tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156787767161625262024-02-18T21:38:03.688-05:00Maddie & MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-32707844344738002352010-10-09T15:30:00.000-04:002010-10-09T15:26:22.332-04:00How to Make Monster Eyes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5r83q6AwjTsPuNl4uDdFJyXHxhuWUpzoWM2vDKE0FY2xnz2nVoiQaInMfuHJpI3rWPwITnnoqcMA3GegjOt5qI4II4d_t1n0WtHlr7VmZO_d5cRDwC6UeBgRZX6HELSccQ2f2_7JxoA/s1600-h/monster+eyes+016.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255301819951354210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5r83q6AwjTsPuNl4uDdFJyXHxhuWUpzoWM2vDKE0FY2xnz2nVoiQaInMfuHJpI3rWPwITnnoqcMA3GegjOt5qI4II4d_t1n0WtHlr7VmZO_d5cRDwC6UeBgRZX6HELSccQ2f2_7JxoA/s320/monster+eyes+016.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Get at least 5 pieces of black poster board for two average windows. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Measure twice, cut once!</span> Measure the size of your windows, we were just in luck and the poster board fit top to bottom in each pane, but not the width. We had to cut the 5th poster board to make up the difference for each of the 4 "panes."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbJYV270qccjXNz6_3zrTaJ-TSUic93RgW9IFDuP3SfWfnGTgZIhZJzZg9k7EigP_f8SMnZrb58E2xTbhFe9YuU11heS5KwqDw4XOmrAbc1o6xxrWkPeuxoao3FafZ0BKTqLlmrmLmLg/s1600-h/monster+eyes+002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255302509207194146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbJYV270qccjXNz6_3zrTaJ-TSUic93RgW9IFDuP3SfWfnGTgZIhZJzZg9k7EigP_f8SMnZrb58E2xTbhFe9YuU11heS5KwqDw4XOmrAbc1o6xxrWkPeuxoao3FafZ0BKTqLlmrmLmLg/s200/monster+eyes+002.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HrlTOuYRvdWpOeBMdLP5mW4k0krM6iUIt2KhjTjd16dQX9Guj0yQ1CQqTT3lhJliWTTbV4CM-neAjoOlIgzlYn52IdLHPL3k-tOai0YKIQbscJeUizge-YgVWwWdn01sC7xSrlUPDQg/s1600-h/monster+eyes+003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255302518392857650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HrlTOuYRvdWpOeBMdLP5mW4k0krM6iUIt2KhjTjd16dQX9Guj0yQ1CQqTT3lhJliWTTbV4CM-neAjoOlIgzlYn52IdLHPL3k-tOai0YKIQbscJeUizge-YgVWwWdn01sC7xSrlUPDQg/s200/monster+eyes+003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a></div>Cut a large triangle out of two of the four poster boards. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVwdTj45DrxMGJDYezz8OMQ1q-pPheNZhH595llx-YjMK2VTav2Y2Awty7KYqCf_IxrmWJRf-aUTB6IvCMxDUtGwsgdVUGONolbl_3iR1zJLUXDt9cMlet6mbJ-zNAtOBnjCMjurNgck/s1600-h/monster+eyes+005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255302516870386642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVwdTj45DrxMGJDYezz8OMQ1q-pPheNZhH595llx-YjMK2VTav2Y2Awty7KYqCf_IxrmWJRf-aUTB6IvCMxDUtGwsgdVUGONolbl_3iR1zJLUXDt9cMlet6mbJ-zNAtOBnjCMjurNgck/s200/monster+eyes+005.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />
Use a plate or something of the like for a template and cut black circles out of the piece that you've cut from the triangle as pictured.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wffsb-7u0EI94mumANEm5IBuX_vms8UmdDwWMAXKtKD_OtV63yG0pHJ1DxVi70xtF1MSYSfCaklqdknW5VdbDHoxX_V7dq6apQErOSFOepxM4koMQ0zsQ9cqdew7PBv9jQFnAB9cCwY/s1600-h/monster+eyes+006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255302521043490386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wffsb-7u0EI94mumANEm5IBuX_vms8UmdDwWMAXKtKD_OtV63yG0pHJ1DxVi70xtF1MSYSfCaklqdknW5VdbDHoxX_V7dq6apQErOSFOepxM4koMQ0zsQ9cqdew7PBv9jQFnAB9cCwY/s200/monster+eyes+006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a></div>Tape the eyeball to the poster board making sure that the bottom of the circle is even with the bottom of the poster board.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4t67LaUZRZi1p25YxHKtkYZCrtL-tVpdGWJt1CJ6irhVkbe0f6R_LrvhViMYW73yj0rq-rdk2OTJH2j9fi7zOOIMfei6t8TW19e4ksfnuCakOSoj5ztbuPSDimzqtcj33I92JG18taA/s1600-h/monster+eyes+004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255302527867162258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4t67LaUZRZi1p25YxHKtkYZCrtL-tVpdGWJt1CJ6irhVkbe0f6R_LrvhViMYW73yj0rq-rdk2OTJH2j9fi7zOOIMfei6t8TW19e4ksfnuCakOSoj5ztbuPSDimzqtcj33I92JG18taA/s200/monster+eyes+004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />
Use yellow and orange tissue paper to cover the cut out triangle (I put yellow down first, then orange behind it to make it a dark yellow).<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z5mBmhS3Jgu0Xgu3fjDd3-7hedmMI6xKIWa1UbYVJualtNvNtugK9UuEGewzwMwfY1VNd-0KBgTRskvNJKF_cgv5b6Xfct6501nD1jQkIZ8P-C15dIFQNscXkjFVx8AR11BbDOrjfMU/s1600-h/monster+eyes+007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255303554275491314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z5mBmhS3Jgu0Xgu3fjDd3-7hedmMI6xKIWa1UbYVJualtNvNtugK9UuEGewzwMwfY1VNd-0KBgTRskvNJKF_cgv5b6Xfct6501nD1jQkIZ8P-C15dIFQNscXkjFVx8AR11BbDOrjfMU/s200/monster+eyes+007.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a></div>Tape into windows and have a happy Halloween!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSc8XfzlliWmbNn6BHuzakvx4cd8_UwZKRmETp9fNvetHEhYzvritixHGKhH3hDM2J9XqniLqsoKCjj-x5V4qxfxJlcRdLDDThpX6rxBTeEJMbglPCYYFB4SfrLngaD5LW7lQKvGC0YU/s1600-h/monster+eyes+014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255303822320473026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSc8XfzlliWmbNn6BHuzakvx4cd8_UwZKRmETp9fNvetHEhYzvritixHGKhH3hDM2J9XqniLqsoKCjj-x5V4qxfxJlcRdLDDThpX6rxBTeEJMbglPCYYFB4SfrLngaD5LW7lQKvGC0YU/s400/monster+eyes+014.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />
Look for crazy eyes coming soon!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-37413562804671426212010-07-31T10:11:00.001-04:002010-07-31T10:39:12.094-04:00Back to School SaleThe <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/">Homefront Team</a> on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy </a>is doing a Back to School sale in August. Each shop that is participating has their own sale, <a href="http://www.1maddieandme.etsy.com/">Maddie & ME</a> is having free shipping the entire month of August for any purchase over $30.00! Go to Etsy and search *homefrontbts* to see all the great shops having sales. Support the military buy from the Homefront!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinsnPaperOnline?ga_search_query=pinsnpaper&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsvBFAiU1oSbrnoC2Iyhl63ZjZI6r2EZPVETQ7yvLzV_LDhmOLtppOYXtz_Hh5KORiGh3QT5cSpuW5w3snoFQ2moMmOl8VqqtnCqdPhHGkVGeJjdFzGHRACj5Yp4oxbs0Q5TztKHOMSs/s200/pins+binder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839495769089634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinsnPaperOnline?ga_search_query=pinsnpaper&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS1jFuKZNH_k7xgSK7iYfoJWERMO4InQ1JIvhKXHWKOY97xuTa4Y2i_3lvA3mVvtrNFx6LbpeLp1Ocg2HRjCO6K1JzfB2rCZXNrWzx7EbnSbWeCojHBcV4cJLE9uhFD-alCzX7pLx-t0/s200/divinebeauti.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839353938485762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinsnPaperOnline?ga_search_query=pinsnpaper&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6UrcbsnoDU6yBotaRoOBeh2IKIfpa4EWthA0I8-6Ed0HaBOiJaWHEpatR3kikI8sHP1StAD6T_I1eQyrQhrBXfiBuldl7EPQ3bIxHxYiuC0SuE0TpD2LJb16-BrBnyNl5JBpKcfX3Fk/s200/sondra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839356034867170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5aw9VDcAuiJAwtjnvZEmZKSOv40yxHgQCk1sDI2IUyO5tLjz_abXOopbpBUqXwLR8nFrMbR-WroDQ_C6Yx4AfJRws9dcGsz-WrF2Jktehhe7-WTmK4kuE6c7EvD4TDY27xzEC8TaS2A/s200/maddieskirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839363034799442" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UfdOsP8FYknvZUX8UBk-tAR92dpNagPne3nfNpIIEQQb2WFiTUCuvp5PJOq1iJ52QG0yNGGIWSzX3vGWPSfndFpybx-bi3CTmoAyGTbPxh3-2SrF8EF8jZ1JvAgvK1PVjIKCZVezYpc/s200/cami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839338952557506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YUgfdbKJgKQ6fp9JSVuWaR4tdQ2LVogRPcQ1A6niAnc0ymQs-jzwuyTMtCqKmqUF9Fc6xEQHxhRINLjCv-SCW8SGaMPCQDDfyQz76e9wHgfLPXVvJQXuqj5g3xMrrLJPkxrhKET1IDI/s200/college+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839344251585698" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-15441863024076238802010-07-28T10:17:00.000-04:002010-07-28T10:17:00.121-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c4f700b6ba08eefb1acd608/the-truth-in-black-and-white"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPRJc8DaWbpfZ1rQg4twnOtuxyGcFTWzmPiJB9fmvKK03mcjpDYc25sAwUxaw3Xx2dYWS70cPia9t8dZzXjqzriCH2xE7sjvirTEbZ4qTiDq314fy3ioqvRLsqyPrAVTyVzpVJmFyhTw/s400/treasury.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498784399028778738" border="0" /></a><br />I thought about how much I cherish the members of the <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/">Homefront Team</a>. I wanted to show them just as I see them; beautiful, talented, creative, hard working, supportive, sweet, funny, quirky, caring, and loving. Above all they love their families and they love their country. Thank you for being the <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/">Homefront Team</a> with me.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe">-Maddie & ME</a><br />Featured in Order: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/charmingladies3">CharmingLadies3</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreationsAnew">CreationsAnew</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">LilacAve</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwinkleLight">TwinkleLight</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoSeasideBabes">TwoSeasideBabies</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AStonesThrow">AStonesThrow</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/autumnletters">AutumnLetters</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/monsterbugblankets">MonsterBugBlankets</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarlumpsdesign">SugarLumpsDesign</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jrzygirlphotography">JrzyGirlPhotography</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrsdstahl">MrsDStahl</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mommieof4munchkins">Mommieof4Munchkins</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sygnetcreations">SygnetCreations</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheModMenagerie">TheModMenagerie</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomemadeZen"> HomemadeZen</a>, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange">WonderousStrange</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-90818504876324487962010-07-27T10:00:00.003-04:002010-07-27T10:00:01.444-04:00Children's Book Review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvONxK0_6uLG6YZKlGaE_trR5OId9ji4pjrhOjTK-5bmWQEuFu_-2AdcMEJt2MwlICzJ_eAbdjCUscHdFF9hfIOstFIgB3iA54tADrs70emhBkWpGNaSfdtFtd_bJpbZUbCJk_tQ8O-k/s1600-h/coco+book+review+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvONxK0_6uLG6YZKlGaE_trR5OId9ji4pjrhOjTK-5bmWQEuFu_-2AdcMEJt2MwlICzJ_eAbdjCUscHdFF9hfIOstFIgB3iA54tADrs70emhBkWpGNaSfdtFtd_bJpbZUbCJk_tQ8O-k/s320/coco+book+review+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212682916558346226" border="0" /></a><br />"Different Like Coco"<br />by Elizabeth Matthews<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is a definite favorite. We've enjoyed this book enough to have checked it out no less than 3 times in the past few months. This is a kids version of a genuine biography.<br />Taken from the book jacket:<br />"Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel was always different. She was poor, skinny, and orphaned, yet she held stubbornly to the belief that she was just as good as any of the wealthier, well-bred girls of Paris. ... With a talent for sewing and creative mind, Coco began inventing clothing that suited her (and her pocketbook). A new generation of independent working women fell in love with the comfort, simplicity, practicality, and freedom they found in Coco's innovative clothes."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXds04nW_vLz5_ZmXtFOsvUHNxZSPVCUORyFksI36pDkeKwCHgA6YtXSGeCV53IS2_EZ2XlnhTQJCZydipmFNdMp8Fdn-VL_3f3JbNeWZu9qxZravibzy3mpiBP2iLd4-HYxBsQJXfkxg/s1600-h/coco+book+review+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXds04nW_vLz5_ZmXtFOsvUHNxZSPVCUORyFksI36pDkeKwCHgA6YtXSGeCV53IS2_EZ2XlnhTQJCZydipmFNdMp8Fdn-VL_3f3JbNeWZu9qxZravibzy3mpiBP2iLd4-HYxBsQJXfkxg/s200/coco+book+review+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212688827693337234" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Coco is my inspiration and role model. I picked up this book when my daughter was too young to enjoy what it was really about. Now we love to read it over and over and both identify with it. She loves to point out that Coco worn her scissors on a long string of pearls "just like you do mommy!" I will eventually have to tell my little one that Coco was the original on that idea. We also identify with Coco being skinny as my little girl is very thin and no matter what, there are some things that just don't and won't fit her no matter how we try!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyimxsms-Pwo2J5F9JG8UMkxy-LDcna3QlcGnp7hJMoCadiuN2dLKkHszYfxgQrurx7YviX5tsjNmP35Wa5Ij5R7UEW3L7kgMxnLt75tG5V600lh7QGuSImXN8vo5ULVyPyV0qv9156Q/s1600-h/coco+book+review+003.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyimxsms-Pwo2J5F9JG8UMkxy-LDcna3QlcGnp7hJMoCadiuN2dLKkHszYfxgQrurx7YviX5tsjNmP35Wa5Ij5R7UEW3L7kgMxnLt75tG5V600lh7QGuSImXN8vo5ULVyPyV0qv9156Q/s200/coco+book+review+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212688821825303810" border="0" /></a><br /></div>All in all this is a wonderful book that we both love for our own reasons. I recommend it to anyone who has a little girly girl - not the best for boys or tomboys - but lovely if your daughter aspires to be a fashion designer (or even if you are the aspiring fashion designer). This book is a biography and so has a time line of Coco's life and works and a Bibliography. I'd say it would be a great choice for a elementary age girl having to do a book report!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppM43QELviWjR5tMD7p6mrRc58QhT-XYs2C49OrZM8_I5SfqSn2JXFWpOMmLmjA1KQ-2wckxGoh_UDwaCIET4faTqMflt19mwCPgliy074Ybb2Mcn19Ur1AlAG_-dGwziDbGEA72a0mM/s1600-h/coco+book+review+007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppM43QELviWjR5tMD7p6mrRc58QhT-XYs2C49OrZM8_I5SfqSn2JXFWpOMmLmjA1KQ-2wckxGoh_UDwaCIET4faTqMflt19mwCPgliy074Ybb2Mcn19Ur1AlAG_-dGwziDbGEA72a0mM/s200/coco+book+review+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212688829851829762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />"Elizabeth Matthews makes her chic picture-book debut with this lovely and inspiring look at a woman who was so much more than the legendary inventor of 'the little black dress.' She was and is a role model for people everywhere who dare to embrace their uniqueness and to dream big." <span style="font-style: italic;">Excerpt from Jacket</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZFUxg2WkslUCivslkC2wnIPCoUMDZ6puKSlylX462MByqB87DoZQ0nmhwe0tDdCDHh5EFclhgAZ7aDQqzNL4girMQph1mLGOXbMbhv3e34fGypoDwPIZSk_XmytVsyA28EuijR3iyyU/s1600-h/coco+book+review+006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZFUxg2WkslUCivslkC2wnIPCoUMDZ6puKSlylX462MByqB87DoZQ0nmhwe0tDdCDHh5EFclhgAZ7aDQqzNL4girMQph1mLGOXbMbhv3e34fGypoDwPIZSk_XmytVsyA28EuijR3iyyU/s320/coco+book+review+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212689301050224930" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-4272296176583883062010-07-26T10:00:00.002-04:002010-07-26T10:14:39.632-04:00Customer Appreciation PicturesThese photos bring a new meaning to "Customer Appreciation Pictures" because once you view these pictures you'll see why I am so appreciative of my customer for sending them. Without further ado here are the photos I received that left me speechless.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCgcGvnBl7LTfitSE5CaFHKsRYgGGYAi5y0R7Y4vL-WX94FpwF6jgc4UTgP5SyIY12FOXOBst5IV2JCA_unHbch210R1oy2sXnaOxt_IP6ioX3G5b2yNbC1TrkJ5etraKmINN12qkQnQ/s1600/nightgown+and+bubble.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCgcGvnBl7LTfitSE5CaFHKsRYgGGYAi5y0R7Y4vL-WX94FpwF6jgc4UTgP5SyIY12FOXOBst5IV2JCA_unHbch210R1oy2sXnaOxt_IP6ioX3G5b2yNbC1TrkJ5etraKmINN12qkQnQ/s320/nightgown+and+bubble.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497674589589657922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTZadG2wLlT-nfNqLkSGccjPTPIoamvYgPml_EjyX5hjgHTzdZmxK-Uou39ZnPdi2yflbkA-ttnUX8nkAAeFkgPspvdsySVgIhOEd2n6pBRvrFNf9dgtZyEB7XHfNUq6-eZ7Ym9kPa8g/s1600/nightgown+brook4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTZadG2wLlT-nfNqLkSGccjPTPIoamvYgPml_EjyX5hjgHTzdZmxK-Uou39ZnPdi2yflbkA-ttnUX8nkAAeFkgPspvdsySVgIhOEd2n6pBRvrFNf9dgtZyEB7XHfNUq6-eZ7Ym9kPa8g/s200/nightgown+brook4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497674959373534946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1Tj8JJslUvxqtQ0-TNt3muwWG79DveU-gs_XNFK4KFjxdBH9dn8wavG32yAHqhW4gxvXzfJF5eoqNkYTpT8oDwNme6TRNoLMrVJRfHMjf9dRzL7kZqgBFqBPRy98qYqwUlN-77vnJWU/s1600/nightgown+brook3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1Tj8JJslUvxqtQ0-TNt3muwWG79DveU-gs_XNFK4KFjxdBH9dn8wavG32yAHqhW4gxvXzfJF5eoqNkYTpT8oDwNme6TRNoLMrVJRfHMjf9dRzL7kZqgBFqBPRy98qYqwUlN-77vnJWU/s200/nightgown+brook3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497674954755162930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQMMvZnqSIjWrs3VhUBVRVdRGxc6WW7caNRQho7EtwWDYWtPyPQJ2dUztWDLdg5mOjVfv2DrYhlAsPk9f6aQ_vGiEckXcKppnwA0Qovf_kugrYIzxf2quiCi5zWqpfrXPae8lxn827Qo/s1600/nightgown+brook2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQMMvZnqSIjWrs3VhUBVRVdRGxc6WW7caNRQho7EtwWDYWtPyPQJ2dUztWDLdg5mOjVfv2DrYhlAsPk9f6aQ_vGiEckXcKppnwA0Qovf_kugrYIzxf2quiCi5zWqpfrXPae8lxn827Qo/s200/nightgown+brook2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497674947734792418" border="0" /></a><br />The feedback she left me? Oh my I was blushing!<br /><br />"I am so thrilled with this purchase, I do not know where to begin! After searching high and low in retail stores and on the internet for sweet and simple, cotton nightgowns, I purchased two good night princess nightgowns for my toddler and a matching bubble for her baby sister. Kristina was wonderful to work with. Each item was custom made to each of my daughter's measurements."<br /><br />"When the pieces arrived and I tried them on my daughters, I was amazed by the craftsmanship. The fit was beautiful and the quality was excellent. Kristina is a very talented designer and seamstress. I could easy convince my family and friends that I bought these pieces at a high-end children's boutique. In fact, I think they are nicer than many higher priced items that I saw in local boutiques. The value for the money is really unbelievable! Turn-around time was excellent, considering the pieces were custom made. They were well worth the short wait!"<br /><br />"I look forward to being a long-time customer of Maddie & Me. Thank you so much!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RxbOC_v2lsLieq1OfOAYOIPPEgtsBojweylrxB-PFq20OWRYmQFmcnqUFj4ZboJbPYFcshcRgfnaEno0fqmh29ZzmW7oe7OUFhP7bwGqknq8zwnwIhVsboWv0A9lh8YEcld3xeqORoM/s1600/nightgown+brooke.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RxbOC_v2lsLieq1OfOAYOIPPEgtsBojweylrxB-PFq20OWRYmQFmcnqUFj4ZboJbPYFcshcRgfnaEno0fqmh29ZzmW7oe7OUFhP7bwGqknq8zwnwIhVsboWv0A9lh8YEcld3xeqORoM/s200/nightgown+brooke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497674944327831890" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-52360883059665574522010-07-24T14:05:00.006-04:002010-07-24T14:29:31.802-04:00skirts, skirts and more skirts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe?section_id=5870890"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNti15Mr80BPsyw0zdjnTVe5EtXvP4V1xS0im8o7KSuBV2DzEtJSUXTrW2WeOyfe1_bx5GmfUaYpy-2HfWupHt7ASObPAnar1qmQJN9Yul4ofWy9aUApwKjxHtTg48vCTFjfA44vUleOw/s400/skirts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497541237968130962" border="0" /></a>I love the length!!!!!!!!!!!! Most of her skirts were getting so short! :) And most today are made shorter, too. They are GORGEOUS! I am in total awe!!!!! Plus--she'll get to wear it probably into next yr!!!!<br /><br /> I completely adore it! The material was superior quality, the stitching perfect, and most of all my daughter loved it so much she had to wear it the next day! Thanks...we'll be back!<br /><br />Oh --got the skirts this afternoon-- They are AWESOME!!!!!! I was pinging--hubs thought I was nuts! They are very well made!!!!!!!! Love em! <br /><br />I am in awe of your skirts--you do a very, very good job on them! I could see your whole shop being full of them!<br /><br />My daughter adores these skirts!!! And I love them because they aren't mini skirts! Great lightweight/quality fabrics that wash well.<br /><br />Too cute! My niece is going to look adorable in it! Thank You!<br /><br /> Very cute! Just as pictured. These will look cute for summer with a little tank top! I'm glad I got 3 of them!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-1440838231199585922010-07-17T10:28:00.008-04:002010-07-17T10:40:49.539-04:00Coming Soon!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6gSzK5VQPtZERmI3miJXeSZ9jRb1m3XyjfzXa3fh8Oymr369vycTbez0c3kGtNw2EA4Zg9y84N8AvPaNMq0DLVIskC_BQIEyHEA8pYolia9GN-cmr5TbtTb-j3chVy-jBoNU_Z01ZUM/s1600/stretch+knit+and+bubble+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6gSzK5VQPtZERmI3miJXeSZ9jRb1m3XyjfzXa3fh8Oymr369vycTbez0c3kGtNw2EA4Zg9y84N8AvPaNMq0DLVIskC_BQIEyHEA8pYolia9GN-cmr5TbtTb-j3chVy-jBoNU_Z01ZUM/s320/stretch+knit+and+bubble+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494883045441495874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Coming soon! Maddie & ME, Children's Handcrafted Couture is introducing a line of Jersey Knit skirt sets. Comfortable and fun, easy to care for<br />and great for back to school. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is a sample of the style and look for more coming soon!</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika_Fl1hcY7bO7yaoEPfHO1p2cTRHWVPQRZ0r1wfHvS3-q3Q3tZM9fv88MO4papZM1RVSlmUTB-u1bujQ6UFIUlQbKYr_tehAAFvln75oJ4f4-NR70DeHbog4nRtWmaLi3uHE4Cv0dTd0/s1600/stretch+knit+and+bubble+007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika_Fl1hcY7bO7yaoEPfHO1p2cTRHWVPQRZ0r1wfHvS3-q3Q3tZM9fv88MO4papZM1RVSlmUTB-u1bujQ6UFIUlQbKYr_tehAAFvln75oJ4f4-NR70DeHbog4nRtWmaLi3uHE4Cv0dTd0/s200/stretch+knit+and+bubble+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494884116992319746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYZdkjActjghy74HaKStLxVpr9lDTbspkwnniZnITpWdnPtSrJcf-rgTDrM7KkSqihbJZ0ab_ff1ooL9D3Cgi5_ZpAuiXpsMCgbEYIqMdiggaUaI8Fb6nLvyKET_3SxCWGCsJHjnsTf0/s1600/stretch+knit+and+bubble+006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYZdkjActjghy74HaKStLxVpr9lDTbspkwnniZnITpWdnPtSrJcf-rgTDrM7KkSqihbJZ0ab_ff1ooL9D3Cgi5_ZpAuiXpsMCgbEYIqMdiggaUaI8Fb6nLvyKET_3SxCWGCsJHjnsTf0/s200/stretch+knit+and+bubble+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494884124568339010" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-17136693639150211632010-07-15T09:11:00.006-04:002010-07-15T09:31:03.030-04:00Believe in the DreamThis too is from my new daily meditation book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hours of Power, My Daily Book of Motivation and Inspiration</span> by Robert H. Schuller.<br /><br />"Success begins once we start to believe in the beautiful dream that God sends us. How marvelous that our response was positive and not negative. How remarkable that the simple dream was not dismissed offhandedly as an impossibility, when in fact the moment was a meeting of a human mind with the dream of the Creator - God!"<br /><br />"Blessed are those whose dreams are shaped by their hopes, not by their hurts."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51403465/11x14-fine-photography-with"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGap8pLnOyf3nRcfoWGR0r7p6-Rzh0n_cz2bW06vkMvyw-G_MMaQPapIcW-LV9U8-tpW8dRzVk1XgJqQpoLr755uWSgsKFwoZpEDg23CnHv4znTAvNCqenc5Icd14WQhJkg9leXH0BqY/s320/creations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494122081529082594" border="0" /></a>Photograph graciously provided by "Creations Anew" at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreationsAnew?ref=seller_info">www.CreationsAnew.etsy.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-73132794699921739232010-07-13T21:38:00.004-04:002010-07-13T21:56:30.115-04:00You Can Begin With Nothing"Dreams cost nothing, Do you have a dream? Are you facing money problems? Remember this: all great projects begin with a dream. Projects can be started without a single cent! The most valuable things in life are free. An idea, an hour in the early morning, a friend who encourages, the freedom to sell your idea, an article in the newspaper. All of these are free! So is talk. If you have a need-filling, God-glorifying, humanity-inspiring, imaginative idea, share it with trusting Possibility Thinkers and you will at least give the dream a chance to come alive. Truly, the most valuable product in the world is an idea. Good ideas magnetically attract support from unexpected sources."<br /><br />This was my morning reading for July 12. Cool huh? Yeah, I think I'll keep reading this book. Thanks Mom and Dad for giving it to me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUC6_xhk-vrUMMh9iFe2ictpf1SAuuqnCoidT5KChPoJVo3grEjwow0VlIrtYv9mkd3itAymBmSryGdggi8m9DbF7oKDA439_XtG9VqsGCNywf-f7ZTaDWIzz3ES6kmoU_c4CNPRHJO8/s400/original+flyer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493573221643273138" border="0" /></a>My first flier and logo - yes I designed the logo using MS Paint.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-668581252415358942010-07-12T21:40:00.005-04:002010-07-12T21:55:57.117-04:00New Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51379448/soft-yellow-hair-flower-no-130"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p0EPqhmNoIYgeK-HQAHN83V_G0RLZpiJWzHIrdbvN_XY_s-g6dpGgS-ytmKyIHrTrpuIJOSJihqyg49PHJUePGumfUmqDPrOPso3R-bp1Ul12QZnzqx57E1vmZH_kzbOqFlvOE-oChQ/s320/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201553961740898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwL5LIx6hPeEOioqV-KTFUqjViMOMOhlzRWKYgY-gLJd977F4pustqG_LNJwirsMZT0SWHeGyzDdaOrB9UFHhxS1hcmubmq2vOD6YYh3Sl82ib1luVeA5a08XjTmzMa96tJ5e_yd1GsFw/s1600/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+136.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_Iu2ECOEuNbjWcrSUeUwjnLzIM9lQ3s7_qNlpncVW6NnzzmEGsFjdkf2jt2H7fICmcty503QTzb0JLIGY6ezJ6oG50nVexvP9zNO4U-ECi7jeU-kzdkoBPUPvai7vDFlyOzwjA0WCGc/s1600/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+131.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_Iu2ECOEuNbjWcrSUeUwjnLzIM9lQ3s7_qNlpncVW6NnzzmEGsFjdkf2jt2H7fICmcty503QTzb0JLIGY6ezJ6oG50nVexvP9zNO4U-ECi7jeU-kzdkoBPUPvai7vDFlyOzwjA0WCGc/s320/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201568910657186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51228533/soft-pink-hair-flower-no-126"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREBMML0_iXHy6pIXwYwXIHS5s7elF0lt8AFoa7f1pimlpdx0m6gCXOr8vgF4SwJ534AeNYQ9tUFFYR4sc4_MD4W-K3_t62TvJJ0tPcbB0cWKt5h6xWPRcx-T8eRZxVVbyQDj2r-rPLdQ/s320/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201547796446498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51241873/soft-yellow-hair-flower-no-134"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaRAKjUtjv5Lbj-wJxOLT38ht9-fEpbVBo538t5waLKJGkcM_DM3eIFFGY4XLRKO82NplBjonjRojUoDfgIFnwloEzvG1Tyvf-ADcJhy_rVVvauQ5kUZnaeI2CyPgmmj2O_bZOrtW7zk/s320/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493202005243057650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51271355/salmon-and-sage-hair-flower-no121"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQfj4tYgNtXpiF8xgiJskorDbTioODsvp9Q9EGdtTMZB3Xf3bxw-lfxOoiJbN8jHk2d-N_7l8vZ-TEovbMmXp0DuiaRXnEFiaodPrtjbmk08SQ4XZvvSDUxG0S3OjM1gAQO_L01FR3zA/s320/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201542136009474" border="0" /></a><br />Maddie & ME is introducing a new product that will branch all seasons and all designs. This accessory is the most wonderfully simple hair adornment that spices up any outfit. It can work for any girl from infant to adult just select the right size and color for your outfit and voila an instant accessory.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-21172893409444785592010-07-10T15:40:00.005-04:002010-07-10T17:39:09.606-04:00Sneek Peak<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Here is a peak at some of the back to school / early fall offerings from Maddie & ME.<br />More to come at <a href="http://www.1maddieandme.etsy.com/">www.1MaddieAndMe.etsy.com.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyHuHtINLKMKMiOd_SoivmaOYXu8KeA75D4FdHbt13Jw4cT85QHOptBPoax_Rmv6KypkqTMshUVcoK3htgNSc8Y8BRjBrun752-_fxDs1iESRTd2mjeCa8kJWg6LKFHWF1bL-Pfwc9EM/s1600/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+071.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyHuHtINLKMKMiOd_SoivmaOYXu8KeA75D4FdHbt13Jw4cT85QHOptBPoax_Rmv6KypkqTMshUVcoK3htgNSc8Y8BRjBrun752-_fxDs1iESRTd2mjeCa8kJWg6LKFHWF1bL-Pfwc9EM/s400/hannah,+lindsay+and+maddie+071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492365122570993858" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-73926436316855031982010-07-08T11:30:00.001-04:002010-07-08T11:29:02.481-04:00How to ... a step by step guide to approaching a retail shop<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" >This is a re-up of a previous blog post. I decided to do this not because I can't do it again with fresh pictures, but because the comments in this original post were also very informative.</span><br /><br />OK this is for any handmade product e-commerce shop owners. I've been asked to do a blog post on how to approach a shop to have them carry your line. Having run a retail shop (my mom's) for over 5 years, and successfully gotten my items in several local stores is the ONLY expertise I have. I don't really know any other way to do this except step by step, so that's what I'm going to do.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9r9f5l4JSF15q79VB06nGMaXwP3ER8SV7jPJl8klFCTBDkkAeFuo4gRaMG6hjt5hWOBIR6Zxy-KEW8KfPJSIUAzuzaS4NQuKadN__00pc1lpi87E8nOk3-keoly74_a_ERuWT_B7Qgs/s1600-h/shop+pics+%283%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9r9f5l4JSF15q79VB06nGMaXwP3ER8SV7jPJl8klFCTBDkkAeFuo4gRaMG6hjt5hWOBIR6Zxy-KEW8KfPJSIUAzuzaS4NQuKadN__00pc1lpi87E8nOk3-keoly74_a_ERuWT_B7Qgs/s200/shop+pics+%283%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300640897686334722" border="0" /></a><br />1) SCOPE IT OUT - Visit said shop, see if they carry similar items, whats the price range, are they already full of the items you want to sell there?<br />2) PLANT A SEED - If the shop looks like something that would be a good place to sell your items, briefly mention to the person at the counter about your items, leave a business card.<br />3) BUY SOMETHING - Make a purchase in that shop, if you won't buy something why would they sell your items?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The First Three Can Be Done In One Visit!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4) STAY VISIBLE - Come back for a second visit within a week when the owner is there (call ahead). Usually in any small shop the owner is the ONLY decision maker, any one else just passes the info along with their opinions and recommendations.<br />5) SHOW YOUR PRODUCT - Bring something you make as a gift for the owner. If you deal with children's products OR if the owner has kids (many times they kids would be at the shop with them) be sure to bring a little something for the kids and don't forget to have one for each kid to prevent sibling arguments.<br />6) BE POLITE - Ask the owner if NOW is a good time to discuss the possibility of them carrying your line. If they say they are covered up -Southern term for really busy, they ask WHEN is a good time. Don't leave without a time scheduled to come back.<br />7) BE PROFESSIONAL - If scheduled, be sure to call one day ahead to confirm - its good business, they'll know you're serious AND you'll know they'll be there and not blow you off.<br />8) BE READY - Come back with items in hand ready to leave there for a trial basis.<br /><br />-Most consignments in my area are on a 70/30 basis so be prepared for that and don't expect them to sell your items for you at 90/10. They have overhead, rent, advertising, etc. to pay and are doing all that for you if your items are in their shop.<br />-If they ask you to keep up with your inventory be sure to have all items recorded before you bring them in. Most shops have computerized inventory, but not all so be ready for that as well.<br />- Be prepared to rotate inventory, if items sit too long people will over look them. If the shop keep allows it, ask if you can come in at least once a month and move your items around. Some prefer to do it themselves, others will appreciate the help and outside perspective that you'll offer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI_Qg1pdZnottHXvPSh6BtYLSLWKuVJr1UldzRe0NF7oNT234UF-_eiHPARR4BqaaKIjixCJN7QW21dzFFHURKTluemc1nvYCUPTtDFAsS86-Qmr6nB2B8KlcLzwC_Nc599DtusrUKcs/s1600/flips.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI_Qg1pdZnottHXvPSh6BtYLSLWKuVJr1UldzRe0NF7oNT234UF-_eiHPARR4BqaaKIjixCJN7QW21dzFFHURKTluemc1nvYCUPTtDFAsS86-Qmr6nB2B8KlcLzwC_Nc599DtusrUKcs/s200/flips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491557464437011922" border="0" /></a>-Promote the shops you work with, you'll all make money if you work together and promote each other. Word of mouth is still the strongest advertising I know of. People go places that others recommend.<br />-NEVER offer to sell straight off your site or circumvent the shop to any of their customers. If someone wants a special order it should still go through the shop and they should still get their cut. WHY would they continue to carry your items if you're going to cut them out? I've seen this happen and I personally find it sad and very unprofessional. If I meet a customer as a result of a particular shop, then the sale goes to that shop REGARDLESS, its just good business.<br />-Take care of your brick and mortar stores and they'll promote your items more, direct customers to your product and in short take care of you.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Remember it might take a month to get your first sale in a brick and mortar shop just as online. Don't give up, work with them, be available and be flexible. GOOD LUCK!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">*** Please be sure to read the comments section of this post. There is a bit of dialog in there that is important as well to the topic ***</span><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-10270307121856682812010-07-06T12:10:00.003-04:002010-07-06T12:14:03.805-04:00Maddie's Computer Art<div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture that Maddie did on the computer<br />with the mouse and "Paint" program!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6TXx6IxCkQQV_4mmARRXwQ6EJcTFUCKJ7h63EHX0P_2SFz7erJTTxFbpy51HOqunWf60vwN85JrBgwpnsV3g2VFsxlVJFq3iQw0OgorBExY906z233cLH_FHLWLwzmS4oEXC0aTIoA/s1600/maddie2.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6TXx6IxCkQQV_4mmARRXwQ6EJcTFUCKJ7h63EHX0P_2SFz7erJTTxFbpy51HOqunWf60vwN85JrBgwpnsV3g2VFsxlVJFq3iQw0OgorBExY906z233cLH_FHLWLwzmS4oEXC0aTIoA/s400/maddie2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490826565358609986" border="0" /></a><br />Just for fun I thought I'd share it, when she has actual crayons she finds her art much easier to do what she wants. I thought this was pretty good for using the computer program.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-2701356583254162312010-07-05T17:38:00.005-04:002010-07-05T18:22:29.541-04:00A Pictoral Blog<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Here are some fun, beautiful, creative, cool and sweet<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">listings from my Homefront Team mates.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/42826678/storm-on-the-horizon-fine-art-print-8x10?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=146&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnnJhcb4IAvDmsgLnZDIGJu2KZmnzCmaRupNqcHZjoewOYQhexmBzFKi9qzvWcC-XPz0JV-i1vV_H4MkqL0XGDFZdp6Wz2WTd9G0jZmBpWnLiRULv46ULYpbIdMhkTeHEKIyvJPz9i6M/s320/storm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490547031768144082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33654223/space-and-rocketship-paperbella-mobile?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgT8RyKyA1UtEKRSmyY4PiNssUlMEqJcK7glW5lAD3HZRcYdLPoEP00o17wpUNVAOKd7sfHK_zQJPmLSQM_dvZszwXUIHpB0wSk3Pg_p88KbGWldtHHvEYqJY2RjUEsFPb8a4uh14uLM/s320/moble.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490546830719051618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36605998/custom-womens-visor-buckle-beanie-you?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=18&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqeA2UmGxDozszDfckME94KtQEPI8oSvl8Sgyy0aECY1Oe5vhxFfrQdN-AcP7tEe0NkxRKUk61F1rRcYd0tlzevCZ7MEDJ46ywJ2Fe-x_yvp_h3p2IrEwiizmGP2BTjOrL7CHckuAqP0/s320/jesis+hats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490546821650979426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTwRMurwn3R8TQbQxnbKEXPOe3xYSFfB8ac_m9i4bB4WMawtgJpvojHmg_y6BN6G-D8wLQB8zBn2Qo51w8giDYPIP_VbfUpqMaxBNJM21WBWlFxDrqdxCzfDfZYQsM_1WOUkj3XpTvmE/s1600/heart+and+hands.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50619886/bubbly-white-gold?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3Xhf4VHi9Yxc3MkSzBA1Fz_XjqBMPjfpCHNveCh5pb8dQgaDxnjHg3GablRF63z1WC-UzZXUuOk7RvhmqqfE-JKG-QERTnwfTy6o_JSRxev-V5j_gLBe9ELmRj5UHWlhsMCfMoqnZ_E/s320/bubbly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490546811009229410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50675614/elf-cocoon-and-elf-hat-crochet-pattern?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_P5mXj1m1J7BPt_w_7AhZEX4ypGaewZOdErsjxsRVGR6Edk2tjFiPXU2kJ_rVDg4dAajjuKolH7pyuYs-0c9z6dBiAIAcTEdq8PxIvaxcSD_oVjI6Emmehj5JsPl9NdSxqaZRR1ye84/s320/baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490546806911019410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40136044/heart-in-hand-hand-stamped-heart-charm?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jOHIK120k5g9rary4ILKqz1iCmhWoly9ZJkUMPJ1-5x4_ausCNYucY2_3PVVLP5bss5OgwKWOeazLy7hagNNYy_eEne4uRwndA_spFnFQyxBJHwEZ9LXKwRlRNTUM5mt8QowPwB4xjQ/s200/heart+and+hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490550248111074130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40136044/heart-in-hand-hand-stamped-heart-charm?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=homefront+team+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=1&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-54503591224506078432010-06-30T13:56:00.008-04:002010-06-30T14:19:22.144-04:00Feature - Baghdadbum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum?section_id=6890189"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlzp4gqAm7bFOgZzq6SyedOHzCwOIvIn3jwN7fygV-6EkMoxWhm64D7zA7442ZQ9rpkadblO1e0PgSr6KGMknkfk2jkinf9OVSKlAdbZ0HY7RVChKykivqNvWocrmBU8-TE8PK5ILNrI/s200/bath+tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488627872202874402" border="0" /></a>This week's feature is on another of my <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/">Homefront Team</a> members. His shop is called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum">Baghdadbum </a>and is full of lovely items to spoil any woman, which seems to be his goal. He has some fabulous bath teas like this one made for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45258933/bath-teas-set-of-3-muscle-relaxing">muscle relaxing</a> - something this seamstress needs after a long day working at the sewing machines. He also has some great <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum?section_id=6890182">candles</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum?section_id=6956946">gift baskets</a> and even a bit of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum?section_id=6901221">jewelry</a>. A little something for everyone at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum">Baghdadbum's</a> Etsy shop. So without further ado here is my interview with Joe of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum">Baghdadbum</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite item you've ever made?</span><br /><br />Ok the favorite item I ever made? My daughter :) She is a blast and is such a great kid. I couldnt ask for anything better. But as for with my hands it would be the first necklace I made for my wife. It was wooden beaded with silver accents and she wears it still. It is what motivated me to open an online shop.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What keeps you going when your creativity wanes?</span><br /><br />Creativity waning? Starbucks. But if that doesn't work I like to look to a notebook I keep nearby. Whenever I dream or think of something I try to and at least write some short details about it. That way if I lose my bearing I can look back on that book for inspiration. Although only 2 things have ever come from it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38658245/rain-candle-45-oz-r-is-for-rain"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufzzPRqtSZ5ms7yzKZxc8MKGSsWxawuCEI19YZMPoJcSDKbw2pG43sBrj1iuvVsGhJZFvnktvzJIPF9kjZWH5vBUsqQPZse7UzcSuNdTVQtbSO6pJMDtgqSAdcDXGY9gP8o5UzyuLMqE/s200/candle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632422530828162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you could do anything what would it be?</span><br /><br />If I could do anything. Well I already am. I served in the Us Army for 11 years as a Field Artillery crew chief. Now I have the opportunity to be a stay at home dad, husband 24/7 and be able to make things I enjoy with my hands. I think any soldier would agree that coming home after a deployment, field exercise or just being on leave is the best feeling in the world. Well I get that all the time now.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Who gave you the best advice and what was it?</span><br /><br />The best advice I ever received was before our push into Baghdad in 2003, My 1st sergeant told all of the Non commissioned officers that the following hours would be the toughest thing we would ever face in our lives. To strive to bring all of our soldiers back from the mission safe, and that if we made it through then just about anything else that we faced would seem simple in comparison.<br />So even though I stress from time to time. I always remember that conversation and it brings me back to the here and now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35122482/black-and-white-photograph-chasing-time"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar2Pt32OHIsWfyKLUJIrUL8DTDgVlEnb5_dVNLRCGEnA2wfV35kxZg4JALj0zjk-3lGKHNQtyygyu5HFzLIPq5HKh5IAA_esRXmxD4_Zkql0Qpnk_8x-LMmktUkke6atZ7vwumltjy6g/s200/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632830890160738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you could have super powers, what would you have?</span><br /><br />As for super powers, I'm not really sure I want any. For example Superman is super and all, but that brings with it responsibilities like saving Lois Lane, and fighting with Lex Luther. Or Batman, attempting to avenge his family, but all of the sudden all of these super villains show up. He has to work out of a cave and save the city all the time.<br />So what would happen if I had super powers? I think some villain would pop up somehow always wanting to fight, The city would look to me to save everything from a cat in a tree to some sort of disaster that only happens when a super-hero is in town. So to keep my city safe and quiet and keep my schedule free of villain fighting and city saving I would forgo any super power at present. Besides what would I be, Stay at home, middle-aged, slight bald-spot average dad :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-u34BP7nAP3xZXaz_v82rJfPbvaoaicb_c0DFZq6bI97yiqVyUcBjHz_I17u_aMqa4GxbqbEA78IuGNUjp3__ty7Z-5U07xdVeojYkc6Rn3zUutU2QiOzWF0svtinmvwcOSkE_hDj3A/s1600/family+shot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-u34BP7nAP3xZXaz_v82rJfPbvaoaicb_c0DFZq6bI97yiqVyUcBjHz_I17u_aMqa4GxbqbEA78IuGNUjp3__ty7Z-5U07xdVeojYkc6Rn3zUutU2QiOzWF0svtinmvwcOSkE_hDj3A/s320/family+shot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488630771368579794" border="0" /></a>And one last thing, he is having a give away contest in his <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/baghdadbum">Etsy </a>shop. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6560101">Here is the information to enter</a>, do it quick before July 2!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-89696293252469803632010-06-29T09:35:00.007-04:002010-06-29T09:50:10.504-04:00I just LOVE felted itemsI am a seamstress and am completely fascinated by the art of making felted items. So here is a quick pictorial blog of some of the fun things I've found (click on the pic for link to purchase). Granted most of them are food, but I just am amazed at how realistic these look. I wish I'd discovered this kind of kid friendly toy when mine was young enough to want to play pretend with her "kitchen."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38216484/eco-friendly-felt-strawberry-chocolate?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=felted&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCHQlWbi6esQu1-QWJ1jdYPz47NCQpuIdT1xJtCROgPv5xuGdGtSbNj82hZPTYFVoKsNkM5Y-4pwASqaHlrVh4BGchLxWGBb5m6__soB_rzd7QDc_enBeOBjlcTyBuy0jMudX8O-7i0M/s320/felt+straw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488190931786072930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50437919/new-set-of-6pcs-handmade-felt-flower?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_query=felted&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbLPFF1webAfsWEiIO6XQMWo5I5vETpzT65bXXdjTTXrjnyFmFYO-bZ5HaW6LMUqzm1XxKSJz3mDTjpW0IaeWyGzeidRul18H8xPwdJdwxCn9j4QHPCCO-IJXmucg5fC5fdHyRcUPq_4/s320/felt+flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488190624167981282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50412328/tea-set-pdf-felt-food-pattern-teapot?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=felted+food&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoH3N-FcrxTexZ4Y5g0Rf5rB9V87G1KuyHzuIKkUEeZK6Gv34L1PjiAYytGsj5nKve8dX2Epl3yKqRi-uoQIzUP24LvH9-w5GNBV8gVzGNv-dIa8AANbPVBgD7nYlQDswPLSqIxXpIKA/s320/felt+tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488190291357686306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50429644/diy-felt-sushi-set-patterns-and?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=with+felt+food&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL-P9XGr6deoivMvUSv-D_cTDTdwIaRmVQciKDr1i92Lr2mQBMqlCVItaSp5Zn7fkwJa5CgpiNnOyjDaDejqgLN67idjiQhrQG2gxCaLHeXLbi1o7eAYfFRPmkeDFjObCdlL1gACrukI/s320/felt+sushi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488189906233129042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50433544/tutti-frutti-ice-cream-shop-play-set-pdf?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=with+felt+food&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqugSInluhNCU6Hy6HOJwslrOeZbodNlyaTdB9s6z9REVYnKD8DKRR8DyKGOkRx4ZxEGZB44Tv5J8OWtR3wwQEr_AQZnU17njncfw_Wwc79autPQP6up6Dg0JWMfzLktVLhWVL1fwXzc/s320/felt+tuti.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488189533376451442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50075656/children-wall-felt-clock?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_062810&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_062810"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N3RPrpEfBlXhdyKyYt-cSXjXtHCFzmzs3f-eynSQV09DIY3XVWe4hKae_0CCiExl9Xz3xxIzoMdgrsv6W4XDjfYT0rOu7Iafnn1I_SIOrYGVw1KCmkXWrD_wzoiniz-sgIXnJPSo-Gc/s320/felt+clock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488189525280359714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50418882/juniper-hand-knitted-sheepie-friend?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=felted&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOgJfV9zMwYRKMvKUy35BtvJbqpmR0ys7ncqvfEfriWAD_0YqxtejrpJG_qdbxE6EuK93qEmeJTh2iYaOJUXih_UFZ5x6gcPJOj6SZ9059fP1L_mDehEYL-3jqkiuy1m27pOZG7p8Y70/s320/felt+sheep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488191716481328658" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-44814515774322975112010-06-28T16:47:00.012-04:002010-06-28T23:18:01.877-04:00Big Government Survival Kit<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHvKpHxrEqJWGUwra3cSitDPqy41fmGy1R3K1u2kSglHToSDWkhIJtstxEr6ZIDgq7Ri9eOkZgly8SRtjWdpmTCIFWxDlVjNFL7k-9ykygluSs82P6Vms86YPNmUNaqEBVhdmhQQsnDs/s1600/big+gov2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHvKpHxrEqJWGUwra3cSitDPqy41fmGy1R3K1u2kSglHToSDWkhIJtstxEr6ZIDgq7Ri9eOkZgly8SRtjWdpmTCIFWxDlVjNFL7k-9ykygluSs82P6Vms86YPNmUNaqEBVhdmhQQsnDs/s200/big+gov2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487930916617311746" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BgEMSn1bXmU8OQnjlx4i7iiUnD6jk2Tddhf6RNHug3Hnwt5VgX6CS9qc9HzeK6VILf3tbGZ_su6GYZPmGLJwCVP-2qrYEpwSy8nleJ-QraRbq7tZA2QACJlgWPatqof4K8dErluHRBY/s1600/big+gov.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BgEMSn1bXmU8OQnjlx4i7iiUnD6jk2Tddhf6RNHug3Hnwt5VgX6CS9qc9HzeK6VILf3tbGZ_su6GYZPmGLJwCVP-2qrYEpwSy8nleJ-QraRbq7tZA2QACJlgWPatqof4K8dErluHRBY/s320/big+gov.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487930512013001938" border="0" /></a>I found this through a link on face book and just had to share it. Funny stuff for sure. Please note these are their pictures and you can click on either one to get a link to the <a href="http://bigovsurvivalkit.com/services">Big Government Survival Ki</a>t site to purchase one of your very own!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-50211398272488366652010-06-26T13:19:00.004-04:002010-06-26T23:35:41.051-04:00Fried Green Tomatoes<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Not a Southerner that is living in the South? Need to impress someone with your ability to cook Southern Food? Try this recipe, its easy, tasty and will impress the locals and transplants alike!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4gOj35Dz-aL9Y5M8fp_VtSaskx-WCSK5gXdCy-cszueUlFqYREFXsHoItmGYsBu_Gr_9NVqKYl2fyNoa_wRjFfOZlDU4B8O8fpGhWFbaHSs3raxozZhQBSreVFHr972UZM_Vq7D2yIg/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+015.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4gOj35Dz-aL9Y5M8fp_VtSaskx-WCSK5gXdCy-cszueUlFqYREFXsHoItmGYsBu_Gr_9NVqKYl2fyNoa_wRjFfOZlDU4B8O8fpGhWFbaHSs3raxozZhQBSreVFHr972UZM_Vq7D2yIg/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214520045007240674" border="0" /></a><br />First thing is first, the tomatoes must be green! This means they will be small because green tomatoes are not yet ripe therefore not grown up to their fullest size. You'll need to figure no more than 3 - 4 slices out of each tomato, so gauge your purchase accordingly.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGe3XcHE3F2wgUVnEDeiMenw1wboQ44pNCtTULUoo1EHSDWLG4cl3ByX4taZEmvmmieH_IxSlEUQWWyimXNQoPh4Fn7xmnImIp9YMCT3N4pCE9UqQtO8XdLTvhKh1tpSQvG6Tfmv11OM/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+017.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGe3XcHE3F2wgUVnEDeiMenw1wboQ44pNCtTULUoo1EHSDWLG4cl3ByX4taZEmvmmieH_IxSlEUQWWyimXNQoPh4Fn7xmnImIp9YMCT3N4pCE9UqQtO8XdLTvhKh1tpSQvG6Tfmv11OM/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214520048880591074" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the flaws in my tomatoes?<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: right;">Yup, I like the ones that DON'T look perfect. The fruits and vegetables that look too perfect have little flavor in my opinion. I purchased these at the local <a href="http://www.maryvillefarmersmarket.org/">Farmer's Market</a> this morning. Don't get any that have any signs of ripening (yellow, orange or reddish skin), they just wont taste as good.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowZxxZY0tipFo19DFddS7_1sadzdgFJ5bbrky5KOXM45HKBwIpQGA59m7PLPsPBKA7DdC-pZzizqVUd5NxNLmuH_eZmp4_d2LkgCcD0WrJv0DNQyUARGJleUGddAqBa2hJhR8DJbCTzk/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+024.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowZxxZY0tipFo19DFddS7_1sadzdgFJ5bbrky5KOXM45HKBwIpQGA59m7PLPsPBKA7DdC-pZzizqVUd5NxNLmuH_eZmp4_d2LkgCcD0WrJv0DNQyUARGJleUGddAqBa2hJhR8DJbCTzk/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214520048295039058" border="0" /></a><br />Heat oil in a skillet (I always use cast iron to fry in) about 1" deep. The egg wash I use is 2 eggs, about 1 Tbsp. of milk and salt (I always salt my egg out of superstition). The batter I use is <a href="http://www.whitelily.com/">White Lily</a> White Flour, <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/">King Arthur</a> Whole Wheat Flour (sometimes I'll use Jiffy Mix Cornbread mix instead of corn meal, but I skipped this all together tonight and it didn't seem to make a difference) and some seasonings - I used a basic chicken seasoning tonight. So set your assembly line up like this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7H8oolJasHzXx7gboa8TaKRU53c25VSOW0PWn8I1EbeBl_kTcKfEYjd17OoDbXh5tztuIqGH6qrYQzcoZP_nhhO8jqeXyq4Bhy6WwHoAWMwXDxN95yqQgnnC1ei0RMznKUDhaRnKRb8/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+029.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7H8oolJasHzXx7gboa8TaKRU53c25VSOW0PWn8I1EbeBl_kTcKfEYjd17OoDbXh5tztuIqGH6qrYQzcoZP_nhhO8jqeXyq4Bhy6WwHoAWMwXDxN95yqQgnnC1ei0RMznKUDhaRnKRb8/s320/fried+green+tomatoes+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214522198712033666" border="0" /></a><br />I'm working from Right to left as that's the space allowance in my kitchen. The skillet is on the far left just out of the picture. So Tomato, egg wash, flour, skillet. Repeat until the skillet is full, but do not let them touch if you can help it.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrgun3wp4NAd2dhxHASAB-B0NU-XZPO1K4DclrxvgbGHMDCPFY_pVwu4mfLugzJGoGRSZdpcq6Ts2HRkpqr5Nl6IFo0dWRPbiSASVEdVGHDP_sQaBNWLwUjQNx_21EEXvB-gubtUx3l0/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+034.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrgun3wp4NAd2dhxHASAB-B0NU-XZPO1K4DclrxvgbGHMDCPFY_pVwu4mfLugzJGoGRSZdpcq6Ts2HRkpqr5Nl6IFo0dWRPbiSASVEdVGHDP_sQaBNWLwUjQNx_21EEXvB-gubtUx3l0/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214523495009200482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31i3d2OHbaGjwhvEBu1cM6RN8-rrSXuG5-X5li20mFH1IBsaagUvIjyzyKHjRj3K9_XND_a4jWrzcISN4uyi9kHktSTmJLnVQ0tVph790MJNk9Q3mhV6lZAsYke3L9pPSKpnIPXjaCmA/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+035.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31i3d2OHbaGjwhvEBu1cM6RN8-rrSXuG5-X5li20mFH1IBsaagUvIjyzyKHjRj3K9_XND_a4jWrzcISN4uyi9kHktSTmJLnVQ0tVph790MJNk9Q3mhV6lZAsYke3L9pPSKpnIPXjaCmA/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214523495935166018" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hiE9JzOsZlhXWR7b-UeuxvyNOJyWB6z29O4azWDNKry8DK_IDWvYKznT8A9fCC9S0zoGuRzuM626wuiQ75Ky-IqZCQtp44rj4eil56BN_tVTSskCiMCXQVX4wKXRFAwqT9hlCxCi6I4/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+036.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hiE9JzOsZlhXWR7b-UeuxvyNOJyWB6z29O4azWDNKry8DK_IDWvYKznT8A9fCC9S0zoGuRzuM626wuiQ75Ky-IqZCQtp44rj4eil56BN_tVTSskCiMCXQVX4wKXRFAwqT9hlCxCi6I4/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214523495573798290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzA1vn9TWIG25nxfDMB-8LFW_GKU9BeaFRanqv9NVHAHDZgfPQjxt3C77v-KL2gxuUgojhEYkx787c0F5qQPbKRJ_2yckhnBJ_yXXv-GmrgygcEWSVGzTaLn3cMKTJ8CK4hYEzHPa1wc/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+037.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzA1vn9TWIG25nxfDMB-8LFW_GKU9BeaFRanqv9NVHAHDZgfPQjxt3C77v-KL2gxuUgojhEYkx787c0F5qQPbKRJ_2yckhnBJ_yXXv-GmrgygcEWSVGzTaLn3cMKTJ8CK4hYEzHPa1wc/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214523500300034738" border="0" /></a><br />Last bit of info, if you'll put a cake cooling rack on your plate between the plate and paper towel (that you'll have to drain the oil off of the tomatoes) you will drain better and have less oil and grease in your meal. This works for bacon and anything else that you might drain on a paper towel and keeps things ever so slightly on the healthier side.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDYUdS3xP0fSGmTOGKjOWD2T5WrLMM_ahUGl6IwWfMTJJoYpHY0NxCjBIebtVLBKN2xZsvu6rK4B0wtApKEuYAGJumVnsvTijtZ3ZFgpgHcjJ1vNSQ2kTgCzsxZTEPBzJAUSVZRGVcdc/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+038.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDYUdS3xP0fSGmTOGKjOWD2T5WrLMM_ahUGl6IwWfMTJJoYpHY0NxCjBIebtVLBKN2xZsvu6rK4B0wtApKEuYAGJumVnsvTijtZ3ZFgpgHcjJ1vNSQ2kTgCzsxZTEPBzJAUSVZRGVcdc/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214524787126701330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1czqnygWFP9dLpZfP0gkqgtds-rs9-Fh-p-jRHyL5vuYcOpIgBL74tjEUpTmYQIrgNeB4e3ZtxX18umBq5IBcq0ekNZlrjIhjsqR4Z-_Yn0Q_QNbIGxT66rgRVX-VpiYNsSZ1TwY6cI/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+039.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1czqnygWFP9dLpZfP0gkqgtds-rs9-Fh-p-jRHyL5vuYcOpIgBL74tjEUpTmYQIrgNeB4e3ZtxX18umBq5IBcq0ekNZlrjIhjsqR4Z-_Yn0Q_QNbIGxT66rgRVX-VpiYNsSZ1TwY6cI/s200/fried+green+tomatoes+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214524786551678914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here is the finished product. About 21 - 26 <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Fried Green Tomatoes<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0PLS_5S6IDUDxrJeVKhKeIWUdhsO0o0UbbYsQPWxLyaungsjdh6IkAqOX9ynt0IJY1ArAoES9j4qMkgascWwSI89IxywoiVif05As9hkeEOnsaX2RoFEc187YXLXkkS0WoLbHdzmwi4/s1600-h/fried+green+tomatoes+043.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0PLS_5S6IDUDxrJeVKhKeIWUdhsO0o0UbbYsQPWxLyaungsjdh6IkAqOX9ynt0IJY1ArAoES9j4qMkgascWwSI89IxywoiVif05As9hkeEOnsaX2RoFEc187YXLXkkS0WoLbHdzmwi4/s400/fried+green+tomatoes+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214525267832227250" border="0" /></a></div>And I don't know if this is Southern or just the way we got the kiddo to eat these, but they aren't too bad with katsup either...! ENJOY<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-16884786424021692882010-06-25T11:07:00.006-04:002010-06-25T11:36:20.559-04:00Congrats!<div style="text-align: center;">Congratulations to two of my <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/">Etsy Homefront</a> team mates<br />for making it into the <a href="http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=12675&id=4m5fhb4wesbl1ten5gvjsio9pi8gc&id2=8d38adjfe5bchvofo9r3m6zydlawl&subscriber_id=bmztypzsofqehbrsrulkobeqpslkboc&messageversion_id=baylgyhgfnkygdyhryipuwrgvkpybdc&delivery_id=bydypdajqzaznvkbjxdalbvhsgurbkp&tid=1.9s3.C74D6w%7EX7.1x9..C74D7g%7EtS.C74D6%7EB8B_.l.C74D7%7ES.XHxo3Q">Etsy finds</a>!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">LilacAve </a>for her<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48287646/handmade-soy-tea-lights-ginger-peach?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_062510&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_062510"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjnUQZPVsd0YhI31jEVJEHW8dhEHFKN69DiPkzW8KmZuuzy491RJluYDzV5fbAhlxm7C4y-e9CCQZNYLrrmw1I2Iif4aSqm7714lx_L_Z2agG32VdhiEnfKmoz_jNSz3cNuXcq5s5q_U/s320/tealights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486731951562114482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48287646/handmade-soy-tea-lights-ginger-peach?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_062510&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_062510">Ginger Peach Tea Lights </a><br /><br />AND TO<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sygnetcreations">SygnetCreations </a>for her<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/12507114/family-travel-neck-pillow-set-red-white?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_062510&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_062510"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R8GzTiOrcK03Am8RM0HlidNU1LXjt4rnWOmKcLoJ6R8UB-4lXRVZVyU2vAVBW6OJMqMdirEj88xyDbTPJjlxE4H1woqdHqksZCg-G69iMBMBA7advIVk3aHAkT6-_o2MpHZLiGaKyns/s320/syg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486732549770285170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/12507114/family-travel-neck-pillow-set-red-white?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image&utm_content=etsy_finds_062510&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_062510">Family Travel Neck Pillow Set</a>.<br /><br />Way to go ladies!<br /><br />The Etsy Homefront Team is made up of over 200 shops, all owned by spouses and significant others of members of the U.S. uniformed services. We are male and female, of all ages and several different nationalities and are located, quite literally, worldwide!<br /><br />Our one common thread is that we are personally involved in supporting our countries on a day-in, day-out basis. Without prejudice, or regard for religion, race, nationality or political views, we keep the homefires burning and our families together, no matter how far apart we are.<br /><br />Check out our blog at: <a href="http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-35838835040294087532010-06-25T08:25:00.004-04:002010-06-25T08:37:19.829-04:00"Off-the-Wall Art Strip"First let me say that this is NOT my idea. I found this on "<a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">FamilyFun.com</a>" via face book. It's says it is for a Toddler, but I think my 1st grader would live it just as much although slightly higher on the wall. I wanted to share it with you all, my readers since most of you are moms or have kids in your life one way or another. Please check <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/">FamilyFun.com</a> for more great <a href="http://http//familyfun.go.com/recipes/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">recipes</span></a>, <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/printables/">printables</a>, <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/">4th of July</a> and many more ideas on things to do to keep the kids busy this summer.<br /><p class="introText"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmk_ld_6x07ORwARfsxbtJIkLNRk0QLw52H7cZBfsuoweBMYsB49RqQ81znN-qON30FVIMJUkkiNWjEh393dl48BGPl57nh8bdWCKVwRK6O6gPKva2te_5yrLQYbo_MGcmDCalhAc1zE/s1600/art+strip.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmk_ld_6x07ORwARfsxbtJIkLNRk0QLw52H7cZBfsuoweBMYsB49RqQ81znN-qON30FVIMJUkkiNWjEh393dl48BGPl57nh8bdWCKVwRK6O6gPKva2te_5yrLQYbo_MGcmDCalhAc1zE/s320/art+strip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486687919348340066" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="introText">Picture borrowed from <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">FamilyFun.com</a><br /></p><p class="introText">"The family refrigerator is happy to moonlight as an art gallery, but your in-house studio may be churning out more work than a couple of magnets can hold. Our kid-level display uses Velcro to make the most of a sticky situation: a small piece stuck to the back of the artwork means that it can be hung on and taken down from the Velcro-covered strip by the artist himself -- perhaps with a little help from Mom.</p> <dl class="dottedRule"><dt class="orange smHeading">Materials</dt><dd> <ul><li class="bgDot">5-foot length of wood molding</li><li class="bgDot">Tools and mounting hardware (we used screws)</li></ul><ul><li class="bgDot">5-foot strip of self-adhesive Velcro tape</li><li class="bgDot">Packing tape </li></ul> </dd></dl> <!-- BEGIN POP-IN --> <!-- END POP-IN --> <dl class="dottedRule itemInstructions"><dt class="orange smHeading">Instructions</dt><dd class="instructionsDd"> <ol class="instructions"><li class="liInstructions1 orange"> <p> Mount the molding on the wall at your child's height. Adhere one side of the Velcro tape to the molding, positioning the Velcro so it covers the screws. </p> </li><li class="liInstructions2 orange"> <p> Next, apply a strip of packing tape to the back of each piece of artwork and top it with a 3-inch strip cut from the other side of the Velcro tape. (This allows you to remove the Velcro without tearing the paper.) </p> </li><li class="liInstructions3 orange"> <p> For added sturdiness and decoration, we affixed our artwork to larger pieces of card stock before hanging them. When your artist decides to take down his work, store it in a clean pizza box."</p> </li></ol> </dd></dl>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-72764987000026148842010-06-23T13:39:00.002-04:002010-06-23T13:43:37.322-04:00Wishes and Dreams!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PWHtxHDM_dpn736zwo_8rQJ1AH9Wvmuzx_TXXOPPX9eCvn7dbwEJGCoePdGXQ64GwG2iat4_TnB-0WCe8yN-KUPp-18amZqkjN3Dt7hSLCJ4bZ9gZ_Z7E3qtM7mxjURVgJbcrDxRfRg/s1600/pool+view.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PWHtxHDM_dpn736zwo_8rQJ1AH9Wvmuzx_TXXOPPX9eCvn7dbwEJGCoePdGXQ64GwG2iat4_TnB-0WCe8yN-KUPp-18amZqkjN3Dt7hSLCJ4bZ9gZ_Z7E3qtM7mxjURVgJbcrDxRfRg/s400/pool+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486025414702463090" border="0" /></a>Is there really anything more to say? This is NOT where I am, this is a picture I took last year at my absolutely favorite <a href="http://www.verandabeachclub.com/">beach resort</a> . This is where I wish I could be and where I dream about going again soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-87724422271959091982010-06-22T09:41:00.010-04:002010-06-22T16:31:37.942-04:00New item - Notebook Tote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz5dvI5y4i5IeOF5Mlcl1uw_A3ndW5LiCtOdib2JfUbMWDTPWA52Nj5OindX3VUC9wO5W295ovsgWF_OzWKqcKvaystsVQf3IJGjCeHrfSCTyo-Vc-E62XF5yzjZV1p1emIYDMYm_EI0/s1600/laptop2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz5dvI5y4i5IeOF5Mlcl1uw_A3ndW5LiCtOdib2JfUbMWDTPWA52Nj5OindX3VUC9wO5W295ovsgWF_OzWKqcKvaystsVQf3IJGjCeHrfSCTyo-Vc-E62XF5yzjZV1p1emIYDMYm_EI0/s200/laptop2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485596902575950130" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure if this is going to be something I do a lot of or just once in a while. At my mother's request I made a laptop carry bag for her notebook. There is a Velcro pouch going across the whole length of the front for cord storage or what ever else might need to be tucked away. This is a trial run and will continue to be worked on and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nenuf9XTSwPSGhANz2axrK9qTKlGBx3u1mLq3rdP0KQL57si32VuEX-wW7VzTgl6SS_IyA-M0XF6W7pQcU_RKnw4eUeF4_r1tCYRUFNs10DWK0phX2DUg0-OOAv0LEUIAUF_jSTDQC0/s1600/laptop1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nenuf9XTSwPSGhANz2axrK9qTKlGBx3u1mLq3rdP0KQL57si32VuEX-wW7VzTgl6SS_IyA-M0XF6W7pQcU_RKnw4eUeF4_r1tCYRUFNs10DWK0phX2DUg0-OOAv0LEUIAUF_jSTDQC0/s200/laptop1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485597035507108738" border="0" /></a>improved upon. I've got one of the same notebooks (in fact that is mine in the picture) so expect at least a few more of these to show up. I hope to make matching check book cover, business card holder, and mom would like a Passport Cover as well. We should have fun with this and after all <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/1MaddieAndMe">Maddie & ME</a> is suppose to be a little about the items for the mom as well as the child. Hence the "ME" in the name. To see more pictures please check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaddieAndMe">www. facebook.com/MaddieAndMe</a> the pictures will be uploaded soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-55172512972329786182010-06-18T19:17:00.017-04:002010-06-18T21:47:03.292-04:00Feature<span style="font-family:verdana;">This</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> feature is an absolute pleasure for me to do. Deb of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">LilacAve </a>is one of my favorite vendors on etsy and over the past few years I've come to rely on her to keep</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O8D0I6nafHjQX3rlf9QPGBTD_n6gqweDWLHjEyEHWR5zeThoMDPnvyHVntcgile0iZXoDbln5Jvt809mrmIFXR7IJIxRr9_QAkQBcolAPaEsIi1HCPQpLFXwY44heVPsnYe0xZtQ090/s1600/bubbarye+card.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O8D0I6nafHjQX3rlf9QPGBTD_n6gqweDWLHjEyEHWR5zeThoMDPnvyHVntcgile0iZXoDbln5Jvt809mrmIFXR7IJIxRr9_QAkQBcolAPaEsIi1HCPQpLFXwY44heVPsnYe0xZtQ090/s200/bubbarye+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484265879114072866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> my home smelling good. But I first met her when she was making some beautiful custom cards like this one. From the card shop she moved on to open <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">LilacAve</a>. She has a knack for recycling all sorts or containers (including shipping boxes) and I have more than one of her recycled candle tins. My personal favorite is her melting tarts though. She makes some wonderful soy tarts that I don't think I could live without. Most recently she has moved on to add some bath and body items which I can't wait to start trying. So without further ado, here is the interview with Deb - of Lilac Ave!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your favorite item you've ever made?</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49438527/handmade-soy-tarts-lavender-scented-wax"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRQHEwaQ5ejM4uwXxXYQmZHWk1CGqDNpqk5Pa1lgs89xYwt2SqSuHXYPpLyCFQby-BNYWyHCuqjwOgdWzZ2O_hyphenhyphenxu-HXTb9QrMGaqTbpwvQAB0c8enlgjAJiU9F9oghkPhUnaEwoNPNk/s200/tarts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484265244905947554" border="0" /></a>That's hard... I have a bit of a wandering eye when it comes to my items. I think I am totally in love with one on one day, and then become infatuated with another the following day. I DO have a favorite scent...Ginger Peach all the way. But then there is also Blueberry Cobbler, Gardenia, Monkey Farts, Pumpkin Cheesecake...oh my ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />What keeps you going when your creativity wanes?</span><br /><br />I think when creativity wanes, it's a sign you need to take a break or do something new. I usually take a day or two to concentrate on family, and taking care of myself.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">How do you balance family duties and your shop?</span><br /><br />Normally during the school year it is quite a bit easier. I have found this to be much more of a challenge during the summer. I WANT to get the kids out and explore, but I also need to work. I'm lucky though that they are older (7 and 8) so they don't really WANT my attention all the time, but I have to admit my hours have been cut back quite a bit.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">If you could do anything what would it be?</span><br /><br />Career-wise- I'd LOVE to open a craft consignment shop. The type of place where Crafters rent out spaces, and have a "mini-store" to sell their items.<br />Life-wise- I'd love to take a European trip with my husband and kids. I am dying to go to France.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Who gave you the best advice and what was it? </span><br /><br />Wow, I've gotten great bits of advice from so many people. I think all of it builds you as a person. I have to say, this quote is what keeps me motivated to never give up on my business:<br />"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go." ~William Feather<br />I think it is quite the statement in persistence and hard work.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">If you could have super powers, what would you have?</span><br /><br />Endless energy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49739922/customize-your-handmade-bath-body-soy"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg_AMySg2yvqvWbc12PuIU85zFQSQ1c7_HXgvSsnT5gYNI1RwkdlXG1TCSNbkOHgahNEaqF6oAFRSHcpXSNnRRTp2k7wlz3Ge15seTCz-jspmi7KmuJIhnDuwrR2hj0Wtxx4hJ62PYzs/s320/basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484265430271954466" border="0" /></a>So please take some time to visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">LilacAve</a> and see all the wonderful things she has to sell. You can check her items out on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LilacAve?ref=sgm">facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/lilacave?site_source=1000markets&site_term=lilac+ave&site_medium=search">1000Markets</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilacAve">etsy</a> or her <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.LilacAve.blogspot.com">blog</a>. Great gifts for your family and friends and even for yourself ... and tell her I sent ya!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-2386659230499250812010-06-18T11:31:00.006-04:002010-06-18T11:42:43.551-04:00Feature Coming SoonI will start doing a weekly feature which will include a short interview and hopefully some fun and funny stuff to read. Until then, please enjoy a few pictures of some of the most beautiful places in East Tennessee...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjYiUzpjqZwdHylc6N8vPQmZlhAhgyRejDuO2bIRwp_bOEaBE61g3He9ftEjkWz8JCFa8Q2dbCPX6HeJ5lByrFfkUEOlkuI0ShF6VxgeFzmHYylyW0ZIaEaGBlxVEphsQfrH61AsbYYs/s1600/cades+cove.lg.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjYiUzpjqZwdHylc6N8vPQmZlhAhgyRejDuO2bIRwp_bOEaBE61g3He9ftEjkWz8JCFa8Q2dbCPX6HeJ5lByrFfkUEOlkuI0ShF6VxgeFzmHYylyW0ZIaEaGBlxVEphsQfrH61AsbYYs/s400/cades+cove.lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484139453641546946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr0gRXp8R1nKueDS-7cJ4kW5oeC3YYWvAaoGt9tPGgS_FZ6GCSBOJ-X4BCVNq4RK7u9Ay5h4uAoFNnuQg6JPjqYPyrKsSZQWV4oW91YFD9wn1crtkCzaNifOk0YRXSdG150FTGX6Bbho/s1600/creek-in-Smoky_mountain.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr0gRXp8R1nKueDS-7cJ4kW5oeC3YYWvAaoGt9tPGgS_FZ6GCSBOJ-X4BCVNq4RK7u9Ay5h4uAoFNnuQg6JPjqYPyrKsSZQWV4oW91YFD9wn1crtkCzaNifOk0YRXSdG150FTGX6Bbho/s400/creek-in-Smoky_mountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484139567978063090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park<br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515678776716162526.post-2669681755816165352010-06-16T16:00:00.003-04:002010-06-16T11:25:15.286-04:00Scrumptious Saturday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >30 Minutes or Less</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> - Steak, Steamed Fresh Vegetables and French Bread</span></span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpVtXQHnDHAnNbBgq_HnNcYekEQqIv8ondUuqfrq93gDp5c2HgPfcCeeVY8p9FOZfW8Ilif1flyP7KmBprAPHcLrrKZzP09I0pfDmcUzAy6dMS3x9VTGLlwm3FUY2T9nIu0WRwu0cbu0/s1600-h/steak+dinner+033.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpVtXQHnDHAnNbBgq_HnNcYekEQqIv8ondUuqfrq93gDp5c2HgPfcCeeVY8p9FOZfW8Ilif1flyP7KmBprAPHcLrrKZzP09I0pfDmcUzAy6dMS3x9VTGLlwm3FUY2T9nIu0WRwu0cbu0/s400/steak+dinner+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206702202920564066" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This will make a great dinner for Dad for Father's Day and he DOESN'T have to grill it. I do all the grilling myself!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Marinade the Steak, I make my own marinade with my own fresh herbs, Balsamic Vinegar & Worcestershire Sauce.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bp9bh18chSh811uP0oNlMnJyLpVqBa1C8K2fVwXYze3LWlLcjY2pw5ypCqlJIu8NJhJRc5eNSDYyOEd16wJkNmoM8HeroTG1DmRHlE37_GBX82cCUxfullbT94Po4Yzg_QUNPC43VFc/s1600-h/steak+dinner+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bp9bh18chSh811uP0oNlMnJyLpVqBa1C8K2fVwXYze3LWlLcjY2pw5ypCqlJIu8NJhJRc5eNSDYyOEd16wJkNmoM8HeroTG1DmRHlE37_GBX82cCUxfullbT94Po4Yzg_QUNPC43VFc/s200/steak+dinner+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206699668889859250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2u9b7HeZNXNHetpnlzXzO6Utj63hUWz1k9h_sSUqxoY2Wfwf5ai-pwMSAmwIOAzDvMY23BTjDmxYGhGum5XkZnB8YPgiQ2_lQhEKOBGkqrQDVA-ei_haUdA66hrS3HkwR4UvF7YsLXA/s1600-h/steak+dinner+002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2u9b7HeZNXNHetpnlzXzO6Utj63hUWz1k9h_sSUqxoY2Wfwf5ai-pwMSAmwIOAzDvMY23BTjDmxYGhGum5XkZnB8YPgiQ2_lQhEKOBGkqrQDVA-ei_haUdA66hrS3HkwR4UvF7YsLXA/s200/steak+dinner+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206699690364695746" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Here I've used Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram, Greek Oregano and Basil. I chopped it all very fine in the mezzaluna (pictured above and below).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh974m_aI7pCPmKB094wA95ypZwo15oNod4CYSVHS30Ce6igyHnk_AKyZ-WdHXc6omki0hWLxDK3DcTS6hyphenhyphenP7e4WLdpqC_0JQ0_60f1bdYPt7rcmO5sJUDUxLJrFmSfJl6uKCv3S-zRCSY/s1600-h/steak+dinner+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh974m_aI7pCPmKB094wA95ypZwo15oNod4CYSVHS30Ce6igyHnk_AKyZ-WdHXc6omki0hWLxDK3DcTS6hyphenhyphenP7e4WLdpqC_0JQ0_60f1bdYPt7rcmO5sJUDUxLJrFmSfJl6uKCv3S-zRCSY/s200/steak+dinner+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206699690364695762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3xzgT8m-bWTfrZ5ID445nWce0zjJflJ2MT4Liz4opmVeB3vDsNvawSMomfzkXBqsrr0rJJg2c31L-gZRLt0lYjuL2_-EccTEzmz-B7Rlgp4boRNGNqbaF2rsGKPkFRFcoXvrW4yVMhU/s1600-h/steak+dinner+008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3xzgT8m-bWTfrZ5ID445nWce0zjJflJ2MT4Liz4opmVeB3vDsNvawSMomfzkXBqsrr0rJJg2c31L-gZRLt0lYjuL2_-EccTEzmz-B7Rlgp4boRNGNqbaF2rsGKPkFRFcoXvrW4yVMhU/s200/steak+dinner+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206699694659663074" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I pour balsamic vinegar and a touch of Worcestershire Sauce over the steaks, just enough to cover and sprinkle the herbs over.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN-thllaVCJ_gBDkRJteku1Qq3EMzoJa48mQSFE6gaK5lSC8FrfAhO-u5XawZRkPYZAAbojyWgzZXaII-g6VDDaQHylud-TwguuXqk-PqL21wG8WdsN_n9bac9fEWAfvOdoBN-I5muXQ/s1600-h/steak+dinner+015.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN-thllaVCJ_gBDkRJteku1Qq3EMzoJa48mQSFE6gaK5lSC8FrfAhO-u5XawZRkPYZAAbojyWgzZXaII-g6VDDaQHylud-TwguuXqk-PqL21wG8WdsN_n9bac9fEWAfvOdoBN-I5muXQ/s200/steak+dinner+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206699698954630386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEBY7LQq6QpyAHk7-kZ8n30NkTQmomRjSwwsXna-CnaHFP-A2TLld4INOgT6iu0Auk72MrZTTFHsYjzeGbU3o1-uXENvrxpisWIShAX88AAMDFxZpqMnlxkPrwVaKV3WWdsgeGRUyxe8/s1600-h/steak+dinner+029.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEBY7LQq6QpyAHk7-kZ8n30NkTQmomRjSwwsXna-CnaHFP-A2TLld4INOgT6iu0Auk72MrZTTFHsYjzeGbU3o1-uXENvrxpisWIShAX88AAMDFxZpqMnlxkPrwVaKV3WWdsgeGRUyxe8/s200/steak+dinner+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206700540768220434" border="0" /></a><br /></div>You can salt and pepper if you like, but I prefer to avoid such common seasonings if I can get away with it. The IMPORTANT trick with the balsamic vinegar is to not let it marinade too long or it will pre-cook the meat! Also a note on balsamic vinegar, if you are cooking game meat such as Venison this is good to take the "game-y-ness" out of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjohle-NZyrzHevGQdM4E1CVJ-e3VmdQQGYDvY7_nF1h1oK5Nr5LrbGnj7G6ytag7Lu-arMeGMTdhimKae19sJDEfNASKx6NuuPuswhyphenhyphenr3ragYYzoKNrKH9TSR4htngnYvDFhSsG95QI/s1600-h/steak+dinner+017.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjohle-NZyrzHevGQdM4E1CVJ-e3VmdQQGYDvY7_nF1h1oK5Nr5LrbGnj7G6ytag7Lu-arMeGMTdhimKae19sJDEfNASKx6NuuPuswhyphenhyphenr3ragYYzoKNrKH9TSR4htngnYvDFhSsG95QI/s200/steak+dinner+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206701116293838146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9drDcKRPhV_3KuDLsrJ2hd4eFcIbo4L81iQiuJiTzw7LkxJ9cUv_D1e75Ng13gwZkVstzsTllN2z031hJ3CWV7a2KNI_pU-TPXP8GftAvWy67TrtO5YrshoTqIko_pqo2XYK667sBWM/s1600-h/steak+dinner+031.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9drDcKRPhV_3KuDLsrJ2hd4eFcIbo4L81iQiuJiTzw7LkxJ9cUv_D1e75Ng13gwZkVstzsTllN2z031hJ3CWV7a2KNI_pU-TPXP8GftAvWy67TrtO5YrshoTqIko_pqo2XYK667sBWM/s200/steak+dinner+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206701111998870818" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Steamed Fresh Vegetables, I picked these up today at the local Farmer's Market. It's a shame that as green as we try to be, the farmers still prepackaged the vegetables in plastic. Well, not the carrots - those aren't in season yet locally those are from the grocery store. Even with your local vegetables, be sure to wash them. Cut the florets off of the broccoli and cauliflower stems, put in a steamer basket (in a pot) and add about 2" of water to the bottom - just enough for the water to be barely visible through the steamer basket. Cover with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are bright in color. Steaming is the best way to keep the most nutrients in the vegetables.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNyXW2XaDWyC8bRkD14x64jv7a9wOaGrhPY5AImalIykA3F8SufPVBPd5IrYKRxIrlg8-4LyKTKlTo9U-mZHUT5HDCsZU97cobSdKPOx7luIS7UdCVKG8p-Z7DXw047uefefVZmZJ8RU/s1600-h/steak+dinner+025.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNyXW2XaDWyC8bRkD14x64jv7a9wOaGrhPY5AImalIykA3F8SufPVBPd5IrYKRxIrlg8-4LyKTKlTo9U-mZHUT5HDCsZU97cobSdKPOx7luIS7UdCVKG8p-Z7DXw047uefefVZmZJ8RU/s200/steak+dinner+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206701111998870834" border="0" /></a><br /></div>French Bread was pre made (by someone at the Bakery) and all I'm doing here is slicing it, buttering it adding a bit of seasoning and toasting it. OK, I skipped the seasonings on the bread because it smelled so good without. And I was right, adding seasoning would have spoiled the taste of it.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvt68G0GlmwIyNLt_Eb3zuFLV24G9DWpjX3lhJtw04ESoUezFa7UUnKvXLYn4vHbHBCO4nIuK9ExX7dsyvEnTu9ccsKBQWOI-jUV8G4IU84bXdvZI7orCtFxSKcvWRFTmnaDQaJHPc-8/s1600-h/steak+dinner+033.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvt68G0GlmwIyNLt_Eb3zuFLV24G9DWpjX3lhJtw04ESoUezFa7UUnKvXLYn4vHbHBCO4nIuK9ExX7dsyvEnTu9ccsKBQWOI-jUV8G4IU84bXdvZI7orCtFxSKcvWRFTmnaDQaJHPc-8/s200/steak+dinner+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206700536473253122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5QotPGX_t1zODYQ18J2lXPc-hNm9uhHoL95HmxHbhqRrVinfsAX9gpUTJTT_LFMecg41AAcId1oY6q8B2EDdfhmA8Y8BVJdFD3OgpShcXRpWP7kKUu28Grai9RIvd-8g3ldcaXpO9Lo/s1600-h/steak+dinner+011.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5QotPGX_t1zODYQ18J2lXPc-hNm9uhHoL95HmxHbhqRrVinfsAX9gpUTJTT_LFMecg41AAcId1oY6q8B2EDdfhmA8Y8BVJdFD3OgpShcXRpWP7kKUu28Grai9RIvd-8g3ldcaXpO9Lo/s200/steak+dinner+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206701116293838162" border="0" /></a><br /></div>As a testimony to this meal, my daughter, who usually wont eat steak at all, chose this dinner over her PB&J! The medium to medium rare cooking of the steak made it easier for her to chew and swallow. She ate all the broccoli and carrots and of course the bread, but wasn't too keen on the cauliflower. I'll introduce that one a few more times to see if she'll take to it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com