tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5790249801734773242024-03-19T02:50:44.176-07:00The Everything DiariesThe Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-77056741536106308802015-09-29T16:59:00.001-07:002015-09-29T16:59:10.736-07:00Lasagna Soup & Cheesy Garlic Bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS__gfRt_mfhmnHjSiEwSt7QBYfs8L7Fc2tHbG6Fjm9mF2Cgj27x_iNynyVCl7CcPQ17MCTOU0-gLHU6I64hAGmE0QU20UXdIsD-1v2loyi7FXBXQXy9b73VEDNL1Mkwsz6MMMCtfKbg/s1600/image1.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/AVvXsEiMS__gfRt_mfhmnHjSiEwSt7QBYfs8L7Fc2tHbG6Fjm9mF2Cgj27x_iNynyVCl7CcPQ17MCTOU0-gLHU6I64hAGmE0QU20UXdIsD-1v2loyi7FXBXQXy9b73VEDNL1Mkwsz6MMMCtfKbg/s320/image1.JPG" width="320" /></a>It's a nasty day at home. The weather can only be described as gross. It's misty raining and foggy. We are snuggled up on the couch and enjoying a super simple (but super delicious!) meal, created by things we had already in our pantry. I had seen some Lasagna Soup recipes on Pinterest while pretending I didn't need to clean the house on my afternoon off, so I decided to give it a try! And yes, I actually cooked tonight!<br />
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<b><i><u>Lasagna Soup</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Ingredients</b></u><br />
Olive Oil<br />
1 lb ground beef<br />
Black Pepper<br />
Red Pepper Flakes<br />
3 cloves minced garlic<br />
4 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth<br />
1 (14.5 oz) Can Petite Diced Tomatoes<br />
1 (14.5 oz) Can Crushed Tomatoes<br />
2.5 Tbsp tomato paste<br />
1 3/4 tsp basil<br />
3/4 tsp oregano<br />
1/2 tsp rosemary<br />
1/2 tsp fennel seeds<br />
1/2 tsp thyme<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
1.5 Tbsp parsley (plus more for garnish)<br />
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces<br />
1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese<br />
8 oz ricotta cheese<br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions</b></u>:<br />
1. Measure out basil, oregano, rosemary, fennel seeds, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Put together in a ramekin and set to the side.<br />
2. Pour 1 Tbsp olive oil into a pan and warm on medium high heat. Crumble and brown beef. Add 2-3 large pinches black pepper and several pinches (to taste) of red pepper flakes. Once browned, pour beef out onto paper-towel lined serving platter or large bowl.<br />
3. Add another 1 Tbsp olive oil into the pan. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.<br />
4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to get the delicious flavor from the beef off the bottom!<br />
5. Pour in the pre-measured spices and ground beef. Bring to boil and then reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Allow soup to simmer, covered for 20 minutes.<br />
6. Cook broken up lasagna noodles according to package.<br />
7. Drain pasta once cooked and add into the soup mixture.<br />
8. Mix together Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese.<br />
9. Serve up soup and place a heaping tablespoon of the cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle extra parsley on top! Enjoy with cheesy garlic bread (recipe below!)<br />
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<u><i><b>Cheesy Garlic Bread</b></i></u><br />
<br />
<u><b>Ingredients</b></u>:<br />
Block/Wedge of Asiago Cheese<br />
Sub Roll bread/French Bread/Any loaf bread you have at home<br />
Garlic Powder<br />
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<u><b>Directions</b></u>:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 375.<br />
2. Shred a large amount of Asiago cheese (We had a wedge and I shredded the entire wedge).<br />
3. Take a heaping Tablespoon of garlic powder and mix well with the cheese.<br />
4. Slice bread in half lengthwise.<br />
5. Lay bread out on baking sheet. Put 1/4 of cheesy garlic mix onto each slice.<br />
6. Cook at 375 for 10-12 minutes until cheese is golden brown.The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-65232235177982376732015-09-08T10:26:00.001-07:002015-09-08T10:26:35.080-07:00Labor Day LunchingIt's Labor Day weekend, which means cookouts, grilling, and beer. I'm fortunate enough to have married into a family that has an "in" in the BBQ world (If you're in or near Albertville, AL - check out Wilson's BBQ!). My Father-in-law owns a barbecue restaurant, so we get barbecue (and good barbecue at that!) for all of the appropriate holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day. I love barbecue, but I get bored easily. That's when I get my "great ideas," which J then implements in the kitchen. This Labor Day, I got the idea to do a twist on the classic barbecue sandwich. It's sort of a combination of a melt and a barbecue sandwich (you look confused - bear with me!). It ended up being one of the most delicious ways I have ever enjoyed barbecue (and we even had it at our wedding reception!). It's super easy, makes a quick meal, and is quite filling!<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce<br />
Mayo<br />
Cheddar Cheese<br />
Romano Cheese<br />
Barbecue (about 1/4 pound per person)<br />
Coleslaw (premade or homemade will work!)<br />
A stick of butter<br />
Bread (we used honey wheat)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Directions:</u></b><br />
1. Mix 1/3 cup BBQ sauce and 1/3 cup mayonnaise together in a bowl. Blend with whisk until smooth. It'll look a bit like chocolate - definitely deceiving!<br />
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2. Take the stick of butter, peel back the wrapper and wipe it across a warmed pan several times, making sure to grease the entire pan surface. Lay down 2 slices of bread per person.<br />
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3. Slather a decent amount of the barbecue/mayo mix on each slice.<br />
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4. Pile 1/4 pound of barbecue on 1 slice and another 1/4 pound of barbecue on another slice. </div>
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5. Add a mixture of cheddar cheese and Romano cheese on the 2 remaining slices.</div>
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6. Pop pan into a 450 degree oven for 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and the corners of the bread are golden brown.</div>
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7. Pile coleslaw on top of the barbecue meat.</div>
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8. Put the sandwiches together. </div>
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9. ENJOY! We served ours with sides of fresh watermelon, baked beans, and potato salad! YUM! </div>
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-84055746249902240972015-09-06T17:50:00.000-07:002015-09-10T17:00:34.323-07:00GiGi's Baked BeansThere's nothing quite as comforting as family recipes. It takes me back to my childhood, fills my belly, and warms and comforts my soul. J loves to cook family recipes. He apparently likes the pressure of trying to measure up to my mom's (grandma's, Mimi's, or aunts') cooking. I'm not complaining. It means that I get all the comforts of my childhood home in my own home. My mom's baked beans recipe are definitely a go-to recipe anytime we have to take a side dish to a potluck or need a quick, easy side for dinner (like a Labor Day BBQ!). We have put our own (very slight) twist on the recipe to make it a bit more hearty, but there's still nothing like the original. T calls my mom "GiGi," so we have renamed this recipe "GiGi's baked beans" at my house. These also heat up nicely on a cold day and make an amazing hand/heart/soul/belly warming dish!<br />
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<b><u>What You'll Need:</u></b><br />
1 Tbsp Butter<br />
1 clove garlic, minced<br />
1/2 pound ground beef<br />
3 Tbsp Ketchup<br />
1 tsp Mustard<br />
1 Tbsp brown sugar<br />
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce<br />
Hot sauce (just a few dashes)<br />
2 pounds of beans (fresh, homemade or canned is fine, as well!)<br />
4 strips of bacon<br />
<br />
<u><b>Instructions:</b></u><br />
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.<br />
2. In a Dutch Oven, melt one Tbsp of butter over medium low heat and allow the minced garlic to simmer in the butter for a few minutes.<br />
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.<br />
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4. Once beef is browned, add the remaining liquid ingredients and stir together.</div>
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5. Take 2 of the strips of bacon and cut into 1/4 inch wide slices. Stir into bean mixture.</div>
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6. Top with the 2 remaining slices of bacon. Place lid on Dutch Oven and cook for 25-30 minutes. If you don't have a Dutch Oven, a regular 3 qt. baking dish will work!</div>
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7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, serve, and enjoy!</div>
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I hope you enjoy my mom's baked beans as much as we do! Take it to the next potluck you're invited to. I promise you, they'll be a crowd pleaser!</div>
The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-85108792646868311072015-09-06T15:00:00.003-07:002015-09-06T16:40:59.892-07:00Frying Up HappinessOk, as we have established, I am from the South (yes, with a capital S). Eating fried items is in my <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQFx-QlVs2vymlXnJhfv6PCgn6EI2mk5iI2Ee3GJ9eQ88hU9CtAb03OTT8U-4M6PY8mdw1NNkowXAdlUdRAW4zNEBgDxI4y2wa0uJRT8kmigK7gEyTEa-fgXtdZDoGhtu_pTkqGr_xyg/s1600/YouDoodleDrawing.png" 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/AVvXsEhVQFx-QlVs2vymlXnJhfv6PCgn6EI2mk5iI2Ee3GJ9eQ88hU9CtAb03OTT8U-4M6PY8mdw1NNkowXAdlUdRAW4zNEBgDxI4y2wa0uJRT8kmigK7gEyTEa-fgXtdZDoGhtu_pTkqGr_xyg/s320/YouDoodleDrawing.png" width="320" /></a></div>
blood, along with sweet tea, rocking chairs on the front porch, and moonshine. Of course, it has to be done RIGHT - which means, homemade! This Labor Day weekend, T and I were <i><u>starving</u></i>. J was not in the mood to cook just yet as he was seasoning his cast iron skillets. Being the kind man he is, he took a brief pause and made us some fried pickles with spicy fry sauce. T and I both love pickles, so J made 2 very happy (much less hungry) campers.<br />
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Fried Pickles:<br />
1. Drain 1 jar of pickles (or more - I generally use 1 jar of pickles chips per 3 people), and lay the chips out in a single layer on some paper towels. Using another paper towel, pat the chips fairly dry.<br />
2. Sift 1/2 cup flour, 2 tsp cajun seasoning, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper into a bowl. This mixture will accomodate 1.5-2 jars of pickles<br />
3. Preheat vegetable oil in a skillet to 375 degrees.<br />
4. In small batches (12-15 pickles), dredge the pickles in the flour mixture and drop them in the hot oil. Allow them to cook for 2 minutes, or until golden brown.<br />
5. Scoop pickles out of the oil and place on a paper towel covered plate to drain the excess oil off.<br />
6. Allow the oil to return to 375 degrees and then repeat the process.<br />
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Spicy Fry Sauce (adapted from The Pioneer Woman's Fry Sauce Recipe)<br />
1/2 Cup Ketchup<br />
1/2 Cup Mayo<br />
Hot sauce to taste (We start with 1 tsp and add in 1 tsp increments)<br />
Pinch (or 2 or 3) of black pepper.<br />
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**For an awesome spread for BBQ sandwiches, substitute BBQ sauce for Ketchup.<br />
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Alternative Spicy Dipping Sauce:<br />
1/2 Cup Texas Pete Buffalo Sauce<br />
1/2 Cup Blue Cheese Dressing<br />
Salt & Pepper to taste.<br />
<br />The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-9540913385958780692015-05-12T16:53:00.001-07:002015-05-12T16:55:33.789-07:00My TeamFirst and foremost: Oh. My. Goodness. It is absolutely ridiculous how long it has been since I wrote a blog post! I truly apologize for that. Good news is: we have plenty to cover! Bad News Is: I have missed you all! Moving On...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslb6-n2lcC8Xmg_9CqU-RAbRei24kG6XH4QVUYGEIUOaixmhHHasmAgQsPqxIjMZCb2U_t15ubAGqnZ1zCjgdNO2-sEB1uAk6i2CGcM1jfpcnryZepp-iRkjZLTk3lvXvX3OtL2Bruik/s1600/image3.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/AVvXsEjslb6-n2lcC8Xmg_9CqU-RAbRei24kG6XH4QVUYGEIUOaixmhHHasmAgQsPqxIjMZCb2U_t15ubAGqnZ1zCjgdNO2-sEB1uAk6i2CGcM1jfpcnryZepp-iRkjZLTk3lvXvX3OtL2Bruik/s320/image3.JPG" width="320" /></a>It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a team to make a celebrity red-carpet-ready. Well, it takes <br />
multiple planners to keep me on track! I am not kidding! Jump on instagram and search some tags like "plannernerd" or "plannerjunkie." You will see that I am not alone! I have three planners. Yes, three. However, they all serve a slightly different purpose. If you think that's a lot, (again) hop on instagram and see just how many women join me in utilizing more than 1 planner! So what all do I use these for? I am so glad you asked!<br />
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1. My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxyDori" target="_blank">FoxyDori</a>, made by Kelly - one of the sweetest Etsy sellers you will ever meet. It's fuschia (she calls it DragonFruit. Who cares?! It's gorgeous!), with my initials in the bottom right corner....Perfection.<br />
So, What's In It? My <a href="http://www.maydesigns.com/shop/books" target="_blank">MayDesigns</a> notebooks, all of which serve their own individual purpose. This planner is all about me: my schedule, personal goals, personal to-do list, etc.. And it goes everywhere with me.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>An Agenda: This helps me keep track of the most important parts of my day (to do lists, errands, things to remember, etc.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt_qID64APc7eT2Kb3CJPREO_8ADdsZN2khNDHwgYFNKzW7Rt3CqcPuR7ShwrW62EZFX7GmlwhBaXEzf_xsF7pRPjU8ROqUFeam3mxLxNLy8HxGl5sZ46kt12JwEQXYPr5BsreEk2Bdk/s1600/image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt_qID64APc7eT2Kb3CJPREO_8ADdsZN2khNDHwgYFNKzW7Rt3CqcPuR7ShwrW62EZFX7GmlwhBaXEzf_xsF7pRPjU8ROqUFeam3mxLxNLy8HxGl5sZ46kt12JwEQXYPr5BsreEk2Bdk/s320/image1.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>An Address Book: Sometimes, I have a card in my purse to mail, but I have forgotten to write (or finish writing) the address. This is where my on-the-go address book comes in handy!</li>
<li>A Meal Planner: This includes a weekly space to write out the meals for each day, and another space to write out my grocery list! So handy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzHGSBD3zEJc1niI8TOUdw08wQbpvshEOvhhjH1T1nzvSFYYS-WteHsPD_W1CQl-eLeNXzfrDubS6NLr11Au7rwtLSxCb0DEwrTObcMHaJIsYXW34a6P6Nl40A9PguZVhntrEp5ZDuts/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzHGSBD3zEJc1niI8TOUdw08wQbpvshEOvhhjH1T1nzvSFYYS-WteHsPD_W1CQl-eLeNXzfrDubS6NLr11Au7rwtLSxCb0DEwrTObcMHaJIsYXW34a6P6Nl40A9PguZVhntrEp5ZDuts/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>A Budget Book: I'm terrible about writing out expenses AFTER I get home. I usually end up shredding the receipts before I remember to write them down in my check register or my budget tracker. This allows me to keep up with expenses WHEN they happen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZbqocIX6_iYwxpXWBkT8vq0n_s-u7yghS4ZnxmWp8nRJyptIsZdPrlvpWW-Djoqgci39c1fCxVYgM02E9kPulwsF7WyUaeeL_oRw8HQ_PfPyCC3BNL0n8S6J8TFMexwDkZzKC12JO0/s1600/image2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZbqocIX6_iYwxpXWBkT8vq0n_s-u7yghS4ZnxmWp8nRJyptIsZdPrlvpWW-Djoqgci39c1fCxVYgM02E9kPulwsF7WyUaeeL_oRw8HQ_PfPyCC3BNL0n8S6J8TFMexwDkZzKC12JO0/s320/image2-2.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>A Notebook: This is just plain lined notebook paper. I use this to write down to-do lists, doodle, or even write important info given to me while I'm on the go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVrisgwC9RYSGCQDaBed50uDLFeo9ksi098DX5hfjSWv4lQDWnIAL07H-dC5_VpirLy_G55NYKv_8wfoxUgIqaNzdgqadLK4lG_mOdPQe1HtNB37KGji0UpZ3dK7qCkxsl1UR9Fv8TzM/s1600/image3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVrisgwC9RYSGCQDaBed50uDLFeo9ksi098DX5hfjSWv4lQDWnIAL07H-dC5_VpirLy_G55NYKv_8wfoxUgIqaNzdgqadLK4lG_mOdPQe1HtNB37KGji0UpZ3dK7qCkxsl1UR9Fv8TzM/s320/image3-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2jvSn2E2oN14UzJezBZT-ccaiOZHXocTVyJIOaPOsW9LbDrVaqaM88wjxHipBJsLOr9qaPLbjYfooIlaQNdl08cqB5An5BTuBBdUy0BdxLu6vOvq8x6yjyTV5xpX5zQxK09_mqDlkS8/s1600/IMG_5337.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/AVvXsEjh2jvSn2E2oN14UzJezBZT-ccaiOZHXocTVyJIOaPOsW9LbDrVaqaM88wjxHipBJsLOr9qaPLbjYfooIlaQNdl08cqB5An5BTuBBdUy0BdxLu6vOvq8x6yjyTV5xpX5zQxK09_mqDlkS8/s200/IMG_5337.jpg" width="160" /></a>2. My <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/" target="_blank">Erin Condren</a> Life Planner. This planner is a little more broad in terms of what I write in it/plan in it. This is more of a "family" planner, but still is mostly focused on my personal daily to-do lists. I plan out any important events for J (my hubby) or T (my stepson) in here as well. Family member's birthdays, as well as their important events are noted in here as well. This planner frequently makes an appearance out in public with me, but doesn't necessarily travel everywhere I go.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weekly Spreads Include: Birthdays, daily to-do lists, errands to run, doctors' appointments, work check lists, my daily work schedule, reminders, etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA7W-n4nMxOHTvIIjUKbuiguW4_6S5gYbN6AXDnQvYhvl1Rp8xk3mRZyDFHeUxap6Y-cU2oJx34frMkMdwQzwGjeJpyAlho7W-0Ctr4CAwntWP4lVjgdw53SuftJIBQqypD4PzooQpYw/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA7W-n4nMxOHTvIIjUKbuiguW4_6S5gYbN6AXDnQvYhvl1Rp8xk3mRZyDFHeUxap6Y-cU2oJx34frMkMdwQzwGjeJpyAlho7W-0Ctr4CAwntWP4lVjgdw53SuftJIBQqypD4PzooQpYw/s320/image4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Monthly Spreads Include: Birthdays, Big events (i.e., anniversaries, graduations), vacations/trips, when my stepson visits, my husband's retreats. I also use my notes section on each month to track my PTO so that I make sure I don't go over!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESjAN5hodBgCzioTJBuWhs6qrydXv2hOt4fPextwG3EgYVVzUso_kAiQjF6z3zZJtohPuka2ozw3B2WbI3q6ROCsZEK3IUHrg7iPWHEeWxDlhYRtNWRYQu8aseSKjjwvyNrRM0tBRvP0/s1600/image2-1.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/AVvXsEgESjAN5hodBgCzioTJBuWhs6qrydXv2hOt4fPextwG3EgYVVzUso_kAiQjF6z3zZJtohPuka2ozw3B2WbI3q6ROCsZEK3IUHrg7iPWHEeWxDlhYRtNWRYQu8aseSKjjwvyNrRM0tBRvP0/s200/image2-1.jpg" width="170" /></a>3. My <a href="http://www.inkwellpress.com/" target="_blank">Inkwell Press</a> Planner. This is truly a family planner. It lives on my bartop in my kitchen. This has everything going on in our family in one place: J's work schedule, my work schedule, T's visits, J's Honey-Do list, my goals for around the house each week, meal plans, work out goals, etc.. What I really love about this planner is the extra notes pages after each month and the goals page included each month. It's great for a business-minded woman (OR a woman on a mission to get out of debt!). While mine is not personalized on the cover, it does generally come with personalization. I ordered mine on sale when personalization was no longer offered.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Weekly Spreads Include: Both of our work schedules broken down by time each day, dinner plan, work out plan, pay days, honey-do list, errands to run, and weekly goals for around the house.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFeNu-Mu3WJHH66zFecYjrC-5ocFlsxiBGPlB2R7a7DgoZ-haclLSQpZIhCmDP-xVPW0YxQcdP_R-IxZDtqiSKwwUPvF0jkslbAupNWn6DdsADZzl6KarRia4sSXP7ayD0pkmVRLoRnc/s1600/image3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFeNu-Mu3WJHH66zFecYjrC-5ocFlsxiBGPlB2R7a7DgoZ-haclLSQpZIhCmDP-xVPW0YxQcdP_R-IxZDtqiSKwwUPvF0jkslbAupNWn6DdsADZzl6KarRia4sSXP7ayD0pkmVRLoRnc/s320/image3-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Monthly Spreads Include: Pay Days (we get paid on different days of the month), T's visits, big events, J's retreats, our vacations, my call weekends, etc. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZQG14okVZKDEXe4MsQnCD6UhiI-fYCBIOm8CvUy4jlQcaktIOwiHknbNV9kzGZxSA_qGQoLU-4wT58w4InY-2qtdWoHYETnedsgYh47Xi2Sq7N1XQbgVbRJg_Q6h8jh2BqPKWrla5w/s1600/image1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZQG14okVZKDEXe4MsQnCD6UhiI-fYCBIOm8CvUy4jlQcaktIOwiHknbNV9kzGZxSA_qGQoLU-4wT58w4InY-2qtdWoHYETnedsgYh47Xi2Sq7N1XQbgVbRJg_Q6h8jh2BqPKWrla5w/s320/image1-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See?! It really does take a village to keep me on track! Hopefully, this helps provide you with some inspiration on how to utilize multiple planners. My recommendation is to make your smallest planner your go-to on-the-go planner with your larger planners being more flexible to stay at home. If you like my magnetic clips, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OLIBLOCK" target="_blank">OliClip</a> on etsy. Like the stickers you see?! Check out my instagram (@mrshenleyplans) for vendors or stay tuned for a new weekly blog feature (Coming Soon!): My Favorite Etsy Vendors.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-32963653222041033502014-12-14T12:00:00.001-08:002014-12-14T12:00:20.810-08:00Orgainzing Your Planner Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7MljJZp7mM4oZENI3gsAPWq2Np8yJ5dE3nDEHQWQqdhKRQDNESGRHjFL9r_HVP2jSIH5VbbV0riWGv2YePWDUAWs2u8d0DzmMY4-2O-L6KuoFmmNZ48v1eBeFe0QuUn1UOkB3VqONcw/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7MljJZp7mM4oZENI3gsAPWq2Np8yJ5dE3nDEHQWQqdhKRQDNESGRHjFL9r_HVP2jSIH5VbbV0riWGv2YePWDUAWs2u8d0DzmMY4-2O-L6KuoFmmNZ48v1eBeFe0QuUn1UOkB3VqONcw/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I saw this idea initially on Instagram from someone in the planner community for Erin Condren lovers like myself. I couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon as my current system of storing planner stickers is to pile them up in a tupperware container. SO not conducive to finding something quickly. I searched high and low online trying to find something that I liked (as I am super lazy and hate shopping/running errands), but had no success. I then ventured out to my local Target and OfficeMax as Staples wasn't an option in my neck of the woods. I have outlined below the products I used, along with where I found them. </div>
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<u>What You Will Need:</u><br />
Avery 7x9 1" 3-ring binder<br />
<a href="http://www.staples.com/Staples-5-1-2-inch-x-8-1-2-inch-Sheet-Protectors/product_616224?externalize=certona" target="_blank">Avery 5 1/2x8 1/2 inch Sheet Protectors</a><br />
<a href="http://www.staples.com/Avery-5-1-2-inch-x-8-1-2-inch-Business-Card/product_901909" target="_blank">Avery 5 1/2x8 1/2 inch business card holders</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKSPppVsObBQEPwNpi4JZp4M0dZ_2g0DtOpx2Fu5caXUasmWTiQIxppjL1Ckq-kOT0cpmFcVyGYRHlm8Xz806utd1NjYNsNeIijGZWAL7y4jVKoto8QTMPDURl_RmZLFQ4h8IYf_ixBM/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKSPppVsObBQEPwNpi4JZp4M0dZ_2g0DtOpx2Fu5caXUasmWTiQIxppjL1Ckq-kOT0cpmFcVyGYRHlm8Xz806utd1NjYNsNeIijGZWAL7y4jVKoto8QTMPDURl_RmZLFQ4h8IYf_ixBM/s1600/image-1.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>How to Organize:</u><br />
1. Separate stickers by vendor. To me, I generally think "Oh I wish I could find these from this shop." So organizing by etsy seller was easiest for me. However, you may choose to organize your stickers by category, what you use them for, etc..<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAC6mSLFy6Gij5THIHCIwuu_cwIIkBOXIoLyI-VnRQcNQumQC69AaEtQE-nwS8SECWw_UqjUcLMON8L6UC2CnP2BuUBGFbHPe12YgHBLLpwc_y2d3rJtlevawwFRtRp0lNgjZOePpL7Ck/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAC6mSLFy6Gij5THIHCIwuu_cwIIkBOXIoLyI-VnRQcNQumQC69AaEtQE-nwS8SECWw_UqjUcLMON8L6UC2CnP2BuUBGFbHPe12YgHBLLpwc_y2d3rJtlevawwFRtRp0lNgjZOePpL7Ck/s1600/image-3.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some labelled & filled page protectors</td></tr>
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2. I labeled each page protector with one of my favorite stores. I made sure to write them on the outside portion and made sure to stagger them so I could see the labels a bit easier. Once labelled, I dropped the respective stickers into their protector and popped it into my notebook!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8QDhnPhkMvTuw9zrGtwoFJgadHa0l-ShdMQy1Hrc_i3kv8MeTsITxfXeBrdQiqDCGlMeq3lPsrhyphenhyphenjCx0BNhAJodBhrzk_vKeGkTJ60WIwgCv6jfsJ8jqxWb_VM8jnOl51eH8_kvohaY/s1600/image-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8QDhnPhkMvTuw9zrGtwoFJgadHa0l-ShdMQy1Hrc_i3kv8MeTsITxfXeBrdQiqDCGlMeq3lPsrhyphenhyphenjCx0BNhAJodBhrzk_vKeGkTJ60WIwgCv6jfsJ8jqxWb_VM8jnOl51eH8_kvohaY/s1600/image-5.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Lillie Henry stickers in their page protector.</td></tr>
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3. Once my page protectors were filled with the larger sheets of stickers, I moved on to filling the business card holders. I used these for stickers bought in-store (i.e., Target, Michaels, etc.), page flags from target, and some washi samples. If something was a little too long or tall, I trimmed the excess to help it fit a bits better.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My page flag-filled business card holder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3NVGuwuLtMH2GxAV93pvOhsN01hwBw_7YZUvhy9XT95_Nzl2icdMwHI4K979GZErVaMxAbgvzEuLNulJcKH2wFlkMuIoY16rYOBazNeelNRmphZBnPSXO5_JideoZWD-nfX2mkLT-TA/s1600/image-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3NVGuwuLtMH2GxAV93pvOhsN01hwBw_7YZUvhy9XT95_Nzl2icdMwHI4K979GZErVaMxAbgvzEuLNulJcKH2wFlkMuIoY16rYOBazNeelNRmphZBnPSXO5_JideoZWD-nfX2mkLT-TA/s1600/image-6.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some stickers and washi samples.</td></tr>
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4. Once I had filled all of my business card holders, as well, I created a dash board for my sticky notes on the back part of the binder, using the binder itself. Some of my thicker sticky note pads didn't make "the cut," as they would have made the binder outrageously thick.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncH3alMph_E6lmIUgvn23S6I7E5wgMJ-nY4hOTxkPWtB0885EywHhYzswEtq5Gji3471C9iZhddS1FkDaOZIMTSnAww3A6cfotECFXukWj1W7vP32TlA_QM6PTW37TQBDskHyCyjwAyQ/s1600/image-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncH3alMph_E6lmIUgvn23S6I7E5wgMJ-nY4hOTxkPWtB0885EywHhYzswEtq5Gji3471C9iZhddS1FkDaOZIMTSnAww3A6cfotECFXukWj1W7vP32TlA_QM6PTW37TQBDskHyCyjwAyQ/s1600/image-4.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dashboard in my sticker binder! Dreams do come true!</td></tr>
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5. My completed project, chock full of planner goodies!!! </div>
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The biggest key to making this work for you is to find and use a system that makes sense to you! Happy planning and organizing! :)</div>
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Want more of what you see?? Follow my on instagram: @mrshenleyplans</div>
The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-72643511613320142172014-11-09T16:21:00.002-08:002014-11-09T16:21:49.482-08:007 Minutes to a Fresh Face!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYptnebNAhprtujbRnJfxIiFgEDeuDU0i86yMBeGMg0WFDJB36UFQdM9A73JxtdbiXtjDtKJOhyt2RZOgHyF7wCwMG4xD1qlmC9N63WZVQngvFgcrsyD25x3QjYjYTkQfcgQDvWIS4ns/s1600/IMG_6700.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/AVvXsEiLYptnebNAhprtujbRnJfxIiFgEDeuDU0i86yMBeGMg0WFDJB36UFQdM9A73JxtdbiXtjDtKJOhyt2RZOgHyF7wCwMG4xD1qlmC9N63WZVQngvFgcrsyD25x3QjYjYTkQfcgQDvWIS4ns/s1600/IMG_6700.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
We are all busy! Unfortunately, between getting hubby and kids out the door, we ladies often neglect ourselves. No more! Getting a simple, but fresh, clean make-up is super easy. It doesn't require a lot of time, either! It can be as simple or as fancy as you want! I have literally nailed my make-up routine down to 7 minutes (or less!). Want to know how?! You're in luck!<br />
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1. Foundation: I have 3 "favorites" that I rotate between. I have a slight system that determines which foundation I use. If I'm just throwing on make-up for work, I use E.L.F. High Definition Powder. I really like it because it keeps me from getting shiny during the day while running around the hospital or the office (and it provides a simple base for my make-up that doesn't make me look pale or too yellow!). If I'm going for a more finished look (like for date night or drinks with friends), I'll use MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder Foundation. It makes my skin look amazing and it provides a flawless finish! If I'm going to a super fancy event where lots of pictures are going to be taken (i.e. a wedding), I use my Younique BB Cream. It really evens out skin tones so that you don't look splotchy with all the bright flashes from the camera!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCqHu47XgxRNEWixDbHYo76Bdq-PzztiC2MsBBXQ_8WJc7IQL3NP-PDbmN8AYZTC-lhi6yX4Bre5G66WxqRUyi-8TAZOB58h6Ic6uItXWJbTIZSpEt_HsRO6xGPc7gfG3kPD1W1C7Xvc/s1600/IMG_6691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCqHu47XgxRNEWixDbHYo76Bdq-PzztiC2MsBBXQ_8WJc7IQL3NP-PDbmN8AYZTC-lhi6yX4Bre5G66WxqRUyi-8TAZOB58h6Ic6uItXWJbTIZSpEt_HsRO6xGPc7gfG3kPD1W1C7Xvc/s1600/IMG_6691.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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2. Blush: I used to be a Clinique girl, but then I discovered Revlon Matte Powder blush at Target. Way cheaper, and it works just as well as Clinique blush. When I first started learning how to apply make-up, a consultant for Mark Kay told me that the best tool a girl can have in her make-up bag is her make-up brushes! I love the brushes by E.L.F.. They are fairly inexpensive, but work really well. I use the E.L.F Blush Brush to apply my blush.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuVyieeTy1iCnb5wG0V-qEjjbqNJQRXhG9gs5mRINAZcErYJSFl6gdhVAJxzXDsQx_4UUioYN_KZ8bJZz3NuDg6wuxUIMIi7AiT5B4QZKG_6YVNo-Tp_YEdXw6TMJFOebL7TJFzD0hao/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuVyieeTy1iCnb5wG0V-qEjjbqNJQRXhG9gs5mRINAZcErYJSFl6gdhVAJxzXDsQx_4UUioYN_KZ8bJZz3NuDg6wuxUIMIi7AiT5B4QZKG_6YVNo-Tp_YEdXw6TMJFOebL7TJFzD0hao/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. Mascara: I also have 3 options depending on the look I am going for. Generally, I wear my Younique 3D Fiber Lash mascara. It makes my lashes look ridiculously long and full! It's almost as if I am wearing fake lashes, but they are mine! If I'm going to a pool party, I'm all about the waterproof mascara (just incase I get in the pool!). I love Rimmel London ScandalEyes (Waterproof version!). Sometimes, if I want a little extra thickness to my lashes as the base for my Younique Mascara, I apply some Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. Just a head's up - it's not waterproof!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW6tSkw9tycZFlAB2a7p6Awtuxp66OXi2KLURgD7g3Py0i-Nh9dZadi4kpqAtHObZGPY_Jkl1m_IV4eA63yrxi6PvdDehhtvKqM-29Jg0zrGGw6wZ80HzVzMYwPbOPPrL695rZz0OV_4/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW6tSkw9tycZFlAB2a7p6Awtuxp66OXi2KLURgD7g3Py0i-Nh9dZadi4kpqAtHObZGPY_Jkl1m_IV4eA63yrxi6PvdDehhtvKqM-29Jg0zrGGw6wZ80HzVzMYwPbOPPrL695rZz0OV_4/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Eyeshadow: I don't usually wear eyeshadow, but when I do, I wear Maybelline. I love these little sets. If you flip the case over, there's a diagram for how they recommend you apply the make-up to achieve a smokey eye. Sometimes I follow their diagram; sometimes I make up my own way of applying the eyeshadow. I use my E.L.F. angled brush to apply the darker colors as liner. Sometimes, I just apply the darkest color as liner and leave it at that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGjMw3V5YoMXna1Zyd9sWtImeCHmfRl5IoCYNvk6KMcUTKTs2VGBZp6S5Y83QMzdeNJcm8iOdABwv4mPE94yPq45L2mXjDdyjunAslQLJp3OhN2LqCYOJIzOkVn8pM9VLzhKmMoBj88/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGjMw3V5YoMXna1Zyd9sWtImeCHmfRl5IoCYNvk6KMcUTKTs2VGBZp6S5Y83QMzdeNJcm8iOdABwv4mPE94yPq45L2mXjDdyjunAslQLJp3OhN2LqCYOJIzOkVn8pM9VLzhKmMoBj88/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Lips: I'm a chapstick girl. Even for fancy events, I'm applying EOS chapstick on my way in the door. The only time I haven't worn chapstick is for my wedding! I love e.l.f. lipsticks, particularly the Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/lips/lip_stick/moisturizing_lipstick" target="_blank">Wink Pink</a>!</div>
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As we have established in previous posts, I love things that give you options! This make-up routine is quick, easy, and allows for you to customize the routine to your liking! I generally apply foundation first, then blush, and save my eyes for last. Here's my finished look: </div>
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-62417215697260327842014-11-04T16:36:00.001-08:002014-11-04T16:36:57.896-08:00Cleaning Your Home On a Busy Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hate clutter. Let's establish that first. I like a fairly clean home, but I rarely have a whole lot of time to put into cleaning. My big cleaning days are Sundays, but what about the rest of the week? I have little more than 15-30 minutes to spare each day. I tried the <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/zones/" target="_blank">FlyLady</a> system - it's great. BUT my home isn't big enough to spend 15 minutes in the same room each day for 1 week. I would run out of things to do or clean up! So I've formed my own system (and my own "cleaning commandments"), which I have outlined below to share with you! I used the FlyLady model as inspiration for my BusyWife schedule/commandments. Follow with me OR make your own!<br />
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<u>BusyWife Commandments:</u></div>
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1. <i>Always wash/rinse your dishes </i>(and/or place all dishes from the meal in the dishwasher) <i>after every meal.</i> And wipe down the counters after dinner every night. And wipe off the kitchen table after dinner every night (It will literally take you no longer than 5 minutes).</div>
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2. <i>Sort mail immediately</i>: trash what's junk, read and trash "quick reads" (ex: church fliers, coupons, invitations - make sure to RSVP!), save and file important mail (i.e., bills, bank statements, etc.)</div>
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3. <i>Put your shoes up immediately after taking them off</i>. Yes, seriously. I don't care if you plan on wearing them again in 15 minutes. Chances are you won't, and if you truly do, then you know exactly where they are!</div>
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4. <i>File important papers immediately</i>. None of this "Oh I'll get to it in a minute." Do it. Now.</div>
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5. <i>Plan 1 day per week to perform deep cleaning activities</i> (i.e., dust, mop, clorox, etc.).</div>
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6. <i>Purge at least twice per year</i>. Clothes, toys, pantry items, kitchen supplies. We all have those clothes we never wear, toys the kids haven't looked at in months, spices that are expired, hot cocoa that's been sitting in the pantry for 3 years (untouched), coffee mugs we never use any more, lunch boxes that were bought with good intentions. You get it - be brutally honest with yourself and purge it!</div>
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7. <i>Always make your bed every morning</i>. Always - it will instantly make the room seem cleaner and more organized! Plus, things don't get lost in the sheets when you climb into bed.</div>
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8. <i>Put away your clean laundry as soon as it is folded/dried/ready</i>. No one (including you) wants to look at it on the couch or in the laundry basket for a week.</div>
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<u>Cleaning</u>:</div>
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Inspired by FlyLady, I have divided my home into zones. Each zone gets my attention for 15-20 minutes one day per week. Sundays are my "Deep Clean Day," so I have 6 zones. To me, the lower floor is more important because that's what guests see. That's why those areas are towards the top of my list. That way, these zones/areas are cleaned earlier in the week, and I don't have to stress if I have dinner guests Friday night! Below is my list of zones and the simple tasks I perform in each zone for 15-20 minutes.</div>
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<b>Zone 1 - Front Entrance/Living Room</b>: Clean off coffee table and end table. Sweep floor. Purge magazines (anything older than 6 months is recycled - hubby knows this and clips any articles/recipes he wants to keep). Put any shoes away (hubby loves to leave his shoes laying around). Fluff sofa cushions, fold throw blankets, straighten throw pillows, roll up computer/extension cords so that no one trips.</div>
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<b>Zone 2 - Kitchen/Dining Room/Half Bathroom</b>: Sweep floor, wipe down counters, clean stove top, wipe kitchen table down (use a little elbow grease!), clean mirror in bathroom, wipe down sink(s), purge fridge.</div>
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<b>Zone 3 - Stairs/Upstairs Hallway</b>: Hang up any coats laying on the stairs. Take stack on stairs to appropriate rooms (we have a knack for placing items that need to go upstairs on the stairs and just walking around said items for 1 week), vacuum hallway, straighten pictures in stairwell, clean up toys/miscellaneous items in the upstairs hallway.</div>
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<b>Zone 4 - Upstairs Bathroom</b>: Wipe down counter, dust off shelves, clorox spray in toilet, sweep floor, clean up hair off shower wall/floor, unclog drain (if needed), clorox soak for shower curtain (if needed), wipe down mirror, put random toiletry items/medication bottles into designated areas.</div>
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<b>Zone 5 - Little T's Room</b>: Put away toys, change sheets, put up books, throw away Happy Meal toys, vacuum floor.</div>
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<b>Zone 6 - Master Bedroom</b>: put away clothes on the floor, clean off/organize bedside tables, clean off dresser, put jewelry away, change sheets, vacuum floor.</div>
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<b>Sunday: Deep Cleaning Day</b></div>
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<u>Downstairs</u>: Dust & wipe down all tables/shelves off. Mop floor. Clean windows, sliding glass doors. Dust picture frames on wall and tables. Sort through miscellaneous items that have collected on various pieces of furniture and keep what's important. Toss what's junk.</div>
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<u>Upstairs</u>: Mop bathroom floor, wipe down windows in all rooms, dust bedroom furniture, dust blinds in all rooms, clean shower/bathtub and toilet.</div>
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<b>Making Any System Work For You: </b></div>
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Ultimately, it boils down to what works best for you, your family, and your schedule. Get your kids involved, too (particularly if they are younger - they want to be a "big help."). If they understand from the beginning that this is something they need to contribute to, then they will be less disgruntled later when you ask for help! Rules apply to everyone (making beds, putting up shoes), and there will be less griping 3 hours later when you ask kids (or hubby) to pick up their shoes. </div>
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Let things go. There are some things you aren't going to be able to change in your family. My dad is constantly leaving his tie on my mom's desk in the kitchen. She's truly given up (after 30+ years of marriage, I would, too!) on this issue and happily carries his tie up to the closet every night. Some things are negotiable, so be a little more flexible on those issues!</div>
The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-36958984491062098222014-10-31T15:19:00.001-07:002014-10-31T15:19:06.198-07:00Making Your Erin Condren LP YOU!Remember a few months ago, we talked about how to make your ECLP <a href="http://theeverythingdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/07/making-your-erin-condren-life-planner.html" target="_blank">work best for you</a>? Well, I think it's about time we talk about how to make it YOU (not just make it work for you!). I have recently become obsessed with some new stores on Etsy that allow to you change your ECLP and alter it so that it works best for you! I've tried to break things up by categories so that you can find exactly what you're looking for! (Don't see supplies you're looking for below? Check out my initial blog on planner accessories {link above}, too!)<br />
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<b><u>Bookmarks:</u></b><br />
1. <b>Personalized Name Bookmark:</b> Want an adorable personalized bookmark? Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyAliCat?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">CraftyAliCat</a> on etsy! I ordered mine originally for my A5 Filofax - it's the perfect size for the ECLP. Naturally, you'll need to add a coil clip to make it work in an ECLP (Or be able to create your own removable bookmark [like the covers!]). Ali (shop owner) is so easy to work with, and she truly honors special requests! I love purple, and I am <u><i>obsessed</i></u> with glitter. She honored both! How adorable?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ARdQSKUzg7o1bUbGif52mxkpYtCGgM5xsZZ-ifa5gByClKxhyIUhZvpT4Ys4Bc1K63H-cwrnolwzttbsfOoUfeTTqvrrR7cRAkU1a7s1XkJjZaPxH9E7WEuDmKzGQpnMVD_W29GosPM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ARdQSKUzg7o1bUbGif52mxkpYtCGgM5xsZZ-ifa5gByClKxhyIUhZvpT4Ys4Bc1K63H-cwrnolwzttbsfOoUfeTTqvrrR7cRAkU1a7s1XkJjZaPxH9E7WEuDmKzGQpnMVD_W29GosPM/s1600/photo.JPG" height="193" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. <b>Magnetic Bookmarks</b>: I talked about Oliclip in my last planner accessories blog, but I've since found out about the etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/craftedvan" target="_blank">craftedvan</a> (check them out on Instagram, too!). They have a wide assortment of characters, foods, etc. I got myself a stethoscope (and a cupcake for a friend!). Love them!<br />
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<u><b>Labels/Event Stickers:</b></u><br />
1. <b>Custom Labels</b>: Want some adorable labels for when you have a doctor's appointment? Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/205221627/cute-happy-mail-appointment-stickers?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">these</a> labels from ObsessedWithCute on etsy!<br />
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2. <b>Switching the Daily Labels</b>: Don't like the "Morning/Day/Night" labels on the weekly spread? Check out AlexStudio on etsy for some custom labels to stick over those! Check them out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208328241/40-pastel-label-to-do-reminder-goals?ref=favs_view_5" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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3. <b>Flag Labels</b>: Page flags have become quite popular across the Facebook planner groups I am in. Want some custom flag labels or stickers? Check out some shops on etsy! Don't see what you want? Message the shop owners. Here are some To Do stickers available at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208108914/30-to-do-list-flags-sticker-sheet-teals?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">HelloAshleyAnn</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Page flags are also available at Target in the Dollar Spot. Look carefully! Sometimes they get buried. Not all Targets carry the Dollar Spot stationary either, so you may have to check out a few in your local area!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/207060703/40-check-list-stickers?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">Planneresque</a> on etsy also sells some adorable check list page flag stickers! </li>
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<b><u>Decoration Stickers/Accents:</u></b><br />
1. <b>Kawaii Style</b>: There's just something so cute and endearing about the kawaii-style stickers that are floating around! I can't get enough - seriously.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Obsessed with Cute: I love her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208141599/cute-bible-stickers?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">Bible</a> stickers and purchased some recently. I'm waiting for them to be shipped, but I'm already doing a little happy dance just knowing that there will be some stickers from her shop on their way to me soon!</li>
<li>WishiWashiLove: Adorable stickers, sticky notes and other planner supplies! I mean, how cute are these <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208647602/mr-chef-mrs-jar-stickers?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">bowls and jars</a>? Seriously!</li>
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2. <b>Fun Stickers</b>: I am obsessed with adorable stickers that add different flare to my planner! My recent purchase have included stores such as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickerswashiandmore" target="_blank">Stickerswashiandmore</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lilliehenry" target="_blank">lilliehenry</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoeyDesign?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">joeydesign</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlannerPrettiesByK?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">planner pretties by K</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernHaute" target="_blank">SouthernHaute</a>. All these stores have adorable stickers that add character to my planner in different ways!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILTImarVK0zSaLfX1BQvM_x5ecAeCj4HOYdhDbluUgKhCOT3KSu7Pc84Uqatqzo2gQv3upv1eljugh7hi4Tdi1gPBfQuePx4FPcYsFV2DtqpRiCv8HrR3qQ-OiVZnHmExG74ZS_ktXm8/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILTImarVK0zSaLfX1BQvM_x5ecAeCj4HOYdhDbluUgKhCOT3KSu7Pc84Uqatqzo2gQv3upv1eljugh7hi4Tdi1gPBfQuePx4FPcYsFV2DtqpRiCv8HrR3qQ-OiVZnHmExG74ZS_ktXm8/s1600/photo.PNG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cute mermaid stickers and hot air balloon stickers<br />
from JoeyDesign!</td></tr>
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3. <b>In the Store</b>: Many local stores also have supplies that you might be looking for! Check out your local Target, Michael's, Jo Ann's, or AC Moore for craft supplies! If you're lucky, your local Dollar store will have some stickers or washi tape that you can use, as well! I haven't been so lucky!<br />
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<b><u>Washi Tape</u></b>: I've fallen off of the washi train slightly, to be honest, in my recent obsession of stickers. BUT in the spirit of all things you can use to customize your planner, I have to share my favorite sources for washi tape! <a href="http://www.acherryontop.com/" target="_blank">ACherryOnTop</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pikwahchan?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">Pikwahchan</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSuppliesStore?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">SweetSuppliesStore</a>.<br />
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Have some other sources for your planner supplies?! Share in the comments!The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-81934575702071362532014-10-27T14:00:00.002-07:002014-10-27T14:00:15.699-07:00Designing Your Own LP CoverLike the LP covers, but not in love with them? Color choices not to your liking? I was coveting a collage cover with the rainbow squares and brown text changed to shades of blues and purples. Alas, I received an email from EC shortly after placing my order that what I had requested was no longer a change that could be made. Imagine my disappointment. But I moved on - quickly. I have a scrapbooking program on my computer, which I don't use to scrapbook much anymore (but use it for Christmas cards, invitations, etc.). I decided to measure the size of the EC cover, create my own project that was the same size and start designing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84_QI3XbXuDLttJTi_y4xSn1pDBJ8hfLyr6YynNfwvY2KyJFptWKMwWRUsK4dFbZTFTwdgm506oBZ7nZ-Vb2Fs1puwoIx-Gsvcx4VGyUhyphenhyphenskklOg_1o_oe_s0lQDadSc4vcm7XuvELBo/s1600/Wedding+LP+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84_QI3XbXuDLttJTi_y4xSn1pDBJ8hfLyr6YynNfwvY2KyJFptWKMwWRUsK4dFbZTFTwdgm506oBZ7nZ-Vb2Fs1puwoIx-Gsvcx4VGyUhyphenhyphenskklOg_1o_oe_s0lQDadSc4vcm7XuvELBo/s1600/Wedding+LP+Cover.png" height="320" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my design, courtesy of Creative Memories<br />scrapbooking software. PS -How adorable is my stepson?</td></tr>
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Once I was happy with my layout, I saved it as a jpeg file. I chose the "Picture This - Full Frame" cover option. I uploaded my jpeg document to the EC website. For some reason, it charges you $5. This is an error/glitch on the EC website. Contacting the EC Customer Service reps resulted in a $5 refund, no problem. I uploaded my design without issue. If you would prefer to incorporate your name into your design, etc. just let the EC team know that you don't want their name/quote space filled by specifying "No text." I made sure that my design allowed for the name they add on, as well as a quote from our family ceremony from when J and I got married (and included Little T).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoy1YLRRXYRW_eCDtXX1_1KNhnY4C2zGTChG9sgGo3iQcLTgFLnBaImoy1OC471jRSWk4hknrXmse1xmIaA5OhyphenhyphenwZCx6GdUmve2tEkJfaMThTKKsgcxDWrrGfhxpkfelC1A5xKIUs2po/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoy1YLRRXYRW_eCDtXX1_1KNhnY4C2zGTChG9sgGo3iQcLTgFLnBaImoy1OC471jRSWk4hknrXmse1xmIaA5OhyphenhyphenwZCx6GdUmve2tEkJfaMThTKKsgcxDWrrGfhxpkfelC1A5xKIUs2po/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished product. It's my favorite cover yet!</td></tr>
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Don't want to go through EC? I've seen several people design their own cover (front & back) and take it to Staples for laminating/hole punching. If you do decide to go at it alone, you may want to reach out to others in your Facebook EC community on how to do that. You will definitely want a thicker laminate (like 10 mL) that will allow for daily use (or abuse in my case). You may have to make your own slits to make the cover removable, but that would be the easy part!<br />
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Don't have CM scrapbooking software? Don't worry! There are plenty of free apps online, such as <a href="https://pixlr.com/" target="_blank">pixlr</a>, that allow you to create a document to your size specifications. This is an endless possibility DIY project! Have fun, go crazy, and most of all - enjoy! :)The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-5716118117872444152014-10-05T11:30:00.005-07:002015-09-08T10:19:31.298-07:00My New Favorite iPad App<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZciMQqZX6KyFD4BzDvJPM22Tn4DzgCf2hZ8MnyiVgQmxijqE4IZ-8MKu_5CpMuHBcv28MjFEaCRIslgMbexdmfzZZqINaAeUwMfbU5-3dNgA6HhaYxQF6NmEETacQ52MKKQCTQNj5JsI/s1600/image.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/AVvXsEgZciMQqZX6KyFD4BzDvJPM22Tn4DzgCf2hZ8MnyiVgQmxijqE4IZ-8MKu_5CpMuHBcv28MjFEaCRIslgMbexdmfzZZqINaAeUwMfbU5-3dNgA6HhaYxQF6NmEETacQ52MKKQCTQNj5JsI/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a>I love to cook - when I have time. While most of you know from previous blog posts that J does the majority of the cooking, that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy scavenging for some amazing-sounding recipes! We really do enjoy cooking together (remember our <a href="http://theeverythingdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/06/thai-curry-anything.html" target="_blank">second date</a>?). Recently, my mom introduced me to this amazing iPad app for the kitchen: RecipeBook. When she initially purchased it, the app cost $2.99. Now it's $3.99. I don't generally make a habit of buying iPad apps. I personally think that it is a waste of money, but I did purchase this app. I am so happy that I did! Whenever I find a recipe that sounds great, I transfer it into this app. From there, I can email it to J (who has the same app). He can then transfer it into the app on his iPad and use it to make dinner! Super simple!<br />
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So, to demonstrate, I've included a little mini tutorial to show you a little bit of what this app is all about! I found this amazing-sounding recipe on Pinterest: Roasted Cauliflower & Gruyere Soup. I opened up the actual webpage that this recipe was found on and copied the link.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7eEh3NwK2kq4jhXNZY3g7bISYDUHtg_AE6OJ2JlfDdJb9o_acQoYBVBRGHJtV97A7oaUC39nO3xwUxZDdc6VDrCFJYgJE2IQGXiEX2LbBtsz7j8otfcy-aAJIxAqIqCBfJoIJ6S_2QY/s1600/image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7eEh3NwK2kq4jhXNZY3g7bISYDUHtg_AE6OJ2JlfDdJb9o_acQoYBVBRGHJtV97A7oaUC39nO3xwUxZDdc6VDrCFJYgJE2IQGXiEX2LbBtsz7j8otfcy-aAJIxAqIqCBfJoIJ6S_2QY/s1600/image-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I then opened up my RecipeBook app and selected "Import Recipe from Online" under the menu options.<br />
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From there, you can import the recipe in a snap! The directions on the app are actually really well-written and easy to understand. The best part is, the app will create a grocery list on demand! Pretty awesome, huh?!<br />
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I hope you enjoy this app! Let me know if you want to swap some recipes! :)The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-28024989960189360362014-10-03T11:10:00.003-07:002014-10-03T11:10:59.920-07:00Monogramming Your Master Bedroom (Like an Adult)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am obsessed with monograms. Let's just establish that fact first. You don't believe me? You should check out my wardrobe: monograms galore! Think: fleece vests, sweatshirts, workout clothes (shorts, shirts), baseball caps, puffy vests, fleece jackets, boot socks, my towel wraps....you get it. I have a small (or big) problem. I truly think my only possession that isn't monogrammed is my car (oh! And my laptop!). So when I said to my husband "I want to put a monogram in our bedroom," he rolled his eyes. He doesn't get the obsession, but he lets me go. I must admit that I have been rather proud of myself. The entire downstairs is tastefully monogrammed. There's a wooden H on our bookcase and a fancy H hanging above the landing on our stairs. So I've done fairly well....for me. However, sometimes a very large monogram can seem rather childish, so I set out to monogram our bedroom without the childish flare!<br />
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I saw the idea initially on Pinterest (oh yes, another inspiration from Pinterest!). There's so many sweet ways to monogram your home without making it seem like a child's room. I figured out exactly how much space I needed to fill between the top of our headboard and the ceiling, subtracting about 4-6 inches (that's how far the bottom of your picture frames/monogram should be above the top of a piece of furniture). I ended up needing about 30-inches tall for the monogram. I literally went on to etsy and searched "30 inch wooden monogram." The possibilities and options are truly endless. I ended up purchasing from a store called "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/letterworld" target="_blank">letterworld</a>." They did a great job and shipped fast (exactly what I like!).<br />
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I used a particular kind of spray paint called "Design Master." It dries fairly quickly and the colors are brilliant! Our bedroom colors revolve around the quilt, made by my Grandmother before she passed. We chose navy (titled "Dark Blue" in Design Master world). I bought 2 cans, and I was really glad I did! While you only have to paint one side (otherwise the letters will be backwards!), you have to keep in mind there are quite a few edges and corners you have to spray into.<br />
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I used my backyard as my art studio (per usual). I cut open the box that the monogram was shipped in, and used that as my pallet on the ground. I laid the monogram on top of the cut-open box and went to work!<br />
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I sprayed one coat and waited about 10 minutes before trying to recover. I was slightly bummed that the paint seemed to be going on unevenly, despite my master spray paint technique. Once I had sprayed 2 coats on (and let them dry), I brought my monogram back inside and let it set for several days (read: 2 weeks until I had time to finish it). I would highly recommend that you lightly sand it before painting. Forget what the descriptions say if you buy online. I pulled out my second can of spray paint and utilized the same method to paint another few coats: paint a layer, let dry for 10-15 minutes, paint another layer. I tried to paint from all sides to try and make sure the sides/edges were covered entirely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYNqooJiN9As6sDGjBlDXJKH_izIYhn0s7NOTml204m0tOYjZKoTzN21dBN34Udhfj4HMkZklzWy4NBLCETsyGI04ZrsjpSQvo2Ej08HzATAAaaj8UYnr3SEU5JjNbECA_ZM54dsMzIQ/s1600/IMG_6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYNqooJiN9As6sDGjBlDXJKH_izIYhn0s7NOTml204m0tOYjZKoTzN21dBN34Udhfj4HMkZklzWy4NBLCETsyGI04ZrsjpSQvo2Ej08HzATAAaaj8UYnr3SEU5JjNbECA_ZM54dsMzIQ/s1600/IMG_6011.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the first round of painting.</td></tr>
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I then let the paint set for another week before I had J hang it up (blue on a white wall would be bad). I had actually ordered a monogram throw pillow, as well, so I threw that on the bed once it was all said and done, and....Wha-la! Tasteful monogram without going overboard (if it were up to me, we'd probably have monogrammed pillow shams, throw blanket, etc.).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV3-rUTQ2Q6ct0mZzGr5sJ5g9YwVlbFBMuBHo8_TD-KaRsBpcrJuYXTIK46N-nT2OOnh1FY-xt1FNGZzY_D5rR6lfxbrr4jDqlO8vdYy8S0easJzfPgQmmlvxUNKlt9tqARZg8MUqOag/s1600/IMG_6236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV3-rUTQ2Q6ct0mZzGr5sJ5g9YwVlbFBMuBHo8_TD-KaRsBpcrJuYXTIK46N-nT2OOnh1FY-xt1FNGZzY_D5rR6lfxbrr4jDqlO8vdYy8S0easJzfPgQmmlvxUNKlt9tqARZg8MUqOag/s1600/IMG_6236.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out these pictures I pulled from Pinterest for some more cute ways to monogram your home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcylru8LDO4afKuHQmd39T4WKYa3Udzw99U08KR585p5bpzPpp5inwFAaMUNoSoXZ3EaCcdwGvSaV63lpVQj-l0-Z008G_sq-CPjNZFFrt6UVVaKyBT_8I-T-D_ZfN_WNoyjWXB0ySHHQ/s1600/a7c415e1fe32c994d791fca35113c1b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcylru8LDO4afKuHQmd39T4WKYa3Udzw99U08KR585p5bpzPpp5inwFAaMUNoSoXZ3EaCcdwGvSaV63lpVQj-l0-Z008G_sq-CPjNZFFrt6UVVaKyBT_8I-T-D_ZfN_WNoyjWXB0ySHHQ/s1600/a7c415e1fe32c994d791fca35113c1b4.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a cute flair to your front entrance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6l2Y5Ex0PFFYozy6KoDNrMIrhyVLGapayxMvgvSWN77LHf_BfOLk65cQnM0HNi4QdiS5OAQgzxknTxahuX7XLogukG1s-Uci506jUIIRQIZ_lB-desN4lGW7Z7GMjkZxjKgbc1WVrI0/s1600/4c573b6d8bac248b20e0083d1e4b24b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6l2Y5Ex0PFFYozy6KoDNrMIrhyVLGapayxMvgvSWN77LHf_BfOLk65cQnM0HNi4QdiS5OAQgzxknTxahuX7XLogukG1s-Uci506jUIIRQIZ_lB-desN4lGW7Z7GMjkZxjKgbc1WVrI0/s1600/4c573b6d8bac248b20e0083d1e4b24b3.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe you're more of a vinyl girl?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T4XihETcdMLJ_koJFFh97BP5A-RGgk7yrrkFUvjj-3xSMELOUrqB0EVdQhV8V-53i_YTAtiXZsFBhUmQzdprWzLjf75dPnSSK9gEh99q8z3tdyissw4CWpOcmKJKBBR7X7ff5ZtbQhA/s1600/7236b7f224b5aa96c22ac93029966b5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T4XihETcdMLJ_koJFFh97BP5A-RGgk7yrrkFUvjj-3xSMELOUrqB0EVdQhV8V-53i_YTAtiXZsFBhUmQzdprWzLjf75dPnSSK9gEh99q8z3tdyissw4CWpOcmKJKBBR7X7ff5ZtbQhA/s1600/7236b7f224b5aa96c22ac93029966b5b.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or use an adorable ribbon to add to your monogram!</td></tr>
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-894164441136487712014-09-18T15:40:00.001-07:002014-09-18T15:40:49.876-07:005 Amazing Fall Soup RecipesIf there's one thing I love about fall, it's the cooler weather. Cooler weather means boots, leggings, hot chocolate, fires in the fire place, soups, and snuggling - just to name a few things I love about fall. If you're looking for some ideas for you and your significant other (and/or family!), wander on over to my post "5 Things To Do During the Fall" and see what else I love about fall! One of my favorite parts about fall is the fact that it is no longer "too hot" for soup. I love soup. It's so comforting and warm. Soups are truly my comfort foods. (yes, you read that right - other comfort foods include macaroni and cheese, buffalo chicken dip, and cookie cake with LOTS of icing). Back to the soups. In the spirit of my little blog miniseries "The 5's of Fall," I've included my top 5 favorite soups (with recipes!) for you to peruse, possibly make, and enjoy! I can't promise that they are all low-calorie or super healthy, but they <u>are</u> super yummy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIg-KftMJLVpwWQpIdEBYGOq6wghW6srnCxG5n6BOzrWDh8J1Ud1qyEBn8dJzRg7OFb8b7pZqT9kuHlZrxarwDhl4Td6bMhlPbUWkutuqGtAP13Uw6FglMH0i67oebxeHjxhGvIInut0/s1600/1779710_10102970209538120_518282229_n.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/AVvXsEgYIg-KftMJLVpwWQpIdEBYGOq6wghW6srnCxG5n6BOzrWDh8J1Ud1qyEBn8dJzRg7OFb8b7pZqT9kuHlZrxarwDhl4Td6bMhlPbUWkutuqGtAP13Uw6FglMH0i67oebxeHjxhGvIInut0/s1600/1779710_10102970209538120_518282229_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Recipe from The Pioneer Woman</td></tr>
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<u><b>1. Broccoli Cheese Soup (With Ham!) </b></u><br />
4 heads broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets<br />
Olive oil<br />
Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper<br />
1 stick unsalted butter<br />
1 whole onion, diced (we substituted 3 cloves of garlic due to onion allergies)<br />
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (I use gluten-free flour)<br />
4 cups whole milk (we used 2%)<br />
2 cups half-and-half<br />
Nutmeg (just a pinch)<br />
1/2 pound of ham (optional), cubed into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
3 cups grated cheese (we used sharp cheddar)<br />
1 cup chicken broth (optional)<br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Take the broccoli florets, cut in half, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the florets on a baking sheet with the cut-side down on the sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the florets crisp and become slightly brown.<br />
2. While the florets are cooking, melt the butter in a fairly large pot over medium heat. If you would like, add 1 whole onion, diced, and cook about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. If not, sprinkle flour on top of the butter and stir to combine. Cook until the flour is absorbed (about 1 minute). Add the milk and half-and-half. Add a dash of nutmeg, then the broccoli florets, a small dash of salt, plenty of pepper, and the ham. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer until broccoli is tender (about 20-30 minutes). Stir in the cheest. Allow it to melt completely.<br />
3. Taste. Add salt and pepper to season to your taste. Using a hand blender, break up the broccoli until the soup is more of a puree consistency. If you have a food processor, you can use this instead. Make sure you break up the soup into 2 batches if you use to the food processor. If needed, pour a smidge of chicken broth in to thin the mixture out.<br />
4. Serve, garnished with grated cheese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstHtPPhsF8KmWY6EiSfXrgi8qVVnr7wLleKt69uPzTL9Vsd0jj5Kqg7yeuzr2jsoVb8v5N3LRVvup__s2ugbZKl5DHGw_vip2MJLPWs10fLoL4IzePe5YreE_QkBqzVIo8STZreCDM_Q/s1600/1551614_10102947879118460_1387132303_n.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/AVvXsEjstHtPPhsF8KmWY6EiSfXrgi8qVVnr7wLleKt69uPzTL9Vsd0jj5Kqg7yeuzr2jsoVb8v5N3LRVvup__s2ugbZKl5DHGw_vip2MJLPWs10fLoL4IzePe5YreE_QkBqzVIo8STZreCDM_Q/s1600/1551614_10102947879118460_1387132303_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><u><b>2. Vegetable Beef Stew on Mashed Potatoes</b></u><br />
1 Tbsp cooking oil<br />
1 lb stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes<br />
1 cup red wine (that you are willing to sacrifice. We generally use Bordeaux, but the dryer the wine the better the flavor!)<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
4 small potatoes, or 2 sweet potatoes (optional, particularly if serving on mashed potatoes)<br />
1 cup green beans<br />
4-6 small carrots (4 doesn't seem to be enough to me sometimes)<br />
1 cup tomatoes<br />
<br />
6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes<br />
Salt<br />
8 cloves garlic, cut into quarters<br />
1/2 c heavy cream<br />
<br />
1. Heat pressure cooker, add oil and brown the meat slightly.<br />
2. Place vegetables over the meat, and pour in 1 cup red wine.<br />
3. Place pressure regulator on vent pipe and cook 10 minutes with pressure regulator rocking slowly.<br />
4. While the soup is cooking, place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Make sure you skim the starch foam off the top occasionally. Drain potatoes and place in a blender/food processor (or use a hand mixer!).<br />
5. Return saucepan to stovetop, and place on low heat. Add garlic and heavy cream to saucepan. Heat until cream begins to simmer. then add to blender (or place potatoes in saucepan and use hand mixer). Blend until potatoes are totally smooth puree. Add skim milk, as necessary, to thin to taste.<br />
6. Scoop one ladle-full of mashed potatoes into a large soup bowl. Using the bottom of the ladle, form a bowl-like shape out of the mashed potatoes by pressing a "crater" into the mashed potatoes.<br />
7. Ladle a healthy serving of beef stew on top.<br />
8. Enjoy!<br />
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<b><u>3. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup</u></b><br />
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1 Cup chicken breasts cooked and diced (we just shredded a rotisserie chicken instead)<br />
4 Tbsp butter<br />
4 Tbsp flour<br />
1 quart half-and-half<br />
15 oz can chicken broth<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 cup carrots, finely shredded<br />
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped<br />
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
1/2 tsp thyme<br />
1/2 tsp parsley<br />
Freshly grated parmesan cheese<br />
1 lb. potato gnocchi (You can buy this, but we made our own. It's super simple, and recipes are ALL over the internet!)<br />
<br />
1. In the bottom of a medium-to-large pot, saute the butter, garlic, and olive oil on medium heat. When the garlic becomes translucent, add in the flour a little at a time, creating a roux. Let this cook for about 1 minute. Then add in the half-and-half.<br />
2. Cook gnocchi according to package directions (we just made our own right before starting step 1. Super easy. I have not heard good things about the store-bought gnocchi. What I have gathered is that you need to buy the gnocchi in the refrigerated section, not the dry gnocchi on the shelves).<br />
3. Into the roux, dump the carrots and chicken pieces. Once the mixture thickens, add the chicken broth.<br />
4. Once everything has thickened back up, add in the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings. Simmer on medium heat until the soup is heated through.<br />
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<b><u>4. Chicken and Dumplings</u></b><br />
1 Rotisserie chicken<br />
32 oz. chicken broth<br />
11 oz. can Cream of Chicken soup<br />
1 can Pillsbury biscuits<br />
1 cup flour<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
<br />
1. Shred the meat off the rotisserie chicken. (This is J's job. I hate getting my hands dirty.)<br />
2. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.<br />
3. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and shredded chicken pieces. Stir well. Splash in salt and pepper to taste.<br />
4. While this is heating through, taking the biscuits and pull them apart, making sure to separate the top of the biscuit from the bottom. You should have 2 thinner sections for each biscuit. Cut each piece into quarters. Dip the pieces into the flour. Place the biscuit pieces gently on top of the soup.<br />
5. Gently poke the bread down, randomly, while cooking for about 10 minutes. Don't stir too much or the dumplings will break apart. Once the dumplings are cooked, you're done!<br />
6. Serve. Enjoy!<br />
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**Side note, we sometimes add peas and carrots so it's like a chicken pot pie soup! Amazing! :)<br />
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<b><u>5. Brunswick Stew</u></b><br />
1.5 pounds of BBQ pork from your local BBQ place<br />
1 Cup BBQ Sauce<br />
2-16 oz cans tomatoes<br />
1 can cream of corn<br />
1 can reg whole kernel corn<br />
1 Tbsp sugar<br />
<br />
1. Squish up tomates with clean hands and break up the BBQ really well.<br />
2. With clean hands, mix up all the parts with some TLC.<br />
3. Place in crockpot and cook overnight (or all day) on low.<br />
4. Enjoy!The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-75466230756438436752014-09-16T16:51:00.002-07:002014-09-16T16:51:24.686-07:00How I Planned My Wedding On a Budget: The Break DownWhen I started planning my wedding, I took a look at the Pinterest board. (Yes, if you're a man, every woman has the "obligatory wedding Pinterest board." Moving on.) Using my Pinterest board, I was able to do several things: (1) Prioritize, (2) Determine WHAT I wanted in my wedding, (3) Read how other couples planned their wedding on a budget. All that out of Pinterest - and men say it's a worthless app. ;)<br />
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(1) By prioritizing what was important to me, I could prioritize where my money went. A DJ wasn't hugely important to me, so an iPod and outdoor speaker worked perfectly (and cost me no money). Flowers were more important to me, as I felt flowers could set the tone a little better for the wedding (colors, theme, etc.). That's where part of my main focus was.<br />
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(2) Determining what you want in your wedding is also important. How do you convey to your vendors what you want if you don't know what you want? Consider it an act of kindness for everyone involved. It means that when you meet with your vendors, your time with them is more productive, cutting down on the time they spend talking and increasing the time they spending DOING.<br />
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(3) Research it! No one said you had to plan on a budget on your own! Throw away those bridal magazines (unless your budget is $20K) and start searching - online, google, Pinterest, etc. Use other people and their successes as your inspiration! You are NOT alone in planning this wedding on a budget, and there are some GREAT resources out there for you to utilize!<br />
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So you've got your Pinterest board FULL of ideas, themes, decor, THE DRESS ideas, floral arrangements, centerpieces, etc. Now what do you do? You've prioritized what's important (Nod your head yes - if you're shaking your head, go back up to the top and start again). We did not break down our budget PER category, we had a total budget in mind. You may prefer to specifically itemize the cost of each category, but we are "free spirits" as Dave Ramsey says.<br />
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<u>Wedding Attire:</u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQGoJOY975h5TOmqlSoPs6SK4MU45XjizoZia896KTpR6Y_uKKA0v9duBXgEK681H3LdP4h7w9vDc5M8ElvnROvSjGOUVBrx65EifRDIJNFZVhf9cA-98ekS48ppcr3c6FJsZa567SeE/s1600/image.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhUQGoJOY975h5TOmqlSoPs6SK4MU45XjizoZia896KTpR6Y_uKKA0v9duBXgEK681H3LdP4h7w9vDc5M8ElvnROvSjGOUVBrx65EifRDIJNFZVhf9cA-98ekS48ppcr3c6FJsZa567SeE/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credits: Ashleigh Mallard Photography</td></tr>
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FIRST (and to me, most important), I found my dress. $500 off the rack. Yes, you read that right. Many bridal stores have huge clearance sales in July and August as they try to clear out inventory from the past year to make room for the new fall styles coming in. Many stores also offer a discount if you purchase the dress off the rack. Ask if you can pay with cash/check (and if so, will they offer a discount), or if you pay in full if they will give you a discount. What's the worst they can say? No. So ask - they might say yes! I bought my dress in July (a year before my wedding) off the rack for <b>$500</b>. It was strapless and I wanted straps for the ceremony (cost me <b>$15</b> at the bridal store). I had to have it hemmed, and some minor alterations (plus the straps added) for <b>$125</b>. You don't <i>have</i> to use the bridal shop's alterations lady. Sometimes <u>it is</u> safer as they alter gowns all the time. However, I knew a lady that I used for <i>tons</i> of alterations (pants, formal dresses, etc.), and I knew that she would do a great job for a reasonable cost. Ask around! You aren't the only one who's getting married, and you might be able to find someone less expensive than the bridal store!. So, total cost of my dress (dress, straps, alterations): <b>$640</b>. We bought J's suit as it was actually less expensive than renting (and he gets to keep it!). We found a great sale going on at Men's Warehouse. Normally, I wouldn't recommend them as they are fairly expensive, but we got a great deal! J's Suit (tie and shirt!): <b>$250</b>.<br />
Total Wedding Attire for Bride & Groom: <b>$890</b><br />
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<u>Vendors:</u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAOd4c030xvjCkqIIK607J0eGAXYrwl23ndMRur41Ejk2rfrad_C_dfO84MQ4lg3qtF5Odbl0oXUbmkVSq2k_bCbZ9tcCNnqsH-nhpGWjdFnzPsA_sZLoTbQWib3d7mDNWS5CpF8MJdA/s1600/blogp21_2.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/AVvXsEiIAOd4c030xvjCkqIIK607J0eGAXYrwl23ndMRur41Ejk2rfrad_C_dfO84MQ4lg3qtF5Odbl0oXUbmkVSq2k_bCbZ9tcCNnqsH-nhpGWjdFnzPsA_sZLoTbQWib3d7mDNWS5CpF8MJdA/s1600/blogp21_2.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a>Florist: My first piece of advice when it comes to finding the perfect vendor: shop around. I knew for the most part what I wanted for my flowers. I initially called the florist from my first wedding, but he was unavailable. He recommended the florist that had done his wedding (<a href="http://thelittleflower.me/index2.php#/home/" target="_blank">La Petit Fleur</a>). I was a little bummed, but once I met her, I was so happy I had chosen to use her. She was flexible in her pricing, willing to work on a tight budget, and talked me through some ways to cut down on cost. Be honest with your vendors. If they know you're on a tight budget, they won't do an outrageous set up for centerpieces, your bouquets, etc. (That way you can avoid a $4K quote!). I told Corrine what I was looking for, that I was on a tight budget, and asked what she recommended. Many times if you use flowers in season, it will cut down on imports/costs/etc. I wanted Peacock feathers (which cut down on some flowers in the arrangments) and purple/teal Dendrobium Orchids. I wanted to use hydrangeas, which are a little more expensive. BUT Corrine pointed out to me that while they cost a little more, you get more flowers for the dollar. She worked extensively with me to make sure that I got exactly what I wanted on a budget I could afford.<br />
She did: 2 bouquets (mine was a cascade), 4 corsages, 7 boutonnieres, and a throw away bouquet for a total of <b>$500</b>.<br />
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Food: For my cake, I wanted one cake (not 2: classic Bridal & Groom cakes). But I wanted to have half the cake iced in white with a lace-like design and the other half to be chocolate with ganache drizzled down the layers. I also needed a gluten-free cake, which really limited my options, as 4 members of my family (including me) are gluten intolerant. However, we were able to find a vendor that was willing to do a gluten free cake within our budget. Total Cost of Cake: <b>$225</b>.<br />
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For our dinner, we utilized J's dad (remember in Blog 1 we talked about using family or friends as a resource). He owns a Barbecue restaurant, which is exactly what we wanted for our reception dinner. He was willing to do this for us, at cost (meaning we only reimbursed him what it cost for the food - he made no profit). Total Cost to feed 65 people: <b>$200</b>.<br />
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Photography: When looking for photographers, I immediately asked friends for their recommendations. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AshleighMallardPhotography" target="_blank">Ashleigh Mallard Photography</a>. I knew Ashleigh as we group up going to church together, and J knew Ashleigh as she had photographed his son's newborn pictures. I contacted her and was upfront about our limited budget. She was willing to cut her wedding package cost IMMENSELY. While it may have temporarily cost her a little money, she has gained loyal customers in us. She didn't skimp on anything with us, despite we did pay her less than she normally would have been paid. We have 2 family photography sessions coming up in the next 2-3 months - with Ashleigh! Total Cost of FULL DAY Photography: <b>$1000</b>.<br />
Unfortunately, this led to photographers that had a base price (for their wedding packages) of around $2500-3000. Not in my price range. So I started researching photographers that I knew personally. While I was a little afraid of mixing business and personal relationships, I figured I would be able to communicate what I was looking for (and be heard) and that I would be able to set up a payment plan (even if it extended a little past the wedding) that would be acceptable. J & I finally discussed it and agreed on using <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRgfRKmsfXoDNyWNjUYKpataXWA-aVmn-znoK8fcC6U_ZP3h_g2SLVBDOMsBnHJ77IJf9ePhDekf_Jv2JUjKg2Ng7XcIVEEKn-6-VsuNdw1sErVaCIY2aLK2yIIkGI8taCox89JBK3Mc/s1600/Henely-24.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/AVvXsEiZRgfRKmsfXoDNyWNjUYKpataXWA-aVmn-znoK8fcC6U_ZP3h_g2SLVBDOMsBnHJ77IJf9ePhDekf_Jv2JUjKg2Ng7XcIVEEKn-6-VsuNdw1sErVaCIY2aLK2yIIkGI8taCox89JBK3Mc/s1600/Henely-24.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Hair & Make-Up: I am terrible at doing my own hair. It's just a simple fact of life. I have 3 main hairstyles for work that simply don't cut it for my wedding. While I was willing (and able) to travel to an outside location for hair and make-up, having my hair & make-up done on location took a load of stress off my mind. We utilized <a href="http://www.triomakeupandhairdesign.com/" target="_blank">Trio Makeup & Hair Designs</a>. I had utilized this group for my first wedding and loved the results. So when I contacted them 4 years later for this wedding, I asked if they gave repeat customers a discount. Fortunately, they were willing to honor their pricing from 2010, when my first wedding took place. That was actually a HUGE discount. For my mom's make-up, my hair & make-up, and my sister's hair & make-up, it cost us a total of <b>$400</b>. While that is more costly than you may be willing to pay, it was a load of my back that they were willing to travel to me on the day of the wedding.<br />
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<u>Venues:</u><br />
Ceremony: The church I grew up in (and was till a member of at the time), provided the facilities for a nominal fee for members. While we did pay for a nursery for children under 5, we still saved a substantial amount of money by utilizing a facility that provided us the same services as other locations with nominal cost. We simply had to cover custodial fees ($150), wedding coordinator fee ($250), sound/microphone fees ($100), candle fees ($60), and nursery cost ($150). While that seems like a lot of nickel-and-diming (and it certainly seemed like it at the time!), it was still less than renting a facility outside of our church. All the fees added up to a ceremony venue cost of: <b>$710</b>. Some churches we looked at started their sanctuary rental fee at $1000!!!<br />
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Reception Venue: We decided (after much discussion between J & I, as well as my parents) to utilize my parents' home as our reception venue. While we still had to rent tables and chairs, but it cut down significantly on the rental fee for the facility! While we still paid <b>$1000</b> for rental fees for tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc., we didn't have to pay for the facility (and we could keep the party going as late as we wanted!).<br />
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Total Cost for My Wedding: <b>$4925</b>. (Paid over the course of 13 months)The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-24212039400751338802014-09-01T11:00:00.001-07:002014-09-01T11:00:44.927-07:00How I Planned My Wedding On a Budget (And Got Everything I Wanted)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrwIKfuCelRd1I71DYuf88hNE5tqH5STBpWCYhv2qwTuhicuZvVFQNoIkCF9gHPGIPSyIjeNvRrOnxcvUSUAiXS6Iyf9bQ8N2K5H5-sK6KcrpvgxenVxawhvnQqeAV9CUWSbd669O_DY/s1600/photo.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/AVvXsEiIrwIKfuCelRd1I71DYuf88hNE5tqH5STBpWCYhv2qwTuhicuZvVFQNoIkCF9gHPGIPSyIjeNvRrOnxcvUSUAiXS6Iyf9bQ8N2K5H5-sK6KcrpvgxenVxawhvnQqeAV9CUWSbd669O_DY/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos Courtesy of Ashleigh Mallard Photography</td></tr>
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Weddings aren't cheap anymore. Whatever happened to the good ole days of having a ceremony with some cake and punch in the Church's gathering hall afterwards? Gone. Now, it's not a reception without an open bar (no judgement - there was an open bar at my first wedding). So when round 2 started (cue boxing bell rings), I knew I was planning a wedding on my own dime. And open bar was NOT the first thing on my mind. So what's a girl to do with a budget of $5000 and LOTS on her wishlist?!<br />
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1. Start a Pinterest board. No, seriously. The first few months after J and I got engaged, I started a Pinterest board. It let me see what I was drawn to, looking for, not even paying attention to etc.. It helped me see where my priorities were before I even realized it!<br />
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2. Involve your family and friends! Got an aunt who's a whiz at flower arrangements? See if she's willing to help you (for a small price of course!) for the cost of the flowers/vases/etc. Maybe even a little on top to compensate for her time. Your mom has an amazing jewelry collection? See if she'll let you raid it for your special day. Your sister's the bomb at making burlap wreaths and bows? Include her! You get the picture. I'm sure that you are surrounded by talent, so ask if those people are willing to put their talent to use for you!<br />
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3. Find hidden resources. The church that J and I got married in has an option for members to purchase flowers for the altar on Sundays. 1 arrangement is $35 (vs. the florist's arrangements at $200 a pop!), so we bought both of the arrangements (only 2 are available). We requested some extra peacock feathers/orchids to match our bouquets/corsages/boutonnieres (and additional $30/vase) for altar arrangements totaling at $130 (for both arrangements!). While we couldn't take the arrangements home with us, as they had to remain in the church for the Sunday morning services, it was a nice price break!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkS9j7LmuNGllf84ZIdIXZ8WM9Af6wDBN1cHSEHE52Mg_jWQM5qQuyITioeHXbRW_fe-bBIvhe6Menu3xWRlG1lvvoyWyfH_YVqMK8je0_kBMg2a-xs3p7TkOM5BRcEkoLSxNpoQijLM/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkS9j7LmuNGllf84ZIdIXZ8WM9Af6wDBN1cHSEHE52Mg_jWQM5qQuyITioeHXbRW_fe-bBIvhe6Menu3xWRlG1lvvoyWyfH_YVqMK8je0_kBMg2a-xs3p7TkOM5BRcEkoLSxNpoQijLM/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our altar arrangements.</td></tr>
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4. Shop around. Who says you have to use the first vendor you find? Shop around! If you don't take the time to look and see what is available for what price, you might miss out on a huge budget saver!<br />
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5. Give yourself plenty of time. J and I got engaged 13 months before we got married. Why? Well, 2 reasons. (1) So that we could get married the same week as our parents and my grandparents, but (2) so that we could spread out the cost of our wedding without living above our means. We paid a few vendors in smaller amounts for several months, paid them off, then moved on to other vendors! It took more time, BUT it gave us plenty of time to pay every one without struggling to eat, pay the bills, etc.<br />
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Next up on the agenda for planning your wedding on a budget: prioritizing, opportune times to book/shop, and finding vendors that work within YOUR means!The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-5527055685798059682014-08-31T12:30:00.002-07:002014-08-31T12:30:26.249-07:005 Pictures to Take This FallWith fall just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to take some pictures! The weather is a little more cool (allowing for some adorable boots-leggings-scarves combos), the leaves are changing and falling, and it's prime time for some snuggling (adorably and PG, please!). So while you're wondering what to do about Christmas cards this year or updating the pictures of the kids - look no further!<br />
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1. A Pile of Leaves: What better way to bring out the kid in anyone than a pile of leaves to jump in?! Pile the whole family in. Start a leaf-throwing fight with the kids and then move out of the way for some adorable kid pics. OR stay in the frame with hubby for some hilarious pictures! Make "leaf angels," spell out something and lay next to it, or form some leaves in to your kids' ages and have them take a picture next to it so you can remember how old they are! Or just pile some leaves on your kiddo and snap a few shots like below - adorable!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0EETAqyb6qaVm5_HEE5lExmjQL9FkUSo9CF4_uxONi-oGPYNhiTGKWidHxzwidbTEBKHqRvNCalbtAbtAmIz3MqPvglZTkV9PMKkb-w4InasyUeOqwrTiGm5pwDnrqQdXfogA6B72HQ/s1600/133fd47e20078a4f438be801a1492a26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0EETAqyb6qaVm5_HEE5lExmjQL9FkUSo9CF4_uxONi-oGPYNhiTGKWidHxzwidbTEBKHqRvNCalbtAbtAmIz3MqPvglZTkV9PMKkb-w4InasyUeOqwrTiGm5pwDnrqQdXfogA6B72HQ/s1600/133fd47e20078a4f438be801a1492a26.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Source: Pinterest</td></tr>
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2. Fall Leaves Scenery/Backdrop: As we established in post #1 (5 Things to Do in Fall) I love the changing leaves. What better (or more gorgeous) backdrop for some family photos? I think this picture from Pinterest (below) speaks for itself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMjoL-Z8vb-hxsyAV1IhsbOIrVZpQKKw94txKYJYoIYvpIGk5M7e_FBfft8qyLgG-ROQl9PbFQg8W5W-zMyetKgvicDrChJ4QnK5MAFRig9RMD9PUkdwXyGBtZ8lPj_O6Lj0bypHxry0/s1600/752b7df8e26e12038092f5ab88e10037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMjoL-Z8vb-hxsyAV1IhsbOIrVZpQKKw94txKYJYoIYvpIGk5M7e_FBfft8qyLgG-ROQl9PbFQg8W5W-zMyetKgvicDrChJ4QnK5MAFRig9RMD9PUkdwXyGBtZ8lPj_O6Lj0bypHxry0/s1600/752b7df8e26e12038092f5ab88e10037.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Source: Pinterest</td></tr>
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3. Pumkpin Patch: Is there a better way to represent the fall season? Take your kids, drop them in the middle of a pumpkin patch (one that isn't too crowded) and snap some pics. Maybe even carve one and drop your littlest one in the pumpkin itself!<br />
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4. Halloween Costumes: Uh, I think this kind of comes with the answer of a bunch of resounding "Duh"s. While this may seem like a simple one-picture snap and head to trick-or-treating, it's not. Your kids are only little once (Sorry to remind you - again). Why not take an extra 15 minutes to get some extra pictures of your kiddos - to frame or send to Grandma and Grandpa? A painful little reminder that your kids are only little once, so snap some pics (just don't ruin the moment by taking HUNDREDS of pics!).<br />
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5. A Flannel Blanket: This is particularly perfect if you have a photo session planned, whether a couples session or family session. To me, nothing says fall more than a cozy flannel blanket (or fleece, if that's more your style!).<br />
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Don't want to pay for some pictures?! Grab your kids, your significant other, your pet...step outside and start snapping. We probably take WAY too many pictures of little T, but the best shots are candid pictures! Don't have a fancy $500 camera? No sweat, I don't either. I have a little point-and-click which works great. Have fun! Want to hire a photographer? Start a Pinterest board. That way when you find a photographer you like, you can show them what you have in mind! Be mindful, though. Some photographers really dislike copying images you find on Pinterest, but they may be willing to do their own version of the picture.<br />
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Anyways, I hope you get the family outside to enjoy the weather. And maybe get some adorable pictures this fall, too!The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-66418917646553424992014-08-23T17:28:00.000-07:002014-08-23T17:28:56.106-07:00Making Your Left-Overs Go Further: Chicken QuesadillasRemember the <a href="http://theeverythingdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-pinterest-ing-life-slow-cooker-salsa.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Salsa Chicken</a> we made in May? Well, we made it again recently. I had forgotten exactly how much of this stuff it makes! We had it for dinner 2 nights in a row with a TON still left over! We are getting ready to go on a trip soon, and I hate to let such a good recipe go to waste. So what is a girl to do? Well, enter my amazing fiance, J and his ability to whip up anything at a moment's notice. Little T has become obsessed with all things Mexican food, hence the salsa chicken. So, enter J's quick thinking: salsa chicken quesadillas. It's a super easy, quick meal to make and when there's a starving 4 year old screaming at your feet, it's quite the answer!<br />
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<u><b>Salsa Chicken Quesadillas:</b></u><br />
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1 bag soft taco shells or tortillas<br />
Butter (I would use a half a stick)<br />
Left over salsa chicken<br />
Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese<br />
Guacamole (my recent obsession is with Yucatan Organic Guacamole - amazing. Got it at Sam's).<br />
Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes (Optional)<br />
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1. On medium heat, start warming a cast-iron skillet.<br />
2. Rub the entire skillet down with butter once warm. J generally just takes the stick and rubs it directly on the pan.<br />
3. Lightly brown the soft taco/tortilla on both sides.<br />
4. Add lots of cheese on one side and let melt (J puts enough on that it squishes out the sides when he folds it together).<br />
5. While the cheese is melting, pop some salsa chicken into the microwave to warm (generally 20-30 seconds, but will depend on amount of chicken you are reheating).<br />
6. Once the cheese has melted, place salsa chicken on one-half of the tortilla. Fold tortilla in half.<br />
7. Brown evenly on both sides so that the tortilla is a golden brown color (ok to have darker brown spots).<br />
8. Open briefly and add lettuce and tomato (optional).<br />
9. Cut into thirds or halves (whatever you desire) and serve with a dollop of guacamole.<br />
10. ENJOY!<br />
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<br />The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-45597460182058246512014-08-11T18:22:00.002-07:002014-08-11T18:22:46.291-07:005 Things to Do This FallSchool is starting back, and that means fall is just around the corner! In the Spirit of Fall returning to us, I have decided to start a little blog miniseries "The 5's of Fall." To me, fall is such a perfect time of year, although it does mean that school has started back, meaning more time for you during the day (and maybe some more hyper kids during your evenings). Weekends will be packed with extra-curriculars that you can't do during the day during the week, possibly traveling for soccer games, cheerleading camp...you name it, I'm sure it's on your to-do list. Don't get so busy that you don't take a time-out for yourself, your significant other, or your family. To kick off "The 5's of Fall" is a list of five fall "musts" that every family should enjoy.<br />
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1. <u><b>Go See (Or Watch) a Football Game Together:</b></u> Maybe it's just the two of you, or maybe you drag (I mean lovingly coerce) the kids into joining you. Maybe you go to a bar and enjoy the bar atmosphere while watching the game together. Or maybe you just pop some popcorn, buy some movie snacks and pile on the couch together to enjoy the game. It doesn't matter how you do it, but nothing brings a family together like rooting for the same team! Maybe you're in a house divided like J & I (he graduated from University of Alabama and I went to UGA for 2 years) - just don't watch the SEC championship game together (We did - and we're still together but I wouldn't recommend it!). If you're going to a game, do it right and tailgate! There is nothing better than hanging out with the family in the crisp fall air, enjoying a cookout (and each other), and then traipsing over to the nearby stadium to watch the game. (Side Note: If you do this, the kids won't be sitting glued to the couch and/or TV all day either!).<br />
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2. <u><b>Fall Pictures</b></u>: There's nothing that makes a more gorgeous backdrop than leaves changing colors. And scarves make for some adorable pictures! Don't have kids? Snuggle up with an adorable quilt and your significant other! Or even just you and your dog. Either way, enjoy the scenery and beautiful backdrop that life in the fall can create! Plus, Halloween is approaching (ok - not too quickly) and pumpkins make for some adorable pictures!<br />
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3. <u><b>Get Outside!</b></u> The weather is perfect (at least down here in the south!) and the scenery is beautiful! The kids can run around without sweating to death and you can be outside with them, watching or playing, and be comfortable, as well. Fall is too pretty and too perfect to be cooped up indoors all the time. Just think: you work 40+ hours per week and they are busy in school almost that much. Release some pent up energy for everyone and enjoy the changing leaves while you are at it (yes, I love when leaves change - gorgeous!).<br />
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4. <b><u>Go Camping (or at least Hiking!)</u></b>: The most beautiful time of the year is fall. I love the changing leaves (as we have established), but I also love the cooler weather. Here in Georgia, summers are unbelievably hot and humid, followed by the "Dog Days" in August (where it is so hot even the dogs won't do anything). Fall brings a welcome cooler temperature with a slight nip in the air. Perfect weather for exercising, working out, sweating outside. Take time to enjoy the cooler air, the beautiful changing scenery, and a good workout without the serious amount of sweating you get during the summer days!<br />
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5. <b><u>Sit By the Fire (and Read a Good Book)</u></b>: It is finally starting to get cold enough to put that fireplace to use! Grab a good book, some hot chocolate, a blanket, and some comfy sweats...now relax! Books (to me) are a rare thing nowadays. TV, iPhones, iPads, technology have taken over! It's so easy to walk in the door and flip on the TV, looking for the latest and greatest reality TV show (or for some of us, the next episode of <i>Once Upon a Time</i> or <i>Castle</i> or <i>Body of Proof</i>). Reading an actual book is so rare now thanks to Kindles, Kindle for iPad app, Nooks, and many other incredible pieces of technology. To me, there is nothing better than curling up by the fire with some hot cider or hot chocolate and thumbing through the pages of a good book. It may sound gross, but I love the smell of old, dusty books. And reading a great book is a great stress reliever (and way to escape the real world where work duties call).<br />
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-86807463753571007692014-08-09T20:39:00.001-07:002014-08-09T20:39:41.429-07:00Putting Your Erin Condren Life Planner to Work: Meal PlanningWe have this issue in our house - a lot. It's 6 pm, J and I are both <i>starving</i>, and yet we have no food thawed out, the left overs are bad, and no plan for dinner. So we make it work by going out to eat - a <b>huge</b> killer for our already tight budget. We have implemented a system at our house to make grocery shopping easier, decrease the meals we eat out, and make the most out of the food we do buy. If you take your lunch to work, you can even take this a step further by figuring out how you are going to dole your leftovers out over the week for lunch.<br />
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1. I have taken this idea from a sweet girl I know from a Facebook group for Erin Condren fanatics. I created a page of quick meal ideas (my "meal reference") that I refer to when I get stuck. I have organized these by categories: main dishes, crockpot recipes, sides, and recipes to try (for when I stumble across that amazing-sounding recipe on Pinterest and want to actually remember <u>which</u> dish I pinned). If you have a picky kid, make a list separate for them and add to it when you find a new food he or she likes. The possibilities of your menu reference are endless! I even created on specifically for parties, dividing it up into the following categories: appetizers, sides, salads, finger foods, dips, and main dishes.<br />
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2. Using my cravings (no I'm not pregnant), J's requests, and my Pinterest inspirations, I create a list of meals - one for each day. I run this list by J to make sure that he is ok with everything (after all, he <u><i>is</i></u> the cook!). I write this down on a sticky note (and try to assign one meal to each day of the week, mixing up the protein of the main dish so we don't have chicken 3 nights in a row, etc.).<br />
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3. Once I get to the point where I am ready to decorate my week (see how I do that here!), I write down each meal on a sticker and stick it at the bottom of the page on the lined notes section.<br />
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4. I then transfer the meal plan to our menu board on the fridge. I ordered this off of a discount website (jane.com). The original company was <a href="http://www.loveydoveycreations.com/shop.html#!/~/product/category=6159139&id=28468893" target="_blank">Lovey Dovey Creations</a>. This way, if I am at work with my planner, J knows what to thaw out, cook, prepare, etc.. We often use the left overs for lunch the next day if we can. Sometimes, we simply plan to make less of a meal if we are trying to cut down on the amount of leftovers we have (like if we are leaving for a trip later that week).<br />
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I hope this has inspired you to get to meal-planning! I plan weekly so we make weekly trips to the grocery store. However, I have made monthly meal plans before (it just got a bit tedious for me). The great thing about this system is you can use all (or none, or some) of what I do. Let me know how it works for you!The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-26289126833638243092014-08-01T15:27:00.003-07:002014-08-01T15:27:59.140-07:005 Crockpot Recipes You Can't Live WithoutSummer is winding down, and school supplies are lining the shelves at the local stores. It's about to become the busiest time of year: school, after-school activities, sports, more traffic... You get it. Life is about to get busier while the days get shorter (literally, but I love my extra hour of sleep when we "fall back" an hour!). How on earth are you supposed to get all this done and put dinner on the table in a timely fashion?! Enter, my best friend during the season of winter: the crockpot. Crockpot recipes often contain "cream of something" soup. Not ideal, and certainly not healthy. I have made an effort to try and cut back on the amount of processed foods in our diet. I can't say that I've been 100% successful (particularly in the crock pot arena), but I certainly have made headway in cutting back! (Pats self on back). Generally I do this by avoiding crockpot recipes, but I do have a few I keep in my regular repertoire. What I've done is compile a list of my absolute favorite crockpot recipes that stay in my regular dinner rotation (complete with ingredients and directions).<br />
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<u><b>1. Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup</b></u> (**Disclaimer: this isn't healthy, but it's AMAZING!)<br />
5 pounds Russet potatoes, washed but not peeled. Diced into 1/2 inch cubes<br />
10 cloves of garlic, minced (If you use jarred, it's 5 teaspoons)<br />
64 ounces (8 cups) chicken stock or broth<br />
16 oz cream cheese, softened (we chose low-fat)<br />
4-5 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped<br />
Cheese!<br />
Optional: Ham, cubed<br />
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1. Add potatoes, garlic, and chicken stock to slow cooker. (You can add 1 tablespoon salt. I just leave it off and allow people to salt their own soup - everyone has different tastes/preferences)<br />
2. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours.<br />
3. Add softened cream cheese and puree into potatoes with an immersion blender until the cream cheese is well incorporated and about half the soup is blended. There should be a creamy appearance, with some small chunks of potatoes throughout.<br />
4. **Optional step. Add ham and stir well. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.<br />
5. Top with cheese, bacon, chives, etc. Enjoy!<br />
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<u><b>2. Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Potato & Bacon Chowder</b></u> (4 Weight Watchers Points!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo courtesy of Pinterest</td></tr>
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2 cups potatoes, cut into small cubes<br />
4 oz. Canadian-style bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces<br />
1 large carrot, diced<br />
3 medium garlic cloves, minced (jarred garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon)<br />
4 cups fat-free chicken broth<br />
1/2 uncooked barley<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed<br />
1/4 tsp black pepper<br />
1 cup fat-free half and half<br />
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1. In slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, garlic, broth, barley, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and bacon. Cover & cook on low for 4-6 hours.<br />
2. Stir in half-and-half. Heat through, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.<br />
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<b><u>3. Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings</u></b><br />
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each cut in half<br />
Salt & Black pepper<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
Pinch of dried thyme (optional)<br />
4 chicken bouillon cubes<br />
1 can cream of chicken soup<br />
Water<br />
1 can Grands biscuits (8 ct.)<br />
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1. Add the cream of chicken soup to the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cans worth of water. Drop in the <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo Courtesy of Pinterest</td></tr>
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bouillon cubes and add the garlic powder and thyme. Using a fork or a small whisk, mix everything together in the slow cooker.<br />
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and drop in to the slow cooker.<br />
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Then break up the chicken a bit. I generally just do this right in the slow cooker. We like to shred the chicken so it's in fairly small, thin pieces.<br />
4. Cut each biscuit in to 8-10 pieces. You can use scissors or a knife for this step. Add the pieces into the slow cooker. Stir in, making sure that you cover all sides of each biscuit piece with the liquid mixture.<br />
5. Cover, and cook for 2 more hours. Check on the soup every so often, just to ensure that the biscuit pieces don't stick to the inside of the crockpot or brown on the top too much. Just press the biscuits down, don't stir the mixture.<br />
6. Give the mixture a good stir just prior to serving.<br />
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<u><b>4. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken</b></u><br />
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</div>
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1 cup salsa (I used mild simply because T hates anything super hot. This is where you can have some fun!)</div>
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1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (my least favorite thing about this recipe, but hey - at least it's only one can!</div>
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1 packet taco seasoning</div>
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1/2 cup sour cream</div>
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6 tortillas (J & T like the extra fluffy, and I'm all over here like "I'll have a corn one, please.")</div>
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1. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crock pot (The beauty of this - we dumped in the chicken still completely frozen). </div>
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2. Sprinkle taco seasoning on chicken breasts. </div>
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3. In a separate bowl, combine soup and salsa. Pour over chicken. </div>
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4. Cook on high for 4 hours. </div>
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5. Shred chicken (I use the 2 fork method) and stir in sour cream. Serve on tortillas.</div>
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<u><b>5. Beef Stroganoff </b></u> </div>
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1-2 lbs cube steak, cut into one-inch strips<br />
2 cans condensed golden mushroom soup<br />
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce<br />
1-14 oz can beef broth<br />
8 oz. mushrooms, cleaned and diced<br />
4 ounces cream cheese, warmed to room temperature<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
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1. In the crockpot, combine the meat, soup, Worcerstershire sauce, broth, and mushrooms. Cook on low 5-6 hours.<br />
2. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream, about 1/2 hour before serving. Make sure to stir the mixture every ten minutes to break up the cream cheese.<br />
3. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Stir in to the crockpot mixture for approximately a half hour.<br />
4. Add cornstarch and/or water to change the thickness of the sauce to your liking.<br />
5. Serve (I generally prefer bowls and large soup spoons!) and enjoy!</div>
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-42547904300313167222014-07-28T16:17:00.001-07:002014-07-28T16:17:35.211-07:00Setting Up Your Week in Your Erin Condren Life Planner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg574z47r63A_O4uoRitIkchvk6s1pYSatBol91jPkLKoFSOMpSJm5Chf4CWlB6efJhoHBQRgsH3LXhZttdcprK64YTzSo7w2MGX-gXPG9Z5cu3-nIJoSBP0uOi72KESgLdRBe9FUGyZ0c/s1600/IMG_5337.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/AVvXsEg574z47r63A_O4uoRitIkchvk6s1pYSatBol91jPkLKoFSOMpSJm5Chf4CWlB6efJhoHBQRgsH3LXhZttdcprK64YTzSo7w2MGX-gXPG9Z5cu3-nIJoSBP0uOi72KESgLdRBe9FUGyZ0c/s1600/IMG_5337.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
After my post last week about <a href="http://theeverythingdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/07/making-your-erin-condren-life-planner.html" target="_blank">making your ECLP perfect for you</a>, I received many requests to create/write a follow up post on how I set up my weekly layouts. Now, please understand that while this is a perfect system for me, it took me time to get my system set up like I like it! So if it doesn't work for you on the first try, give it some time and experiment with it! However, I will definitely provide you with a step-by-step of how I set up my weekly layouts.<br />
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1. I generally put recurring dates in my planner in the monthly layouts as soon as I get the planner. These "recurring dates" include (but are not limited to): birthdays, anniversaries, pay days, etc. Other important dates I include in my weekly view are: weddings, days off work, Saturday work days, weekends my stepson visits, J's retreats/conferences for work, my conferences. I try to keep my monthly layouts a simple as possible so that I don't go cross-eyed trying to figure out what date something is happening on when I transfer it to the weekly views. It's not a perfect method, and some things do get missed. However, I have gotten used to my system and very few items are missed or skipped (actually, none recently!).<br />
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2. I start out by putting important dates for that week on a sticky note. I add to it as I get closer to the week, as my work schedule is given to me, or as events/trips/etc. are brought to my attention. I received these cute little iPhone sticky notes as a gift, but I believe someone said she was able to find them at Walmart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5lNJ44ecU-uH3sDpB8VJjvpNi8ro9qZr0vWWdTlVG2S0K17cPuI26LSrFVcU9SVUgv6l6yovefvA61otHRg7YKmyfauJ0_2AxRSgYSYLxnGsSt7VdhXQMPwvaxJE41vw6nk5ltUxPk/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5lNJ44ecU-uH3sDpB8VJjvpNi8ro9qZr0vWWdTlVG2S0K17cPuI26LSrFVcU9SVUgv6l6yovefvA61otHRg7YKmyfauJ0_2AxRSgYSYLxnGsSt7VdhXQMPwvaxJE41vw6nk5ltUxPk/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. I then start by adding stickers for work days off, Saturday work days, birthdays, etc. I generally put these at the top of the column for that day (yes, it does cover the "morning" label). You can see below where I have already added in my "Day Off Work" and "Saturday Work Day" stickers at the top of the applicable day. I generally place my Pay Day stickers over the night section on Pay Day to allow myself room for a checklist of where money needs to go: bills, loan payment, savings, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3IVZAw0n8qrRiZGJysFTzChq-ooPLDf7o90LROVd_VuTQmPOpEyrD5g68z7u-fJkaYYYHPf1lOsd0Q1CrugVq1pqUhr0DYa7sV3kVV5jZGqXu8MwtS-t0-174D4A6yXACK7l-aQUqgQ/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3IVZAw0n8qrRiZGJysFTzChq-ooPLDf7o90LROVd_VuTQmPOpEyrD5g68z7u-fJkaYYYHPf1lOsd0Q1CrugVq1pqUhr0DYa7sV3kVV5jZGqXu8MwtS-t0-174D4A6yXACK7l-aQUqgQ/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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SIDEBAR: Several people have asked me "How do you determine what you use a sticker for and what you just write in?" I've come up with a "sort-of system," meaning that I sort-of have a system and I sort of do whatever I feel like. I've ordered custom stickers from EC for things that occur regularly for me: my stepson's visits, Bible study, Delivery Days, Errands to Run, Conferences, J on Retreats. Obviously, when those events occur, I already have stickers for said occasion, and I can just utilized those. Now, for events like weddings, parties, showers, etc., I use EC's pre-printed stickers. Important events/things I don't want to miss or forget, I add in on a sticker, so that it stands out more from other things on my to do list (ex: applying/getting a marriage license). Also, for things that I want to do/make sure I don't forget that I have a fun applicable washi tape, I use stickers and my coordinating washi tape (Ex: mani/pedi and Finalizing my honeymoon Itinerary!). Most of the more everyday life kind of things, I just write in with little check boxes beside them - we'll get there, I promise!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKJgi4Ss4mRtgyhpg-lX8QRNxUWimz6KBujEDVv_tDTx5cIu3nA8XExVE4WuhPswUflnrgI9MLJ_B6yyp6tAJ6E9QpbgC-b5LG6OsyQha6703gGVZ-NnhPPcCb7SsPRmGITMHCkq1OFI/s1600/IMG_5341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKJgi4Ss4mRtgyhpg-lX8QRNxUWimz6KBujEDVv_tDTx5cIu3nA8XExVE4WuhPswUflnrgI9MLJ_B6yyp6tAJ6E9QpbgC-b5LG6OsyQha6703gGVZ-NnhPPcCb7SsPRmGITMHCkq1OFI/s1600/IMG_5341.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. Add in events that will occur over several days. For me, this is marked off with washi tape and a sticker/label. This includes when J travels for conferences or retreats, when we are out of town, or when we have my stepson for several days. Generally, it looks something like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCShMdSg5RtUuIxixpT57H88EnGokxJjO61XgBBGp0RmCLBg63g7w-XaZTb2xZ782bAWRtfPb70SYTJ-yUL2i6JpteLvW6g_yhbAOFTXT_v73Umc29Fq-2le78NlKj7swaATyeMceweEA/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCShMdSg5RtUuIxixpT57H88EnGokxJjO61XgBBGp0RmCLBg63g7w-XaZTb2xZ782bAWRtfPb70SYTJ-yUL2i6JpteLvW6g_yhbAOFTXT_v73Umc29Fq-2le78NlKj7swaATyeMceweEA/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. I then add in my work schedule, using washi tape to cover the "morning" and "day" labels to write down where I'll be each morning and afternoon for work, since it varies daily, weekly. Once that is done, I figure out what stickers/washi tape I have that correspond to what I need to do that week. If I have corresponding washi, I use a label sticker. If I have a sticker for it, I hand write it in. Other, more day-to-day to-do lists are just hand written in. I then decorate with fun stickers: fruits, whales, hearts, etc. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB80g7S06dCjRtVRWfcIJogRupZVo0DKcP08AeKQ0R_6vtAy9u41RW4DXAwGMSmjvWSFjnZEJn8x_2iwnUOUEpcSSEpx8Mka5wEDiYSny6c3pNbi6ccCkealBS-ioS8CBXVSE83tRTvf4/s1600/IMG_5346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB80g7S06dCjRtVRWfcIJogRupZVo0DKcP08AeKQ0R_6vtAy9u41RW4DXAwGMSmjvWSFjnZEJn8x_2iwnUOUEpcSSEpx8Mka5wEDiYSny6c3pNbi6ccCkealBS-ioS8CBXVSE83tRTvf4/s1600/IMG_5346.JPG" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
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The best advice I can give you is to have fun with it! Play around and figure out what system works best for you. Just because it makes my life easier doesn't mean that it will work best for you! Enjoy decorating and figuring out your own system! :)</div>
The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-48777722905019078532014-07-22T16:52:00.004-07:002014-07-22T16:53:55.923-07:00Stepping Into Stepmom-Dom: Ripping Off the BandaidT is <u>obsessed</u> with wearing bandaids now. And not just while there is a scab. He continues to wear a bandaid on the area until the <i>scar</i> has faded! Want my advice?! Go buy stock in Bandaid brand. I'll single-handedly drive up the stock value just from the amount of Bandaids I buy for this kid. I understand the fear associated with taking a bandaid off while a scab is still in place. What if it hurts? What if it bleeds? As a 4 year old, I can see where that could be scary. What I don't get is the fact that he insists a bandaid stays on once the scab is gone. Anyways, we've been working with him on taking off bandaids for bath time. Can you say "lead balloon?" He's not too thrilled with us, and he generally whimpers and whines through bath time. <i>Then</i> he <u>insists</u> on a new bandaid after he is out of the bath. Frus. Trating.<br />
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It did make me stop and think the other night about something, though. As adults, we don't generally apply bandaids to our physical wounds (unless they are <i>really</i> bad). We generally have more emotional scars or wounds - that we don't often deal with. We sweep them under the rug and ignore them, saving the problems and monsters in our closet for another day when we have time to deal with them. We do this without realizing what effect this has on our family, our kids, or even our co-workers. We think we can shove emotion down into the corners of our lives and everyone in our life will be none the wiser. Think again. Kids are incredibly intuitive. I have seen many situations personally where children act like their parents are acting - without the parent even realizing it! When T's mom was uncomfortable around me, T picked up on it. And when I was with J during pick-up or drop-off, T was shy and almost anxious or afraid around me. His mom was never outwardly rude to me, but he sensed her discomfort and mimicked it.<br />
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Remember: just because you think you have it under control doesn't mean someone else isn't noticing what you are doing. So please, as a parent, friend, coworker, rip the emotional bandaid off. Take some time. Maybe it's after your kids go to bed one night. Forego the laundry or the dishes or whatever else is on your to-do list, and rip the bandaid off. Then let it go (sing with me now, <u>Frozen</u> fans!). You'll be amazed at how much less stressed you will feel. Isn't it amazing what our kids can teach us?<br />
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<br />The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-75122442961185305182014-07-19T17:21:00.001-07:002014-07-20T17:16:31.160-07:00Making Your Erin Condren Life Planner Work For You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdG1fUxbqztqgT7BLxMseSJ59C3AYJRA5DM4qQgUk7O6234FB2mC3xuhoqBjWjmAkHUkDCl7yDQETttY-jpZQ2yN5RxeU5XZqdrpkzrMawSpDhX9DqP7Nk7YNAyLahcJnz1oEHJ6BLQo/s1600/IMG_5326.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/AVvXsEgmdG1fUxbqztqgT7BLxMseSJ59C3AYJRA5DM4qQgUk7O6234FB2mC3xuhoqBjWjmAkHUkDCl7yDQETttY-jpZQ2yN5RxeU5XZqdrpkzrMawSpDhX9DqP7Nk7YNAyLahcJnz1oEHJ6BLQo/s1600/IMG_5326.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original beauty. I *might* have purchased 2 <br />
additional covers. Shhhh!</td></tr>
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Let's face it: sometimes there's not a perfect product on the market, but there's one that comes *this* close to perfection. So how to you purchase said "this-close-to-perfection" product and make it your own?! Well, if it's an Erin Condren Life Planner (ECLP), look no further! I'm obsessed with all products Erin Condren. The list of items/products I have purchased her is too long (and possibly embarrassing?) to list. Let's just say it's a slight problem. When I purchased my first LP 18 months ago, I was fairly "boring" with how I utilized it - black pen and some check boxes, nothing more. I didn't realize all the possibilities that you can create for yourself when it come to this amazing planner! I thought that there was a slim chance that someone else was feeling like I was - they had the perfect product and felt like they weren't utilizing it to its full capacity. So here is how I have made my ECLP perfect for me!<br />
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Let's Get Started!<br />
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1. Custom Stickers: EC herself provides you with an option to create custom stickers on her <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/eventstickers" target="_blank">website</a>. Want to mark Pay Day? How about Anniversaries? Look no further than your source for an ECLP! There are PLENTY of outside sources for custom stickers if you don't like the price tag of the EC custom stickers. Here's a list of my favorite sources for custom stickers (Click on Site Name to be taken to their page!): <a href="http://sizemoredesigns.com/" target="_blank">Sizemore Designs</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174031684/custom-event-sticker-labels-for-planners?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=custom+planner+stickers&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Love Affair With Paper</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/177021645/event-stickers-for-planners-made-to?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">KrissyAnneDesigns</a>! Your options are endless, but these are few of my favorite sites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yat2GdY8OQanVD5wtHcdcagqpH-mMDtghbhZ7gEtA-DWIJJuRQFVA99cKluRQgq0PCJVnD_1HHDkbPMQCvC5VkQkcIrvJYpuQYdvx5ZG0wO2_dnoYq3dEWzjmxrSi2yefQZzw8klzWE/s1600/IMG_5241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yat2GdY8OQanVD5wtHcdcagqpH-mMDtghbhZ7gEtA-DWIJJuRQFVA99cKluRQgq0PCJVnD_1HHDkbPMQCvC5VkQkcIrvJYpuQYdvx5ZG0wO2_dnoYq3dEWzjmxrSi2yefQZzw8klzWE/s1600/IMG_5241.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Family Outing" and "Errands to Run" stickers from Erin Condren</td></tr>
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2. Page Markers: EC has an adorable clear page marker that comes with the planner. I'm not a fan. That doesn't mean YOU won't be. I have a preference for other (adorable) means of marking my pages. Those include (but are not limited to):<br />
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<li>Adorable coffee mug, animal, and weather kawaii paper clips, as found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KawaiiPaperie" target="_blank">KawaiiPaperie</a> on etsy.</li>
<li>OliClips: Generally these gems are found at The Container Store, but there has recently been a shortage. Rumor on the street is that they will be available again on etsy soon, as well as in-stores again soon. Can't wait that long? Check out the facebook group "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/725737600815633/" target="_blank">OliUClip by OliBlock</a>."</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2P-stIQjQ9eBjrSXyAV5FDSgoapSJsjtFRl8yQhId6tjkowg10fC-Fdnsf-8D8PA8u7NIpc8mih_oAvLZ2RKDFXEX3rNJAwhLeAd8L-gkoehw1bGZ3WfihEhC24slDNzcwkfmm2gms/s1600/IMG_5320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2P-stIQjQ9eBjrSXyAV5FDSgoapSJsjtFRl8yQhId6tjkowg10fC-Fdnsf-8D8PA8u7NIpc8mih_oAvLZ2RKDFXEX3rNJAwhLeAd8L-gkoehw1bGZ3WfihEhC24slDNzcwkfmm2gms/s1600/IMG_5320.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many cute patterns available on the OliClip</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Want something cute, but simple? Check out these ribboned paper clips at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188518015/handmade-5-pink-patterned-ribbon?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=planner+page+markers&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">MadeYouLookNovelities</a> on etsy! </li>
<li>Kate Spade: Kate Spade makes some absolutely adorable paper clips! Bow shapes, ampersand, exclamation point...adorable! Find them on amazon or if you want just one, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187342938/gold-kate-spade-paper-clip-choose-your?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">MyQueenBeeDesigns</a> on etsy.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ovPLgXNbkX0GMpdrtxPpxsCjYbeLz_my8VF85bPdDKcVqb0YPNVFwf4wp8Rj4TYhLUguDedHpt3neUNn1BoLU9eBATFn6xqY10mcrZ23MbE6gxbVdin4HdOJTZKJ0-W6YqXUxNhXVJY/s1600/IMG_5249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ovPLgXNbkX0GMpdrtxPpxsCjYbeLz_my8VF85bPdDKcVqb0YPNVFwf4wp8Rj4TYhLUguDedHpt3neUNn1BoLU9eBATFn6xqY10mcrZ23MbE6gxbVdin4HdOJTZKJ0-W6YqXUxNhXVJY/s1600/IMG_5249.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish from KawaiiPaperie and ampersand from <br />
MyQueenBeeDesigns, both found on etsy.</td></tr>
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3. Washi Tape: Watch out - it will become an obsession. Don't say I didn't warn you! It's starts with "Oh just these few rolls and I'll be set." Then it turns into "Oh, I need 15 shoeboxes to store my collection." You can use it to mark events that occur on more than one day (i.e. vacation, road trips, retreats, etc.), decorate your daily view, mark out a time you will be doing something (i.e. DIY project, napping, driving, studying, etc.). Oh - you want my favorite places to buy this new soon-to-be collection you will own?! Of course! Check out <a href="http://www.acherryontop.com/" target="_blank">ACherryOnTop</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pikwahchan" target="_blank">Pikwahchan</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WashiTapeManiac" target="_blank">Washi Tape Maniac</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mindthewrap" target="_blank">Mind the Wrap</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lightlife" target="_blank">LightLife</a>.<br />
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4. The Binding: I am obsessed with the spiral binding for the ECLP. But maybe that doesn't work for you. Check out Kikki K or Filfofax (A5 size). There's tons of tutorials on youtube on how to put your uncoil your planner, trim the edges off and punch it to fit into an A5 Filofax, place it in a <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/stationery/collections/fashion-leather-berry-grey/leather-personal-planner-berry" target="_blank">Leather Personal Kikki K Planner</a>, or use the Arc system. It doesn't matter what you choose to do - there are so many others who have done the same thing that you are bound to find a tutorial!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Tu0GAZkAzN4CyABJGxESKfVBKYw68MUP-OxhsTPD35ebLh-hEZCcWDcSb8Kk4-osLOTlq5EwM0HgnPQHCmDQRKXMq2f1_NkJzbWYNKdzkf-tGSIbsJDUcTOX9kWTgixQwsXmLjbOA20/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Tu0GAZkAzN4CyABJGxESKfVBKYw68MUP-OxhsTPD35ebLh-hEZCcWDcSb8Kk4-osLOTlq5EwM0HgnPQHCmDQRKXMq2f1_NkJzbWYNKdzkf-tGSIbsJDUcTOX9kWTgixQwsXmLjbOA20/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" height="184" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of my ECLP in a Kikki K</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG86ijopmrG8gKSfjE6kI3dY0VrUJzmDto2MdE4RERhl06736jofqXuWA3NjgmDNuGYsU4jvhyT4VeBBPy47Ca0NIIYp2f9BJ5dhyphenhyphenNcCfulSJMXfjIaNqmnrEfvC7NREygtagWCN_mqo/s1600/IMG_5251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG86ijopmrG8gKSfjE6kI3dY0VrUJzmDto2MdE4RERhl06736jofqXuWA3NjgmDNuGYsU4jvhyT4VeBBPy47Ca0NIIYp2f9BJ5dhyphenhyphenNcCfulSJMXfjIaNqmnrEfvC7NREygtagWCN_mqo/s1600/IMG_5251.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tabs on my ECLP in a Kikki K.</td></tr>
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5. Colorful Pens: I love Papermate Flairs. They are colorful, but don't bleed through the page like some pens do. I also love the Infinity pens, as well. They are also great for the ECLP and don't bleed through the page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewy8Pr9B3s04n6BqgDoWT-57TW76Jxv7DZQJy4hGq4gNW4ogiTQSufup0EFCKAw6zVS1peSxLHUCgNACcq_dGRuX-QjY1jdZerbCwQzdDHxeJmNPmdGj82_wU4ekPFIFBNLxFOeE8X7k/s1600/IMG_5240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewy8Pr9B3s04n6BqgDoWT-57TW76Jxv7DZQJy4hGq4gNW4ogiTQSufup0EFCKAw6zVS1peSxLHUCgNACcq_dGRuX-QjY1jdZerbCwQzdDHxeJmNPmdGj82_wU4ekPFIFBNLxFOeE8X7k/s1600/IMG_5240.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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6. Decorative Stickers: Not so sure about washi tape? Check out the scrapbook stickers at your local craft store to add some flair! I would not recommend any stickers that are 3D, but some adorable seasonal stickers, holiday stickers, even cutesy fruit (or whales or hearts or....you get it) can add some adorable pops of color and fun without taking up too much room! My sweet friend Marci has a store with some adorable stickers to mark trash day, coffee time, and she'll even do custom orders. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickerswashiandmore" target="_blank">Check out her store</a>! Or I love the stickers you can find in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoshiMoooosh" target="_blank">Moshi Moooosh</a>. Want some little miniature stickers? Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kawaiistickers4you" target="_blank">KawaiiStickers4You</a> on etsy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrl-hs-G53RZoGHZLFqBxfG1OlTfx0W23iyRzIXr94rhoI9djijMO1AIocNyd1uU61uoMxGa9st2WecF8Ngf1PEbVe3x6UZ6Y_DL0pjSL4BfoERr6VDfVhUZaxSVvZt0GV55K-0Yt18/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrl-hs-G53RZoGHZLFqBxfG1OlTfx0W23iyRzIXr94rhoI9djijMO1AIocNyd1uU61uoMxGa9st2WecF8Ngf1PEbVe3x6UZ6Y_DL0pjSL4BfoERr6VDfVhUZaxSVvZt0GV55K-0Yt18/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My recent purchase from Moshi Moooosh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2dvYgDqm9JXCgCDgWpPSgYrDHNRfQsoF-2nuFCNPhVyZvOEqxOv3mVIwPLB64YB1BxbuFZ0n5j3viG60nrYdNVBH80bTEdS8tgbAZ4aK_aQEXtoSMzKznHfyEikMu6LH4x9DgHXwSCk/s1600/IMG_5242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2dvYgDqm9JXCgCDgWpPSgYrDHNRfQsoF-2nuFCNPhVyZvOEqxOv3mVIwPLB64YB1BxbuFZ0n5j3viG60nrYdNVBH80bTEdS8tgbAZ4aK_aQEXtoSMzKznHfyEikMu6LH4x9DgHXwSCk/s1600/IMG_5242.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Stickers from Mrs. Grossman's website!</td></tr>
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7. Cases: For some of you, slapping one of EC's adorable "Keep It Together" bands is perfect! For me, I get annoyed when the coils get caught in something else in my purse or work bag. Enter ThirtyOne product "Zipper Pouch" (No kidding - it's called that. Easy, huh?!). I love it. It's big enough to fit my ECLP and pens in! Maybe you just convert your planner to a Kikki K or Filofax and that's enough? Either way, it's totally your personal preference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SkoR4Is6VNg_XjOMb5RjPkQwz6zQDQk8-2zUkHFQrsweiQTt_yK0cLuhYhHSJ2XNrZSUzJzeZhFtbvYDTreAJjgvBepqA-qldGdBneQS2Z-XQzV8NvOacOs4SQ_4HSOo3kQpMp9UedQ/s1600/IMG_5318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SkoR4Is6VNg_XjOMb5RjPkQwz6zQDQk8-2zUkHFQrsweiQTt_yK0cLuhYhHSJ2XNrZSUzJzeZhFtbvYDTreAJjgvBepqA-qldGdBneQS2Z-XQzV8NvOacOs4SQ_4HSOo3kQpMp9UedQ/s1600/IMG_5318.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ThirtyOne Zipper Pouch and ECLP.</td></tr>
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8. Planner Charms: Add some adorable flare and flaunt your favorite activity with a planner charm! Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftersRetreat" target="_blank">CraftersRetreat</a> on etsy! Shelly makes adorable custom charms, and she'll even make one specific to your requests! She's a doll to work with! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnj8sSqF8Cf-ggszPu1Y01fwqZkHCHnfKKUkVgTnlXjGHiEHAj4B6zlYVHnnRTSwHriElvoXqhDu-ZCkz-d6eOyRA780Zjh3zJ1LwgHHqHXdtUpFSfKvChGSWBhuw1lGTtC-KIw6dM_Y/s1600/IMG_5253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnj8sSqF8Cf-ggszPu1Y01fwqZkHCHnfKKUkVgTnlXjGHiEHAj4B6zlYVHnnRTSwHriElvoXqhDu-ZCkz-d6eOyRA780Zjh3zJ1LwgHHqHXdtUpFSfKvChGSWBhuw1lGTtC-KIw6dM_Y/s1600/IMG_5253.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My adorable custom charm from CraftersRetreat.</td></tr>
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9. Covers: Erin Condren now makes it so easy to change out your cover on your ECLP. She even sells covers separately for $10.95. What better way to update your planner than switching out the cover?!<br />
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Do you have ideas that weren't mentioned?! Comment below! I know there is plenty of creativity out there with these adorable ECLPs, so share the wealth! :)<br />
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-25305696692736624212014-07-19T11:46:00.001-07:002014-07-19T11:55:40.173-07:00Stepping in to Stepmom-Dom: A Child-Like Disposition<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZwIxSUCiuRrzwmGB2pMkAR99tJuAvLRqL3v5HQgukILQWXLbK14QWwVGpkxRBvYOVdmOi_FY_hyphenhyphen2HPDau4yEqpUYaXuyeHO97cWlfa02_MRkpTWK7ztYWS9Ik4vyQNQjjkDXEZIFOMA/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZwIxSUCiuRrzwmGB2pMkAR99tJuAvLRqL3v5HQgukILQWXLbK14QWwVGpkxRBvYOVdmOi_FY_hyphenhyphen2HPDau4yEqpUYaXuyeHO97cWlfa02_MRkpTWK7ztYWS9Ik4vyQNQjjkDXEZIFOMA/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Cutest Pilot.</td></tr>
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Today is definitely one of those yucky, rainy Saturdays. We live in a town that literally lives on the lake nearby. Seriously. Even our church has a dock for members who want to boat to church when the weather is nice. So finding something to do on such a nasty day is difficult, especially when we have an energetic 4 year old boy on our hands. Enter INK, or Interactive Network for Kids. This is an incredible place with different "settings" for kids to pretend and play in: hospital, vet's office, fire trucks, barns, police cars, airplanes, lemonade stands, trains, grocery store...the list is endless. T had so much fun running around the different areas and playing with different items. He was all over the place at first, trying to decide what he wanted to do, but he quickly found where he wanted to be (and go next). We spent over 2 hours in there, with T running around (and us trying to keep up!) from place to place.<br />
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We wrapped up at INK (after 2+ hours of fun) around 12:45, and all three of us were starving. Enter something quick and easy on a rainy day - Chick-fil-a (or as T calls it, "Cow"). We were surprised that it wasn't more packed than it was during peak lunch hours, but we weren't complaining (and we figured it was due to the weather). We sat down to eat our meal, and as J and I were about to take our first bites, T pipes up: "Guys! We have to say the blessing first." This was a proud moment for J and I as we have been really working with T on saying the blessing before we eat at meals. So I followed up his statement with "OK. So who's going to say the blessing?" He points to me. Gulp. I have always been overly sensitive about not doing things in public that could be portrayed as forcing my religion on someone, whether it's as simple as praying or something as big as pushing flyers into people's hands. That's just not me. And now, here I was with the eyes of the most adorable 4 year old staring at me, waiting on me to say the blessing. Well, what's a girl to do?! You know what we did! We all folded our hands, bowed our heads, and I (yes, me!) said the blessing. It was brief and to the point, but nevertheless, I said it.<br />
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This got me thinking over lunch about things. How is it that as children, we are so carefree and mindless to what others think of us or our actions? To T, saying the blessing was what we are "supposed to do," whether at home or in public. What is it about today's society that makes us so aware and afraid of what others will think? It made me wish I could go back to that age, just to have that mindset of "I don't care what other people think I am <u>going</u> to wear my tutu to the grocery store!" It certainly was a nice reminder for me that we need to be ourselves fully without being afraid of what others will say or think. Because being me without fear is....nice! So thank you, T for reminding me to have a child-like disposition and opinion of the people around me. Love, Mer.The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579024980173477324.post-76635436568725232622014-07-18T16:51:00.000-07:002014-07-18T16:51:27.579-07:00Steak SaladI absolutely love a good salad. And there is certainly nothing better than a good, well-seasoned steak. Why not combine the two into one, glorious meal? To me, it's perfect for summer. You get your protein with the steak without feeling like you had an enormous, heavy meal. It's super simple to make, and really only requires a little bit of your time to make. Been wanting to check out that local farmer's market of yours?! Here's your excuse! Drive on over there and get yourself some fresh veggies for your salad. And of course, if you know anything about me by now, you know that I love a meal that you can tailor to your own tastes.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvh1fNjUo8WzvY_xlQif24UXviJqQTZelq86zmEGv4qlieQNA60xF_gI4fvCTfcf6W1YJkR8szAVzJTb6Sd1jlLTUId9WOYeBw_gXcLPXRND7ios5lhOTl00DCconUw9-nJPz_4eOy4o/s1600/IMG_5188.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/AVvXsEhdvh1fNjUo8WzvY_xlQif24UXviJqQTZelq86zmEGv4qlieQNA60xF_gI4fvCTfcf6W1YJkR8szAVzJTb6Sd1jlLTUId9WOYeBw_gXcLPXRND7ios5lhOTl00DCconUw9-nJPz_4eOy4o/s1600/IMG_5188.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><div>
Fresh veggies for your salad</div>
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1 top Sirloin, marinated if you would like (for 24+ hours)</div>
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Shredded Cheese</div>
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Salad Dressing</div>
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u></div>
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1. Take your freshly marinated steak and toss that puppy on the grill! OR - slather on your favorite meat rub before you grill it instead of marinating!</div>
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2. While the steak is grilling, start working on your salad. Make sure you periodically check on the steak! You don't want a blackened steak salad! ;)</div>
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3. Once the steak is done, slice into thin strips or cube it. Add desired amount onto salad.</div>
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4. Top with some shredded cheese and your favorite salad dressing.</div>
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5. Enjoy!<br /><div>
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The Everything Diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490573780013208235noreply@blogger.com0