger, and create new memories. I wanted to flourish wherever I might end up by the end of this year. I wanted adventure to flourish in my life, explore new possibilities, places, and experiences.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">So flourish is my word. And hopefully I will be flourishing in 2013! </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I've started a pinterest board on my personal account that focuses on my one little word, quotes, books, others posts, items, etc. It is a work in progress right now, but I hope to add more. You can find it <a href="http://pinterest.com/ryaxmom/one-little-word-flourish/">here.</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I also hope to sign up for Ali Edwards class at <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword2013.php">Big Picture Classes</a> that helps you explore your chosen word a little more each month of the year, and keep it in the forefront of your mind. I think it is an excellent idea, plus it helps me to build a community, as a few of the lovely ladies I met at the <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/2012/12/cinderella-is-back-from-ball.html">Smash Ball</a> are taking it as well.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">So excited for 2013! This is going to be an awesome year! How could it not be with my Lucky number 13 in it! </span> </span></span></div>
Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-5568021520898052512012-12-14T11:27:00.000-07:002012-12-14T11:27:27.658-07:00Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: Old Navy Sweater ReviewYou know a few months back when I talked about how my favorite sweater had got a hole in it and how sad I was to see it go? I loved it's half-sleeve length, it's neutral color, and weight. I was so sad to see it go! I turned it into a lovely pillow, but there was a space missing in my wardrobe that needed to be filled.<br />
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Thankfully shortly after retiring my sweater I was offered a wonderful opportunity from Crowdtap and Old Navy. They offered me and a friend a free sweater just to review it for them! I was thrilled to be chosen for it! I love sweaters, but I am so picky, so to be able to choose any sweater in the store no matter the price was awesome.<br />
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I rounded up a friend of mine and we headed out to the nearest Old Navy. We were impressed by their selection of wool coats the second we walked through the door, and wished we had the money to get a few! SO CUTE! We bypassed them as quickly as possibly and headed to the sweater section. The fun was about to begin!<br />
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The selection was pretty big, though I didn't see a few of the ones I had been swooning over online. We spent a few minutes combing the racks, picking out sweaters to try on. We ended up with about four each to try on.<br />
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A few of my selections: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X0toOMCpCcLS2cLRobbabhliS-Rj2gL47eKQUitnG2td2RgDzI_1Zp2IFNNFETqXMNYb3T_V1tZJLXAdWnsA8gx8KgVSmOJl_U0vjOBmndnkJhkxRSNByAOjbsIdnLU-dSG9qsQIRRA/s1600/cn5642056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X0toOMCpCcLS2cLRobbabhliS-Rj2gL47eKQUitnG2td2RgDzI_1Zp2IFNNFETqXMNYb3T_V1tZJLXAdWnsA8gx8KgVSmOJl_U0vjOBmndnkJhkxRSNByAOjbsIdnLU-dSG9qsQIRRA/s200/cn5642056.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Aup7tzaCYvfd1CH4Uyw_L-M6qaxnN9_guqggxRAKEibsvxiCWf-nldwnRW5jH0I9nFp3c0HFdUDWkKAcVxpLYhU_wR8GypY_ywRrvXkQVi3wVFX6R807r3DG3qAUg2xBEUxAY4XA0dk/s1600/cn5635660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Aup7tzaCYvfd1CH4Uyw_L-M6qaxnN9_guqggxRAKEibsvxiCWf-nldwnRW5jH0I9nFp3c0HFdUDWkKAcVxpLYhU_wR8GypY_ywRrvXkQVi3wVFX6R807r3DG3qAUg2xBEUxAY4XA0dk/s200/cn5635660.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Sc_tQc3yDlq9bum_pnIiKTUUrX1CoRwJHz0-iFNKGmfm-1Ppxu3aCe0nSQH3qzo7JVlY_d95rUouqh9fETS-TweMSaNt6xEpMA9xMbDfCrCkbQO_dz_C5F7_ZkekXaAcnNug0BSLEr4/s1600/cn5723429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Sc_tQc3yDlq9bum_pnIiKTUUrX1CoRwJHz0-iFNKGmfm-1Ppxu3aCe0nSQH3qzo7JVlY_d95rUouqh9fETS-TweMSaNt6xEpMA9xMbDfCrCkbQO_dz_C5F7_ZkekXaAcnNug0BSLEr4/s200/cn5723429.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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A few of Toni's Selections:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3D-ZK_br-heQEASAJ7-9HNUt19haFOhxL1SYHZmYunnAs_uIIPuuVOZo6iX_kf5RBD7v7uCZZ7vAH-pstyCFYthrShptg1glfgl4MPjVvM-YAZ4qOTgZSiTKrU3rWBddaGgU3oiDhds/s1600/cn5671389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3D-ZK_br-heQEASAJ7-9HNUt19haFOhxL1SYHZmYunnAs_uIIPuuVOZo6iX_kf5RBD7v7uCZZ7vAH-pstyCFYthrShptg1glfgl4MPjVvM-YAZ4qOTgZSiTKrU3rWBddaGgU3oiDhds/s200/cn5671389.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiADI5khlkA_rNw0XxdSOd4BCX45Og-XcL8WBAlCjhYJM1lECBAyYmnZjT2wrBm30w8mTHKHUr7t1m8FY_d7Fb3ls1R8AoIUtwAvZiqX7eyUrEI2m8T6wRBlANKwPf9XOH2zCwkwPpKPc/s1600/cn5706141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiADI5khlkA_rNw0XxdSOd4BCX45Og-XcL8WBAlCjhYJM1lECBAyYmnZjT2wrBm30w8mTHKHUr7t1m8FY_d7Fb3ls1R8AoIUtwAvZiqX7eyUrEI2m8T6wRBlANKwPf9XOH2zCwkwPpKPc/s200/cn5706141.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ZH9_Ox138nkqMz0ZioYJ2hGa5Q8iz4Pb4_9pKIdeoRi7GT_cA8K0vrcWWLHWiMzdyHCKrkFqNaswMIhG7ZIDu8SvBdhU6hX508Tm3gVUFQplr1RoknNG_sb3e8RAOPp_gs6n_4ISTE/s1600/cn5671407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ZH9_Ox138nkqMz0ZioYJ2hGa5Q8iz4Pb4_9pKIdeoRi7GT_cA8K0vrcWWLHWiMzdyHCKrkFqNaswMIhG7ZIDu8SvBdhU6hX508Tm3gVUFQplr1RoknNG_sb3e8RAOPp_gs6n_4ISTE/s200/cn5671407.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho67y9zSL2dt7G0LTpDskJLUw4JyvZg0x1TOdyqmq7qaT46JfYFw_SaHa2k7tE7pqHn8JU5UGKwG9ceYCpbQz4rJsWMSVjlkCOhQdoK2KSRHakGsm6abPq6qay8dj9ju1cDZaSY_815G4/s1600/IMG_20121201_180201%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho67y9zSL2dt7G0LTpDskJLUw4JyvZg0x1TOdyqmq7qaT46JfYFw_SaHa2k7tE7pqHn8JU5UGKwG9ceYCpbQz4rJsWMSVjlkCOhQdoK2KSRHakGsm6abPq6qay8dj9ju1cDZaSY_815G4/s200/IMG_20121201_180201%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni's Favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize0HboMwZ5yEZ05n6HNVABwb6Ez3HXBR-orEDTodX0syddfaSZ0Ur_CybyWEeLKSZEP9qtFKGgEPz_gXpVPAK05H4XuNixG6nJoEZnKVNH_RkyrsaxwbNLYkFNm-ikCxfc5pyhDYf57E/s1600/IMG_20121201_180607%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize0HboMwZ5yEZ05n6HNVABwb6Ez3HXBR-orEDTodX0syddfaSZ0Ur_CybyWEeLKSZEP9qtFKGgEPz_gXpVPAK05H4XuNixG6nJoEZnKVNH_RkyrsaxwbNLYkFNm-ikCxfc5pyhDYf57E/s200/IMG_20121201_180607%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torn Between the grey or the cream...</td></tr>
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Once we had made some selections we headed straight to the dressing rooms. I love how the new store design puts them right in the center of the stores! Makes it even easier to go grab more to try on. We each tried on our sweaters, coming out to model them for each other as we went. Soon it was down to a few favorites each. Toni Loved the cardigans, and was torn between the creamish shimmery one she went with, and a really soft black one. I was torn between one of two cowl neck sweaters. I loved the length, style, and sleeves on it, just wasn't sure if I wanted to go for the cream or the grey.<br />
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We contemplated our choices as we checked out their jewelry and accessories! I was so impressed by the quantity and price of all of it. i loved that they sorted it by color so you could quickly find just the right accessories for your outfit! I hope they do an accessory sample and share in the future!<br />
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Once we had decided on our selection we went to check out. The process was easy and all the ladies were asking about crowdtap! Who doesn't love sweaters? Especially when they are free!<br />
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<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/AVvXsEi_Pr45lUeSg2QIf5ngUjIKtdclkrs9YX56iJlUal3CUv54j_Vdll5DdpUXj1p1iQJ4k4uhDIy_-6Y2iwSzhNrEWwLfniSkAj0upAChhJ38esCu6fS-h9CMjeJiFxaNbKmuf9M1Ctikpe4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Pr45lUeSg2QIf5ngUjIKtdclkrs9YX56iJlUal3CUv54j_Vdll5DdpUXj1p1iQJ4k4uhDIy_-6Y2iwSzhNrEWwLfniSkAj0upAChhJ38esCu6fS-h9CMjeJiFxaNbKmuf9M1Ctikpe4/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me being sassy in my fabulous sweater! LOL!</td></tr>
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I ultimately chose the grey sweater. I love it and have worn it many times already, to great reviews. It is soft, has a beautiful chunky pattern, a lovely color, and has the half sleeves that I so loved in my last sweater! I wish I could go back and purchase it in every color! it is fantastic, and well worth the price! I know I will get a ton of wear out of it!<br />
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I am so thankful for the opportunity to try out Old Navy's sweaters and I can't wait to do more sample and shares in the future!<br />
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Bonus: Old Navy is having a sale on all their sweaters this weekend! Go check it out and grab some for yourself! You won't regret it!<br />
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<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=20408">Old Navy Sweater Sale!</a></h3>
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<br />Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-39373070739422394202012-12-10T11:55:00.001-07:002012-12-10T11:55:39.393-07:00Cinderella is Back from the Ball!So I haven't posted in almost a week, and I have so much I should have been posting! I've got my December Daily stuff that needs to get posted, an Old Navy Sweater Review post, A tour of my house all Christmasified, my 12 days of Christmas countdown calendar, crafty stuff for the cookie party that is on Wednesday, and the Smash Ball I went to Saturday! So much goodness to go over, but I think I will have to start with the Smashball!<br />
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So here is what the Smashball is. Basically a bunch of wonderful ladies get together with their Smashbooks (which you can purchase all over the place, even on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/K-CompanySmash-Folio-Doodle-Red/dp/B004ZBLK5E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355161699&sr=8-3&keywords=smash+book">Amazon</a>!) and have access to a HUGE array of scrapbooking products to smash to their hearts content!<br />
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I had seen the original Smashball on the fabulous Becki's blog <a href="http://whippycake.com/blog/2012/09/tickets-to-the-smash-ball-on-sale-now/">Whippy Cake</a> and had been so disappointed to find it was in Arizona, far far away. :( It sounded like such a fabulous event that I couldn't help but want to attend. I stored it away, and pouted a little to my husband about how much I wanted to go.<br />
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Well, long story short, a few months later I learned that Becki was bringing the Smashing fun to Utah!!!! She was having a giveaway for a ticket, and I jumped right on that, knowing that the $70 ticket was a little more than I could afford to spend right now. Unfortunately I didn't win a ticket, and I was so bummed. :( How was I going to go to the Ball without a ticket? Sad face ensued, and a few days of moping around sad that I would not be going to this fabulous event I had been dreaming about. :(<br />
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So Friday rolls around (the day before the Smashball), and I get an E-mail from Becki with a special promo code for a discounted ticket to the "Ball". With the ticket now only $50 it is suddenly in my price range to attend, since my birthday is next week, and my husband had not yet purchased a gift. So I got the okay from him, and started looking into how I would get there, and how I would get home. 2.5 hours on the bus would get me there on time, but I would have to leave at seven to get home by the same route, cutting my fun time down by 4 HOURS! So I got on facebook, posted a plea on Whippy Cake's facebook page and soon found someone else who was going that was willing to drive me home! So I bought a ticket an was off on my adventure!<br />
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My hubby had to work that morning, so I met him at the Trax station by his work with the boys. I then went and hopped on the new South Frontrunner. They were having a free day, so I got all the way from Murray to Provo for just a can of food! Of course I had to stand all the way there (about an hour and 15 minutes altogether) and my back was starting to kill by the time I got down there, but it was well worth the savings! The train was much roomier than I would have thought, and had it not been a free day I think I would have had a much better experience on my ride. It was fun to take Frontrunner for the first time, and my boys wish they had come too!<br />
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I got off the Train in Provo, asked someone which way University Avenue was and began walking the mile to the venue... silly me somehow got turned around though, and I ended up walking nearly a mile in the WRONG DIRECTION. When I finally figured it out I had a mini panic attack! Here I was in a city I hardly knew, lost... I then remembered that I am now the owner of a smart phone, and I typed the address into google maps and the wonderful GPS led me all the way back, past the train station, over the overpass, and straight to center street. I sighed in relief as I saw the Temple construction site.<br />
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I had a little time to kill, so I walked around for a bit, taking in center street, and then was drawn into the Indian Food place India Palace that was across the street from our venue for the night. It just smelled so good I could not help myself!<br />
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After eating I was off to the Ball! I received some wonderful swag! I wish I had got some better pictures of the event, but my phone was going dead, so I didn't want to waste the batteries, just in case. There were all kinds of fun accessories, scrapbooking elements, charms, so much goodness! I was so excited! There were some candles from <a href="https://amyburchfield.mygc.com/Home">Gold Canyon Candles</a> that smelled amazing (ginger lime, OMG it was the best smelling candle EVER, and packed such a big punch for such little candles!). There was also some earrings from <a href="http://hooplaearrings.blogspot.com/">Hoopla Earrings </a>that I just LOVED (so much that I put them on right away!) And of course there were some lovely headbands and clips from <a href="http://www.whippycake.com/">Whippy Cake</a>! There was so much fun stuff! Oh, and can't forget the Grandma's cookie!! My favorite cookie in the world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrIFk3Hd-66t97pJIGoLrrvklMntet6KvUzaM-ph-E9gUdgBVlafzGakfbEhrDlwA2ydZY1_eNuMyH-_CS_UWDPiUTiDqWQNIr35uAd3oR4sWLb5wjxKpXQAvTB_DtmkjyUqcPy3mvtM/s1600/IMG_20121208_170920%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrIFk3Hd-66t97pJIGoLrrvklMntet6KvUzaM-ph-E9gUdgBVlafzGakfbEhrDlwA2ydZY1_eNuMyH-_CS_UWDPiUTiDqWQNIr35uAd3oR4sWLb5wjxKpXQAvTB_DtmkjyUqcPy3mvtM/s320/IMG_20121208_170920%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a>After I was good and done looking at all the goodies in the swag bags I made my way over to the "Buffet" This was not your typical buffet though. This was every paper crafters dream. A giant table filled with every embellishment you could possibly imagine! Bins, and plates, and cupcake holders FILLED with fabulous swag, and we could take as much as we wanted! It was all up for grabs, there were stickers, letters, pockets, ribbons, feathers, lace, rhinestones, paper, clips, brads, flowers, washi tape, stamps, ink, it just went on and on!!! I must have visited the buffet at least a dozen time during the night, and every time I came back with even more wonderful stuff! It was AMAZING!<br />
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I had forgotten my pictures to smash, so I didn't get a ton done, by I had so much fun getting to know the ladies at my table! They were all so much fun and were very welcoming. I was so nervous, since I had never been to something like this, and they made me feel so welcome. <a href="http://dearlexedesigns.wordpress.com/">Alexes Brown</a>, <a href="http://jenny-nielson.blogspot.com/2012/12/smash-ball.html?spref=fb">Jenny Purcell Nielson</a>, <a href="http://www.allreddesign.net/">Lori Allred</a>, <a href="http://www.thepotters-place.com/">Staci Potter</a>, and the other ladies at our table were awesome! So glad I met them, and hope I see them at other things in the future!<br />
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All of this made me realize that I need to be branching out more and meeting new people with my interests. The last few years I have pretty much become a hermit out of necessity, due to Dominic's schedule, and it has really not been good for me. I have been missing out on meeting people and doing things that I enjoy. I have been so focused on getting him through school and taking care of my boys that I have lost sight of all the things I once enjoyed! I need to start getting more involved in the crafting community we have here. Everyone I met was so wonderfully awesome, and I had more fun than I had had in a long time. It was so good for me! This will not be the last thing like this I attend, that's for sure!<br />
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I am so glad I got the opportunity to go to this! Thank you so much to all the sponsers. K&Company, Spark the Event Online, Carina Gardner, Amy Burchfield from GC candles, Hoopla Jewelry, Ellie Collection Jewelry, and of course Becki from Whippy Cake who made this whole thing happen! It was an amazing night, and I really enjoyed getting "Smashed". LOL!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-22581913735572163242012-12-04T09:53:00.002-07:002012-12-04T09:53:30.326-07:00December Daily: Day 3Another day past, and another one that I am on the ball! I've got yesterday's December daily page all made! They might not be the most beautiful pages, but they are serving their purpose of getting the info down and recorded!<br />
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Here is Day 3!<br />
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This is the spread. I attached today's photo to the back of the one from the previous day, and then journaled about a new tradition we are starting around our house, and how my husband surprised me with an early Christmas gift for it.<br />
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A friend talked about how one of her friend's family would set the table with all the nice dishes on the first of December and eat every meal together as a family at the beautifully set table throughout the month. I loved the idea, so I got out some nice glasses and dishes and set my beautiful table. The only thing missing was nice silverware. I didn't have a matching set at all, so I set it with some shiny plastic ones from the dollar store. When I told my husband about it he decided to give me one of my gifts early.<br />
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He had purchased me a beautiful set of silverware as a gift! And so I could enjoy them with my new tradition he gave them to me early. They really make the table look even better!<br />
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Here you can see the journaling from the previous day poking through. I thought it would be fun to take these photographs on the table, since that is what I am talking about.<br />
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A little more of a close up. Love the glittery letters I used!<br />
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And a very close-up of the photo! Even in the picture you can tell how wonderfully shiny and beautiful they are! He said he spent hours trying to find just the right pattern for me! How sweet is that?<br />
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So there you have it! Day three down! This week is going to be a difficult one to find stories, since we are pretty much sticking around the house. Next week should be more interesting, with a Holiday party, my birthday, and a few fun excursions planned! I am looking forward to getting to the more interesting stuff, but little things like this are great too!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-5644482257228924512012-12-03T10:05:00.000-07:002012-12-03T10:41:37.906-07:00December Daily: Day 1 & 2Sometime soon I am going to track down my adobe suite and put it on this computer. So tired of sub par pictures! Need some editing done to them!<br />
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With that said, let's talk about December Daily some more! So excited for this project this year! I was planning on waiting until this weekend and getting all my pictures printed at Walgreens, but decided I would try printing some photos from my brother printer. the quality was WAY better than i had been expecting (it's not a photo printer, so I was not expecting much). The best part is, I have a printer app on my phone that allows me to print my instagram and other photos straight to my printer from my phone! So easy!! So I printed off a few pictures quickly and threw together the first few days.<br />
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Here is the beginning. Added a calendar to the inside front cover, plus my fabulous divider for the beginning of December. Still am so in love with these!<br />
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Day one. I went out to breakfast with my Aunt and Cousin and then went shopping for my FREE sweater from Old Navy and Crowdtap (more to come on that, writing up a review for the blog!). I printed off a picture of the sweater I chose and cut it down to fit the space. Journaled a little about the day on a printable card I found<a href="http://www.creativityprompt.com/friday-freebie-outnumbered-journaling-cards/"> here.</a> I added some fun green letter stickers to spell out "Fabulous". It was pretty quick and easy!<br />
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Day two. Just realized this one needs a number somewhere. Will have to add that. Anyway, lots of journaling here. Wrote about our trip to the new trader Joes that just opened, and visiting with my friend Maryann!<br />
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Here is a close-up of the picture I printed. This was us waiting in line! It wrapped all the way down the aisle! Pretty long for a grocery store!<br />
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Pretty simple start. I think I want to go back and make an introduction page of some sort. I think i will use the picture of the Christmas tree Dominic took on Instagram.If you want to follow along with our December Daily fun you can follow us on Instagram!Just click on the little button below!<br />
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Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-56504091209711782062012-11-28T11:45:00.000-07:002012-11-28T14:17:47.334-07:00December Daily- We are Ready to RockOver the last few weeks I have been working on setting up my December Daily Album for this year. I've already shown you my <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/2012/11/december-daily-foundation-pages.html">Foundation pages</a>, and the first Draft of <a href="http://fordwardmovingmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/december-daily-this-year-it-is-happening.html">my cover</a>. Now it's time to dig into the fun stuff I have put inside! I've also got some pictures of the supplies I have gathered to use throughout the month, and a fun idea for getting the whole Family involved in December Daily.<br />
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I apologize in advance for the less than stellar pictures. I am still trying to figure out the best settings on the camera I own, and my computer with my editing software is being buggy today, so these are SOOC (or Straight out of camera for you folks who don't deal with camera terminology).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEY1SQsa9SxHvfhd4EdvD2FHT71fpNismS-y3ME0MYRzFqeOtQg16m-TpQBCDgDcT9Gc02Vyv1Q2sUEmbwD5tuvTOK7ccCxLSNCediu3puCNwvN-hqD6QvJGpEP3wJYTNy51UWo0IBuM/s1600/December+daily+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEY1SQsa9SxHvfhd4EdvD2FHT71fpNismS-y3ME0MYRzFqeOtQg16m-TpQBCDgDcT9Gc02Vyv1Q2sUEmbwD5tuvTOK7ccCxLSNCediu3puCNwvN-hqD6QvJGpEP3wJYTNy51UWo0IBuM/s320/December+daily+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Let's start off with my updated cover. I added a glue rub-on tree which I then glittered. I added some rhinestones for ornaments, and a chipboard star for the top. I also altered the back a little, just extended the washi tape to cover the entire spine on the back. I failed to get a picture of it though. My boys are loving looking through it already and are super excited to get started this weekend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdQY5zUqiRoCJTYIcHMzFyNT7pDkrZqe6AVOjVmmxfakSoXAQojBrdBGXdOj32u455wXr4DQKWFe2befwyxFVBCrjW3ix27o4sQ_rg92m4Z7Ta2mHRRDo_erus9KXUzq0oVRzJXXwDjw/s1600/December+daily+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdQY5zUqiRoCJTYIcHMzFyNT7pDkrZqe6AVOjVmmxfakSoXAQojBrdBGXdOj32u455wXr4DQKWFe2befwyxFVBCrjW3ix27o4sQ_rg92m4Z7Ta2mHRRDo_erus9KXUzq0oVRzJXXwDjw/s200/December+daily+008.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1h1s-YbZ-bc_oJEONOguDvXlUGwcCToQDJbrnvobohhkhrj0OKYr-vQZSx2tVc5n-z8-n-oI74x-mVNHMybJG8NgJKJ56Q-Zq3VnB6Lj9oSKhfJVhxW16udwkU64TDN40P-wA7dxb1s/s1600/December+daily+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1h1s-YbZ-bc_oJEONOguDvXlUGwcCToQDJbrnvobohhkhrj0OKYr-vQZSx2tVc5n-z8-n-oI74x-mVNHMybJG8NgJKJ56Q-Zq3VnB6Lj9oSKhfJVhxW16udwkU64TDN40P-wA7dxb1s/s200/December+daily+003.JPG" width="200" /></a>I gathered a bunch of supplies together to make the recording and embellishing more easy. These are going to be set on my kitchen counter near the table so I can quickly get some recording done without pulling out any additional supplies. The red utensil container has a few ink pads, a couple smash stamps, 9 rolls of washi tape, several adhesives, rhinestones, glitter, a rub-on applicator, and various pens.<br />
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I also gathered together stickers, journaling cards, die-cuts, rub-ons, envelopes, extra page protectors, etc. These I put in a cute tin I found at Ikea, I put little cards in that separate each catagorey for easy access.I also have a small paper cutter and a 3-hole punch that I have adjusted to punch holes that fit in the album.<br />
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Now on to some of the things I have already added. I love adding in all kinds of memorabilia from throughout the month, but some things come from earlier and fit with what I want in my album, so I include those too!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4ItcdO87aMerOztn6B7ZV3d7LLAXuJvJWvheYCxKTEFjdHS4Wq6VZz3KP6EUXFgUloVB0AfxW_t_9JU0pl7SSY8dFPxtxWYX7FDqXWvQKNvDJwywO5hOhVUXexiVGP1i8eJmuMiY5RY/s1600/December+daily+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4ItcdO87aMerOztn6B7ZV3d7LLAXuJvJWvheYCxKTEFjdHS4Wq6VZz3KP6EUXFgUloVB0AfxW_t_9JU0pl7SSY8dFPxtxWYX7FDqXWvQKNvDJwywO5hOhVUXexiVGP1i8eJmuMiY5RY/s200/December+daily+023.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
I took one of our Christmas Cards and cut it in half (removed the back) I then punched it with my hole punch and insrted it into the album. On the other side of it there was a big blank space so I added a little die cut that says 'Seasons Greetings" and a handwritten note that says "Our Christmas Card". Looking back I wish I had picked a Christmas card that was horizontal rather than vertical so it would have looked better in the album. Oh well, there is always next year!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM3PGhzkVhm1SYMyH8wC5shw3JsGGKAr38C0cA12PctSx_6k7EOGJVDep9kGBBA2wlKqYJkhGlb90TtCKfdX2X_WBlytNxm6vpIokbTSsYzO7WH0qAM2_FCoIiIg_5QOPhYUQPyosYMo/s1600/December+daily+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM3PGhzkVhm1SYMyH8wC5shw3JsGGKAr38C0cA12PctSx_6k7EOGJVDep9kGBBA2wlKqYJkhGlb90TtCKfdX2X_WBlytNxm6vpIokbTSsYzO7WH0qAM2_FCoIiIg_5QOPhYUQPyosYMo/s200/December+daily+024.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
The other thing I have put in is Ryan's "Letter to Santa" He drew a picture of what he says is "Lego guys", because that is what he wants for Christmas. if only I had known that BEFORE I finished my Christmas shopping for him. Jack had one as well, but he spilt milk on it, so I am going to have him do another one later this month.<br />
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Now on to the fun stuff!! This is mostly just for looking
at, so I won't talk to much about them. If you have a question leave it
in the comments and I will try to answer it. These first pictures are
all of dividers I made for throughout the album.<br />
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And then there are some fun little inserts. There are more of these, but I only photographed a few. Many of them are on the backs of envelopes, so there will be little pockets to put things in throughout the album.</div>
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I also have a little notebook that my Mother-in-law sent me a few months back that I am going to keep with me while we are out and about throughout December so I can jot down anything that I want to remember to put in the album.</div>
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You'll notice I didn't put any numbers on my pages. I want t be able to move the little inserts around wherever they fit best. The foundation pages I have each have the date, and i have some numbers I have cut to add if I feel like it.<br />
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So there you have it, all the basic elements of my December Daily Album for 2012! I think this is the most on the ball with this I have been in a while! So proud I have gotten this far with it!<br />
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To make this project more of a family affair I have made a fun list of random things to take pictures of throughout December. It's about 100 items long, so there are some pretty obscure things in there! Every day each family member has to take a picture of at least one thing on the list. I purchased a cheap digital camera for my boys to use (It was free! Just had to pay $2 for shipping! Score!). I imported the list into my "Cozi" App on my new smartphone so that we can check things off the list wherever we may be. Not all the pictures will make it int the album, but some will, and it will be a fun was to get the whole family involved in the project!<br />
<br />Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-50004453662440053732012-11-26T10:44:00.001-07:002012-11-26T10:44:34.212-07:00One Little Word: What Will You Focus on in 2013?It's about that time of year that I start thinking about my "One Little Word". This is a word that gives me a focus for the upcoming year, something to work on, think about, develop, etc. I got the idea from, you guessed it,<a href="http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-reading-of-the-words.html"> Ali Edwards</a> (have I mentioned how much she inspires me in everything she does?), and it has been interesting.<br />
My word last year I believe was "Create". I don't remember exactly. I lost track of what I wanted to focus on this year at some point, as I focused on meeting the needs of everyone else. I think I created, but I didn't really focus on creating myself. I meant to create in many different meanings of the word, and it all got lost because I put myself last. I wanted to create an organized home, I wanted to create traditions, I wanted to create memories, and mostly I ended up creating stress.<br />
This last little part of the year I am going to try to focus on creating more, and one of the things I want to create while I do that is something visual I can put up in my house to remind me of the word I choose for 2013.<br />
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That leaves me the task of deciding on a word. In the past this has been a hard fought battle. I probably over-think it, but it always seems like such a big thing to me. I think about it a lot. I even pray about it. I ponder the year ahead and what I know I will be facing. I think about other goals I have set, and how I might incorporate them into my one little word. I think of it as an affirmation, or a resolution. It defines me, and focuses me, and feels like something that should be given great thought and consideration.<br />
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Some that are in consideration for this next year: Create (again, so I can do it right this time), Memories, Me, Achieve, Be, Challenge, Cultivate (that was on my list of maybe's last year), Focus, Record, Lift, Moment, Restore, Venture, Wonder... and the list goes on. It's going to be hard to choose one. <br />
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So, if you could choose one word that represents what you want for the coming year, what would it be? What one little word will define you this coming year? Think about it, and post your answer below. Perhaps you will inspire me... ooooo Inspire is a good word too....Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-66318492877471527072012-11-20T11:30:00.000-07:002012-11-20T11:30:30.404-07:00DIY Graphic Christmas Canvases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8Seq10-1KQJvZZM7-bexcpb6Y7oApY7nfTmJufv6ZD-jVpWr4xZs3tuqQKRHKGD6C-5MUh54iKBsegmwIPghVQHIcfjge5Ic_-YqjBzD_wGM54gnmdiTFTtYo-LBrEFpBDFkgJzz2rU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8Seq10-1KQJvZZM7-bexcpb6Y7oApY7nfTmJufv6ZD-jVpWr4xZs3tuqQKRHKGD6C-5MUh54iKBsegmwIPghVQHIcfjge5Ic_-YqjBzD_wGM54gnmdiTFTtYo-LBrEFpBDFkgJzz2rU/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Today I want to talk about these cute little canvases I made yesterday. They are so simple, easy, and cheap! I'm going with a color scheme of red, green, gold, silver, and glittery this year for our decor, and they make such lovely additions!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpyZpPg0ljVow8ADo2-kAhF8ivbk3q3rnlM3ynLPLqTZeU8XKwdr-JireGH_JnvOj4juTeoi1ZXTLBIJmhM6lYQi9azU-Is6WiO-BteEe71TueNMBg6bUY2_6hKPSREDoFIN87cfcBcw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpyZpPg0ljVow8ADo2-kAhF8ivbk3q3rnlM3ynLPLqTZeU8XKwdr-JireGH_JnvOj4juTeoi1ZXTLBIJmhM6lYQi9azU-Is6WiO-BteEe71TueNMBg6bUY2_6hKPSREDoFIN87cfcBcw/s200/011.JPG" width="132" /></a>Here's what you need:<br />
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2 Canvases- One 12x12, One 8.5 x 11 (I love the bulk value canvases at Micheal's)<br />
Red glitter Chipboard letters ( I used<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Memories-Chipboard-Jigsaw-Glitter/dp/B008RCBCGE/ref=sr_1_38?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1353350894&sr=1-38&keywords=glitter+chipboard+letters"> these</a>)<br />
1 chipboard Ampersand in a contrasting color<br />
1 flat glittery ornament (I found mine at Dollar Tree)<br />
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks<br />
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1. Decide on what two phrases/word you would like on your canvases, make sure you have enough of every letter you need (I forgot this step and ended up having to turn another letter into an "r" to finish merry & bright). I suggest one long one, and one short. For example Love & Joy + Noel, Jingle Bells & Snow, etc. You will likely have enough letters left to make a few more words (I am going to make a Santa and Snow one as soon as I can get out to Dollar tree for more ornaments).<br />
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2. Arrange the letters on the two canvases to your liking. I found it helped me to draw a light pencil line to line up my letters. Remember to leave space for your ornament on one of the canvases.<br />
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3. Once you have you letters arranged how you would like remove one at a time, place hot glue on the back and replace it in the same position. Do the same with your ornament. Allow to dry. Erase any pencil marks that may be on your canvases.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EPLW3Drq-E2_x-QKH3f40NDUkInW6Fpo5ndHeKy8DIw8amGklnlOqIRlo7d6m8Szh4LT-IL7WJE8JjZZt1OI-baqE2yzTey5svgETW69baJ2mjq_gAFGMihyphenhyphenUvUI3OHH4W_UoTEuhwY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EPLW3Drq-E2_x-QKH3f40NDUkInW6Fpo5ndHeKy8DIw8amGklnlOqIRlo7d6m8Szh4LT-IL7WJE8JjZZt1OI-baqE2yzTey5svgETW69baJ2mjq_gAFGMihyphenhyphenUvUI3OHH4W_UoTEuhwY/s320/017.JPG" width="212" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPJBziNiW9_tLKTNTiw87SBs4iCBKiBHCczSWxrfjKHvMLCRF0i3jZDJf3LoeGerqhdS70G5QUF8omqnZLh6-0jCh6jD6RA_SeiyDn_gEZmlOklBEt008DUD8Ge2-MzABQqqpcxfocEs/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPJBziNiW9_tLKTNTiw87SBs4iCBKiBHCczSWxrfjKHvMLCRF0i3jZDJf3LoeGerqhdS70G5QUF8omqnZLh6-0jCh6jD6RA_SeiyDn_gEZmlOklBEt008DUD8Ge2-MzABQqqpcxfocEs/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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It's really that simple! it took me less than 5 minutes to do both of mine, and I love them. They are so graphic and simple! And I already had all the items I needed on hand, other than the ornament. I can't wait to do the other two! Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-46825657129138171882012-11-19T11:02:00.000-07:002012-11-19T21:50:03.891-07:00Menu Monday: Week ThreeYay! We are back to Monday again, and another installment of Menu Monday!<br />
So what's on the menu at the Ford's house this week? Lots of warm comforting food, with quite a few seasonal yummies thrown in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/10/chili-3-ways.html">Black & White Vegetarian Chili</a></h3>
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This link is a three for one! There are three Chili recipes contained here, and all of them are super easy. We have made the curry chili and the pumpkin chili before (and I even combined the two recipes for an even more delicious result!), but this time I chose the Black and White Chili, just to shake things up. So far the pumpkin Chili is my favorite, but we'll see if that changes!<br />
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<a href="http://naturallyella.com/2012/10/10/tomato-herb-and-goat-cheese-frittata/">Tomato, Herb, and Goat Cheese Frittata</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFSO_91iIML9TQfDK06TM90vl4Lbwhyphenhyphenrrq7YrFPdq66YVAVLjjgdcK0s6Bma0Y8_crVhOonLPslE5YttbEce0jjUqQswrX3xyxJWFTy1EHzGZipto4VlNXjq4canfiH6xsMUEp9KASlY/s1600/IMG_8707-450x675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFSO_91iIML9TQfDK06TM90vl4Lbwhyphenhyphenrrq7YrFPdq66YVAVLjjgdcK0s6Bma0Y8_crVhOonLPslE5YttbEce0jjUqQswrX3xyxJWFTy1EHzGZipto4VlNXjq4canfiH6xsMUEp9KASlY/s200/IMG_8707-450x675.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
This recipe hails from my newest favorite recipe blog <a href="http://naturallyella.com/">Naturally Ella</a>. She is my kind of cook! She uses natural, wholesome, in-season produce in here recipes. This one is from October, and uses the last of her yummy tomatoes, so not in season anymore, but still delicious! And thanks to my handy, dandy, anniversary gift I am now able to make Frittatas! Yum Yum Yum! I have a very big love for cheese of all kind, but goat cheese has to be one of my favorite to cook with. It is so tangy and creamy, and works well with so many kinds of food! Don't be afraid to try it, it is delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://batterlicker.com/2011/11/roasted-butternut-squash-caramelized-onion-and-goat-cheese-tart/">Roasted Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Tart</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGqJol72bhTWjMXcFuA7uyBL6nX3mtIaT-G4mPauWqbSGNNosTPA2HAi7yNW7JLMoYAZ25SYeKuJ9PxATOnfGLKtBc9cp7KijhAOpd4Fie1ZE5lIJd6qsozbO_hhEDnPavfU5Fh1vumU/s1600/SAM_7125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGqJol72bhTWjMXcFuA7uyBL6nX3mtIaT-G4mPauWqbSGNNosTPA2HAi7yNW7JLMoYAZ25SYeKuJ9PxATOnfGLKtBc9cp7KijhAOpd4Fie1ZE5lIJd6qsozbO_hhEDnPavfU5Fh1vumU/s200/SAM_7125.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Now that you know of my obsession with cheese it will come at no surprise that this recipe contains three cheeses! Add in the deliciousness of butternut squash (a staple around here during the winter months), and delectable caramelized onions and there was no way this one was not making it on the menu this week. Bonus is I still have some butternut squash leftover from last weeks Lasagna, so I don't have to carry home a heavy squash!<br />
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<a href="http://naturallyella.com/2012/08/31/roasted-curried-tomatoes-with-fried-paneer-and-rice/">Roasted Curried Tomatoes with Fried Paneer and Rice</a></h3>
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Another lovely recipe from Naturally Ella. This is a lighter take on Indian Food, and seemed like just the right thing to round out my menu. With fresh paneer it should be amazing! I love that I can make Indian food more affordable and accessible now that I can make my own paneer. Learning to make Paneer, Mozzarella, and Ricotta cheeses has really changed the way I look at recipes. I see those ingredients as a gallon of milk, and boy does that make it seem more doable on a budget! Now if only I could learn to make Goat Cheese and find goats milk locally.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2010/12/recipe-for-vegetarian-black-bean-and.html">Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup with Lime</a></h3>
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Our last recipe hails from <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/">Kalyn's Kitchen</a>. With the cold weather I can't help but throw in more soups into our menu. I love soup, and I am trying to convert my husband to loving soup and chili. So far I have found one soup and one chili he actually likes. This recipe mainly made it on here because I have two extra cans of Black beans in my pantry, and a large sweet potato that has to be used. That makes this soup a budget helper, as all I have to pick up are some limes! Score! I always love finding recipes that use what I have on hand!Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-50841487445163527092012-11-14T14:12:00.000-07:002012-11-14T14:16:36.849-07:00Sweater Pillow DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr43uvf58WcAW0nL5p5NgBjbs_X2FwNTyW40uOCHobRs9yEEIrzLAN-EtiAZzqTA3qPmduKyO8DIYv5iXol02Sz9GtlB51xP4JXllzeCXWVK3Ib1tAMYA5jleRdSoV2-pOyjBYTc7ufI/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr43uvf58WcAW0nL5p5NgBjbs_X2FwNTyW40uOCHobRs9yEEIrzLAN-EtiAZzqTA3qPmduKyO8DIYv5iXol02Sz9GtlB51xP4JXllzeCXWVK3Ib1tAMYA5jleRdSoV2-pOyjBYTc7ufI/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6HaiVLLK9MQrtPK3YGADyYQQjDhJ-MqXPnNNNH5Jfqals-EtS21t08PJug7YI7X1SzzoqXBrv39GPcp2gTL5BB-DD6sG_1rSSpAudcFr_0HbSGEGNZt2zK7kJ3mRr3cN5rpYM42BZec/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6HaiVLLK9MQrtPK3YGADyYQQjDhJ-MqXPnNNNH5Jfqals-EtS21t08PJug7YI7X1SzzoqXBrv39GPcp2gTL5BB-DD6sG_1rSSpAudcFr_0HbSGEGNZt2zK7kJ3mRr3cN5rpYM42BZec/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>A few days ago a sad thing happened. My very favorite sweater (and pretty much my only sweater at this point) decided to get a teeny tiny hold in it. Normally I would keep wearing it, but this hole happened to be right in the chest area, and showed my wonderful purple bra off to the world (I only have one bra right now too, boy do I need to go shopping!). I love this sweater, mostly because it is 3/4 sleeve. I genuinely hate long sleeves, and always roll them up, so this saves me a step! After much sadness I decided the sweater could no longer be worn and decided to throw it out.<br />
Before I had even gotten it over my head I decided that it might be perfectly useable in some other way, and my mind decided that it should be made into a comfy cozy pillow cover so I can keep feeling it's warmth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HRn_ZRQ1Pj_JaACrcBVlhiEz7cZPcUX500-bRD1R8hGwboSyIXze82WFouZmdqnQ2QOGBHqQihjpYnPtjlK5TeI6KrBkLQG_lFosuA0_ctc860nu4fwDUF1TROO2_6CfHXeg0PJcMf0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HRn_ZRQ1Pj_JaACrcBVlhiEz7cZPcUX500-bRD1R8hGwboSyIXze82WFouZmdqnQ2QOGBHqQihjpYnPtjlK5TeI6KrBkLQG_lFosuA0_ctc860nu4fwDUF1TROO2_6CfHXeg0PJcMf0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>A few days later I tracked down some thread, a needle, and some scissors and went to work. I cut all the way across the sweater just under the arm pits so I had a tube top like thing. I also cut off the sleeves for use in a let project. Not sure what yet, but we will figure something out! I then turned it inside out and hand stitched the entirety of one side.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR40QnMlT8_gnFQfdziV1KLf7a-JQpP4ABKZ3mycix0utB-m51h2ndm8opZDHHS716GolZOQyiL4qh4iRUUCeO3ruTXwlbI4iPG_LV_mi8ZhUMKdoxOe_aqtovJ-MM-BmV9PO4UKjI1TE/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR40QnMlT8_gnFQfdziV1KLf7a-JQpP4ABKZ3mycix0utB-m51h2ndm8opZDHHS716GolZOQyiL4qh4iRUUCeO3ruTXwlbI4iPG_LV_mi8ZhUMKdoxOe_aqtovJ-MM-BmV9PO4UKjI1TE/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>This would probably have gone faster if I had used my machine, but my white bobbin was missing and I did not have an empty one. So I sat and stitched while enjoying a nice glass of water and watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars.<br />
I then turned it right side out, inserted the pillow, and carefully hand stitched all along the other side of the pillow.<br />
It took about an hour altogether, but now I have a soft warm pillow perfect for the Holidays and cold weather.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH0IU32cu9lC1VyDMSzcO3gBKft52msJQe03iUAo9CFwRXKo1FufGTYCVt5HKElrNiPC_Ea0xQ08QpCpsGKcmfX8wioZdGTKLrDoa9NQoXKeq4UrOugQ1PY01ZLuYRRDvVyVi5IOkz3w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH0IU32cu9lC1VyDMSzcO3gBKft52msJQe03iUAo9CFwRXKo1FufGTYCVt5HKElrNiPC_Ea0xQ08QpCpsGKcmfX8wioZdGTKLrDoa9NQoXKeq4UrOugQ1PY01ZLuYRRDvVyVi5IOkz3w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>Since it went so well, I grabbed a pillow whose cover had gone missing, and some green damask pattern fabric I had bought for Halloween and made up another little pillow.<br />
They now both grace my favorite little red chair from Ikea (which needs a cleaning badly!). I imagine it will be the perfect little spot for sipping some Hot Cocoa this holiday season as I admire my Christmas tree and wait for my husband to get home late at night. It sure put me in a holiday mood, so I got out a garland that never made it into the Christmas storage and put it up as well. So now my house is slowly on it's transformation to a Holiday haven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcnFM8JTYslCPuQ4SXeQ5xTu-k1HIIBavQ5N_fRdUg4DxT38xUtUt3kZ3QXhNCGoIzGxe7jhM6izSIKeTl21MJC_QDz0mZ2BbK05MXdNiqTu4ZvajsYNpRfscg0i1LG9NF-K1O9vxy-8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcnFM8JTYslCPuQ4SXeQ5xTu-k1HIIBavQ5N_fRdUg4DxT38xUtUt3kZ3QXhNCGoIzGxe7jhM6izSIKeTl21MJC_QDz0mZ2BbK05MXdNiqTu4ZvajsYNpRfscg0i1LG9NF-K1O9vxy-8/s1600/002.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOg_mkshltsS6Rb5saNtG8Db16SnJiuf6_jQ1xe2qeuqLDfFB62yFQgxxHV0RaCKfznULU1c4F_Tdm5KCY6y-4QsVj40tZlQM8rbdq3fkwFloaHCh1LNMUlP5ykYn-tZebpsHPFStVFg/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOg_mkshltsS6Rb5saNtG8Db16SnJiuf6_jQ1xe2qeuqLDfFB62yFQgxxHV0RaCKfznULU1c4F_Tdm5KCY6y-4QsVj40tZlQM8rbdq3fkwFloaHCh1LNMUlP5ykYn-tZebpsHPFStVFg/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr43uvf58WcAW0nL5p5NgBjbs_X2FwNTyW40uOCHobRs9yEEIrzLAN-EtiAZzqTA3qPmduKyO8DIYv5iXol02Sz9GtlB51xP4JXllzeCXWVK3Ib1tAMYA5jleRdSoV2-pOyjBYTc7ufI/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR40QnMlT8_gnFQfdziV1KLf7a-JQpP4ABKZ3mycix0utB-m51h2ndm8opZDHHS716GolZOQyiL4qh4iRUUCeO3ruTXwlbI4iPG_LV_mi8ZhUMKdoxOe_aqtovJ-MM-BmV9PO4UKjI1TE/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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So What Do you think I should do with the Sleeves? I am thinking either some type of vase cover, or making them into rice bags. Any other suggestions out there?
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<br />SO let's get a fresh start this morning! On to this weeks Menu monday! This one is brought to you by my husband who volunteered to menu plan this week.<br />
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<b><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/vegetarian/tofu-makhani/">Tofu Makhani</a></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT3zJ1NDAU7ZI4Wu6lXDkFQmYEgtYOuA2Nxa3p6UrAqssnns-wP9WQz6t3d8LPAf3VR-QdIHHz1Ow7g0xNPuzPaK9hpqd6Jbxvc_VzXcSI3rLm6f8RkWsP-3E1MNZGsEdMPu6EwG1nHg/s1600/img_3042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT3zJ1NDAU7ZI4Wu6lXDkFQmYEgtYOuA2Nxa3p6UrAqssnns-wP9WQz6t3d8LPAf3VR-QdIHHz1Ow7g0xNPuzPaK9hpqd6Jbxvc_VzXcSI3rLm6f8RkWsP-3E1MNZGsEdMPu6EwG1nHg/s200/img_3042.jpg" width="200" /></a>At our house Indian Food is comfort food. It's aromas fill our house on many occasions because we love it so much! This particular recipe is an easy one to get your feet wet with. The only ingredient I have had a hard time finding is the Fenegrek Leaves, and you can find those online on Amazon for a decent price. This is the ultimate in sweet and savory, deliciousness. It is even better with paneer, so if you have some on hand, or are lucky enough to know how to make it I suggest going that route. Perhaps there will be a tutorial on making paneer in the near future.</div>
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<a href="http://www.aturtleslifeforme.com/2011/10/grilled-cheese-adult-style.html?showComment=1319483580744#c1498461135965327375"><b>Adult Grilled Cheese</b></a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCHbI3XDXuWC3H8W9UaR8ad8awg7DLc2HNWyzpbIxjcKB-f-z4yJYa4gzDflBdwbzuynqYecKl6lHBuB380MH97K00yrDEhTyJ-PKEnk7utm9-GjCfcm4UATI4CtBk138dTh9jb9oTsk/s1600/adult+grilled+cheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCHbI3XDXuWC3H8W9UaR8ad8awg7DLc2HNWyzpbIxjcKB-f-z4yJYa4gzDflBdwbzuynqYecKl6lHBuB380MH97K00yrDEhTyJ-PKEnk7utm9-GjCfcm4UATI4CtBk138dTh9jb9oTsk/s200/adult+grilled+cheese.JPG" width="200" /></a>We made our own variation on this lovely<b> </b>sandwich. Ours contained Sharp white Cheddar instead of fresh mozzarella (though if I had had the time we would have made some fresh mozzarella, that stuff is amazing!!), and thinly sliced tomatoes instead of the pepperoni. Served on sourdough bread with some tomato soup these were a perfect choice for a cold snowy day!</div>
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<a href="http://naturallyella.com/2010/02/24/black-bean-and-guac-burrito/">Black Bean and Guac Burritos</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EHtU3CUXMS1Zz4y99hOjeKUsQTASTuTxyZFS3CkwqR236Cm6VxTf32rdLJVSNYRUzGuM4_L9_saLc9awmQYslXIWzHL9qLoFCRg70ldAreZvvVQFdPP43VR1KLzl-jGWNPu5riZdv4M/s1600/guac-burritos-495x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EHtU3CUXMS1Zz4y99hOjeKUsQTASTuTxyZFS3CkwqR236Cm6VxTf32rdLJVSNYRUzGuM4_L9_saLc9awmQYslXIWzHL9qLoFCRg70ldAreZvvVQFdPP43VR1KLzl-jGWNPu5riZdv4M/s200/guac-burritos-495x330.jpg" width="200" /></a>These beauties come from the blog <a href="http://naturallyella.com/">Naturally Ella</a>. I just discovered this blog, but the multitude of delicious recipes means I will likely be making some more of her wonderful food. Obviously my husband was in an Avocado mood this week as he chose recipes! I won't complain, I love the little green fruits! And with the large ones on sale for .80 each this week I am thrilled!</div>
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<a href="http://batterlicker.com/2010/11/butternut-squash-and-basil-bechamel-lasagna/">Butternut Squash Lasagna</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGArtQMgvy0XxqjF7xORPbnu8S7aPmJkgQpmt6P_uYY9zluFOhAll5C-7X9LwyTkiqlhglk6aEcY3a44JfIpDciSOPhTknJBEXVsH8QMsA9cS0svPaGOYgwjkgzYZ6AoM_GKqq8twiWY/s1600/SAM_2449-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGArtQMgvy0XxqjF7xORPbnu8S7aPmJkgQpmt6P_uYY9zluFOhAll5C-7X9LwyTkiqlhglk6aEcY3a44JfIpDciSOPhTknJBEXVsH8QMsA9cS0svPaGOYgwjkgzYZ6AoM_GKqq8twiWY/s200/SAM_2449-500.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is the most addictive lasagna I have ever had! No delicious you won't even notice that there aren't ANY of the traditional lasagna elements in it (except lasagna noodles of course!) The butternut squash is the perfect fall filling for lasagna, and when paired with yummy fresh basil the depth of flavors in this one are amazing. If you only try on recipe I post ever this is the one I suggest. You will not regret it. Thank you <a href="http://batterlicker.com/">Batter Licker</a> for a wonderful family favorite!<b> </b></div>
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<a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/annoying-habits.html"><b>Pizza Puffs</b></a><b> </b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6yuEXYvvGGj-xUqG3c447SHNmKDfA1m3i0FMbZ6G6gTI2tQFaJWZRAZ1suLcYhjC_gcY3ubOqxy4XKRH__C41FHn5EwJjioH-VzoH3VBqL-deu4Xf2P4dI8sF87XmmcqLvUzEg0TOAE/s1600/Pepperoni+Pizza+Puffs+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6yuEXYvvGGj-xUqG3c447SHNmKDfA1m3i0FMbZ6G6gTI2tQFaJWZRAZ1suLcYhjC_gcY3ubOqxy4XKRH__C41FHn5EwJjioH-VzoH3VBqL-deu4Xf2P4dI8sF87XmmcqLvUzEg0TOAE/s200/Pepperoni+Pizza+Puffs+035.JPG" width="200" /></a>Last but not least, a sure hit with the kids, Pizza puffs from <a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/">Lick the Bowl Good</a><b>. </b>I don't know about you, but anything that is snack sized gets a great review with my kids. They love food made on their scale! And if you give them something to dip it in than you have a sure fire winner! These will be made at my house this week, with the adaptation of mushrooms instead off pepperoni (though I am sure my kids would eat the pepperoni up!) I suspect I will be hailed as the greatest mommy ever on the night these are served, and that much pasta sauce will end up all over my children.</div>
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So there you have it! Some menu Inspiration for this week! Let me know if you try any of them, and what you think! </div>
Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8039518074285672772.post-57997493965626312642012-11-06T10:45:00.000-07:002012-11-06T15:03:02.501-07:00December Daily- Foundation PagesI am so excited for my December Daily this year! I feel like this is going to be the year that I finally catch on and get it working for me. It's only November 6th and I already have my foundation pages printed, cut, mostly embellished, and sitting inside my album waiting for the wonderful stories that will fill them come December.<br />
I had decided when I took on this project this year that I was going to go for a more simple approach than I have in years past, as I think I get too caught up in the making it perfect and never finish it. I opted for a smaller size album of 5x7 for that reason; less space means less embellishments, less embellishment means simplicity, simplicity means SUCCESS.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusZE4OJX6-GobEiyaA3pSiDv9A3DAuUSmVuGrlPYCx7vf9vYxXe2Jza2gntpjMkqPXBRwSbDwneV222E6tNMbf5QVhI5ue_ur1i4Ve9rWaSWwO5oeiKUD6BH5M_TUuTW5GpT95zkgKfg/s1600/AE_DD2012_view41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusZE4OJX6-GobEiyaA3pSiDv9A3DAuUSmVuGrlPYCx7vf9vYxXe2Jza2gntpjMkqPXBRwSbDwneV222E6tNMbf5QVhI5ue_ur1i4Ve9rWaSWwO5oeiKUD6BH5M_TUuTW5GpT95zkgKfg/s320/AE_DD2012_view41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I hadn't entirely decided on what my foundation pages would look like until yesterday when Ali Edwards posted her foundation pages for the year. I was instantly drawn to them and knew I had to duplicate it. It was just the simplicity I was looking for. You can see an example of it to the right, isn't it so simple and beautiful? Love, Love, Love it. You can check out more of her foundation pages<a href="http://aliedwards.com/2012/11/december-daily-2012-foundation-pages.html"> here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTEgWAHItJ_sfzJ39lyrNOYcmuO0spfaLTxUoJ6Q2LglKtCX81VxNXaJTKdYPyZayiPSpTcsXT1afhBwhA9AiscyzZ6lTbX1Ih5JytYqq-O8IxRODMkCmvmYhoPd4xWECICbV1EetOQw/s1600/decdailypreview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTEgWAHItJ_sfzJ39lyrNOYcmuO0spfaLTxUoJ6Q2LglKtCX81VxNXaJTKdYPyZayiPSpTcsXT1afhBwhA9AiscyzZ6lTbX1Ih5JytYqq-O8IxRODMkCmvmYhoPd4xWECICbV1EetOQw/s400/decdailypreview.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So off I went to create my own similar design to fit my 5x7 album. After a few hours of painstakingly playing around in Illustrator (my computer is on it's last legs and is VERY slow when I am working on graphic intensive projects), I came up with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__asGWgkC4gFewYSlNAWHamzy-03phmev45ZUFYRjk3KHj-vKhao3_Yhm0KJSNJ1MqZGk2z5DV_i-fg6miG-KjnhmTt2CTgpKFeMPHMoqgM0S1liSctB3r4FtHkV95sEjjehkZiTuSB8/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__asGWgkC4gFewYSlNAWHamzy-03phmev45ZUFYRjk3KHj-vKhao3_Yhm0KJSNJ1MqZGk2z5DV_i-fg6miG-KjnhmTt2CTgpKFeMPHMoqgM0S1liSctB3r4FtHkV95sEjjehkZiTuSB8/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__asGWgkC4gFewYSlNAWHamzy-03phmev45ZUFYRjk3KHj-vKhao3_Yhm0KJSNJ1MqZGk2z5DV_i-fg6miG-KjnhmTt2CTgpKFeMPHMoqgM0S1liSctB3r4FtHkV95sEjjehkZiTuSB8/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1sXuCGg2mbPhvl6vtInNEE7aiN_6VohW7tjDVjl2fv8emwzYkDI_KeXqm6GBT0UYKs0sc_QsViNT7A2ZzIzMP3bG7gl4it37fmD5TayxC8z3wExGUqLoylgli91aBcfl6-bMH2oDI1E/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1sXuCGg2mbPhvl6vtInNEE7aiN_6VohW7tjDVjl2fv8emwzYkDI_KeXqm6GBT0UYKs0sc_QsViNT7A2ZzIzMP3bG7gl4it37fmD5TayxC8z3wExGUqLoylgli91aBcfl6-bMH2oDI1E/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYgv06Gw9ViyRxiesqvu_ZQ3wwoyJGNpOmvaIdhV16XQUkyHlsQZFSX5x9USHZrDOknlZJ6d_R5xJekxUpjNSS88Qge91ylKCAu1llJcN7flrGMnKAPTl1Czx8lLkGuGsx-wnH_hcXz0/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYgv06Gw9ViyRxiesqvu_ZQ3wwoyJGNpOmvaIdhV16XQUkyHlsQZFSX5x9USHZrDOknlZJ6d_R5xJekxUpjNSS88Qge91ylKCAu1llJcN7flrGMnKAPTl1Czx8lLkGuGsx-wnH_hcXz0/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I wanted to have them all be on the bottom (Ali varied hers a little more), which made it easier for me. I then printed them off and set to work using the crop marks to cut them down to size. I then added some washi tape to many of the pages. Getting my inspiration once again from Ali.<br />
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I love these beautiful Washi tapes from Downtown Tape. They are so wonderful and versatile. If I got a stocking full of washi tape this year I think I would be one happy girl!<br />
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Again, the pages are super simple, the top space will either house a photo, or some journaling, or embellishments, or memorabilia from each day, likely a bit of all of it. I am so happy that I have it close to finished for December!<br />
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Now here is a fun chance for anyone who is reading! I've got some leftover supplies for these foundation pages, enough to make a set for one of you! If you are interested in participating in December Daily this year this is a great way to get started! <br />
So what do you have to do to win it? Enter using the rafflecopter form below.<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f584030/" id="rc-f584030" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Holly Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08865685016905705604noreply@blogger.com5