tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54292367689201816392024-03-05T05:27:13.298-08:00Chez Beeper BebeHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.comBlogger447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-49078025308840704022016-11-30T09:53:00.000-08:002016-11-30T09:54:55.392-08:00Hello? Anyone out there still?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgqqa76mfHIhyphenhyphenKi8XPNl6Wc9GOOb3hA5X9MWB7Y0u9eVEd8CvQfd49RiO5sy_b8p43aV_1GuZcZodh_QOUBVRqzUnBDY4XfCXN4VeY3PspMtCYm9UqQmWg4QvampPVzppfExfZH3k-rQK/s1600/Beeper+Bebe+Collage+of+All+Wares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgqqa76mfHIhyphenhyphenKi8XPNl6Wc9GOOb3hA5X9MWB7Y0u9eVEd8CvQfd49RiO5sy_b8p43aV_1GuZcZodh_QOUBVRqzUnBDY4XfCXN4VeY3PspMtCYm9UqQmWg4QvampPVzppfExfZH3k-rQK/s320/Beeper+Bebe+Collage+of+All+Wares.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Some of the Stuff that I am Making & Selling}</td></tr>
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Hi. It's me, Holly. I'm still alive and making toys--just not blogging (says Professor Snape: <i>Obviously</i>.) Well, who knows, maybe this next year will entail a return to blogging again--I do miss this space and this community and those of you who visited. Life has just gotten, well, busy and complicated. Here's the deal...<br />
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I left my corporate job this past summer--or really, my department was restructured away. Been unemployed now since June--and I am trying to work out what is next for me--and what I mean is, what I really want to be when I grow up. It definitely involves this--designing and creating toys and other fun stuff. It makes me so happy to do this--really, it is effortless and my mind just hums with ideas for new things to create at every hour of the day and night. So, I am making more right now, putting lots in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">my Etsy</a> shop, working on a proposal for a book of my designs...and trying to figure out how I can still contribute enough to the family bank account. Damn money, always getting in the way of being who you are meant to be...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TZTdZREtpsMlWPB9EdkwFDgWzfy03qqa7TqwZ5eLAD7GROUJqGfUmni6U0LlrtwssRy88cYzbft8o5DSowGYinO90aCkOsWNMer_2xZzaLHWaz0Stufusavy6dmzvYRJuHysCBfieUOb/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TZTdZREtpsMlWPB9EdkwFDgWzfy03qqa7TqwZ5eLAD7GROUJqGfUmni6U0LlrtwssRy88cYzbft8o5DSowGYinO90aCkOsWNMer_2xZzaLHWaz0Stufusavy6dmzvYRJuHysCBfieUOb/s320/IMG_5515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Mangy Gators: Made from Recycled and Felted Wool Sweaters}</td></tr>
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Anyway, here I am today. Maybe I'll try to come back again next week and post something and ease back into it slowly because even as I am typing this I am getting a bit teary because it just feels good to be here. I missed this place where I could always be who I have always been.<br />
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Alright then--so, I do want to share with whomever is still out there, that I am going to be at the No Coast Craft O'Rama at the Midtown Global Exchange in Minneapolis again this weekend:<br />
Friday, Dec 2 from 3-8:00pm<br />
Saturday, Dec 3 from 9-5:00pm<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3wdjYH1gWaEBLWeW4bjTfNJWnEd95aFMowAQ0IlRBRAOPaMfm1XO9pwz_7hjcV6c2HvGoud1YLr_UmCGudLICKb25h_ov9o-xsZ4RbGvQm7f-j6YmH1ipMnT0FYXw5MgLCcvAKNPqwnf/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3wdjYH1gWaEBLWeW4bjTfNJWnEd95aFMowAQ0IlRBRAOPaMfm1XO9pwz_7hjcV6c2HvGoud1YLr_UmCGudLICKb25h_ov9o-xsZ4RbGvQm7f-j6YmH1ipMnT0FYXw5MgLCcvAKNPqwnf/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Bitty Bebe with Fold Down Purse Bed}</td></tr>
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For those not familiar, the No Coast sale is an annual holiday sale with over 100 artists and craftspeople hawking their amazing, cool, beautiful stuff. This is not your mama's craft sale--it has a fantastic indie vibe going on. You can learn more about it here: <a href="http://www.nocoastcraft.com/">No Coast Craft O'Rama</a><br />
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Personally, I have made so friggin much for this sale--I am not sure how I will even manage to display it all. I have over 10 new designs I am introducing at the sale, and many, many old faves. You can check out some of these new designs and the old faves in the photos here--or in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">my Etsy</a> shop if you want more info or might like to do a little shopping-- but I have not had a chance to photograph and post all of it yet because I have been up to my nose in designing and making...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DqXhKHdlDpMxfi9Q8HcOExXmj7BcfqkHM7iVaJLMwU0I-42RAWNSgwJ3hKqocVbQRNEC1Zg0eso8mVRB7oINcPbTNRy_eTjT9-JTw9T3afW-Zhowk0alaYoXv-G7fGyejtpEOZ_BM67e/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DqXhKHdlDpMxfi9Q8HcOExXmj7BcfqkHM7iVaJLMwU0I-42RAWNSgwJ3hKqocVbQRNEC1Zg0eso8mVRB7oINcPbTNRy_eTjT9-JTw9T3afW-Zhowk0alaYoXv-G7fGyejtpEOZ_BM67e/s320/IMG_3676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Velveteen Underground Fox Plushie Made from Recycled Wool Tweed Suit Jacket & Men's Shirts}</td></tr>
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If you are one of the people who use Facebook (my own relationship is very on again/off again), I did launch a Beeper Bébé page a few weeks ago--find that here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beeperbebe/?pnref=story" target="_blank">Beeper Bébé on Facebook</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5jM5GDIrvUTJrOqjJtE0GaWbReiOepaRyp-w3vxQapmg3WEd138lPRqzX_qsK18D_ZZ40TceX76h64XTM7O46Ncl-Rd9Ipqi80jVdi_1Tac7vz82bzaT3VfH1Flh_fXgbNQgDYsJTr-R/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5jM5GDIrvUTJrOqjJtE0GaWbReiOepaRyp-w3vxQapmg3WEd138lPRqzX_qsK18D_ZZ40TceX76h64XTM7O46Ncl-Rd9Ipqi80jVdi_1Tac7vz82bzaT3VfH1Flh_fXgbNQgDYsJTr-R/s320/IMG_3678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Play Day Lego Accessories--Made from Reclaimed Lego Bits}</td></tr>
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I guess I just want to say, if you're still stopping in, receiving this blog feed, or just coming past because you found me via Pinterest or something like that, thanks for visiting. I hope we will see each other again--if not here, maybe even in person at the No Coast Craft O'Rama this weekend.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-2648321859330791842014-03-31T20:29:00.002-07:002014-03-31T20:29:45.778-07:00In My Shop: Bunnies and Funny Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeeZ5BeHVBGo-VJG63a2D7eNNi-Xh2IFcQB9YCLPrj13kPskFbYb-uPgHmTmu4G2nHD-yli-TkGGMtcZYgOoYgyU1sgF0DvZwogMTVOTBw-PEXAv0uY2g13KbgHRWOhc-dyi7YG-c8SNE/s1600/Beatnik+Felt+Face2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeeZ5BeHVBGo-VJG63a2D7eNNi-Xh2IFcQB9YCLPrj13kPskFbYb-uPgHmTmu4G2nHD-yli-TkGGMtcZYgOoYgyU1sgF0DvZwogMTVOTBw-PEXAv0uY2g13KbgHRWOhc-dyi7YG-c8SNE/s1600/Beatnik+Felt+Face2.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dc9ngXTSqKvA6WAoOWpFDpfjTast6eelfDObE_6pupXRdj9Y5vK2EbszCyHqq7ST11k464FZkCrL53PT6bSR-DTxjC38vo4OtjwbHfOgd4Bb8lO39gAfBQgPvieit9w2pjjMNfN35hsz/s1600/Felt+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dc9ngXTSqKvA6WAoOWpFDpfjTast6eelfDObE_6pupXRdj9Y5vK2EbszCyHqq7ST11k464FZkCrL53PT6bSR-DTxjC38vo4OtjwbHfOgd4Bb8lO39gAfBQgPvieit9w2pjjMNfN35hsz/s1600/Felt+Books.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIoEtbkgjt6aui-vKuYxL8ICo8FOP3TWpr_txWHu4uPgFtracOPdDwwPtNOfnWNWqTfmTW3AJ1mxz9JqDlpHPbyNuUvKoV2qYNfQhp8BVJ10zuK3zBPq6rWrsaoG2XHW_CaTEYBWZnlwg/s1600/Blue+Bird+and+Caterpillar+Felt+Faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIoEtbkgjt6aui-vKuYxL8ICo8FOP3TWpr_txWHu4uPgFtracOPdDwwPtNOfnWNWqTfmTW3AJ1mxz9JqDlpHPbyNuUvKoV2qYNfQhp8BVJ10zuK3zBPq6rWrsaoG2XHW_CaTEYBWZnlwg/s1600/Blue+Bird+and+Caterpillar+Felt+Faces.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VHusHjxHOFRJwg6MnTtr0QfZm6dGIH_R6O_Xl0ksCq2_uE5NgvFSpDJ8BvfhV-nfOWKVXCVLUHgjHWN7WpBl8vYQB2qpnxoX27LaN41qO3gyrm8wQ2MniGcVSvhcfV4nI7pevIsDkxB0/s1600/Yellow+Mooshy+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VHusHjxHOFRJwg6MnTtr0QfZm6dGIH_R6O_Xl0ksCq2_uE5NgvFSpDJ8BvfhV-nfOWKVXCVLUHgjHWN7WpBl8vYQB2qpnxoX27LaN41qO3gyrm8wQ2MniGcVSvhcfV4nI7pevIsDkxB0/s1600/Yellow+Mooshy+Close+Up.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRr1XrUU5_vYTawTT4LzEPsXAJgxytaHK7HX-DG6e_VTol7bUxiU2ijrkIoqWUJVAkk9n_Nw_jJXQr9yCKgHA3c8AEmKDPOW3Ju3UvIrWTSyL-WVntlNGpI9_bz9N4HHNPl1STM8a8NZz/s1600/Mooshy+Bunny+Rainbow5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRr1XrUU5_vYTawTT4LzEPsXAJgxytaHK7HX-DG6e_VTol7bUxiU2ijrkIoqWUJVAkk9n_Nw_jJXQr9yCKgHA3c8AEmKDPOW3Ju3UvIrWTSyL-WVntlNGpI9_bz9N4HHNPl1STM8a8NZz/s1600/Mooshy+Bunny+Rainbow5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some mooshiness and a bit of felt fun has arrived in my little shop. You can find a rainbow's worth of Mooshy Belly Bunnies <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=5067722&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">here</a>, and a short stack of my creative felt play books <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=6618668&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6">here</a>. </div>
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Wish you could make your own? Well, you can, my crafty friend...</div>
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Find the tutorials for both <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2009/06/project-downloads-archive.html">over here</a>. </div>
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Buy it or make it yourself--the choice is yours.</div>
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(What's that? You just want to sit on your arse and watch an entire season of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/">Sherlock</a>? Well, go on then--grab a remote and settle in. I am all about giving my readers just what they want...want me to grab you a whiskey with ginger ale too?)</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-38999151071824451042014-03-09T14:31:00.000-07:002014-03-09T15:53:00.269-07:00Almost Springtime in Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was recently in Europe for work (Geneva and Amsterdam), and decided to stay a little longer and take the train down to Paris for the weekend. Arriving in the Gare du Nord is like emerging into some sort of old world state of grace. To me, everything just feels right in Paris--the food, the art, the parks, the architecture, the streets--I found myself moving more slowly, breathing more deeply, looking at my surroundings with dreamy eyes. Paris is like an antidote for the hurry and unpoetic details of day to day life. It is a balm made up of pain au chocolat, beautiful boulevards, sidewalk cafes, french wine, teeny shops, late dinners and the art of Rodin, Seurat, Matisse and Monet. </div>
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Here is some of the loveliness found in a weekend of wandering and lingering...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZTsmARe_2FIdvz9RpL0cvwhC6Oo7v02iqa4nL1JuYlU5xNBUqcUxvBOpx_5MS9O0OiX7MqTdb153Wlqa0-0KaLXPTVGHtrHm7P4XKm4JVRCY0MC9oUDqBuRcI7CiHtPXkIXr-R3sb6BN/s1600/12910719564_502f8505ac_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZTsmARe_2FIdvz9RpL0cvwhC6Oo7v02iqa4nL1JuYlU5xNBUqcUxvBOpx_5MS9O0OiX7MqTdb153Wlqa0-0KaLXPTVGHtrHm7P4XKm4JVRCY0MC9oUDqBuRcI7CiHtPXkIXr-R3sb6BN/s1600/12910719564_502f8505ac_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Montmartre}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrojE7SenAQLSqHy-7SmLbTf1FwerE9wyn8__2g51DkcXbKtKVVLlhsYZ2FwURUv16wNaO9Fm52RcDggFqRbqtO5Kg3cn7HaxfAJ7PUF3mm1uTQzQ7qODkjx3dk0s2PoBf1ldo3aXSPi6m/s1600/12910306175_5943b869d9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrojE7SenAQLSqHy-7SmLbTf1FwerE9wyn8__2g51DkcXbKtKVVLlhsYZ2FwURUv16wNaO9Fm52RcDggFqRbqtO5Kg3cn7HaxfAJ7PUF3mm1uTQzQ7qODkjx3dk0s2PoBf1ldo3aXSPi6m/s1600/12910306175_5943b869d9_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Notre Dame}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWrllOKVeGiNj8W0-BExjkqh2CXfacbTmAHjJ9dAFQKtLdbQ0n1EWE3zD0El4Zqp5RPO55F4uj-d0rybgk0VJ2xbpAeYZfbN-ImY3FDl_aR-3FfYTyqps3M41cHnYHgb5UkD8G8yexI4d/s1600/12910293945_0efc24a9d0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWrllOKVeGiNj8W0-BExjkqh2CXfacbTmAHjJ9dAFQKtLdbQ0n1EWE3zD0El4Zqp5RPO55F4uj-d0rybgk0VJ2xbpAeYZfbN-ImY3FDl_aR-3FfYTyqps3M41cHnYHgb5UkD8G8yexI4d/s1600/12910293945_0efc24a9d0_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sculpture at the Louvre}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcS0XNIFo3ahCn3IJhYcc_fAiAYwRSZVu1ddSV3J1KCxy3kNho5p48o_lxHV4_Uomuyi77cp94UhaUnQsAMkE80K1Jamd0SFtku0xw31AWZ3snoSXWUjpEYQauF04f2o_XKOxH24DDhXZ/s1600/12910270185_4b1b6bdeb7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcS0XNIFo3ahCn3IJhYcc_fAiAYwRSZVu1ddSV3J1KCxy3kNho5p48o_lxHV4_Uomuyi77cp94UhaUnQsAMkE80K1Jamd0SFtku0xw31AWZ3snoSXWUjpEYQauF04f2o_XKOxH24DDhXZ/s1600/12910270185_4b1b6bdeb7_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Paris Architecture}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlkqKnZklOJKGUL4IM5iPDYB0VBu7F2iHS6o5rG3rlXmWgB_ZsQ3jxM9-G3TmiSsY2Gfvs5r7yrqm-TPjDLhRgtZDQcy29Qr5k6dEpNhLEb__tDenUCgTwdPhS29S3B7oW2StTkPlb-Pt/s1600/12910706884_0db1a45c33_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlkqKnZklOJKGUL4IM5iPDYB0VBu7F2iHS6o5rG3rlXmWgB_ZsQ3jxM9-G3TmiSsY2Gfvs5r7yrqm-TPjDLhRgtZDQcy29Qr5k6dEpNhLEb__tDenUCgTwdPhS29S3B7oW2StTkPlb-Pt/s1600/12910706884_0db1a45c33_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Rodin Sculpture Garden with Les Invalides}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw87EgEAeozBKrM2ZuVrqLNYglBkOZOfv3gJ8agzfHGNXLfDMVddtToT8IVyIHdjDN4b9VgNKl_I7Lng8KgICzAuujOjZaKK95CGBHxhH-sfQbWR1DiFwtvQYup-j9ks_cdJ_HFgIxAk9/s1600/12910741014_60ffe1a0a6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw87EgEAeozBKrM2ZuVrqLNYglBkOZOfv3gJ8agzfHGNXLfDMVddtToT8IVyIHdjDN4b9VgNKl_I7Lng8KgICzAuujOjZaKK95CGBHxhH-sfQbWR1DiFwtvQYup-j9ks_cdJ_HFgIxAk9/s1600/12910741014_60ffe1a0a6_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Street Lamp Detail}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX9arkvngo8AL8VrANPOR9TvTwLSsI8ahBG3Yl4n99ofwOsg8ZorQPD5I_3KwQQ9R_ptagfawNUBZHFCp7zn7malvUW6qy5M7Im74Kpq66VJSWPZTQ8SOPORcNdxhz7DRxG5BWhdBGz2t/s1600/12910363653_a1fb5ab3f2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX9arkvngo8AL8VrANPOR9TvTwLSsI8ahBG3Yl4n99ofwOsg8ZorQPD5I_3KwQQ9R_ptagfawNUBZHFCp7zn7malvUW6qy5M7Im74Kpq66VJSWPZTQ8SOPORcNdxhz7DRxG5BWhdBGz2t/s1600/12910363653_a1fb5ab3f2_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Shakespeare & Company Bookstore}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_nW8yq2tNJEHjns38IKIMVWVG7ldjNEWLvn1IH6i-2ozQEG3BOf1TWr4_e5ubvPsC4BF7nQhUztgfFkejr85Yhe3nlVmbC-uiAWIBKWqXhVuC76UK4ht4t3c65dPoSrq8tKvGaAaIJ3f/s1600/12910391943_d84c201800_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_nW8yq2tNJEHjns38IKIMVWVG7ldjNEWLvn1IH6i-2ozQEG3BOf1TWr4_e5ubvPsC4BF7nQhUztgfFkejr85Yhe3nlVmbC-uiAWIBKWqXhVuC76UK4ht4t3c65dPoSrq8tKvGaAaIJ3f/s1600/12910391943_d84c201800_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Secondhand Books Upstairs}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA9EZzQYWFkaupRSsnYiG3u6H6A3UuKdRjP71nC_jOaDc7Bk6w3vLA2SPye7aqbH1kupSiGzXDFUdzUMSHHVcECFGEhYqCA57tSY5_AQwOZgR78edI3HKHLW2rSJI8ZeY1m9MbFCvFBFa/s1600/12910383953_0b44e9fa5f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA9EZzQYWFkaupRSsnYiG3u6H6A3UuKdRjP71nC_jOaDc7Bk6w3vLA2SPye7aqbH1kupSiGzXDFUdzUMSHHVcECFGEhYqCA57tSY5_AQwOZgR78edI3HKHLW2rSJI8ZeY1m9MbFCvFBFa/s1600/12910383953_0b44e9fa5f_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss at Louvre}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrz_2IvpunIL9lV9o6Ab7mCimdwTzKJZrMMXwF-Ke9hmBXLrzYpxl-HlrppbGqCkLGEoXTL63l1IePa_T7305bV-5LCULqLvnUUvQYDMXimprgCp23kN2pqBOPXGbIEQOE8qdCis7s5Fk/s1600/12910718024_b43831ae32_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrz_2IvpunIL9lV9o6Ab7mCimdwTzKJZrMMXwF-Ke9hmBXLrzYpxl-HlrppbGqCkLGEoXTL63l1IePa_T7305bV-5LCULqLvnUUvQYDMXimprgCp23kN2pqBOPXGbIEQOE8qdCis7s5Fk/s1600/12910718024_b43831ae32_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Metro Entrance}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSTx_3TcrLxRszBSOvlJCIhkJFN3oGll8JzqhNrkD2TaoSjoINkiMaAXRPyuXXatAiBNBG1wQugM9B9NzuZUClt8BJEk354JuBH3VCI7Sv7xhw9nFcZaqtL1hSneu0_-LIM_WYQEtrh9c/s1600/13017576955_0dc5569eff_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSTx_3TcrLxRszBSOvlJCIhkJFN3oGll8JzqhNrkD2TaoSjoINkiMaAXRPyuXXatAiBNBG1wQugM9B9NzuZUClt8BJEk354JuBH3VCI7Sv7xhw9nFcZaqtL1hSneu0_-LIM_WYQEtrh9c/s1600/13017576955_0dc5569eff_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{View from my Little Hotel Balcony}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk-Nq41o6ikGGqwN9drEXv7Jlhg-KHWQfBlH-HWUlSol_8fpEZUwZT2blA_oY66J0B2wj5XckVbuquUYENPKC06MFbfShY5QVJB-yZkUt7CwHWyqjEswIYcvO_E_vrqA6ky5dk8h_hu7G/s1600/12910380093_bea67cac0b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk-Nq41o6ikGGqwN9drEXv7Jlhg-KHWQfBlH-HWUlSol_8fpEZUwZT2blA_oY66J0B2wj5XckVbuquUYENPKC06MFbfShY5QVJB-yZkUt7CwHWyqjEswIYcvO_E_vrqA6ky5dk8h_hu7G/s1600/12910380093_bea67cac0b_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sacre Couer}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nt-n-pJsRtheGPdZ9U-DvXtaQ3eg84EnPGMNdhU7PSB5Qn49L7RaEJr4Ud4JH3rqpPXoczry3IhZzBIATDSQvZP2cwo2HP2AfBTV1QyyYNT1AbhIsxvxhY41lFzvGJVtrzx9Horck1n/s1600/12910310485_73630770c3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nt-n-pJsRtheGPdZ9U-DvXtaQ3eg84EnPGMNdhU7PSB5Qn49L7RaEJr4Ud4JH3rqpPXoczry3IhZzBIATDSQvZP2cwo2HP2AfBTV1QyyYNT1AbhIsxvxhY41lFzvGJVtrzx9Horck1n/s1600/12910310485_73630770c3_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Pont des Arts with Love Locks}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdYoukiHYoUejZMNRDBQm1aU72kXURbueUXmRsjhs4UWICfPIZuAwVIoPlLE728jiXm4aR5Q1dQEqGTrpTqmQqplsC0cPFyCm2_hS2PLCgtYe8rZ4d2WwhLaQkwJJ0dIL5LVy_TNSr596/s1600/13017960734_08540c5c7a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdYoukiHYoUejZMNRDBQm1aU72kXURbueUXmRsjhs4UWICfPIZuAwVIoPlLE728jiXm4aR5Q1dQEqGTrpTqmQqplsC0cPFyCm2_hS2PLCgtYe8rZ4d2WwhLaQkwJJ0dIL5LVy_TNSr596/s1600/13017960734_08540c5c7a_o.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">{Moulin Rouge}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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I took all the above photos using <a href="http://instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>(see all my photos <a href="http://instagram.com/beeperbebe" target="_blank">here</a>). I did not want to burden myself with hauling around my usual camera, so I just carried my iPhone and used Instagram to edit my photos and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id436737730?mt=8" target="_blank">Postale</a> to create and send off virtual postcards to family and friends (love that app--allows you to even customize your stamp and automatically post stamps the card with your location and date--you can also have them print and send a physical postcard of your design). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_AjdSaahOGpSt5cnRcs1UTyYtscQDZnyyEIuXW2shyge6Nha0OxgIqu-5YcAfzB8QLXceca-4NRxw3WkxH82vqua1PTD3YurT2aCMwO79yNLgyjdqon_IIYQSaFf-5d6IdgalfkQGhyphenhyphenU/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_AjdSaahOGpSt5cnRcs1UTyYtscQDZnyyEIuXW2shyge6Nha0OxgIqu-5YcAfzB8QLXceca-4NRxw3WkxH82vqua1PTD3YurT2aCMwO79yNLgyjdqon_IIYQSaFf-5d6IdgalfkQGhyphenhyphenU/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought little, but upon returning I wanted to do something with my collection of Instagram photos so I sent them away to <a href="http://www.origrami.com/" target="_blank">Origami</a> (an Instagram photo printing site) to have them printed into one of their<a href="http://www.origrami.com/index.php#retro" target="_blank"> charming photo packets</a>. I will share the results once those arrive...until then, au revoir and wishing you a bit of Paris balm in your life...</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-46229524579108668112014-02-12T20:59:00.000-08:002014-02-12T20:59:13.158-08:00Make This: Valentine's Balms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM3NaRrAXfVBZ42RK-5TACGXILBHUdCRP0nBEgnPRvCSrqoiq73v2T785ZziQilbbHAgaoyLe8zq5htKhyF-Zi3mbtG1fH89CIQiw1jPozRimoapKEyRwvU6aPpXs3Yfvny1TRhRsvvsd/s1600/jumble+of+balms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM3NaRrAXfVBZ42RK-5TACGXILBHUdCRP0nBEgnPRvCSrqoiq73v2T785ZziQilbbHAgaoyLe8zq5htKhyF-Zi3mbtG1fH89CIQiw1jPozRimoapKEyRwvU6aPpXs3Yfvny1TRhRsvvsd/s1600/jumble+of+balms.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beat this: what's more classic for Valentine's Day than chocolate and roses? Yep--not much else out there more classic than this pairing...but the debbie-downer-side to these things is that chocolates make you fat and lazy while roses just die and drop their sad wilted petals all over the place. <i>These</i> chocolate and roses though add neither calories nor detritus to your home...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DkLK8IEjr1jHoIFaRO0TREMxCc4yMwxXJiUQAxi20gZ5MOOnTPOIYEPgoWA_okDSHa8iJ5a7uCmqcnuhJ3bOBGFlZ9jT-bHLwo0Y9FKwf50YBbHyVzsbgj4sUmQmeSyLdvSUKKCmWisv/s1600/Two+Balms6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DkLK8IEjr1jHoIFaRO0TREMxCc4yMwxXJiUQAxi20gZ5MOOnTPOIYEPgoWA_okDSHa8iJ5a7uCmqcnuhJ3bOBGFlZ9jT-bHLwo0Y9FKwf50YBbHyVzsbgj4sUmQmeSyLdvSUKKCmWisv/s1600/Two+Balms6.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep--Valentine's balms--one for the lips, the other for all the places you would apply perfume. You come out tasting great and smelling awesome. And, as it turns out, making balms is so crazy easy. Once you have your supplies, you can whip a dozen of these up in less than an hour. Seriously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cHB9rrwjIzKtrloBiPOgNc6HyhMztPX8DPebwCuiJkZesC1ju1gouoIa-cWU_ROmtUYb4tUrJAaTcnGbEtygR8nvWAOM1DN7aenndngrL4_HJPRYqNYdkiNPbMFD3a9YxmBv_kNy_kMe/s1600/Balms+and+Tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cHB9rrwjIzKtrloBiPOgNc6HyhMztPX8DPebwCuiJkZesC1ju1gouoIa-cWU_ROmtUYb4tUrJAaTcnGbEtygR8nvWAOM1DN7aenndngrL4_HJPRYqNYdkiNPbMFD3a9YxmBv_kNy_kMe/s1600/Balms+and+Tape.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add some colorful washi tape to the tops and they instantly say love and romance and other tasty sentiments (Plus, don't you love the simple look of a strip of washi tape on just about anything? How can a strip of tape add so much? The washi has little bits of magic embedded in it, I think...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE1EOH7Omr4exnwvMEgiFEkN5WvqtI2DaFzRiP_wzoqmOTe0zjMntHOJjeHvNGha80-bFCLvwTNcIzrLDr1YdAos929GZHpjodGXpEW_ttso9Usdlve3nL6JPrlxg2wRBgDIumo-uLsJ2/s1600/washi+tape+on+the+sill3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE1EOH7Omr4exnwvMEgiFEkN5WvqtI2DaFzRiP_wzoqmOTe0zjMntHOJjeHvNGha80-bFCLvwTNcIzrLDr1YdAos929GZHpjodGXpEW_ttso9Usdlve3nL6JPrlxg2wRBgDIumo-uLsJ2/s1600/washi+tape+on+the+sill3.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and that? Well, that is just reflective of my washi tape love....did someone say addiction? Obsession? OCD hoarding? No, no--it is just love. Plain and simple. </div>
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Happy Valentine's Day.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B689GvZEMciEU3lSRlZBcVI0ZEU/edit?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD VALENTINES DAY BALMS TUTORIAL</a>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-87068414095027611742014-02-03T19:26:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:26:36.398-08:0012 Projects: Lots of Valentine-y Things to Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR-gNv_-_GDflwjr2NMN2vHlOT-cqH5IoPvkjx8e26vtkUJoGV9YAF7zmNo8LgRtFmki4Qixst3shzT1qNIzdwEFgtUClpyGswkHRW8PmN8Am73-OYKde6vEgZv_1CA-pO9C9ghslR1cZ/s1600/Valentine+Collage+Mixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR-gNv_-_GDflwjr2NMN2vHlOT-cqH5IoPvkjx8e26vtkUJoGV9YAF7zmNo8LgRtFmki4Qixst3shzT1qNIzdwEFgtUClpyGswkHRW8PmN8Am73-OYKde6vEgZv_1CA-pO9C9ghslR1cZ/s1600/Valentine+Collage+Mixed.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just look at all those hearts--plus a couple of other things--like roses, champagne cocktails and gems--that put me in mind of Valentine's Day. Those <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/diy-glycerine-soap-gem-stones/" target="_blank">jewel-like soaps</a> are so pretty--and so easypeasy to make, and I love those simply designed <a href="http://www.sallyjshim.com/blog/2013/1/30/make-you-rock-valentine.html" target="_blank">chocolate rock valentines</a>. <a href="http://www.beardandbonnet.com/small-batch-potato-chips-for-valentines-day-gluten-free-and-vegan/" target="_blank">Heart-shaped potato chips</a>? Beeper would die for those since potatoes are his most-recently declared fave food--and I will be trying my hand at making my own <a href="http://www.roostblog.com/blog/rose-water-video" target="_blank">rose water</a> as a valentine to me. Oh, and I love a <a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_blank">valentine handwarmer</a>, especially during this artic Minnesota winter...</div>
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Projects listed from left to right, starting at the top: <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2012/02/red-heart-pillow-tutorial-by-noodlehead.html" target="_blank">Red Heart Pillow</a> from <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/" target="_blank">U Create</a>; <a href="http://www.allfortheboys.com/home/2014/1/30/valentine-rubberband-bracelet-bow-arrow.html" target="_blank">Valentine Rubberband Bracelet Bow and Arrow </a>from <a href="http://www.allfortheboys.com/" target="_blank">All for the Boys</a>; <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/diy-glycerine-soap-gem-stones/" target="_blank">Glycerine Soap Gem Stones</a> from <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/" target="_blank">Mr P Blog</a>; <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/2011/01/17/printable-class-valentine/" target="_blank">Printable Class Valentines</a> from <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/" target="_blank">One Charming Party</a>; <a href="http://www.roostblog.com/blog/rose-water-video" target="_blank">Make Your Own Rose Water</a> from <a href="http://www.roostblog.com/" target="_blank">Roost</a>; <a href="http://www.fabricpaperglue.com/2013/01/try-this-leather-heart-coin-purse.html" target="_blank">Leather Heart Coin Purse</a> by <a href="http://www.fabricpaperglue.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Paper Glue</a>; <a href="http://www.sallyjshim.com/blog/2013/1/30/make-you-rock-valentine.html" target="_blank">You Rock! Valentine</a> from <a href="http://www.sallyjshim.com/" target="_blank">Sally J Shim</a>; <a href="http://leeksoupblog.com/2011/12/31/cheers-minty-blood-orange-champagne-fizz/" target="_blank">Minty Blood Orange Champagne Fizz</a> from <a href="http://leeksoupblog.com/" target="_blank">Leek Soup</a>; <a href="http://www.beardandbonnet.com/small-batch-potato-chips-for-valentines-day-gluten-free-and-vegan/" target="_blank">Potato Chips for Valentine's Day</a> from <a href="http://www.beardandbonnet.com/" target="_blank">Beard and Bonnet</a>; <a href="http://raeannkelly.com/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_blank">Handwarmer Valentine</a> from <a href="http://raeannkelly.com/" target="_blank">RaeAnn Kelly</a>; <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2014/01/love-is-in-air-class-valentines.html" target="_blank">Love is in the Air Class Valentines</a> from <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eighteen 25</a>; <a href="http://www.adalouvintage.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-valentines-letterbox-by-katie.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Letterbox</a> from <a href="http://www.adalouvintage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ada Lou</a></div>
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Happy Valentine's Day making and giving, friends. Be back later this week with a little crafty Valentine-inspired design of my own from me to you...</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-34376867751449686642014-01-07T20:27:00.001-08:002014-01-07T20:27:51.788-08:00Eat This: Polar Vortex Doughnuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8xZT5xFrF8u1KX9zJjppJGTLtxN-tnHnOaizgtGweAwQV-as2wuE5tQSXpTqTVMW4ZJLt8QQR1wiij5JZa3YFBEKrr8J4m8Hajc6MGEX5P_hLhTeOLQBXtCm7DwFAfx6dvd74lcSoUn4/s1600/Polar+Vortex+Doughnuts6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8xZT5xFrF8u1KX9zJjppJGTLtxN-tnHnOaizgtGweAwQV-as2wuE5tQSXpTqTVMW4ZJLt8QQR1wiij5JZa3YFBEKrr8J4m8Hajc6MGEX5P_hLhTeOLQBXtCm7DwFAfx6dvd74lcSoUn4/s1600/Polar+Vortex+Doughnuts6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may have heard: it's really, really cold in Minnesota right now--some sort of polar vortex weather phenomena is hovering over the state--just like a dementor waiting to suck out all of your happy. Luckily, I have figured out that doughnuts are the perfect antidote to happiness-sucking weather. Makes perfect sense, no? When a tornado hits, head to the basement, and when a besieged by a polar vortex, make doughnuts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGv3G1fdUEnx2dPcp82f3gLU1_cBoNlho0nq7ngwpTxVbgzqkIwdJEAq6oYy_1WNy12VpYQb2RiTapSh2-uljuEMg65m_j9MgnKjQZdmnJyz8S1tho5plAj8GC1tUVI2am4-phQmOUSvz/s1600/Coconut+Toasted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGv3G1fdUEnx2dPcp82f3gLU1_cBoNlho0nq7ngwpTxVbgzqkIwdJEAq6oYy_1WNy12VpYQb2RiTapSh2-uljuEMg65m_j9MgnKjQZdmnJyz8S1tho5plAj8GC1tUVI2am4-phQmOUSvz/s1600/Coconut+Toasted.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSia3cv3R-2cFLRwQEbmxXK7oUtp5cIS89HkaC_6uVbidUFwKt0TY4axpYB9EDqCT7Ln8VbcCaUcRegydQnSkHokpjIzFfCUXbrvTWe6GjZmHmQ1FqK2JqxzD0cQ5mhUcibvZiaJM4VVEq/s1600/Mixed+Dry+and+Wet+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSia3cv3R-2cFLRwQEbmxXK7oUtp5cIS89HkaC_6uVbidUFwKt0TY4axpYB9EDqCT7Ln8VbcCaUcRegydQnSkHokpjIzFfCUXbrvTWe6GjZmHmQ1FqK2JqxzD0cQ5mhUcibvZiaJM4VVEq/s1600/Mixed+Dry+and+Wet+Ingredients.jpg" height="266" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I dug out my as-yet-unused doughnut baking pan (best $8 investment ever...), toasted up some coconut and got down to business. I actually started thinking about making something like this <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-do-doughnut-muffins-fit-in.html" target="_blank">back when I made Joy's doughnut muffins</a>...and through some adaptation of the doughnut recipe found on the back of the actual doughnut pan packaging, came up with this recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu5R73b9CUL42LNGTqVTKJLJ3M4Rw_h-D2VFL_5xtpQs-DJLFwh41Co_l1IqC8XMuRf3T2eZSa-RRXbOg2LEfMylL8-NraB-GPkdjLfg-l5Sgi1nFoIy50UbzMLClJbzxCyQAxeoTAkZY/s1600/Coconut+Doughnut+Dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu5R73b9CUL42LNGTqVTKJLJ3M4Rw_h-D2VFL_5xtpQs-DJLFwh41Co_l1IqC8XMuRf3T2eZSa-RRXbOg2LEfMylL8-NraB-GPkdjLfg-l5Sgi1nFoIy50UbzMLClJbzxCyQAxeoTAkZY/s1600/Coconut+Doughnut+Dough.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_tCepAzFHbkDXhIwPuQFHmEBXV0P1_XS0n6a6rBMownxfhPnOxYdycwwsAXqI35CJx3V3a02TDMwGtgqQ48681gCJAHfgv_A3lxqN8PNHuhUKFW7EsVSoB8ktsmpMQAGzhSWFKNrfbKh/s1600/Doughnut+Glaze+and+Coconut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_tCepAzFHbkDXhIwPuQFHmEBXV0P1_XS0n6a6rBMownxfhPnOxYdycwwsAXqI35CJx3V3a02TDMwGtgqQ48681gCJAHfgv_A3lxqN8PNHuhUKFW7EsVSoB8ktsmpMQAGzhSWFKNrfbKh/s1600/Doughnut+Glaze+and+Coconut2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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This dough comes together in about 5 minutes, and the glaze took about the same. You bake the doughnuts for 15 minutes and suddenly there you have it--ta-da!--cake doughnuts! No standing over hot frying oil, little extra fat beyond what you choose to grease the pan with, and so little time invested!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYopeTnPYrs7f5fo1DVzcw9ywQGxHNKYPhhCJaSKpzPya2CznGBdT5ZkGrUqi5AainUvoElNfvijUd4x3HWXk6aYooCtRdqMeZsqZ-6z3myX7RIsmIF5QETapyXuIRP6jc0j43CGn5izR/s1600/Unglazed+Doughnuts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYopeTnPYrs7f5fo1DVzcw9ywQGxHNKYPhhCJaSKpzPya2CznGBdT5ZkGrUqi5AainUvoElNfvijUd4x3HWXk6aYooCtRdqMeZsqZ-6z3myX7RIsmIF5QETapyXuIRP6jc0j43CGn5izR/s1600/Unglazed+Doughnuts3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0O2SmczGzsItHLlpo3r7cQ6fRRIGViyENv-wwAPmZIdaBYRPw6usUTdgqbSvTlmYrfGMaGV76A7KlMms0HmapMTmyEXqFEfcfK3c-OVDwWy4J_sn1RaxB3XvYAEaEY-fuMah82aUpLDN/s1600/Glazing+the+Doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0O2SmczGzsItHLlpo3r7cQ6fRRIGViyENv-wwAPmZIdaBYRPw6usUTdgqbSvTlmYrfGMaGV76A7KlMms0HmapMTmyEXqFEfcfK3c-OVDwWy4J_sn1RaxB3XvYAEaEY-fuMah82aUpLDN/s1600/Glazing+the+Doughnuts.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will caution you to only fill your doughnut pan about 3/4 of the way full--while I did leave a little space in mine, they cooked over and actually eclipsed their holes. They also have what I think of as a very narrow doughnut tutu. No matter, I just got a paring knife and cut out the holes and gobbled those up while still warm. I then triple-dipped them in the vanilla bean glaze and sprinkled heavily with the toasted coconut. I would recommend letting them set up for an hour so the glaze will not ooze all over your fingers, dropping a party of coconut confetti after each bite--but this did not deter my family. We oozed, we partied, we tucked into the doughnuts with wild abandon while shaking our fists out the window at the scowling polar vortex.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUGk-J1tbpyeDhqsePDDu2nN4GfaEKLiLqghJkcEssA2epp3q0Twn93EAHVHCdgJw2MjGQSt8hATAXhG-E6K00gVw_zc8CB7REigrE7KU86R1EKlPd9-mkvsx1WA20715nuqB7uanbyMN/s1600/Polar+Vortex+Doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUGk-J1tbpyeDhqsePDDu2nN4GfaEKLiLqghJkcEssA2epp3q0Twn93EAHVHCdgJw2MjGQSt8hATAXhG-E6K00gVw_zc8CB7REigrE7KU86R1EKlPd9-mkvsx1WA20715nuqB7uanbyMN/s1600/Polar+Vortex+Doughnuts.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, what are you waiting for? You do not need a polar vortex of your own to make these--just a doughnut baking pan and 30 minutes and you are on your way to world filled with warm and happy thoughts no matter the weather. Now go on...</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B689GvZEMciEdmhrMnpzSVFESFk/edit?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD BAKED COCONUT DOUGHNUTS RECIPE</a>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-20782339955437822652014-01-05T15:21:00.001-08:002014-01-06T13:04:29.650-08:00Christmas Plushies Made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuJp0KtrZqr1UukKeQVfvO12OTw0xynhRGFLlraC6TAbO5Bbstpx1TkPawfdNyRq9fcx_8QIAliK2KlkOwDpLoG5wTQYehj5fO7bw3hnZv8zlHobENwmnf7kVyw4hCsnkcqE_99QS5I6V/s1600/Clothtopus3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuJp0KtrZqr1UukKeQVfvO12OTw0xynhRGFLlraC6TAbO5Bbstpx1TkPawfdNyRq9fcx_8QIAliK2KlkOwDpLoG5wTQYehj5fO7bw3hnZv8zlHobENwmnf7kVyw4hCsnkcqE_99QS5I6V/s1600/Clothtopus3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hey. How were your holidays? Mine were a cocktail of quietly happy moments (fireside reading in <a href="http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod364339&categoryId=rhbc_cat377264" target="_blank">my fave faux-fur beanbag</a>, mad games of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Brothers-Vintage-Collection-Exclusive/dp/B00285GXKG/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1388962166&sr=1-5&keywords=clue" target="_blank">Clue</a> with Beeper, and listening to lots of new vinyl...) and random incidents of crazy frustration (water dripping from above in the dining room and subsequent tear down of half of the ceiling to get at a pipe failure, usual extended-family dramatics, last minute pre-Christmas biz trip to Brazil for my day job...).</div>
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I did still manage to whip up a couple of handmade items (and bought a butt load of handmade from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home" target="_blank">Etsy</a>...maybe will share some of that later because there was so much goodness to give and you may want to know about it)--like the Clothtopus, above. I actually refer to him as the Magic Rainbow Coloctopus in homage to his color-wheel legs, but <a href="http://www.hopskipjump.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Fiona</a> calls him a Clothtopus in her book, <i><a href="http://www.hopskipjump.bigcartel.com/product/hop-skip-jump-fiona-dalton" target="_blank">Hop Skip Jump: 20 Eco-Friendly Toys to Sew</a>. </i> I blogged about the book some time ago--<a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-penguins-and-hop-skip-jump-book.html" target="_blank">here</a>--and today, I would have to name it my all-time favorite plushie-making book. Really. I pretty much want to make every toy in there and plan to keep finding children to who I can give these things so I have a reason. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbselQeVivcFoCp1eO1SWoojKLiUftmkl7swxWugKoNbrA1rSdSjiClbQAoPCTkO94YIL4rwYc5cVCOA4vxzO1c_CjI-0KUaeBthC3Mdg92eXZwKkL9tLcPzpSa3NcdBByuVymFTMmSXl/s1600/Clothtopus6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbselQeVivcFoCp1eO1SWoojKLiUftmkl7swxWugKoNbrA1rSdSjiClbQAoPCTkO94YIL4rwYc5cVCOA4vxzO1c_CjI-0KUaeBthC3Mdg92eXZwKkL9tLcPzpSa3NcdBByuVymFTMmSXl/s1600/Clothtopus6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
Anyway, I made the octopus for our friend's daughter, Zoey. She is a curious child and I thought she deserved a little something as interesting as she is. I used Robert Kaufman's <i><a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/quilters_linen/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Quilter's Linen</span></a>,</i> which I love for the color-pop selection and the linen look without all the stringiness of actual linen (am planning to make a couple of sets of <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/01/tutorial-and-pattern-counting-bean-bags.html" target="_blank">my counting beanbags</a> from this same fabric soon--watch <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe" target="_blank">my shop</a> for those).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQYHWK157lv3IgHz0IEelQo3XC3yA6FYB5hyyzx7ponA7q9-l55bm3-INrA27pV7kihQatfPfHmN8GIVPTxdUjOCrzDbNMH-czHeu0n8qsh7DSFUs1pdlo9fHnhpbyR0w4Eomz-4XAWfo/s1600/Socrates+Plush3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQYHWK157lv3IgHz0IEelQo3XC3yA6FYB5hyyzx7ponA7q9-l55bm3-INrA27pV7kihQatfPfHmN8GIVPTxdUjOCrzDbNMH-czHeu0n8qsh7DSFUs1pdlo9fHnhpbyR0w4Eomz-4XAWfo/s1600/Socrates+Plush3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also have been wanting to make a black cat plushie for Beeper for a couple of years now. You see, we have a black cat--<a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/please-meet-socrates.html" target="_blank">Socrates</a>--and Beeper is mad-adoring of him so, I thought I would make him a plush Socrates who could travel with him whenever we are away from home since he always misses Socrates like he is his actual blood-brother or something. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTkOwebBZu4fT6T_s2dzOosh7zj2ZV6Z3lwjtdCYZ6p-F90S21OWPUsLF0RrR2y8C1QBYERZQ88D1yqq83d0GlnhsRSBivOWlG_i11O31P2LHARa8OfOY3z3cd-RRoXqZDTRgi2KQ_4H9/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Toys+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTkOwebBZu4fT6T_s2dzOosh7zj2ZV6Z3lwjtdCYZ6p-F90S21OWPUsLF0RrR2y8C1QBYERZQ88D1yqq83d0GlnhsRSBivOWlG_i11O31P2LHARa8OfOY3z3cd-RRoXqZDTRgi2KQ_4H9/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Toys+Cover.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is a very rustic and simple design--it came from the book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Toys-Bunnies/dp/0307586448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388962996&sr=8-1&keywords=make+your+own+toys+sue+havens" target="_blank">Make Your Own Toys</a></i> by Sue Havens. The book focuses on using reclaimed materials to make colorful, mismatched-patchworky-plush--all of the designs are far more colorful than my black cat plush above--which complements the simplicity of the designs. I really like this book--it actually reminds me quite a bit of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beeperbebe/sets/72157603226777596/" target="_blank">my earliest plush designs</a>--but she uses all manner of fabrics (sweaters, tees, shirts) and designs (plaids, stripes, prints) in combinations I never would have thought to. The effect is very clever and fetching. I would recommend this book if you are new to plushie-making or want to begin working with reclaimed materials--the designs are simple enough and the instructions are clear with good illustrations. </div>
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Here's to a new year of inspiring, creating, making, and finding new ways to incorporate a rainbow of color into your life...</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-9015734710530360482013-12-06T19:47:00.001-08:002013-12-06T19:48:14.712-08:0025 Awesome Etsy Stocking Stuffers for Kiddies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeFWImrzVQyZXlDyWA30bI67HJHUfS4hCKh4dKuooxLsSENFdlzc2pLvkpumEk2_1Qa3q9PcnLBNCS1kxznlZcy2uRIp416ZCDdCdYEnutZ3dPUdsYL6Puf8a2Hgtcm9LrSaAuoEBNFRA/s1600/Etsy+Stocking+Stuffer+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeFWImrzVQyZXlDyWA30bI67HJHUfS4hCKh4dKuooxLsSENFdlzc2pLvkpumEk2_1Qa3q9PcnLBNCS1kxznlZcy2uRIp416ZCDdCdYEnutZ3dPUdsYL6Puf8a2Hgtcm9LrSaAuoEBNFRA/s400/Etsy+Stocking+Stuffer+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just loooooove stocking stuffers. The little things you can stuff into a Christmas stocking lend themselves so well to spontaneity, teeny beauties found at the last moment, irreverent somethings, and simple little pleasures...and often--BONUS!--they tend to cost the least. Plus I just like the experience of digging down deep into the toe of my stocking to discover any final goodies tucked down there...</div>
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And if you must know, I did actually buy several things from this list for the kiddies in my own life (plus one of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/davidturnsbowls" target="_blank">those gorg wooden tops</a> for a big person). I mean, how can you not love a<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93918839/soap-hand-grenade-bomb-soap-scented?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"> soap grenade</a>? Or those twee <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PUPURIN?section_id=11791481" target="_blank">felt animal kits </a>that make a perfect first sewing project? And that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158988470/silver-plated-bird-whistle-necklace?ref=favs_view_7" target="_blank">silver bird necklace</a> that actually makes a bird whistling noise when blown into?--so lovely. And <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126745764/delicious-gummy-bear-lip-balm-zero?ref=favs_view_20" target="_blank">gummy bear flavored lip balm</a> (plus <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SakuraBathAndBody?section_id=6834487" target="_blank">many, many other candy flavors</a> in this shop) is a must for any tween girl's stocking. (and could someone--anyone--just buy me <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171748381/london-beefeater-ring-size-extra?ref=favs_view_9" target="_blank">that Beefeater ring</a>?--because I really would wear it--yes, even to work at my corporate job...)</div>
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So, what's your stocking stuffer plan? Got one? Well, no worries if you don't because you don't need one. Peruse what is here and go from there--little delights are certain to find you...(listed from the left by row)</div>
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Row 1: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87636695/the-paintbox-luxury-glycerin-soap-custom?ref=favs_view_18">The
Paintbox: Glycerin Soap Custom Sample Collection</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/paintboxsoapworks">Paintbox Soapworks</a> , $6;
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123886222/peter-pan-collar-handmade-polka-dot?ref=favs_view_24">Polka
Dot Peter Pan Collar</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GuideForDreamers">Guide
for Dreamers</a>, $17; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/70282932/i-like-to-draw-pencils-pad-set?ref=favs_view_14">I
Like to Draw Pencil and Pad Set</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesmallobject">The Small Object</a>, $12; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87494148/wooden-comb-cat-hand-carved-natural-one?ref=favs_view_21">Wooden
Hand Carved Cat Comb</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtGiftStore">Art
Gift Store</a>, $16.50; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125106156/kids-travel-chalkboard-set-back-to?ref=favs_view_11">Travel
Chalkboard Set</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thelittlebluebirdie">Little
Blue Birdie</a>, $14</div>
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Row 2: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/58930761/skateboard-yoyo?ref=favs_view_2">Skateboard
Yoyo</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/boardgames">Board Games</a>,
$20; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117301254/guerrilla-gardening-slingshot-seed-bomb?ref=favs_view_1">Slingshot
with Seed Bombs</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/visualingual">VisuaLingual</a>,
$16; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120734344/gummy-bear-necklaces?ref=favs_view_2">Gummy
Bear Necklaces</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Glitterlimes">Glitter
Lime</a>, $28; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93918839/soap-hand-grenade-bomb-soap-scented?ref=shop_home_active">Soap
Hand Grenade</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KcSoapsNmore">KC Soaps N
More</a>, $7.50; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153212457/woodland-animal-tattoo-stickers?ref=favs_view_2">Woodland
Animal Temporary Tattoos</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/katebroughton">Kate Broughton</a>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$7.50 ;</div>
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Row 3: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156329475/rose-gold-fox-ring-adjustable-ring?ref=favs_view_7">Rose
Gold Fox Ring</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/petitformal">Petit
Formal</a>, $10; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171755977/green-brown-felt-mouse-miniature-in?ref=favs_view_9">Miniature
Felt Mouse in Matchbox</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/atelierpompadour">Atelier Pompadour</a>, $27; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/82302193/square-shaped-spinning-top-with-rainbow?ref=favs_view_11">Top
with Rainbow Stripes</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/davidturnsbowls">David
Turns Bowls</a>, $12; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/73900198/half-price-sale-aponi-crocheted-flower?ref=favs_view_4">Crocheted
Flower Ring</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/peaqo">Peaqo</a>, $14; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171197644/wire-wrapped-bracelet-with-little-beads?ref=favs_view_23">Wire<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrapped Bracelet with Little Beads</a>
by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SillyOldSuitcase">Silly Old Suitcase</a>,
$14.50</div>
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Row 4: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169110511/make-you-own-petty-pet-sleeping-hamsty?ref=favs_view_15">Make
Your Own Petty-Pet Sewing Kit</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PUPURIN">Pupurin</a>,
$8; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171033277/paper-doll-lilac-instant-download?ref=favs_view_10">Downloadable
Paper Doll</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Gingermelon">Gingermelon</a>,
$1.50; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112307772/3-wool-felt-bow-french-barrettes-hair?ref=favs_view_16">3
Wool Felt Bow French Barrettes</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoftFullOfGoodies">Loft Full of Goodies</a>,
$31; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85502760/best-cake-ever-purse-metal-frame-hand?ref=favs_view_1">Best
Cake Ever Purse</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lazydoll">Lazydoll</a>,
$35; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126745764/delicious-gummy-bear-lip-balm-zero?ref=favs_view_20">Gummy
Bear Lip Balm</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SakuraBathAndBody">Sakura
Bath and Body</a>, $3.50</div>
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Row 5: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/89738546/set-of-2-kraft-paper-saddled-stitched?ref=favs_view_20">Set
of 2 Monster Notebooks</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotbookNotbuk">NotBookNotBuk</a>,
$13.50; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158152357/laser-cut-rocket-ship-model-kit?ref=favs_view_17">Laser
Cut Rocket Ship Model Kit</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThomasHouhaDesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Thomas
Houha Designs</a>, $18; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158988470/silver-plated-bird-whistle-necklace?ref=favs_view_7">Silver
Plated Bird Whistle Necklace</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveheartsandcrosses">Love Hearts and Crosses</a>,
$60; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171748381/london-beefeater-ring-size-extra?ref=favs_view_9">London
Beefeater Ring</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveheartsandcrosses">Love
Hearts and Crosses</a>,$48; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107897969/set-of-10-assorted-wooden-color-pencils?ref=favs_view_21">Set
of 10 Wooden Colored Pencils</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftGoGreen">Gift Go Green</a>, $6</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-80110229217827946972013-12-05T21:37:00.000-08:002013-12-05T21:39:13.466-08:0025 Awesome Etsy Toys and Gifts for the Kiddies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2jvSScQ-QyRu4_uoFdcXYjy_J3HNKThlf6kmmAPLQFx6SAhAuOLdYlCmC0saduxYrV2FASodcgiMDyo5guE2IVJI7_lQVEhjbAFtUl_MGg0pjbxyh4ahWyVLuCyqvwQOHZkS8dGu1HPy/s1600/Etsy+Toy+Collage+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2jvSScQ-QyRu4_uoFdcXYjy_J3HNKThlf6kmmAPLQFx6SAhAuOLdYlCmC0saduxYrV2FASodcgiMDyo5guE2IVJI7_lQVEhjbAFtUl_MGg0pjbxyh4ahWyVLuCyqvwQOHZkS8dGu1HPy/s400/Etsy+Toy+Collage+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but every Christmas I am always amazed by all the lovely, lovely toys on<a href="https://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home"> Etsy</a>. It is inspiring to see all the creativity and handmade care that is out there. The plushies alone make me crazy
with happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also never get over the good feeling
of buying something handmade for a gift—I mean, handmade is cool and so are the
craftspeople who make the stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5429236768920181639" name="_GoBack"></a>ou feel me?<br />
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Check out those colorful <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155165534/animal-alphabet-blocks?ref=favs_view_2">animal
alphabet blocks</a>—modern and classic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or what about those <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127670924/toy-unschulds-lamb-sheep?ref=favs_view_24">uber-sweet
crocheted sheep</a>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always
adore what <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cottonmonster">Cotton Monster</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span>has to offer (in fact, just bought Beeper his third <i>googly-eyed monster</i>—as he refers to
them—because he loves having a posse of monsters in bed with him to keep him
safe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161662394/fun-facts-flash-cards-for-kids-under?ref=favs_view_1">Under-Appreciated
Animal Fact Cards</a>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I adore every single thing that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/poosac">Poosac</a> makes (best shop name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and those silk-screened leggings?—must add a pair of
those to my own Santa list in the big people sizes (yes, there are adult
sizes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Now:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go visit
the toys pictured above or the shops they are in—go on now, awesome holiday
shopping awaits…(toys listed from left to right by row)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Row 1: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167446155/cyber-monday-sale-heirloom-cloth-dolls?ref=favs_view_16">Poosac
Rag Doll with Little Doll</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/poosac">Poosac</a>,
$74; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93907505/there-once-was-a-crooked-rainbow?ref=favs_view_2">There
Once Was a Crooked Rainbow Stacking Toy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMayI">Mama May I</a>, $65; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150838242/modular-doll-house-towers-manzanita-kids?ref=favs_view_19">Modular
Doll House Towers</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/manzanitakids">Manzanita
Kids</a>, $150; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101777281/kids-youth-dinosaur-vs-robot-t-shirt-tee?ref=favs_view_4">Dinosaur
Vs Robot T-Shirt</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GnomEnterprises">Gnome
Enterprises</a>, $20; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170660160/luckyjuju-kitty-boy-cat-lovie-doll?ref=listing-shop-header-1">Kitty
Boy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/luckyjuju">Lucky Juju</a>, $65</div>
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Row 2: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/65363399/railroad-tableset?ref=favs_view_17">Railroad
Table Set</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/neuefreunde">Neue Freunde</a>,
$39; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/18964402/the-russians?ref=favs_view_10">The
Russians</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/raplapla">Raplapla</a>, $58;
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165048983/pretend-play-felt-food-christmas-bumper?ref=favs_view_4">Felt
Food Christmas Hamper</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mummymadeitme">Mummy
Made it Me</a>, $59; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93158795/oddfellows-orphanage-signed-book-circus?ref=favs_view_19">OddFellow’s
Orphanage Signed Book Set</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple">The Black Apple</a>, $35; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120701130/childrens-woodland-animals-felt-mask?ref=favs_view_21">8
Woodland Animal Felt Masks</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/magicalattic">Magical Attic</a>,$80 </div>
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Row 3: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161371995/making-faces-felt-story-flannel-board?ref=favs_view_8">Making
Faces Felt Story Board</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/abcsensei">ABC
Sensei</a>, $20; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114392863/lovely-handcrafted-wooden-toy-racing-car?ref=favs_view_1">Wooden
Racing Car</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woodenplay">Woodenplay</a>
, $32; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170107272/raya-big-cotton-monster?ref=favs_view_4">Raya
Big Cotton Monster</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cottonmonster">Cotton Monster</a>, $99; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107986626/wooden-toy-dodo-organic-natural-kids?ref=favs_view_7">Wooden
Dodo Pull Toy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FriendlyToys">Friendly
Toys</a> , $35; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161662394/fun-facts-flash-cards-for-kids-under?ref=favs_view_1">Under-Appreciated
Animal Fact Cards</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mightypigeon">Mighty
Pigeon,</a> $18</div>
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Row 4: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171187597/black-rabbit-rattle-toy?ref=favs_view_12">Black
Rabbit Rattle Toy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/foxandowl">Fox and
Owl</a>, $85; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/84245650/bear-feet-felted-wool-slippers-kids-size?ref=favs_view_16">Bear
Feet Felted Wool Slippers</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Leikey">Leikey
Designs</a>, $34; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127670924/toy-unschulds-lamb-sheep?ref=favs_view_24">Unschulds
Lamb</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/eineIdee">Eine Idee</a> , $49; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91183132/cloth-ball-funky-light-gray-ball-or-star?ref=favs_view_2">Teething
Star Ball</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TIMOHANDMADE">Timo Handmade</a>,
$45; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123252442/mint-green-wolf-leggings-for-children?ref=favs_view_6">Mint
Green Wolf Leggings</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZIBtextile">ZIB
Textile</a>, $30</div>
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Row 5: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155165534/animal-alphabet-blocks?ref=favs_view_2">Animal
Alphabet Blocks</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/katieviggers">Eight
Bear</a>, $97; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118337508/small-size-fancy-dress-costume-bird?ref=favs_view_23">Florence
Wings</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BigBirdsBoutique">Big Bird’s
Boutique</a>, $60; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167123824/funny-peas-the-tablecloth-house?ref=favs_view_6">Funny
Peas Tablecloth House</a> by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StripedCoast">Striped Coast</a>, $62; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/100396528/rainbow-regatta-choose-your-color-a?ref=favs_view_23">Rainbow
Regatta</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMayI">Mama May I</a> ,
$29; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160222094/custom-plush-toy-softie-made-from-your?ref=favs_view_16">Custom
Plush Toy Made from your Child’s Drawing</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NewMomDesigns">New Mom Designs</a>, $50</div>
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I will be back tomorrow with my 25 Etsy picks for kiddie
stocking stuffers, if you care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stocking stuffers—totally on my list of favorite things in the world…</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-69666981461420363562013-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:002013-12-02T09:01:18.054-08:00In My Shop: Play Day Accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtudaOsyYraUEEsSkF3zhs_w7XxeGMEFQlS5BvV8j1_m9QjHNFsYrUAGZLeFc3BzhieT-AT8qV_NPgPrOnS4yE4BQxDhERjtY3hi8V5fqIb7TqqhYU0-q9oNXtfpY5GrmKH1a1JJAa_Ep/s1600/black+playday+bracelet+as+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtudaOsyYraUEEsSkF3zhs_w7XxeGMEFQlS5BvV8j1_m9QjHNFsYrUAGZLeFc3BzhieT-AT8qV_NPgPrOnS4yE4BQxDhERjtY3hi8V5fqIb7TqqhYU0-q9oNXtfpY5GrmKH1a1JJAa_Ep/s400/black+playday+bracelet+as+watch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B7cGiHvwR4zzIBwpg0Qk3pVMGtGqaVp8JbIJk3FZQa7TE48CN1Pcr_aAWomqPl9p8YL8edBg2QAvzNU10hXLN83VnElReQzLLVEiNFf5bujRZU8Cs217a3iCFe7FXN98LHPvOUezai55/s1600/green+play+day+ring+crazy+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B7cGiHvwR4zzIBwpg0Qk3pVMGtGqaVp8JbIJk3FZQa7TE48CN1Pcr_aAWomqPl9p8YL8edBg2QAvzNU10hXLN83VnElReQzLLVEiNFf5bujRZU8Cs217a3iCFe7FXN98LHPvOUezai55/s400/green+play+day+ring+crazy+flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ6Mz0re6UjzcLZzpLxJxVanfXQ4tl3vLso5RM7R9jzlUuJbDKRNwNEaIyPZOL2EerattYnsNGMZ3VDXafhhgNxBWYQr5qfdsKhG3ndH5rqb1xsuD09uNqbPTZ7LpJUcO9taH-AagVkBz/s1600/Black+PlayDay+Bracelet+Long+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ6Mz0re6UjzcLZzpLxJxVanfXQ4tl3vLso5RM7R9jzlUuJbDKRNwNEaIyPZOL2EerattYnsNGMZ3VDXafhhgNxBWYQr5qfdsKhG3ndH5rqb1xsuD09uNqbPTZ7LpJUcO9taH-AagVkBz/s400/Black+PlayDay+Bracelet+Long+Design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember those<a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2012/02/make-this-lego-accessory-valentine.html" target="_blank"> LEGO jewelry valentines</a> I made way back when? Well, I decided to turn those into an offering in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>--<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=5533999" target="_blank">Play Day Accessories</a>. I have rings, necklaces and bracelets in a slew of colors, all for the LEGO enthusiast in your life. These are accessories that designed to be kept, worn and played with over and over as they are imagined and re-imagined on a whim--whether to coordinate with today's outfit or just to reflect a happy mood . These pieces provide instant entertainment while riding on the school bus, waiting out science class, or during too-long visits with the rellies. </div>
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LEGO + jewelry = accessory playtime.</div>
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How many rings/bracelets/necklaces do you know of that invite fun, creativity and versatility in one package? </div>
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You can find them <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=5533999" target="_blank">right here</a>. </div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-23879959031268093862013-11-30T13:59:00.001-08:002013-11-30T14:01:24.893-08:00In My Shop: Buttloads of Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnWvPkYkk29md0oP6Yxzkc3TJcVDU7hprtqH46atp8iJv1vFiqi98dC9EwSQB_IApkuB8Vwju8q-96UQy0-hPggjwdopPxxJIpjIog3HAHK4BCSBRzcK7mbBWeh-za-F0QontQqGbW8lM/s1600/In+My+Shop+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnWvPkYkk29md0oP6Yxzkc3TJcVDU7hprtqH46atp8iJv1vFiqi98dC9EwSQB_IApkuB8Vwju8q-96UQy0-hPggjwdopPxxJIpjIog3HAHK4BCSBRzcK7mbBWeh-za-F0QontQqGbW8lM/s400/In+My+Shop+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi. It's me. Remember me? I have been quietly lurking about here at home, shirking my blog, but happily sewing lots of toys and stuff. It's been nice to make some stuff again. I even have some tutorials in mind...maybe I will manage to get something out here before Christmas? It has been hard to make my way back here, but picking up needle and thread again has felt good. And as you can see, I have been picking it up A LOT.</div>
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So, there is a bunch of stuff in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>. If you are interested or care or whatever. Oodles of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=6530850" target="_blank">ipod monster cozies</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=7563552" target="_blank">recycled crayons</a> galore, a whole nursery full of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=5067728" target="_blank">matchbox monsters</a> (I got to tell you that I am SO tired of changing nappies...), a fresh batch of<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?section_id=5136064" target="_blank"> babies on a stick</a>, and even my much-sought-after-but-rarely-made <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91770259/colorful-plush-alphabet-magnets-complete?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">plush alphabet magnets</a> (act now because it could be another 2 years before I make more)...plus even more. <i>I know</i>. I got a little crazy but it was good. </div>
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You can find all you see above and more in my shop--<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beeperbebe?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">right here</a>. </div>
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Happy holiday shopping.</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-43427309593881844692013-01-26T12:24:00.000-08:002013-01-26T13:30:42.430-08:009 Projects: Valentine-ish Things to Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkZeCQLeyOX-zBZ11Cvh3OpMkM-ifKaV0NdUVl5JODG8c9CIiXz0qFN7FZO4k5gkQnZSgbjQ0Ga0DbRzpbzUPYDMt-X1OmMY_IeffanOY2m96tbSL57a9QL7XaIvx95th96LNw0_VoF8p/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkZeCQLeyOX-zBZ11Cvh3OpMkM-ifKaV0NdUVl5JODG8c9CIiXz0qFN7FZO4k5gkQnZSgbjQ0Ga0DbRzpbzUPYDMt-X1OmMY_IeffanOY2m96tbSL57a9QL7XaIvx95th96LNw0_VoF8p/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are there enough yummy and lovely things out there to make for Valentine's Day? It was really hard to whittle this list down to just 9 projects. But I do love every single one of these. I will be making some of those grapefruit bath salts, and those baked (yes, baked!) chocolate doughnuts with the blood orange glaze because what says <i>love</i> more than a cake doughnut? Wish I knew how to knit because I would so be knitting some of those heart-heeled socks too (stripes + hearts = true sock love). And that beribboned necklace made from gum balls is so sweetly pretty. Oh, and the minute-to-win-it candy valentine? So frickin' brilliant (seriously, go to the post and read about the specifics of the challenge--uber clever)! </div>
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You can find each of the projects here (listed clockwise from top left): <a href="http:/hrrrthrrr.com/post/17558609142/heart-tote" target="_blank">Heart Tote</a> from <a href="http://hrrrthrrr.com/" target="_blank">Hrrthrrr</a>; <a href="http://celebrationsathomeblog.com/2013/01/homemade-bath-salts.html" target="_blank">Grapefruit Bath Salts</a> from <a href="http://celebrationsathomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Celebrations at Home</a>; <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/kimono-robe-with-basic-seam-finishing/2033" target="_blank">Kimono Robe</a> by <a href="http://atelierjoy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Atelier Joy</a> found on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a>; <a href="http://asubtlerevelry.com/heart-milk-cubes" target="_blank">Pink Heart Milk Cubes</a> (will turn the milk pink!) by <a href="http://asubtlerevelry.com/" target="_blank">A Subtle Revelry</a>; <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lovesocks" target="_blank">LoveSocks</a> by Devon Clement found on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>; <a href="http://www.heatherchristo.com/cooks/2012/02/08/chocolate-donuts-with-blood-orange-glaze/" target="_blank">Chocolate Doughnuts with Blood Orange Glaze</a> from <a href="http://www.heatherchristo.com/cooks/" target="_blank">Heather Christo Cooks</a>; <a href="http://stacyjulian.com/blog/?p=6710" target="_blank">Minute-to-Win-It Valentine</a> from <a href="http://stacyjulian.com/blog/" target="_blank">StacyJulian</a>; <a href="http://formalfringe.com/2011/02/11/valentines-day-gumball-necklaces/" target="_blank">Gumball Necklaces</a> from <a href="http://formalfringe.com/" target="_blank">Formal Fringe</a>; <a href="http://sweetmuffinsuite.com/2012/02/day-4-free-kids-valentine-card-printable/" target="_blank">Kid's Pencil Arrow Valentine Card Printable</a> from <a href="http://sweetmuffinsuite.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sweet Muffin Suite</a></div>
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Now go slip on your favorite pink shirt, put on some dreamy music and get your Valentine's Day craft on because all you need is love (and a few crafting supplies).</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-87753366659427359142013-01-24T19:51:00.001-08:002013-01-24T20:01:34.189-08:00Crocheted Hats and Conversations with My Fake Boyfriend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxPLV2HIfYHdrNRSbbrK-vEXoyNohDZUa6e_sDxk7ZmwSEu2p2LAiI79kZanaxlLZEC2pZE7hiLyFN_CzGozLU0sIU7RP0dfUGlIBCI9b8cJ0xGibG6D6VMt-dMA9PnpP9CEAFFPDrkf5/s1600/B+%2526+J+Sport+Hats+by+Carrie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxPLV2HIfYHdrNRSbbrK-vEXoyNohDZUa6e_sDxk7ZmwSEu2p2LAiI79kZanaxlLZEC2pZE7hiLyFN_CzGozLU0sIU7RP0dfUGlIBCI9b8cJ0xGibG6D6VMt-dMA9PnpP9CEAFFPDrkf5/s400/B+%2526+J+Sport+Hats+by+Carrie3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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My friend Carrie crocheted the hats with the red initials Beeper and Mr Beeper are wearing. They love their hats and like to wear them around our drafty old house. She crocheted them during an afternoon she spent sitting on our sofa chatting with me while our husbands watched football upstairs and our kids made their own videos on an iPod, giggling hysterically the entire time. I wish I knew how to crochet a hat in an afternoon. </div>
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But what I really want you to know about Carrie is that she has this clever and funny <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/about" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> called <a href="http://conversationswithmyfakeboyfriend.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><i>Conversations With My Fake Boyfriend</i></a>. It features photos of guys--really attractive guys--and snippets of conversations she imagines they are having with her. Here's a sample--a New Year's Eve post:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhyyveyN18T2N4MPjJDeAhBkOqlwFb8ooBR_RZxpjmi8C1RAd3lVewvgLinweKipKOc46uIldt_lHhRHnY_Uu9zmUsU2GGwv9cievvlBfaDZliFTlU8ZWxY3kxOsfT5o33jHbL3aOOJJq/s1600/tumblr_mfx4ycR7Hd1s1bd2ro1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhyyveyN18T2N4MPjJDeAhBkOqlwFb8ooBR_RZxpjmi8C1RAd3lVewvgLinweKipKOc46uIldt_lHhRHnY_Uu9zmUsU2GGwv9cievvlBfaDZliFTlU8ZWxY3kxOsfT5o33jHbL3aOOJJq/s400/tumblr_mfx4ycR7Hd1s1bd2ro1_500.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><i>“Would I be standing in this library if I didn’t think staying in on New Years’ Eve wasn’t a capital idea? Wearing my jammies and smoking jacket? Of course not. Now put on your yoga pants, glug that Fresca and stay hip deep in your book, baby girl.”</i></span></div>
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I read it every day because it never ever fails to make me smile--plus it is a minimal reading commitment since it usually contains no more than 2-4 sentences. Try it out--I mean, if you like to smile, laugh or just look at photos of hot guys.</div>
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Oh, and Carrie is actually a writer in her real life. Her first YA novel is will be published this spring--it's called <i>Sex and Violence</i>--and yes, it does contain both sex and violence in the story. You can find out more about Carrie right <a href="http://www.carriemesrobian.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-41716920427959069022013-01-21T11:27:00.001-08:002013-01-22T09:59:51.857-08:00Our Wreckorated Sofa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgrNbQMEMlCR_UXn4ILWrme_4IcnWh8ToWdIX4oMxqKOooCHfF1UaxvkF965RMnNmLbZnuJgvj_37FNGBKJlYBhKjlOBzLG6RsZBLnUQPCCa9d2b5w3Nl8B8rtqGyfq5rp4rIONS38TPb/s1600/Wreckorated+Sofa+Full+Room+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgrNbQMEMlCR_UXn4ILWrme_4IcnWh8ToWdIX4oMxqKOooCHfF1UaxvkF965RMnNmLbZnuJgvj_37FNGBKJlYBhKjlOBzLG6RsZBLnUQPCCa9d2b5w3Nl8B8rtqGyfq5rp4rIONS38TPb/s400/Wreckorated+Sofa+Full+Room+View.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So we purchased <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89875658/#/S69840660" target="_blank">this lily-white Ikea sofa</a> with two matching ottomans earlier this summer and foolishly put it in our heavily used all-purpose play/TV/rumpus room. Let's just say it did not maintain its virginal color qualities for long before it was sullied with spilled juice, dusty shoe prints, pizza sauce, melted chocolate, and whatever grime seems to come from simply sitting your bum on a sofa cushion over time. Sure, I made an honest effort with upholstery cleaner at some point and managed a modicum of recovery with much vigorous scrubbing...but I already knew the battle was futile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDatJw2vI2fTLulJNpcpRZpWFreNV4PSgApCMW8yIse6ObZSvCNlRbWEKOpspJRT7-UP15VhVJuB7JRML41t_mwQQlS8WGkXXHcH2_2qx-FFqVX1CGUTfXTMnmbqw4M8-wXg0Vkmb26S4n/s1600/Sit+Here+Cushion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDatJw2vI2fTLulJNpcpRZpWFreNV4PSgApCMW8yIse6ObZSvCNlRbWEKOpspJRT7-UP15VhVJuB7JRML41t_mwQQlS8WGkXXHcH2_2qx-FFqVX1CGUTfXTMnmbqw4M8-wXg0Vkmb26S4n/s400/Sit+Here+Cushion2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls41_84YizG1PUKe1_bGiER_2Zs-eYWsbUUCLhXz5CPqbJCujg9D8SSuAtt9-aQDMsXIAUBsIdq5j4NGgIehN8GqagUBjFl5nLt0yDZHKBreNIyKtMi2jcYPA5W_I63aJJ15JkJXXcnDj/s1600/You+are+so+Cool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls41_84YizG1PUKe1_bGiER_2Zs-eYWsbUUCLhXz5CPqbJCujg9D8SSuAtt9-aQDMsXIAUBsIdq5j4NGgIehN8GqagUBjFl5nLt0yDZHKBreNIyKtMi2jcYPA5W_I63aJJ15JkJXXcnDj/s400/You+are+so+Cool.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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So I just gave up and put out a mason jar full of<a href="http://www.sharpie.com/enUS/Pages/fine-point-marker.aspx" target="_blank"> Sharpies of every color</a> and announced to every child and adult who entered our house that the sofa was open for graffiti and doodling if anyone was so inclined. Did I get some, <i>"Are you freaking crazy?" </i>looks from parents? Loads. Did Beeper's friends look at me suspiciously from the corner of their eyes as they tentatively uncapped a Sharpie and moved toward the sofa? Sure. But as you may imagine, the kiddos were pretty quick to embrace this notion of doing something normally completely forbidden and this is what we have today: our <i>wreckorated</i> sofa....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp3Qj6-JaoT4WOtDtdqsOhf6yRri9YjVRh5zGrvHd3gI4bPauJ1j7Y9eBiO8Dyeo6NBlNo_KJuUf7supXwyFRuk8HOQxENYQE0lonmZvOevb8D7gfM47M22iBEdp5WATJakmOmLGZzMSy/s1600/Over+the+Rainbow+Cushions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp3Qj6-JaoT4WOtDtdqsOhf6yRri9YjVRh5zGrvHd3gI4bPauJ1j7Y9eBiO8Dyeo6NBlNo_KJuUf7supXwyFRuk8HOQxENYQE0lonmZvOevb8D7gfM47M22iBEdp5WATJakmOmLGZzMSy/s400/Over+the+Rainbow+Cushions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtK-GZ-3BWg82OBuNQA5VbrW3wO6Nbn0PNkojbZy46g1S5EcQc1__HKU-9-6d6PUsqXMzBj1J7Ys6fKOqtVgu3V8Fn54O_yOZTpk_WlR7mKxiAp21Km3HGWsGnShzi2nBvnsaqOsTfxST/s1600/Hello+Ottoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtK-GZ-3BWg82OBuNQA5VbrW3wO6Nbn0PNkojbZy46g1S5EcQc1__HKU-9-6d6PUsqXMzBj1J7Ys6fKOqtVgu3V8Fn54O_yOZTpk_WlR7mKxiAp21Km3HGWsGnShzi2nBvnsaqOsTfxST/s400/Hello+Ottoman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My only two rules for drawing on the sofa are: 1) no writing anything unkind about anyone else, and 2) no scribbling over drawings. <a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/adventuretime/characters/index.html" target="_blank">Adventure Time</a> related drawings have been particularly popular with the kiddos--and tagging the sofa with their names, of course. Best of all, the graffiti really does disguise the dirt and grime and spills. And no, the writing does not rub off on your bum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfljtMhrT_PQ0X9JN-3EiIH8iOeOSfTSd7wF9xkQ7sJ1FVxTJ9qfzdOV86O8eNRwoU0xCd8ZLk3v6kcuoumFyBqJacU6ZOQU0aI_apgCFSp8LRP-vcxzTKc2xgkieb5FgO2dQMl9JeUiv/s1600/Wreckorated+Sofa+Top+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfljtMhrT_PQ0X9JN-3EiIH8iOeOSfTSd7wF9xkQ7sJ1FVxTJ9qfzdOV86O8eNRwoU0xCd8ZLk3v6kcuoumFyBqJacU6ZOQU0aI_apgCFSp8LRP-vcxzTKc2xgkieb5FgO2dQMl9JeUiv/s400/Wreckorated+Sofa+Top+View.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have found that I love all the color it brings to the room. It is a design in constant evolution as people add more and build on one another's drawings. Just this morning I came in and Beeper had added a rainbow platypus with a mohawk to one of the cushions. Yeah, it made me smile. I ask you, how often does your sofa make you smile?</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-39957357377427906932013-01-07T12:18:00.000-08:002013-01-07T12:34:26.364-08:00Colorful Wooden Utensils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrIaZ0vNlmRlQnWO8VdlHZQPIfsVT5R2yoEcXCnggktM7bK-tuH82vK-p1Y8eyEj8OnMpMartqqlozI3VNPpnyOidNlFam-yo9mXyx1kKWcSAusCosHBjkQkT4tJdc9C8zVi_Gmwn2XrQ/s1600/Painted+Wooden+Utensils3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrIaZ0vNlmRlQnWO8VdlHZQPIfsVT5R2yoEcXCnggktM7bK-tuH82vK-p1Y8eyEj8OnMpMartqqlozI3VNPpnyOidNlFam-yo9mXyx1kKWcSAusCosHBjkQkT4tJdc9C8zVi_Gmwn2XrQ/s400/Painted+Wooden+Utensils3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had been collecting secondhand wooden utensils for the past year or so with the intent of painting the handles and giving them as holiday gifts to friends. There have been loads of tutorials on how to make these popping up all over <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for years now, so I had plenty of reference instructions before I began. <a href="http://byelke.com/2011/06/wooden-spoons/wooden-spoons-painted/" target="_blank">These stripey ones</a> were my initial inspiration (though I decided not to go stripey because laziness superseded the desire for stripes), but I also loved the more subtle look of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/195977021256716163/" target="_blank">these</a>, though ultimately decided to go brighter, like <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/2012/03/painting-wooden-spoons.html" target="_blank">these</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0jTNtQ_9zEbseTkZvEkmPRjEb3mvo86Srleuyl3CbppBGScLPRNHnbgjXtSUXHu0bUmg8GymD-jSdl-dbB1U7kHX5b1iuAitrgNFN3KLjoFlEu8JN_kDPPpxIbp57ljxEK2Da1q8uX-b/s1600/Painted+Wooden+Utensils+Tagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0jTNtQ_9zEbseTkZvEkmPRjEb3mvo86Srleuyl3CbppBGScLPRNHnbgjXtSUXHu0bUmg8GymD-jSdl-dbB1U7kHX5b1iuAitrgNFN3KLjoFlEu8JN_kDPPpxIbp57ljxEK2Da1q8uX-b/s400/Painted+Wooden+Utensils+Tagged.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Being secondhand, I did boil these for about 30 minutes just to kill off any wee beasties that may be lurking in the wood, then I just taped the top edge of the handle with masking tape, painted the handles with craft paint (anywhere from 2-3 coats depending on the color saturation desired), set them up to dry (TIP: place disposable cups placed inside glass ones, then place the utensils in the cups painted end up while drying), used a non-toxic shellac to seal the painted handles (lay down newspaper and use brushes you do not intend to keep--this stuff does not clean up easily--I managed to shellac part of a fingertip in the process), and finished them off by conditioning the unpainted portions of the utensils with a combo of beeswax and mineral oil (Stephanie has good instructions for how to make your own wood oil, found <a href="http://www.3191milesapart.com/?p=1533" target="_blank">here</a>). That was it. Pretty simple, really. I mean, as long as you do not shellac any parts of your body...</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-4156308912233175432013-01-05T14:38:00.001-08:002013-01-05T14:46:15.493-08:00Baby Come Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2AtXS791HFDnp7k39KFjT52NFoyyPQllCvJ-q0L2YOVLr15UJVorOs8R_UwV0g2VVe9YUkaeezxNst04d2lJhoM-C9pnwFznOLWo1SCvl1voExVS4R59Ed5i0EDykAgQgIb_cBsXltCz/s1600/Blog+Pining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2AtXS791HFDnp7k39KFjT52NFoyyPQllCvJ-q0L2YOVLr15UJVorOs8R_UwV0g2VVe9YUkaeezxNst04d2lJhoM-C9pnwFznOLWo1SCvl1voExVS4R59Ed5i0EDykAgQgIb_cBsXltCz/s400/Blog+Pining.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Dear Blog,<br />
I just have to tell you that I miss you. Loads. I know it has been months and months since I have come around to see you, but I still think about you all the time--most every day, really. You see, I decided (very unceremoniously) that I wanted to try my life without. Just to see what that would be like--returning to what life was like before you were ever part of it, reclaiming those chunks of time previously devoted to editing photos, creating tutorials, logging new entries--but what I have found is that I miss you so very much. I yearn for you every time I make something, see something beautiful, admire something that someone else has made--my heart pauses for a moment and aches for you. <br />
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There are so many new things I want to share with you still--my iPad and all the inspiring apps I have discovered (no, please don't think of this as cheating--the iPad and I have a different sort of relationship than you and I), things I am creating--and the things I want to share so others can make them too, all the lovely things other people are making, all the new recipes I have made and some of the amazing cookbooks I have found, Beeper's latest moment, the wonder of the later afternoon winter light, some of the changes Mr Beeper and I have found time to make to our home...I need someone to share all of these things with because you are the only one who cares about these very same things. We just get each other in ways no one else does. <br />
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I always knew you were important to me, but I guess this time apart has made it clear exactly how much we are meant to be together. I promise you that I will be around here more from now on--I hope you can forgive my rude and extended absence--but I know we have a future and I am looking forward to this new year--together.<br />
Love,<br />
H.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-54241172011673409332012-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:002012-09-12T08:27:31.007-07:00Breakfast Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLU1dZuoGFVNva4LtCPkrkE8P8bY_bG67K4sT8CVyfLujMbu0ieOczDHWjE-lXn3cxtIqHaqzZPHj3S6Jhqz2JOxmMj3s2TccqAxg23jcZZXtbyJ9YViV81XZ8cbu1orNTBwmsN6NH2LI/s1600/Breakfast+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLU1dZuoGFVNva4LtCPkrkE8P8bY_bG67K4sT8CVyfLujMbu0ieOczDHWjE-lXn3cxtIqHaqzZPHj3S6Jhqz2JOxmMj3s2TccqAxg23jcZZXtbyJ9YViV81XZ8cbu1orNTBwmsN6NH2LI/s400/Breakfast+Cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I made <a href="http://blueberrygirlinoz.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-sugar-oat-drops.html" target="_blank">these breakfast cookies</a>--the ones I mentioned <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2012/08/sharing-few-back-to-school-ish-projects.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I have never made a breakfast cookie before but it has two of my favorite words in its name, so it seemed like a sure thing. Then I got a little scared when I saw that they had no butter, no sugar, and no eggs. I was suddenly put in mind of these all natural "healthy" cookies my friend Carrie's boyfriend in college once made (he was all into yoga and not showering and listening to the Dead--you know the type--you may have dated one in college yourself)--and how she described them as tasting like small rocks. Just to be clear, rocks are not my idea of breakfast or cookies. </div>
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Look, I like the idea of something healthy, but would Beeper actually eat them as he ran out the door to catch the bus? Would I eat them as I ran out the door to work? The answer is YES--in fact, Beeper eats them for breakfast, and then he asks for one later as an after-school snack. Okay, I did make a few modifications to the recipe. I did not want them too be too overwhelmingly banana-y so I actually only used 1+1/2 bananas and then substituted 3/4 cup of applesauce for the remaining bananas. Yep--that still kept it in the realm of all wholesome. But then I thought they might be sort of good with peanut butter so I added about 1/3 cup of PB. And then when I tasted the batter it did seem a little bland so I went ahead and put in 1/4 cup of honey to sweeten it a bit and after that it worked for me. They are just mildly sweet and oatmeal-y and nutty and coconutty with an undercurrent of banana. Mine did take an extra 5-minutes of baking time too. But I would definitely make these again--and am thinking about how I could further customize the recipe to still be healthy but maybe taste a bit more like the Ranger cookies my mom used to make. </div>
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You can find the original recipe <a href="http://blueberrygirlinoz.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-sugar-oat-drops.html" target="_blank">here</a>, at <a href="http://blueberrygirlinoz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blueberry Girl</a>. Recipe customization is at your discretion--although I would not think any less of you if you were tempted to throw some chocolate chips into these. </div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-87724991167915367422012-09-07T13:22:00.000-07:002012-09-07T13:57:32.576-07:00The Amazing Mr. Finch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, Mr. Finch. How do I love thee? There are so, so many ways...</div>
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...for the meticulously hand-sewn gills on the undersides of your mushrooms...</div>
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...for your dead-gorgeous spider with crooked legs of wire and teeny shell-buttoned posterior...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwW0_y3x31Lv5D-7J7Qk8wDynL_YTQRADmYUcxI1xRBRrsBivOS5rMdXVmOAjjOkqINw8dVI4GULsN9AQiAq7_whKOkHOH903QvpA9BSJI8qsFiERAxdLhb_WGb-_Z4clhoZrFAQvPeSj/s1600/195977021255918446_ZMohFXO8_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwW0_y3x31Lv5D-7J7Qk8wDynL_YTQRADmYUcxI1xRBRrsBivOS5rMdXVmOAjjOkqINw8dVI4GULsN9AQiAq7_whKOkHOH903QvpA9BSJI8qsFiERAxdLhb_WGb-_Z4clhoZrFAQvPeSj/s400/195977021255918446_ZMohFXO8_f.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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...for your sweetly macabre hand-painted trophy-mount rabbit torsos...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SbN5FGIS2LVAg3nhKwCttpapW1-lrlF9VdbhlufPbcMZdEOOZvSa5ZDKhFPWdppkw7pVQLQwZuuVGc-Edz-cGRoyO4wDzBegitPgWuyvyCtjMdmq8eQFt_Rrl2eZ-bzBO7YjnUIopCmx/s1600/195977021255918463_O3t0qhca_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SbN5FGIS2LVAg3nhKwCttpapW1-lrlF9VdbhlufPbcMZdEOOZvSa5ZDKhFPWdppkw7pVQLQwZuuVGc-Edz-cGRoyO4wDzBegitPgWuyvyCtjMdmq8eQFt_Rrl2eZ-bzBO7YjnUIopCmx/s400/195977021255918463_O3t0qhca_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...for your way with the creepy and crawly, making it so utterly frighteningly lovely...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk1piFc1-saP_SnxkYq3ZDaQrODxWOQQcC0zuz64cdDAHp5G2Rx0eRBo9PcSrsoCyYKihezI_8a2oFw0ijHEbyBnA5IEURr-IFVEiYCtFVfrcomYgI9odbRVKqXLzVxKuRPci4NoSVIdm/s1600/195977021255918476_dFpJRfOV_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk1piFc1-saP_SnxkYq3ZDaQrODxWOQQcC0zuz64cdDAHp5G2Rx0eRBo9PcSrsoCyYKihezI_8a2oFw0ijHEbyBnA5IEURr-IFVEiYCtFVfrcomYgI9odbRVKqXLzVxKuRPci4NoSVIdm/s400/195977021255918476_dFpJRfOV_f.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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...for your hand-sized moths stitched from odd bits of upholstery and velvet...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNRh9ej05SmHSI2RZ1kvDAKyqtHYdVm0THQ8MlPIWIB7XhPyMq5T0sa4SZwwyh3ARn5rvCvxCQgyMc5kY3vNZ_OqKLZ4PD1SoICHeWxt-DvpRgyl2GbpM79nHOmTIeJp-9iehicj2N_M0/s1600/195977021255918453_vB7Vf6uX_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNRh9ej05SmHSI2RZ1kvDAKyqtHYdVm0THQ8MlPIWIB7XhPyMq5T0sa4SZwwyh3ARn5rvCvxCQgyMc5kY3vNZ_OqKLZ4PD1SoICHeWxt-DvpRgyl2GbpM79nHOmTIeJp-9iehicj2N_M0/s400/195977021255918453_vB7Vf6uX_f.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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...for your barn owl under a glass cloche with black kohl eyes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsbrIWwm6IloD-Z_LKsXBmmaFzv-Pwr2Q0q0pIrZBOFLPWgXbYQRdguO_Pus24TBOzX7EfHSc605IT_po05Op7xoI0-hCqHr4bAuH2nJkF58Vw0GxUhGRsAJLuFAoEyvmSclm8MwYuhEW/s1600/195977021255918469_Sa8nNUvC_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsbrIWwm6IloD-Z_LKsXBmmaFzv-Pwr2Q0q0pIrZBOFLPWgXbYQRdguO_Pus24TBOzX7EfHSc605IT_po05Op7xoI0-hCqHr4bAuH2nJkF58Vw0GxUhGRsAJLuFAoEyvmSclm8MwYuhEW/s400/195977021255918469_Sa8nNUvC_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and for your beautiful vintage tapestry, rainy-water-stained butterflies (and your artful ways with a photo prop)...</div>
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These are but a few of the creatures the genius Mr. Finch brings into being from his self-described "rainy fairy-tale mind." Mr. Finch is a British textile-artist, who stitches away to the sound of rain, in the companionship of his cats, whilst drinking cups of tea. I wish I could find a corner of his studio in which to crouch and watch him stitch away for all the hours of a gray and dreamy afternoon.</div>
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You can see more of Mr. Finch's creations <a href="http://finch-uk.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, learn more about him and his creations at <a href="http://mynameisfinch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">his blog</a>, and peruse his fantastic creations (or buy your own!) in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisterFinch?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">his Etsy shop</a>. Enjoy!</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-7907044624291272582012-09-03T18:52:00.003-07:002012-09-03T18:56:15.750-07:00A Glut of Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c7m7S97_9I6aWIigETXyMS0A4g4o8qvpL_pHImhORszfWmCn7HInvNp_uEBcU0jjuS6WiTePjLtMABZHW4VKCa1yLoZs6bHI_D5yvoUCfJn0UC-QfNMgQiwS6zNKFNxEXH-V8J0qD7bz/s1600/Heirloom+Tomatoes7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c7m7S97_9I6aWIigETXyMS0A4g4o8qvpL_pHImhORszfWmCn7HInvNp_uEBcU0jjuS6WiTePjLtMABZHW4VKCa1yLoZs6bHI_D5yvoUCfJn0UC-QfNMgQiwS6zNKFNxEXH-V8J0qD7bz/s400/Heirloom+Tomatoes7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our tomatoes around here have been a little lazy about getting around to ripening, but suddenly we have heirloom tomatoes stacking up on the window sills and tumbling out of overly full bowls on the counter. Each day is another day to find a way to use fresh tomatoes in whatever we are cooking--this morning, it was in <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/04/eat-this-my-most-favorite-ever-omelet.html" target="_blank">my most favorite ever omelette</a>. What we do not eat, I am slow-roasting and freezing for later, less seasonable enjoyment (honestly, one of of the loveliest ways to save tomatoes--sort of like sun-dried, but less chewy, and sweeter--read more about it <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2009/10/recycle-your-food-roasted-tomatoes-what.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </div>
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What are your favorite things to do with a crazy glut of tomatoes?</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-11167369278192731292012-08-27T09:35:00.001-07:002012-08-27T09:53:06.568-07:009 Projects: Back-to-School-ish Things to Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3KrNXymaUxyM7dwFCItRZ2k4olIoxpejLw7X0sVM5s-_GQsM7OAa3ICkGVGXu5BTL_NXMyJeCXpCD8-b3yJTx9D2WBp2KfamuC-74AFcyaD0r1px8TqeDURLrvWFLA4TvpP2kPJYRzcf/s1600/Aug+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3KrNXymaUxyM7dwFCItRZ2k4olIoxpejLw7X0sVM5s-_GQsM7OAa3ICkGVGXu5BTL_NXMyJeCXpCD8-b3yJTx9D2WBp2KfamuC-74AFcyaD0r1px8TqeDURLrvWFLA4TvpP2kPJYRzcf/s400/Aug+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First day of school for Beeper here in Minneapolis, and I am feeling a little blah that it is already the end of summer. How did that happen? I kind of want to have a little tantrum--lay down and kick my feet and demand another <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2011/07/drink-this-vanilla-vodka-lemonade.html" target="_blank">vanilla vodka lemonade</a> and a swim in the lake--know what I mean? But, I am yanking up my boot straps and trying to get myself some back-to-school-ish inspiration. How about that lovely vintage book as a retro-fitted drawing caddy?Or those pencils remade with washi-tape (hello 10-minute-project)? Or those clever fruit stickers for a brown bag lunch-time surprise? Or a couple of blanket-stitched felt hearts to tuck in a pocket for a bit of love throughout the day? Or those charming animal face barrettes for some elementary-school-day style? Pretty, colorful, cool--right? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are all the project links for you to get your own back-to-blah, I mean -school, groove on:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Links (clockwise from top left): </span><a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2012/05/diy-activity-book-fabric-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DIY Activity Book</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cosmo Cricket</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://www.mrprintables.com/map-of-the-usa-jigsaw-puzzle.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Map of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://www.mrprintables.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr Printables</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/08/fruit-stickers-for-kids/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruit Stickers</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh Happy Day</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://www.confettisunshineblog.com/2012/08/back-to-school-games.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washi Tape Decorative Pencils</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://www.confettisunshineblog.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Confetti Sunshine Blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://curlybirds.typepad.com/curly-birds/2012/08/first-day-of-school-pocket-hearts.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First-Day-of-School Pocket Hearts</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://curlybirds.typepad.com/curly-birds/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curly Birds</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://mypoppet.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-scrappy-felt-ipad-cover.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scrappy Felt iPad Cover</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://mypoppet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Poppet</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://blueberrygirlinoz.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-sugar-oat-drops.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Healthy Breakfast Cookies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://blueberrygirlinoz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blueberry Girl</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://gingermelondolls.blogspot.com/2011/07/sweet-animal-barrette-tutorial.html?showComment=1312365110461#c830115205063156651" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet Animal Barrettes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://gingermelondolls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gingermelon Dolls</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://www.smallfriendly.com/small-friendly/2011/08/no-sew-colored-pencil-roll.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No Sew Colored Pencil Roll</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from </span><a href="http://www.smallfriendly.com/small-friendly/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small & Friendly</span></a></span></div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-15856253431511243992012-08-13T07:46:00.000-07:002012-08-27T09:42:50.951-07:00Eat This: Chocolate Zucchini Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiR_HHjK_mTBk9I40IIarAxI2dnl8fI4WkKrfiz36u57ojIAVgdUgEslX1-oy4_B_toXBjihrld7-tdXbKYedHB8JLO0cBuSt86vUxuqCkygQw-mApx4fet2VhFYosAruOWzjIpMhMWWH/s1600/Choc+Zucchini+Loaf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiR_HHjK_mTBk9I40IIarAxI2dnl8fI4WkKrfiz36u57ojIAVgdUgEslX1-oy4_B_toXBjihrld7-tdXbKYedHB8JLO0cBuSt86vUxuqCkygQw-mApx4fet2VhFYosAruOWzjIpMhMWWH/s400/Choc+Zucchini+Loaf4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last summer, when we <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2011/08/madeline-island.html" target="_blank">visited Madeline Island</a>, we had the pleasure of meeting a friend's 11-year-old niece, Lily. She was a caring baby sitter, a fearless cliff jumper (evidence <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2011/08/madeline-island.html" target="_blank">here</a>, 3rd photo from the bottom), and a happy baker of this bread--which she made from memory. We were quite smitten with her, as well as this chocolate zucchini bread. We ate it for breakfast, mid-afternoon snacks with tea, and for dessert--we ate so much of it, we actually had to ask her if she would kindly bake a second batch. Then we asked for the recipe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUUXQzCFDYF_b-Yb16YJU81eRzCLpGWm7IdMiVywk4wugRd7LmZtutlCkNOqCieB_gZc5lVAPOdOMo6yMZChUD8kYrt8x4gmMHlQnvlkhDH3I-0Y731xkxNcASV6nKPmmvV6rRkpdCgR5/s1600/Choc+Zucchini+Bread+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUUXQzCFDYF_b-Yb16YJU81eRzCLpGWm7IdMiVywk4wugRd7LmZtutlCkNOqCieB_gZc5lVAPOdOMo6yMZChUD8kYrt8x4gmMHlQnvlkhDH3I-0Y731xkxNcASV6nKPmmvV6rRkpdCgR5/s400/Choc+Zucchini+Bread+Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, here it is--for all of you. Because it is high zucchini season and gives you something delicious to do with a glut of zucchini--or with that enormous foot long zucchini you see at the farmer's market for $1. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4fhHaddOK13NHkJVBgHaMaeh-vzEY9L0bq-_SR42rJZ8gIo9JCL1Y3LLb87oQd5QhzvyfUUajmySpmTTdGMwQVG-XNe03OyBM_pChN2d5G7ShoTTmVuaoPr8hPSdz8Lb5e-l6lRC5XhT/s1600/grated+zucchini3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4fhHaddOK13NHkJVBgHaMaeh-vzEY9L0bq-_SR42rJZ8gIo9JCL1Y3LLb87oQd5QhzvyfUUajmySpmTTdGMwQVG-XNe03OyBM_pChN2d5G7ShoTTmVuaoPr8hPSdz8Lb5e-l6lRC5XhT/s400/grated+zucchini3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can whip the batter together in 15 minutes--grating the zucchini is the hardest part, although, really--how hard is it to grate a zucchini? Exactly. (You should know that you can grate your zucchini and freeze it for use later in the year for this bread too--it will seem watery when you thaw it out but throw it all in and it will work just as well as freshly grated zucchini).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQW0E0JwiatH26VzKdSOouReeg_7l4boydQ_CwbZB0BXs5y4eniE7dSanmFVtbSAljcMpxFeJOzloSv4PT49CWGZHttygCYDU7tOsItEcr0rCn4OmtVbMF3xkQYXFilMgSFdsiUYNDPMR/s1600/Dry+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQW0E0JwiatH26VzKdSOouReeg_7l4boydQ_CwbZB0BXs5y4eniE7dSanmFVtbSAljcMpxFeJOzloSv4PT49CWGZHttygCYDU7tOsItEcr0rCn4OmtVbMF3xkQYXFilMgSFdsiUYNDPMR/s400/Dry+Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7TeTntCkuuxX1D0ODUgL2-VoNj_EC0vLToOpeuV7XW1xevWK4Vc-g5U6OO7mm3r63dQgeihxZGuVqHONiIWhRnzB4j_KNNul8T3To-wPTjAl3GlUq8wN4huQhmC5WsP_34tY8qWyppB6/s1600/Wet+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7TeTntCkuuxX1D0ODUgL2-VoNj_EC0vLToOpeuV7XW1xevWK4Vc-g5U6OO7mm3r63dQgeihxZGuVqHONiIWhRnzB4j_KNNul8T3To-wPTjAl3GlUq8wN4huQhmC5WsP_34tY8qWyppB6/s400/Wet+Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I admit I did add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder and an extra 1/2 tsp of vanilla to her recipe--just because it makes the flavor a little deeper.<i> </i>Oh, okay<i>-</i>-I also added an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips--no need to get technical. (my modifications are included in the recipe)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurKYXIo7YZl6I5TNZf-bIbhqW-YF1M1XMejF8gWRZ_V2Rd79DX1awUAdP0OOV_X7NkXXMxXzmfCqSLgnpEKBVELIo_nVFq7aAcf4kkBKDEGSNDlc3RM5T4nni9tVRBa7W4Dt8rxcPRDik/s1600/Batter+in+Pan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurKYXIo7YZl6I5TNZf-bIbhqW-YF1M1XMejF8gWRZ_V2Rd79DX1awUAdP0OOV_X7NkXXMxXzmfCqSLgnpEKBVELIo_nVFq7aAcf4kkBKDEGSNDlc3RM5T4nni9tVRBa7W4Dt8rxcPRDik/s400/Batter+in+Pan2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made one large loaf of this bread--as opposed to dividing it between a couple of pans. If you make one large loaf, you will have to watch the baking time and stick it with a skewer to check that it is cooked through--mine took about 1 hour and 15 minutes but I think I could have given it another 5-10 minutes because it was just a little gooey in a small spot in the center.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkMYagRihzflQmy8CAY5rYrsT5wGvJAB43y7vEcxY95tFvzNhIqmBTr8mKxwc-c1YhPo0lYuXFqpUgkSZvUk8l-bX0hwT1NLCLwL1ZdqxJ67n66LSGy8kHKihW_mrMpzdGSkXOUr5DhvD/s1600/Choc+Zucchini+Bread+and+Coffee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkMYagRihzflQmy8CAY5rYrsT5wGvJAB43y7vEcxY95tFvzNhIqmBTr8mKxwc-c1YhPo0lYuXFqpUgkSZvUk8l-bX0hwT1NLCLwL1ZdqxJ67n66LSGy8kHKihW_mrMpzdGSkXOUr5DhvD/s400/Choc+Zucchini+Bread+and+Coffee2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We brought this on a picnic and served it up for dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Then we ate the remainders straight up for breakfast. Don't tell anyone I said so, but it is also really good with store bought chocolate frosting slathered on top--and just think, because it has all that zucchini in it, you can still count it as a serving of vegetables.</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B689GvZEMciESjRtRWVVTXJ0bDA">DOWNLOAD CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD RECIPE</a></div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-52368491396555708372012-08-03T09:29:00.004-07:002012-08-27T09:43:14.345-07:00Read This: The Ledgerbook of Thomas Blue Eagle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnYzqMUb08OJo2PclR6XMrhFLjh89PAFqocezMgomv-MMdvb5MB9nJApDowWuIrRhV5YGjHUUVZkgzw-VExQyuV5dUxKXbn3oykNYJjALwaZVLCoyDDtPHjPB2dxR3ujSHwABtnvpgHxH/s1600/Cover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnYzqMUb08OJo2PclR6XMrhFLjh89PAFqocezMgomv-MMdvb5MB9nJApDowWuIrRhV5YGjHUUVZkgzw-VExQyuV5dUxKXbn3oykNYJjALwaZVLCoyDDtPHjPB2dxR3ujSHwABtnvpgHxH/s400/Cover3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the most beautiful story book I have ever owned or seen--anywhere--ever--full stop. When I picked it up in a gift shop in South Dakota and opened it, the world around me got a little quieter and the colors in the illustrations poured in through my eyes and caught in my throat. Beginning to read the story itself, I was instantly captured. It is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ledgerbook-Thomas-Blue-Eagle/dp/1565660633/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343832223&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Ledgerbook of Thomas Blue Eagle</a></i> by Gay Matthaei and Jewel Grutman, with illustrations by Adam Cvijanovic. Let me tell you a little bit about it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lcgbAhHZeNz10go0H37q-RJdrW1txETD-xe3TmSK3x1LfJJltPlI-jXiJ6afhdflxWVi-f35Kprg3LaKI7urBAmqhz7kIfvNJX1FeyAl5CJgTS8BvfmVUfAYSFlYEZv-PI3f55VxdRRd/s1600/1+Blue+Horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lcgbAhHZeNz10go0H37q-RJdrW1txETD-xe3TmSK3x1LfJJltPlI-jXiJ6afhdflxWVi-f35Kprg3LaKI7urBAmqhz7kIfvNJX1FeyAl5CJgTS8BvfmVUfAYSFlYEZv-PI3f55VxdRRd/s400/1+Blue+Horse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ruxVz9iZhRl0VYv6aSek_4w4EkEpmZqw7Ev3yZwT-J5aS1h9425S_W5FCIALRo2gp5jHFg22aa6j5_SjGMhbeP21xbv75JgyUiJbPadP_o3d-h1kzYjsCqxkqrzsf6lZlhgWdKUP9fyp/s1600/2+Hunting+Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ruxVz9iZhRl0VYv6aSek_4w4EkEpmZqw7Ev3yZwT-J5aS1h9425S_W5FCIALRo2gp5jHFg22aa6j5_SjGMhbeP21xbv75JgyUiJbPadP_o3d-h1kzYjsCqxkqrzsf6lZlhgWdKUP9fyp/s400/2+Hunting+Deer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First of all, you should know that the story is fictious, but is based around actual historical events (historical fiction for kids!). Arthur Amiotte, a respected elder in the Sioux tribe, a historian and an educator, was a direct consultant to this book. The story itself is told via the journals of Thomas Blue Eagle. He tells of his beloved horse (Two Painted Horse), and describes his life in the Sioux tribe (learning to shoot his bow, hunting buffalo, seeing a white man for the first time and thinking he was sick because he was so pale), all told in vibrant pictographic illustrations, much like the images once painted on skins by Plains Indians to preserve stories of historical events.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjwxVB4s_9muzZZhCf5z_soGqHF9NS674s_q3tHESR1JKYO96ZJ4f-gjAyEcmGCNOla6gXPcLbVcByWNRpUFFzjajq3UvehUFx4_hnzniZoeCdRqYnhiIo3V8L5lEv7LGCyZHKRkQsQkl/s1600/3+Teepees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjwxVB4s_9muzZZhCf5z_soGqHF9NS674s_q3tHESR1JKYO96ZJ4f-gjAyEcmGCNOla6gXPcLbVcByWNRpUFFzjajq3UvehUFx4_hnzniZoeCdRqYnhiIo3V8L5lEv7LGCyZHKRkQsQkl/s400/3+Teepees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB1MYE-XhicOsRYf0Il8tW-oCpN3z0B7mPqCeaCJDvY9-lf6bZyuiqACuZ0XMzegrRmnOcJeok2tksAZJ1lQPvDsoIuFzBdsJtL4nRQrcnN-a1at8xJsLxoG_B6D2-G6Nl7t5igSE87Lw/s1600/4+horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB1MYE-XhicOsRYf0Il8tW-oCpN3z0B7mPqCeaCJDvY9-lf6bZyuiqACuZ0XMzegrRmnOcJeok2tksAZJ1lQPvDsoIuFzBdsJtL4nRQrcnN-a1at8xJsLxoG_B6D2-G6Nl7t5igSE87Lw/s400/4+horses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You learn of the great vision Thomas has while hiding in a tree during a Crow raid on his people, and how Thomas earns his name "Blue Eagle." Eventually, as foretold by an elder, white settlers begin to arrive which creates many hardships for the Sioux. The buffalo upon which they are dependent begin to disappear, and their tribe is moved to a reservation. Treaties are made and broken, and war breaks out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1Tg2Jga4DNcMaLCEf8eYlK0BmqmIgasecR7a_O4m46DQ9FvynKidM3JCZGMFN1M4K_ccgLqu-6VzM0FAKvRIQWO9IbOD8G8m4yulXEM4ejyPVppFy3F4EJIb35S-fNwUqB2BaLlwG-Hn/s1600/7+Shaving+Hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1Tg2Jga4DNcMaLCEf8eYlK0BmqmIgasecR7a_O4m46DQ9FvynKidM3JCZGMFN1M4K_ccgLqu-6VzM0FAKvRIQWO9IbOD8G8m4yulXEM4ejyPVppFy3F4EJIb35S-fNwUqB2BaLlwG-Hn/s400/7+Shaving+Hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a soldier approaches his family, Thomas Blue Eagle is moved the Carlisle School in Pennsylvania. There Thomas is taught the white man's ways, but he also continues to preserve a connection to his native life through his journals and drawings--and also through his friendships with other Native American students from other tribes. Eventually, Thomas Blue Eagle returns home, and to the way of life he is most connected.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-29v5n21nnTWnOMCkd5KRdUop-VN2N9ptHRVjaRmnP9us5drCX6nhG9y6xPZAqicxdthKwvu5jwlzsd9tD4mKoBiseqS_ReYybFzbxuO3250yEJ9BfEo7X2jeuKt22My18Yua00VNnDEw/s1600/8+Drawing+at+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-29v5n21nnTWnOMCkd5KRdUop-VN2N9ptHRVjaRmnP9us5drCX6nhG9y6xPZAqicxdthKwvu5jwlzsd9tD4mKoBiseqS_ReYybFzbxuO3250yEJ9BfEo7X2jeuKt22My18Yua00VNnDEw/s400/8+Drawing+at+School.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl-LNIirTtka-xv29o2FLHSA1fZeUjCmga68nNPnBq_BENtWPEftHIAIqNagjlkW9YKi6YzE2SKfdgSR7h-P2DJD2ybWIYX6izEiR-azbjZAj4pPrHZ5U999Yxwb2Lalp-mISLJqkaQyp/s1600/10+Returning+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl-LNIirTtka-xv29o2FLHSA1fZeUjCmga68nNPnBq_BENtWPEftHIAIqNagjlkW9YKi6YzE2SKfdgSR7h-P2DJD2ybWIYX6izEiR-azbjZAj4pPrHZ5U999Yxwb2Lalp-mISLJqkaQyp/s400/10+Returning+Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Perhaps you can see that everything about this book suggests that it is an actual journal-it is lined like a ledger book, the text appears hand-written, and the pages are yellowed and aging. The book's blue covers are cloth-bound with a beautiful stamped border, and rounded corners. The book looks authentic, and if you are familiar with early U.S. history, you will recognize certain events--making this so much more than just a child's storybook. Find a copy at your local library, buy your own <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Ledgerbook-Thomas-Blue-Eagle/dp/1565660633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344010923&sr=8-1&keywords=thomas+blue+eagle" target="_blank">here</a>--or whatever works for you--but I hope you will just have a look, because it is amazing.</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-34337515546805739642012-07-18T14:33:00.001-07:002014-06-21T11:33:41.756-07:00Is It Really July Already?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7jabd5ipBk0DWX_gaVPj8khI6VGipMGVzcE46SZMYteyn9x0mRiPu9LGigQO_f2kxu5yDowdrZdNWqmBMg7jWXCCTQ4dc22e_zac73Oo2sT9k7XLwPFK3x_OCLQuCDIhZH-j7x24FW8C/s1600/Juni+and+the+Dino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7jabd5ipBk0DWX_gaVPj8khI6VGipMGVzcE46SZMYteyn9x0mRiPu9LGigQO_f2kxu5yDowdrZdNWqmBMg7jWXCCTQ4dc22e_zac73Oo2sT9k7XLwPFK3x_OCLQuCDIhZH-j7x24FW8C/s320/Juni+and+the+Dino.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Way to South Dakota</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Spire Formations in the Black Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4JcwXH3qBgLvwVUy0QYsnyZBRQJYfIhHTBBV_gyx7uGUNTH1qgcM-GWCDX69lkKyw12mj6qsl5C4t2Sie4hiXtNmWeMu51e25_VQ9uei-GAkh1HtrzCtTOq8yvQk7r8SMxViaOZmuajl/s1600/Mule+Deer+in+the+Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4JcwXH3qBgLvwVUy0QYsnyZBRQJYfIhHTBBV_gyx7uGUNTH1qgcM-GWCDX69lkKyw12mj6qsl5C4t2Sie4hiXtNmWeMu51e25_VQ9uei-GAkh1HtrzCtTOq8yvQk7r8SMxViaOZmuajl/s320/Mule+Deer+in+the+Grass.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule Deer at Custer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sylvan Lake in Custer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Burro Greeting at the Car Window</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beeper Moment at Mount Rushmore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFYkqkk48g7SenBIHoODntJDoIK2VEOWovN3GC5U97sHSHahArhlLc_MAE7-xW3RFN3EmUYurX2YIL5xeZAVshvHFQO2fWYSrE7_7RbFzlMLAiSmmCAR2LJq6lzMyYpa8o6Heiq08YWT/s1600/Rocky+Mountain+Meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFYkqkk48g7SenBIHoODntJDoIK2VEOWovN3GC5U97sHSHahArhlLc_MAE7-xW3RFN3EmUYurX2YIL5xeZAVshvHFQO2fWYSrE7_7RbFzlMLAiSmmCAR2LJq6lzMyYpa8o6Heiq08YWT/s400/Rocky+Mountain+Meadow.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Meadow in the Rockies<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike to The Loch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Loch</td></tr>
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Hi. Here I am. Back again with my fully functioning camera--see? Is it really already mid-July? I feel like I fell into a very humid, very hot hole over here in this place we call summer in Minnesota. I missed you, dear blog and lovely blog-readers, but it has just been curiously difficult to find my way back here. Want to know what I have been doing all this time? Well, we painted almost the whole of our downstairs in various shades of slate and heavy-cream, put chalkboard paint all over the ugly half-bathroom door to encourage bathroom-stall style graffiti, framed some prints that have been lurking in their poster tubes for months (years?), planted some veggies (chard, couple kinds of melon, and all the other usual suspects of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini), got real cozy with my iPad, and then headed out for a 10-day summer road trip to The Rocky Mountains via the Black Hills.</div>
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I really, really fell hard for <a href="http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/">Custer State Park</a>--the free-range wild life everywhere (buffalo shuffling through our camp site during the night, burros greeting us at out car window, stopping for pronghorn lazily crossing back into waving prairie grass), swimming in the breath-takingly gigantic boulder strewn lakes, the various resorts that put me in mind of 1950's-style summer camps. Then we drove onto the larger-than-life Rockies where we hiked, swam, ate homemade ice cream, slept, then did it again the next day. You can see more photos of the Black Hills, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beeperbebe/sets/72157630580495022/">here</a>, and the Rockies, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beeperbebe/sets/72157630580554294/">here</a> (including my <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a> photos which I uploaded to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beeperbebe/">my Flickr</a>--I have become very sweet on the immediacy of whipping out your phone to grab a photo out the car window of the passing landscape and the snappy photo editing all right there).</div>
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I tell myself that my plan is to ease into blogging this month--sort of like how you slither down into a really hot bath. But who knows, maybe I will just take a running jump off the dock, right into the deep end....it does feel good to be here again. Little bit like coming home.</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-30524587904439949392012-04-09T09:13:00.001-07:002012-04-09T09:13:31.465-07:00Camera (and blog): Temporarily Out of Order<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the story: One day last week I was taking photos of some candies I was making for Easter--recipes to be shared here--and my shutter just quit working after I snapped off about two photos. I am told by the camera experts this is not good news--at all. I am told to expect camera repair bills upwards of $200. I am told my camera may be out of commission for 6-8 weeks while it is being repaired. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I guess that leaves me to tell all of you that I will not be around here the next few weeks while I await the repair of my beloved camera. I am taking this as an opportunity to finally do some of that work around my house I have been meaning to do--painting, repairing cracks in plaster, making some new roman blinds for our bedroom...without the happy distraction of this blog and my camera sidekick.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have lots of blogging plans though for the summer--some new toy designs, new tutorials already in the works...so, really, please consider this an extended spring break. Me and my camera--once recovered--will return. See you in early June and enjoy your spring. </div>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5429236768920181639.post-9596409330336681032012-03-24T20:31:00.001-07:002012-03-24T20:32:36.156-07:008 Projects: Pretty Things to Make for Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCoWS_pJ6gcEHf7n2lomA0t8fyIHNDb1Sq1wZNNysqsLwZWdgyIUmRyDcv8JVFU5J83XMJLX5wfhsH41geaC9erBW_iknVCCwV5fl8Aa1EQVQVzPWthOcTn9t9aWTHnwOuWqdPgqyXpm4/s1600/Happy+Easter+Projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCoWS_pJ6gcEHf7n2lomA0t8fyIHNDb1Sq1wZNNysqsLwZWdgyIUmRyDcv8JVFU5J83XMJLX5wfhsH41geaC9erBW_iknVCCwV5fl8Aa1EQVQVzPWthOcTn9t9aWTHnwOuWqdPgqyXpm4/s400/Happy+Easter+Projects.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of these projects are just so dang pretty. That little Junebug Dress, that deliciously beautiful rabbit doll, that clever egg with a moustache and a party hat, and a jar of yummy coconut sugar scrub...I will take one each--or maybe, I will <i>make</i> one of each.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Project Links (clockwise from top left): <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/07/junebug-dress-sew-along-part-1-pattern.html">Junebug Dress</a> by <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/">Craftiness is Not Optional</a>; <a href="http://cfabbridesigns.com/craft-projects/trick-up-my-sleave-coin-purse/">Trick Up My Sleeve Coin Purse</a> by <a href="http://cfabbridesigns.com/">Family Chic </a>(photo from <a href="http://www.upcycleyourlife.com/2011/07/can-you-hear-that-i-bet-if-you-listen.html">Upcycle Your Life</a>); <a href="http://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/2011/08/coconut-sugar-scrub.html">Coconut Sugar Scrub</a> by <a href="http://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/">A Pretty Life in the Suburbs</a>; <a href="http://abitofpillipilli.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-easter.html">Little Egg Man</a> from <a href="http://abitofpillipilli.blogspot.com/">A Bit of Pilli Pilli</a>; <a href="http://lieschenmueller.bigcartel.com/product/kragen-02">Hase Bunny Doll</a> by <a href="http://www.lieschen-mueller.blogspot.com/">Lieschen Mueller</a>; <a href="http://www.sewtogether.com.au/1/post/2011/04/tutorial-the-hippity-hop-easter-clutch.html">Hippity Hop Easter Clutch</a> by <a href="http://www.sewtogether.com.au/index.html">Sew Together</a>; <a href="http://twomenandalittlefarm.blogspot.com/2011/04/dyeing-easter-eggs-natural-way.html">Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs</a> by <a href="http://twomenandalittlefarm.blogspot.com/">Two Men and a Little Farm</a>; <a href="http://www.myrtleandeunice.com/2011/04/how-to-make-easter-chick.html">Easter Chick</a> by <a href="http://www.myrtleandeunice.com/">Myrtle and Eunice</a></div>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02016797249117225971noreply@blogger.com7