tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92037790130441485312024-02-18T23:06:02.793-08:00Avocado PardoAvocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-68546333302166519762012-04-22T11:26:00.002-07:002012-04-22T11:28:29.939-07:00An entire monthSo an entire month has gone by without time to blog.<br />I think I'll figure out this week whether I'm just going to shut her down, or recommit.<br />The problem is: I'm diligently working on my novel. Actually making progress.<br />Which means that any free minute I have (and they are few and far between) is spent typing at maximum speed trying to eek out 10-15 sentences for the novel.<br />I'm still working on tons of projects, I just don't have the time to put in to creating thoughtful, well done posts for them.<br /><br />Soul searching is in order.Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-4062424339791950532012-03-26T15:28:00.006-07:002012-03-26T15:43:09.746-07:00Save your chin- The towel holderHere is an item that my husband fully does not understand: The towel holder.<br />It's super simple, just two clips that hold up the towel for when you're getting your little one out of the bath.<br />Am I the only person who does the chin down to the towel, try to hold it up, while struggling to get a little wet, slippery body out of the tub?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvBcnxsEzgCdfDnbpYcYS-puJ5PyFIBgG9x451qpbvUXyzsAdXUAajgdgm9fKryd40TtJU6UZq1_ALqWJbkCr_mYOFK_6MfNWpN4E925uyyvGbkuhMia8enccb0HBt2itb5v1w9vx0fY/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvBcnxsEzgCdfDnbpYcYS-puJ5PyFIBgG9x451qpbvUXyzsAdXUAajgdgm9fKryd40TtJU6UZq1_ALqWJbkCr_mYOFK_6MfNWpN4E925uyyvGbkuhMia8enccb0HBt2itb5v1w9vx0fY/s400/IMG_4688.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724337516115093426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, SUPER helpful for when your child decides that splashing like a lunatic is the most fun that can be had in life but YOU have on an outfit that you really like and actually want to wear out of the house that night.<br />How can my husband not think that this is the most brilliant idea ever?<br /><br />So easy to make!<br /><br />Materials:<br />Piece of fabric approximately 23 inches long and 4 inches wide (to determine length measure from one collar bone, around the back of your neck to the other then add two inches)<br />2- art board clips (found at Michaels in the same aisle as the fancy paint brushes)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlLovHtgNkEutnltguRddFqaWkhw9f8lDyelXMuaNZ-Z4QqAWrBDz2mM-pLnUin-poSv8t52QvSDbiF06q9e7Y6MMuXH4chBxX8FksJPilrbrgf1RSa992pOj11SE32LNRvRl06FZW0/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlLovHtgNkEutnltguRddFqaWkhw9f8lDyelXMuaNZ-Z4QqAWrBDz2mM-pLnUin-poSv8t52QvSDbiF06q9e7Y6MMuXH4chBxX8FksJPilrbrgf1RSa992pOj11SE32LNRvRl06FZW0/s400/IMG_4665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724339252675686226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1. Fold the fabric in half the long way and iron a crease down the middle.<br />2. Unfold the fabric, then fold each long side in so that it meets in the middle.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wkY-Vg0t_fgB-05uudx6zGKhUrP2pQvx12B8m02l-TPv9IV7fZwaqUz9B-beBjZAM8dBA_k6egKsDt_Hk7WMJfYPdfRjpNM9ScLxlTZiGa_TEK0LLDcBwvCj-6UczrKU1z33jog0Zss/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wkY-Vg0t_fgB-05uudx6zGKhUrP2pQvx12B8m02l-TPv9IV7fZwaqUz9B-beBjZAM8dBA_k6egKsDt_Hk7WMJfYPdfRjpNM9ScLxlTZiGa_TEK0LLDcBwvCj-6UczrKU1z33jog0Zss/s400/IMG_4672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724339267863100210" border="0" /></a><br />Fold this in half and press. Now you have a strap.<br />3. Stitch the strap closed.<br />4. String each end through the hole at the top of the art clip.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBIUxfnGecof053-aWdUz0wms2I7s_LLSiMAaQqJp_P2oZwDevVIy0jHrc4ihYzBDwZ4Vwtdqqo54Dz24UOdrE4APIWchuPdhQzJbzc9wHyT6rBuxEmlInEYWR8g50H7g8KKBiF689Zk/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBIUxfnGecof053-aWdUz0wms2I7s_LLSiMAaQqJp_P2oZwDevVIy0jHrc4ihYzBDwZ4Vwtdqqo54Dz24UOdrE4APIWchuPdhQzJbzc9wHyT6rBuxEmlInEYWR8g50H7g8KKBiF689Zk/s400/IMG_4675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724339765546572146" border="0" /></a><br />5. Sew the end to the strap, so that you have one art clip hanging on each side.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM49L4e1rkX4vKfiOTKSoTV5jmwvltyW3-pDCa3Gli9ahSJAPejFHdzgeYfCfj8aeA7QP5CMVqcarm8KPOim2ZDL7J5ok65q_44H8lzGbAYZmj74CR_Kb1ScONBoBKIub30zQQ7diSOjU/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM49L4e1rkX4vKfiOTKSoTV5jmwvltyW3-pDCa3Gli9ahSJAPejFHdzgeYfCfj8aeA7QP5CMVqcarm8KPOim2ZDL7J5ok65q_44H8lzGbAYZmj74CR_Kb1ScONBoBKIub30zQQ7diSOjU/s400/IMG_4679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724339774233827554" border="0" /></a>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-68472331812924165202012-03-08T12:03:00.005-08:002012-03-08T12:15:39.844-08:00Buffalo Chicken Nachos...you will thank me.I love buffalo chicken, I love nachos, I am through the freaking roof with joy when I can combine them together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UuwfVCCNbwpFMtyC93Adj4oN5JZYVL4yh1h7c2MABLz6KbIkDBXsvd-1rCj02psDHBtS2l4J-Fj1mV5-xJyMsn73eOVFa95fK75TvhoK6GeGim7QgXuQVDYSVeEkjDeV4iJ8nlvgcBU/s1600/IMG_4702.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UuwfVCCNbwpFMtyC93Adj4oN5JZYVL4yh1h7c2MABLz6KbIkDBXsvd-1rCj02psDHBtS2l4J-Fj1mV5-xJyMsn73eOVFa95fK75TvhoK6GeGim7QgXuQVDYSVeEkjDeV4iJ8nlvgcBU/s400/IMG_4702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717622444883532658" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is, my buffalo chicken nacho recipe, no the measurements are exact, these are nachos, experiment a little:<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained<br />1 garlic clove<br />Juice of 1 lime<br />1/2 pound chicken, boiled and shredded<br />Franks Red Hot Buffalo sauce<br />Bag of tortilla chips (I like Santitas b/c they're yummy and $2)<br />Small can sliced olives<br />1 tomato chopped<br />2 scallions chopped<br />6 ounces of shredded cheddar<br />2 ounces crumbled blue cheese<br /><br />1. Combine first three ingredients in a food processor (a hand held blender will work fine too), set aside<br />2. Toss shredded chicken in Buffalo sauce depending on your taste, I use almost a half a bottle<br />3. Lay a single layer of chips on a baking sheet (preferably with a rim)<br />4. Top with dollops of black bean dip, followed by evenly sprinkling chicken over<br />5. Evenly distribute scallions, olives and tomato<br />6. Top with shredded cheddar and blue cheese<br />7. Bake at 350 until cheese has melted<br /><br />You could serve these with salsa or sour cream, but the black bean dip pretty much makes it so that they don't need any additional condiments.<br />Again, since they're nachos these are just my preferences, you may want more or less chicken, same with the cheese. I personally don't like to "overcheese" my nachos so this is on the lighter side.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DU2Vn32WUajIq4fdiX8VJMsvbWGlU6CanntaQBNDrjxPSHaTjeQ4-XR4f68_AxqnJfweqv56fsFPFmbvNUGfMyCn0FWm6FqAl7dkSNOFo8syzlOwQ0Zw6EIJ1H3SBwWhmzIa4e0GoU8/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DU2Vn32WUajIq4fdiX8VJMsvbWGlU6CanntaQBNDrjxPSHaTjeQ4-XR4f68_AxqnJfweqv56fsFPFmbvNUGfMyCn0FWm6FqAl7dkSNOFo8syzlOwQ0Zw6EIJ1H3SBwWhmzIa4e0GoU8/s400/IMG_4699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717621467287804178" border="0" /></a><br />This is how they look before cheese, could easily be eaten dairy free.<br />Feel free to post any questions!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-32796509634879258392012-03-07T11:50:00.001-08:002012-03-08T12:00:44.978-08:00Wall Art Redo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbtpcqfSBcgC976nE_kGJ8cAkui4VizIS-zO7vnevVG_aSz1XoeUrGb2m2PPv1BhcllPvWo3Cmm5dwmhODJ65c9f1tYW1yqSzyccPMiGirXCEDraydTw7cia7L9XG2AiltjQUtCnWecQ/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbtpcqfSBcgC976nE_kGJ8cAkui4VizIS-zO7vnevVG_aSz1XoeUrGb2m2PPv1BhcllPvWo3Cmm5dwmhODJ65c9f1tYW1yqSzyccPMiGirXCEDraydTw7cia7L9XG2AiltjQUtCnWecQ/s400/IMG_4715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717618386007667890" border="0" /></a><br />So the husbando and I had a beautiful, delicate, super awesome paper cut out hanging in our room, but it was in this really horrid plastic frame that I just never bothered to replace. We bought this mind you about 6 years ago from a street vendor by Harvard, and it's supposed to bring good luck. We also had this super horrid wine "art" that the husbando was a fan of but I just couldn't bring myself to hang up on the wall, so I combined them!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR0gbobR6vgNDG62aNbvv_csLKjXVyFMtjZD9IsxKoga878wy9Uzae_DxnCPWS0646Kw80t7LRgx2-CG9KGvaG_bFnGA6jzIHc1ACQ4GhyphenhyphenqZaT0VXI6z9BIYvwK4ylzNxDg9I4wW7cY0/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR0gbobR6vgNDG62aNbvv_csLKjXVyFMtjZD9IsxKoga878wy9Uzae_DxnCPWS0646Kw80t7LRgx2-CG9KGvaG_bFnGA6jzIHc1ACQ4GhyphenhyphenqZaT0VXI6z9BIYvwK4ylzNxDg9I4wW7cY0/s400/IMG_4656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717617739979050466" border="0" /></a><br />Started by wrapping the offensive wine picture in fabric, stapled it right to the back.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-Lo2R1GmzNg88Kk2vhhpnOKKlzFQ00saJQZwk3PmaAXr5iu2RhyphenhyphenCfcSvJoKGhOQgPoqK9bt_SIA7Tze_3YOtU19SfkiZsQPbi_67wlH180BENoanjrdEJv9O3o4q9XsFAicCE8kK7Cw/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-Lo2R1GmzNg88Kk2vhhpnOKKlzFQ00saJQZwk3PmaAXr5iu2RhyphenhyphenCfcSvJoKGhOQgPoqK9bt_SIA7Tze_3YOtU19SfkiZsQPbi_67wlH180BENoanjrdEJv9O3o4q9XsFAicCE8kK7Cw/s400/IMG_4659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717617749517138434" border="0" /></a><br />Then I very, very carefully removed the paper cutout, which was brittle when we bought it I'm sure since it's so delicately cut, but way more brittle being 6 years old.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01G4zI6qRpP3Wqlxm1VtGWbCNiMbwbhYEJzVLXqWV7VwqYze2tG7Cxs40t6kzib99sQIz9qUKeI6GViluMlY6Sig37r8AX_UnbV1zjZBlrMqSCO3BRG0TkTERNvnyoBGCSOTZ4Ch9Yhc/s1600/IMG_4663.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01G4zI6qRpP3Wqlxm1VtGWbCNiMbwbhYEJzVLXqWV7VwqYze2tG7Cxs40t6kzib99sQIz9qUKeI6GViluMlY6Sig37r8AX_UnbV1zjZBlrMqSCO3BRG0TkTERNvnyoBGCSOTZ4Ch9Yhc/s400/IMG_4663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717617758078838898" border="0" /></a><br />Then I trimmed it to fit and "ModPodged" the paper directly on to the fabric. This was an extraordinarily delicate process, and I did get some cracks/breakage in the paper but I don't feel that it hurt the finished look.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPqoCdvXzDHXftN7_RwWaSb9zmA4LWe7ltIHJnLQ5_5hJtkwC39aCkg8r1Oxqlt8XVEI6mgMFal21dQx7QLDR8Byubbpm5JT41ssn6TjKyUo8IP6yCddCE2hLy2bbG3OFkPEht242s-o/s1600/IMG_4664.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPqoCdvXzDHXftN7_RwWaSb9zmA4LWe7ltIHJnLQ5_5hJtkwC39aCkg8r1Oxqlt8XVEI6mgMFal21dQx7QLDR8Byubbpm5JT41ssn6TjKyUo8IP6yCddCE2hLy2bbG3OFkPEht242s-o/s400/IMG_4664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717618362878078530" border="0" /></a><br /><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And yes, when the color started to run I had a little panic but everything turned out fine.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rbMq3luChHBvFHd6x8MN5Ky4yKzXORfxs0C6rWZBJ_1lZsQK6nfpPUTRY_rT-H8IEd6YkQRTBHVfhzwzDT_tOk6N7e7yuU4jqJso2zTsHN85KL-2VQhbn9M_Qz2tZCK9kDBD3WEw1CM/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rbMq3luChHBvFHd6x8MN5Ky4yKzXORfxs0C6rWZBJ_1lZsQK6nfpPUTRY_rT-H8IEd6YkQRTBHVfhzwzDT_tOk6N7e7yuU4jqJso2zTsHN85KL-2VQhbn9M_Qz2tZCK9kDBD3WEw1CM/s400/IMG_4713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717618369428213218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So we have saved two pieces of art that were "meh" and it's the new inspiration for my total bedroom redo which I will be talking about next week. I need loads of ideas.Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-29804524542231306492012-03-04T18:03:00.003-08:002012-03-04T18:15:15.882-08:00Sunday afternoon dateIs there anything better than a Sunday afternoon date?<br />The husbando and I haven't had time to get out lately, we've had a ton going on, and we don't want to overuse our babysitters so we haven't had any one on one date time in about 3 months. Which usually isn't a big deal for us, but I'm pregnant, and I'm feeling the need for some attention. Like one on one attention that doesn't involve simultaneously cutting up my daughter's lunch and frantically searching for crayons to keep her occupied.<br />Like real date time.<br />So today my husband took it upon himself to coordinate babysitting services with my mom and surprised me with a little afternoon date time!<br />We went to PF Changs and then did some crazy fun, cheesy, candlepin bowling! I truly had forgotten how much harder candlepin is than regular bowling. Like whoa.<br />We went to<a href="http://www.needhambowl.com/"> Needham Bowl</a>, which is an awesome little 8 lane candlepin place! We were surprised to find that they had all day Cosmic Bowling on Sundays so my white dress was glowing in the black light and we were jamming out to music and totally played the whole time with bumpers. And we were still awful.<br />Truly though, I was also super excited about my outfit, here are a few gratuitous outfit shots:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDQ7eu9d1mwdqCFcPA7KWf9QINdJBVWuTe62q7wcmJgXikoRT36GbhwVibq-TXlK_IbCggt7x1H8cQx4-ONIlJuQDEEoI0YkHfuCIwGRuq1srkjq5kAFaz2kx6HqKdAuAt0c7co1bPsM/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDQ7eu9d1mwdqCFcPA7KWf9QINdJBVWuTe62q7wcmJgXikoRT36GbhwVibq-TXlK_IbCggt7x1H8cQx4-ONIlJuQDEEoI0YkHfuCIwGRuq1srkjq5kAFaz2kx6HqKdAuAt0c7co1bPsM/s400/IMG_4707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716230343475917010" border="0" /></a><br />The dress is from Levi jeans forever ago... but it is perfect maternity wear.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qkc1eH0XUnK_5r7tA3L8ND2sMwbhp3r9eptjC86lIwuj6yAeUza7Lz9ez20_tL1C3L-M5qoe4uC0DmOIY3OZFqRper2jPUgGgEXo11lNkBOITt0r6q9AJDDbuBdT0CDUGskWDyWEQvM/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qkc1eH0XUnK_5r7tA3L8ND2sMwbhp3r9eptjC86lIwuj6yAeUza7Lz9ez20_tL1C3L-M5qoe4uC0DmOIY3OZFqRper2jPUgGgEXo11lNkBOITt0r6q9AJDDbuBdT0CDUGskWDyWEQvM/s400/IMG_4709.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716230353774081602" border="0" /></a><br />The bangles have been collected over the years from little stores here and there, I think the striped one is from Puerto Rico and the yellow one is from Newport. Purse was my moms in the 70s, I've used it more in the last 2 years than she did in the last 2 decades. Love.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwF0k0I3k4aYh23UFsJhmanBLMa5_msqsRw8KU6w2prIm15W5JoMulLwkwas6xOzavJex6XFopBrfLtnlbx4M9koax3pSDSyKpr1mOeh7hxaFXKurfsEOv7e4XMWJLu2v9ywyqhOJREc/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwF0k0I3k4aYh23UFsJhmanBLMa5_msqsRw8KU6w2prIm15W5JoMulLwkwas6xOzavJex6XFopBrfLtnlbx4M9koax3pSDSyKpr1mOeh7hxaFXKurfsEOv7e4XMWJLu2v9ywyqhOJREc/s400/IMG_4631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716230365554860706" border="0" /></a><br />And the finishing touch, my gorgeous hand knit legwarmers from my super clever friend Ms.Burney!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-57072897567086409022012-02-23T17:50:00.008-08:002012-02-23T18:21:44.817-08:00$3.10 maternity shirtsI loathe the cost of maternity wear.<br />It's rarely cute, always poorly made, and only occasionally on sale (though never the right season).<br />If I find a cute $8 top I practically dance in the aisle at Target.<br /><br />So my $3.30 a piece maternity shirts require the following supplies:<br />3 pack of men's v-neck white t-shirts $6 on sale<br />Sharpie fabric markers $20 for a set of 8 ($2.50 each but I'm only counting them as $1 in my calculation b/c I didn't come close to using the whole marker on one shirt)<br />Elastic (about $0.30 worth)<br />Scrap fabric<br />Spare stencil optional if like me you can't draw<br /><br />I made them in two styles, one using scrap fabric to make an empire waist, the second sewing elastic directly to the sides of the shirt to create rouching, therefore a little pouch in the front.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwGw3Ih5cOYLCCIiIaHV0FkYuoRPJx4p1U-yP2PTAHOmUaPFfZqrkW8rzhSWPzTs5ibGwreqX6i1Wfl-lRwy5bUOLbukQyMXPxQPvcYwuTogahCHKvETTeBUcVrjrj5W1nmjJfbuxm4A/s1600/IMG_4646.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwGw3Ih5cOYLCCIiIaHV0FkYuoRPJx4p1U-yP2PTAHOmUaPFfZqrkW8rzhSWPzTs5ibGwreqX6i1Wfl-lRwy5bUOLbukQyMXPxQPvcYwuTogahCHKvETTeBUcVrjrj5W1nmjJfbuxm4A/s400/IMG_4646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712520138033804050" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54bjI2RqdZOIu2Sa5Nc5wXNOL7kvFJ9O7WXklUJrIklNh4mWO2vKE3HcurWGo5zvVGh1RcyvLey8N2MkoykjY4VzhSLNaJojRDiX6dnFR7mXOlu-Hb7IkkoIJcJdPg1KG-k6ZxtLo3uI/s1600/IMG_4651.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54bjI2RqdZOIu2Sa5Nc5wXNOL7kvFJ9O7WXklUJrIklNh4mWO2vKE3HcurWGo5zvVGh1RcyvLey8N2MkoykjY4VzhSLNaJojRDiX6dnFR7mXOlu-Hb7IkkoIJcJdPg1KG-k6ZxtLo3uI/s400/IMG_4651.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712520141043413826" border="0" /></a><br />For both versions you want to start by using the fabric markers to decorate a part of your shirt. Use your stencil to draw a pretty pattern, or freehand it if you've got that kind of skill. I chose to do a little something up top by the neckline, and a larger area of color on the belly and side:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmEuzmAYfr_gW0YMlqbecPkmigrs03wn1e4pFdx-pCau4YYrJLi0i9fu8eurEiwoq4UhIwOTk6iCiD_fStu53sHbpBMgR72ZGcZXw4TEf4JYi9KbAio2PcQjfxFUyn31e0-6Bhf4fTyA/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmEuzmAYfr_gW0YMlqbecPkmigrs03wn1e4pFdx-pCau4YYrJLi0i9fu8eurEiwoq4UhIwOTk6iCiD_fStu53sHbpBMgR72ZGcZXw4TEf4JYi9KbAio2PcQjfxFUyn31e0-6Bhf4fTyA/s400/IMG_4507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712515983411366226" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyVbQf_ZcNA50cnN_Z0xLcdVuyXrXQNTavqzmIivK3Xjx5pUceurp691G87eB-klv_GIkaWUKt0nth6ide5QVSRQV-IGcEbNu7mXQxJY0m-YymzQWkZqp-AGzNbuzE1mSw9Tg74CaPks/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyVbQf_ZcNA50cnN_Z0xLcdVuyXrXQNTavqzmIivK3Xjx5pUceurp691G87eB-klv_GIkaWUKt0nth6ide5QVSRQV-IGcEbNu7mXQxJY0m-YymzQWkZqp-AGzNbuzE1mSw9Tg74CaPks/s400/IMG_4508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712515993813744530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Empire waist version:<br />Measure the width of the shirt two inches below the armhole seams.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKJIB_EE7IZdw0xYemUpraKYEY2svrpg-Bz0aVcS3BOSs9PeeszR-rs21dVcc9guehQ-69KPWht879OE0b2Aso-0Kxz2lB7T4Le7pcQM0UeOArrkb0C1OiVngm8BOPy_DWVqQvcuMB2I/s1600/IMG_4522.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKJIB_EE7IZdw0xYemUpraKYEY2svrpg-Bz0aVcS3BOSs9PeeszR-rs21dVcc9guehQ-69KPWht879OE0b2Aso-0Kxz2lB7T4Le7pcQM0UeOArrkb0C1OiVngm8BOPy_DWVqQvcuMB2I/s400/IMG_4522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712518362856893618" border="0" /></a><br />Cut a piece of fabric twice that length (so it will go all the way around the shirt) plus an inch, and 3 inches wide. Fold the long sides of the fabric under about 1/4 inch and iron.<br />Sew the fabric on to the shirt 2 inches below the armhole seams. Leave the ends open. This will create a long pocket for your elastic to be threaded through.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnO7Jw0TTUrltyxmDKLutjVP8FMqPj-QPYFTo3ZYXhmBPhykp5k8sFnJdcqtXPilQ0S-zqwxkXn3hoV6WPml-nL22Tzuwu6P5lxI-ApS9l_-noPnTCKPJYKlUa0JcPOKBXJGh-2UGRL0/s1600/IMG_4523.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnO7Jw0TTUrltyxmDKLutjVP8FMqPj-QPYFTo3ZYXhmBPhykp5k8sFnJdcqtXPilQ0S-zqwxkXn3hoV6WPml-nL22Tzuwu6P5lxI-ApS9l_-noPnTCKPJYKlUa0JcPOKBXJGh-2UGRL0/s400/IMG_4523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712518372710234290" border="0" /></a><br />Measure under your bustline and cut a piece of elastic (I used 1/4") one inch shy of that number.<br />Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the fabric. Secure the elastic ends together (hand sew or machine will work for this).<br />Fold the ends of the fabric over each other and sew the fabric tube closed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9r1J5LOmIWLDd_JAu9T9ZrjPRfkv56sS1BSH6sUq6U1YekdYN8c7TZ0MDkELFSNsZt42Usw5ehiwsrm4zK8PEakXvkm8ZLZIQtm336eA73AO9Kk5iU2H9xa173UaYnaRHw7zPpNxK2Q/s1600/IMG_4647.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9r1J5LOmIWLDd_JAu9T9ZrjPRfkv56sS1BSH6sUq6U1YekdYN8c7TZ0MDkELFSNsZt42Usw5ehiwsrm4zK8PEakXvkm8ZLZIQtm336eA73AO9Kk5iU2H9xa173UaYnaRHw7zPpNxK2Q/s400/IMG_4647.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712520476029290130" border="0" /></a><br />Side rouching version:<br />Measure from 2 inches below your armpit to your hip bones. (For me this was 8 inches)<br />Cut two pieces of elastic (I used 1/4") to that length.<br />Flip the shirt inside out and pin one end the elastic two inches from the armpit seam and the other end two inches from the bottom of the shirt. Do this on both sides.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDcCHfztK8_5gQsOliOU6bnK87IH8ifsoIa2ulSXjCh7VtJfpD5az3XL5H-0pon5sAvjZGI7uSrGpxBKKOIBSyxWGPEwAv6TZg6SZ9xDARj-9SZ-yYZ8FDyoVBCdyt0dprfNSlPUGs9k/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDcCHfztK8_5gQsOliOU6bnK87IH8ifsoIa2ulSXjCh7VtJfpD5az3XL5H-0pon5sAvjZGI7uSrGpxBKKOIBSyxWGPEwAv6TZg6SZ9xDARj-9SZ-yYZ8FDyoVBCdyt0dprfNSlPUGs9k/s400/IMG_4643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712519554387780066" border="0" /></a><br />Sew the elastic directly to the shirt, stretching the elastic as you sew to fit the shirt.<br />I used a straight stitch for this. If your thread is catching in your elastic considering turning down the tension.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1JiUomHI1IfHunKpHikHo7mKflseVD1M9iaqjaywH0pXNe_YnLt8Seanz-Be4sK91_lBXdeZLab5nw8PE_FOdKTFITFFPBRtnmtVpHO5A0JgQbNWnDEjaNnlhfQT7Bef04DA4zE3-XI/s1600/IMG_4645.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1JiUomHI1IfHunKpHikHo7mKflseVD1M9iaqjaywH0pXNe_YnLt8Seanz-Be4sK91_lBXdeZLab5nw8PE_FOdKTFITFFPBRtnmtVpHO5A0JgQbNWnDEjaNnlhfQT7Bef04DA4zE3-XI/s400/IMG_4645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712519563352426242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMdOeD1Yk5j7ZX20uWeZHLkdS9nC3eauU161AMyYSqKlLdFhEdtgYMdTcifYg8V5TOtMezq_szz_gpE43oO6Qg9vKiolNKfWZ8-KCei8h-MnM8cU6egOODY6ZeFlq5X63uwKvHTBYO6Y/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMdOeD1Yk5j7ZX20uWeZHLkdS9nC3eauU161AMyYSqKlLdFhEdtgYMdTcifYg8V5TOtMezq_szz_gpE43oO6Qg9vKiolNKfWZ8-KCei8h-MnM8cU6egOODY6ZeFlq5X63uwKvHTBYO6Y/s400/IMG_4653.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712520483660855986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Looking at this picture I'm definitely going to go back and add more pink and black to the belly part of this shirt. It was hard to judge how much would be too much, but I feel more neon is in order. Thoughts?</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br />Also, for size calculation purposes, I bought a men's large and I'm normally a women's medium. They do look a little big now, however, I'm not due until June 24th so when they're getting the most wear (warm weather) they will probably barely contain the belly.Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-7978385709774302092012-02-10T12:19:00.005-08:002012-02-10T12:35:53.753-08:00DIY Tory Burch pom pom scarfSaw this on Blake Lively in In Style and I fell in love:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkSbTsAgZHJ8fhPLRBAoneZpCWaj8H5Phyphenhyphena5Yqcra1V1-Tmwnn1MlipnVtuFkKWp72VhDh6_zYfzyu-lZ4JxB07HqslhVBmYY1no_1yvooGVMTy5Cj3IFabPaZ-D47RcaOYq-fy0zcaI/s1600/blake_stripes.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkSbTsAgZHJ8fhPLRBAoneZpCWaj8H5Phyphenhyphena5Yqcra1V1-Tmwnn1MlipnVtuFkKWp72VhDh6_zYfzyu-lZ4JxB07HqslhVBmYY1no_1yvooGVMTy5Cj3IFabPaZ-D47RcaOYq-fy0zcaI/s400/blake_stripes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707604832449202258" border="0" /></a><br />THEN I saw a similar one in hot pink (which I can't find a photo of) and that did it, even though it's not really close enough to Spring to DIY a scarf for semi-warm weather I went ahead and did anyways.<br />This is super easy, I did it on my sewing machine but honestly wouldn't take much to do by hand.<br /><br />Materials:<br />2 yards of fabric, 18 inches wide- I used a jersey knit that I had laying around, but<br /> you could totally do this with a t-shirt that you don't plan on wearing anymore.<br />2 yards of pom pom trim from the interiors section of your fabric store. I assume that this is<br /> usually used to trim curtains or pillows.<br />Coordinating thread<br /><br />1. Pin the pom pom trim to the long side of your fabric<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JOxRvgpS2uAi92COQc6hNXFV9WOjAMf7r8-fc7UKFizqdLs0Ne5W_RSzmn0v-X8uJ-8SAbbc9JZD1ZxIiR5nM9zfz82Fi5G5zTQQ5gWC3W2xlIaZwRUNtAKidI7tXrCvkzBZ6Q5MGxQ/s1600/IMG_4536.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JOxRvgpS2uAi92COQc6hNXFV9WOjAMf7r8-fc7UKFizqdLs0Ne5W_RSzmn0v-X8uJ-8SAbbc9JZD1ZxIiR5nM9zfz82Fi5G5zTQQ5gWC3W2xlIaZwRUNtAKidI7tXrCvkzBZ6Q5MGxQ/s400/IMG_4536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707606443209156962" border="0" /></a><br />2. Sew it on with a zig zag stitch. At the ends fold the trim under and sew it to close it off.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYBwR6RAThnqGMxbBwwgAHnSmB0Dwl71knvL7QLwk8w5rI8CTCxNzRfFvyBvzq9lz6ZpCUbcm6m13Ur4wM6q-YhbebGanvpSa1BJxs_c32MUV9mJrIIJToYPA2hhliMDXr_IGNHcPbyQ/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYBwR6RAThnqGMxbBwwgAHnSmB0Dwl71knvL7QLwk8w5rI8CTCxNzRfFvyBvzq9lz6ZpCUbcm6m13Ur4wM6q-YhbebGanvpSa1BJxs_c32MUV9mJrIIJToYPA2hhliMDXr_IGNHcPbyQ/s400/IMG_4538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707606451071038050" border="0" /></a><br />3. Wear it<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcEs78Y-4Hhm7ttTKalAUoEX2pNtqWEraIgNC7gS66ITvZ_AvYWCUrWG5WeTLown3-Il4ob67FQoNt-fP2CBAtABmmLPtGwpmEMahABaYX9CgGl1bCYPnMnxmIQl9YCsH-Xivr527qRk/s1600/IMG_4543.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcEs78Y-4Hhm7ttTKalAUoEX2pNtqWEraIgNC7gS66ITvZ_AvYWCUrWG5WeTLown3-Il4ob67FQoNt-fP2CBAtABmmLPtGwpmEMahABaYX9CgGl1bCYPnMnxmIQl9YCsH-Xivr527qRk/s400/IMG_4543.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707608332548638226" border="0" /></a><br />Stupid easy, stupid cheap. This cost me $3.50 for the 2 yards of pom pom, bought it when Joann's was having a half off sale on trim.<br /><br />Just for the record, the Tory Burch version is $80. Just sayin'.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8TqjlOUD0Ye3UJWAaEZYJSETu0tZxJ3bvDOflkGb-NJVEx_-ax06R-VB7iInKtzbtxJaJ7CmRSORC2qDWOA5e6eOez-_K5eyhd8ED4N4mc2zzW5Ki5PbgtRyNvDq_dOKO0QPk2kvHPM/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8TqjlOUD0Ye3UJWAaEZYJSETu0tZxJ3bvDOflkGb-NJVEx_-ax06R-VB7iInKtzbtxJaJ7CmRSORC2qDWOA5e6eOez-_K5eyhd8ED4N4mc2zzW5Ki5PbgtRyNvDq_dOKO0QPk2kvHPM/s400/IMG_4539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707606811211282642" border="0" /></a><br />You can wear it rolled in tight, or wide:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAPa5lOcpNJXubXe6qgrtAS70c-f653I5IkVIosJ3JyIX9hldSOzCqc79f9bXbGvI2ioFaC5CnRQD25gOqjiI22HFslxu9kK0CttOf5UBODvl-EDrhOc0WCOTEe9ZL28A2C9-hBdu4Rw/s1600/IMG_4549.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAPa5lOcpNJXubXe6qgrtAS70c-f653I5IkVIosJ3JyIX9hldSOzCqc79f9bXbGvI2ioFaC5CnRQD25gOqjiI22HFslxu9kK0CttOf5UBODvl-EDrhOc0WCOTEe9ZL28A2C9-hBdu4Rw/s400/IMG_4549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707606819515224002" border="0" /></a>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-32745631080943741502012-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:002012-01-27T17:33:06.272-08:00Easy take out alternative dinner!Sometimes you just want take out food, but you really, really don't want to spend the money! Tonight's dinner is perfect for that!<br />Sweet and sour chicken is a family favorite in this house, as in, even my 2.5 year old loves it (though admittedly she calls it ketchup chicken). I have a tendency to pair it with brown rice and steamed broccoli, I could probably change that up, but I love it like this!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yxdp0NurEn8693dIBx5rTDmGGPpdReqdSxIHducAbw7HTpWmwFJRf4QyZz2D9LxBUPtfWpT1W3mQxyL3b1aUEGGsdcMqrXjr_eb1x1pLO3sO1mJtMC9IBvDoQtshrOrDZbjl9AbSTwk/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yxdp0NurEn8693dIBx5rTDmGGPpdReqdSxIHducAbw7HTpWmwFJRf4QyZz2D9LxBUPtfWpT1W3mQxyL3b1aUEGGsdcMqrXjr_eb1x1pLO3sO1mJtMC9IBvDoQtshrOrDZbjl9AbSTwk/s400/IMG_4466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702487635676013746" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight I also showed my husband how to roll sushi, and we did a some yummy veggie rolls to go with our chicken. Which, he rolled like a pro, so proud!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UWYD51X8YiVpc7TkL2R2w5RJZRf571_Q3qPt6HHOqG9b3bbmZP51rUsK_plCZ1evKbUmJeNA8IKnK1aVrgDDSxUwJnaYeZe3m-IZaxnPqKpIaUJMAJjYF9AETgy28difw2hNKHAkhz4/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UWYD51X8YiVpc7TkL2R2w5RJZRf571_Q3qPt6HHOqG9b3bbmZP51rUsK_plCZ1evKbUmJeNA8IKnK1aVrgDDSxUwJnaYeZe3m-IZaxnPqKpIaUJMAJjYF9AETgy28difw2hNKHAkhz4/s400/IMG_4470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702487638884467570" border="0" /></a><br />The sushi was not up to professional standards, I did not use sushi rice, I just used plain white because I had it in the house. However, I will say that if you're doing a roll with sushi grade fish, spring for the specific sushi rice, the container will last you forever, and if you're already spending $20/lb for amazing tuna, what's another $6 for the right rice?<br /><br />I won't give a "how to" sushi lesson here, because honestly you can find everything you need at this amazing website, <a href="http://makemysushi.com/">Make My Sushi</a>. I say if it's your first time, go with a veggie roll like we did tonight, cucumber, carrot, avocado. That way you can perfect your technique and have fun with rolling without worrying about wasting expensive ingredients.<br />**Don't forget the section on making sushi rice, because you need that awesome sticky texture to make really good sushi, and those directions CAN be followed with plain white rice if you have it in the house like I did**<br />One more note on sushi before the chicken recipe, powdered wasabi is the way to you, it last forever, it's relatively inexpensive (about $3.60), and you can adjust it to your heat-factor preference by adding more or less water as you make it into a paste.<br /><br />Without further ado, here is the sweet and sour chicken recipe I use, adapted and Frankensteined from like 6 that I've found over the years:<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />4 teaspoons cornstarch<br />6 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce<br />2 teaspoons garlic ginger paste<br />1 pound skinless boneless chicken<br />1/2 cup water<br />1 tablespoon brown sugar<br />3 tablespoons ketchup<br />3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar<br />3 teaspoons vegetable oil<br /><br />In a bowl combine 2 tsps of cornstarch, 3 tsps of soy sauce, and the garlic ginger paste. Stir together well, breaking up the lumps in the cornstarch, then toss chicken to coat and set aside.<br />In a small bowl combine the water, through rice wine vinegar along with the remaining 2 tsps of cornstarch and 3 tsps of soy sauce to make your sauce.<br />Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.<br />Add the sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.<br /><br />As I said before, I serve this over brown rice and broccoli but I bet it would be excellent as a stir fry with peppers and onions and water chestnuts too!<br />Enjoy!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-43220287626570342612012-01-25T17:59:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:11:38.470-08:00Harry Potter v. Twilight, why Bella will be bannedI fully admit and own up to having read both the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series.<br />I fully admit and own up to liking both, pouring over books for hours unable to put them down, lost in their little alternate universes.<br />I fully admit that Bella will be banned in this house until my daughter is 25.<br />Only then will she be allowed to read the Twilight series.<br /><br />I never thought that I would be a censorship parent, that I would have a list of books I wanted to make sure my child never laid eyes on. I figured I would be open, understanding, willing to let my little cherubs explore literature til they burst at the seams with word joy.<br /><br />But, admittedly, I am going to take Stephenie Meyer's books, that I enjoyed so thoroughly as beach reading, that I devoured, and I'm going to hide them until my daughter is well past her years of teenage angst.<br /><br />Am I going to raise a daughter who is strong and confident in herself and who would never even think of reacting to a relationship in the outlandishly insane way Bella Swan does? Yes. Yes I am.<br />Am I even going to give her the temptation of reading a really well drawn character who crumbles when her boyfriend leaves her? No. No I'm not.<br /><br />It is in some ways a testament to Ms.Meyer's writing that I'm even concerned about this. Her characters are rich, whole and extraordinarily life like even though they are in their own ways absurd caricatures. But, alas, so was Candide.<br /><br />The crumbling and clinging of Bella is in some ways a part of what we all feel in the throws of a relationship, especially in those delicate teenage years. Just amplified to a point where it is clearly unhealthy.<br /><br />Mr. Potter and company on the other hand actually face hardships, and I'm not particularly sure yet how I will address all of those with my daughter. From Harry's orphaned status, to his mistreatment by relatives, to the fact that every adult he's close to bites the dust, those are going to be difficult, harrowing conversations.<br />But in some ways I look forward to them because truly there is a message of strength and perseverance, along with a healthy reliance on friendship and love. Healthy.<br /><br />I could wax poetic for hours about my love for Harry, Hermione, Ron and the rest of the cast of characters, but suffice it to say I would rather have my daughter face death and weird rebirths of true evil than wallow in a breakup.<br /><br />Wow, that was a fun rant!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-29790071347741785522012-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:38:09.244-08:00"Be Mine" Valentine's WreathAfter having a circular wreath for both <a href="http://avocadopardo.blogspot.com/2011/09/20-minute-fall-wreath.html">fall </a>and <a href="http://avocadopardo.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-wreath.html">Christmas</a> I needed a total change of pace!<br />So I scavenged through my house and came out on the other side of scrap felt, an old frame and letters I usually use for wine charms with this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR975Qsnves40yhgM0sNGNyX2A039LzIO9fGTtJfydu68T-NI2yLATAvSiWgtASKZyPe6tJ97Lb5KOK_rSIZHEwuvpkEuN9dj2YoafrN0J5iYkNtHOKjOjXwEa6yio0Oy89Uk4SVYx4YE/s1600/IMG_4397.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR975Qsnves40yhgM0sNGNyX2A039LzIO9fGTtJfydu68T-NI2yLATAvSiWgtASKZyPe6tJ97Lb5KOK_rSIZHEwuvpkEuN9dj2YoafrN0J5iYkNtHOKjOjXwEa6yio0Oy89Uk4SVYx4YE/s400/IMG_4397.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700152898301821314" border="0" /></a><br />First, I flipped the frame over and cut out a piece of glittery white felt (left over from my advent calendar) that fit in to the frame. I fired up the hot glue gun, ran glue around the edges and pressed it in to place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC81q26yYC0_SuE-wGZn37iEViHq8UeljyQ__KFtPgh4uhmijDQh-c70Wf0rMgIqD3dHAjjOmRHiIB4eSxP96cG31kJVYjU9g7oISRAaJ78gZQ4rgng2LUNpAz7yfcORZzchmiDXMvww/s1600/IMG_4388.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC81q26yYC0_SuE-wGZn37iEViHq8UeljyQ__KFtPgh4uhmijDQh-c70Wf0rMgIqD3dHAjjOmRHiIB4eSxP96cG31kJVYjU9g7oISRAaJ78gZQ4rgng2LUNpAz7yfcORZzchmiDXMvww/s320/IMG_4388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700153921715832754" border="0" /></a><br />Second, I made a ruffle out of a long piece of pink scrap fabric and rolled that in to a flower. All you do is start at one end and keep rolling the fabric around itself and this is what you get, super easy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qxh1arZyeBk-7N-pilX6KwRXE4Z66v8LAjOYBOapFFr9fZLFy2RjzB96Z2enP1MzZHdPNkqSc3EnVhry7rJf4-DrGboVyDFYRp9ZeiKB1Y_1WmILDkw9NgpjTwQhKpfEvrPTKciYZMY/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qxh1arZyeBk-7N-pilX6KwRXE4Z66v8LAjOYBOapFFr9fZLFy2RjzB96Z2enP1MzZHdPNkqSc3EnVhry7rJf4-DrGboVyDFYRp9ZeiKB1Y_1WmILDkw9NgpjTwQhKpfEvrPTKciYZMY/s320/IMG_4383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700153903685014338" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jK9OpNoZJWZApfEbeBFqTyeDot91j5qhZcexonU1Bp30SaVvhaVUoRFL_N_C_c1qjOwlJGu0vUUpncC2Q8ZN-125dY5XjRU0IRyUDQPnS50psqjVte_hy5_-ehkZKAreF1URYpjZcis/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jK9OpNoZJWZApfEbeBFqTyeDot91j5qhZcexonU1Bp30SaVvhaVUoRFL_N_C_c1qjOwlJGu0vUUpncC2Q8ZN-125dY5XjRU0IRyUDQPnS50psqjVte_hy5_-ehkZKAreF1URYpjZcis/s320/IMG_4385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700153914281848418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you've never made a ruffle before just google it, honestly there are 1,000 sites with directions way better than I could ever give.</span><br />I placed the flower where I wanted it on the frame and hot glued it in place.<br />Then I took a piece of lace, cut it to fit the frame on a diagonal, and used jewelry jump hooks to secure little silver letters spelling "Be Mine" to the piece of lace. I got these letters ages ago and Michaels, I'm sure they still have them in the little kids beading section. (I've used them countless times as wine glass charms, that way people don't have to remember what animal they are, they just have remember their initials. Usually easier.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOLTpHgK_lNtcDAOXsj4wStOWKFwrnmY3Nb3mh7lZDjPeofM8t5R3BVlVDSwJigmKu8fKAgxhAg7nVDR0ftFcRcmQoIT35wEZ5Gd8ZMeuP2ArMFG_5dkqKsgi6nHgG4XeDCKACl_krwA/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOLTpHgK_lNtcDAOXsj4wStOWKFwrnmY3Nb3mh7lZDjPeofM8t5R3BVlVDSwJigmKu8fKAgxhAg7nVDR0ftFcRcmQoIT35wEZ5Gd8ZMeuP2ArMFG_5dkqKsgi6nHgG4XeDCKACl_krwA/s320/IMG_4389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700154889228595842" border="0" /></a><br />I glued that in place and used 2 little red felt hearts to cover up the edges and neaten it up a bit.<br />String a ribbon through the top and you're done!<br />Voila!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6yt6eEGBGkiI0YkNbEQyR0RIl51C-kSqv820HOOFn0W1dMbHbzf2_aCHn4lQz_EPuTguc999kuH5wqNDz1K1KEcy70pSxDXMaxJPcHlZKQYe6J0oSSNYwuKGgga9EyH0iMk9EBlK-oQ/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6yt6eEGBGkiI0YkNbEQyR0RIl51C-kSqv820HOOFn0W1dMbHbzf2_aCHn4lQz_EPuTguc999kuH5wqNDz1K1KEcy70pSxDXMaxJPcHlZKQYe6J0oSSNYwuKGgga9EyH0iMk9EBlK-oQ/s400/IMG_4394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700155323157410130" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7NnsTUyMqEfXEPCFN1c54NqP6Wd5yHAMWZuoqs44h6CGfsepiA1SL3Z6vsi_EPvCGbFRRHlQuQwKRuJl_Pb5SMrsiKO_s_oBzhbk7C25R3nIdRnGBy_xSwRc_kh5h-fmQo70zAP35A0/s1600/IMG_4396.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7NnsTUyMqEfXEPCFN1c54NqP6Wd5yHAMWZuoqs44h6CGfsepiA1SL3Z6vsi_EPvCGbFRRHlQuQwKRuJl_Pb5SMrsiKO_s_oBzhbk7C25R3nIdRnGBy_xSwRc_kh5h-fmQo70zAP35A0/s400/IMG_4396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700155331877095794" border="0" /></a>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-15906398625949037322012-01-18T18:11:00.001-08:002012-01-18T18:22:17.447-08:00Tuna Buna Burgers with lemon basil mayoIn our house we have one rule with our 2.5 year old at dinner time, you don't have to like it but you do have to try it.<br />We are not a "clean your plate" house, because I feel like that is detrimental to children learning their own bodies, if my child is full I don't want her to keep eating. I want her to understand that when she's full, she should put her fork down and say "I'm done".<br />That said, encouraging trying new foods often starts with a fun name, which should always involve rhyming. These are Tuna Buna Burgers, and every time my husband makes them they are scarfed down, by all of us!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa21Gl2C0SDkn_dNhuNTAvinFqs5nEsrzkIoUCD8N6Q_Jmpyy8wbiOEbExl96QBp2U9ft1L4X1eP8MUhxpp_sBoVN6yV3krbB5gARUj2OlCE0zcFZ_TmrvM9cJ9Njso-e7kKS-VKR0Qc/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa21Gl2C0SDkn_dNhuNTAvinFqs5nEsrzkIoUCD8N6Q_Jmpyy8wbiOEbExl96QBp2U9ft1L4X1eP8MUhxpp_sBoVN6yV3krbB5gARUj2OlCE0zcFZ_TmrvM9cJ9Njso-e7kKS-VKR0Qc/s400/IMG_4363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699162280547357602" border="0" /></a><br />So to give credit where credit is due, my husband totally made these up, here is his recipe followed by the mayo recipe I use to top them:<br />In a bowl combine:<br />2 cans of tuna, drained<br />1 egg beaten<br />1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or panko, both will work)<br />1/2 tablespoon of coriander<br />Dash of salt and pepper for taste<br /><br />Shape in to 4 patties, cook over medium/high heat in a sautee pan. Cover the pan with a lid or in our house we get extra fancy and use a cookie sheet, to trap the heat in. Turn after 5 minutes, cook for another 5 minutes. This should give them a nice brown crust, but remember everyone's stovetop heat is different so the first time you may want to check them after 3-4 minutes to make sure you don't over cook.<br /><br />Lemon Basil Mayo:<br />In a small food processor combine 10 basil leaves, 1/4 cup of mayo, juice of 1/2 a lemon and a splash of red wine vinegar. You can also just mix all this in a bowl if you chop the holy-heck out of the basil. Or maybe that's just my preference since chewing through a leaf in my condiment pisses me off.<br /><br />Serve on whole wheat English muffins with sliced tomatoes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskLV_ZN5FAiHJUkevpMI7GMuhL5MysKwWH0vx8Qph-rmGxRRj0ET1Ttu9b2rxRyveMVrmq1KP6QXL_pGY4IBjUtDCiP3CMOAv6j1nhhCMrtIEdH-prBQE9Sr3kAcs56arWLf-OiBHqpI/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskLV_ZN5FAiHJUkevpMI7GMuhL5MysKwWH0vx8Qph-rmGxRRj0ET1Ttu9b2rxRyveMVrmq1KP6QXL_pGY4IBjUtDCiP3CMOAv6j1nhhCMrtIEdH-prBQE9Sr3kAcs56arWLf-OiBHqpI/s400/IMG_4367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699162596713005410" border="0" /></a><br />I did these tonight with oven fries. Just wash and slice 2 potatoes, toss with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, spread on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt and bake on the bottom rack at 425 for 12 minutes.<br />And of course, they were served with a side of broccoli, which my daughter was obsessed with dipping in the mayo.<br />Enjoy!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-31090348766730373432012-01-15T08:28:00.000-08:002012-01-15T08:46:11.488-08:00Perfect winter warmer, chipotle turkey chiliWhen winter hits (which it finally did in Massachusetts this week), I can't help but whip up a batch of turkey chili practically once a week.<br />Something about it just screams warming, and it's healthy unlike the other foods that I find comforting (mac n' cheese, broccoli cheddar soup, big brownie sundaes).<br />I've often been asked for the recipe for my chipotle turkey chili but I've never really been able to give it because it's just something that I make, pinch of this, sprinkle of that, so I finally took the time to write it down while I was throwing things in the pot.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 onion chopped<br />4 cloves of garlic, minced<br />20 ounce package ground turkey<br />1 Tbsp cumin<br />1/2 Tbsp coriander<br />1/2 Tbsp mexican chili powder<br />1/2 Tbsp oregano<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />28 ounce can diced tomatoes<br />14.5 ounce can black beans, rinsed<br />14.5 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed<br />12 ounce can of beer<br />2-3 chipotles in adobo, chopped (depending on desired spiciness)<br />Shredded cheese and scallions for garnish<br /><br />1.In a large soup pot sautee onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat.<br />2. Add ground turkey and cook until the turkey is no longer pink.<br />3. Sprinkle the mixture with all 5 spices and mix thoroughly to coat the turkey<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSELhO0t3R86gJPPGpSXTyHDllwGzHQuAxLt-cf_inXIkCbOL7wx7QTnfe6NsW2efnO0__edv0_3dPnSSJ8RJ8mNhYBYycxb2gwPIpX4tEzMHp4ebkOPTesQsSVt-AOnnwxNvzdpiLLw/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSELhO0t3R86gJPPGpSXTyHDllwGzHQuAxLt-cf_inXIkCbOL7wx7QTnfe6NsW2efnO0__edv0_3dPnSSJ8RJ8mNhYBYycxb2gwPIpX4tEzMHp4ebkOPTesQsSVt-AOnnwxNvzdpiLLw/s400/IMG_4351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697900168550267698" border="0" /></a><br />4. Add tomatoes (with juice), black beans, kidney beans and can of beer to the pot and simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. If you prefer not to use beer you can sub in equal volume of beef or chicken stock.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dNAFztDXd1fupdDrTPr8N214Av186-bKaOyk1Rqv_LVxb-m6_eENXsLVpmIHbSgw3UuISqQZKZKrFpWLCXDT01__B_FugXJI5Bfu95K60sWF9s_WQFgGyMq-_BmQI3MDrX_YQqXbYzQ/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dNAFztDXd1fupdDrTPr8N214Av186-bKaOyk1Rqv_LVxb-m6_eENXsLVpmIHbSgw3UuISqQZKZKrFpWLCXDT01__B_FugXJI5Bfu95K60sWF9s_WQFgGyMq-_BmQI3MDrX_YQqXbYzQ/s400/IMG_4352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697900653123383730" border="0" /></a><br />5. Add chipotles and cook an additional 5 minutes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjt6KvCUaVPDouCE7LOnbr8ZrFO_uCrktnIM-J6ocOFhPSPVweBe-Nxxv0erO0_FwIhcbCzvbrTjh18eFiEPgVvYifQN35WOp2efITC8U9QpuVzjrupGbaQj1QU5lTOzN9ckQOejXKT0/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjt6KvCUaVPDouCE7LOnbr8ZrFO_uCrktnIM-J6ocOFhPSPVweBe-Nxxv0erO0_FwIhcbCzvbrTjh18eFiEPgVvYifQN35WOp2efITC8U9QpuVzjrupGbaQj1QU5lTOzN9ckQOejXKT0/s400/IMG_4354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697900662803476754" border="0" /></a><br />*<span style="font-style: italic;">*A note on chipotles in adobo, I purchase them and immediately open the can, put them in a ziploc baggie and freeze them. This makes for a much finer chop without tons of juice spilling all over the cutting board and creating an enormous mess.**</span><br /><br />Serve the chili hot with cheese and scallions for garnish.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cr0PKGpQdS34fPEuPvJDveVtIRUVZLrMRI3AhMI0AdGknzG-2j6PgG8SSyQRqBxnjzOc13HkQAkxmgmyLl7dJeb7IptZdvaAm24L9LMKz2zZY2_qui-HO9d9rztKKZFOcFFs5ZiRlL8/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cr0PKGpQdS34fPEuPvJDveVtIRUVZLrMRI3AhMI0AdGknzG-2j6PgG8SSyQRqBxnjzOc13HkQAkxmgmyLl7dJeb7IptZdvaAm24L9LMKz2zZY2_qui-HO9d9rztKKZFOcFFs5ZiRlL8/s400/IMG_4357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697900913925112706" border="0" /></a><br />The corn muffins you see in the background are from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/honey-cornbread-muffins-recipe/index.html">this recipe</a>, thank you Neelys! These are absolutely amazing, and I like using muffins instead of a dish of cornbread because it's built in portion control.Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-56992676043277838092012-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:002012-01-10T18:45:36.892-08:00DIY Maternity ShirtMy husband came to me with a work shirt that he was throwing away because the collar was discolored and he asked the very silly question "Could you use this for anything?".<div>In my house clothing never gets thrown out, it either gets donated, upcycled in to something new, or turned in to a dust rag. </div><div>So, since I'm 4 months along in my 2nd pregnancy I decided to give it a maternity makeover.</div><div>And I wanted to keep it super simple, in retrospect I would have taken the sleeves in but truly when I was doing this I was thinking of a super easy DIY that wouldn't require any advanced sewing skills. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here it is, 4 steps to turn a men's button down in to a cute maternity shirt for work or play! </div><div>1. Remove the collar using a seam ripper.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6xJQ9eI4O95-7zhZMa5oELMudwSlP_SaGcvEJc4EXK23ys33mF0H4mp2Zvo-4AbAq2RqKYY9VpYpLVfJRMAJTPjTgmIoglwcZhbeVHIelhTC0SkGqB-vPzxUm0ssUa9zMMDCt-yzEC0/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6xJQ9eI4O95-7zhZMa5oELMudwSlP_SaGcvEJc4EXK23ys33mF0H4mp2Zvo-4AbAq2RqKYY9VpYpLVfJRMAJTPjTgmIoglwcZhbeVHIelhTC0SkGqB-vPzxUm0ssUa9zMMDCt-yzEC0/s400/IMG_4323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696196852432393954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div>2. Cut a piece of double sided bias tape the length of your collar, pin it and sew it in place. If you've never used double sided bias tape, it is truly as easy as it looks. You open it up at the center seam and slip it over the collar of the shirt. You will have equal coverage on the front and back sides.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2RreyqB2JEKMeAoauyV-M1L8dqi-q3zMg6Kf-9G5uSmaWpv3cW8vwTKzEPMAGsDpNNhP2sWFrCRGns2SEk94MY0fQum3D-RbVWGC_ODWVE_AZ1wwJht33bP2cEruURdJpSTXyxcz4yg/s1600/IMG_4332.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2RreyqB2JEKMeAoauyV-M1L8dqi-q3zMg6Kf-9G5uSmaWpv3cW8vwTKzEPMAGsDpNNhP2sWFrCRGns2SEk94MY0fQum3D-RbVWGC_ODWVE_AZ1wwJht33bP2cEruURdJpSTXyxcz4yg/s400/IMG_4332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696196857850014386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div>3. Try the shirt on and mark directly underneath your bustline (if you know your boobs are going to grow more during the pregnancy give yourself 1/2 inch of extra room). In my case this was directly above the third button down, 2 inches below the arm holes. Take the shirt off, turn it inside out. </div><div>Measure around your rib cage, cut a piece of elastic 1 inch short of that measurement and pin it to the inside of the shirt, one end of the piece should be on the side with the buttons, one end on the side with the button holes. In my case I used 1/2 inch elastic and sewed down both ends (the long way), I recommend this width elastic. Anything thicker will feel too tight and I'm not sure that thinner would hold up as well. </div><div>**If you have never sewed an elastic in place, a quick tip, pin it at the start and end of the elastic, at each side seam, and once in the center of the back. Then pull the elastic to fit the fabric length every 4-5 inches and sew that section. If you overpin the elastic you're likely to get frustrated trying to pull the elastic to fit the shirt for sewing, the pins will just get in the way of your stretching the elastic.**</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGR0ycWln1UD5i_9m-JrZjHI3Bthvotj6Xa3weu6mBZg6O1xMM-fwmMBoz55gUCZ4ATTD1sj3HlhvSU9s8UutsDxcmhjkbeM9O2twYKtPS-kSNii488Tlva4ij2YR-3t1YBxYekcAVlk/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGR0ycWln1UD5i_9m-JrZjHI3Bthvotj6Xa3weu6mBZg6O1xMM-fwmMBoz55gUCZ4ATTD1sj3HlhvSU9s8UutsDxcmhjkbeM9O2twYKtPS-kSNii488Tlva4ij2YR-3t1YBxYekcAVlk/s400/IMG_4330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696197687838478066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4exYrhx5pqQWPcgTratwnexe4O7QEczdF4Lap6o5-n6KmqsxXBMR7skDcF_GAXNQLeIBahNPEwTbwrlp42MYZ9N2tRDpcwEB0YdADsTY3yEAkcQqGnjpGVYUWztnUcGhF-zdxDxHgeVQ/s1600/IMG_4329.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4exYrhx5pqQWPcgTratwnexe4O7QEczdF4Lap6o5-n6KmqsxXBMR7skDcF_GAXNQLeIBahNPEwTbwrlp42MYZ9N2tRDpcwEB0YdADsTY3yEAkcQqGnjpGVYUWztnUcGhF-zdxDxHgeVQ/s400/IMG_4329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696197683785250578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div>4. Put the shirt on and fold each side inward from the collar down to the elastic creating a v-shape. Pin in place and sew. </div><div>Honestly, you can spend time measuring this out and making sure it's perfect but if you look in a mirror and pin it so that it looks good to you it will be fine. (I hate measuring)</div><div><br /></div><div>Final product:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwSaMjizWQpMx5Cv_q20WgI6pCnllN2xkWIcY9SJLjcR1fbZgBLSTXDNMk6VtuBqk2H7fDBtdQJL_5dAa0ieeiUW-9JG5VtAeG5HOYlKd_Dn_KI2tMVM9ecQrBhikmZwiHUKBhgRiYE/s1600/IMG_4334.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwSaMjizWQpMx5Cv_q20WgI6pCnllN2xkWIcY9SJLjcR1fbZgBLSTXDNMk6VtuBqk2H7fDBtdQJL_5dAa0ieeiUW-9JG5VtAeG5HOYlKd_Dn_KI2tMVM9ecQrBhikmZwiHUKBhgRiYE/s400/IMG_4334.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696198196113917346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima3Hy49FH4vTGXPW6v2X5r2BnvNDNzUEzC43vKchh4gG-hwz8IWn6wb8F5UkeNGHeXkThHVVYER_SAcMyICqJa-8fiaDKFMqGdOgDAUBm810XyMxFt-J-FVtvYw1L6UB6PaS3uI9N4nU/s1600/IMG_4336.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima3Hy49FH4vTGXPW6v2X5r2BnvNDNzUEzC43vKchh4gG-hwz8IWn6wb8F5UkeNGHeXkThHVVYER_SAcMyICqJa-8fiaDKFMqGdOgDAUBm810XyMxFt-J-FVtvYw1L6UB6PaS3uI9N4nU/s400/IMG_4336.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696199118140141122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><i>I do not know where the horrendous glare off the right side of my glasses came from....but in the interest of not photoshopping my blog pics I'm totally leaving it.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I do have some experience with sewing but I am by no means an expert and this only took me about 35 minutes total. I know that the instructions are not 100% clear, but they're the best I can think of at the moment. If you are thinking of trying this but don't understand something please don't hesitate to ask in the comments and I will try to clarify as best I can! </div><div><br /></div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-25922686601724936112012-01-03T18:12:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:22:33.685-08:00Healthy Banana MuffinsWow! A new year, another attempt to NOT let two weeks go by without a blog post! I have many goals for 2012, not the least of which is to be more consistent here.<div><br /></div><div>So to start the new year off right I'm going to deviate from my usual recipe sharing and share something that is actually healthy. </div><div>Believe it or not (I know it's hard to tell from this blog) 99% of the time I'm a total health nut. </div><div>These are everyday muffins, delicious by themselves or with a smidge of peanut butter.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made a rookie blog mistake and forgot to take pictures while baking so these are the only two pictures of my banana muffins that you're going to get:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SxTY0A9cNjTCa85a0fLhcOAnnOLhBXUI2Q5qTtkwlRHT8hvfcJQCXG4190HLM8v4ChiawumO3Ci8xgz3vJfv1WFjY_VjiqwSZOdUl8tjunv0i7KxnILTWloHPp9m9UutqTAYeDG8oKs/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SxTY0A9cNjTCa85a0fLhcOAnnOLhBXUI2Q5qTtkwlRHT8hvfcJQCXG4190HLM8v4ChiawumO3Ci8xgz3vJfv1WFjY_VjiqwSZOdUl8tjunv0i7KxnILTWloHPp9m9UutqTAYeDG8oKs/s400/IMG_4309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693595208419736850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHMR79A8lDRFv9QKFjeKRfWQSHSPrl7ajDVd5myf9x6g9iN3Kf-zuuSAoXl4UM5HfrTRWgb2UD2HYifgvok0UaQvcX2NulWC2-tqwmKrYIi7hnDOZxUDo7QsY8pOXzMsXIGxMULDXbE4/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHMR79A8lDRFv9QKFjeKRfWQSHSPrl7ajDVd5myf9x6g9iN3Kf-zuuSAoXl4UM5HfrTRWgb2UD2HYifgvok0UaQvcX2NulWC2-tqwmKrYIi7hnDOZxUDo7QsY8pOXzMsXIGxMULDXbE4/s400/IMG_4305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693595206812162562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1 1/2 cup flour</div><div>1/2 cup old fashioned oats</div><div>1/2 cup sugar</div><div>2 teaspoons baking powder</div><div>1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1/4 cup milk</div><div>1/2 cup plain yogurt</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div>2 mashed bananas</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat oven to 400.</div><div>Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. </div><div>Add wet to dry and stir until just mixed, don't beat up the batter please.</div><div>Spoon in to 12 muffin tins lined with paper muffin cups.</div><div>Bake in the center of the oven for 17-20 minutes, until brown on top.</div><div><br /></div><div>A note for those who hate to dishes like me, when combining wet ingredients use a fork to mash the banana in a medium size bowl, add the egg and whisk them together, then add the remainder of the wet ingredients. Saves you an extra dish from mashing the bananas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy! These are super easy in the morning, just lightly toast and add a bit of peanut butter. Low sugar, low calorie, delicious! </div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-214358057319821942011-12-19T18:12:00.000-08:002011-12-19T18:20:38.533-08:00Santa StacheI had a cookie swap this year and I think it's going to be a Christmas time tradition, and not just because everything was yummy, it was a great group of women and we had an awesome time!<br />I'm not saying we had more fun because of our Santa mustache cups...but that was probably a huge part of it, how can you not smile and laugh looking at this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDs9mUsqbQclK76SYLpDtDPoiAtKPM5MrRkGNkuSY5LJFbVUolBS7B8DYYUzR0cKhmHNlfmJQBSwquIqxAFYFrwhVCovLB2-IwZzQnFxNafqlIjMZFgDg95te4sVdToF-nnQ5nbmLQqY/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDs9mUsqbQclK76SYLpDtDPoiAtKPM5MrRkGNkuSY5LJFbVUolBS7B8DYYUzR0cKhmHNlfmJQBSwquIqxAFYFrwhVCovLB2-IwZzQnFxNafqlIjMZFgDg95te4sVdToF-nnQ5nbmLQqY/s400/IMG_4185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688028417290614146" border="0" /></a><br />To make them I bought white foam board at the craft store, traced and cut out a bunch of mustaches and then used regular old scotch tape to stick them to wine glasses! Serve with Santa Sangria (Wine, diet Sprite, triple sec and lime juice) , and Elf Elixer (Juice and lemon lime seltzer water) and voila, holiday cheer:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQltul-DwXRNzBpdQ4aekq-tMZBtdtViHDBZyfwr3-YrYdd6FxMxwZih8GY-_g3_akul7o604DWJZ-e8Ul1SRjYG4v1nX7kBFL90FhP9ukJUmPlfIQhFYi6PfWz59Xife6RXIaMH1P7Xc/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQltul-DwXRNzBpdQ4aekq-tMZBtdtViHDBZyfwr3-YrYdd6FxMxwZih8GY-_g3_akul7o604DWJZ-e8Ul1SRjYG4v1nX7kBFL90FhP9ukJUmPlfIQhFYi6PfWz59Xife6RXIaMH1P7Xc/s320/IMG_4175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688029233924442370" border="0" /></a><br />I also made a crescent roll wreath, which I've never done before but tasted fabulous and looked ridiculously festive:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBihtnnD2lAs_FlDu2HuvTtxZQrf4PSIBdaLTMYztyAJ1YKBnaFgBvII1lUwe_qrqrjYa_UxqUk1ZR3AqRe5iC-lBNgz0M1Qs-NznwoVLtXTfBYKje0F6XPwOEwvCQ4bz_EG73xpnglo/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBihtnnD2lAs_FlDu2HuvTtxZQrf4PSIBdaLTMYztyAJ1YKBnaFgBvII1lUwe_qrqrjYa_UxqUk1ZR3AqRe5iC-lBNgz0M1Qs-NznwoVLtXTfBYKje0F6XPwOEwvCQ4bz_EG73xpnglo/s320/IMG_4173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688029251331965250" border="0" /></a><br />And of course, our cookie assortment...does it get better than this?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xbYH1tcUSKru1KkQjp6K3ZkySPlPaKmEFfKodusTwOiUEN2FoeAUu5hXBKUBLF7QVzYqcM-NzdU1upJOzYtYYImkM5r7F2w130eGLF6FQzMBscvHbuUz8D2M2uxfies493uEjb2jcv8/s1600/IMG_4187.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xbYH1tcUSKru1KkQjp6K3ZkySPlPaKmEFfKodusTwOiUEN2FoeAUu5hXBKUBLF7QVzYqcM-NzdU1upJOzYtYYImkM5r7F2w130eGLF6FQzMBscvHbuUz8D2M2uxfies493uEjb2jcv8/s320/IMG_4187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688029241285030290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Definitely a tradition in the making!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-51257790546536911272011-12-15T18:26:00.000-08:002011-12-15T18:31:30.802-08:00It's a whipped up racket!!Whipped cream cheese and I used to have a love/hate relationship, so much easier to spread than block cream cheese, but for some reason 3 times more expensive.<div>We now have a solidly love/love relationship since I started making my own. </div><div>Take THAT Philly and your ridiculous $3.85 tub of cream cheese that's mostly just air! You won't be reeking your wallet havoc in this house anymore!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, thanks to my Kitchen Aid and 4 tablespoons of milk, I turned two blocks of "sure to demolish a toasted english muffin" in to light, fluffy, super spreadable goodness. That's right, just put two blocks of cream cheese in your Kitchen Aid (a handmixer with a whisk attachment would work too), put on the whisk attachment, and add 4 tablespoons of milk, and whip on medium/high speed for 5-6 minutes. Use the savings to get yourself an afternoon coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not the best picture, but you get the idea:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGTVc_wg3nBRx3Z1xJmohv-tx5DIkUm_esf3fRHrh6yZYRhMP9bOPKzi3-2PMzl2FSgLskmUm6Qq0dsI71SEJZ59tRirq3OWLAtXUQSUlKnLJrgN0RDahqYKVKByhYKuvHfPosVfgGWE/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGTVc_wg3nBRx3Z1xJmohv-tx5DIkUm_esf3fRHrh6yZYRhMP9bOPKzi3-2PMzl2FSgLskmUm6Qq0dsI71SEJZ59tRirq3OWLAtXUQSUlKnLJrgN0RDahqYKVKByhYKuvHfPosVfgGWE/s320/IMG_4171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686548165029180850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-29379727599329342902011-12-11T14:59:00.001-08:002011-12-11T15:15:55.347-08:00Christmas WreathI have a total backlog of blog stuff to post! I had to choose between this, the yummiest breakfast ever, and a little party hosting "cookie swap" blog. So I will start with the Christmas wreath and you can look forward to the other two in the next few days!<br /><br />Pinterest is such a great place to get new ideas from! I made a Christmas wreath for the front door and started with a 6 foot long piece of foam pipe from the plumbing section of Lowes. Never in a million years would have come up with this if I hadn't seen it on Pinterest.<br /><br />You will need: Foam piece, duct tape, various fabrics, hot glue, embellishment (I used mini jingle bells)<br />Here are the steps:<br />Cut the foam to desired size for your wreath, I cut it down to 4.5 feet.<br />Cut a piece of fabric 1" wider than the width of the tube, and 1" longer than the length.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxT_-Hg1i_jTkpDpdgX_zOMNrDG9u_KBCR8EZGMhFCo21HuowvrdGErS3zmxjtBo8Z0fGY8vXvYt9HzhwSkhzyViEQwVHcSFZMFIM-WyJ8eCLgb4qB032nExlrBNEyJCPJ2OLOqF1jeA/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxT_-Hg1i_jTkpDpdgX_zOMNrDG9u_KBCR8EZGMhFCo21HuowvrdGErS3zmxjtBo8Z0fGY8vXvYt9HzhwSkhzyViEQwVHcSFZMFIM-WyJ8eCLgb4qB032nExlrBNEyJCPJ2OLOqF1jeA/s320/IMG_4126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012271789082370" border="0" /></a><br />Pin the fabric right sides together and sew in to a tube, open on both ends.<br />Slide the foam piece in to the fabric tube.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmQocUOuZa6wb1-1IwfbD54W1wQFty6YvYjNjGHW_hYmmUFOqn00UZvj5t7vym1Rm-PvRvei96GrswoTXd09XPHV88B3uv6_1cdz9CNpSZrxCYM0pJxUFbqrJAbnc1kGPbgictOSWpMM/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmQocUOuZa6wb1-1IwfbD54W1wQFty6YvYjNjGHW_hYmmUFOqn00UZvj5t7vym1Rm-PvRvei96GrswoTXd09XPHV88B3uv6_1cdz9CNpSZrxCYM0pJxUFbqrJAbnc1kGPbgictOSWpMM/s320/IMG_4128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012275303753906" border="0" /></a><br />Duct tape the tube together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X4fbawHAxP1XoX7VYX9v_mbHPFWO5ZM_PSm4nPtSWXzZzbZ0FPecTIZb7lbnkRmZFhBPjSPt5tkJvPuq69lcyzuQnlMr7qWiInKjMl-2QH5K7meVs64QhlesAfsCK5Gh-FQgGvuawcs/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X4fbawHAxP1XoX7VYX9v_mbHPFWO5ZM_PSm4nPtSWXzZzbZ0FPecTIZb7lbnkRmZFhBPjSPt5tkJvPuq69lcyzuQnlMr7qWiInKjMl-2QH5K7meVs64QhlesAfsCK5Gh-FQgGvuawcs/s320/IMG_4130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012286098054994" border="0" /></a><br />Pull the fabric together to cover the entire tube and hand stitch in place ends together.<br />I made a little door hanger with fabric at this point and wrapped it around the top of the wreath, but you could easily sew on a loop of ribbon and it would work just as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuPcKn8SJEjxK3WxaQ6IexMsomF1A-Cb_HlENMwotD5Rfhk-Jz9U9kSHgbNh6eofGxMyJdOWJNNP5MhERuEB0NSpDeHIboSTYv99F1siy35cPv1NzRK_YmUE3yBmeCY6diQ7MnRKL0ek/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuPcKn8SJEjxK3WxaQ6IexMsomF1A-Cb_HlENMwotD5Rfhk-Jz9U9kSHgbNh6eofGxMyJdOWJNNP5MhERuEB0NSpDeHIboSTYv99F1siy35cPv1NzRK_YmUE3yBmeCY6diQ7MnRKL0ek/s320/IMG_4132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012876266231890" border="0" /></a><br />Next cut three pieces of fabric about 20-25 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. I used three different fabrics for this. Fold them in half the long way, with right sides facing out and sew a basting stitch across the top, do not back stitch at either end. Tie a knot in one end and then holding one piece of the opposite thread begin gathering the material in to a ruffle. (There are awesome videos on You Tube if you search for "how to make a ruffle")<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9qfzmWH7aAiCgjQTcIdLbltlX_YYaiaIylMXcz8ag1miqVIzdLxp0BuefkypLjKKy9SPgby12r0Aw1gsHiSK_yqZ1_9AXeU21wmcHCSD9JGVsC4gCpLIi2dpELbofECc6FYZCsyaCB0/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9qfzmWH7aAiCgjQTcIdLbltlX_YYaiaIylMXcz8ag1miqVIzdLxp0BuefkypLjKKy9SPgby12r0Aw1gsHiSK_yqZ1_9AXeU21wmcHCSD9JGVsC4gCpLIi2dpELbofECc6FYZCsyaCB0/s320/IMG_4148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012909529285378" border="0" /></a><br />Roll them up counter clockwise in to flowers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-jcRLIvLnu_P1m-prt2vbH5y3mDsbOWx0ajaZll_Nsf5bsN5lqtHvuuOILjnduW0YigIgG-2nf8pLe1hfNV4pz9jJbvCuCPgmA4VfzIDRXrAwQkats39ZHFYdzReD_vOPRu-7Mb6yB8/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-jcRLIvLnu_P1m-prt2vbH5y3mDsbOWx0ajaZll_Nsf5bsN5lqtHvuuOILjnduW0YigIgG-2nf8pLe1hfNV4pz9jJbvCuCPgmA4VfzIDRXrAwQkats39ZHFYdzReD_vOPRu-7Mb6yB8/s320/IMG_4150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685012932930786930" border="0" /></a><br />Hot glue the flowers on the wreath, using embellishments in the center if you wish. I think that gems would look really adorable here too. I added a little red sparkly something that I had lying around from a Michaels after-Christmas super sale two years ago.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwobHfEsrLciBKS_a2jCqKzrCOFZr7SF6TwffeUaqxr6w-r1_XSICcEqQYA4H24b2aVAoOgcTmHeM4TXmvUyrzvSxGE_lkUd2YyZ2l_cCcYBKwQnz3S4T_deWGG18AuIf6XReosuJwm2o/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwobHfEsrLciBKS_a2jCqKzrCOFZr7SF6TwffeUaqxr6w-r1_XSICcEqQYA4H24b2aVAoOgcTmHeM4TXmvUyrzvSxGE_lkUd2YyZ2l_cCcYBKwQnz3S4T_deWGG18AuIf6XReosuJwm2o/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685013375355483458" border="0" /></a><br />When I hung my wreath because the foam base is so light it titled toward the embellished side so I had to use duct tape to secure it straight up and down.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia22mACJV8emzTh6s6QR97Zh5npz9g7Bt9yBbz4Fze59GhMNYzqSgs7nfYuIjFBTR5USeqLrBBhZa9DmWbXTul92c-Hx0Eh3sHRK-Hnh4qUPVTyMWfDoG369wg_qy6PCPzKbM1eRy7200/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia22mACJV8emzTh6s6QR97Zh5npz9g7Bt9yBbz4Fze59GhMNYzqSgs7nfYuIjFBTR5USeqLrBBhZa9DmWbXTul92c-Hx0Eh3sHRK-Hnh4qUPVTyMWfDoG369wg_qy6PCPzKbM1eRy7200/s320/IMG_4164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685013378972696738" border="0" /></a><br />Love it!Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-45278513668971092102011-12-08T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T18:13:15.416-08:00Picture Christmas Cards- My husband is a grinchIf you ever want to see my husband, a normally mild mannered, agreeable man, go off on a tirade of epic proportions ask him about picture Christmas cards.<div>He loathes them. </div><div>Truly.</div><div><br /></div><div>He hates them in the following order, with hatred being multiplied exponentially as the list goes on:</div><div>1. Pictures of children</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>If I know you well enough to be getting a Christmas card from you, I've seen your kid in the last two months, he doesn't look much different now. What a waste of a stamp.</i></div><div>2. Pictures of entire families, all in white shirts, on the beach</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>You're a bunch of pretentious a*holes.</i></div><div>3. Pictures of just couples</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>Seriously dude? What am I supposed to do with this? It's creepy enough when I stick a picture of someone else's kid on the fridge. What will people think of me if they see a picture of a 30-something year old couple?</i></div><div>4. Pictures of pets</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>Throw it out! Don't even think about putting that on our fridge! What is wrong with people? No one likes your dog as much as you do. NO ONE! (</i>Please note, this reaction is much, much worse if it is a pug...Linds, I'm talking to you)</div><div>5. Pictures of pets dressed in Christmas clothing</div><div><i>This is the worst thing humanly possible to do, not just for a Christmas card, but in life in general. It should be a federal offense. And your dog hates you for it. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>So what did I do today you ask? </div><div>I ordered our Christmas card, with a picture of our daughter on it.</div><div>I think that it's a compromise that I didn't put his mug on it, and I only ordered 12 so they won't be flying about New England attached to fridge's of 3rd cousins.</div><div>But she's so damn cute I couldn't resist showing her off a little.... I'm an offender, and I'm willing to take the tirade.</div><div><br /></div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-79808397252692661602011-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:002011-12-07T18:01:33.940-08:00Holiday DecorationsThought I would take this post to share a few of my favorite holiday decorations in my house.<br />We had a great time setting up for Christmas on Sunday, we put on A Christmas Story, busted out the ornaments, and repeatedly told our daughter that Christmas was still REALLY far away, and Santa only brings a few things. This is something we've been reiterating lately, lest she get caught up in what she sees in her rare moments of TV watching, or hears from playmates. We are firm believers in making Christmas about sharing a special time with family and friends and enjoying each others company, and being grateful.<br /><br />That said, I do LOVE how the house looks decked out for the holidays and I think there's something super special about welcoming the season by bringing some additional sparkle in to our house (because honestly, sparkle rules).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBun5m1ndUmyyUCLcoAhpSLbqHjiqO3lZPzeWm4W9OkQEmIg-LWyr5PmmOtYDBTtrHk46b2I8mwwxrnfQF4JbsjZVj1t6PQ0dlNFPZHojj91VKtivKaTXgfuH9WIJYs81QFGmbXV3ZWao/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBun5m1ndUmyyUCLcoAhpSLbqHjiqO3lZPzeWm4W9OkQEmIg-LWyr5PmmOtYDBTtrHk46b2I8mwwxrnfQF4JbsjZVj1t6PQ0dlNFPZHojj91VKtivKaTXgfuH9WIJYs81QFGmbXV3ZWao/s400/IMG_4115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683570304566776626" border="0" /></a><br />Ornaments hung from our dining room chandelier with regular wrapping ribbon, just curled the ends. I would have used fancy ribbon but it's a pain in the bottomus to get through those teeny ornament hanger holes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYH10WQ_8wWRgde6jmyBH-RUewCP75JlZ2GoywLBKoCryAZKtAs5YIeNCczUP_y4lUu1kGP6_dU5H4WBGyWceZGA9h465T7SpiJkxe4ixap6CI325qWwjhrMMydQoZVghKoqg5MhK0t4/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYH10WQ_8wWRgde6jmyBH-RUewCP75JlZ2GoywLBKoCryAZKtAs5YIeNCczUP_y4lUu1kGP6_dU5H4WBGyWceZGA9h465T7SpiJkxe4ixap6CI325qWwjhrMMydQoZVghKoqg5MhK0t4/s400/IMG_4118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683570308275330546" border="0" /></a><br />This is a super fun cookie jar that my aunt bought us a few years ago and every time I unwrap it I smile! Cookies only last in there for about a day, but it's so whimsical and fun! The other item is a hot chocolate frother. You may have seen these out and thought "That's ridiculous why would anyone buy that?" well let me tell you, you're missing out if you left it on the shelf. It delivers hot chocolate that is unparalleled and kids love using it. If you see one for $15 or under get it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb5xNvwvDvurAwJgTtUWDpbbG-ld1v2jfP_KzfZiuxcL13z-SESlZwbLnxeki01Hrk-6jFDGjDv7OhvGafEWFB1exJPKn5lzIwPiEEqbETEeE9yuaR4xt2ofSsmXprYTrLDFwOAKMjiM/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb5xNvwvDvurAwJgTtUWDpbbG-ld1v2jfP_KzfZiuxcL13z-SESlZwbLnxeki01Hrk-6jFDGjDv7OhvGafEWFB1exJPKn5lzIwPiEEqbETEeE9yuaR4xt2ofSsmXprYTrLDFwOAKMjiM/s400/IMG_4119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683570327825720034" border="0" /></a><br />This is my little snowman family, from left to right, a sugar bowl, creamer, salt and pepper shaker. So tacky. So fun. Sometimes you've got to roll with the ceramic snow figurines and revel in your holiday lack of taste. Own it.Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-56387697447549047552011-12-05T18:41:00.000-08:002011-12-05T19:04:01.310-08:00Mini Mitten Advent CalendarThis project is super fun! I created a mini-mitten advent calendar for my daughter to start counting down the days until Christmas. We are moving a Santa hat from day to day, but when she's older I'm going to put little activities for the day in each mitten, like make hot chocolate or do something special for a friend.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXGGk_1eGUtHXQ3q27x4WDyRAvWsJeZysaNykJGJU_BqV_ZW1kxOp6PHyZr91SeN66vyzN4QsTsB3u-hELWw4aMIBpWaurT4F4yvnOlYRvQaanDMId0KNrIhD_RZcXFRKrOQ3hsmQneU/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXGGk_1eGUtHXQ3q27x4WDyRAvWsJeZysaNykJGJU_BqV_ZW1kxOp6PHyZr91SeN66vyzN4QsTsB3u-hELWw4aMIBpWaurT4F4yvnOlYRvQaanDMId0KNrIhD_RZcXFRKrOQ3hsmQneU/s400/IMG_4120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682840825474845474" border="0" /></a><br />It is fairly simple, I used a sewing machine for a lot of this, but I would imagine that a hot glue gun would do the job as well, I'm just not sure that it would last as long as sewing.<br /><br />What you will need:<br />Felt, ribbon, foam board, hot glue gun, sewing machine, scissors<br /><br />1. Cut a mitten out of the foam board, use it to trace 50 mittens. In my case I used 20 red, 20 green and 10 white.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoLJKjBMDit3xmPVsQRO6CU6rJuHBfv4icHYkpCEmvhyxtmo0LCkUFhFpUxoc7LjllTUKXNaXOoA4jD1sfzEmAFYm4MOWmA9wJUZkeISvjUzqsdLJUrl5a16iWXrJXajqlOmvUSNvcXU/s1600/IMG_4060.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoLJKjBMDit3xmPVsQRO6CU6rJuHBfv4icHYkpCEmvhyxtmo0LCkUFhFpUxoc7LjllTUKXNaXOoA4jD1sfzEmAFYm4MOWmA9wJUZkeISvjUzqsdLJUrl5a16iWXrJXajqlOmvUSNvcXU/s400/IMG_4060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682843421491945138" border="0" /></a><br />2. Cut small shapes out of the foam board and write 1-25 on them with a Sharpie. Let dry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsMSARMnnhutH91t1mGOQ4NIs2juvtYnUSp8o5e5JuhBPJlsK0m3zsZX-_loQ3PhgdTjY7GhHAO5CWP0rFysea_hBOabqW2OmuNmMi5GJey1uKO296qMGdVi2d2ifCszjSP1kXODiKOc/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsMSARMnnhutH91t1mGOQ4NIs2juvtYnUSp8o5e5JuhBPJlsK0m3zsZX-_loQ3PhgdTjY7GhHAO5CWP0rFysea_hBOabqW2OmuNmMi5GJey1uKO296qMGdVi2d2ifCszjSP1kXODiKOc/s400/IMG_4059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682843382647209010" border="0" /></a><br />3. Divide the mittens in half. Hot glue the numbers and small embellishments to one set of mittens.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YuOdxi4-6ZFkatVSRRdZUYZpMnIuxk_kHjO7bJzsf-lqATEgrl5zpnpnlp-EFvxQZ4oRWzjDvNKQn07ZJpzFBA4hJ6m5CcGmkLK1XF7n_ZhLT0A0ry5ESFjz1t2cCL4toW51dwVh6jc/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YuOdxi4-6ZFkatVSRRdZUYZpMnIuxk_kHjO7bJzsf-lqATEgrl5zpnpnlp-EFvxQZ4oRWzjDvNKQn07ZJpzFBA4hJ6m5CcGmkLK1XF7n_ZhLT0A0ry5ESFjz1t2cCL4toW51dwVh6jc/s400/IMG_4072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682843783444107074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In my tradition of refusing to use photoshop on my blog I would like to note that yes, I'm aware that my iron needs a new cover.</span><br />4. Arrange the mittens that do not have embellishment on them uniformly apart on the ribbon. Sew a straight line down the ribbon, attaching the mittens.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ87mpkoox5LPeQQbSvmMdBeJvUGAMWKohJWVxt272f5fxv1p4Or74kNmskuW0zAcTE88F2GXCLLD9pwSkaXEF2fD561bbPARNqhtzqr2Mjrg3X_O54t7tzw_3mvDJs1zoDxbpHddLSY/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ87mpkoox5LPeQQbSvmMdBeJvUGAMWKohJWVxt272f5fxv1p4Or74kNmskuW0zAcTE88F2GXCLLD9pwSkaXEF2fD561bbPARNqhtzqr2Mjrg3X_O54t7tzw_3mvDJs1zoDxbpHddLSY/s400/IMG_4080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682844245662296306" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdNSl0hRFGfBzYNr10rJFOkbQZ4u5IQL_7QJp0zLUVERFCO34wYGOFXVVmR0i8AojAAmjUATR5TZSAFF870fZMxPXo22N8O6v33E8guw4bIN-JxnEOXBi2a285hxEvt0_mEuh-JWNjt8/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdNSl0hRFGfBzYNr10rJFOkbQZ4u5IQL_7QJp0zLUVERFCO34wYGOFXVVmR0i8AojAAmjUATR5TZSAFF870fZMxPXo22N8O6v33E8guw4bIN-JxnEOXBi2a285hxEvt0_mEuh-JWNjt8/s400/IMG_4081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682844250863563234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If I didn't already have the advent calendar plan in my head I would have j</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ust used this as a garland because it's super cute by like this.</span><br />5. Place the embellished mittens (in descending order) over the mittens that make up the garland. Pin in place.<br />6. Sew each mitten, leaving the top part open to use for either a "marker" (like our Santa hat) or to insert messages/activities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZew10zY7bmC-YLFU9vnrEryYdiGEWF-lUobb-q8IV3NDFcownc61GxL4aOaikMcSMS3CbSCr9HNahRlR0sN5s2EPAWkMmqSRoxyl8tfVa40Wxc-LxzMNc4V3Cv_5ZQH4tkknIyA2Qok/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZew10zY7bmC-YLFU9vnrEryYdiGEWF-lUobb-q8IV3NDFcownc61GxL4aOaikMcSMS3CbSCr9HNahRlR0sN5s2EPAWkMmqSRoxyl8tfVa40Wxc-LxzMNc4V3Cv_5ZQH4tkknIyA2Qok/s400/IMG_4122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682844717930602210" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6YYBJVCajW6aEjiIFQC0P3ZxFVML78JvTY3EnDVPgl9Ebp6QwG8SdK3GrV77VzP0wOr5VVKnh_UlmY09105DpQWubB_s5lWApIV4xHZaUJXQ8PusGZqU_2VV_FAzgOeFMk1C4VhymLg/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6YYBJVCajW6aEjiIFQC0P3ZxFVML78JvTY3EnDVPgl9Ebp6QwG8SdK3GrV77VzP0wOr5VVKnh_UlmY09105DpQWubB_s5lWApIV4xHZaUJXQ8PusGZqU_2VV_FAzgOeFMk1C4VhymLg/s400/IMG_4121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682845372695787218" border="0" /></a>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-14398705438345184142011-12-04T19:02:00.000-08:002011-12-04T19:10:21.282-08:00Date Night OutfitThe husbando took me on a fantastic dinner date for my 30th birthday! <div>We went to <a href="http://trattoriadellanonna.com/">Trattoria Della Nonna</a> in Mansfield, and everything we ate was phenomenal! Specifically the cheesy mushroom dip, which had some kind of delightful fried dough of some sort covered in shredded parmesan, it was glorious.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love getting ready for date night! Here's what I wore: </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexSAc0HMIvNwE75Gjf_saSGJ3Czsc34awNGF3ABn6E1y9Pe1fxdGmDj3Ff2P1_pB6tlJzCjQmHzY0DTYhw2ct_DnCPUXrbYI_wubTuBO0elD2yg5PYNYuDmKk-4jY5nSZFkGtEO6phxQ/s1600/IMG_4065.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexSAc0HMIvNwE75Gjf_saSGJ3Czsc34awNGF3ABn6E1y9Pe1fxdGmDj3Ff2P1_pB6tlJzCjQmHzY0DTYhw2ct_DnCPUXrbYI_wubTuBO0elD2yg5PYNYuDmKk-4jY5nSZFkGtEO6phxQ/s400/IMG_4065.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682476113361927682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sweater (Banana) and skirt (Target) are both about 7 years old, but still in good condition. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhfRFvSCpJ7FAneiU2Svt-b66MeX1VUMbm_qWHO7wCIUSk2QhkWxACQUepvhyphenhyphen1TF-qwafmkmcPQUkpW57FjFmdRxNkR7QTjiM_QiYt_Q1-mQkJoNokOeUrAP53sMBosaGfrimGX3kk0c/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhfRFvSCpJ7FAneiU2Svt-b66MeX1VUMbm_qWHO7wCIUSk2QhkWxACQUepvhyphenhyphen1TF-qwafmkmcPQUkpW57FjFmdRxNkR7QTjiM_QiYt_Q1-mQkJoNokOeUrAP53sMBosaGfrimGX3kk0c/s400/IMG_4068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682476120187800002" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div>The tights I got at Aldo for $15, which is way more than I would normally pay for tights, but it was well worth it because they have gold thread in them and I adore the shine. The shoes are last year's Steve Maddens, and I wear them all holiday season, every chance I get.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVg_cBgk5JVawOyjnxvt8K4ZwVaB17Od9RbhKLdioza8DyK8qf94TYBMTTsL8k7Vc1SztLvmyWtEU7hQcnCLWdwZWscKEaqQz4vnnhUI8aBlTabaQEhO3X6VdVdZdISk37h7gSnQwyIQ/s1600/IMG_4067.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVg_cBgk5JVawOyjnxvt8K4ZwVaB17Od9RbhKLdioza8DyK8qf94TYBMTTsL8k7Vc1SztLvmyWtEU7hQcnCLWdwZWscKEaqQz4vnnhUI8aBlTabaQEhO3X6VdVdZdISk37h7gSnQwyIQ/s400/IMG_4067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682476132592955634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div>But the REAL star of the outfit is of course, the Kate Spade ring (my first ever Kate Spade purchase!), that was originally $98 and I scored it at the outlet for $20.83! Best. Find. Ever.</div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-1863780631780816142011-12-02T17:03:00.000-08:002011-12-02T17:21:01.635-08:00Sharpie fabric markers RULE!My husband truly know the way to a crafter-wife's heart.<br />For my birthday he bought me Sharpie fabric markers!<br /><br />I knew immediately what my first project would be, it's not even completely finished but I had to share!<br /><br />I have this beautiful mustard t-shirt, fits like a glove, perfect weight, everything just right. So of course, I put it in the wash and it came out like this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x858GE0sMxG6zBTyepcvQAaoqsfPWx6FyHy-wZKqWSdjVBiVHGq_dxTKWmQ8HjaSFWBGQ3423JawDIDoyU3aQxzle-koaMRgt6NGEJ3zcmqmObN6aLO12NqM3L_ShyphenhyphenuVLBfoM_Oonig/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x858GE0sMxG6zBTyepcvQAaoqsfPWx6FyHy-wZKqWSdjVBiVHGq_dxTKWmQ8HjaSFWBGQ3423JawDIDoyU3aQxzle-koaMRgt6NGEJ3zcmqmObN6aLO12NqM3L_ShyphenhyphenuVLBfoM_Oonig/s320/IMG_4044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681703067651112802" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPFhYEhCZ3qXL7Vjg3Kmj7ftmBidOZN_IuApRzs_xaPSZL5CgMlTOeb6Y7KLNWU83uyDtohZLFIinwskWTMezuj8LQAaCIB_LVSKtTj1VXU-HaNmWQD6GoOrvZGfq_eN8_chK4sl10to/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPFhYEhCZ3qXL7Vjg3Kmj7ftmBidOZN_IuApRzs_xaPSZL5CgMlTOeb6Y7KLNWU83uyDtohZLFIinwskWTMezuj8LQAaCIB_LVSKtTj1VXU-HaNmWQD6GoOrvZGfq_eN8_chK4sl10to/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681703075331347458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If I knew what the offending item of clothing was that bled all over this I totally would have burned it to prove a point</span>.<br /><br />Solution: A piece of lace with a pattern that I adore, and a navy blue Sharpie!<br />I tacked the piece of lace on to the shirt, and used the Sharpie to trace the pattern lightly over the shirt.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc5Mj_23KRRTYX0dn0dcXBmLsll8H7X7CgvxTmOhuhPmB6iC5N2YBIh6zAl0PEjjMAImbodLAdaYtLjYNlJcKo1xkv_IylZ1EZ5zDUtw82FIy2Q9el1Ni6Q_Y5A74RS_zHHAYPQUm7TA/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc5Mj_23KRRTYX0dn0dcXBmLsll8H7X7CgvxTmOhuhPmB6iC5N2YBIh6zAl0PEjjMAImbodLAdaYtLjYNlJcKo1xkv_IylZ1EZ5zDUtw82FIy2Q9el1Ni6Q_Y5A74RS_zHHAYPQUm7TA/s320/IMG_4050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681703510132759586" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlkrRhzX-Xe2qdNe6Bbwj_fbkz82VOXzTPfa505JHy5aFCqBsFb1tohPuHpAtA1pYhDy_u7sJ_I4O6Tufx6Dg8vdsm6_bSjJlCPqUzeQcipBu0y1MeTjlmMcIwdQfg00WchGRIGl3r_Q/s1600/IMG_4052.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlkrRhzX-Xe2qdNe6Bbwj_fbkz82VOXzTPfa505JHy5aFCqBsFb1tohPuHpAtA1pYhDy_u7sJ_I4O6Tufx6Dg8vdsm6_bSjJlCPqUzeQcipBu0y1MeTjlmMcIwdQfg00WchGRIGl3r_Q/s320/IMG_4052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681703519490699490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If I didn't love this lace pattern so much I would have used a bigger piece, but I didn't want to waste it. It's a bit of a pain having to take it off and realign it so often, so if you try this use a larger piece of lace.<br /></span><span><span><span><br />This is what it looked like when I filled it in completely, then I removed the panel, lined it up with the fabric marker and started the process over for the next section of shirt.</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuFMOFWdxC4qg5VJY26anF3ft14dRUJJpWk587g_i8839eFuVlQYK7umXB9cCsP9YgrbT-_Rhv_9dt85ppf-r4eDTQXchNY9SOzOWNR_ra_tm1d0DTj0laDUrcufGtgm9upjHHkeGoFI/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuFMOFWdxC4qg5VJY26anF3ft14dRUJJpWk587g_i8839eFuVlQYK7umXB9cCsP9YgrbT-_Rhv_9dt85ppf-r4eDTQXchNY9SOzOWNR_ra_tm1d0DTj0laDUrcufGtgm9upjHHkeGoFI/s400/IMG_4053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681704602182742706" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span><span>So far, this is what it looks like. I am happy with the Sharpies for a few reasons, they glide pretty seamlessly over the fabric, and the color stays true. So even though this navy is on mustard it hasn't taken on a greenish hue which is key. However, I'm about half way through the shirt and I think the marker is running out, so they get a "minus" for durability.</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnxS6bbuHeLc1MXLh61mQy888G9MvZiRe1uB0qHjcBw4cRFjGEFT-1SXxcEelotwKYq_UxYN9GH_QISFIw_w11NLdoPaPkug2q_4vhUXtqCGLnZ624ptsWzx9VhfESWulerSliZ1QoOc/s1600/IMG_4061.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnxS6bbuHeLc1MXLh61mQy888G9MvZiRe1uB0qHjcBw4cRFjGEFT-1SXxcEelotwKYq_UxYN9GH_QISFIw_w11NLdoPaPkug2q_4vhUXtqCGLnZ624ptsWzx9VhfESWulerSliZ1QoOc/s400/IMG_4061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681705515753758242" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span><span>I promise an outfit post with the completed shirt in the next few weeks! (Christmas crafting may get in the way of finishing the back half of the shirt!)</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-84490375843497143602011-12-01T17:47:00.000-08:002011-12-02T08:40:53.555-08:00Nothing to do with the kids this weekend?I adore <a href="http://www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/home0.aspx">The Children's Museum in Easton</a> for many reasons, the focus on play, the variety of activities for different ages and interests, but mostly because it's the best deal on the South Shore.<div>A family membership is $80 annually, and there are drop in activities galore. My absolute favorite of which is Wednesday and Thursday at 10am when the downstairs is turned in to Sing-a-long central with kids generally ages 18 months-4 (though I'm sure there is variation on either side) singing and dancing up a storm! </div><div>There are also dinosaur days, art days, and a bunch of fun extra activities that are mostly free for members with the occasional small fee. So basically instead of paying $80 for one month of music class at Isis, it's $80 for the whole year, and there is a ton of stuff to do. I know that Isis has value in it's own way as well, but for those of us who just can't stomach that kind of cost The Children's Museum offers so much for such a low cost.</div><div>This is a GREAT holiday gift for the family with young children in your life!</div><div><br /></div><div>SO back to the post title: This weekend they are doing a Gingerbread Day on Saturday and Sunday, check out the website for hours. The event is free for members, with a $1 donation to decorate a cookie. Honestly, $1. I do have to throw in the caveat that I will not be attending this (I'm totally going holiday shopping instead), but my husband is excited about checking out the new spaceship with Belle! </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a Children's Museum membership? What do you think? </div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-70910755738694829702011-11-30T17:32:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:40:16.987-08:00Peppermint Chocolate Filled CupcakesPeppermint Chocolate Filled Cupcakes: An Andes mint in a pretty little wrapper!<br />I made these 11 days ago for my lovely friend's 30th birthday.<div>I can't believe I haven't posted about them yet! </div><div><br /></div><div>To start with I did something that I NEVER do (mostly because I had limited time, and also because it had been a long week and my baking motivation was hovering around a 3 on a scale of 10) I used boxed chocolate cake mix.</div><div>Please continue reading, I know, I know, it was a horrible thing to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, of course I had to snazz the cake mix up! I lined and filled 24 cupcake tins. </div><div>Put them in to bake per the directions on the box (shudder) but then I added the secret ingredient! </div><div>After 5 minutes in the oven I pulled them out and added a Mint Truffle Hershey Kiss to each one.</div><div>They immediately started to sink below the surface and it looked amazing! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS2yrWGWyVk2oO9MjD2eKRD0sJ__COoRSGfHJRzFLSB6EmZr6VjExkV3rFRuJhIEVsfvA1iJ6x7PREXTnURQg-Twxp-DJK1TFLSHAklOQ0qntKdEC_QmZkoviyStoUp4VuKMl9xLIeU8/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS2yrWGWyVk2oO9MjD2eKRD0sJ__COoRSGfHJRzFLSB6EmZr6VjExkV3rFRuJhIEVsfvA1iJ6x7PREXTnURQg-Twxp-DJK1TFLSHAklOQ0qntKdEC_QmZkoviyStoUp4VuKMl9xLIeU8/s400/IMG_4011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680968642613043602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><i>Please ignore the cake batter splashes on the muffin tray, as I said in an earlier post I don't photoshop, I show it like it is! Dirty pan and all.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Then I topped these delectable goodies with a homemade peppermint buttercream frosting, insanely easy to make:</div><div>In a mixer combine:</div><div>1 stick of softened butter</div><div>3.5 cups of powdered sugar</div><div>3 Tbsp milk (preferably whole)</div><div>1 tsp peppermint extract</div><div>5 drops of yellow food coloring, 1 drop of blue food coloring (<i>optional</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Voila! Peppermint Chocolate Filled Cupcakes!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWik-lcsnVPlb-IQqH-3tKK5l5_hWMptQMus6gq4IkI0za7tHWhQsMUFbRVJgNJkvDe-n_cPxS7NmsLJ7-X72NHwnT-XYP6e5Qt5A-S_EvN9_6CEuBMQW5pn2IRol617zPJe-gYjFrCs/s1600/IMG_4013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWik-lcsnVPlb-IQqH-3tKK5l5_hWMptQMus6gq4IkI0za7tHWhQsMUFbRVJgNJkvDe-n_cPxS7NmsLJ7-X72NHwnT-XYP6e5Qt5A-S_EvN9_6CEuBMQW5pn2IRol617zPJe-gYjFrCs/s400/IMG_4013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680968646237713874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I totally made a rookie mistake here and forgot to cut on in half and take a picture of the Hershey Kiss floating in the middle. It was glorious! </div><div>Next time (and there definitely will be a next time) I'm making these with caramel Kisses dropped in the middle and a dulce de leche frosting. <i>Drool.</i></div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9203779013044148531.post-64246060218254665652011-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:32:01.227-08:00My horrible neglect of the blogWOW! <div>12 days without a post, that is just full on out of control! </div><div>Thing is, I've been super busy, crafting, baking, prepping for Thanksgiving, turning 30 (freakout) and I guess I just forgot to share it all on here. </div><div>So this is my holiday resolution: I'm back to posting every day through Christmas! </div><div>Because there is no better time than the holiday season to share fun ideas and craft our little hearts out! </div><div><br /></div><div>So....here it goes! </div>Avocado Pardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500936169679836766noreply@blogger.com0