tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59156574640680971922024-03-05T22:08:01.284-05:00Sweet Tea & PearlsBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-84409988155835882352012-09-26T14:27:00.001-04:002012-09-26T14:30:07.517-04:00Nature's Shabby Chic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday I was cutting grass, something I love to do, and as I passed a birdhouse in the corner of my yard I noticed something hanging from one of the doors. This is actually a bird condo as it will house 4 nests and at the present time there are "No Vacancies"! When I looked up I saw the sweetest thing...a piece of shabby old lace hanging from the birdhouse. How precious....even God's little creatures like to make things fancy!! My friends on Facebook have deemed these birds "Southern Belle Birds" and I have to agree. We all need a little "fancy" in our lives. My very first thought was, "Thank you Lord!". I needed this little bit of serendipity at that very moment. Sometimes our hearts just get so heavy with the burdens of this world we often forget who to give our troubles to. I'm one who looks for signs...and for me, on this cool fall morning...this was my sign. It was like God just stopped me in my tracks and said, "I'm still here!" It's little gifts like this that make my heart sing and remind me He is never out of my reach. </div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-41396664789447541142012-05-22T13:52:00.000-04:002012-05-22T18:37:18.032-04:00Seeing Your Daughter as a Bride.....It's Bridal Portrait Day!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, the day has arrived when the reality that my little girl is getting married has become not only a thought, but a vision. She is a stunning bride, and as I see the beautiful woman she has become, a big lump forms in my throat. It's bridal portrait day! What an exciting event! It was fun picking out the dress, going for all the fittings, picking out the shoes and all the bling that will compliment the dress...but it's quite different when your beautiful daughter has her hair and makeup professionally done and slips into that gorgeous gown, complete with veil, shoes, and all the bling....and as she slowly turns around, all of a sudden you are swept back to the day she was born and you wonder where have all the years gone? There is no other person in all the world, not even daddy, who can understand the feelings that engulf a mother's heart. Yesterday was that day for me. It was an exciting day with picture perfect weather...but I will have to say there were many times when that lump in my throat caused me to fight back the tears....happy tears! With every click of the camera I was reminded of other firsts along the way, each one as much a part of me as if they all happened yesterday.</div>
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We started our day at Boone Hall Plantation...what a fitting backdrop for a southern belle, not to mention, Brooke's favorite movie "The Notebook", was filmed there! After spending a couple hours at Boone Hall we headed to downtown Charleston....aaahhh...I love that city! Now picture this...here we are traipsing up and down every street in Charleston, me holding up the the train of her dress, Brooke holding her bouquet and maneuvering her every step on cobblestone streets, while cars were tooting their horns, yelling CONGRATULATIONS!, BEST WISHES, YOU'RE A GORGEOUS BRIDE! It was so much fun, it was like everyone was celebrating with us! A special moment was when we were working our way down a side street, I think it was Tradd, and the cutest little couple met us head on. In a heavy Irish accent the wife of the twosome said, "Oh my goodness, did you just get married?" "Oh no", replied Brooke, "I am having my bridal portraits made today!" "I'm getting married in July." "Oh heavens, we don't do that in Ireland...we just arrived a few hours ago and what a wonderful surprise we have today!" Well wishes and blessings flowed from this couple! With that and tons of excitement the sweet lady opened her purse and rummaged around until she pulled out her change purse. "Oh I have to give you something!!! You need an Irish coin for good luck!" What a sweet and thoughtful gesture!! Tears welled again!! Sniff, sniff! I had to give her a hug! A special memory to the end of a perfect day! Okay...I made it through all the pictures...but, as I was driving back home to Columbia my mind began to ramble...soft, sweet music playing added to the sentimental moment...and I began to wonder. I held up pretty good today...but what about the day I watch as she enters the church and walks down the aisle. I really don't believe I will be able to contain myself...but one thing I know for sure.... the tears I shed will be tears of joy! </div>
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Thanks for sharing my sentimental moment...more stories from a sentimental mom to come!</div>
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<br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-86787195116000691152012-05-17T15:06:00.001-04:002012-05-17T15:06:22.875-04:00Thoughtful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope you all have had a week full of blessings!</div>
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<br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-31296535022952957852012-05-04T14:04:00.000-04:002012-05-04T14:04:06.044-04:00Planning a Wedding Can Be Stressful....But Oh So Much Fun!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTa6yfnhVlvRn804dmqojFUGkghdxqu2EcupD95BXREhAveqAYd4bCgdJ0EquMCcrqlIcyG_k5c1aFzPDjHQDkcYhHX1jEUV8ITWqE52tAWXkxXbTZpRzBmbc7ld4xzusdh9MJOenr3oV/s1600/topiary.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTa6yfnhVlvRn804dmqojFUGkghdxqu2EcupD95BXREhAveqAYd4bCgdJ0EquMCcrqlIcyG_k5c1aFzPDjHQDkcYhHX1jEUV8ITWqE52tAWXkxXbTZpRzBmbc7ld4xzusdh9MJOenr3oV/s200/topiary.gif" width="112" /></a>After 5 1/2 months I have finally found my way back to my blog...life can be stressful when you're helping your daughter plan a wedding. I say stressful...but it's fun too! I have been married 31 years and needless to say, weddings have taken on quite a different spin from "back in the day"! Remember when a reception was in the church fellowship hall and you had cake, nuts, handmade cream cheese mints, cheese straws(every southern bride has to have them!) and punch? Then we beefed it up by adding meatballs, fruit, and canapes to the menu... and now....OMG...it's unbelievable what is served at weddings today. We've planned a truly southern fare complete with shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, tomato pie tartlets, sweet tea in mason jars, and much, much more! It's all about the detail or theme...in my day as long as your bridesmaids' bouquets coordinated with their dress you were doing good! My house has turned into wedding central with each room holding boxes of treasures for this wonderful occasion. I've ordered from Ebay, Etsy, Oriental Trading, and floral supply houses, not to mention the engraving company for invitations (Reaves Engraving in Laurinburg, NC...they are wonderful!!! I ordered my invitations from them 31 years ago!) and soon I will be placing the last and final order for personalized koozies...according to my daughter <strike><strike></strike></strike></div>
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</strike></strike>a must for every wedding. I have spent my days at school and my evenings are totally devoted to cutting, sewing, stamping, printing, googling, hot gluing, silhouette cutting, folding, molding, pinteresting, and painting! And finally, when I lay my head on my pillow at night I pray, "Dear Lord, please help me wake up feeling like I've slept 10 hours when it's only been 5." God blessed me with my one and only daughter 28 years ago and she is all the world to me. The joys of being a mother to this precious gift far out-weigh the hours of work that I've put into making this day the most special day of her life. And if it's not perfect, it's certainly not because I haven't tried my very best to make it that way. I have been blessed, and now she is being blessed by marrying a wonderful young man...and I gain a son! God is good...what more can we ask?</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-54099055346523233792011-11-20T17:28:00.001-05:002011-11-21T09:17:25.307-05:00Pumpkin Topiaries Just In Time For Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhhGtBKq4EfsI_djPnPtvIDqrDhVobWNBKsOl64_ODQfTstC9YoK0kMnf9gC5YnW4g6QdCx4X_zQz9sXOTDERtofYFZPRJ3Pkf737t_ktW9ik80NOcPWU_IsDmWEGbCabqWKuWgUJW5Lf/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhhGtBKq4EfsI_djPnPtvIDqrDhVobWNBKsOl64_ODQfTstC9YoK0kMnf9gC5YnW4g6QdCx4X_zQz9sXOTDERtofYFZPRJ3Pkf737t_ktW9ik80NOcPWU_IsDmWEGbCabqWKuWgUJW5Lf/s320/IMG_1441.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I l.o.v.e topiaries! All kinds of topiaries! So, I have a habit of making them for all occasions and Thanksgiving is no different. I love the little Jack Be Nimble Pumpkins you find in your local grocery store and every year I have to fight the urge to buy tons of them for decorating. The problem is....what do you do with them after Thanksgiving? This year I refrained and only bought a few and since the Thanksgiving season is coming to an end in just a few days, I needed to do something with my pumpkins instead of having them piled in a bowl on my table. I decided on topiaries! They are very easy to make and after the holidays I don't feel quite so guilty throwing them away since I had already poked holes in them. Here are a few easy steps:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Supplies you will need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvNhUCq9eWhVGRRUIXvnwudaEM0qIv0lVKxm0xKkNXtFhW0p7IXmngEvpLQyzCSW3ss1H1S-1Cwsv2ElSofFJ5geYz5Tzz6o9UUvr7upnsDRm9Bw6L-fSrdmIvOAPMpD56Q3KcVRBo3Ro/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvNhUCq9eWhVGRRUIXvnwudaEM0qIv0lVKxm0xKkNXtFhW0p7IXmngEvpLQyzCSW3ss1H1S-1Cwsv2ElSofFJ5geYz5Tzz6o9UUvr7upnsDRm9Bw6L-fSrdmIvOAPMpD56Q3KcVRBo3Ro/s400/IMG_1430.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You will need a miniature pumpkin, 1/4 inch wooden dowel, and a container. You will also need a little oasis or styrofoam for the pot, some Spanish moss as a filler and a piece of ribbon or raffia for the bow. You can use any kind of container...I chose a little terracotta flower pot that I am going to paint using a crackle finish. I love the effect of crackle and it's so easy to do. You will need 2 colors of acrylic paint, crackle medium (you can get this at AC Moore or Michael's) and a paint brush.</div><br />
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First paint your bottom coat of paint. This will be the color that shows through on the crackle. Let it dry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKOpsw9zHlrafF70n3EB1G982zSpZ7KBsUQL8ubdYQ-6xF0TNakEGj78KOU3TF-Vp4yy-gm4DDcdjS0XiGdgQlBT3OsfLbzkQ0d-0poAXldjvGoXKi8Xoin21K5a75ObR-Y97yBI7qLW_/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKOpsw9zHlrafF70n3EB1G982zSpZ7KBsUQL8ubdYQ-6xF0TNakEGj78KOU3TF-Vp4yy-gm4DDcdjS0XiGdgQlBT3OsfLbzkQ0d-0poAXldjvGoXKi8Xoin21K5a75ObR-Y97yBI7qLW_/s400/IMG_1434.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Next, paint a layer of your second color using short strokes. Paint only one coat and don't go back over where you've already painted. As you start painting you will notice it crackling. Isn't it cool!! I love this stuff. When your pot has completely dried spray it lightly with a clear acrylic sealer. Now sharpen one end of your dowel rod and insert it up into the little pumpkin. Fill your container with oasis and then stick the dowel into the pot, use some Spanish moss as a filler and finish off with a pretty bow!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x5IWCaie7Xi0M4Fq7zVIwMntMn5gJiIt71o-jw2oapqJFsa7A71JTQPKdSkJ2bogQdV4uYW-uxoTvHOvgyokKSaempK2kb_bJYnL-fXtFGRq75G0kCSpgDakjrwcYBNfW-5Ogx_ox-9A/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x5IWCaie7Xi0M4Fq7zVIwMntMn5gJiIt71o-jw2oapqJFsa7A71JTQPKdSkJ2bogQdV4uYW-uxoTvHOvgyokKSaempK2kb_bJYnL-fXtFGRq75G0kCSpgDakjrwcYBNfW-5Ogx_ox-9A/s400/IMG_1437.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5RxaRM0fSrFZ96FrWlWCTYARv9LcM3J5LewREre67hhHgI3t4N3iT9P5Z5_RpLWAhM2cViAhxaJaeu1jA43_mu1HUD7l2lT8ZSZocRTZ13HZnZAp4QpOGWA_jj9zu9sRuKYXRxFCHDky/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5RxaRM0fSrFZ96FrWlWCTYARv9LcM3J5LewREre67hhHgI3t4N3iT9P5Z5_RpLWAhM2cViAhxaJaeu1jA43_mu1HUD7l2lT8ZSZocRTZ13HZnZAp4QpOGWA_jj9zu9sRuKYXRxFCHDky/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope ya'll are all enjoying the preparations for turkey day on Thursday. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year and I can't wait for my Georgia family to arrive and the festivities to begin! And, believe it or not, I've been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now and have already changed out all the CD's in my car to my favorite Christmas tunes. I've been enjoying everything from Mannheim's Steamroller, to Martina MacBride and James Taylor and some nice Christmas piano tunes! I love this season and hope you all are enjoying it too! Until later . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMYdXNOrRgNXSy_8f7h8R8RJmeD5MAb0rjhWDXdrY7h3RganU-xHWhb2twJtIi7nupffqbzIB4uLfWgkH-caBA3pmOxQPLdj6xJAguROZm1QKKC1QU9Mqgn7QID6OPMhI_MNlAKulAgtV/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMYdXNOrRgNXSy_8f7h8R8RJmeD5MAb0rjhWDXdrY7h3RganU-xHWhb2twJtIi7nupffqbzIB4uLfWgkH-caBA3pmOxQPLdj6xJAguROZm1QKKC1QU9Mqgn7QID6OPMhI_MNlAKulAgtV/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz94/iblarswaconia/GunnySackStuffed400x300-1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-57920568727718794022011-11-11T11:19:00.003-05:002011-11-11T14:31:51.016-05:00Thoughtful Thursday - A Day Late!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wMb-xZ6S1Z1sFVJhRXdgk-5Q9WpnaZUa7COaekIDCW6fNY-s9WUzHsvg-Z3RDiP_lnuYFxJFImXf2c6P28U4glNujK5Yk_b-bB0rXwP4RPBavFmBPwKkimvRt-e0rgoQSmjRWbXUYmbI/s1600/gourd+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wMb-xZ6S1Z1sFVJhRXdgk-5Q9WpnaZUa7COaekIDCW6fNY-s9WUzHsvg-Z3RDiP_lnuYFxJFImXf2c6P28U4glNujK5Yk_b-bB0rXwP4RPBavFmBPwKkimvRt-e0rgoQSmjRWbXUYmbI/s400/gourd+border.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwtp4XVs4Q2fubvYiq1OkxmPUwB3WhajVVUXFPmOYIPLq1Cb5ZI4BB6io1mS0rJWlUvHmhSmFp8hFo-gEfwTArEmw8YHrWurNI2_a1bbA7uHi5MlEPqPLtMDJjcRefnwXcL29PaWzsq3y/s1600/thoughtful+thurs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwtp4XVs4Q2fubvYiq1OkxmPUwB3WhajVVUXFPmOYIPLq1Cb5ZI4BB6io1mS0rJWlUvHmhSmFp8hFo-gEfwTArEmw8YHrWurNI2_a1bbA7uHi5MlEPqPLtMDJjcRefnwXcL29PaWzsq3y/s400/thoughtful+thurs.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you to all the veterans who made the choice to take a chance in order to change our lives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are forever grateful for your willingness to serve our country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhJTTOxNDmPUAEqzpAS0PDL4DAuI_7-mwtTrCJsJVLSHms3kkkIyT8iYIzqwVhiXYiteErTWEiCfqErafdnXB6zCuUOgjgGr8-LjSkzqPKrzLW34ul3fMMu0qq_FYpnvhi7yk-LpP1uml/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhJTTOxNDmPUAEqzpAS0PDL4DAuI_7-mwtTrCJsJVLSHms3kkkIyT8iYIzqwVhiXYiteErTWEiCfqErafdnXB6zCuUOgjgGr8-LjSkzqPKrzLW34ul3fMMu0qq_FYpnvhi7yk-LpP1uml/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-6121998070428932592011-10-20T16:59:00.001-04:002011-10-21T13:46:58.190-04:00Thoughtful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOmiXTYttSaO5uEuuU2N3X8Lvd1FTTvVIm5jR9vhhjR6rpnMqB7Lkyr2HiGpQjMtZNmymk6Kf8Y8oogqMDY5RqW5HpLWedbXjYtYGdkmAzNmotbm0Anq_eyO_VZtR9_db-Rrnph0M9RSc/s1600/God%2527s+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOmiXTYttSaO5uEuuU2N3X8Lvd1FTTvVIm5jR9vhhjR6rpnMqB7Lkyr2HiGpQjMtZNmymk6Kf8Y8oogqMDY5RqW5HpLWedbXjYtYGdkmAzNmotbm0Anq_eyO_VZtR9_db-Rrnph0M9RSc/s400/God%2527s+Plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I have always been fond of collecting and sharing quotes, inspirational thoughts, poems, scriptures, and words of wisdom. Over the years I have saved scraps of paper where I've written these meaningful expressions, stashed them in envelopes, tacked them to bulletin boards, and sometimes tucked them between the pages of my Bible. Several years ago I decided I needed a little more organized method for my madness so I purchased a nice little leather journal. It was very inexpensive but the words within its pages are priceless. There are some days that I just need a lift so I pull out my journal and just read through some thoughts, and then there are days when a burdened friend needs a little encouragement and I've turned to my trusty "Reflections" journal to find the perfect quote. Whatever the need may be I have found my collection to be the medicine for many wounds. I have to share a quick story with you about how this all started, many years ago when I was in fifth grade.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I grew up in Atlanta and as most people know, Atlanta is the home of the Coca Cola Bottling Company. Every year the Cola Cola Company would give all students a Coca Cola tablet and pencil, and every year I just couldn't wait to get mine because I always used it to "play school". It was the perfect thing to use for my grade book! Fifth grade was no different and the morning I walked into my classroom and saw that stack of tablets on Miss Davidson's desk was like winning the lottery. My mind was churning as I thought about how I was going to create my new grade book! It's hard to believe that a fifth grader loved to play school but, that was back in the good old days when children really knew how to be creative with their playtime. Anyway, as I remember it, after we had our morning devotional (yes we had those back in the day too!), the pledge to the flag and sang "My County 'Tis of Thee" I saw Miss Davidson quietly pick up the stack of tablets. A big smile came over my face. She passed a tablet to each student and then turned on her perfect 3 inch pumps (yes teachers actually use to wear heels...all . day . long!) and said, "Boys and girls, this year we will be using our Coca Cola tablets to collect "Thoughts for the Day". Wait a minute, did I hear her correctly? Certainly she wasn't telling me how I was suppose to use MY tablet? Oh but she was!! She gave us all an ink pen and said it was also time for fifth graders to learn to write properly, with perfect penmanship, in ink! My day was ruined! I wanted to cry. But I didn't....I took my tablet an began to write. Every morning there would be a thought for the day on the board that we would have to write and occasionally, even memorize. All that being said you know what? I still have my Coca Cola tablet and it is one of most prized possessions. I keep it here in my room at school and I can't tell you how many times I've pulled it out just to read some words of wisdom, copy a verse, or more times than not....just to travel back to my fifth grade classroom and reminisce about the teacher who inspired me more than any other teacher I have ever had. The teacher who taught me more than readin', ritin' and rithmethic! She taught me about citizenship, about giving to others, about being a good person. Now that my friends, is a good teacher.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, to my Thoughtful Thursday . . . I share with you the quote above. I've had this one for some time and read it often. Just like I thought<i> I </i>had plans for my Coca Cola tablet . . . there were other more important plans for it, and I do believe God had a hand in it, and I believe<i> His </i>plan was the best plan. I enjoyed our visit today. Ya'll come back soon! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarPbuz6tIxboBJ6q7MAdil33vrCDqy7YQ8_a8mAwgqMr24A9A5cO8qAyVFdowBJtOWjHq8eVcMAIYlECxVVUVdeqEhPA8OaVTJY55VOBE6sQLZHajpXbm2JszRGQTv92rVDzDmC9EROJH/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarPbuz6tIxboBJ6q7MAdil33vrCDqy7YQ8_a8mAwgqMr24A9A5cO8qAyVFdowBJtOWjHq8eVcMAIYlECxVVUVdeqEhPA8OaVTJY55VOBE6sQLZHajpXbm2JszRGQTv92rVDzDmC9EROJH/s1600/signaturejpg.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mpMrwM6l_cwSx4DAK5bYLM33hRvC5x-bHMphGwwJKfEchn5zbyC36dtce7vi_MLcgVxByqDPIWqAoyhDk8955OddTdgYVzbSCPtwdpxkm2YaxYqy6kk_pFdpinvDaEixjDe8SdeH-H_o/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mpMrwM6l_cwSx4DAK5bYLM33hRvC5x-bHMphGwwJKfEchn5zbyC36dtce7vi_MLcgVxByqDPIWqAoyhDk8955OddTdgYVzbSCPtwdpxkm2YaxYqy6kk_pFdpinvDaEixjDe8SdeH-H_o/s400/IMG_1422.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Coca Cola table - 1965</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfy4mJlZrSwwaMP9xOweBl-ZP1BfONVx-F3vU2uEIitpVajx5ML_shsT1nufHQPF5oQH63Q4CTa9mxicSSAJewlmnZkKwaPcODuqOiWs_T4Ci_Xob0pe6oLCWOBaDkb7IQ39wxqm40F_2/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfy4mJlZrSwwaMP9xOweBl-ZP1BfONVx-F3vU2uEIitpVajx5ML_shsT1nufHQPF5oQH63Q4CTa9mxicSSAJewlmnZkKwaPcODuqOiWs_T4Ci_Xob0pe6oLCWOBaDkb7IQ39wxqm40F_2/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My journal now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTa31wtWoHFNC-FtKLJUyrP_qzcVr0v2HaFX9d49aaQ4ovnKarnPwkTZkhVZFSwcUzvqq_2cOnTbyT9g22oO8VJCwLGdJ5-ABuzUpKWTKnU_7nu1FU_gr8_fBklOcSBmt2a3FXdtT2mTG/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTa31wtWoHFNC-FtKLJUyrP_qzcVr0v2HaFX9d49aaQ4ovnKarnPwkTZkhVZFSwcUzvqq_2cOnTbyT9g22oO8VJCwLGdJ5-ABuzUpKWTKnU_7nu1FU_gr8_fBklOcSBmt2a3FXdtT2mTG/s400/IMG_1426.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> </div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-49378315218249434932011-10-10T22:15:00.000-04:002011-10-10T22:15:23.107-04:00Halloween Moon Pies . . .A Southern Treat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcVn6_m3M5XDE80U6kCM01TE11_DP8IAwwlK0PfCcN76r77W6O409aOPbvDEeO-ZyMil03rhHGbfbjfmy-gL_ceWhbkrQg_GchaaYHd4EJ3T1WX2TQERgdMuqAcHLaZMAKoiXQmVLw_yH/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcVn6_m3M5XDE80U6kCM01TE11_DP8IAwwlK0PfCcN76r77W6O409aOPbvDEeO-ZyMil03rhHGbfbjfmy-gL_ceWhbkrQg_GchaaYHd4EJ3T1WX2TQERgdMuqAcHLaZMAKoiXQmVLw_yH/s400/IMG_1420.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, ya'll all know there is nothing like a moon pie and an RC Cola to take care of a little hunger pain and here is a cute way to decorate a plain old moon pie and make it something special for Halloween! Unwrap your moon pies and insert a 9" wooden dowel into the side, up through the marshmallow middle. I pushed my dowel through, almost to the top. Now you are ready to decorate them. I laid them all out on a sheet of wax paper and used melted chocolate as my glue. I used the back of a spoon as my spatula and applied the melted chocolate all around the outter edge, then sprinkled orange Halloween sprinkles while the chocolate was sticky. It only takes a few minutes for it to harden. After the melted chocolate was hard I turned the moon pies over and shook off the excess sprinkles. I attached candy corn with more melted chocolate, let that harden, packaged them in cellophane bags from AC Moore and tied them with curling ribbon in Halloween colors! These are the cutest little treats! I can't wait to give these to the children that will be coming to have some Halloween fun with me at school on Friday! They will be so surprised! Just let your imagination run with the decorating! I love the banana moon pies too and I think they would be so cute decorated with a monogram! Now you know everyone needs a monogrammed moon pie! Hope ya'll have as much fun making these fun treats as I did! Trick or Treat!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1_RTsJ53yBNmCP61YAgUjK2vo5WgUCKxPtJKg-hCxOph3CHqE2XZbOp4TN2WQSx1eewQFkLyIGeklSLaYoFh8HnlrgkPNQlxPLZYSnJayTNOV0yVv-mKZ7rVPR3F3SS_SAVk0FPPF3c0/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1_RTsJ53yBNmCP61YAgUjK2vo5WgUCKxPtJKg-hCxOph3CHqE2XZbOp4TN2WQSx1eewQFkLyIGeklSLaYoFh8HnlrgkPNQlxPLZYSnJayTNOV0yVv-mKZ7rVPR3F3SS_SAVk0FPPF3c0/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll0bVDNdsoj3N4wYWMFIzlvK7zwkAmkWzwPjYiRTHPEZ-mO3oT1-zB4owt-acrrZD27F13ymKWzZ3m2f2E1FPy9a96RvyQjagiKKrTouJp2GwpHIyc3jCAY4ZtNXY5oGBjnHKMzxGtoQJ/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll0bVDNdsoj3N4wYWMFIzlvK7zwkAmkWzwPjYiRTHPEZ-mO3oT1-zB4owt-acrrZD27F13ymKWzZ3m2f2E1FPy9a96RvyQjagiKKrTouJp2GwpHIyc3jCAY4ZtNXY5oGBjnHKMzxGtoQJ/s400/IMG_1412.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9k89YSauouVQr3XoqulyQrNW8aKDRDNkmNwwJ3FQbf-OrOQsuoo6lKrpHeDYT83r6s_hI7n1Fl238vniz0XY72ixsp2aaM_Oxu9OHXBYCYOBd60OMxGD8FyX0n7kyK5tA5dYevXYwec-/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9k89YSauouVQr3XoqulyQrNW8aKDRDNkmNwwJ3FQbf-OrOQsuoo6lKrpHeDYT83r6s_hI7n1Fl238vniz0XY72ixsp2aaM_Oxu9OHXBYCYOBd60OMxGD8FyX0n7kyK5tA5dYevXYwec-/s400/IMG_1415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-24549378401407394922011-10-03T12:16:00.001-04:002011-10-03T13:12:01.388-04:00Fall memories are all in the smell and taste!<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal">When I was a little girl one of my fondest memories was coming in from school on a cool fall or cold winter day and having the smell of my mama's gingerbread or fresh apple cake baking in the oven drift by my nose. It's funny how now, years later, just the smell of cinnamon, ginger or cooked apples takes me back to a precious time in my life and conjures up all sorts of wonderful memories. My mama was the Martha Stewart of the 60's and 70's and even today her organization skills will put Martha's to shame! She always knew just what we needed when we walked in the door from school. So, when the cool temperatures of autumn knock on my door I can't help but get out the cook book and look for recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but...take me back to my childhood with their fragrance. This weekend's cool temperatures brought that urge to me so I decided to bake up a batch of Molasses Cookies. These cookies have a bit of a nostalgic tradition tied to them as well. This recipe was shared with me by my sweet friend Sara who tells the story of her grandmother baking them every year in the fall. The story goes that her grandmother was a docent at the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Indiana. Each year during their Fall Festival Sara's grandmother would bake these cookies and serve them with tea on the back porch of the Coffin House for the visitors who came for a tour. Of course, it would become a tradition for her grandmother to bake them every year and now Sara tells me that every fall she bakes these cookies because... they just taste like fall! I can certainly vouch for that too because the first time she shared them with me I had to have the recipe. Saturday I baked a batch and as soon as everyone in my family took a bite they all said, "This tastes like fall!" So today I'd like to share the recipe with you in hopes that the smell and taste of these cookies will take you back to a sweet childhood memory of fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFKPbwUo5EyunvSMzn5efJtpCNBkqBb_qJnggtj1Ms52tYe19cEe4DThkWAXp4f4vaRyVpfJaiRAmvFjzCacJlE1sTpZiDyw55IAdjviJ2QFgu-OP8LtbG7zg1r3R0UEJ_6PDXWC8gswm/s1600/cookies+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFKPbwUo5EyunvSMzn5efJtpCNBkqBb_qJnggtj1Ms52tYe19cEe4DThkWAXp4f4vaRyVpfJaiRAmvFjzCacJlE1sTpZiDyw55IAdjviJ2QFgu-OP8LtbG7zg1r3R0UEJ_6PDXWC8gswm/s400/cookies+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjBiymHxpOZKwNvtQVeMxTCvA4GQnAG3Y5iickwY__ZDohKXu6PhyN2ODyrfO6WhcN_JjRMQB6t_iMzKhoy-HXnd1Sf2NVfBXKXhT3FAe0yCWuEsywyFonqNPfchLFlgcMWV8O2Js4kTT/s1600/cookies+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjBiymHxpOZKwNvtQVeMxTCvA4GQnAG3Y5iickwY__ZDohKXu6PhyN2ODyrfO6WhcN_JjRMQB6t_iMzKhoy-HXnd1Sf2NVfBXKXhT3FAe0yCWuEsywyFonqNPfchLFlgcMWV8O2Js4kTT/s400/cookies+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Molasses Cookies</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3/4 cup shortening, melted</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 cup sorghum molasses</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 egg</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 teaspoons soda</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 cups flour</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon cloves</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon cinnamon</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Melt shortening in saucepan over low heat. Remove and cool. Add sugar, molasses and egg. Beat well. Sift dry ingredients. Add to first mixture. Mix well and chill. Form into 1" balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place on greased cookie sheet. Gently press the top of each ball to slightly flatten. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-7 minutes. You will think they are not fully cooked but they are ready! The cookies will have soft centers. If you would like a crispier cookie, let them bake about 9 minutes. ~Enjoy!</div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-59977761340543030952011-09-30T14:04:00.003-04:002011-09-30T14:16:18.783-04:00It's Fall Ya'll!! I'm lovin' the weather!<div style="text-align: justify;">The last time I made a blog post was at the beginning of my summer....it is now the beginning of my fall . . . so where has the time gone? I have no idea!! My summer was full of lots of things, not to mention computer problems, so every day my posting was put on the back burner. Now that I have a new computer I have got to get out of the habit of moving things to that back burner! I have so many things I want to share I am committing myself to post more regularly and it is starting today! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cool air is creeping into South Carolina and I am so ready for it. This has been one of the hottest summers I have ever lived through. It has been said that the only thing between Columbia, South Carolina and Hell is a screen door and honey, I am here to tell you that is so true! Another reason for not posting much during the summer. My computer is in my room over the garage and even though it is air-conditioned up there the hot Carolina sun beams down on that roof and it's never cool enough to stay up there more than 10-15 minutes. I even had to drag my sewing machine downstairs to a bedroom so I could work in comfort!! But the hot days are coming to end this weekend and Carolina breezes are starting to blow. My creative juices are starting to flow and after decorating with pumpkins and fall decor on the inside I can't wait to work on adding a fall flair to my screen porch. My porch is my haven...mostly in spring and fall because it is much more bearable. Cool mornings and evenings are calling my name! I have some ideas for making pillows and maybe placements using this graphic . . .<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUU9m50KaBNDU4WcBvutMhvj5RH9d7rzlMiVgeorsyvsJyHKaJIVSJAgSu8vB2ebIByXV7w1px1XJkr3BVr0S3HvS_1atCQjifSb_aosCVdRzxf-jgPkE1DUIAWOq5YZpUml5cjtEwDnc/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUU9m50KaBNDU4WcBvutMhvj5RH9d7rzlMiVgeorsyvsJyHKaJIVSJAgSu8vB2ebIByXV7w1px1XJkr3BVr0S3HvS_1atCQjifSb_aosCVdRzxf-jgPkE1DUIAWOq5YZpUml5cjtEwDnc/s400/pumpkins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eQzgsbljwpK_SwBvgjZbw1B3s1H5LIyzUYgCbuAn2QSfl3Zp9ILaZAnAwomyZeNLfLr_suVIHYUVI63jquperJgY-tngtcvU7JRxULE9M53x_Cvtx3SBeTrtqWLC7N2FDg5STNqvGDva/s1600/Pumpkins01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>Have you ever used heat transfers with graphics? I've been doing it for years...long before there was ever a Silhouette machine! And speaking of Silhouette, I treated myself with a little surcie by purchasing one of these babies when they went on sale this summer! I am so excited about learning about this machine and finding some good projects. If anyone has ideas they would like to pass on, please send me the link! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And finally . . . I have some exciting news! My daughter <a href="http://www.shrimpandglitz.blogspot.com/">Brooke</a> is engaged! My new son (I don't like the term son-in-law) will be Brice Sprayberry and we couldn't be more thrilled! Brice surprised us all when he asked Brooke to be his bride at Battery Park in Charleston on September 15 . . . but I wasn't surprised at all when she said YES! They are the perfect couple and I pray God's blessings on them both for a long, wonderful life together! Thanks for spending a little time with me today! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend....fall is in the air!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-6100741832299718612011-06-21T23:14:00.001-04:002011-06-21T23:16:01.360-04:00Girls' Day In . . . What Fun!<div style="text-align: justify;">Today was spent with my dear friend Patty and what a good time we had . . . relaxing and catching up! Actually we had a celebration! We finally got to celebrate our birthdays....mine having been in February and Patty's was in May! Time just gets away from us during the year. Everything is so hectic, our schedules never seemed to mesh, something just always seemed to get in the way . . . so we decided to wait until school was out to have our celebration and today was the perfect day!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Patty wanted me to come to her house for lunch and upon arriving our first order of business was a nice cool glass of Chardonnay....first order of relaxing that is! Oh, did I mention Patty has a beautiful house on the lake with gorgeous view? You'll see that in a minute...right now let me tell you about the delicious lunch she had prepared...Chilled Blueberry Soup that could have been a dessert...so cool and refreshing...and my favorite, Curried Chicken Salad and croissants! It was all so delicious!! After the Chardonnay and that delicious lunch I was prepared for a nap, but no....Patty said, "Let do a peppermint foot soak!!" Sounds good to me...first I'm relaxed with the wine...got a full tummy from lunch... and now we're going to soak our feet in a something that smelled so good I wanted to drink it!!! I will definitely be purchasing some of Dr. Teal's Peppermint Foot Soak tomorrow! This stuff smells sooo good and makes your feet feel wonderful! So, here we were, sitting on her screened porch, soaking our feet, overlooking her gorgeous pool and lake view and then...here she comes with one more thing for relaxing...like I'm not already on the verge of snoring....an Apricot Brandy Slush....sssslllllluuurrrrppp! So delish, I wanted to just gulp that thing down but knew better! You have got to make up a batch of these to keep in your freezer. The perfect frozen drink for a hot summer day, especially here in South Carolina where it topped 100 today! I'll share the recipe at the end of this post, but I just have to say my day was perfect. Just what the doctor ordered...I was totally relaxed enjoying the time I got to spend with my special friend, catching up on our families, our lives, and just girl talk! You know Patty and I can go for months without seeing one another and we live really close. We'll shoot each other an email here and there...maybe a quick phone call...but we are always connected in our hearts. We were trying to figure out when we saw each other last and figured out .it was when we exchanged our Christmas presents sometime in January! We had sooo much to catch up on, it was nice relaxing on her porch, soaking my feet, sipping an Apricot Brandy Slushy, chatting with my dear, dear friend.....thank you Patty, it was a perfect day! xxoo</div> ~Becky<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1xA8XBOQd1qByl_02v6IjnWKU0eilrs9SfTmg-GLgXUef-NytO0jAsBqZ0X4q4J5JavQGNg7LlyA1cIpthzYoYNJJt4BCU9Vk9hHreeRL0-AXz_Qh0_0fzq80Lm5HldLrhCU_62LgXpJ/s1600/ApricotBrandySlush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1xA8XBOQd1qByl_02v6IjnWKU0eilrs9SfTmg-GLgXUef-NytO0jAsBqZ0X4q4J5JavQGNg7LlyA1cIpthzYoYNJJt4BCU9Vk9hHreeRL0-AXz_Qh0_0fzq80Lm5HldLrhCU_62LgXpJ/s400/ApricotBrandySlush.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Apricot Brandy Slushes are so good and refreshing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little southern watermelon to munch on! Perfect for a hot summer day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaaahhhhhh...not only does it feel good...it smells heavenly too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a gorgeous view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1ikDEbndmh0r4id3iDU-I6PG0WIB2821HBpcpFKH5yIGUvRnOU71ugVUN95yTW-U_YAtW6FMUP0QKOOlKk2abaN5UvTtiJUjq2vk57dlb8W3MsIjI-wiM5ofxpf5YVU6HXjOs66nlaGV/s1600/Dr.+Teal%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1ikDEbndmh0r4id3iDU-I6PG0WIB2821HBpcpFKH5yIGUvRnOU71ugVUN95yTW-U_YAtW6FMUP0QKOOlKk2abaN5UvTtiJUjq2vk57dlb8W3MsIjI-wiM5ofxpf5YVU6HXjOs66nlaGV/s400/Dr.+Teal%2527s.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will definitely be purchasing this tomorrow...Patty said they have it at Walmart....of course Walmart has everything!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the recipe for the Apricot Brandy Slush, and a note about preparing . . . it may take several days for it to freeze so plan ahead and make sure you've got it mixed up and in the freezer well in advance of consumption!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Apricot Brandy Slush</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Stir until dissolved:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9 cups water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Add</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 - 12 oz. can orange juice concentrate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 - 12 oz. can lemonade concentrate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cups Apricot Brandy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix and freeze. Stir a few times during the freezing process. Stir first time after the mixture has been in the freezer for 6 hours. This may take several days to freeze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To prepare drinks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scoop slush into glass (you may need to scrape your spoon over the top to get mixture broken up). Next, add enough seltzer to liquify while keeping the "slushy" consistency. If you like your drink a little sweeter use Sprite instead of the seltzer. This makes 4 quarts of the slush mix. You can easily half the recipe and freeze in a 2 quart pitcher to keep in the freezer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ENJOY!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-73570181554883313992011-06-11T22:07:00.000-04:002011-06-11T22:07:38.577-04:00Today was a good day!<div style="text-align: justify;">Today was a good day! Not because anything special happened, but because I got to do things that I love and I wasn't worried about the time. My life seems to revolve around a calender and a clock. There's always a deadline for something I'm working on, whether it's something for me or someone else, and the clock just seems to tick way too fast! Before you know it, my day has ended and I still have more to do. Today was one of those days that I didn't have a deadline on anything! Yay for me! I got up early and enjoyed coffee on my porch and believe it or not, I was cutting grass by 9:00! You have to get an early start in South Carolina because summer days get hot really quick. I love to cut grass so it wasn't a chore for me. My husband wanted to do it but I said no, I need the exercise! I worked in my yard, weeding, trimming, planting more flowers and suddenly I realized I was about to die from a heat stroke. No problem...I went straight to the pool with all my clothes on and just jumped in! I'm sure my neighbors thought I was crazy but it cooled me off pretty quick...although I did check the water temperature while I was paddling around and it was 90 degrees!!! Can you believe that?! After I finished my yard work I decided a proper dip in the pool with a bathing suit was in order so with sweet tea in hand I floated and relaxed for a couple hours. It was so nice knowing I could stay in there as long as I wanted to...no deadlines remember? I finished off the afternoon reading and taking a quick nap....aaahhh...that was so nice! Tonight my Gamecocks were playing the first game of the Super Regionals and as tradition has it...my dear husband made his famous smoked chicken wings. He makes the best chicken wings in the world and of course...we had homemade blue cheese dressing to top it off. I just have to share this recipe with ya'll! Most people eat celery with their wings and dip the celery in the blue cheese...not us...we dip the wings in the blue cheese!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tO97TNBKyxF2W0odkDmgs6WG-_3C8Co8jZe8EzYyp_HAGG3-dItfIFaQWrG5Ylo_sSnoRJsYnVqzimrjDdaS_ZYPP4a__iDaDh4RrWS9Gak-MoJCViBaIAi7eG8rwGJ5l56BBMTatgoO/s1600/food+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tO97TNBKyxF2W0odkDmgs6WG-_3C8Co8jZe8EzYyp_HAGG3-dItfIFaQWrG5Ylo_sSnoRJsYnVqzimrjDdaS_ZYPP4a__iDaDh4RrWS9Gak-MoJCViBaIAi7eG8rwGJ5l56BBMTatgoO/s400/food+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sour cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup Duke's mayonnaise (or Hellman's if you live up north, bless your heart!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 T. sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. black pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">garlic powder to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 - 4 oz. pkg. crumbled blue cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for a couple hours before eating. This is my favorite salad dressing too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After munching on wings and cheering my Gamecocks to victory I decided to make up a batch of pesto. Tomorrow I am going to Charleston to visit my daughter, <a href="http://www.shrimpandglitz.blogspot.com/">Brooke</a>, and she LOVES pesto! Mama had given me a ton of her basil and I harvested my first crop today as well. I made Brooke's batch tonight and will make mine tomorrow. I love basil! Of course my favorite way to eat it is on pasta but since I'm trying to be a little more health conscience it's delicious to mix a little with halved cherry tomatoes and cubed fresh mozzarella! Light and refreshing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgWe9z61clIV0Hu_-_CXlAstUA0-ReRzk4bHFXPF6Z5BD96k3Yp8LogQeonJsLlFOPkQ-nd_IudBsV6svF9oOY6hNQPxIOl5ubxVwe1Hn0b4gFINJ3Gkb-6tE97a4hNlBNRJ2RSVXCg5o/s1600/food+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgWe9z61clIV0Hu_-_CXlAstUA0-ReRzk4bHFXPF6Z5BD96k3Yp8LogQeonJsLlFOPkQ-nd_IudBsV6svF9oOY6hNQPxIOl5ubxVwe1Hn0b4gFINJ3Gkb-6tE97a4hNlBNRJ2RSVXCg5o/s400/food+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pesto</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup walnuts</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts)</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 cloves of garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup good olive oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Note: If you don't have walnuts you can just use pignolis. Most pesto recipes only call for pignolis anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Place nuts and garlic in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process for 30 seconds. Add the basil and salt. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is finely pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Serve, or store the pesto in the refrigerator with a thin film of olive oil on top. This will keep the pesto from turning dark. This freezes well too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I grow several pots of basil during the summer and freeze small cartons of pesto to have during the winter! It's great on pasta, mixed with mayonnaise for a nice sandwich spread, or thin with a little more olive oil and use as a salad dressing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have enjoyed my day....getting to do just what I wanted to do...and not watching the clock! Happy weekend!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-80459541278297827232011-06-09T19:57:00.000-04:002011-06-09T19:57:07.482-04:00And the Winner of My Faith Giveaway is . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Patticake!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so excited that Patticake is the winner of my Faith Giveaway! She has been a faithful</div><div style="text-align: center;">follower of my blog since I first started it back in the fall. She is such a sweet person and deserves</div><div style="text-align: center;">to win this! We have emailed each other over the past several months and found out </div><div style="text-align: center;">we have so much in common...she has become not only one of my sweet followers</div><div style="text-align: center;">but also a great e-friend! CONGRATULATIONS Patti!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Look for a package in the mail soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Becky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv9NE1FwpsqU67iGCjFtAXdXLnedkLnAW5CtsFaELAXxyryPWC_u24neJOFgknwF8hFdBbmR-5dpn8rWiWC0YRM5sx-Xiu5u12fSwDjFou1eaCArm5obU5irvkrzRKVCg3DyAFz87bELj/s1600/faith+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv9NE1FwpsqU67iGCjFtAXdXLnedkLnAW5CtsFaELAXxyryPWC_u24neJOFgknwF8hFdBbmR-5dpn8rWiWC0YRM5sx-Xiu5u12fSwDjFou1eaCArm5obU5irvkrzRKVCg3DyAFz87bELj/s400/faith+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-19501976914701210042011-06-07T13:25:00.000-04:002011-06-07T13:25:24.775-04:00Happy Summer To Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilecC7puZblmp1iVJQbkhYHcUM1__jbb213IRH02DF3WnjwaJfTsCiISesELtK-jDt-2ADkQYae0jBoF88CKMoezQIQftglGBsTzGi-vMF2DEftS3Wvo1midU22V9x0wjBu7puFNVVHseB/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilecC7puZblmp1iVJQbkhYHcUM1__jbb213IRH02DF3WnjwaJfTsCiISesELtK-jDt-2ADkQYae0jBoF88CKMoezQIQftglGBsTzGi-vMF2DEftS3Wvo1midU22V9x0wjBu7puFNVVHseB/s400/bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Monday was my official first day of summer vacation! I've been waiting on this for a long time and I couldn't wait to start my day with my first official get-back-in-shape 2.5 mile trek through my neighborhood...only this summer I have an added little toy that I am so excited about! Last week I decided to buy myself a little "Happy Summer" present, something that will be fun and at the same time get me in shape! I bought this cute little Beach Cruiser from Walmart!! I think it's pretty sporty looking myself and I have had so much fun riding it. I get up quite early and after I do my 2.5 mile walk I saddle up for about a 2 mile ride through the neighborhood! I get lots of waves from neighbors and several have stopped me to find out where I got it! Maybe we'll start a bike club! I do have a few more accessories to add...like a cute little Nantucket basket for the front...hopefully Miss Sophie Annabella will go for a ride with me, and I'd also like to change the seat...it's not real comfortable right now and that's probably attributed to the size of my derriere, but hopefully after a couple weeks that problem will be taken care of too! I can't wait to take it to Charleston next week so Brooke and I can have some fun riding on the beach....I have never done that before! Enjoy your summer days in the sun! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-74587635690380090252011-06-02T18:13:00.000-04:002011-06-02T18:13:51.200-04:00Help! Problems with Blogger?I need your help. I've been informed that many people have not been able to comment on my latest post to enter my giveaway. If you've experienced this problem please email me at <a href="mailto:sweetteaandpearlsblog@gmail.com">sweetteaandpearlsblog@gmail.com</a> and tell me what your problem has been...i.e. no comment box, missing "Comment" button, etc. I am trying to get this straight with Blogger. Apparently several people have had this problem and Blogger was suppose to have fixed it. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks!<br />
<br />
~BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-37011915538680313252011-05-31T19:37:00.003-04:002011-06-01T22:58:03.882-04:00All About Faith & A June Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkKYh_TW8CREQKQjfZBsAjnogy75H1-5iQG4SjbgUNjnQm4EqAHxkCEwc-3aWEqbz9WQfLHb8480NP8pulv1eQntdyh3WVCCmkzpX03AiZLXgN5ODjPCrhxUXhHmK5rhDhJW5xQs-pA3f/s1600/faith+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkKYh_TW8CREQKQjfZBsAjnogy75H1-5iQG4SjbgUNjnQm4EqAHxkCEwc-3aWEqbz9WQfLHb8480NP8pulv1eQntdyh3WVCCmkzpX03AiZLXgN5ODjPCrhxUXhHmK5rhDhJW5xQs-pA3f/s400/faith+002.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center">I will have to say that without a doubt <em>Faith </em>is the strongest force in my life.</div><div align="center">My belief that my Heavenly Father knows my wants, but pays more attention to my needs and fills my</div><div align="center">life with purpose, is the greatest gift that I have ever received.</div><div align="center">I don't think I fully understood this until I became a parent myself. </div><div align="center">It was then that I could "take a walk in His shoes" and truly understand parental reasoning.</div><div align="center">When I began raising my daughter my first inclination was to give her everything, </div><div align="center">or I wished I could give her everything, </div><div align="center">to plan, map out and chart the course for her life and take care of all problems that would arise. </div><div align="center">But, </div><div align="center">the parental heart in me knew that giving her everything would not build the character of a strong, independent woman,</div><div align="center">charting the course for her life would not build in her the courage to take a leap of faith on her own,</div><div align="center">or</div><div align="center">taking care of problems along the way would not build the confidence she would need in times <br />
when mama wasn't there.</div><div align="center">I would not say yes to all her whims and wants, and from time to time I stood back and<br />
let her take the reins in the decisions of everyday life knowing there would be a lesson<br />
she would learn. It's not easy being a parent because your heart wants to always say yes,<br />
but with the parental wisdom given by God, I would say no...knowing all along it was best for her.<br />
<br />
After understanding these things I realized that my all-knowing Heavenly Father knew what was best for me and sometimes when I didn't think He was there, didn't think He was listening, He was on the sidelines, cheering me on....sometimes allowing me to stumble as I learned..... as I learned to lean on Him to guide my footsteps, because He knows best.</div><div align="center">That's when I started relying on my Faith in Him to guide my way.</div><div align="center">My prayers always begin with "God you know my heart, and you know my needs...." </div><div align="center">And they end with</div><div align="center">"Thank you for all my blessings and all I ask is that You provide me with what I need."</div><div align="center">He has sustained me through many trials along the way, has provided for me when I felt there was</div><div align="center">no end in sight. He has blessed me with "gifts" that some people call talents, I prefer to call</div><div align="center">them gifts from heaven because they have allowed me to earn extra money</div><div align="center">when I needed it most..... and when my ideas run dry...He gives me a brainstorm. He always provides.</div><div align="center">I give Him all the credit for He knows my needs, and will help me along the way, as long as</div><div align="center">my Faith is strong, and I trust in His love for me.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><strong>"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">When I first saw the faith plaque I immediately wanted it for my porch. But then I said no, I'll buy it for my mother as part of her Mother's Day gift. Then after I got home I started thinking about it and decided I wanted to give one to my friend Sara who so often shares her faith stories with me. </div><div align="center">When I bought Sara's there were 2 left so, of course I decided to grab one for myself, </div><div align="center">no sense in giving them all as gifts! </div><div align="center">Then I felt guilty....I wanted one of my sweet blogger friends to have one too so I went back to get</div><div align="center">the last one but it was gone. I was sad, but asked Sara to be on the look out for one on her</div><div align="center">side of town. No where were they to be found.</div><div align="center">Well, yesterday I quickly ran to the store to grab a few things and thought well, maybe I'll check just</div><div align="center">to see if they got some more. I went up and down the aisles 3 times and was about to leave when</div><div align="center">all of a sudden I saw it....all by itself on the clearance shelf!!! I had to look twice to make</div><div align="center">sure it said Faith! I was so excited I immediately said, "Thank you Lord!"</div><div align="center">So now I can share it with one of you!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">This is my giveaway.... the pretty Faith table ornament you see pictured above. I call it a table ornament</div><div align="center">because I really don't know what you call the "words" that you use in decorating! <br />
Anyway here is how to enter:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">1. Become a Follower of my blog and post a comment. You can share about your faith if you like, if not, that is fine! (1 entry)</div><div align="center">or</div><div align="center">2. If you are already a Follower, post this giveaway on your sidebar or blog about it and leave a comment telling me (1 entry)</div><div align="center">or</div><div align="center">3. Recommend my blog to your friends and have them mention you in their comment (1 entry)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Three ways to enter! The last day for entries is Wednesday, June 8. <br />
I will notify the winner and post it on Thursday, June 9.<br />
<br />
Thanks for listening to me ramble! <br />
~Becky</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-51045502355306416872011-05-23T15:59:00.002-04:002011-05-23T20:07:05.718-04:00Tonight Is The Bachelorette and I've Found Heaven on a Stick!<div style="text-align: justify;">Although I'm not a reality show junkie I do enjoy watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. These two shows are the only shows I never miss, and of course we can't leave out The Bachelor Pad, which is my all time favorite. I think I like The Bachelor Pad best because it's the most realistic reality show of the three. What you see is what you get, nothing planned or staged, but I'm sure there's quite a bit of editing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9Mucxpp6sqZcJm1mhx_3cQVi0gNOXP60NUwdmhu2EvBxa8UwFGne0f1QJuTi1wb5Jm1pCrTa6JjTgDlbJNiSC7f_5KRCymbnLfg2_g9H1aW-sJqd7iYlaoMj-bcuWO-Pqd_sSh9Xqrl5/s1600/bachelorette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9Mucxpp6sqZcJm1mhx_3cQVi0gNOXP60NUwdmhu2EvBxa8UwFGne0f1QJuTi1wb5Jm1pCrTa6JjTgDlbJNiSC7f_5KRCymbnLfg2_g9H1aW-sJqd7iYlaoMj-bcuWO-Pqd_sSh9Xqrl5/s400/bachelorette.jpg" width="380px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who will our Bachelorette, Ashley Hebert, choose? We'll have to see! My husband laughs at me and says, "Whoever would go on national t.v. and get dumped in front of millions of people, cry and make a fool of themselves, deserves whatever they get." Well, that may be true but....it's entertainment! I may not believe in all that is said or done, and I certainly don't believe you can fall in love in 8 weeks on a few short dates and be ready to get married...but I do believe it can be the start to a long and meaningful relationship...look at Ryan and Trista (Are ya'll getting tired of seeing them interviewed on every season?....I guess ABC is just so excited that it "worked" they keep showing them off!) Charlie and Sara (I think they're still together), and of course Ali and Roberto. Word has it from a very reliable source (personal friend with niece who lives in Charlotte) that Emily and Brad are still together in their long distance romance. Emily still lives in Charlotte (and Brad in Texas) and has been seen in church with Brad and little Rickie and.....sources tell me her house has been up for sale. Same source tells me little Rickie had a dance recital on Saturday, in Charlotte, and they were all together! So, we will see. It's nice to know they are going to church together...to me that is a very good start! Can't wait for tonight!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULmZnw6oHwvXf7mG5RKvwD_tU_rVr3_HQWgpu7yYqcAQPRIU9OlsMUUha5qV7bNXwaSPn20tzc_1HANDJIjLLUa2Q5PiwxinE9EGlaTpio5-Wc5d-B2hc9AzUmFvO0QZrC7p-sOConNLw/s1600/magnum-ice-cream-bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 150px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 241px;"><img border="0" height="151px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULmZnw6oHwvXf7mG5RKvwD_tU_rVr3_HQWgpu7yYqcAQPRIU9OlsMUUha5qV7bNXwaSPn20tzc_1HANDJIjLLUa2Q5PiwxinE9EGlaTpio5-Wc5d-B2hc9AzUmFvO0QZrC7p-sOConNLw/s200/magnum-ice-cream-bar.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now...about that heaven on a stick!!! I am not a big ice cream fan. I enjoy it occasionally, and only certain kinds...like Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey or Pistaccio, Pistaccio or even Cherry Garcia. I also am not one of those who, once I find a great flavor, will eat it every single night (like my husband!) I will savor the flavor only once a week......<em>while I'm watching The Bachelor</em>! That is my weekly indulgence, splurge, treat, whatever you want to call it! Last season my flavor was Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey....I would eat half the container one week and save the other half for the next week. This season...I'm so excited because I have found a new love! <a href="http://www.magnumicecream.com/">Magnum Ice Cream Bars</a>! OMG ya'll, these are soooo delicious I just can't wait for tonight! I have only tried one flavor and that is the Double Caramel. Now let me tell you what this treat is all about...the vanilla ice cream is so smooth and creamy and it's covered with a thin layer of chocolate...which is covered by a nice layer of caramel which is covered by a thick layer of chocolate....Belgium chocolate to be exact! Not the waxy, stick to your teeth chocolate that you usually find on ice cream bars...this stuff is good! There are 6 different flavors. I've bought all mine at Food Lion or Publix but they carry them at Walmart and Target too as well as other grocery stores and here is a link to a $1.00 off coupon from <a href="http://coupons.target.com/mcp/pd.cfm?encp=UjctV8MFrDqbIwTYWFM3xDKQAQSRsvDreNG77nV69J0xQzyxd%2F25CxdLeVs739InD0%2BJdxKbtyP0%0D%0A4qIpRW%2BUtRdNfIinqjNs7dxFHPq9I4c6y7pKmlKW66hX2tUxQ4SaZTgTm6P%2FbslH%2FR2kOHLNlOrf%0D%0AXW8mn3SkMdRvAeD4MdLfdyVDbXzlSQ%3D%3D">Target</a>...I just printed mine. Now hurry because the coupon expires May 31 and you know you're gonna want one while you watch The Bachelor tonight!!! Now ya'll run on out to your local grocer or Target and grab a box...you'll be so glad you did! Now don't forget...9:00... I'll be on my couch...with Magnum ice cream bar in hand! Toodles! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-10068985991235501142011-05-09T19:07:00.001-04:002011-05-09T19:07:58.844-04:00Creating Cardstock From Your Favorite Prints!In this tutorial you're not exactly going to make your own cardstock...I'm going to show you how to use your favorite patterned wallpaper, wrapping paper, or scrapbooking paper to create your own customized cardstock for crafting in any color you need!!<br />
<br />
I use <em>Microsoft Publisher</em> to do this but you can use any desktop publishing program that will allow you to change the color of the graphic.<br />
<br />
Choose the paper you would like to "recolor" and print as cardstock and cut it into a sheet measuring 8.5" x 11". I happen to love toile and polka dots so that is what I will be using. I lucked out on the beautiful navy toile wrapping paper when I was shopping at Marshall's several years ago! I just seem to find everything I need there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7ugF-bFXEKMhCboXQ5Ds6SQpdZ_WG6DVdyeaSupUpBrdTjdepWCyVkzKA69h3AX6iO0vZEOWKoadmlPnX5FCW94WbOMkxmIRiQMiw9LMBeqTKA4LszRGd-1I-Li9UyTRfV28Fu7RoO6X/s1600/paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7ugF-bFXEKMhCboXQ5Ds6SQpdZ_WG6DVdyeaSupUpBrdTjdepWCyVkzKA69h3AX6iO0vZEOWKoadmlPnX5FCW94WbOMkxmIRiQMiw9LMBeqTKA4LszRGd-1I-Li9UyTRfV28Fu7RoO6X/s400/paper.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
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Scan your 8.5" x 11" piece of paper and save it as a graphic file on your computer.<br />
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Using MS Publisher create a new blank document (Full Page) then Insert -> Picture -> From File<br />
Navigate to where you have the graphic saved, click on the file, then click Insert<br />
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Your graphic is now in the document.<br />
Right click on the picture and choose Format Picture<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4egaghtQ3Juk_ozMwQEEsxN5jeC_Ps6KMCpk2CpRShnvX8nY2HhvdT2FKXHitci6GQ1Nhh2BYBJQFh3wfeMBEkEa2c4RPC30Dwao4XGmn81ZsMm0Dmr5wfxPv6PcyBzL-EvNMI8iokxd/s1600/background1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4egaghtQ3Juk_ozMwQEEsxN5jeC_Ps6KMCpk2CpRShnvX8nY2HhvdT2FKXHitci6GQ1Nhh2BYBJQFh3wfeMBEkEa2c4RPC30Dwao4XGmn81ZsMm0Dmr5wfxPv6PcyBzL-EvNMI8iokxd/s400/background1.bmp" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Click on the Recolor button</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Click on the More Colors line</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6h6nato_zQi2mMuy2Zem1LnBifBmu3PrNCoJjTOVKqr5tlVN2boqlmdicJnaB6xDUFfUlz4zWQx7kGP6q9nYRY7NPlL5_5Cz_z2YwwxQNxLl_K6xG8POKzk1zFNTGJQAEgZPBLdhpsDq/s1600/background2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6h6nato_zQi2mMuy2Zem1LnBifBmu3PrNCoJjTOVKqr5tlVN2boqlmdicJnaB6xDUFfUlz4zWQx7kGP6q9nYRY7NPlL5_5Cz_z2YwwxQNxLl_K6xG8POKzk1zFNTGJQAEgZPBLdhpsDq/s400/background2.bmp" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Click on the color you would like to change it to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0WDqEmqdwvkhuULb1kkfwS2Fjnfb5Pk7phH7kJs0P3-SVohD7LWkRDRPXcpMkCtNolVa2emm5YX9Y2pjKMh_hMBOvLk7aISHGB89kfOiNCJOq-N5l4V_ZcCPUMklXY8cECvSzrqXx6fx/s1600/background4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0WDqEmqdwvkhuULb1kkfwS2Fjnfb5Pk7phH7kJs0P3-SVohD7LWkRDRPXcpMkCtNolVa2emm5YX9Y2pjKMh_hMBOvLk7aISHGB89kfOiNCJOq-N5l4V_ZcCPUMklXY8cECvSzrqXx6fx/s400/background4.bmp" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Click OK on the next 3 screens. And, there you have it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxKR3OS1DuAfqyjwEyHIaOZkPTo9N23L9bHejyTVpRiDZF200boMndK_HM1hk9VxnCVgOdOumpNR-N-7SJ-Obg5RU63JP1HfkXdRGyiG1CebnvrC3Em0jRzfPeO6ksKqaEI2OpjgaNn4s/s1600/background3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxKR3OS1DuAfqyjwEyHIaOZkPTo9N23L9bHejyTVpRiDZF200boMndK_HM1hk9VxnCVgOdOumpNR-N-7SJ-Obg5RU63JP1HfkXdRGyiG1CebnvrC3Em0jRzfPeO6ksKqaEI2OpjgaNn4s/s400/background3.bmp" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Print this out on white card stock and this is what you get! I did the same process with the polkadot wrapping paper I had. I just changed the color to orange. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMEi-jD_AevCJpJzrjxAe35YuJMikEUGi8ULZuCcvDNwm69CmGpyCc6EggKDmRNx2qPaGV1gyUl2RA6XSqN8iIZKNcz9q-QmTaHZFUntpFOP6txf1f8YbdGgC_QW87LWeECi4EuPFHJxu/s1600/April+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMEi-jD_AevCJpJzrjxAe35YuJMikEUGi8ULZuCcvDNwm69CmGpyCc6EggKDmRNx2qPaGV1gyUl2RA6XSqN8iIZKNcz9q-QmTaHZFUntpFOP6txf1f8YbdGgC_QW87LWeECi4EuPFHJxu/s400/April+016.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisREcDAaAtm-bR0K-xjO_mMz6IthwkXGLflb5B0sqc8yqfcTRPCEltgleDI2ICOScRXREonLR80rC5bD14X9T_caKcOU4t8yEHNv_AJoebH43lom_odhEK-jI1YfzqJs3lBqjg921OGugc/s1600/April+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisREcDAaAtm-bR0K-xjO_mMz6IthwkXGLflb5B0sqc8yqfcTRPCEltgleDI2ICOScRXREonLR80rC5bD14X9T_caKcOU4t8yEHNv_AJoebH43lom_odhEK-jI1YfzqJs3lBqjg921OGugc/s400/April+017.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It works best when what you originally scan is a dark color such as navy or black. Now you can use this cardstock to make some pretty bag collars for all those gift bags you need to decorate! This is exactly what I did on the aqua gift bag in my previous post! Try it out! It's easy and fun. If you have any questions, you know you can always email me!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> ~ Becky</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-83617764302989446382011-05-05T14:58:00.002-04:002011-05-05T22:21:58.316-04:00Decorating Gift Bags for Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoWA3L5FTl8PHDZwfo65fAHF0ymY0Xkf-121UeZJAzHPvaVFn09fJLLJrQYp-mFRlBHqbsoZ1_YeQDEtrTdHZ4l1eQQpy3xPsdlrhyphenhyphen-z3xARImogEcNDtq0ptRnJnJDC6lc55rzoNjXL/s1600/giftbag+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoWA3L5FTl8PHDZwfo65fAHF0ymY0Xkf-121UeZJAzHPvaVFn09fJLLJrQYp-mFRlBHqbsoZ1_YeQDEtrTdHZ4l1eQQpy3xPsdlrhyphenhyphen-z3xARImogEcNDtq0ptRnJnJDC6lc55rzoNjXL/s320/giftbag+023.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ya'll know I've said it before,<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em> I love wrapping presents and making gifts looks special! </em>Gift bags have just about replaced wrapping presents in a box these days so I've decided if I can't decorate a box, I'll decorate a bag! I want my presents to say, "Open me first!". Here are the instructions on how I dress up gift bags with "Bag Collars"! I usually buy several different colors and sizes of bags to have on hand in my wrapping closet. That way I can personalize the collar for the recipient of the gift instead of just giving a plain old bag! I will go ahead and admit this....after taking pictures while I was making a collar I realized I ended up with tons of pictures and a list of 23 steps to create these easy little bag collars. It sounds daunting with all the pictures and steps but it is so easy and I'm sure can easily be shown in 5 steps but I tend to give instructions in more detail than I actually need to. You are basically cutting a piece of cardstock long enough for a graphic and a fold at the top to tuck over the top edge of the bag...but...here is how I can make something so simple....so long!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pick a bag and print a graphic in the middle of a piece of cardstock. If you don't have a graphic, you can use a rubber stamp, cut out an old card you have received, use solid paper or to make it really special, glue a photo of the person who is to receive the gift!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrjXbObmdjNHAioN8gThDEtbyeTLSgChnrzquDLB6GQkGGlu5kxiLzi3rrDQ_kegJixxsAjd-9M3U5lWMv9esGSqrEiJd7wP7e8wHWM-76mdSTKmgnvfP2GO-UYMUN_j2jjC00HYsCSj/s1600/giftbag+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrjXbObmdjNHAioN8gThDEtbyeTLSgChnrzquDLB6GQkGGlu5kxiLzi3rrDQ_kegJixxsAjd-9M3U5lWMv9esGSqrEiJd7wP7e8wHWM-76mdSTKmgnvfP2GO-UYMUN_j2jjC00HYsCSj/s400/giftbag+001.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Place the sheet with your graphic over the bag and trim the sides so the collar is narrower than the bag. I'm going to add a border so I trimmed 3/4 off each side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoZDqA3zquZt13V6GhSCbMlyY5pPzhmjT0_juNX8lUMqTo8ZDyZFqq1ggXoYNna-MqxW8ifTm7qkXrigappVFjiNvWk38XIa9JOwLd5xR7tq63TV3Rwq34tnKLrcPrwSE6m0Ie9-qjadZ/s1600/giftbag+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoZDqA3zquZt13V6GhSCbMlyY5pPzhmjT0_juNX8lUMqTo8ZDyZFqq1ggXoYNna-MqxW8ifTm7qkXrigappVFjiNvWk38XIa9JOwLd5xR7tq63TV3Rwq34tnKLrcPrwSE6m0Ie9-qjadZ/s400/giftbag+002.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Center your graphic sheet over the bag to determine placement of the graphic itself. Mark with a pencil on each side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3EKFBnkm4jwTPfSJIPdu5HYHMbVqxPjGhKN51aaGFpU6KYUiLk5rOZD56GEWrkn007LtC3iLg532PcFMYwq7DTBjezZBElp5hf5HoI_SS0aOrXW-_y_SG-45Pk9IkZZJo2boM8PybjSa/s1600/giftbag+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3EKFBnkm4jwTPfSJIPdu5HYHMbVqxPjGhKN51aaGFpU6KYUiLk5rOZD56GEWrkn007LtC3iLg532PcFMYwq7DTBjezZBElp5hf5HoI_SS0aOrXW-_y_SG-45Pk9IkZZJo2boM8PybjSa/s400/giftbag+003.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Measure 1/2" above this mark and draw a line. Cut along this line.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5K29nOQZjyNVI2TLMNAYSRglmZVCYxY3Qut1i__7Uz1ctCjVAX047nEHHGFe7See__4rzyzMCXa8PMYP2mh5MgDLkVn-Tt9vToHbixedQsY-1ddLOVXT-8BNgAjh5ClrgTMfY4x19DZb/s1600/giftbag+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5K29nOQZjyNVI2TLMNAYSRglmZVCYxY3Qut1i__7Uz1ctCjVAX047nEHHGFe7See__4rzyzMCXa8PMYP2mh5MgDLkVn-Tt9vToHbixedQsY-1ddLOVXT-8BNgAjh5ClrgTMfY4x19DZb/s400/giftbag+004.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Using a bone folder and straight edge place your straight edge along your first pencil marks and run the bone folder along the straight edge to form a crease. This helps so much when folding paper but if you don't have a bone folder you can use the back edge of a butter knife.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzMWMa-xBtrFCkQ1blBYVp9tKY3RChNE9dXKZ08tZWVtlpAzaHWjuoJ4uMIHQLUlHymf_FjTdlq0BgR04X4YvLqwB3yrVcJkxA04hWFBfN0rwfxcapZq7FGoxwN7IG_DRqmmX6v6kcB25/s1600/giftbag+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzMWMa-xBtrFCkQ1blBYVp9tKY3RChNE9dXKZ08tZWVtlpAzaHWjuoJ4uMIHQLUlHymf_FjTdlq0BgR04X4YvLqwB3yrVcJkxA04hWFBfN0rwfxcapZq7FGoxwN7IG_DRqmmX6v6kcB25/s400/giftbag+005.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Fold on crease<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAJ39Wy6Rg0nJR00kw6Jzkg56dzSwqyXOs344ZRQ4FMSHEMiEz7vT0gkWYi1DzWOJSn5EC4Rfbbp77jI23JI2FA7eYnmVOHzx_7Er7PLdeFJsL5FPQAV1rHCkbP7baVH4RRhxu364Rut8/s1600/giftbag+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAJ39Wy6Rg0nJR00kw6Jzkg56dzSwqyXOs344ZRQ4FMSHEMiEz7vT0gkWYi1DzWOJSn5EC4Rfbbp77jI23JI2FA7eYnmVOHzx_7Er7PLdeFJsL5FPQAV1rHCkbP7baVH4RRhxu364Rut8/s400/giftbag+006.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Place and center the folded edge along top of bag and on the fold, make a pencil mark at the handles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4qJWbqMywrJ_kAPmdBo-E6I3-0AtNGHBJ03JAIin5GzKHYRcDEmUZXqG9R_qCPxOd7FF8vJzl-2AjTexskxJ2uyr-aiGNhyphenhyphenWvYPNpT6NNq599oZFtr5hKyt641KZBX_Naj6-F4BqQNjv/s1600/giftbag+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4qJWbqMywrJ_kAPmdBo-E6I3-0AtNGHBJ03JAIin5GzKHYRcDEmUZXqG9R_qCPxOd7FF8vJzl-2AjTexskxJ2uyr-aiGNhyphenhyphenWvYPNpT6NNq599oZFtr5hKyt641KZBX_Naj6-F4BqQNjv/s400/giftbag+007.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Cut notches 1/2" wide up to the fold. Your collar will be placed so it folds over the top edge of bag.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFQ9BkZel8ZWVu2rpd_zPmeJ98yN3PDHQJr6YA0yaSn7M-YUEMjm_NNYeBmAsjsrP9ZD4OF8DTSprk8mL8TAtX4FPF7Pp2VUCCGYZAT1b__nIALASlx7S72a9seKWP_OFFlv_tCKIAhlt/s1600/giftbag+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFQ9BkZel8ZWVu2rpd_zPmeJ98yN3PDHQJr6YA0yaSn7M-YUEMjm_NNYeBmAsjsrP9ZD4OF8DTSprk8mL8TAtX4FPF7Pp2VUCCGYZAT1b__nIALASlx7S72a9seKWP_OFFlv_tCKIAhlt/s400/giftbag+008.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo8pLXqn2qJa-l5zwftjRLU-FKiZ8ZQa2K_Kk3oK_PwXCN9eQx231zzpiQm-R4HVQASaFd4NCyZBfRunxY0vIOTyH-j3jr7e1LvnxQCgTZxnHBmcogNeFQGrCasFiE3J0so7f3EeDBBW3/s1600/giftbag+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo8pLXqn2qJa-l5zwftjRLU-FKiZ8ZQa2K_Kk3oK_PwXCN9eQx231zzpiQm-R4HVQASaFd4NCyZBfRunxY0vIOTyH-j3jr7e1LvnxQCgTZxnHBmcogNeFQGrCasFiE3J0so7f3EeDBBW3/s400/giftbag+009.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Decide how long you want your collar to extend down and mark the center with a dot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFwjDyQxywlNeHHVubmzQsiuROqbX4N-c2NLM2zMXphl60SzDoFKgQg4cafBrItW3F6GJS2N1xgr91q9a2wG11ds6KE_mxg2RoCbwNPO_RiNIQ2zlW1A3RAcsb5NFeSkMp9r5qraSCJbG/s1600/giftbag+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFwjDyQxywlNeHHVubmzQsiuROqbX4N-c2NLM2zMXphl60SzDoFKgQg4cafBrItW3F6GJS2N1xgr91q9a2wG11ds6KE_mxg2RoCbwNPO_RiNIQ2zlW1A3RAcsb5NFeSkMp9r5qraSCJbG/s400/giftbag+010.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Now, decide the angle of your collar and mark this point on left side of collar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnNokK6L1UOeSar4zAhQA45tJ-j5BMnoToaRYChcpcqWV9d9tDalddjtZltrXovj2OaCsh88DbtJD2mf2pcIIOxJGz1Rno8z3Vc1OYUde9RK_f-ALvGaH1YvFc_LV59UqWRgaErBFsGIB/s1600/giftbag+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnNokK6L1UOeSar4zAhQA45tJ-j5BMnoToaRYChcpcqWV9d9tDalddjtZltrXovj2OaCsh88DbtJD2mf2pcIIOxJGz1Rno8z3Vc1OYUde9RK_f-ALvGaH1YvFc_LV59UqWRgaErBFsGIB/s400/giftbag+011.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>On the left side measure from the fold down to this mark. You will need this measurement for the right side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jUJpetUDHkmKFKKNcBIq9npwxB0GJac0NmY0_5IDvTJeAqpI014NyebvqBk9PKsuJ1hJw4Llo2s4KAMYtXRKefYtExvdpBp1x2BAtrmjJRzz8EVoMxgLTup1ffBlg3zXmIYZ1_3yU4aq/s1600/giftbag+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jUJpetUDHkmKFKKNcBIq9npwxB0GJac0NmY0_5IDvTJeAqpI014NyebvqBk9PKsuJ1hJw4Llo2s4KAMYtXRKefYtExvdpBp1x2BAtrmjJRzz8EVoMxgLTup1ffBlg3zXmIYZ1_3yU4aq/s400/giftbag+012.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Now, using the measurement from the last step, measure this length on the right side of the collar from the fold down and mark.<br />
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Draw a line from the center mark of collar to each side mark. This will form your point. Cut along these lines.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU1KxlZTr7kM5XSWnvLgkXd9uG4SeD3Y9xaInF7fHSSYlPbyEPvu4uE-nG7yUVXonb27mbqIY1B-ALe9hrR2u0g2RHGbaAs6GaPLdBmeWVJqFvVRNuV-vQJBzTFoWlNhiFcpL5ifyvo2f/s1600/giftbag+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU1KxlZTr7kM5XSWnvLgkXd9uG4SeD3Y9xaInF7fHSSYlPbyEPvu4uE-nG7yUVXonb27mbqIY1B-ALe9hrR2u0g2RHGbaAs6GaPLdBmeWVJqFvVRNuV-vQJBzTFoWlNhiFcpL5ifyvo2f/s400/giftbag+013.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91LiIF_UvP-56JqVd0MfnAOxVHMrEqEELTfSssfJXCdPrb5Q71oIUqRLfON7h7Y64yzJfSlFmn-a2eebY31sQLP6gs4MfD-pBZQYS_VPaYZxcHVKICUSRc-vN6krMsu3jKkpQvjSlzZwa/s1600/giftbag+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91LiIF_UvP-56JqVd0MfnAOxVHMrEqEELTfSssfJXCdPrb5Q71oIUqRLfON7h7Y64yzJfSlFmn-a2eebY31sQLP6gs4MfD-pBZQYS_VPaYZxcHVKICUSRc-vN6krMsu3jKkpQvjSlzZwa/s400/giftbag+014.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Your collar will be placed in the center with fold over the top.<br />
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Now, using your border paper, mark width of bag.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskW_B5gXUpDSy665YmV1uBe4hP5C2Qzboj4ohVTz1bkcnfjw6dSrCi_6NbI57Q54jeHqWo129UVuQe9Lf2y6ZC0Klycz7vQ8VpH7_pYVz1pIqER5sMbT8bNAelyT3Y9op5kkuHvEN-XD_/s1600/giftbag+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskW_B5gXUpDSy665YmV1uBe4hP5C2Qzboj4ohVTz1bkcnfjw6dSrCi_6NbI57Q54jeHqWo129UVuQe9Lf2y6ZC0Klycz7vQ8VpH7_pYVz1pIqER5sMbT8bNAelyT3Y9op5kkuHvEN-XD_/s320/giftbag+018.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Using double-sided tape, run tape along all edges of back of collar and center the collar on your border paper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHSEebBYhlHvuND1u8_NXQyhIZj8ESe_meu2KnAmjHcNdDl2Lc_H47tU5vJYYxDP8lgs6OMDx9LIdN-ecK8klG0SP8PTZNYkAF0vjJJHArKMCFzQqJk3FwR3d8TzQCX-XKTojAPcsiye5/s1600/giftbag+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHSEebBYhlHvuND1u8_NXQyhIZj8ESe_meu2KnAmjHcNdDl2Lc_H47tU5vJYYxDP8lgs6OMDx9LIdN-ecK8klG0SP8PTZNYkAF0vjJJHArKMCFzQqJk3FwR3d8TzQCX-XKTojAPcsiye5/s400/giftbag+019.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Since my collar will have a 3/4" border, measure 3/4" from collar on all edges and draw a line using a straight edge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgVZnajc0dJKb3VP_5wkDqNoxSjv_DZbr3vTvDGrdz21rARUj-Car0B78or_wAYo0YFU_ybTm1sRwaLc6F-InTbHhAOd8Xx-abXfFJub6ubuVCjlmmrYZl0UMdNVBu6LVSjRaNXf6Qxq/s1600/giftbag+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgVZnajc0dJKb3VP_5wkDqNoxSjv_DZbr3vTvDGrdz21rARUj-Car0B78or_wAYo0YFU_ybTm1sRwaLc6F-InTbHhAOd8Xx-abXfFJub6ubuVCjlmmrYZl0UMdNVBu6LVSjRaNXf6Qxq/s400/giftbag+020.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Cut along lines and cut out notches at top. Fold along upper crease line.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy88VwsKrwTHv9p6-BfbfYot_IbMiH9sDwdsO9qde0TZS2kQjYaYEHhHGMEjpSubjJauXw87t6JJw3cw6OrR6tv4VJTEpkdOE15SOl2yfx5wG_qAPwVKRg8tryNXBtbBhzB86pkfvH5owX/s1600/giftbag+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy88VwsKrwTHv9p6-BfbfYot_IbMiH9sDwdsO9qde0TZS2kQjYaYEHhHGMEjpSubjJauXw87t6JJw3cw6OrR6tv4VJTEpkdOE15SOl2yfx5wG_qAPwVKRg8tryNXBtbBhzB86pkfvH5owX/s400/giftbag+022.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Position collar over the top of the bag and tape the flap down on the side of the bag. Place a small piece of double-sided tape at the bottom point of the collar to hold it in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoWA3L5FTl8PHDZwfo65fAHF0ymY0Xkf-121UeZJAzHPvaVFn09fJLLJrQYp-mFRlBHqbsoZ1_YeQDEtrTdHZ4l1eQQpy3xPsdlrhyphenhyphen-z3xARImogEcNDtq0ptRnJnJDC6lc55rzoNjXL/s1600/giftbag+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoWA3L5FTl8PHDZwfo65fAHF0ymY0Xkf-121UeZJAzHPvaVFn09fJLLJrQYp-mFRlBHqbsoZ1_YeQDEtrTdHZ4l1eQQpy3xPsdlrhyphenhyphen-z3xARImogEcNDtq0ptRnJnJDC6lc55rzoNjXL/s400/giftbag+023.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0isnX-VXvtM3yY43102xuBUHmcf0ve0avAA7hyphenhyphen40qt_AyUZ1rXJ4rWWfFXRalO2KmVJeCkBpOCZ3WHVafE2nHwmhEqtNcHEUp4J5UqEpPKu_XiyTjYMlaBtFwosAYP5SJ4ZhaJ6Vi-LY9/s1600/giftbag+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0isnX-VXvtM3yY43102xuBUHmcf0ve0avAA7hyphenhyphen40qt_AyUZ1rXJ4rWWfFXRalO2KmVJeCkBpOCZ3WHVafE2nHwmhEqtNcHEUp4J5UqEpPKu_XiyTjYMlaBtFwosAYP5SJ4ZhaJ6Vi-LY9/s400/giftbag+015.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The left gift bag has a graphic I found online. I used a rubber stamp on the pineapple bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJZkBAOz5Wqf8uFF8RcGrxmkihQwZpKttnBmlMPLWAqJdWdLKFmxe5a2y4OLQMlFNz1w8YZX1BsCsN_15gdMOkAzp1D8kcQVkt1ntLCrMVLcpJCZPY3IcrFHnnvIKsl7j0S3ETqNb5JHK/s1600/giftbag+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJZkBAOz5Wqf8uFF8RcGrxmkihQwZpKttnBmlMPLWAqJdWdLKFmxe5a2y4OLQMlFNz1w8YZX1BsCsN_15gdMOkAzp1D8kcQVkt1ntLCrMVLcpJCZPY3IcrFHnnvIKsl7j0S3ETqNb5JHK/s400/giftbag+017.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div align="center">On this bag I scanned some beautiful toile wrapping paper I had but it was in navy and white. I needed sea foam! Once I inserted the scanned graphic into my document I changed the color of the graphic to the color I needed and printed. I will be sharing this step by step "how-to" in a future post!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can use just about anything to make a collar, I've used newsprint, old sheet music, Sunday comics, wrapping paper, doilies, and scrapbooking paper. Your ideas are a big as your imagination! I hope you enjoy this project and have fun decorating your Mother's Day packages as well as all those graduation gifts you will be buying this month and wedding gifts next month! Until later...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-59901883617878924492011-04-28T21:56:00.002-04:002011-04-28T22:16:30.944-04:00I've Been MIA and Here's What I've Been Up To!<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been missing in action from my blog this past month and ACTION is the operative word here! I have been so busy this month but have missed my blog and faithful followers! It's amazing how fast the hours in a day fly...the next thing you know a week has passed, then the next thing you know....a month has passed! It's just that time of year for me...a lot like the weeks before Christmas. The end of school is always busy with year end activities and with spring creeping in a little faster this year, yard work, planting flowers, and other spring projects have to be worked in with everything else. So....with that being said I thought I would share with you what I've been up to during the month of April!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">April started out with a celebration at my house! On April 5th my precious little Sophie Annabella had a birthday and of course that calls for a party! We celebrated Miss Sophie's 2nd birthday in style. She is such a blessing and so much company for me. The perfect little companion while everyone is away. Of course we had to have cupcakes and as you can see here, she really enjoyed it! Doesn't she look precious in her pearls. She is the perfect little southern belle, although her manners while eating her cupcake left a little to be desired!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsryyh3rlFqGgiF_tWw6cujU_HCWUI4NlgPRsyAePimfl_FFAnFI1STuT1jHEofjh6hQqGK8Um36NoIo_3OIXNtdjfbQospHQTtBbi-EVbnjC5pDduHlLWUp1cG-EbhA0VdH6cpuT0kqX/s1600/April+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsryyh3rlFqGgiF_tWw6cujU_HCWUI4NlgPRsyAePimfl_FFAnFI1STuT1jHEofjh6hQqGK8Um36NoIo_3OIXNtdjfbQospHQTtBbi-EVbnjC5pDduHlLWUp1cG-EbhA0VdH6cpuT0kqX/s400/April+001.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtaz_eWn6jjLlnAIs9PSRJOToaF-GKSRQOopOHqnvvc9lzshXgXJqL3lnZKgIt6KZvGWUTr061sENlXuNxTonB5GDg62uyWA_0IdAKS8pRXs4_TnSzUA3X3p3X8MFr4akjgFkXf7jb_WM/s1600/April+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtaz_eWn6jjLlnAIs9PSRJOToaF-GKSRQOopOHqnvvc9lzshXgXJqL3lnZKgIt6KZvGWUTr061sENlXuNxTonB5GDg62uyWA_0IdAKS8pRXs4_TnSzUA3X3p3X8MFr4akjgFkXf7jb_WM/s400/April+002.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhd2BvgI_iHvh4uu_rT8Is4FO7ewqM0yNCWZpu-2iK5ez0xpwN4n891MJ9onZYNF-sy0iMvOoIbneM6VRCugGAzTf4GuzRJ2B7prmc7tzpAUPQ792j3r68952T0-KtRk1-HwyRICVYMpCYH/s1600/April+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2BvgI_iHvh4uu_rT8Is4FO7ewqM0yNCWZpu-2iK5ez0xpwN4n891MJ9onZYNF-sy0iMvOoIbneM6VRCugGAzTf4GuzRJ2B7prmc7tzpAUPQ792j3r68952T0-KtRk1-HwyRICVYMpCYH/s400/April+003.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Priss in her pearls! What a true southern belle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You may remember back in December I had a giveaway for one of my magnetic picture frames. I have been busy filling orders for these cute little gifts and I have 15 more to make! If you like them and would like to order one you can email me at <a href="mailto:sweetteaandpearlsblog@gmail.com">sweetteaandpearlsblog@gmail.com</a>. They make the perfect Mother's Day or Graduation gift.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><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/AVvXsEhD0BOu6pYNyWZJ52C_PaAva-SkeGp-YJ2I6Y7DCcSjA3KQyNvkeXcxFppU2ZslyY2VTjJnBpddLt75NudouIZ2kB2OqzDCpJwsbAtmai_t7RZROp2_rJukxok9ncISPA_zeNsUvbmBLwLG/s1600/April+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0BOu6pYNyWZJ52C_PaAva-SkeGp-YJ2I6Y7DCcSjA3KQyNvkeXcxFppU2ZslyY2VTjJnBpddLt75NudouIZ2kB2OqzDCpJwsbAtmai_t7RZROp2_rJukxok9ncISPA_zeNsUvbmBLwLG/s400/April+006.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buttons are magnets that hold the picture in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g4MoZjx_dU7x_kKdsjt3vHKEuEkocfDue7Llpa0YJLom7Ohnfe3EQtmjP5UAVXXBxyg30G1MQV5uXgGbdq2BEOmcZgWLm2GsJwBOq3GGKDamYtD46Lw_jwzIFiLz5KvGG8wDGpsRAIpp/s1600/April+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g4MoZjx_dU7x_kKdsjt3vHKEuEkocfDue7Llpa0YJLom7Ohnfe3EQtmjP5UAVXXBxyg30G1MQV5uXgGbdq2BEOmcZgWLm2GsJwBOq3GGKDamYtD46Lw_jwzIFiLz5KvGG8wDGpsRAIpp/s400/April+005.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love baking cookies. The problem is....I love to eat them more! It works out good when someone orders a batch from me because then I only have a few extras I can munch on instead of the whole batch! These little gems are delicious and light. They are Rosemary Cookies. I baked these for a friend at school. You wouldn't think of putting rosemary in cookies but it's delicious. Did you know rosemary means "remembrance"? I have given rosemary plants as end of the year teacher gifts because of the symbolism that goes with the plant. When my dear friend Nan married a couple years ago she had me make 100 little cellophane bags with 2 cookies in each bag as her giveaway at the wedding reception. They turned out so cute...I attached a little card with a ribbon on each bag. The card had a graphic of a rosemary twig in the shape of a heart...I put their name and wedding date in the center. It really turned out very special! Look for a blog post soon about using savory herbs in sweet concoctions....I have several yummy delicacies I'd love to share!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GJt8TF6z0GMJb_jpmKSD51Ihp13mmu-xtn9dXa8Dihjx4AGQQwZf9ssbL-mN3IYUhoz5yNQeYNbFECgr0HqO_nIILi8RWNlzVhHgVEkCl1FLWfjIlb4dQMcW8l7kMXkaVX7eiX-QkT_z/s1600/April+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GJt8TF6z0GMJb_jpmKSD51Ihp13mmu-xtn9dXa8Dihjx4AGQQwZf9ssbL-mN3IYUhoz5yNQeYNbFECgr0HqO_nIILi8RWNlzVhHgVEkCl1FLWfjIlb4dQMcW8l7kMXkaVX7eiX-QkT_z/s400/April+007.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, ya'll know it's springtime and I could just spend all day in my yard. I love the smell of dirt and fresh cut grass so I've been spending lots of time getting my flower pots filled and gardens weeded. Here are a few flowers I have planted in my yard. It's a work in progress that I seem to work on constantly but to me it's not work...I love being outside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePcZCbvB6lUtGUMj7gWdjRvIVMgj3udOAkjXeqGeTPeqjBW2rnIm-wUbtXUUbqDb58k_0G6ltHUn4nZgvx5rMOcg78ucnX-5RJbUSyLTTHHTquEaXB0_LKA4RI_MAjXlgmEnvUBtNoSmW/s1600/April+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePcZCbvB6lUtGUMj7gWdjRvIVMgj3udOAkjXeqGeTPeqjBW2rnIm-wUbtXUUbqDb58k_0G6ltHUn4nZgvx5rMOcg78ucnX-5RJbUSyLTTHHTquEaXB0_LKA4RI_MAjXlgmEnvUBtNoSmW/s400/April+004.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiwgSfMz8k9UZoCu08RV7EnepzB89wmBrOGqilaEouhv-ScjRGRDLftw3Uh8nXjApTZQ0LwazURIK51M6KtTOKWa4O5Vd1ZpSgSmWGRkdXQp06CDsLHljd0RbTLtXSWPV_BkCNYCUIip4/s1600/April+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiwgSfMz8k9UZoCu08RV7EnepzB89wmBrOGqilaEouhv-ScjRGRDLftw3Uh8nXjApTZQ0LwazURIK51M6KtTOKWa4O5Vd1ZpSgSmWGRkdXQp06CDsLHljd0RbTLtXSWPV_BkCNYCUIip4/s400/April+008.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin55YjRHcL_2-Pl715QzKR9kwwZ0C0toozYNnkpVN3_u9qpPVPIUb7XTRXfmcaqRvrZ3INtmkMbK1Xj79TCpER6jfaAAT-SLxxe8U5HzqtTv4qgt7up4Oxz_nU2hU1JVjYsICwswxeybxN/s1600/April+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin55YjRHcL_2-Pl715QzKR9kwwZ0C0toozYNnkpVN3_u9qpPVPIUb7XTRXfmcaqRvrZ3INtmkMbK1Xj79TCpER6jfaAAT-SLxxe8U5HzqtTv4qgt7up4Oxz_nU2hU1JVjYsICwswxeybxN/s400/April+009.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08E0IO9TYScbsz6umSr56F7Eh5iEz3MDIOgN_QhAoDhkocb1RmlbjYUK1h6pRgB2FnfUknNAYS_ZSwKvLjXP0AlRymLC8G01bSamS8KuPPDzjUhuMHwMHmjqJsgePzux42a8AUMH3jDyS/s1600/April+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08E0IO9TYScbsz6umSr56F7Eh5iEz3MDIOgN_QhAoDhkocb1RmlbjYUK1h6pRgB2FnfUknNAYS_ZSwKvLjXP0AlRymLC8G01bSamS8KuPPDzjUhuMHwMHmjqJsgePzux42a8AUMH3jDyS/s400/April+010.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peonies are one of my favorite flowers! I have over 50 blooms on my plants and the first one bloomed today! I think it's just beautiful. I wish I could keep them blooming all summer. Peonies remind me of my grandmother.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIh7piqZnR7_U4762f5W6ujEiE0LwiuKO5efMr26tJ2iUzH41DYFppujsimMHx-RRLrHjpUxL3ypcbvX1QI1Bt92ebblK86OXCv5DOA4SjCijJkInZ0ig1K5i1QhsWI8v7mQSBeZe0KHo/s1600/April+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIh7piqZnR7_U4762f5W6ujEiE0LwiuKO5efMr26tJ2iUzH41DYFppujsimMHx-RRLrHjpUxL3ypcbvX1QI1Bt92ebblK86OXCv5DOA4SjCijJkInZ0ig1K5i1QhsWI8v7mQSBeZe0KHo/s400/April+011.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember the post I did in February when I prunned all the limbs off my crepe myrtles? They're back and will be beautiful when they start to bloom in June!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9jLoAe3D-Bg84N8t4GETJfI2EFhiq3-sEClGBoVKyFiorJ7gShsHAx6_6rnvNhcl-0xJFXQ6qfAJ-EnjR8BuKWJ1vQfbvjOyb-zfMuNWzvALfD7p6byiJkvdPafp78mccNZdDu1T1quR/s1600/April+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9jLoAe3D-Bg84N8t4GETJfI2EFhiq3-sEClGBoVKyFiorJ7gShsHAx6_6rnvNhcl-0xJFXQ6qfAJ-EnjR8BuKWJ1vQfbvjOyb-zfMuNWzvALfD7p6byiJkvdPafp78mccNZdDu1T1quR/s400/April+012.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR8Nmj1zSoirROqgXrLAu13jd_KydiStymAipgSmxujj2rMX8xwOWfmOv3XIJyzViCAkLdPr8OVQmnYLBM5axDxyE_C13a-crK6evq3QVVq7f3aov3mI77aO6MYJqyLOmMo6lIvO0fNPK/s1600/April+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR8Nmj1zSoirROqgXrLAu13jd_KydiStymAipgSmxujj2rMX8xwOWfmOv3XIJyzViCAkLdPr8OVQmnYLBM5axDxyE_C13a-crK6evq3QVVq7f3aov3mI77aO6MYJqyLOmMo6lIvO0fNPK/s400/April+013.jpg" width="300px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the sound of water, and I love my fountain. It's so relaxing to sit on my screen porch with a book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other hand. The potato plants I have planted at the base will cover the whole ground around the fountain in just a couple of weeks. In fact, I will have to prune it back almost daily in mid summer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course I had to get some sewing in and have been promising a new pillow for Brooke's apartment. I made this pillow out of ivory canvas and monogrammed her initial in the middle. I made piping for the edges out of cording covered with bias tape. It was very easy to make so look for this sewing project in a future post!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvuPLmW4LjX9uxignBC_g9HnmdcuqqPfUBZ0DM9KlzYWhxUEF1PrLwi0m42jnxupkuTTR6iSbvc4qRvwKJN94GclRH4Ck9z08mT-b_Yb_XbiHkQgXXoSx7QISVkU2SyRn_A75Yh5y4uHu/s1600/pillow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvuPLmW4LjX9uxignBC_g9HnmdcuqqPfUBZ0DM9KlzYWhxUEF1PrLwi0m42jnxupkuTTR6iSbvc4qRvwKJN94GclRH4Ck9z08mT-b_Yb_XbiHkQgXXoSx7QISVkU2SyRn_A75Yh5y4uHu/s400/pillow.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeosy8TQTIoVZdRne12EA4MPYd1UU7CLsv7uCmioMZWHIBGrg9rSmXmdm5FIoIrCj98U5qBvJvVHXs-q23erizPqid0XKIFDVo8hBttgmmtBpadZDilz91rRYZhUtF7iJZLfg0OV8HEs_/s1600/pillow2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeosy8TQTIoVZdRne12EA4MPYd1UU7CLsv7uCmioMZWHIBGrg9rSmXmdm5FIoIrCj98U5qBvJvVHXs-q23erizPqid0XKIFDVo8hBttgmmtBpadZDilz91rRYZhUtF7iJZLfg0OV8HEs_/s400/pillow2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been doing calligraphy for about 30 years. I am self-taught so I don't really know what you'd call my style...maybe a type of italic. I have developed my own style of lettering and it has evolved over the years into what you see now. I love doing wedding invitations! Receiving an invitation that has been scripted in calligraphy is like getting a special little treat! It makes your first impression of the wedding that is to come a litle more exciting! I did 185 invitations in 3 nights! That is a record for me. I usually try to do 30-40 a night but pushed myself to do 60 a night to get them completed before my spring break. I can actually say....I had writer's cramp! After about 30 invitations I would have to soak my hand in hot water for a few minutes to loosen my joints....could this be old age creeping up on me? I sure hope not because I really enjoy calligraphy and helping a young bride make her wedding special!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb23D5rZ_R2scYruEcf-SX2UyxcxpWXiOi3pW0j-_jS9FtAIwDXYg1_uitOhDM6rcbcziq6YU4qsJZFdBrfwms9fjcYeRWiH2VCIBhlhTmIkHHntwFBjdjYjFz1r14Zudiod2O21MIsGZ/s1600/April+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb23D5rZ_R2scYruEcf-SX2UyxcxpWXiOi3pW0j-_jS9FtAIwDXYg1_uitOhDM6rcbcziq6YU4qsJZFdBrfwms9fjcYeRWiH2VCIBhlhTmIkHHntwFBjdjYjFz1r14Zudiod2O21MIsGZ/s400/April+014.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And finally.....I am a royal nut! I love all things royal and have been consumed with all the royal wedding excitement! I have read everything I can get my hands on, watched and recorded (so I can watch them again) everything that has been on t.v. this past month....and....I will be up at 3:30 in the morning to watch every minute of royal bliss! Yes, I even took tomorrow off so I won't miss a minute of coverage. I remember 30 years ago watching the royal wedding of Charles and Diana and will be perched on my sofa in the morning watching everything that being broadcast! My daughter and several of her friends will be rising early to have crumpets and tea while watching the royal nuptials...I will be chugging my coffee I'm sure, but I think the excitement of it all will be enough to keep me awake. I think I love all this pomp and circumstance because it's like watching a real, live fairytale. It's so far from my lifestyle it's just hard to believe people actually live like this...now who wouldn't want to be a princess? I know I sure would!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRNrvBJn5pPHGYSVwh5cpAdheKO-AJdBQAlDHdAzCX3gGo8W-W0OaCcVYICPxeNkBfqa-YQdu3lo42zlsX7jNmnYZ2POY3BGSUJvZ-Ft4YetoYtVss0sGfq9Nzmbvm7DYGn_i0HqrgP2n/s1600/william_kate_engagement_testino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRNrvBJn5pPHGYSVwh5cpAdheKO-AJdBQAlDHdAzCX3gGo8W-W0OaCcVYICPxeNkBfqa-YQdu3lo42zlsX7jNmnYZ2POY3BGSUJvZ-Ft4YetoYtVss0sGfq9Nzmbvm7DYGn_i0HqrgP2n/s320/william_kate_engagement_testino.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, until later...I hope you all have a wonderful weekend...I will be traveling to Charleston for the beautiful wedding of Jenny Troutman and Chanan Cole. Jenny is a college friend of my daughter's and the first one of "the group" to get married. We are all so excited! Blessings to you all!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-54612060851174292942011-03-24T17:13:00.002-04:002011-03-24T17:17:28.074-04:00A Thought I Have To Share<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrf0X-_DOo_2Mm4nzDn2PDU40mE5JK1-jqRvh9Nq0AcV_Peu2XrhHukcWZboor7v-5LGf-TKNOKNIaZdChzwu9OBTxsBcWMRTdHg9HyEFTvEaFzkSHq9o90HcIDfqLJ4aJ9va5KMCiaaq/s1600/Sunrise_through_the_clouds_Mar_7-09_7-24am_FROM_Bill_McDonald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrf0X-_DOo_2Mm4nzDn2PDU40mE5JK1-jqRvh9Nq0AcV_Peu2XrhHukcWZboor7v-5LGf-TKNOKNIaZdChzwu9OBTxsBcWMRTdHg9HyEFTvEaFzkSHq9o90HcIDfqLJ4aJ9va5KMCiaaq/s400/Sunrise_through_the_clouds_Mar_7-09_7-24am_FROM_Bill_McDonald.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Twenty-eight years ago today God''s love light shined on me and I found out I was pregnant with my one and only child, my precious daughter Brooke. I don't think I've ever experienced a happier time, except of course, the day she was born. I have shared this story with many women who have struggled to have children and I know that God has blessed me with this story to tell, and so I pass it on to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had been trying to conceive for about a year. Every night I literally went to sleep begging God for a child. That's all I needed and my life would be complete. That's what I believed. I went to the doctor only to find out I needed a little "push" as he described it and was prescribed a fertility drug. I didn't get it filled right away because certain things needed to happen before I could take it...it never happened. I kept praying my same prayer until one day I was raking the yard and I suddenly realized, maybe God didn't want me to be a mother. What if that was the case? I knew in my heart I had a deep longing to be a mother. I raised every orphaned animal anyone would give me, rabbits, squirrels, birds...yes, I even had one squirrel for 3 years and he thought I was his mama. I decided that maybe I needed to change my prayer. If me being a mother wasn't in God's plan, I needed to have a talk with Him about that. And so I did...I literally went to my knees, something I still do quite often, and had a long talk. I told Him I realized that what I was asking for might not be something He wanted to give me and if that was the case, I could accept it. But....the word that begins all sentences we dread hearing....I needed Him to take care of a few things first. He knew my heart, He knew the love I had in my heart because He placed it there, He knew all the feelings I was having, He knew my future, He knew what was best for me. If God didn't want me to be a mother I needed him to take away all those feelings I had...the need to care for and raise a child, the need to pass on traditions that were so dear to me, the need to cradle and nurture that precious little bundle that I felt I so desperatly needed. And, he needed to replace it with something else. We talked for a long time and when I finished, I felt refreshed. I still prayed, but my prayer had changed to not what I wanted, but what God wanted for me. Still nothing happened so I could take my "push" as the doctor referred to it. I got frustrated so I called the doctor's office and told them I couldn't proceed with this "push" and the nurse said, "Well, maybe you are pregnant!" "Oh no, I'm not....I took an EPT this weekend and it was negative." "Well, maybe you should come in and have a blood test." "Well, okay, but I know I'm not but, whatever..." Then, it started to snow....pouring snow and I was at work. Now how am I going to get by the doctor's office to get my permission slip to go by the hospital tomorrow to have my blood test? The snow kept pouring, but lucky for me, it wasn't sticking to the roads. I left work early and dashed to his office. Now, I had to wait until morning. I prayed my usual prayer not really thinking one way or the other. The next morning the sun was shining bright...it was beautiful on the snow and the roads were still clear. Before I left to go by the hospital for my blood test I sat down with my Bible in hand and asked God to show me what I needed to read to calm my nerves. I closed my eyes and opened my Bible and took my finger and pointed to a scripture (I do this quite often). I began reading, I read several verses and thought to myself, "This has nothing to do with a pregnant woman, having a baby, or anything that pertains to me." But, I kept reading. It was the story of Jesus healing the blind man. The last verse I read was, and I can't quote it and don't even know the passage, but Jesus looked at the blind man and said, through your faith I give you your sight. I have never in my life felt the peace of God come over me as it did at that very moment. I felt like I was in the presence of angels. I knew without a shadow of a doubt everything was okay. I closed my Bible and left for the hospital. At 4:30 that afternoon I called to get the results and found out that yes, God had blessed me with a tiny little life that was inside me....my answered prayer...my gift from Heaven...my vision of faith. And on the day she was born she was placed in my arms and I said, "Thank you Lord, I give her back to You. "Children are gems from Heaven, to be polished by us, and presented back to the Lord". I never got that fertility drug prescription filled. It is neatly folded in my Bible. And now, 28 years later and everyday since then I say thank you God, you have blessed me beyond measure. I have never asked for that blessing again because I am so humbled by the fact that He answered my prayer and gave me a beautiful, healthy daughter who is everything a mother could ever ask or hope for. On that day, 28 years ago....the heavens opened and God's love light shined on me. Thank you God.</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-15212799195274529052011-03-16T15:22:00.002-04:002011-03-17T11:10:15.431-04:00My Beautiful Giveaway Arrived!What a wonderful surprise I had waiting on me yesterday when I got home from school!!! I won a giveaway sponsored by <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch </a>last week and it arrived yesterday! I was so excited when I checked my front porch for another package I was expecting and saw this beautifully wrapped box!! I knew right away it wasn't the vitamins I had ordered for my little pooch! Now how many people get packages in the mail wrapped like this?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgarr_sAFsHriYlkF7HPZn5pUBrCJ79jV6aCpD8S6Zbtu5FvTOwrHNTuyhCp7PaBF8_ZEPZ_EfqanVM5cC-AlHuWXEAK2XiSSxv54xOM7clEuxWy-TzgMGccXebFp2XxOe2I4lhhMxgWj/s1600/winetote1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgarr_sAFsHriYlkF7HPZn5pUBrCJ79jV6aCpD8S6Zbtu5FvTOwrHNTuyhCp7PaBF8_ZEPZ_EfqanVM5cC-AlHuWXEAK2XiSSxv54xOM7clEuxWy-TzgMGccXebFp2XxOe2I4lhhMxgWj/s400/winetote1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch</a> notified me that I had won her Tassel Giveway sponsored by Angela at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thetasselhouse">The Tassel House.</a> Angela emailed me right away and said that I could pick the tassel I liked best so I went with the navy and gold for a couple reasons. First, I thought it was beautiful, second, I have navy and gold in my great room, and third...it had a little bird on top and I have a bird collection. Actually I love anything with birds on it! I think it is beautiful and it matches my decor perfectly. You can kind of see from these pictures that it's the same color as my striped wingback chair!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GfjAc6Ccer3mCmnZgdTyhOYrRcaD1gwfK3ZjP4snVjpsQL2I7E3LEC6tIWZqHexldFu_uDljaPG9ZCMEk1v0O-dGADA_qbtfBG9YGEadSLswZDqOl5MAoAItPfcbvmwoc6m3Pn2u2KpV/s1600/winetote1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GfjAc6Ccer3mCmnZgdTyhOYrRcaD1gwfK3ZjP4snVjpsQL2I7E3LEC6tIWZqHexldFu_uDljaPG9ZCMEk1v0O-dGADA_qbtfBG9YGEadSLswZDqOl5MAoAItPfcbvmwoc6m3Pn2u2KpV/s400/winetote1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Isn't the little bird just precious! I hung him from a swing arm floor lamp and he looks like he has found the perfect home! Angela was so nice to work with and was willing do make one in any color I needed. If you've never been to The Tassel House you need to truck right on over there and look around. She has some beautiful things! And tell her Becky said, "Hi!" Thank you Susan and Angela!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="156" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlKgoJIq3DYQ6BP7E25FJL3E6SJMnjBhctdFNuZswTZzWnGq7t8VJ0mAAErEXWD_C0ujO-BTabYDWxyo4lbpdIM8IlUol9ttKCz_nK1vUv4dL9AzVZBmoO-RlqSYJ297JGS6YLUJ8zufy/s320/thetasselhouseadnew1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-23263901395037024892011-03-14T14:49:00.002-04:002011-03-14T15:18:07.253-04:00Red Velvet Heaven and Other Weekend Recipes<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU274qn25EPGRr7kklmqEX8P5ikcNyR1K4tUxgHAR82c-xdmoINZ_ciSXYlruVRtvZcDTqAe0NSepOp_HiRD0xXT_oecYDuFe4Lul25Du0sdKAr3F8XkXUtPwUPzkeWNDjZcd8JBk096zs/s1600/brownie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU274qn25EPGRr7kklmqEX8P5ikcNyR1K4tUxgHAR82c-xdmoINZ_ciSXYlruVRtvZcDTqAe0NSepOp_HiRD0xXT_oecYDuFe4Lul25Du0sdKAr3F8XkXUtPwUPzkeWNDjZcd8JBk096zs/s200/brownie.jpg" width="200" /></a>I love Red Velvet anything! Red Velvet cake, cupcakes, cookies, woopi pies, ice cream, yogurt and NOW...<span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Velvet Brownies</span>! Yes, you heard it right...red velvet brownies. My dear friend Sara loves to try new recipes and knowing how much I love anything Red Velvet, called me last Thursday night to tell me to eat a light breakfast the next morning because she was bringing me a treat. She was busy baking some brownies as a thank you for another friend but knowing how I love Red Velvet, she shared with me.....which is exactly why my "thanks for the brownie" email back to her had "Shame on you!" as the subject line! It was to die for. It can only be described as Red Velvet Heaven! Of course I had to have the recipe and I couldn't wait to bake a batch first thing Saturday morning. These brownies are to die for, honestly. I love Red Velvet cake but I'm thinking this is even better! I love the consistency of a dense chewy brownie and when it tastes like Red Velvet...it's pure heaven! I think she got this recipe from another blog, but who cares...it's in my recipe book now! Oh, and did I mention the icing is white chocolate buttercream...your mouth is watering, isn't it? I do have a small confession to make...I ate 3 brownies in one day! I couldn't help myself...but, my justification is 1) I only ate 1/2 brownie at a time (that means 6 trips to the kitchen...not good) and....2) I cut them all from the skinny row! You know what happens when you cut the brownies in the pan and your last row ends up either fatter or skinnier than the rest...well, I ate the skinny row! This morning I packed up all that was left so the Lunch Bunch Girls could have a taste...even though Sara is in the group, I wanted her to compare her version with mine...because you see, I have a pet peeve about Red Velvet. To be a true southern Red Velvet anything, it has to have cocoa, almond flavoring, and red food coloring in the batter. Her recipe only had vanilla so I substituted 1 tsp of the vanilla with 1 tsp. of almond extract. The next thing is this...a true southern Red Velevet Cake does not have cream cheese icing. It has a whipped vanilla butter cream icing. This recipe was perfect because the icing is a white chocolate buttercream...I know...your mouth is watering again, isn't it? Well, I just can't finish this post without sharing the recipe so here it is, in all it's glory. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...then you'll know why I told Sara...."Shame on you!" Now, my goal this week...get out the old running shoes and get back on track of my daily 2.5 mile run...I'm gonna need it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Velvet Brownies</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">1/2 cup butter, at room termperature</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 1/2 cups sugar</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 tsp. vanilla extract - I used 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 tsp. almond</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 1/4 cups all purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 tablespoons cocoa powder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 tablespoons red food coloring</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2/3 cups chocolate chips (optional) - I left these out</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Butter and flour an 8 x 8 cake pan</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, red food coloring, and 1 tsp. vanilla to create a paste.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add remaining teaspoon of flavoring (either vanilla or almond). With the mixer on medium speed, add in the cocoa powder mixture. Beat until batter is completely red. (If at this time your batter is NOT red, you can add a little more food coloring if desired. color will depend on brand)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if you are using them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Spread in the 8 x 8 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>White Chocolate Frosting</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 stick of butter, at room temperature</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">2 1/2 cups powdered sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">4 ounces white chocolate, melted</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1/2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Cream butter in an electric mixer until fluffy, then add vanilla. Slowly add in powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time with the mixer on low speed. Add in melted white chocolate and beat until incorporated. To reach desired consistency, add in milk 1 tsp at a time with mixer on low speed. if frosting becomes too liquidy, simply add additional sugar. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Now wouldn't these make great little brownie bites in mini muffin cups...and use a big star tip to squirt each one with a dolop of icing! :)<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Last week I decided I wanted to do something special for the girls on my hall. They are all such wonderful, hard working teachers and needed a little boost. There are 5 classrooms in all and we barely get a minute to say, "Hi!", muchless carry on a conversation. So, I invited them all to my room this morning for a little quick breakfast and a time to chat. Nothing fancy and it was definitely only for a few minutes. Of course, you might know this was the morning I didn't hear my second alarm so I came flying in trying to get everything set up and the coffee on before they arrived. I made a really good Grits Casserole that is a favorite at my house. Come to think of it...anything with grits is a hit at my house! This is an easy, quick recipe that I have used for Christmas morning breakfast, brunches, week night suppers, and it makes a great early morning tailgate dish. I served this with mini blueberry muffins, mixed fresh fruit and OJ or coffee. I think we all got a really good start for our 4 day week!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong>Grits Casserole</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 cup quick cook grits</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">4 cups water</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 cup chopped onion</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 cup chopped celery</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1/2 cup chopped green pepper</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 lb. Jimmy Dean HOT bulk sausage</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">1 can cream of chicken soup</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">2 cups grated cheddar cheese</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Cook 1 cup quick cook grits in 4 cups water. Season with salt to taste.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">In a large skillet, brown sausage and about half way through the browning process add your chopped veggies. Cook until veggies are tender (you may want to add a lid to help cooking process) and transfer this mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread evenly over the bottom. Next, poor grits over the sausage mixture...top with evenly spread chicken soup and finally top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">If you like Shrimp and Grits try this!!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">My favorite option on this recipe is to add shrimp to the sausage mixture. While the sausage is browning add 3/4 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp. Shrimp will turn pink and gently curl when they are done...don't over cook though...there's nothin' worse that and over cooked shrimp! Continue with the rest of the recipe directions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of this dish...I was just in such a hurry to get everything set up and then we had to eat before the chillin' got here, but I'll take one next time I serve up this dish! Hope ya'll enjoy and have a wonderful week!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> ~Becky</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-61463893704994224912011-03-10T11:37:00.004-05:002011-03-13T21:15:31.807-04:00I love to read! Introducing Ladybug Farm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ladybug+farm&sprefix=ladybug+farm"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eqGXwlpzwCsQCY9nuBLp7HUn7uCHmpUkpmmX52SXsRMQtH3IZ7aXbjQer1GdXSfjzwvrDkpYXWib0SsIx-Lxs2a2q9Vh-iIcTAIgXBLjuhx-fDlQEK8MslkiQyMgitH4ZqsEBd7RN7Do/s400/LadyBugFarmscollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I love to read but I don't always find the time to do it as much as I would really like. I try to read every night before bed, but so often after reading my devotional I just can't keep my eyes open long enough to get through even one chapter. I have just finished reading all three books in the <span style="color: #e06666;">Ladybug Farm</span> series by Donna Ball. I loved them all! They are the kind of books that make you go to bed an hour early just so you'll be able to stay awake long enough to get several chapters read! I seem to be drawn to books about a circle of friends...girlfriends to be exact...and that is where the first book begins, with a group of friends who have always wanted to find a huge old mansion to restore together....and so they do...half way across the country in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They sell everything they own and set out on their adventurous journey... and that is only half of it. You will laugh, you will cry, you will feel like you are right there with them. Everytime I picked up my book to read I felt like I was visiting Ladybug Farm. There are 3 books in the series and a companion cookbook with all the recipes that are mentioned in the three books. I haven't seen the cookbook yet but I'm sure it's a winner! Of course I passed the books on to mama as I would finish each one and as she was finishing book 2 she called me and asked how much more did I have until I was finished with book 3! Haha! I was only on page 50 but in the course of the next 4 days I finished the book and took it to her last night! I highly recommend reading and visiting Ladybug Farm...you can even check out the blog that is created by one of the girls in book three, <a href="http://www.ladybugfarmcharms.blogspot.com/">Ladybug Farm Charm</a>. The author is <a href="http://www.donnaball.net/">Donna Ball</a> and I've just found out she has a new book that I'm sure I'll have to put on my <span style="color: #e06666;">Books I Want To</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">Read shelf</span>. Happy reading ya'll...now don't fall asleep before that book is finished!<br />
~BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915657464068097192.post-43026020384572347382011-03-08T11:45:00.001-05:002011-03-08T13:21:05.842-05:00Preppy Gift PotsWe have a wonderful PTO here at my school and tonight they are sponsoring a BINGO Night and Raffle. They do so much for us so I volunteered to make up one of my "Preppy Pots" and fill it with lots of goodies for the raffle. This is what I included:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cX-GOEKxFn8sCnpaD2NbK5B2ym5R3ezK6y7aR6-QWbQirBNNjmjnvn8imRCVYXF4Ld-rzkF7ma-u2ZY0xKpRZm_bA7bFDOgjAzc0aZkPzKRAohe0asbfEKo15R6E5W-HLHHVsXb6Oeu/s1600/preppypot+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cX-GOEKxFn8sCnpaD2NbK5B2ym5R3ezK6y7aR6-QWbQirBNNjmjnvn8imRCVYXF4Ld-rzkF7ma-u2ZY0xKpRZm_bA7bFDOgjAzc0aZkPzKRAohe0asbfEKo15R6E5W-HLHHVsXb6Oeu/s400/preppypot+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Journal with cute little teacups on the front</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kleenex Tissue Holder <a href="http://sweetteapearls-becky.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend-sewing-project-making-tissue.html">(directions for sewing these are here)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Palmetto Hand Towel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank You Notes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 1/4" x 5 1/2" notepad with a cute Bermuda bag </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 1/2" x 8 1/2" ribbon notepad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gift enclosure cards</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 candles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preppy Stripe Keyring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 Huge Chocolate Symphony Bars </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put everything into a polka dot terracotta pot that I painted and stuffed tissue paper in all the little crevices!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yIcMLolCVpVisLU6jkk9RvX6rH56_QXDw5Y-99E7JSkpH59YnTU7DGbNrEM0b_uxN6t05XJOEletidL96qTcqoU_y4QGFQt2xuMcHp-S2KM5nXIRiphDG7g8W13oDQwS3JzEgT-CZJOL/s1600/preppypot+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yIcMLolCVpVisLU6jkk9RvX6rH56_QXDw5Y-99E7JSkpH59YnTU7DGbNrEM0b_uxN6t05XJOEletidL96qTcqoU_y4QGFQt2xuMcHp-S2KM5nXIRiphDG7g8W13oDQwS3JzEgT-CZJOL/s400/preppypot+003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the finished product! I hope whoever wins this raffle will enjoy all the things I've included!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04788001980348706067noreply@blogger.com6