tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17953861893326238222024-03-13T11:20:43.902-07:00Vintage Homestead EmporiumMalinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-45788298742317652872013-12-23T05:22:00.000-08:002013-12-23T05:22:03.763-08:00Beautiful Gift-Giving...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong>s I finalize my purchases and check off my lists, I would like to share a couple of ideas about wrapping gifts. I really enjoy this aspect of gift-giving, maybe as much as I do of the thinking and shopping for those I love. </em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>o start with, it has been very helpful for me to have a little area where I have everything at my fingertips. Every year it seems, I have moved the location of my supplies. This year, everything I need is in an old dresser from my grandparents. I also enjoy (although not necessary) putting on Christmas music, maybe a delicious treat, tea and light a fragrant candle (a little idea from Alexandra Stoddard).</span></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here are some things I love to use:</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Paper Flowers....</strong></span></em></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-leuQ-z9iDok/Uq94bKE-jXI/AAAAAAAABtY/Afr6UbEgL00/s1600/gift+wrapping+%234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-leuQ-z9iDok/Uq94bKE-jXI/AAAAAAAABtY/Afr6UbEgL00/s640/gift+wrapping+%234.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made with pretty scrapbook paper...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRR7DOUyxsc/Uq94kbXBxRI/AAAAAAAABtg/HZNtWVkZGT4/s1600/gift+wrapping+%235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRR7DOUyxsc/Uq94kbXBxRI/AAAAAAAABtg/HZNtWVkZGT4/s400/gift+wrapping+%235.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with old sheet music...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUl_Q4GHWNU/Uq94se8-UbI/AAAAAAAABto/kc6dGPbdxnI/s1600/gift+wrapping+%236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUl_Q4GHWNU/Uq94se8-UbI/AAAAAAAABto/kc6dGPbdxnI/s640/gift+wrapping+%236.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with coffee filters (very creative & resourceful!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Faux Flowers, Greenery & Ornaments</strong>. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> I try to think of the person I am giving the gift to; what flowers they may love or colors they adore. Personalizing it makes it such a joy. It also reminds me how unique and special each loved one is as I wrap. Aren't you glad that we are not all the same?</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Vintage Jewelry...</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> </strong>I have seen some really beautiful and very inexpensive vintage costume jewelery at thrift stores. I also, sadly, have lost a part (of a pair) of my inherited jewelry from my grandmother and have used the other piece for my mother or daughters gift wrapping or maybe even a close friend.</span></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A touch of nature tucked in......</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> </strong>Especially this time of year, I am really beginning to miss my snow-covered garden and all the greenery from outside. It really gives a wonderful touch and fragrance~very inexpensively or for absolutely no money, if they are from your kitchen windowsill or yard.<strong></strong></span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragrant Herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Sticks and Berries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a sprig of Lavender...</td></tr>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tags....</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong> </strong>This is such a fun aspect of gift wrapping. Limited to only you imagination. Copies of old photos, vintage-inspired empherma around the house, little Christmas cookies (below) as well as beautiful paper adorned with cute buttons.</span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hang a delicious cookie....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu3fKFaBGc4/UrfBZpvgFUI/AAAAAAAABzY/ytzQfX48Ogw/s1600/gift+wrapping+%2352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu3fKFaBGc4/UrfBZpvgFUI/AAAAAAAABzY/ytzQfX48Ogw/s640/gift+wrapping+%2352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a copy of a cherished photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtY2-oSnMrU/Uq-EoNF6QvI/AAAAAAAABuw/5pPY_z9t_C0/s1600/tags+%235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtY2-oSnMrU/Uq-EoNF6QvI/AAAAAAAABuw/5pPY_z9t_C0/s400/tags+%235.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an eclectic ephemera mix</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamps & Buttons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage-Inspired paper</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Labels...</em></span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> The last couple years I have really enjoyed this aspect of gift-giving. There are some truly talented graphic designers who have been so very generous and given free links to their beautiful designs. This allows for customizing and a really polished, boutique look.</span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful fravored oils or vinegars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wrapping delicious cookie sleeves</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorning glass jars</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><em>A</em></span></strong>s you take time to wrap all the gifts you have for loved ones, may you enjoy the beautiful and enjoyable process of pulling it all together. May I encourage you also, to take time and pray for the person whom you are wrapping the gift for. For truly it is those in our lives who are the gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">May you have a beautiful and blessed Christmas!</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"> ~Malinda</span></em></span></div>
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-7168787441900365732013-12-08T20:52:00.000-08:002013-12-20T05:19:23.292-08:00A French-Inspired Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">F</span></strong>or the last several years, as I have pulled out all the Christmas decorations, I have felt dissatisfied with what I saw. Through out the year, I had seen how my tastes had changed in the way I decorated our home, now I was feeling it as I dug through the boxes of Christmas decorations. </em><em>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> My eyes passed over the reindeer, snowmen and other "cutsie" and rather loud type of decorations and searched for the reverential and rustic manger. As a follower of Christ, I have craved for the Christ child be center, not lost among the loads of decorations. For years I have desired this.......yet the manger slowly and quietly suffocated. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> As I have thought about how to resuscitate the manger, I have discovered a way that might be just what I desired. An Old World style, French-inspired to be exact, one that would be simple and beautiful. It would be the perfect backdrop to exalt the One who came on </em><em>a dark and quiet night, long ago..... </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> <span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is some ideas that I have been enjoying...... </span></strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>French Linens.</strong></span> </span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">miniature stockings....</span></em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jeanne Oliver</span></em></td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> </strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">Beautiful as well as versatile<strong> Cloche's......</strong></span></span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a wonderful way to display old pictures <br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><strong>Natural Elements</strong>.......Displaying His fragrant and beautiful creation. Pinecones, moss, berries, boxwood, pine branches, nuts and twigs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><strong>Lanterns</strong>, to light even the darkest of winter nights.........</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>French Food</strong>.....( beautifully presented and slowly savored. I know, not really decorating)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><strong>N</strong></span>o matter the styles we choose to adorn our home this Christmas, may the beautiful things we place around us, point our hearts and minds towards the precious Savior. May we consciously choose to nudge back those things that slowly and evocatively try to suffocate the manger's prominence both in our thoughts and in our home and bring forth the Christ Child.</div>
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<strong>May His Love be the gift that we bestow onto those we love and be the aroma that dwells within our homes.</strong></div>
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</span></em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Christmas Blessings,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Malinda</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-44060709380872290172013-11-17T14:17:00.000-08:002013-12-06T05:19:36.080-08:00For the Love of Books......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIgCuueWXlU/Unv-zorqUdI/AAAAAAAABWI/7J1bQ_qT6uk/s1600/books+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIgCuueWXlU/Unv-zorqUdI/AAAAAAAABWI/7J1bQ_qT6uk/s640/books+%233.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Love of books is the best of all."</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">~Jacqueline Kennedy</span></em></strong> </div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>B</strong></span>ooks. In our home, bookshelves can be seen in most every room in the house. They can be found on our coffee table, hutch, crates, kitchen counters and scattered on our couch. Sometimes we trip on them coming down the stairs. ...Not so fun.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have vivid memories of sitting in my 3rd grade class listening to "Where the Red Fern Grows" and quietly crying with all my classmates and teacher. I think that was one of the first times I became aware of the evocative power of the written word. I became aware that my mind kept traveling back to the pages and pondering the words over and over. I imagined the scenes of my stories and could almost smell the rain or feel the Narnian woods beneath my feet.</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPgjgHHhMfM/Un6xe3eRPSI/AAAAAAAABYI/V4auYq1h7sM/s1600/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPgjgHHhMfM/Un6xe3eRPSI/AAAAAAAABYI/V4auYq1h7sM/s640/forest.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">N</span></strong>ow as a mother, setting the stage for my children to experience such adventures has become a marked priority. To instill this love, I must bring my children to the table of this wondrous feast. This requires deliberate attention on my part; researching from trusted resources, trips to the library, but ultimately, it's orchestrating the ambience for the story and my children to meet.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are some ideas I thought I would share in setting the stage to making reading delightful . Several of these ideas I got from <strong>Sarah Clarkson</strong>, in her treasured book, "<span style="color: #990000;">Read For the Heart</span>."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> display books prominently on coffee tables or </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">around the house </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> where kids can see </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">them.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> open art and nature books on a table or kitchen counters </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> (use plate or cookbook easels) </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> arrange picture books in pretty baskets or vintage suitcases, propped open.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> subscribe to a couple of good magazines for kids (we love Nature Friend).</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> lay a book on the couch next to a really cozy blanket. An invitation.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> nestle on the couch to read- invite your kids to sit nearby with their books.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> * </span>light candles, pop popcorn</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> make reading times cozy with a hot drink of your family's choice.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> *</span> read in different places for fun: by a crackling fire, outside on a quilt on a sunny day, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> in </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the car while waiting, in a coffee shop.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"To learn to read is to light a fire;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">every syllable that is spelled out is a spark."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Victor Hugo</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>hey become part of the family, these well-chosen books. We talk about the characters from stories around the dinner table, as if they were family. We discuss their flaws and motives, we want to emulate their strength of character. Our perception seems to be altered just a bit after we close our beloved book. I notice our children's play; reenacting scenes and words, even whole speeches spoken, verbatim (with accents too!). </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The adventure continues for our family as we anxiously open the pages to a new storybook. A new cast of characters, a new locale and a new time in history.... </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The lighting of a fire.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Under His Wings,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Malinda</span></em></div>
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-50459520821715880842013-05-12T13:29:00.001-07:002013-05-12T13:29:19.142-07:00<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A thought for you on this Mother's Day......</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Mother's Day!!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">~Malinda</span></em><br />
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-70191340349760836212013-03-31T14:00:00.000-07:002013-10-28T05:07:07.413-07:00His Sacrifice<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">T</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;">his Easter, may we stop and deeply contemplate the story of Calvary: </span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the intense love of our Savior, His horrific sacrifice and our invitation to follow Him.....sins forgiven....</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>For you & I.......</strong></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Easter Blessings</strong>,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Malinda</span></em></div>
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-68823651189763795412013-03-31T13:44:00.000-07:002013-03-31T14:20:47.161-07:00A Long Winter's Nap<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">L</span></strong>ike a hibernating creature, I seem to have found myself absent from this dear blog of mine. Nothing tramatic has occured, nor life uneventful. The simple discipline of clearing some time and tapping away my thoughts has simply not been done.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Feeling somewhat like a spring bulb unfurling from the melting snow and to the chorus of birdsong, I awake and I write once more.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These last months have been one of quiet reflection of the new year and all it's possibilites, intermingled with purging our home of alot of unnecssaries. Boxes loaded to Goodwill, drawers and closets invaded and kitchen cabinets inventoried. A house of six souls can inherently accumulate alot. Quickly. How freeing it has felt to my soul as well to purge the things that are no longer used. The quintessential "spring cleaning" I guess one could say.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With the clearing of so much has given me a wonderful palette to add touches of springtime in simple and organic ways. Using things I own (that I have not given away) has been a great exercise in creativity & being resourceful.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ideas like the following can be seen throughout my home:</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Vibrant Spring Flowers......</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Old Bottles Filled With Branches from the outdoors......</strong></span></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pretty Tea Towels & Linens</span></em> ......</strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fragrant Herbs........</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Fresh Fruit & Vegetables.........</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Little Birds Nests.....</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></strong>imple touches of springtime sprinkled throughout our home has created so much beauty & joy. An almost tangible weight of the darkness of winter.... lifted. Hope. Rebirth.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As the windows are thrown open and fragrant spring breezes awaken our senses, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">may you consider the beauty of our Creator......and how much He loves you.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Grateful For His Sacrifice,</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses, A box where</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">sweets compacted lie."</span></em> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">- George Herbert</span></span></div>
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-21952646520110961992012-11-18T12:57:00.002-08:002012-11-18T12:57:31.999-08:00A Thought On Books......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">"Be careful what books you read,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">for as water tastes of the soil</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">it runs through,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So does the soul tastes of the authors</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">that a man reads."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">~ John Trapp</span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> English Puritan</span></em></div>
Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-57297062492458158442012-09-23T12:45:00.003-07:002012-09-23T12:45:21.027-07:00Farmhouse Chicken Primavera & Mountain Rose Herb Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpe3vGYUF28/UFxbCAmkCWI/AAAAAAAAA-g/--dXVAjHQhY/s1600/Autumn+Farmhouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpe3vGYUF28/UFxbCAmkCWI/AAAAAAAAA-g/--dXVAjHQhY/s400/Autumn+Farmhouse.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong>s the days become more crisp and trees garner their golden and russet attire, I find myself looking for cozy and delicious recipes to feed my family. It almost is instinctual, the desire to fill my kitchen with the aroma of something from my farmgirl heritage: </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Chicken & vegetables. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Several months ago, the gracious Mountain Rose Herb company had asked me if I was interested in reviewing some of their Epicurean Organics products. Throughout the summer, I have written about our family's experience with their wonderful products and held some giveaways. Now, among the backdrop of the golden splendor outside, we embark on our final epicurean adventure: organic <span style="color: #783f04;">Lemon Pepper.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Farmhouse Chicken Primavera</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGWcaRN_9ds/UFxSn6g0o4I/AAAAAAAAA98/CKtEiuzyBNE/s1600/chicken+primavera.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGWcaRN_9ds/UFxSn6g0o4I/AAAAAAAAA98/CKtEiuzyBNE/s320/chicken+primavera.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></em></div>
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<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>4 Tbsp. Lemon Pepper </em></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts </em></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> 8 oz. frozen mixed spring vegetable medley </em></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> 2 Tbsp. olive oil </em></span></li>
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<dt><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Directions:</strong></em></span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span> </dt>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1. Place chicken breasts and vegetable medley in 2 separate bowls. Toss each with olive oil and 1 Tbsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning and a little flour.</em></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>2. Lay chicken on a 9 x 9 inch roasting pan. Place vegetables in an ovenproof casserole dish. </em></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>3. Place both in 375°F preheated oven and cook 30 - 45 minutes, turning each after 10 minutes. </em></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>4. Serve by spooning vegetables over chicken breasts on each plate. Enjoy!</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtQMQvgN8wk/UF8JqfsuqHI/AAAAAAAAA_w/gPuuoq8K-Ic/s1600/header-epicurean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtQMQvgN8wk/UF8JqfsuqHI/AAAAAAAAA_w/gPuuoq8K-Ic/s320/header-epicurean.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mountain Rose Herb's Epicurean Organic's</span> </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lemon Pepper</span> is simplying delicious. It is a blend of Sea Salt, Onion, Lemon Peel & Black Pepper. Certified Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, Irradiation Free and Chemical Free (.....so I can bake/cook guilt free...) Just the perfect blend of each spice, to make a unique and delicious medley. Citrus & Pepper.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Enjoy this warm & delicious meal outside if possible, to soak in all the beauty of this glorious season!</strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">N</span></strong>ow for the <strong>giveaway</strong>! All you need to do to enter, is leave me a comment or e-mail me: with what you love about Autumn. I enjoy hearing your ideas!! I will choose a winner on October 1st.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>May you have a very blessed Autumn. </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Blessings!</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Malinda</em></span><br />
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-35483462906918403572012-09-16T06:48:00.000-07:002012-09-16T07:00:20.895-07:00Autumn Spiced Cider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the last several years, as an autumn tradition, I have enjoyed reading Susan Branch's "Autumn: From the Heart of the Home" </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">book. It is filled with wonderful recipes, personal stories, beautiful watercolors and seasonal decorating ideas. I thought I would share a recipe from this delightful book.</span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">May you enjoy a sumptuous taste </span></em><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">of autumn!</span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blessings!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Malinda</span></em></div>
Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-81775461225042363082012-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:002012-09-10T21:24:34.242-07:00Cultivating Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the final days of summer began to draw to a close, I found myself contemplating the last of our "summer list" and seeing what our family could enjoy one last time. Maybe it is my awareness of the seasons changing, my oldest daughter beginning to drive or my youngest losing her first tooth. Whatever the catalyst, I felt an increasing awareness of the fleeting days, the mantle I wear as a mother to create special moments. </span></em><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>To cultivate beauty for my family.</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On a day that no one had violin lessons, homeschool co-op speech class, laundry or grocery shopping. I decided to suprise my children with a picnic in the mountains. We packed a tablecloth, dinner plates and simple, delicious food. Off the the mountains we headed. Windows rolled down, children singing, my heart dancing. </span></em><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3jT33paesU/UE5Cp-KvslI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/zCRLsHOHKRw/s1600/198299189812205157_Wjz5zV7V_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3jT33paesU/UE5Cp-KvslI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/zCRLsHOHKRw/s400/198299189812205157_Wjz5zV7V_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This past Saturday morning, my daughters and I headed down to the "Old Town" part of where we live. Lots of wonderful little shops and outdoor cafes. Eclectic old buildings, art galleries </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and a bustling Farmer's Market. We walked down the old, uneven sidewalk and visited a French Bakery. Displayed under glass where elegant pastries; buttery crossiants, raspberry Beignets snow-dusted with powdered sugar , multi-colored macaroons. French words spilling out from behind enclosed kitchen. </span></em><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsPvj4zgMU/UE5oZa1VAMI/AAAAAAAAA6g/d4MiVMV_7wc/s1600/Paris+Cafe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsPvj4zgMU/UE5oZa1VAMI/AAAAAAAAA6g/d4MiVMV_7wc/s400/Paris+Cafe.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I glanced over at each of my little (and not so little) daughters, powder-sugar and cream on their faces, I memorized this moment, their first encounter with the delicacies of France. Aware that none of this would have been had I not cultivated the time, saved money & made the effort on this crisp, beautiful September morning.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Life and all that is required of us as wives and mothers can be draining at times. I have found how easy it is just to be in survival mode, making sure the pantry & fridge are stocked, meals planned, clothes and children washed. School work and music lessons. The maintance of a family can be so overwhelming. Saying, "Later" or "Not today" is incredibly easy. Yet, I want more than this for myself and my family. <strong>I want us to thrive.</strong> </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> M</span></strong>ost days, I choose small things within our home to cultivate an atmosphere of beauty and celebrate the ordinary days. I get up before my family, simmer cinnamon on the stove or light a scented candle. I turn on beautiful music to play softly in the background, stacking interesting books around the coffee table or side tables and lay cozy blankets within reach. I try to hang interesting & beautiful artwork and display little vignettes of treasures found on nature walks. Wholesome snacks and meals creatively designed. Candlelight at mealtime. Fresh flowers from the garden in vases scatttered through the home. <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Directing our eyes to the Creator of all beauty.</span></strong></span></em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5QIbqgHxlY/UE61549ANgI/AAAAAAAAA7w/gwmz_6sj84I/s1600/farm+fresh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5QIbqgHxlY/UE61549ANgI/AAAAAAAAA7w/gwmz_6sj84I/s400/farm+fresh.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I recently read this and found it articulated my desire so well:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em><br />
<span style="color: #171212;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></em></span><o:p><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <span style="color: #0b5394;"> "One of the roles God wants me to play in my children’s lives is a conductor of joy, happiness, and celebration. After all, God designed our need for these things into our very hearts. We were made to enjoy life and our Creator, and we were meant to choose to live in His beauty and provision.</span></em></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This doesn’t mean I won’t have difficulties or times of depression. But I do have choices I can make as a mom that will determine the environment in my home. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>When I choose</strong> to notice, every day, the beauty of my children instead of the duties my children bring my way, I am worshiping God. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>When I choose</strong> to notice the gorgeous sunsets and the spring flowers in the midst of busy days, I am teaching my children to dance, so to speak, through their days. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>When I choose</strong> to believe in the goodness of God and verbalize my love for Him, and make an effort to provide delightful food, thoughtful cards, and moments of fun, I am showing my children a God they will be willing to serve– a God who delights in filling their deep desires for intimacy, happiness, purpose, and beauty.”</em></span></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #171212;"><o:p><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> ~ from<span style="color: black;"> </span></em><a href="http://www.wholeheart.org/store-2/#ecwid:category=1117037&mode=product&product=11831918" target="_blank" title="The Mom Walk"><em><span style="color: black;">The Mom Walk</span></em></a> by Sally Clarkson</span></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8L_fdZ3C6M4/UE665wl3W4I/AAAAAAAAA8I/ctXbiwV6eto/s1600/autumn+afternoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8L_fdZ3C6M4/UE665wl3W4I/AAAAAAAAA8I/ctXbiwV6eto/s400/autumn+afternoon.png" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"The homeliest tasks get beautiful</em><br />
<em>if loving hands do them."</em><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Louisa May Alcott</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #171212; font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><em>Embracing His Beauty</em>,</o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #171212; font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><em>Malinda</em></o:p></span>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-57937542325060423292012-08-27T04:11:00.000-07:002012-08-27T04:11:11.908-07:00Compote de pommes (French Applesauce)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4XE_ch25Vc/UDThnw-AMMI/AAAAAAAAA18/tvndifUOdHo/s1600/Girl+&+Apple.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4XE_ch25Vc/UDThnw-AMMI/AAAAAAAAA18/tvndifUOdHo/s400/Girl+&+Apple.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristine Woolf Portraits</td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With the abundance of apples hanging from our apple tree, our family has been anxiously harvesting and savoring this Eden fruit. I wanted to share with you a delicious recipe we recently enjoyed: </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #990000;">Compote de pommes</span> (French Applesauce).</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's suprising how popular this is in France. It's one of the first foods babies get to eat, but it's also a household standby there; a small bowlful topped with a little creme fraiche or mixed with yogurt makes a dessert, as does a few spoonfuls savored with a couple of elegant cookies. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Compote de pommes</strong> can be as simple as cooking cut-up apples with a little water (to keep them from scorching) until they're soft enough to mash with a spoon or as sophisticated as cooking them until they're dark and carmelish (halfway between applesauce & apple butter), then mixing them with salted butter, to make a treat that's a specialty of both Normandy (which is just about synonymous with apples) and Brittany (where salted butter reigns).</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qTVoDs584c/UDZNBghyjuI/AAAAAAAAA28/R3YNyfpDHTI/s1600/applesauce+%234.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qTVoDs584c/UDZNBghyjuI/AAAAAAAAA28/R3YNyfpDHTI/s400/applesauce+%234.png" width="281" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you decide to make the darker compote, you can double the recipe- you'll be cooking the apples for a long time (getting the texture you want can take over 30 minutes), so you might want to maximize your effort by doubling.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">2 pounds (6 medium) apples, preferably red apples like Empire, Cortland or McIntosh</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">About 1/4 cup water</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">1 Tablespoon brown sugar</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">1/4 Tablespoon organic sugar (optional)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">2 Tablespoons salted butter, for thicker compote (optional)</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Peel & core the apples. Cut the fruit into chunks and toss them into a medium saucepan- one with a heavy bottom works best here.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Stir in 1/4 cup of water and brown sugar & put the pan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently- stay close, because the juices can bubble up- until the apples are soft enough to be crushed with the back of a spoon. If the pan looks too dry, add a little more water as you cook & stir. Count on about 15-20 minutes to get to the mashable stage.</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcNBIOJVPo/UDZNOH1-MdI/AAAAAAAAA3E/HCVSgH2qiqQ/s1600/Applesauce+%231.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcNBIOJVPo/UDZNOH1-MdI/AAAAAAAAA3E/HCVSgH2qiqQ/s400/Applesauce+%231.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you want regular <strong>compote de pommes</strong>, remove the pan from the heat and run the compote through a food mill. If you're without a mill, push it through a strainer- or don't: chunky applesauce is great. Should the applesauce seem too thin for you, pour it back into the pan and cook, stiring constantly, for a few minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to mound on a spoon.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Scoop applesauce into a bowl. If you're making the regular compote, taste it now and if you 'd like it sweeter, add some of the sugar. Now is also the time to add the vanilla, if you want it.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you want to cook the compote down so that it's thicker and jammier, it's best to strain it first- but don't add the sugar or vanilla (yet). Return the compote to the saucepan, put the pan over the lowest possible heat, and cook, stiring and scraping the bottom of the pan often, until you have a thick, spreadable mixture. (This can take more than 30 minutes for a single recipe and more than an hour if you've doubled it, so be patient it's worth it!) Let cool slightly, taste for sweetness. Usually cooked down like this, it will probably be sweet enough. Add the vanilla, if you. like. Stir in the butter if you are using it. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Whichever compote you've made, press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface & chill.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <strong>from: "Around My French Table" by Dorie Greenspan</strong></span></em><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEkUNfT4JkM/UDoqi2VjkqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/w6o7CSqkikg/s1600/Orchard+Dinner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEkUNfT4JkM/UDoqi2VjkqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/w6o7CSqkikg/s400/Orchard+Dinner.png" width="340" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Bon appettit! May you and your family slowly savor the delicious fragrance and flavors of Autumn.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In Wonder at His Beautiful World,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-31948600032617122942012-08-14T15:51:00.001-07:002012-08-19T05:44:28.046-07:00Mountain Rose Herbs Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>From My Casa to Yours......</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSVDlBT8psQ/UCrTQwQ6vdI/AAAAAAAAA0E/a1FvlwnX-U0/s1600/Mexico+%232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSVDlBT8psQ/UCrTQwQ6vdI/AAAAAAAAA0E/a1FvlwnX-U0/s400/Mexico+%232.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Earlier this summer, Mountain Rose Herbs were incredibly gracious in offering </em></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">my family & I the opportunity to try some of their scrumptous products from their </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Epicurean Organics line and share our experience.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It has been an honor and lots of fun to gather my children in the kitchen to experiment </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">with recipes including the seasonings & oils offered by Mountains Rose Herbs. This </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">week, I would like to share our experience with the Epicurean Organic's : </span></em><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Mexican Seasoning!</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Mexican Seasoning is a wonderful blend of organic Cilantro, Onion, Red Pepper & other organic herbs & spices. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our family loves Mexican food and choosing a recipe (for we love so many) was a challenge but finally decided on the beloved, </span></em><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia;">Tamale Pie.</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Tamale Pie</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 lb. ground beef</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili's</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 cup chunky salsa</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1/2 c. sliced black olives (drained)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>2 teaspoons Mexican Seasoning</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 teaspoon salt</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><u>Corn Bread batter:</u></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 c. flour</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 c. cornmeal</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>2-4 Tablespoons organic sugar or honey</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 Tablespoon baking powder</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1/2 teaspoon salt</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>2 beaten eggs</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1 C. milk</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1/4 oil (we use coconut)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Preheat oven 350 degrees.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>In a large pot, cook & stir ground beef till done & drain off fat. Stir in tomatoes, salsa, green chilies, salt, mexican seasoning & olives until thoroughly combined. Spread mixture into dish (deep dish pie pan, cast-iron skillet or rectangular casserole glass dish.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Make corn bread batter and cover over top of meat mixture.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Bake for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly & corn bread is lightly golden.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Top with cheese & bake another 5 minutes or so (until cheese melts).</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Delicioso!!</strong> We really noticed the difference the seasoning added, as it seemed to create a depth & complete the mexican flavors in the pie that we had not previously experienced; when we used just a dash of chili pepper here and cumin there.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc0ZK9o5S-g/UC177Hxug9I/AAAAAAAAA1c/KdfyYH0a1Fs/s1600/mexican+seasoning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc0ZK9o5S-g/UC177Hxug9I/AAAAAAAAA1c/KdfyYH0a1Fs/s400/mexican+seasoning.png" width="400" /></em></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #990000;">Mountain Rose Herbs Mexican Seasoning Giveaway!!</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Now it's your turn to enter my giveaway for a <strong>free </strong>bottle of Mexican Seasoning from Mountain Rose Herb's Epicurean line. All you have to do is leave a comment or e-mail me before Aug. 25th for your chance to win!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Blessings from my casa to yours,</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span></em></div>
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Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-76104432843423096152012-08-12T20:13:00.001-07:002012-08-12T20:15:46.447-07:00Housewarmings<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Ideas For A Warmhearted Welcome</span></span></em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kua-kZjRXDg/UCen_vsLPvI/AAAAAAAAAwY/HtrsO8erXzQ/s1600/Welcome.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kua-kZjRXDg/UCen_vsLPvI/AAAAAAAAAwY/HtrsO8erXzQ/s400/Welcome.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> What aspect of your home or apartment do you enjoy most: the view, the quiet, the yard? </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Let that aspect be the focus of you hospitality. Share the aspects of your life that bring you the most pleasure.</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze7v6ZUQKBM/UCfDBfuphaI/AAAAAAAAAzk/SCg7m8JNJms/s1600/Al+Fresco+dining+%232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze7v6ZUQKBM/UCfDBfuphaI/AAAAAAAAAzk/SCg7m8JNJms/s320/Al+Fresco+dining+%232.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">* </span> Have a little bit of fun with the idea of giving guests and family the royal treatment. Make a little </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>crown out of gold paper and carry it in along with a breakfast-in-bed tray, or use it to designate a guest of honor at a family meal.</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FgFbQ7n_Y/UCewd8MUH5I/AAAAAAAAAxE/6z43aUfBfE0/s1600/crown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FgFbQ7n_Y/UCewd8MUH5I/AAAAAAAAAxE/6z43aUfBfE0/s400/crown.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">* </span> Piles of pillows are a relatively inexpensive way to add a luxuriously hospitable touch to any room. It's a good idea to provide several different kinds of pillows- firm, soft and at least one hypoallergenic-so that guests can sleep on one that feels familiar. Big, square European pillows are nice for reading in bed.</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp2aeDp6BH8/UCe5Kv3OVpI/AAAAAAAAAyE/iDBhxEma_Jg/s1600/bedroom+%232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp2aeDp6BH8/UCe5Kv3OVpI/AAAAAAAAAyE/iDBhxEma_Jg/s400/bedroom+%232.png" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> One of the big hits in our guest bathroom is a big, fluffy terry robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. If you love that touch in fancy hotels, why not invest in it for your own home?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">* </span> Save the complimentary bottles of shampoo and lotion, the little sewing kits, and shoeshine cloths you receive in nice hotels (or buy from the "travel-size" rack in a drugstore). Include a toothbrush and toothpaste. Tuck into a little basket and tie with a ribbon for you guest bathroom.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> Other extras that will be appreciated: a travel iron and small ironing board, a hair dryer, a lint brush, notepaper and pens, literature on local attractions. Why not treat you guests to a disposable camera, too?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> Basics can make a big difference to the experience of hospitality. Is there plenty of toilet paper in the bathroom your guests will use? Are there extra towels?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> Try putting an overnight guest in your child's room for the night and give your child the "privilege" of camping out in the living room. The result: an adventure for your child and welcome privacy for your guest.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> If your guest is an old friend, pull out a picture of the two of you together, tuck it into an antique frame, and place it on the bedside table.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> Even if guests elect to stay in a nearby motel, you can extend hospitality with a few special touches. Have a floral arrangement sent to their room. Or leave a basket of homemade muffins at the desk for their arrival.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> It's a thoughtful gesture to ask in advance about your guests' needs: allergies, physical limitations, or other special circumstances. The most beautiful home can lose its welcoming ambience if vegetarians are served meat, allergic people are obligated to sleep with the cat, or guest with arthritic needs must climb stairs three times a day.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">*</span> When other people extend hospitality to you, don't forget the thank them! A heartfelt not or a little gift will let your hosts know how much you appreciate them. And a return invitation should be not an obligation, but a joy.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> from Emilie Barnes' "Welcome Home"</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">"But every house where Love abides</span></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong> And Friendship is a guest,</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong> Is surely home, and home, sweet home;</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong> For there the heart can rest."</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong> ~ Henry Van Dyke</strong></em></span><br />
<br />Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-37060695237082120362012-07-01T14:07:00.002-07:002012-07-01T14:07:34.637-07:00Macadamia Nut Oil Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Macadamia is a native Australian rainforest tree that loves the rich, volcanic soils, subtropical climate and high annual rainfall.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The fruit it produces is "a hard nut to crack", much like black walnuts. Due to the labor involved in shelling the nuts and the tropical environment required to grow them, Macadamias were traditionally more expensive than other nuts. Prices have decreased in the past twenty years due to new cultivators with softer shells and expanded production.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> One hundred fifty years after it's discovery, the tree grows commercially in Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hawaii, Israel, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, New Zealand and other tropical & subtropical regions, including Florida.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Macadamia Nut Oil is highly nutritious with the highest level of heart-healthy monosaturated fat of any edible oil, including desirable Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The high level of antioxidants slows rancity and allows the oil to be kept up to two years without refrigeration. It also has a high smoke point, 450 degrees and retains its unique flavors when used for high-temperature cooking.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong>Mountain Rose Herbs' Macadamia Oil</strong>, from their Epicurean Organic Culinary Oil collection, is made from expeller pressed organic Macadamia nuts. It's pure oil is a unique and decadent treat with the alluring aroma and flavor of the champagne-colored oil, imparting a rich buttery sweetness to any dish.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It's a marvelous oil to infuse with garlic, aromatic basil leaves or spicy red chilies. A wonderful compliment to pasta salads, grilled seafood, omelets, vegetable sautes or as a finishing oil on oven-baked pizza. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Being asked to review several of their Epicurean Organics collection, I chose this oil out of curiosity. My local grocery stores did not carry this oil (I checked) and I love Macadamia Nuts & organic products.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> As a family we enjoyed <strong>Macadamia Nut Oil</strong> in two different ways so far. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> First, I took an old vintage bottle and infused some Macadamia Nut Oil with two minced garlic cloves & 2 Tablespoons of basil from our garden. I allowed them to infuse while I cooked some whole wheat pasta & garden veggies. I served the infused oil and a little dish of sea salt on the side for our family to drizzle & then sprinkle on our pasta. Incredible. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Another evening, I made a tropical side salad tossed with pineapple & summer vegetables and tossed & </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">drizzled the Macadamia oil lightly followed with a touch of sea salt. Being a family who enjoys olive oil & coconut oil often, this was such a wonderful and fresh experience. We exchanged looks across the table as we commented to one another how delicious & almost-buttery this tasted. We truly enjoyed this Epicurean experience! </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now it's your turn.......</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Macadamia Nut Oil Giveaway!!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Mountain Rose Herbs is generously giving away a <strong>free</strong> bottle of their <strong>Macadamia Nut Oil</strong>. All you have to do to enter is just leave me a comment or e-mail. along with an e-mail I may contact you at. I will randomly choose a winner on July 11th.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Blessings From Our Kitchen to Yours,</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span></em></div>
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</div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-63630091933866810042012-07-01T13:57:00.001-07:002012-07-01T13:57:30.421-07:00Colorado Wildfire<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">J</span></strong>ust west of our home, an open field gives way to the Colorado mountains</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and a spectacular, albeit a little unsettling, view of the raging wildfire.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For several weeks now, we have watched wasp-like helicopters fly overhead,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">closed our windows to the suffocating smoke and during a light breeze, swept ash off our front porch. Knowing full well, to be thankful I have a porch to sweep off.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The intensity of it all is now diminishing, yet I thought I would share some images of these past several weeks where I live. My heart aches and I am very </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">aware that further down south, in Colorado Springs, the wildfire has been extremely devasting.</span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from my children's bedroom window</td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Something that was wonderful to experience throughout our community during this difficult time:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <strong>an outward expression of gratitude for our firefighters.</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After a long and very tiring shift, firefighters would come down from the mountains </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and pass by our neighborhood. As we became aware of their nightly descent, our neighborhood began to gather on the road to express our heartfelt appreciation.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tired smiles and blackened hands waved as they passed by.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our son, Isaac waves to the firefighters.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I stood with the crowd as truck after truck passed by and I actually saw the faces of the brave crews that risked it all, I kept fighting back the urge to cry at such an outward expression. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">At the beginning of the fire, we nervously looked at the maps on the internet of the fire and talked of evacuation.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>What would we pack?</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>What is important to salvage?</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My children amazed me with their sober wisdom & straightforwardness about </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the priceless things in their lives. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If anything from these several weeks this summer, aside from the intense heartbreak from so many in our area, I've been given the fresh reminder that I need to keep my vision on the truly important things in life. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Things that wildfires cannot ravage to ash.</strong> </span></em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90t4hgyhNmc/T_C2wseP6rI/AAAAAAAAAvU/SIVPtj8LkUw/s1600/fire+&+rainbow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90t4hgyhNmc/T_C2wseP6rI/AAAAAAAAAvU/SIVPtj8LkUw/s320/fire+&+rainbow.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My thoughts and prayers go out to all those whose lives were forever changed because of the Colorado wildfires.....</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Under His Wings,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span></em></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-10551047145586145172012-06-17T12:03:00.000-07:002012-06-20T05:14:46.627-07:00Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pizza <em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And a free give-away from Mountain Rose Herbs !!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong> couple weeks ago, I was contacted by Mountain Rose Herbs & asked</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">if I could review some of the wonderful organic seasonings</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">from their Epicurean Organics collection.</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ci3PUAMRqXE/T9yGet2a5MI/AAAAAAAAApY/COIyVtYGZ00/s1600/Mediterranean+%233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ci3PUAMRqXE/T9yGet2a5MI/AAAAAAAAApY/COIyVtYGZ00/s320/Mediterranean+%233.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This collection is perfect for the seasoned chef and kitchen</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">enthusiast alike. Their gourmet oils, artisian salts, peppers,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">exotic seasoning blends, and whole vanilla beans are</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">sure to enhance any dish. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week, let me share with you the Epicurean Organics Collection's</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mediterranean Seasoning</span></strong>:</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzFC2-n8y08/T9yE7g0p5UI/AAAAAAAAApI/i0UhtjRpZj0/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzFC2-n8y08/T9yE7g0p5UI/AAAAAAAAApI/i0UhtjRpZj0/s320/IMG_1231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This seasoning blend is filled with sumptous gourmet, all organic</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">ingredients: oregano, thyme, garlic, rosemary & fennel.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As a family we enjoyed using this seasoning to make a favorite:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pizza</strong></span></em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1n61YORcMQ/T9ij5GEVtbI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ng-Qq4hq2qY/s1600/mediterraneanherbchickenpizza425a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1n61YORcMQ/T9ij5GEVtbI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ng-Qq4hq2qY/s320/mediterraneanherbchickenpizza425a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>(A delicious homemade pizza with garlic, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese & baby spinach</em></span>.)</div>
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<strong><em> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Ingredients:</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><u>Crust Ingredients</u></em></strong>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10-11 oz. warm water (110 degrees)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil or butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 Tablespoons honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 1/2 cups flour (we used freshly-milled Winter White Wheat)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><u>Sauce/Topping Ingredients</u></em></strong>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil (to drizzle over dough)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tablespoon <em><strong>Mediterranean Seasoning</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tablespoons Olive Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2-3 cloves of minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dash of black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 cups (12-16 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1-2 cups cooked cubed chicken breast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (cut into smaller pieces)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 to 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 cup diced onions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup medium-sized Roma tomato, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup Olives or Artichoke Hearts (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parmesan chees, for serving (optional)</span></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Instructions:</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1.</strong> To make pizza crust, combine warm water, salt, coconut oil & honey into a mixing bowl. Slowly add 2-2 1/2 cups of the flour, along with the yeast, and stir until a sticky dough forms. Add more flour as needed, and knead dough with clean hands until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes or so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* If you have a bread machine, set machine to dough cycle & put ingredients into the machine in order listed. (Start with 2 cups of flour and add more as it kneads if the dough looks too sticky.) Dough should be slightly sticky, but smooth and elastic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>2.</strong> Liberally butter (we used coconut oil) a 16-inch round pizza pan. With clean buttery/oily hands, spread and press the dough into the pan to form a pizza crust. Drizzle Olive Oil over dough. Using back of a spoon or fingers, evenly distributed oil over crust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>3.</strong> Mix sauce/toppings ingredients together and sprinkle over dough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>4.</strong> Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. When oven is ready, bake pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the toppings are hot & bubbly. If you like a thinner crust, pre-heat oven and bake immediately. If you prefer a slightly thicker/fuller crust, allow pizza to rest for 15-20 minutes before baking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>5.</strong> Remove pizza from oven; cut into slices after about 5 minutes. Serve with Parmesean cheese if desired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>Our Family's Experience</em></span>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our family LOVED the Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pizza with the exceptional, quality seasonings </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">from Mountain Rose Herbs Epicurean Organic collection</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My youngest daughter (whom sometimes can be a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">rather a "selective" eater) has asked </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">several times since creating the wonderful </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pizza, when we were going to make it again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/epicurean/index.php">Mountain Rose Herbs Epicurean Organic collection</a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>**Enter Give-Away!!**</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Mountain Rose Herbs would like to give away a <strong>free</strong> jar of</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>their Mediterranean Organic Seasoning!!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Please e-mail me or leave a comment to enter drawing ending June 26th!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Culinary Blessings,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Malinda </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">joining this week at:</span></em></div>
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<br /></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-86592357557785611152012-05-27T20:00:00.002-07:002012-05-27T20:12:22.039-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Undying gratitude.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">America will never forget</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">their sacrifices."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> President Harry S. Truman</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;">Taking time to thank all who served......</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Memorial Day blessings.</span></em><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-61521007546165002222012-05-06T12:54:00.004-07:002012-06-05T20:11:57.913-07:00Country Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>ith the unfolding of spring and warmer days, picnics seem to be a natural </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and wonderful way to experience them. There is something so deeply satisfying </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">about enjoying time with those we love, surrounded by His creation, music </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">of birdsong (maybe even a flowing stream or river) and a basket filled with </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">delicious food. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With so many places one can venture for a picnic, there are several elements that my family & I have found that seem to make a picnic a </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">wonderful experience:</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Picnic Basket</strong> or maybe a vintage lunchbox or suitcase. For my wedding gift, my Grammie gave me a wicker picnic basket that has endured for almost eighteen years of being carried all over the countryside. It's hinges fixed here and there with twine or wire. We also use an ecclectic mix of other containers that make the experience fun. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>A cozy & comfortable blanket</strong>. Our family likes to use an old fabric Waverly shower-curtain (yes, a shower curtain!). It is very soft fabric and has beautiful cabbage roses all over. Consider anything that does well on a table or placed on the grass. We also use other soft blankets or pretty tablecloths we have on hand. One thing to remember (which we learned the hard way) make sure the ground is dry if picnicing on it!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Drinks</strong>. Fun bottles or thermos' filled with lemonade or sparkling cider. Vintage-bottled seltzers or jars with chopped berries floating in a fruited-drink mixture. Be creative & have fun. Old glasses or wine-glasses. Pretty paper cups are wonderful too especially for little hands.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Plates & Utensils: </strong>There is something that I love about using real plates & utensils on a picnic. It feels more elegant possibly if one doesn't mind that they will need to be washed upon arrival back at home. There are so many choices of adorable paper plates or plastic plates too, just make sure to anchor them well if a sudden gust of wind blows through the picnic. That happened to our family just last week at Rocky Mountain National Park, where we escaped for the afternoon. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Fresh Fruit</strong>: grapes, strawberries, cherries, orange slices, raspberries, watermelon....eaten whole or sliced into a fruit salad. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Bread:</strong> baguettes, bread-sticks, artisian loaves, twisted rolls, pitas, focaccia, sourdough. Wrapped in a beautiful cloth napkin, nestled in a little basket. Maybe some olive oil & small bowl to dip torn pieces into. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Salad:</strong> Because of the drive to some picnic destinations, a cold picnic salad really works well. Potato or pasta salad, grain salads made with quinoa, lentils, beans, barley, etc. work wonderful as well and are filling. As a family, we will use them as the main dish and sometimes add some shredded chicken.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Dessert:</strong> The finale to a delicious plein air meal is dessert..if there is room in our stomach! A covered tin full of frosted brownies, a homemade cake, a fruit cobbler or a lattice-crusted pie. We sometimes will pack little vintage plates for the desserts which lends to the atmosphere of picnic elegance.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">P</span>acking some <strong>fun activities</strong> to do also makes a picnic a memorable experience. Binoculars for viewing birds or other wildlife, horseshoes and a stake, nature sketchbooks, frisbees or other sports equipment, a good book or butterfly net. These beckons one to stray from the picnic blanket/table and to explore the area nearby.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ay we escape and slowly savor these seasons</strong><strong>, enjoy a delicious picnic with those precious to us and marvel in the glory of His creation. </strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Under His Wings,</span></em><br />
Malinda<br />
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Joining at:<br />
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<br />Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-86978176092136919342012-04-29T11:13:00.000-07:002012-05-12T12:48:08.149-07:00Our Persuasions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">B</span></strong>rowsing the shelves of a local bookstore last January, I discovered a </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">beautiful copy of Jane Austen's "Persuasion". Inspired by the chill and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">bareness of the post-holiday atmosphere, I purchased it and thus began my literary adventure</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Little did I know at the time, Austen would reveal to me the immense power we either give to or bestow onto others. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;"><strong>By definition, Persuation is..." the act of persuading or seeking to persuade...the state or fact of being persuaded or convinced....a deep conviction or belief.." (Webster's College Dictionary).</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;">As I read the story, I kept thinking about life, my own convictions and how I developed them. I also pondered the influences in my life: books, movies, sermons/ministries, music, blogs, friendships & family are some of the major persuading contributors. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;">As a follower of the Most High, I attempt to filter all that I think & do through the His Word. Sometimes it requires making hard choices that may require more work or the unapproval of those I cherish. <strong>It is not for the faint of heart.</strong> But this I do know, it is a constant battle, but not without reward. Our culture is evocative in it's persuation.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;">This past year, has been a struggle in many lives of those whom are precious to our family. We have received phone calls in the middle of the night as well as throughout the day with lives whom are shattered. Because my husband is a counselor, even more so. As our family has looked at each other as the phone rings, one of us (adults) have quietly slips into another room to talk. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;">Our choices are for the most part, a result of being persuaded by something or someone, whether we realize it or not. Those choices have consequences and eventual fruitition.</span></em><br />
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<em>This past spring, my daughter's christian homeschool theatre group preformed an adaptation of Jane Austen' "Persuasion" at a beautiful, historic theatre in the neighboring town. The timing of it was really incredible (God-timed) for the topic had been simmering in my own soul. It has been a catalyst of wonderful conversation with my children throughout the rythmn of our daily lives and the delving into Scripture.</em><br />
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<em>As I continue this on-going pondering of my own persuation, I am aware that persuation will be an essential ingredient in the everyday building of who I am now & in the future. <strong>To compromise & be persuaded by the vaporing values of our culture would be the undoing of all I that is important to me</strong>. So like the watchman of fortress walls, I diligently guard whom & what persuades the wellspring of my being.</em><br />
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<em>Under His Wings (...& His Persuation),</em><br />
<em>Malinda</em><br />
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<em>Joining this Monday at........</em><br />
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<br /></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-8197097364239806952011-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:002011-06-04T13:54:01.338-07:00Road Trips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5ckvqogpMA/TeqUG-JeQHI/AAAAAAAAAaI/fhPKs4gBP5c/s1600/down-a-country-road-pamela-baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5ckvqogpMA/TeqUG-JeQHI/AAAAAAAAAaI/fhPKs4gBP5c/s400/down-a-country-road-pamela-baker.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
The beauty that I love about my blog is this: I write when life swells <br />
within me and inspiration spills apon my fingertips. <br />
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It is amazing as I look back at my entries, it is a scapbook of sorts,<br />
to the road on which I travel in life. It is beautiful and full, tiring and<br />
breath-catching. <br />
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Most every road that I have ever traveled on, from the open prairies<br />
of Kansas, the coastline of Martha's Vineyard to the cliffs of Kauai,<br />
the road meandered, curved and at times veered dangerously on a <br />
hair-pin curve. Isn't this a picture of our lives?<br />
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Before we had children, my husband and I set out on a road trip.<br />
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Our eventual destination was to visit his family in the Bay area of<br />
California. From Colorado, we headed west crossing through<br />
beautiful and rugged mountains, green valleys and then we came<br />
to dry, grayish-brown desert. My husband was tired and asked<br />
if his bride would take the wheel for awhile as he climbed in the<br />
back to take a nap. <br />
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Now that we have a quiver-full of children, that is no longer an option.<br />
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To keep from getting bored (or crazy) I looked at the time and milege<br />
when my sweet husband layed down in the back and thought, "I wonder<br />
how FAR I can get on the road before he wakes up". I know, crazy. <br />
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Because I have such a patient and merciful Lord and husband, we did not get in an accident, but I did cover ALOT of miles in the short time my husband napped. I don't reccomend this.<br />
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As I have thought about that trip, I have seen how I have done this "hurry-up-and-get-this-over-with" spill into other areas of my life. When the Lord blessed us with each of my children, at times, I couldn't wait till they reached the age that they could (fill in the blank). Or when we could afford to......I would have the time to.........<br />
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Could it be, that I have not been enjoying the current view out the window on the current road I travel? <br />
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One day, my preschooler will not find sheer joy in letting me hold her, count her little toes and sing to her. One day, my teen daughters will not be borrowing my earrings and the late-night talks will be replaced with the sounds of crickets. One day, my nine-year old son will not sit on the floor and re-inact a LEGO battle scene (with noises) for me. <br />
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</div>But TODAY, on this road, I will slow my racing thoughts and slowly savor the fleeting and precious view.<br />
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<em>Under His Wings,</em><br />
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Malinda B.Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-79481387209843403442011-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:002011-03-23T10:45:45.622-07:00The Gift of A Letter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>"<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></strong>n inspired letter can be as riveting as a stare. It can move us </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>to tears, spur us to action, provoke us, uplift us, touch us. Transform us. </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>When written from the heart, letters are dreams on paper, wishes fullfilled, </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>desires statified. Letters can be powerful."</em></span></span></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;"> "Gift Of A Letter" by Alexandra Stoddard</span></em> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></strong>s far back as I can remember, I anticipated the mailman. Running to the mailbox when the flag on the box was lowered, I was eager to the possibility of recieving the gift of a letter. Not much has changed, except maybe I don't run......the neighbors might wonder.....</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For my entire childhood, I never lived in the same area as my maternal grandparents. But it felt as if I knew their life. They scripted it for me in their letters. I learned about the elderly neighbor lady who discovered she could paint. What my grandparents enjoyed at the weekly jaunt to their favorite resturant. The treasures they found at a garage sale. What the young preacher preached on a church. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was even sent sermon notes. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I still carry them in my Bible. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I still trace with my finger the beautiful penmanship that my grandmother had. In time, Parkinson's disease stole it away and then she would dictate her cards and letters to my grandfather. The beauty of old love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The enjoyment found in writing and receiving letters runs deep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have found the actual process of writing to be a natural form of autobiography. As I articulate my thoughts to the person I am writing, my experience of actually living, is made more deliberate and with more acute awareness. I become aware of what is currently happening in our family, struggles that I might be dealing with and specific things that have recently inspired my life, such as a good book, recipe or conversation. I narrate my life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I think about the person I am writing, I am able to focus on how much they mean to me, to pray for them and thank God for their life intersecting with mine. I am able to think about what life might be like for them and the think of questions I would like to ask.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Through the years, I have organized my top desk drawer with pretty liner, pens, stamps, stickers, address labels and collected a variety of paper and notecards. By doing so, it is easier for my children and myself to set to the enjoyment of a thank you or letter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div align="left"></div></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xG3Wn5zKmbA/TYi8f_HMNQI/AAAAAAAAAYI/P8prVnXSDko/s1600/stationary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xG3Wn5zKmbA/TYi8f_HMNQI/AAAAAAAAAYI/P8prVnXSDko/s400/stationary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been so enjoyable to be on the look-out for pretty envelopes, cards, stationary, colored pens, stamps and return address labels.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I recently got a letter from a new friend from Oregon. We had participated in a seed swap. When my daughter brought in the mail the other day (<em>I think she runs....oh how I am proud</em>), she handed me a padded envelope. I was a bit giddy.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Later when I had a time of quiet and brewed a cup of tea, I opened the anticipated envelope. Inside, I found a beautiful seed packet tied in raffia and an antique, painted button. Also enclosed was a beautiful card and letter and a little coin purse my new friend had sewn! What joy this small token of another brought that week. A kindred spirit I have found.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>How do we set aside time for letter writing?</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #073763;">"Letter writing used to be the principle form of communication prior to 1876 and the introduction of the now ubiquitous telephone at America's Centennial celebration. Often letter writing was an art form. In today's lightning-paced, nuclear obsessed society, we are virtually starved for the individual stamp of a personally handwritten letter. We live longer than ever before. So what is our maddening rush? What makes us "too busy" to send the gift of a letter to someone we care about? <strong>We all get caught up but to busy for what</strong>?"</span> questions Alexandra Stoddard in <em>A Gift of a Letter.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have been deeply pondering those words.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For me, the quiet moments woven throughtout <em>Sunday afternoons</em> have been ideal for me to pen someone a letter. In those hours, our home is quietly humming with children, pets and hubby. A wonderful time for reflection. A perfect recipe for letter writing. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bokxWiwyfeM/TYov7QzWdLI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ZOZiBo8tdjg/s1600/letter+writing+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bokxWiwyfeM/TYov7QzWdLI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ZOZiBo8tdjg/s320/letter+writing+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A personal letter can be a most intimate and touching of human experiences, one to another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A letter is a gift signature of you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Spring Blessings!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda</span><br />
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</div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-63407227635974764602011-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:002011-03-13T07:31:06.229-07:00The Trails We Blaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8tZr0bslGi4/TXzUf1We98I/AAAAAAAAAXo/VXQIEwsTZZw/s1600/covered+wagon+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8tZr0bslGi4/TXzUf1We98I/AAAAAAAAAXo/VXQIEwsTZZw/s400/covered+wagon+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>N</strong></span>orth of where I live is the Oregon Trail. <br />
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Two summers ago, in route to a Yellowstone camping trip with my family, we took a side turn off the beaten path to see the Oregon Trail ruts. <br />
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Could they really still be there after over one hundred fifty years of blizzards, thunderstorms and other rugged weather? They were.<br />
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Our family being a big fan of everything pioneer and reading the "Little House On the Prairie" series to our kids, I felt a moment of reverence amidst these wheel-marked paths. I felt choked with hot, welling tears.<br />
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<em>How does a family endure what they did?</em><br />
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One thing was evident when gazing at such a scene: alot of covered wagons passed through these rolling and at times very rocky, terrian. Again and again they came. Some whistling as they worked their teams. Others crying over the family and life they left behind for who knows what were to greet them ahead.<br />
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As we drove away, the children were happy and content to see some actual pioneer artifacts. I sat in the passenger seat, watching the sea of open sky & prairie and really pondered those tracks. Again and again they came. Tracks being carved into the rugged prairie. From the prairie transitioned my thoughts to <em>my own life</em>. <br />
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<em><strong>What tracks am I carving into my life? </strong></em><br />
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<em><strong>What makes them?</strong></em><br />
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<em><strong>Habits.</strong></em> <br />
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That's it! What do I return time and time again to? One thing is for sure, tracks are made by the constant returning of wheels ginding and pressing down. Habits are of the same nature.<br />
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What has made me ponder these thoughts as of recent, is the time of year. New Year's resolutions have been earnestly made, begun and sadly, many abandoned.<br />
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What <em>now </em>remains, those resolutions, have a good chance to be on their way to becoming habits.<br />
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I reflect back to my own life, I look at the habits that I have absorbed into who I am. Ways of thinking, how I interact with others, how I manage my home and the daily rhythm with my children, the way I speak and respond to my husband, how I take care of my body, what I do to grow deeper in my faith.<br />
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This I know:<br />
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I am what I do daily.<br />
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I first form my habits; then my habits form me.<br />
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Every day I live, I am in the process of becoming. Whether I am becoming better or worse depends on what I give myself to.<br />
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I do what I have committed to, <strong><em>even when I don't feel like it</em></strong>.<br />
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My habits are my future. They will determine who I will be ten or thirty years from now. <br />
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Like the Oregon Trail ruts, my habits now will effect those generations ahead of me.<br />
<strong><em>Maybe one hundred and fifty years from now.</em></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<em></em></strong><br />
Vintage Homestead <br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
MalindaMalinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-37908840947385101112011-02-27T12:12:00.000-08:002012-05-28T06:59:04.955-07:00Pioneer Girl Gingersnaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPZRD-r3SY0/TWqfJ4n5-yI/AAAAAAAAAPI/-qgLucfsGfQ/s1600/pioneer+camp+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPZRD-r3SY0/TWqfJ4n5-yI/AAAAAAAAAPI/-qgLucfsGfQ/s400/pioneer+camp+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;">My daughters at Pioneer camp. Not sure what my youngest </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;">was eating.....</span></td></tr>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></em></strong>everal summers ago, two of my daughters had the opportunity to spend a week at Pioneer Camp. It was held at our local museum who had relocated old log cabins onto their grounds were the girls "lived" for the camp. Throughout the week, our girls came and were taken back in time learning the ways of pioneer women and children.<br />
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Among all their adventures, they brought home this delicious & healthy recipe that we all have been enjoying.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><u>Pioneer Girl Gingersnaps</u></span></strong><br />
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3/4 cup real butter<br />
1 cup sugar (instead, we did 1/2 cup honey & 2 packets of Stevia)<br />
1/4 cup molasses<br />
2 cups of whole wheat flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 Tablespoon Ginger<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
several teaspoons of water as needed to moisten.<br />
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Cream the first three ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Add teaspoons of water if necessary to moisten a bit. Make little balls (approx. 1 Tbsp. dough) and drop onto greased cookie sheet. Take back of spoon and flatten ball. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 7-8 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AQVMT1dHesU/TWqvfxZ26OI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GlYzUYong7k/s1600/gingersnaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AQVMT1dHesU/TWqvfxZ26OI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GlYzUYong7k/s400/gingersnaps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enjoy a taste of the good ol' Pioneer days!<br />
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Blessings!<br />
<br />
Malinda<br />
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Joining this week at:<br />
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<br /></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-82220681027291233372011-01-30T16:59:00.000-08:002012-05-29T10:45:30.184-07:00Vintage Modern Farmgirl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span>ow does a woman thrive today whose heart longs for the virtues and ways of living of the past?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>These thoughts have been stirring in my mind for the last several years.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I am a great-grandaughter of those who settled the West.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>August of this past year, I found myself on the dirt road heading to the homestead of my great-grandparents with my wonderful mom next to me and my precious children in the backseats. Dust gathering behind my vehicle and farmland sprinkled with cattle, sunflowers and windmills, I made the journey to the homestead.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I have lots of memories of visiting as a child. Getting up at the crack of dawn with my great uncle to gather eggs, riding on the back of an old truck as it slowly crept through the prairie throwing bales of hay to cows who gathered behind. Listening to the coyotes howl at night, worrying about the little kittens nestled in the warmth of the old barn.</em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TUWl0pjbEyI/AAAAAAAAANw/zNogCwx-JRs/s1600/Walchle+Barn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><em><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TUWl0pjbEyI/AAAAAAAAANw/zNogCwx-JRs/s400/Walchle+Barn.bmp" width="400" /></em></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black;">Walchle Homestead: taken by Cathy Stewart, cousin</span></em></td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My children have no memories of this place. My heart feels sad that I am the last generation of my family to have these memories of a working homestead. My uncle now is now gone, his grave on the bluffs of the small, nearby town. His wife, in a nursing home of that small town. They had no children. Ironically, she lives on another bluff across from the graveyard. My maternal grandparents and several great-aunts and uncles all buried here. Their lives beginning and coming full circle to the hills and bluffs of the prairie.</span></em><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have farmgirl roots. How do I keep from losing my heritage? How do I spill these thoughts and way of living into my life and the lives of my children? </span></em></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have experienced and enjoyed the theatre and art museums of New York City, symphony orchestras (I was a violinist) and other "modern" life. But it has been the joy found in daily living, that I have done much soul searching. As a teenager, I thought it too old-fashioned & a bit embarrassed. It's funny how sometimes we reject things that we later learn is an immense treasure. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"<strong>Steadfast at home</strong>" or <strong>committed to a home-centered life</strong> is what it has been boiled down to. Interacting with God's creation in the way I was meant to, becoming less dependent on government and big business and more dependent on our Creator. Putting my husband, children and home first in my priorities. Viewing my home as a place of creativity, industry and ministry.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For me, it physically began <strong>when I started wearing aprons again</strong>. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So simple, yet as I began to think about it, I don't have any memories of my Grammie or great aunts not wearing aprons (unless they were dressed for church on Sunday). As I get to work in my kitchen, I tie those strings around my waist and feel the heritage of those precious, hardworking and Godly women who have gone before me. </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong>s I studied the daily lives of the women in my family's heritage, I began to see some areas that I could re-capture and cultivate in my own family and life. Lots of the following ideas we have begun adding into our family's way of life. Others, I am prayfully considering.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Things like:</u></strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">growing a vegetable garden</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">sewing</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">using natural products for medicines, beauty, etc.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">canning</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">stocking a deep pantry</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">soapmaking</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">writing letters</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">raising chickens</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">knitting</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">making own cleaners & laundry soap</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">cake decorating </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">nature studying/sketching</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">listening to sermons & radio dramas together as a family</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">bee keeping</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">making menus from scratch</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">planting and harvesting own orchard</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">reading great books aloud as a family</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">candle making</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">growing herbs for cooking, medicine & teas</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">grinding wheat & </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">baking homemade bread</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TUibaBZS7SI/AAAAAAAAAOI/k0puAKmbUwY/s1600/meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TUibaBZS7SI/AAAAAAAAAOI/k0puAKmbUwY/s400/meadow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>W</strong><span style="font-size: small;">hat I didn't expect in doing these things was the changes that would take place in my family's hearts and relationships as we've learned to plant, harvest, can, bake, sew and mend together. It has really brought a deep sense of joy and satisfaction. </span></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Can a woman of today be a Vintage Modern Farmgirl?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yes. She not only can, but it's a tiring, rewarding & beautiful life. She may also change the lives of those who walk in her footsteps and those around her. <strong>The fruit has the potential to live beyond her own lifetime.</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Her children arise up, and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:28-29</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Homestead Blessings!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda </span></em></div>
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Joining this week at:</div>
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<br /></div>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795386189332623822.post-11164985673573599232011-01-18T20:22:00.000-08:002011-02-09T05:14:51.993-08:00She Looketh Well Over Her Household<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TS3JcxuUIHI/AAAAAAAAALc/0Pw6D-amFsA/s1600/organization+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TS3JcxuUIHI/AAAAAAAAALc/0Pw6D-amFsA/s400/organization+drawer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"She lookethwell to the ways of her household </em><br />
<em>and eateth not the bread of idleness"</em><br />
<em>Proverbs 31: 27</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>These past two weeks or so has found me with a mission:</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><em> <strong><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Organization</span></strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span>nce, as a mother with young children, I began to research how </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>to more efficiently run my household. I began to slowly take </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>apart Proverbs 31 and reflect on each verse and how those categories "she looketh after" apply </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>to my life. </em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>I also came across two books, specifically, that help me also</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>"looketh well to the ways" of my household. They were <strong>Emilie </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>Barnes's "More Hours In My Day"</strong> and <strong>Kathy Peel's "The Family </strong></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Manager"</strong>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The books had specific ideas for life in the twenty-first </span></em></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>century. I also in recent years, came across several great books </em></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">on organization/family management from <strong>Edith Schaffer</strong> (her </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">books are very thought provoking!)</span></em></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I have reflected on many great ideas on home management, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I thought I would share what I have found works for our family: a house full </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">of children (preschool through high school), a husband, wife and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a cat named Pepper.</span></em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TTYlOeUCC7I/AAAAAAAAALk/C355G8iRXfk/s1600/Daniel+Ridgway+Knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HU4nDTXsVGA/TTYlOeUCC7I/AAAAAAAAALk/C355G8iRXfk/s320/Daniel+Ridgway+Knight.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><strong> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">It works for me to......</span></strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">* <strong><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>traighten up & clean the house at night before bed</strong></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;">(it is such a great way to start the day....fresh & clean!)</span></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">* <strong><span style="font-size: large;">C</span><span style="font-size: small;">heck the menu plan for the day in the morning.</span></strong></span> <span style="color: black;">Looking at </span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">what I need to do (thaw, chop, etc.) for lunch & dinner, so I </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">know when I need to begin. Example: it takes about 6 hours </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">to thaw a pound of ground beef on my windowsill. I have to calculate when I will begin preparation.</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">* <strong><span style="font-size: large;">G</span>et up earlier than my family.</strong> </span> <span style="color: black;">At least one hour.</span> <span style="color: black;">I spend it </span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">reading God's Word, devotional, journaling, exercising and</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> reading a chapter from my book. I am what I put in and what I think about. That is the well my family draws from in me. He fills me.</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">* <strong><span style="font-size: large;">H</span>ave a ritual of quiet time everyday</strong>.</span> </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;">From 1p.m. (or so) to </span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">about 3p.m. I have "quiet time". Naps, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">quiet activities, reading, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">etc. Even my high school daughter </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">does this with no problems. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My children get a better mommy </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(I get refilled) and they all </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">get along alot better.</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">* <strong><span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ake a list before I go to bed of any pressing projects or </strong></span></span></em><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">thoughts before I go to bed.</span></strong> <span style="color: black;">I sleep soo much better when I </span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">am don't spend all night turning those thoughts over and over </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in an attempt to remember them the next day.</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">*<strong> <span style="font-size: large;">T</span>ake some time in the afternoon to have tea or coffee.</strong></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;"> I know this might sounds very old-fashioned and English, but this ritual has been so refreshing to me and is a time of reflection (as I sip), prayer and doing mid-day course correction.</span></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>* <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>et a day(s) each week that the major categories (laundry & dishes) get done.</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;">For example, Mondays and Fridays are laundry day. Thursday afternoons I go grocery </span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">shopping. This has changed throughout the years as my family has changed. I no longer </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">have to spend a couple precious hours on the weekend shopping (it's also too crowded)!</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>* <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>ave your children help you.</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;">I have certain days that I have them do different jobs around the house. They have quickly learned that if they complain, they get more jobs. I try to be fair and thank them for helping our family. Showing gratitude is important for me. (I don't want my children to being doing chores and harboring bitterness).</span></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>*<span style="font-size: large;"> S</span>top running all over town.</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><strong> </strong>This used to be my life and I was always worn out. My house was very messy and my children were always tired and cranky. My priorities were out of order. I have found the more consistent days I have that I do not leave my home, the more peaceful & content my children and myself are. My husband is also blessed to come home to a joyful wife, happy kids, clean home and home-cooked meals (most of the time....). Yes, my children have interests. Yes, they have classes/clubs sprinkled here and there. But we have put quantity family time first over living in a minivan, going different directions and not knowing one another. (Again, most of the time.....)</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>* 10 <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>inute Miracles</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: black;">I can't remember where I learned this, but it has been so wonderful to practice. Do 10 minutes worth of organizing..... something. In ten minutes I have straightened our junk drawer, sorted through the kids' drawers, read a chapter in a book, organized bathroom drawers, stacked the tupperwear & lids, wiped off refridge shelves and so much more! If I know that I have to only work for 10 minutes, it is not so overwhelming. I also get alot done knowing that timing is ticking (it's sometimes a fun game for me......I know!)</span></span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">*****</span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>W</strong></span>hat I have listed <strong>has evolved through the years</strong> as my family changes and I (finally) get what is frustrating me--or go back to Proverbs 31 or the other books I mentioned. I want to be constantly learning and growing in household management and make this home a beautiful and fun sanctuary for my family. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'd love to hear what you do that works for your family!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia;">May you have a wonderful New Year!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Malinda B.</span></em>Malinda Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353825157933288965noreply@blogger.com7