tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46268573688910405032024-03-13T23:43:57.337-05:00A Blossoming LifeA 20 something's journey following God, doing crafts, food, and learning to be a homemakerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07336695693738636196noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-41252035857032766812013-01-02T18:53:00.002-06:002013-01-02T18:53:35.875-06:00Better Blogging Series: 10 Tips to Grow Your Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Thinking about starting a blog or have a blog and want to do more with it? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">During this series we will talk about ways you can enhance your blog!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Not going to lie I absolutely love blogging! I wish I could do it full time (maybe one day….). But in the mean time I like to find ways to improve my blog as much as possible. Although I am no professional blogger I have learned quite a few tricks since starting a little over a year ago and have went from maybe 1,000 views a month to over 30,000 in that year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Part 4: Grow Your Blog</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Starting a new blog in this world full of thousands of blogs can be really intimidating. But everyone had to start somewhere! Here are 10 tips to grow your blogs readership!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Be a consistant blogger. Don't get really excited blog 10 times in one week and then not blog for weeks. To build readers you want consistently blog a few times every </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">week. I've started planning blog posts up to 3 months out so I know I will have a consistent 3 or 4 blog posts every week! This is really hard for me especially when I am super excited about a project like one I will post Friday….</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">2. <a href="http://pinterest.com/ablossominglife/">Pinterest</a>! If you didn't know already Pinterest is all the rage and can be your best blogging friend. Its a community, so pin your projects and other awesome projects you enjoy. Follow larger blogs or influential people to get inspiration and ideas. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">3. Market yourself! Go on other blogs and leave comments. Don't just leave any comment, but leave a sincere one that could even be helpful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Linky parties are a great way to increase traffic to your blog like the one I host here on Mondays called the Frugal Crafty Home (shameless plug). This has been one of the best ways for me personally to get my name out there and get followers. The keys to these parties is to have great posts (new or old), great clear pictures so people can see what you made, and great titles without your blog name in it. Also, get in early! The closer you are to the top of the list the more likely your going to be seen!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">5. Use social media! Make a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABlossomingLife">Facebook page</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ablossominglife">twitter</a> and interact on it. Ask your readers questions or for help. Like and comment on their responses. You should try to update it at least once a day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">6. Make it easy for people to subscribe or join your Facebook page.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">7. Host giveaways! Make them easy and don't make people do a million steps to enter. To enter have them like you on Facebook page, follow you on twitter or Pinterest, etc. This will help broaden your readership!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">8. Link back to other bloggers! They can see where they are getting the most views from so by linking to their blog you can gain another reader! I have personally started reading blogs because they linked to me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">9. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Guest post on other blogs! Even if its your friends blog, the readers that usually read their blog will maybe start following yours!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">10. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Just keep being yourself! Don't stress out if your blog doesn't grow into a huge success overnight! It takes lots of time and determination!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There you have it 10 ways to grow your readership! What have you found to help increase your readers?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Just in case you missed it….<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-starting-blog.html" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Part 1: Starting a Blog</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-content.html" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Part 2: Content </a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-better-pictures.html">Part 3: Better Pictures</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-50714921110657117552012-12-31T11:45:00.001-06:002012-12-31T11:45:26.840-06:00New Years Resolutions!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year I want to make some attainable goals. Every year I feel like people say the same thing... I want to eat healthy and lose weight, which sure that would be great but lets be real here most people don't stick with their new years resolutions. So this year I'm going to list the things I am going to accomplish!<br />
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<b>1.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"> Do more with my blog!!!</span></b> I love love love blogging and I want to change things up, come up with more crazy ideas, have fun, and expand.<br />
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<b>2</b>. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Organize my house, get rid of the junk, and deep clean it</span></b>! We live in a small two bedroom apartment and sometimes it feels like I'm overwhelmed with junk. So to show you this is going to happen I am going to show you my makeovers of my closets, the junk room, and the craft closet! It's going to be scary to show you how I messy I can get ahhh! Were already started this morning on this one! I know I will feel a lot better once were done even though it will be a lot of hard work and our garbage man will probably hate us….<br />
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<b>3. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Eat more vegan!</b></span> I'm not or can't go completely vegan, because one I may go crazy and two its really hard when you go to church events! This girl has <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>ZERO</b></span> will power. I've been telling ya'll I need to give up dairy forever ago and its so hard for me unless I go vegan. And hey if I lose weight on the way that would be awesome.<br />
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<b>4</b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Be a better time manager</b></span>. I have a tendency to get consumed by something and spend hours and hours doing it. I need to schedule my time out better. Luckily, I'm starting my internship Wednesday so I will have a normal schedule and can plan better. I'm one of those people who need a schedule or nothing will get accomplished… Except maybe fun blog things<br />
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<b>5</b>. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Get better and shutting things down and spending more quality fun time with the hubs without distractions</span></b>. I hope/know I am not the only person who has issues putting everything down and spending time with our significant others. I used to work at a restaurant and feel like when people went out to dinner just the two of them that around 70% of people who came in barely talked to their spouse or boyfriend and just played on their phones, computers, iPads, read the newspaper etc… I don't want to be like that at all, so were trying hard to shut everything down and spend a few hours together everyday having out, praying, reading, and talking! Hard but hopefully we will can accomplish this!<br />
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Those are my 5 goals for this year! I know at least 2 of them will get accomplished for sure and hoping the rest will to! Luckily the hubs is one of those guys who sets a goal and accomplishes them no matter what it takes so with him by my side they will happen! What are some of your resolutions for 2013?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-46414096709620041032012-12-30T17:25:00.000-06:002012-12-30T17:25:01.571-06:00Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vT2hOuEWw/ULS5Q1HL_0I/AAAAAAAAA6s/yi-IWUiJ5NY/s1600/blog+hop+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vT2hOuEWw/ULS5Q1HL_0I/AAAAAAAAA6s/yi-IWUiJ5NY/s1600/blog+hop+button.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I can't believe it's almost 2013! I don't know where 2012 went! I feel like a blinked and missed it! Any who….<br />
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Thank you for joining me and the other blog hop ladies: <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Jordan from Lily White. Designs</a>, and <a href="http://sneakyspoons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Sara from Sneaky Spoons</a>, and <a href="http://carriethishome.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Carrie from Carrie This Home</a></div>
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Are you ready for this week’s link up?</div>
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Link up your crafts, frugal finds, recipes, DIY projects, clothing, happenings around the house, homemaking…. anything made by you!</div>
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The posts can be new or old!</div>
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Make sure you link to a direct post not just your blog :) It makes it easier for people to find your post!</div>
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Link back to us… Grab a button or just put a little link at the bottom of your post!<br />
Visit other blogs linking up to the hop!</div>
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Feel free to spread the love and tell your friends about our blog hop!<br />
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It was really hard to choose since I so many posts! My favorite posts from 2 weeks ago was….<br />
<a href="http://www.alderberryhill.com/sharpie-stencilled-hot-cocoa-mug/" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1983211536"></span>Sharpie Stenciled Hot Cocoa Mug from Alderberry Hill!</a><span id="goog_1983211537"></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQw4PGFBYqk/UOCtGhMVp1I/AAAAAAAABGY/3Kkd1zgAoRc/s1600/Liquid+Laundry+Detergent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQw4PGFBYqk/UOCtGhMVp1I/AAAAAAAABGY/3Kkd1zgAoRc/s320/Liquid+Laundry+Detergent.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Hey ya'll! Today <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> and I wanted to share with you how to make liquid laundry detergent! This stuff is super cheap around <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">$.005 per load</span></b>.</span> One batch yields about 240 loads so you won't have to make this very often. The real question is does it work? Heck yes! I've been using this for over a year (don't ask why it has taken so long to do the tutorial :) and it works great. If there is only two of you in your house you can split the batch with a friend or neighbor! That's what Jordan and I did. Or you can give it as a gift like I did <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/06/diy-cleaning-products-gift-basket.html">here.</a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
1 cup borax<br />
1 cup washing soda<br />
1 bar Fels Naptha soap or other non foamy soap (You can find all the ingredients in laundry aisle)<br />
1 or 2- 5 gallon buckets<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Directions:</span></b><br />
Put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Grate soap. Slowly add soap and turn down the heat to medium low. Once melted slowly add in borax and washing soda. Stir until dissolved. Add to the 5 gallon or 2- 5 gallon buckets and then fill it completely up with very warm water stirring half way and when your done filling. Wait a few hours for it to cool down and mix well again. Can take 8 to 24 hours to completely set up.<br />
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Use 1/3 cup of laundry detergent per load for big loads. It will not produce a lot of bubbles! You may notice after you have used it for awhile that it will start to get thick chunks, just mix it again with a whisk or stick blender.<br />
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<i>Side notes:</i> You can use this in cold water. I only use cold water to wash my clothes (saves energy). I have read other places that say that this can be used in HE washers.<br />
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Have you made laundry detergent before? What's your experience?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Liz Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-87005348049697973872012-12-28T09:06:00.000-06:002012-12-30T17:24:35.175-06:00Top 10 Posts of 2012I just want to thank everyone out there who has supported this blog and has made it what it is today. Lately, I have been feeling so blessed to be able to share all my crazy ideas with you here and love hearing from my viewers how you learned how to do something because of a post I did! Isn't that what blogging is all about?<br />
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This year has been crazy with lots of highs and lows (grad schools does that to you) and I am super excited with what the new year will bring. I have lots of fun and exciting plans for this blog this year so stay tuned. <br />
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Here is the roundup of the most popular posts from this year!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/03/homemade-liquid-dish-soap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Homemade Liquid Dish Soap</span></a></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfQCjdpfIu8/T2-jlHvRwAI/AAAAAAAAATU/7iDqOgEFX1g/s1600/dirty-dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfQCjdpfIu8/T2-jlHvRwAI/AAAAAAAAATU/7iDqOgEFX1g/s320/dirty-dishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12px;"><a href="http://thenegotiationblog.com/2011/09/26/dirty-dishes-3-tips-for-managing-conflict-at-home-and-at-work/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">photo credit</a></span></span></div>
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So I found this recipe through <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a> and although it worked for me a lot of people had issues with it so its back to the drawing board. I have been working on a new recipe that should hopefully be completed soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/07/diy-unpaper-towels-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>DIY Unpaper Towels</b></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSRBC6qoWXg/UArCpD2kjPI/AAAAAAAAAn4/RAa2fqlokK4/s1600/UnpaperTowelTutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSRBC6qoWXg/UArCpD2kjPI/AAAAAAAAAn4/RAa2fqlokK4/s320/UnpaperTowelTutorial.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/04/homemade-natural-fabric-softener.html" target="_blank">Homemade Natural Fabric Softener!</a> </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnVaccxa-H4/T38gZPnoU2I/AAAAAAAAAUI/avsbBMfWtrE/s1600/DSCI0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnVaccxa-H4/T38gZPnoU2I/AAAAAAAAAUI/avsbBMfWtrE/s320/DSCI0353.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2011/10/homemade-deodorant.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2011/10/homemade-deodorant.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Homemade Deodorant! </b></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjyI1asdp3M/T53r2SgXgXI/AAAAAAAAAXM/vebCibmEpy8/s1600/homemade-deodorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjyI1asdp3M/T53r2SgXgXI/AAAAAAAAAXM/vebCibmEpy8/s320/homemade-deodorant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-your-own-deodorant.html" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">photo credit</a></span></div>
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Although this one is from 2011 it still is a top posts this year thanks to being published at a large website.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/02/homemade-liquid-hand-soap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Homemade Liquid Hand Soap</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGn6v1Em50I/T2-JfOEFFJI/AAAAAAAAATM/PIGaKXOu0yA/s1600/mason-jar-soap-dispenser-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGn6v1Em50I/T2-JfOEFFJI/AAAAAAAAATM/PIGaKXOu0yA/s320/mason-jar-soap-dispenser-21.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;"> <a href="http://www.icingonthecakeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mason-jar-soap-dispenser-21.jpg" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit</span></a></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/06/natural-remedy-for-allergies-flu-asthma.html" target="_blank"><b><br /></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/06/natural-remedy-for-allergies-flu-asthma.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Natural Remedies for Allergies, Flu, Asthma, and Other Illnesses</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3y-MFNTEts/T-eSg6venII/AAAAAAAAAkE/kNPpiNG2OI4/s1600/NaturalFluMedicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3y-MFNTEts/T-eSg6venII/AAAAAAAAAkE/kNPpiNG2OI4/s320/NaturalFluMedicine.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/11/homemade-mineral-veil-finishing-powder.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Homemade Mineral Veil</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm91GMPnQDo/UJpvdZLEVII/AAAAAAAAA14/qJgvuZEWnfI/s1600/Homemade+Mineral+veil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm91GMPnQDo/UJpvdZLEVII/AAAAAAAAA14/qJgvuZEWnfI/s320/Homemade+Mineral+veil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/07/30-day-money-challenge-learning-to-live.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/07/30-day-money-challenge-learning-to-live.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>30 Day Money Challenge: Learning to Live on Less</b></span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiO0JvN_nuI/T_nm3-F7fXI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/xJGWUYl7XRA/s1600/30daymoneychallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiO0JvN_nuI/T_nm3-F7fXI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/xJGWUYl7XRA/s320/30daymoneychallenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/03/16-ways-to-living-more-sustainably-and.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>17 Ways to Live More Sustainably</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wco_H9j34IA/T26DA-Wdj-I/AAAAAAAAAS8/Y8V8Dnba3_8/s1600/DSCI0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wco_H9j34IA/T26DA-Wdj-I/AAAAAAAAAS8/Y8V8Dnba3_8/s320/DSCI0231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/04/natural-allergy-relief-drink.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/04/natural-allergy-relief-drink.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Natural Allergy Relief</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4uYGWFRxu50/T4A9PwMeEnI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3BTpl1r8Rac/s1600/DSCI0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4uYGWFRxu50/T4A9PwMeEnI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3BTpl1r8Rac/s320/DSCI0361.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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So what was your favorite project from A Blossoming Life this year?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Liz Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-75206619039340196442012-12-26T22:47:00.000-06:002012-12-30T17:24:44.760-06:00Better Blogging Series: Better Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7H9rAEZ284/UNuLGis0u8I/AAAAAAAABE8/92ke8QuN7kI/s1600/Better+Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7H9rAEZ284/UNuLGis0u8I/AAAAAAAABE8/92ke8QuN7kI/s400/Better+Pictures.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Thinking about starting a blog or have a blog and want to do more with it? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">During this series we will talk about ways you can enhance your blog!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Not going to lie I absolutely love blogging! I wish I could do it full time (maybe one day….). But in the mean time I like to find ways to improve my blog as much as possible. Although I am no professional blogger I have learned quite a few tricks since starting a little over a year ago and have went from maybe 1,000 views a month to over 30,000 in that year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Part 3: Better Pictures!</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">By no means am I a photographer, but I have learned a few tricks…</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">There are a few key things that make a good picture without a lot of money and investing in expensive equipment.</span></span><br />
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People often think that you have to have some fancy camera to get nice pictures… Kind of wrong. Of course you will get better pictures with a fancy camera, but you can still get pretty good pictures without it. Even though I dream of the day I can get one, recently I have been using my iPhone. Yep an iPhone! It takes better pictures than my actual camera which is pretty sad. On a digital camera you may have a food setting that works well for crafts and food projects.<br />
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Remove the clutter around the area you are going to take a pictures. Nothings worse than a picture with a bunch of other junk in the way.<br />
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Good lighting! I find that natural light is the best, especially in the morning.<br />
Look at the difference in these photos. One was taken at night and one in the morning.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlcvGE33-14/UIvUi4xxkHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/HotcJKv7c1o/s1600/freezing+herbs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlcvGE33-14/UIvUi4xxkHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/HotcJKv7c1o/s320/freezing+herbs+1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLOn92OsPaY/UIvSKqfyGsI/AAAAAAAAAyE/RBPXVWvv9XE/s1600/Freezing+herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLOn92OsPaY/UIvSKqfyGsI/AAAAAAAAAyE/RBPXVWvv9XE/s320/Freezing+herbs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bottom one was taken during the day with natural light. In your house find a well lit spot. I usually use my kitchen table. Play with the brightness by using shades or curtains to get the right amount of light. </div>
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Work with angles! Look at photos from blogs or food photos you really like and look at how they angle the camera then try to recreate that look.<br />
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Photo editing is your best friend and you don't need photoshop! There are some great free photo editing sites out there like <a href="http://picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">picmonkey</a> or <a href="http://beta.photobucket.com/" target="_blank">photobucket</a>. I prefer pic monkey, but now a lot of their features cost money. I've heard from other blogs that its totally worth it. Maybe eventually I will invest in that… Just not quite yet. <br />
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The corrections I almost always make is make the photo a bit sharper (not too much though), change the color and the exposure by clicking the auto adjust button, and sometimes I add a film. This way they look more professional.<br />
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One thing that I have been doing lately (that I feel helps a lot) is adding the name of the post or the thing that I am making directly to the picture. This is especially helpful for pinterest users. They know exactly what they are going to get when they click on the picture. Like the one pictured below. I have lots of fun picking labels and different fonts. Also, I always add my website into the pictures that way if someone wants to use a photo of mine they can and the watermark will point the readers to the original source. Plus, its like free advertising on Pinterest.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-7zQkWd_c/UL4ijIcmm9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/zG-7mlMDU2Q/s1600/Peppermint+hot+cocoa+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-7zQkWd_c/UL4ijIcmm9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/zG-7mlMDU2Q/s320/Peppermint+hot+cocoa+recipe.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Have you found any other tips and tricks for taking pictures for your blog?</div>
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Just in case you missed it….<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-starting-blog.html" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Part 1: Starting a Blog</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-content.html" target="_blank">Part 2: Content </a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Liz Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-28247860541747965532012-12-23T20:58:00.000-06:002012-12-25T08:34:57.476-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOUtGUkBLWA/UNfBWTbWunI/AAAAAAAABEQ/G0Cjq8PAzXU/s1600/Holiday+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOUtGUkBLWA/UNfBWTbWunI/AAAAAAAABEQ/G0Cjq8PAzXU/s640/Holiday+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. <br />
-Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)<br />
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Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-34260147615544465362012-12-23T12:36:00.002-06:002016-11-03T09:54:33.784-05:00DIY Face Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqz9YrvHV0/UxjmKiYCSeI/AAAAAAAABrc/StKgcXcQsXgCVLr1UbcZC1WKAm0uKXPZQCPcB/s1600/DIY%2BFace%2BScrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqz9YrvHV0/UxjmKiYCSeI/AAAAAAAABrc/StKgcXcQsXgCVLr1UbcZC1WKAm0uKXPZQCPcB/s1600/DIY%2BFace%2BScrub.jpg" /></a></div>
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Winter is definitely upon us… Although some days are like 55 degrees here, my skin is getting really dry and flaky even though I'm using tons of moisturizer. This face scrub will do wonders for your skin. It will feel amazingly soft and supple! I am definitely adding it to my regular routine. It's super simple to make and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen. With Christmas 2 days away this would be a great time to take 30 minutes to yourself, relax, and have at home spa time!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Moisturizing Face Scrub</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
1 tsp baking soda (you may adjust the amount to your liking)<br />
1/2-1 tbs coconut oil, or I prefer to use <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/11/homemade-whipped-coconut-body-butter.html" target="_blank">whipped coconut body butter</a> (super moisturizing)<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Directions</span></b>: Mix the two ingredients together. Wet your face with warm water. Gently take the scrub in your hands and rub in small circles all over your face. Rinse the scrub off with warm water, dry, and feel your amazingly soft skin.<br />
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It cant get much simpler and inexpensive as that. Being on such a tight budget there is little room to squeeze in things that are not really necessities. Luckily doing this fixes that. I don't need to buy anything special since the ingredients are right in my kitchen and you use such small amounts of the ingredients it only costs pennies! Go ahead and try it. I bet you will be amazed by the results!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Liz Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-80658740064079835082012-12-20T07:55:00.002-06:002012-12-20T07:55:57.348-06:00Better Blogging Series: Content<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vk_WwVqri7w/UNHYHZdq5-I/AAAAAAAABC0/R_26vR12Whc/s1600/Content.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vk_WwVqri7w/UNHYHZdq5-I/AAAAAAAABC0/R_26vR12Whc/s400/Content.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
Thinking about starting a blog or have a blog and want to do more with it? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">During this series we will talk about ways you can enhance your blog!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Not going to lie I absolutely love blogging! I wish I could do it full time (maybe one day….). But in the mean time I like to find ways to improve my blog as much as possible. Although I am no professional blogger I have learned quite a few tricks since starting a little over a year ago and have went from maybe 1,000 views a month to over 30,000 in that year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Part 2: Content</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">One of the most important thing about blogging is content! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Your posts should be well written, without spelling, or grammatical errors (still working on this). If someone is reading a blog and they can obviously tell the writer did not put a lot of time into the post (say none of the letters are capitalized or tons of errors) its harder for readers to go back. Proof read, proof read, proof read. I proof read all my posts multiple times and sometimes my readers will catch an error and tell me! That's how important proof reading is!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Don't just write about what you want to write about…. Say what? Obviously the stuff you write about you should want to actually write about, but blogging is not all about you. It's about the readers and what they want. I have learned over the year that some posts are going to get more views then others based on my readers. So look at your posts, see how many hits each one is getting, and try to refocus your content based on that. It's ok to throw in what you want to write about every once in awhile. Say for me, I do mostly DIY projects and homemade stuff and then sometimes I throw in a life posts. I just don't do life posts all the time, because thats not what people come to my blog to see.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Talk in your own voice and let your personality shine through. You want to show the readers who you are, so they trust you and feel like they know you. Plus, its super boring to read an post with no personality. I like to write as if I am talking right to the reader almost like I'm having a chat with a girl friend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So there it is the basics of good content! To sum it all up: focus on what your readers want, be yourself, and don't forget to proof read! Most importantly have fun doing it! What are some tips you have learned about content?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Just in case you missed it…</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/better-blogging-series-starting-blog.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Starting a Blog</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-15501628516615963392012-12-18T09:20:00.000-06:002012-12-20T20:37:10.535-06:00Peppermint Bark Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOLoJNeQgKE/UNCHzh3CUKI/AAAAAAAABBw/eIT3acgC6SY/s1600/peppermint+bark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOLoJNeQgKE/UNCHzh3CUKI/AAAAAAAABBw/eIT3acgC6SY/s320/peppermint+bark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not a huge candy eater but peppermint bark is one of my favorite Christmas treats! I would say its a family tradition to make this every year, but honestly we never made it. My mom's best friend would give it to us every year since I could remember because she knew it was my favorite. Well the hubs and I are trying to start our own traditions and he wanted to make it for some people as small Christmas presents. That's if I don't eat it all first :). Plus this recipe is super easy! My fav!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
2 lbs white chocolate or vanilla candy bark<br />
1 package of 12 candy canes<br />
1 1/2 to 2 tsp peppermint extract<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
Cover cookie sheet with wax paper or baking mat. Melt chocolate in either a double boiler or the microwave. Be careful not to burn it. While it is melting unwrap candy canes and place them in a large ziplock bag. Then crush them with a rolling pin or hammer. Be careful! Once the chocolate is melted add the candy canes and peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly and spread mixture on a cookie sheet . Place in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy.<br />
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See wasn't that simple! This would be such a fun family tradition to start. You could make it for neighbors and deliver it to people. I joked to the hubs that I was going to sing Christmas carols to our friends that we delivered the bark to. If you saw on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABlossomingLife" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> that I have no voice and sound really terrible. He said if I wanted to embarrass myself I could haha.<br />
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Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-42722629096436668332012-12-16T17:00:00.000-06:002012-12-16T17:00:05.675-06:00Frugal Crafty Home #3<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vT2hOuEWw/ULS5Q1HL_0I/AAAAAAAAA6s/yi-IWUiJ5NY/s1600/blog+hop+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vT2hOuEWw/ULS5Q1HL_0I/AAAAAAAAA6s/yi-IWUiJ5NY/s1600/blog+hop+button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yep it's that time again!!! YAY! Thank you for joining me and the other blog hop ladies: <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Jordan from Lily White. Designs</a>, and <a href="http://sneakyspoons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Sara from Sneaky Spoons</a>, and <a href="http://carriethishome.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Carrie from Carrie This Home</a></div>
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Are you ready for this week’s link up?</div>
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Link up your crafts, frugal finds, recipes, DIY projects, clothing, happenings around the house, homemaking…. anything made by you!<br />
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Make sure you link to a direct post not just your blog :) It makes it easier for people to find your post!</div>
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Link back to us… Grab a button or just put a little link at the bottom of your post!</div>
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Feel free to spread the love and tell your friends about our blog hop!</div>
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My favorite link up last week was from <a href="http://thelilypadcottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-mantle.html" target="_blank">Lily Pad Cottage</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OJW-42QwI/ULEhV3GRNJI/AAAAAAAAC1s/LEsPLzkL9mo/s640/christmasblog12+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OJW-42QwI/ULEhV3GRNJI/AAAAAAAAC1s/LEsPLzkL9mo/s320/christmasblog12+083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved it so much it even inspired me to make my own sign! You can check that out <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/diy-joy-to-world-sign.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-1438816356726341282012-12-16T08:30:00.001-06:002012-12-17T11:47:14.578-06:00Better Blogging Series: Starting a Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxX9bb1xZKs/UM3ZUy4x9xI/AAAAAAAABBE/33XtGyHegI4/s1600/Starting+a+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxX9bb1xZKs/UM3ZUy4x9xI/AAAAAAAABBE/33XtGyHegI4/s400/Starting+a+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thinking about starting a blog or have a blog and want to do more with it?<br />
During this series we will talk about ways you can enhance your blog!<br />
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Not going to lie I absolutely love blogging! I wish I could do it full time (maybe one day….). But in the mean time I like to find ways to improve my blog as much as possible. Although I am no professional blogger I have learned quite a few tricks since starting a little over a year ago and have went from maybe 1,000 views a month to over 30,000 in that year.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Part 1: Starting a blog!</span></b><br />
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So you want to start a blog but don't know where to start? Well you have come to the right place! Here is an easy step by step way for you to start blogging!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Step 1:</span></b> Start brainstorming about what you want your blog to be about. Write down the things you want to write about and come up with a name. See if that domain name is available to use. Either buy the domain name or use a free one available through wordpress.com and blogger (There is a difference between wordpress.com and .org)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Step 2:</b></span> You need to pick a blogging host!<br />
The two biggest blogging services are Wordpress and Blogger! Blogger is a free service which can be great if your just starting out and want to test the waters. It is super simple and user friendly! That's what I started out using and still use today. Wordpress on the other hand is for more serious bloggers. Wordpress costs money. You will need to pick a hosting site. Since I don't know much about wordpress visit <a href="http://houseofroseblog.com/how-do-i-start-a-blog/" target="_blank">House of Rose</a> to see a great tutorial on how to start a blog with Wordpress. She does a wonderful job outlining exactly what you will need to do.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Step 3</b></span>: Start playing around with your blog to get the look you want! There are great free headers and backgrounds online you can choose from (like <a href="http://shabbyblogs.com/" target="_blank">shabby blogs</a> or<a href="http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"> the cutest blog on the block</a>) or you can hire a professional to design one for you! A good design can really draw people in! Keep a lookout I may be getting a new design shortly from an awesome designer friend that I have, eek!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Step 4</b></span>: Before you go announce it to the world that you have a blog (even though you may want to you will be so excited) try to write at least 10 to 15 posts. Trust me I learned this one the hard way. My first post was about why I was starting a blog then I went and told everybody. Not a huge deal but when you tell people and they visit you will only have one post and not much else for them to look at.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Step 5: </b></span> Once you have the above steps done, your posts are written and you got the design you want you should tell all of your friends and family! Email them with your web address! You could even make a Facebook page and invite everybody on your friends list if you want to get the word out about your super new and awesome blog!<br />
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That's it! The basics to starting a blog! Now go out there and just start one! Stop procrastinating and just do it! Maybe you will find that you love it and wish you started one way before!!!<br />
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Stay tuned for the next part of the series!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie</a></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-84698313366838075782012-12-13T09:26:00.000-06:002012-12-16T18:59:23.456-06:00Learn to Cut Your Own Swoopy Bangs {Video Tutorial}Bangs can be a very scary thing…. Well at least for me it was. I thought about getting bangs for months and it wasn't until I was over at <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" target="_blank">Jordan's</a> house, of course, that I finally did it. I love her because she is so spontaneous and if I/she wants to do something crazy she will be like ok lets do it (of course its always legal). She's just fun like that!<br />
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/296807_435371916503913_1866153476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/296807_435371916503913_1866153476_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is from the first day I ever got bangs! I was really pumped about them! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Like the Kaia photo bomb? Crazy dog! </span></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/fivxA0Rc_-g/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fivxA0Rc_-g&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fivxA0Rc_-g&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Totally look angry in this picture!</span></div>
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Cutting your bangs is pretty simple. First you part your hair where you usually do. Starting at your part, part a clean line across your head where you want your bangs. Depending on how thick you want your bangs the farther you go back. I would start off with less before going to more as you can tell in the video. Also, on the opposite side of your part you only want to go as far as the top corner of your hair line (say where you would part your hair on the opposite side). Does that make sense? Wet your bangs and pull them to the opposite side of your normal part (this is so they swoop) and then cut straight across (the cheekbone is a good place to cut so you don't have super short bangs). Then cut straight up so you don't just have a straight line and they have some depth to them. Move them to the other side and style! Thats it. Once you do it a bunch it gets really easy.<br />
The video shows better instruction that is easier to see then explain :)<br />
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*Remember we are not professional hairstylists but we've been cutting our bangs for awhile now!<br />
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Stay tuned more videos coming soon!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie</a></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-22766529386323630032012-12-11T13:51:00.000-06:002012-12-20T20:38:32.349-06:00DIY Joy to the World Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCIWWsv4E6Y/UMeMZXQCtMI/AAAAAAAAA_4/YvSrFzgGnN4/s1600/Joy+to+the+world+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCIWWsv4E6Y/UMeMZXQCtMI/AAAAAAAAA_4/YvSrFzgGnN4/s400/Joy+to+the+world+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm really excited about this project because I haven't painted, done a craft, or painted letters in a long long time. My friends used to make fun of my because I can paint pretty well but could not paint letters if my life depended on it. Well I finally painted letters pretty darn good I think! Plus this project cost me nothing! All from left over projects!<br />
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Step one: Find a canvas, piece of wood, or multiple pieces of wood roughly the same length. I used left over wood from my soap mold project.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9VTyXXJRGg/UMeManxLN3I/AAAAAAAABAI/IO9-pw6BSPc/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9VTyXXJRGg/UMeManxLN3I/AAAAAAAABAI/IO9-pw6BSPc/s320/wood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step two: Paint it whatever color your heart desires. I used chalkboard paint since I wanted it to kinda look like a chalkboard. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FGvcjtAn3Y/UMeMaAM1QeI/AAAAAAAABAA/D8-JdFCsKeo/s1600/wood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FGvcjtAn3Y/UMeMaAM1QeI/AAAAAAAABAA/D8-JdFCsKeo/s320/wood+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 3: Then distress it will a little bit of white paint and a dry brush. After it has dried with a pencil write out the letters so you can get the spacing right.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu2D9noOKhM/UMeM9Y_b7mI/AAAAAAAABAQ/lA9WYM-w-Kk/s1600/wood-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu2D9noOKhM/UMeM9Y_b7mI/AAAAAAAABAQ/lA9WYM-w-Kk/s320/wood-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step four: Paint away! This took me a long time since I'm not that skilled at painting letters! But Im so happy how it turned out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abPHM12FgLg/UMeOCVP5YhI/AAAAAAAABAY/_KWYcyNDdaw/s1600/Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abPHM12FgLg/UMeOCVP5YhI/AAAAAAAABAY/_KWYcyNDdaw/s320/Joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To hold all the board together I used lots of hot glue and funny enough popsicle sticks on the back!</div>
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Here are the two inspirations for this project<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111948299/holiday-chalkboard-sign-rustic-christmas" target="_blank">Lily and Val</a><br />
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<a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/1/6885255/il_570xN.384140626_fbkh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/1/6885255/il_570xN.384140626_fbkh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thelilypadcottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-mantle.html" target="_blank">The Lily Pad Cottage</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OJW-42QwI/ULEhV3GRNJI/AAAAAAAAC1s/LEsPLzkL9mo/s640/christmasblog12+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OJW-42QwI/ULEhV3GRNJI/AAAAAAAAC1s/LEsPLzkL9mo/s320/christmasblog12+083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what do you think? I love it!!! It was a little time consuming but maybe took me about 1.5 hours. Not to shabby! Have a great day!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Luz Marie</a>, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-29859985865649547002012-12-11T09:28:00.000-06:002012-12-11T09:28:06.951-06:00Free Advertising for Up to 3 Months!!!I am in the Christmas mood and decided that as a present to all the awesome bloggers, etsy shop owners, and small businesses out there that I want to give you free advertising! No stings attached! Just visit my advertising page and when you are going to check out use the promo code Christmas and thats it. Enjoy free advertising for up to 3 months to a few lucky people!!!! I had a problem with the promo code before but its all fixed and works now! Such a newbie! Oops!<br />
Happy holidays!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-28777669905283091042012-12-09T16:34:00.000-06:002012-12-09T17:40:29.892-06:00Frugal Crafty Home Hop #2<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
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It's that time again!!! Thank you for joining me and the other blog hop ladies: <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Jordan from Lily White. Designs</a>, and <a href="http://sneakyspoons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Sara from Sneaky Spoons</a>, and <a href="http://carriethishome.com/" style="color: #5dc2c0; text-decoration: none;">Carrie from Carrie This Home</a></div>
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Are you ready for this week’s link up?</div>
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Link up your crafts, frugal finds, recipes, DIY projects, clothing, happenings around the house, homemaking…. anything made by you!<br />
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Make sure you link to a direct post not just your blog :) It makes it easier for people to find your post!<br />
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Link back to us… Grab a button or just put a little link at the bottom of your post!</div>
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Feel free to spread the love and tell your friends about our blog hop!<br />
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This weeks featured post is from <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2012/12/create-beautiful-holiday-garland-with.html" target="_blank">Tilly's Nest</a><br />
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I just love both of her mantel ideas! I wish for a mantel one day just to decorate!<br />
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Happy linking!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-63464804855090335712012-12-07T08:23:00.003-06:002012-12-09T18:56:53.222-06:00First Craft Show Ever and InstaFriday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Moy_yvIgm3A/UMH0MoaT77I/AAAAAAAAA-I/teDonp3yq8k/s1600/403507_4775141373888_467210748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Moy_yvIgm3A/UMH0MoaT77I/AAAAAAAAA-I/teDonp3yq8k/s320/403507_4775141373888_467210748_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Man am I tired…. I mean seriously tired and I slept for 9 hours. Last night was my first ever craft show! It went pretty well. I think my expectations were to high but luckily my awesome friend <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> put me in the right perspective. It was only 2 hours on a Thursday so you can make only so much. We both sold around the same amount of stuff but her stuff was just more expensive then mine. I made $71. But we had a ton of fun and our booth was super adorable! Personally I think the best one at the show but I'm a little bias :). I definitely learned some lessons for the next show like bring little bags to put purchases in….duh. And be more confident to go up to people… The most important thing is that the hubs agreed I could do another show sometime!<br />
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This whole week I was getting ready for the show and Christmas orders. Wrapping soap and making extra lip balms! I think the hubs will be happy once all this craziness is over and he can have the kitchen table back.</div>
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Here we are driving to the craft show! Safe I know!</div>
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We finally decorated the tree this last weekend and got this adorable picture of the girls! This may have taken awhile!</div>
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Last, but not lease poor little Olive got spade this week! Doesn't she look sad?</div>
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Thats it! How was your week? Anything fun and exciting happen?</div>
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Linking up here:</div>
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Life Rearanged <a href="http://liferearranged.com/" target="_blank">InstaFriday</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Luz Marie</a></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-44272647846018981372012-12-04T10:42:00.000-06:002012-12-20T20:40:50.069-06:00Peppermint Hot Cocoa Lip Balm Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-7zQkWd_c/UL4ijIcmm9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/zG-7mlMDU2Q/s1600/Peppermint+hot+cocoa+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ-7zQkWd_c/UL4ijIcmm9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/zG-7mlMDU2Q/s320/Peppermint+hot+cocoa+recipe.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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I've been making lip balm like crazy. With Christmas right around the corner, my first craft show this Thursday, and taking orders I've been a busy little crafting bee! This lip balm has been the crowd favorite for sure! I've had lots of orders for this so I thought I would share the recipe!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Peppermint Hot Cocoa Lip Balm</b></span><br />
12 to 15 lip balm tubes or tins<br />
1 oz bees wax (about 2 tbs)<br />
1 oz shea butter<br />
1 oz Coconut oil<br />
10-20 drops peppermint extract (more or less to get desirable smell)<br />
1 -1 1/2 tsp coco powder depending on how dark and chocolatey you want it.<br />
few drops of vitamin e (optional)<br />
You could also add a few drops chocolate essential oil (optional I personally don't use it)<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Directions</span></b>: In a double boiler or small crockpot melt beeswax. Add in shea butter and coconut oil and wait until melted stirring occasionally. Stir in vitamin e, peppermint extract and cocoa powder. Using a dropper or syringe (one for like baby medicine) and place melted solution in empty lip balm tubes or tins. Wait until cooled completely and enjoy your fabulous lip balm!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>Tip:</b></span> for labels I used to use sticker paper from Hobby Lobby which was really expensive for only 5 sheets. Now I use full sheet shipping labels which is much more cost effective!<br />
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What homemade gifts are you giving this holiday season? I would love some more great ideas!<br />
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This is what my kitchen table looks like right now! Very busy trying to get everything done!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Luz Marie</a>, <a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/" target="_blank">The Southern Institute</a>, <a href="http://www.everblossom.net/2012/12/homemade-holiday-gifts-link-up-your.html" target="_blank">Holiday Gifts Link Up</a>, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Wonders</a></span></div>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-613252880371334342012-12-02T19:27:00.001-06:002012-12-03T08:42:12.060-06:00Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop #1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Thank you for joining me and the other blog hop ladies: <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/">Jordan from Lily White. Designs</a>, and <a href="http://sneakyspoons.blogspot.com/">Sara from Sneaky Spoons</a>,
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-49618364132496775562012-12-02T11:04:00.000-06:002012-12-02T11:04:01.276-06:00Advertising Sale & a Crazy Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/passionfruitads/ads/000/109/962/original/button.jpg?1354154636" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/passionfruitads/ads/000/109/962/original/button.jpg?1354154636" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Advertise at A Blossoming Life! Sidebar ad 150x150 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for just $2.50 until December 5th!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Ad Space Sale!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am now selling ad space on my blog! Whoop! Now through December 5th I am offering ad space 1/2 price! That means for a one month small ad space you will only pay $2.50 or the big ad for $5! You can't get much better then that! Hurry it won't last long! Visit my advertising page for more details!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b>This weekend was crazy…</b> </span><br />
I defended my thesis and passed (Thank you Jesus) and my parents came down to celebrate! We went to Paducah Kentucky to look at all the antique shops and to go to this awesome restaurant called Patti's 1800 settlement. Then went to the Lights Fantastic Parade. I wish I took pictures but of course I forgot! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">To top it all off are new blog hop is starting tonight!</span></b> What a whirlwind! I love when my family comes down to visit. I always miss them so much but luckily with FaceTime now I get to see them more often. I'm sad they left but very happy that my defense is over!<br />
<br />
Next week is going to be another crazy week. Tons of stuff to do before finals, I'm doing my first craft show (I'll be selling soap, lip balm, and deodorant and still need to make/package more stuff), going to my internship, and then having a bunch of girls over to make Christmas presents…. Ahhhh! The joys of life! How was your weekend? Is your life crazy too?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-51334605726684458092012-11-29T10:34:00.002-06:002012-12-12T18:30:38.432-06:00Homemade Whipped Coconut Body Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04DBkLNEvJU/ULeOk3vy_ZI/AAAAAAAAA8c/XRJFm3N6Eg4/s1600/Coconut+Body+Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04DBkLNEvJU/ULeOk3vy_ZI/AAAAAAAAA8c/XRJFm3N6Eg4/s400/Coconut+Body+Butter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have the driest skin! Well it is due to the fact that I have a skin allergy to dairy and yet can't say no to ice cream! Anyway, this body butter is luxurious and moisturizing! Best part its really easy. Like I always say if a craft is not easy I probably won't do it :).<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Homemade Body Butter</span></b><br />
1/2 cup coconut oil<br />
1/4 cup shea butter<br />
1/2 tsp almond oil<br />
essential oil optional (I used orange of course) just enough to smell<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Directions:</span></b> In a double boiler add coconut oil and shea butter until melted, stirring occasionally. After it has melted take it off the heat and stir in almond oil. Place in a cool place like the refrigerator or even outside until it solidifies a bit and becomes thick.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXBcJD342s8/ULeM7Z0eP6I/AAAAAAAAA8U/kkEeG8WYIBg/s1600/body+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXBcJD342s8/ULeM7Z0eP6I/AAAAAAAAA8U/kkEeG8WYIBg/s320/body+butter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, place the mixture in a stand mixer or a bowl and add essential oil. Start slow and bring it up to medium high speed until thick like frosting. Remember it is not frosting do not eat it although it will be tempting. Store in a container cool place (especially during the warm months). It may start to melt a little if above 75 degrees.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ8wSFetKDg/ULeM66vEfUI/AAAAAAAAA8M/-pKZIkavwY0/s1600/body+butter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ8wSFetKDg/ULeM66vEfUI/AAAAAAAAA8M/-pKZIkavwY0/s320/body+butter+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Little goes a long way! Use a little bit and message it into the skin. It feels a little greasy at first but after a few minute it absorbs into the skin! Great for right after you take a shower!<br />
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This is the first time making body butter and one its super easy and two your body will thank you! Is your skin super dry when winter rolls around? What do you do for it?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Luz Marie</a>, <a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/" target="_blank">The Southern Institute</a>, <a href="http://naturalmothersnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Naturals Mothers Network</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-83559222789416703512012-11-27T08:32:00.000-06:002012-12-02T21:53:33.895-06:00Trick Hem Video Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuBL-aXENlc/ULS_7eOEotI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dNRharslGVU/s1600/Trick+hem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuBL-aXENlc/ULS_7eOEotI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dNRharslGVU/s320/Trick+hem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey ya'll! My friend <a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/">Jordan from LilyWhite Designs</a> and I hang out all the time and thought it would be fun to start doing video tutorials on neat things we want to share! So today we are going to share with you how to do a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">trick hem</span></b>. Do you ever hem your pants or get them hemmed and they look like they have been hemmed. You know what I mean right? The original stitching is gone and it just looks a little funky! Well the trick hem solves that problem! You can barely even see it! Here's the video I hope you enjoy!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCKtyKQcnc4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Being our first video we definitely learned some things and hopefully they can only get better! Hope you all enjoyed!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a>, <a href="http://www.stringtownhome.blogspot.com/">Tips and Tricks</a>, <a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/">the Southern Institute</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-45207443385669204142012-11-25T15:06:00.002-06:002012-11-26T22:01:25.326-06:00Homemade Honey Lip Balm Recipe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-own4d8_mBEE/ULKHcGmtpNI/AAAAAAAAA5M/sKrT52wexF8/s1600/Honey+Lip+Balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-own4d8_mBEE/ULKHcGmtpNI/AAAAAAAAA5M/sKrT52wexF8/s320/Honey+Lip+Balm.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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I love lip balm! Especially when I make it! I get to control what goes into it and the quality of the ingredients! Here is the perfect recipe for honey lip balm that will nourish your lips and have some of the benefits of pure local honey!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Honey Lip Balm</span></b><br />
approx 15 lip balm tubes<br />
1 oz bees wax (about 2 tbsp)<br />
1 oz shea butter ( about 2 tbsp)<br />
1/2 oz coconut oil (about 1 tbsp)<br />
1/2 oz almond oil (about 1 tbsp)<br />
1/4 oz local honey (about 1/2 tbsp)<br />
few drops of vitamin e (optional)<br />
essential oils (optional) I used sweet orange<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Directions:</span></b> In a double boiler or very small sauce crockpot melt bees wax slowly. Add shea butter and wait a few minutes until it melts. Add coconut oil and almond oil, stir until melted and combined. Add honey and whisk well (it can be difficult to mix the honey throughout the oil wax mixture.) I actually stirred it between eat pour too. Add essential oil if preferred. Place in tins or empty lip balm tubes and let cool on the counter. I know it might be hard but wait until completely cooled! Enjoy!<br />
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This recipe is pretty easy! With holidays right around the corner these will make awesome gifts! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Happy crafting</b>! </span><br />
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Have you made lip balm before? What was your experience like?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-38126304484306025792012-11-23T09:34:00.001-06:002012-12-02T21:53:02.584-06:00Jahnavi's Heart Orphanage Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8f5Bc5eSoE/UKvae4KLyYI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Cz6XLi2_WdU/s640/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8f5Bc5eSoE/UKvae4KLyYI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Cz6XLi2_WdU/s320/main.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lilywhitedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit</span></a></div>
One of my be sties, <a href="http://lilywhitedesigns.blogspot.com/">Jordan, </a>made these awesome shirts to help donate to the <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Jahnavi's Heart Orphanage</b></span></span>. Her and her friend Abby run this awesome custom made clothing shop call Lily White. Designs. Abby has been over in India spending her time at this orphanage for the last few months showing the kids how much they are loved and sharing the love of Christ! Jordan made these awesome t-shirts and for every purchase $10 goes to the Orphanage. For more information about the t-shirts check out her <a href="http://lilywhitedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/jahnavis-heart-orphanage.html">post </a>or if you want to donate contact Jordan at jordan@lilywhitedesigns.net.<br />
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P.S: this is my second modeling gig and I'm just realizing how awkward I am! It was really hard not to be weird or just laugh. Ya I'm awkward…<br />
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Also, she has awesome hats like the one I'm wearing for sale and pretty much anything else you can think of at her shop.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4626857368891040503.post-38384920911563381642012-11-20T07:47:00.000-06:002012-11-25T22:43:25.983-06:00Life Pupdate! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGIqTrFKNNo/UKuJMOQO9nI/AAAAAAAAA4k/9J6B13pEWwE/s1600/Kaia+and+Olive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGIqTrFKNNo/UKuJMOQO9nI/AAAAAAAAA4k/9J6B13pEWwE/s320/Kaia+and+Olive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Its been a little over a month now since we adopted little miss Olive from <a href="http://stfrancis-care.org/">St. Francis Care</a>, and she has been such a blessing. She is the sweetest little thing that always wants to snuggle, be in your lap, and kiss your face. It's weird to actually have a dog that gets really excited to see you. She took to potty training really well and now she is sleeping all night without going outside (hallelujah). She's really good and super smart. I can take her places and she won't cause trouble (unlike Kaia).<br />
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I was a little nervous about her and Kaia since Kaia got kind of jealous when we dog sit for other people and she plays kinda rough. But o man do they love each other sooo much its adorable. And Olive can take Kaia! Poor Kaia has cuts all over her face from Olive's puppy teeth!<br />
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We took Olive to her first puppy playtime at Petco a few weeks back and she just sat in the corner and hid from all the puppies. So the next time around I thought it would be a good idea to bring Kaia. They were so funny together. Olive got so much more courageous and would just walk with Kaia everywhere underneath her. Everyone kept asking if they knew each other and we would tell them they were sisters and they would just go "awwww so cute."<br />
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I always find it funny how someone could love such a cute little ball of fur so much. I'm so thankful that my husband surprised me with her. She is such a blessing and wouldn't trade her for the world! I'm so excited for my parents to meet her this Thanksgiving it should be fun!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the Morris Tribe</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Chatty</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Craft-O- Maniac</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemaker on a Dime</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/" style="color: #7bc7c7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugally Sustainable</a></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1