tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11208938582696477442024-03-13T16:45:02.756-07:00Cost Cutting CreationsSome people call me the Q-pon Queen! I love to find a good deal! So, I have created this blog to show how you can make "Cost Cutting Creations" (decor/dishes) on a budget. Enjoy!testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-85925924221460139822015-03-14T11:39:00.004-07:002020-03-15T18:18:45.735-07:00Disney Secrets and Surprises!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's face it, Walt Disney World (WDW) is a magical place, but it's not so magical during the months leading up to FINALLY standing in front of Cinderella's castle. The planning can be down-right stressful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nowadays, it's not just about buying tickets and showing up to see Mickey and friends, there's also added pressure of picking Fast Passes, booking character dining experiences and deciding if you should surprise your kids or not. All that means lots and lots of researching and Pinterest pinning to make it the best adventure ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started planning eight months before we headed out the door for my daughter's first trip to WDW and Orlando. During those months, I learned some tricks of the trade from friends, family and strangers on the Internet --- now I'm here to share it with you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>MY FAVORITE WDW BLOG:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First, I would like to tell you about my favorite Walt Disney World blog/website -- <a href="http://wdwprepschool.com/">WDW Prep School</a> --- you HAVE to visit this site! They do a fantastic job in helping you organize your trip. They will tell you what times of the year are less crowded, what parks open when and how to navigate the process of planning an amazing journey. Once you pick which month you plan on going, you can sign up to get updates regarding that particular month --- including if magic hours are added/taken away, which rides are closed for renovations ... etc. It's a great way to keep up with the latest information.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">SURPRISE -- WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I really wanted to surprise my little girl on her fifth birthday -- I had to keep our Disney vacay top-secret for EIGHT months! And, like many parents, we expect nothing but happy tears, squealing, smiling and joy when we finally get to let the secret go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, that apparently is NOT the case for some families! All you have to do is search for "Disney Surprises Gone Bad" and you'll see some hysterical videos of kids crying non-stop after finding out the truth. Not all kids can handle big surprises on short notices. Disney can be overwhelming for youngsters --- they can get anxious about meeting characters or flying for the first time. In one video I saw, the kids thought they were visiting the other mouse (Chuck E. Cheese), but that promise was suddenly broken while driving toward Magic Kingdom -- boy were they upset! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All you need is a sad reaction after your bank account is depleted and you've had sleepless nights of creating the perfect itinerary -- which may involve setting your alarm at midnight several nights in a row to book Fast Passes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I decided to reveal my secret a few weeks before hitting the road to give my daughter some time for it to sink in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's the scavenger hunt I made for her birthday party. Click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/aslva63ql0zu7gg/DisneyClueSurprise.pdf?dl=0">here</a> on Dropbox for a FREE copy of the clues! I made a boy and girl version for the last clue!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All you have to do is print out and put Cinderella on the stairs, Elsa in the freezer, Rapunzel in the bathroom, Figero on a bed and the last clue at the fireplace.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clue One:<br />Cinderella lost her slipper on the stairs at the Ball. Go down the hall, but don't fall.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clue Two:<br />Elsa doesn't mind the cold. Go where things are frozen -- be bold!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clue Three:<br />Oh no! Rapunzel's hair is a Tangled rat's nest! Put your brain to the test ---<br />what would help her look her best?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clue Four:<br />Figaro is in your house -- she's sleeping -- be quiet as a mouse.<br />She likes to sleep in comfy beds, that's what Minnie Mouse said.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT2j3_-qaBpy-7tgw796H1CoXCqxj9y5-4u13raCmO_KDSFSVCQWez_UZkPF9aToIQA1CyiAw6plj553bQnQHG7xhfvzizZSv7zHg75RkZwri8fwBNKjSIWiWR0hvzIeFyMiYq4ne_b4/s1600/AMW+5th+Bday+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT2j3_-qaBpy-7tgw796H1CoXCqxj9y5-4u13raCmO_KDSFSVCQWez_UZkPF9aToIQA1CyiAw6plj553bQnQHG7xhfvzizZSv7zHg75RkZwri8fwBNKjSIWiWR0hvzIeFyMiYq4ne_b4/s1600/AMW+5th+Bday+113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clue Five:<br />"Some people are worth melting for." <br />Olaf said near the fire. <br />Anna was fading and they were under the wire.<br />Where were they when she started to tire?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjhE2ak-s6A5kNh32LI0dKX5Tl6yK054A13KHN6o-I5CC1SU6NmHcubvZUfwKkNlXHgFRf_lmkc9nafb9EAYUgNt8tZ20srLUJNsRR-XvE1GnIygorXbD2znUci6quFtKdQcm1h2PQjs/s1600/AMW+5th+Bday+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjhE2ak-s6A5kNh32LI0dKX5Tl6yK054A13KHN6o-I5CC1SU6NmHcubvZUfwKkNlXHgFRf_lmkc9nafb9EAYUgNt8tZ20srLUJNsRR-XvE1GnIygorXbD2znUci6quFtKdQcm1h2PQjs/s1600/AMW+5th+Bday+103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a basket with your last tip --<br />We leave in two weeks for a magical trip!<br />Happy 5th Birthday to our awesome gal,<br />We can't wait for you to meet all the Disney pals!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The last clue had a basket of fun <br />Disney themed gifts for our road trip.<br />(stickers, autograph scrapbook, hair brush, pen ... etc)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE</b> <b>MAGICALLY GETS YOU IN THE PARK EARLY!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yep, you read this right. If you book an early morning Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (BBB) package (Princess or Knight) at Magic Kingdom, you get put on a VIP list to get in before the crowd busts through those gates. You show the folks at the gate your reservation and they look it up and let you in!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4Mv_8-J-JMdgVl2ZIqZyX0SJO6eWpVfvy9ZZCYzci2jmDXvcsAqoRRYQaKQPr3r9xnMovV_R8pfebsP8CECz7tzjQOiFkoPOATy013VSWXHag-7vb1_r7QBt_O-62oxG1Rvp5gH2zds/s1600/Disney+mom+cam+305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4Mv_8-J-JMdgVl2ZIqZyX0SJO6eWpVfvy9ZZCYzci2jmDXvcsAqoRRYQaKQPr3r9xnMovV_R8pfebsP8CECz7tzjQOiFkoPOATy013VSWXHag-7vb1_r7QBt_O-62oxG1Rvp5gH2zds/s1600/Disney+mom+cam+305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does this mean for you? Your little one is not only looking soooooo incredibly adorable, but when your appointment is done, you're already at Cindrella's castle -- giving you a head start to meet Elsa, Anna, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Because we didn't stay at a Disney Resort, we had the disadvantage of waiting an extra 30 days to book Fast Passes and by that time the Elsa/Anna ones were gone. But, since we got in MK early, we were third in line!!! What!!! It was awesome! And then, we scooted next door to see Cinderella and Rapunzel -- easy peasy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You have no idea how much pressure was lifted off my shoulders after that! My girl would have been <u>devastated </u>if we didn't meet them! Whew! And, as a bonus, because of her BBB glamour look, WDW workers called her Princess ALL day long-- it was so cute to see her smiling every time that happened. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Seriously -- we watched (while tucked away at Cinderella's Castle) <br />the wave of people coming towards us on Main Street once MK opened. <br />If you look closely, you can see the human chain of <br />WDW employees keeping the crowd behind them.<br /> I felt like I was in a horror movie --- waiting for zombies to show up and attack. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We were saved by our very own human chain of workers to lead us from Cinderella's Castle, around the carousel and toward Elsa, Anna, Cinderella and Rapunzel.</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">WHAT TO PACK?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To add to your typical vacay packing pile, you may want to make room in your luggage for a few more items to make your excursion even more special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">LITTLE GIFTS</span> </b>-- Before your trip, go to the dollar store or a party store and stock up on fun items that are sure to make your kid(s) smile. I got some glow-in-the-dark items and surprised my girl at the night-time parade. You may also want to see if they have rain ponchos -- much cheaper outside of the parks! A lot of dollar stores sell Disney themed items you can stock up on for the journey and maybe even make a surprise basket to put in the hotel room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>AUTOGRAPH PAPER/PENS</b></span> -- Instead of buying an autograph book, I got a small scrapbook and took the pages to the park. I also brought several permanent markers (the big ones are good for the characters with big hands/gloves) and regular pens. After the trip, we glued the pictures from the character meet and greets next to the autographs -- she took the mini scrapbook to school and loved showing off her experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>FOOD </b></span>-- Pack a backpack with snacks! Yes, you can bring your own snacks into the parks which is a HUGE money saver! I liked having snack bags of animal crackers on hand for the times when we were waiting in long lines -- it's a great way to re-energize your clan. According to the WDW website, you can also bring in regular food (food that doesn't need to be heated), but there are strict details on coolers so check out the FAQ page on the official website.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>EXTRA SOCKS/SHOES</b></span> -- My feet needed refreshing air for a bit, so I put on flip-flops while we had lunch or during down time. It gave my feet a second wind ... ha. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>DISNEY GIFT CARDS </b></span>-- Buy Disney gift cards for the kids before your trip. This gives them each a budget of what they can spend -- that way you don't break the bank each time you pass a store -- and there are tons of them! We decided to spend the gift cards at Downtown Disney the day before going to the parks so we would have to lug the very expensive souvenirs around the park! If you know you're going to Disney before holidays and birthdays --- ask friends and family for gift cards instead of toys.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>CASH</b></span> -- If you book a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment, be sure to bring cash to tip your Fairy Godmother-in training -- they take credit cards for the up-do and make-up, but not for tips!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>PHONE CHARGER</b></span> -- this is something I didn't really think about until we got to the park. I didn't take into account how much I would be using my phone. I used it to take pictures/videos, send those said pictures to the grandparents, change Fast Passes on the "My Disney Experience" app, check email while waiting in long lines and to upload "in-your-face-I'm-at-Disney" amazing pictures on social media. It can't be that hard to find a plug around WDW where you can re-charge during lunch or it may be worth it to invest into a portable charger. You may need it at the end of the day in case you get separated from your group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>ID BRACELETS </b></span>-- Speaking of getting lost, if you have young children, you may want to consider tagging them -- no, not on social media sites -- I'm talking about actually <u>tagging</u> them with your cell number. Before you head to the tattoo shop, search the Internet for less permanent options. You can buy or make ID bracelets with your cell phone number on them so if your kid gets lost, all they have to do is show their bracelet to security, a Disney worker or another mom with a cell phone to get you reunited. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you're looking to buy -- these are good ones ... </span><a href="http://www.mabelslabels.com/products/my-411-id-wristbands/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mabel's Labels </a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">411 ID Bracelets. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>MORE SPECIAL SECRETS ...</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>MAKE USE OF YOUR CELL PHONE CAMERA: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Take a picture of your kid(s) before going into the park, just in case you need to tell security what they are wearing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Take a picture of the parking sign so you can find your car later. On a side note, if you're parking at Magic Kingdom, shoot for the Woody, Aladdin, Jafar or Zurg front lots. These are across the street from the monorail or ferry entrance. That way, at the end of the day, you don't have to take the tram to get back to your car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Take a picture of your Photo Passes from the Disney photographers. This advice came from our very sweet Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Fairy Godmother-in training. She told us to take a picture of the code on the back. I know I ended up with three cards in my pocket and was worried about losing them. If you capture the code, you can still see and buy your pictures online later!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The back of a Disney Photo Pass card</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>STROLLERS:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We rented a stroller and it was well worth the money! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pros:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* You won't hear "I'm tired" over and over and over again and again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* You have a place to put your jackets, water bottles, snacks ... etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Your kid(s) can relax and eat a snack while walking to the next ride. It's also nice for them to have a place to sit while waiting on the parades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cons:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* There are designated stroller parking areas and sometimes they are a long walk from the ride you want to go on. My husband would drop us off at the ride and catch up with us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Sometimes it's tough navigating through the crowds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* You can't take the strollers out of the park, so you better be ready to carry some very sleepy kid(s) to the car. If you rent a stroller for more than one day, you show your receipt to get a different stroller the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Stroller Advice:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* If you're feeling creative, you can make your own FREE stroller tag. Disney will provide a handwritten one, but it's nice to stand out and my daughter thought it was cool. I made a few copies to use on different park days. Click <a href="http://wdwprepschool.com/customize-and-print-your-own-stroller-license-tags/">here</a> for the WDW Prep School free tags!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05GnSTSnudMKNIqsAgnQ6ZrsASbJdkkfETkM3JbdWHrP7FffAWY6LN0dOopwp_NPeT0AwsFrQprTaO3wEacGtG-3Db2dffhvYA-NFXHDPDYACuWjoiFvGVz5JEQNNVPffUgzYbDbrHE4/s1600/Disney+mom+cam+331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05GnSTSnudMKNIqsAgnQ6ZrsASbJdkkfETkM3JbdWHrP7FffAWY6LN0dOopwp_NPeT0AwsFrQprTaO3wEacGtG-3Db2dffhvYA-NFXHDPDYACuWjoiFvGVz5JEQNNVPffUgzYbDbrHE4/s1600/Disney+mom+cam+331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Buy or bring a balloon to attach to your stroller because while you're on a ride, workers move the strollers around. If you have a balloon, it's easy to spot. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvJTeJZgD56KtL8YzEkCXVCi9IU7RoKNyTVu6_KYAfR_ByEEtgMBJJ41P4Bih3EUWECf_nyxwHI8Lqi-W6BkpZg5UjNADQL_CljImNy5gkwTtNghJvP5Chwc5OEQyUm-gfck8fm_hV_s/s1600/k++phone+disney+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvJTeJZgD56KtL8YzEkCXVCi9IU7RoKNyTVu6_KYAfR_ByEEtgMBJJ41P4Bih3EUWECf_nyxwHI8Lqi-W6BkpZg5UjNADQL_CljImNy5gkwTtNghJvP5Chwc5OEQyUm-gfck8fm_hV_s/s1600/k++phone+disney+110.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yep, this cost $10 to $12, but it was worth it to find our "carriage" later!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnvQi5qXNZhVi0KRQgyDIoBmTkX_it8ehH0e7lipEzp2IcQbvWYUZHNiNzrpAaXBlpAKS8H38c7vkUfAX-67nPOk9G8S5neJRg-hPbfBtczQGzTg70lt8lRzco5WyuGXeUBRspFU2THc/s1600/k++phone+disney+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnvQi5qXNZhVi0KRQgyDIoBmTkX_it8ehH0e7lipEzp2IcQbvWYUZHNiNzrpAaXBlpAKS8H38c7vkUfAX-67nPOk9G8S5neJRg-hPbfBtczQGzTg70lt8lRzco5WyuGXeUBRspFU2THc/s1600/k++phone+disney+109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">See our stroller? </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIACbrJi8k4gumb2mIPdAShKdzzfgFiMjMmS3e_7EE50O0GoPXsFE7JT_nR14TnNgeEZPLc7NZSW7MCYs8yoIE2ZJAcLwnMpTW5siANopiGJet0S1vtlpjAbWHvuikVxUhfBiwWwLCEPQ/s1600/k++phone+disney+205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIACbrJi8k4gumb2mIPdAShKdzzfgFiMjMmS3e_7EE50O0GoPXsFE7JT_nR14TnNgeEZPLc7NZSW7MCYs8yoIE2ZJAcLwnMpTW5siANopiGJet0S1vtlpjAbWHvuikVxUhfBiwWwLCEPQ/s1600/k++phone+disney+205.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is why a balloon is a good idea! <br />You really don't want to waste time searching for your stroller!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>OTHER RANDOM ADVICE: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* When booking your initial three Fast Passes, try to make them early in the day because after those are used, you will get another free one. Once that one is used, you get another and so on. The downside, the free ones can not be booked on your "My Disney Experience" app, you have to find a kiosk at the park and sometimes wait in line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* If you're planning on going to the parade, I suggest grabbing lunch or dinner and then find a good spot early. We went in January, but missed the afternoon parade because all the street spots were taken an hour before it started!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Don't be shy to hand over your camera to the Photo Pass photographers. They will take a professional picture with their cam and another one with your camera or phone. They don't mind! While meeting the characters, you're allowed to take your own pictures and I found the photographers very patient. I took pictures with my good camera and cell phone camera each time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall, we had a MAGICAL time -- I loved seeing my daughter gleam each time she was called a Princess and I can still picture her getting shy while meeting her idol -- Queen Elsa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope this blog will help you make wonderful memories too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn </span><br />
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-49491960828104590962013-09-23T15:29:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:19:20.701-07:00Legos -- to go!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's get real for a second. Kids love Legos, but parents don't (all the time). The little pieces get lost all over the house and it's not exactly fun when you step on one of the little sharp shapes -- surprise, you found another Lego!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, I found a solution on Pinterest that seems to be working for my little one. It's a wooden Lego storage box with a play area attached on top! Once she's done, the Legos go back into their new cozy (and portable) home, so we don't endure any more Lego tragedies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started off making one for my nephew for his birthday, but quickly got signed up to make one for my daughter, other nieces/nephews and relatives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>NOTE</u>: IF YOU AREN'T THE CRAFTY TYPE -- I WOULD BE HAPPY TO MAKE ONE FOR YOU FOR THE RIGHT PRICE! </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what you need:</span></b></div>
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Wooden box (or tray)</div>
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Paint (I used Acrylic) & Paint Brushes</div>
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Lego Building Plate</div>
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Scissors (or some type of tool to cute plate)</div>
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Paint Pens</div>
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Hot Glue Gun</div>
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Legos (optional)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT21CVF4fc-BdsFfj3O8PpiWiZRf95padZbObR2thj2P_W4yQyZOTWllkXRx2gEwsQGjdhK_YXdLMh9HqXETJbfhAcPdAynhvkPRP3JCVB8j_-Km3m8UdHZnQ33wTnWGadom-buisNsa0/s1600/K+iphone+june+july+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT21CVF4fc-BdsFfj3O8PpiWiZRf95padZbObR2thj2P_W4yQyZOTWllkXRx2gEwsQGjdhK_YXdLMh9HqXETJbfhAcPdAynhvkPRP3JCVB8j_-Km3m8UdHZnQ33wTnWGadom-buisNsa0/s320/K+iphone+june+july+2013+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got this at Hobby Lobby, but many craft stores have wooden boxes or trays. The medium sized box is $7.99, but got them for $4.79 using a 40% off coupon on the Hobby Lobby App. Large boxes are $9.99, but $5.99 with coupon!! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1snXmot6o2Gzc1kBZvjCGvEN1A6XWyPwKCjPKIqkxwP0bzgpzESjn0RZi5rFrcy1PtjvifdKvJwPGJ6q5wu3cBTsX4wn4KhX6srihCZAdVReqcStJto87KVKfoaXnLfxBYkWb1xyrV4g/s1600/Kphone+Sept+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1snXmot6o2Gzc1kBZvjCGvEN1A6XWyPwKCjPKIqkxwP0bzgpzESjn0RZi5rFrcy1PtjvifdKvJwPGJ6q5wu3cBTsX4wn4KhX6srihCZAdVReqcStJto87KVKfoaXnLfxBYkWb1xyrV4g/s320/Kphone+Sept+2013+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bought the plates at a Lego store --- these run anywhere from $4.99 to $14.99 depending on size. I think I saw these for sale at Target too.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT TO DO:</span></b></div>
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1. Paint the boxes (I did two layers of paint). Let dry overnight.</div>
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2. Write on the boxes with paint pens.</div>
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3. Cut the building plates (or get your hubby to do this with tools like I did). Make sure you round the edges so they aren't sharp. </div>
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4. Hot glue the plate to the box. This is kinda tricky because the glue tends to get hard before the entire plate is on. </div>
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5. Add Legos.</div>
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6. Watch kids open up their gift and smile!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For my niece, I added glitter paint (the same color green) to the inside to give it a little bling-bling!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think my girl uses her Lego box about three times a week and the Legos NEVER get lost!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-53563972880315085572013-09-18T06:46:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:20:09.161-07:00Chalkboard Craze!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seems like everywhere you turn nowadays, you see chalkboards. I think Pinterest has increased the popularity big time -- that's how I became a fan! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PROJECT 1: Chalkboard Transformation</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeuMV-6QysTg46mvED-Yd8cZ1Sq4hFyW22veailrgATzpSwIMmUVUvhcdLQb5K63bGXrhWgmrTkCK1eV12pfIemgJInjI-yQuIzEhQnRr_qzTqkPIU0gVTClTiJra151wkvp19w73r6k/s1600/K+iphone+Sep+13+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeuMV-6QysTg46mvED-Yd8cZ1Sq4hFyW22veailrgATzpSwIMmUVUvhcdLQb5K63bGXrhWgmrTkCK1eV12pfIemgJInjI-yQuIzEhQnRr_qzTqkPIU0gVTClTiJra151wkvp19w73r6k/s320/K+iphone+Sep+13+058.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter's artwork!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was my very first chalkboard project. I found an old chalkboard (you know, the green kind where if it gets scratched you can see the particle board below) at Goodwill for three bucks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I painted the frame white and painted three coats of chalkboard paint (see below for the kind I used) directly on the ole green chalkboard. If you do this, make sure what you are painting on is smooth because it makes writing on it so much easier!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PROJECT 2: Chalkboard Picture Frame</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After my first project, I just HAD to find more ways to use up all that chalkboard paint! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I ended up finding a square unfinished piece of wood (I believe at Hobby Lobby), did a little sanding (no much, really) and added primer paint that I found in the basement. I then added three coats of chalkboard paint ... three seems to be the magic number for chalkboard paint!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As for the accessories, I cut out flags from a yellowed book I never wanted to read again (and plan on using for other projects) and added scrapbook letters to the flags. The scrapbook letters were white at first, so I used permanent marker to fix that (see below)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I then very carefully hot glued the flags to a string and attached the string to the back. The small clothes pins were painted and also hot glued to the wood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love changing out the pictures and adding personal messages!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PROJECT 3: Chalkboard Wedding Gift</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was a wedding gift for my friend. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Instead of using a piece of wood, I decided to try out a cardboard-like square and painted it (yes, three times) with chalkboard paint. I think it looks cute, but chalk didn't work on it, so I had to do the date with a paint marker to look like chalk. Next time around, I would use the unfinished wood like the previous project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe I bought all my supplies at Hobby Lobby. For the accessories, I bought the already cut flags and stamped their initials on it. Used clips and string to hang them -- and used hot glue to secure the string on the back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hot glued the clips to the frame and put scrapbook paper in the clips (can be replaced with pictures from their wedding day).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The "V" was painted with Annie Sloan Paint and hot glued onto the frame too. Again, next time, I would use a piece of wood as the frame instead of cardboard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PROJECT 4: Chalkboard First Day of School Sign</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I promise I'm not getting any royalties from Hobby Lobby, but once again --- that's where I got this chalkboard. It also came with the ribbon attached and was less than six bucks (you can get if for less with your Hobby Lobby App which usually has a 40% off coupon)! The expensive part was buying the chalkboard markers --- those came at a $10.99 price tag for four markers -- YIKES! But, they look so much better than regular chalk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The cool thing is --- we can erase and use every school year (or at least until she stops letting me take first day of school pictures of her -- sniff sniff).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you just don't have the patience or time to make your own chalkboard from scratch, you can always buy them already made and then add your very own special touches. Most craft stores have a section of already painted wood art (like the ladybug, flower and butterfly you see in the picture). Just paint the frame whatever color you want and hot glue those </span>pre<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-made pieces of art to the board -- done! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn</span><br />
<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-23715088852499729772013-09-11T18:09:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:20:27.188-07:00Busy Bag Bargain - Part 2<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My first <a href="http://costcuttingcreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/busy-bag-bargain.html">"Busy Bag Bargain"</a> post was SOOOOOOO popular (I'm assuming a thank you card needs to be sent to Pinterest for that), I decided to blog again about our most recent Busy Bag swap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the newbies, a Busy Bag is just that ... it's a bag to keep your little one busy while you're out-and-about or for those times when you just need to get laundry done (we've all been there, right??!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These bags are simple to make on your own, but here's a secret ... if you include your friends in an actual swap, you will rack up with multiple great (and cheap) games/learning tools for your wee one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's get straight to the bags! We had nine moms participate, so we each ended up with nine bags. Here's a look at what we took home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#1 - <b>Felt Scenes</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the one I made. I got the idea on Pinterest (imagine that) and ended up making three felt scenes per bag with all the fix'ins. I'm not gonna lie, this wasn't an easy or quick project and ended with a few blisters, but I think they turned out great (if I may say so myself). And, if you're wondering ... I didn't use any templates (with the exception of my hubby making one for the lobster -- that was a tough one for me!).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you look closely, you will notice I used the leftover blue from the top of the water to make a sky on the tree scene. The leaves were cut out of leftover felt from making the fish. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tree, water and ice cream cone are glued on using a hot glue gun.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's where my honesty comes in. I did cut "sprinkles" from the extra felt (not pictured), which worked out great, but I "felt" (get it), like it needed more. I threw in some sparkly balls to give this one texture (yeah right, I was just tired of cutting! That' s another reason why you see flower buttons on the tree scene - ha!) </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#2- </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Felt Pizza with Menu Cards</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another mom endured (and survived) some felt cutting. This is a felt pizza with dough, sauce and a whole lot of yumming look'in fix'ins (cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and peppers). What I like about this one, it comes with menus that teach kids how to count. Order up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#3-<b> Name Spelling Sign</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These are great for those trying to learn how to spell their name. It's basically a paper strip with cut-ou</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ts </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(you could laminate)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. All you have to do is write their name on the cut-outs and glue them on. You could also put magnets on the back of the loose letters and stick the strip to the fridge or a metal cookie sheet to make it easier. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This one also comes with a nifty pocket on the back!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#4-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Fabulous Frogs</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is another great counting game. My daughter LOVES playing with the froggies. This mom got the idea from another blog (click <a href="http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/five-fabulous-frogs/">here</a> for the "Walking By the Way" instructions). It's pretty much card stock, stamps and frogs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#5-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Alphabet and Number Tracing/Matching</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This one is so cool because there are many options (which means keeping hands and minds busy). On one side, your kids can practice tracing letters and their name. On the other, it's all about numbers. It's laminated, so the fun can keep going and going and going. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, wait ... there's MORE! This mom also included foam cut-outs (with magnets on the back) of letters and numbers. You can put the laminated sheet on a metal cookie sheet too for a matching game ... how genius!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#6-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Pasta Sorting</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is, not only, a mix and match coloring pasta project, it's also a mix and match the type of pasta project. It's a BOGO! Some cups have Yellow, Orange and Green written on them and other cups have the actual pasta taped to them. This mom had so much leftover pasta, she ended up using the extra as a dish during our swap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#7-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Magnet Strips</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every kid likes magnets, right??!! This one is a magnet strip glued to a popsicle stick. Using paper clips, they can color coordinate or you can tell them a pattern to re-create.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#8-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Threading Beads</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beads are always popular too! And, what makes this one better, it comes with cool pipe cleaners to entertain for hours. Kids can either match the beads to the pipe cleaners or create their own designs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">#9-</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Paint Color Matching</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a great bag for those learning colors (and shades of color). Go to your local painting store and grab some free paint paper samples. Cut out colors to match the background and glue to clothespins. Easy Peasy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, I hope you enjoyed this second addition of my "Busy Bag Bargain" post. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To read my first post, please click </span><a href="http://costcuttingcreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/busy-bag-bargain.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn</span>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-39419351706931853782013-02-17T13:08:00.000-08:002020-03-15T18:20:43.386-07:00How to Interview your kid(s)<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I grew up in a video friendly household where everything from beach trips to holidays were captured on tape. We also did silly skits that may someday come back to haunt me, but I don't think my parents every videotaped one-on-one interviews with us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, I've decided to start a new birthday tradition after seeing pins on Pinterest. I mean, how hard can it be to interview a three-year-old after a television career of interviewing celebrities, criminals, former Presidents and politicians? I'm not gonna lie, I had butterflies in my stomach anticipating how THIS interview would go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was pleasantly surprised! I handed my daughter a lollipop and let her pick a place to interview. She loved it so much, she asked to be interviewed again a few days later!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Tips for Interviewing Children</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. <b>Have them pick the place to do the interview.</b> When I was a reporter, I would ask kids where they hang out the most because that's where they are comfortable. Usually, you get better interviews if they are familiar with their surroundings. Of course, you may have to adjust lighting if they pick a dark area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <b>Don't get stressed out if they don't answer correctly.</b> It will be just as fun to watch later in life. Depending on their age, you may have to give them ideas to keep going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. <b>Get on their level!</b> You don't want to shoot the interview too high or too low. Make sure the tripod or hand-held camera is at their eye-level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. <b>Print out a list of possible questions </b>(keep a copy on your computer so you can print out every year), but don't be too strict because answers can lead to a different question. Try to ask the questions in a conversational way -- kids do better with having a conversation rather than reading a list of questions off a piece of paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. <b>Don't ask yes or no questions.</b> Instead of asking, "Do you like carrots?" ... ask "What foods do you like?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. <b>Ask non-question questions.</b> Sometimes, you don't even need to ask a question. For instance, if your child says, "Mommy and Daddy are my best friends." Instead of asking a question, you could say, "That's nice and sweet. Your Mommy and Daddy love you very much." ... stop talking and pause for a bit. That may result with kids saying more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. <b>Make sure your interview area is quiet</b> (turn off cell phones...etc). Interruption could lead to a ruined interview!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8. <b>At the end of the interview, ask them if there is anything to add. </b>You might be surprised!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9. <b>Write down the answers. </b>Once the interview is over, go back and type the answers into a word document. One day, it might be nice to make a photo book for each year with answers and pictures from that birthday! Now, wouldn't that be a nice wedding gift? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Questions</u>:</span></div>
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1. What is your name?<br />
2. How old are you?<br />
3. What is your Mom’s name?<br />
4. What does your Mom do during the day?<br />
5. What is your Dad’s name?<br />
6. What does your Dad do during the day?<br />
7. What is your favorite color?<br />
8. What do you like to eat? (What don’t you like to eat?)<br />
9. Who is your best friend? Why?<br />
10. What is your favorite song? Can you sing it for me? (Depending on their age, they could even show you a dance or play music ... etc)<br />
11. What is your favorite animal? <o:p></o:p></div>
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12. What is your favorite place to go?<br />
13. What is your favorite thing to do?<br />
14. What do you like about your Mommy? <o:p></o:p></div>
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15. What do you like about your Daddy?<o:p></o:p></div>
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16. What do you like to take to bed with you at
night? <br />
17. What is your favorite book or toy?<br />
18. What kind of birthday party are you having?<o:p></o:p></div>
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19. What have you learned lately?<o:p></o:p></div>
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20. What do you want to be when you grow up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>21. Is there anything else you want to say about turning (#)?</o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(And, of course, you could add the question, "Why?" after any of these questions if you want them to explain a little more.)</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had so much fun doing the interview with my daughter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Here are some cute highlights from my interview:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*How old are you? She holds up three fingers and says, "Fifteen!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* What does your Mom do during the day? She does stuff all day, just like me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* What is your favorite place to go? To houses. This one and that one (she pointed out the window to houses in the neighborhood). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* What do you want to be when you grow up? Um, probably that piggy we rode on that train. (she was talking about the famous Pink Pig in Atlanta).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* Who is your best friend? Mommy and Daddy. I said, "Awe, you're my best friend and I love you!" She added, "Awe." I said, "I love you so much." and she said, "I love you too!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At some point, maybe as a high school graduation gift, I will edit the answers to each question from year to year to show how much she's grown and how her personality has changed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn</span><br />
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-73060032533716512402013-01-13T12:37:00.001-08:002020-03-15T18:30:53.635-07:00One Day Dresser Re-do! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First and foremost, let me get my true feelings out there ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I "HEART" ANNIE SLOAN (chalk paint)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Okay, now that it's out there, let me tell you more. My love affair all started with Pinterest. I found before pictures of old yucky furniture and after pictures of pieces you could find in a magazine. I quickly found the common thread -- all painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I fell in love at first sight and HAD to have the Duck Egg paint! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's what I found about A.S. chalk paint:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. The paint and wax is a bit pricey. The Duck Egg 32 fl. ounces cost $38.00 and each wax cost $28.00, but I still have paint and wax leftover for other projects. At this point, it was a need ... not a want! I couldn't get it out of my mind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Depending on where you live, it might be difficult to find (I googled it and found a nearby antique store with a fairly good selection of colors.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Last, but not least -- you don't have to prime or sand before painting. Yes, you heard me right! All I did was clean off the cob webs and dirt and paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. You can seriously get a dresser done in ONE day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I already had a free dresser from my sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a yucky mustard yellow piece (see below) from my grandparent's condo in Florida. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This dresser survived Hurricane Ivan and years in my niece's bedroom, so I felt it could also survive my first dresser re-do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And it worked ... see below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's what I did:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Cleaned off the cob webs and dirt with a wet rag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Took out the drawers and all the knobs/handles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. I taped off the top of the dresser because I wanted to keep it white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Started painting with the chalk paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. After it dried (it didn't take long), I took an old t-shirt and dipped it into the Annie Sloan dark wax. I rubbed the wax on corners and places where it makes it look antique.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. I used another old t-shirt and rubbed the clear wax all over the dresser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. I put the original knobs back on and took off the tape ... DONE!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MGQCkC7zWAzrEUjdYGKVAZ5B_gKsrzHqLgBGiiKJqzhunEEymwPgfwAJ5A2oM5C50dCWoLh3Uj9jUS70i-SvtDoHZo1b1Sh2kQYGbMYOwspd-iK0MrOEDxgm3aFmaJK-HT8DGvdJUMQ/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MGQCkC7zWAzrEUjdYGKVAZ5B_gKsrzHqLgBGiiKJqzhunEEymwPgfwAJ5A2oM5C50dCWoLh3Uj9jUS70i-SvtDoHZo1b1Sh2kQYGbMYOwspd-iK0MrOEDxgm3aFmaJK-HT8DGvdJUMQ/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2p87_EwNZ5nWPP5a3HTUXCESk_aK2k-wyRxhLs-RtkZRgTTQFLellpivHaiSLDuO1PdHZ8_gm8fRhaddCJEIdnBGji4fhizw75ydafsZRxOKFjEeIieRZuDolgYQuZv0-214MGOvTpQ/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2p87_EwNZ5nWPP5a3HTUXCESk_aK2k-wyRxhLs-RtkZRgTTQFLellpivHaiSLDuO1PdHZ8_gm8fRhaddCJEIdnBGji4fhizw75ydafsZRxOKFjEeIieRZuDolgYQuZv0-214MGOvTpQ/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI8GDFih_8uh8-MfGhw2een12dRngz7f5dsRqt7LJt_owHFIjB4M8bjE8IqTwcjPAJep083gyMcaa5jcrEHOhlyse2mpuSxH8zl6ZmDTBtwoHKaPF4VXl5Y9tGStyr1Ssud7aKt5ojXM/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI8GDFih_8uh8-MfGhw2een12dRngz7f5dsRqt7LJt_owHFIjB4M8bjE8IqTwcjPAJep083gyMcaa5jcrEHOhlyse2mpuSxH8zl6ZmDTBtwoHKaPF4VXl5Y9tGStyr1Ssud7aKt5ojXM/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My original plan was to take out the top drawers and add cute baskets, but the original knobs looked so much better with a different color behind them. I ended up keeping all the drawers in! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My obsession with Annie Sloan paint doesn't end here though. I started stalking my house for more things to paint because it's so easy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a clock I got for free from my mom's house. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgjuoSHX9YPyD_9-5z-1fsUwm3-dlRqmDlia67CJTwPCibXqqckGPG90qhSi-3hkqZhJYx-4OWoZKikLCG3Mto1nI5z-W6xuw0D3PGThSPC2KhJxesfxiXYq_b-ZLMa8NvYcmvaDnpxU/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgjuoSHX9YPyD_9-5z-1fsUwm3-dlRqmDlia67CJTwPCibXqqckGPG90qhSi-3hkqZhJYx-4OWoZKikLCG3Mto1nI5z-W6xuw0D3PGThSPC2KhJxesfxiXYq_b-ZLMa8NvYcmvaDnpxU/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfwKPEXRLpUc5HUnD1hnrx4eoIWs0D3L7e6g5l8tXDuozPsfxxuanH2CFS2te0OdQkLy579oTnmoTdP7LjQ50V8SuLOuEzvaju9WUC_Y6IomPqDbHGbv1Kk7mzvENIUFd7FsImAyVGek/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfwKPEXRLpUc5HUnD1hnrx4eoIWs0D3L7e6g5l8tXDuozPsfxxuanH2CFS2te0OdQkLy579oTnmoTdP7LjQ50V8SuLOuEzvaju9WUC_Y6IomPqDbHGbv1Kk7mzvENIUFd7FsImAyVGek/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Instead of adding wax, I sanded some of the chalk paint away to give it a distressed look.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtD_VHiWP5jeqdrnwskKIlnxNWE0l7ift_5FBaC1HD4M26iTyxaX2x9Jp0I62bEvN8S_gdy4BYYeMaOl58HafVTr0JSSXhjbxtc0FlPXYzsQwHttr9BGXbkLtkjmwGaPAKhnBAp1BKiQ/s1600/dresser+re-do+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtD_VHiWP5jeqdrnwskKIlnxNWE0l7ift_5FBaC1HD4M26iTyxaX2x9Jp0I62bEvN8S_gdy4BYYeMaOl58HafVTr0JSSXhjbxtc0FlPXYzsQwHttr9BGXbkLtkjmwGaPAKhnBAp1BKiQ/s320/dresser+re-do+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, this is a picture frame I got at consignment for $3.00.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FRoDd5CoMBNvj60NgbO0gEeDZ_3iUrEq5X_mNISTkrEgwc7RNDQMvEGi4KJKeWr6r18bVirTXiUYTHPLnc6Tvb_pafHNzmAlvCJiPuGlpC1IA7CP12xPwgDcDhWTxPv1HyzN0f77BCI/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FRoDd5CoMBNvj60NgbO0gEeDZ_3iUrEq5X_mNISTkrEgwc7RNDQMvEGi4KJKeWr6r18bVirTXiUYTHPLnc6Tvb_pafHNzmAlvCJiPuGlpC1IA7CP12xPwgDcDhWTxPv1HyzN0f77BCI/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+022.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTLLr4WWhMvRUwmN0MRy1C4s19j8i_q-GzRXjcZAH2s0YGuSVh0LeZSHos1jzPyoKxoYZ1Uq1gkQDq6Rkmhmn_3LfojdiTmtGfGkYsGJcloG69uvT8iqcwzRrQRLdThz_9_TlVXfubo8/s1600/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTLLr4WWhMvRUwmN0MRy1C4s19j8i_q-GzRXjcZAH2s0YGuSVh0LeZSHos1jzPyoKxoYZ1Uq1gkQDq6Rkmhmn_3LfojdiTmtGfGkYsGJcloG69uvT8iqcwzRrQRLdThz_9_TlVXfubo8/s320/K+Iphone+Sept+2012+023.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Again, sanded some paint away for a distressed look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If my husband didn't stop me, our whole house would be full of Duck Egg pieces!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-guOAoPfyBKeLfle14k9k0tEISxRftl6uTnXl6LY3g_3zWNABcu8wxWPs63K3J5g3SZ5YKJ09Lhs2SuvUFRvFj-yMR2m4S2JNJcVQMUHLLuInmK2fXP4A-_YnyR1kHqs8ERvdNOtiGk/s1600/dresser+re-do+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-guOAoPfyBKeLfle14k9k0tEISxRftl6uTnXl6LY3g_3zWNABcu8wxWPs63K3J5g3SZ5YKJ09Lhs2SuvUFRvFj-yMR2m4S2JNJcVQMUHLLuInmK2fXP4A-_YnyR1kHqs8ERvdNOtiGk/s320/dresser+re-do+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>TOTAL COST = around $100.00 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>(the cost of paint and wax because the dresser was free!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, my sister wants the dresser back --- no way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin on Pinterest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn</span><br />
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-24778723024572170482012-12-17T13:14:00.003-08:002020-03-15T18:21:04.988-07:00Elf on the Shelf --- Quick and Painless Ideas<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you have kids, then you may have heard a thing or two about Elf on the Shelf. It's the latest holiday craze that may drive you crazy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, all the work is well worth it when you see that big smile or hear a tiny giggle as your girl or boy gets up every morning to search for the elf. (And, in my case, it speeds up the process of getting dressed in the morning so she can go on the scavenger hunt).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the first year we got our elf. The special </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> guest from the North Pole is named Snowflake (my daughter decided that with the help of her Grandma Dea Dea). Our elf is a girl through and through ... she's got earrings and a </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">couture skirt. She also came with the Elf on the Shelf book and DVD movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, here is a look at what Snowflake has gotten into this year. Some elves can be mischievous, but our little gal doesn't get into too much trouble -- thank goodness!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a glimpse ...</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 1: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake arrives with a message for my girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 2:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake decided to hitch a ride with Elmo and the polar bears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 3:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This one was special because Snowflake helped put up the train and the tree while my little girl was sleeping! Such a good helper!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The picture above comes with a funny story. The train came off the tracks and my daughter kept yelling, "Something is wrong with the Elf!" She repeated this over <u>and</u> over, but I thought she was talking about the train derailment. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I finally looked and a </span><u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">real</u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bug was crawling on Snowflake! Poor elf couldn't tell us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Now, for all those who don't know the story behind the elf ... if you touch her, her magic will go away! I had to carefully, with toddler eyes watching every move, put a napkin against Snowflake's collar and the bug eventually crawled onto the napkin. No elves or bugs were harmed in this process ... I let the bug go free outside where it belongs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 4:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake is tired and opted for some relaxing TV!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(She found a television frame and a small remote that wasn't needed during the day).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 5:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When my daughter saw the elf with the cooking utensils she yelled, "The Elf is baking!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 6:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our elf likes fishing in a mason jar with a pencil and toy fish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She colored the water with food coloring and also left some goldfish snacks (in a snack cup -- not in the water) for my daughter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 7:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake is checking out the Christmas decorations!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 8:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Weeeeeeee ... our adventurous elf is zip lining to the Christmas tree! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 9:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The elf is potty training with Elmo's potty. I think she used a little too much TP! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She looks guilty in the pictures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 10:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake wanted to be the star or angel on our tree for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 11:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every gal likes getting "dolled" up once in a while! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 12:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been twelve days of the Elf ... time for some much needed rest in the guest bedroom (with a pillow case used as a blanket). She even left a message!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 13:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake isn't afraid of heights ... for sure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This time she was in the chandelier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 14:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It looks like Snowflake tried to do a snow angel in the sugar, but gave up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 15:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yee-haw! She was found wearing cowboy boots and even had a twine lasso! Next time, I think she should invite the Toy Story folks (Woody, Jessie and Bullseye).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 16:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the Emmy goes to .... Snowflake! She left behind a quick speech too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(If you don't have an Emmy around the house, maybe the elf can make an award.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 17:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even elves have to do some work sometimes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Santa's train broke down, so she grabbed the toy tools and got to work. She's so handy around the house!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 18:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This elf got a little thirsty from trips to and from the North Pole. Look -- she turned the milk green with food coloring! Snowflake didn't mind the cold temps in the fridge, but my little girl didn't want anything to do with green milk! Oh well! </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 19:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wish I had this kind of help all year long! Snowflake grabbed some toy scissors and helped cut coupons! Wouldn't that be great if she could do this every night!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 20:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake loves to eat too! We found her in the toy deli grabbing a bite to eat. She chose pizza, cake and lemonade and paid </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with a credit card -- I'm guessing she'll expense these purchases with Santa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope she used the coupons she cut too -- times are tough!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 21:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our goofy elf decided to have a little fun on day 21. She got into the foam stickers! What a mess!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 22:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Weeeeeeeeee!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 23:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next one was fun! Snowflake put signs around the house pointing to the car. She was strapped in for a ride to a Christmas party! She was, of course, hanging in a place where little hands couldn't touch her during the ride.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 24:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snowflake got creative. She hopped in the toy wagon with Santa Elmo and a bag full of toys. Rudolph is, of course, leading the way back to the North Pole!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think we did alright for our first year with an Elf on the Shelf. I'm not gonna lie, I kinda miss our little red dressed magical gal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope this blog gives you some quick and easy options -- especially for those nights where you are exhausted after eating cookies and drinking a little egg nog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin my pix for inspiration on Pinterest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn </span></div>
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-53453163420839611882012-12-02T12:54:00.000-08:002020-03-15T18:21:21.004-07:00Cost Cutting Christmas Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Holidays!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all know the holidays can put a big dent in your bank account, so I searched Pinterest for some easy (and cheap) ways to make a few gifts without looking like a penny pinching Grinch! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In other words, hopefully the recipients will think you're giving them a nice little keepsake instead of looking like a Christmas cheapskate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's what I came up with -- snowmen/women ornaments and candy bar socks! Keep reading to find out how to make these -- they are super easy and very cute (if I must say so myself)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Snowmen Ornaments</span></div>
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(Click <a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/2011/12/04/fingerprint-snowman-family-ornament/">here</a> for the original idea/website)</div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What You'll Need:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ornaments with "snow" (see description below for more info)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Acrylic Paint (white and orange)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Paint Pens (black, red, green, blue, yellow)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ribbon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clear Acrylic Gloss Coating (Spray Can)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wet Paper Towels to clean fingers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Toothpicks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Paintbrush </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bought the ornaments from Hobby Lobby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They already have the filler balls inside and best of all -- they are plastic! The original cost was $6.99 for a <u>box of four</u>, but they were 50 percent off!! Yay! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, it comes down to costing 87 cents EACH!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Once you have all your supplies handy, start with painting fingers white. My young daughter helped me out and I had her keep her painted fingers in the air while I switched to the next ornament. Just paint the inside of the finger (not the complete tip of the finger -- just the inside).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*** Be sure to think ahead of time how many snowmen/women you want on each ornament (i.e. I did three to represent our family and changed it up for others).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Once the white dries, you can start adding hats and ear muffs with the paint markers (start at top and work your way down).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. For the nose, I took the fantastic advice from the original website. I used a toothpick to dab a dot of orange and dragged the paint to the right to create the pointed noses. It worked great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Add the coal mouth/buttons and some personality to your little snowmen/women (like scarfs). It's also nice to put the date and/or the family name ... etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. After the paint is completely dry, take the ornaments outside and spray them with the gloss coating. The reason I did this is because the paint seems to easily scratch (which is nice when you mess up), but I wanted to protect the final snowmen/women for years to come. Make sure your ornaments are dry before spraying, otherwise the paint will smear which is NOT a pretty site!! </span></div>
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6. Last but not least, add ribbon and hang (or wrap for a present). Easy peasy!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Candy Bar Socks Gift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>What You'll Need:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Socks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Candy Bars (I used Hershey)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ribbon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">White Paper (I used the paper that comes with a new scrapbook)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Markers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Double Sided Tape</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY19WpAqiaZI6SuulvagF8vo-s3tbSqJ4O-2s1upG3FsxOK0YIvfdZ11CgpVdnxXgOHN4sJzly5j5aAJdbgS0VGT4YkSYnd5U_e523w-AlAiW_noqfe5lSgQz5lez3vmQzwajqRNfOqU/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY19WpAqiaZI6SuulvagF8vo-s3tbSqJ4O-2s1upG3FsxOK0YIvfdZ11CgpVdnxXgOHN4sJzly5j5aAJdbgS0VGT4YkSYnd5U_e523w-AlAiW_noqfe5lSgQz5lez3vmQzwajqRNfOqU/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Cut the white paper to fit the candy bars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Put double sided tape on the paper and tape to candy bar. Add another piece of tape on the other side to seal the white paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. I folded the socks in half and tucked the foot of the socks behind the candy bar. Add ribbon around the folded sock and make a bow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Add double sided tape to the inside of the socks to keep them in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Draw on the snowmen faces and you're done!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSH6uTBnYaSbJqn44iKNJ93ri6S6nD3ieOw0qWsjYcnpDeVs3DHU0BmTn71WE8G3HpXwc2g0W87k10z7ivnlpNLn_GDKBYHvr4qdmnnHLNzFNtYZIlcBYf_zeTZqKPl4t0LLk2KrhDUk/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSH6uTBnYaSbJqn44iKNJ93ri6S6nD3ieOw0qWsjYcnpDeVs3DHU0BmTn71WE8G3HpXwc2g0W87k10z7ivnlpNLn_GDKBYHvr4qdmnnHLNzFNtYZIlcBYf_zeTZqKPl4t0LLk2KrhDUk/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RW6YaKKQhs66Zg6qBmBRMWp7zamteEfOzLpC8Jg_Xvhb3LKJrEPmPJOR2UpdS75dnnskBbT1tkEICTYtIq-IeEIpgSiGvvCTvhOZWOHeDexTeNi-5zcTtDA_jiLPBa4Bcp-LNTV-lkM/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RW6YaKKQhs66Zg6qBmBRMWp7zamteEfOzLpC8Jg_Xvhb3LKJrEPmPJOR2UpdS75dnnskBbT1tkEICTYtIq-IeEIpgSiGvvCTvhOZWOHeDexTeNi-5zcTtDA_jiLPBa4Bcp-LNTV-lkM/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+085.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfZbUCOI_2cICfR9p4DJzeyJdJqTzGQRmhFO0TIjKq6XeL0ulL_bcRmhVb_ACQrPQReVRVyuZNBbiHERemVPk_kN3ZDCYSry-Q2ZyRTBF3qJ0lKCF0rqP3iBjd4YO_A17ChLMRpOWbQQ/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfZbUCOI_2cICfR9p4DJzeyJdJqTzGQRmhFO0TIjKq6XeL0ulL_bcRmhVb_ACQrPQReVRVyuZNBbiHERemVPk_kN3ZDCYSry-Q2ZyRTBF3qJ0lKCF0rqP3iBjd4YO_A17ChLMRpOWbQQ/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+086.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I mean ... who doesn't like comfy socks and chocolate!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKLryUd_SAPJpiqLklEsrAzpJ3thyphenhyphenOhEf0fGwKNQeBiKHPatR3uOVNi15VCLG1gx4lvv_ulzi4jnLD0ezji5LwFDLQHXetee1baGYXpncgWuUrdr_SEjAIW4bSIuq6CNZSVpefGLCjo/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKLryUd_SAPJpiqLklEsrAzpJ3thyphenhyphenOhEf0fGwKNQeBiKHPatR3uOVNi15VCLG1gx4lvv_ulzi4jnLD0ezji5LwFDLQHXetee1baGYXpncgWuUrdr_SEjAIW4bSIuq6CNZSVpefGLCjo/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>My very own inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stockings:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cRiwUhS6rEp-q4CQ6HELJ2oKMR2SSg2jK-vbcscANeHxqfFOx5FmvYG6mEqDMAprRyoNyZNg83zT2SuBRWk1QaFfUr1M9QOeNlcAhNI-KDj87-gbIbWIEsa4cHXaZdGvawJsFJZE0wM/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cRiwUhS6rEp-q4CQ6HELJ2oKMR2SSg2jK-vbcscANeHxqfFOx5FmvYG6mEqDMAprRyoNyZNg83zT2SuBRWk1QaFfUr1M9QOeNlcAhNI-KDj87-gbIbWIEsa4cHXaZdGvawJsFJZE0wM/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+093.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwQZAKsHXTGiFGgAB8g19B8DJvrUBOL9W-1XYHA_ao-cMtqPC2ZcNcqJefmsXl-y8aX6RepJ9YVMT1v1p4wOGTnjlgQhbOJRLqJY4CjEwNFv4BnbyhgbiCYbrbr-DbBuiD00hMGbHtPw/s1600/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwQZAKsHXTGiFGgAB8g19B8DJvrUBOL9W-1XYHA_ao-cMtqPC2ZcNcqJefmsXl-y8aX6RepJ9YVMT1v1p4wOGTnjlgQhbOJRLqJY4CjEwNFv4BnbyhgbiCYbrbr-DbBuiD00hMGbHtPw/s320/K+Iphone+Nov+2012+094.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I made these stockings years ago, but I'm sure you can still find these supplies at the craft store. Basically, you buy the stockings with nothing on them, wooden letters (I painted green) and sew on some charms (also found at craft store).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mason Jars:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkK0eHdpHRYUuTvvHWARa9Sr4aBrtjCJZIPZQ9alZTC-cOyJ-y-PivJ-6cRLDQHLdT-m_v9WivjrwJBw9sO8M4X1YoxHo-ysbPrJvaYre55ohLa7OEHTWPVAJbfBAoYnuFJSsMUn5Oo/s1600/IMG_2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkK0eHdpHRYUuTvvHWARa9Sr4aBrtjCJZIPZQ9alZTC-cOyJ-y-PivJ-6cRLDQHLdT-m_v9WivjrwJBw9sO8M4X1YoxHo-ysbPrJvaYre55ohLa7OEHTWPVAJbfBAoYnuFJSsMUn5Oo/s320/IMG_2512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got a great deal on mason jars last year, so I love to decorate with them at any opportunity. For the above decor, I put some straw like filler inside and tied some twine around the top. Then, all you have to do is add some real or fake pine to the jar.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQLR_4CxdVKPGZzDZIMTtOzYse7CEJGa2TbZpPuahFRgHefhS_Q811REgB_0X1Xa5OTvTsEdFmC76v_QwVpCS4PfGEiADpseeYT3eorvpkzZxxzIssXrxPm6jXXCD2Hl30mWiGDRW6M/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQLR_4CxdVKPGZzDZIMTtOzYse7CEJGa2TbZpPuahFRgHefhS_Q811REgB_0X1Xa5OTvTsEdFmC76v_QwVpCS4PfGEiADpseeYT3eorvpkzZxxzIssXrxPm6jXXCD2Hl30mWiGDRW6M/s320/IMG_2516.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's another look at the same idea, but I added battery operated Christmas lights to the biggest jar (which are not lit in the picture -- sorry). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkB3Khj4rSvz_R42s8aiEbBkOiZC4FSqu8kcDkkM6ewP6eWn9iC2uiXgNHNikQ9qKh_NJsCOdGqwMZDA7axYqoddumXFODd1ZVs5oH-LZMmf3HndLFIThKwEJajDEkoWcf757D-qaD68/s1600/Rheem+Xmas+Party+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkB3Khj4rSvz_R42s8aiEbBkOiZC4FSqu8kcDkkM6ewP6eWn9iC2uiXgNHNikQ9qKh_NJsCOdGqwMZDA7axYqoddumXFODd1ZVs5oH-LZMmf3HndLFIThKwEJajDEkoWcf757D-qaD68/s320/Rheem+Xmas+Party+010.JPG" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWPMhz39UDudk1JBXdHBTO0lH5OgTO85W3g7jEfIt0jBgr0w8rnyvr1FHewUxIOgRDZBKwb1-DSJXrS4qA2FDaTuIaf39Z9lRM8yZ_SzqlhyphenhyphenuI1QavuoDDixNbiE5jwjfSPGmJD7Cbro/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWPMhz39UDudk1JBXdHBTO0lH5OgTO85W3g7jEfIt0jBgr0w8rnyvr1FHewUxIOgRDZBKwb1-DSJXrS4qA2FDaTuIaf39Z9lRM8yZ_SzqlhyphenhyphenuI1QavuoDDixNbiE5jwjfSPGmJD7Cbro/s320/IMG_2515.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The jars above have epsom salt inside (which sparkles like snow) and I melted a candle on top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">** I bought the bags of epsom salt at Walgreens near the pharmacy -- I got the plain, no smell kind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Felt Bags:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22qN1BFh7knYAv1zr0npMpBfA5zUVNB7Yv44DGEIejsuin-qOp7JKbNCYm2pTMiT4fy5vf3pmlzQ-lzyfoAgmGUnClHCgBNguX89D1pao9CeUxuwgoEJawIIgwaz-mw5RKuZn5BFgz1s/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22qN1BFh7knYAv1zr0npMpBfA5zUVNB7Yv44DGEIejsuin-qOp7JKbNCYm2pTMiT4fy5vf3pmlzQ-lzyfoAgmGUnClHCgBNguX89D1pao9CeUxuwgoEJawIIgwaz-mw5RKuZn5BFgz1s/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These adorable felt bags play several roles in my house. They are nice and festive around the tree, great for saving on wrapping paper and you can re-use them every year!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These are sold at Michaels, but wait for them to go on sale! I got them on Black Friday for a few bucks each (originally $4.99 each). I'm sure you can find them even cheaper right after the holidays to save for next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These bags saved me on tape and wrapping backache. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are also easier for the younger kids to get into their presents and you end up with less trash on Christmas day! It's a no brainer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you enjoyed this festive blog to get you in the holiday spirit without spending too much! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feel free to pin my pix!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kathryn </span><br />
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<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-69067326910086180752012-10-22T12:52:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:21:37.427-07:00"Pain" Free Medicine CabinetAfter moving into a new house, I quickly realized how much of a "pain" it was to find a place to organize our medicines. I don't have much room in the bathroom and I also needed something that was easy to get to, but not too easy for a toddler!<br />
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So, I thought outside of the medicine cabinet and headed to good ole Target. Here's how I "spiced" up my hallway closet. I used spice racks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzaQI6bbOe9nd4xOPEsXty5c3D4FmJrkRcqBMFGJrC5DUc9XKOKPPokEs5XrcR834RCnPxTA30jKzbin-j0_Eubu_FCQ6qlD_4R8yJ7ESjJM9wcN4dY670q9yoG4ETfmDP_7-PXUkoB8/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzaQI6bbOe9nd4xOPEsXty5c3D4FmJrkRcqBMFGJrC5DUc9XKOKPPokEs5XrcR834RCnPxTA30jKzbin-j0_Eubu_FCQ6qlD_4R8yJ7ESjJM9wcN4dY670q9yoG4ETfmDP_7-PXUkoB8/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got two adjustable spice racks that turn around like a lazy susan ($15.89 each) ... one holds adult medicine and other is for children. That way, in the middle of the night, you're not fumbling around for meds during an emergency. With this method --- you know exactly where to look!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK2jSJJhEmtTIjSJfDt6yd0aU1zsldpTaHh7pzlCpwXZLohxkK70FqulTTs_H55rpF_A2JrRulTamfuqydqVOXWgYGS0tsrYj0bmtnAlIacn1bNxPv_TEoEnaJaNsYxwyqYEZLA_khDE/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK2jSJJhEmtTIjSJfDt6yd0aU1zsldpTaHh7pzlCpwXZLohxkK70FqulTTs_H55rpF_A2JrRulTamfuqydqVOXWgYGS0tsrYj0bmtnAlIacn1bNxPv_TEoEnaJaNsYxwyqYEZLA_khDE/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+053.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmndJUMJex7UfasswvRgZ8Fl2tkl2SglN-3zdwZpSdPQ7xz8CzgJiVZiOlB2GD1fXUJVEYeotsPcbSLifs-1rqyagTqJ_IYBBpe4RSs8eU0LtBhAmmHBitPO_aUce7XWahoxbg9rR1pao/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmndJUMJex7UfasswvRgZ8Fl2tkl2SglN-3zdwZpSdPQ7xz8CzgJiVZiOlB2GD1fXUJVEYeotsPcbSLifs-1rqyagTqJ_IYBBpe4RSs8eU0LtBhAmmHBitPO_aUce7XWahoxbg9rR1pao/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+052.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Also at Tar-jay, I bought a large three drawer container ($12.49) so I could separate all the different types of medical stuff you may need (cold/flu, first aid/misc. and strep tests/pain medication).<br />
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The container didn't come with a labeling option, so I went to Staples and got the Martha Stewart sticky bookplates ($4.99). I loved these because as your needs change, you can easily change what you want to keep in each drawer!<br />
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And, of course, I had to make a few safety changes to the door (see below). In order to keep my little girl out, we ended up adding a safety door knob too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CJQS6TohE9rBX90bt_ERtAcMOsTMjwz7_btRFKB14s7K5h-6gjIDVoahPsjO1AVisN5Pw-DmWCZsq2yhJbABp9qh9e_fefYU16KXhXCpSluFt4dGpCupdfyIWMQt0cdUC9WkFLq1fs/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CJQS6TohE9rBX90bt_ERtAcMOsTMjwz7_btRFKB14s7K5h-6gjIDVoahPsjO1AVisN5Pw-DmWCZsq2yhJbABp9qh9e_fefYU16KXhXCpSluFt4dGpCupdfyIWMQt0cdUC9WkFLq1fs/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+056.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>Total cost of this project = $50.00 </b></div>
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I know a medicine cabinet could cost less, but I feel like you can put a lot more medicine on the spice racks and in drawers than in a cabinet. I also like how it's all in one place too!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Kathryn </div>
testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-3819756578789336902012-08-27T13:57:00.002-07:002020-03-15T18:23:44.614-07:00Coupon Class (Cliff Notes)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At any given moment, my dining room table looks like this ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHtLRgG61iyzZ3u8baxYkMrzGArX3d1yKtgpLGSmfZ_mHLsumBlw1bi9_mptTrW9Nalra5LAO4zkevjwGj8nQnWPlWZneTaC0YcmcaZfHPUhDsU32-iozS40RZGzSffoU6EaftcjkED0/s1600/May+June+2012+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHtLRgG61iyzZ3u8baxYkMrzGArX3d1yKtgpLGSmfZ_mHLsumBlw1bi9_mptTrW9Nalra5LAO4zkevjwGj8nQnWPlWZneTaC0YcmcaZfHPUhDsU32-iozS40RZGzSffoU6EaftcjkED0/s320/May+June+2012+069.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes, couponing takes time, patience and good scissors, but </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">once you start getting freebies, all that hard work is well worth the clipping! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After all, each and every piece of paper you see in these pictures equals free MONEY! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03oFfCZfDHTpM2CE_cwOWv2Hoohe2jbuuQj4Mb2F0ciLx9wZjLIOctNPrUdU9FF5OYMqq39R0TSBJAGzOBQrZMy8LZHdQ6veDAx4rqfd_LFDG-bbOl-bm-gIG51HF6QlyRmMkb9HbJh8/s1600/May+June+2012+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03oFfCZfDHTpM2CE_cwOWv2Hoohe2jbuuQj4Mb2F0ciLx9wZjLIOctNPrUdU9FF5OYMqq39R0TSBJAGzOBQrZMy8LZHdQ6veDAx4rqfd_LFDG-bbOl-bm-gIG51HF6QlyRmMkb9HbJh8/s320/May+June+2012+070.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWacS97LCsHPU2XSBQtCqC3WhtnD_WUAQmA0sLbfgjVtAXjm-vWYD-jtfCVDaONxDT_EuiXEqttSEL2uoepV3N1dTxjkPQ-oDBiUTmoI0k-Xm7mx3lfgCWp5R_EXihmsXCDiLaNpvr3o/s1600/May+June+2012+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWacS97LCsHPU2XSBQtCqC3WhtnD_WUAQmA0sLbfgjVtAXjm-vWYD-jtfCVDaONxDT_EuiXEqttSEL2uoepV3N1dTxjkPQ-oDBiUTmoI0k-Xm7mx3lfgCWp5R_EXihmsXCDiLaNpvr3o/s320/May+June+2012+071.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As your first lesson (especially for those who are not coupon believers), let's take a look at what stuff you can get for nothing and/or pennies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In fact, why don't we start with my favorite coupon picture below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To the left you will see Cover Girl eyeshadow and blush and to the right, you will see the dollar bills Kroger GAVE me to take the make-up out of the store. That's right, I <u>made</u> more three dollars and change with six coupons! Yay! I couldn't believe it when the cashier handed me money back (not all stores give money back so you need to check your store coupon policy)!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNA0f1s2nUYNHB62ahaaJKJDH_6cVU3yOsJUYxcma-k0wCkFfsYBsYo1a1ZqRFOjzZcu2s1gKm0Hq9R9_qXFqDpRrPMRI9Uiy1RzJhtn4Y-9jgBpeVIqzPI7okgc-Yy8a76jhKVRSJ6g/s1600/K+phone+june+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNA0f1s2nUYNHB62ahaaJKJDH_6cVU3yOsJUYxcma-k0wCkFfsYBsYo1a1ZqRFOjzZcu2s1gKm0Hq9R9_qXFqDpRrPMRI9Uiy1RzJhtn4Y-9jgBpeVIqzPI7okgc-Yy8a76jhKVRSJ6g/s320/K+phone+june+009.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So "class" ... do I have your attention now? If not, take a look at the next pictures. I got all these for FREE (or close to free)! I'm not bragging to show off, I'm telling you this to get you excited about saving money ... are you there yet?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GwXc4nWhtt_CRN5rXM6mWNXDaSaQzRwvdSYkwWDH9XhNdExE90rrZWprD5Y8zqChxrYqlM26LfwuxFkHqY_lYpc2i5c4dUXk2A3wBaQhpAXGINlGWJ95hzeYxUGlPlcncLBr2fJPnAQ/s1600/K+phone+june+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GwXc4nWhtt_CRN5rXM6mWNXDaSaQzRwvdSYkwWDH9XhNdExE90rrZWprD5Y8zqChxrYqlM26LfwuxFkHqY_lYpc2i5c4dUXk2A3wBaQhpAXGINlGWJ95hzeYxUGlPlcncLBr2fJPnAQ/s320/K+phone+june+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yep, got all the above for free! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The body wash and deodorant were free from combining Publix coupons with manufacturer coupons on each item. The advil was in the travel section and the coupon didn't exclude travel items. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n3tE7UaQNoyJxXy5qDd26NsWTCX9XY_zgFV4qGGIlFw0_5rVO61QGt1GTqNyfnqK2FBRjP-nUd6zJzU2z-f-gqTuNEg5rkblGX1t-VEV-3BGGMS2FSgYKHCtCMUTB-q0aTwAoqDdxDI/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n3tE7UaQNoyJxXy5qDd26NsWTCX9XY_zgFV4qGGIlFw0_5rVO61QGt1GTqNyfnqK2FBRjP-nUd6zJzU2z-f-gqTuNEg5rkblGX1t-VEV-3BGGMS2FSgYKHCtCMUTB-q0aTwAoqDdxDI/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+044.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't pay anything for these 18 bars of soap and 40 pens! The soap was a dollar deal at Kroger and I had 50 cent coupons which doubled. I got the pens at Target with a dollar off printed target.com coupon (the pens were on sale for 97 cents).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSsj4bfov25oA5PQvrHYlShMuKfexUp-e6R5YXzOKbC8MDwpwqfRpaeOKwpU3Dmk7AdM6nq3ggvCCHWWA8hssY4BJktOpVToLFp_0rJJ9QTemFhimRlER3M82U-kQTVV2iCGz_4eSJ7I/s1600/K+iphone+August+2012+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSsj4bfov25oA5PQvrHYlShMuKfexUp-e6R5YXzOKbC8MDwpwqfRpaeOKwpU3Dmk7AdM6nq3ggvCCHWWA8hssY4BJktOpVToLFp_0rJJ9QTemFhimRlER3M82U-kQTVV2iCGz_4eSJ7I/s320/K+iphone+August+2012+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And ... I got all the above loot for 14 cents between three stores on the same day. Some of the crayons, toothpaste, razors, pens and feminine products will be donated to charity. I have a stockpile, but not like the ones you see on TV ... I'm not THAT extreme (yet).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">NOW, to the good stuff ... how do you save money? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First, you need to learn how to get coupons...</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Where to find coupons?</span></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Newspapers,
magazines, store card eCoupons, Facebook and email ads (when you sign up for
company emails)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Peelies”
or flyers on store shelves or in the front of stores (look for rebates too)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Buy from
people online (EBAY) ---- Never pay for printable coupons due to fraud … only
buy the actual coupons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Printable
coupons you can find on websites (i.e. Target website)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Catalina”
Coupons – printed at register after you pay</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">What you need to ask store employees?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Does your
store double or triple coupons? How much? What days/times?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">What
kinds of coupons are accepted? (manufacturer, printable, eCoupons on your
preferred card … etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you
take competitor coupons? If so, what kind? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
stores have a piece of paper at the customer desk with the list of what competitor coupons they take ---EVERY store is
different!! So, one Publix could take coupons from four different competitors
and the Publix down the road may only take two or none.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">May I use
a store coupon along with a manufacturer coupon on ONE item? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
Publix and Target stores allow you to use a store coupon </span><u style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">AND </u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">manufacturer
coupon on a </span><u style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">SINGLE</u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> item – you can double up on the savings on one item!</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you
run a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sale, can I use a coupon for both items? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Publix
has BOGO’s all the time. My store allows me to use a coupon for each item,
including the free one, so it’s like using TWO coupons on one product while
getting the other for FREE!</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">When you
advertise 10 for $10 – do I have to buy 10 to get the product for a dollar? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
Kroger and Publix stores don’t make you buy 10 to get the $1 deal – this is
GREAT if you have a 50 cent manufacturer coupon that will double to $1 = FREE!</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Does your
store have coupons you can find around the store? If so, where?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> My Publix
has Advantage Buy flyers (one green and one yellow) at the entrance. These
flyers have Publix and manufacturer coupons inside – grab a few when you go in
because you may need them later!</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Extra questions once you get the hang
of couponing</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you
limit how many coupons I can use per transaction?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you
exclude any coupons? (BOGO offers, free product coupons … etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you
match competitor prices if I bring in the ad? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
Wal-Mart and Target stores match competitor prices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you
take Internet printable coupons? Can they be printed in black and white?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">What is
your policy on overage? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Some stores give you money back if your coupon is more
than the product costs. So, if you are buying more stuff, then it can go toward
the rest of your bill.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Interesting info about couponing/coupons:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">One
coupon per purchase means per <u>item</u> purchased (not per transaction)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Look for
the #5 at the beginning of coupon barcodes – that means the coupon has a
potential to double (but, even if you
don’t see #5 it could still double). If you see a #9 – can’t double</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Publix “Mystery” Coupon in the newspaper. This coupon is ONLY good for that day and
you must spend at least $10 to get the mystery item for a penny. The penny item can be anything from Publix sweet tea to toilet paper, bleach, cookies or
cheese. Click <a href="http://costcuttingcreations.blogspot.com/2012/06/its-mystery-worth-every-penny.html">here</a> for more information from my earlier blog.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Use
technology! Kroger has an app where you can load coupons onto your store card!!
Michaels, Jo-Ann’s and Hobby Lobby craft stores have apps with coupons and all you have to do is
show them the coupon on your phone to get the discount.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Smaller
sizes of some products can be cheaper than the bigger sizes … do your math!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If your
store is out of a product and you still want the deal – ask for a rain check! A
lot of places allow this, so when they re-stock (even after the deal is over)
you can get it with your coupons. Just make sure the cashier knows you have a
rain check before checking out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you’re
not into dumpster diving, ask neighbors for their coupons or ask the stores,
schools or nursing homes what they do with left over papers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Just
because the coupon says “Kroger” on it doesn’t mean it can only be used at
“Kroger” … if it says “Manufacturer Coupon” on it then it’s fair game!</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">How should you organize your coupons?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you
have the time to cut them out, baseball card protectors are great to use in a
notebook. You can make sections for food, baby stuff, household items … etc. The
good thing about this is that you can grab your notebook and go, the bad part …
it takes a lot of planning!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">When you
get the coupon newspaper inserts (RedPlum/SmartSource), write what day it is on
the cover page. This helps if you use websites that tell you what date the
coupons came in the mail (see #2 below).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you
get multiple identical inserts, some people staple the like pages together and
cut the coupons when needed.</span></li>
</ol>
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<b style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<b style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are also great I-phone apps and websites out there ...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Apps: Coupon Sherpa (mostly retail), RetailMeNot, Kroger (load coupons), Publix (ad), Michaels, Jo-Anns, Hobby Lobby and Card Star (put all your store cards on this one App).</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm a <b>BIG</b> fan of "The Coupon Mom" (Stephanie Nelson). Her <a href="http://www.couponmom.com/">website</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is a one stop shop to find great deals and freebies. It is loaded with information about where to find the coupons and even links you to printed coupons. I LOVE this site and use it at least three times a week!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, I hope this class was well worth your time (and you didn't even need a coupon to get it for free)! Feel free to ask a question or two in the comment question.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br />Kathryn </span><br />
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-29558117020257329732012-08-18T12:20:00.000-07:002012-08-18T12:20:05.535-07:00Save Your Shower!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's nothing like showing off your dirty laundry (or in this case, dirty shower) to the world! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a warning for those with mildew/mold phobia ... it's grimy, it's slimy and it's just plan gross!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYrxZYSNdhzFZZgKXBEGYqegNpG1sWHn364Gmvj5fNK-kOtEui6LvrQhRdbxr_Aiwpi7V8ytCbnzTJO16tJOJNowPj_Kpkqw4EDkpAufWf0tC9gZa9rJYHGYOWXqzMNLli_0bpqZ9A48/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYrxZYSNdhzFZZgKXBEGYqegNpG1sWHn364Gmvj5fNK-kOtEui6LvrQhRdbxr_Aiwpi7V8ytCbnzTJO16tJOJNowPj_Kpkqw4EDkpAufWf0tC9gZa9rJYHGYOWXqzMNLli_0bpqZ9A48/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+024.JPG" width="239" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRXlZQfvOdaBdmXcJ3S4GwUzvfLyGM_o_gPOMTeNtdBLMq_rxdkrASN4p8tLjGIv6UiwM3OuV8NvHariZuppLxAeE5Grz_ErISG3cMlzBxjAqLZFotnTQj3PPlNyqo9gG7NHBE0tO39k/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRXlZQfvOdaBdmXcJ3S4GwUzvfLyGM_o_gPOMTeNtdBLMq_rxdkrASN4p8tLjGIv6UiwM3OuV8NvHariZuppLxAeE5Grz_ErISG3cMlzBxjAqLZFotnTQj3PPlNyqo9gG7NHBE0tO39k/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+026.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yucky, huh??!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Our shower doesn't have the greatest air flow and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've tried scrubbing, but it messes up the caulk to much!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm sure this sort of stuff happens behind shower curtains and doors across the globe (only a few of us will actually blog about the issue). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And if it weren't for <a href="http://www.thisblessedlife.net/2012/02/getting-mold-out-of-showerbefore-after.html">"This Blessed Life" </a>blogger and Pinterest ... it's sad to say, but my shower would still be disgusting. The beautiful thing about Pinterest and bloggers ... we all share great ideas and this is one of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a sneak peak of the before and after ....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuSU5LNKXasnnBefXnuZis4cVXHaeml5DyxhyYinU-HyprAKaH4MHSimn9JCrKRwvE7YpEYhEx0p3qLnwlrvVd-MyQpUsjErjY1p7RiGAXnUAWDJQB39U3DxzPoCcGpV6wSY2vmvBJdU/s1600/K's+iphone+August+2012+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuSU5LNKXasnnBefXnuZis4cVXHaeml5DyxhyYinU-HyprAKaH4MHSimn9JCrKRwvE7YpEYhEx0p3qLnwlrvVd-MyQpUsjErjY1p7RiGAXnUAWDJQB39U3DxzPoCcGpV6wSY2vmvBJdU/s320/K's+iphone+August+2012+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What you need:</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bleach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salon cotton (for perms)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aluminum tray</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Q-tips (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found the salon cotton box at Sally Beauty Supply for $3.19 and still have some leftover for the next time my shower gets the cooties. I already had bleach on hand (got a big jug of the bleach at Publix for a penny -- see earlier <a href="http://costcuttingcreations.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html">blog </a>about the mystery coupon). And, I found the aluminum tray and Q-tips around the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>*** Make sure you have good ventilation in your bathroom. I plugged in a fan, opened the bathroom window and shut the door when I was done!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Soak the cotton strips in the aluminum tray with bleach. I cut them in smaller pieces so it wouldn't be so messy when putting them in place. I left the ends of the cotton out of the bleach because I hate getting bleach on my hands! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Put the bleach soaked cotton in the areas that need cleaning. I used Q-tips to push the cotton closer to the wall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Let sit for at least eight hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Take off the cotton strips and smile!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RAE3H5MUyVSmDkH5q7Et5JR21ZYpxFk9FrF9W534mOTGant5SVXITayQ8KFH33hQk-F4ZNjd8k3719Rk62rst8YqES78EoBp05Lq66soiteZX_A1DrexyFUHSPV2rx7qFGtUPRrqLrk/s1600/K's+iphone+August+2012+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RAE3H5MUyVSmDkH5q7Et5JR21ZYpxFk9FrF9W534mOTGant5SVXITayQ8KFH33hQk-F4ZNjd8k3719Rk62rst8YqES78EoBp05Lq66soiteZX_A1DrexyFUHSPV2rx7qFGtUPRrqLrk/s320/K's+iphone+August+2012+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More AFTER pictures ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDWrD7fsmLQQXLMQTKlz3XKOr6D-le7Oo48RiBhyphenhyphengUv92p5sTXhO2C4OY3R9HIrEtP9oIeB6K_NcpQUpu4O5HUfTZ9TTiylm5b01z6YdszxVoALZf_yCW5qQ0FlikPcXMA7mw25nj1FM/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDWrD7fsmLQQXLMQTKlz3XKOr6D-le7Oo48RiBhyphenhyphengUv92p5sTXhO2C4OY3R9HIrEtP9oIeB6K_NcpQUpu4O5HUfTZ9TTiylm5b01z6YdszxVoALZf_yCW5qQ0FlikPcXMA7mw25nj1FM/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+084.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn9jWgfWJOmH_wVfGWLFkmvGU2SlAChWDJHOg0PKRbdpg5pCU3f-lDDz1OppLSLIK4QJumhkep1vf4uGxIiuqc9vqAFlc3TC_NWbAyx0O3PtPPZ-qnavwmYZCI7_-bh4KmX-XwnJsH2Q/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn9jWgfWJOmH_wVfGWLFkmvGU2SlAChWDJHOg0PKRbdpg5pCU3f-lDDz1OppLSLIK4QJumhkep1vf4uGxIiuqc9vqAFlc3TC_NWbAyx0O3PtPPZ-qnavwmYZCI7_-bh4KmX-XwnJsH2Q/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+086.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdrPt1397dUUDcQUoKbUWQO392UaYxD_Yf6isbgH_M3rrvWxScgpH1xCiCUYDPasNWWxIslrmYsY_Ye0akSN5ruNDtlmlabvj6Bqh324FlTCqgTjK9KLQJa-drn0dS5byt8B39xfJ02U/s1600/K+iphone+Aug+2012+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdrPt1397dUUDcQUoKbUWQO392UaYxD_Yf6isbgH_M3rrvWxScgpH1xCiCUYDPasNWWxIslrmYsY_Ye0akSN5ruNDtlmlabvj6Bqh324FlTCqgTjK9KLQJa-drn0dS5byt8B39xfJ02U/s320/K+iphone+Aug+2012+087.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Total cost of this project = $3.20</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's a <u>deal</u> considering I wanted to rip the shower and tub up and start over!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kathryn</span><br />
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<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-1315784018362255272012-08-17T12:46:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:24:28.510-07:00DIY Bow HolderLet's face it ... most girls like their accessories!!<br />
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When you have a girl you tend to acquire bows and hair clips of all different colors and shapes. For me, I wanted to display the collection instead of losing them in never never land.</div>
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My first instinct was to hit the information superhighway for a bow holding bargain. I didn't see too many I liked and I surely didn't want to pay for shipping when I could possibly DIM (Do It Myself). </div>
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This is the final product ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-7Fm8ylWJk2eKh5m0nsrd6URwf1yo_MxJXBXgy-6y7hzrWu-uVLTN9Bcf9x0ydxQrHdYM_PV5a6f4lFMdvlK762YTqVTlcZ4HMHvgBwhyoOHT5SqF2FGK1Gk6Ou40RFCRGgmJ5nNNeI/s1600/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-7Fm8ylWJk2eKh5m0nsrd6URwf1yo_MxJXBXgy-6y7hzrWu-uVLTN9Bcf9x0ydxQrHdYM_PV5a6f4lFMdvlK762YTqVTlcZ4HMHvgBwhyoOHT5SqF2FGK1Gk6Ou40RFCRGgmJ5nNNeI/s320/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+061.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM30fc93qI_5SQP5NsSvsROU4hMUoMt2v_9MNQc0SVkurwiQH6gf81BPdiq72Mpb1TMOBtvv5eTAhiqa6OWkz9TqcsR_lrue-d2bUNumUvSrm1AFKYcBf5_4H33snvzFkNT8ryaOBAyoI/s1600/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM30fc93qI_5SQP5NsSvsROU4hMUoMt2v_9MNQc0SVkurwiQH6gf81BPdiq72Mpb1TMOBtvv5eTAhiqa6OWkz9TqcsR_lrue-d2bUNumUvSrm1AFKYcBf5_4H33snvzFkNT8ryaOBAyoI/s320/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+059.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<u>What you need:</u><br />
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Wooden frame</div>
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Acrylic Paint</div>
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Ribbon</div>
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Glue gun and glue</div>
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Sawtooth picture hanger and hammer and nail</div>
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Bows or hair clips</div>
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Here's what I did:</div>
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1. I bought the unfinished wood frame (originally made to showcase scrapbook pages) at Hobby Lobby. It cost ONLY 10 dollars, but I got it for SIX dollars with a coupon! (By the way, Hobby Lobby has an App with coupons -- all you have to do is show the cashier your phone). The ribbon and paint came from JoAnn's craft store.</div>
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2. I painted the frame with the acrylic paint I already had in my craft supplies (less than a dollar).</div>
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3. I cut the ribbon into 10 strips to fit the back of the frame.</div>
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4. I measured and marked the back of the frame to make sure my ribbon pieces would be placed evenly.</div>
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5. I glued the ribbon to the back of the frame (weaving the ribbon on top and below each other to create a basket weaving pattern).</div>
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6. Added the sawtooth picture hanger and ... wha-la ... easy peasy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBiBKgG8nl-ZWyVNarIExECdNpF1mezekzZs7WJyScrQTQyNPge0xS_xxTswTruncxASA1SmpiM5XeR38006GgeoutG1Hwdwk83QZCr1hsGs0CtHxcDnVlaOuxr26zIuWfNG54qLAfzs/s1600/K+Iphone+July+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBiBKgG8nl-ZWyVNarIExECdNpF1mezekzZs7WJyScrQTQyNPge0xS_xxTswTruncxASA1SmpiM5XeR38006GgeoutG1Hwdwk83QZCr1hsGs0CtHxcDnVlaOuxr26zIuWfNG54qLAfzs/s320/K+Iphone+July+2012+003.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1qp15XirA0m_cWFYd_HXck-Mtg4azPOyU3PesUEnbSix7pEfU4W5zwA8tUPPadgC_ppzI9WohOwVDcXBHr3vZi848KorHfdzsrctTM1MgM9VOq_DYp9vG_8vFLwT-nbl0Li5ewSLem0/s1600/K+Iphone+July+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1qp15XirA0m_cWFYd_HXck-Mtg4azPOyU3PesUEnbSix7pEfU4W5zwA8tUPPadgC_ppzI9WohOwVDcXBHr3vZi848KorHfdzsrctTM1MgM9VOq_DYp9vG_8vFLwT-nbl0Li5ewSLem0/s320/K+Iphone+July+2012+004.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5cwUMNCu5oa-KLTZUh5ixFp98afwgaLgnWLohi7M2NBXgPLQ-hppK5k_UwPcvCmRINEUt0hr-CnSoNn78siJjRWaGgl11MROAdZsv7mcJNKJ9Aa-csk5edHWHo_8p4Dg-w9TWu_cLYE/s1600/K+Iphone+July+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5cwUMNCu5oa-KLTZUh5ixFp98afwgaLgnWLohi7M2NBXgPLQ-hppK5k_UwPcvCmRINEUt0hr-CnSoNn78siJjRWaGgl11MROAdZsv7mcJNKJ9Aa-csk5edHWHo_8p4Dg-w9TWu_cLYE/s320/K+Iphone+July+2012+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The total cost of this DIY (or DIM) project is 10 dollars or less (depending on what you already have in your craft supplies).<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Kathryn<br />
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-82264123550689486442012-07-22T12:23:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:24:42.749-07:00Books for LessI don't know about you, but I can't handle the pressure of checking out a book at the library and reading it before it's due back!<br />
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The deadline plain stresses me out ... especially when THIS mom should be catching up on the latest parent magazines (which are stacked up collecting dust) rather than reading a book that probably doesn't have any educational value to improve my life.<br />
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But, it's nice (every once in a while) to push away the laundry and escape from reality for a moment. I love reading, I just don't have the time like I used to have.<br />
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Buying books gives me the freedom to read it tonight, tomorrow or maybe even next summer. I am not a fan of what it costs to buy new books, so I was really happy to see the below sign hanging in my library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw_MP1eBZDXsBlXXcmbc3vO3H541jkpjRzi22h3V_av6EVtHfklbeWcipudziLDLBlyqbLyP7RYZY5K2kRQOKGzaplwWcSzqybQzOKVBRVXs6um9_6ilLMcAwrlKenwvWKP2Aamx7_Jc/s1600/K+Iphone+June+2012+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw_MP1eBZDXsBlXXcmbc3vO3H541jkpjRzi22h3V_av6EVtHfklbeWcipudziLDLBlyqbLyP7RYZY5K2kRQOKGzaplwWcSzqybQzOKVBRVXs6um9_6ilLMcAwrlKenwvWKP2Aamx7_Jc/s320/K+Iphone+June+2012+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What? Three dollars for two hardcover books and 50 pennies for small paperback books (or 3/$1)! </div>
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What a deal! I felt like I was at a garage sale (minus the garage and the strangers hovering over my shoulder).</div>
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I found very popular books that were probably released years back, but who cares if you haven't read them, they are new to you! I left the library with at least three books for less than five bucks!<br />
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Now, I can put my buys on the nightstand and whenever the opportunity arises, I can crack one open and jump into another world (without worrying about when I need to finish the last chapter).<br />
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(Check your local library to see if they have books for sale. Some do daily sales and others may have a weekend events to raise money for the "Friends of the Library".)<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Kathryn<br />
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<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-32174080164177229982012-06-17T13:28:00.002-07:002012-06-28T10:53:47.703-07:00Save up for FREE Holiday CardsThis blog is for all those <i>Pampers</i> parents! I know you spend a big chunk of your family paychecks on diapers and wipes, like I do, so you might as well get something back.<br />
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You may have noticed the "Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards" promotions on wipes and diapers.<br />
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If so, ya better start saving up those codes! I did and ended up with <u>FREE</u> <i>Shutterfly </i>Christmas photo cards (saving me more than 70 dollars last Christmas).<br />
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You don't have to use your rewards on cards, there are plenty of other things you can trade in your points in for (toys, books, coupons, sweepstakes and magazine subscriptions).<br />
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Here's what the codes look like ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlguxdJgyrzMaisVujDw1MirN_kTBN8X1P-T4YwAgDV2qMwABbiPezdyUiRFiCCB42fpnUuCDRXAokWAfOw2qRrNkU9BD8EMd9UUIf73DNVOQ0JRuA-ViPtgorTBz6VwCgKJEoh8YA5Jk/s1600/May+June+2012+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlguxdJgyrzMaisVujDw1MirN_kTBN8X1P-T4YwAgDV2qMwABbiPezdyUiRFiCCB42fpnUuCDRXAokWAfOw2qRrNkU9BD8EMd9UUIf73DNVOQ0JRuA-ViPtgorTBz6VwCgKJEoh8YA5Jk/s320/May+June+2012+115.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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And ... the <u>BEST</u> part ... <u>what for it</u> ... you don't even have to be at your computer to enter the codes into your account!<br />
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<i>Pampers </i>has an I-phone app which makes the whole process that much easier! You type in the 15-digit code and submit ... it's that simple!<br />
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(I promise I'm not getting paid for promoting <i>Pampers, </i>I just wanted to share my experiences).<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
Kathryn<br />
<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-18231978712259930252012-06-17T13:01:00.000-07:002020-03-15T18:25:58.463-07:00Frugal Finger Painting GiftsI know it has to be a "really" good day for all you parents out there to get the finger paints out of the closet!<br />
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But, when you think about what kind of money you save in gift giving ... the mess will be a thing of the past once you see their cute keepsake creations!<br />
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This is the first time my daughter painted with finger paints (washable, of course). She made pictures for her grandmas (Dea Dea and Gee-gah)!</div>
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I armed my daughter with a smock and the deck with newspaper! </div>
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She's not too sure about getting dirty with paint.</div>
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And, for Father's Day we made the below card for free!</div>
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(Her daddy loved the first ever handmade card from his daughter.)</div>
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The "Hands Down" finger painting card can be tweaked for teachers, family and friends.</div>
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I hope this blog will encourage you to dust off those paints on a nice sunny day ... head outside and see what your kids can come up with!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Kathryn </div>
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testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-87113566185094526342012-06-06T05:05:00.003-07:002012-06-28T10:59:06.118-07:00Gift Ideas<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have seen tons of cute ideas on Pinterest for easy and inexpensive gifts you can make for teachers at the end of the school year. But, since my 'lil girl isn't in school yet, I decided to take a few tips from others and add my own special touches for different occasions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This first one is something we (activities committee) made for our MOMS Club board members/helpers to let them know we appreciated all the hard work they did for the club.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*If you're a MOMS Club member and you got one of these ... even though it didn't cost much ... it's made with love :) ... just skim over the part about the freebies!
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since we didn't have money to spend on this project, we searched our houses for things. Okay, you may be thinking we just grabbed whatever we had hang'in around the house to re-gifted it ... sounds like fun, but that's not the case.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my house, I have stashes of FREE (never-been-chewed and still in the plastic) gum and candy from my mother-in-law who used to work for a big time candy/gum company. And one of our other members had FREE boxes of lip balm from her husband's former employer. So, we created a little saying to incorporate all of our freebies. Ask around ... you never know what people have around their house to give away!
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Here's what we had for free:
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Mints </div>
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Extra gum </div>
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Lifesaver Gummies </div>
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Starburst </div>
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Burt's Bee Lip Balm </div>
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Skittles </div>
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Gift bags (leftover from my 2008 wedding!) </div>
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Scrapbook paper, ribbon and hole punch (craft supplies)
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Here's what we bought:
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(we spent about $10 for a dozen gift bags)</div>
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12 snack size Mounds bars </div>
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12-pack of Mountain Dew (cans)</div>
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Plastic gift bags to hold everything (from Michael's with coupon)</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Final gift bag tag:
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"<b>Mounds</b>" of thanks for all you "<b>Dew</b>" as a MOMS Club board member/helper!
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We appreciate your commit-"<b>mint</b>" and for going the "<b>extra</b>" mile!
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You are a "<b>lifesaver</b>" and a "<b>star</b>" (burst)!
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The MOMS Club wouldn't "<b>bee</b>" where it is today if it weren't for you!
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Love, </div>
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Mommies and their lil "<b>Skittles</b>"
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had trouble coming up with a Skittles saying that would work for our situation, but I think it's kinda cute.
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>NEXT GIFT IDEA ...
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My cousin moved from Georgia to D.C. and we were invited to a send-off / congrats on becoming a doctor party. I wanted to do something special by giving her a piece of Georgia to take up north.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's what I came up with ...
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From Bath and Body Works ... I bought "Fresh Picked" peach hand soap and hand sanitizer (added a peach mini candle later -- not pictured). I also put in a strawberry air freshener (they didn't have one that looked like a peach) with peach refills and a "Country Chic" bath wash.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The green fruit picking tray was free from the air freshener display (shhhhh .... don't tell anyone the manager gave this to me!). You can probably check your local farmer's market or farm for some.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I put everything in the green tray and put plastic around it and a hand printed tag. I failed to take a picture of the final gift, but the tag said something like this ...
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Here's a 'lil Jaw-ja to take up yonder way!"
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course, you can adjust this gift to fit whatever state you want. Another idea or two for Georgia could be pecans (pee-cans or pah-cons), peach vodka ... etc.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy ... ya hear!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kathryn :)
</span>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-26596713901094077522012-05-26T11:01:00.004-07:002020-03-15T18:31:42.440-07:00Kid Grocery StoreMy daughter is almost two and a half-years-old and she's really getting into pretending and exploring. So, instead of throwing away a big box her wagon came in, I covered it with a plastic tablecloth (leftover from her birthday party) and started collecting the boxes from our pantry.<br />
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Within weeks, she had her very own grocery store of cereal, snacks, spaghetti ...etc. We already had a shopping cart and fake food (thanks to hand me downs from Grandma Dea Dea).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuT2oo4PkUqUis8yKuL8h79sMDOm7MyLy_zdj_6pJCFjwyckTCAdgB4z1CezH9NOPohyCz7BcoYcLvv1tRwB9mH0JSZgCaWnGHp8jErwoQNOo2W6fv0uHWhyOXF06ys1OVvd_cXW-k84/s1600/K+Iphone+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuT2oo4PkUqUis8yKuL8h79sMDOm7MyLy_zdj_6pJCFjwyckTCAdgB4z1CezH9NOPohyCz7BcoYcLvv1tRwB9mH0JSZgCaWnGHp8jErwoQNOo2W6fv0uHWhyOXF06ys1OVvd_cXW-k84/s320/K+Iphone+001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I found the wagon box was a perfect height for my girl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Wz1WQywJ4z0OmFMRknumExpPITPy_o_Wz9g0PYrw-ErRNXqkRD79_Ir0jdN8glMxo50fL39hMog3mmDVlvxHEiOLNmg931GH_wk3gADcVyH57Lmby-8jGyFk-RMY-Y5ni1Rh3dZo3Y/s1600/K+Iphone+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Wz1WQywJ4z0OmFMRknumExpPITPy_o_Wz9g0PYrw-ErRNXqkRD79_Ir0jdN8glMxo50fL39hMog3mmDVlvxHEiOLNmg931GH_wk3gADcVyH57Lmby-8jGyFk-RMY-Y5ni1Rh3dZo3Y/s320/K+Iphone+002.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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This is just another way to keep your kids busy and learning while on a budget!</div>
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Total cost of this project: <b style="text-decoration: underline;">ZERO</b> (I already had everything around the house!)</div>
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Kathryn :)</div>
testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-34335117158864326682012-05-24T12:05:00.004-07:002012-05-24T12:05:45.778-07:00Quick and Easy Scavenger HuntScavenger hunts are a great way to get your kids outside and exploring nature. I got this idea from other blogs that I pinned on Pinterest.<br />
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I drew my own pictures and copied others from blogs to fit my needs (I put a piece of paper on my computer monitor and traced them -- see below for links).<br />
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I ended up with toddler friendly pictures of things/animals the kids could find on a walking trail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlrQT9mP8biaxtm6KOa8XQULboZLsyatLfKCM0Ro81MHvseoRLrHRD8IR893M2_3ETt7UtPq3rXVhyu5FcJCapJ2Cr8OWUhIo5MqTs0T1Av0RPi3_WzX496UqRyQK1DyiXIgZt8bt7zM/s1600/K+Iphone+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlrQT9mP8biaxtm6KOa8XQULboZLsyatLfKCM0Ro81MHvseoRLrHRD8IR893M2_3ETt7UtPq3rXVhyu5FcJCapJ2Cr8OWUhIo5MqTs0T1Av0RPi3_WzX496UqRyQK1DyiXIgZt8bt7zM/s320/K+Iphone+004.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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We gave the kids different colored star stickers to mark what they found. You could also use crayons or if you laminate the paper, you could use dry erase markers and use them over and over again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lLpca8ORmxE1g17CklD7_WpXWdqxQwDJuYxqi1Z6OXwuQYeeebcPxKIM-93bbaxS3ku6AtDt7C2nnoFyLe4mZf_J20Ho0xrEng5A6J9eETKMSHawA4Sgx5Dk4jty9ds6vhyphenhyphen_bDh_TX8/s1600/K+Iphone+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lLpca8ORmxE1g17CklD7_WpXWdqxQwDJuYxqi1Z6OXwuQYeeebcPxKIM-93bbaxS3ku6AtDt7C2nnoFyLe4mZf_J20Ho0xrEng5A6J9eETKMSHawA4Sgx5Dk4jty9ds6vhyphenhyphen_bDh_TX8/s320/K+Iphone+006.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiWk_V08z-RrTaXHTn3_WIsfl9ohPkO7tRfF9KUnBLjthGNm7PitfzCsIlf5QtkvwiXgjjmT7kyXzLg9T-9T0y03re714Gvqw2NWsUXBaqrftikGSJG4XHkUYh7InK4UIROEKM_MP2_Y/s1600/K+Iphone+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiWk_V08z-RrTaXHTn3_WIsfl9ohPkO7tRfF9KUnBLjthGNm7PitfzCsIlf5QtkvwiXgjjmT7kyXzLg9T-9T0y03re714Gvqw2NWsUXBaqrftikGSJG4XHkUYh7InK4UIROEKM_MP2_Y/s320/K+Iphone+011.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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As a bonus, I colored the bottom of egg cartons so the kids could add items that matched the colors. (i.e. grass goes in the green spot.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT_bKQRfb8aGkBTVgs3iUW6oloPdqJBAawzArJ1vRpJh4Y1CK8h3Vj3Q2Kk5Z5FhmAidwO7HiZ4pri-Qv5HX2tEYnIFOvjfi3xcyap7bCKAMYCkPXr7jtmGZSmfmDNMWKBs9wiPmZV-Y/s1600/K+Iphone+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT_bKQRfb8aGkBTVgs3iUW6oloPdqJBAawzArJ1vRpJh4Y1CK8h3Vj3Q2Kk5Z5FhmAidwO7HiZ4pri-Qv5HX2tEYnIFOvjfi3xcyap7bCKAMYCkPXr7jtmGZSmfmDNMWKBs9wiPmZV-Y/s320/K+Iphone+013.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here are the blogs I got some of the picture ideas from ...<br />
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<a href="http://curlybirds.blogspot.com/2010/03/crafty-birds-scavanger-hunt.html">http://curlybirds.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2010/08/park-scavenger-hunt.html">http://pennycarnival.typepad.com</a><br />
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Egg carton idea ...<br />
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<a href="http://familyfun.go.com/spring/spring-crafts/spring-crafts-ideas-gallery-854285/#A%20Trail%20Tote;13">http://familyfun.go.com</a><br />
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Thanks to all the other bloggers for their great and inexpensive ideas!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Kathryn<br />
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<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-19857623450095523662012-05-21T12:16:00.002-07:002020-03-15T18:26:40.330-07:00Cheap(er) Chuggington Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so if you don't have a young child, you may not even know about the latest train craze. It only took a few rides on the rail for Chuggington (Disney Jr.) to win my daughter's heart, so we decided to have a train party for her 2nd birthday. </div>
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I really didn't want to spend too much money since her birthday is a few weeks after Christmas, but I soon realized (after many stops in multiple stores with my toddler in tow) that you had to buy the party supplies online because Chuggington was fairly new (at the time) in America. I ended up spending $35 online (see below) and did some savvy shopping elsewhere.</div>
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Below you will see the ways I cut some corners and hopefully still made her party a "Traintastic" one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQUqK5Eb9SzwTaBNYfs-GvMDPlkSjRpmmlAB-eBryV3Mx_OcHZwvDzK4LM_bpylcRJ0MDITCspd3wnSgTWOcKUz2tQ-1BCrHdZQcaTvNbtPcd4kmwj_lBEviFhcifwfyVidIsnO04PV0/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+bday+Grandpa+Cam+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQUqK5Eb9SzwTaBNYfs-GvMDPlkSjRpmmlAB-eBryV3Mx_OcHZwvDzK4LM_bpylcRJ0MDITCspd3wnSgTWOcKUz2tQ-1BCrHdZQcaTvNbtPcd4kmwj_lBEviFhcifwfyVidIsnO04PV0/s320/Aubree's+2nd+bday+Grandpa+Cam+080.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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For the main table, I added some tracks from our Christmas train display and put trains she already had on the tracks. I loved the colors! I made the cupcakes myself and even added pudding to the middle of the chocolate ones. I got the cupcake mix for less than $1 with coupons during a BOGO sale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHSNXnU-VdMEvHY6Aot01EOb7QG4Tv0LZzmsLAfaUwT72tDQi7sCUuiFUjRc_lm_i3pPoIA3pkm6KkPUSNQL1528f10fZVC4QwCXyWvpjFleAPVWa9eEc7gR-7b6ldstFlK-s7std1a0/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHSNXnU-VdMEvHY6Aot01EOb7QG4Tv0LZzmsLAfaUwT72tDQi7sCUuiFUjRc_lm_i3pPoIA3pkm6KkPUSNQL1528f10fZVC4QwCXyWvpjFleAPVWa9eEc7gR-7b6ldstFlK-s7std1a0/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Chuggington picture is my daughter's place mat she already had (a Christmas gift). See below for the party favor bag prices. The sticker books (in front of the bags) were 10 cents EACH after the holidays at Michael's!! I thought ahead and loaded up for the little party guests! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LZndf7pdtak5CqVSUshHEKP1iiRzOEmSluzSpMYBoKVOczzHmhs9ejtaJtE5QKagKXVZ-r-m3_14zY-JXxV4BPlxqnWikicULcV-zwabR5Qo6q41si6Acxnwa0vd3L50CdVQYr2UtI/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LZndf7pdtak5CqVSUshHEKP1iiRzOEmSluzSpMYBoKVOczzHmhs9ejtaJtE5QKagKXVZ-r-m3_14zY-JXxV4BPlxqnWikicULcV-zwabR5Qo6q41si6Acxnwa0vd3L50CdVQYr2UtI/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+002.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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I put our Christmas train behind the presents and added some streamers with a picture of my daughter stuck in the center.</div>
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I used green scrapbook paper to make name plates and stuck leftover Chuggington stickers from the party favor bags on them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-MCUofWPtfq7hrCu8P_jCk_7YUz6njVvS94x8DaxFdLjQHWVxW88Ry4KLTnYnT9Oi-G52Ew-STjYmRL8J76NenlM7lXJBQlip-Ug6AasV_gxbHNwe87pzNP2XqXdwdvTi-erkiBzbvg/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-MCUofWPtfq7hrCu8P_jCk_7YUz6njVvS94x8DaxFdLjQHWVxW88Ry4KLTnYnT9Oi-G52Ew-STjYmRL8J76NenlM7lXJBQlip-Ug6AasV_gxbHNwe87pzNP2XqXdwdvTi-erkiBzbvg/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought Chuggington plates and took one to Party City to match up with solid colored napkins, cups, cutlery .. etc. In the middle, you can see some of my daughter's Chuggington trains to add to the decor. I also bought the red tablecloth right after Christmas and cost me $1 each!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn9JUdOTYeZdVqfQouGTeVGM6fs2G33wWpnkpes5SnF3nZRVLEACSISSWHvHD65FTw1zS-ovxmqZZJJuxTauy43ftocoM4KTxvY968XSbJtcXL2DwgQyN_dtR94-S0CfZyC2sL-3ClnY/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn9JUdOTYeZdVqfQouGTeVGM6fs2G33wWpnkpes5SnF3nZRVLEACSISSWHvHD65FTw1zS-ovxmqZZJJuxTauy43ftocoM4KTxvY968XSbJtcXL2DwgQyN_dtR94-S0CfZyC2sL-3ClnY/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+008.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Here I used leftover wrapping paper to go under the cups for "Dunbar's Drinks". I thought it added an extra pop of color or two!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx7U1qaw8x4WEwKOZ_mhQQayogiX18gyW7dmgrssjiAG9Hhf48hghIQXdScQa2_xgD9A7wNl7MMwzvwKpXTrdLPS85ujoM3J56dwsegTrMoE2D60sZeMwFQv25rqxz6tJ4HKhXvM18U8/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx7U1qaw8x4WEwKOZ_mhQQayogiX18gyW7dmgrssjiAG9Hhf48hghIQXdScQa2_xgD9A7wNl7MMwzvwKpXTrdLPS85ujoM3J56dwsegTrMoE2D60sZeMwFQv25rqxz6tJ4HKhXvM18U8/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+010.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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I created cute sayings with scrapbook paper and stickers --- Koko's Cupcakes, Dunbar's Drinks, Frostini's Fruit, Chuggy Chips ... etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1irHZr2O8M-KmqHWbXHFqT3JdR9PMzJ0d_T6xH8KqPTkUpDOk1ROnCe-7v9wdUY7pJG14z1va2NZqZpU_B7hjvx3ESg-vBsvywS4jknowXSEy78lL1MS5j_2aK31r3Y-83bASDCC5bE/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1irHZr2O8M-KmqHWbXHFqT3JdR9PMzJ0d_T6xH8KqPTkUpDOk1ROnCe-7v9wdUY7pJG14z1va2NZqZpU_B7hjvx3ESg-vBsvywS4jknowXSEy78lL1MS5j_2aK31r3Y-83bASDCC5bE/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Chuggington cupcake decorations were a big hit for the kids because they doubled as rings too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRLkLgVWhxXQmwPfIMZpVC15jjyfjDSKWWyK_5oMY64nDTJHRtN3DW2ZbdSK6sZevTM1eBEyjGGWMnbtQyGU6rMRjudbHSTvTXJCB_T1Y5NLEyWyNJNO7BR8YPEB3oxeqvrTnnbolIhQ/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRLkLgVWhxXQmwPfIMZpVC15jjyfjDSKWWyK_5oMY64nDTJHRtN3DW2ZbdSK6sZevTM1eBEyjGGWMnbtQyGU6rMRjudbHSTvTXJCB_T1Y5NLEyWyNJNO7BR8YPEB3oxeqvrTnnbolIhQ/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+016.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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"Chuggy Chips"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoWuAD72_9PNvnzJOLfM59MVuptlAUQc8pTBb-7DLgRdlxKrkCR_npycbuj-v2euwrQ_0MZ54JFz6rI4okURYRbpKMx5W8Zy9QDGv6YKGyt2vnOihURO-1xxlzES2jDwCPX0aQ3lqMpA/s1600/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoWuAD72_9PNvnzJOLfM59MVuptlAUQc8pTBb-7DLgRdlxKrkCR_npycbuj-v2euwrQ_0MZ54JFz6rI4okURYRbpKMx5W8Zy9QDGv6YKGyt2vnOihURO-1xxlzES2jDwCPX0aQ3lqMpA/s320/Aubree's+2nd+Birthday+017.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a scrapbook page of Aubree with pictures I took of her at a local train depot and put it up for people to see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a look at my receipt from birthdaydirect.com -- I did a lot of research at the time to figure out which online party supply website had the cheapest options.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 x Train Whistles VALUE FAVORS (12) (81169) = $2.36</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 x Chuggington Stickers (4 Sheets) (79758) = $1.81</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 x Chuggington Cupcake Rings (8) (20857) = $5.16</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3 x Pink Train Engineer Hat (1) (29989) = $8.58</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 x Chuggington Invitations (8) (79756) = $2.12</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 x Chuggington Lunch Plates (8) (79751) = $3.94</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 x Train Engineers Hat (1) (80423) = $4.16</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sub-Total: $28.13</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Shipping: $6.95</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Total: $35.08</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not too bad! I think I spent less than $100 on party supplies, cupcakes and favors! My daughter talked about her train birthday party for months after!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kathryn</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-10771197848457402042012-05-21T11:35:00.001-07:002012-05-21T11:35:31.080-07:00Decal Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a tough time finding a picture to match our bedspread (Simply Shabby Chic Floral Scroll Comforter from Target). I finally decided to make something instead of buying and hoping it would match. I found the below decal at Hobby Lobby on sale for $10.00 (originally $19.99). That was a steal, so I had to give it a go!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(Here's a hint for Hobby Lobby shoppers with smartphones ... if you search for Hobby Lobby coupon on your phone, all you have to do is show them your phone to get the code. You can usually find a 40% off coupon online! You can also get the Iphone app for Michaels and Joann's too -- you just show the cashier your phone ... no need for cutting coupons!)</b></span></div>
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Okay, back to getting the supplies. I took my pillow sham to Joann's and matched it with acrylic paint. I chose Apple Barrel PLAID Granite Gray (#21392). The 2 fl. oz. bottle cost less than $2.00 and I only used one. The canvas was on sale too ... I believe it was 40% off at Joann's. </div>
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<b>Directions: </b></div>
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I painted the canvas with the acrylic paint several times and let it dry overnight. I then took the white acrylic paint that I already had in my craft supplies and painted the same pattern from my bedspread onto the canvas. I let it dry overnight and then added the rub-on decal (after cutting it into several pieces to make it fill the entire canvas).</div>
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<b>TOTAL COST = Approximately $20.00 </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDnH4MYYeuPus1ck-Zw_jo5UtPQyk_F_8NrM1Aulvba7Rb9wZj6rY790kduSJDPpsMQEHvDQoUl8i-cmoBaPAiglQgFL15m-XGv2dyAn3f8L2Fw9e_8FbxY_4DkvDGqO2KYu7aLKbU6Q/s1600/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDnH4MYYeuPus1ck-Zw_jo5UtPQyk_F_8NrM1Aulvba7Rb9wZj6rY790kduSJDPpsMQEHvDQoUl8i-cmoBaPAiglQgFL15m-XGv2dyAn3f8L2Fw9e_8FbxY_4DkvDGqO2KYu7aLKbU6Q/s320/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+075.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I was so happy with how the painting matched our bedspread! Maybe Target will buy my painting (ha)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcETnLL-rpGrBG4F7sX2YNlFHUcT2HWlaLO54WQJ_n6o0H7Z5380HCnbBbidwwOYhoJqSFmW5zGEC060_f6GnViEpy4cggir_SMmN8qXr3bktD4PK8yYVud9-NBH9w_a-ZKhoOLQeSrjY/s1600/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcETnLL-rpGrBG4F7sX2YNlFHUcT2HWlaLO54WQJ_n6o0H7Z5380HCnbBbidwwOYhoJqSFmW5zGEC060_f6GnViEpy4cggir_SMmN8qXr3bktD4PK8yYVud9-NBH9w_a-ZKhoOLQeSrjY/s320/Kathryn's+Iphone+Feb+March+2012+050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Simply Shabby Chic Floral Scroll Comforter from Target</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1z8QG79e5qQDWexywS4uzeWoL1kpoQUc77aR2oKVuCkqeaBOKkfsDX_6plHgJJc2SnIbjNPmp-mtM2AYHj7idWg74zvY_RSatMd9HDpzLnDsHgM2yPxR-4GnKJi4iiNWXp93sc6RbuE/s1600/K+Iphone+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1z8QG79e5qQDWexywS4uzeWoL1kpoQUc77aR2oKVuCkqeaBOKkfsDX_6plHgJJc2SnIbjNPmp-mtM2AYHj7idWg74zvY_RSatMd9HDpzLnDsHgM2yPxR-4GnKJi4iiNWXp93sc6RbuE/s320/K+Iphone+014.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Final product on the wall -- don't forget to buy a sawtooth hanger (I already had some around the house).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQC7ciCkktL7nxR0kcnAS5Ls96Mm3oqPm8BHgzxovyQtEl-AGpHaLmZP96f2b8H4rT5OJi1FdvvaiXOQdjonbHCF-uQtkvN_xjlzGVP8WYztl8sejy3llBCRf0cCyYt7prKVluV_fahw/s1600/K+Iphone+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQC7ciCkktL7nxR0kcnAS5Ls96Mm3oqPm8BHgzxovyQtEl-AGpHaLmZP96f2b8H4rT5OJi1FdvvaiXOQdjonbHCF-uQtkvN_xjlzGVP8WYztl8sejy3llBCRf0cCyYt7prKVluV_fahw/s320/K+Iphone+016.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Paint I used on the entire canvas</div>
<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-38582622633029099702012-05-20T18:57:00.002-07:002020-03-15T18:29:23.960-07:00Busy Bag BargainSo, this is an idea I got from Pinterest (imagine that) and I decided to see if our MOMS Club ladies would give it a go. Basically, you each make something to keep your kiddo "busy". You make the same thing for how many kids are signed up for the swap.You can grab these bags to take to doctor appointments, church ... etc.<br />
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We had 13 kids signed up, so we each went home with 13 busy bags!! All the moms came up with <u>great</u> ideas and my daughter loves each and every bag (I do too 'cause it keeps her busy while learning some great skills).<br />
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The reason I'm calling this a bargain is because I only spent $20 - $30 and ended up with endless fun for my toddler. Worth EVERY penny!<br />
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#1 - <b>Pipe Cleaner Bead Threading</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is the one I made... I folded a small piece of white duct tape at the top of the pipe cleaners. I added different colored star stickers on the tape so kids can match up the color of the beads with the pipe cleaners.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm9dleIGTI1Oy5rYI2F6Dt5Hcb9lpar-bOkfP2XXwBRSoxO_pb3gKyu_bxSYNb_rnURyp954GyirP-e_nO3eXqMs_7IIgfxgJLecZ1bstNayEukXiLbt69mgLMMoUYomzpOR1gXsaRD0/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm9dleIGTI1Oy5rYI2F6Dt5Hcb9lpar-bOkfP2XXwBRSoxO_pb3gKyu_bxSYNb_rnURyp954GyirP-e_nO3eXqMs_7IIgfxgJLecZ1bstNayEukXiLbt69mgLMMoUYomzpOR1gXsaRD0/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C-ck7BY5CUx8o1SM4b3jqXepbSUpwZIyAMYp7SsBTiSnq6ETojnp4Hm8tnuOqSh2qSFSpg8c1Od68u8Y5CZNCIHGcVUPw1W_G6UsRjZj-R4k5cQy-ibf9rAC9UT660LdH0MKB2o4t9k/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C-ck7BY5CUx8o1SM4b3jqXepbSUpwZIyAMYp7SsBTiSnq6ETojnp4Hm8tnuOqSh2qSFSpg8c1Od68u8Y5CZNCIHGcVUPw1W_G6UsRjZj-R4k5cQy-ibf9rAC9UT660LdH0MKB2o4t9k/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make it interesting, I mixed up different types of beads (some looked like trains and cars) with buttons. Just be careful if you make this one for younger kids because of the potential choking hazard!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bTNZWHK1nc5M3eMtdvttLJt3SMbH1JAbU1D5n6HjcRV6CjmOzWfSDnO0GZPOKzkUOR5NteMo4dymesCK5i3z4j3FGLxSa2ssUez9XFXuxyxCKrfgwY2TnHOaqtu-KAhlfQWrJt0hT2Q/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bTNZWHK1nc5M3eMtdvttLJt3SMbH1JAbU1D5n6HjcRV6CjmOzWfSDnO0GZPOKzkUOR5NteMo4dymesCK5i3z4j3FGLxSa2ssUez9XFXuxyxCKrfgwY2TnHOaqtu-KAhlfQWrJt0hT2Q/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think this is a good task for hand eye coordination!</div>
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#2 - <b>Heads or Tails (plus more)</b><br />
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One of the Moms made these cute printouts. You may recognize the pictures from a favorite children's book. She made several different "games" for this busy bag...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnlu4BFIGa6B5nKEYTuOFwij1IziQwHA8BTLQlgxK2Yl_JYT37oSMlGmmEK4idxuIFujzMKZhUgMMfYDmNJZIwznd7ePK1G0dR33r8lhOBq8IwDH3gfPUqyh7TRONOE7hRyfvaHxqA1k/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnlu4BFIGa6B5nKEYTuOFwij1IziQwHA8BTLQlgxK2Yl_JYT37oSMlGmmEK4idxuIFujzMKZhUgMMfYDmNJZIwznd7ePK1G0dR33r8lhOBq8IwDH3gfPUqyh7TRONOE7hRyfvaHxqA1k/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Heads and tails matching game. My two-year-old daughter LOVED this! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXeau0oAozuJkAcHPm-1xGmFLGV9RkrfPBm6i2yyJFqSv0Cw3z9ueEu5rUQ0O3PgJObvA_vVgd-sAPFr38TPwSq3q9hFjU8iL2sVmcHhT7Ze_eqj59kdz3wMgnLMOgXM4c5oo6r5vyM/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXeau0oAozuJkAcHPm-1xGmFLGV9RkrfPBm6i2yyJFqSv0Cw3z9ueEu5rUQ0O3PgJObvA_vVgd-sAPFr38TPwSq3q9hFjU8iL2sVmcHhT7Ze_eqj59kdz3wMgnLMOgXM4c5oo6r5vyM/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnxvFB84u5HTKrx5ROzB08W28teBPQRQyVrSn9ZXzybIjGMpGti_kEFB3yRrj9xQ0Ccb4Va1eDkXzzv_BM1zGktwcvaFia0Df08ADH7710mRktbtXc8kr-i448AqKUgjPn4fm2uMgd5U/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnxvFB84u5HTKrx5ROzB08W28teBPQRQyVrSn9ZXzybIjGMpGti_kEFB3yRrj9xQ0Ccb4Va1eDkXzzv_BM1zGktwcvaFia0Df08ADH7710mRktbtXc8kr-i448AqKUgjPn4fm2uMgd5U/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+012.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Brown Bear size sequencing</div>
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1-2-3...Count With Me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HfQZ4UGPBY_cz4ap1v_fectIBbOw1cfVt8D-0CWr-oEXc_Iwsey3jNfT0sgSFLJfLdBUQzKJ6QEEGPsl07tRbmVPILtxBxr_nx2gDbV0YqLTnVcg2p8AkW54cyiZrJGIOb1qxUC-_dE/s1600/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HfQZ4UGPBY_cz4ap1v_fectIBbOw1cfVt8D-0CWr-oEXc_Iwsey3jNfT0sgSFLJfLdBUQzKJ6QEEGPsl07tRbmVPILtxBxr_nx2gDbV0YqLTnVcg2p8AkW54cyiZrJGIOb1qxUC-_dE/s320/Busy+Bags+MOMS+Club+005.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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I think the original idea came from <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2009/03/brown-bear-brown-bear-tot-pack/">here</a> ... you can download the printables and see more great busy bag ideas from the "Toddler Times" blog!!</div>
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#3 -<b> Cloud Dough</b><br />
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This is a great outdoor idea and it kept my girl busy for hours! She was able to build sand castles and hide small toys in the dough.<br />
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Here's the recipe --8 cups of flour and 1 cup baby oil ... that's it! Easy Peasy!<br />
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My only warning ... it makes you want another baby in the house -- the baby oil smells soooo good!<br />
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I suggest getting a bigger tub -- I hated losing some of the cloud dough!</div>
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#4 - <b>Numbers Wheel</b><br />
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This is an easy and inexpensive way to learn numbers in English and Spanish (or whatever language you want to add). It's made of a sturdy paper plate, stickers with numbers/words, pins with a little bling bling and button decorations in the middle.<br />
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I love how the stickers have English, Spanish and the actual number!</div>
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#5 - <b>Name Threading</b><br />
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This is a great way to teach your toddler hand eye coordination and his/her name at the same time! I didn't make this one, but I think the letters were bought at a craft store. You punch the holes and cut some string. The end of the string has clear tape wrapped around it to make it easier for younger kids to thread.<br />
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#6 - <b>Popsicle Puzzle</b><br />
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This busy bag came with three puzzles! This Mommy printed out pictures of see saws, bunnies and kid friendly things and animals.<br />
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The pictures were glued to the sticks and then cut.<br />
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These puzzles are actually harder to do than you think (hence the reason you see only one put together for the picture ... ha ha!).<br />
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(By the way, I have tried this one before and used colored sticks from the craft store which was NOT a good idea because my daughter put them in her mouth and the colors rubbed off on her mouth and hands. I suggest using the plain sticks like the ones you see below!)<br />
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#7 - <b>Velcro Popsicle Shapes</b><br />
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This is a great way to learn shapes! I believe this Mommy spray painted popsicle sticks and added velcro to the ends to overlap the sticks. What a simple way to educate!<br />
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#8 - <b>Uppercase Lowercase Spoons</b><br />
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This is another great learning tool that can be fun at the same time! This Mommy wrote the UPPERCASE alphabet on the white spoons and the lowercase letters on the clear spoon. Be sure to put the lowercase letters a little lower so your kiddo can see both when stacked!<br />
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#9 - <b>Make and Decorate a Cupcake</b><br />
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I have tested this one out on my toddler daughter, three-year-old nephew and eight-year-old niece and they ALL love the cupcake maker!<br />
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They can build and switch around cupcakes, liners and icing. But, the best part is the decorating with cherries, hearts, chocolate chips and sprinkles! I'm getting hungry just thinking about that!<br />
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The FREE pattern came from <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/free-cupcake-busy-bag-instructions-and-pattern-download.html"> here</a> ... thank you "moneysavingmom.com"!<br />
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Putting on the final touches! So cute!</div>
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#10 - <b>Color Wheel</b><br />
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I'm trying to work on colors with her, so I'm pretty excited about this busy bag! It's a handmade color wheel (laminated too) with clothes pins. The pins have the colors and the color names which is good for learning how to spell later on down the road.<br />
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#11 - <b>Find My Match</b><br />
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My daughter is a big fan of this swap too. It's felt (or something like that) with buttons (hearts, starts, circles and flowers). All you have to do is trace the shapes!<br />
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#12 - <b>Button Snake</b><br />
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All you need to make this project is a button, ribbon, felt, thread/needle and scissors! The idea is to have your kiddos thread the felt pieces on and off the button snake for hours of entertainment!<br />
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This Mommy got the idea from <a href="http://www.jonahlisadyer.com/2009/05/cheap-easy-button-snake.html"> here</a> ... click and enjoy!<br />
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Each felt square has a slit the size of the button.</div>
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It takes a little sewing skills to attach the button and last felt piece.</div>
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#13 -<b> Pom Poms and Pipe Cleaners</b><br />
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I have seen different variations of this one. Here, a hole was cut out of an empty cottage cheese tub. My daughter loves stuffing the pom poms and pipe cleaners inside. I know it doesn't sound like loads of thrills, but she doesn't mind the work!<br />
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I also added an empty and clean plastic parmesan canister to add extra shapes for the stuffing! I have read some kids like the sound of the short pipe cleaners hitting the bottom.</div>
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So, that's it for this busy bag swap! I hope this blog has encouraged you to make inexpensive busy bags for your lil ones too! I'm all for spending less and sharing ideas to help other parents do the same!<br />
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A year later, I ended up doing another swap ... click <a href="http://costcuttingcreations.blogspot.com/2013/09/busy-bag-bargain-part-2.html">here</a> for NINE more busy bag ideas!<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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Kathryn<br />
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<b><br /></b>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-6318719868560774172012-05-20T12:58:00.004-07:002012-05-20T13:09:04.191-07:00Lov'in me some southern jars!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jars make great Thanksgiving centerpieces!</div>
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Add some rope and a tag to give the decor personality</div>
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Since these jars are reusable ... I made a quick switch from Thanksgiving to Christmas!</div>
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Took the rope from the Thanksgiving jars/tags and put it at the top for a different look.</div>
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Added fake pine and battery operated lights to the jars for the fireplace mantle.</div>
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After moving into a new house, we lacked holiday decor. So, I made a trip to Michaels and found some very cheap Mason-like jars (and used coupons too). You can find coupons in newspaper inserts and/or Michaels app for the I-phone ...etc. </div>
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For Thanksgiving, I bought some fall looking fake flowers/pine straw at a craft store-- on sale, of course! I added the rope and made the tags out of FREE brown paper grocery bags! </div>
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It was an easy switch from turkey day to Christmas ... for the big jars on the mantle, all I did was replace the fall flowers with fake pine needles and added battery operated lights to give it a nice twinkle. </div>
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The smaller jars were filled with <u>unscented</u> epsom salt (from Walgreens $6.49 a bag -- and I have PLENTY left over for other projects) a candle and I wrapped the rope I used for the Thanksgiving display around the top of the jar. I call it Simply Southern.</div>
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I hope to use these jars for other holiday decorations in the future!</div>
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<br />testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-1469415085526401902012-03-13T12:11:00.003-07:002012-03-13T12:11:37.168-07:00To die for Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Recipe Courtesy: "The Girl Who Ate Everything" </div>
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Click <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/03/peanut-butter-chocolate-bars.html">here</a> for the full recipe</div>
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On the first few blogs, you will have to bare with me. I am going through old receipts to see how much I saved on the ingredients. In the future, I will be better at organizing those long paper printouts! </div>
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So, the peanut butter chocolate bars called for the following ingredients ...</div>
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1 pkg of plain yellow cake mix -<span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: red;">this was a BOGO and I had two .70 off coupons which made each cake mix 22 cents!</span></div>
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1/2 cup butter, melted -<span style="color: red;"> this was a BOGO and I had $1 off coupons for each package of butter, making a package cost 69 cents (and I have plenty left)</span></div>
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1 cup creamy peanut butter - <span style="color: red;">already had in the pantry</span></div>
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2 eggs -<span style="color: red;"> I got for FREE from Kroger Plus coupons in the mail</span></div>
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1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips -<span style="color: red;"> already in pantry from holiday sales</span></div>
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1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk -<span style="color: red;"> I went with the Publix store brand for $2.29</span></div>
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2 Tablespoons butter -<span style="color: red;"> (same as butter above)</span></div>
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2 teaspoons vanilla -<span style="color: red;"> I got the Publix brand for less than $2 (and barely made a dent in the bottle)</span></div>
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Savings Summary: </div>
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Because of BOGOs and multiple coupons, I got the cake mix AND butter for only 91 cents and I still have lots of butter and one cake mix package left. Many people don't know that you can use coupons on <u>each</u> BOGO item. Since one is free, the second coupon cuts into the cost of the item you have to pay for.</div>
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I had a coupon for condensed milk, but it was still cheaper to go with the store brand.</div>
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I got the eggs for free for signing up for Kroger Plus -- they send you FREE coupons every once in a while!</div>
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My Overall Rating:</div>
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<u>Recipe</u> - EASY! EASY! EASY!</div>
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<u>Taste</u> - Let's put it this way, my husband didn't want to share the yummy squares with co-workers. He said this was my best dessert creation ever. I will be making this again!</div>
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<u>Couponing Cost</u> - I paid less than $6, but I can use the vanilla extract and butter on several more batches.</div>
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<br /></div>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120893858269647744.post-82274546417894481722012-02-29T12:29:00.000-08:002012-03-13T11:58:18.372-07:00To blog or not to blog....<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is my first blog EVER! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, you might be wondering ... what took me so long? Well, I have spent the last dozen or so years focusing on my TV reporting career and then something special happened in my life. I had a baby girl and quit the biz. Now, I'm a stay-at-home Mom who does video editing and videography on the side, but I still need a way to keep my writing skills polished and the creativity flowing (there's only so much you can do with play dough!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My "Cost Cutting Creations" blog is also about my love for saving money (including my crazy couponing habits). Yes, I'm the one in the store with a BIG binder with a toddler in tote. I wouldn't call myself a cheapster or anything, but I LOVE a good deal. And, since I stay at home now, I need to find ways to cut costs and still have a good meal and something nice to hang up in our new home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Where do my ideas come from? Some are inspired by walking around craft stores, but most of the ideas come from Pinterest. (Okay, if you haven't heard of this yet, you need to sign up ASAP)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At first, my husband rolled his eyes at my Pinterest addicting ways, but he quickly changed his mind when his not-so-great in the kitchen wife became adventurous and daring (although, I still measure everything and I don't veer away from the recipe much -- that still frightens me!). Because many Pinterest recipes originate from blogs (mostly mommy bloggers) ... it gave me the confidence to dust off the crock pot, turn on the oven and turn up the heat in the kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anyway, I started noticing that I was using coupon discounted (and sometimes free) grocery items for many of the Pinterest plates. That is how this blog was born. I wanted to show people how you can make recipes from websites (mostly bloggers) and make it on a budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I hope this blog will help you realize you can make a meal or artwork while pinching pennies at the same time. Enjoy! Pictures, recipes, crafts and savings are coming soon!</span>testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947546019890217304noreply@blogger.com1