tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67007280272817664532024-02-20T15:51:13.043-08:00This Big Beautiful DayE. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-24086417254678803172014-07-03T08:12:00.002-07:002014-07-03T08:12:45.629-07:00My Magnum Opus I had such great plans for the garden this summer. I even went to a free seed exchange and in fits of optimism, I filled my paper bag chockablock with seeds to plant. This is so me. I have such dreams and ideas and sometimes I act on them, but most of the time they end up crashing and burning. I want to change this.<br />
Here is my very large and GROWING unknown origin SQUASH. It is my pride and joy of the garden. I think it will be tasty!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8hAQmmGswYTEwMuBKptTbWX75rDWAjijGF05OvHYyKd7Nc5igJKb-_xZOcjd76hcdUs0VJ2Jgnz2nxcouqAuN92Lz9NAVtP152_QSegOncG5SUiOLdIo4z3kWqzmEzQXwuwng7ZF4QXc/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8hAQmmGswYTEwMuBKptTbWX75rDWAjijGF05OvHYyKd7Nc5igJKb-_xZOcjd76hcdUs0VJ2Jgnz2nxcouqAuN92Lz9NAVtP152_QSegOncG5SUiOLdIo4z3kWqzmEzQXwuwng7ZF4QXc/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-62293261361114922202014-07-03T08:09:00.000-07:002014-07-03T08:09:09.311-07:00Baby Bunnies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHdh5vXY7WtoJYf9rl5rwcix3rk13uhR9zCorDs5vbz1iW1vjWq-2BFXWuQhq4vGVSwOBwNlmPePjtBQal99EwjKQgrJDAGBqvEweoZpgLdb2e3AZyJOj5A80RhmGio401l5l5TfOjUwG/s1600/DSC_0012-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHdh5vXY7WtoJYf9rl5rwcix3rk13uhR9zCorDs5vbz1iW1vjWq-2BFXWuQhq4vGVSwOBwNlmPePjtBQal99EwjKQgrJDAGBqvEweoZpgLdb2e3AZyJOj5A80RhmGio401l5l5TfOjUwG/s1600/DSC_0012-001.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Truly, is there anything as adorable as baby bunnies? I never get tired of cuddling them. Especially at this fuzzy, fat sausage stage. Love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYydtLNq-1QI5EKnneszGinDVaw8gJX5UGhPMspdT6t7qeWs2pa4YEgcpwLyesSlPw1K6ibuI5OKh4k8qp4mOHLG56Yk8v79cdhJGM94IM1DaFwQG46wPn-Y4ogqSDWi8vfeBMCEpDS_0L/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYydtLNq-1QI5EKnneszGinDVaw8gJX5UGhPMspdT6t7qeWs2pa4YEgcpwLyesSlPw1K6ibuI5OKh4k8qp4mOHLG56Yk8v79cdhJGM94IM1DaFwQG46wPn-Y4ogqSDWi8vfeBMCEpDS_0L/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mrVlyFnl2vj_EMB_wYTatUyUqccwj_0R484bhydlB2h4JqocdUU3KL73aRrG8zpdyrsW1YOj5poYIDDacpxs6W5tiIVx3XfwUjrY7P1fRba7nr_xoKSbsU4W_v5Wsegt2KmaTky2FWyk/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mrVlyFnl2vj_EMB_wYTatUyUqccwj_0R484bhydlB2h4JqocdUU3KL73aRrG8zpdyrsW1YOj5poYIDDacpxs6W5tiIVx3XfwUjrY7P1fRba7nr_xoKSbsU4W_v5Wsegt2KmaTky2FWyk/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-60912535186768198572014-03-29T11:14:00.001-07:002014-03-29T11:14:14.276-07:00How To Organize A Second Fridge<br />
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<a href="http://www.i2clipart.com/cliparts/1/2/6/e/clipart-refrigerator-512x512-126e.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Refrigerator" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.i2clipart.com/cliparts/1/2/6/e/clipart-refrigerator-512x512-126e.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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So, how do you keep a second fridge from becoming the "I'll take care of it later" spot? Its so easy to just stash things there and forget about them since you aren't routinely opening the fridge for a glass of milk or the butter.</div>
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If you are like me, you make almost all your food. I quickly learned that I could save time, money, and utilities by making double and triple batches of things and then freezing them or refrigerating them. We also have chickens which means that the eggs need to be stored in a cool area.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Before you put ANYTHING in it, sketch out a plan of what you want where in the fridge. Remember, the top is warmer then the bottom of the fridge so plan with that in mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Try to keep vegetables and fruits on seperate shelves from dairy and meat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For example, have your stash of cheeses and bulk goat milk on the bottom shelf where it stays coolest, but keep that ten pound bag of apples on the top shelf. The messier spills (and more contaminating) are easier to clean up if they don't drip down onto everything else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Utilize the shelves on the inside of the door for condiments. If you make 5 quart jars of saurkraut, keep those all together so you can visually see as they are depleted and you know you need to make more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Do a weekly once over. It will only take 2 minutes. Bring your meal planner with you and jot down what needs to be used sooner. Those 10 pounds of apples? Maybe you kids are going to be having apples slices and peanut butter for snack all next week. You get the idea....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Do a MONTHLY purge. If you have chickens, like me, this is treat time for them! Move anything that you need to use asap into your main fridge so you can see if when you open the fridge. This will jog your memory when you see it and you can offer the kids that last jar of homemade mustard for example with their pretzels.</span><br />
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-4177338564577436472014-03-23T11:43:00.000-07:002014-03-23T11:43:54.961-07:00Woodsmoke There is nothing like that smell. You know the one? It tickles your nose and makes you inhale in a contented sigh. It just SPEAKS calm and cozy to me. I love woodsmoke. The first sharp hints of it in autumn.E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-42758609867488068662013-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:002013-10-07T07:50:25.401-07:00ellolovey on Etsy<img alt="Let it Bloom - 8x10 Art Print" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/022/2/6279211/il_570xN.490356202_7v9m.jpg" /><br />
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Want to know where to find this awsome print?<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159640455/let-it-bloom-8x10-art-print?ref=favs_view_12">ellolovey's </a>shop on Etsy!<br />
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-57652697808260059452013-07-27T08:29:00.000-07:002013-07-27T08:29:13.251-07:00Hello Blog World!<br />
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Well, all I can say is WHEW!!! That was a doozie. Without any preparation or planning, I picked up, moved 500 miles away, and lost a husband and partner all in 2 months! TWO MONTHS! I know, its crazy. There were times when I didn't think I would survive. But I did. Well, I am. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="commentDescriptionContent" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #171717; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; max-width: 600px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">by *malaladanila on deviantART</span></h1>
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We are now in the house of my dreams. A 1940's bungalow with a quarter acre backyard, a roomy kitchen, a porch, and original vintage doorknobs. Oh yes, I love it! Every day I feel stronger and happier. It is going to be a long road ahead, but I am actually excited about it. I am hesitant to share all this on the world wide web, but really, why not? Thousands of other women are going through or have been through divorce and if I can encourage or be encouraged by just ONE in this writing process, it will be more than enough to justify sharing this. Don't you agree?<br />
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Pictures of the house to come, which by the way is called....<br />
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The Happy House.<br />
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Love it!<br />
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<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-44000231419924325522013-06-06T16:30:00.003-07:002013-06-06T16:30:51.524-07:00Inspiring Prints Because of <a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/05/sometimes.html">recent developments in my life</a>, I have found myself more often then not at 2am trolling the Etsy print pages.... I love <a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/05/art-time.html">art</a>. I love creativity. I love color and shapes. Put that all together and you've got some awesome prints!<br />
Here are a few of my favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/2011/07/live-your-life-on-purpose-free-pdf/">Sarah Jane Studios</a></div>
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<img alt="Inspirational words. by Xan" src="http://cdn.indulgy.com/sF/m/H5/2512164854337384123cpj4Zsrc.jpg" /></div>
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Tryingtofollow.com</div>
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indulgy.com</div>
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<img src="http://media.mintdesignblog.com/2012/10/emily-mcdowell.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/emilymcdowelldraws">Emily McDowell</a></div>
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<img src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/2f/be/04/2fbe04b601984627bd848ed24e2a712d.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://boho-trees.tumblr.com/post/23383884831">Boho Trees</a></div>
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<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-62315956029769586212013-06-06T09:46:00.002-07:002013-06-06T09:46:09.716-07:00Happiness is a Cup of Coffee and A Good Book<img src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ea/32/b8ea32724068b7537b5bfdbac5c4bf17.jpg" /><br />
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I love this print! Where is it from!?E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-2026027040692203142013-05-31T14:29:00.000-07:002013-05-31T14:29:01.643-07:00Sometimes....Sometimes....sometimes, live just hurls past you going a million miles an hour and you can choose to be trampled or you can jump on the whirl wind and PRAY. I chose the latter. Last Monday we had something happen that I never imagined would come to fruition. Well, it did. We quickly picked up our happy little existence at our Cottage on the Lake and left. I don't know what the future holds. I do know that I'm excited. Terrified. Hopeful. So much is ahead of us. I just want to hold on to that thought. We are staying with my family in the northern California redwoods on their farm right now. It feels good to be in a place that I grew up and feel whole and held. Bear with me over the next few months. I have some big moving surprises for you! And lots of pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUIpec9nWvfTizXlZIAnCRd7AHfvX-DpZpSTWSeDTfCkOxivCZpYhQJglyVH61vAMQ5ccz3arL8_-Xviwhw-40HiAnGa-Xz7jtiVYYA_J3mW8aJGt0PgbAQtvYToy0sflmC1Ik5jFnk3l/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUIpec9nWvfTizXlZIAnCRd7AHfvX-DpZpSTWSeDTfCkOxivCZpYhQJglyVH61vAMQ5ccz3arL8_-Xviwhw-40HiAnGa-Xz7jtiVYYA_J3mW8aJGt0PgbAQtvYToy0sflmC1Ik5jFnk3l/s640/DSC_0364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-47143321839099141562013-05-21T12:56:00.000-07:002013-05-21T12:56:40.193-07:00More Great Thrifting Tips<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Keep your thrifting cash in its own envelope.</span> This is something I recently implemented and I can't tell you how much it has cut down on impulse buying and buyers regret. I have a set amount to spend. If I see a big ticket item that i have been looking for, I call Eric and discuss it first. Then, if we agree to buy it, I use the debit or paypal card. I have found some awesome handmade cash envelopes over on Et<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">sy (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrinkleKut?ref=top_trail" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">KrinkleKut</a>. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CashEnvelopes?ref=top_trail" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">CashEnvelopes</a><span style="line-height: 16px;"> , and </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisylanedesign?ref=top_trail" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">daisylanedesign</a> </span>have some nice ones)!</span></div>
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<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5117414/il_570xN.162102303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Typography Art Print by Ashley G - I'd Rather Be Thrifting LARGE" border="0" height="400" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5117414/il_570xN.162102303.jpg" width="262" /></a> Everyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE to thrift shop. Its the thrill of seeing a treasure in a pile of otherwise mundane junk I think. I thrift for necessities. I thrift for treasures. I thrift for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/bricolagehodgepodge">my Etsy shop</a>. If I can squeeze a trip in here and there, I am happy.<br />
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My last post on <a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-be-successful-thrifteror-seven.html">tips for successful thrift shopping</a> was super fun to write, so here I am offering you some more tips and tools. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Bring an (empty) stroller or wheeled cart. </span>You never know how much you are going to find. Instead of relying on the randomly available carts in thrift shops, instead dedicate a nice compact one to your shopping and just keep it in the back of your car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Keep track of sales!</span> Most thrift stores will have half-or more-off sales at least once a month. Try to hit the store at these times. Preferable in the morning when the sale starts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Do a once over before you hit the checkout line.</span> Go over everything in your cart or stroller. Check again for snags, rips, stains and decide if it is worth its price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Have a system for hunting and stick to it.</span> For example, I also look at the clothing first and the kitchen goods (i.e. breakables) last that way I can nestle glass things into the fabric and keep them from breaking. Actually, I have a pretty detailed system of what I look at when. It keeps my mine organized and I like the rhythm of it. Unless these categories are on completely opposite ends of the store I generally go from clothing to books to toys and games to household to kitchen stuff. Lastly I do holiday stuff.</span>E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-86839749060876048652013-05-20T13:24:00.003-07:002013-05-20T13:24:49.672-07:00BEST Etsy Father's Day Cards<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: center;"> I had so much fun doing a roundup of the</span><a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/04/best-mothers-day-cards.html" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: center;"> best Etsy Mother's Day cards</a><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: center;">, I decided to do one just for Father's Day! </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/printandpillage?ref=top_trail" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">printandpillage</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PetScribbles?ref=top_trail" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">PetScribbles</a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fathers Day Card for Dad Love You To The Moon And Back Card Gift for Dad" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/014/0/6232890/il_570xN.422548298_qdv5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DefineDesign11?ref=top_trail" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">DefineDesign11</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fathers Day Card - I Love You Dad Greeting Card by Oh Geez Design" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5189727/il_570xN.248069471.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-87091006135075381702013-05-18T16:19:00.003-07:002013-05-18T16:27:17.301-07:00Summer Pool Time<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zXUXKkhw-qXPM7krUkLaoYcR8S1xi8ZCEZl79CFi5CpT9mDQj3aq6XqB1Sc0xdfdx_EExlJ5sDb8MQckLtTLNyT8BlxSp3ZoMEMibzhgN9V2Iv4qybKAzFpiuvTi2fUGwjEcOQYlzGtt/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zXUXKkhw-qXPM7krUkLaoYcR8S1xi8ZCEZl79CFi5CpT9mDQj3aq6XqB1Sc0xdfdx_EExlJ5sDb8MQckLtTLNyT8BlxSp3ZoMEMibzhgN9V2Iv4qybKAzFpiuvTi2fUGwjEcOQYlzGtt/s400/DSC_0252.JPG" width="268" /></a> Summer for our family means water. Lagoon. Beach. Pool. Pretty much if it is contained and we can swim in it, we are there. This past winter and spring Rumer and Beatrix took swimming lessons from an amazing teacher. As a result, they are like little mermaids now and can stay happy in the water for hours.<br />
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Now, let me be honest. There was a time when I hated the pool, the lagoon, and even the beach. For a while I couldn't figure out what it was I disliked so much. I am such a outdoors person, you see.<br />
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Then one day, we left home for an afternoon at the beach and I brought along what I thought was a stocked beach back. Well, lets just say it wasn't stocked so much a stuffed with junk and unnecessary items.<br />
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I vowed that day that I would make a list for our water days and STICK to it. And I have. You almost never catch me without a well stocked pool or beach bag.<br />
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Here is my list, for you to print, use, share, to your hearts content! There is also a link to the PDF in the sidebar.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQxV-N7vquWdR7ndSWo9Q0dXzssDpOk65kqkqlOWzsHG5_Fd-bXGsVSco6xSSQCfv5xyyZijpyYvF4eEQ5IFNzzXR1LUQWf3BdVgx615lRehyBDfJHU05ttxoRbhWHpZCwVjxfy7YHHt/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQxV-N7vquWdR7ndSWo9Q0dXzssDpOk65kqkqlOWzsHG5_Fd-bXGsVSco6xSSQCfv5xyyZijpyYvF4eEQ5IFNzzXR1LUQWf3BdVgx615lRehyBDfJHU05ttxoRbhWHpZCwVjxfy7YHHt/s640/pool.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-41177969843174279602013-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:002013-05-18T11:05:00.166-07:0071 Picture Books to Read This Summer<span id="docs-internal-guid-5b9e9905-af41-f54b-9524-addcea34bae6"></span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61j6RCHrxRL._SY380_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61j6RCHrxRL._SY380_.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> </b> I was homeschooled all the way from preschool through 12th grade.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I’m sure you can imagine, I read a lot.</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I mean, <i>a lot</i>. In fact, my mom had a designated reading hour every afternoon. The youngest little ones who were still napping daily were put to bed, and then we would bring piles of library books out to the couch. My mom would read us picture book after picture book while we brushed her hair for her. It was quite a good plan for all involved!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Here are some summer favorites. 71 is a big number. Can you believe I had to cut some, and </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 15.454545021057129px; white-space: pre-wrap;">condense</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> my original list? It contained 214!!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395313899/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0395313899&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395313899/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0395313899&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Ella</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0395272696" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395296072/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0395296072&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Kermit the Hermit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0395296072" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060526335/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060526335&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Roxaboxen</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060526335" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031236749X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=031236749X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Gardener</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=031236749X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140505393/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140505393&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Miss Rumphius</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039525938X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039525938X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Little House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=039525938X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140564349/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140564349&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Make Way for Ducklings</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140564349" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140501738/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140501738&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Corduroy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140501738" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0920668372/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0920668372&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Love You Forever</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0920668372" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399226907/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399226907&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399226907" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689815816/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689815816&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">We're Going on a Bear Hunt</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152567089/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152567089&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Napping House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152567089" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152054359/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152054359&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">King Bidgood's in the Bathtub</a></li>
<li><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152054359" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152336796/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152336796&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Heckedy Peg</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152336796" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688151132/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0688151132&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Rainbabies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0688151132" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698113942/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698113942&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Grandfather Twilight</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698115910/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698115910&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Tomten</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0698115910" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863155855/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0863155855&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Sun Egg</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0863155855" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807524999/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0807524999&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and the Strawberries</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0807524999" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807574945/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0807574945&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Snipp, Snapp, Snurr Learn to Swim</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0807574945" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689716087/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689716087&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Billy And Blaze: A Boy And His Horse</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689716087" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044040830X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=044040830X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Little Island</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=044040830X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140502017/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140502017&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Time of Wonder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064431479/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064431479&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">A Tree Is Nice</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064431479" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140504419/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140504419&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Ox-Cart Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140504419" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006443009X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=006443009X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Harry the Dirty Dog</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=006443009X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014056439X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=014056439X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Madeline</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014056439X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140502343/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140502343&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Story of Ferdinand </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140502343" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689707495/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689707495&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689707495" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140546235/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140546235&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140546235" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0517562421/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0517562421&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Imogene's Antlers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152024409/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152024409&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Seven Silly Eaters</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152024409" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416985808/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416985808&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">All the World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416985808" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442422491/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442422491&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Stars</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442422491" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763655988/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763655988&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">I Want My Hat Back</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763655988" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810984687/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0810984687&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Mama, Is It Summer Yet?</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0810984687" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810983214/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0810983214&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">All in a Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0810983214" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689717385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689717385&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Relatives Came</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689717385" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TX7BWS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000TX7BWS&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">We Were Tired of Living in a House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000TX7BWS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689811624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689811624&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">A Time to Keep: The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689811624" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316853127/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316853127&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Corgiville Fair</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316853127" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587170043/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1587170043&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Cinderella</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1587170043" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140558640/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140558640&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Rumpelstiltskin</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140558640" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930900384/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1930900384&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Blueberry Pie Elf</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1930900384" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930900147/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1930900147&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Duchess Bakes a Cake</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1930900147" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689845006/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689845006&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Year At Maple Hill Farm</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689845006" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038524469X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=038524469X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">People</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=038524469X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440408296/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0440408296&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0440408296" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156705001/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0156705001&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Over in the Meadow</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0156705001" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316931365/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316931365&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Lady with the Alligator Purse</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316931365" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899192254/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0899192254&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Henny Penny</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0899192254" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803733399/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803733399&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0803733399" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740723553/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0740723553&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Forever Friends</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0740723553" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058M7QH0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058M7QH0&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Bea and Mr. Jones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0058M7QH0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590461893/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0590461893&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Old MacDonald</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0590461893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423124847/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423124847&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Sandwich Swap</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1423124847" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152053077/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152053077&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">This Jazz Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152053077" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689712995/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689712995&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Amigo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689712995" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670059099/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670059099&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">When the Sky is Like Lace</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0670059099" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395840031/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0395840031&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Maybelle the Cable Car</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0395840031" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142407089/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142407089&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Millions of Cats</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142401870/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142401870&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Adelita</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142401870" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NHR5XW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003NHR5XW&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The Circus Ship</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003NHR5XW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081185924X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=081185924X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Wave</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=081185924X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803736053/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803736053&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Hansy's Mermaid</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0803736053" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698115872/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698115872&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Nora's Castle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0698115872" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006443415X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=006443415X&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Over and Over</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=006443415X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152016422/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152016422&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Mrs. Armitage and the Big Wave</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152016422" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416958576/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416958576&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">So Many Days</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416958576" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316525383/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316525383&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">I Love You Like Crazy Cakes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316525383" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152060308/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152060308&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Whoever You Are</a></li>
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<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-36661710826477272092013-05-15T14:51:00.000-07:002013-05-15T20:11:35.851-07:00Etsy's Little Bee Design Studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="84" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/009/0/7844466/iusb_760x100.11768209_q9gz.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You know that feeling when you are in an antique store or thrift shop and your heart does a little turn-over in the immediate second after you see THAT SOMETHING? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0770427715/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0770427715&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Emily</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0770427715" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_of_New_Moon"> New Moon</a>) calls it "the flash." </div>
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That was what happened when I followed a link and discovered<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebeedesignshop"> Little Bee Studio </a>on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. I browsed around for an hour or more. I was in love! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/geislerabby">Abby Geisler</a> has an amazing talent for bringing the whimsical yet simple together into an eye catching package. Her paper goods will please the young and old, the traditional and alternative, the crafty and not-so crafty alike. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">And I have great news!</span><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> <i>Abby is offering a giveaway!</i></span></b><i style="text-align: start;"> </i><span style="text-align: start;">Your choice of cards in a mini-set! If you would like to enter, simply leave a comment after this post and you will be entered into the drawing, May 22 at noon (pst). Please head over to </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebeedesignshop" style="text-align: start;">Abby's shop</a><span style="text-align: start;"> and take a look around. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Your eyes will thank you!</span></div>
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<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-53127142088790156602013-05-15T07:21:00.000-07:002013-05-15T07:21:00.941-07:00Reading<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFqGj8Ra3zr1Xlxn7vbAoxYzpalXQori1L9IHwdufdQRDasZpAhO4ImSvAhjcIULuhRxZ7JqTpS7GLS5r40-f86Nn0vFubTyzRUiLNkE03PwTWacrZgy010V74V0DJLqG9ya8x9fr39NY/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFqGj8Ra3zr1Xlxn7vbAoxYzpalXQori1L9IHwdufdQRDasZpAhO4ImSvAhjcIULuhRxZ7JqTpS7GLS5r40-f86Nn0vFubTyzRUiLNkE03PwTWacrZgy010V74V0DJLqG9ya8x9fr39NY/s640/DSC_0116.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1h97gmir11rqzcm4o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1h97gmir11rqzcm4o1_500.jpg" width="132" /></a>There has been a serious shift in reading lately. It always comes around this time of year. Summer is upon us. Over the winter and spring, reading was done mostly in snatches between doing school, the regular routines, and outdoor time. Now begins summer reading in earnest Long lazy afternoons in front of the windows browsing books, catalogs, magazines. Anything with printed matter and sometimes pictures.<br />
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I do so love this summer reading time. It is an exhale of the breathe that we have been breathing all year long. It is a time for pleasure reading and flying by your fancy. </div>
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I have been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1461039827/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1461039827&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">One of Ours</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1461039827" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Willa Cather and also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606865617/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1606865617&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">The God of Small Things</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1606865617" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Arundhati Roy. Loving both of those!</div>
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366154090l/2318116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366154090l/2318116.jpg" width="162" /></a><a href="http://www.florisbooks.co.uk/images/onix-large/9780863159947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://www.florisbooks.co.uk/images/onix-large/9780863159947.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009243OAS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009243OAS&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Day We Saw the Sun Come Up</a> has been a big favorite, as has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698114345/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0698114345&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20" style="text-align: center;">When the Sun Rose</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0698114345" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. A couple of new ones, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863159052/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0863159052&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20" style="text-align: center;">Lily the Little Princess</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0863159052" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863154506/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0863154506&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">In the Land of Fairies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0863154506" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and R<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863157947/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0863157947&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20" style="text-align: center;">osalind and the Little Deer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0863157947" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> are constantly in the reading stacks, I have noticed</div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-61675261161715260312013-05-15T07:02:00.003-07:002013-05-15T07:02:55.272-07:00Oranges and Yogurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-9uESkZegvwrLCzzZFG7euic-0xMeQ9B1ZdMQyFuRPFr5u1H3iiaBo9iQl-FMJzjziPlbgzLVlmtHVde87ceVHB0MWPXBBBz2Pzt5WqCliIv0tdahrj5YMO5XWhQyBHSrnWdTEUIDGr4/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-9uESkZegvwrLCzzZFG7euic-0xMeQ9B1ZdMQyFuRPFr5u1H3iiaBo9iQl-FMJzjziPlbgzLVlmtHVde87ceVHB0MWPXBBBz2Pzt5WqCliIv0tdahrj5YMO5XWhQyBHSrnWdTEUIDGr4/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-15432959311533887492013-05-14T14:03:00.000-07:002013-05-16T14:03:28.570-07:00A Big Beautiful Day<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Some days, when sniffled abound, and foreheads are hot, there is nothing better then snuggling in Daddy's Chair and gazing out the windows into the bright, cheerful sunshine. Every day is a <i>big beautiful day</i>. Even sniffle days. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivdaUuXe4RDWmuwEz9wMEETu7ONJhjYdAw8iSlvgXeRaYOts0lqPseXn07GEKm_Zo8guiX6loZffkZPV5SZRPI5rSnOHmdxdsqMM6CjRVUBzO0l6o6y7Li0TrydbEuBWc2edi0Bj7sO1y/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivdaUuXe4RDWmuwEz9wMEETu7ONJhjYdAw8iSlvgXeRaYOts0lqPseXn07GEKm_Zo8guiX6loZffkZPV5SZRPI5rSnOHmdxdsqMM6CjRVUBzO0l6o6y7Li0TrydbEuBWc2edi0Bj7sO1y/s640/DSC_0426.JPG" width="428" /></a> </div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-40548535661286740012013-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:002013-05-16T06:46:05.183-07:00How to Roast Figs with Brown Sugar and Feta<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This is what we had for dinner last night: Figs roasted with brown sugar and topped with bleu cheese. They are super easy to make.</span></div>
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<strong>ROASTED FIGS WITH CHEESE</strong></div>
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Wash and half about ten figs.</div>
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Put on a cookie sheet cut side up.</div>
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Sprinkle with about a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey per half.</div>
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Put under the broiler for 10 minutes, or until they are carmelized and bubbly.</div>
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Take out and let cool.</div>
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Sprinkle with goat cheese, feta or bleu cheese.</div>
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Yum!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC-1K_qMaVCxA6BEvbATAzbQxat2Xw5zJjYB1i074NuEqDReHj1o_7sIU3acOWEVHglvnkvOzvuxqcaKKllqlf0qY5IUbl8UqDyi-Lx8kPr4LL0gBYlOj1EDNhl32NN9uZVEf8qmJBaY/s640/DSC_0134.JPG" /></div>
E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-42834727852877244962013-05-13T23:19:00.003-07:002013-05-13T23:20:16.177-07:00Conventional Vs. Organic Egg Color<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RjDXGB2oSfAONbnRzLDkKWymtR-MemPRcgHsPq7VRygxJ2uRt_73PF9XxcJ38LY4BnBBt4fdpq4U2AM7WPP86lkQqDZVF__Q6InDrDgCgtBpQ2a9soYmvAZ1oZHpcB94maBy2vzkAdz9/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RjDXGB2oSfAONbnRzLDkKWymtR-MemPRcgHsPq7VRygxJ2uRt_73PF9XxcJ38LY4BnBBt4fdpq4U2AM7WPP86lkQqDZVF__Q6InDrDgCgtBpQ2a9soYmvAZ1oZHpcB94maBy2vzkAdz9/s640/DSC_0199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I find this rather fascinating. I cracked these three eggs to make a <a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/04/aunt-audreys-celebration-coffeecake.html">coffee cake </a>recently. The egg on the far left is from my mom's chickens up in Santa Cruz. They don't eat any grain but graze on bugs and eat scraps from the kitchen. The egg on the top is an "organic, free-range" egg from the store. The bottom right egg is a cheapo egg from Costco, straight out of the factory. Isn't it interesting how the differences in color are so apparent!</div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-88361276908495285372013-05-13T23:07:00.000-07:002013-05-13T23:07:00.197-07:00Morning Coffee and Oranges<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyQjwnw1oXd1pGGQb-r4map8bUuL-pq3tA23YPDrLakDLGWTvMWKyQW_O-HDteJxxKZQF0h4Q3BMMyYOZ0oZxgMfhovURSjQ4L7c1rQArFDsFy95uYchcCewuka-9j_rXZEyZQ9VXc6xa/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyQjwnw1oXd1pGGQb-r4map8bUuL-pq3tA23YPDrLakDLGWTvMWKyQW_O-HDteJxxKZQF0h4Q3BMMyYOZ0oZxgMfhovURSjQ4L7c1rQArFDsFy95uYchcCewuka-9j_rXZEyZQ9VXc6xa/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-83242436471868482442013-05-13T23:02:00.000-07:002013-05-13T23:07:54.827-07:00Art Time<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDYcJfCjaQxRceOskVNx1Q4fB3G6ghWPlscMyiSA2bVxSZs0UdYc4QcSdPDExS-spPnUTIdH_qaGFCts6dEGFLS2cJUCaaTpPJzEU1kPJhhMArqz3hSUWGz4Ac5CPuw7wvPCiA4qHKDYP/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDYcJfCjaQxRceOskVNx1Q4fB3G6ghWPlscMyiSA2bVxSZs0UdYc4QcSdPDExS-spPnUTIdH_qaGFCts6dEGFLS2cJUCaaTpPJzEU1kPJhhMArqz3hSUWGz4Ac5CPuw7wvPCiA4qHKDYP/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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Art is a pretty big deal in our house. We have always used the best art supplies we could afford at the time and we try to take good care of them. Rumer and Beatrix have a designated "Art Area" where everything stays organized and there is always fresh paper. </div>
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Sometimes I struggle with the abundance of creativity in our home. You see, three creative souls living every day together can really breed some mess.</div>
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And I mean MESS.</div>
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I have by no means arrived, but I have come up with a few rules and routines to make the mess a little more bearable. Or at least be restored to some semblance of order when all are through.</div>
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First of all, I never make the girls clean up their art projects until I am sure they are done with them. I mean, how annoying would that be if I was in the middle of a sewing project and My-Better-Half said, "Ok Honey, that's enough, lets get this wrapped up." Um, yeah. It wouldn't be pretty. Just saying.</div>
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Second, I always make sure the table is free of art projects. Otherwise I would be forced to shut down shop early on the girls. Besides, they have many places to do their creative projects. The kitchen table is home to so many other things. Mixing them just isn't fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSW3laGWGeikaqjBpAV7vADpsUcu16HsXA6ksLs90_-FyNi8wmTawv4-bcHLGmEhOaKTUkUGnQss8lpwe_HQ-8UD5o5dSgqYtX20bETUFMgIWPfWtXCfD_xceya-B7jwbfhxZjhxmaufs/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSW3laGWGeikaqjBpAV7vADpsUcu16HsXA6ksLs90_-FyNi8wmTawv4-bcHLGmEhOaKTUkUGnQss8lpwe_HQ-8UD5o5dSgqYtX20bETUFMgIWPfWtXCfD_xceya-B7jwbfhxZjhxmaufs/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Third, if it isn't in your "treasure box" it isn't safe from the garbage can. Within reason of course. I'm not going to throw away something they have obviously been working for days on. But those random pictures that were scribbled in three minutes? If they are laying around and haven't been claimed, I assume they aren't important. (More on the treasure boxes later....)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What does Art Time look like in your home?</i></span></b></div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-82486412461497911132013-05-13T15:12:00.001-07:002013-05-13T15:12:18.705-07:00Sewing With Young Children In Tow When I was pregnant with Rumer, I sewed all day long. Days at a time. I mean, I stopped for meals and to sleep, but pretty much, other than sustaining my body and making My-Better-Half happy, I was content to just stitch away on my vintage Singer Featherweight.<br />
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Enter Rumer.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/48/90/b1/4890b12b39d12e18db3dd85d5e919388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/48/90/b1/4890b12b39d12e18db3dd85d5e919388.jpg" width="298" /></a>Suddenly sewing of any kind became not only impossible logistically, but my mind couldn't wrap itself around anything even remotely creative. While I was pregnant, I would fill like my mind was a large, overstuffed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883705041/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=8883705041&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">Moleskine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8883705041" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
filled with thousands of ideas for creative undertakings. After--BLANK.<br />
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It took me a while to realize that those creative juices weren't going to flow on their own. I really needed to MAKE them flow. At first I balked. "<i>Really</i>? Work at thinking up things to sew?"<br />
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Then, I sighed, and I cleaned my sewing table off of random baby things: cloth diapers, covers, thermomters, eye drops, etc... and dusted my machine. And I dove in.<br />
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I can't say that I kept much of what I crafted in those first few months of babyhood, most of it was a mess of miss-layed stitches and odd shapes. But it helped the creative juices to flow again.<br />
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I learned a few tricks that I hope can help other moms out there who are wondering how their sewing life will ever come back.....<br />
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<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">if at all possible, have a sewing corner. However tiny, make it yours and have your machine out ALL THE TIME. If you have to completely set up every time you want to sew a stitch, trust me, you won't do it.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">make a bulletin board in your bathroom just across from the toilet and pin pages ripped from <a href="http://www.parenting.com/">Parenting Magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.mothering.com/">Mothering</a>, or <a href="http://www.brainchildmag.com/">Brain, Child</a>, whatever you read! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Next time the baby is going to take a long nap, pop her into a carrier and <a href="http://www.fabricshoppersunite.com/blog/">head to your local fabric shop</a>. Browse and run your fingers over the fabrics as you stroll the isles. Take a couple home!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Embark on short and easy projects. Try to reward yourself with semi-instant gratification.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Don't wait until you have a whole hour to dedicate to a project. The beauty of having your machine always handy (OUT!) is that you can sit down for even a three minute stitch. It keeps your brain in the creative zone, really!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">try working with felt. You don't have to worry about finishing seams, and you can create all manner of baby toys that are safe for baby.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{photo from a vintage Dick&Jane book, illustrated by <span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.59375px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.59375px;">Eleanor Campbell}</span></span></div>
E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-1758982664096461692013-05-13T14:46:00.001-07:002013-05-13T14:51:01.831-07:009 MORE Favorite Etsy Shop Headers<div style="text-align: center;">
Continuing on from my last <a href="http://thisbigbeautifulday.blogspot.com/2013/05/ten-best-best-etsy-blog-headers.html">Etsy shop header post</a>, I bring you ten more amazing Etsy shop headers!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/angelasue">Angela Duncan's Shop</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkDoorFabrics">Pink Door Fabrics</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintagethatsMintage">Vintage That's Mintage</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueMoonStudios">Blue Moon Studios</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/amyawalters">Amy Walters</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperglitter">Paper Glitter</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetlifecreative">Sweet Life Creative</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DahliaPressShop">Dahlia Press</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebeedesignshop">little bee design studio</a></div>
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E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-59113599344362913772013-05-13T13:52:00.000-07:002013-05-13T13:52:01.742-07:0010 Ways To Be Creative This Summer<br />
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Remember when "<a href="http://bucketlist.org/">bucket lists</a>" were the big <a href="http://pinterest.com/lele0516/2013-summer-bucket-list/">summer thing</a>? Yeah, it didn't last very long. I think because it stressed so many mothers out thinking all these things they "had" to knock off their <i>bucket lists</i> before summer/Christmas/autumn/life was over. I didn't find them inspiring, just depressing personally.<br />
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Well, after all that, you may wonder why I'm offering you yet another list today of things TO DO this summer. Here is why, you don't have to DO anything on the list. Just print it out and keep it on the fridge. Whatever your eye gravitates towards when you are feeling a free moment come along is what you do. That simple. Really.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Kpit7eljL._SX385_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Kpit7eljL._SX385_.jpg" width="320" /></a>1. Keep a n<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883701143/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=8883701143&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">otebook</a> handy and <b>jot any ideas for crafts or writing prompts that come to mind</b> throughout the day.<br />
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2. <b>Watch a movie completely out of your normal comfort zone</b>. Or, watch a favorite movie you have seen a hundred times WITH SUBTITLES. I guarantee you will read words differently then you heard them.<br />
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3. <b>Keep a box of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YWG5VM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005YWG5VM&linkCode=as2&tag=lovlau-20">crayons </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lovlau-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005YWG5VM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on the table</b> and doodle on random papers and bills. It might not be very professional, but it will sure get your creative mind flowing.<br />
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4. <b>Make a dinner that is aesthetically interesting</b> or pretty. Use different colors and shapes.<br />
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5. Have a week of only wearing pants and skirts with white t-shirts. Then <b>accessorize</b> to your hearts content.<br />
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6. Sit down and <b>write the twenty most influential people in your life</b>. Then catagorize them by when you met them or knew them the best. It is interesting to see when you were are your most impressionable. For me, it was between 14 and 19.<br />
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7. Take 30 minutes to <b><a href="http://fashionista.com/2012/05/the-10-best-youtube-hair-tutorials/">PLAY with your hair</a></b>. Do a new hairdo. YouTube fun hair designs. Try something you have never done before!<br />
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<a href="http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/291947-921-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/291947-921-14.jpg" /></a><br />
8. YouTube current make-up trends and<b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yogcyPwoSM">watch some tutorials</a></b>. See what you can come up with!<br />
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9. <b>Go to the library for one hour and slowly walk the aisles</b>. Pull out five books from different categories that look interesting. Check them out and peruse them during tea time or your kids nap time.<br />
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10. <b><a href="http://blackthumbgardener.com/1-plants-you-grow-from-kitchen-scraps/">Plant some kitchen scraps</a>!</b><br />
<br />E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700728027281766453.post-43876025929813723402013-05-13T10:21:00.003-07:002013-05-13T10:29:09.349-07:00Ten Best Best Etsy Blog Headers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, I have an obsession. Etsy blog headers and names. I browse around, sometimes not even really giving more then a glance at what fills the shop, the names.....oh!.....and the shop headers! Oh My!!<br />
Here are some favorites with more to come in the following weeks....<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/gunpowderandhoney">Gun Powder & Honey</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyBimble">lilly bimble</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BluGrass?ref=usr_faveitems&atr_uid=7012897">BLUGRASS designs</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotreDameDeParis">Notre Dame De Paris</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoorLittleRobin">Poor Little Robin</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/byvikINK">byvik ink Letterpress</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FreshLavenderDesigns">Fresh Lavendar Designs</a></div>
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<img height="84" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/0/iusb_760x100.8742018.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Paperfingers">Paper Fingers</a></div>
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<img height="84" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/016/0/6553134/iusb_760x100.11001550_5t3a.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HENANDCO">Hen & Co</a></div>
E. Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17802429710989059608noreply@blogger.com0