tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12308974411839340182024-03-05T20:45:57.691-08:00Puddle DesignsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706190840607574368noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-24290543868955418382015-03-31T10:31:00.000-07:002015-03-31T10:31:03.765-07:00Car Themed 1st Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Birthday parties don't come around too often at our house. We always do something small with the family, but usually I barely even decorate for those. So, when I have the opportunity to decorate for a "real" party, I get so excited! I get to add decorator, baker, caterer, and designer to the usual hats that all moms wear on an everyday bases. Thank goodness it's only for a little while, because I'm busy enough! I sure love it though. </div>
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My son recently just turned one, and I'm pretty sure this party was more for me then it was for him. What one year old actually cares about decorations? Am I right? Regardless, I love how everything turned out, and I wanted to share it with you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tBgQwMJYgSO-tyf4lJSSPfJhCF6rbXlIcEzaIFTfqegVxNvjc6A2oLXGpUmnFw3_O9QJUYxF8-kYKRHwwqqByZdUDbYAyKu5vUFmx-haiLqL9426pu4HjkDo44jCA7LuINc4GpizZJsM/s1600/Car+themed+birthday+party+food+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tBgQwMJYgSO-tyf4lJSSPfJhCF6rbXlIcEzaIFTfqegVxNvjc6A2oLXGpUmnFw3_O9QJUYxF8-kYKRHwwqqByZdUDbYAyKu5vUFmx-haiLqL9426pu4HjkDo44jCA7LuINc4GpizZJsM/s1600/Car+themed+birthday+party+food+labels.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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You can't have a party without cute labeled food! Ok, maybe not, but it sure adds a cute little touch.</div>
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Now, before you look at this next picture, I need to add a little disclaimer: I am NOT a baker. I like to pretend sometimes, but usually my creations look better in my head then when I actually try to execute them. That being said, here is the car smash cake that I made. For some reason the buttercream frosting separated, and I didn't have time/the ingredients to make it again. So, I had to use what I had. Lamo-o... Anyway, here is the completed car. Honestly, I think it looks like one of those "Pinterest Fail" photos. I almost <strike>cry</strike> laugh every time I look at the one I attempted. Oh well. You can't win 'em all, right?<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(If anyone has an amazing fool proof buttercream frosting recipe, please send it my way)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC3NIx5RxxXPWWfCg8Sq0WuG2rQp-XClAdBd1R16efFN6dRhIoyqGaZf1G8JsjSSg3Y5TS7uj7pitsraesCeiS8kB4vl1760PTAzXsrl0jOujGqTfXzjZ_8g2X9VH0Rf40PQu5J5Ir-Ym/s1600/_DSC3321-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC3NIx5RxxXPWWfCg8Sq0WuG2rQp-XClAdBd1R16efFN6dRhIoyqGaZf1G8JsjSSg3Y5TS7uj7pitsraesCeiS8kB4vl1760PTAzXsrl0jOujGqTfXzjZ_8g2X9VH0Rf40PQu5J5Ir-Ym/s1600/_DSC3321-small.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's what I was going for... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn39qoZEQO1GkU-EYkridSJQHX08m_cf7A0_mJ_2UoyF2QIghaHGtbnjyUVWkR7RQXsF3uPYFsqzaVrXzSEb6U0TTyA8MOwy-tMYh_xnGeSKY5-88BZ67B5iQQWl3-jldRllP4wwJAfi0/s1600/d8b1380648a96400dbbd8d22f950833e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn39qoZEQO1GkU-EYkridSJQHX08m_cf7A0_mJ_2UoyF2QIghaHGtbnjyUVWkR7RQXsF3uPYFsqzaVrXzSEb6U0TTyA8MOwy-tMYh_xnGeSKY5-88BZ67B5iQQWl3-jldRllP4wwJAfi0/s1600/d8b1380648a96400dbbd8d22f950833e.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnja0Zuwe8835KB4vjv5TLU50OWBDW4UskKLFA0C_NWmligjj_4RnZTX6clsUbOtLvG4AGvTR2rhxW4aBb7NWmsFJNxcYV0iwrB992aaFqbcl3_Z_xvB2_8ks5LvRw9kk_UaOTQSHO9pTo/s1600/_DSC3324-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnja0Zuwe8835KB4vjv5TLU50OWBDW4UskKLFA0C_NWmligjj_4RnZTX6clsUbOtLvG4AGvTR2rhxW4aBb7NWmsFJNxcYV0iwrB992aaFqbcl3_Z_xvB2_8ks5LvRw9kk_UaOTQSHO9pTo/s1600/_DSC3324-small.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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For some reason, it is absolutely impossible to find checkered paper! I don't know why I had such a difficult time, but not a single store had anything even remotely checkered. What's a girl to do?! I ended up just finding a checkered background and printed my own paper :). These flags were made with toothpicks and the folded over paper. Super easy, and much cheaper then buying them from a specialty party store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd2-a0Z4GpfObl0Gj4_gqS3Jx_7DoBoToTW4R4U27vmlkN7QlT8sYcXF_JUgkMGfyUa0oGNYJ12FZtupM1btBBYfxAbvJEwRLsJU-Xw8EHwY0qRrDd0RmdgzM022CluNzroUQJvbZMrNS/s1600/_DSC3342-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd2-a0Z4GpfObl0Gj4_gqS3Jx_7DoBoToTW4R4U27vmlkN7QlT8sYcXF_JUgkMGfyUa0oGNYJ12FZtupM1btBBYfxAbvJEwRLsJU-Xw8EHwY0qRrDd0RmdgzM022CluNzroUQJvbZMrNS/s1600/_DSC3342-small.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This kid had no problem digging into his cake. I sure love him to pieces!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please be careful when putting a Bumbo on a chair like this! They are not very stable, so please stay close to your kiddos while they sit in them!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-gUqF8t_39j3z7uxHpYq0_KkjhUybS9ipUIkQVdiU4ZC20bW3OHc_cQ0l2Gq8yc0w2yVZlzqB5fc4tG1iDuVGgz7NKB1JiQZ537xxRYaxFRgf6f-8WzNQcxmFpwxlkn5dEWzEJuINF-V/s1600/_DSC3368-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-gUqF8t_39j3z7uxHpYq0_KkjhUybS9ipUIkQVdiU4ZC20bW3OHc_cQ0l2Gq8yc0w2yVZlzqB5fc4tG1iDuVGgz7NKB1JiQZ537xxRYaxFRgf6f-8WzNQcxmFpwxlkn5dEWzEJuINF-V/s1600/_DSC3368-small.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The table cloth was super easy! All it was was a black $0.97 table cloth, which I then taped yellow paper to to make it look like a road. You could use yellow duct tape too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8hYdn9fCwSar7j-YRwBBuDdx6HX67Xpoypm_xlVT7SvYikdaF_ZvkrQYmsvVOffcBtAEHXVz5s49YNVwGW8toZjZz6CvAfC-YuMewe03DGm3u5r_xlkmRg_IyFyGce9NMHw7bs_SHVzQ/s1600/_DSC3369-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8hYdn9fCwSar7j-YRwBBuDdx6HX67Xpoypm_xlVT7SvYikdaF_ZvkrQYmsvVOffcBtAEHXVz5s49YNVwGW8toZjZz6CvAfC-YuMewe03DGm3u5r_xlkmRg_IyFyGce9NMHw7bs_SHVzQ/s1600/_DSC3369-small.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This was my favorite decoration! It was fun to see the month to month growth progression.</div>
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I don't know when my next party will be, but I'm already looking forward to planning it!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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(You can find this invite or request your own custom design at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PuddleDesign" target="_blank">Puddle Design on Etsy</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUttFj9hmvZTwOff8oyYJdcB7Y6RigZSrTTdVP-W-385Dq5KirWzb93SapjrVTXN49-rEtSdMxLwxe1huC7zknguDeJn3WcPrdv7GFerGxUUGFiKJNPMWbrSuu8rp-pH6hbNslUiEan5VG/s1600/Sports+car+birthday+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUttFj9hmvZTwOff8oyYJdcB7Y6RigZSrTTdVP-W-385Dq5KirWzb93SapjrVTXN49-rEtSdMxLwxe1huC7zknguDeJn3WcPrdv7GFerGxUUGFiKJNPMWbrSuu8rp-pH6hbNslUiEan5VG/s1600/Sports+car+birthday+invite.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-42847111455687920332015-02-06T12:17:00.000-08:002015-02-06T12:17:38.406-08:00All You Need is Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqry9TEKo94zVMIljrCUwSmHeqbtvCt9dN7adC6_kNIVVUOeJ495oDZlgrXuiu0EEQsY0F2ofjknkkh04XLxDc18ToJA4QqImPPZhj1_yyCoeXr6AARAB9gma02FQbSd9mKVjg1sf5CwOH/s1600/All+You+Need+is+Love+Printable+8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqry9TEKo94zVMIljrCUwSmHeqbtvCt9dN7adC6_kNIVVUOeJ495oDZlgrXuiu0EEQsY0F2ofjknkkh04XLxDc18ToJA4QqImPPZhj1_yyCoeXr6AARAB9gma02FQbSd9mKVjg1sf5CwOH/s1600/All+You+Need+is+Love+Printable+8x10.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Whether Valentine's Day is your favorite holiday, or you would rather refer to it as "Single Awareness Day", there is one thing that is true for everyone: All you need is love! Can you imagine what the world would be like if we just simply loved each other? </div>
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You can love your spouse, your parents, your kids, your friends, or your dog, but I believe that it is important to love someone and receive love from someone. Now, I'm not talking about lust, or sex, or whatever else some people try to replace with love. I'm talking about the true love that you would walk through fire for. Love that no simple one night stand can create.</div>
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I admit, I am a hopeless romantic, and I may or may not have had a crush on a couple of fictional men (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mr. Darcy </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*sigh*</span>). I also believe and know that love is real! I feel it everyday when my husband looks at me and simply smiles his special gorgeous smile. I feel it as I play with my children, as I read them stories, as I change their diapers (I do not love this task, but I do it because I love them.) Love is not easy! As with anything worth having in life you have to work for it. You have to fight for it! But believe me, it is worth the fight.</div>
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Anyway, that's my quick two cents. Enjoy the free printable. And Happy Valentines Day!</div>
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You can find this printable in both 5x7 and 8x10 sizes <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0GqJW7KVMxmQ1JZSEdHQW0xVTg&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-30512696990740125062015-01-01T20:57:00.002-08:002015-01-01T20:58:29.349-08:00December <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The year has come to an end!! I can't believe that I made it. </div>
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Here is the final card to finish up my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html" target="_blank">resolution</a>. What kind of resolution should I make next year...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUg1iVRTUF07Y31kINEhhckOqqEjubyZusf658-IHIXy2ozk_UcfJqSnV7cvZSCfXVUbNthbMoSPUIOiTy1ZxrgcrbUSuFQkBHfx6vXTK84QTgOxe-O_vwQU7XFY3dGfnXyfgsnC3hjko/s1600/Bow+Tie+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUg1iVRTUF07Y31kINEhhckOqqEjubyZusf658-IHIXy2ozk_UcfJqSnV7cvZSCfXVUbNthbMoSPUIOiTy1ZxrgcrbUSuFQkBHfx6vXTK84QTgOxe-O_vwQU7XFY3dGfnXyfgsnC3hjko/s1600/Bow+Tie+Birthday.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
My brother is a bow tie lover! Not all guys can pull off wearing a bow tie, but he is one of the few that can! I made the bow tie from some scraps of paper, and the "happy birthday" is made of beads and wire. I love how simple this card is. Simple, but nice.<br />
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I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and a very happy New Year!<br />
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-2122485259950057442014-12-11T13:09:00.000-08:002014-12-11T13:09:22.273-08:00NovemberI was able to visit my family in Utah in November! Of course it was awesome, but I forgot about my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html" target="_blank">crafting resolution</a> until we were just about to leave. So, I quickly grabbed a couple cards, some paper, and some stickers, and away we went. I needed to make 2 cards while we were there, with very limited supplies. Here's what I came up with:<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm3v4khSw-pZ2Au-kwKBbNHaZOYL93twhNYomW30Mdl5fL2xdSNWUmUMXX2C3RIhRDDQ-AnqtJNQV19j9bg302VnjtQLU_IZ-OUSGKoWWziJS22z6ySZ5MKZIOZilAhG1_UQVXyR3PAAn/s1600/bright+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm3v4khSw-pZ2Au-kwKBbNHaZOYL93twhNYomW30Mdl5fL2xdSNWUmUMXX2C3RIhRDDQ-AnqtJNQV19j9bg302VnjtQLU_IZ-OUSGKoWWziJS22z6ySZ5MKZIOZilAhG1_UQVXyR3PAAn/s1600/bright+birthday+card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's amazing what you can put together with stickers, paper, glue and scissors. No fancy stuff needed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe4rthM0317mZKLZEem6KJ3tq4VZXIY5M7hGSDiDrEk_65QT6Kc_ZJsS0m54TmWakA-UTAuQFHx8ar4_j8cRPogHvDtU2eiCWW_UGsdqVdnLJkPJhYLTKJh1WBTwayuqOYWNBW-Z4S96H/s1600/Minion+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe4rthM0317mZKLZEem6KJ3tq4VZXIY5M7hGSDiDrEk_65QT6Kc_ZJsS0m54TmWakA-UTAuQFHx8ar4_j8cRPogHvDtU2eiCWW_UGsdqVdnLJkPJhYLTKJh1WBTwayuqOYWNBW-Z4S96H/s1600/Minion+birthday+card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My nephew is a Minion addict! So, I knew that I needed to make a Minion card for him. I think this Minion's name is Bob, or is it Dave? I have no idea, but my nephew sure did! </div>
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(All shapes completely cut by hand.)</div>
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Now, on to December cards! I only have one birthday card to make in December, so I am pretty much done! </div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-58428429245980040232014-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:002014-12-11T13:00:14.324-08:00OctoberOh boy, I am so behind. I am finally getting around to posting October's cards. Christmas card season is in full swing, so I have been pretty busy lately!<br />
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In October I only had a couple of cards to make. I can't believe that I am almost done with my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html" target="_blank">crafting resolution</a>. I think I am going to continue making as many cards as I can, but I'll only post the awesome ones. Hopefully lots of them are awesome...<br />
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I would love to see some of the wonderfully creative cards that you have made! Send me a picture and I'll make sure I post it for others to see too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMjG0FW6Yo8NRmr1sYMRX0GctpZO6N0EjVyjfVVf4Ef2KPuJe4HFz01qqRSMyTskJeRLUocUtr12zDC7w9eDsuFnnFXb5wBUhF6FCaDRpd1cVWaVQGYI8v_9cYJBvehCg4E-6jAvjFjA6/s1600/bright+birthday+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMjG0FW6Yo8NRmr1sYMRX0GctpZO6N0EjVyjfVVf4Ef2KPuJe4HFz01qqRSMyTskJeRLUocUtr12zDC7w9eDsuFnnFXb5wBUhF6FCaDRpd1cVWaVQGYI8v_9cYJBvehCg4E-6jAvjFjA6/s1600/bright+birthday+girl.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometime my creative juices aren't exactly flowing, so I just have to use some fun stickers I have on hand. I think it still turned out cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x-os_0njl8dVJXwwHRZnEXrOAKIBsQuen0NZRcdXGQgXAvkZYEzzP4Vh5L8gmfB2AV8gXrcOavzGo3uzbup-ShmKm3dCqyRm_JqQZPymLb8zWZSnpEAs5bxI3TUtPDabkFKgK_8pBm5o/s1600/unicorn+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x-os_0njl8dVJXwwHRZnEXrOAKIBsQuen0NZRcdXGQgXAvkZYEzzP4Vh5L8gmfB2AV8gXrcOavzGo3uzbup-ShmKm3dCqyRm_JqQZPymLb8zWZSnpEAs5bxI3TUtPDabkFKgK_8pBm5o/s1600/unicorn+birthday+card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't have a fancy cutting machine, so I had to trace this unicorn and cut it out by hand. It just proves that you don't need fancy equipment to get the job done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixharbMyBtTtyiOu4k3oW5y1jaNcknC04k1fESXVdUX0_j4FfQXsyNKz_WgDwpeNZCdJF4RtZDKR8R2BWO3Jl0-3PwH9HOXxsSyxGzQ4zwtqNO8xORNOsdtQHZrC8WAsAmMshlJSBiofvA/s1600/unicorn+birthday+card+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixharbMyBtTtyiOu4k3oW5y1jaNcknC04k1fESXVdUX0_j4FfQXsyNKz_WgDwpeNZCdJF4RtZDKR8R2BWO3Jl0-3PwH9HOXxsSyxGzQ4zwtqNO8xORNOsdtQHZrC8WAsAmMshlJSBiofvA/s1600/unicorn+birthday+card+inside.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and here is the inside of the card. My daughter really wanted to make a card like mommy, so I had her decorate a piece of card stock, and I put it inside. This card was for one of her favorite cousins, so it worked out great!</div>
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Only 2 months left! Woah! Where did the year go?! </div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-91994375939205782372014-10-21T10:54:00.001-07:002014-10-21T10:54:49.830-07:00September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another slow birthday month in our family. Just one, sad lonely card.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpMOVWlKhyzWacPBSPkTxP3ERNnnb0fqs2G0iIXAIfJQR1_mWOVzhWczKG043Bjvx9JruqZc25pRj1DPeY_R7tO1qKGk7ZcmcOJ9kGGQ2AsKz6Wh1OssBvX1eD6W5YkfQgPuiUSUrlCre/s1600/_DSC0281-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpMOVWlKhyzWacPBSPkTxP3ERNnnb0fqs2G0iIXAIfJQR1_mWOVzhWczKG043Bjvx9JruqZc25pRj1DPeY_R7tO1qKGk7ZcmcOJ9kGGQ2AsKz6Wh1OssBvX1eD6W5YkfQgPuiUSUrlCre/s1600/_DSC0281-small.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes all you need is a simple girly card.</td></tr>
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I can't believe that there are only three months left until I complete my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html" target="_blank">New Years Resolution</a>. Where has the year gone!?</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-10253005575713255942014-10-17T09:16:00.003-07:002014-10-17T09:20:28.921-07:00Halloween Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc3fybMpqzoP4hhBbghjtZq9Ap88RIe6T5yXaQZajwPiP17-YYOFgG0qoZOVyCHLIBqXJ212ll0-Majb0Zktqv8zRABC13HQ3SP_rTLx6XXFneF4UFycsD1fB2d45FNgLbQAo397Ys04P/s1600/Free+Halloween+Printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc3fybMpqzoP4hhBbghjtZq9Ap88RIe6T5yXaQZajwPiP17-YYOFgG0qoZOVyCHLIBqXJ212ll0-Majb0Zktqv8zRABC13HQ3SP_rTLx6XXFneF4UFycsD1fB2d45FNgLbQAo397Ys04P/s1600/Free+Halloween+Printables.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween!! <br />
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This has got to be one of my favorite times of the year. Probably because it finally dips below 85 degrees here in Arizona. That, and my kids get free candy (which I get to eat too!)<br />
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I wanted to celebrate by giving away these Halloween printables. You can print one, print two, or print all of them if you want! It is my Halloween gift to you! No tricks here! Just treats!<br />
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Find both the 4x6 and 5x7 size files <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0GqJW7KVMxmR0FSbFVSQ193c1U&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Just click on the link and it will take you to Google Drive. Select the file for the size you want, and download each design. If you need help, just send me a message and I'd be happy to help!)</span><br />
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Happy Halloween!!!!!!!<br />
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-82983448232576955242014-10-02T23:36:00.001-07:002014-10-21T10:56:19.091-07:00Getting baby poop out of clothesToday I am going to talk about poop. It's not a subject that most people want to discuss (or even think about), but when you have both a baby and a potty training daughter, stinky poo-poo is mentioned many times a day. Some days I feel like I'm up to my eyeballs in the stuff. Yummy...<br />
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Inevitability there is always a onesie to be washed, or soaked, or scrubbed, or burned... Sometimes, no matter what witchcraft I would use to remove the poop from the stained outfit, the stain still would not come out! Talk about frustration! Until one day, I learned the secret to poop stain removal. And it is free!!! Ready for it? <br />
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The sun. That's right, the big bright thing up in the sky.<br />
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It really is that simple. <br />
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Here's what I do to get that pesky poop out:<br />
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1. Rinse out as much as you can using cold water. (Or, if you live in Arizona use the coldest water that comes from your tap, which is almost hot enough to shower in.)<br />
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2. Spot the stain using your favorite spot remover (ie: Shout, OxyClean, etc.)<br />
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3. Wash as normal.<br />
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4. This is the step where the magic happens. Instead of drying in the dryer, hang the stained clothes out in the sun to dry. Make sure the stain is exposed to the direct rays of the sun.<br />
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5. Once dry, look it over. Poof! The stain is gone! Pure magic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI4YNjTPGiL_4hhP5cnvFMba73a2p7aJFzyV42n1ShyphenhyphenAMeW5o5-hxjyL6Lds09XrVfD9FgDbTOeS3YVuNkHhQLL3NDocB59ItYz1HIvLD1iBRnBSk6pAt1FrcFvBog1tXNd4H0DORT7Wg/s1600/poop+stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI4YNjTPGiL_4hhP5cnvFMba73a2p7aJFzyV42n1ShyphenhyphenAMeW5o5-hxjyL6Lds09XrVfD9FgDbTOeS3YVuNkHhQLL3NDocB59ItYz1HIvLD1iBRnBSk6pAt1FrcFvBog1tXNd4H0DORT7Wg/s1600/poop+stain.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oh! That horrible stain!!!!! (And fresh poop...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWk5Ln-o2ubCbHNvG9nNptGIUYtQEuQNxY3cC9Z1vNvhOjbCgmIiojR8F_G4Dd4TsDmcpQnPzMsjb6m7pZ1t8Z0ZDTzF5XZ3eT1JJYUcC4_2p8Md6w_MXfyF78ehkBUs9y_Z6wFKcgYBF/s1600/poop+stain+clean+not+dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWk5Ln-o2ubCbHNvG9nNptGIUYtQEuQNxY3cC9Z1vNvhOjbCgmIiojR8F_G4Dd4TsDmcpQnPzMsjb6m7pZ1t8Z0ZDTzF5XZ3eT1JJYUcC4_2p8Md6w_MXfyF78ehkBUs9y_Z6wFKcgYBF/s1600/poop+stain+clean+not+dry.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is what it looked like right out of the washing machine. The stain is still a stain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrsDaKHHtO3GZoGFMBlSwzkYhN1lykZO1AE4parr9rjZENz0u_Gm7GcObcWm55prM-Rh8bhVVLQFjwsW2Tbp6HjdcVbf_bHztoceC3KU3StLvIcwF9HpAMv2yLCdnAth77zZ59adqEObM/s1600/poop+stain+dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrsDaKHHtO3GZoGFMBlSwzkYhN1lykZO1AE4parr9rjZENz0u_Gm7GcObcWm55prM-Rh8bhVVLQFjwsW2Tbp6HjdcVbf_bHztoceC3KU3StLvIcwF9HpAMv2yLCdnAth77zZ59adqEObM/s1600/poop+stain+dry.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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After being dried in the sun for a few hours. Stain gone!</div>
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I was curious if this trick would also work for dried and set in stains. So, I took a stained outfit that had previously been washed and dried like normal. I threw it in the wash again, but this time let it dry in the sun. After it had dried outside for a few hours, I was surprised to see that the stain was mostly gone! I think that you can only notice a slight discoloration if you look really, really close.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToEcu8le2J1FrHhUxDm5OHE-gHwn-KPBXt1jU3mB7qXTdCjXrtx2jhHMWcd4BSaVHLROO8K-2Egvykk_uRL-D_hZFRgkI366R3K_-BvbF1ypQoVRT_OWQcd3ieSqL-_4voQsz2qFR2vIO/s1600/DSC_0658-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToEcu8le2J1FrHhUxDm5OHE-gHwn-KPBXt1jU3mB7qXTdCjXrtx2jhHMWcd4BSaVHLROO8K-2Egvykk_uRL-D_hZFRgkI366R3K_-BvbF1ypQoVRT_OWQcd3ieSqL-_4voQsz2qFR2vIO/s1600/DSC_0658-small.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is the onesie washed and dried like normal. Notice the gross yellow stain?</div>
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After drying in the sun. Where did that pesky stain go?</div>
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This tip has changed my life!! Or at least my laundry.</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-83921081757116526762014-09-12T23:14:00.002-07:002014-09-12T23:19:10.291-07:00August Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wow, August was CRAZY! I can't believe that I was actually able to keep up with this goal. Sheesh! </div>
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Here are the cards that kept me busy last month:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2iY6HM3olfqq92TxbXR3QZIRRNg_wLwH8PfBUTqZEBsKq_o4lWI9Qa6zDZmXvg_MoDL1ojX94VJDEUeIzNqpf-KwsRSKRLcNr6az67XSS7c_ecXWUJ7doIPdsOu3X3FkZJ6MY57GG7PG/s1600/cloudy+skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2iY6HM3olfqq92TxbXR3QZIRRNg_wLwH8PfBUTqZEBsKq_o4lWI9Qa6zDZmXvg_MoDL1ojX94VJDEUeIzNqpf-KwsRSKRLcNr6az67XSS7c_ecXWUJ7doIPdsOu3X3FkZJ6MY57GG7PG/s1600/cloudy+skies.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2Vs-rr07IBjwoCUZULmueZ6kKaS0P7nAaKW40-kqML7I8-PZKIErMnRI6HKB57RzL_IiO2AwKPnD67bw3j9H8BM-qAZvzTrqjuxGalEP49AWKEAC05b93ehsTvE_oCuBvn-nvoEAFp89/s1600/Box+of+sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2Vs-rr07IBjwoCUZULmueZ6kKaS0P7nAaKW40-kqML7I8-PZKIErMnRI6HKB57RzL_IiO2AwKPnD67bw3j9H8BM-qAZvzTrqjuxGalEP49AWKEAC05b93ehsTvE_oCuBvn-nvoEAFp89/s1600/Box+of+sunshine.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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This card was made for The Box of Sunshine I sent to one of my sisters. You can read more about what went into that box <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/09/box-of-sunshine.html">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkV691S9ePnNE1mJu0t-c9odZl20MRKoEPeHk4LppHd0JjQS_fBwmPNVBuekBUA4r41ByJRzHGVjUhU5A8Lx3LfIjD_NgBvirdgL9ZqdFIAEOL_bqz5DonZWk8di-cVD9RMHpHjk4eZSS/s1600/congrats+baby+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkV691S9ePnNE1mJu0t-c9odZl20MRKoEPeHk4LppHd0JjQS_fBwmPNVBuekBUA4r41ByJRzHGVjUhU5A8Lx3LfIjD_NgBvirdgL9ZqdFIAEOL_bqz5DonZWk8di-cVD9RMHpHjk4eZSS/s1600/congrats+baby+boy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you do when your best friend has an adorable baby boy? Why make her a card, of course! I am so happy for her. I wish that I could be there to kiss his little cheeks, but being in different states makes that kind of hard. I guess a card will have to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdc7Eot7E0qGMCYCJ5Zn_gcXjjSxlWcBtyFOWIQyx4VjO2jnxGp8yGigDqcJaJcGKbJUpro5GBx0gYVhcnKJnDvL3h6WlJzAwDS23JWIe9giBA82bESbqH6PjrIZ6dDCCz2OnfRL4Biby/s1600/Edgy+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdc7Eot7E0qGMCYCJ5Zn_gcXjjSxlWcBtyFOWIQyx4VjO2jnxGp8yGigDqcJaJcGKbJUpro5GBx0gYVhcnKJnDvL3h6WlJzAwDS23JWIe9giBA82bESbqH6PjrIZ6dDCCz2OnfRL4Biby/s1600/Edgy+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Simple. Edgy. Birthday. The End.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGJW1QSG9WlW7yS3OUoLxFiKbVUeLUBEsKKRgeur4pBMeyhw4pCs5SM2BetK9t2aA8iCov2ZLKn3K8aphIisrw5drdTUuKRHm9VvZyhdnmcyNEAn5F0tlTcFXL4t0MC1aZi50N0wilcly/s1600/Father's%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGJW1QSG9WlW7yS3OUoLxFiKbVUeLUBEsKKRgeur4pBMeyhw4pCs5SM2BetK9t2aA8iCov2ZLKn3K8aphIisrw5drdTUuKRHm9VvZyhdnmcyNEAn5F0tlTcFXL4t0MC1aZi50N0wilcly/s1600/Father's%2BDay.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My husband's family wasn't able to get together to celebrate Father's Day until this month (yes, Father's Day was two months ago.) So we made a big party out of it and celebrated his dad's birthday too!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylNZJJZDGvwijfxS8_06fkqc1u83VEXTW1xXBeLVKXMltGuYlGGkMx-uzaDggr0ptKwYyejfA2L0LczsT0IazqhjK4LealjjaVzBdVov1LCPKadjvIisnozPlPy_IF684nbfYSav487NA/s1600/Flower+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylNZJJZDGvwijfxS8_06fkqc1u83VEXTW1xXBeLVKXMltGuYlGGkMx-uzaDggr0ptKwYyejfA2L0LczsT0IazqhjK4LealjjaVzBdVov1LCPKadjvIisnozPlPy_IF684nbfYSav487NA/s1600/Flower+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made this one for my wonderful mom. She is addicted to everything purple, so that <i>had</i> to be included. I love the rounded corners on this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizAgJ4wOKsFHY9sT76AlqLRVvxTBOjHR1A-a7_JQWw9NZjjyIe6Sly8NLUih7Bg1hZk4WU7H0UeHUe0hj-MbGnmsw6HfqKLeNdR9vWCLwuzbmui_glpOApA4P8-giGX8vW8MFQL3M-cMH/s1600/Forever+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizAgJ4wOKsFHY9sT76AlqLRVvxTBOjHR1A-a7_JQWw9NZjjyIe6Sly8NLUih7Bg1hZk4WU7H0UeHUe0hj-MbGnmsw6HfqKLeNdR9vWCLwuzbmui_glpOApA4P8-giGX8vW8MFQL3M-cMH/s1600/Forever+Card.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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My husband and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary last month. Best 6 years of my life! </div>
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We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), and we believe that marriage can be beyond "till death do you part." I'd love to answer any questions you have about Mormon Temples and what we believe. Or you can find more info <a href="http://mormon.org/">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKeCpdhu3ec49k6Qd7Og0aF-BxF14V1BAs65Ukbx7iYX10P5qta-E0x1LKzz3NRYY0MIxKmXozSFJZj1Ec3BdFMfCdxiOO7MabwdDI3s11QxxWwoi5vEMfA3XuZFHOwSEgAdwNyeSfm21/s1600/Homestar+Runner+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKeCpdhu3ec49k6Qd7Og0aF-BxF14V1BAs65Ukbx7iYX10P5qta-E0x1LKzz3NRYY0MIxKmXozSFJZj1Ec3BdFMfCdxiOO7MabwdDI3s11QxxWwoi5vEMfA3XuZFHOwSEgAdwNyeSfm21/s1600/Homestar+Runner+Birthday.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do you remember Homestar Runner? My little brother and I use to love it! We have this long running joke about one of the episodes. If you want to be in on the joke, you can watch the short 4 minute episode<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1P_hPf-woA"> here</a>. I probably think it's funnier then it really is... let me know what you think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz_o3VOt2L1T_Ldk7_qvBB92Py5xXN9MFjfbqeHspn7PsS-UcU-RKfzMuxOfAfS6ICtfSi4_JfD4xkutNyd9ys2ZUrgVxY-41agEy8ZaU18YutSS3GaUAhjZsV3ee5zz7P455nUQZ9vAR/s1600/pirate+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz_o3VOt2L1T_Ldk7_qvBB92Py5xXN9MFjfbqeHspn7PsS-UcU-RKfzMuxOfAfS6ICtfSi4_JfD4xkutNyd9ys2ZUrgVxY-41agEy8ZaU18YutSS3GaUAhjZsV3ee5zz7P455nUQZ9vAR/s1600/pirate+birthday+card.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A perfect card for my pirate loving nephew! This card was fun to make because I was able to play with fire! I slightly burned the edges of the paper to give it a fun and unique look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ogVbTeiDKFWfNpNwYQNVQZ5ViAodVIgUneXIOSokhGkbP-w9S_ucooDS5yP9rl4qOPjteJtwHyDGtTIhO7lYofGvcz3dATOxA4G4zH5kU9aacnvFtm-wJfDiNDTZ4GE_rtFdViv7qAsw/s1600/Simple+Thank+you+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ogVbTeiDKFWfNpNwYQNVQZ5ViAodVIgUneXIOSokhGkbP-w9S_ucooDS5yP9rl4qOPjteJtwHyDGtTIhO7lYofGvcz3dATOxA4G4zH5kU9aacnvFtm-wJfDiNDTZ4GE_rtFdViv7qAsw/s1600/Simple+Thank+you+Card.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the simplicity of this card! You don't need a lot of crazy cutouts and stamps to make a special card. All you need is a few scraps of paper, and some letter stickers. Easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwROXQdGj8Xdv3vzNft3RLtN-r8sIwStaAh3pYq1wh4Mp0gfeZTO8rjINZ6XCWEHfOvOgdHZCad6XnmZfz5gmh_ly-azI-yw9EYKrOM3aMImQRiWTNkOJLONEuzT0izMb9ZCD3S1YT31D9/s1600/Thank+You+card+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwROXQdGj8Xdv3vzNft3RLtN-r8sIwStaAh3pYq1wh4Mp0gfeZTO8rjINZ6XCWEHfOvOgdHZCad6XnmZfz5gmh_ly-azI-yw9EYKrOM3aMImQRiWTNkOJLONEuzT0izMb9ZCD3S1YT31D9/s1600/Thank+You+card+bow.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here is another simple thank you card. My blade on my cutter is starting to dull, so I wasn't able to get the clean cut I wanted, but you use what you got, right?</div>
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Phew! We made it! Now on to September.</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-55409368310690600922014-09-08T10:15:00.002-07:002014-09-08T10:17:24.005-07:00Box of Sunshine<div style="text-align: center;">
It's raining here in Arizona today. Which doesn't happen all that often, but when it does, watch out! When it rains, it pours! The monsoon season is one of my favorite things about Arizona. Seriously, the lightning storms are incredible!! We got so much rain last night that streets have literally turned into rivers, most major freeways are shut down, and they canceled school! I've heard, it is the worst storm Arizona has ever gotten! </div>
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So, on such a dark and dreary day, I wanted to share with you a little bit of sunshine. This is a little thing I put together for my sister, who was going through a difficult time, and I thought she could use a little pick-me-up. I call it my little <span style="font-size: large;">Box of Sunshine</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YbzLMZJ0EDp97b7DY5LQD8iP7eZUYuKYfbMyL4wQzhdi-mcvFPoeAT1sqEGzKtf6Sbag6FETFgKaKq1a4xcswYMC6QnYv83aoWNIv7Cg4JPW0sMTfeWdiQHBZN7Eiy6tZ58oeNkwl1sC/s1600/Box+of+Sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YbzLMZJ0EDp97b7DY5LQD8iP7eZUYuKYfbMyL4wQzhdi-mcvFPoeAT1sqEGzKtf6Sbag6FETFgKaKq1a4xcswYMC6QnYv83aoWNIv7Cg4JPW0sMTfeWdiQHBZN7Eiy6tZ58oeNkwl1sC/s1600/Box+of+Sunshine.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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This is seriously one of the easiest gifts to put together! And I had a blast doing it, too! Everywhere I went I would look out for things that were yellow that I could put into the box. That's right, everything in the box was yellow, and only yellow. Plus, I painted the inside yellow too, so when you open the box: BAM!!! all you see is yellow. All you see is sunshine!</div>
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I used a pretty small box, so I wasn't able to fit a ton of stuff. Here is what I included:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaO-Gn1fVFiU7X3DwrDwT_rZXXjCqiyMfNPecj13_bswL_TS-GOG0i8A9ODRLvnzBSFLuajT2T_jpjxkWriNhyphenhyphenkN8lBmB0FrY-TE3fF8CXxLp9hi1kU99Oj7ryU8e9mqy6VFphpxS4rOO/s1600/box+of+sunshine+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaO-Gn1fVFiU7X3DwrDwT_rZXXjCqiyMfNPecj13_bswL_TS-GOG0i8A9ODRLvnzBSFLuajT2T_jpjxkWriNhyphenhyphenkN8lBmB0FrY-TE3fF8CXxLp9hi1kU99Oj7ryU8e9mqy6VFphpxS4rOO/s1600/box+of+sunshine+ideas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Honestly, I could have probably have sent a box four times bigger, and I wouldn't have had a problem finding yellow stuff to fill it. Here are some more ideas to fill your own Box of Sunshine:</div>
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- Wheat Thins</div>
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- Teddy Grahams</div>
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- Golden Oreos</div>
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- Starbursts</div>
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- Tissues</div>
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- Juicy Fruit Gum</div>
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- Finger Nail Polish</div>
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- Potato Chips</div>
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- M&M's</div>
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- Yellow Loofah</div>
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- Wet Wipes</div>
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- Sticky Notes</div>
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- Note pad/journal</div>
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- Lemonade (or my favorite: Glaceau's vitamin water zero. Delish!)</div>
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- Lotion</div>
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- Air Freshener</div>
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- Soap</div>
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- Lemon Heads</div>
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- Crayons</div>
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- Carmex</div>
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- Car Air Fresheners</div>
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- Subway Gift Card</div>
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I could go on for a while! You'd be surprised at how many yellow things there are.</div>
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And, keeping up with my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html">New Years resolution</a>, I made a card to include in the box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXKcfxQEPSR2j2mnszxJpTDKuSc_LoH1qjoGm3FQsv01ncFB19ytUtLXu7XZCVOq5Aj-tX0LSdikdkC_jnMB2Y1CnM9SMMo_-C4C8Hfbvextl6HrQ6RX-yxoCaJ39LvwN4fHEevlZ3Joq/s1600/cloudy+skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXKcfxQEPSR2j2mnszxJpTDKuSc_LoH1qjoGm3FQsv01ncFB19ytUtLXu7XZCVOq5Aj-tX0LSdikdkC_jnMB2Y1CnM9SMMo_-C4C8Hfbvextl6HrQ6RX-yxoCaJ39LvwN4fHEevlZ3Joq/s1600/cloudy+skies.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EBb_KuS1nLuSknIjkFKogLA-pasOcSE67uClyVHftINaraFx0XHxD3BAR1Y07vz3SZHVYgHhHBvFm2vEnK3boqYwQQMGinKUfOVhXcA8e9VMseRPOwzAf5Z9H00JBn8NLDFZRsFMva41/s1600/Box+of+sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EBb_KuS1nLuSknIjkFKogLA-pasOcSE67uClyVHftINaraFx0XHxD3BAR1Y07vz3SZHVYgHhHBvFm2vEnK3boqYwQQMGinKUfOVhXcA8e9VMseRPOwzAf5Z9H00JBn8NLDFZRsFMva41/s1600/Box+of+sunshine.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Putting together this box made me so ridiculously happy! It's amazing what happens when you look outside yourself and help others. </div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-40506571631201963832014-08-22T23:23:00.001-07:002014-08-22T23:25:27.795-07:00Curtain Rod Photo Display <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever had a project that never. seems. to. end! I have been updating our bedroom decor for what feels like centuries. It all started with a beautiful quilt that my sister made for me and my husband as a wedding present. It had been sitting in a closet for years, and I really wanted to showcase it! Unfortunately, nothing in my existing decor matched, so I had to start from square one. It's been fun, but I am so happy to be getting to the end! It's taken me so long to finish everything that I am probably going to want to switch things up again soon. Ha! Life and where you live it is a constant project.<br />
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This is actually one of my favorite projects that I have completed for our bedroom, and by far the cheapest. All of the supplies that I used I found around our house. I am a big believer in shopping for supplies from your own home. We all have so many things lying around that we could transform into something useful. All it takes is a little creativity!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hKGreKVqoftZPGBAJPCZRubMTU5_PCfDFMG30EH3Wd0QzMVyO_4j9YH6C07vd2qy2aNUqXWVctx_HF00DuiqqB4QocC39_lsvnG555a-sd8e0JQrCG40eNy2y4dxfa9IHDVflaefIxWV/s1600/Happily+Ever+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hKGreKVqoftZPGBAJPCZRubMTU5_PCfDFMG30EH3Wd0QzMVyO_4j9YH6C07vd2qy2aNUqXWVctx_HF00DuiqqB4QocC39_lsvnG555a-sd8e0JQrCG40eNy2y4dxfa9IHDVflaefIxWV/s1600/Happily+Ever+After.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
This frame was originally one of those frames that has the multiple picture windows in the mat border. I took out the mat and replaced it with some foam board and mod podged some scrapbook paper onto it. I am not fancy enough to have a Silhouette, or similar cutting machine, so each of these letters were cut out by hand! Just using my boring old printer, and my trusty scissors. It took some serious patience cutting each word out, but when you are too cheep to buy stickers... you gotta figure out another way. I am such a cheap-o! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIohYzEzaNrBFQWGmWV949buZK3KzheQvIKFPfS5kbCs2kR2EwLQf2B227QKVa-hzvVvcvhZ3Ce0jGvpICcKRtpImLUzgq8SvnD1dcWvW1LHuXAIXvLCmnl4cWewwTY1GITOoG-auluSje/s1600/Curtain+Rod+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIohYzEzaNrBFQWGmWV949buZK3KzheQvIKFPfS5kbCs2kR2EwLQf2B227QKVa-hzvVvcvhZ3Ce0jGvpICcKRtpImLUzgq8SvnD1dcWvW1LHuXAIXvLCmnl4cWewwTY1GITOoG-auluSje/s1600/Curtain+Rod+Decor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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These curtain rods were just lying around our house collecting dust, and my husband likes to "de-clutter" our house <strike>occasionally</strike> weekly. So, it was either use them, or they were getting booted to the curb. In the same box as the curtain rod, there were also some cheap plastic frames that were screaming to be used. By simply attaching the frames to the curtain rod with a little ribbon, the drap-boring-old-rod was transformed into an incredible photo display! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduV0MV4Zpsa_juAP1tfAjpty2XoDH-ucBaHkDE_pMD3qVeD-YwfDHrQT-CYfoo50G_sFCTNg5FwKxzFbGDLBvPniiXDmrLIc4qPWBbRahyphenhyphennHtG9EcHsgvMXRvEVwWE2h9VeSEq8r_ZlIo/s1600/Easy+Bedroom+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduV0MV4Zpsa_juAP1tfAjpty2XoDH-ucBaHkDE_pMD3qVeD-YwfDHrQT-CYfoo50G_sFCTNg5FwKxzFbGDLBvPniiXDmrLIc4qPWBbRahyphenhyphennHtG9EcHsgvMXRvEVwWE2h9VeSEq8r_ZlIo/s1600/Easy+Bedroom+Decor.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
I love it! And it looks amazing above our beautiful quilt! <br />
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Have you completed a project by using only supplies found at your own home? Send me your photos! I'd love to see some awesome creativity in action.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-12097620303573167472014-07-25T22:36:00.002-07:002014-07-25T22:48:32.466-07:00Disney Couples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next month my husband and I celebrate our sixth anniversary! Depending on where you are in your own relationship, you may think that I am still a baby learning the ropes, or a seasoned pro. Honestly, there are some times that I feel like both (when are you officially not considered a "newly wed" anyway?) All I know is that I am still head-over-heals in-love with my husband, and that's enough for me. </div>
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Ok, enough with the gushy "newly wed" talk...</div>
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Last year we celebrated our anniversary at Disneyland! That place is truly one of "The Happiest Places on Earth." I'm a such a kid at heart! </div>
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I created this printable to help us remember how wonderful our time at Disneyland was (as if anyone needs a reminder about how awesome that place is.) Have I told you how much I love Disneyland yet?</div>
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I really believe that everyone's love story is as special and magical as any fairy tale. So, your name definitely belongs beside all of these Disney couples too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4m3zcT5QXsFEJACoH2BvxGRSdEWEVF6ws4FA2x0TSCVS_d-jBR1mfdqfHN3CYg7Hovj2P8fHh-B4zmt1o2Pi6qlQduJY0tFNirWXB_AHqhomNSnS0onfd8yBkx4rGjlxsJRwViex9ea5/s1600/Disney+Printable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4m3zcT5QXsFEJACoH2BvxGRSdEWEVF6ws4FA2x0TSCVS_d-jBR1mfdqfHN3CYg7Hovj2P8fHh-B4zmt1o2Pi6qlQduJY0tFNirWXB_AHqhomNSnS0onfd8yBkx4rGjlxsJRwViex9ea5/s1600/Disney+Printable.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib90ginAB_FW8q8qE6t3jTA8oWi63Ma1JdU57WfJ7aJXq1NLLkapkNEM7CoWznjZRFHcc6nc7euJwEjYZKecMoI5SmfD_UkuRNwBKlYvl7Trs9ExrD9JDQ5nsVBpFZJFz7hXX4UlSm9kOS/s1600/Disney+Couples+Printable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib90ginAB_FW8q8qE6t3jTA8oWi63Ma1JdU57WfJ7aJXq1NLLkapkNEM7CoWznjZRFHcc6nc7euJwEjYZKecMoI5SmfD_UkuRNwBKlYvl7Trs9ExrD9JDQ5nsVBpFZJFz7hXX4UlSm9kOS/s1600/Disney+Couples+Printable.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you love this lamp as much as I do?<br />
I followed <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/quick-and-easy-lampshade-makeover.html">this tutorial</a> when I made it. Such an easy DIY project!</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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You can purchase your personalized Disney couples printable <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197681134/personalized-disney-couples-name">here</a> at Puddle Design on Etsy.</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-27170947904076710122014-07-05T11:26:00.000-07:002014-10-17T09:30:13.326-07:0030th Birthday Celebration <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">The hubs just recently turned the big 3-0!! I can't believe it! Sometimes I still feel like we should still be in high school, but then I actually see high school kids, and I realize how incredibly loud and obnoxious many of them are. Was I ever like that? Maybe I am getting old...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With this being such a big birthday, I decided it would be fun to throw him a surprise birthday party. I secretly love planning parties, so I figured this one would be no big deal. Oh, boy was I wrong! Throwing a surprise party for someone that you tell everything to, and spend all of your spare time with, is tough!!! Geeze! I had no idea what I got myself into.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky for me, my parents were in town that same week, so they were able to babysit, or help decorate, or let me use their car, etc. I wouldn't have been able to pull it off if they hadn't have been in town! Thanks mom and dad for visiting! The timing couldn't have been better!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">I could go into detail about how I was able to keep everything a secret, and all the running around I did the day of the party (stress!!!), but I won't bore you with the details. So, here are some pictures of the </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">festivities</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;"> instead :-). Maybe they can help inspire you for your party planning!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy 30th Birthday!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJNKPg9kdOFsdeE-4QfPrZZTeVE8fibYgCzq2fQXs-dgMML_JRqmZIPZfzQAVUc97usxRnWReA4Hx7wGhlixfdbFPh49nAmg6d_G87n1ITBlB2K1rKiMiQjJQ2tEL7_dtsqVSEHyMpp7w/s1600/birthday+party+centerpiece+idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJNKPg9kdOFsdeE-4QfPrZZTeVE8fibYgCzq2fQXs-dgMML_JRqmZIPZfzQAVUc97usxRnWReA4Hx7wGhlixfdbFPh49nAmg6d_G87n1ITBlB2K1rKiMiQjJQ2tEL7_dtsqVSEHyMpp7w/s1600/birthday+party+centerpiece+idea.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">There were three tables set up, and on each of them was a vase full of one of my husband's favorite candies (</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">Reeses</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.562000274658203px;">, Kisses, and Peanut Butter M & M's -- he's kinda a chocolate guy).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1p4pFl6KI_iGg3z09yWk4zP6lk-CmhVY_dNCYKNTnH51WF3hj7S0_yyw08xot8I7BDSjQId79w6ZpszQ9EI3SeTNGYEAqBh_eYeaU9cocG6PO7685CLcl5LRcnrd69PZubZj14OYplhD/s1600/30th+birthday+centerpiece+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1p4pFl6KI_iGg3z09yWk4zP6lk-CmhVY_dNCYKNTnH51WF3hj7S0_yyw08xot8I7BDSjQId79w6ZpszQ9EI3SeTNGYEAqBh_eYeaU9cocG6PO7685CLcl5LRcnrd69PZubZj14OYplhD/s1600/30th+birthday+centerpiece+ideas.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition, there was a picture frame with a photo from his growing up years, and a 1984 random trivia sheet that I put together. Did you know that in 1984 (the year he was born) the fastest street legal car was only tested at 144mph? And that the cost of a postage stamp was $0.20? Random... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LUKdPQoEulk1Ap4oTR-HIuoASFd9YUiy60CMlib8J5Ir9tnmmF85ZiTJQXRKEa6MI25iuNTG3BoBIypbcnPProtwgeMA75p7__8trdMdL39c8Rtf0ryXPEOq5nGcTXaw2iBpJCa3SLjH/s1600/birthday+party+activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LUKdPQoEulk1Ap4oTR-HIuoASFd9YUiy60CMlib8J5Ir9tnmmF85ZiTJQXRKEa6MI25iuNTG3BoBIypbcnPProtwgeMA75p7__8trdMdL39c8Rtf0ryXPEOq5nGcTXaw2iBpJCa3SLjH/s1600/birthday+party+activities.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had this awesome idea to have an original Nintendo set up on one side of the gym, and a current game system set up on the other, but the hubs showed up to the party almost an hour later then expected (a lot of hair pulling was happening on my part while we waited...), so we didn't really have time to play many games. But it was a good idea, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also had giant Jenga, just because it's fun. I mean look at that! How can you not have fun while you play!? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFsN0pOvMI-aGD6eIK23UC93aDYYs_zHiIHKpQgrMEkDIoKSfzlVT_N8f1oMKvyZEGf119xyeqK4D-3fX-ussd9Uzu2wU464D8wt-QvHg6A4KjORS9LiwhEMtLwQYootK9QIwX8Nrf0kb/s1600/30th+birthday+decorating+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFsN0pOvMI-aGD6eIK23UC93aDYYs_zHiIHKpQgrMEkDIoKSfzlVT_N8f1oMKvyZEGf119xyeqK4D-3fX-ussd9Uzu2wU464D8wt-QvHg6A4KjORS9LiwhEMtLwQYootK9QIwX8Nrf0kb/s1600/30th+birthday+decorating+ideas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was one of my favorite decorations. I would have wanted to put more pictures up to make the numbers thicker, but we didn't have time (that's a whole story in and of itself. Lot's of things didn't go as planned. Have I mentioned that I was super stressed the day of the party...?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And of course we had to have the hub's favorite food group: PIZZA!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0f-qYq0IrRgnSDryHqpslC55-KxVILPcXL02Xcs5YRbQhjbOg1AQVhS52I0fHqHASXXM3eMJ6bzYu1r3weodUn3oY_XYfmOM7b4VY0kieqLY9U4dcg8eas15NOFEb8ak4haEmdS4QvcR/s1600/Reeses+peanut+butter+chocolate+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0f-qYq0IrRgnSDryHqpslC55-KxVILPcXL02Xcs5YRbQhjbOg1AQVhS52I0fHqHASXXM3eMJ6bzYu1r3weodUn3oY_XYfmOM7b4VY0kieqLY9U4dcg8eas15NOFEb8ak4haEmdS4QvcR/s1600/Reeses+peanut+butter+chocolate+cake.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX0rIOYAZ2mxtkUz2BR17PO3FF7KiqkQ5aA0WH5dWUORwGz91On9wpSuj21zsTHVSeUvuJ9zDOmOqhwc9a5gjDSjPsLY5n3G3nQK07pggXFcTqMLCcj5iS99Q-u8O2jfnptUaYshSfA/s1600/DSC_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The diabetic coma inducing-peanut butter-chocolate-cake that I made for dessert. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This thing was </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ridiculously</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> delicious, but also </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ridiculously</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> rich! You needed a gallon of milk with each bite. My peanut butter and chocolate loving husband sure loved it though!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(For the cake, I followed <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/photography/birthday-bliss.html">this recipe</a> from the amazing blog <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/">Kevin & Amanda</a>. It's seriously one of the best blogs! You should check it out.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also made a Boston Cream Pie from scratch, but it wasn't even worth taking a picture of... I probably will never make another Boston Cream Pie again. Just sayin'. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRh2BInBafonjI-LAVizENz5ULRlVQkhVkblEI_hMQyEALMGUXJ1rl7TiN2BJU0IiFUsbZP3gJfdfv29zSYiiUgYbg8H84rTs80Jhue4EvQWF0XLrkNuq3MXjXpeRog7Ms5D8pz4aMNUX/s1600/chocolate+peanut+butter+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRh2BInBafonjI-LAVizENz5ULRlVQkhVkblEI_hMQyEALMGUXJ1rl7TiN2BJU0IiFUsbZP3gJfdfv29zSYiiUgYbg8H84rTs80Jhue4EvQWF0XLrkNuq3MXjXpeRog7Ms5D8pz4aMNUX/s1600/chocolate+peanut+butter+cake.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See what I mean by rich?! That's a chocolate cake, with chocolate chips inside the cake. Then topped with a peanut butter butter cream frosting, all covered in Reese's Peanut Butter cups. Phew! You can almost get diabetes just looking at the picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, trying to plan and execute this was pretty stressful at times, but seeing the smile on the hub's face when he walked into the room full of his family and friends made it all worth it! He is the most amazing husband (and 30 year old!), and I only wish that I could have done more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Birthday, babe! I love you!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfMFXdLbej9M5griFsktR7to82p5ohZyHsUiiRP8b8oCt28Ja3_MX7Kp1ssWA1Fiv4mKvfazwnjyW7w2OshojFWfMfb7BW56FnNCwaECHIAA_gQVAi09uvDiv3YKVhVfUxVUkLW1WLHyB/s1600/Surprise+birthday+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfMFXdLbej9M5griFsktR7to82p5ohZyHsUiiRP8b8oCt28Ja3_MX7Kp1ssWA1Fiv4mKvfazwnjyW7w2OshojFWfMfb7BW56FnNCwaECHIAA_gQVAi09uvDiv3YKVhVfUxVUkLW1WLHyB/s1600/Surprise+birthday+invite.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Need a special invite for your party? Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PuddleDesign">Puddle Design on Etsy</a>!</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-34295083294272205052014-07-03T13:35:00.001-07:002014-07-03T14:07:18.649-07:00June CardsWe have made it half-way through the year!! I can't believe that I have been able to stick with <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html">my new years resolution</a> this long! This is a new record for sure. How are your resolutions coming along? I am ashamed to admit, but this may be the only one that I have been able to keep. Usually I forget about them, and slip right back into my comfortable routine. It's amazing what happens when you are held accountable to other people. There's my little piece of advice for the day :-)<br />
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Here are the June cards. I love how they turned out! The card I made for my husband for Father's Day is by far my favorite one to date! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNADAQDEwx2-nR6C13322ztpxjcJB6PP6dy0xN4YUe_jEIhz3WP3dBzT6jkRFcYoJqW3DeDfvqOwCBTSl5riCgQ-uYgDS4rI2bEMs8DZlTqmSU1KThGMXx_WTSksFuEvjiPh1uGC9zVLS2/s1600/the+big+30+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNADAQDEwx2-nR6C13322ztpxjcJB6PP6dy0xN4YUe_jEIhz3WP3dBzT6jkRFcYoJqW3DeDfvqOwCBTSl5riCgQ-uYgDS4rI2bEMs8DZlTqmSU1KThGMXx_WTSksFuEvjiPh1uGC9zVLS2/s1600/the+big+30+birthday+card.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The hubs turned 30 this month!! I was actually able to keep all my planning for his surprise birthday party a secret, which was kind of a minor miracle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5li9c7TDJt41kpCgElXJixvbSZEry_4sf90KTt8YN0pQGhmisVBjXgerNrgh6DfvpJ2JAopgKdIFC_NbgLQfmFU3eQmIafUlE9bxE7cGBaz9-NI5bEe7N-I4031HAPkzDrh6Qq2T-tKB/s1600/Pokemon+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5li9c7TDJt41kpCgElXJixvbSZEry_4sf90KTt8YN0pQGhmisVBjXgerNrgh6DfvpJ2JAopgKdIFC_NbgLQfmFU3eQmIafUlE9bxE7cGBaz9-NI5bEe7N-I4031HAPkzDrh6Qq2T-tKB/s1600/Pokemon+birthday+card.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, I remember when Pokemon first came out. Does that make me really old? I can't believe that it is still huge with the kiddos! My nephew just turned 7, and he is OBSESSED with Pokemon. "Gotta Catch 'Em All!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vpvci0Xbpkc80v0NGH0qNV9BBJJbDXsTxMysKiwpAhWJZntvsRQYOyLdHGcrQ8xdBgFlyK01oCVIjsyj4wDydshaifTmSnk24Fg42ClzrsnjXFtD8oCVLtYf0W6_7SYK6nTcHuiZH6BP/s1600/Father's+Day+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vpvci0Xbpkc80v0NGH0qNV9BBJJbDXsTxMysKiwpAhWJZntvsRQYOyLdHGcrQ8xdBgFlyK01oCVIjsyj4wDydshaifTmSnk24Fg42ClzrsnjXFtD8oCVLtYf0W6_7SYK6nTcHuiZH6BP/s1600/Father's+Day+card.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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For my dad. He's a pretty simple guy, so nothing but a simple card will do. </div>
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Curious about the "R"? I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and we believe that worthy men are able to hold the Priesthood, which is the power of God here on earth. Want to learn more? Visit <a href="http://mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoHLYPWQDmDcbp4kL-lvh-PHEK3SX7KdW_SzAj2y2Q8ZWISLALbKZLpLv5hpyLO1rvh6hvf6wjh830rFjPvZd5oSWqouB5XKzzRc0ccGBHcCBWzhdeLlc6f-HO1YTqq5HZhCpuC52SMqH/s1600/I+love+you+sign+language+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoHLYPWQDmDcbp4kL-lvh-PHEK3SX7KdW_SzAj2y2Q8ZWISLALbKZLpLv5hpyLO1rvh6hvf6wjh830rFjPvZd5oSWqouB5XKzzRc0ccGBHcCBWzhdeLlc6f-HO1YTqq5HZhCpuC52SMqH/s1600/I+love+you+sign+language+card.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I am in LOVE with this card. Probably because I am head over heals in love with the man that I made it for. Each hand is the actual tracing of mine and my children's hands. Yellow for me, pink for my daughter, and blue for our new baby boy. </div>
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Life is SO good! Thanks for stopping by today!</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-85435228749427509902014-06-16T22:29:00.000-07:002014-06-16T22:29:12.535-07:00May Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
May!!! We have come to my birthday month! I'm gonna tell you all a little secret: 27 sounds so much older then 26. Is that weird? It's only 1 year for goodness sake! Some days I still feel like I should still be in high school, but then I remember that I have 3 kids, and I actually have to act like a grown up most of the time. Life's tough for us big adults :-).</div>
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Anyway, sorry that it took me so long to get these May cards posted. I have been feverishly planning my husband's surprise 30th birthday party (more on that later!), and some things have gotten pushed onto the back burner. It's a good thing Mother's Day and these birthdays didn't happen at the end of the month, these cards may have not been finished if that were the case. Dodged a bullet on that one! </div>
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Thanks for following along with me and my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html">New Year's resolution</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgNj_8pPi_z-z-oR4nnV5geMQP9Xm0Y_3fuTnYF-CO0NS_MCkXB419YTlEA6tm9QcO9KG7sSJkau6joBIq6SZPfxC7ECO2W6p8NaW0VDOWYa6uudUrPbj_JHjxDAX3JIY5o65WrB9ffej/s1600/Candles+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgNj_8pPi_z-z-oR4nnV5geMQP9Xm0Y_3fuTnYF-CO0NS_MCkXB419YTlEA6tm9QcO9KG7sSJkau6joBIq6SZPfxC7ECO2W6p8NaW0VDOWYa6uudUrPbj_JHjxDAX3JIY5o65WrB9ffej/s1600/Candles+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3In98lfobYBwnj35JIzr1x2ItZGTH9vAJnT5fobbCvdeEfwYnA8Vr8_SS5B92Wnohei2-P52_RB1CMIGn5QEVDn6mrYN9qrMWtGndeLvp5CSi_SfnTisUURTFTRI7AJFak_GFRLfWcIM/s1600/Daisy+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3In98lfobYBwnj35JIzr1x2ItZGTH9vAJnT5fobbCvdeEfwYnA8Vr8_SS5B92Wnohei2-P52_RB1CMIGn5QEVDn6mrYN9qrMWtGndeLvp5CSi_SfnTisUURTFTRI7AJFak_GFRLfWcIM/s1600/Daisy+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for all things daisies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBZV5-deJPLe6xr6dSjOWHZhIrtzUTaEqneLv0RubrUGcXO-QdtuJEq6MnlJx923fDhqWcfn7S4VM1zCxtVlmxlALvErS6H3uSL7VEVWEU_28tzyaaeTjkQ6Qj-AaFA2aNWexjYVW_jVb/s1600/Super+Mom+Mothers+Day+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBZV5-deJPLe6xr6dSjOWHZhIrtzUTaEqneLv0RubrUGcXO-QdtuJEq6MnlJx923fDhqWcfn7S4VM1zCxtVlmxlALvErS6H3uSL7VEVWEU_28tzyaaeTjkQ6Qj-AaFA2aNWexjYVW_jVb/s1600/Super+Mom+Mothers+Day+Card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Super Mom! <br />I really do have the best mom. Ever!</td></tr>
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-42329488832974090232014-05-16T21:49:00.000-07:002014-05-16T22:04:23.773-07:00Freezer Meals <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MQN9k_fkJVNwyX47w6sqhriCwRhBUtbt8zi4tJe65GIrseKT0Lo26D4LJjxex9BFCVCHXCwhSMVaMtUOy1s2JoFVt2JMrf-2qxgbE5WXLgdJL2kyIGnPkXPf5-_-6fg30ksdmUvUBMj4/s1600/Freezer+meals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MQN9k_fkJVNwyX47w6sqhriCwRhBUtbt8zi4tJe65GIrseKT0Lo26D4LJjxex9BFCVCHXCwhSMVaMtUOy1s2JoFVt2JMrf-2qxgbE5WXLgdJL2kyIGnPkXPf5-_-6fg30ksdmUvUBMj4/s1600/Freezer+meals.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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Have you noticed how "in" freezer meals are right now? It seems like everyone is creating Pinterest boards chalk full of recipes that claim to be "The best freezer meals ever!". Or they explain "How to make 50 freezer meals in one afternoon!" Blah blah blah... I don't have time to take an entire afternoon and cook, so I don't have to do any cooking later. But I was curious about many of the freezer meal recipes that I found, so decided to give them a try. <br />
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Before my little guy arrived, I wanted to jump on this little freezer-meal-band-wagon and give it a go. But how was I supposed to find recipes that would be easy and that my family would actually like? After lots of looking I found 3 "freezer meal" recipes that sounded good, and seemed really easy to make, but honestly I was a little skeptical about. But I also included 5 recipes of my own that I thought might work as freezer meals. The recipes that I created actually turned out to be our favorite :). That's probably because I was able to cater to our pasta and cheese loving family. Who doesn't love their carbs and gooey cheese, right? So, if you're running out of ideas for freezer meals, think of some of your favorite regular meals and do what you can to turn them into "freezer meals". It worked for us!<br />
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I grew up in a big family (8 kids, 5 of them being boys), so my mom taught me how to cook for the masses. This is a habit that I have had a hard time getting out of my system. I don't know how to cook for a family of just 2 adults and 1 toddler, so inevitably we always have leftovers. Each of these recipes could easily feed a family of 4, so you can adjust the ingredients accordingly. Or, you can do what I did: follow the entire recipe as listed, eat half for dinner that night, then freeze the other half. Not only does it save you on the cooking time (you only have to cook once...), but you also already know that you like the meal, and will look forward to eating the rest later.<br />
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These recipes are listed in order from our favorite to our least favorite. (sorry I didn't get pictures of all the completed dishes...)<br />
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Here's a quick tip before you get started:<br />
- write the cooking directions on the tinfoil or plastic bag <u>before</u> you put the food inside. <br />
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Ok, let's get to those recipes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy-crQ4SaYuupwUANRXaXoiP02u5BBSUD-hikwf2jWdTSMm4OcNg04Fps-04V_kxSGt3SAmYZyoa9V3hRW5PGmXquv3vk8ZyI-lpsiPuaeHxEkPxGNqdUmVfjoS96EzEbIUe25FBfQrbu/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy-crQ4SaYuupwUANRXaXoiP02u5BBSUD-hikwf2jWdTSMm4OcNg04Fps-04V_kxSGt3SAmYZyoa9V3hRW5PGmXquv3vk8ZyI-lpsiPuaeHxEkPxGNqdUmVfjoS96EzEbIUe25FBfQrbu/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Pizza Pasta</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 onion - diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 package pepperoni - diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbsp red wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 regular can tomato sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can black olives - sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Roma Tomatoes - diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp Italian seasoning </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">16 oz box pasta (we like Rigatoni the best) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 bunch chopped fresh basil (can substitute dried basil, but fresh is MUCH better) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1-2 cups grated mozzarella cheese</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. In a large pot/pan brown onions in olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Add pepperoni and cook until almost crispy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Meanwhile, boil a large pot of water and cook pasta until al dente, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Add vinegar to pepperoni to scrape off all the yummy stuff from the bottom of the pan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, olives, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and 1 cup of reserved pasta water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Simmer 2-3 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Add cooked pasta to sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Add basil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Add as much cheese as you want to make it extra cheesy and delicious</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. </span>Eat immediately or p<span style="font-family: inherit;">our pasta in a 13"x 9" foil pan, cool, cover with foil, and freeze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When ready to eat: thaw and cook at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. </span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Baked Chicken Chimichangas</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/3 cup picante sauce or your favorite salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp ground cumin </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp dried oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cup cooked chicken - chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup shredded cheddar cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 green onions - chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8 inch flour tortillas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tbsp butter - melted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Mix together chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each torilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Fold opposite sides over filling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Roll up from bottom and place seam side down on a baking sheet. If wanting to eat </span>immediately, brush with butter and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Or-</span><br />
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Roll up from bottom and place seam side down on a baking sheet. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Freeze for about 30 minutes, then place chimichangas into a gallon size freezer bag.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When ready to eat: thaw, place chimichangas on baking sheet, brush with butter, bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Buffalo Chicken Chile Mac and Cheese</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small bits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large carrot - chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large onion - chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 ribs celery - finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 garlic cloves - finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbsp paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 bay leaf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 to 1/2 cups hot sauce (depending on how hot you like it)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 15 oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pound whole wheat elbow macaroni </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1-2 cups of your favorite cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 scallions - thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Place a large pot over medium/high heat, add olive oil, once pot is warm add chicken and brown them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Add carrot, onion, celery, garlic, paprika, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Cook veggies, stirring frequently until tender. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Add chicken stock and scrape up any brown bits from the pot. Add hot sauce and tomatoes, and bring to a bubble. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. While simmering, cook pasta until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss into the chicken mixture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Transfer everything to 13"x 9" casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped scallions over the top, serve and Enjoy!</span><br />
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-Or-<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">* If wanting to freeze: place the mixture in foil casserole dish, allow to cool, cover with cheese, cover with foil and freeze. When ready to eat: thaw, and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top of the cooked casserole, and enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWReqBmgCY_57O7mgn3Pc1Fxk0P6x0FxVsYa4MemJobi1tDfjvS9YVT1eGB8nd-nRcNs5lZxFSwIBXpSBAa0tcECM6UzFWVM8KVh0KwO_LI2Ur56ANAwNFZzBs-T_kUxlM8MYs_tSSe5n/s1600/DSC_0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWReqBmgCY_57O7mgn3Pc1Fxk0P6x0FxVsYa4MemJobi1tDfjvS9YVT1eGB8nd-nRcNs5lZxFSwIBXpSBAa0tcECM6UzFWVM8KVh0KwO_LI2Ur56ANAwNFZzBs-T_kUxlM8MYs_tSSe5n/s1600/DSC_0802.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Chicken Enchilada Casserole </span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 (12 oz.) cans cooked chicken chunks </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cans cream of chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 small can green enchilada sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cans diced green chilies </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 small onion - diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp. cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 lbs. grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese mixture of your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">24-30 corn tortillas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. In a large bowl, mix together everything but the cheese and tortillas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Layer in a 13"x 9" casserole dish starting with the chicken mixture, then cheese, then tortillas, chicken, cheese, etc. ending with chicken mixture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Cover with remaining cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly and brown </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Or-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">* If freezing, cover with foil and freeze <u>unbaked</u> casserole. When ready to eat: thaw, remove foil, bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW9bp-fcYLMMY5tDEUXJquN16hyphenhyphenp9FMT0tvSA7aRAopPA1FH_fmWJvm6Y_b-k5J5XKnQJBKJlF6EB6rUsjX1N4R_NeRL_Z8y7ExSbpBvm9U4-LjuNvxfC51r_y-zx5hFiFLXr8oxwcKJK/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW9bp-fcYLMMY5tDEUXJquN16hyphenhyphenp9FMT0tvSA7aRAopPA1FH_fmWJvm6Y_b-k5J5XKnQJBKJlF6EB6rUsjX1N4R_NeRL_Z8y7ExSbpBvm9U4-LjuNvxfC51r_y-zx5hFiFLXr8oxwcKJK/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cheesy Potatoes and Ham</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 26 oz bag of hashbrowns</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 10.5 oz. can cream of celery soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups cheddar cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 green onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups cooked cubed ham</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt and Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Corn Flakes crushed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Mix together all the ingredients except the corn flakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Pour into a 13"x 9" casserole dish, sprinkle with cornflakes and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Or-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* If freezing, pour into foil casserole dish, cover with foil, and freeze. When ready to eat: thaw casserole, sprinkle corn flakes over casserole, bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake 15 more minutes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KVeSex1fiVWOO39zPCj4MLKXp04KJr4-757jCSPYfrY4hYHUUytYnq605wupUa4AC3yq5F5qH7qZ_FLjiKLktBUHgJun-c_GFPMLp9nzIMVhrbs6xUD_w8TdyOYtA_omkc_ApDtBBzk8/s1600/DSC_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KVeSex1fiVWOO39zPCj4MLKXp04KJr4-757jCSPYfrY4hYHUUytYnq605wupUa4AC3yq5F5qH7qZ_FLjiKLktBUHgJun-c_GFPMLp9nzIMVhrbs6xUD_w8TdyOYtA_omkc_ApDtBBzk8/s1600/DSC_1071.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cheesy Garlic Chicken</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2013/11/20-crockpot-meals-under-20.html?m=1</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">2 large chicken breasts</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">2 Cans cream of chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">1 Can cheddar cheese soup</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">1-2 tsp garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">2 T butter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">1/2 tsp pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">Combine all ingredients in gallon freezer bag and freeze. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">Day of cooking: grab from freezer, pour all contents into crock pot and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Can be served with angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Chicken w/ Pineapple and Rice</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">http://www.dollopsofdiane.com/2013/04/crock-pot-freezer-recipes-chicken.html?m=0</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 boneless chicken breast halves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can (14 oz.) pineapple tidbits in juice, undrained</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cups finely chopped carrots</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup each chopped sweet red peppers and green peppers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup ketchup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons white vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cloves garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cups chopped green onions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups of chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine all ingredients in gallon freezer bag and freeze. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4e2800; line-height: 20.591999053955078px;">Day of cooking: grab from freezer, pour all contents into crock pot and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Serve over rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtKGZC39uYruMYsNDZx1c_J_eViCU6cA49760rGGDTAn4L46cwf4-aExe4QTmGLxzlb3qhpZns36tRl8l_Zv-UAisY6cwQ17UrReTrLcLK_Cq1Cnft1LgKJYHZ_e3dQsQrqqxrS1E7x7v/s1600/DSC_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtKGZC39uYruMYsNDZx1c_J_eViCU6cA49760rGGDTAn4L46cwf4-aExe4QTmGLxzlb3qhpZns36tRl8l_Zv-UAisY6cwQ17UrReTrLcLK_Cq1Cnft1LgKJYHZ_e3dQsQrqqxrS1E7x7v/s1600/DSC_0590.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cilantro Lime Chicken </span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">http://freezermealsforus.com/2013/01/cilantro-lime-chicken-by-amity/</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21.875px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ lb diced chicken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 juiced limes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 16oz bag frozen corn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 minced cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">½ red onion chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 t. cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt & pepper to taste</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21.875px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Place all ingredients in a gallon sized freezer bag. Freeze.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21.875px;">Cooking day: Thaw. Cook on low in crockpot 8 hrs or on high 4 hrs. Serve w/tortillas & your favorite toppings (sour cream guacamole cheese)</span></div>
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-7192957180460724402014-04-30T09:51:00.002-07:002014-05-16T22:03:02.038-07:00April <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
April was a slow month in the homemade card department. But busy in every other department! Being a mom of two is a lot harder then just being a mom of one! Especially when you have a busy (and potty training) two year old to run after.</div>
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Anyway, here is my lonely single card for the month of April. It was made for my older brother who is pretty much a soccer star. He has been on many semi pro teams, and is seriously one of the best soccer goalies I have ever seen (and that's not just a proud little sis talking.)</div>
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One thing you can't see in the picture, is that I made this card to open left handed. He is a proud lefty, so I had to make the card with the open side on the left instead of the right. I hope he appreciated it :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g9PNaIXM-Bmag6z0_C_LKmORP3oq83wYtsBvBWGJL6YJPdVuy6SlzIHJFABRNMGfdVKWRLCiiwmY8jrFAZTG6lpWlbVW3eBWuhhH8XckLBILNb5ulMeWvklYn3mtS8o1J23bmc6mPCHR/s1600/DSC_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g9PNaIXM-Bmag6z0_C_LKmORP3oq83wYtsBvBWGJL6YJPdVuy6SlzIHJFABRNMGfdVKWRLCiiwmY8jrFAZTG6lpWlbVW3eBWuhhH8XckLBILNb5ulMeWvklYn3mtS8o1J23bmc6mPCHR/s1600/DSC_0801.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Doing good so far with my <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html">resolution</a>! Bring it on May!<br />
<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-87187311141207056062014-04-12T16:12:00.000-07:002014-06-16T22:32:20.086-07:00March cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phew! March was a busy month. But I still got all the cards done that I needed. Hooray!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk8kkJYTOI7_49spRwibIRuiXVhaLrCoIMl0kWTRDGytWxqH-nMjErbvutvNZa4A7s6GoB8h8qEjc9iL_QY-pKdPH36SYhYlnPSZ_ULRZcmRb10hRzilMvI3NSxdYTEx9d2_m_TKfRtWA/s1600/birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk8kkJYTOI7_49spRwibIRuiXVhaLrCoIMl0kWTRDGytWxqH-nMjErbvutvNZa4A7s6GoB8h8qEjc9iL_QY-pKdPH36SYhYlnPSZ_ULRZcmRb10hRzilMvI3NSxdYTEx9d2_m_TKfRtWA/s1600/birthday+card.jpg" height="640" width="515" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lRJDjLwQW4uZoCqxvJ0nGSt-MGXzXSJfFZ7wFdgK9YxdKV2nnT4DrQobs86zt7Ou5iRnHyXwv7PqsgVX4ClfyBwzrjuDLvs0-XRa31ixaa3r4ChP_OnT8bgRhyphenhyphen-fGdEZyUp2DubsXGTO/s1600/dots+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lRJDjLwQW4uZoCqxvJ0nGSt-MGXzXSJfFZ7wFdgK9YxdKV2nnT4DrQobs86zt7Ou5iRnHyXwv7PqsgVX4ClfyBwzrjuDLvs0-XRa31ixaa3r4ChP_OnT8bgRhyphenhyphen-fGdEZyUp2DubsXGTO/s1600/dots+birthday+card.jpg" height="465" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0U6KqcMGatWigX0OTijbwHrQuNmk4suebKxIs5Vdt51smEQcy2ELAQYvjXLatFYiHVQ0vETqf7JZPHPt-H0FpdbM1jqx49g4b-uct4e2G9ki8L1YsghTr3EV71YkhGaIDFkn-1zSIcXE/s1600/flowers+and+ribbon+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0U6KqcMGatWigX0OTijbwHrQuNmk4suebKxIs5Vdt51smEQcy2ELAQYvjXLatFYiHVQ0vETqf7JZPHPt-H0FpdbM1jqx49g4b-uct4e2G9ki8L1YsghTr3EV71YkhGaIDFkn-1zSIcXE/s1600/flowers+and+ribbon+birthday+card.jpg" height="640" width="563" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWdfXLllpngeodbYxdDg6DD0TN2gElNpLRw74tljtlRNH5DSvxXsujpE8iEVOruge1TzMKcJ93ymhUMF7-Qy6HAqL5tjOiDHS7wVg8k9GoeBc-rRkyxKckVesHeoNCEzL2bIMMops-I3i/s1600/Lego+blocks+Birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWdfXLllpngeodbYxdDg6DD0TN2gElNpLRw74tljtlRNH5DSvxXsujpE8iEVOruge1TzMKcJ93ymhUMF7-Qy6HAqL5tjOiDHS7wVg8k9GoeBc-rRkyxKckVesHeoNCEzL2bIMMops-I3i/s1600/Lego+blocks+Birthday+card.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephew is absolutely OBSESSED with Legos. I couldn't help myself :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd9Zzjb6gzmoJJYnCHOTkwWFIk4qu0_ns0MHkvVrWg3ksdLw4ehG7icDygaJwnb5EazbDoZgHNfvVSuM6i5wTjbiR9FTF-iXiiFPcp1nLIpJOhsYtZEC4zkP1fclczsvZxpL68Zb0PPw0/s1600/Music+birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd9Zzjb6gzmoJJYnCHOTkwWFIk4qu0_ns0MHkvVrWg3ksdLw4ehG7icDygaJwnb5EazbDoZgHNfvVSuM6i5wTjbiR9FTF-iXiiFPcp1nLIpJOhsYtZEC4zkP1fclczsvZxpL68Zb0PPw0/s1600/Music+birthday+card.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad is pretty much a musical genius. He would definitely know just by looking at this that it was the birthday song. </td></tr>
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Well, that's it for last month. Now onto April!<br />
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How are your New Years resolutions going?<br />
<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-72605081223747940692014-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:002014-03-19T13:14:38.536-07:00Faux Metal Wall ArtI have had tons of toilet paper and paper towel rolls laying around my house in the hopes that someday I would make some awesome craft with them. Somehow over months and months they have reproduced like bunnies! It's out of control. I needed to find something that I could make using my quickly multiplying little cardboard rolls. And find something I did! I am so proud of this decoration that I found, and I just had to share it with you! I wish that I could say that I was awesome enough to figure out how to do something like this from my own brain, but I'm not. This beautiful craft is the brainchild of Suzy at Suzy's Artsy Crafty Sitcom. <a href="http://suzyssitcom.com/2012/08/faux-metal-wall-art-including-free-patterns.html">Here is the original tutorial on her page.</a> She is a genius! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSvUcW3dX6TDeJ1qJHpkvney8ES8f4PP-8VbHg65B_GOqqLiE79CHJKBcJq0ov7kYC1edENkOU33Ds_u8j2_WoBgCaHFg7yYoM_n93XPyzpvFNT_BStiXpzEPzNgJaMdpe47uO_1X7A3N/s1600/Faux+Metal+Wall+Art+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSvUcW3dX6TDeJ1qJHpkvney8ES8f4PP-8VbHg65B_GOqqLiE79CHJKBcJq0ov7kYC1edENkOU33Ds_u8j2_WoBgCaHFg7yYoM_n93XPyzpvFNT_BStiXpzEPzNgJaMdpe47uO_1X7A3N/s1600/Faux+Metal+Wall+Art+tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="515" /></a></div>
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Here are the supplies that you need for this project:<br />
- toilet paper rolls (I used about 15 total rolls for all 3 of my designs)<br />
- paper towel rolls (I only used 2...)<br />
- 3/8" balsa wood strips (found at craft stores, don't waste your time at a hardware store...)<br />
- tacky glue<br />
- metal looking spray paint<br />
- scissors, pen, paintbrush<br />
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How to:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry there aren't pictures to help show the steps. You can find photos to help you in the <a href="http://suzyssitcom.com/2012/08/faux-metal-wall-art-including-free-patterns.html">original tutorial</a>.)</span><br />
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1. Cut the balsa wood strips to your desired length. The original length of strips that I found were 24", so I just cut them in half making them all 12". Glue them together to form a square.<br />
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2. The paper towel rolls are used to make the straight parts of each design. Simply <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cut along the length of the tube, flatten it out and use one of the balsa strips to measure 3/8″ strips cut lengthwise from the tube. Then cut out each strip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The toilet paper tubes were cut in 3/8″ strips across the width of the tube to keep the curl. Simply cut along the length of the tube, flatten out and mark 3/8″ strips across the width. This will result in 3/8″ curls.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I started each square by dividing them into 4 equal sections using the longer (and straight) paper towel strips. Then in each section I created the same pattern. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I used a few of the </span><a href="http://suzyssitcom.com/faux-metal-wall-art-patterns" style="background-color: white;">free patterns</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> posted in the original tutorial as a starting point for each design. But because my squares were larger, the patterns didn't work perfectly. I had to fill in empty spaces with other curls and designs. It was actually kind of fun putting my own personal spin on each design!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">5. I glued all of the straight pieces first, then laid out the pattern with the curly ones. Once the pattern looks the way you want, glue each curly piece in. You achieve the curl by curling the cardboard around the end of a paintbrush. Super easy!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">6. Once your designs are complete and dry, spray paint them using metal looking paint, and voila! You have your very own metal wall art, but much lighter, and much cheaper then the real thing!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The entire cost of this project was under $10! I love them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLtIPGpb1ESNAymeT15mZQH2P26bxvtKYqxt-oRmepWsB3-7QghnnEoL9dNuCVJr3lpWCMo-SykboIgVnYadou-5lMegBk328RYudr-7ALpZOuPyE8iznihCGDKe_80CGJFP_1vYkxlwM/s1600/Faux+Metal+Wall+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLtIPGpb1ESNAymeT15mZQH2P26bxvtKYqxt-oRmepWsB3-7QghnnEoL9dNuCVJr3lpWCMo-SykboIgVnYadou-5lMegBk328RYudr-7ALpZOuPyE8iznihCGDKe_80CGJFP_1vYkxlwM/s1600/Faux+Metal+Wall+Art.jpg" height="220" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you completed this project? Let me know how it went!<br />
<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-38568658969117494672014-03-01T21:45:00.000-08:002014-06-16T22:31:16.243-07:00February CardsFebruary, the month of LOVE! And I have got to say, I loved making these cards! It is so much more personal to make a card for someone, as opposed to just buying one off the shelf. The entire time I am creating a card, I am thinking about the person that it is for. It's pretty awesome!<br />
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So far, so good with <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-new-years-resolution.html">this resolution</a>. Next month could be a little tough though. I'm not trying to make excuses <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ok, maybe I am)</span>, it's just that having a baby usually takes time away from crafting, right? I guess I gotta go make some cards before my son decides to make his arrival into the world... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I7r-BrsyVgIviQGAAtcRlEwDbNB1SSJI524Bc8Xm4wsq1bDJq6eYdZCaeZDR2hGfK8NfZATQgO0pp1BFpsqNmYaLRgQFhurrVL5zRM9jtQpoYOR-lvlKmsMDptg7FSiE4K_CxkqKZP7M/s1600/Monster+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2I7r-BrsyVgIviQGAAtcRlEwDbNB1SSJI524Bc8Xm4wsq1bDJq6eYdZCaeZDR2hGfK8NfZATQgO0pp1BFpsqNmYaLRgQFhurrVL5zRM9jtQpoYOR-lvlKmsMDptg7FSiE4K_CxkqKZP7M/s1600/Monster+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was made for my 3 year old niece. Her parents call her their "little monster", so I thought it would be appropriate. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UJ0Hbvhyphenhyphen3Yi9CVt7Ud5liwvDaH2oJLlPl5YbtMGr7v4YwE4oj9D808wTJ0zowWGro1bkdRkiuDYOTXv0AQoq6_CTrBXz90BsxUhdiE4PViidLDrDxXwANPNajd7b_0-CEylh2uaMiVPB/s1600/Simple+Birthday+Balloon+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UJ0Hbvhyphenhyphen3Yi9CVt7Ud5liwvDaH2oJLlPl5YbtMGr7v4YwE4oj9D808wTJ0zowWGro1bkdRkiuDYOTXv0AQoq6_CTrBXz90BsxUhdiE4PViidLDrDxXwANPNajd7b_0-CEylh2uaMiVPB/s1600/Simple+Birthday+Balloon+Card.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty nervous with this one... It was for my mother-in-law who is pretty much a crafting genius. I figured it was better to go simple and clean, then to try and do something over the top. What do you think?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wxFXZ4VBJza-C1RSyN6Zn5HJ-KyBG4oqO7STwbSimBze1SDs-Ra4gjEA9d6eFcT7sYwD1hEk7Mhj66zySv-u-eZ3imFpzMxMlmF1sm9fbVavSa3EAHvs8N2HLOH4CR2g750JXQnjOJjk/s1600/I+Love+You+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wxFXZ4VBJza-C1RSyN6Zn5HJ-KyBG4oqO7STwbSimBze1SDs-Ra4gjEA9d6eFcT7sYwD1hEk7Mhj66zySv-u-eZ3imFpzMxMlmF1sm9fbVavSa3EAHvs8N2HLOH4CR2g750JXQnjOJjk/s1600/I+Love+You+Card.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was for the love of my life, and I loved being able to make it for him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqcfSB_uY2yQ0SvmunbC4K98QSD_Xek2nPURRnp6CuDBdkwx-4RI2VlezihofAp2E7NpMKRy6OvGOVmGpn1-nl8nGVg2Ugg75Qif1e6BBbgVU0kOKmr9_4MzDIrDg7bTM2tewL_42QIFX/s1600/Tie+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqcfSB_uY2yQ0SvmunbC4K98QSD_Xek2nPURRnp6CuDBdkwx-4RI2VlezihofAp2E7NpMKRy6OvGOVmGpn1-nl8nGVg2Ugg75Qif1e6BBbgVU0kOKmr9_4MzDIrDg7bTM2tewL_42QIFX/s1600/Tie+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest brother has more ties and suits then any person I have ever met! His jobs have usually required a nice tie, but even on his days off he seemed to find an "excuse" to wear one. I don't often get opportunities to tease him, so I just had to... You know how it is with siblings :).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUpQMNCV8so3JigUTgnN8CLrS8LoU8SW3SsA7pxDcrxN2xFTjUrJ4VBw6d3N7KMHh-5nR_0SCVmOg2cIe6MsSSxBIbS8BPNPE0Ujrk8l82kBihMr3ORhay2PgW6Bzp4GBBUfJETc00dlw/s1600/Tie+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUpQMNCV8so3JigUTgnN8CLrS8LoU8SW3SsA7pxDcrxN2xFTjUrJ4VBw6d3N7KMHh-5nR_0SCVmOg2cIe6MsSSxBIbS8BPNPE0Ujrk8l82kBihMr3ORhay2PgW6Bzp4GBBUfJETc00dlw/s1600/Tie+Card.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, and here's the inside. I followed <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/111112315779388381/">this tutorial</a> to make each of the origami ties. I love trying new techniques!</td></tr>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-77988325351312129122014-02-24T12:29:00.001-08:002014-02-24T12:29:34.775-08:00Tough boys can craft too!A very important milestone was just reached at our house! I caught my husband following one of my tutorials! He He. I couldn't believe it, so I just had to document. <br />
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<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-vintage-crates.html">Here is the tutorial he followed</a> (using coffee and vinegar as a wood stain.) This is proof as to how easy this tutorial can be! (He's too busy of a guy to waste time on a super complex crafting idea...) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEVfL7zF5UsQ1Y0vmGAkQw7TmruPHvthLKcmxCjuUZnk-4N1xi2euNTnIgw_4g6q0S8bR_s1yDP1ZLcEWcWDbOqe9hTNAiyTjfyehtcwFns5mjZA4o3uIRr-S9GEcCizM_mENTSoqXWK9/s1600/DSC_0691-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEVfL7zF5UsQ1Y0vmGAkQw7TmruPHvthLKcmxCjuUZnk-4N1xi2euNTnIgw_4g6q0S8bR_s1yDP1ZLcEWcWDbOqe9hTNAiyTjfyehtcwFns5mjZA4o3uIRr-S9GEcCizM_mENTSoqXWK9/s1600/DSC_0691-2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Not to completely knock down his manly-ness, he wasn't really crafting exactly. He was re-doing a piece of furniture for our son's nursery. And I have to admit, it looks pretty good! Here is what the final bookshelf looks like (notice the dark stained legs...): </div>
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Pretty good, huh? My favorite part is the netting that he used at the bottom of the shelf to hold all the toys. I never would have thought of that! Genius! And oh so cute! </div>
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Have you completed any tutorials from Puddle Designs? Send me your photos, and I'll feature you in an upcoming blog post!<br />
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-36643779709426710822014-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:002014-02-25T08:12:37.849-08:00Yarn Wrapped Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uHzUccNFHpbk7UNmIuZUtSShrwaYHoywCTbSMxmFWIlju7GtL94G0M1-vAEufU6fFnEnBbs-LGvNyO_6zAcVA8eXJWzJq5I2MPEm7sBj5HqKXPM-cY9AENGRmDQud6R46kB3_F9FctVg/s1600/Yarn+wrapped+letter+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uHzUccNFHpbk7UNmIuZUtSShrwaYHoywCTbSMxmFWIlju7GtL94G0M1-vAEufU6fFnEnBbs-LGvNyO_6zAcVA8eXJWzJq5I2MPEm7sBj5HqKXPM-cY9AENGRmDQud6R46kB3_F9FctVg/s1600/Yarn+wrapped+letter+tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
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Today is a repeat tutorial day! I love when I am able to re-use an old project idea and make something fun and new with it.</div>
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Here is the <a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2013/09/diy-3-d-decorative-letter.html">link</a><span id="goog_2094822468"></span><span id="goog_2094822469"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> to the original tutorial, where I made a 1.5 foot tall twine wrapped letter. I followed the exact same steps, only changing the size of the letter and the material I used to wrap it in. Still so easy, and so inexpensive! The best of both worlds, if you ask me. </div>
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Each letter has been made completely out of scrap cardboard that I had lying around the house. So the only cost that went into making this letter was for the yarn and felt piece for the flower (totaling about $4!). I'm in love. Plus, I found these adorable canvases from Goodwill <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(yay cheap!)</span> that just add to the overall cuteness.</div>
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If you're curious about how I made the simple felt flower, here is a <a href="http://rainydaysjoy.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/felt-flowers-tutorial.html">link</a> to the tutorial that I found on Pinterest.</div>
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Have you completed this project (or something similar)? Let me know how it went!</div>
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Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-36614559419278946472014-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:002014-12-11T13:11:14.829-08:00My New Year's Resolution <div style="text-align: left;">
In an effort to save some money, and also get rid of some of the crafting stuff that has been laying around my house gathering dust, I made a New Year's Resolution for myself. Instead of buying birthday and greeting cards, I am going to hand make every. single. one. Only using supplies that I have on hand. </div>
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Yeah, for you pro card makers out there this would be easy as pie! But with another little one coming in March, this may seem a little ambitious for me, but I gotta do it! Wish me luck! </div>
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So far, so good (too bad it's only February...) I'll be posting photos of each card at the end of each month, so you can follow my attempt to keep my resolution. That way you can keep me accountable :). Ha!</div>
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Well... Here we go. Remember, I'm not a card making "pro". You gotta start somewhere though, right?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA0RRQJ2eiczJzR6f7C2yJnHK5pKFodvFjeY-b1_iI7gCb_So1qaC8X3ifn0Er5eaf_e0EOPU6mQieyRKVRZ53TXY-aLYaU2TjXSOk7sNk5WLfIVRlOtM6Si9pBjru9qpTQhNai1b3del/s1600/Monkey+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA0RRQJ2eiczJzR6f7C2yJnHK5pKFodvFjeY-b1_iI7gCb_So1qaC8X3ifn0Er5eaf_e0EOPU6mQieyRKVRZ53TXY-aLYaU2TjXSOk7sNk5WLfIVRlOtM6Si9pBjru9qpTQhNai1b3del/s1600/Monkey+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and I kind of have an inside joke about monkey birthday cards, so I HAD to make her one. The problem was, was that I didn't have any cute die-cuts or monkey stickers. Cutting paper out by hand was the only other option.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a niece who I know someday will be a famous gymnast (don't we all have crazy aspirations like that for little kids :). With a mom who almost went to the Olympics for gymnastics, you never know. <br />
With this one you get to see how truly horrific my handwriting is...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ypR95yXHP2Ii0gWZaktsmRoUYMt9mw724EOZyEmTvDYAmYkbQt5DoKMKghHXdS43vROYwyMN9xFu3bWhNSwiU4V6YIH3zssxtxMiL27KIsbZ-VEiKQoWdCxFOXHJcDKn4rDlOKFzv4rL/s1600/Quilt+Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ypR95yXHP2Ii0gWZaktsmRoUYMt9mw724EOZyEmTvDYAmYkbQt5DoKMKghHXdS43vROYwyMN9xFu3bWhNSwiU4V6YIH3zssxtxMiL27KIsbZ-VEiKQoWdCxFOXHJcDKn4rDlOKFzv4rL/s1600/Quilt+Birthday+Card.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, this one I love! My other sister is a quilting genius, and I wanted to do something special for her. Yeah, it may not be perfect, but it was my first time sewing on paper. That's right, I used my regular sewing machine on this baby! Kind of a cool technique. I'll probably post a tutorial on how to do this soon!</td></tr>
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January down, only 11 more months to go!</div>
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/03/february-cards.html">February</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/march-cards.html">March</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/04/april.html">April</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/06/may-cards.html">May</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/07/june-cards.html">June</a><br />
July (believe it or not, I didn't have any cards to make this month!)<br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/09/august-cards.html">August</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/10/september.html" target="_blank">September</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/12/october.html" target="_blank">October</a><br />
<a href="http://puddledesigns.blogspot.com/2014/12/november.html" target="_blank">November</a><br />
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Have you ever made a crafting resolution? Or is that totally strange? Let me know what you think!<br />
<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-84219596091501167282014-01-13T22:28:00.000-08:002014-01-13T22:28:46.027-08:00Personalized Family ABC BookNow that the holidays are over, I am kind of in a crafting slump... I hope I'm not the only one suffering from a crafting/baking/sugar hangover. That would be embarrassing! What do you do to try and bounce back after the holidays are over? I'd love to hear any ideas.<br />
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Before Christmas, I was working on multiple projects in the hopes that I completed them before Santa arrived Christmas Eve. I'll probably share most of them with you sometime in the future, but for now I just wanted to share with you my daughter's favorite. <br />
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We live far away from many of our family members and don't get to see them as often as we would like, but I still wanted our little munchkin to know the names and faces of all her aunts/uncles/cousins, etc. And what toddler doesn't love letters and books?! So I decided to combine all three ideas into our very own Family ABC book. Genius! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn09r9cb1vCgcuyiS5gd2ukhnrNzah2BVP8pTrSY_W1QLpBt6whdBF9gYth0EL-4UbnkSpncEyrbSnRFcajemo_gx0GHHjxWIfZ9yKoYTTXGoVKiHKoOU6d5n7pUStengbApIDojEn5bK/s1600/Custom+ABC+book+with+family+photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn09r9cb1vCgcuyiS5gd2ukhnrNzah2BVP8pTrSY_W1QLpBt6whdBF9gYth0EL-4UbnkSpncEyrbSnRFcajemo_gx0GHHjxWIfZ9yKoYTTXGoVKiHKoOU6d5n7pUStengbApIDojEn5bK/s640/Custom+ABC+book+with+family+photos.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLviNqNAnylkg7yFTgX5Vu4YQAkF4nwLiuwxiTTBFXTeeSmGRlb53I2TpSxE12TZ4EoH-p5OBRf-F1eWe89MWiCO-QYKC4ph3B-Dz4znpb-Vdy8LE85vx18ZhT_oMGCMC_FalSDN9gLtXP/s1600/Custom+ABC+book+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLviNqNAnylkg7yFTgX5Vu4YQAkF4nwLiuwxiTTBFXTeeSmGRlb53I2TpSxE12TZ4EoH-p5OBRf-F1eWe89MWiCO-QYKC4ph3B-Dz4znpb-Vdy8LE85vx18ZhT_oMGCMC_FalSDN9gLtXP/s200/Custom+ABC+book+back.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mz38SlzRZQNRC-MBhHOPDNgcuIw6r89paAtYP1DwPRRJ9ySKWou-rlUxllth0cJiiJzCht1hbZu6KQKlIzn31uFqVpHdVYrpUAJyCrex8IMOonS0TEq48o9eGrBs0UISjDZ290JHnDDz/s1600/Custom+ABC+book+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mz38SlzRZQNRC-MBhHOPDNgcuIw6r89paAtYP1DwPRRJ9ySKWou-rlUxllth0cJiiJzCht1hbZu6KQKlIzn31uFqVpHdVYrpUAJyCrex8IMOonS0TEq48o9eGrBs0UISjDZ290JHnDDz/s200/Custom+ABC+book+front.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCAE2d42lcvgNfPOjtg_fJJtVjiSu6k2pT1ARHsK_X5J5O5ZruCWkQo1T0dFgEuDxcpEvI4e2IAUaAk9mTZA4xb3h9UF4L8vP5GfqO3n2d1LQ41fqLZwOYgyWCkON85KxOwXXg3XLkMfs/s1600/DSC_0666e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCAE2d42lcvgNfPOjtg_fJJtVjiSu6k2pT1ARHsK_X5J5O5ZruCWkQo1T0dFgEuDxcpEvI4e2IAUaAk9mTZA4xb3h9UF4L8vP5GfqO3n2d1LQ41fqLZwOYgyWCkON85KxOwXXg3XLkMfs/s400/DSC_0666e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cTDdIcTge0qnj6e7fV9Y5zmZ188snKydrVJ21bPEyxB0U-mTRzb76emCeDtgA5edfw2SQ0zNTseexGlFcokrcGSC2BlnA2l-xPz6calWu_mokap9osWZw8th8UuBOuZOkfKr55R3qzQJ/s1600/alphabet+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cTDdIcTge0qnj6e7fV9Y5zmZ188snKydrVJ21bPEyxB0U-mTRzb76emCeDtgA5edfw2SQ0zNTseexGlFcokrcGSC2BlnA2l-xPz6calWu_mokap9osWZw8th8UuBOuZOkfKr55R3qzQJ/s640/alphabet+poster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In an attempt to make it more educational, I included items that started with each letter. (My parents are both teachers, I gotta do my part :) </td></tr>
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The total cost for this entire book was under $7 in supplies! All you need is a cheap photo album (with at least 12 pages in it), then the photos for each letter. Easy peezy! I found my blank photo album at Wal-mart for $1, and each photo cost about $.20 to print, making a grand total of about $6.50. Not too shabby. <br />
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And let's be honest, I would have loved to create one of those cute hardbound books that you see all over the place. But with those you can't change out the pictures when people grow up, or more family members join the family. This is the perfect solution to that dilemma! I love when you can make special gifts without breaking the bank! <br />
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As an added bonus, my daughter LOVES this little book! It is a borderline obsession. She insists that we read it before every nap and before she goes to bed. She even likes to snuggle with it while she falls asleep. I'm pretty sure that that's not the most comfortable option, but who am I to complain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBinv3IWc66nKUQTnN5hf6sFfYrjWsm6p6YD-k2n-3VWygf2pNtqbuAeI51w4MBpRBW1AQ5z_29XUiXEpep4Gs6jG97HKIWYU6J2LNB5Y7tp3MpNSAW1xRUARsW9xITS5wMl3rU3atzJq-/s1600/DSC_0661e.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBinv3IWc66nKUQTnN5hf6sFfYrjWsm6p6YD-k2n-3VWygf2pNtqbuAeI51w4MBpRBW1AQ5z_29XUiXEpep4Gs6jG97HKIWYU6J2LNB5Y7tp3MpNSAW1xRUARsW9xITS5wMl3rU3atzJq-/s640/DSC_0661e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in creating your own family ABC book, send me a message and I can help you get started!<br />
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<br />Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230897441183934018.post-82187564457138763952013-11-25T09:15:00.001-08:002013-11-25T09:16:51.162-08:00"Tis the Season... for Christmas Cards!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas is by far one of my favorite holidays. It's hard to resist any holiday that has such awesome decorations and yummy food. Even more then that though, I love how people seem happier, and are more willing to help one another. It's awesome!</div>
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This year, I have been lucky enough to be able to help others spread their own holiday cheer by creating their own custom Christmas Card designs. These have been some of my favorite projects to date! I love what I do, and I am excited to be able to share it with others! </div>
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Here are just a few examples of some designs available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic20OhovN9LeyLRdXt1tZ-bL3ThkH3MgmV0-8I-KaeKw6UgD-SqDZ-4Sds7r0uefCebArdbK0H8O8_S61C_YmT336z7d2E0FHl-fv-wGVr_nP427oEgBWWgYlOB_WnRbBnJBqVj-85A8pa/s1600/Custom+Photo+Christmas+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic20OhovN9LeyLRdXt1tZ-bL3ThkH3MgmV0-8I-KaeKw6UgD-SqDZ-4Sds7r0uefCebArdbK0H8O8_S61C_YmT336z7d2E0FHl-fv-wGVr_nP427oEgBWWgYlOB_WnRbBnJBqVj-85A8pa/s640/Custom+Photo+Christmas+Cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can find these cards (and more!) at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PuddleDesign?section_id=14382385">Puddle Design on Etsy</a>. If you don't see something you like, I would love to create a custom design for you, just like this one:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQ9V43m1r2BqoF0_HpnjohVs9Ild-vUVJnpk6tS6wt_rk1lPaDZHA-ToGFJBGJOJzcaweV6MD_1bhzW4uIuAyzQk0bD3pAJmqTdqBOR1pe6EkCCWdu12kvEnFvnd7abXd21rsc9lGwM4/s1600/Custom+Made+Photo+Christmas+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQ9V43m1r2BqoF0_HpnjohVs9Ild-vUVJnpk6tS6wt_rk1lPaDZHA-ToGFJBGJOJzcaweV6MD_1bhzW4uIuAyzQk0bD3pAJmqTdqBOR1pe6EkCCWdu12kvEnFvnd7abXd21rsc9lGwM4/s640/Custom+Made+Photo+Christmas+Card.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photos have been blurred for client protection.)</td></tr>
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Have questions? You can always email me at puddledesigns@gmail.com. I'd love to answer any questions you may have!Melissa http://www.blogger.com/profile/08860807465114751723noreply@blogger.com0