tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59144829537962703112024-03-04T20:18:25.365-08:00the wizard of oddstrying to find the yellow-brick road in a black and white worldfastpacedkaylabrownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07380026946533611682noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-77351309316891175392013-11-14T19:46:00.001-08:002013-11-14T19:46:16.618-08:00<br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-9850194854082778062013-10-15T14:28:00.002-07:002013-10-15T14:28:34.452-07:00<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-81865409698975490912013-10-04T12:03:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:03:27.797-07:00<br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-38142577031053404692012-11-06T12:03:00.001-08:002012-11-06T12:03:01.525-08:00Travel mug<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><object width="100%" height="100%" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/flashapps/preview/msc/ProductPreview.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configFile=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpreviewconfiguration%2F6h-qH_xnYwP6ngGCDvnelQ%2FVOGvm7CjMYTOd9GFlx6_qA%2F4-wzhSdKQ31zJH4n3nFMeg%2F"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configFile=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpreviewconfiguration%2F6h-qH_xnYwP6ngGCDvnelQ%2FVOGvm7CjMYTOd9GFlx6_qA%2F4-wzhSdKQ31zJH4n3nFMeg%2F" src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/flashapps/preview/msc/ProductPreview.swf"></embed></object></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Shutterfly Commuter Mug</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Turn your family into <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">a holiday card</a> this season.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-83401104288932169002012-09-22T19:32:00.000-07:002012-09-22T19:32:00.443-07:00OFFICIALLY A WICHITA RESIDENT!Though it has not happened the way we thought it would, we are have arrived!<br />
<br />
We THOUGHT we would be a buying a home to settle down in for a little while...<br />
NOPE!<br />
We THOUGHT we would be here about 2 months ago...<br />
NOPE!<br />
We THOUGHT we would be flipping, painting, deciding and decorating...<br />
NOPE!<br /><br />But it's time to move past all that and look at the future. We are moving in today to a decently spacious aparement in a conenient location in Wichita, and we are very excited about it! In the past, Nick and I have thought that renting is equivalent to "throwing money down the toilet," but we are in fact ready to just settle, even if that means renting. <br />
<br />
Once we calculated the money that Nick was spending in gas every month to commute an hour (by the way, these prices are simply horrendous!), we realized that was about even with the cost of rent. Isn't that ridiculous? This way Nick will be able to see his little boy more frequently :)<br />
<br />
All to say, we are very excited/ready! My next post will be pictures of the whole moving affair-- before, during, and after.<br />
<br />
Watch out, Wichita, the Browns are here! <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-19744031049610276222012-09-17T19:33:00.000-07:002012-09-17T19:33:00.530-07:00The Hubby's Gift to Me: DIY Chalkboard!Aw, he is so sweet! My dear husband saw <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/chalkboard-with-wire-basket.do?&from=Search" target="_blank">this</a> super cute and yet surprisingly expensive chalkboard ($80!)at World Market, one of my favorite home decour stores. He decided to recreate it, and it wasn't even a gift for any occasion, just a pleasant surprise :)<br />
I think part of that comes from his desire to be engrossed in a project. He is a "project guy," if you will. You know you have a "project guy" if he: <br />
<br />
a) becomes easily frustrated by boredom<br />
b) usually does not allow himself to become bored<br />
c) spends his down-time finding ways to make himself more busy<br />
d) becomes frustrated when a project is not brought to completion<br />
<br />
Sound familiar? Maybe it's just a man thing, but I know my dad is this way too. It's like they have trouble relaxing because there are so many things in the world that they could create, alter, or even destroy and rebuild! They're right when they say that you marry a person similar to your family :) <br />
<br />
ANYWAY, here is a photo of the model my husband was copying: <br />
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<a href="http://st.houzz.com/simages/1490386_0_4-4938-contemporary-wall-shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="319" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/1490386_0_4-4938-contemporary-wall-shelves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He knew I would love this basic chalkboard and decided he could easily make it himself, and with a few modifications, he succeeded! He also made one for his sister and mother (WHAT A HUNK!)<br />
<br />
SO <br />
He got some scrap plywood from the garage and measured it the size he thought appropriate, more square than the model. He then painted it, using one of my favorite colors that I plan on infusing into my kitchen (whenever we have a place to live). Click <a href="http://cache.vendaria.com/integration/images/ct/35/VpopHTML.html?bg=D6D7A5&nm=BZOpener&err=0&title=Demo&pf=t&fr=t&iid=jmIkUFkQcffdQVeUajbacdkfffaijkQgQji&ap=sys_homedepot_uid_202179690&uid=202179690&cf=3000&purl=sys_homedepot_uid_202179690" target="_blank">here</a> to see Eucalyptus Leaf from Home Depot's Behr collection. <br />
<br />
He bought some half round trim board that had a 1/4" radius and used it to outline where the actual chalkboard was going to be. He taped it off and used chalkboard paint to fill in the inside of the square. He actually used premade chalkboard paint, but I know it's all over Pinterest how to make your own (which I would recommend because the chalkboard paint is expensive to buy and cheap to make.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbxY_MfnJYDfJl3B74xxRXitCh3PIowbOjaCZdy8uLo5L_b5-dDuNsFQRnc8FDpepJfBsklnGF5ZaGZ1wmJNnbIMkhH3Aeha1XZ-RfHgP6r4G_Kr-K_1rKaFkQo6kDcOkvN_YB2oaF3c/s1600/IMG_0756%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbxY_MfnJYDfJl3B74xxRXitCh3PIowbOjaCZdy8uLo5L_b5-dDuNsFQRnc8FDpepJfBsklnGF5ZaGZ1wmJNnbIMkhH3Aeha1XZ-RfHgP6r4G_Kr-K_1rKaFkQo6kDcOkvN_YB2oaF3c/s320/IMG_0756%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This is the product to date-- he plans on using some decorative hooks on the bottom (you can never have too many hooks!) And someday we'll find the perfect tray/ wire basket to hang directly beneath the chalk part.<br />
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I plan on hanging it above a table of treats and writing some cute and whitty catchphrase that means, "Help yourself," or "Eat your heart out," or something to that effect. <br />
<br />
My husband is so sweet for knowing how much I love to decorate and even being willing to contribute to the vice :)<br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-39655146303534717932012-09-11T18:21:00.001-07:002012-09-11T18:21:21.622-07:00Photo Book<object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0ScM3DZy2Zw6G&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0ScM3DZy2Zw6G&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0ScM3DZy2Zulg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;">Shutterfly offers exclusive <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photobook layouts</a> so you can make your book just the way you want.</div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /></p>wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-913316534089068422012-09-06T19:52:00.000-07:002012-09-06T19:52:00.262-07:00"TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE" CAKEThis recipe is called "TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE CAKE," but I don't think there is ANY such thing as too much chocolate!<br />
I actually have never made this cake, but my husband's Gram brought some over earlier this week for our Labor Day dinner. I had to ask for the recipe because it was so rich but it just melts in your mouth! It was phenomenal and she claimed it was really easy. <br />
<br />
All you need: <br />
1 box chocolate cake mix<br />
1 box instant chocolate pudding<br />
1 bag chocolate chunks<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 cup oil<br />
4 eggs<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
<br />
Simply:<br />
Bake @ 350 for 50-55 minutes in a well-greased bundt pan. Allow 60-90 minutes for the cake to cool before trying to turn over and remove from pan. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvOZhMQKjEjMmN_OZOe8tc6fCr0-LNmoGGZZmG8GZGC7U-jdsiLcR4QF6wwTa3I3jUpuW113kWGEuDMrqcuODuSPokh260_86_a4uNxPNF1u-FEmvwVQpD9qBXx9xssncQYoOd-i3-3s/s1600/IMG_0718%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvOZhMQKjEjMmN_OZOe8tc6fCr0-LNmoGGZZmG8GZGC7U-jdsiLcR4QF6wwTa3I3jUpuW113kWGEuDMrqcuODuSPokh260_86_a4uNxPNF1u-FEmvwVQpD9qBXx9xssncQYoOd-i3-3s/s640/IMG_0718%5B1%5D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Although this cake has absolutely no healthy ingredients (do eggs count??), the redemptive quality here is taste. What a hit! <br />
<img align="right" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k580/fastpacedkaylabrown/CBE9DE079764925AB819BD03F5D2F878.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /><br />
<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-80084872383659542292012-09-03T19:43:00.000-07:002012-09-03T19:44:17.489-07:00I'll Take It!Believe it or not, I had never been to an auction before! Talk about a deprived childhood. I mean, I frequent garage or estate sales and Craigslist Curb Alerts, scouring for the next best thing to upscale, but auctioning opened my eyes to a whole new <strong>world</strong> of bargaining. <br />
<br />
Friday night, we attended the Pilsen Packrat Auction in Lincolnville, Kansas. Then Saturday morning and afternoon were spent at a local estate auction in Hillsboro. I feel like we really hit the jackpot here! <br />
<br />
Between the two of us, my husband and I spent 17 dollars for the whole weekend of thrifty finds. <br />
Here's what we returned with: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh2KgKXmQ6IVBSuz8AzcrHTtBfoEUHUTyuwGVJnWkfzOQNiDis6KFTJldrK-x9xKTHePmCSLqTPcVkpNryned9L25X2wghmr5yF9EOLZ9LMbW0r5_YIA0XMkTedacnRDkKFRhRpwb4PA/s1600/IMG_0663%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh2KgKXmQ6IVBSuz8AzcrHTtBfoEUHUTyuwGVJnWkfzOQNiDis6KFTJldrK-x9xKTHePmCSLqTPcVkpNryned9L25X2wghmr5yF9EOLZ9LMbW0r5_YIA0XMkTedacnRDkKFRhRpwb4PA/s400/IMG_0663%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We intend to sell the Life game- pieces are still in packages!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraTFSk2LQLgSVu3WPiuMO56VkMklkTg7dNMo3QT-0AnlrQgf14EeMCOmp2VqM1c2S44JNYVx67AXmxMZBtxUFq_QR5gqDrcnz8TOCMP-x27Qa63qy0j0UYB6H3VHJtHyB8qLz0VxYqFk/s1600/IMG_0662%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraTFSk2LQLgSVu3WPiuMO56VkMklkTg7dNMo3QT-0AnlrQgf14EeMCOmp2VqM1c2S44JNYVx67AXmxMZBtxUFq_QR5gqDrcnz8TOCMP-x27Qa63qy0j0UYB6H3VHJtHyB8qLz0VxYqFk/s400/IMG_0662%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the average eye, this may look like a pile of junk, but to us it is a pile of tresures awaiting their transformation!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfFjwC5H9ZgK9yKT7cfGUqdzLGCEqhj_ghPxMgQnxjYniCwB2_Qz8jENmUiCJBpBAy49hMiBiMzqKGFZzXdaanHzLtM-tLQAeIfY5ocfTeqf5Gc7lJ_HOnn8pciPpCiEar1EKVYmpc-I/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfFjwC5H9ZgK9yKT7cfGUqdzLGCEqhj_ghPxMgQnxjYniCwB2_Qz8jENmUiCJBpBAy49hMiBiMzqKGFZzXdaanHzLtM-tLQAeIfY5ocfTeqf5Gc7lJ_HOnn8pciPpCiEar1EKVYmpc-I/s640/IMG_0659.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I saw on Pinterest these crates being used as adorable shelving!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of these bottles are valuable; the rest will be put to use for my decorating :) </td></tr>
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At one point the auctioneer dropped his asking bid from ten dollars to just a dollar. Finally, when no one would bid for the old porch swing, I blurted, "I'll take it!" It sort of caugh the auctioneer off guard as he responded, "It's yours, Miss 'I'll take it!'" Of course, I didn't consider the inconvenience of hauling off a ginormous wooden porch swing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1Hz3KaCKdBjiH4YWrP3OXSeB1AaJj-hxhnq0ifZ0m0vi5EpzOOP0FuqpPjOJVTOLwWxQUOFM0wm7H351goZvWC7o-J0BxZ9aidx5CudVmvi3kfBWSpD1sb9-khc8OhapS4WQixwlbec/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1Hz3KaCKdBjiH4YWrP3OXSeB1AaJj-hxhnq0ifZ0m0vi5EpzOOP0FuqpPjOJVTOLwWxQUOFM0wm7H351goZvWC7o-J0BxZ9aidx5CudVmvi3kfBWSpD1sb9-khc8OhapS4WQixwlbec/s640/IMG_0675.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My studly husband :) Putting his muscles to good use!</td></tr>
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Some of these things (but not very many) I intend to resell via Ebay. But MOST of it, I plan on utilizing in our home, whenever we officially have one. I'll have to post about all the remodeling adventures I have with this bunch! At least it gives me something to put my heart into while I don't have a house to decorate. Or clean. Hahah</div>
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wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Hillsboro, KS 67063, USA38.3519555 -97.204472338.327051000000004 -97.243954300000013 38.37686 -97.1649903tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-60706848484034284522012-08-28T15:48:00.000-07:002012-08-28T15:48:00.347-07:00Organic Baby Food-- Homemade is Cheaper!I'm going to preface this post by saying that my sister-in-law Jillian has turned me on to so many things in life that I enjoy, and making homemade baby food is one of them. I do this in an effort to a) be stingy, b) provide organic baby food to my son. Unfortunately, I would say that a definitely comes before b in this case (I mean, how bad can baby food from the jars really be?) <br />
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But I have decided that if it is easier and cheaper then I <em>will</em> do it myself. For example, mashing a banana (or ten for the freezer) and mixing it with formula is not only an excellent source of nutrition for little Rylan, but it is also a tasty treat that can last three or four meals that only cost me $.20. That will be forever the cheapest that I ever feed him! And super easy :) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that mischevious little face! I cannot resist it, even with avocados all over it!</td></tr>
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Jillian and I got together a few weeks back and made baby food out of the following produce:<br />
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<strong>Bananas</strong>: Mush then puree. Easy as 1-2-3. Actually there are only two steps there so it would be easy as 1-2. just proving to you all that I can count. And I do it well. All the way to three. Anyways, Rylan loves them-- he sucks bananas RIGHT off the spoon. <em>Hilarious</em>!<br />
<strong>Squash</strong>: Some of babies' first foods can be squash. It must be cooked first (in the microwave is fine), and it can then be put in the food processor, sans the seeds and skins. Squash doesn't go very far though, and it will be one of the more expensive ones you may try. <br />
<strong>Sweet Potatoes</strong>: Bake. Deskin. Puree. Freeze. Vwala!<br />
<strong>Avocado</strong>: Scoop out the insides and mash well. <br />
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All of these foods can be frozen except the avocados. Apparently you need to freeze avocado WITH other things in it to prevent it from going bad, like lemon juice, which I'm pretty sure the little ones should not have yet. But you can just scoop and mash the day of and keep the remainder in an airtight jar-- the top may go brown, but you can remove it with a spoon and still serve what's underneath. <br />
*Never freeze formula. If you need to thin out your baby food, you can freeze it thick and ass formula later. <br />
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Then in Colorado about two weeks ago, my aunt had <strong>peaches</strong> FALLING off her trees-- and we all know how delectable Colorado peaches are! So I pitted and deskinned about ten of those and made at least 15 meals out of the pureed form, depending on how well the little man likes them, but they are in the freezer for now. <br />
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<strong>To thaw</strong>: Use the refrigerator or micowave, not the countertop. For some reason that's bad. I find that 2 oz of bananas defrosts in the microwave in less than ten seconds, but you are going to want to make sure your container is microwave safe (I bought some the other day that I discovered are not). <br />
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A source that we used was: <a href="http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/" target="_blank">Wholesome Baby</a><br />
They provide awesome recipes, nutritional facts, scientific research, and even menus for your baby's age! This was perfect for me since I'm an amatuer mom!<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-62306694282060011542012-08-26T15:40:00.000-07:002012-08-29T07:56:45.490-07:00Waiting on What?As we sit here, waiting, waiting<br />
for the house <br />
that doesn't seem to exist, <br />
<br />
my attitude toward God's providence<br />
hasn't <br />
proved <br />
<br />
that I trust Him. <br />
<br />
I stumbled across this verse the other day during a daily devotion:<br />
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"In his kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, amd he will place you on a firm foundation. All glory to him forever!"<br />
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1 Peter 5:10-11</div>
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The fact that God would allow us to share in his persecution so that he is able to restore, support and strengthen us; but then he would be so awesome as to provide us with a firm foundation? Wow! I am truly amazed. <br />
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It is the beginning of a new month. A fresh start. Who knows where we will be a month from now? We can't tell. Hard to say, considering all we've been through. Hard to count on anything. All I know is that our real estate agent said it best when she responded to our disillusionment: "God is trying very hard to prevent you from getting any of these houses that you have looked at and put offers in on. And I think there is a reason for that. He doesn't just leave people out to dry."<br />
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How true! Here we are, feeling like we are so alone, so abandoned, and maybe even betrayed, when we should be feeling thankful that God is so clear about his will for us by preventing us from getting the houses that we aren't meant to have! <br />
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This realization has helped me morph my heart into gratitude. <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-74569360346136976602012-08-23T16:21:00.000-07:002012-08-23T16:21:00.118-07:00Disappointment PrevailsThis will be a short post, a redaction if you will. I want to shout it from the rooftops, to tell everyone what a corrupt system we are caught in the middle of. <br />
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Our house deal has fallen through. The listing agent countered, we accepted and followed their strict stipulations. A week later, the seller's agent representing the bank wrote our buyer's agent an email that said, in exact words, "I am sorry that we were under the impression that your offer was accepted. We have an all-cash offer that we intend to close this month. Sorry for the inconvenience."<br />
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Inconvenience?<br />
INCONVENIENCE? <br />
<br />
Does he know that there is a family desperately searching for a home to raise their kids in, a family who would make their payments, who doesn't treat a hosue as an investment but as a space for creativity and life? <br />
<br />
My furstration is at its peak. If God is trying to break us, then he is succeeding. <br />
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But you know what happens when God breaks you. A rainbow. <br />
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Good things always come from the Lord. He is watching us and working very hard to prevent us from living in so many of these homes. <br />
<br />
Where is our home? We don't have the slightest clue.<br />
<br />
Where are our hearts? That answer will always remain the same. <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-43320286499998252592012-08-19T14:54:00.000-07:002012-08-19T14:54:00.133-07:00Our New House, For Real This Time!Three months.<br />
One hundred house tours.<br />
Hundreds of dollars in gas money. <br />
SIX OFFERS, and multiple other disappointments. <br />
<br />
Let's face it. We were depressed. Life is hard when you have no place to settle in, to really call your own. We are so appreciative of the Browns taking us in and feeding us, but we are ready to be autonomous. So we are pleased to announce that we have found a home close to civilization that we love AND that we can afford. I love it when the inevitable collides. <br />
<br />
Primary exterior pictures are below, but be prepared from the HOME REMODELING SERIES II, coming in about three weeks (or whenever we can close), consisting of before and after pictures like last time. <br />
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Yay! We have a home :)<br />
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I've got my paint samples ready and my list of doom* is in the works...<br />
MUAHAHA-- be prepared, 29th Street!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*a list of doom consist of the nitpicky issues, either functionally or cosmetically that I have contrived based on a) my need for perfection and b) my desire to cure old things, including but not limited to: homes, furniture, artwork, etc. Oh, what a great stage of life we are in!</span>wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Wichita, KS, USA37.6888889 -97.336111137.487842400000005 -97.651968099999991 37.8899354 -97.0202541tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-1306158759970170412012-08-17T12:21:00.000-07:002012-08-17T12:21:00.421-07:00The Colorado TripIt had been too long, I tell you, way too long.<br />
Rylan was only two months old when we last saw my parents and they were DYING to see their only grandson, who my mother frequently calls "an angel." For now, yes. We will see in the future-- I was a naughty child and my husband is a pretty sneaky guy!<br />
Anyways, we had postponed taking a Colorado trip to visit them until we had found a house and were stuck in the limbo time between offering and closing, but alas, we have seen over 90 houses and made 5 offers that have all been rejected (and we have even offered OVER asking price on a few!), so as summer drew to a close we new we just had to take a break from house searching and just make the trip.<br />
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We are glad we did! My poor family just needed a Rylan fix, and Nick and I appreciated a nice refreshing break from house searching and the sweltering 100+ degree weather typical of Kansas summers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9wSELDEN9RlaGQZUTsZRBUvoeWUOyeldoOVXq6e-6anZ-DMD7ZsybYDWINkxbJMlkcN0PtItccA4poH5VXw7opV9_2H_BiYiXIhaFWFoVLlaTA_LWLUtkdmNHnrLq8M3xC79DpTFhtU/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9wSELDEN9RlaGQZUTsZRBUvoeWUOyeldoOVXq6e-6anZ-DMD7ZsybYDWINkxbJMlkcN0PtItccA4poH5VXw7opV9_2H_BiYiXIhaFWFoVLlaTA_LWLUtkdmNHnrLq8M3xC79DpTFhtU/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ac8X0AkM7Ku5fQ20cjn1Jsa9fNdfX1wwXzXSwjh_Uj_XXRn5crP72SF74-KiHehIP4y6T7XTDchXeFhFA20DSZte5a4Z2bPrcpJbSS4SVH7UfqqvbbthgeHlN2KBfNq6LG7y0UOGoXU/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ac8X0AkM7Ku5fQ20cjn1Jsa9fNdfX1wwXzXSwjh_Uj_XXRn5crP72SF74-KiHehIP4y6T7XTDchXeFhFA20DSZte5a4Z2bPrcpJbSS4SVH7UfqqvbbthgeHlN2KBfNq6LG7y0UOGoXU/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" width="400" /></a>My sister bought a professional camera to keep up with her photo-a-day blog, which you can visit using this link:<br />
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<a href="http://daniellenicole17.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Pic A Day</a><br />
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Enjoy the great family photos from the trip!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k580/fastpacedkaylabrown/CBE9DE079764925AB819BD03F5D2F878.png" style="border: 0pt currentColor;" /><br />
<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Littleton, CO, USA39.613321 -105.016649839.5643915 -105.0956138 39.6622505 -104.9376858tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-52386187271973528572012-08-15T12:44:00.003-07:002012-08-15T13:01:46.612-07:00Happy Birthday Mommmmmmmmm!Phew! The secret is out! I had to wait until my Mom's birthday to make this post because the it contains a tutorial (kind of) of her gift! I made her living room pillows to match her living room rug!Here's the rug and room I attempted to match:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezfsq1JQ7dlzvCUvGu1eS0hyphenhyphenlaW7YfHgFwFQg3OiQhpnQmOUKoOxgyX3KgpYujl3xaKB3N5srrU1v70deFbLZUynBlpf9KLuPQkSDolvTzWQcM2PjWTJ7MtqZFKqXF2gTKrrRhPWAsFg/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezfsq1JQ7dlzvCUvGu1eS0hyphenhyphenlaW7YfHgFwFQg3OiQhpnQmOUKoOxgyX3KgpYujl3xaKB3N5srrU1v70deFbLZUynBlpf9KLuPQkSDolvTzWQcM2PjWTJ7MtqZFKqXF2gTKrrRhPWAsFg/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, I copied this tutorial almost exactly: <a href="http://www.thediydish.com/2010/02/how-to-make-chic-pillows-thediydish-on-studio5/" target="_blank">DIY DISH</a><br />
Fabric Measurements for 16" pillow are as follows:<br />
Front- 1 6x17" strip, 1 2x17" strip, and 1 9x17" strip. <br />
Back- 17x17" square of coordinating fabric. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4enqbSwa6X4NU13wchQBeC8Eey9oq8QjDbj1RgauhOTR4VYIcgm2ZSljbSaDr-XXJhihomQ89ecUPNr_fk4A2Jgd9CiPIMU0snGAiwop99Si9LvQn44exshBGulncgG3Hgf5gcC6iFU/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4enqbSwa6X4NU13wchQBeC8Eey9oq8QjDbj1RgauhOTR4VYIcgm2ZSljbSaDr-XXJhihomQ89ecUPNr_fk4A2Jgd9CiPIMU0snGAiwop99Si9LvQn44exshBGulncgG3Hgf5gcC6iFU/s400/IMG_0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of the strips sewn together and the pillow sides turned inside out, ready to be sewn. </td></tr>
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For the flowers, I utilized felt and simply followed the tutorial on the DIY DISH, using different colors, of course. <br />
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The result:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqoLzdj0yxBnPVzKedHejsAO8gAYWx1PwxRIJzsc4mb2ZfiicYAdo9qbQrtxDoDxtzSv1mGIm9XoB643est00m4cNg6OAZ6uPo_qeCqKYwK10tC1DEq0bpgemK_eEeiKsCjLH2I_FWI4/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqoLzdj0yxBnPVzKedHejsAO8gAYWx1PwxRIJzsc4mb2ZfiicYAdo9qbQrtxDoDxtzSv1mGIm9XoB643est00m4cNg6OAZ6uPo_qeCqKYwK10tC1DEq0bpgemK_eEeiKsCjLH2I_FWI4/s320/IMG_0510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unstuffed pillows! </td></tr>
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Hope she likes them! <br />
<img align="right" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k580/fastpacedkaylabrown/CBE9DE079764925AB819BD03F5D2F878.png" style="border: 0pt currentColor;" /><br />
<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-25848105448761337142012-08-12T11:44:00.000-07:002012-08-15T11:45:03.408-07:00Family Photos, Courtesy of my Sister, the Budding Photgrapher<br />
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wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Littleton, CO, USA39.613321 -105.016649839.5643915 -105.0956138 39.6622505 -104.9376858tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-64849074802323757402012-08-09T17:42:00.000-07:002012-08-14T17:43:48.106-07:00Born Sunny Side Up!Well, here is my son, the most pleasant baby I have ever met. Born sunny side up. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM90CkLhLIbalFAkqT9jwKkSw5Uc1QAYlH_yoaK4JGvjyKtaHMdlWRbj7JEY1zlBOlaAYOCbW9geT8R-LSj-fla7ZpBhYVSC86_dKPOjN1aRB8QLZVO2nGTzkIr5DtpRK0FdcMGoRXeX4/s1600/DSCI0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM90CkLhLIbalFAkqT9jwKkSw5Uc1QAYlH_yoaK4JGvjyKtaHMdlWRbj7JEY1zlBOlaAYOCbW9geT8R-LSj-fla7ZpBhYVSC86_dKPOjN1aRB8QLZVO2nGTzkIr5DtpRK0FdcMGoRXeX4/s640/DSCI0173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOME CRAWL OTHERS FLY. His motto should be "I can't do either!"</td></tr>
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Now, I know that it's not my parenting that makes him so calm and carefree, because, well, let's face it-- I'm a mess. It must just be his demeanor.<br />
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He <i>certainly</i> didn't get it from me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Danielle Gershon, a budding little photographer!</td></tr>
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I just had to brag a little bit, because I am pretty sure I feel entirely TOO blessed. Is that possible?<br />
I think the answer is yes, because <i>none</i> of us deserve the blessings we have, and yet God continues to bestow.<br />
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Yes, truly blessed <3<br /><img align="right" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k580/fastpacedkaylabrown/CBE9DE079764925AB819BD03F5D2F878.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /><br />
<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-77985259389101443312012-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:002012-08-15T09:55:40.235-07:00Anniversary TripYes, our anniversary was in June. Yes, that's when we took our vacation.<br />
But did I get around to blogging at that point? Of course not! It's like scrapbooking-- I love to do it, but I just delay it! Rylan's baby book extends only to two months. And I thought I was doing well!<br />
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Anyways, we took a trip to Branson, MO. I had heard many things about because my husband has family there so he had plenty of tales to tell along the way, but it was my fisrt time visiting! I was very impressed with the scenery and the attractions. It reminded me of a mini Las Vegas meets Rocky Mountains. Very cute! Nick's Gram and Grandad have a cabin in the mountains near the big lake there so we felt privileged to stay for free!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Year Later-- we took a picture in a golf cart a year ago when we got married, without the fun little addition :) </td></tr>
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We went to the Presley's, Branson's orignial show on the strip, and then we visited the famous Silver Dollar City. Nick's aunt and uncle went with us, so we had someone to hold the little one during rides. Phew!<br />
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All in all, it was a fun, fairly cheap vacation that got our summer off to a great start! I have now recapped it for you at the <em>end</em> of the summer. Whoops. <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Branson, MO, USA36.6436731 -93.218514436.5417506 -93.3764429 36.7455956 -93.0605859tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-56535092512084095732012-07-23T18:50:00.004-07:002012-07-23T18:50:47.376-07:00DIY Decorative PillowsBACK TO CRAFTING!<br />
Well, not exactly, but I do what I can without having all my craft supplies on hand while living at my in-laws' house. I have, however, taken FULL advantage of my mother-in-law's sewing machine-- a beautiful Singer just calling my name! I'm no sewing aficionado, but I can make the easy stuff, so if I can do it, YOU can do it :) <br />
The other day I made two pillows and a pillow case. Here are the results:<br />
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Pillow #1:<br />
This pillow cost me $.50-- because I took an easy-peasy tip from Jill and sewed two placemats together, inside out, leaving a few inches for stuffing. After flipping it the right way and stuffing it, simply sew the opening together by hand by using the slipstitch. For help with beginning sewing techniques and types of stitches, click <a href="http://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/FACTSHTS/CT-MMB-002.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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Essentially, placemats and napkins serve as precut fabrics for pillows. I bought these particular placemats at the Et Cetera thrift store in a set because they totally match my living room colors and style, but I saw some great napkins that would suffice for pillows with great patterns at Ten Thousand Villages for only $6.00 each. Honestly $12=batting and thread expenses is not that expensive for a personalized pillow :) To see their website, click <a href="http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/" target="_blank">here. </a><br />
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I don't have a picture yet because, well, honestly, I haven't stuffed it yet. Sorry!<br />
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Pillow #2: <br />
Now this fabric was actually leftover from the pillowcase, so they are meant to coordinate on our bed. My inspiration came from some pillows on Pinterest (as usual): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVA_k_wOrpam0OW6fu-L90BfXLyzgywGqQhTThQgeT93a7rddrkvdTZU1AhQQ-GVmY5SIDM56KHT0scKVLUrQUc2JyidXvSCSZ5nYKekb6r4bxD21Mx7_PL3M3Th3WW3tqpR0xrcEtNW3/s1600-h/048-flowerpillows1.jpg" target="_blank">Pillows!</a><br />
I only used three different fabrics, because I actually didn't plan on making this pillow, so I just used what I had on hand. The back is blue, and the front is a sage green and a funky pattern:<br />
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Once again, I don't have a picture of the final product because I haven't stuffed it yet.<br />
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Simply sew the front together (patterns facing each other so the seam remains inside the pillow) and you can replicate this for as many fabrics as you have (ah, the possibilities!!!!)<br />
For the flowers, I actually used felt and sewed by hand, according to this blog's instructions: <a href="http://befickle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Fickle Pickle</a>.<br />
I completed three flowers, like the pillow I found on Pinterest. <br />
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Pillowcase:<br />
This was the most complex of the three, and yet, it wasn't too bad! Like I said, if I can do it, you can do it :) <br />
Using the same fabric as above, I took 3/4 yard and added 3 inches of 1/2" hemmed coordinating fabric all the way around one edge. This first photo below is of the hem job: the key is pins and pressing!<br />
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The only change I made was adding the same fabric I used on the edge of the pillowcase to the edges of each tie, as shown below. Can I tell you a secret? It's because I made them toooooooo short! <br />
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So, learn from me: MAKE THEM LONGER FIRST and then you can roll the edges inward and hem from there, as she suggests in the first place. I just didn't listen. Lesson learned!<br />
Here is the completed pillowcase: <br />
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Phew! What an afternoon!<br />
How I missed crafting :) <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-26695192956456922632012-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:002012-07-21T18:36:00.247-07:00REMODELING SERIES: THE BATHROOMSThis first photo is of the guest bathroom. We were too poor to replace the tub itself, but I scrubbed it raw! We first completed the tile the same as the kitchen's (since they are connected) and, in the process, purchased a new "throne." That was my idea. Sitting on like a seventy-two year old toilet did not sound like my idea of a good time. Both Nick and I utilized this shower instead of the master shower while it was being fixed up (this lasted for approximately the first 7 months we lived here. Oh, the curse of unfinished projects!) The walls were already textured (THANK HEAVEN!) but we added the bright yellow paint! The finishing touch: tileboard in the shower.<br />
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This is the second bathroom we revamped, the master bath. As you can see, the previous owners had wonderful taste AND skill. We tore it up. To say the least. First, we painted the walls Cigar Bar (a lovely orangey red brown), chosen to compliment a gorgeous shower curtain we got as a wedding gift from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. We then tiled the bathroom, and put in a new throne, like we did to the first bathroom. Like the guest bath, we used a tileboard to complete the shower area. <br />
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Oh ya! I forget! In both bathrooms, we replaced faucets and the tub/shower hardware. This is what took us the LONGEST because we kept running into problems with the plumbing. But my dear husband kept with it, and now we are good to go!<br />
Since we already moved, I don't have photos of our the guest bath, but just know it was bright and yellow! Not a crazy yellow, just a cute yellow. <br />
Here are the photos of our master bath, all finished and ready to go:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nosy little puppy!</td></tr>
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This was the last post in my home remodel series. Get ready for a new adventure!<br />
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<span id="goog_1675110332"></span><span id="goog_1675110333"></span>wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-16742055456089556522012-07-19T08:32:00.000-07:002012-07-19T08:32:00.484-07:00Freezer Meals!The first time I heard of "freezer meals," I was a little disgusted. I mean, I had never been able to put anything in the freezer without it becoming frostbitten or covered with those little icicle things. Ew!But when my sister-in-law Jillian suggested making freezer meals back in January when we were expecting our babies (who ended up being born within 9 hours of one another! SO much fun!) I was in no position to argue.<br />
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Here, less than six months later, I am hooked! I feel that my kitchen is revolutionized! I am a post-modern chef! Well, that's what make-ahead meals make me feel like, anyway. Tangible proof of this excitement was witnessed by my husband, as I broke out into a song with my own kitchen-esque lyrics to the tune of Little Mermaid theme song. His reply: "Nice job, Ariel." <br />
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I was honestly so energized by the massive amonts of time that I had (more to spend with baby and husband!) that I could not resist delving into researching this new and exciting "field." Now, to clarify, I don't think I can be one of those "Once A Month Moms," simply because I enjoy cooking, so I'll plan on fresh meals weekly, supplemented by the pantry inside my freezer. These will come in especially handy when I am watching Nick's basketball or football games in the evening, or as our children grow up and we become busier with each succeeding day!<br />
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Anyhoo, I spent all last week searching for golden recipes, planning my grocery trip, shopping for said groceries, and preparing meals from those groceries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY99jkMpKcWVDNghxslkQTZqPxtTvkDMJ7v49X5c5bLCCUbEcBYdltUT4W7wgdgfkqKhB-jmcZQr4rPBlAeTtYXsEK4yNFjhyLvcYP73PYZSPNO5cKSSnJaOgE316PRBTVuRwn_lt8xq4/s1600/DSCI0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY99jkMpKcWVDNghxslkQTZqPxtTvkDMJ7v49X5c5bLCCUbEcBYdltUT4W7wgdgfkqKhB-jmcZQr4rPBlAeTtYXsEK4yNFjhyLvcYP73PYZSPNO5cKSSnJaOgE316PRBTVuRwn_lt8xq4/s640/DSCI0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't all of it! Just what we didn't have yet. Thought my husband hates it, I love grocery shopping! hahah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCClQXAUg3K7PC8xPV8B-jToi4tFSc-eCi4G3ozNL9zUPt_Xp1SrM9hljROIhmk4zpeksu_EyXcJqm1fc23DxUElGzc9KFLlUc8OvaEx85eMeBXjaLa9a6pAETJ1EcOIupeDA3gkJwxx4/s1600/DSCI0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCClQXAUg3K7PC8xPV8B-jToi4tFSc-eCi4G3ozNL9zUPt_Xp1SrM9hljROIhmk4zpeksu_EyXcJqm1fc23DxUElGzc9KFLlUc8OvaEx85eMeBXjaLa9a6pAETJ1EcOIupeDA3gkJwxx4/s320/DSCI0080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monster cookies! Fourth of July style!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not above making cookies in large batches and then freezing them ahead. This is how I do!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before beginning the cooking, pop some potatoes in the oven, at 350 for an hour. <br />
They only freeze well cooked-- I've heard they turn black if you freeze them raw!</td></tr>
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This post will have two parts: freezer meals tips that I've learned along the way and easy make ahead recipes. I am by no means a professional-- none of this is my original idea, but instead I have done online research and collborated it here. <br />
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PART I: TIPS FOR FREEZING STUFF<br />
1. Gather recipes that require limited ingredients. If you see a recipe that calls for just tons of ingredients you don't have, your grocery bill will stack up quickly. This is all about using what you have well and living on a budget!<br />
2. Make sure you make a list of the meals you plan on making with the groceries you buy. I know this sounds obvious, but you don't want to get home and be like, "What was this onion for again???" Waste of money and time! <br />
3. Start with plenty of materials. Ziploc bags, aluminum trays, aluminum foil, Saran wrap. If you are low on any of these things, add it to the grocery list. <br />
4. If you have kids, any number of any age, don't expect to do everything in one day. In fact, don't even try. Startegically plan to do 1-2 meals per day for say, a week, or whatever works for your schedule. <br />
5. A very easy way to make freezer meals without taking up too much time is to simply double your recipe and freeze half!<br />
6. When freezing Ziploc bags full of freezer meal, use a cookie tray to freeze first. This will help the meal to freeze flat so it takes up less space in your freezer. <br />
7. Freeze entire cooked chickens to have on hand for recipes that require cooked chicken, namingly casseroles. This will save lots of time in the long run!<br />
8. Feeze outside the box! Things besides just meals freeze well also! Like I mentioned before, cooked chicken can make life a lot easier. Also freeze fresh vegetables that come in great quantities (like the GINORMOUS zucchini I recently got from my aunt Bekka), breads (banana bread keeps awhile in the freezer so you can make double!), smoothie packets (just add the fruit and other ingredients to bags and cut them open in the day of!), and even pancake mix (just thaw before use).<br />
9. Do your research to keep track of what can go in the freezer and for how long-- you don't want meals to spoil and your hard work and money down the drain!<br />
10. Last, make some sort of spread sheet or Word document that tracks the meals you make so that you always know waht's in the freezer and nothing's forgotten! Also, this makes you feel accomplished as the meals rack up! YAY!<br />
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PART II: RECIPES THAT YOU CAN FREEZE<br />
Once again, most of these are not my recipes, so instead of typing out the entire recipe, I'll provide the link, and therefore, the credit. Here are a few I tried last week: <br />
1.<a href="http://whenthedinnerbellrings.blogspot.com/2011/06/super-easy-way-to-getting-meals-ready.html" target="_blank">When the Dinner Bell Rings</a><br />
2. Excellent Book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Dinners-Freezer-Great-Tasting/dp/0800730550" target="_blank">Dinner's in the Freezer</a> <br />
3. <a href="http://freezermealsforus.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Freezer Meals for Us</a><br />
4. <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/" target="_blank">Once a Month Mom</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/make-46-freezer-meals-in-4-hou-149380" target="_blank">A Turtle's Life for Me</a><br />
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AND there are plenty of other resources out there! Simply google 'freezer meals,' 'make-ahead meals,' or 'dump meals.'<br />
I have really enjoyed being organized, prepared, and discovering new recipes! I hope you guys can take some of my advice and have some organized fun with this! <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-78592210300742132552012-07-16T15:24:00.000-07:002012-07-16T15:24:00.336-07:00REMODELING SERIES: THE BEDROOMFirst, I would just like to ask, WHAT THE HECK?<br />
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Who thinks it would be a good idea to use WOLVES in the bedroom wallpaper? Honestly people! GET SOME TASTE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9MNFC6FvyNSD5l-e9iEOvtF4ddAkw1QfS9QlYkBOK8nzKeRgtFvpKuS1q6itbUDdEAn_wh92ITrF9vE0sj7zviIbcxILWHaGMrS5RZe5ephJkC5858WZ5NoOkmrIjMeN-z7_itar4pw/s1600/GEDC0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9MNFC6FvyNSD5l-e9iEOvtF4ddAkw1QfS9QlYkBOK8nzKeRgtFvpKuS1q6itbUDdEAn_wh92ITrF9vE0sj7zviIbcxILWHaGMrS5RZe5ephJkC5858WZ5NoOkmrIjMeN-z7_itar4pw/s320/GEDC0102.JPG" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_101023550">After seeing the before pictures, it's easy to tell that most of the needs are sheerly cosmetic, but there are a lot of them! I'll give you a list to show what we've done: </span><br />
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1. Painted. We used a light green from Lowe's Valspar collection.</div>
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2. New carpet. The blue just wasn't cutting it for me. </div>
3. Painted the trim. Looking back we should have done this before the c arpet was installed, but honestly, we just didn't have the time-- we had to have the carpet in so we could move in!<br />
4. Wainscoting. I have loved the look that gorgeous clean wainscoting provides- instant style! <br />
5. New doors and blinds. Much needed!<br />
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After Pictures:<br />
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Not the cleanest my house has ever looked, but when you are in the process of moving, what else can you ask for? This room was one of my favorites after its completion-- I got some of the best sleep of my life here!</div>
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Only one more post to go one this remodeling series! Watch out for REMODELING SERIES II coming... whenever we find a house to live in!</div>
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0Hillsboro, KS 67063, USA38.3519555 -97.204472338.327051000000004 -97.243954300000013 38.37686 -97.1649903tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-27077880669560571762012-07-15T14:35:00.000-07:002012-07-15T14:35:20.065-07:00My Life in Boxes...Moving is so difficult! I feel a new sense of empathy for families constantly on the move, especially those forced to move because of work or finances. It's like what is familiar to you is suddenly gone, what you know is just a memory. Leaving our house, the house that we brought home our baby boy to, the house that we spent countless hours gutting and regutting, revamping, primping, remodeling, beautifying, and all the other words that describe all the blood, sweat, and tears poured into each room, brought me to tears! Nick told me to "turn off my emotional switch" as we slowly emptied our house of our furniture and belongings, and thus our memories. How do you just flip the switch? Ugh, men.<br />
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My life in boxes. It's overwhelming the number of boxes coming out of our house and resting dusty and lonely in storage. I know that possessions are far less important than people (obviously), but there is something to be said about being established through having your own style displayed for all to see! Yet my style is in boxes. Dusty and lonely. <br />
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We are waiting for God to show us our home, not just a house. The HOME that we will bring more babies to. The one that we will create new memories in. The one that he has planned as our shelter and tangible refuge. The one that will hold our style, our good times and bad. <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-21260162446391803592012-07-09T13:25:00.001-07:002012-07-09T13:25:56.560-07:00Things Don't Always Work OutThings don't always work out.<br />
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That may sound like an obvious statement, but it is so devastating when you experience it firsthand.<br />
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Something you were counting on. Something important. Like a HOUSE.<br />
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So, the house we were planning on buying and renovating is no longer an option. We received an apologetic call from our realtor saying that the listing agent had accepted a cash offer, despite having already "sold" the house to us. Not only were we used as the backup plan for this listing agent, we were also betrayed by his schemes.<br />
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It is hard to see why God would "do this to us," although I am reminded that he does everything for a reason that we may never know the answer to. I am just praying that he has a house more suitable to our needs set aside for us. Possibly he was preventing us from living in a crime-riddled area of Wichita, or maybe he needs us to live near neighbors who need to hear the gospel.<br />
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Whatever it is, glory be to God!<br />
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So here we are, scratching our heads in confusion with our hearts aching in frustration, and yet we know we are called to make this move. We walked back to Square 1, holding our heads up high, as we search for the RIGHT house, this time, not just a house.<br />
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Thanks for your prayers, or thanks for just letting me vent a little bit :) <br />
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5914482953796270311.post-6209745681206230702012-07-04T10:53:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:53:00.834-07:00REMODELING SERIES: THE NURSERYIt is funny looking back at this, becuase we had no idea we were going to have a baby. And we decided (probably by the goodness of God) to make this house a two-bedroom by inserting a dividing wall (which I already talking about in my post about the living room).<br />
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Now that we have little 4-month-old Rylan, we couldn't be happier that we have a room to put him in! Here's another funny part-- we painted it this bright blue before we even knew we were expecting! And he's a boy! Oh, the irony. <br />
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So anyways, since I'm crunched for time before the next remodel we are doing
(beginning July 18!) I am going to take the lazy route and utilize a
previous post I made about cute babies' rooms. <br />
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Here's the link:<br />
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<a href="http://fastpacedkaylabrown.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-ones-room-how-to-make-babys-room.html" target="_blank">Rylan's Room</a></div>
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It was so much fun getting to make the bedding with my mother-in-law, and now seeing it in use by my little man is even better! </div>
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Stay tuned for only two more posts on the remodel in this house, one on our bedroom and the bathrooms! </div>
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Thanks!</div>
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<br />wizardofoddshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07958057190275614355noreply@blogger.com0