tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878566836429452102024-02-07T18:49:35.000-06:00Restoring the Picket FenceLiving a more simple life, one day at a time.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-54864143714025141652014-02-27T11:56:00.000-06:002014-02-27T11:58:00.334-06:00Why my daughter won’t kiss you...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8yGvapKzZ5pDmptENQ-KXP7qOXSDoIUZ8FEIuVFh4f1mSlwDRZjJ1Eekf3cc_HGA3d229Pb76ZxSxxfapBvvYzfAgdfQ2G0lWZIJqrcr5SddTYsx2WMD9O7CZ2ipauo4qeJGoOMSMjY/s1600/DSCF8091.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8yGvapKzZ5pDmptENQ-KXP7qOXSDoIUZ8FEIuVFh4f1mSlwDRZjJ1Eekf3cc_HGA3d229Pb76ZxSxxfapBvvYzfAgdfQ2G0lWZIJqrcr5SddTYsx2WMD9O7CZ2ipauo4qeJGoOMSMjY/s1600/DSCF8091.0.jpg" /></a></div>
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Baby Z won't kiss you, if she doesn’t want to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When people force kisses onto my daughter, it makes me
cringe. It’s not something I encourage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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J and I always ask Z for kisses. If she doesn’t want to give
them, we respect that. This rule goes for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
cousins, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Good scenario: When we are with family, I will ask Baby Z, “Do
you want to give Grandma a kiss?” and if she doesn’t want to, that’s okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bad scenario: If someone asks Baby Z for a kiss, and she
shows that she isn’t interested, but they go ahead and kiss her anyway or say
things like, “I’m going to steal a kiss then.”</div>
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<ol>
<li>Personal space. Baby Z might be just 16 months,
but she’s already developed a sense of personal space. If she doesn’t want
people in it, or doesn’t want to include others in her space for kisses at that
time, that’s okay. I’ll respect it. When people force kisses on her, that’s
like saying “You’re not comfortable with this, and I don’t care.”</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Forced affection. I want Baby Z’s emotions and
actions to be genuine. I don’t ever want her affection to be forced.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Boundaries. Much like personal space, this one
has to do with comfort levels, but on a larger level. It comes down to this: I
don’t ever want Baby Z to think forced kisses are okay. They aren’t. What if a
stranger wants to show her affection? I want her to know that is 100% NOT OKAY
and to express that she isn’t comfortable with the situation. I want Baby Z to
know that it’s only okay to give kisses when both parties are comfortable.</span></li>
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So please, don’t ever force kisses on my daughter. Ask her.
If she shows that she doesn’t want to give you a kiss, please respect her
decision. <o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-42449977803364240392014-02-03T15:15:00.001-06:002014-02-03T15:15:21.441-06:00February Financial GoalFebruary's goal will be simple: No buying baby items that aren't necessities for the month.<br />
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Baby clothes are cute, and hard to resist, so this will be a test of strength!<br />
<br />
Update: January Financial Goal <br />
My goal in January was to not spend in our work cafeteria. Although it didn't go as expected, I only spent $20 for the month. Not ideal, but I'll take itLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-74531021055483927082014-02-01T11:50:00.000-06:002014-02-01T11:54:14.400-06:00DIY Hair Detangler<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b5hDBQuykdMAxG49OFjZeV995WCmk3_LBrv6qhxVyXkywVl4bVw980qJYQOmMT3RT8Nae066mJesPQ2fceAXe4SGp0hdJkc-hmAIfwcDZVjRKbpCtvrMGS0bLevxjR4FUdXvhbtL5mI/s1600/DIY+Detangler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your own spray hair detangler using ingredients you already have at home." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b5hDBQuykdMAxG49OFjZeV995WCmk3_LBrv6qhxVyXkywVl4bVw980qJYQOmMT3RT8Nae066mJesPQ2fceAXe4SGp0hdJkc-hmAIfwcDZVjRKbpCtvrMGS0bLevxjR4FUdXvhbtL5mI/s1600/DIY+Detangler.jpg" height="640" title="DIY Hair Detangler" width="480" /></a></div>
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Baby Z's hair is getting long and with it's baby fineness, it tangles easily.<br />
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When researching spray hair detanglers--it hit me--I can make my own using what I already have!<br />
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<h3>
DIY Detangler:</h3>
<br />
<b>What you need:</b><br />
Empty spray bottle<br />
Hair conditioner<br />
Water<br />
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<b>Directions: </b>Squirt a small amount of conditioner in a spray bottle. Fill the rest up with water. Shake, shake, shake! Now you've got your own DIY hair detangler! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-31545260714003147522014-01-06T13:14:00.000-06:002014-01-06T13:21:10.361-06:00January Financial GoalBefore our move, I set a financial goal each month. Now that we are settled in a bit, I plan on continuing that pattern.<br />
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<h2>
January goal = No spending money on food/coffee at work</h2>
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Gasp!<br />
<br />
These goals may seem silly, but they really add up in the long term. Plus, they help set good spending habits. My financial goal for the remainder of year will vary each month. And sometimes, it will just be a week-long goal (i.e. using pantry and freezer foods for a week instead of grocery shopping).<br />
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They're a lot of fun, so feel free to join or comment with any financial goals you might set for yourself or ideas you have for future months.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-54456800981252027872013-11-21T14:48:00.000-06:002013-11-21T15:06:37.775-06:00Our $900 carThis was a year ago now, but it's still an important story to tell.<br />
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In 2011, we purchased a 2012 Hyundai Accent. It was exactly what I/we wanted: 4 doors, 5-speed manual, small, great on gas and perfect for my 60-mile commute.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/272061_237304999626970_1370932_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/272061_237304999626970_1370932_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You know what wasn't perfect about it? The $300 car payment each month.<br />
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When we learned that I was pregnant last year, we decided it was time to get rid of the new (and pretty!) car. It was time to get serious about getting out of debt.<br />
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Selling the car to Carmax required us to pay off about $1500 extra on the car loan to make up the difference for what Carmax would purchase our car for.<br />
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We replaced the car with a 1998 Nissan Altima for $900.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theautochannel.com/media/photos/nissan/1998/98_nissan_altima_gle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.theautochannel.com/media/photos/nissan/1998/98_nissan_altima_gle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Nissan has ... character. Only the driver's door unlocks with the key. The rear-driver's-side door has to be manually locked and unlocked. Sometimes, the volume on the radio goes the opposite way you think it would. The gas door has to be gently punched to open. When the car doesn't start, you just need to jiggle this section under the hood. Let's not exclude the time it was keyed.<br />
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To sum it up, it's a pretty glamorous ride.<br />
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We paid $900 for the car and about another $1000 for new tires, title transfer, registration and some minor repairs. So, $1900 plus the $1500 we had to pay off on the Hyundai.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
$900 + $1000 + $1500 = $3400</h3>
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Since we were paying $300/month for the Hyundai, it took 12 months of owning the Nissan to actually start banking money. That might seem like a lot, but guess what? We have been driving the car for three months beyond that and we haven't had to pay a single car payment on it, and it hasn't needed more than regular maintenance.<br />
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One debt paid off.<br />
One step closer to becoming debt-free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHDbXWdMXW9yXaWRsW-ahH8vvAuLmgksxIlc03VZW0M0C8ZSavt-6Ep3el-CrHgaCp4TgH_idShFEX55UKSmsHfMhgFU-kGnb7B62n6hw03M_DYcptpI49QvYLckVXd9gqdVAi3KkjKI/s1600/OWE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHDbXWdMXW9yXaWRsW-ahH8vvAuLmgksxIlc03VZW0M0C8ZSavt-6Ep3el-CrHgaCp4TgH_idShFEX55UKSmsHfMhgFU-kGnb7B62n6hw03M_DYcptpI49QvYLckVXd9gqdVAi3KkjKI/s320/OWE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-45508782060788457972013-11-02T19:55:00.001-05:002013-11-04T09:12:16.735-06:00Deals 11/2Who doesn't love a good deal? Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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Need to send a gift? Use coupon code <b>31137</b> to get a new <a href="http://bit.ly/1iDCjUH">Fannie Mae Chocolate Card</a> for just $5.95 shipped! Comes with a quarter-pound assortment of chocolates, a $5 reward card for the receipiant and your personal greeting!<br />
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Super chic and convenient <a href="http://www.lastcall.com/search.jsp?N=0&Ntt=cityslips&_requestid=26724&ecid=LCALRRvEiSnI7NyY#endecaDrivenSiloRefinements=0&refinements=&page=1&pageSize=120&sort=&definitionPath=/nm/commerce/pagedef/etemplate/Search&locationInput=&radiusInput=100&allStoresInput=false">CitySlips foldable flats and rain boots</a>. With their current Buy More, Save More Sale, you can snag the boots for just $27.30 and the flats for a mere $14! Want free shipping, add <b>FRSHIP</b> at checkout.<br />
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<a href="http://images.lastcall.com/ca/1/product_assets/X/1/V/V/Y/LCX1VVY_mx.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.lastcall.com/ca/1/product_assets/X/1/V/V/Y/LCX1VVY_mx.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="http://images.lastcall.com/ca/1/product_assets/X/2/1/5/M/LCX215M_mx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.lastcall.com/ca/1/product_assets/X/2/1/5/M/LCX215M_mx.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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For the flannel-loving friend in your life, pick up <a href="https://www.mypoints.com/emp/u/data/m/social/share/offer/offer.vm?cell=S8YyGR-_1X6UYQWbyWqHG-1CrDsewrDN9PbfBR-Ij&src_provider=TWITTER_SHARE&arg1=p&arg2=144438.html&arg3=s.bradsdeals.com&src=3%2BMen%2527s%2B100%2525%2BCotton%2BShirts%2B%252430&refCode=PnYUwfrEpuZID--_M&campaign=It0-kTxXZFCBciu6iisD&arr=s3&src=PVID_9ebfbdd57b2f766492c3e82e40496c05&src=utmcsr%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmccn%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28none%29">THREE flannel shirts for $30!</a> You pick the size, they pick the colors. </div>
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Need a gift this holiday season? Three bamboo <a href="https://www.mypoints.com/emp/u/data/m/social/share/offer/offer.vm?cell=S8YyGR5SO1JPadL3Ymo9_pfFIhIyI8pdOI2BE3lVX&src_provider=TWITTER_SHARE&arg1=p&arg2=143404.html&arg3=s.bradsdeals.com&src=3Pc%2BBamboo%2BFiber%2BMixing%2BBowl%2BSet%2B%25249&refCode=PnYUwfrEpuZID--_M&campaign=It0-kTxXZFCBciu6iisD&arr=s3&src=PVID_c9850928cd6976ec4c35c91749aaf6c0&src=utmcsr%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmccn%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28none%29">mixing bowls in bold colors are just $9</a> with coupon code <b>BHWELCOME</b>! This is an amazing deal on these mixing bowls.</div>
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<a href="https://www.mypoints.com/emp/u/data/m/social/share/offer/offer.vm?cell=S8YyGR9nEgMMuO30lP22xsxW2DOfEYxuQXfCucg9g&src_provider=TWITTER_SHARE&arg1=p&arg2=144428.html&arg3=s.bradsdeals.com&src=The%2BBody%2BShop%253A%2B40%2525%2Boff%2BSitewide&refCode=PnYUwfrEpuZID--_M&campaign=It0-kTxXZFCBciu6iisD&arr=s3&src=PVID_52999612099aa0964772947e85cbea5f&src=utmcsr%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmccn%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28none%29">Save 40% sitewide at The Body Shop</a> with code <b>TREAT40</b> at checkout. Stock up on those stocking stuffers!</div>
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Hot deal on these<a href="https://www.mypoints.com/emp/u/data/m/social/share/offer/offer.vm?cell=S8YyGR381oCxiiK89QKfxlZjIdNMC0Xl8pZVCZYr7&src_provider=TWITTER_SHARE&arg1=p&arg2=144570.html&arg3=s.bradsdeals.com&src=Colorblock%2BActive%2BLeggings%2B%25248&refCode=PnYUwfrEpuZID--_M&campaign=It0-kTxXZFCBciu6iisD&arr=s3&src=PVID_a32b5b719c5ab991f31b955bea944725&src=utmcsr%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmccn%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28none%29"> fitness leggings for just $7.99</a> from Aeropostale and matching tank for just $5.99. Plus, get FREE SHIPPING when you pay with Paypal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEAnpqC8hqJTKiJnbYuwgRDhYKlK9GG6TF8sjXEQvIrLUY9hkh4wiwka1VB80itUlXHA2CTrRFJVWYkSwb1dDDovr7Y4-YdD8XxYK5Zf7DhiGuKAU00ap_yC6H-rEAbEngFN1XhlUaRA/s1600/leggings.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEAnpqC8hqJTKiJnbYuwgRDhYKlK9GG6TF8sjXEQvIrLUY9hkh4wiwka1VB80itUlXHA2CTrRFJVWYkSwb1dDDovr7Y4-YdD8XxYK5Zf7DhiGuKAU00ap_yC6H-rEAbEngFN1XhlUaRA/s320/leggings.PNG" width="259" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-32341306397713099812013-10-27T08:53:00.000-05:002013-10-27T08:57:43.521-05:00No TV for Baby ZUntil this week, it never struck me that Baby Z has never watched TV.<br />
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Why doesn't she watch TV?<br />
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Really, I don't know. Since we don't have cable television, I guess that's a root of the reason. But at the same time, she has so much fun exploring, playing, trying new things and getting into trouble, that we've never thought to turn on the TV for her<br />
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What do you think? Do toddlers benefit from watching TV?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gtzcc-VHYHtr7drpLJPxvT8V24Ufs0OWk5Ni_ja6Xb6-8nCFFHpGWIQT8db5XvtcsBWp-9sp3zfxEV6G6qqrdyakSUGTQmo-DH2PnntV0gAfc8T2V-2YKdltJyH0PTNxSaySNbJKGco/s1600/Baby+Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gtzcc-VHYHtr7drpLJPxvT8V24Ufs0OWk5Ni_ja6Xb6-8nCFFHpGWIQT8db5XvtcsBWp-9sp3zfxEV6G6qqrdyakSUGTQmo-DH2PnntV0gAfc8T2V-2YKdltJyH0PTNxSaySNbJKGco/s1600/Baby+Z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Z at the park.</td></tr>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-15035014896667555262013-10-03T09:28:00.001-05:002013-10-03T09:28:42.173-05:00Give Green!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR79v1vmCo1YMf4wBqq_VUgh3fDRQdF9z93NKN_KutppnM-Qx0kyl2oDfk_iNfd6n2rbVpN0yml1k7MTG8s3BN9FOoOwgEsTCZDEP55w_UrkPgkXXpQnAtlzd1ZL8HZVlYpYMRZdq06ZnG/s1600/image_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR79v1vmCo1YMf4wBqq_VUgh3fDRQdF9z93NKN_KutppnM-Qx0kyl2oDfk_iNfd6n2rbVpN0yml1k7MTG8s3BN9FOoOwgEsTCZDEP55w_UrkPgkXXpQnAtlzd1ZL8HZVlYpYMRZdq06ZnG/s1600/image_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One simple, fun thing to do when giving a gift is to opt for a reusable tote in place of a standard gift bag.<br />
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<ol>
<li>They come in a wide variety of cute colors and patterns!</li>
<li>They cost the same (or less!) than regular gift bags.</li>
<li>They are more durable than regular gift bags.</li>
<li>Your gift recipient can reuse the bag for grocery shopping, farmer's markets, giving another gift, library books, an overnight bag to grandmas, etc.</li>
</ol>
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Check out <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=tote" target="_blank">Dollar Tree's</a> selection. Each bag is $1 each:</div>
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/160637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/160637.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/175399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/175399.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/159311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/159311.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here are some other fun options:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pPXZqGx5L._SY450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pPXZqGx5L._SY450_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$2.59 for two bags from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/niceEshop-Pcs-Shopping-Foldable-Dog-Yellow/dp/B00DGJKNO0/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1380808968&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ii.worldmarket.com/fcgi-bin/iipsrv.fcgi?FIF=/images/worldmarket/source/29588_XXX_v1.tif&wid=2000&cvt=jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ii.worldmarket.com/fcgi-bin/iipsrv.fcgi?FIF=/images/worldmarket/source/29588_XXX_v1.tif&wid=2000&cvt=jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$3.99 from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=tote+bag&cx=0&pp=47&sortby=priceAscend&sortType=1" target="_blank">World Market</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecomom.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/421x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/c/ecobags-totebag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ecomom.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/421x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/c/ecobags-totebag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$7.99 for 2 bags from <a href="http://www.ecomom.com/ecobags-brand-recycled-cotton-canvas-tote-bag-pack-of-2.html">ecomom.com</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/directfrommexico_2271_98121587" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/directfrommexico_2271_98121587" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market bags, 4 for $17 at <a href="http://www.directfrommexico.com/mph126.html">Direct From Mexico</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-24462623737195800952013-09-17T15:17:00.001-05:002013-09-17T15:17:11.144-05:00We're moving!Sorry for the silence lately!<br />
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We've been so busy. I recently took a new job, which is 65 miles from our home. With lots of prayer, we made the decision to sell our home. After just 32 days on the market, we accepted an offer. In a whirlwind of cleaning, packing and rental shopping, blogging has slipped. So here's a little treat for you!<br />
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Here's a before and after tour of our home. The before photos were either from the original listing when we purchased, or right after we closed on the house.<br />
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Kitchen, before:<br />
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Kitchen, After:<br />
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Bathroom, before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdJY4Y9fdKbBasigU7E-JsxHy4u4yoSzRPFUYhM8H1t_Bs16P-s5mkjg9w2PfcrgobzIkyZCUuvTHUHYqdRGeNBoBLf9xmhxXcVVs8NcNVy5-koXhk4xm8NsT3Y8zE_g_AmXb6Tyxm0Y/s1600/BathroomBefore1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdJY4Y9fdKbBasigU7E-JsxHy4u4yoSzRPFUYhM8H1t_Bs16P-s5mkjg9w2PfcrgobzIkyZCUuvTHUHYqdRGeNBoBLf9xmhxXcVVs8NcNVy5-koXhk4xm8NsT3Y8zE_g_AmXb6Tyxm0Y/s1600/BathroomBefore1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bathroom, after:<br />
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Living area, before:<br />
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Living area, after:<br />
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Master, before:<br />
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Master, after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfloD5D886NPP_fDlW6dUBO3bExqLMPpjXYnSxpusKorYbPKUsAEoOthsHL55M4myY9bx04b5MhaOeLyGQIdIY9ctf-94tKyDIg5uRXqh2_BmGzdoGTuIautVOqnjsaP-JxdXkz_wpa3M/s1600/MasterAfter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfloD5D886NPP_fDlW6dUBO3bExqLMPpjXYnSxpusKorYbPKUsAEoOthsHL55M4myY9bx04b5MhaOeLyGQIdIY9ctf-94tKyDIg5uRXqh2_BmGzdoGTuIautVOqnjsaP-JxdXkz_wpa3M/s1600/MasterAfter1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Nursery, before:<br />
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Nursery, after:<br />
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Office, before:<br />
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Office, after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3W2vDffqf9It-ExQYuP8VbVsgDZ4tv2Cq6nEYtc_vI0jsd_SQOwnX3SdpAYq7pgKAiJjO0H539XNcR5vucW_ZvBLbL6H7rUhbEd1P2LDMILo9HB1ope5UYO2aUYoz9opwv0lU7JrKdQ/s1600/OfficeAfter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3W2vDffqf9It-ExQYuP8VbVsgDZ4tv2Cq6nEYtc_vI0jsd_SQOwnX3SdpAYq7pgKAiJjO0H539XNcR5vucW_ZvBLbL6H7rUhbEd1P2LDMILo9HB1ope5UYO2aUYoz9opwv0lU7JrKdQ/s1600/OfficeAfter1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sun room, before:<br />
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Sun room, after:<br />
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Exterior, before:<br />
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Exterior, after:<br />
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I guess in three years, we did a fair amount of work on the house. We are so sad to leave, and this house holds a lot of memories for us. But at the same time, we are excited to jump into new waters and we pray that this house can bless another family for many years to come.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-66928342512226695722013-08-06T17:40:00.001-05:002013-08-07T10:40:12.115-05:00Laundry Room Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYzLP6PoAgLtPonugIhGEzwhGFbGM79yWYywIHeAF6UMQlSBK8VMc3xZJUwytxkDltlPd9RIaFm5Sa85UG5fG1-RTd4bLnKm814jA99IwYB1JG9CLKnjYscfCNPRIlW09TI7NfJ_Vx-Y/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+Before+and+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Laundry room makeover before and after" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYzLP6PoAgLtPonugIhGEzwhGFbGM79yWYywIHeAF6UMQlSBK8VMc3xZJUwytxkDltlPd9RIaFm5Sa85UG5fG1-RTd4bLnKm814jA99IwYB1JG9CLKnjYscfCNPRIlW09TI7NfJ_Vx-Y/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+Before+and+After.png" title="Laundry room makeover before and after" /></a></div>
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Let's face the facts: Our basement is not pretty.<br />
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Our laundry area looked like a dungeon where clothing begged and pleaded not to be left alone. Doing laundry is bad enough for most folks (I secretly enjoy it), but to have to do it down <i>there</i> is like being in a horror film.<br />
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The before:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoSYpxMAhJ4mf9NwQYBsFCpIYdow4UeMlEoj8kkPqI2OVGf4MHiaa1GE-rPhsTQqW9HVtV3DtwL2KcktNPG2FR-tizeaWstdzt2wAcwgI4T_bAc7-M3DiAtSv22J4ZNi4OCN6nKLuNRM/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoSYpxMAhJ4mf9NwQYBsFCpIYdow4UeMlEoj8kkPqI2OVGf4MHiaa1GE-rPhsTQqW9HVtV3DtwL2KcktNPG2FR-tizeaWstdzt2wAcwgI4T_bAc7-M3DiAtSv22J4ZNi4OCN6nKLuNRM/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is pretty embarrassing. Sorry, Mom.</td></tr>
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After cleaning out empty bottles, scrubbing the sink, hosing down the walls (I must have killed at least 20 spiders), sewing a sink skirt and a curtain and a minor bit of painting, the place looks one hundred times better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR7BBoqBL1pKnLF9S48_OCCi8OGOd2FxoHsEcI3eNrxmDHw_vvCYDGufhjaMS2n6FPn-t1_3WES0aYli2x4UK8yzxOCgxbh6JuJ3E63WIAk_aPs15CTWXIHQWUUKDLb4lVxxrp662vE8/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basement laundry room makeover" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR7BBoqBL1pKnLF9S48_OCCi8OGOd2FxoHsEcI3eNrxmDHw_vvCYDGufhjaMS2n6FPn-t1_3WES0aYli2x4UK8yzxOCgxbh6JuJ3E63WIAk_aPs15CTWXIHQWUUKDLb4lVxxrp662vE8/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+1.png" title="Laundry room makeover" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabinet on the far wall is actually from our original kitchen. I painted it and sewed a curtain using the same material that I used on the bookcase-turned-bar in our living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz08PQLZeLG6IAhm5AuuHMJJ6hU87BSq5iJ-qxZSORCkUDatzO_y9JQIEtkGsfVukAJB6Lw0NtI0e2rqBx93ZDouFNi2uMMiaxESsPa_droAC3rwKxb0jS01QLFzw6jKyfkGR5i2Vujs/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sew a $6 skirt for a cast iron sink. Use a dowel and over-the-door hooks to hang it." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz08PQLZeLG6IAhm5AuuHMJJ6hU87BSq5iJ-qxZSORCkUDatzO_y9JQIEtkGsfVukAJB6Lw0NtI0e2rqBx93ZDouFNi2uMMiaxESsPa_droAC3rwKxb0jS01QLFzw6jKyfkGR5i2Vujs/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+2.png" title="Sew a skirt for a cast iron sink" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink skirt is sewed from three yards of muslin and held by a dowel and two over-the-door hooks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVbpilgmLx-wjqUPLU4s3KDa-6G6WVYADMDvorpA5gjkW4oNyoJxo5TMSVdsznQ-VxkkOxS7teWrXktiaeE0dCuThnJtcTezuA5vPCHQlhXbKxFJQ0yaQusxkSU-CqLfriiSHwhLvxP8/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVbpilgmLx-wjqUPLU4s3KDa-6G6WVYADMDvorpA5gjkW4oNyoJxo5TMSVdsznQ-VxkkOxS7teWrXktiaeE0dCuThnJtcTezuA5vPCHQlhXbKxFJQ0yaQusxkSU-CqLfriiSHwhLvxP8/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plant had been broken out of the pot, so I snagged this little lady for $4 from Marshall's!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CWsYPIprrEwodfWsN1lvdjk4qNWoXANuONwHP3RXj_PHkympdpf0_vkYkIKjDsc-N2wy3V2i6AUfuT3-BP78cwdaPdeOtQb5T_tYkTRdDo1VzqsA_ee6eUgpDGn0rlpYjx9QKJdRa2w/s1600/Laundry+Room+makeover+5.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Basement laundry room makeover" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CWsYPIprrEwodfWsN1lvdjk4qNWoXANuONwHP3RXj_PHkympdpf0_vkYkIKjDsc-N2wy3V2i6AUfuT3-BP78cwdaPdeOtQb5T_tYkTRdDo1VzqsA_ee6eUgpDGn0rlpYjx9QKJdRa2w/s1600/Laundry+Room+makeover+5.png" title="Basement laundry room makeover" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbR69YLBtik6jt6Sa_9riSPUExDj4tIFFy7SuiVfukdvpBkDFsw8MFp7VCrW-9t8dtxz59fFy6x8WHxj6eONGMFiFhOAYiUnUNXl5MMQMM-QY67mmXK3uU6g_GSvB0iHUDPgp4lDNIuQ/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Put detergent in cute glass jars instead of the bulky boxes." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbR69YLBtik6jt6Sa_9riSPUExDj4tIFFy7SuiVfukdvpBkDFsw8MFp7VCrW-9t8dtxz59fFy6x8WHxj6eONGMFiFhOAYiUnUNXl5MMQMM-QY67mmXK3uU6g_GSvB0iHUDPgp4lDNIuQ/s1600/Laundry+Room+Makeover+7.png" title="Detergent" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because making things cute is fun.</td></tr>
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Cost breakdown:<br />
3 yards of muslin from Joann = $6<br />
1 dowel from Home Depot = $1<br />
2 over-the-door hooks from Target = $3<br />
1 Plant from Marshall's = $4<br />
2 glass jars from Marshall's= $10<br />
1 rug from Marshall's = $10<br />
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<b>Total Spent = $34</b><br />
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This area will never be glamorous, but I certainly think it looks much better, and less like a torture chamber.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-10152028354173609012013-07-22T09:00:00.000-05:002013-07-22T09:00:00.094-05:00Restoring the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looks can be deceiving since you can't see the HUNDREDS of bulbs still under that mulch. It's a little embarrassing, but our front flowerbed got completely neglected this spring. Yes, we were <i>those</i> neighbors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXT95UpaYunstypmTAS17veUZwQf9jEwO5FSyxpimdpFwScAhHgP_H-70zf9FYc51sMSRmFqxOhpaAY7vI2PztwanE9keOLKLWEkksSFv7n6MHY8FbB44AuUFz0xu56sgBOj-6hdlNJxc/s1600/Messy+Flowerbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cottage Garden - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXT95UpaYunstypmTAS17veUZwQf9jEwO5FSyxpimdpFwScAhHgP_H-70zf9FYc51sMSRmFqxOhpaAY7vI2PztwanE9keOLKLWEkksSFv7n6MHY8FbB44AuUFz0xu56sgBOj-6hdlNJxc/s1600/Messy+Flowerbed.jpg" title="Cottage Garden - Restoring the Picket Fence" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see Big Brown Dog in the window?</td></tr>
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I was desperate to tidy this up, so J and I ordered flowers and grasses from <a href="http://www.eburgess.com/" target="_blank">Burgess</a>. We ordered a TON of plants. Silly us, we were expecting a pallet of plants to be delivered. You can imagine my shock when we received a plastic bag in the mail containing tiny bags of roots, tubers and bulbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEXnT8pUTLwZXaXTlE6TuASrjBbYEPr4BAc59siZ6RDpcCMB1N7eo6j3-0dLTL92QpaaoIJcEaKSPjq76u-H1odKcjga-9YD3aTlezxCQUBT8sFPr9HZK2PaVwVS6dfrHdC2QzwH94LU/s1600/Burgess+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Burgess Flowers - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEXnT8pUTLwZXaXTlE6TuASrjBbYEPr4BAc59siZ6RDpcCMB1N7eo6j3-0dLTL92QpaaoIJcEaKSPjq76u-H1odKcjga-9YD3aTlezxCQUBT8sFPr9HZK2PaVwVS6dfrHdC2QzwH94LU/s1600/Burgess+Flowers.jpg" title="Burgess Flowers - Restoring the Picket Fence" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not a bag of drugs, I swear.</td></tr>
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Seeing as how the above package of plants wouldn't fill in the flowerbed, we took a day trip to <a href="http://www.woldhuisfarms.com/" target="_blank">Woldhuis Farms</a>. It was gorgeous there! It'd be a lovely place to tailgate if you brought a picnic lunch. Even Baby Z had a good time!<br />
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J fought the rain and was able to dig up the front flowerbed and expand it. We used newspaper instead of landscaping fabric to save on the total cost. We did add the Burgess flowers in here as well, but they are harder to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRpi7ZJ0QDRGhYi6RPlx9LZh1nlnqs1w_eGuH9lRDcpIfnBITSiaxNGkjhUC_2_Mu3KBASP8tYlfOcR0eJrnCiSrpGuQuGXbZLqGNlUMcybzEpjLRnqj18Uqk9RTM6SxABHlkmbYXqFc/s1600/Garden+Newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="No landscaping fabric? No problem! Use wet newspaper. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRpi7ZJ0QDRGhYi6RPlx9LZh1nlnqs1w_eGuH9lRDcpIfnBITSiaxNGkjhUC_2_Mu3KBASP8tYlfOcR0eJrnCiSrpGuQuGXbZLqGNlUMcybzEpjLRnqj18Uqk9RTM6SxABHlkmbYXqFc/s1600/Garden+Newspaper.jpg" title="No landscaping fabric? No problem! Use wet newspaper. - Restoring the Picket Fence" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use newspaper instead of landscaping fabric.</td></tr>
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The final product is lovely. The plants are still small, but they are all perennials that should do excellent in this area and mature into a lovely cottage garden.<br />
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$80 Burgess plants<br />
$75 Woldhuis Farms plants (there are more plants not pictured that will go into another flowerbed)<br />
$25 Mulch<br />
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$180 garden restoration<br />
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<b>Do you have a favorite gardening tip for a newbie?</b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-9271634814546898992013-07-19T10:30:00.000-05:002013-07-22T20:15:59.423-05:00Laura, in the living room, with the candlesticksI once read from another blogger that if you are in the store and you can't stop thinking about an item, just get it (if it's in your budget). That's how it was for me with these country crackle candlesticks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country crackle! These would look awesome with our aqua wing back chair, which is hiding under a slipcover</td></tr>
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I saw these at a thrift store for $1 each and I found myself going past them multiple times. In their original 90s state, they weren't my taste, but I loved the shape. So, in my cart they went!<br />
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They reminded me of the <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/harrison-black-pillar-candle-holders.do?camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A40004173139adwords_groupingCandleholders&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CKW8-P7zu7gCFYhAMgodyFIA9w" target="_blank">Harrison Black Pillar Candle Holders</a> from World Market (which would have cost me $52 + shipping).<br />
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Found some $0.89 craft paint in my craft supplies. Three coats later ...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks a bit Victorian Gothic right now. We have to cottage it up.</td></tr>
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See the <a href="http://restoringthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2013/07/bookcase-bar-makeover.html" target="_blank">midcentury bookcase bar</a> in the reflection?<br />
<br />
The gold mirror will need to be replaced with something less ... gold ... and preferably round. I'm still waiting to find the perfect option in our budget.<br />
<br />
Candlesticks = $3<br />
Black paint = $0.89<br />
Candles = $1.50<br />
---------------------<br />
Total = $5.39Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-39440370833018046882013-07-17T17:27:00.001-05:002013-07-17T17:27:22.474-05:00Bookcase Bar Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aO7q4hJkZzLmUXVzV_FXqGUDzdX_IhDXnoedEoXa5Owj-NZ3EMCTOjwhRoSeLdGzaEIu3s6iX3L0qagj7OooohLVSrvTXsN7BmwPOF32rezdIyEGcMMKvEjZV7cF7LwLQBVB2o4Tjps/s1600/Bookcase+into+bar+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aO7q4hJkZzLmUXVzV_FXqGUDzdX_IhDXnoedEoXa5Owj-NZ3EMCTOjwhRoSeLdGzaEIu3s6iX3L0qagj7OooohLVSrvTXsN7BmwPOF32rezdIyEGcMMKvEjZV7cF7LwLQBVB2o4Tjps/s640/Bookcase+into+bar+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Turning a bookcase into a bar is simple.<br />
<br />
We purchased this midcentury bookcase off Craigslist for $40. It was called a china hutch, I believe. I removed the glass doors that were once it, gave it a good scrub and added a seersucker fabric that I already had to the backing.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bronze-stackable-wine-rack-set-of-2/-/A-14152227#prodSlot=medium_1_36&term=wine+rack" target="_blank">Threshold Bronze Stackable Wine Rack</a> was purchased from Target for $20. We are only using one of the two racks it came with. The wine bottle basket was purchased from Marshall's for $6.<br />
<br />
Bottom cabinets allow for storage of table linens while the little drawer stores bar accessories. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDIWxGsN9yGrbDaE7uAS-1FASrW9unOaGg-hRS8v66sirDFnc9qYwwUunqoCnRw02hCYHVMQpsHhyphenhyphengNzqMVN62OUxAZ5uHbTuei3tRuqKfto-ypgJrB8RRJ9Ess0NsrnqRkksJNUMRgk/s1600/Bar+into+bookcase+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDIWxGsN9yGrbDaE7uAS-1FASrW9unOaGg-hRS8v66sirDFnc9qYwwUunqoCnRw02hCYHVMQpsHhyphenhyphengNzqMVN62OUxAZ5uHbTuei3tRuqKfto-ypgJrB8RRJ9Ess0NsrnqRkksJNUMRgk/s640/Bar+into+bookcase+2.png" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midcentury bookcase into a bar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGNH-Pf68brkm9PN0gd3R0Y8Ycdvp_5Nv4lp4AVKB1qML8DCcHqE2Y4hrGjd35DAYaWaqj0Pg3FwsaF-2TRuPOLKOfBQI2H6BkDtJcXvZRVWZMg8Q5DzyzP6op-OzLkiv9YeKI-Y6Ryc/s1600/Bookcase+into+a+bar+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGNH-Pf68brkm9PN0gd3R0Y8Ycdvp_5Nv4lp4AVKB1qML8DCcHqE2Y4hrGjd35DAYaWaqj0Pg3FwsaF-2TRuPOLKOfBQI2H6BkDtJcXvZRVWZMg8Q5DzyzP6op-OzLkiv9YeKI-Y6Ryc/s400/Bookcase+into+a+bar+4.png" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine bottle basket for $6 holds open bottles of wine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmUxVpY6fEtHpiPDPuCYSW8qDKi5p-ulCa_ze7hMqAsTMY1aedXzpjlS8fRmo4I2vuxJrX4_xEDNtcRuHl1dTezvGICrbXc7BUg_ZTBbN-VnKbKhkfgU5M7nPXCkwNQ1I96TiyiwUy0k/s1600/Bookcase+into+bar+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmUxVpY6fEtHpiPDPuCYSW8qDKi5p-ulCa_ze7hMqAsTMY1aedXzpjlS8fRmo4I2vuxJrX4_xEDNtcRuHl1dTezvGICrbXc7BUg_ZTBbN-VnKbKhkfgU5M7nPXCkwNQ1I96TiyiwUy0k/s640/Bookcase+into+bar+3.png" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything you need for after-dinner drinks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSrzcvsFhehfK2C93rtAGd2XfRizeHCd7GeYNlDjixJGbWNJF-7yRiVF75D-CO46aGVvtEsxHe9h0EhzH1mC5FecwDXFJF9Qol9WTsxuMgtf5tS91N9adVeJmQ0DOU3iWDHnhKRyPewU/s1600/Bookcase+into+bar+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSrzcvsFhehfK2C93rtAGd2XfRizeHCd7GeYNlDjixJGbWNJF-7yRiVF75D-CO46aGVvtEsxHe9h0EhzH1mC5FecwDXFJF9Qol9WTsxuMgtf5tS91N9adVeJmQ0DOU3iWDHnhKRyPewU/s640/Bookcase+into+bar+4.jpg" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower cabinet stores extra glasses and table linens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim14rJ7F5o79dd49VTkKl1pG8BBBRsuc-JUbnBSWkjm-KY2ORMUlDIUKmzuQuYQ6SqgHlkq-WPg6v1FBiFNebNzYEFkh9lkKVkI4QN2VUm-BQA4-_RO8bKS4PmQWUC8dfu5p7GeQFlSHw/s1600/Bookcase+into+bar+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim14rJ7F5o79dd49VTkKl1pG8BBBRsuc-JUbnBSWkjm-KY2ORMUlDIUKmzuQuYQ6SqgHlkq-WPg6v1FBiFNebNzYEFkh9lkKVkI4QN2VUm-BQA4-_RO8bKS4PmQWUC8dfu5p7GeQFlSHw/s640/Bookcase+into+bar+6.jpg" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that red spot? This is why you don't store open wine on its side ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN03f5J1ozYcdigSW-VOILwJ0Q_T-y2YdXBRxbhiZL4S8t_UYugRWK55xv4cGa33ilooOBiaCxq1q1WIlTdmn_UxrdTApg5l0sNwJqQD96zi4hZ9OVeCDXZCSc8DkR1a-Y0hjrE5p80A/s400/Bookcase+into+bar+7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Turning a bookcase or china cabinet into a bar. DIY bar. - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandmother's gold rocks glasses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Bookcase = $40<br />
Wine rack = $20<br />
Wine bottle basket = $6<br />
-----------------------------<br />
Total = $66<br />
<br />
Now I just need to score a sweet deal on an ice bucket and we'll be all set!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-51814199685717496912013-07-09T16:56:00.000-05:002013-07-09T16:59:29.439-05:00We're full of excusesWhen I tell people that we are striving to get out of debt and the things we do to achieve that goal, they first look at me like I just told them we plan on moving to Mars. Then they start with the excuses.<br />
<br />
We all have excuses, but it takes guts to toss the excuses and stomach reality.<br />
<br />
Here are the common excuses I hear:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
<b>#1 I need a smart phone for work, I can't get rid of my plan.</b></h3>
That's not true (well, you may need it for work, but you can totally scrap that plan). Let's say you have AT&T.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Your AT&T monthly plan</u></b><br />
$70 unlimited minutes<br />
$50 5GB of usage<br />
$20 unlimited messaging<br />
-----------<br />
<b>$140 total</b><br />
<br />
Option One:<b><u> </u></b><br />
<b><u>Switch to<a href="http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/!ut/p/b1/04_SjzQ0MrE0MDAxNDHTj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOJdDLx8jQMdPYyCPMxNDTwDPJyD3c39DPzdjPTD9aPASgxwAEcDfT-P_NxU_dwoLwsAhD9edw!!/dl4/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/" target="_blank"> Straight Talk</a> monthly plan</u></b><br />
$45 unlimited everything<br />
-----------<br />
<b>$45 total</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Option Two:<br />
<b><u>Switch to <a href="http://www.republicwireless.com/" target="_blank">Republic Wireless</a> monthly plan</u></b><br />
$19 unlimited everything<br />
-----------<br />
<b>$19 total</b><br />
<b><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Your possible monthly savings = $121</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
#2 I need a good car for work, so I don't mind having a car payment.</h3>
Ugh. Stop. Be honest, you just don't want to roll up in a car with mutli-colored parts and an awkward thumping sound. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Your $350 car payment plan</u></b><br />
You have a car, but you don't own it. Woo hoo!<br />
-----------<br />
<b>$350 total</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>The clunker plan</u></b><br />
Sell your new car. Any. Way. You. Can. <br />
Buy a car for $1,000 (3 months of car payments).<br />
Put $100 into a savings account each month for car maintenance and eventual car replacement. You should be doing this with a new car as well for maintenance. <br />
-----------<br />
<b>$1,000 initial investment </b><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span> <br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>Your possible monthly savings = $350</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
#3 I could never part with cable -- I have to unwind with television at the end of the day.</h3>
Sure, I get that ... to an extent. I like to let my brain melt for a little while as well, but you don't need cable to do that. We do Netflix and Hulu and that's more than enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Your AT&T monthly plan</u></b><br />
$60 per month<br />
----------<br />
<b>$60 total</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Netflix and Hulu Plan</u></b><br />
$8 Netflix<br />
$8 Hulu<br />
----------<br />
<b>$16 total</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>Your possible monthly savings = $44</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
If you do all three of these, you could save $515 per month. That's a lot of money. How much money?</h3>
If you have a $15,000 student loan at 6.5% interest rate with a $150 minimum payment: <br />
<br />
<b><u>You only pay the minimum</u></b><br />
12 years of payments<br />
<b>$6,663 of total interest paid</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>You add your $515 monthly savings</u></b><br />
2 years of payments<br />
<b>$1026 of total interest paid</b><br />
<br />
<br />
So in the end, your $515 in savings each month <b>saved you over $5,000 and 10 years of payments </b>(not to mention the interest you saved by selling your new car and the months of payments saved there).<br />
<br />
<br />
This is just a tiny glimpse of how making small sacrifices pays off in the ending. As Dave Ramsey would say, delaying pleasure is a true sign of maturity. Stop making excuses, stop being a coward and start making changes for a better future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-hOnGaLwJyUGhtXcsX-un9yNK5mANOrejYzKPOkWr6Kcg7QrZA6qi8Zt1owcD8FSFmJJY6dTKzFcJYuZZQzAQuyB-nbv8hd_ubKId3PUC32x6fM164XMtZ2Ylnk1rBtZwTmBS_fh85M/s1600/No+Excuses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-hOnGaLwJyUGhtXcsX-un9yNK5mANOrejYzKPOkWr6Kcg7QrZA6qi8Zt1owcD8FSFmJJY6dTKzFcJYuZZQzAQuyB-nbv8hd_ubKId3PUC32x6fM164XMtZ2Ylnk1rBtZwTmBS_fh85M/s400/No+Excuses.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Note: I am not a financial consultant. These numbers are calculated by me. To get accurate advice for your situation, contact a financial planner.</i><br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-72818927841855171362013-07-03T20:22:00.000-05:002013-07-03T20:23:01.631-05:00Save that water!If you're like me, you tend to run the water to let it warm up before hopping in the shower. Instead of letting that water run down the drain, gather it in a bucket.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZKLxPBWOCAShXicqorkwPe1V6qf3WsbKNdIzhcYIBmpvbcI4dKf_XxbPIJ2lgq5NUkdPPnfwgXGydpz2eQaX-KEXdtsxxYMMZvi-2G4yvucAgvYYqGRm8n_UASNW0UhDyA4NJ3kF4Nw/s800/Saving+Water.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When you run your bath, take the cold water (that you normally let run down the drain) and gather it in a bucket and feed your plants! - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZKLxPBWOCAShXicqorkwPe1V6qf3WsbKNdIzhcYIBmpvbcI4dKf_XxbPIJ2lgq5NUkdPPnfwgXGydpz2eQaX-KEXdtsxxYMMZvi-2G4yvucAgvYYqGRm8n_UASNW0UhDyA4NJ3kF4Nw/s400/Saving+Water.png" title="When you run your bath, take the cold water (that you normally let run down the drain) and gather it in a bucket and feed your plants! - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Save that cold water!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Take the bucket outside after your shower and give your plants a drink!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qcNElruuFDf6DGXEotyCPUkU3CaoEt8ygjTdunH4yBeX0Lwk-mCyDHxrNRgkyGEy_p0S3lturHPoHiBFOCegOoRLGDsfdNg0mXrogvhk1L6VTOzuykwnE8NGQm5yNDzFR-pi-NGB8rU/s1000/Saving+Water+at+Home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When you run your bath, take the cold water (that you normally let run down the drain) and gather it in a bucket and feed your plants! - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qcNElruuFDf6DGXEotyCPUkU3CaoEt8ygjTdunH4yBeX0Lwk-mCyDHxrNRgkyGEy_p0S3lturHPoHiBFOCegOoRLGDsfdNg0mXrogvhk1L6VTOzuykwnE8NGQm5yNDzFR-pi-NGB8rU/s400/Saving+Water+at+Home.png" title="When you run your bath, take the cold water (that you normally let run down the drain) and gather it in a bucket and feed your plants! - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give your plants a drink.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_772266534"></span><span id="goog_772266535"></span><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-36222425192717036382013-06-26T14:32:00.001-05:002013-06-26T14:32:51.360-05:00Coffee smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ibCfINzt7g0s6q90r-VLGdEaQFODauzyrzHA-UiK-RhevOcXVmfjviDXDkmFZqEHy-80uiyA9RMS4iR1dBeSoUnv52kvjp8M312ElQDkKvriT6Hm0SqitVMKtzPuy_P0RXzCERjen2w/s1600/Coffee+Smoothie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Power up coffee smoothie - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ibCfINzt7g0s6q90r-VLGdEaQFODauzyrzHA-UiK-RhevOcXVmfjviDXDkmFZqEHy-80uiyA9RMS4iR1dBeSoUnv52kvjp8M312ElQDkKvriT6Hm0SqitVMKtzPuy_P0RXzCERjen2w/s640/Coffee+Smoothie.png" title="Power up coffee smoothie - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="499" /></a></div>
<br />
My mornings need to start with coffee, thanks to my hour-long commute. By adding a few ingredients, this coffee smoothie doubles as my breakfast.<br />
<br />
Power up coffee smoothie<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup of non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt</li>
<li>1 banana </li>
<li>3/4 cup of milk </li>
<li>1 tsp of ground coffee</li>
<li>1 tsp of baking cocoa</li>
<li>1 handful of almonds</li>
</ul>
I take this all and blend it in a Baby Bullet (classic mom move).<br />
<br />
Some other fun ingredients to try: Peanut butter, oatmeal, Nutella ... other ideas?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-89682710442446139062013-06-25T10:43:00.003-05:002013-06-25T10:43:41.303-05:00TV-free summer: Part TwoIt's been a few weeks <a href="http://restoringthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-tv-free-summer.html" target="_blank">without the television</a> in our house now. (OK, it's still in the house, but it's been banished to the basement so that we don't watch it.)<br />
<br />
Life's been pretty good and very productive.<br />
<br />
For example, last night I did the following, instead of watching television:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Folded three loads of laundry.</li>
<li>Washed Baby Z's diapers.</li>
<li>Replaced the elastic in a fitted diaper.</li>
<li>Fixed one of Baby Z's shirts.</li>
<li>Packaged up diapers I sold/traded.</li>
<li>Made lunches for the next day.</li>
<li>Read some of Jon Acuff's new book, <a href="http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/start/" target="_blank"><i>Start</i>. </a></li>
</ul>
<br />
I'm sure there's more, but that's to give you an idea. Tonight, I plan on sewing a few more things and seeing what happens! <br />
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When you turn the TV off, your mind starts working in a new, improved way.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-35307962591719830002013-06-22T21:11:00.002-05:002013-06-26T14:34:30.516-05:00Simple slow cooker baked potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlFvldlwnwBtKb8QIV_uDM2fDuuDpCVzebZMpA9LTrL2VjEsl5TZGG51hN3HbQoGq3hk7FXF_ut9Z6_tSW4tBz5OQICKeHJdj5-35LGn1Xw57D7XoZlGUD6A2GDOB-Qowo3oVZEbCHoQ/s1600/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Simple easy slow cooker baked potatos - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlFvldlwnwBtKb8QIV_uDM2fDuuDpCVzebZMpA9LTrL2VjEsl5TZGG51hN3HbQoGq3hk7FXF_ut9Z6_tSW4tBz5OQICKeHJdj5-35LGn1Xw57D7XoZlGUD6A2GDOB-Qowo3oVZEbCHoQ/s400/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes.png" title="Easy slow cooker baked potatoes" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grandpa always used to say, "You only have to pray before meals that have potatoes." So when you come from a Dutch family, that means you will be praying before eating 99% of your meals.<br />
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A couple times a month, J and I have soup and baked potato night. It's a simple dinner that we can have after a long day of working/commuting/parenting. <br />
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To make baked potatoes, I use this super simple slow cooker baked potato recipe:<br />
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<b>Step one:</b> <b>Wrap clean potatoes in foil.</b> No need to stab, slice or poke. You can rub them in olive oil, add some salt, whatever you fancy. Since I put the potatoes in the foil immediately after washing, the water seems to steam them well enough without the oil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELH_Cc7SPW4RJH-Ol7rHKXFEEZm831qsAmqPqC-9BZhE2J4OAZTV2z672w4ksdA4M-27WrvWtfC2hhfcjASMWIzBa79O5AaL0ergpL2-U89BCzlYj1mU03xXyJELhdw2RbY71KrmqeM/s1600/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simple easy slow cooker baked potatoes - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELH_Cc7SPW4RJH-Ol7rHKXFEEZm831qsAmqPqC-9BZhE2J4OAZTV2z672w4ksdA4M-27WrvWtfC2hhfcjASMWIzBa79O5AaL0ergpL2-U89BCzlYj1mU03xXyJELhdw2RbY71KrmqeM/s400/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes+2.png" title="Wrapping potatoes in foil to make slow cooker baked potatoes" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added sliced onion with the raw potatoes this time -- yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step two: Put in slow cooker on high for four hours, or low for eight hours. </b>Potatoes are pretty forgiving if you have to go longer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot09ksiJb1T60TcVh5XZ5amFJENslckxz-l6QdAFoKRuukcYm5a1qOv8rOs91FFLGq1ScDYJGOGiCFFxVmzTGSM-LEmT5V6t363xR4uG5azSsz4dP0ZJXNJLqxF64F4xVmAMhQe9Ndm4/s1600/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simple easy slow cooker baked potatoes - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot09ksiJb1T60TcVh5XZ5amFJENslckxz-l6QdAFoKRuukcYm5a1qOv8rOs91FFLGq1ScDYJGOGiCFFxVmzTGSM-LEmT5V6t363xR4uG5azSsz4dP0ZJXNJLqxF64F4xVmAMhQe9Ndm4/s400/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes+3.png" title="Put potatoes in slow cooker for four hours on high." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in their sauna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Step three: Eat!</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlFvldlwnwBtKb8QIV_uDM2fDuuDpCVzebZMpA9LTrL2VjEsl5TZGG51hN3HbQoGq3hk7FXF_ut9Z6_tSW4tBz5OQICKeHJdj5-35LGn1Xw57D7XoZlGUD6A2GDOB-Qowo3oVZEbCHoQ/s1600/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simple easy slow cooker baked potatoes - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlFvldlwnwBtKb8QIV_uDM2fDuuDpCVzebZMpA9LTrL2VjEsl5TZGG51hN3HbQoGq3hk7FXF_ut9Z6_tSW4tBz5OQICKeHJdj5-35LGn1Xw57D7XoZlGUD6A2GDOB-Qowo3oVZEbCHoQ/s400/Simple+Slow+Cooker+Baked+Potatoes.png" title="Enjoy slow cooker baked potatoes!" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how golden the onions got?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These are awesome to prepare on Saturday night. Just plug them in on Sunday morning and you have baked potatoes when you come home from church! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-81396764170514459852013-06-21T12:13:00.000-05:002013-06-21T12:16:56.059-05:00Review: KLUTCHclub boxI received an offer for a free <a href="http://www.klutchclub.com/best-of-box/" target="_blank">Best-of Box</a> from KLUTCHclub (with $8 shipping). They claimed that the box would be filled with at least $75 worth of health and wellness products. Since I'm a sucker for "mystery" boxes, I ordered one.<br />
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The shipping was speeding and I received my box within a week of ordering.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhSWePxOduu9i42YzziNEJk8NCMr5MDb_TuRc4yUd09b53yFtqJYELJX27I0azqejOcikNSQj9DrnAmKOvqq7H3x5JGEOn92fJKABqAnJoH1SHJEccURelGraN4qTLIAucDxVkM51Y4Q/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arrival of KLUTCHclub box" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhSWePxOduu9i42YzziNEJk8NCMr5MDb_TuRc4yUd09b53yFtqJYELJX27I0azqejOcikNSQj9DrnAmKOvqq7H3x5JGEOn92fJKABqAnJoH1SHJEccURelGraN4qTLIAucDxVkM51Y4Q/s400/Klutch+Club+Review.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KLUTCHclub box upon arrival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw0XrUVd1VKyQG-synI6AQWqQfgbKaK3TdgNvjHLmsaUMNaVrAM89JNKPgnIHyxHMU-oMqy3hYlBZdjAjPxpFjjLYA63C1fn7m_LKLpAvl5kP35c9zxHv3rc9JLgOb5mOYNTKq3XIPCM/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="KLUTCHcub box contents" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw0XrUVd1VKyQG-synI6AQWqQfgbKaK3TdgNvjHLmsaUMNaVrAM89JNKPgnIHyxHMU-oMqy3hYlBZdjAjPxpFjjLYA63C1fn7m_LKLpAvl5kP35c9zxHv3rc9JLgOb5mOYNTKq3XIPCM/s400/Klutch+Club+Review+2.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contents, minus a bag of SkinnyPop and a SoyJoy bar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yw4TauoLqPYP5GcTBwHV_5sPc1z3kVt0aJHxtNeq-cPED2PCYpsFJW5xDLNxv2sTY7MFT6O1crcNRrDIhZ0-x6Cj_2kJNqwWrkuGme4mxiTRQJobeNOEquIHiGk6HwiM75FRQ6Dvd-I/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The contents of a KLUTCHclub box" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yw4TauoLqPYP5GcTBwHV_5sPc1z3kVt0aJHxtNeq-cPED2PCYpsFJW5xDLNxv2sTY7MFT6O1crcNRrDIhZ0-x6Cj_2kJNqwWrkuGme4mxiTRQJobeNOEquIHiGk6HwiM75FRQ6Dvd-I/s400/Klutch+Club+Review+4.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contents of a KLUTCHclub box.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpsOr7oQKnVn_j-mnftNWCr5sM9UqXYHvQaY3xaOg-IFJFDkvxo0qJe6W9smVYMTiaeL93hSdogOeILa0RfO0WGb_zLGT5Y__h5uklN20IuMvAUeFnQqe_qFuVxre26Vi5C8Igrkegs0/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+BerryPlus+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The roster of products:<br />
<ul>
<li>SkinnyPop popcorn (not pictured)</li>
<li>SoyJoy bar in cranberry (not pictured)</li>
<li>berryplus laundry soap</li>
<li>Gin Gins Chewy Ginger Candy</li>
<li>allergease All Natural Herbal Supplement</li>
<li>Dream Water</li>
<li>fangu d'alga GUAM seaweed mud</li>
<li>Shakeology samples (3 pack)</li>
<li>1 month gift card for lumosity.com</li>
<li>3 Davidson's teas: Red, Grean & White; Sun, Moon & Stars; Tropical Green</li>
<li>Drink Chia! in honeysuckle pear </li>
</ul>
Presentation: Good and fun<br />
Selection of products: Vast. Some are new to me, others are not.<br />
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There were a few products that I was really looking forward to trying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbLEXamkl-YFaBWTb1db_9UxtzsBs5IG6s6N1q0X8QkUc1c76bC5BlWoqDXrHAHh_Lc0ThpPfQevl9WVgERNsYb2ibcc31tOWYvmL0ZU6e7sM9FMWks5GmY6nk3AdnuY78Iav6nXOnkk/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+allergease.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="allergease" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbLEXamkl-YFaBWTb1db_9UxtzsBs5IG6s6N1q0X8QkUc1c76bC5BlWoqDXrHAHh_Lc0ThpPfQevl9WVgERNsYb2ibcc31tOWYvmL0ZU6e7sM9FMWks5GmY6nk3AdnuY78Iav6nXOnkk/s400/Klutch+Club+Review+allergease.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">allergease All Natural Herbal Supplement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>allergease All Natural Herbal Supplement</b><br />
My seasonal allergies are pretty mild in comparison with my family members, however this year has been a doozy on my system. I had a sinus infection from allergies that spread to my throat and ears, so this was a product I was happy to try!<br />
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<b>allergease review:</b> The taste is good. Similar to Halls Vitamin C drops. There's a bit of menthol, which is actually refreshing. I like them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDPe3a9PYR7cgrCzDqb9xWTfBB1M7jXypc9a_VKWSDtUIgQxDh48J1axjOuevTxbuC6SNPKUfY4saVudPU5MYuHg310HEz4HGahOAn9C1laWMIoMbC794r0MRc7-YoGgkMJeRO2f4yIk/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+Gin+Gins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gin Gins Chewy Ginger Candy Review" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDPe3a9PYR7cgrCzDqb9xWTfBB1M7jXypc9a_VKWSDtUIgQxDh48J1axjOuevTxbuC6SNPKUfY4saVudPU5MYuHg310HEz4HGahOAn9C1laWMIoMbC794r0MRc7-YoGgkMJeRO2f4yIk/s400/Klutch+Club+Review+Gin+Gins.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gin Gins Chewy Ginger Candy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Gin Gins Chewy Ginger Candy</b><br />
When we dine on sushi, I love adding fresh ginger to my maki, so I was looking forward to this candy. The box mentions that it makes a good travel candy, which makes sense since ginger is known to calm upset stomachs.<br />
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<b>Gin Gins Chewy Ginger Candy review:</b> I liked the texture (takes awhile to chew) and the flavor was good, but it was far too spicy for my tongue. If there were a mild version, I would love to try that!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5MQCTywWOnNcyfs-u4IUx_xx4WZk4DYyvmLpi5J6lnMY4iLTNBmNngSR8JyxUGZNtBaBj7MAkS5j1fTt-iPjl_O3ybVDWTLWftnQjiMFNw6gObAcWPVIyIx0Ohu5bmB1S0kErcyhbJ8/s1600/Klutch+Club+Review+BerryPlus+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="berryplus Soap Berry" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5MQCTywWOnNcyfs-u4IUx_xx4WZk4DYyvmLpi5J6lnMY4iLTNBmNngSR8JyxUGZNtBaBj7MAkS5j1fTt-iPjl_O3ybVDWTLWftnQjiMFNw6gObAcWPVIyIx0Ohu5bmB1S0kErcyhbJ8/s400/Klutch+Club+Review+BerryPlus+2.png" title="KLUTCHclub review - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">berryplus Soap Berry laundry soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>berryplus laundry soap</b><br />
Baby Z wears cloth diapers, which require a particular selection of laundry soaps. Tide works just fine for us, but it's not "natural". We've tried soap nuts in the past, and I wasn't too impressed. These seem like they'd be awesome on cloth -- if it works.<br />
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<b>berryplus laundry soap review:</b> It didn't get out a nasty poop stain in one of Baby Z's diapers. But, neither did Tide. You know what did? Fresh lemon juice diluted with water and a couple hours of sunshine. Nothing against berryplus, I'll finish using up the packet and keep this in mind if anyone in the family develops a skin allergy (berryplus states that it's great for sensitive skin). I will say, that berryplus did better than soap nuts that we've tried in the past.<br />
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<b>Drink Chia! in honeysuckle pear review:</b> Well, I wanted to like this, but I didn't. As soon as I sipped some, I could taste the Stevia. Artificial sweeteners and these new natural, not-sugar sweeteners have such a strong taste to me, that they ruin any other flavors. It's like getting a black jelly bean in a handful of delicious pink ones. Thumbs down for me, but J liked it just fine.<br />
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<b>SkinnyPop popcorn review:</b> J and I both liked this. It was lightly salted (the perfect amount for me) and was perfect for some pre-dinner munchies!<br />
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<b>SoyJoy bar in cranberry review:</b> These are not new to me, so I knew that I loved it and immediately ate it when the box arrived. Oops.<br />
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<b>Davidson's teas:</b> Very good! I especially liked the red tea with some American Honey whiskey for a yummy hot toddy. <br />
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<b>Shakeology:</b> This isn't a new product for me, but I do love them. Normally, Shakeology is above my price range, so I was happy to receive some in my KLUTCHclub box.<br />
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I don't plan on using the Lumosity.com gift card and the mud probably won't get used for a few months (since it involves wrapping yourself up in cling wrap ... that might be better in cooler weather). The Dream Water hasn't been used yet since I'm way too tired to even think about drinking it before bed.<br />
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If KLUTCHclub was to offer another Best-of Box, I would happily purchase it again, as long as all of the items were different from this one.<br />
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This review is not sponsored by KLUTCHclub in any way. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-80397149242879700692013-06-19T11:19:00.001-05:002013-06-19T11:53:55.200-05:00Motivation: Change the situation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76f-h_8Y6X4ZNJpajB95uHRn41-vuCpz7GYgo7An6qRqq7I7F67dClc0BB-bTgP2TIMj6WYTTfZQ9552AlsylIrgGJRNsR1lsrMkb2Y0PPrmgzGsuPncLjrZk5Kvplv3XDBaVtBfjANM/s1600/StopComplaining.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stop complaining - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76f-h_8Y6X4ZNJpajB95uHRn41-vuCpz7GYgo7An6qRqq7I7F67dClc0BB-bTgP2TIMj6WYTTfZQ9552AlsylIrgGJRNsR1lsrMkb2Y0PPrmgzGsuPncLjrZk5Kvplv3XDBaVtBfjANM/s640/StopComplaining.png" title="Stop complaining - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="427" /></a></div>
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<br />
It's easy to complain about something, but where does that do for you? It turns you into a grumbling mess that no one wants to hang out with.<br />
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The next time you find yourself complaining about a particular situation, stop, and think about what you can do to change the situation instead.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-35683192231646409662013-06-17T10:44:00.000-05:002013-06-17T10:44:39.440-05:00Simple fixes: Scratchy tag solutionYou try on a pair of pants at the store and they fit great! You purchase the pants, take them home and put them on for their maiden voyage. However, when you're getting ready, the tag in the back of the pants starts to bother you -- it's scratchy and you have to leave the house in five minutes. This stupid scratchy tag is going to drive you insane if you wear these adorable pants all day.<br />
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Simple fix: Put a fabric bandage over the scratchy tag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lais6JkrNTRFAUFDAkDi_un0UaRexQZZ_opWIsG7jT7e7RhIfXmR6Emm4RmG6Ud2dDdngMEEMSkPC_gqgHIir63VQ-1tImVDpwdeT45mrOEcGpCxZaeJON2v8HmY6I792vdhUM6_rfg/s1600/Scratchy+Tag+Solution.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Put a fabric bandage over an itchy tag - Restoring the Picket Fence" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lais6JkrNTRFAUFDAkDi_un0UaRexQZZ_opWIsG7jT7e7RhIfXmR6Emm4RmG6Ud2dDdngMEEMSkPC_gqgHIir63VQ-1tImVDpwdeT45mrOEcGpCxZaeJON2v8HmY6I792vdhUM6_rfg/s400/Scratchy+Tag+Solution.png" title="Put a fabric bandage over an itchy tag - Restoring the Picket Fence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put a fabric bandage over a scratchy tag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Problem solved! Just be sure you use a fabric bandage and not a plastic one. The plastic kind could end up irritating your skin even more.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-75545233877555678042013-06-15T20:18:00.000-05:002013-06-15T20:18:41.927-05:00So long, Sallie Mae!Goodbyes are often hard to do. In fact, saying goodbye to my best friend as she moved across the country was so difficult that I had to look at photos of <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/basset-hounds-running" target="_blank">Basset Hounds running on the beach</a> to keep from tearing up at work. Seriously, I keep that page bookmarked at work so that I can laugh on those tough days.<br />
<br />
But this is one goodbye that I love:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OP2cjTruDe6nbMEeSZiJ-pCzedgRGYuJTMXKO0Tyb1AmKnuD1uFB-EQSC54j7Ss7M6AZwyCC1PyhO_TocuM59PNXaPzOoIGMr1-rAiWr2R_lqfdeCndytr_Xdy31AD86cqMtvy2qZm0/s1600/Paid+off+Sallie+Mae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paying off our student loans" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OP2cjTruDe6nbMEeSZiJ-pCzedgRGYuJTMXKO0Tyb1AmKnuD1uFB-EQSC54j7Ss7M6AZwyCC1PyhO_TocuM59PNXaPzOoIGMr1-rAiWr2R_lqfdeCndytr_Xdy31AD86cqMtvy2qZm0/s640/Paid+off+Sallie+Mae.png" title="Paying off student loans - by Restoring the Picket Fence" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We paid off a Sallie Mae loan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sallie Mae preys on the pockets of eager, fresh-faced college students. It's so good to have paid off our third loan with her (we had about eleven loans with Sallie Mae in total ... womp, womp).<br />
<br />
One by one, we are paying off our loans. It's our goal to live a debt-free life. It's totally possible, and I could talk to you for hours about how great<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/" target="_blank"> Dave Ramsey</a> is and how much we love the teachings of Dave Ramsey, but I won't. Not yet.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-86897663724592741202013-06-13T11:59:00.001-05:002013-06-13T11:59:10.907-05:00Reduce your energy usageWe've all seen the Sesame Street episodes about turning off the lights when you leave the room to save energy, but who knew that we would still be applying that same principle to reduce our monthly bills?<br />
<br />
Last fall, J and I really wanted to reduce our energy usage. Here are some steps that we have taken:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Shut off lights when we leave the room (duh).</li>
<li>Put the TV, bluRay player and Internet thingy on a power strip. Turn the strip off when we leave the house or go to bed. Those silly little lights that glow eat up energy. We do the same with small kitchen appliances.</li>
<li>Line dry our clothes in the warmer months (even though our dryer uses gas).</li>
<li>Put the ceiling fan on in our bedroom and adjust the air conditioning in warmer months at night. Ceiling fans take up significantly less energy than an air conditioner.</li>
<li>Keep curtains drawn in the warmer months to keep the heat out. (Look into energy-saving curtains.) We do the opposite in winter when it's sunny.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Those are the majority of the small changes we've made, but look at the difference it's made:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnD0qWgz-61Kaa0F8d2xoMwzY8FWzG7g5T6bMOCGPWWdFVJqrrU_dy-zacn1tC64Sg3KtSO4_yPTkaz-lxhClM6LLq1pRhFvws0gcNfiYSztZP4Qq-lhlWv9vHLqEJWycyNsHmvogsg/s1600/Reduce+Energy+Usage+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Comparing energy usage with neighbors" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnD0qWgz-61Kaa0F8d2xoMwzY8FWzG7g5T6bMOCGPWWdFVJqrrU_dy-zacn1tC64Sg3KtSO4_yPTkaz-lxhClM6LLq1pRhFvws0gcNfiYSztZP4Qq-lhlWv9vHLqEJWycyNsHmvogsg/s400/Reduce+Energy+Usage+2.png" title="Comparing energy usage with neighbors" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In September of 2012, we got our energy usage even lower than our "efficient" neighbors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6TAqq37Pkg7tIrXR8zfjexcv46NRRUFJAwEMzj0awROg4YMNJuCvuyP2RhtXkedyu01LGLVItuHIr6jB_QBWdpJzUEIznb_yCaPzSH3jC1Uz8HoeJmaDfxIF0PNdCDuw5F_tp_d72Q8/s1600/Reduce+Energy+Usage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Please keep in mind that we have three exterior lights on our house that stay on 24/7. We leave them all on throughout the night as a safety precaution since our neighborhood is older and has limited street lights. <br />
<br />
We plan on learning more ways to reduce our energy usage in our home throughout this year.<br />
<br />
Looks like we need to our heads back in the game. May was cutting it close!<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTghh1IAVvd-P0E3X_P1hm81uki7Pno6EwWDanYoZ592KA3LOdrkqSBAQH2Tc6HTavsNveW5UOLdyZy4f7ZyJIOiWQk0lhJqQ7vwaEcPft9FdXac5QfGVMt9U-pXBD4JcoYgs5zzeEGqk/s1600/Reduce+Energy+Usage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Energy bill for May" border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTghh1IAVvd-P0E3X_P1hm81uki7Pno6EwWDanYoZ592KA3LOdrkqSBAQH2Tc6HTavsNveW5UOLdyZy4f7ZyJIOiWQk0lhJqQ7vwaEcPft9FdXac5QfGVMt9U-pXBD4JcoYgs5zzeEGqk/s400/Reduce+Energy+Usage.png" title="Energy bill for May" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Check your local energy provider's website to see your usage compared with your neighbors. Our energy company determines "neighbors" as people living in the same square footage withing 0.4 miles of us.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have any good energy-saving tips?</b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-16563944520321736842013-06-10T18:04:00.000-05:002013-06-12T22:08:44.202-05:00Simple fixes: Removing scratches from a wood floor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u6S37VcGM3FaMO1_9rlmFMm_d7YMVF9DGy5j5GzCT2_CGM2y9QYzLjf7xsBTahGj4onJj6kh05eIM4FM-Jgs9xFtXmQe6yck7NR6AtKCTo42_d4VkMbH1ZeYCLuzDyDhmKBvU3BQEck/s1600/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Removing scratches from a wood floor" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u6S37VcGM3FaMO1_9rlmFMm_d7YMVF9DGy5j5GzCT2_CGM2y9QYzLjf7xsBTahGj4onJj6kh05eIM4FM-Jgs9xFtXmQe6yck7NR6AtKCTo42_d4VkMbH1ZeYCLuzDyDhmKBvU3BQEck/s640/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor.png" title="Removing scratches from a wood floor" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing scratches from wood floors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If you own a wood floor and have dogs, kids, cats or have ever moved furniture ... you probably have some scratches on your floor.<br />
<br />
While moving a bookcase from one corner of our dining room, the floor got rather scratched. The new mid-century bar (keep an eye out for a blog post about that!) has exposed legs, so the scratches are pretty obvious now.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtetBIf9mJEq8H5fkDVNZkelu-298IlnFVIkC_gMXRtz-GUa88ZCfU3i6K_23qxE37cPZMR1wZXnjd2zfXT_TO4UM3XDtYJvOOSHre8usAbeFtjFrUIRX7EmTaZeNKhdh6za897sMo5w4/s1600/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Removing scratches from a wood floor" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtetBIf9mJEq8H5fkDVNZkelu-298IlnFVIkC_gMXRtz-GUa88ZCfU3i6K_23qxE37cPZMR1wZXnjd2zfXT_TO4UM3XDtYJvOOSHre8usAbeFtjFrUIRX7EmTaZeNKhdh6za897sMo5w4/s400/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor+2.png" title="Removing scratches from a wood floor" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: Scratches in wood floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
An easy solution (that I amended per our pantry contents) is to mix <b>one part vinegar</b> and <b>three parts canola oil</b>. I didn't have canola oil and just used vegetable oil. So if you're wondering if you can substitute vegetable oil for canola oil -- the answer is yes! It turned out great!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05Al9Q9eIXZUEjCKeq_fKFsvhDdIx-lwkD9UZYRLqDQuQGK5blwVFLYELU8-578y60El-u0zE9J-vlFFBBK3trDycz0P2Qaux41rHjt3aq2HHej2uyU5LD8Zt8qvnZdpMJIh_zaZz-Uw/s1600/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Removing scratches from a wood floor" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05Al9Q9eIXZUEjCKeq_fKFsvhDdIx-lwkD9UZYRLqDQuQGK5blwVFLYELU8-578y60El-u0zE9J-vlFFBBK3trDycz0P2Qaux41rHjt3aq2HHej2uyU5LD8Zt8qvnZdpMJIh_zaZz-Uw/s400/Removing+scratches+from+wood+floor+1.png" title="Removing scratches from a wood floor" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: Removed scratches from wood floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just wipe the solution on and gently rub into the wood. No need to wipe off. I can't wait to try this on some dog-scratched window sills that we have!<br />
<br />
Do you have any simple fixes?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987856683642945210.post-60361453473350950672013-06-07T15:58:00.002-05:002013-06-12T22:10:34.788-05:00Airing out the laundry<br />
Going the "natural" route of doing your laundry is not just better for the environment, but it's cheaper and better for your clothes. Triple whammy.<br />
<br />
Last year, we purchased a <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/whitney-design-r-400-clothesline-retractable/qxp207745?catid=184421" target="_blank">Whitney Design retractable clothesline</a> for $25 and it's been an awesome investment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Household-Essentials-Whitney-Design-Retractable-Single-Clothesline-R-400-/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/m7kAAOxyqKVRhQCm/$T2eC16F,!wsE9suw)zBDBRhQCmFFVw~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Retractable Clothes Line" border="0" height="320" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Household-Essentials-Whitney-Design-Retractable-Single-Clothesline-R-400-/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/m7kAAOxyqKVRhQCm/$T2eC16F,!wsE9suw)zBDBRhQCmFFVw~~60_12.JPG" title="Retractable Clothes Line" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of eBay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
J attached the device to the side of our house in the back yard. He put the corresponding hook on a fence post, since there wasn't much else in the yard to attach it to.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadeC62iGI2o7UzEp_VBYZ04LVABPXb88UcTENZGrGUBEKXqojzW3pGu_stejxa6p9SEXUnnMSnjyI2l7Tvu2IsaZEmp7FSAF1ujTseeWclXfjHInBFknhcl6629qskBpfphdH1w39FjE/s1600/Line+Drying+Cloth+diapers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Retractable Clothesline Hook" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadeC62iGI2o7UzEp_VBYZ04LVABPXb88UcTENZGrGUBEKXqojzW3pGu_stejxa6p9SEXUnnMSnjyI2l7Tvu2IsaZEmp7FSAF1ujTseeWclXfjHInBFknhcl6629qskBpfphdH1w39FjE/s400/Line+Drying+Cloth+diapers+3.jpg" title="Retractable Clothesline Hook" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retractable clothesline hook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGy-xgPCOz85sd5Ix2pvQnDjSchdqMO9DSpZkvF2qoxUrNmRaRNkg_rM6CwrUhlhhpTiD1D5WMP8Cr9VwrXSJTWf8zvYfy6uoguwyH8Jz2ORz1pdREhMclPjUfooj4l6ExhrDFouno84/s1600/Line+Drying+Cloth+Diapers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
When the line is not in use, it retracts back into the main device. We have no complaints about this product. The line extends to 40 feet and has been able to hold all of our laundry, including heavy towels. <br />
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Line drying is awesome for those who choose to cloth diaper. Your diapers will stay whiter (the sun acts as a natural stain remover), and they will stay in better shape than if you were to tumble dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TYczFUryFM3mmEreiHeI_DuPY_SWRQGiyy8Sb4Trwx3QQTxmrqjMUn_YIgP97n4cp2xMD6rKgMCKW7vuyjqhn7yP8WH4CnnK_fNMT3o7M8-7j5ZSpVrWKDr2y0kkwuOwfKgcKGJvYQ4/s1600/Line+drying+cloth+diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Line drying cloth diapers" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TYczFUryFM3mmEreiHeI_DuPY_SWRQGiyy8Sb4Trwx3QQTxmrqjMUn_YIgP97n4cp2xMD6rKgMCKW7vuyjqhn7yP8WH4CnnK_fNMT3o7M8-7j5ZSpVrWKDr2y0kkwuOwfKgcKGJvYQ4/s400/Line+drying+cloth+diapers.jpg" title="Line drying cloth diapers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line drying cloth diapers and wipes in the back yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Reasons for line drying:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Saves on energy costs.</li>
<li>Preserves the life of your clothing. Tumble drying adds much more wear and tear to clothes.</li>
<li>The sun will naturally remove many stains. (To enhance this feature, from time to time I will squeeze fresh lemon juice on stains and let them sit in the sun for awhile. Be sure to re-wash after doing this.)</li>
</ol>
<b>Tip:</b> After line drying, put your clothes in the dryer for 5-10 minutes. This removes any stiffness and helps remove pollen/debris that may have blown onto your clothes outside. <br />
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Any suggestions on how to line dry in the winter or in an apartment?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05227084851070734005noreply@blogger.com0