tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67094352236022727852024-03-13T14:08:33.253-04:00Dragonflies@DawnDawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-45147730762407025822014-10-15T17:23:00.000-04:002014-10-15T17:23:18.122-04:00The One About Pet Peeves and PTSD.We all have a ton of pet peeves. It doesn't matter if it's simple stuff, like I hate it when the kids leave the top off the toothpaste. Maybe it's more complex things like how it really rubs me the wrong way when you're expected to be at a doctor appointment at a specific time, but your provider doesn't have to follow the same rules. They can be hours late without so much as an apology. But what I think I hate the most is when pieces of your life that are painful, are dragged out, tossed in your face rather unexpectedly, and you're left wondering what just happened and how it triggered a PTSD issue.<br />
That escalated quickly, didn't it? Yeah, that's how I felt too.<br />
I had a simple followup appointment scheduled with a provider. After going through the usual, height (I haven't grown - surprise!), weight (yep, same there too) and bp (mostly dead all day) check, the medical assistant flipped through my chart and asked if I had 2 live births and a miscarriage, abortion, whatever. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry Skippy</td></tr>
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The King and I sat there looking at each other in absolute, stunned silence. It was that scene out of Boondock Saints, the one with the cat. We couldn't believe that just f***ing happened. <br />
She wandered out of the room, and the King asked if that was the way it was usually asked - or if it even was. It typically isn't brought up, certainly not in the manner and tone that it was (especially not lumped together as though losing a child at enough weeks you start having OB appointments and an abortion are interchangeable), and never by a medical assistant. By this time the PTSD was starting to catch up with me. The shakes were starting, the sights, smells, and sounds were coming back in all their detailed glory and it was getting hard to not cry. The urge to flee and get out of a medical environment was overwhelming. We left the provider's office without staying for the actual appointment and made it back to the relative safety of the car before the tears were starting.<br />
Complaints were made to the practice, the doc was supposed to call me about the info, etc. She did after four days and only spirals down from there, and it was left at transfer my records, I'll find a second opinion, since theirs wasn't an option and grossly inappropriate. <br />
It's been years since an episode like that has hit me out of the blue. I hate that I don't get to control how my brain gets to deal with things sometimes, and that's a pet peeve too. Stupid brain, thinking it knows what it should be doing. It's a jerk and really shouldn't be in charge of things like that.<br />
It took at day out with the girls to just put it aside for a bit and a long weekend to work myself through the process of dealing with the loss all over again, making sense of it, sorting though how I felt then and now and separating them. It's a difficult and painful process and it's not something I've shared before, or talked about in a way that has any meaning to anyone but me. I'm still not sure about pressing the little orange button that says publish on it, or just leave this as some sort of therapeutic journal entry.<br />
Part of me says maybe someone else needs to hear they aren't alone in their pain and how they feel and deal with their loss. I'm right there with you sister, you're not alone. I'd say trying talking to a professional who deals with PTSD, or another woman who's been in your shoes. This walk is like wearing a pair of Louboutin's on a cobbled sidewalk for five miles and you've already broken a heel. It sucks ass on so many levels. <br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-12586603333503248762014-08-24T21:17:00.001-04:002014-10-15T15:55:48.460-04:00Granny Bathrooms and Teenage Boys<div>
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When we bought our house it came with some really awesome features. Some of those marvelous features were 70's wood-like paneling and wallpaper the likes of which powder scented grannies everywhere would kill for.<br />
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Granted, the wallpaper nearly killed me on multiple occasions, but I just hadn't gotten around to doing anything with it yet. I mean, have you ever tried taking off 40 year old wallpaper? It's not fun. It's also not fun to nearly blind yourself from it every time you walk in there either.</div>
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This little slice of heaven is what I started with. Jealous, aren't you? I knew you would be. Do you see the duct tape on that soap dish? Yeah, minion #2 has a matching scar on the top of his head from taking that sucker off when he was 2. That towel rack that's IN the shower. It bit me once. I have the scar to prove it. This bathroom had it in for all of us at one time or another.</div>
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Isn't the lighting awesome? I'm pretty sure those were cool, never. The funny part is that the glass part wasn't even stationary. I think they were builders special outdoor lights. </div>
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If all of that wasn't special enough, we have the best tile on the planet for the floor. I'm not sure who thought dog poo brown was a great idea for tile floors, but they lived here at one time. Even better, they left this legacy for us to enjoy.</div>
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Wallpaper is not fun to remove. It took days to peel it, then steam and scrape it off. Once I had it scraped, then I had to wash the walls to get all the old glue off. Oh, and I'm allergic to adhesives. Yeah, I forgot about that until I was washing the walls and wondering why my hands were stinging, itchy and all red. Yeah, I know. I'm an idiot. But I did get rid of the wallpaper.</div>
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After much contemplation, and running into a 75% off sale somewhere. I found a few things I liked and picked a palette and theme. The paint went on and the minions started to get excited. Ok, maybe not excited, but they were happy their bathroom was no longer a grandmothers dreamland. For spite, I ripped off that towel bar and because I didn't want another trip to the ER regrading that soap dish the tiles were taken out and later replaced. Those same jerks with the dog poo tile...yeah they left a treasure trove of those and the off white tiles in the attic.</div>
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Even the window got in on being a jerk during this remodel. We have wooden Andersen windows with the old style balances in with the strings... Yep, those broke as well so the whole window needed to come out, have those replaced, and 'convinced' to go back in.</div>
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The rug hides the tile pretty well, I think. If I close my eyes I can pretend it's just dark sand.</div>
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Slightly more manly than the awesome flowery wallpaper we were rocking previously.</div>
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New faucets and rope mirrors. The mirrors were just some Salvation Army finds, hot glue, rope and twine. Not too shabby.</div>
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The linen closet previously have shelves that were twice that deep, and fairly unusable. I took them out, repainted the shelves and took the door off. It was making opening the actual bathroom door difficult and having it open makes the small space airy. </div>
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So that's it. I have happier minions and grannies everywhere are cursing me for getting rid of the awesomeness that was the flowery wallpaper.</div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-29536461754736414212013-09-27T11:05:00.002-04:002013-09-27T11:06:45.480-04:00Husbands, The Other Child.Each morning is almost the same at our house. Up a little late, a hot shower, quick scramble for clothes and breakfast. Then, I look at the boys, giggle at what they are wearing, help them fix it and wonder why the King is staring blindly into his side of the closet.<br />
Is there a giant spider in there?<br />
A monster actually living in the deepest darkest corners?<br />
Perhaps the shoes have finally reproduced in the middle of the night and I have a new pair of peep toe sling backs?<br />
Nope, not even close.<br />
Another day and he has no idea what to wear.<br />
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I've always thought that having less in the options department would help a King out. Guess not. I've resorted to Pinterest in the past to help him conquer his daily struggle with the closet. It was simply time to put together a few more wardrobe capsules so he could mix and match his way through the week.<br />
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The purpose of any wardrobe capsule is that you take a few classic pieces and then interchange seasonal or trendy pieces with them.<br />
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In the first capsule, the classics are jeans, leather jacket, dress shirt, boots and vest. By adding in a henly, military sweater a pair of cargos and a sleek sneaker you end up with more than 10 other looks.<br />
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The second capsule is the same idea. The classics are the dress shirts, a flannel, jeans and then boots and a suede oxford. Add in different sweater, a quilted vest, some cargos and a sleek sneaker you have a span of items that go from office to weekend wear.<br />
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You can find both of these wardrobe capsules and a few more on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/drsizer/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. <br />
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I know it's been forever since I've posted, and those of you that know me personally or read here from time to time know I've gone back to college. I started back in January and have done 41 credits so far this year. I'm looking to get at least another 6 in before the end of the term, and if I'm lucky 12. I chose a competency based school (WGU) instead of seat hours. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying college at my own pace. So much nicer getting paired with a stoner who never shows up to class and to whom your grade is tied to.<br />
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Happy Fall!Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-91751598412621996072013-08-13T11:30:00.000-04:002013-08-13T11:30:46.430-04:00Back To School Shopping!The stores are all adverting for back to school deals this time of year, and if you're like me, you're wondering what do I actually<i> -NEED- </i>for my minions this year<i>? </i><br />
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We do <a href="http://www.k12.com/" target="_blank">cyber school</a>, which as far as I'm concerned is the best thing ever. All the benefits of homeschooling with the added benefit of lesson plans, books, and schedules you don't have to make up! This also means I don't have to worry as much over the big list of supplies (no more buying glue sticks by the case, yay!) the school is begging for this year. I just have to worry about their clothes and fitting and if they have a few pencils, pens and paper to write and take notes with. <br />
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We don't have worries over Joey's shoes are cooler, or Bobby has better jeans than me. We also don't have bullying issues, or worrying over when lunch is. The minions come to work with us each day, have their own office to go to school in, and have to dress for the office too. In our case it's business casual and casual Fridays.<br />
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I've <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-with-autistic-teenager.html" target="_blank">posted</a> these lists before, and they are on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/drsizer" target="_blank">pinterest</a> as well, but I thought I'd dust them off and get them out again.<br />
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My minions are responsible for their own clothes and keeping what's in them up to date with sizes - with some minor help. The list to the left is great to give your kid(s) an idea as to what they need or should have. The size card is great to keep in their wallets so they always know what sizes to buy.<br />
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Next week we'll be back to school shopping for whatever the minions determine they need based on the list and rules for the office. We'll also be comparison shopping to get the most we can for the money.<br />
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What do you end up buying for Back to School?<br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-38148817826775085562013-06-28T15:41:00.000-04:002013-06-28T15:41:06.468-04:00Welcome to Holland!<br />
Emily Perl Kingsley wrote this essay back in 1987, and I think it's a nice parting thought to start the weekend with.<br />
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I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......<br />
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When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.<br />
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After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."<br />
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"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."<br />
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But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.<br />
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The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.<br />
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So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.<br />
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It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.<br />
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But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."<br />
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And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.<br />
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But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.<br />
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-81942774737107808242013-06-25T10:13:00.001-04:002013-06-25T10:13:50.718-04:00Review of Spelling City - Part 1Last year, I was contacted by Time4Learning.com to do a review of their service. It was really great, by the way. Last week, the good folks at Time4Learning.com contacted me again to review SpellingCity.com. I'm actually excited by this, because one of my minions spells as well as I do. Meaning, that without the aid of the thin, wavy, red line as we type, we'd be lost. So without further delay, here is my disclaimer:<br />
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<i>I've been given a Premium Membership to VocabularySpellingCity.com for a candid, personal, online review. VocabularySpellingCity helps students study word lists using 25 different learning activities such as <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/Games/sentence-unscramble.html" target="_blank">Sentence Unscramble</a>, <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/handwriting-practice.html" target="_blank">Handwriting Practice</a>,<a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/word-search.html" target="_blank">WordSearch</a>, and <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/Games/flash-cards.html" target="_blank">FlashCards</a>. Parents can create their own <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/Find-A-Spelling-List.html?utm_source=Backoffice&utm_medium=T4L+Email+List&utm_term=spellinglists&utm_campaign=VSCReview_Invite" target="_blank">spelling lists</a>, find published lists already available on the site, or use any of dozens of <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/teacher-resources.html" target="_blank">free teaching resources</a> on topics such as <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/synonyms.html" target="_blank">Synonyms</a> and <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/figurative-language.html" target="_blank">Figurative Language</a>. Be sure to come back in three weeks to read about my experience.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2eMcgEA8tPX7nUn1AKzX5GdM1rL6ePv3mVMQKrqATbjxfWrefzeLOofWA5RgrcN5TpnTIUnSXEX7b85_VOSejIoeflzVSxOt0BMlcRwGIvpKan3mVZyeSlIzDkNdsBpsWcgIhpHmlNB/s1600/hungryskeeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2eMcgEA8tPX7nUn1AKzX5GdM1rL6ePv3mVMQKrqATbjxfWrefzeLOofWA5RgrcN5TpnTIUnSXEX7b85_VOSejIoeflzVSxOt0BMlcRwGIvpKan3mVZyeSlIzDkNdsBpsWcgIhpHmlNB/s200/hungryskeeter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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I don't know how excited my minions will be that they will be doing spelling over the summer, but I guess they'll get over it. It's probably better than pulling weeds, in the heat, with the bugs.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-22746349631634835532013-05-15T15:01:00.003-04:002013-05-15T15:01:35.640-04:00Spring Wardrobe Week 2Long overdue, but here is the second week of outfits for the 15 for 30! The <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-wardrobe-for-30-days-of-outfits.html" target="_blank">original post</a> shows you the 15 pieces I started with. All you have to do is find something similar in your closet and follow along.<br />
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Enjoy some spring weather!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/week/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=blogger&id=76087279" target="_blank"><img alt="Week 2" border="0" force="1" height="311" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qfZ2arsIrnAzVIwaheUmlw/cid/76087279/id/0WagKMEnRJCHa_Td9uYrTg/size/c600x469.jpg" title="Week 2" width="400" /></a><br />
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-3646599964282237542013-03-14T14:08:00.001-04:002013-03-14T14:08:55.714-04:00Vegan Sushi TutorialIt seems like it's been forever since I put together any type of tutorial. I miss having time to do things that are fun, just for myself. I gave the time up for a good reason though. I went back to college at the beginning of the year, and I'm already through my entire semester of credits. Now, I'm working ahead. Hence the busy and no time for myself thing.<br />
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Last weekend the King and I (not the musical) took the minions out for a day of photographic funtimes. We had a blast while we were out, but as minions often do, they were starved by the time we got home. The meal plan for that day called for sushi, so home we went to become master sushi chefs.<br />
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I won't lie, I feared the sushi process. I was sure it was going to be a disaster. Probably a disaster of epic proportions. I mean who takes sheets of seaweed and ends up with something good? Turns out - me! I'm more than betting it can be you, too!<br />
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Things you need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Bamboo rolling mat</li>
<li>Nori</li>
<li>Sushi rice</li>
<li>Avocado (or other yummy things to put in your sushi)</li>
<li>Sushi vinegar</li>
<li>Sharp knife (wet)</li>
<li>Sesame seeds (optional)</li>
<li>Wasabi paste, pickled ginger and soy sauce (all optional)</li>
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The first steps are rather boring, so I didn't photo them. <br />
Boil rice until done.<br />
Rinse it lightly and drain.<br />
Add some sushi vinegar (to taste) to your rice and mix it.<br />
I added some black sesame seeds as well. A healthy shake, maybe two, just for color and interest.<br />
Let the rice cool, and chill it slightly.<br />
Once the rice is cool, you're ready to start.<br />
Lay out the bamboo mat.<br />
Lay down a sheet of nori.<br />
Add rice to the sheet and gently spread it around. It doesn't have to be perfect, but you want the rice thin and even.<br />
Make a small valley in your rice to add your veggies or whatever you're adding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread rice to edges on sides, but not top or bottom!</td></tr>
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Add your veg. I used avocado, thinly and evenly sliced.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fill the valley of rice with your veg or other toppings.</td></tr>
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Then, once you've filled the valley, you're ready to roll!</div>
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Roll the bamboo mat up and over the avocado until the nori is wrapped over the avocado. </div>
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Squeeze the bamboo mat towards you and down, like you're wrapping a burrito.</div>
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Pick up just the bamboo mat, and roll it a bit more, away from you. Again, pull it towards you keeping the wrap tight.</div>
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Continue until you're at the end of the roll.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letting the sushi sit a bit before cutting gets the nori damp and pliable.</td></tr>
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The nori I purchased comes five sheets to a package, and I had enough rice to make all five rolls. I started with a cup of dry sushi rice.</div>
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Your ends won't be perfect, either cut them, or deal. </div>
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Get yourself a good, sharp knife and keep it wet as well as free from rice residue as you're cutting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut, cut, wet knife. Repeat!</td></tr>
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Make your pieces as even as you can, or if your nori has cut lines, and you can actually see them, cut on the lines.</div>
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Be sure to keep your knife wet as you're cutting. It makes things much easier.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tray of yumminess!</td></tr>
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When you're done you should end up with something that looks like the above.</div>
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Serve with wasabi paste and pickled ginger if you have it. Some people like soy sauce. If you're GF, tamari is a nice substitute. If you're GF/SF just add more wasabi ;)</div>
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We picked up a few sets of chopsticks recently. It's made a huge difference in the minions willingness to try new things. If I'd have know that was a factor I would have gotten chopsticks ten years ago. The bonus is they're fun. It takes a bit longer to eat, which gives you more time to talk to your kids.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-82728600009124549842013-03-10T18:26:00.001-04:002013-03-10T18:35:29.586-04:00Spring Wardrobe Week 1!Last week I gave you 15 pieces for 30 days worth of outfits. Using just what I had in my closet, I picked out what I could easily use to transition to spring.
If you've been stuck in a rut where you're just wearing the same things over and over again, I hope this will inspire you to try some of your 'old things' in new ways.
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Here are the first week's outfits - enjoy!
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_wardrobe_week/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=blogger&id=75060410" target="_blank"><img alt="Spring Wardrobe Week 1!" border="0" force="1" height="341" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/s0LmzUB3k8z7gO6D992MLw/cid/75060410/id/jjHqoCSTQyigxUjosXlJ7Q/size/c600x513.jpg" title="Spring Wardrobe Week 1!" width="400" /></a>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-70392890906505458862013-03-10T13:34:00.001-04:002013-03-10T13:34:33.348-04:00Sunday Afternoon Art Class!<span style="font-family: inherit;">In an e</span>ffort to get the minions to use their cameras more effectively and understand composition, we are spending the day taking photos. Not just any photos, either. We have an entire list of things to take photos of, a photo scavenger hunt.<br />
Some of what I take today I'll be posting to instagram. If you'd like to join in on the scavenger hunt, tag your photos with #datdscavengerhunt or stop by my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DragonfliesAtDawn" target="_blank">facebook</a> site and share them there.<br />
Now then, there needs to be a list for the event so here are a few to get you started!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSshNnnlP9Q9MWylq8QFZ84Qs56pt6WlDnvEYeEJxSxOJDSpi5iCyQeDTqj23mJUzxtkQXSBcIJvcnO4DDjb_HDWTObz0sndIm_RYwI5Ejx8u_Pia5gP7drB8t22CHmtEwNY99XNmcgRW3/s1600/instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSshNnnlP9Q9MWylq8QFZ84Qs56pt6WlDnvEYeEJxSxOJDSpi5iCyQeDTqj23mJUzxtkQXSBcIJvcnO4DDjb_HDWTObz0sndIm_RYwI5Ejx8u_Pia5gP7drB8t22CHmtEwNY99XNmcgRW3/s200/instagram.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Animal tracks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Railroad tracks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Sailboat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Mimic a statue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Someone smelling a flower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. A restaurant menu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. A kiss</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Hay bale</span></div>
<div class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Do exactly what the sign says (any sign will work).</span></div>
<div class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Capture your reflections in an unusual place (no mirrors!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Make yourself appear really small.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Can you find it? Photo (think iSpy).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Firetruck</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. One photo with all these colors in it: red, green, blue, yellow</span></div>
<div class="x_MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. Picture with an animal (the more unusual the better).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">16. A historical marker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">17. A pinball machine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. A Flag</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">19. A butterfly or other interesting and colorful insect</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">20. A cloud that looks like an animal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">21. Your significant other in mid-air</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">22. A picture of 5 different types of things that are green.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">23. Something filled with water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">24. Clock Tower</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">25. Fire Hydrant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">26. Coins in a fountain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">27. Your name spelled with things other than letters! (use picstitch or something to put it together.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">28. An interesting tombstone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">29. Wooden bridge (covered if you can find one)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">30. A person of Walmart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">31. Street art</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">32. Bathroom graffiti</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">33. Amusing vanity plate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">34. An Angel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">35. Shoes hanging over a power line</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Hope to see a few great photos from everyone!</div>
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P.S. I'll be posting this week's outfits based on last week's post later this evening, so stay tuned!</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-49417649483840380302013-03-03T12:47:00.000-05:002013-03-03T12:47:13.942-05:00Spring Wardrobe for 30 Days of Outfits!The last few months have been rather hectic with the whole real job thing. Most days I'm busy with just running a business. It's not helped matters that I went back to college and have two minions either. The good news is, I've managed to get through 2 classes, and I'm working on the 3rd one now. I just got my first paper back and got an A. Not too shabby for not doing the college thing for, yeah, we're not going to talk about how long it's been. So if any of you ladies are thinking about going back to get a degree or finish one, do it. It can be done. Choose your college and degree wisely though.<br />
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Now, to the point of this post. As if there ever is a true point to any of these posts...<br />
Spring is just around the corner, and already sprung for those of your in the warmer climates. It will start warming here over the next month or two so I've put together an entire month of outfits, based on 15 standard items from my closet. Each week I'll post a weeks worth of outfits from what I have pictured below, including weekend wear.<br />
Yes, I know I have more than 15 here, shoes, bags, accessories and undies don't count, or we'd all be walking around half naked.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_wardrobe_for_30_days/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=blogger&id=74259445" target="_blank"><img alt="Spring Wardrobe for 30 Days of Outfits!" border="0" force="1" height="325" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/cmCFKM37CRiHJjw1fbKFaw/cid/74259445/id/ld8PNy5OTqyYDqSpzXpc-Q/size/c600x488.jpg" title="Spring Wardrobe for 30 Days of Outfits!" width="400" /></a><br />
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If you'd like to play along, <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-edit-wardrobe-build-one-you-love.html" target="_blank">clean out your closet</a>, and find some things that can sub in for what I have pictured. Not every body looks good in the same colors and styles, so use what works for you!<br />
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I'll see you all next week with outfits - Week 1!<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-67238550111620718622013-02-22T15:25:00.000-05:002013-02-22T16:05:41.525-05:00The One About PSSA Testing.I write about my minions from time to time. If you've been following along you might recall minion anecdotes from posts such as <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2012/04/one-with-rain-man.html" target="_blank">The One With the Rain, Man!</a> and <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2012/06/half-tutorial-half-rant-half-bad-at.html" target="_blank">Half Tutorial, Half Rant, Half Bad at Math, but All Good in Showing You the IEP Process</a> and that's just some of the craziness we deal with here in Autism land. <br />
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Today I'm touching on another silly thing called the PSSA's. Pennsyltucky uses a standardized testing system for their no child left behind compliance as well as a determinate factor in school funding. What you may not know is that your child's school has probably spent the last month or more not teaching your child new material because they are reviewing for the PSSA's (or whatever your states testing is). <br />
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I'm sure you're all aware at how dismal our education system is in comparison to the rest of the world, so you should be horrified that the school spends a month or more at the beginning of the year reviewing old material and another month or more doing it again.<br />
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The school tells you as parents, and also tells your children that they are required to take the tests. That's not quite true. You as a parent have the right to use <a href="http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.4.html" target="_blank">PA Code 4.4</a> and exempt your child for religious reasons. I don't know about you, but my God(s) wouldn't think putting my autistic child through a test that would upset and confuse him, give him anxiety, not follow his IEP and generally destroy his week is a good idea. Would yours?<br />
Your child can also simply refuse to take them. They cannot be persecuted for it by anyone as per PA Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.24. They also can't be told they won't graduate or pass if they don't take it. As with everything else directly concerning them, they have the right to say no.<br />
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I know you as parents may not care about one test that takes up a few days out of the year to take. I do hope you care about the month to month and a half of learning your child is missing out on because of a nonsense test.<br />
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Explore your rights and exercise them!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AWqdScvrKCo" width="300"></iframe>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-74023252408396186612013-02-16T18:01:00.001-05:002013-02-16T18:22:43.932-05:00This Week's OutfitsAfter a houseful of sick men this week, I didn't have much time to blog. So, I'm offering up a few outfits in lieu of something of substance.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_week_outfits/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=blogger&id=72035721" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Week Outfits" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3LL3JHewCqOMEWUk1jsKQ/cid/72035721/id/RPeEGStHSlaRpIJM-IhzLA/size/c600x720.jpg" title="Valentine's Week Outfits" width="333" /></a>
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Monday I got to go to work while the king stayed home. By Tuesday, the evil bug had been given to the minions and they were hacking up their little lungs. So, I got all fancied up and stayed with them that day.
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sick_day/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=72433397" target="_blank"><img alt="Sick Day" border="0" height="297" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/fG5gWpobzW3my1JbR2spQ/cid/72433397/id/5cN0jHTOSdmjtBXsy6SmGQ/size/c600x559.jpg" title="Sick Day" width="320" /></a><br />
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By the end of the day Wednesday, the temps had dropped and it started to rain, then snow right after. Apparently it snuck up on the weathermen in Pennsyltucky.
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/surprise_snow_day/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=72435829" target="_blank"><img alt="Surprise Snow Day" border="0" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ZIlFTURUc5ABn5UL2PMHA/cid/72435829/id/IzbtMM63SC2WPF0pEwK4vg/size/c600x784.jpg" title="Surprise Snow Day" width="306" /></a>
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Valentine's Day was spent at a job fair. No, I'm not job hunting, trying to recruit some new blood. We may have one <strike>victim</strike> candidate.
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_outfit/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=72437931" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Outfit" border="0" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/i9nxPeachd5dLlEY0RmIA/cid/72437931/id/ZtF1nxABQ8WQMuiJDwCqiA/size/c600x710.jpg" title="Valentine's Outfit" width="338" /></a>
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By Friday all I wanted was to be warm and comfy. A few layers of clothing accomplished it nicely, plus I got to wear my new shoes!
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/casual_friday/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=72431968" target="_blank"><img alt="Casual Friday" border="0" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/LdK3u8VNHfE3U2K05Ctfg/cid/72431968/id/n_fIEgXNQqS4Pr1KEhtLog/size/c600x788.jpg" title="Casual Friday" width="304" /></a>
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Today, I got to join a few of my new friends for a morning out at the farmers market. It was fun to wander about the stalls and see what was available, even if I couldn't eat much of it. I think my favorite thing were the bite size donuts one group was making. They were unbelievably cute.
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/farmers_market_saturday/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=72597322" target="_blank"><img alt="Farmers Market Saturday" border="0" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/go6gDSIGBsEl8nu0AzDLgQ/cid/72597322/id/DMB_RzFDSMa_5WszWypyjw/size/c600x803.jpg" title="Farmers Market Saturday" width="298" /></a>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-72953319605246047822013-02-06T00:46:00.002-05:002013-02-06T00:46:52.942-05:00The One About Downtown Abbey and TeaI started watching Downton on a sick day while browsing Netflix. I didn't know it would suck the King in too. Let's just say Violet had him when she was describing Downton "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;"><a class="oldlink" href="http://www.downtonabbeyquotes.com/view/Violet%20Crawley/101" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Really. It's like living in a second rate hotel where guests keep arriving and no one seems to leave.</a>" I </span>al</span>so didn't know how truly lovely the costumes were going to be, or how much I was going to covet being tall and stick-like to carry those costumes off. Since I won't be growing or losing my girly figure any time soon, I'll have to improvise.<br />
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This Saturday is my mom's tea party/birthday present, so Mom, if you're reading this, stop now, or the surprise you want will be gone.<br />
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I'll be wearing a blousy, dolman sleeved, lace number. Mine is actually a blush color, not black, but one can't fight Polyvore. For fun, I think I'll even try some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wplyLU6_1sc" target="_blank">Marcel waves</a> in my hair.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/downton_inspired_tea_outfit/set?.embedder=2820124&.svc=copypaste&id=71407867" target="_blank"><img alt="Downton Inspired Tea Outfit" border="0" height="315" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/4phZgnF1fcDEGkTuQNGA/cid/71407867/id/e3ezZncnRumx4vgBECoyzg/size/c600x473.jpg" title="Downton Inspired Tea Outfit" width="400" /></a><br />
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The invitations that went out specified wearing fancy hats, I chose a fascinator. Something I didn't own but ran across and decided it would be fun. The rest of the outfit is Downton inspired, but without wearing an ill-fitting dress for my body type, I wasn't going to go all the way.<br />
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I've planned out a tea buffet with teas from a local tea shop called <a href="ttps://www.onegoodwoman.com/store/categories/teas/" target="_blank">One Good Woman</a>. The king has been gracious enough to offer a hand and the minions will probably offer up some service as mini garçons.<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/AVvXsEhU7Y810MZl5wpccLt-ebjmkSIDS_uR47hy_pSP-H7Ll77pp1-I5NOjcIVaqI7fsPkX4Wm2U0zLMvmnu4I2jXnoxVphFQQhxbOBt6TZmR8v_iJP9B6PRENobgvQGfPoCkKIzmG9uVjDN4Rd/s1600/teabuffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Y810MZl5wpccLt-ebjmkSIDS_uR47hy_pSP-H7Ll77pp1-I5NOjcIVaqI7fsPkX4Wm2U0zLMvmnu4I2jXnoxVphFQQhxbOBt6TZmR8v_iJP9B6PRENobgvQGfPoCkKIzmG9uVjDN4Rd/s320/teabuffet.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller scale but same idea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We'll be dining on tea sandwiches like cucumber with dill spread and hummus with sprouts. I'll be making scones, because you can't have tea without them. I'm thinking a sweet scone, probably <a href="http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2009/11/pumpkin-scones-with-maple-nutmeg-icing.html" target="_blank">pumpkin with maple</a> icing because it's my favorite, and a savory one like <a href="http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2012/01/savory-gluten-free-scones-with-olives.html" target="_blank">olive and rosemary</a>. Some lovely little <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/carrot-cake-gluten-free/81350456-95da-4e1b-bcb9-fe84378a2098" target="_blank">cupcakes</a> (carrot) done up like hats. <a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/StrawberryLavender.htm" target="_blank">Strawberries in a lemon lavender syrup</a> to put something remotely healthy on the table and either french macaroons or cut sugar cookies. <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/AVvXsEizwSNdCqX-m14YukFYnlXFW4e6j4LE-Xe_QUOSCV1mRe5Gyp0fkreUrSWu06NiW398x0UP4ecC_w-tppcZggXMxcN5ab2eix-NkC8mgHgBIZvJmbCUYmRCK4HQI0-9mrUkHcqhkHOGx7AO/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwSNdCqX-m14YukFYnlXFW4e6j4LE-Xe_QUOSCV1mRe5Gyp0fkreUrSWu06NiW398x0UP4ecC_w-tppcZggXMxcN5ab2eix-NkC8mgHgBIZvJmbCUYmRCK4HQI0-9mrUkHcqhkHOGx7AO/s320/hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute cake I did last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My mother 'gifted' me with my grandmothers china some time ago. I lovingly refer to it as the ugly china. We'll be using it for tea. Yes, it's ugly as sin, but it's my sin. My sins include way more pieces than I started with as I filled in broken and missing pieces over the years. I have everything from berry bowls to teapots covered in pink 40's style flowers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH1oXO1yEv04kWiTCieECOJUGDRLATM2c_FznU9SRJ_mWiLhojjpslLTIOzrCLBcYute7uLVHjjIdGNywa77pqsyBU8vgMsoZeuHIchjQJSXyvJp7Z7XDIIFcOGbJhjLyXSj_41keSyvW/s1600/uglychina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH1oXO1yEv04kWiTCieECOJUGDRLATM2c_FznU9SRJ_mWiLhojjpslLTIOzrCLBcYute7uLVHjjIdGNywa77pqsyBU8vgMsoZeuHIchjQJSXyvJp7Z7XDIIFcOGbJhjLyXSj_41keSyvW/s320/uglychina.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homer Laughlin Priscilla Eggshell Nautilus </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been stumped on decorations, I'll admit. I'm a total black thumb and don't do well with any plant that's alive, or even was alive at one time. I know I like the big puffball flowers, and I adore the look of this table. Obviously I'll scale it down as it will be on my coffee table and not at a large scale wedding. But I think I can manage some candles and fake puffball things in a vase.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcEOAzl03YPAuTfqDUbz41opd9DjSgx4gkztC92loV6Mqm8znusPWyt14PpV2XzmvYBdOVu0e2Scar5XMfVxOkxhTPcLQ9h2NpHZ3E5x2v3m-GMBREug36Y2wJtkQrxyAcESN1xa-AAWd/s1600/puffballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcEOAzl03YPAuTfqDUbz41opd9DjSgx4gkztC92loV6Mqm8znusPWyt14PpV2XzmvYBdOVu0e2Scar5XMfVxOkxhTPcLQ9h2NpHZ3E5x2v3m-GMBREug36Y2wJtkQrxyAcESN1xa-AAWd/s320/puffballs.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffballs are pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No party is complete without something for the guests to take home, so mom and I have been collecting old tea cups and saucers from thrift shops all over the mid-state. Each guest will be going home with a one of a kind candle in a teacup. I just have to find a couple more, and soon. Seriously people, donate more cups!<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStS9wK3CVR6EzX_qgQHx-Z0WCgXN_uL-181hT9apxp17MViLFHiTJj7NzAL_KaftHa5kQGKhOGoXvoqFWRO-ObVimddm2oRz8dkaJPyx1O56BYzr5mz8HoTJvVWinAVirWH-rJDUwPx1l/s1600/candleteacups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStS9wK3CVR6EzX_qgQHx-Z0WCgXN_uL-181hT9apxp17MViLFHiTJj7NzAL_KaftHa5kQGKhOGoXvoqFWRO-ObVimddm2oRz8dkaJPyx1O56BYzr5mz8HoTJvVWinAVirWH-rJDUwPx1l/s1600/candleteacups.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thrifty gifties!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And that's it for this week's post that covers everything from my personal crazy to fashion to food. In there I think there might be some sort of tutorial for throwing a big girl tea party. And don't forget, there is a link on a previous post for the printable invitations.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-61615424076407935002013-01-23T15:02:00.000-05:002013-01-23T15:02:12.148-05:00Things My Boys Will Learn Before They Turn 18We all try to impart things to our kids, be they morals, values, or just things you need to know. I've taught mine how not to dress like an idiot, that chores aren't for suckers and why it takes all of us to keep things going. But there is more to life than just the basics, and some of the emotional things, and things that aren't needed in the here and now are more difficult to teach. Luckily, I've picked up a few things as I grew up and learned a few hilarious things from friends with teenagers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiteii-_qv77hvDyGS5JXwuQptAyankSFV-4xHrIIzHQQm1rZw9NHoHn0jCB69X8kCq1uKvEk37R6j5pMsyvY321OGqsCe0UWQVM4JzOl7DRGX9yLRADHsGG9NgvvoVtwzL2uznhjaqgh/s1600/boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiteii-_qv77hvDyGS5JXwuQptAyankSFV-4xHrIIzHQQm1rZw9NHoHn0jCB69X8kCq1uKvEk37R6j5pMsyvY321OGqsCe0UWQVM4JzOl7DRGX9yLRADHsGG9NgvvoVtwzL2uznhjaqgh/s200/boy.jpg" width="200" /></a>Here are the things I hope my kids leave the nest with:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Scissors are to be used for opening bags of chips, not for your hair, on your head, or otherwise. And if you decide girls don't want hair in their mouths - use shaving cream.<br />
<br />
2. Cleaning is not experimental chemistry - mixing chemicals will kill you. Just use white vinegar and other things like I taught you. <br />
<br />
3. Learn to cook a few basic meals, girls like that. Also, learn to use a fire extinguisher - I've seen your cooking.<br />
<br />
4. Do not tell a girl you love her unless you really do. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with the word Love.<br />
<br />
5. Good friends are there through thick and thin. They have your back and know your secrets. Keep them forever, because they now know your secrets and murder is illegal.<br />
<br />
6. Be prepared to hear everything running through a girls head when you ask her what she's thinking about. And for the love of all things, you don't have to fix them all.<br />
<br />
7. Your metabolism burns off all that pizza now. It won't forever. Learn to eat and like green things. It's just a veggie, get over it.<br />
<br />
8. Jumper cables, learn to use them.<br />
<br />
9. Look at a girls' eyes and smile at her BEFORE ogling her boobs. It's the polite thing to do.<br />
<br />
10. Drinking hard alcohol from the bottle won't go well for you, ever. You'll either never drink it again, or be too dead to worry about it.<br />
<br />
11. Using your credit/debit card and waiting for the end of the month bill isn't budgeting. Remember the lessons you learned with your allowance and apply it to real life.<br />
<br />
12. You know what you wash with white clothes? White clothes. Also, Fels Naptha gets stains out of anything.<br />
<br />
13. Learn basic first aid. Someday you will be out in the woods, a mile from nothing with a kid who has a stick through her leg. No wait, that was me. Still...learn first aid.<br />
<br />
14. Happy, that's what you need to be when you grow up. What your job is doesn't change that fact.<br />
<br />
15. Sex is like power, it too comes with great responsibility. If you're not prepared for all the emotions, attachments and potential disasters, wait. Your penis, and sex aren't going anywhere anytime soon.<br />
<br />
16. Learn to tie a tie properly. Suits and ties, or just a guy dressed really nicely is like lingerie to a woman.<br />
<br />
17. Don't ever start a fight, but if you can't talk yourself out if it, know how to win one, quickly and without too much damage to either of you.<br />
<br />
18. Learn to write thank you notes, love notes, and general letters. Texting just isn't the same.<br />
<br />
P.S. If I ever catch you walking around with your boxers hanging out, and pants hanging off your ass claiming to be a gangsta - I'm ripping your ears off. You can claim it was a gang related injury if you want to be a gangsta so badly.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomDawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-71067271813004563652013-01-22T12:27:00.000-05:002013-01-22T12:27:06.995-05:00And Then This Happened...Have you ever had something happen to you that you just didn't even want to tell the truth about because it's so unbelievably dumb? Sometimes I swear my life is a comedy of errors that I get to wear around. This weekend was no different.<br />
It all started off so innocently. I was watching one of my guilty pleasures (The Dead Files) on Friday night, and I fell asleep with my glasses still on. According to the King, Tucker, the fuzzy cat and I were fast asleep and just before midnight the Tucker let out an unholy screech, jumped up from a dead sleep, landed on my face, smashing my glasses into my eye and chaos ensued.<br />
I sat up, not exactly realizing what had happened yet, other than my face/nose was hurting. Then I realized there was blood, a lot of it. After running to the bathroom and accessing the damage I came to a few conclusions.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My cat is a fuzzy jerk, who has nightmares.</li>
<li>Face wounds bleed like you've been mauled by a bear.</li>
<li>Makeup ain't gonna cover that.</li>
<li>Blood doesn't come out of white duvets.</li>
<li>Wearing glasses to bed is both a good and a bad thing.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The next day, I had planned to do some ice skating, meet some new friends, etc. Which worked out, we all giggled and decided that I took a hockey puck to the eye. While walking around later with the King, we ran into a police officer we knew and of course they decided I had been assaulted, but I had it coming. Sunday, as the eye was looking worse, we had another couple over to pick up some wood and mercifully, the wife thought it was a car accident. The husband however... He was impressed that I didn't need to be told twice to do something (if you've heard that joke).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA2htK7LIxSBEJMP6Gfaur0JxRCo-s_uwXM9FMTQ_wVg8afx4yHQRP4xypbRrflDQL8YLDXT2PY4docp1hnwgM2sO0-bBbzMWyNO8FfQkvwsvbbvm197WP3WNybdn5Z3ebXOYH8n6jdqr/s1600/blackeye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA2htK7LIxSBEJMP6Gfaur0JxRCo-s_uwXM9FMTQ_wVg8afx4yHQRP4xypbRrflDQL8YLDXT2PY4docp1hnwgM2sO0-bBbzMWyNO8FfQkvwsvbbvm197WP3WNybdn5Z3ebXOYH8n6jdqr/s320/blackeye.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accidental cat mauling just sounds lame...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The King thinks I should use the story of a bear attack - and we're eating the bear next week (rawr! I ripped it's throat out with my bare hands). A few others have insisted roller derby was the way to go. Either way you look at it, having a cat frightened by a nightmare land on your face while you're sleeping doesn't make for a good tale to tell.<br />
<br />
Having a cat land on your face, and do some damage is a joke in itself - somewhere. Being abused, living with abuse, or knowing someone who is in an abusive relationship is not. <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/" target="_blank">Hotline</a> advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. If you, or someone you know is in need, please make that call. You could be saving a life, maybe your own. 1-800-799-SAFE<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-81095485547283493592013-01-09T12:19:00.000-05:002013-01-09T12:19:49.630-05:00The One About 2013 - So farThe holidays have come and gone, finally. The new year has begun, and no new blog posts? "What's up with that?", a few people have asked. It's a lot of reasons, but here's what it's not:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Planning to end the blog.</li>
<li>Fallen into a cement mixer full of quicksand (thank you, Train)</li>
<li>Autism was cured</li>
<li>Baked my last cake or made my last meal</li>
<li>Finished my home decorating and now live in a museum (minion #2 would love that though)</li>
<li>Stopped caring about fashion</li>
<li>Never travelling again</li>
</ul>
<div>
Life swallowed me whole for a while. It's funny how mundane things suck the life out of you when you're not paying attention. Stress lurks in dark corners and fear of the unknowns tends to make you turn inward. As you do that you tend to do some serious thinking. You think about a lot of negative stuff because it's what hits you first and foremost, and sometimes you dwell on it a bit. Eventually you start finding the things that make you happy, or will make you happy. Some of the happy things I've been putting off a long time. A long, long, L O N G time. So here's what's really going on around here:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I've gone back to school. I'll have a masters when I'm done.</li>
<li>Finding a BFF and just some girl friends.</li>
<li>Taking better care of myself.</li>
<li>Constructing new chore charts and implementing them.</li>
<li>Making menu plans each week with new things to try.</li>
<li>Planning a tea party birthday for my mom and her friends (there are hats involved).</li>
<li>Letting go of people and things that make me unhappy.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tomorrow I'll be posting our new chore charts as well as a tutorial on how to get your household to run a little more smoothly without you having to do everything yourself. In the meantime, below is a sneak peek at the Tea Party Invite. If you have Photoshop or GIMP and would like the one with all the layers on it, just leave a comment and a way to contact you.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></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/AVvXsEioBzFd2vOAfl-At3IBJH5IBw80gymETtG32EEPQhFJe_6F8hfrPNZ1nuRn6k9zunRhcGOevxy3lE5bome0hFqCsFAVPCTEGzjLKH5LO61kyvXTefBahS58zq8Npm0CbHj5kQbwq1jMzJZW/s1600/mombirthday+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBzFd2vOAfl-At3IBJH5IBw80gymETtG32EEPQhFJe_6F8hfrPNZ1nuRn6k9zunRhcGOevxy3lE5bome0hFqCsFAVPCTEGzjLKH5LO61kyvXTefBahS58zq8Npm0CbHj5kQbwq1jMzJZW/s320/mombirthday+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone else a fan of hats?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-31577451805067185522012-12-21T12:02:00.002-05:002012-12-21T12:02:18.745-05:00One Choosy Cook on Choosing Cookware<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREpDyZ5uLCsm8X6L08oDKMfCCo2LMxlwt_Uy3RukNkK9B1hnPr6FTFqha8z_eZ-Gi3wMdvq9bnQfbswDOBUuVnCwKsL9z-J0LBNeminNRgqk5fYHs4hPKOT9H0Jkrg_4qFInEEG_5rCtx/s1600/cast-iron-cookware-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREpDyZ5uLCsm8X6L08oDKMfCCo2LMxlwt_Uy3RukNkK9B1hnPr6FTFqha8z_eZ-Gi3wMdvq9bnQfbswDOBUuVnCwKsL9z-J0LBNeminNRgqk5fYHs4hPKOT9H0Jkrg_4qFInEEG_5rCtx/s320/cast-iron-cookware-set.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Crueset cookware</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Like most people I have a variety of pots, pans and skillets in my cupboards. I have everything from glass to non-stick teflon going on in there. After getting sick and figuring out what I can and can't have we started rethinking our cookware as well. After doing some research, I felt educated...and appalled. Here is what I found out!<br />
<br />
We all know non-stick cookware is convenient and easy to clean, but it also has some health concerns. PFOA, a component in teflon coating on those pans, is a know carcinogen and mutagenic. At least 98% of the population of the US will find PFOA in its bloodstream, and even in the cord blood of newborns. DuPont, the creator of the substance has been fined heavily in the past for covering up just how dangerous it is. Oh, and if you have feathered friends in your home, non-stick pans can kill them. No, I'm not kidding.<br />
If you are still using non-stick pans here are a few tips to use them safely:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't overheat them, dry heat them or heat them over 400 degrees.</li>
<li>If they are in any way scratched or the coating is coming off, throw them away.</li>
<li>Don't heat an empty pan - it can take less than 2 minutes to over heat a non-stick pan.</li>
<li>Don't sear or broil meat in non-stick pans. Typically you need to heat the pan past what is safe to cook the meat that way.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Aluminum Cookware is for many people a cost effective way to cook their food. Unfortunately aluminum can leach into your food. Cooking veggies in aluminum cookware produces hydroxide poison which can neutralize digestive acids and cause gastro intestinal troubles. To give you an idea of how bad this stuff is, the sale of aluminum cookware is prohibited in Germany, France, Belgium, UK, Switzerland, Hungary and Brazil.<br />
Anodized Aluminum seals in the aluminum, and gives it a non-porous non-reactive surface, until the teflon is put on it. The acidity of your food will break down the surface on these, so be careful to make your sauces in another pot.<br />
<br />
Stainless Steel, unless it is surgical grade can be made from pretty much anything, including scrap metal. The only other thing you have to worry about with these is nickel, in the better pans. But you have to be able to afford the high end ones to avoid the inferior metals and other leaching concerns. When you get into that much money, there are better options.<br />
<br />
Cast Iron is another great one. They require some extra maintenance but can be a fairly inexpensive albeit heavy addition to the cupboard. The drawbacks however, are that seasoned pans are 99.9% of the time seasoned with soy oils. Be aware of that before you buy them and look for non-seasoned if you want cast iron and season them yourself.<br />
<br />
Back in the 80's, glass pots and pans were all the rage. You can still find them, Corning makes the Visions line here in the US. No leaching into your food, but a bit on the sticky side. Great for simply boiling water and making pasta though. Special bonus with these, they are made by the same group that makes beakers so you feel a little like a mad scientist while doing up dinner!<br />
<br />
Ceramic is a newer version of the non-stick pan. There are a few on the market now in the US, and most aren't worth buying. The ceramic is inferior and develops pits in the ceramic rather quickly. Ecoluxe out of Italy is one that's worth buying, but you have to go to Italy or stumble on their pans in Marshalls like I did. If you find some, buy them. They're completely worth it.<br />
<br />
Last but certainly not least, there are the enameled cast iron variety. You get all the greatness of the cast iron along with the no leach of the glass. If you're going to go this route, keep in mind these types of pans are handed down through generations. They will last you a lifetime and probably your grandkids too, but you pay for that quality. Le Creuset and Staub are two lines that are worth the money. Martha is making her own these days, but the reviews were awful on the enamel pitting, cracking and coming off.<br />
<br />
For any of you with allergies or intolerances, if you are buying anything second hand and it's porous material, assume it's contaminated and don't buy it. Save yourself some agony later.<br />
<br />
I'm slowly switching over to Le Creuset and glass. What are you cooking on?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-76020843514838294092012-12-19T10:29:00.000-05:002012-12-19T10:29:02.837-05:00The One About The Fat Guy In The SuitIn the strange world we live in, we've never had the question, "Is Santa real?", come up. Both of my minions have just taken it as certain fact that a rotund man in a red suit delivers one amazing present, to each person around the globe, in one night. Seems legit, right?<br />
The minions are 11 and 14 and thanks to <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/" target="_blank">NORAD</a> and animated Christmas shows, they still have no doubts that:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Santa is real</li>
<li>He needs some of my cookies</li>
<li>He's bringing games for the Wii</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3l7nh3gdiiB9q3LI6xk7YIkT6UuvbsgWxijbNrZRiPHTXiGzv-J_R5gyFCted9OaVGS-nrekklm24G4HEIIRGdeUK-u-NlimwgDh_QgPJhdbnY0qEfJ6Viq_WL9JMcfdrOOrm947kuB9/s1600/santa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3l7nh3gdiiB9q3LI6xk7YIkT6UuvbsgWxijbNrZRiPHTXiGzv-J_R5gyFCted9OaVGS-nrekklm24G4HEIIRGdeUK-u-NlimwgDh_QgPJhdbnY0qEfJ6Viq_WL9JMcfdrOOrm947kuB9/s320/santa.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seems Legit...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I was hoping by now they both would have figured out that Santa couldn't be real. Then again, minion #2 is holding out for a pet chupacabra or bigfoot, so perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. What it boils down to though is this. We don't lie to the minions. I've had to explain everything from incest (thanks NatGeo Mummy specials) to complex medical procedures and expectations of pain levels, but we don't lie. So why do we pick things like this to be untruthful about? </div>
<div>
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<div>
I've thought long and hard about this, and I think the answer is simple. There is some magic that revolves around this time of year no matter what religion you follow. Even if you follow one of the religions that doesn't celebrate the holiday or are atheist, chances are your spirit of giving or being with family is greater, and that's it's own type of magic. Who wants to end that? Yeah, I really don't either.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What we will be doing is telling them in a way that involves them being part of the Christmas magic. I hope that in years to come, it also helps us come together more as a family as it has this year and makes it less about giving things to someone just because it's what's you've always done at this time of year.</div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-42252798009078817762012-12-18T11:40:00.000-05:002012-12-18T11:40:07.105-05:00A Weekend AwayThe King took me to Alexandria, Virginia for a weekend away recently. It was part of my birthday present and it was nice to get some down time. We spent Sunday in Old Town enjoying the walk around town. Most of the side walks are kept brick, especially close to the river. There are even a few cobblestone streets left in places. I find a certain type of peace in places with that much history. To walk in places where long dresses swept the ground, armies marched through and people like George Washington and Robert E. Lee walked gives one pause.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWf5BmC3vJO0sAmeHkebVzY9WPJ5SYtlhT53eNNftjDHXQufGAKhG7bWwQyuoGxmge40gxBN-exLzmHuFmTmE4AbLFzWstDc-nA72SLYfSY_waGWYCAfOg5nY0RgSKn0UET88rGGN0XZ5/s1600/sidewalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWf5BmC3vJO0sAmeHkebVzY9WPJ5SYtlhT53eNNftjDHXQufGAKhG7bWwQyuoGxmge40gxBN-exLzmHuFmTmE4AbLFzWstDc-nA72SLYfSY_waGWYCAfOg5nY0RgSKn0UET88rGGN0XZ5/s200/sidewalk.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the brick lined sidewalks.</td></tr>
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A number of boutiques, resale and thrift stores as well as eateries and galleries such as The Torpedo Factory abound. It sounds like something where you'd either buy food, or weapons, but it's been turned into an Art Centre. Three floors of open galleries and studios to peruse or purchase the works you find.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtuzyXUbJFU7eZGyCJIH7NXujML53Uy4igbURfYAb4HGcX9TIRUa6K0FHWcjZhu-2LBfrHDJp-IF9iILJ7j3sKfXCOMRaRxqxzhWxS-RIEQrqr2R03z9i_NxD2yZoq2xeISa7saFQtPzA/s1600/torpedo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtuzyXUbJFU7eZGyCJIH7NXujML53Uy4igbURfYAb4HGcX9TIRUa6K0FHWcjZhu-2LBfrHDJp-IF9iILJ7j3sKfXCOMRaRxqxzhWxS-RIEQrqr2R03z9i_NxD2yZoq2xeISa7saFQtPzA/s200/torpedo.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torpedo from 1945 on view.</td></tr>
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Many of the boutiques had some gorgeous displays for Christmas. The one below though, took my breath away. The shop, called decorium was part of an interior design firm, and their shop simply made me happy. "Snow" covered the floors, "ice" covered branches were everywhere and you really felt like you were walking through a winter wonderland indoors. I could have stayed there all day and poked through each nook and cranny in the shop and still not have seen everything. It was simply fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg314RCvJbYN-Fbs-cwuRIS1LLolm1T5S_A_F5T5fkdPF4R-3JXCc7qZMu2XoZHLUxhluu-1zsrkCZRgRQ-lUtLTJG_5qBMxMTVoI4XQN-lIbvgHshKjXp-pXR1R2vd8SsDPWKMrxiuxOgD/s1600/window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg314RCvJbYN-Fbs-cwuRIS1LLolm1T5S_A_F5T5fkdPF4R-3JXCc7qZMu2XoZHLUxhluu-1zsrkCZRgRQ-lUtLTJG_5qBMxMTVoI4XQN-lIbvgHshKjXp-pXR1R2vd8SsDPWKMrxiuxOgD/s200/window.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorium's interior window display.</td></tr>
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Hopefully before the holidays are done we can get over to Hershey and enjoy Christmas Candylane. An evening of music, light shows and a rides in the frosty cold is a lot of fun. I just have to convince minion #1 of that...<br /><div>
<br /></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-39574401111341181182012-12-03T11:15:00.006-05:002012-12-03T11:15:38.929-05:00The One About SMART Goals<br />
As another year comes to a close, I find myself in the same cycles of years past. I take stock of the things I've done this year, see if I've met the goals I've set for myself both personally and professionally, and start writing the goals for the year ahead.<br />
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Some of the goals I've met, some I haven’t. I really don’t sweat it one way or another. They’re goals and things to strive for, not how I measure my success and happiness. I know not everyone is like that, and that’s OK too. Everyone is different and it’s that bit of different that makes each of us special and unique. <br />
<br />
Each goal I set, no matter if it’s a short or long term goal follows a few rules.<br />
<br />
The goal is <b>Specific</b>. It will state what I want to accomplish, who is involved, why I’m doing it, where I’m doing it and list out any requirements or constraints.<br />
The goal will also be <b>Measurable</b>. I can give it how much percentages, or how manys to see what’s left to do yet. <br />
The goal is <b>Attainable</b>. If I can answer the question, “How will I accomplish my goal?”, with a realistic answer, it’s attainable. Being the Doctor’s companion isn't an attainable goal, no matter how cool you think it would be.<br />
The goal is <b>Relevant</b>. Is my goal worthwhile? Am I the one that should be accomplishing this? Is it the right time to do this?<br />
The goal is <b>Time bound</b>. Someday is not part of the goal making formula. What needs to be done now, next week, next month to accomplish my goal in the X months I have designated to bring it to completion?<br />
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My personal goals for the coming year are pretty simple, barring of course the end of the world as predicted by the Mayans.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Go back to school in January and work towards my masters. (long term goal)</li>
<li>Make 5 new friends and have a girls' night out once a month.</li>
<li>Attend one craft show a month, and make my jewelry a small, profitable business that can support 50% of my tuition costs by the end of 2013.</li>
<li>Expand on my jewelry line to include some accessories for Thirty One bags. Meet up with the rep and make sure she has samples by Jan. 15th.</li>
<li>Finish the family room and move on to the dining room before Spring.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
That’s it so far, but that list is ever changing, so the goals will adjust, change, be added to and some of those will be removed as they are completed. <br />
What are your goals for 2013, or are you hoping the Mayans will be right and you won’t need to make any more goals?<br />
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-40991399376053058842012-11-29T11:27:00.001-05:002012-11-29T11:27:12.791-05:00Tutorials For Us Long Haired LadiesIf you've never had long hair, this post might be a bit foreign to you. But if you're one of the ladies that do have long hair, you know exactly what I mean when I say, "What should I do with my hair today?" <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY24v4EvPhksryGgWe5G9d_Zqqu1QrVDtwUBE_Hocl1E5bnJV1IzsBt8cUQEiB8lwm1i4RdCEl3LqmfCEYSOF7JUNMyqKdVI2tXA6gU8cnqjypN2K0fcv_reO78iCroSOYlRoFYur63-uF/s1600/helmethair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY24v4EvPhksryGgWe5G9d_Zqqu1QrVDtwUBE_Hocl1E5bnJV1IzsBt8cUQEiB8lwm1i4RdCEl3LqmfCEYSOF7JUNMyqKdVI2tXA6gU8cnqjypN2K0fcv_reO78iCroSOYlRoFYur63-uF/s200/helmethair.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, I won't vote for <br />your husband.</td></tr>
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Some people change their hairstyle so infrequently I swear their hair is really a helmet. Or if you see people in two or three styles it's like lego hair, you can just pop it off and put one of the others on. The amount of hairspray keeps everything, including their smile held in place. Think politicians wife.<br />
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We, the ladies of the long hair don't really have this option, especially if we have fine, straight hair (like me). We're forced to come up with something to do with our hair each day. Whether it's up or down, if we're working it has to be professional looking and not look like mommy just finished our hair. If we're at home with the kids, we want to make sure they can't yank it out of our heads, or eat it when we're multitasking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc-xyy88chu8T3d5CvyKUjKSTc8e3QM1nUEGauH1_QPaQRkJdB8SM5DXOt8rDBgi5eL0ndAiVJX9eRZgMGB4xMlJ8kCFF7i7S9gOgdTBF4lAi0g0229d4sfU_jP_JcpalpL38s8sfKABR/s1600/texashair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc-xyy88chu8T3d5CvyKUjKSTc8e3QM1nUEGauH1_QPaQRkJdB8SM5DXOt8rDBgi5eL0ndAiVJX9eRZgMGB4xMlJ8kCFF7i7S9gOgdTBF4lAi0g0229d4sfU_jP_JcpalpL38s8sfKABR/s1600/texashair.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything's bigger in<br />Texas</td></tr>
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Since I can't afford to run to the salon each morning to have someone else do something amazing with my hair, I had to take it into my own hands and find a few go to hairstyles. My go-tos are easy to manage with my two hands, and can be accomplished without getting confused as I'm looking in the mirror. I'm also short, so I adjust my hair to compensate for that as well, without having Texas hair. <br />
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For any of you looking for a few new styles that aren't Texas sized, or scream of politicians' wife, check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/drsizer/hair-styles/" target="_blank">Hair Styles</a> board on Pinterest. I've put a few great tutorials there that don't require me to hold my iphone while doing my own hair. I can promise you that would only be a disaster in the making.<br />
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What are a few of your favorite things to do with your hair? I'm partial to messy buns myself.<br />
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-65914577210098909502012-11-25T23:19:00.001-05:002012-11-25T23:19:09.364-05:00What A Blur!I don't know about the rest of you, but the last week has been a total blur for me. An office move, making a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 12 and all the things that go with those have kept me busy.<br />
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Due to me going vegan and my crazy dietary restrictions I decided to serve Indian food for thanksgiving. For a family of carnivores that loves their meat, potatoes and gravy it went amazingly well.<br />
The menu was fairly simple. Crudités with homemade <a href="http://dragonflies-at-dawn.blogspot.com/2012/06/when-picnic-lunches-go-vegan.html" target="_blank">hummus</a> was laid out as guests were arriving. We chose a simple <a href="http://www.eccodomani.com/italian-wine/moscato.asp" target="_blank">moscato</a> wine to have, and served it chilled, but not ice cold. For the starter we had a spicy lentil dahl with papadom and naan. Then, a buffet style meal of jasmine rice, gobi mutter, chana masala, veggie korma, corn, a simple cole slaw and for the carnivores, chicken biryani and tandoori chicken. <br />
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All of the recipes for the meal can be found on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/drsizer/thanksgiving/" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Pinterest</a> board, except the cole slaw. I've included a recipe for it below.<br />
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If you live in Central Pennsyltucky and have no idea where to get some of the Indian ingredients or spices, Hampden Grocer carries all of it. As an added bonus, the owner is friendly and helpful!<br />
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Yes, we did still have pie. Minion #2 helped make an apple pie, and there was pumpkin and my famous pecan pie as well.<br />
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Dawn's Simple Cole Slaw<br />
Serves 12<br />
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1/2 head of green cabbage, sliced thin<br />
1/2 head of red cabbage, sliced thin<br />
large handful of baby carrots, diced, matchstick, or tossed in a food processor<br />
1 medium cucumber<br />
rice vinegar<br />
olive oil<br />
pepper<br />
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Slice your cabbages and carrots and toss them together, mixing them thoroughly. Add vinegar and oil to taste. You want to taste the mixture, but not leave a lake of it at the bottom of your bowl. Add just enough to coat the veggies. Add a good bit of black pepper. You want to give it just a bit of a bite. Slice the cucumber in thin rounds and top the slaw with it.<br />
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P.S. I did make all the food up a day ahead of time with my wonderful Sister In Law. She and I cooked for 6 hours straight to get everything ready so I wouldn't have to be on my feet from the crack of Dawn (no pun intended) on Thanksgiving. I doubt there are words to say how nice it was to have the help, but it was truly wonderful and a lot of fun!Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-78701020236331968472012-11-16T07:55:00.001-05:002012-11-16T08:04:38.717-05:00How Safe Is Your Food, Really?I ran across a really good article a few weeks ago and wanted to share it. It's about how unsafe the meat we eat in the US really is. The article title is <a href="http://nutritionfacts.org/2012/08/23/why-is-unsafe-meat-legal/" target="_blank">Why is it Legal to Sell Unsafe Meat.</a> I urge you to read the article as well as the first comment from a veterinarian to give you idea of what is really going on with your food.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/e-coli-salmonella-and-oth_b_415240.html" target="_blank">One more article</a> I'm going to point you to will explain what some of the food borne illnesses are, how to combat them, who they are most likely to affect, and why.<br />
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I'm not going to post slaughterhouse photos with this article, because for most people they are disturbing. Instead you get Leo Hamderson in the Meatrix. Cheesy cartoon, but an accurate portrayal of the factory farm system. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rEkc70ztOrc" width="350"></iframe><br />
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For those of you that read this blog on a fairly regular basis, you know I'm a vegan. It's not because I want to save the animals. I love me some leather, especially on shoes, and jackets, sometimes skirts... Anyway, the point isn't omg don't eat meat, it harms the animals. It's about educating yourself about what you're eating, and keep yourself or your children from getting very ill. By all means, eat meat if you want, just make sure what you're getting is safe to eat.<br />
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If you've read the articles and checked out Leo Hamderson and are thinking, I don't know why you're making a big deal about this, I cook all my meat and it's safe, or I really don't care about how my meat exists before I eat it. I have one question for you. After using the toilet, would you wipe your ass with the meat you're eating for dinner, hose it off, cook it, eat it and think it's perfectly safe and completely ok to eat? Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709435223602272785.post-44897822994150804642012-11-15T10:52:00.003-05:002012-11-15T10:52:59.268-05:0010 Tips For Using Facebook Effectively<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'm cheating a little on my tutorial this week. This article was written for my day job, but it's relevant here as well as most of us bloggers have Facebook pages. If you've been looking for a few new ways to invigorate Facebook, read on!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Most, if not all businesses have Facebook pages, twitter accounts, Instagram, and Pinterest sites these days. More often than not they are started and then left to go cold and unused. If you've been putting off keeping your Facebook site up to date and relevant, here are a few tips to help you out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Get all your fans to see all your posts.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">You have lots of fans who like your page but you have little to no response to your postings. It could be that a lot of your fans aren't seeing your posts anymore. The way to combat that is to remind your fans that they should hover over the like button and be sure they add it to their interests list.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GnsmMj0ftsxCFSSo10-KUZ-IlpmEy0DSJnjDonBTZ6GtuKc7wExzQhxPvLZOyONcslF_XVq_gX0PnSKCtcdtmc0S2bGSOard_rDI3cuwcFmqum0S-EIIFc0ybAjCd8hHeRGkDSu0N2dA/s1600/likes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GnsmMj0ftsxCFSSo10-KUZ-IlpmEy0DSJnjDonBTZ6GtuKc7wExzQhxPvLZOyONcslF_XVq_gX0PnSKCtcdtmc0S2bGSOard_rDI3cuwcFmqum0S-EIIFc0ybAjCd8hHeRGkDSu0N2dA/s1600/likes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pinning, it’s not just for Pinterest junkies.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">You can pin your posts to the top of your page so that your fans, or potential fans will see them first on your landing page. This is a great feature if you have products you’re trying to sell, or a cause you’re promoting over a timed schedule.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A1j7a-UwEUzrMRX6i5b6ljkp9k4dcibWP3sJ0dsBsoe1F-DyU6Sk2qwnjfMjhJzBgX59y8RGPYgkUp7pk_iHMFjNUnAXhDhZXYtLjIic3RxwH6F7oDraWHb_qk3qZmIc0ZGLHkPWmbYd/s1600/pinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A1j7a-UwEUzrMRX6i5b6ljkp9k4dcibWP3sJ0dsBsoe1F-DyU6Sk2qwnjfMjhJzBgX59y8RGPYgkUp7pk_iHMFjNUnAXhDhZXYtLjIic3RxwH6F7oDraWHb_qk3qZmIc0ZGLHkPWmbYd/s1600/pinning.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Speaking of causes…</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you have one you’re passionate about, or are supporting, use your cover photo to showcase it. Be sure to follow it up with a few posts and photos from events that support the cause.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-FoWlNU89YvpCA1yVQVF-kopSSeT0TJPPo2760US5wyw5VbZy8Bgbijm3oDlwq96nUYoHyRCSua9YNp4mv7oV0qWWUoSbWwJ-IiI8m_Sr65cxf2CaCtjykJI-AtZ_Bf-KgwWwAzTPtWf/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-FoWlNU89YvpCA1yVQVF-kopSSeT0TJPPo2760US5wyw5VbZy8Bgbijm3oDlwq96nUYoHyRCSua9YNp4mv7oV0qWWUoSbWwJ-IiI8m_Sr65cxf2CaCtjykJI-AtZ_Bf-KgwWwAzTPtWf/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Crowd source your content.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Feature your customers on your coverpage or your posts! Ask for photos of people with your products. If you’re a realtor ask people to send you photos once they've moved in and decorated with a short story of the buying process went.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Return the love</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Your fans have taken their time to come like your page, be sure you take the time to say thank you. Respond to the posts people leave for you, and ask others to get involved in the discussion too so that they feel they've been heard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Have a little fun with it.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not every post has to be serious. Use humor where you can to entertain as well as inform in your posts.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget3LVRY0Yl79tEMyQKUFfC3kvQS8beOmgbeyVQZJdjS_SVT3lpiD1ecrzVEgtobLMWmAd7KM9qCgCQydN_x2lGsp_7lCZQH6OlJO0RtSJUbmTK7t_tOLZ5IN1iC9WMe-kz_xKfdbVJnNF/s1600/brattyprinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget3LVRY0Yl79tEMyQKUFfC3kvQS8beOmgbeyVQZJdjS_SVT3lpiD1ecrzVEgtobLMWmAd7KM9qCgCQydN_x2lGsp_7lCZQH6OlJO0RtSJUbmTK7t_tOLZ5IN1iC9WMe-kz_xKfdbVJnNF/s320/brattyprinter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Go personal.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Showing that there are people behind the business can be a powerful thing, good and bad. As long as you’re not oversharing, it’s good to be personable. Run into a client at lunch? Why not share a photo of your group? The trick is to be relateable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Have a contest</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Everyone likes to be a winner, and they’re fun. Contests are a great way to your page, increase your likes and get new business.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cross promotion</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you don’t have a link from your website or blog to your Facebook site and vice versa, do that now. You should also be listing it on your email signature and your business cards as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Post regularly</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This seems like such a no brainer, but it’s not that easy. One post a day is what’s suggested to stay relevant and visible. Post more often if you can, and with a mixed variety of the above.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good luck and hey – stop by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DragonfliesAtDawn" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and like the page!</span></span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524996753730499028noreply@blogger.com0