tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83260727203290404492024-03-05T02:24:23.089-08:00 Home-Cooked & HandmadeJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-67578134186843060292020-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:002020-04-14T00:00:01.639-07:006 Handy Egg Substitutes<span style="font-size: large;">With the Coronavirus craziness lately, grocery store shelves are sometimes bare and the things we want aren't always available. Some people in other parts of the world live like this all the time, but in America we are usually lucky to have our shelves full to bursting. But w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e are experiencing unprecedented times and it tends to be the basics that people stock up on. That can mean there aren't enough basics to go around. Eggs are one of those basics. With that said, today I'll give you some substitutes for times when you just can't get your hands on a dozen. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi2P0upTihb-iEwvru0Mgqa9LWWXbOeLk-jp4vKt8TCui_EiBG60ATwBRWvpJ0p2rvEySEN3EaMHO7kcn-tk3QpaJ8vB7rjuHb4RHUJ8t1RJd0YRBE2-JTja6oLtFRABu-zADB4XWdeuH/s1600/eggs-3183410_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi2P0upTihb-iEwvru0Mgqa9LWWXbOeLk-jp4vKt8TCui_EiBG60ATwBRWvpJ0p2rvEySEN3EaMHO7kcn-tk3QpaJ8vB7rjuHb4RHUJ8t1RJd0YRBE2-JTja6oLtFRABu-zADB4XWdeuH/s640/eggs-3183410_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Egg Substitutes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Flax</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know that flax you had on hand because you were going to start a healthy diet? That flax that has been in the fridge for two months that you haven't touched? Did you know that you can use it as an egg substitute. It works best in quickbreads, cakes or cookies. To make it, you mix 1 tablespoon of flax with 3 tablespoons of very hot water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a note, i</span><span style="font-size: large;">t will not be great for things like quiche (flax quiche, yuck!) or things where you need to whip the egg whites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Egg Beaters</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This might seem like too simple a fix, but I noticed egg substitute was more prevalent on store shelves than eggs themselves. Hopefully with stores implementing limits this won't continue to be a problem, but in the meantime, if you can get your hands on some egg beaters, just use 1/4 cup of egg substitute for every egg. This can be used in most any recipe, even if eggs are the main ingredient.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Baking Soda and Vinegar</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This substitute is popular in the ubiquitous Wacky Cake or Depression Cake (recipe soon to follow!). We used to eat this quite a bit when I was a kid. And it wasn't because egg supply was low, it was because it was just delicious. It was also a helpful recipe because my brother had severe allergic reactions to eggs. </span><span style="font-size: large;">To use this add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in place of one egg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The three above are substitutes that I have personally used. Below you can see a list of other viable substitutes that I haven't personally tried.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Banana</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 banana for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes, and quick breads</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Applesauce</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup applesauce for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes and quick breads</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Yogurt</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 tablespoons of yogurt for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes and quick breads</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you try any of these egg substitutes or have ideas for ones I haven't mentioned. I really love eggs myself, so I hope there are no real shortages in the future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>You might also like:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/11/ingredient-substitutes-to-rescue.html">Ingredient Substitutes to the Rescue</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/09/equalmeasures.html">Helpful Tips on Equal Measures</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/buy-it-make-it-maybe.html">Buy It, Make It, Maybe</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-54074602228064386312020-04-11T06:01:00.000-07:002020-07-05T06:05:34.277-07:00Easter Egg Nests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a simple recipe for a fun Easter treat. We are still home trying to do our part to flatten the coronavirus curve. So we need to fill our time with fun activities. I mean you have to do something besides argue with your kids, right? Just kidding. Maybe. Anyway.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one we do almost every year, but this year we almost didn't make them. Last time I was at Walmart I couldn't find the chow mein noodles. Things just aren't in stock as they normally would be. But as luck would have it, my daughter found some at the back of our cabinet and they weren't stale. Good find! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNc_EAj8L-wuzF8YZBsonO7K_mq0VQQUsTA73gABJIZmFx5XzkHwvj2XibCqj1Ph0RzABtXleLUw9VfbkDDtsQUEuKkt5JWKVL5KrvkepbgEya2NIzT9X_HzXBcfZZKUvL7uDAqwxTBgn/s1600/fullsizeoutput_241e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNc_EAj8L-wuzF8YZBsonO7K_mq0VQQUsTA73gABJIZmFx5XzkHwvj2XibCqj1Ph0RzABtXleLUw9VfbkDDtsQUEuKkt5JWKVL5KrvkepbgEya2NIzT9X_HzXBcfZZKUvL7uDAqwxTBgn/s640/fullsizeoutput_241e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easter Egg Nests</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>One can or bag of chow mein noodles</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>One bag of butterscotch chips</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cadbury mini eggs (or jellybeans)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Melt butterscotch chips in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Once chips are melted, pour in chow mein noodles. Using two spoons, carefully scoop out mixture and place on wax paper or plastic wrap, creating a nest shape. While the nests are still melty, place 1-3 eggs on top. Let set for at least a half hour before eating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also enjoy:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/04/pineapple-upside-down-cake_4.html">Pineapple Upside Down Cake</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/paper-mache-easter-eggs.html">Paper Mache Eggs</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/string-eggs.html">String Eggs</a></span><br />
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-22438859526388193132020-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002020-04-11T05:57:24.343-07:00Paper Mache Easter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69UGFZHs-yGQqMCKxWdtqXVa6jck5V5mDb0lsUpAoO8hf8SPWQLpIBOUaawfKaVzmAJiLok3B0eg528kpJhlO7YM3MvIhzxhgwG0YRWNX8NeTR13q6A6xSlsQtoFFpMLZJA9rawcrPDPi/s1600/8BAA2B75-A4B9-400D-9953-B50146FE1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69UGFZHs-yGQqMCKxWdtqXVa6jck5V5mDb0lsUpAoO8hf8SPWQLpIBOUaawfKaVzmAJiLok3B0eg528kpJhlO7YM3MvIhzxhgwG0YRWNX8NeTR13q6A6xSlsQtoFFpMLZJA9rawcrPDPi/s640/8BAA2B75-A4B9-400D-9953-B50146FE1050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We made our <a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/string-eggs.html">string eggs</a> the other day and that was fun, but because we were all home due to the coronavirus pandemic quarantine we definitely had some time on our hands for more fun crafts! Enter paper mache eggs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've done paper mache with the kids in the past, but my daughter was too young to appreciate it at the time. This time, now that she's older, my she had a lot more fun. She's actually quite the talented artist! Look at her alien and Stitch. So cute!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKZw5PxzIr7bJDYltqpyfGlhAa4HN2PJVVhjgkBlyCcFlXI4u4tXUcKmej9wkGj3Wv4_gsogzQFBS0LehMB3KAnpSDtoMDnmC6hC8dRBXybkKTCkjxFk18rEU5mqhv01UiFDqSzyKKcb0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2423.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKZw5PxzIr7bJDYltqpyfGlhAa4HN2PJVVhjgkBlyCcFlXI4u4tXUcKmej9wkGj3Wv4_gsogzQFBS0LehMB3KAnpSDtoMDnmC6hC8dRBXybkKTCkjxFk18rEU5mqhv01UiFDqSzyKKcb0/s640/fullsizeoutput_2423.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before we started I did a little research and watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPTBHshlYks">this video</a> to decide what recipe we should use. I was waffling between glue and flour recipes. I've done the no-cook flour recipe multiple times in the past and it's definitely a good standby, but I was concerned about wasting resources when I wasn't sure the next time I would get to the grocery store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are still free to move around and go to the grocery store, but face masks are recommended and there is a limit of how many people can enter the store at one time. I believe the limit at Walmart is 200 people. That sounds like a lot, but if you've ever seen my local Walmart parking lot, you know that number is low. All that to say, I wanted to use the gallon of glue I had on hand for slime making (now since banned in my household!) and not the precious flour in the cabinet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjkQerIPNNLzvbx4WaIOr1zwy2AMOO5gFOJenuLpmeUCIC1b4YtPL8nd-wC8yqwV5K9nOkCSNRlcbKhaifAiW6gJA9Oyhc1m8boPk8RQVUtKMrVLxC6Lyc5hPTkySuRbF5XEeyKZxT_QV/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2417.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjkQerIPNNLzvbx4WaIOr1zwy2AMOO5gFOJenuLpmeUCIC1b4YtPL8nd-wC8yqwV5K9nOkCSNRlcbKhaifAiW6gJA9Oyhc1m8boPk8RQVUtKMrVLxC6Lyc5hPTkySuRbF5XEeyKZxT_QV/s640/fullsizeoutput_2417.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above you can see all the newspaper we cut into strips and our containers filled with diluted glue. We just dipped each strip in glue, used our fingers to remove the excess, and applied to the balloon. We did a total of about 3 layers and it took about 2 days to dry fully.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkDzrZsiYyo63MCa6fNNVehqMxrtO8PsYBTiNVTb7M-srEpPhYVApnZTnOb7Yx7zc_Tkw8w-pOQ23cpMLtCoBTkVKiABIZHAKVbVr-mkDG8PYBYKHb1wiQKPi-BgqYmPXp3BVegmns5Eu/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2418.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkDzrZsiYyo63MCa6fNNVehqMxrtO8PsYBTiNVTb7M-srEpPhYVApnZTnOb7Yx7zc_Tkw8w-pOQ23cpMLtCoBTkVKiABIZHAKVbVr-mkDG8PYBYKHb1wiQKPi-BgqYmPXp3BVegmns5Eu/s640/fullsizeoutput_2418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will say that the glue paper mache did seem to create a lumpier finished product. It just didn't lay the same on the balloon as the flour version. You can see in the picture below all of the lines from the paper. I don't remember it being that stark with the flour recipe. It's been a few years, though, so I could be mistaken. I think maybe the thickness of the flour recipe creates a more uniform paste around the whole thing. That's my theory, at least!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61Dsjz8KyyZCAUMfzckqX_CKF5x6FtonlPN_bAGdKZuhgVQtJA-8fzN3-2gvdvh3xTkYN1YJdoLcK7YMrsydPi_vdv-bI2yKo5FRL_OcutUnmOntEE62d5f9Zmk1xyT1wAFZZAHGxoBvB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_242a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61Dsjz8KyyZCAUMfzckqX_CKF5x6FtonlPN_bAGdKZuhgVQtJA-8fzN3-2gvdvh3xTkYN1YJdoLcK7YMrsydPi_vdv-bI2yKo5FRL_OcutUnmOntEE62d5f9Zmk1xyT1wAFZZAHGxoBvB/s640/fullsizeoutput_242a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below is one last photo of the eggs I painted. They turned out alright, but I like my daughter's eggs best! She really did a great job!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1XBvmXpRSKJcgyhBdQPZsWtFdp6YzIG1GwWiZwkJLVhB9QxrlBnJ0XPgvIrQKqmW7gDihTAXZ3hKu2R9knfsFdfPQVLA2iHYG5q0_PSFOJORw2nLcLcTjV4mhcomx5jpFqeeUzijM0qZ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_242b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1XBvmXpRSKJcgyhBdQPZsWtFdp6YzIG1GwWiZwkJLVhB9QxrlBnJ0XPgvIrQKqmW7gDihTAXZ3hKu2R9knfsFdfPQVLA2iHYG5q0_PSFOJORw2nLcLcTjV4mhcomx5jpFqeeUzijM0qZ/s640/fullsizeoutput_242b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed it, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPTBHshlYks">here is a link</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">to the video I watched and it compares flour and glue paper mache. You decide what you like best!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>You might also like:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/string-eggs.html">String Eggs</a></span><br />
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-2626140305383512242020-04-07T08:01:00.000-07:002020-04-07T08:01:00.288-07:00String Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">During this pandemic quarantine we have to find things to do. One of those things can be <a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/handmade-cloth-masks.html">making masks</a>. It's a worthy and useful thing to do. If I'm honest, though, I like to add in some other things just for the pure fun of it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a back-stock of craft activities and supplies, so I'm well prepared! I made these eggs with my son one year with his homeschool group but we used yarn that time. To put it bluntly, yarn was not the best option. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX7nimC1sDIeEjp5YIwCguSOgs7uac2YXztXvOGIsH4HIthzAHklHfX-0ZGnGm2DvEBCDOtNgsaErd3Hhrw9LdLnYpj7I4PVKZMPFUBVtaeCWHqosnZlQ-I18XNRNlLZnOJRB7p-3Nbp3/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2410.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX7nimC1sDIeEjp5YIwCguSOgs7uac2YXztXvOGIsH4HIthzAHklHfX-0ZGnGm2DvEBCDOtNgsaErd3Hhrw9LdLnYpj7I4PVKZMPFUBVtaeCWHqosnZlQ-I18XNRNlLZnOJRB7p-3Nbp3/s640/fullsizeoutput_2410.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't remember if we used decoupage medium the last time, but this time we used diluted Elmer's glue. There is no specific ratio, just enough water to thin the glue to a slightly thinner consistency that will not stick in clumps to the string and a bit of salt to prevent molding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I mixed up some diluted glue and salt, and the kids and I blew up some water balloons and we got started. All we did was dip the string into the glue, pinched our fingers and ran them down the string to take off the excess glue, and wrapped the string randomly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I strung up a clothesline between rooms to dry the eggs. While it was certainly a slight hazard (LOL!), it made a great spot to dry our creations. We dried them overnight and the kids were anxious to pop the balloons right when they got up in the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was a little disappointed at how they came out. You can see from the pictures that there is a lot of glue left behind. I tried picking it out with tweezers but, yeah, after a couple minutes I was all set with that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They look cute piled in this Easter basket. You could use them as a nice centerpiece for your table. In the end, though, I decided to string them back up and hang them from the doorway. They look adorable and they aren't close enough to pick at their imperfections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With everything going on right now with COVID 19, it's nice to see a little festivity. Easter is coming this weekend and it's sad to me that we can't spend it with others. I will miss our choir cantata and family celebrations complete with ham and Easter egg hunts. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EHz2OnnNvvEY_MfF2Df97yUOVTSy7-gY07MIQHa_LZF_e6oEu54ZXpzTTJev2CnDVCaB5OgEHPyRonkXzP4wI5QRBJaPl2-Awwa-XTvN5jOPh6fQxV2fHAzE8bFtOMJECqrFyjmD2euX/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2412.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EHz2OnnNvvEY_MfF2Df97yUOVTSy7-gY07MIQHa_LZF_e6oEu54ZXpzTTJev2CnDVCaB5OgEHPyRonkXzP4wI5QRBJaPl2-Awwa-XTvN5jOPh6fQxV2fHAzE8bFtOMJECqrFyjmD2euX/s640/fullsizeoutput_2412.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We will do our own thing this year and it will still be fun. We will have a turkey and candy and do an Easter egg hunt. We will do some more crafts and still have a good time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's just funny. For years I have thought of myself as an introvert, and I still think that's true. But I realize getting out and being around people is vital to the human spirit. I'm glad I have my family around even if the kids drive me nuts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://divaofdiy.com/diy-string-easter-egg/">Here is a link</a> if you'd like more detailed instructions. Happy crafting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>You might also like:</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/03/pompom-bunnies.html">Pompom bunnies</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/04/easter-eats.html">Easter Eats</a></span><br />
<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-59991828165207766642020-04-05T06:04:00.000-07:002020-04-05T19:05:18.110-07:00Handmade Cloth Masks<span style="font-size: large;">The debate could go on for hours, but many reputable organizations are now recommending making your own face masks. A couple weeks ago I could not decide if I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and help with the mask making, so I decided to do a little research and see if there was any evidence backing up use of cloth masks in our universal fight against the novel coronavirus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After some quick googling, I came across <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440799/">this study</a> and it finally convinced me that making masks was worth the effort. Although homemade masks are significantly less useful than, say, n95 masks, they are better than no masks at all. And if everyone wore one in public it would mean there would be less droplets from our mouths and noses in the air. That means less virus in the air. Logically that has to be a good thing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried a couple different designs but landed on <a href="https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask">this one</a> from Deaconess hospital in Indiana. I take no credit for this video, it's just a helpful link!</span></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9tBg0Os5FWQ" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The design is so simple! I've given a bunch away and have made some for myself and my family. I've even started wearing them out to the store and starting next week I'll be wearing one at work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you watch the video, you'll see exactly how to do it. Then you can <a href="https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask/Documents-Mask/Mask-Information">click here</a> to see the written instructions I will give you the quick rundown so you know what to expect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pick a tight weave cotton fabric. Pillowcase or cotton T-shirts work. Then cut out two 9" X 6" pieces of fabric. Next cut two 7" pieces of 1/4" elastic. Pin the "right" sides of the fabric together and begin sewing around the edges, starting in the middle of one 9" side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you get to a corner at the beginning of the short side, place the end of one piece of elastic at an angle and sew over it. Sew most of the way down the 6" side. Then, being careful not to twist, bring the elastic to the corner and sew over it. Sew down the next 9" side and repeat what you just did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you come back to the starting side, leave a hole large enough to flip your work inside out. Then flip it. Now sew around the edge twice to secure it. This ensures a rugged mask that can be washed multiple times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, for the best instructions, click the links I provided and watch the video. It really is not too hard!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFiea2_zWq6YGfynsdGYZa14jh1AI8H7z-lKSWUxrdjLoUwkADfYdfYp6gLSOvKPs1-NFLsuJ7RbidMrQgIIS6f84miuhUQz5T5Z6FZidmfMSU1GLDfXWLUbIF5_jY4M2sOgfBBhYPU5C/s1600/IMG_9844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFiea2_zWq6YGfynsdGYZa14jh1AI8H7z-lKSWUxrdjLoUwkADfYdfYp6gLSOvKPs1-NFLsuJ7RbidMrQgIIS6f84miuhUQz5T5Z6FZidmfMSU1GLDfXWLUbIF5_jY4M2sOgfBBhYPU5C/s640/IMG_9844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many other designs out there, some of which include ties or filter pockets or multiple other fancy things. For me, this is the design that I thought would be best for both my skill and production levels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've since run out of elastic so production has halted, but I found that those circular headbands that look like giant hair elastics can be easily substituted in for the 1/4" elastic. So I made a few of those. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can make these for yourself and your family. You can also make a bunch and donate them to a local hospital or nursing home. Just check our the local town pages on Facebook and you'll see pleas for masks. Trust me, someone will take them. Just make sure to keep a couple for your family so you can help keep those droplets out of the air!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. If you have found a pattern you like, tell me below. I'd love to hear what you all have been doing. I just found a pattern using ties that I think I'll try sometime soon. Here's the <a href="https://www.madeeveryday.com/fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/">link</a>. I haven't tried it yet, so I can't say if it's a great one, but it looks promising!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You might also like:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2020/04/cooking-and-crafting-during-covid-19.html">Cooking and Crafting During Covid 19</a></span><br />
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-2888175685631435022020-04-04T06:26:00.001-07:002020-04-05T05:28:27.429-07:00Cooking and Crafting During COVID 19<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't plan on writing here again. I haven't written in over a year and I thought it was time to shut down. But unprecedented times are upon us and we all have a little more free time. I found myself not wanting to start from scratch on a brand new platform, and yet I wanted an outlet and way to keep track of what I was doing during this very strange time. I wanted to add to what I've already done because it's fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, I thought about switching all of my content over to Wordpress and even began the process. I thought of doing this years ago because it would more easily allow me to turn a profit while blogging. But I re-evaluated and remembered the purpose of this blog is not to make money (though that would be awesome!) but to keep a log of the things I make and do and share them with you. I can do that perfectly well on the blogger platform. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love looking back at what I've made and some of the projects I've done with my kids. I am a record-keeper by nature and being able to see the things I've created in the past really makes my heart happy. It's almost like a way of leaving my mark in the world, however small.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrtDZ0-VSCSnpjnobC2Q0ZafFeAOzZUz-8DSI4kZnO2wYWeQ_avnfOjKKyhUJ1PiFIzbnFgQ60047TLlOAhM34_U6wgqdfatrVgqgBsktbJoWKQH75wbJehmGk-n9_UGDHAIqrNSiPWz7/s1600/virus-4936806_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrtDZ0-VSCSnpjnobC2Q0ZafFeAOzZUz-8DSI4kZnO2wYWeQ_avnfOjKKyhUJ1PiFIzbnFgQ60047TLlOAhM34_U6wgqdfatrVgqgBsktbJoWKQH75wbJehmGk-n9_UGDHAIqrNSiPWz7/s640/virus-4936806_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I'm starting back up again as I've done before. The next post will be on the string eggs we've made for Easter. This Easter will be void of large group celebrations and church gatherings. The cantata our choir has practiced will go unsung and Maundy Thursday and Good Friday communion will go uncelebrated. Schools will be empty again this week and we will stay at home. Stores will be filled with masked and gloved people and shelves of toilet paper will be unfilled. It is a weird time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been trying add cooking and crafts to the (very loose) daily schedule. I've also been giving the kids freedom to do things on their own. But don't get me wrong, these times are trying and our patience grows thin more than I'd like. So happy faces and pretty crafts may not reflect full reality!! LOL! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-40337916157355750782020-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:002022-03-28T16:53:10.199-07:006 Ways Hydrogen Peroxide Kills Nasty Bugs...and, yes, that includes Coronavirus<span style="font-size: large;">Hydrogen peroxide is extremely useful. I can't believe I didn't keep a bottle of this amazing disinfectant on hand at all times until a few years ago. Now I use it every day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the coronavirus craziness going on I'm sure you are looking for good ways to disinfect. But coronavirus isn't the only thing you should be thinking about. Below you can find</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a list of 6 nasty bugs you can safely kill with hydrogen peroxide.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAZP3-mGqxwq7LPP5tGYMUahb1NK3UCc3rFRl-grTP7rHBtiqMxxbksE4C8jEOyo0sL9UkBlRvuBlnMs2GLa57-j6lyd8vpU-945LpqR84fhgXwM2RN35aj4iMftBxWLflypkZCf5N7Fn/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAZP3-mGqxwq7LPP5tGYMUahb1NK3UCc3rFRl-grTP7rHBtiqMxxbksE4C8jEOyo0sL9UkBlRvuBlnMs2GLa57-j6lyd8vpU-945LpqR84fhgXwM2RN35aj4iMftBxWLflypkZCf5N7Fn/s640/IMG_9897.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stomach Bug/aka Norovirus</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I found out a few years ago after my daughter seemed to pick up every stomach bug that not everything will kill the norovirus, the virus that causes many vomiting illnesses. I found out that two common things </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">will</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> kill it, though. What a relief! One of those two things is hydrogen peroxide. The other is bleach, but we'll save that for another day. And important to note here is that alcohol and alcohol based hand sanitizers will NOT disable the norovirus. Neither will Lysol! And nope, not those precious Clorox wipes (most Clorox wipes don't contain bleach). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">* Fun fact: Noro can live on surfaces for weeks! Weeks! *</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hydrogen peroxide can be sprayed on surfaces after they have been cleaned from debris and left to dry for about 5 minutes. If there is a bubbly residue after that simply wipe it away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As for me, I spray down everything. I even spray couches. I'm not sure I'd recommend that for everyone, but my couches are old and used, so a little fading goes unnoticed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MRSA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There have been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24679570">studies</a> that show a vaporized mist of hydrogen peroxide over fabric and hard surfaces in hospitals all but eradicates medically resistant staph (MRSA). Other studies like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944907/">this one</a> also show what a wonder peroxide can be!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">MRSA is a very nasty bug and, as the name suggests, resistant to antibiotics. Some high touch surfaces such as patient divider curtains and chairs are not able to be washed every single time they are used, so MRSA sits there, waiting for its next victim. Hospitals who used a mist of peroxide found that almost no germs remained. Major breakthrough I'd say.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mouthwash</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a mouthwash by many for years. If you read the bottle, you'll see it's referred to as an oral debriding agent. What the heck does that mean? Well, basically, it helps to heal wounds such as canker sores by disinfecting your mouth. Be sure to dilute it before you swish. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water, swish for 30 seconds and spit. Easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fungus and Bacteria in the Shower</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you suffer with athlete's foot or just want to keep the mildew at bay, spritz your shower with a spray of household hydrogen peroxide. It's such a simple way to keep your shower clean and hygienic. I do it every day. I also spray down the shower mats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Toothbrush bacteria</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To keep your toothbrushes clean all you have to do is give them a little spray of hydrogen peroxide after you brush. So easy. And you barely use any at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coronavirus</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah, yes, the topic you've been looking for. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32035997">Here's the abstract</a> of a study showing hydrogen peroxide's ability to inactivate coronaviruses. Yes, boring old hydrogen peroxide will disarm that nasty coronavirus. The CDC agrees. I have even seen it in stores when all of the isopropyl alcohol has gone missing. If you see it, pick up a bottle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">If you are going to use this as a disinfectant, first wipe down any dirt or debris off the surface you want to spray. Then spritz it with your spray bottle and let dry. It could take up to 8 minutes for everything to be disabled so be patient. On your sinks, counters or toilets, let it sit 15 minutes. All those germs should be disabled in no time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/disinfect-your-home-and-car-to-help-kill-coronavirus-heres-how/">Click here</a> to see an article on disinfection that includes hydrogen peroxide tips. Here's <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-hydrogen-peroxide-kill-germs-and-viruses">another one</a> you might like!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Warning!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>The only real drawback of peroxide is that it can burn your skin slightly. At the 3% concentration, the injury is quite minor, but keep this in mind if you spray it on a surface that you plan to touch right away. I've had some white irritated spots on my fingers from cleaning, but they go away soon and once I wash my hands I don't feel a thing.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><i><b>You Might Also Like:</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/08/practical-uses-for-vinegar.html">9 Practical Uses for Vinegar</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/11/tea-tree-oil-antimicrobial-powerhouse.html">Tea Tree Oil - An Antimicrobial Powerhouse?</a></span></div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-26628747614313306492019-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:002019-07-18T13:11:26.962-07:00A Realistic Look at Coconut Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUdm6NuAkgypXOQbJQAPise0_rpQjpDqQQM6friFe7hqCJ-MPVnO4AaOSFl2Gjl-YK3Kv_kyyC6G43K6Vrf66egM4mCIDUy1NIXkRIOnMGQMzQcdj0nThK8GxdItHf_FrhBqO3grxyH1w/s1600/coconut-oil-on-wooden-spoon-2090576_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUdm6NuAkgypXOQbJQAPise0_rpQjpDqQQM6friFe7hqCJ-MPVnO4AaOSFl2Gjl-YK3Kv_kyyC6G43K6Vrf66egM4mCIDUy1NIXkRIOnMGQMzQcdj0nThK8GxdItHf_FrhBqO3grxyH1w/s640/coconut-oil-on-wooden-spoon-2090576_1920.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is this oil a panacea or an artery-clogging villain? Well, that depends on who you ask.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to many reputable health sources, any source of saturated fat is considered bad for your health. Ask an alternative health expert and you'll get a completely different answer. So who should we believe? After some quick research on PubMed, I found that coconut oil appears to be a lot better for your lipid profile than butter. But scientists, based on their findings, still recommend unsaturated fats over coconut oil. It's a tricky minefield to navigate and when things get tricky, I tend to take the road of moderation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my home I use both canola oil and coconut oil regularly and have tried to decrease the use of butter. From my experience, I don't feel great when I eat a lot of fat in general. Butter is best in some recipes and cannot be replaced. And the health claims people make about butter are exaggerated, I think. You do the research and trust your body. It usually gives you clues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that being said, here are some uses I have found for coconut oil. Even though I'm not consuming copious amounts of it, it certainly has an important place in my household. Read below for some great ideas!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif_XTwNBdep1gOqjXUtm218CaTVs8a3_unTsoyJPYf7VQK9OcNh_W5FZVxzfSA-vz8gzJ8-9wBNwcUb3_6NY42nx_zr6-VdeIGsSGNQy6tgOIMRnNEZYKTMCOCu8_LiL1YHh67H_kt8e_/s1600/coconut-oil-1975089_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif_XTwNBdep1gOqjXUtm218CaTVs8a3_unTsoyJPYf7VQK9OcNh_W5FZVxzfSA-vz8gzJ8-9wBNwcUb3_6NY42nx_zr6-VdeIGsSGNQy6tgOIMRnNEZYKTMCOCu8_LiL1YHh67H_kt8e_/s640/coconut-oil-1975089_1920.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5 Realistic Uses for Coconut Oil</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Deodorant</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coconut oil makes the absolute best deodorant. I use it every single day. And it's the only one that works for me and doesn't give me armpit irritation. Years ago I quit antiperspirants and traded them in for store-bought deodorants. While my armpits were less bothered, I still got the occasional flair. With my homemade deodorant, irritated armpits are a thing of the past!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/07/make-your-own-deodorant.html">this</a> link for a recipe on how to make your own. It's super easy and all you will need is extra virgin coconut oil, arrowroot or cornstarch, baking soda, beeswax and any essential oils of your liking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Replacement for Shortening</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It came from <a href="https://www.osv.org/">Old Sturbridge Village</a>, a local living history museum and one of my favorite places to spend the day. These cookies are really good, but they are not your typical Toll House variety. They are a denser and crisper cookie. Anyway, when made with shortening, as the recipe calls for, they are pretty good. But when they are made with coconut oil they are delectable. The fat profile of coconut oil allows them to cook nicely and provides a delicious crunch factor that shortening leaves you without. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Popcorn Oil</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you know that classic smell when you go to the movies? You know the smell that makes you want to spend $10 on a tub of popcorn that in reality costs pennies to make? That smell is in part due to coconut oil. Coconut oil is the traditional oil used in popping corn. It adds a nice flavor, smell and crisp crunch to this all time favorite snack. Try it the next time you make popcorn on your stove or in your microwave popcorn popper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Moisturizer</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All by itself coconut oil is a great moisturizer. I used it for years before I <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/12/my-number-one-must-have-beauty-product.html">switched to vaseline</a>. Many people find that it absorbs nicely and gives just enough moisture to dry skin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Lotion Bars</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just type "lotion bars" into the search bar on Pinterest and you'll get pages and pages of recipes. And one common ingredient? You guessed it, coconut oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried making lotion bars several years ago with some success but I didn't love them. I made a simple recipe with beeswax and coconut oil. Next time I want to try adding Shea butter to the recipe so the bar stays firmer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a link to <a href="https://www.thelittlepine.com/top-5-lotion-bar-recipes/">Top 5 Lotion Bar Recipes</a>. I pinned this on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/justjillspins/diy-health-and-beauty/">DIY Health and Beauty</a> Pinterest board because it looked very promising. I have gotten as far as buying the ingredients, but haven't tried any of the recipes yet. Let me know if you try any of them and which one you like best! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>You might also like:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/08/practical-uses-for-vinegar.html">9 Practical Uses for Vinegar</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/nice-and-spicy-melt-and-pour-soap.html">Nice and Spicy Melt and Pour Soap</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/12/laundry-soap.html">DIY Laundry Soap</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-88371931228022388542018-11-22T05:55:00.000-08:002018-11-22T05:55:50.802-08:00I Am Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoLFUtSCpzENV5vixs3u_ZK-FKd8xdcljlXJqwP9a-CatKnEuw96VXv3bUMjLujMeC7bysDA2HrWy-9WEF6lGNjFRXUcrsePfvOxa_vjgsIRKscuJb8ZaUE8AIQ0nkRorAyCrFNNKYzdr/s1600/autumn-2744524_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoLFUtSCpzENV5vixs3u_ZK-FKd8xdcljlXJqwP9a-CatKnEuw96VXv3bUMjLujMeC7bysDA2HrWy-9WEF6lGNjFRXUcrsePfvOxa_vjgsIRKscuJb8ZaUE8AIQ0nkRorAyCrFNNKYzdr/s640/autumn-2744524_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First off, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food, family and friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year has had a lot of good and some bad mixed in. I suppose that's like most years, right? I find that focusing on what I am thankful for puts things into perspective and gives me a better outlook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That said, here are some things I am thankful for.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">My husband, I truly am blessed to have him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">My kids. This year has shown so much growth and even through challenging times we have overcome so much adversity. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">This blog. I am ambivalent toward technology but I'm thankful for the technology that has allowed me to write this blog. It's been one of the things I've done that I'm most proud of.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A nice quite and peaceful town in which to live.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Being surrounded by nature daily.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Delicious food.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are you thankful for? I'd love to see in the comments below!</span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-86258960235673058932018-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-15T00:00:01.282-08:00Loom Knit Hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9tUHJeNK38yYRH0ivUITM6U3VIuFae6NHHUPwYsjEhY5yCCpq_FPORgcrK0JXiv7iwu7TZhU2Abvz_0mJNb58XS5pC0NVFC-vaEi9wxcnt-5CsVui30Ag7aofTNk02Vskye1ISCfpP0d/s1600/IMG_6496+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9tUHJeNK38yYRH0ivUITM6U3VIuFae6NHHUPwYsjEhY5yCCpq_FPORgcrK0JXiv7iwu7TZhU2Abvz_0mJNb58XS5pC0NVFC-vaEi9wxcnt-5CsVui30Ag7aofTNk02Vskye1ISCfpP0d/s640/IMG_6496+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried this project after, more than a year ago, my mom showed my kids how to do it. Guys, this is easy enough for kids to do! When I picked up the loom I figured it would be easy enough. And I was right. Just remembering what my mom taught my kids to do I was able to pick it up without much thought or additional instruction. I know my experience in knitting and crochet helped, but I'd say this is a great beginner project.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5uILBGIfUp8dWQSxiFjm_I0L_uFX5xCfnw-e7HpjZWmSqjWS-AMCJ_B79DB6eSE6fjrrJpsufdc745RK8zkVGSuRIwbocLTkobNw2-wqTDEbSehJJGrJaZ0dcvJlXPbKkyL-uQeCPVuO/s1600/IMG_6497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5uILBGIfUp8dWQSxiFjm_I0L_uFX5xCfnw-e7HpjZWmSqjWS-AMCJ_B79DB6eSE6fjrrJpsufdc745RK8zkVGSuRIwbocLTkobNw2-wqTDEbSehJJGrJaZ0dcvJlXPbKkyL-uQeCPVuO/s640/IMG_6497.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Look at that stitch. It looks just like the knitting that takes me days to complete. This project can be done in just a few hours! And the variegated yarn I used made such a nice stripe. Better yet, because this worked up so fast, you can get a handmade holiday gift done in in no time. Trust me.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W7v0No4rD5fbwiPDkripLWqaS8ndKzSKuOGD0LldG8Ca7UDNsejvWJQYTZK59RSA1-Cvo8TZHPPcc9V3a0lqIqVJoScv1niC_R1FYOPUku9m5KnZwDk8hnjdSM1UfI8eq2by9g1Scjuk/s1600/IMG_6502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W7v0No4rD5fbwiPDkripLWqaS8ndKzSKuOGD0LldG8Ca7UDNsejvWJQYTZK59RSA1-Cvo8TZHPPcc9V3a0lqIqVJoScv1niC_R1FYOPUku9m5KnZwDk8hnjdSM1UfI8eq2by9g1Scjuk/s640/IMG_6502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I read somewhere that this type of knitting is actually older than the needle knitting. I hesitate to call it original, but who knows? I know looms date back pretty far so it sounds totally possible to me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f47NLCUJhjcR96RrU6ROVnK7HV9sUO5QibNm4hLKXG7pgjORG-YL5l9Vp8qcVYj6EnURmI_EbMN9p3p-8pwUlM_XyFixmOaONkYkaDb8L9O8a9GiIkI31HcammiX8EXKCRMBmNUZEwml/s1600/IMG_6500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f47NLCUJhjcR96RrU6ROVnK7HV9sUO5QibNm4hLKXG7pgjORG-YL5l9Vp8qcVYj6EnURmI_EbMN9p3p-8pwUlM_XyFixmOaONkYkaDb8L9O8a9GiIkI31HcammiX8EXKCRMBmNUZEwml/s640/IMG_6500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make hats on a loom you need a thicker yarn. I used chunky weight yarn in this coral colored hat and in the one shown at the top of the page. The multi-colored one shown in the third picture is made using two strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one. The darker blue hat below is made using one strand of a slightly less chunky yarn, but it still worked up nicely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvDk24leKtv6jozRU_5-kP2H_244EGkvrlS2DLmVLwf60uF03yqz0dnnfUE128DvjCiX6Z6gdTFG1jAo0d5xuqvwui1wSRNv7lJQ99nmjGacBhAWZV4VztC8EzciabKmNWh_RS9nsy-yN/s1600/IMG_6499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvDk24leKtv6jozRU_5-kP2H_244EGkvrlS2DLmVLwf60uF03yqz0dnnfUE128DvjCiX6Z6gdTFG1jAo0d5xuqvwui1wSRNv7lJQ99nmjGacBhAWZV4VztC8EzciabKmNWh_RS9nsy-yN/s640/IMG_6499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The light blue hat above reminds me of a frosty winter night. It is made using a chunky weight yarn. After completing several of these hats I would have to say my best results came from the chunky weight yarn. The two strands of worsted weight worked fine, but I like the look and feel of the chunky yarn better.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I don't have my own instructions for you in this post, but Here's a <a href="https://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/how-to-loom-knit-a-cap-e-wrap-method.html">tutorial</a> so you can make some great gifts for your friends and family! It's not hard at all and even young children can do it. Give it a try and let me know what you think below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever tried making a loom knit hat?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/simple-crochet-beanie.html">Simple Crochet Beanie</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/granny-stitch-hats.html">Granny Stitch Slouch Hats</a></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-9654488322379119752018-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-09T00:00:05.437-08:00Tea Tree Oil - An Antimicrobial Powerhouse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lCSU2NyhbFwx-tG5qnEFkz_iwT83juZt86QXiePMrljxiV_U99G_CKkXb4WZov_LWP1szCwar2exENlzc4zr5SojJEpkB419K53JqU3AG72BmS_OYE2-3XFzBrtRqRoOkrkrPY4Lw2nB/s1600/bottles-1433611_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lCSU2NyhbFwx-tG5qnEFkz_iwT83juZt86QXiePMrljxiV_U99G_CKkXb4WZov_LWP1szCwar2exENlzc4zr5SojJEpkB419K53JqU3AG72BmS_OYE2-3XFzBrtRqRoOkrkrPY4Lw2nB/s640/bottles-1433611_1920.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I came across tea tree oil many years ago in a mall. It was in a Body Shoppe and I thought that it was weird that this oil was supposed to help with acne. At the time my skin care regimen was oil free due to sensitivity. I dismissed the tea tree oil, thinking any oil would make my pimples worse, and didn't think about it for years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Years later I had a bureau that became musty. I would clean it and it would look fine for a while, but then the mold would reappear. It was frustrating and I thought I would have to get rid of the piece. I finally went online and looked up how to get rid of mold on furniture. It was then that I found out about tea tree oil. I purchased some online and diluted it to the proper portions and began to clean the piece of furniture. The mold, as it had before, came off. This time, though, it did not return. Tea tree oil to the rescue. This really was a great find. See below for the recipe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Already having it on hand, I found that it had many other uses. I remembered what I had learned about its use for acne and started using it on any blemishes that appeared. It worked wonderfully. I still use it. I just wet a cotton swab with tap water and drip a drop of tea tree oil on the end of it. Then I dab the swab on any blemishes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBSpfbLiiyQi7QLolLXOkvw9Kd_nIOD6xMxEQh_uZsBRvCs_wZtYX3j695G5LPl-4Rsw0nTppNJWR6srGassEFIBjEedjdEBVy9t36zleN_Z0knMd-uTAZRkmnLHepxBpRyznX-OEMN-Q/s1600/essential-oil-1690887_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBSpfbLiiyQi7QLolLXOkvw9Kd_nIOD6xMxEQh_uZsBRvCs_wZtYX3j695G5LPl-4Rsw0nTppNJWR6srGassEFIBjEedjdEBVy9t36zleN_Z0knMd-uTAZRkmnLHepxBpRyznX-OEMN-Q/s640/essential-oil-1690887_1920.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found that it is also a great remedy for ear aches. I have read some warnings online that have cautioned not putting it directly in the ear canal, so I rub it around the outside of the ear canal even behind the ear. I believe it penetrates the skin and attacks the infection. It's worked great for our family. One thing I should note is that tea tree oil should never be ingested. It is not meant to be consumed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As far as scientific research, the data is sparse. I did come across some research that, while it did not find conclusive results that tea tree oil was effective, said the results that were found warranted more research. As for me, I'll be using it despite the lack of evidence, because, for me, it's proven helpful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And remember lack of evidence doesn't mean something doesn't work, it means it hasn't been effectively tested. The use of things that have been conclusively shown to be false should be carefully considered. But when there is lack of data and you find something that works well for you, go on and use it as long as it makes you happy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea tree oil with its distinct medicine smell is probably my favorite essential oil. What are some of your favorites? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tea Tree Oil Mold Killer</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 cup water</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 teaspoon tea tree oil</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 spray bottle</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mix ingredients and add to spray bottle. Shake vigorously before spraying. Spray some on surface and wipe off until clean. Then spray a thin layer over clean surface and let dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/12/laundry-soap.html">Homemade Laundry Soap</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/07/make-your-own-deodorant.html">DIY Deodorant</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/honey-turmeric-face-mask.html">Honey Turmeric Face Mask</a></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-84155816530717253962018-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-06T00:00:03.857-08:00Scrapbook Fall and Winter 2017<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1CRJVM9ASLFF1IpcG2TxDYMbl487Y8eF059O0lmsSNRDeJwCQMkihozHmN8t6SgCOoQ6huhU0px9Im5WbVQ357hpJVfB5_C82Fi_UGLaUJb1C_NwOmvzN4kSZ8p__Zwr5HjN3OhGY5-x/s1600/IMG_5988.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EGq-6EsrsHxV8qbNNlUR-PwrWmKKzSmyUuoF878MI3Oih-erKGEZTX8mZ78GREkW8XWYSuCNaK_7jr3AapbTDQVgaP7BRx3Hc52Bh-HuEMsUhR-wnh289jU58PAm65ds2FqVQjM6FCJ5/s1600/border-318820_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EGq-6EsrsHxV8qbNNlUR-PwrWmKKzSmyUuoF878MI3Oih-erKGEZTX8mZ78GREkW8XWYSuCNaK_7jr3AapbTDQVgaP7BRx3Hc52Bh-HuEMsUhR-wnh289jU58PAm65ds2FqVQjM6FCJ5/s640/border-318820_1280.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a successful endeavor with my <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/10/summer-2017-scrapbook-done.html">summer scrapbook</a> I think I caught the bug! I really enjoyed making this one and I feel like I'm picking up a style. I have to say that I love framing almost every photo with paper. I've stuck some in there without a paper frame and I like how they look in certain places. For the most part, though, I really like the look of a border around the pictures.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iM1AI66JwPAyg5wgEie-kqScPTy350CqJLw0axrkCbEGGl9dzfMf0lv41ut3CCPF4kudPnTnF6kcnHMb_CJ2bRXdcQN4ploJ57NAi8yWTYZmvr8s9ssci61BLzpe1W8SeZ5pWPxzkIcc/s1600/IMG_5986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iM1AI66JwPAyg5wgEie-kqScPTy350CqJLw0axrkCbEGGl9dzfMf0lv41ut3CCPF4kudPnTnF6kcnHMb_CJ2bRXdcQN4ploJ57NAi8yWTYZmvr8s9ssci61BLzpe1W8SeZ5pWPxzkIcc/s400/IMG_5986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I was disappointed in, though, was the quality of my photos. I thought these ones were a little lower quality than my summer pictures. I'm not sure why. And I've got about 500 extra! We can thank Walmart for that one (insert eye roll).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After I finished up my Summer 2017 *LINK* scrapbook, I went to the Walmart photo site to order my next set of prints. I debated between just fall or fall and winter combined, but settled on getting both. If it turned out to be too many then I could just save them for the next album. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1CRJVM9ASLFF1IpcG2TxDYMbl487Y8eF059O0lmsSNRDeJwCQMkihozHmN8t6SgCOoQ6huhU0px9Im5WbVQ357hpJVfB5_C82Fi_UGLaUJb1C_NwOmvzN4kSZ8p__Zwr5HjN3OhGY5-x/s1600/IMG_5988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1CRJVM9ASLFF1IpcG2TxDYMbl487Y8eF059O0lmsSNRDeJwCQMkihozHmN8t6SgCOoQ6huhU0px9Im5WbVQ357hpJVfB5_C82Fi_UGLaUJb1C_NwOmvzN4kSZ8p__Zwr5HjN3OhGY5-x/s400/IMG_5988.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I ordered the pictures and waited for the message that they had arrived. Well, two weeks went by and I never got the message. I had signed up to receive a text but the text never came. The next time I was at Walmart shopping I stopped by the photo department and asked about my photos. As fate would have it, the pictures had arrived on inventory day. So the system recorded them as arriving at the store but not arriving in the photo department.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNPCoxet23NhD-N3nhDadwmHXtPxIMdhEWdru4p4ueYZjqWkNkOkdZ0ZPtuOeIurJMvYej8XEdNU-pU5JMYCXZi9OmYLyd2P6CM5DOxQMvbvMiMMAZ-5H7BR11WCBLh3VS04GMQoCMpzx/s1600/IMG_5990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNPCoxet23NhD-N3nhDadwmHXtPxIMdhEWdru4p4ueYZjqWkNkOkdZ0ZPtuOeIurJMvYej8XEdNU-pU5JMYCXZi9OmYLyd2P6CM5DOxQMvbvMiMMAZ-5H7BR11WCBLh3VS04GMQoCMpzx/s400/IMG_5990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The woman who helped me was kind and courteous and she called the main Walmart photo center. They cancelled my credit card payment and asked me to re-order online. Easy, right? Well, no. When I reordered I wasn't sure how many pictures were in the original order. I assumed the site would save my exact order so I simply clicked "reorder". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For some strange reason the order had been saved with doubles of every picture. It also included the pictures that I had originally discarded. I'm not sure what happened. My husband said I should have asked for a refund. But I was the one who ordered them. I should have reviewed it more thoroughly. So I paid double for pictures I didn't want that didn't come on time. Go figure.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7HaEaed86nahDp4cBeXAKZLpxD2r6Kn4pYPiD7nZA1eBL3riV1z8T3qyXh8c7C_hcyJndiSl8xE9RpHfWkRzM8PIdkaZCzZxslppTrY40K4Hbo3Hm7ot6Wa1I2viqRNv484BcFZk-EBx/s1600/IMG_5991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7HaEaed86nahDp4cBeXAKZLpxD2r6Kn4pYPiD7nZA1eBL3riV1z8T3qyXh8c7C_hcyJndiSl8xE9RpHfWkRzM8PIdkaZCzZxslppTrY40K4Hbo3Hm7ot6Wa1I2viqRNv484BcFZk-EBx/s400/IMG_5991.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to that all the pictures arrived out of order!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After organizing my stash, I started in on a project that I grew to love. All-in-all it took me a few months to complete, working on it sporadically. It gave my hands and shoulder-blade-crochet-knot a break for a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to order prints for Spring and Summer 2018 once fall rolls around. In the meantime I may scrapbook some old photos I found or start in on my new yarn stash. We shall see!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64ndNxDA3nnYZ7mqSgk-KKVvr38JM-tD0dOkjL4LgiaIPejAQPqKLdHdZs-rkiu-yW_M-yqYL80JjtF6nXkNCBAbfsZ2aj5fAWgSTJtAU_y42kZ1DUK4epWYOjXqBA2xp8PlUMJd_4YE0/s400/IMG_5987.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/a-summer-tribute.html">A Summer Tribute</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/what-i-love-about-fall.html">What I Love About Fall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/10/autumn-blessing.html">Autumn Blessing</a></span></div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-10412766175010270012018-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:002018-10-25T00:00:07.590-07:00Summer 2017 Scrapbook Done!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq6VTFAjBNl2SFJuYZRq_HpSsX7bjo1ykQ00KHbk9kk4-DgT6KvTpfem2xb_IaccW7BnW85mHLQ5JH1MLOZ8TvWxGgmusXdcY59jTWcA8h_qTOh5Dz2QpNeE4nUeT_cjRRJ6QQEx-p85g/s1600/border-318820_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq6VTFAjBNl2SFJuYZRq_HpSsX7bjo1ykQ00KHbk9kk4-DgT6KvTpfem2xb_IaccW7BnW85mHLQ5JH1MLOZ8TvWxGgmusXdcY59jTWcA8h_qTOh5Dz2QpNeE4nUeT_cjRRJ6QQEx-p85g/s640/border-318820_1280.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so happy when I finished this scrapbook that soon after I finished it I ordered prints for my next scrapbook. You can read about that one soon! I started this one back in October and though it took me a long time to complete, I had a blast doing it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYETP9iND93fDryWeK0UdzwS1CzpxpJ3B9HG8ng5wNiPU6ZwcG_ABIZz2F3DVYmT1R2xqPdd5wkuV7rgT6bxgL_Cg7wVMJRCntTj-ujRtK0UNOO-FehaivMBMdzCaVuDjIVgam07WFQJtd/s1600/IMG_6486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYETP9iND93fDryWeK0UdzwS1CzpxpJ3B9HG8ng5wNiPU6ZwcG_ABIZz2F3DVYmT1R2xqPdd5wkuV7rgT6bxgL_Cg7wVMJRCntTj-ujRtK0UNOO-FehaivMBMdzCaVuDjIVgam07WFQJtd/s640/IMG_6486.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure you will see from the pictures that I'm not a professional scrapbooker. I keep things rather simple as my inventory is slim. I don't really have the desire to increase my stash of scrapbook supplies because I enjoy the simplicity of the craft. I basically stuck to patterned paper, washi tape and rubber stamps. A true scrapbooker might laugh at that!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJekRsgt7g7zOb9SCBZsy-o0ALN6zT5qWB9Ss6jpMrsZeizjIJ6jKGY2QFiQgehKYYF-pCiwbmgkwKR4IhIPWETJ8HQJCmNrr-Sk9ZVzNpyI3kFDhfGOoeuE9KIegSOWQ8A49tH40coEwv/s1600/IMG_6487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJekRsgt7g7zOb9SCBZsy-o0ALN6zT5qWB9Ss6jpMrsZeizjIJ6jKGY2QFiQgehKYYF-pCiwbmgkwKR4IhIPWETJ8HQJCmNrr-Sk9ZVzNpyI3kFDhfGOoeuE9KIegSOWQ8A49tH40coEwv/s640/IMG_6487.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recently saw a professionally done scrapbook of someone's Disney trip. It was amazing! There are actual professional scrapbookers. Can you believe that? I'm not talking people who sell scrapbook materials and offer classes to help you scrapbook. I'm talking people who will scrapbook your vacation for you. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqae5C8I6Q4EB6lcr4fGIWVlYztzucqldOW6v2YJ1d5iiQBgXyXKHJd0ULQoQa0WbV18t602P8nOKVfMtKEXqBR_H5BuC7mfLX-m16uOaC6hYBPDYJP8pT5FL94-hNxZukq1CE1cUH7Y/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqae5C8I6Q4EB6lcr4fGIWVlYztzucqldOW6v2YJ1d5iiQBgXyXKHJd0ULQoQa0WbV18t602P8nOKVfMtKEXqBR_H5BuC7mfLX-m16uOaC6hYBPDYJP8pT5FL94-hNxZukq1CE1cUH7Y/s640/IMG_6490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, those people clearly put me to shame, but I have still found a bit of fun in my new little hobby. And besides, it's a great way to chronicle our family adventures and have something to look at and reminisce about without the the use of technology. And I think we can all agree that sometimes we need to take what we call in my house, a tech break.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWyIQsSPvJ5TNf4T6hbt5orM3njekny_YiWjNPT_2awDN304mUT8n-C3g0movlGhAAuKBYlHoXV1oGxfjO-lJnCmrCcWh3DHrnO-XHlU4sGJ51dsS0HiHzX7KQUEYFEPrJ1R8WLhyphenhyphenEYAD/s1600/IMG_6492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWyIQsSPvJ5TNf4T6hbt5orM3njekny_YiWjNPT_2awDN304mUT8n-C3g0movlGhAAuKBYlHoXV1oGxfjO-lJnCmrCcWh3DHrnO-XHlU4sGJ51dsS0HiHzX7KQUEYFEPrJ1R8WLhyphenhyphenEYAD/s640/IMG_6492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer 2017 was a great year with many fun summer trips. 2018 was a good one too, and I'm sure I'll still have fun scrapbooking it...once I get to it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn6wNn7zKhyphenhyphentjPodLlVr-5xR3VJqsKC51nW123-JSvtW_-VfeFYCvlZEIOFJwYGnnMO7CZHHDX3mEPxjNfNPsOh6gUeLrm4nWC9cgXItdr0JXj0BI_npQF6iF87tqAfbNWx3VgEsgBHQf/s1600/IMG_6495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn6wNn7zKhyphenhyphentjPodLlVr-5xR3VJqsKC51nW123-JSvtW_-VfeFYCvlZEIOFJwYGnnMO7CZHHDX3mEPxjNfNPsOh6gUeLrm4nWC9cgXItdr0JXj0BI_npQF6iF87tqAfbNWx3VgEsgBHQf/s640/IMG_6495.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/a-summer-tribute.html">A Summer Tribute</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/03/paper-crafting-fun.html">Paper Crafting Fun</a></span>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-55097843620720158082018-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:002018-10-23T05:08:02.614-07:00Watermelon Candy Crochet Beanie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoK9lEJM6zAh_storURcKR2Sg_UbL-Xi834ymgFHhs-Ci_7mdp-gysYzbRCIrqR3zaK44mwtFm9QRnT0stGlV6bp66MAlcieFvZ49VS2fAacD4-FQLkJmTEmQOGDlr4lxOBgwMnLGng1T/s1600/IMG_6503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoK9lEJM6zAh_storURcKR2Sg_UbL-Xi834ymgFHhs-Ci_7mdp-gysYzbRCIrqR3zaK44mwtFm9QRnT0stGlV6bp66MAlcieFvZ49VS2fAacD4-FQLkJmTEmQOGDlr4lxOBgwMnLGng1T/s640/IMG_6503.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This hat took me far longer than it ought to have taken. But I am still pleased with the results. And sadly, I have put my crochet hook down for a bit because every time I crochet I seem to aggravate the knot behind my left shoulder. I've tried my tips and tricks. And you can find them <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/08/6-ways-to-avoid-crochet-pain.html">here</a>! But for some reason that knot is relentless. My hands, while they do get fatigued after long use, were fine. This time it was just the dumb knot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any tips or tricks please leave them in the comment section below. Do you use ergonomic crochet hooks? Let me know what ones and if you think they help. There's also a posture corrector that I keep seeing online and I'm curious if that could help. It looks like the thing my son wore when he broke his collar bone. Has anyone used one of those to correct posture while crocheting?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNDnTzSN0qKQXQT4agvsUlagD20uvG8QxKqJAGg29fGe0UmmXmBWaob6bFrwGBBaZ_lWipqVHSM3hb4N9zKdXlL8cl9wUNeeeU6fHMpb2oulvYsIf0O_owx940v_Wr0SpmacHFoHxo_Ef/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNDnTzSN0qKQXQT4agvsUlagD20uvG8QxKqJAGg29fGe0UmmXmBWaob6bFrwGBBaZ_lWipqVHSM3hb4N9zKdXlL8cl9wUNeeeU6fHMpb2oulvYsIf0O_owx940v_Wr0SpmacHFoHxo_Ef/s640/IMG_6506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, here are some pictures of the hat on my head (with extremely poor lighting!). It is a <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/simple-crochet-beanie.html">simple beanie</a> and should work up quickly if you don't take a thousand breaks. D</span><span style="font-size: large;">o you like the little pompom I put on top? I hesitated about that, but in the end decided to go with it. How about the flower? In the future I'll have to include instructions how to make that simple creation. It's super easy and very fast.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3YTqB7mecR-g24kFdD0jaIf3sB0KQ7cN1nhM3G_buAC8sMpU__UaNI3LOUn5fO-87y2GimKRfZj0_ejFcGhv3BMlcgHf_RROHmIkcM8WC-xbx9Aq1Ehr7jRkmy_APKeVmzgeA3diXtf/s1600/IMG_6504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3YTqB7mecR-g24kFdD0jaIf3sB0KQ7cN1nhM3G_buAC8sMpU__UaNI3LOUn5fO-87y2GimKRfZj0_ejFcGhv3BMlcgHf_RROHmIkcM8WC-xbx9Aq1Ehr7jRkmy_APKeVmzgeA3diXtf/s640/IMG_6504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/simple-crochet-beanie.html">Here is a post with a link to directions</a> on how to make this simple crochet beanie. For this hat I used a J-hook, but I'm sure you can work with many other sizes depending on the thickness of your yarn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/12/granny-stripe-afghan.html">Watermelon Candy Granny Strip Afghan</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/12/bright-and-fun-granny-square-bag.html">Bright and Fun Granny Square Bag</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-48555358950203761392018-10-19T05:57:00.000-07:002018-10-20T05:09:38.627-07:00My Vegetable Garden 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LYQ_9Am3G528Ax7iG51UkLBmu1sJCdCVR4Gb1TI1EzRJSH4hKCjUM1Z_8t5eSrtmnmjNjt8Yv1-kYtVAT_Jei_SbBVYOhmO0wtr5EGRXemwBbAfZn7LXIPRh9aactGSQnvZCb-kBN1Ov/s1600/rostock-201227_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LYQ_9Am3G528Ax7iG51UkLBmu1sJCdCVR4Gb1TI1EzRJSH4hKCjUM1Z_8t5eSrtmnmjNjt8Yv1-kYtVAT_Jei_SbBVYOhmO0wtr5EGRXemwBbAfZn7LXIPRh9aactGSQnvZCb-kBN1Ov/s640/rostock-201227_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's more homemade than home grown vegetables?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I decided to try again at growing vegetables. I hadn't grown any since we lived in our old house. And my success there was minimal. I think we had some soil issues, too much shade and a proliferation of pill bugs. After a couple years there I stopped trying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But with our new yard and more sun, we had a mildly successful year. I will definitely do it again next year. For the fist year I decided to keep it simple. I planted one hill of summer squash, two hills of zucchini, six tomato plants and two hills of cucumbers. I threw in a few green beans but the bunnies demolished those before my husband got the fence up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I dug my garden the old fashioned way. And perhaps the stupid way. The day before I put my garden in I helped my friend with hers. Pitchforking two gardens two days in a row resulted in a very sore arm and hand. In the future I will keep this in mind and perhaps invest in some sort of tilling tool.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEII5GCXc12c5XHuOSq-OFEgTWdeJV21g6HGM-zJYTY2TZ-qYiCzqmvDADjOZaFEw25gUv3V_H_3BluOFFKFvuPenvICXNL_YLG-iY-izMoQXMKcId-DPpgV2o-ZYwva-XWJ2oPiW_UhS/s1600/IMG_5743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEII5GCXc12c5XHuOSq-OFEgTWdeJV21g6HGM-zJYTY2TZ-qYiCzqmvDADjOZaFEw25gUv3V_H_3BluOFFKFvuPenvICXNL_YLG-iY-izMoQXMKcId-DPpgV2o-ZYwva-XWJ2oPiW_UhS/s640/IMG_5743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the best things I think I did for my garden was to cover the fresh dirt in cardboard and newspaper. To ensure it didn't just fly away, I covered it with brown cedar mulch. Due to that I had barely any weeds. I'm talking just a few tufts of grass poking out from in between the seams. I will definitely do this technique again. My mom does this and I saw it on Pinterest. If your garden is not immense, you should give it a try for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My yellow squash didn't produce a whole lot of great fruit. That could be for many reasons, but I did see squash bugs in the flowers. One zucchini plant did quite well, but the other only produced a few zucchini. The tomatoes produced well, but I was hoping for a bit more. I had six plants and probably 7 or 8 tomatoes from each plant.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuWsMHe_KsiuA_AgL940TOfwVctJVqit2L9eI1NTnAszP-YY-rkHN1frRLWAMGch4dNtYch_AxxjBrxzsmbQtg7YGRGHioPTYsEAmTbFDLBQmt27MU0U_vDRPX-4KbGkqK9Sneg7dd6t4/s1600/IMG_5812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuWsMHe_KsiuA_AgL940TOfwVctJVqit2L9eI1NTnAszP-YY-rkHN1frRLWAMGch4dNtYch_AxxjBrxzsmbQtg7YGRGHioPTYsEAmTbFDLBQmt27MU0U_vDRPX-4KbGkqK9Sneg7dd6t4/s640/IMG_5812.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next year I want to fertilize better. I went with some Pinterest tips and used coffee grounds and eggshells. And while my garden did ok, I am sure with more nutrients it could have done even better. I think this worked well for the cucumbers and tomatoes, but my squash did not have high yields as I mentioned</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just the other day I took in the last of my green tomatoes and put them on the windowsill. Frost has arrived and frozen green tomatoes aren't that great.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rCtcvjnFwrV1UZpm3MAfvqMU3exnsDNT9Jh7__fsgCGX-PnDmXxx-E7FaAo7galPp0QV1oeClRgEIC_Ifh4fbf4FEUTSfITzp98CeA7OLzlpcBt9GQA2emSYBa7W5fpc_Dp9BD0PMQEl/s1600/IMG_6511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rCtcvjnFwrV1UZpm3MAfvqMU3exnsDNT9Jh7__fsgCGX-PnDmXxx-E7FaAo7galPp0QV1oeClRgEIC_Ifh4fbf4FEUTSfITzp98CeA7OLzlpcBt9GQA2emSYBa7W5fpc_Dp9BD0PMQEl/s640/IMG_6511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sad I have so few pictures. I'm not sure what I was thinking! Next year I'll be sure to take more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/07/summer-squash-casserole.html">Summer Squash Casserole</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/08/zucchini-sticks-30-days-30-recipes-day.html">Zucchini Sticks</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/08/herb-roasted-green-beans-30-days-30.html">Herb Roasted Green Beans</a></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-57955572442105020272018-08-16T00:00:00.000-07:002018-08-19T16:02:15.084-07:00Strawberries!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjROSj-1M2jK-P3n5PL7YB_zoTTg7agAaCHK4JS4mh39Pk-xSwNJI0O0oO5VwCuiHbOisdJutmY-RgOZLNuTzNbHOCuHCD-37VkR0gpsse8cABtlX_voCMA67TwQBNxycenNgh1QeYREuq/s1600/IMG_5418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjROSj-1M2jK-P3n5PL7YB_zoTTg7agAaCHK4JS4mh39Pk-xSwNJI0O0oO5VwCuiHbOisdJutmY-RgOZLNuTzNbHOCuHCD-37VkR0gpsse8cABtlX_voCMA67TwQBNxycenNgh1QeYREuq/s640/IMG_5418.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strawberry season has come and gone but we made it out this year in June to enjoy the delicious fruit. By the time we arrived one of the fields was already picked out. Fortunately for us, the farm opened a second field. We picked the small but very sweet Jewel variety. While I liked these candy-sweet berries, I will admit disappointment at not being able to harvest some bigger fruit with a little more tang. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbMOMNSu3o0dpTAAbjO8truLtarkBh1vxOHg1dQ_jmUGjPM76MZF4W2A932MT-eaLXCY_zbbFj0GZvPnkGjdLBdf6hqI-SmREVoVXsLRaIsHQJCNVDZjtmKujb3F7oJqudJhm4MIESON2/s1600/IMG_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbMOMNSu3o0dpTAAbjO8truLtarkBh1vxOHg1dQ_jmUGjPM76MZF4W2A932MT-eaLXCY_zbbFj0GZvPnkGjdLBdf6hqI-SmREVoVXsLRaIsHQJCNVDZjtmKujb3F7oJqudJhm4MIESON2/s640/IMG_5426.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and kids holding the fruits of our labor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a seasonably hot day and I made sure to cover the kids and myself in sunscreen. These past few years I've also been wearing a hat. I used to be very self-conscious about it, but I soon realized no one really cares and I hated my head burning. My hair is not super thick and even 15 minutes in the sun can result in a painful burn. I found my hat at The Green Dragon, an open air flea market I had heard about in some of the Amish fiction that I read. That was a fun find.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCogYSvyhojh6eIo48dy1gcmu7Anz3oNarOM9_zfJS02PgSpi53c2DJZVQs2oCdcdORYabM0PH7cBWqn8XV91xe014v0718scr506XQMzY55tcoHPpTXgMXdqEJ39yC63RSMZ55_QCChf/s1600/IMG_5424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCogYSvyhojh6eIo48dy1gcmu7Anz3oNarOM9_zfJS02PgSpi53c2DJZVQs2oCdcdORYabM0PH7cBWqn8XV91xe014v0718scr506XQMzY55tcoHPpTXgMXdqEJ39yC63RSMZ55_QCChf/s640/IMG_5424.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my kids.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a fun day all around with sweet, fresh strawberries, strawberry doughnuts and strawberry cheesecake ice cream. We will be back again next year I'm sure!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxKzZQCGmuK6tGh4rTpOflANJwo-KLJ8OKLbq4O3WcJ-VlR9IIfC-i9FQZb6oCUICV3QeuxNvpcR91XcZVMqwSy0JRTYQmbmTonupJsuv8SUH5GSpGIa4n_aMs8XyHeBH-hng3PhOd1GJ/s1600/IMG_5438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxKzZQCGmuK6tGh4rTpOflANJwo-KLJ8OKLbq4O3WcJ-VlR9IIfC-i9FQZb6oCUICV3QeuxNvpcR91XcZVMqwSy0JRTYQmbmTonupJsuv8SUH5GSpGIa4n_aMs8XyHeBH-hng3PhOd1GJ/s640/IMG_5438.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This strawberry cheesecake ice cream was so good! The stripe of jam running through it was absolutely amazing!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using some of the strawberries we picked, I made a small batch jam. You can find it <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/08/lower-sugar-small-batch-strawberry-jam.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60kJV4ln_F4kSS2TRnasmEKNtUrOqPMRzsUm0pzBe4WUejycU2ZgWBxRnRNfvB1Palu69EfV8i8_NTQsE9kL7PyHq8NiK4eWihldJikkJ-yPzo-tlcZ1ZN9BHXc4x3SXURQwYZEVYiLJv/s1600/IMG_5434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60kJV4ln_F4kSS2TRnasmEKNtUrOqPMRzsUm0pzBe4WUejycU2ZgWBxRnRNfvB1Palu69EfV8i8_NTQsE9kL7PyHq8NiK4eWihldJikkJ-yPzo-tlcZ1ZN9BHXc4x3SXURQwYZEVYiLJv/s640/IMG_5434.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These strawberry donuts were just too hard to resist.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://tougasfamilyfarm.com/">here</a> to see where we picked strawberries this year. We go other places some years but this place is by far the most entertaining. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2018/08/lower-sugar-small-batch-strawberry-jam.html">Low Sugar Small Batch Strawberry Jam</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/10/the-pumpkin-patch.html">The Pumpkin Patch</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/09/brookfieldorchards.html">Brookfield Orchards</a></span><br />
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-65721897487230020152018-08-13T00:00:00.002-07:002018-08-13T00:00:00.700-07:00Lower Sugar Small Batch Strawberry Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The day we went to the strawberry patch I knew I wanted to make some jam. But I also knew I didn't want to make a whole lot of it. In the past I've made far too much and we just don't eat it very often so I feel like it goes to waste. But I still wanted some jam. Just the right amount of jam. One jarful of jam. And I googled the word jarful. It's a thing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOCNCylA36TvdyJiDYz-G2zAYcli3VJtdZWs7POHqL2YYQMEJ61aaikK122RWMsV2W_kELbvWKi6dqOxY1j8g-4Oo6m9u-4dP4KtHLaz80ZuQpXSZeKwQOklQAH0J1EeQPeThXPLkGNNF/s1600/IMG_5445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOCNCylA36TvdyJiDYz-G2zAYcli3VJtdZWs7POHqL2YYQMEJ61aaikK122RWMsV2W_kELbvWKi6dqOxY1j8g-4Oo6m9u-4dP4KtHLaz80ZuQpXSZeKwQOklQAH0J1EeQPeThXPLkGNNF/s640/IMG_5445.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If your jam gets foamy you can scrape it off before you dump it in the jar.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I needed to find a small batch recipe. So where did I turn? If you have read my blog for even a little while you might have already guessed. I turned to Pinterest of course. There were several small batch recipes and they were all very similar. I opted to use the basic bones of the recipes I saw, but halve the sugar and replace the rest with granulated Splenda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The result? A wonderfully sweet jam with half the sugar of many recipes. We all enjoyed it very much.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lower Sugar Small Batch Strawberry Jam</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 pound or 3 3/4 cups fresh strawberries</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3/4 cup sugar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3/4 cup granulated Splenda </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2 tablespoons lemon juice</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First wash and drain your berries. Then remove the stems. Next, slice the strawberries and add them to a medium sized pot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stir in sugar and Splenda. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continually, then add lemon juice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boil (and keep stirring!) until jam reaches 220 degrees on a candy thermometer. If you don't have one, it takes about 15-20 minutes of boiling. If you don't quite get to quite 220 the jam will be fine, just not as thick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly before your jam is ready take a clean jar and fill it with hot tap water. A heated jar is less likely to crack when filled with hot jam. Dump the water out just before you add your jam. Once your jam is at 220, add it into the warm jar using a wide mouth funnel. Put a lid on it and let it cool on the counter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once the jar is cool put it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 2 months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The recipe came out great and I loved that I could easily sub in the Splenda. The recipes I saw did not recommend Splenda but I wanted a lower sugar recipe. I knew that I could not use all Splenda if I wanted the same sort of consistency so that's why I opted only to sub in half.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">TIP! You can try using granulated stevia if you want to avoid artificial sweeteners. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">TIP! Use thawed frozen berries instead of fresh. Just measure them before you thaw them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you like jam or if you try this recipe in the comment section below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/08/recipe-strawberry-pretzel-salad.html">Strawberry Pretzel Salad</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/07/strawberry-pie-30-days-30-recipes-day-11.html">Strawberry Pie</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMDQ1hGvouXozB4JFK7Al1VKMoNCIf078s985RNI_lNgS5mg6HYVz6CZU2hM1X4anbNyB0rkSbcTT9fKLYbGfM-HeKgZFeH_CG-WGi9_zfkDkRXTci4RNpR-Luwn3wQS6oT6GXmjEeRlL/s1600/berry-1238295_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMDQ1hGvouXozB4JFK7Al1VKMoNCIf078s985RNI_lNgS5mg6HYVz6CZU2hM1X4anbNyB0rkSbcTT9fKLYbGfM-HeKgZFeH_CG-WGi9_zfkDkRXTci4RNpR-Luwn3wQS6oT6GXmjEeRlL/s320/berry-1238295_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-71745958506754497632018-08-08T05:53:00.001-07:002018-08-08T05:53:17.335-07:00Mysterious Creatures Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUQdkznlIh8DqoN9hLsb4jOyFgJw2T0EdHGgbah0VoKRsxc8fO2eH-jjrwy2zyYmfMHMePCJQCa4vPGy6q0KVq9TYrekh6_H5iTfzVJioFfGmsGs8PubITtfDl6_cPKx2bgl7V6WlvM2o/s1600/IMG_5882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUQdkznlIh8DqoN9hLsb4jOyFgJw2T0EdHGgbah0VoKRsxc8fO2eH-jjrwy2zyYmfMHMePCJQCa4vPGy6q0KVq9TYrekh6_H5iTfzVJioFfGmsGs8PubITtfDl6_cPKx2bgl7V6WlvM2o/s640/IMG_5882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you get when you combine an alien, Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster? A mysterious creature cake, of course! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I asked my son what he wanted to do this year for his birthday. My husband and I offered a variety of ideas and what he really wanted was an at-home family and family friend party. Nothing fancy. We could do that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For weeks I asked him what he wanted his cake to be. He had some very lofty ideas that I wasn't sure I could pull off. His number one suggestion was the Himalayan mountains. Seriously? I told him to think of something else. A bit defeated, I think, he asked for repeat cakes, like a nature cake or perhaps a <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/07/minecraft-birthday-party.html">Minecraft cake</a> again. I told him we could do the nature cake if he really wanted to, but I knew he wasn't very excited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the morning before his party I got up early, as I always do, and after a coffee and some quiet time adjusting to the new day, I got on Pinterest. I had to find something he really liked. Not finding any great ideas initially, I stopped, closed my eyes and listed in my mind all the things he really likes. Mysterious creatures! That was it! Now I had an idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't sure if I would find any actual cakes but I typed a few different things in the search bar, hopeful. Lo and behold there was something. One thing to be exact. And I knew he would like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Usually I leave my son alone in the morning to wake up slowly, but this morning I asked him right away if he would come and see the new cake idea. He was excited and this is the result!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find the original design <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/offsite/?token=715-599&url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fde%2Fda%2Ffd%2Fdedafd8c0fd620cdabde043a32b4ff43.jpg&pin=313211349081274308&client_tracking_params=CwABAAAADDYxMDQyNjMxMTg4NwA">here</a>. I made it close to the original with a few adjustments. And I am not sure who the original designer was because there is only a link to a picture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbB_NLwx9XoRZSMgVx8r7pkzqS1DxPgh0BMFulVoDf0fRoqDtSEj4u_If7gLj6oz8im13MnMcqPaKBDR9Xt-ugEgeKxdyVyS5lxOSOFrfXpSmgmibyDYjrLgMoIDDvc7gFN41rpBl26hR/s1600/IMG_5875+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbB_NLwx9XoRZSMgVx8r7pkzqS1DxPgh0BMFulVoDf0fRoqDtSEj4u_If7gLj6oz8im13MnMcqPaKBDR9Xt-ugEgeKxdyVyS5lxOSOFrfXpSmgmibyDYjrLgMoIDDvc7gFN41rpBl26hR/s640/IMG_5875+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used two boxes of cake mix to make this cake. The bottom layer I made in a spring form pan using one whole chocolate cake mix. This time I used Betty Crocker, but any cake mix or homemade cake will do. The top two layers are Betty Crocker yellow cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After cooling the cakes on the rack and trimming off any uneven bits, I put down the chocolate layer and covered it in green frosting. I got this color with a mix of leaf green and moss green gel food coloring by Wilton. I then outlined the eyes and nose of the alien with a toothpick and filled them in with black frosting. Usually I make my own black frosting but this time I bought pre-made black in a squeeze tube because Walmart was out of black gel food coloring. The tube was so easy and the color was great. I may do this again in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The recipe I use for all of the frosting except the black, you can find <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/02/buttercream-frosting.html">here</a>. It's the best one for decorating. It is a very rich recipe and one I use only for special occasions, but it works so well!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaq1_lPFDE9stbmPQeP5mkCrjwn1qucgzsLvkdlmszG_pz5xfsgsF6As93G1nmEd4PXJasPR_En6Pq4AAAfDQP05YTFrw_d0RcfMDio6tBtiaNeMR2yF4qcTQ2eWU_xdgvuG6hdcla3cX/s1600/IMG_5876+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaq1_lPFDE9stbmPQeP5mkCrjwn1qucgzsLvkdlmszG_pz5xfsgsF6As93G1nmEd4PXJasPR_En6Pq4AAAfDQP05YTFrw_d0RcfMDio6tBtiaNeMR2yF4qcTQ2eWU_xdgvuG6hdcla3cX/s640/IMG_5876+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I said, the top two layers are yellow cake. They were made in pans of two sizes, I think a 10-inch and an 8-inch, but I'm not exactly sure on that. Either way, one is bigger than the other, but neither is as big as the spring form pan that I used for the bottom layer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After I frosted the bottom layer and piped in some dots for an outline, I placed the larger yellow cake on top. Next, I mixed up some of my vanilla buttercream with cocoa powder and brown gel food coloring. The mix of food coloring and cocoa made just the right color. I spread it over the entire second layer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did not want to put the fur on my Sasquatch yet because I knew it would interfere with frosting the top layer. So I placed the next layer on top and frosted it with a layer of light blue frosting. I used Wilton Sky Blue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't like it because it had no texture and didn't really look like water. Referring back to the original I saw they piped on waves. I tried that and hated it. So I opted to dye some frosting a shade darker and sweep it on to look like waves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpb04Yu4AC5Z5bGmVZ5i8_btmhTzWH-FfYgckzq3WWdZqExBqRg-kxXIT_-rYZJPSJ1NfZcDn99-_iAD0hAUJxInan04upsOQonkn6PGTUzVi7FworfM-o7iwclZfU-WJTvNO8pPqKUge/s1600/IMG_5877+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpb04Yu4AC5Z5bGmVZ5i8_btmhTzWH-FfYgckzq3WWdZqExBqRg-kxXIT_-rYZJPSJ1NfZcDn99-_iAD0hAUJxInan04upsOQonkn6PGTUzVi7FworfM-o7iwclZfU-WJTvNO8pPqKUge/s640/IMG_5877+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once the waves were done, I was ready to give the Sasquatch some fur. I used a grass tip for this and piped it on starting at the base of the blue cake, making long strands down to the alien. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYx7UPyH6tnHXgZu88bsCczJ3-CI8nqzQ2mJQUoX8NHWKcndq_Sn-teRjCLEhL7pN6o_rUj46rjJFnQuE3ONBGVtW409yz1iM3e0rif3ZEYwKHSmE7HZCRDshxMa40YbE6iRsbtdtfQe/s1600/IMG_5879+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYx7UPyH6tnHXgZu88bsCczJ3-CI8nqzQ2mJQUoX8NHWKcndq_Sn-teRjCLEhL7pN6o_rUj46rjJFnQuE3ONBGVtW409yz1iM3e0rif3ZEYwKHSmE7HZCRDshxMa40YbE6iRsbtdtfQe/s640/IMG_5879+2.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next I piped some eyes, a nose and a mouth onto my Sasquatch and piped a border layer at the base of my loch. I let it sit that way overnight before I added on Nessie. I didn't want to have the Loch Ness Monster topple over and ruin the whole thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make the Loch Ness Monster I simply used pre-made fondant from Wilton. The night before I put it on, I shaped the fondant like play doh and tried my best! I put some toothpicks in the bottom of the fondant and draped it over a cylinder and hoped it dried properly. It did. I think it looks like more of a snake, but it works! They eyes I made by creating indents and piping on some white and black frosting. Right before the party I stuck Nessie on using the toothpicks I had inserted into the fondant the night before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SfgJc-OPfUF95OHAS2BsI9jhOC4z92HIh3d5_ACJ6FpFGHdNe6H-tau_65zlP0kb0-Az2GjjpE8SALPWM-VwxoQbamzNMJ3ZOSmQbMHjpt9Pdc0k_5JV4Oo5fXjs8kzOChC53hRJwVV_/s1600/IMG_5880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SfgJc-OPfUF95OHAS2BsI9jhOC4z92HIh3d5_ACJ6FpFGHdNe6H-tau_65zlP0kb0-Az2GjjpE8SALPWM-VwxoQbamzNMJ3ZOSmQbMHjpt9Pdc0k_5JV4Oo5fXjs8kzOChC53hRJwVV_/s640/IMG_5880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it. If you don't know what to make for your 13-year-old who likes mysterious creatures, here you go! It's really not too hard!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Comment below if you like to make creative cakes for your kids! Or maybe you have a question. Leave it below and I'd love to help!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You might also like:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/07/minecraft-birthday-party.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Minecraft Birthday Party</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/02/buttercream-frosting.html"><span style="font-size: large;">The Best Buttercream Icing</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2012/04/cake-and-roses.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Rose Cake</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/06/shopkins-birthday-cake.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Shopkins Birthday Cake</span></a><br />
<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-73855456452586925742018-06-16T08:28:00.000-07:002020-04-05T19:24:07.743-07:00Chunky Stripe Double Crochet Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlwIPiNzYrnKbUPMDzLUY0KMKakb0H27JWB0BSYwD8Hfu4-Howy-qH20mW0T2GgvV9f2x9bw6_rscq5hCfJtAl-HTXEE9RM5ywtfPRE6YMaIlsqDq9Rkm8YA9yCtLBD-SmktGb1XnGREb/s1600/IMG_5366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlwIPiNzYrnKbUPMDzLUY0KMKakb0H27JWB0BSYwD8Hfu4-Howy-qH20mW0T2GgvV9f2x9bw6_rscq5hCfJtAl-HTXEE9RM5ywtfPRE6YMaIlsqDq9Rkm8YA9yCtLBD-SmktGb1XnGREb/s640/IMG_5366.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took me around six months to finish this one, but even with the relentless knot behind my shoulder blade, I was determined to press on. And I finished it! What do you think? I was a little hesitant about adding the gray in with the nice, bright pink and teal, but I think it looks good. This time I decided to go with big chunky stripes, each making up a quarter of the blanket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall this blanket took 8 regular sized skeins of yarn. And besides the months long breaks I took, it really does work up quickly. Click <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/fall-haul.html">here</a> and you can see the great yarn deal I got at Michaels. This blanket cost me less than $15 to make! I was itching to use this bright and cheery yarn for a project last fall and just before this summer rolled around I finished it up. I think that's pretty good yarn turnover time! Just ask a friend who knits or crochets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXefzu5aeS2_ld8zKW7TN_zxMDP4tdJ4ort_-cVgrm-7cp9MvW9yvdp86BPu0sfa17hwFe2MxgRcSOU92fF2ShFyP_KR9zGrQDfZ3-FZtlkT9xGvCjFeqJ-D1YFB4LDPGBce52Ds2V2pub/s1600/IMG_5368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXefzu5aeS2_ld8zKW7TN_zxMDP4tdJ4ort_-cVgrm-7cp9MvW9yvdp86BPu0sfa17hwFe2MxgRcSOU92fF2ShFyP_KR9zGrQDfZ3-FZtlkT9xGvCjFeqJ-D1YFB4LDPGBce52Ds2V2pub/s640/IMG_5368.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do have a question to ask of any fellow crochet bloggers. How do you photograph your blankets? I've tried several different ways and I just don't love any of them. I found it difficult to take pictures of a blanket with stripes this big. None of my pictures really portray how warm and cuddly it really is. If you have any suggestions, leave them down below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/10/double-crochet-blanket.html">link to the pattern I used</a>. It's a pattern that doubles up on the yarn holding two strands and using them as one strand. This time I used Craft Smart yarn in turquoise, white, fuchsia and gray. Instead of switching out for the stripes on that pattern, just work two whole skeins (holding a strand from each and crocheting as one) of yarn then switch to the next color. If you browse my page I'm sure you can see this is one of my favorite patterns!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizICOD-sysr84GB-Oo2K87xKo8HcoeQ0nBGbWaeRmv2B8IO3wVl8vxaKTVzHQOP8QNwdj0mwzu3o5vnjTEVyZqJH3IaALqwmzt5Px4rpGnCXMG8TAnEJExo3UU3v3JqxZJ6cneFVBfZEhE/s1600/IMG_5364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizICOD-sysr84GB-Oo2K87xKo8HcoeQ0nBGbWaeRmv2B8IO3wVl8vxaKTVzHQOP8QNwdj0mwzu3o5vnjTEVyZqJH3IaALqwmzt5Px4rpGnCXMG8TAnEJExo3UU3v3JqxZJ6cneFVBfZEhE/s640/IMG_5364.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm off to make a hat and figure out what I'm going to enter in the fair this year!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You might also like:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/fall-haul.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Fall Haul</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/09/my-favorite-granny-afghan-so-far.html"><span style="font-size: large;">My Favorite Granny Afghan So Far!</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/12/granny-stripe-afghan.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Watermelon Candy Strip Afghan</span></a>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-30261854685867960822018-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002018-10-20T05:03:39.423-07:00Orange and Honey Melt and Pour Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDkV48k9ZBNgHJUtnn7_98lrFlUPjOA6Mi-3hdbG0idjXjFR2R2OyW1zm-lPrlPPjpVuFLzcYuWlmz_SF86Yac3nFkHUmKimdSJrAT5rX2UNGvdOyDTGIUf53I2cQgOoyt_2mmw1RJuJD/s1600/IMG_4936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDkV48k9ZBNgHJUtnn7_98lrFlUPjOA6Mi-3hdbG0idjXjFR2R2OyW1zm-lPrlPPjpVuFLzcYuWlmz_SF86Yac3nFkHUmKimdSJrAT5rX2UNGvdOyDTGIUf53I2cQgOoyt_2mmw1RJuJD/s640/IMG_4936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made this soap a little while back and wanted to share it with you. It's a simple project that only takes 10 minutes to make once you've gathered your supplies. This is my second melt and pour soap recipe and I don't think it will be my last! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found the recipe in one of my many cookbooks, Holiday Gifts From a Jar. It was a weird place to find a recipe for soap, but I'm glad I found it while I was flipping through.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGGbkxqfEymSANVHZ0dRNCu9dTmzfY8BGCVqMqnHxt8Un6W850CNoj-1LxqkxHZbbVDE3elje90ZiE7YLtxV0T4flmUAQD6-2rKdGRmQcmQ5BaYOLroYMbPLQnG32ZHIx7td5MbRwL9JQ/s1600/IMG_4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGGbkxqfEymSANVHZ0dRNCu9dTmzfY8BGCVqMqnHxt8Un6W850CNoj-1LxqkxHZbbVDE3elje90ZiE7YLtxV0T4flmUAQD6-2rKdGRmQcmQ5BaYOLroYMbPLQnG32ZHIx7td5MbRwL9JQ/s640/IMG_4934.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As is usual, I made some adjustments to the original recipe. While I'm sure the recipe would have come out great, I wanted to work with what I had. I knew this soap wouldn't fail with the small adjustments I made, so I wasn't concerned with the outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the end, it came out great! It was one of the smoothest and sweetest smelling soaps I've made so far. You can scroll down to see my recipe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a DIY product that I use daily. Some of my recipes and attempts at homemade items fall by the wayside, but not this one! Orange oil is said to be harsh on sensitive skin but I've found this product to be perfect for everyday use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Orange and Honey Melt and Pour Soap</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>12 ounces clear glycerin soap base</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 Tablespoon honey</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>15 drops sweet orange essential oil</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Soap mold (found at most craft stores)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Slice soap base into chunks and place in a microwaves safe bowl. Microwave on high 1 minute. Stir. Repeat, heating at 30-second intervals until soap is liquid. Do not overheat but be sure soap is completely melted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quickly pour melted soap into soap molds. Set aside and let firm up about one hour. Remove from molds by running a knife gently around the edges of the bar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This recipe made four bars using <a href="http://www.michaels.com/10299865.html">this soap mold</a> from Michaels. In my first soap making attempt I was not a huge fan, but this time I had better luck. Practice makes perfect, they say!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidODRVm-AKtAoJPVCW8883KgnS4pRDP2Pjea9pABZoMRLv1VzBciEHefGbO7-gsJoXmWExEYznNwwGuxIjjnss-pw5r6aUP3iXbF3UNk6IAH_E3qisNvJm8BmEK5DowrvjH3641xEVUJMO/s1600/IMG_4938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidODRVm-AKtAoJPVCW8883KgnS4pRDP2Pjea9pABZoMRLv1VzBciEHefGbO7-gsJoXmWExEYznNwwGuxIjjnss-pw5r6aUP3iXbF3UNk6IAH_E3qisNvJm8BmEK5DowrvjH3641xEVUJMO/s640/IMG_4938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might also enjoy <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/nice-and-spicy-melt-and-pour-soap.html">Nice and Spicy Melt and Pour Soap</a>.</span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-11878401950450336472018-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:002018-03-21T06:20:32.309-07:00Paper Crafting Fun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYquptEamKGJX23PbXIOUT6t8g_zKxv887i33oG0MvWywiD6peF9uGVBPpAyQb58rV_mIIrC99Dzxf3pwZb2unHogrtsMsGVhHQdc1IEeHRW4f4qnlb7LJoIatPR9US85f_Titsp2Yu9u/s640/IMG_4872+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband loves the color blue and woodworking. This card captures both!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok. I know this post is not timely at all. And that's basically internet sin. But just because I'm behind the eight ball doesn't mean I shouldn't share this fun craft! Save it for next Valentine's Day or use the idea and modify it for Easter or any special occasion. It's totally customizable!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend recently became a demonstrator for a popular stamping company. Admittedly I've never really gotten into the paper crafting scene. I've made a few cards here and there and even tried my hand at scrapbooking very briefly, but I've never invested in the necessary supplies or gadgets to keep it going. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4VEp-R1Jk5T3IonsSpkeueObybaVCd7anCU3Z5xpf1ta8nIQ-dyJDfqYQ5oxxStS0ug53q2V7E8-tPLENuU0KFz4iTPjcazpFHBDoYo0Dvm516_-LDlI8ZXXOG3S4ojKB_9KLf5DaAqy/s1600/IMG_4865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4VEp-R1Jk5T3IonsSpkeueObybaVCd7anCU3Z5xpf1ta8nIQ-dyJDfqYQ5oxxStS0ug53q2V7E8-tPLENuU0KFz4iTPjcazpFHBDoYo0Dvm516_-LDlI8ZXXOG3S4ojKB_9KLf5DaAqy/s400/IMG_4865.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a front view of my daughter's Valentine. <br />
The heart and sentiment are stamped onto card stock.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpeoZWgaFXw5hdi9If6BXQ7IJD8OWY-DDmoQ4KugTY7WnH4KD09ELxkSIibbcfhB0oQSC1N1HI-ecW2ybSoXzoNWwJbN4NKTFN9pFRcsxm5SjkqGJ57rYKOw9r_HMaI-tS_86_AZOA3a0/s400/IMG_4866.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a side view showing the paper sleeve that<br />
I slid over the box.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend always had so much fun making cards, though. Thinking it would be a good time, I told her I'd host a party and we'd have a fun night of making cards and having coffee and snacks with the ladies. Good plan, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the day of the party she brought enough supplies for everyone to make three cards and a box. I actually ended up making two boxes (to which I added Dove Chocolates) and one card. She had extras! They turned out very cute and I think my kids and husband agree! The boxes held four or five Dove chocolate hearts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are not your traditional red and pink valentines, but projects tailored toward the recipients. My daughter's favorite color is green and my son loves gold. My husband loves blue and woodworking. As you can see I tried to incorporate a little of what they like in each Valentine.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLbqX3F5Qk5n6oqxROqXDCX0Zx0y6NVQ7XWbypUN_hvr76sTWlho1ogtAnGmRO5eZBka5BPsbC9ueCn7xdnF2LtMFPitfJeJwQVm5AlI1Rs-F0XWwiptXvXOO5NXuwMp_mwDz_Hrx3gxH/s1600/IMG_4868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLbqX3F5Qk5n6oqxROqXDCX0Zx0y6NVQ7XWbypUN_hvr76sTWlho1ogtAnGmRO5eZBka5BPsbC9ueCn7xdnF2LtMFPitfJeJwQVm5AlI1Rs-F0XWwiptXvXOO5NXuwMp_mwDz_Hrx3gxH/s640/IMG_4868.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's Valentine</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the party I purchased some supplies and so far I've made a few cute cards. Stamping is more fun than I thought it would be. If it turns out to be something I enjoy regularly, I'll post my creations here on the blog. For now, you can enjoy my three little Valentines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leave a comment below with any tips and tricks if you are a paper crafter. </span></div>
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<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-70354531505922982482018-03-16T07:45:00.001-07:002018-03-18T05:41:49.446-07:00Pompom Bunnies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAmrmDVugFXbBrhHxBCxEGCRgBBff3TCtw5Z1hJPAVXeKO9zG0OafOsxveh9utElVwjBUvySaExWsdVB3mMNKRi1I5oQ9c17T1-ofP1YJ5v6G_MP_01Saefq1JKqlf_zr-eZYJGgtofkb/s1600/IMG_4962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAmrmDVugFXbBrhHxBCxEGCRgBBff3TCtw5Z1hJPAVXeKO9zG0OafOsxveh9utElVwjBUvySaExWsdVB3mMNKRi1I5oQ9c17T1-ofP1YJ5v6G_MP_01Saefq1JKqlf_zr-eZYJGgtofkb/s640/IMG_4962.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got inspiration for this cuddly Easter craft <a href="http://wonderfuldiy.com/wonderful-diy-easy-pom-pom-bunny/">here</a>. There was, of course, a pin that led me to it. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/justjillspins/">Pinterest</a> rocks! Although our bunnies aren't quite like the others that inspired them, I think they are darling. And my daughter is getting so good at crafting! She made the white one. Adorable, right? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILvoXYAJUQ9uuO1jHZDbLUB8teg8xI7vEvvUp_P96EYvqzaV-PhXLcnF01rb5uIBvHcebooqFfsh607ukWZu0aXq6gg7e0ZwLJk9h7wvPckw7GhSo2WKV3sg-U0p8n3oZ1xdGbZTJpixK/s1600/IMG_4957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILvoXYAJUQ9uuO1jHZDbLUB8teg8xI7vEvvUp_P96EYvqzaV-PhXLcnF01rb5uIBvHcebooqFfsh607ukWZu0aXq6gg7e0ZwLJk9h7wvPckw7GhSo2WKV3sg-U0p8n3oZ1xdGbZTJpixK/s640/IMG_4957.jpg" width="520" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To begin this kid-friendly craft, you'll need to make two pompoms. First you wrap a bunch of yarn around a piece of cardboard. Just when you think you wrapped enough, wrap some more. Trust me. You don't want small, sad pompoms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvcnwMLmED3IwX0B9MyuNYeGlxfMUtB2M7vcbNR7WzQRn3Qiq-MF8peKmxCzDOKgJfckLgG4U5EEDdGFpoXUbHyECXg7muz9LoVVxYwEcS4nsxAfviaKyAQWyrBL0iXuTuFAvsZv7aEQ8/s1600/IMG_4958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvcnwMLmED3IwX0B9MyuNYeGlxfMUtB2M7vcbNR7WzQRn3Qiq-MF8peKmxCzDOKgJfckLgG4U5EEDdGFpoXUbHyECXg7muz9LoVVxYwEcS4nsxAfviaKyAQWyrBL0iXuTuFAvsZv7aEQ8/s640/IMG_4958.jpg" width="536" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you have wrapped a whole bunch of yarn around, slide another piece of yarn into the space and tie it off. Then pull the whole bunch completely off the cardboard and snip the circle in half, being careful to avoid your tie-off yarn. Now start snipping and trimming until you get a pompom you like. Click <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/11/catching-christmas-spirit-diy-cat-toy.html">here</a> for more detailed instructions on making pompoms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfKpfFTBqUzFumcyYvS7Kkt_5RjKOVPbVQW6f1e0q74rHzk9uSj15Fq6xoBNR2dC2CRky0Ch0xbQZncFHAEc0-Wro_M7IAwxLULT9WV05Hv9HETY1iONzl2XhlDgYCuMGb2Ge4Z9io69W/s1600/IMG_4959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfKpfFTBqUzFumcyYvS7Kkt_5RjKOVPbVQW6f1e0q74rHzk9uSj15Fq6xoBNR2dC2CRky0Ch0xbQZncFHAEc0-Wro_M7IAwxLULT9WV05Hv9HETY1iONzl2XhlDgYCuMGb2Ge4Z9io69W/s640/IMG_4959.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you have made two pompoms, one slightly larger, hot glue them together. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Next, cut out some felt ears and glue them into place. Finish it off with some googly eyes and a felt or foam nose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Voila! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OI3JacNNgOtSsqsh7KvTAz9VmCo5S7N7wLjItO_oS4qTI6SgNNQ1e2X5CTfQ8MMi9iHbLMJ81pmYP-NTiMecPpwN_0C1YpuBgEVgaGuZPTau21Qj_d4AxZinKAgWByTM79hEujPO0V3x/s1600/IMG_4946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OI3JacNNgOtSsqsh7KvTAz9VmCo5S7N7wLjItO_oS4qTI6SgNNQ1e2X5CTfQ8MMi9iHbLMJ81pmYP-NTiMecPpwN_0C1YpuBgEVgaGuZPTau21Qj_d4AxZinKAgWByTM79hEujPO0V3x/s640/IMG_4946.jpg" width="534" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are great for the kids! Of course there must be hot glue supervision, but the rest is no fuss!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pompom Bunny</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Supplies</b></i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>yarn</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>small piece of cardboard</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>felt for ears and nose</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>googly eyes</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>hot glue</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Make pompoms according to instructions above. (Alternatively, you may purchase pre-made pompoms.) Glue the pompoms together. Cut out ears and nose from felt. Glue ears behind the smaller pompom then affix the eyes and nose. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>*I elected to exclude whiskers, but you could easily add those on with more yarn or fishing line.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You might also like:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/11/catching-christmas-spirit-diy-cat-toy.html">Catching Christmas Spirit: DIY Cat Toy (guest post)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/painted-pumpkins-2017.html">Painted Pumpkins</a></span></div>
Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-78916522690787287272018-03-07T12:13:00.001-08:002018-08-12T15:08:20.019-07:00Health and Beauty Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozyTgstIYjs5ZMNEdDutWBfe0i4d9moAmuH8rxGNw8ecvXmfbUbP4cjhqXmozfTXwuVZiW8I4wEryu-lb78cYYmggQXzQ1BW8qfydGlIKcPmzU04lduWdghHQep2Ff2JJffqyXDm7it67/s1600/soap-2333412_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozyTgstIYjs5ZMNEdDutWBfe0i4d9moAmuH8rxGNw8ecvXmfbUbP4cjhqXmozfTXwuVZiW8I4wEryu-lb78cYYmggQXzQ1BW8qfydGlIKcPmzU04lduWdghHQep2Ff2JJffqyXDm7it67/s640/soap-2333412_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a post highlighting my health and beauty favorites. Scroll down to see what you can make or use today!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/07/make-your-own-deodorant.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Make Your Own Deodorant</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been turning to this DIY deodorant for about ten years now. Think of that. I've been saving my armpits from aluminum all that time! It's the only deodorant I've used that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Bonus: it works!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUvDg5K0i30T8TFBH_rIPUd7Z3nAlm4X0aEYY5WYyuF9ll1qfZ5XocCuHFJsdRPho5uBMbxT0fj6KhZ-pah-gGuOPGPwvw34dYhpWbEPvaeoh5ZRLu67Xzkqlvi03dqAtAX4LtUYprQwX/s1600/166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUvDg5K0i30T8TFBH_rIPUd7Z3nAlm4X0aEYY5WYyuF9ll1qfZ5XocCuHFJsdRPho5uBMbxT0fj6KhZ-pah-gGuOPGPwvw34dYhpWbEPvaeoh5ZRLu67Xzkqlvi03dqAtAX4LtUYprQwX/s400/166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/honey-turmeric-face-mask.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Honey-Turmeric Face Mask</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This mask is great for moisture and detoxification, especially at this time of year. Super simple and easy to prepare, this mask won't let you down.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZTFGNEKVv-QAy-1Ov0yYm8cGABPaiP4M85d5Nb_6XbWVBTi2W_D-5BPuTVMfQQN6-Tw3gY6Rj_NHDO1owioLmVTOGl3aB9pV19ooihW3DcBXq2fp53sfodKgFDK3yh7-zKCRjvH3jDKi/s1600/honey-823614_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZTFGNEKVv-QAy-1Ov0yYm8cGABPaiP4M85d5Nb_6XbWVBTi2W_D-5BPuTVMfQQN6-Tw3gY6Rj_NHDO1owioLmVTOGl3aB9pV19ooihW3DcBXq2fp53sfodKgFDK3yh7-zKCRjvH3jDKi/s400/honey-823614_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/nice-and-spicy-melt-and-pour-soap.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Nice and Spicy Melt and Pour Soap</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click above for an easy DIY project that you can put together in minutes. This easily customizable project is great for everyday use or unique gifting. Give it a try!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXuYMC913EDIE9hMuBwfjvNGaW1-Y8aYguuK_zfIF4TuszcJjeebMZhG-bx3HFfVuMHhx4eJfBrEjVNYYodBJUuLg7HJdhsGyjPlRKEDMjXFFZo_-PdyMtgwijiziAPNm75UwZiTauZfK/s1600/IMG_4050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXuYMC913EDIE9hMuBwfjvNGaW1-Y8aYguuK_zfIF4TuszcJjeebMZhG-bx3HFfVuMHhx4eJfBrEjVNYYodBJUuLg7HJdhsGyjPlRKEDMjXFFZo_-PdyMtgwijiziAPNm75UwZiTauZfK/s400/IMG_4050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/12/my-number-one-must-have-beauty-product.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">My Number One Must Have Beauty Product</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click the link above to see my favorite beauty product. This one is not a DIY, but I love it nonetheless. It's a staple I turn to every day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pnDXoDpUzmvpEQXJkEsN5VSGmatsR9x-9H9rCpz5jwN76EUe63MpbQMXzpmrDIGkvV-ETwu0qkGiN3JxsQoLQ8IPHaG-SyOD0TSBZ44Wyc4CCECtk2EHX1g5FtMeYxmutrDqFSzhm6VS/s1600/bottle-1860617_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1145" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pnDXoDpUzmvpEQXJkEsN5VSGmatsR9x-9H9rCpz5jwN76EUe63MpbQMXzpmrDIGkvV-ETwu0qkGiN3JxsQoLQ8IPHaG-SyOD0TSBZ44Wyc4CCECtk2EHX1g5FtMeYxmutrDqFSzhm6VS/s400/bottle-1860617_1920.png" width="286" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/08/practical-uses-for-vinegar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">9 Practical Uses for Vinegar</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This post does not focus specifically on health and beauty, but I'd be remiss to exclude it. Look at numbers 8 and 9 for ideas on how to treat athlete's foot and sunburn. This is good stuff!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoYI5wj4k24IAWOx8nAQaxvErVuNr9xJSjS2y3gOnna_gmbcXftc72Gb89P6edbvd8IqReyOldpCcJvfGbqGwPZA5UqgW0gSdGygFmBQHEn3dZd_lzdprY_S5yFRNu1EjhnQ1n7bY-nnX/s1600/vinegar-768948_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoYI5wj4k24IAWOx8nAQaxvErVuNr9xJSjS2y3gOnna_gmbcXftc72Gb89P6edbvd8IqReyOldpCcJvfGbqGwPZA5UqgW0gSdGygFmBQHEn3dZd_lzdprY_S5yFRNu1EjhnQ1n7bY-nnX/s400/vinegar-768948_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You might also like:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/p/series.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Series Page</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/12/laundry-soap.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Make Your Own Laundry Soap</span></a></div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-39444053804733720332017-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:002017-12-14T18:58:27.244-08:00GUEST POST!! Catching Christmas Spirit: DIY Cat Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-size: 11px;">Thank you to Natalie McKee over at <a href="https://leapingcats.com/" target="_blank">Leaping Cats</a> for this lovely guest post!! I am so excited to share with you her handmade creation. We met through the <a href="http://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Ultimate Blog Challenge</a>, one of my best blogging experiences so far. I hope you like her post!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFAZU_06xS-EqrCb8pG4H1qCzaY7Gpe49zcKHstzxW4eHIpMkbxnhEIB9dV2IUkKxNizzSB2Cqwxmy-8g68JW-uIneuRp4owT6uKp93ABCKShMCzG6kLBUAtbNmrsldf3Qh40m-1qeDs9/s1600/cat+toy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFAZU_06xS-EqrCb8pG4H1qCzaY7Gpe49zcKHstzxW4eHIpMkbxnhEIB9dV2IUkKxNizzSB2Cqwxmy-8g68JW-uIneuRp4owT6uKp93ABCKShMCzG6kLBUAtbNmrsldf3Qh40m-1qeDs9/s640/cat+toy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Catching Christmas Spirit: DIY Cat Toy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>By Natalie McKee</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cats are natural predators, but instead of stalking fabric mice or birds, this diy cat toy has them catching Christmas spirit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know, pretty corny -- but really -- if you were looking for an easy Christmas craft, look no further. This “fishing pole” cat toy requires little more than ribbon and yarn, but will bring the magic of the holidays to your feline family members. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Materials: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Yarn (in one or more festive colors)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Ribbon (Christmas patterns are a great choice) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- One ¼ Dowel </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Pair of Scissors </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- (Optional): Hot Glue Gun</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiradiFTb3wOccG0U0Cs8ZCgIXpU3k44QxEGLqKNWGS-OoM6toKsT36j0D1XtyY3uNCVji7TOxFaiw17wnglhgo3RE8ZeBcR-YStfKMJy0HecXVXFUgjm16vRvOxz1mZiwfmaxCg2lh7CSu/s1600/cattoy2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiradiFTb3wOccG0U0Cs8ZCgIXpU3k44QxEGLqKNWGS-OoM6toKsT36j0D1XtyY3uNCVji7TOxFaiw17wnglhgo3RE8ZeBcR-YStfKMJy0HecXVXFUgjm16vRvOxz1mZiwfmaxCg2lh7CSu/s640/cattoy2.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Instructions: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First things first, you’re going to want to make your pom poms. There are a number of methods for doing so, but I personally like using either my fingers or a kitchen fork to make the different sizes. The method for creating the pom poms is the same whether you use a fork or your fingers, simply replace the fork tines with two, three (even four!) of your fingers in the steps below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Pom Pom Creation: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take the end of your yarn and tuck it between two tines in the fork. Next, start wrapping the yarn around the fork over and over until you have a big bunch gathered up. The more yarn you use, the puffier the pom pom (and what’s better than a puffy pom pom?). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCLR95-exnJFUB__1ra7n70T0yidMDckAzcNT7bjTb7gx09dMD2lRE5Kci4ID57NAK3Gw8nmIMiMUls_aydAS8z-C__aL7ICoTKKNK6M4RsgV-WgoRIf38eF0AKj_cfSe8MG73xlJ47G/s1600/cattoy3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCLR95-exnJFUB__1ra7n70T0yidMDckAzcNT7bjTb7gx09dMD2lRE5Kci4ID57NAK3Gw8nmIMiMUls_aydAS8z-C__aL7ICoTKKNK6M4RsgV-WgoRIf38eF0AKj_cfSe8MG73xlJ47G/s640/cattoy3.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, cut the yarn connecting the fork to the spool, and then, cut a piece of yarn that’s about 5 to 6 inches long. You are going to use this piece to tie off the pom pom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, slide one end of the yarn piece through the tines of the fork and gather it in a loop above the fork. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loosely tie that yarn around the yarn bundle, and then carefully slip the yarn bundle off the fork onto a flat working surface. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZBXApLRPDb8gKkmzCD4eodBrKGlGewVquj1SEgimiUPqox6_pSbIRTPqgdj4f7mTz2ZcJYMRJPGFds947DPQlNNdAbClqOKFbFzm_4i2YyqeQjFeVa8M5cjWQ-5SwcDiaTpCjssQcJHI/s1600/cattoy7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZBXApLRPDb8gKkmzCD4eodBrKGlGewVquj1SEgimiUPqox6_pSbIRTPqgdj4f7mTz2ZcJYMRJPGFds947DPQlNNdAbClqOKFbFzm_4i2YyqeQjFeVa8M5cjWQ-5SwcDiaTpCjssQcJHI/s640/cattoy7.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tie the knot very tightly, and double knot. You are creating the “heart” of the pom pom, and if it’s too loose the pieces will fall out once you are finished (I learned this the hard way…). I recommend tying and knotting once, and then doing it twice for good measure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember: Your cat is going to be batting this to pieces, and you’d like it to last longer than a few hours, ideally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, it’s time to cut the loops on either side of the center knot with scissors. (Sorry for switching colors on you in the pictures.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you are done, you’ll have something akin to a bad hair day. You’ll need to carefully trim around the pom pom like you’re trimming a shrub to get a round shape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: The chubbier the yarn you use, the puffier the pom pom. The yarn I chose was definitely on the thinner side, and looked best in smaller pom poms made with the fork, rather than the larger one (pictured above) made by wrapping the yarn around three fingers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a total of five pom poms, but only ended up using my three favorites for the toy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Assembly: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up, I tied a longer piece of yarn to each pom pom and then tied the yarn to the dowel. Double knot, again, for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can use a dab of hot glue here to hold the yarn (on the dowel) in place. I offset each pom pom, so they hung at different lengths. You can make them hang as low as you’d like, but the lowest pom pom on mine hangs about 12 or 14 inches from the dowel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I then cut the ribbon into 10-inch pieces and tied bows onto the hanging yarn at the top of each pom pom. I cut the excess ribbon ends to keep each bow proportional. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tip: Using a lighter (verrrryyyy carefully!), melt the edges of your ribbon to keep it from unfurling. Keep a cup of water nearby, just in case ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now it’s time for the long ribbon! I simply looped long sections of ribbon (perhaps 2 ft. long? It’s up to you!) over the dowel and then trimmed each piece to a different length like with the pom pom yarn. I used three different ribbons, but you can use more or less as you see fit: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In order to hide the yarn on the dowel and to keep all the ribbons together, I pushed the knots on the dowel close together and then tied another piece of yarn around all the hanging yarn/ribbon pieces and knotted it, covering the yarn knot with another ribbon knot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I used scissors to curl the pieces of ribbon (not because the cat cares, but because it made it pretty!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The finished product? Pretty magical! You could always buy some catnip spray and spritz a little onto each pom pom to make this new toy even more enticing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply hold it over your cat’s head and see what happens -- it might even distract him from climbing the Christmas tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>About the Author: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">Natalie McKee rescued her family’s cat, Pumpkin, from living as a stray when he was just a kitten. A decade later she writes at <a href="https://leapingcats.com/" target="_blank">Leaping Cats</a> </span><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">about ways to keep your indoor cat fit, healthy and happy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "arial";">Do you like what you see? Leave Natalie a comment here or on her blog to let her know! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "arial";">Pin it!</span></span></div>
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Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326072720329040449.post-5261413042416026782017-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002020-04-05T16:58:44.901-07:00Ingredient Substitutes to the Rescue<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/AVvXsEiSQlsl3HIZDLmSjg7GW1WYXT2tDO2YeVi9-clXT7u2sgG6t036cd9Vdl7LV_TfrZsmpWXGc7zezzB53n-y61HiShyphenhyphendeTTvjHFMYkxgiolHS4EgFma92T9xMuVVr87eEaEznXXyMy2Gx2xq/s1600/kitchen-scale-532651_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQlsl3HIZDLmSjg7GW1WYXT2tDO2YeVi9-clXT7u2sgG6t036cd9Vdl7LV_TfrZsmpWXGc7zezzB53n-y61HiShyphenhyphendeTTvjHFMYkxgiolHS4EgFma92T9xMuVVr87eEaEznXXyMy2Gx2xq/s640/kitchen-scale-532651_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/kitchen-scale-weighing-baking-532651/" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might be trying to save time. You might be trying to save money. Or you might be in the middle of a holiday baking frenzy and need a substitute so you can just get on with the recipe! Besides that, the hallmark of an excellent (and frugal) cook is the ability to work with what you have on hand. Before you run out to the store, try these substitutes. You might be surprised at how well they work!</span><br />
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<b>1 cup sugar </b>- 3/4 cup honey, 1 cup granulated <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/07/musings-my-thoughts-on-artificial.html" target="_blank">sucralose</a>, 1 cup granulate stevia such as stevia in the Raw. In my opinion, baked recipes taste better with sucrolose vs. stevia. A lot of stevia can leave a bitter aftertaste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup brown sugar</i> </b> - 1 cup white sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses. Or in a pinch plain old white sugar will do just fine. It will change the flavor, but not in a way that ruins the recipe. I have also subbed turbinado (Sugar in the Raw) and that is a great option as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup vegetable oil </i></b>- 1 cup regular (not virgin) olive oil, canola oil <i>or</i> peanut oil <i>or</i> 1 cup applesauce <i>or</i> 1 cup pumpkin <i>or</i> 1 cup prune puree. I have excellent luck with subbing extra pumpkin in <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/09/pumpkinbread.html" target="_blank">pumpkin bread</a> and leaving out the oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup shortening</i></b> - 1 cup coconut oil (not virgin unless you want a coconut flavor). I actually prefer coconut oil, the expeller pressed variety, in certain recipes. There is a chocolate chip cookie recipe my mom made for years with shortening and when I tried it with coconut oil I liked it even better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup butter</i></b> - Butter has a signature flavor and fat profile that makes things just so. Switching this ingredient with substitutes will definitely work, but your end results will just be different. In chocolate chip cookies you can use coconut oil (I prefer flavorless expeller pressed) or margarine. In cakes you can even sub in oil. The end product will be tasty, the texture will just change. Changing fat for fat usually works just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup buttermilk</i></b> - 1 cup plain yogurt <i>or </i>1 cup plain greek yogurt</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Evaporated Milk</i></b> - 3 parts whole milk, 1 part half and half</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 teaspoon vanilla</i></b> - 1 teaspoon extract of choice (this will change the flavor). Imitation vanilla extract will also work just fine. Some rather particular foodies might disagree, but I say it's no big deal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 egg</i></b> - 1 tablespoon flax meal plus 3 tablespoons water. Let sit 5 minutes before using. This is good in recipes such as quick breads, pancakes, etc. It will not do when egg is a main ingredient such as in quiche (imagine a flax pie, ick!). I have had good results with quick breads such as this <a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/08/family-recipe-aunties-banana-bread.html" target="_blank">banana bread</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 cup white flour</i></b> - You can try subbing in different flours if you have them on hand. I prefer unbleached white flour, so I most times sub that in. You can also sub in whole wheat or white whole wheat quite easily. Whole wheat flour tends to require more liquid in the recipe, so keep that in mind if you use this as a substitute. I find great luck doing half white flour and half whole wheat flour without any other changes to the recipe. It adds some whole grain without anyone really noticing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Chocolate chips</i></b> - Chopped chocolate bar, M&Ms</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Baking soda/powder</i></b> - Read <a href="http://www.extracrispy.com/food/2932/the-easiest-baking-soda-substitute-is-baking-powder" target="_blank">this article</a>. It can be done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Green onions </i></b>- Though the recipe won't be exact, any onion will work. In a pinch you can even use a little onion powder or re-hydrate dried onions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Chicken</i></b> - Easily sub in turkey and sometimes even pork.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ground Beef</i></b> - Any ground meat such as turkey, chicken or pork will work. Ground meatless crumbles can also be used.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Cream of anything soup</i></b> - Follow the <a href="https://www.centercutcook.com/cream-soup-substitute/" target="_blank">recipe on this site</a> or on <a href="https://thisoldgal.com/condensed-cream-anything-soup-recipe/" target="_blank">this site</a>. You probably have all the ingredients on hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are there any ingredient substitutes you are looking for? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below. And thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You might also like:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2017/10/things-to-do-with-canned-pumpkin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">6 Things To Do With Canned Pumpkin</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2015/09/equalmeasures.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Helpful Tips on Equal Measures</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.homecookedhandmade.com/2016/06/buy-it-make-it-maybe.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy It, Make It, Maybe</span></a><br />
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<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743434119571784952noreply@blogger.com0