tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72426499560761049532024-03-15T18:09:42.345-07:00a day in the life of a momBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.comBlogger910125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-67430057640787616062019-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:002019-01-22T09:27:28.040-08:00When the Wind Whispers of a Simpler Time...I don't know about you but life was so much simpler when I was a child. I look around today at children and sit in wonder at everything they have at their fingertips. And then I ask myself, "Is more better?"<br />
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I have always loved the quiet. Opening my windows on a cool day and listening to the water tumble over the rocks in my back yard. There are many benefits of living in the country and one of them is being able to just sit and listen to the sounds of nature. During the day birds fluttering around talking to one another and at night the bullfrog and crickets serenading me with their symphony. And often times as I sit in the shadows of the fading afternoon sun, with a slight breeze in the air, I can hear the voice of the wind whispering my name, taking me back to simpler times of my youth.<br />
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It's funny how memories assault our senses. A sound or smell or just the way the shadows hit the ground in the different seasons of the year can bring us back to a time in our past. As a little girl I was fortunate enough to be raised in the country, although I wished to be living in a neighborhood full of other kids to play with. However, as I grew older I began to appreciate the solitude of country living. I was practically an only child, with my only sibling being fifteen years my senior, so obviously there was no fighting or rivalry going on to occupy my time. I, instead found my pleasure in reading books or coloring with broken colors that were kept in an old shoe box.<br />
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On this particular day in mid-January, when other people are bundled up with coats and hats, I sit here with my windows open to the breeze that flutters in on this 60 degrees day that feels more like autumn than winter. It's one of those days where daydreaming is called for and it brings to mind a time when I was just a child preparing for an adventure. Putting on my sweater and Keds tennis shoes. Striking out for an adventure that consisted of picking up pecans. My mother and I would drive over to my aunt and uncle's pasture that boasted of more pecan trees than it did horses. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the tires of our white Pontiac rolling over the gravel driveway that would end at a place that I knew well. A place where I learned to feed sugar cubes to ponies and then hefted up for a little ride. But on this day's adventure we would show up with plastic ice cream buckets in hand and would wander around for the entire afternoon in the shadows of the pecan grove, seeing who could fill their bucket to the top first. By today's standards it doesn't sound like a very exciting adventure because of course, there was no one there to entertain me, but oh how I love the way this memory makes me feel. It invokes feelings of a carefree, simpler time of peace and happiness that things cannot afford.<br />
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I recently read a book entitled, "<a href="https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?s_kwcid=AL!4443!3!252939333562!e!!g!!no%20other%20gods%20by%20kelly%20minter&s_kwcid=AL!4443!3!252939333562!e!!g!!no%20other%20gods%20by%20kelly%20minter&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqMPTyvKB4AIVHp7ACh0EugzFEAAYASAAEgI9ffD_BwE&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIqMPTyvKB4AIVHp7ACh0EugzFEAAYASAAEgI9ffD_BwE:G:s">No Other Gods</a>" which truly opened my eyes to what things have become for us in today's society. It begs the question, "What are your gods?" And if we take an honest look at ourselves, with motive to change for the better, we can find many of them I'm ashamed to admit. Reading this book has helped me step back and show gratitude not for things, but for people and the memories I can make with them. For in the end, it is the fond memories that will bring a smile to our face, a laugh in our belly and comfort to our heart. Ask yourself again..."Is more better..."<br />
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Snapshot of me with my uncle sitting atop this little Shetland pony which I referred to as "mine". It was at his pasture where my mother and I picked up pecans.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-73592380581035869242019-01-14T07:39:00.001-08:002019-01-14T07:39:54.466-08:00When Redbirds Appear...For those of you who know me well or have been following my posts for a while, you will remember that I have been waiting to see "my redbird" since the death of my mother. If you are not familiar with this, I will fill you in. Apparently, the saying goes: When a cardinal appears in your yard, it is a visitor from Heaven. I had never heard of this before my mother passed away last November, however, once I did, I became very impatient for a redbird to appear at my window. Even made it a habit of looking desperately for one in the early days after her death. And then someone said, "When you are missing her most or on a special occasion, your redbird will appear. And so months went by and I never forgot, but I quit looking so hard for one daily. And then suddenly, as I was told...it appeared! And she wasn't alone.<br />
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July we would have been celebrating my mother's 90th birthday. It should have been a weekend of festivities for us and I had been anticipating this huge milestone for her. But things didn't work out that way and I found myself not having a party to plan or gift to buy. So Hubby and I set out for our lake house, about 45 minutes away. We were to spend the weekend there with two other couples and I was busily getting ready for their arrival when I noticed just outside the window in the den, a bird's nest. The nest had two baby birds in it but as far as I could tell their mommy was nowhere to be found. Now I love see the birds come up to my window and eat from the feeders but truly, I couldn't tell you the different types of birds like my mother could. So I smiled that these little baby birds were tucked safely in a nest just outside my window and thought that perhaps I would get to watch them try their wings out while I was there.<br />
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I mentioned the baby birds to my husband and our other guests in passing but I had no idea what was to come the next morning. I slept in a bit while the others awoke early and had their coffee on the back porch while watching the fog lift slowly from the river. Whenever my husband came to wake me, he said, "Get up, your redbirds are here!" Those words had me jumping out of bed quickly and heading out to see them for myself. Sure enough, there was the mama sitting in the bushes right where I had seen the nest the previous afternoon. The babies had flown away but there she was, as though waiting for me to see her. <br />
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I was truly excited to see these birds and they put a tear of joy in my eyes for it was as though my mother was visiting finally after all those months of waiting. And on her birthday weekend, no less.<br />
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Over the past year I have made two purchases for myself. They are both redbird bracelets. The first one I purchased right after the death of my mother and found that it gave me comfort to wear it. The second I bought this year during the holiday season when I found myself missing my mother. This particular bracelet has not only a redbird dangling from it but also the quote I mentioned earlier.<br />
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I've only seen a couple of redbirds since and they have always fluttered around in my backyard, close to the window I frequently peer out. They make their entrance and capture my attention as though to say, "Hello, we're just checking on you" and then off they go.<br />
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These redbirds will forever be a gift to me. They seem to come in pairs so I think of them as my parents visiting, peeking in on me. I know that they are happily united again and I often think of that reunion as such a joyous occasion for both of them. She filling him in on everything he missed while she lived here so many years without him. And the both of them deciding to take flight here to let me know everything will be alright.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-47293366602453427502019-01-03T12:55:00.001-08:002019-01-03T12:55:56.175-08:00Finding Your Purpose in LifeAs I sit here with this New Year, a clean slate so to speak, in front of me, I can't help but think back on the past year. The lessons I've learned and how it has clarified life for me. Often times we run from thing to thing, keeping ourselves so busy that we never understand our purpose in life or the things that truly matter the most. I lost my mother a little over a year ago, my aunt a month after my mother and one of my lifelong best friends this fall. Death clarifies things for you. It's as though there is this imaginary line in the atmosphere moving around with you. You never cross it until someone you love passes away. On the other side of that invisible line your vision becomes 20/20. It's like the scales have fallen off of your eyes and you suddenly understand things you never did before. And from that point on you never see the world the same again.<br />
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I've been purposely absent from writing for a while but for a very good reason. Whenever I stared this blog it was for one purpose only. To share my life and feelings with others. To hopefully make them laugh and cry and realize that life is not perfect for anyone. It was to keep an account of my life and the happenings in it. Somewhere along the way I got lost. I was approached more and more to write sponsored posts for other people or companies and at first I liked it. And then it became something I felt obligated to do. And finally, I began not wanting to check my email because there might be another request for me to write for someone or something I wasn't passionate about. And that's when it dawned on me: I needed to write about what mattered to me. <br />
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So, starting off with this blank canvas of a year in front of me I have decided that write for me and hopefully somewhere along the way people will be interested in what I have to say. And perhaps they will also attempt to find their purpose in life. I also decided to take up a new mantra this year; The Serenity Prayer...The unique version below. <br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">The courage to change the things I can </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">And the wisdom to know the difference</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">Taking, as Jesus did, his sinful world as it is, not as I would have it</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">So that I may be reasonably happy in this life</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);">And supremely happy with You forever in the next.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"> AMEN</span></span><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"> </span>Reinhold Niebuhr</span><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"> <a href="http://www.courageouschristianfather.com/">courageouschristianfather.com</a></span><br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-53726261683091453962018-10-11T07:14:00.001-07:002018-10-11T07:14:46.909-07:00Climbing My MountainOur second hike of the trip was to a destination that I had been to a couple of years ago. It's a terribly rocky drive in the jeep to where we would enter the trailhead for our hike. My last attempt at climbing this mountain wasn't very good. I made it half-way to the top and just couldn't go any further. It was a combination of my asthma, the altitude and my fear of heights. But this day was different. I was there to conquer my mountain both figuratively and literally.<br />
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I am a determined person. Some might even call me stubborn. I really didn't know where we would be hiking this particular day until we got there and it looked familiar. But I do know that I had somewhat of a rough morning emotionally so walking it out would be good for the soul.<br />
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As I mentioned, the path on this particular hike was very rocky and uneven so we brought walking sticks to help with the climb. The view along the way was gorgeous but I must say that I have never climbed any mountain that was quite as difficult as this one was for me. I learned what switch backs were and as we came to more and more of them and climbed higher and higher I soon realized that this mountain was kicking my butt! But you see, that's the thing; I was not willing to let it win.<br />
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This is the road that we came in on and the mountain we climbed is in the background.<br />
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There were streams and waterfalls along the way that we stopped to admire.<br />
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We made it half-way to the top (same place I turned back before) and I said, "WHAT?! This is only half-way??" (HUGE sigh, lots of heavy breathing and possibly quite a bit of whining too.). Anyway, Hubby asked if I wanted to continue or turn back. I kept standing there looking up and finally said, "I'll go up." I wanted to make it to the top.<br />
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As I stopped along the way to catch my breath, I always sat back on a rock and kept saying, "This is so beautiful."<br />
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On one of those stops, we took another couple's photos and asked it they would take ours as well.<br />
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My breathing was very labored, but I kept going. Stopping quite frequently to catch my breath and let other hikers pass by. As people were coming back down from the top they would stop to encourage me to keep going, saying it wasn't much further and that if I was that close I had to press on because there was a beautiful lake up there. And so I pressed onward.<br />
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I believe the entirety of the hike, there and back, took us about 3 plus hours. But WOW...When we reached the top it was gorgeous!<br />
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On the hike back down, I, of course, began thinking again...because I find that hiking is a great place to sort out your thoughts. And my thoughts were focused on climbing mountains metaphorically as well. You see, I compared climbing that mountain to life. We often times have these huge mountains to climb that seem so overwhelming. Situations that appear so difficult that we don't think we can make it. We stop to contemplate that and along comes someone who encourages us, cheers us on. We then take a deep breath and continue. Because, although the journey may be long and difficult, when we reach our destination, it is beautiful.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-20933606520785620942018-10-10T05:47:00.001-07:002018-10-10T05:47:10.040-07:00Jeep Rides in the MountainsOne of my favorite parts of our Colorado trip was the evening jeep rides through the mountain trails. With the windows rolled down it was chilly, yet so invigorating to get out and search for hidden streams, sunsets over mountain tops and moose grazing in the valleys. It was just before dusk that we set out and so we were able to capture wildlife that was coming out of hiding.<br />
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We watched moose graze from afar not wanting to get too close as to disturb them.<br />
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However, when we were watching some other moose move about, we didn't notice this one! I glanced out my other window and WOW! He was so close to us and didn't seem afraid so we just sat and watched him for a while.<br />
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I captured this beautiful ground covering through my window as we were driving. To me, it looks so magical, as though fairies inhabit the area.<br />
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Chasing streams though was a favorite for me. If you stepped outside the jeep and listened carefully, you could hear them rushing over rocks through the forest. And then it was a matter of just following the sound that would take you there.<br />
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Although I tended to get scratched up a bit, I found that standing in the stream captured the best view.<br />
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And this photos says it all. In the still and quiet dusk, you suddenly look up and there is the sunset over the mountain peaks. I don't care where I am in this world but there is nothing like seeing a beautiful sunset.<br />
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Needless to say, these jeep rides were some of the most peaceful times I had while in Colorado. Just taking in the scenery and nature. I find it worth the time to travel to new places and experience new things to feel this peacefulness come over you in moments like these.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-69904494153795057072018-10-09T06:39:00.003-07:002018-10-09T09:08:10.789-07:00The Aspen GrovesThe thing about autumn is...we, here in Louisiana, just pretty much don't have one. And, yes, I would love to open my windows to the cool breeze and slip a sweater on in the morning before I go for a walk and enjoy the red, yellow and orange of the leaves changing. OK, so I suppose I could do without the rest of the things but those leaves...I'm just obsessed with them.<br />
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I guess it's true what they say: We always wish for the things we don't have and take for granted the things we do have. For me, it's the leaves. I can remember as a child getting out all of those fall colored crayons and coloring pages of leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows. All of those things have screamed AUTUMN to me for pretty much the entirety of my life.<br />
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While in Colorado, I enjoyed seeing the changing colors of the landscape as we drove around, however, when someone mentioned taking a drive through the aspen groves, it was a must for me!<br />
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Driving through the aspen groves with the mountains peeking through was so picturesque.<br />
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See those leaves laying on the ground? I wish I could have captured a photo of them fluttering to the ground so gracefully. Because that is just what they do in such a magical way.<br />
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Driving along the narrow roads through what appears to be tunnels of trees, where the shadows fall perfectly across your path. The feel of autumn overwhelms one's senses.<br />
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I finally got that color page from years ago just taking a leisurely drive through the mountains. And it was everything I could ever imagine it being and more...<br />
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The street was blocked off to traffic and vendors were set up on the sides of the street with all sorts of trinkets, food and of course beer!<br />
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If you were drinking beer you purchased tickets and then hopped in any line to refill your cup. Or stein. Every year this festival has a different collectible stein made and shipped in from Germany.<br />
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The aroma wafted down the street as you passed each food vendor. Just look at some of the options on that sign.<br />
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And homemade pretzels!<br />
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Some of the locals added Oktoberfest foods to their menu and Hubby and I stopped in at this quaint little wine bar for a glass of wine and an Oktoberfest themed charcuterie board.<br />
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But honestly I think the most fun part was seeing everyone dressed in their Oktoberfest wear! I would so be dressing like this too if only I had known the festival was going on ahead of time.<br />
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We had so much fun that we've decided we should visit Breckenridge each year at this time just so we can attend the festival. And who knows...maybe we'll come up with our own outfits to wear too!<br />
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***I you would like to see these posts show up in your email inbox, simply hit the FOLLOW<br />
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with anyone because how annoying would that be?!***Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-65036955526880575772018-10-03T08:14:00.001-07:002018-10-03T08:14:41.823-07:00Essential Oil DIY Air Freshener RecipesI don't know about you but I am hooked on my <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US">essential oils</a>. I love everything about them. How they are good for my health, my environment and such a great alternative to using candles since their scents have such wonderful benefits. So, you can only imagine how excited I am to share with you today, 10 DIY Air Freshener Recipes made out of essential oils!<br />
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DIY ESSENTIAL OIL AIR FRESHENER RECIPES<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">To make your own homemade air freshener to use around the house just follow the steps below. It’s incredibly easy. Once you get the hang of it you can mix and match scents and play with the strength of the concoction!</span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">To make these air fresheners you will need a base of 3 ingredients, and then you will swap out the scents as you wish. You will want a spray bottle that fits 8 ounces, a funnel, distilled water (if you don’t have distilled, tap is fine), and two tablespoons of either 60+ proof vodka or rubbing alcohol. Vodka and rubbing alcohol both have ethanol which is </span><a href="http://tisserandinstitute.org/effective-use-alcohol-aromatic-blending/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(52, 39, 108, 0.952941); font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">used to solubilize</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> (or dissolve) the oil into the water and acts as a preservative. They also have mild </span><a href="http://www.nzhealthe.co.nz/knowledge/alcohol-as-disinfectants" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(52, 39, 108, 0.952941); font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">disinfectant properties</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next, you will want to pick the scent you will be using. Citrus scents will feel more invigorating and refreshing, while scents like lavender and chamomile can be soothing. Mix and match until you find a scent that is uniquely yours.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Finally, just grab the spray bottle and use the funnel to pour in about 1 cup of water. You can double the recipe if you want to make 2 cups of air freshener or find the smell too overpowering. Lastly, drop in the prescribed amount of essential oil and shake it up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">That sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Now, for the recipes. I am only sharing a few of my favorites but remember, there are <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-air-freshener/">10 recipes</a> in all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Notice that each recipe is unique in that it not only freshens your home but it also has properties that create a certain "feeling" within you. This Grapefruit, Tangerine, Lime has a scent that will all energize you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Lavender Chamomile is good for relaxation.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87hRMoi-3sOSgnFbfAWSc1r0Yclka6JqBy5jbMlxGS3vBNw42txXGt7n-4JWzNKOWmiPdMSjFMCbHLVoK6o53LyBwh-jqmr21OIgiYvuDs0UWJeHCH0HxvSLEl5OkfxByw0WMaYu2SmDF/s1600/lemon-basil-recipe.png.pagespeed.ce.t84i8TAQpX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87hRMoi-3sOSgnFbfAWSc1r0Yclka6JqBy5jbMlxGS3vBNw42txXGt7n-4JWzNKOWmiPdMSjFMCbHLVoK6o53LyBwh-jqmr21OIgiYvuDs0UWJeHCH0HxvSLEl5OkfxByw0WMaYu2SmDF/s400/lemon-basil-recipe.png.pagespeed.ce.t84i8TAQpX.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">And if you want just a fresh, clean scent, this Lemon-Basil recipe should do it for you.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "source sans pro" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">There are so many benefits from using essential oils so why not jump in and give them a try by creating some of these great <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-air-freshener/">air freshener recipes</a>. There is also a button where you can DOWNLOAD each recipe and keep in handy in a file. </span></span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-54599563947944299192018-10-02T06:54:00.000-07:002018-10-02T06:54:48.387-07:00The Colorful Show Called Autumn in ColoradoY'all, the heat is simply oppressive here in the south. You can only understand this statement if you have been here. In September, while other states are enjoying cooler weather and sitting outside around a fire pit, we here in Louisiana are sweating, running our air conditioning on 68 degrees and swatting at flies. Yea sure, when these cooler climates are snowed in and freezing to death we are bragging about still wearing shorts and flip-flops, but the heat of early fall here has the last laugh. That's why, when offered to use a friend's house in Breckenridge, Colorado for a week we jumped at the opportunity!<br />
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We left the sweltering heat and landed in Denver where we took a transfer up to 10.000 feet in Breckenridge. When we got out of the vehicle the air was already cool and crisp with a humidity level of only 18%. It was an instant relief. That is until I was struck with altitude sickness. I was expecting this so was prepared on this first day, armed with Tylenol, Yogi Ginger Tea and a little oxygen. By the next morning I was feeling much better and ready to conquer the day with a little hike.<br />
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This was our view upon rising, every single morning.<br />
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This first hike was not a difficult one. We took our time and made our way along the trail, hubby pointing out animal tracks and I taking in the scenery. We stopped along the way to eat a snack and just enjoy being able to enjoy the outdoors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWlFZiRRh_gwpmFXau1uLBaQIenSg7I-XgKxNp6plBEaTrDFJUA3cENpxEmNRhUBLtjj2jRaXNW5YlhqlVVbLrmGCbfIhCCnbWUDeIMxP18RiOPk4rJUY-sAnJBhmFiQe_coM-4yPq3Vu/s1600/IMG_6253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWlFZiRRh_gwpmFXau1uLBaQIenSg7I-XgKxNp6plBEaTrDFJUA3cENpxEmNRhUBLtjj2jRaXNW5YlhqlVVbLrmGCbfIhCCnbWUDeIMxP18RiOPk4rJUY-sAnJBhmFiQe_coM-4yPq3Vu/s320/IMG_6253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hubby bought my these Hoka hiking shoes before we left so I felt like a "real" hiker!<br />
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I actually took note of the signs on this visit and learned how to read about everything concerning the trails I would be hiking.<br />
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He lead, I followed. It's usually best that way.<br />
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Of course, I'm always snapping photos. He's getting used to it. Sorta.<br />
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Looking at the animal tracks along the way I wasn't too afraid. Until mention of a bear came up. But this cute little chipmunk let us creep right upon him to capture a photo. Look carefully because he blends in really well with the rocks.<br />
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We ended our hike and then set out for a bit of a jeep ride that afternoon, ending with this gorgeous view.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-86877908178039738392018-09-26T07:17:00.002-07:002018-09-26T07:40:05.682-07:00DIY Halloween Hats!I just LOVE Halloween. It marks the beginning of a new season with all of the pumpkins and hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting. Leaves begin to flutter to the ground and suddenly the hot days of summer give over to the cooler, crisper days of autumn.<br />
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With 10 little ones over here, I am always looking for some cute new craft to do with them and this year for Halloween I have found these 5 adorable <a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/diy-halloween-hats-for-kids">DIY Halloween Hats</a> to make! The hat templates are absolutely FREE for you to <a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/diy-halloween-hats-for-kids">DOWNLOAD</a> and there is also a list of supplies you will need along with instructions for making each hat. Here are a couple of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISUJSZvllSF5tddieArNLGKE2QSRGQmltbUXjnVJKOcQg4FTfIDWjT2UKJ4tcAVQSUY_fmyWtCZLTHJXk4EcHQSA-8zJ1q4lSTBZIs9BlWg4rQHczDpx6XwDGGvCirCQ3JOUGklxFFYaL/s1600/pirate-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISUJSZvllSF5tddieArNLGKE2QSRGQmltbUXjnVJKOcQg4FTfIDWjT2UKJ4tcAVQSUY_fmyWtCZLTHJXk4EcHQSA-8zJ1q4lSTBZIs9BlWg4rQHczDpx6XwDGGvCirCQ3JOUGklxFFYaL/s400/pirate-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ahoy Matey! This Halloween, give your little captain of the sea a hat to complete his look! Simply print out our band and let your kid color in his skull and bones. Crunching for time? Print the colored in black band to save you a few minutes! Your child will be ready to take on the great sea, aka the sea of houses for trick-or-treating!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Supplies </span></h3>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">White cardstock</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Scissors </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hole punch</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tape</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thin elastic</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Directions</span></h3>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Print the hat template either colored in or print white.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cut out the hat. If printing the white hat, have your child color in the hat.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next, punch holes where marked on the hat. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tie or tape thin elastic onto the hat as the head strap, adjusting the size as needed.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUaRl9DG1KpAtkKCREUv7QrsQqTL8KwiTrJfdPDSlrD-b85wuTR6yZj52yAV9nYuCCL1k6ZxmyUuhtjcIdm0HfWxg04D8lZ94hyorb49uhqb1nq4hrrHbnnO-s4P48YbOY1QVNSrRx8nb/s1600/bat-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUaRl9DG1KpAtkKCREUv7QrsQqTL8KwiTrJfdPDSlrD-b85wuTR6yZj52yAV9nYuCCL1k6ZxmyUuhtjcIdm0HfWxg04D8lZ94hyorb49uhqb1nq4hrrHbnnO-s4P48YbOY1QVNSrRx8nb/s400/bat-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For a simple and creative DIY bat craft, try a bat headband! Create your bat headband for your child’s Halloween party with friends or for trick or treating on Halloween night. Read up on bats before they dress up so they can share some facts with their trick-or-treating pals.</span><br />
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<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Proxima N W01 Smbd"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Supplies </span></h3>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">White cardstock</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hole Punch</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Scissors </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Glue stick</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stapler</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thin elastic</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Proxima N W01 Smbd"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Directions</span></h3>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Print out the wings on white paper and cut out. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Print out the two eyes, fangs and nose. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Glue the eyes, fangs and nose to the center of the headband. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fold the edges of the wings about a ½ inch (marked) and staple each side so they have movement.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hole punch either side of the hat and attach with thin elastic, creating knots to secure.</span></li>
</ol>
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Now, aren't these super cute and don't they look fun to make with your kiddos? I thought so too! Just click <a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/diy-halloween-hats-for-kids">HERE</a> to DOWNLOAD all of the templates to make getting ready for Halloween even more fun!<br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-85520894519360034662018-09-21T08:17:00.001-07:002018-09-21T08:17:38.885-07:00NEW Paperless Post Flyer!Y'all, I just discovered the CUTEST invitation that can be texted, e-mailed or shared to social media! You heard me right, texted. How great is that?! It's quick, convenient and with texting, it goes straight to the invitees phone. Plus, the invitations are animated which make it even more festive. Want to get started on your <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/flyer">flyer</a> now?<br />
<br />
FIRST: Choose your <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/flyer">category</a>. Is the occasion a birthday or some other sort of party?<br />
SECOND: Choose your design.<br />
THIRD: Personalize with all of your information and guest list (There is RSVP also).<br />
FOURTH: Copy your link and send invitations out.<br />
FINALLY...Just wait for your RSVP's to start rolling in!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo6YLav43uh9A0eZI8PKsuin_h2WGXYDe4slF7F0zN4hgby1qsEVdqSH6yhiSrzIAWcx0oazGh92VsquH-ZTC4O0RHHIvHLiMvgj1z017lbOCSVsUZknyay8cJK6f4Dyl8DUEw0oCs4lF/s1600/IMG_6476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1228" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo6YLav43uh9A0eZI8PKsuin_h2WGXYDe4slF7F0zN4hgby1qsEVdqSH6yhiSrzIAWcx0oazGh92VsquH-ZTC4O0RHHIvHLiMvgj1z017lbOCSVsUZknyay8cJK6f4Dyl8DUEw0oCs4lF/s320/IMG_6476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/flyer">THE PAPERLESS POST FLYER</a><br />
FUN to DESIGN<br />
SIMPLE to SHARE<br />
TOTALLY FREE!<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-20956883600620543792018-09-19T10:07:00.001-07:002018-09-19T10:07:17.909-07:00Printable Slow Cooker RecipesWe all know that our family expects to eat an evening meal but GOSH how we hate the planning and cooking and standing over a stove. Well, I've got just the thing for you; <a href="https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/the-best-slow-cooker/#recipes">10 Five-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes!</a><br />
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There's nothing better than a good slow cooker recipe that you can just put the ingredients in and let the cooker do the rest. Today I have for you 10, Five-Ingredient FREE Printable Slow Cooker Recipes. All you have to do is download them and add them to your recipe file. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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Who isn't looking for an easy yet delicious sandwich for weekend football tailgate parties? This pulled BBQ chicken sandwich fits the bill perfectly!<br />
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OK, I'm a southern gal so I grew up eating all sorts of cobblers with fruit straight from the orchard out back. Needless to say I LOVE some cobbler! This recipe is great for any time you need a quick dessert recipe that tastes like you spent hours making.<br />
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Chicken is my go-to food so I am always looking for a new recipe to change it up a bit. This lemon and garlic roasted chicken is so simple yet flavorful and I know it will soon be a family favorite.<br />
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Trust me, you do not want to miss these time-saving <a href="https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/the-best-slow-cooker/#recipes">Slow Cooker Recipes</a> that will free you up to do the things you really want to be doing!<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-44552882842134357732018-09-04T13:05:00.001-07:002018-09-04T13:05:06.017-07:00Free Vintage Food Label DownloadsHey, if you're like me, organizing is a necessary evil. No, really, I do love to have things organized, especially my pantry. But if I'm going to get everything organized in there I feel like it should be labeled...and cute too! That's where these adorable <a href="https://kitchencabinetkings.com/ideas/vintage-food-label-printables">Vintage Food Labels</a> come in. They're functional, easy, cute and FREE!<br />
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Take a look at all of the adorable labels that are available!<br />
There is one for ever staple in your pantry.<br />
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And there are some for Homemade Cookies, Lunches and even ones that you can personalize for anything else you want!<br />
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All you have to do to get these FREE DOWNLOADS is <a href="https://kitchencabinetkings.com/ideas/vintage-food-label-printables">CLICK HERE</a> and then apply them to your containers. <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74); color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: 18px;">To apply the vintage food labels to your containers, try spray adhesive for plastic surfaces and double-sided tape for glass and ceramic surfaces. You also have the option to punch a hole in the label and use string to tie a label around your mason jar container. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74); color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74); color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: 18px;">Wherever you decide to use these labels I hope you have SO MUCH FUN creating something unique!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74); color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74);">P.S. If you would like to see more of these DIY cute ideas, just click the FOLLOW button </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74);"> right here on the blog and we will send them </span></span></span><span style="color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(84, 69, 74);">directly to your email inbox. And don't</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: medium;"> worry, we won't use your email for anything else or give it away because how </span><br />
<span style="color: #54454a; font-family: Nunito; font-size: medium;"> annoying would that be?!</span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-630838242206359872018-08-29T11:03:00.001-07:002018-08-29T11:03:08.098-07:00Printable Road Trip Games Do you remember what it was like (or hearing your parents tell you what it was like...) before the invention of electronics? Imagine this: A road trip was spent reading a book or playing some sort of game to pass the time. Well, I don't know about you, but I miss those times. And with more and more research becoming available about the effect of excessive use of electronic with children, I was SO EXCITED to find these awesome <a href="https://www.thezebra.com/30-printable-road-trip-games-checklists/">Printable Road Trip Games</a>!<br />
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Y'all, there are 30 games in all and games for kids of all ages, so I am only going to highlight a few of my favorites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OUF1iSIxtM7rcM_w-dbSmGtgmgnvrxcRofPJKJ5J788lSSIDti6jgYBOTg5kyHionIvLo3MUi0UpAztqGi-nlWYpYLCAK_tac-Oo5E_yuU1lcfv_m-HwcWyEetuwOCJ0SOWKOxFZFrFl/s1600/zebra-my-cows.width-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="800" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OUF1iSIxtM7rcM_w-dbSmGtgmgnvrxcRofPJKJ5J788lSSIDti6jgYBOTg5kyHionIvLo3MUi0UpAztqGi-nlWYpYLCAK_tac-Oo5E_yuU1lcfv_m-HwcWyEetuwOCJ0SOWKOxFZFrFl/s400/zebra-my-cows.width-800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">“My Cows!”</strong></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"> – Driving through the countryside? Chances are, you drive by fields and fields of cattle. Every time you see a group of cows, yell out “my cows!” Keep track of how many herds of cattle you have and see who can get the most! But watch out – if you drive over a bridge, the first one to say “no more cows” can keep theirs, but everyone else loses all their cows!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8S5piS1zYmXi_V2uDeQ8jzcfuDkRA9Fb1JPeQ8GNL7yh4gZBdy0AIhN1yZAyz_qSxzJeOC5FyJkXcqWsgUZ0yOcnkIoqWW-aEuT0r9FgSdm5LlPqyx-s9VpR2xdBPXHQzb9Qqi_4f9dh/s1600/zebra-license-plate.width-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="800" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8S5piS1zYmXi_V2uDeQ8jzcfuDkRA9Fb1JPeQ8GNL7yh4gZBdy0AIhN1yZAyz_qSxzJeOC5FyJkXcqWsgUZ0yOcnkIoqWW-aEuT0r9FgSdm5LlPqyx-s9VpR2xdBPXHQzb9Qqi_4f9dh/s400/zebra-license-plate.width-800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #454647; font-family: "nunito sans" , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">License Plate Game</strong></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #454647; font-family: "nunito sans" , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> – Spot a license plate for all 50 states (bonus points for Hawaii)! Color in each state as you find its plate and see who can get the most! This game is great for school-aged children: it will keep them off their electronic devices, engaged in the drive, and learning geography at the same time!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiszbM5ixCAn8Cr1Dcz1Yb1NxtvycyyK4-tS0TlTq-C4VcRyD7VUce_PyyyD8hL6YaF4UYRFUxW77aWcbWN9OLYKRr5O7mO5ipybkg9X5mm2attSvwvHG4F6oJ1b0RvAtuQI1JBDb7gsS/s1600/IMGP2923-1024x6841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="614" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiszbM5ixCAn8Cr1Dcz1Yb1NxtvycyyK4-tS0TlTq-C4VcRyD7VUce_PyyyD8hL6YaF4UYRFUxW77aWcbWN9OLYKRr5O7mO5ipybkg9X5mm2attSvwvHG4F6oJ1b0RvAtuQI1JBDb7gsS/s320/IMGP2923-1024x6841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Road Trip Bingo: <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;">One of the things that kids love to do is play travel bingo. Although, most free printable travel bingo games are usually designed with only 4 boards. This Travel Bingo game is designed with 8 boards! And a great idea for this game would be to laminate the Bingo cards and </span></span></span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;">provide Dry Erase markers for using them over and over again.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxxtqowG3d3KVtr0nsBQfjqk8FLGa0aTT3s-CFW42qkzAY8ljvnc5m4YB6PQaE_5MHdzEFkcgS_yiKhnPt8P1UHw9ZgZs_rVhrVR9Rv9_nNS0fyKHDXsY_OsKkGxBnndeZGMfmiRFccg1/s1600/Road-Sign-Scavenger-Hunt-56b7ddc15f9b5829f83c7a1e-1-59aef2ba03f40200112d7900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="794" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxxtqowG3d3KVtr0nsBQfjqk8FLGa0aTT3s-CFW42qkzAY8ljvnc5m4YB6PQaE_5MHdzEFkcgS_yiKhnPt8P1UHw9ZgZs_rVhrVR9Rv9_nNS0fyKHDXsY_OsKkGxBnndeZGMfmiRFccg1/s400/Road-Sign-Scavenger-Hunt-56b7ddc15f9b5829f83c7a1e-1-59aef2ba03f40200112d7900.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;">Road Sign Scavenger Hunt: </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.007rem;">Want to keep your family busy during a road trip? See how many of these common road signs you can spot along your route. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Providing kids with a Travel Game Box is the perfect idea for any road trip. Choose a special box where all games and pieces can be kept and perhaps even let the kiddos help to decorate the box. Laminate as many games as possible so they can be used over and over again and if you really want to get organized, use an </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;">accordion file to store each game in.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-size: 15px;">This is such a great opportunity for reconnection between kids and parents alike. Click <a href="https://www.thezebra.com/30-printable-road-trip-games-checklists/">HERE</a> to access all 30 FREE GAME DOWNLOADS and start looking forward to your next road trip!</span></span><br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-76219490743037921802018-08-08T14:59:00.002-07:002018-08-08T14:59:33.750-07:00DIY Door Mat Project (With FREE DOWNLOADABLE Stencils!)Raise your hand if your like DIY projects! With FREE DOWNLOADABLE stencils! Yep, today I've got the complete project for you to create your own <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-doormat/">doormat</a>. There are a total of 11 different designs for you to choose from so let's get going on the how-to.<br />
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Here are the supplies you will need to get started:<br />
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">A blank coir mat</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Outdoor acrylic paint (we used black)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cardstock (kudos if it can run through an inkjet printer)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Exacto knives</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Foam paint brushes</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">A stencil </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Painter’s tape</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pins</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Printer access</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIlErUAQ1d0I2dy-doexylBfvxu_-oxPuexHsXbU_HP3qu3g-O4WbifxMkIkfYY_7SSuab7AF95CLkhiczgyhV0x7Ur95P51VTHx3MywC-L47z2GiAHjweKwrt5zTLZNn9RGW_h1aFzbA/s1600/1-sss-diy-doormat-print.gif.pagespeed.ce.7ClcMe7doL.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIlErUAQ1d0I2dy-doexylBfvxu_-oxPuexHsXbU_HP3qu3g-O4WbifxMkIkfYY_7SSuab7AF95CLkhiczgyhV0x7Ur95P51VTHx3MywC-L47z2GiAHjweKwrt5zTLZNn9RGW_h1aFzbA/s400/1-sss-diy-doormat-print.gif.pagespeed.ce.7ClcMe7doL.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> CHOOSE, <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-doormat/">DOWNLOAD</a> and PRINT YOUR STENCIL.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ISO6NL66wNx1gTeuWJVHdsgtdzQra8R5B7YeLHMldBA25AbHRTteloMKF0M4U0bVuOmG4-zT-aFKJfv4R8fmkwjfkn3MqXdXuNrrbeK5URWYgIvWe7VMbhXXDfc5IEqgcO-TiDPu29ZG/s1600/2-sss-diy-doormat-add-tape-1.gif.pagespeed.ce.sdLesTdRbv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ISO6NL66wNx1gTeuWJVHdsgtdzQra8R5B7YeLHMldBA25AbHRTteloMKF0M4U0bVuOmG4-zT-aFKJfv4R8fmkwjfkn3MqXdXuNrrbeK5URWYgIvWe7VMbhXXDfc5IEqgcO-TiDPu29ZG/s400/2-sss-diy-doormat-add-tape-1.gif.pagespeed.ce.sdLesTdRbv.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">SECURE TAPE on YOUR MAT to PREVENT PAINT FROM GETTING PLACES YOU DON'T WANT IT TO BE.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm48Q-Kkre8goT1DiVkDQK9R7nlfuO_OjiMqnuIGf-sruFdwr_qBEU-iRArRvYy5P76rKSkGhadmAsD_ApTsq6dx-EqDNMOtAkfXDtba8F1-nHNOgc1d6JwWNd5KggEFM87djJuIPN9B9/s1600/3-sss-diy-doormat-place-tape.gif.pagespeed.ce.RJs2-Q2MKR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm48Q-Kkre8goT1DiVkDQK9R7nlfuO_OjiMqnuIGf-sruFdwr_qBEU-iRArRvYy5P76rKSkGhadmAsD_ApTsq6dx-EqDNMOtAkfXDtba8F1-nHNOgc1d6JwWNd5KggEFM87djJuIPN9B9/s400/3-sss-diy-doormat-place-tape.gif.pagespeed.ce.RJs2-Q2MKR.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> LAY YOUR STENCIL ON the MAT EXACTLY as YOU WANT it TO LOOK.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIN3y_rK6UfDkt2Xkeg7_pt9fQtiZb6GztTeQvSTzK4IDpIJEcnTxJMfw4xpKnzMn1qG2EJa_ZM-W0BrDq-slJFrLL-KRYHeG3nszyKYkFyJ20DyVpQJAYviCmec-3_c1uXhnFSu1ehCI/s1600/4-sss-diy-doormat-cut.gif.pagespeed.ce.S_gE2FNrcD.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIN3y_rK6UfDkt2Xkeg7_pt9fQtiZb6GztTeQvSTzK4IDpIJEcnTxJMfw4xpKnzMn1qG2EJa_ZM-W0BrDq-slJFrLL-KRYHeG3nszyKYkFyJ20DyVpQJAYviCmec-3_c1uXhnFSu1ehCI/s400/4-sss-diy-doormat-cut.gif.pagespeed.ce.S_gE2FNrcD.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">ONCE YOUR DESIGN IS IN PLACE, USE YOUR EXACTO KNIFE TO CUT THE LETTERS OUT.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOlcbynIWBv6zsVrWdVnVYUbrI2gD5Qpa9N_lf94PFSUXrGk3osAmTY_Df-c_2C0cyR5TUtORJ2RlWxRq11pgr9rgzuZQGZ4uexDQxaczZFxB7IDQB7IBdDkenTbV30xkclrXcMF0ZTd-/s1600/5-sss-diy-doormat-paint.gif.pagespeed.ce.pUF869y-HX.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOlcbynIWBv6zsVrWdVnVYUbrI2gD5Qpa9N_lf94PFSUXrGk3osAmTY_Df-c_2C0cyR5TUtORJ2RlWxRq11pgr9rgzuZQGZ4uexDQxaczZFxB7IDQB7IBdDkenTbV30xkclrXcMF0ZTd-/s400/5-sss-diy-doormat-paint.gif.pagespeed.ce.pUF869y-HX.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">PAINT THE LETTERS. THIS MAY TAKE A FEW COATS of PAINT to GET to JUST the RIGHT SHADE YOU WANT.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvafIoT_exqDfAX6qI9nIw2IspcHAvW0RIKOm_zvPf4U_yBNQded_HVqf2xTvlY6YHfQCpmIPv_XJHRJf7Ld2R-0VBi1j_lPhRUMoY3k0ShsRYAxVZiOhTX68mPsEGKlKB87fGT0JQh4Vm/s1600/6-sss-diy-doormat-reveal.gif.pagespeed.ce.nVJmbKWhbi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvafIoT_exqDfAX6qI9nIw2IspcHAvW0RIKOm_zvPf4U_yBNQded_HVqf2xTvlY6YHfQCpmIPv_XJHRJf7Ld2R-0VBi1j_lPhRUMoY3k0ShsRYAxVZiOhTX68mPsEGKlKB87fGT0JQh4Vm/s400/6-sss-diy-doormat-reveal.gif.pagespeed.ce.nVJmbKWhbi.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> ONCE the PAINT HAS DRIED, REMOVE the TAPE.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKb4MvfBro8uVno57d9_HxSJD-yCBXCKy2aZxhxDei8MuwZN9wLAT2QtFrf8W3sYPa8JoA2bbAC2ffs3vk8-l3lC5fwiJUTM_CAEs9uzAkvVTOGwYdcSviX7F0-N1tpMKc1r_Z5mNEsQA/s1600/7-sss-diy-doormat-enjoy.gif.pagespeed.ce.boCCn9LJpM.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKb4MvfBro8uVno57d9_HxSJD-yCBXCKy2aZxhxDei8MuwZN9wLAT2QtFrf8W3sYPa8JoA2bbAC2ffs3vk8-l3lC5fwiJUTM_CAEs9uzAkvVTOGwYdcSviX7F0-N1tpMKc1r_Z5mNEsQA/s400/7-sss-diy-doormat-enjoy.gif.pagespeed.ce.boCCn9LJpM.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> AND THEN PUT YOUR DOORMAT OUT and START ENJOYING IT!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Here are all 11 <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-doormat/">FREE DOWNLOADABLE</a> designs available...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRQk0B-iF1BZ8zmyf4bC74Xi1FNSB_Ta6n3RHBbZBHeyCduauxzWypbzT98O0YbiFG904X8iv2P9XOvBqYaCAE2QpKkZAJnubUjvp1HBaU4QiUJJHWeL6YtyJm_1duIx7AXwOsAshkdEW/s1600/xcute-shoes-doormat1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Zscs4DDE0U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="721" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRQk0B-iF1BZ8zmyf4bC74Xi1FNSB_Ta6n3RHBbZBHeyCduauxzWypbzT98O0YbiFG904X8iv2P9XOvBqYaCAE2QpKkZAJnubUjvp1HBaU4QiUJJHWeL6YtyJm_1duIx7AXwOsAshkdEW/s400/xcute-shoes-doormat1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Zscs4DDE0U.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Seriously, how stinkin' cute are these?! Make one for your front door...and back door. For a business or a friend or a birthday or Christmas present. The possibilities are endless. So what are you waiting for? Click <a href="https://www.simplyss.com/blog/diy-doormat/">HERE</a> to get all of these awesome stencil designs now!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">***Click "FOLLOW" to get all of my posts delivered directly to your email address. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> And remember, I will NEVER share your email address with anyone. Because </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> how annoying would that be?!***</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-31056340610361194022018-08-06T10:57:00.002-07:002018-08-06T10:57:40.654-07:00Fun DIY Ice Cream Cone Wrappers!I don't know about y'all, but we just can't get enough ice cream around here. It's pretty much our snack of choice! Especially when it's so hot outside. And the kiddos love eating their ice cream in cones so whenever I saw these super cute and fun <a href="https://www.berries.com/blog/ice-cream-cone-wrappers">DIY ice cream cone wrappers</a> I though how awesome would it be to download these and let them choose their favorite to wrap their next ice cream cone in!<br />
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Here's a list of supplies you will need to make your wrappers:<br />
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Printable ice cream cone wrapper template (pick your favorite below)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ice cream cone (sugar or cake)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Scissors</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Double-sided tape or glue</li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now, for all of the designs you have to choose from:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, for your next party or gathering or just for the fun of it...<a href="https://www.berries.com/blog/ice-cream-cone-wrappers">DOWNLOAD</a> these adorable ice cream cone wrappers. Because just when you thought ice cream couldn't get any more fun, it just did!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbUQboKQn8Mf-a9zK33MFAio-kKvyy9ZeT5-ZGtjKaOEXs1os7Mjp0m8BlF2HOVvVi9HMJ9rUrsVd4o0fsndICSQx0BAp23lgAVrP8cRhtNmKS6HjIDc_1EmGCUjQ9AhvcKrf0_l6Wa2H/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbUQboKQn8Mf-a9zK33MFAio-kKvyy9ZeT5-ZGtjKaOEXs1os7Mjp0m8BlF2HOVvVi9HMJ9rUrsVd4o0fsndICSQx0BAp23lgAVrP8cRhtNmKS6HjIDc_1EmGCUjQ9AhvcKrf0_l6Wa2H/s400/IMG_5303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I Scream</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You Scream</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We All Scream </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ICE CREAM!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***Just <a href="https://www.berries.com/blog/ice-cream-cone-wrappers">CLICK HERE</a> and go to where it says DOWNLOAD CONE WRAPPERS. Click, Download and Have Fun!***</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-84737119161935572002018-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:002018-08-02T10:15:31.265-07:00Death of a ComputerSo I realize that I have been absent for quite some time now. With loads of posts building up; both personal ones, travel ones and sponsored ones. You see, I took my computer to The Keys with me to really keep up with my posting and right after I arrived...my computer died. No seriously. The hard drive crashed (Wah!). I took it to the computer repair place there and they could do nothing with it and in the meantime I attempted to work on my blog posts on my iPad, however, I dropped it and cracked it. I mean REALLY CRACKED it (Wah, wah, wha!). Hubby thought he could fix the iPad but let's just leave it at...He couldn't! We got home and took my computer to Best Buy where I told them I didn't mind purchasing a new computer but I really, really wanted my photos recovered. They said they couldn't do it;"Call Apple," they said. Who informed me that they didn't do that (WHAT?!). SO...they gave Hubby the name of a third party who does hard drive recovery and we took the hard drive out and sent it to them. Meanwhile, I ordered a new computer AND iPad. <br />
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I've not had much time to write since I have been doing some baby-sitting stints for the kiddos and actually currently am right now for a few day, BUT I found a few moments and thought I needed to tell you all what has been going on in the electronic world with me. But now I am back in business and have had some people contact me with some AWESOME posts to create for them that I think you will LOVE! <br />
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Here's a SNEAK PEEK:<br />
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1. Homemade Cookie Labels (Download)<br />
2. Printable Stencils for Doormats<br />
3. Giveaway on a Conceive Easy Kit<br />
4. Printable Ice-cream Wrappers<br />
5. Printable Road Trip Games<br />
<br />
And those are just a few of the sponsored posts!<br />
<br />
Look forward to seeing me popping up on your social media and inbox SOON!<br />
(If you don't want to miss a post just Click on the Button ON THE BLOG to Follow me. By clicking on this button it only means that you will get my posts delivered straight to your email inbox! And don't worry nothing else is done with your email address. It is NOT shared with anyone. Because how annoying would that be?!)Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-21355270625976639892018-06-12T07:34:00.001-07:002018-06-12T07:34:27.233-07:00Father’s Day FREE Beer Label Downloads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend is Father’s Day and what is more thoughtful than a
hand-made gift? I have the perfect thing for Dad that he will just
love! Personalized Beer (or Barbecue) Bottle Labels. All you have to do
is click on the link and grab the FREE DOWNLOADS to create a
one-of-a-kind gift for your special guy on his special day.<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: small;">How to Create Printable Beer Labels for Dad:</span></span></h2>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">First, you’ll want to remove the original label from the beer bottle. It’s easiest to soak the bottle in warm water, then scrub off the label using a sponge. If you are doing more than a few bottles, feel free to soak them overnight in warm water. They should fall off pretty easily the next day.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Once you remove your labels, dry off the bottles. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Next, print out your favorite beer labels on regular paper or photo paper. </span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Then, cut out each label.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Using an extra-strength glue stick, apply glue tor the back of the printable and attach to the middle of the bottle. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alternate option</span>: use 8.5×11″ adhesive-backed paper. That way you can cut the labels out of the paper with scissors. </span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Voila! Your personalized beer labels are ready for Father’s Day!</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcE8hnIUM_-PrXWIZk7Rv-hTtFeOG6FFzttFjBxENTIqpSfgP18eGmlkKJQQo9NUL-iLCin1irEi2R6rcudNW4ME43qQxMA4ki8hfroZ8jXOndb8G1AcDXVRQInIWAphfC0qTZ3ia4z3k/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="id_66a9_3460_d3ed_ca9c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcE8hnIUM_-PrXWIZk7Rv-hTtFeOG6FFzttFjBxENTIqpSfgP18eGmlkKJQQo9NUL-iLCin1irEi2R6rcudNW4ME43qQxMA4ki8hfroZ8jXOndb8G1AcDXVRQInIWAphfC0qTZ3ia4z3k/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beer Labels for the Sporty Dad</span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">For the dad who has a Sunday football routine, or enjoys a fun game of golf in his free time, consider these sporty printables for dad. He will be forever grateful for his personalized game time refreshments!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ideas:</i></span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">I hit a home run having you as my dad!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">No iffs, ands or putts, you’re my favorite.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Free agent for the NBA: National Beer Association.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">You’re a great ice hoppy player.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Surfice to say you’re the best dad</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beer Labels for SUPER Dad</span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Kids love superheroes. They are the characters kids look up to as they grow and the types of people they want to become. But do you know who their favorite superhero is? Their dad of course! Dads help you learn your first words, ride your first bike and drive your first car. So show your father that he’s the most important hero in your life with these Super Dad <a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/printable-beer-labels">printables</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" id="id_59d3_46ec_341e_cec6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5eR_EFhRWosnAgmpwiZF7HPSYSjPKlgQ6NVbocQwZM6aFAKYHbcAg-2aGTXjXrnDcZ2V_p4eUNmFfn0R4QhB8Ym2Eu3-7eNVBLmvBQrnchJvJaE2IWNoKhWz30oPRCnsbYN_YfFkmW06/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ideas:</i></span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">It’s a bird… it’s a plane…no it’s super dad!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">You’re my hero!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Super dad lives here!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Dad: a superhero without a cape!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">There’s no dad like my super dad!</span></li>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">These are only a couple of cute ideas that you will find to download, so what are you waiting for? Head on over to get started creating the perfect gift for dad that he won’t soon forget!</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-28136775178734085152018-06-06T05:08:00.001-07:002018-06-06T05:08:15.255-07:00How To Make a Pop-Up Card (With FREE Downloads!)I don't know about you, but we are constantly having birthdays around here. No, seriously, we have at <i>least</i> one a month and many months we have multiple birthdays. That's why, whenever I saw these adorable <a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/how-to-make-a-pop-up-card">pop-up cards</a> from Personal Creations, I just <i>had</i> to share them with you!<img alt="" id="id_e6fe_4c2f_ca36_3d6c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4WSOvm8TfGUu9mkLQzJ3LN-3K6aLemXNJgLUj8U4xgWAtaa4F54dExUo7MnuN2l_79JKaXUTMlBW8o9pnkHqecKhU_ZeuDTzV6Y4ATyMpHynCDScEFtlwj-lJj9YuV1wTjZ-OPZNNKuh/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: small;">Materials</span></span></h3>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">2 pieces of cardstock or construction paper</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Scissors</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Glue stick</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Pop up card printables (or extra paper if you’re designing the art yourself)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Art supplies to decorate with (markers, glitter)</span></li>
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<a href="https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/how-to-make-a-pop-up-card" id="id_74ce_f1ba_b5ac_d7fa">CLICK HERE</a> to get complete directions and downloads to make your very own pop-up card.<img alt="" id="id_4218_9913_f5c1_b9de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-OpFKpUF_g/WxLV0CMe-nI/AAAAAAAASuA/htaIV9qhHZ0ti8UQEymUvOU5DKE-loX7wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: small;">A printable Pop Up Card Decorations</span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">If you need a few more elements to take your card to the next level, these decorations are sure to help! We’ve included word bubbles, banners and other designs to decorate both the front and inside of your card.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">So, for your next birthday party or special occasion, how about choosing to spend some quality time with your little ones and make an adorable card. They will love it, you will love it and the recipient will love it. It’s an all around win situation for everyone!</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-74877912115675004472018-06-02T11:04:00.001-07:002018-06-11T05:10:52.417-07:00Summertime Travel Tips For Large Families: Vacationing on a Budget <div><br></div><div>Today I welcome back guest blogger, Henry Moore from <a href="http://fitwelltraveler.com/posts/" id="id_f426_aa6f_1bd4_6be8">Fit Well Traveller</a>. Henry always gives us such great travel tips and today he gives some travel options for large families this summer that won’t break the bank and offers ways to connect in unique ways.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1894_fcc5_c655_42e3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbi9qRr2r3Fg0z_kzjRcPgsdLxCGQ0fwkfXOWZI7D5grYwcf7ixbL9-TCbE5dtj15Hevmuj3MoN75hO8RiN9Khj8q6_ElP_7OpQxOPnMXQeCXRM37Zz321AsiGEG9XZmQWfkXITnhNvUO/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 746px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Summertime travel is a given for many American families; as soon as school is out, everyone wants to take a break and head somewhere fun. It can be difficult to pick up and go when you have a large family, however. Not only are there a lot of </span></span><a href="https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/summer-hulls-tips-for-family-travel"><u><span class="colour"><span class="font"><span class="size"><u>details</u></span></span></span></u></a><span class="font"><span class="size"> to consider, the cost can be overwhelming, and no one wants to worry about money while they’re on vacation. </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Fortunately, there are many simple ways you and your family can enjoy a trip or two this summer without breaking the bank. The trick is to get creative and stay fairly close to home so you’ll have more cash to spend on fun activities. Instead of traveling across the country to go to a theme park -- where everyone will be hot and might not even get to ride all the attractions -- consider going camping, heading to a local beach, or finding some fun activities that are within a couple of hours of home. Don’t rule out day and weekend trips! They can be the best kind when money is tight. Keep reading for some great tips on how to have a fun trip this summer.</span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><b><span class="font"><span class="size">Go Camping</span></span></b></b><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Camping is a very inexpensive way to have a great time for people of all ages; the key is to make sure there’s something fun to do for everyone and that it’s a safe experience. Look for a local national park or campsite that’s located close to a fun attraction such as an aquarium or a lake that rents boats for the day. Bring along some sports equipment for those who love to play, and pack supplies for making campfire treats at night. It can be difficult to coax kids away from their tablets and other devices, but once you do, they’re bound to love the great outdoors. </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><b><span class="font"><span class="size">Learn Something New</span></span></b></b><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Depending on where you live, there may be dozens of fun attractions nearby that you’ve never explored, such as museums, zoos, boat tours, and family fun parks. Get online to find out what cool, </span></span><a href="https://www.earlychildhoodeducationzone.com/best-educational-family-vacation-ideas/"><u><span class="colour"><span class="font"><span class="size"><u>educational places</u></span></span></span></u></a><span class="font"><span class="size"> are nearby, and look for Groupons or other discounts while you’re there. Make sure you check on their stroller policy if you have little ones.</span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><b><span class="font"><span class="size">Take a Weekend Trip</span></span></b></b><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">There are tons of places around the U.S. that are within three hours of something fun and different, so consider taking a weekend trip rather than a vacation that lasts an entire week. If you can take Friday off work and leave a little early, you’ll have that much more time to have fun. These are great trips to bring the family dog along on, as they aren’t so long that he’ll get anxious about being away from home. Bringing along a pet can be beneficial in many ways, from not having to pay boarding costs to having a comforting friend there with you when you’re in a strange place. This is especially important for individuals who are in recovery, as pets can help reduce anxiety, stress, and the symptoms of depression.</span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Click </span></span><a href="https://www.adrugrehab.org/sober-outdoor-adventures-pet/"><u><span class="colour"><span class="font"><span class="size"><u>here</u></span></span></span></u></a><span class="font"><span class="size"> for more great info about pets and recovery.</span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><b><span class="font"><span class="size">Don’t Eat Out</span></span></b></b><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Taking trips can eat into your wallet because you’re away from home and </span></span><a href="https://www.designmom.com/18-tips-for-traveling-with-a-big-family/"><u><span class="colour"><span class="font"><span class="size"><u>eating out</u></span></span></span></u></a><span class="font"><span class="size"> a lot. If you’re staying at a hotel or condo near the beach, look for one that has a built-in kitchen area so you can make some meals yourself. While it may not be ideal for relaxation, having food there for breakfast and lunch can save you quite a bit of cash, especially if you’re in a touristy spot where the prices get outrageous.</span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size"> </span></span><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="font"><span class="size">Traveling with the family can be stressful if you aren’t prepared, so make sure you </span></span><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/summer-travel-hacks"><u><span class="colour"><span class="font"><span class="size"><u>pack well</u></span></span></span></u></a><span class="font"><span class="size"> and start planning a few weeks in advance. Outdoor summertime adventures are wonderful bonding experiences, but only when everyone knows the rules of safety. Talk to your loved ones about the best ways to stay safe and have fun while you’re away from home.</span></span><br></span></p><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div class="zmail_extra"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><attachment _mf_downloadingstatus="Downloading" _mf_downloadablestatus="Tap to Download" id="0ECA5EA1-91ED-4019-A59D-AD77BCCFC3B6" title="Summertime Travel Tips for Large Families_ Vacationing on
a Budget.docx" type="org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.document" subtitle="148 KB" _mf_state="1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></attachment></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-23986485719368656922018-05-12T18:28:00.000-07:002018-05-12T18:28:54.452-07:00Remembering My Mother on This Mother's Day This year on Mother's Day I won't have my mother with me. It's the first time in my 56 years of living that she won't be living. Mother's Day has always centered around my mother and my mother-in-law. Treating them to lunch and presents. And although I am a mother, myself, I have always considered the holiday to be for them, to honor them. So this Mother's Day I painted something for both my sister and my cousin (Her mother was my mother's sister and passed away one month after my mother did.). You see, there was this old photo that my sister gave me when one of my children was getting married and I was so stressed out over the planning phase of it. The photo came in the mail with a little note attached that said, "Hope this makes you smile. P.S. I think our mother had the best figure!). And that little photograph <i>did</i> make me smile. After my mother's death, I pulled it out and remembered just when it was taken. When I was a little girl, my mom and I used to visit her two sisters in Texas and in the summertime we would always make a trip to the beach in Galveston. That's where the picture was taken.<br />
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The more I looked at this picture the more I wanted to do something special with it. So I decided to watercolor my version of it and frame one for all of us.<br />
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There are other old photos that also make me smile and I am attempting to make my way through painting some of them too. This year on Mother's Day I want to remember the mother of my childhood. The mother who drove the white Pontiac that had no console in the middle so I could lay my head in her lap on the way home from church. The one who never had much in her purse but always seemed to have sticks of Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum in there. Of which she only chewed one half a piece at a time. The mother who, as the only child at home, I asked to please adopt a little Chinese girl and in the next breath begged her to buy a pair of patent leather go-go boots for herself and dye her hair black because I thought, “How cool would that be?!” The mother who allowed me to have a little dog when she really wasn't a pet person and he peed on her bedspread quite regularly. The mother who made and taught me how to make the best stove-top popcorn you've ever tasted, that we sat eating at the kitchen bar out of a huge plastic bowl for dinner. The one who would put out bird feed every day so she could sit in front of the glass door in the afternoons to watch them fly in while drinking a hot cup of coffee. Coffee, which she introduced me to at an early age by giving me coffee milk with cold homemade biscuits. The one who had the greenest thumb of anybody I know; who could take a twig and turn it into a beautiful, thriving plant. Who got the greatest joy out of working in her yard from daylight until dark most days. <br />
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I want to remember the mother who often sacrificed to give me things I wanted. The one who took me back-to-school clothes shopping and let me try on all the cute clothes and then surprised me by telling me I could get all of them. The one who always got me what was on my Christmas list...and more. And taught me who Bing Crosby was whenever she played his White Christmas album each Christmas season while I helped her make Christmas candy. The one who gave me the wedding of my dreams on what I thought was a huge budget but now know was a shoestring one. The one who taught me to care more for others than myself and include those who were lonely or had no one. And last, but certainly not least, the mother who took my to church and taught me about Jesus and reading my Bible and praying. Those things that now give me comfort, knowing that one day I will see her again.<br />
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Last year, as my mother and I were sitting in her living room visiting she suddenly gazed in the distance and said, "Oh, how I wish I could talk to my mother." Her mother (my grandmother) passed away when I was still in my 20's and expecting my third child. So, obviously, it has been many years since her death. And I only thought I understood her longing to talk to her mother but I really didn't. Not until now whenever I so desperately wish for just one more conversation that I cannot have here on this Earth. Simply put, I miss my mother and this Mother's Day, I choose to remember the mother of my childhood. The one in the photograph. With the black hair and swimsuit, showing off her cute little figure. That's the mother I'm going to remember this year.</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-6997517960693378912018-05-12T08:05:00.002-07:002018-05-12T08:05:21.486-07:00Famous Mothers in Art and Literature<span id="aolmail_docs-internal-guid-0a534943-4563-b771-903c-f0e07bebf301"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All mothers are important. They literally keep the world going. They encourage their children in every endeavor and are their loudest cheerleader; their biggest fan. No matter how old a child is, they always look to their mother for comfort and guidance. There are many mothers throughout history who have made <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">countless</span> contributions to our <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">culture and society.</span> In honor of Mother's Day, I thought it fitting to<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> pay tribute to</span> <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">some of the tr<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ailblazing female writers and artists <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of our time. <a href="https://www.invaluable.com/">Invaluable</a> created a beautiful <a href="https://www.invaluable.com/blog/famous-mothers-in-art/">infographic</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
on these famous moms in art and literature. The visual is full of inspiring motherly advice that everyone can relate to. Click on the link above and read on for a little art history refresher. Then call your mom and thank her for everything she does for you!<br />
<span id="aolmail_docs-internal-guid-0a534943-4563-b771-903c-f0e07bebf301"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-203079701562491852018-05-02T06:34:00.002-07:002018-05-02T06:34:19.732-07:00Sunset and Champagne on a BoatIf you read my <a href="https://adayinthelifeofamom-barbara.blogspot.com/2018/04/sunsets-and-champagne.html">first post</a> on Sunset and Champagne, you will know that I made a list of all the best places to see the sunset in the Florida Keys. This past weekend we set out to see another one. On a boat.<br />
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There are boats that can take you out of Malory Square to see the sunset but why not get on your own boat and do it?! Hubby surprised me by buying lights for the boat and spent some time Sunday installing them so he could take me out on our boat to watch the sun set. <br />
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It doesn't actually set until around 8 p.m. but we wanted to leave in plenty of time to drive there and get situated in the right place to watch it set. I grabbed a bottle of champagne and my camera bag and off we went!<br />
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It took about a good 30 minutes to get where we wanted to be. It seemed as though we were chasing the sun as it was setting. And I would have had no idea where to chase it to, to get in just the right location. Thankfully Hubby has a great sense of direction. And a compass. That he knows how to read...because I don't (sigh...).<br />
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We were there in plenty of time and as I looked around, everything was still and quiet as if we were the only ones on the water. We popped the bubbly and sat back and just waited for the sun to put on its colorful nightly show. <br />
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And boy it did <i>not</i> disappoint. I captured it in several phases going down and as I was clicking away, I told Hubby, "You know, every sunset is different. No two evenings does it set the same."<br />
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And as a bonus, on the way back home we watched the full moon rise...<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-63421295511476086792018-05-01T07:29:00.001-07:002018-05-01T07:29:04.995-07:00Learning to Drive a BoatI remember how excited I was to learn to drive a car. I was only about 13 years old but I was raring to go. My brother-in-law taught me my driving skills on a little Simka that was a standard shift. Yep, I still may not be able to parallel park but I can drive a four-on-the-floor as we called them. Anyway, I would practice by driving all over our yard which was huge! I just couldn't wait until I got my license and was able to drive myself places. My how things change over the years because I sure do like to be chauffeured around these days by Hubby. I enjoy putting my feet up and reading or napping on long trips instead of doing the driving. So on to the driving a boat subject now.<br />
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We were out on the boat the other day, Hubby was fishing and I was laying on the back of the boat reading. He suddenly asked me to get behind the wheel and move him in a little closer. OK, I could do that. Then when we got ready to find another fishing hole he told me to get behind the wheel; I was going to learn how to be his first mate. Wait...What?! He said I was going to learn to drive the boat that day. Well, let me tell you that the excitement I felt as a teenager learning to drive a car just wasn't there. I have a fear of going overboard in a boat anyway and I sure didn't have any confidence in my own boat-driving skills. But I got behind the wheel.<br />
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I was doing Ok just driving at a slow pace but then he said I had to go a little faster. Again...the car thing. But out on the open water I did <i>not</i> want to go fast, pleaded for him let me go at the pace I was already going. Which, I admit, would probably take us four hours to get to the next fishing hole but I was just hoping he would say, "Move over and let me drive." But he didn't (sigh...).<br />
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So, I picked up the speed, which I must confess, made me a little nervous because what if the water got too shallow in places and I didn't know it and hit the bottom and you got it...fell out of the boat or worse! Whatever worse might be. Drown in 2 feet of water, get eaten by a shark, you get the idea. He told me, "No worries, just look at the GPS map on the screen in front of you and follow the course it has plotted." OH MY GOSH...Now I have to read a map?! Let's just hope nothing ever happens to Hubby while we are out on the water because I might now be able to physically drive the boat but there is no way I can read a map. We could possibly end up in Cuba or the Bahamas.<br />
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I drove for a bit and then he pointed me toward a little island and said we would stop there (Whew!). But I was going to have to ease us up there because the water was shallow and the bottom rocky (Great...). I was now reading the GPS and I could tell how shallow the water was getting and I was getting a little worried. I mean, what if I tore a hole in the bottom of the boat and we got stranded on this little island which probably had no cell service?! We would just have to wait around for someone to save us. Like Gilligan. <br />
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OK, I managed to pull the boat up to the island and we got off and walked around in the water for a while. It really was so beautiful there. But as we got ready to leave I sheepishly asked, "Do I have to drive back home?" He said I didn't. And so I found my comfortable little place again to sit and turned my face to the sun as my trusted captain set sail for home.<br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7242649956076104953.post-11607441488565739532018-04-30T04:45:00.002-07:002018-04-30T04:45:50.084-07:00Judy Blume and Freckle JuiceThursday I told Hubby I wanted to make a trip into Key West to visit a couple of place on my "list". Yes, although I'm not very organized, I have an ongoing list of things I want to do while in the Florida Keys this year. I've actually explored a bit and grabbed some brochures and one of the places I wanted to visit was a little book store, <a href="http://booksandbookskw.com/">Books & Books at The Studios of Key West</a>. This adorable little shop is not only a book store but also carries art supplies and I spent an hour in there before I knew it!<br />
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The night before we went to the book store, we ate dinner with a friend and she mentioned off hand that </div>
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<a href="http://www.judyblume.com/">Judy Blume</a> had a home in Key West and was often seen out and about in town and doing signings at the book store. I commented on how cool that was and really didn't think much about it again. Until I lifted my head after perusing books for an hour and made my way to the cash register to check out. As I glanced up I had to take a double take; it was Judy Blume talking to someone and signing a book for them! Well, I told the lady to go ahead and ring my items up but I would be back. I ran to the bookshelves to grab one of her books to have her sign and suddenly a book jumped out at me, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freckle_Juice">Freckle Juice</a>! I pulled it off the shelf and ran over to get in line behind the people she was already signing for. You see, Parker Ann is my cute little freckle-faced granddaughter and I always comment on that because she's the cutest thing with her big blue eyes, freckles sprinkled across her face and missing front teeth. I told Judy about her and she signed this book for her...</div>
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My day was absolutely made and I cannot wait to give Parker Ann this treasure!</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698973875488878943noreply@blogger.com0